<p>Anxiety disorders, depression and stress are not fringe concerns. In 2021, anxiety affected 359 million people, while depression affected 332 million people. </p>



<p>“In 2021 alone, nearly 700 million people were affected globally," said Professor Wei-Hua Yue, dean of the <a href="https://www.pkuh6.cn/Html/News/Articles/101026.html?WebVisitShield=zOaFkQ6TfsGT09qMu7dQ">Peking University Sixth Hospita</a><a href="https://www.pkuh6.cn/Html/News/Articles/101026.html?WebVisitShield=zOaFkQ6TfsGT09qMu7dQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a>. "Together, these disorders account for more than 90 million years of healthy life lost each year.” </p>



<p>A new comprehensive review of how stress changes the brain - and how those changes relate to anxiety and depression - pulls together evidence on neurotransmitters, hormones, genes, inflammation, and the wiring of neural circuits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-alters-brain-s-wiring-system">Stress alters brain’s wiring system</h2>



<p>The lead voice behind the review, centering on a circuit-focused approach, is Bing-Xing Pan, dean of the Institute of Biomedical Innovation at <a href="https://english.ncu.edu.cn/International.htm">Nanchang University</a>. His team links specific brain pathways to the symptoms people feel.</p>



<p>“We think of neural circuits as the brain's intricate wiring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-hijacks-the-brain-disrupting-sleep-and-memory/">system</a>, networks of neurons that communicate to regulate specific functions,” said Pan. The point is to study connections in action rather than isolated regions.</p>



<p>By measuring activity in single cells and larger populations - and by carefully altering circuit function - scientists can link networks to behavior. That shift opens the door to targeted tests and treatments. Instead of simply observing symptoms, researchers can now see how certain brain signals cause those feelings or actions.</p>



<p>This deeper insight makes it possible to design therapies that focus on repairing the right connections rather than using a broad trial-and-error approach. </p>



<p>With time, these discoveries could lead to highly personalized care, where doctors match treatments directly to brain activity patterns - offering more effective and lasting relief for patients.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-pathways-explain-symptoms">Brain pathways explain symptoms</h2>



<p>Animal and human studies show that disrupted prefrontal cortex control over the amygdala tracks with pathological anxiety. Pan puts this pattern into everyday terms.</p>



<p>“For instance, we recently identified that hyperactivity in the prefrontal-amygdala circuit is strongly linked to anxiety-like behaviors,” said Pan. </p>



<p>The finding ties fear processing to a specific pathway that doctors may one day be able to measure and modulate.</p>



<p>“Reduced function in the hippocampus-nucleus accumbens circuit is associated with anhedonia, a core symptom of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-gut-bacteria-morganella-morganii-could-cause-depression-not-a-brain-disorder/">depression</a>,” explained Pan. That connection helps explain why pleasure and motivation can fade when stress and mood disorders set in.</p>



<p>Independent reviews report that the lateral habenula often acts like an anti-reward center in depression. Overactivation of the lateral habenula - often called the brain’s “anti-reward center” - has been linked to elevated depression-like behaviors</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-drugs-fall-short">Current drugs fall short</h2>



<p>Clinical data from early 2024 show that emotional blunting can occur with commonly used serotonergic antidepressants. Rates in one clinical program ranged from 43 to 47 percent across several SSRIs.</p>



<p>“Not all patients respond well. Side effects such as weight gain and emotional blunting are common,” said Professor Yue. Many people need options that fit their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-and-self-guided-nature-program-quickly-improves-mood-and-reduces-stress/">biology</a> more closely.</p>



<p>Response can also vary with stress history, age, and coexisting conditions. A one-size-fits-all plan does not match the variety seen in clinics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeting-brain-stress-circuits">Targeting brain stress circuits</h2>



<p>The review points to circuit-specific ideas for intervention, including neuromodulation that targets misfiring pathways. Mapping symptoms to circuits makes it easier to test whether a therapy hits the right spot.</p>



<p>Sensors, imaging, and blood-based biomarkers could guide choices and track progress. That is the promise of precision psychiatry - data, not trial and error, drive selection.</p>



<p>Future investigations are expected to bring advanced technologies into everyday medical practice, speed up the identification of dependable biomarkers, and encourage the design of treatments that can be applied across different diagnoses. </p>



<p>The hope is that recognizing common biological features among disorders will make it possible to develop more effective tools more quickly.</p>



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



<p>For someone sitting in a clinic, this arc of research matters. A symptom like constant worry can reflect a pattern in prefrontal amygdala signaling that points to a specific treatment plan.</p>



<p>For someone who cannot feel joy, it can signal a weakened line between the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens that needs support. The more we link symptoms to circuits, the easier it becomes to match therapies to people.</p>



<p>This approach moves beyond general labels like “anxiety” or “depression” and instead ties experiences to the specific brain networks involved. For example, when doctors know which pathway is underactive or overactive, they can suggest treatments that directly address that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-stress-harms-the-brains-of-low-status-fish/">imbalance</a>. </p>



<p>Over time, this could mean fewer side effects, quicker recovery, and more hope for individuals who feel stuck with ineffective options.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11427-025-3024-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science China Life Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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Stress rewires your brain circuits to fuel anxiety and depression

Anxiety disorders, depression and stress are not fringe concerns. In 2021, anxiety affected 359 million people, while depression affected 332 million people. “In 2021 alone, nearly 700 million people were affected globally," said Professor Wei-Hua Yue, dean of the Peking University Sixth Hospital. "Together, these disorders account for more than 90 million years of healthy life lost each year.” A new comprehensive review of how stress changes the brain - and how those changes relate to anxiety and depression - pulls together evidence on neurotransmitters, hormones, genes,...

Abstract,Background,Color,Trends,2022,,,3d,Illustration,,Rendering,Black

<p>In the realm of physics, one of the most perplexing questions revolves around the existence of quantum gravity. A team of scientists has embarked on a pioneering study, utilizing data from thousands of neutrino sensors near the South Pole, to unravel this mystery. </p>



<p>Their findings, recently published in the prestigious journal <em>Nature Physics</em>, shed light on the potential to unite the two distinct worlds of physics: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classical and quantum mechanics</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quest-for-quantum-gravity">Quest for quantum gravity</h2>



<p>Tom Stuttard, Assistant Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute (<a href="https://nbi.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBI</a>), University of Copenhagen, is part of the team that has contributed to developing a method that exploits neutrino data to reveal the existence of quantum gravity. </p>



<p>"If as we believe, quantum gravity does indeed exist, this will contribute to unite the current two worlds in physics. Today, classical physics describes the phenomena in our normal surroundings such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gravity-measured-in-the-quantum-realm-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a>, while the atomic world can only be described using quantum mechanics," Stuttard explains. </p>



<p>"The unification of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> theory and gravitation remains one of the most outstanding challenges in fundamental physics. It would be very satisfying if we could contribute to that end," he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-to-atmospheric-neutrinos-for-answers">Turning to atmospheric neutrinos for answers</h2>



<p>The study, a collaboration between the NBI team and American colleagues, analyzed more than 300,000 neutrinos. However, these neutrinos were not the most intriguing type originating from deep space sources. </p>



<p>Instead, they were created in the Earth's atmosphere when high-energy particles from space collided with nitrogen or other molecules. </p>



<p>"Looking at neutrinos originating from the Earth's atmosphere has the practical advantage that they are by far more common than their siblings from outer space," Stuttard notes. </p>



<p>"We needed data from many neutrinos to validate our methodology. This has been accomplished now. Thus, we are ready to enter the next phase in which we will study neutrinos from deep space," he continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-from-the-icecube-neutrino-observatory">Data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory</h2>



<p>The study was conducted using data from the <a href="https://icecube.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IceCube Neutrino Observatory</a>, situated next to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica. </p>



<p>Unlike most other astronomy and astrophysics facilities, IceCube works best for observing space on the opposite side of the Earth, specifically the Northern hemisphere. </p>



<p>This is because while neutrinos can easily penetrate our planet, including its hot, dense core, other particles are stopped. This results in a much cleaner signal for neutrinos coming from the Northern hemisphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-properties-of-neutrinos">Unique properties of neutrinos</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fifth-force-of-nature-subatomic-particles-are-defying-the-laws-of-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neutrinos</a> are unique particles with no electrical charge and nearly no mass, allowing them to travel billions of light-years through the Universe in their original state, undisturbed by electromagnetic and strong nuclear forces. </p>



<p>The key question the team is exploring is whether the properties of neutrinos remain completely unchanged as they travel over vast distances or if subtle changes can be detected. </p>



<p>"If the neutrino undergoes the subtle changes that we suspect, this would be the first strong evidence of quantum gravity," Stuttard emphasizes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neutrino-oscillations-and-quantum-coherence">Neutrino oscillations and quantum coherence</h2>



<p>To understand the changes in neutrino properties that the team is searching for, it is essential to grasp some background information. </p>



<p>While referred to as a particle, what we observe as a neutrino is actually three particles produced together, known in quantum mechanics as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superposition</a>. </p>



<p>The neutrino can have three fundamental configurations, or flavors: electron, muon, and tau. </p>



<p>The observed configuration changes as the neutrino travels, a peculiar phenomenon known as neutrino oscillations. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secure-quantum-communication-one-step-closer-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum behavior</a>, referred to as quantum coherence, is maintained over thousands of kilometers or more.</p>



<p>"In most experiments, the coherence is soon broken. But this is not believed to be caused by quantum gravity. It is just very difficult to create perfect conditions in a lab," Stuttard explains. </p>



<p>"In contrast, neutrinos are special in that they are simply not affected by matter around them, so we know that if coherence is broken it will not be due to shortcomings in the human-made experimental setup," he continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-quantum-gravity-in-uncharted-territory">Searching for quantum gravity in uncharted territory</h2>



<p>When asked about the expectations for the study's results, Stuttard admitted, "We find ourselves in a rare category of science projects, namely experiments for which no established theoretical framework exists. Thus, we just did not know what to expect. However, we knew that we could search for some of the general properties we might expect a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-vortex-created-lab-mimic-black-hole-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> theory of gravity to have."</p>



<p>"Whilst we did have hopes of seeing changes related to quantum gravity, the fact that we didn't see them does not exclude at all that they are real," Stuttard clarifies. </p>



<p>"When an atmospheric neutrino is detected at the Antarctic facility, it will typically have travelled through the Earth. Meaning approximately 12,700 km - a very short distance compared to neutrinos originating in the distant Universe. Apparently, a much longer distance is needed for quantum gravity to make an impact, if it exists," Stuttard continued.</p>



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



<p>The study's top goal was to establish the methodology for detecting quantum gravity. "For years, many physicists doubted whether experiments could ever hope to test quantum gravity. Our analysis shows that it is indeed possible, and with future measurements with astrophysical neutrinos, as well as more precise detectors being built in the coming decade, we hope to finally answer this fundamental question," Stuttard concludes.</p>



<p>In summary, this important study led by Tom Stuttard and his colleagues marks a significant milestone in the quest to unravel the mysteries of quantum gravity. By establishing a methodology to detect quantum gravity using neutrino data, the team has opened up new avenues for future research. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to study neutrinos from deep space and develop more precise detectors in the coming years, they inch closer to answering one of the most fundamental questions in physics. </p>



<p>This study brings us closer to understanding the elusive nature of quantum gravity and holds the potential to bridge the gap between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bridging-quantum-classical-physics-nanoparticle-entanglement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two distinct worlds </a>of classical and quantum mechanics, ultimately leading to a more unified understanding of our universe.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02436-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Physics</a></em>.</p>



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If quantum gravity exists, scientists think they’ll find it at the South Pole

In the realm of physics, one of the most perplexing...

<p>Understanding the interplay between climate change and wine production is increasingly becoming a focal point of scientific inquiry, given the susceptibility of viticulture to climatic variables such as temperature and rainfall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A comprehensive review, collecting insights from over 250 studies conducted over the past two decades, has recently mapped out the shifting landscape of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-may-boost-wine-production-in-the-uk/">winegrowing</a> regions under the influence of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dual-nature-of-climate-change-nbsp">The dual nature of climate change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This study, conducted by a multidisciplinary team of experts in climate dynamics and viticulture led by the <a href="https://www.u-bordeaux.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bordeaux</a>, examines the impact of climate change on wine production by taking into account temperature variations, precipitation changes, humidity shifts, solar radiation adjustments, and CO2 concentration fluctuations.</p>



<p>The synthesis of this extensive literature highlights the dual nature of climate change as both a threat and an opportunity for wine production.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-disrupt-the-balance-nbsp">Rising temperatures disrupt the balance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Traditionally, winegrowing regions have thrived in mid-latitude areas, where conditions were neither too hot for grape ripening nor too moist for diseases. However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/">rising temperatures</a>, a major characteristic of climate change, are currently disrupting this balance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They not only hasten vine development and grape ripening, leading to earlier harvests - about two to three weeks sooner than four decades ago - but also alter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wine-grape-residue-may-be-very-beneficial-to-human-health/">grape composition</a>. This can result in wines with lower acidity, higher alcohol content, and modified aromatic profiles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-reconfiguration-of-viable-wine-production-regions">Major reconfiguration of viable wine production regions </h2>



<p>The scientists predict a major reconfiguration of viable winegrowing landscapes. "The suitability of current winegrowing areas is changing, and there will be winners and losers," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"New winegrowing regions will appear in previously unsuitable areas, including expanding into upslope regions and natural areas, raising issues for environmental preservation."</p>



<p>Regions currently celebrated for their wine production, such as parts of Spain, Italy, Greece, and southern California, might face challenges in maintaining high-quality wine production under economically sustainable conditions if global warming surpasses 2°C. This is primarily due to the anticipated increase in drought conditions and heatwaves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, regions located in northern France, the United States (Washington and Oregon), Canada (British Columbia), and Tasmania in Australia might see an improvement in wine production quality or even emerge as new winegrowing territories, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-diseases-and-extreme-weather">Emerging diseases and extreme weather</h2>



<p>The study also warns of emerging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-can-protect-vineyards-from-deadly-disease/">diseases</a>, pests, and the likelihood of extreme weather events becoming more common.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The emergence of new pests and diseases and the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall and possibly hail, also challenge wine production in some regions," wrote the researchers. "In contrast, other areas might benefit from reduced pest and disease pressure."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-remains-possible">Adaptation remains possible</h2>



<p>Despite the challenges that arise from climate change, adaptation remains possible for regions where global warming remains below 2°C. Strategies like adopting drought-resistant grape varieties, optimizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-birds-are-significantly-threatened-by-vineyard-fungicides/">vineyard</a> management to conserve soil moisture, and adapting vineyard designs could mitigate some impacts of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These adaptation measures, however, are contingent upon local conditions and the economic viability of the vineyards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wine-production-in-a-warning-world">Wine production in a warning world</h2>



<p>The findings reaffirm the urgent threat climate change poses to traditional vineyards, while stressing the dangers of surpassing the&nbsp; 2°C threshold. Beyond this point, significant adaptations will be necessary globally to sustain wine production.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study serves as a call to action for the wine industry, urging a shift towards more sustainable practices and a reconsideration of viticultural strategies in light of a warming world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-quality-is-a-priority-in-wine-production">Maintaining quality is a priority in wine production </h2>



<p>“The most important aspect of wine production is the finished product. All adaptations to climate change must preserve the economic sustainability of production through maintaining adequate yields and quality that meet consumer demands," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Working with the market and the consumers can be the biggest challenge, and sometimes highly effective adaptation options remain unused because of market constraints (for example new hybrid varieties and genetically modified varieties)."</p>



<p>"Marketing wine by the region of origin and not by the variety is a route to consumer’s acceptance of the use of less-known varieties, which might potentially be better adapted to the changing climate."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43017-024-00521-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Reviews Earth &amp; Environment</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Wine production in a warming world: Winners and losers

Understanding the interplay between climate change and wine production is...

<p>Wrestling with the concept of daylight savings can be baffling for many people, but imagine the task ahead for the world’s timekeepers as they investigate the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/">climate change</a> on the spin of our planet and, consequently, our methods of time measurement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, according to a recent study led by the <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), it appears that the effects of global warming might inadvertently assist timekeepers by postponing the potential introduction of the first-ever "negative leap second" by three years.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-leap-second">Negative leap second</h2>



<p>The notion of integrating a negative leap second - essentially a 59-second minute - into our standardized time has sparked concerns over the potential chaos it could unleash on computerized systems worldwide.</p>



<p>Historically, time was measured by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-rotation-is-shifting-toward-a-25-hour-day/">rotation of the Earth</a>. Yet, in 1967, a shift occurred when atomic clocks were adopted, heralding a new epoch of precision in timekeeping.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-terrestrial-rotation-and-timekeeping">Link between terrestrial rotation and timekeeping</h2>



<p>Nonetheless, there remained a faction, including navigators of the seas dependent on celestial guidance, who insisted on preserving the link between terrestrial rotation and timekeeping, despite Earth's less reliable time-telling tendencies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The disparity between Earth's gradually lagging rotation and the unerring atomic clocks necessitated a workaround. The solution was the insertion of a "leap second" into Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) - the global consensus for time coordination - whenever the gap neared 0.9 seconds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-has-begun-to-outpace-atomic-time-nbsp">Earth has begun to outpace atomic time&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While the addition of 27 leap seconds to UTC from 1972 to 2016 might have gone unnoticed by many, a surprising turn of events has recently emerged. Earth has begun to outpace atomic time, suggesting that, for the first time, a negative leap second might need to be introduced to align the two measurements.</p>



<p>"This has never happened before, and poses a major challenge to making sure that all parts of the global timing infrastructure show the same time," said author Duncan Agnew, a professor of geophysics at UCSD. “Many computer programs for leap seconds assume they are all positive, so these would have to be rewritten.”</p>



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



<p>Agnew's investigation into Earth's rotational speed and its decelerating core, incorporating satellite observations, indicates that without the influence of climate change, the necessity for a negative leap second might have arisen as early as 2026.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the dispersal of meltwater from ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica since 1990 has slowed down the Earth's rotation, pushing the requirement for a negative leap second to at least 2029.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"When the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-ice-sheet-melting-in-past-decade-is-worst-in-recorded-history/">ice</a> melts, the water spreads out over the whole ocean; this increases the moment of inertia, which slows the Earth down," Agnew explained.</p>



<p>"Here we show that increased melting of ice in Greenland and Antarctica, measured by satellite gravity, has decreased the angular velocity of Earth more rapidly than before," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Removing this effect from the observed angular velocity shows that since 1972, the angular velocity of the liquid core of Earth has been decreasing at a constant rate that has steadily increased the angular velocity of the rest of the Earth."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-postponing-a-global-timekeeping-problem-nbsp">Postponing a global timekeeping problem&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The deferral of an "unprecedented" negative leap second is "welcome news indeed," according to Patrizia Tavella, the director of the<a href="https://www.bipm.org/en/"> International Bureau of Weights and Measures</a>, which is responsible for UTC. Nonetheless, Demetrios Matsakis, former chief scientist for time services at the <a href="https://www.cnmoc.usff.navy.mil/usno/">US Naval Observatory</a>, expressed skepticism toward Agnew’s analysis due to the unpredictability of the Earth’s rotation.</p>



<p>"It would not bring about the downfall of civilization, and given enough publicity some problems could be avoided. But I would not recommend being in an airplane at that time," he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-timekeeping-authorities">Global timekeeping authorities</h2>



<p>The introduction of even positive leap seconds has previously led to difficulties for precision-dependent systems, which partly motivated the global timekeeping authorities' decision in 2022 to eliminate the leap second by 2035.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This approach will permit the discrepancy between atomic time and Earth's rotation to expand to a minute, with a leap minute to synchronize them unlikely to be required this century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"A negative leap minute is very, very unlikely," Agnew said, expressing hope that his findings will encourage timekeepers to consider dropping the leap second sooner than 2035, a sentiment shared by Tavella and Matsakis.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07170-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Global timekeeping: Climate change has slowed Earth's rotation

Wrestling with the concept of daylight savings can be baffling...

<p>We've all fallen for a little wishful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transcendent-thinking-promotes-brain-growth-in-adolescents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thinking</a> – those perfect scenarios playing out in our minds where problems vanish and everything falls neatly into place. It feels good, right? But did you know wishful thinking can go too far and actually make things harder? </p>



<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Amsterdam</a> takes a deep dive into this common human quirk. It explores how wishful thinking arises in times of anxiety and how it might hold us back from taking necessary actions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wishful-thinking-under-pressure">Wishful thinking under pressure</h2>



<p>"People aren't purely truth-seekers – many beliefs are influenced by emotions and driven by what is pleasant or comforting," says Joël van der Weele, professor of Economic Psychology. </p>



<p>That's the idea behind wishful thinking. It sounds harmless but can have a real impact on our decisions. So, the real question is: Does wishful thinking <em>really</em> lead us astray?</p>



<p>Professor van der Weele, collaborator Jan Engelmann (professor of Neuroeconomics), and a team of researchers set out to answer this definitively. </p>



<p>"So far studies haven't provided clear evidence for wishful thinking," explains Engelmann. "But these mainly focused on positive outcomes, like winning a lottery. We examined how both positive and negative outcomes influence biased beliefs."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-wrong-feels-so-right">When "wrong" feels so right</h2>



<p>The researchers recruited over 1,700 individuals for a series of experiments. The setup was simple: participants were shown a set of visual patterns (something like stripes or colored dots). Then, they'd link some patterns to a negative outcome – a small electric shock or a loss of money. </p>



<p>The scientists wanted to track if people messed up identifying those negative patterns more often, essentially <em>wishing</em> them out of existence.</p>



<p>The results were a resounding yes. Participants truly struggled to see the patterns with scary consequences. This is powerful evidence that anxiety can literally warp how we perceive the world. Imagine the danger if this translates to the decisions we make in our everyday lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-we-ground-ourselves-against-wishful-thinking">Can we ground ourselves against wishful thinking?</h2>



<p>The good news is, there are ways to fight back. Here's what helped in the study:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clearer-information">Clearer information</h3>



<p>Unsurprisingly, when the patterns were easier to see, people were less prone to making "hopeful" mistakes. </p>



<p>When participants could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sitting-alone-with-your-thoughts-is-highly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">take time</a> to really look at a pattern, wishful thinking decreased significantly (especially with a potential reward for getting it right). </p>



<p>This tells us slowing down on big decisions is super important, allowing for careful analysis over fleeting feelings.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turn-down-the-fear-nbsp">Turn down the fear&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Essentially, when the participants were faced with potential positive outcomes instead of negative ones, their wishful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-activity-preserves-thinking-skills-among-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thinking</a> disappeared. </p>



<p>This suggests that the root of wishful thinking often lies in our emotional response to potential outcomes, particularly our fear and anxiety.</p>



<p>When we're anxious or afraid, our brains may engage in wishful thinking as a coping mechanism, helping us avoid the discomfort of considering negative possibilities. </p>



<p>It's like our mind puts on rose-colored glasses to shield us from the harsh light of potential threats or disappointments. However, when the threat is replaced with a possibility for something good, the need for this psychological defense falls away. </p>



<p>We no longer need to "hope for the best" in a situation where the best is already a likely outcome.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wishful-thinking-the-real-world-messiness">Wishful thinking: The real world messiness</h2>



<p>"Wishful thinking is important for humans in coping with anxiety about possible future events," says Engelmann. </p>



<p>It's a normal, even sometimes helpful, mental buffer. It's those "out of sight, out of mind" situations we need to watch out for.</p>



<p>"People can get too hopeful when things are uncertain," warns Dr. van der Weele. </p>



<p>Think about ignoring major problems like climate change, not planning for financial hardship, or putting off a concerning medical check-up because we desperately hope for the best. </p>



<p>These are the situations where wishful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-dandelions-are-thinking-the-secret-to-their-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thinking</a> crosses the line from harmless escape to potential disaster.</p>



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



<p>Wishful thinking is a part of being human. It's a good reminder that our emotions can color our view of reality, especially when we're stressed. </p>



<p>In those moments, taking a breath, getting more information, seeking expert opinions, and minimizing fear can help us make the best choices for ourselves and our future. </p>



<p>After all, sometimes the most responsible action is to face what scares us head-on.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20191068" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Economic Review</a>.</p>



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How wishful thinking impacts our decisions in times of stress

We've all fallen for a little wishful thinking – those...

<p>Scientists have discovered that specially trained dogs may be able to detect the early signs of an impending <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drug-mdma-shows-promise-for-reducing-post-traumatic-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PTSD</a> stress flashback by sniffing out specific compounds in a person's breath. </p>



<p>This finding could lead to a new way for service <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-celebrating-all-the-ways-that-dogs-make-life-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> to assist individuals struggling with the debilitating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-detect-stress-levels-by-sniffing-vocs">Dogs detect stress levels by sniffing VOCs</h2>



<p>The research, led by Laura Kiiroja of <a href="https://www.dal.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dalhousie University</a> and published in <em>Frontiers in Allergy</em>, brought together expertise from Dr. Sherry Stewart's clinical psychology lab and Dr. Simon Gadbois' canine olfaction lab. </p>



<p>The collaboration aimed to investigate whether dogs could learn to detect volatile organic compounds (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-christmas-trees-produce-that-fresh-festive-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VOCs</a>) associated with PTSD symptoms.</p>



<p>"PTSD service dogs are already trained to assist people during episodes of distress," said Kiiroja. "However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-explores-the-mystery-of-why-dogs-wag-their-tails/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> are currently trained to respond to behavioral and physical cues. Our study showed that at least some dogs can also detect these episodes via breath."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scent-of-stress-and-ptsd">The scent of stress and PTSD</h2>



<p>To conduct the study, the researchers recruited 26 human participants, 54% of whom met the diagnostic requirements for PTSD <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shelter-dogs-have-high-levels-of-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a> levels. </p>



<p>These individuals provided breath samples while wearing different facemasks -- one worn during a calm state and another worn while recalling their traumatic experiences.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, 25 pet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-and-humans-process-social-information-in-surprisingly-similar-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> were recruited for scent-detection training, with two standout performers, Ivy and Callie, completing the study. </p>



<p>These skilled dogs were trained to recognize and detect the target stress odor from pieces of the facemasks, achieving an impressive 90% accuracy in distinguishing between stressed and non-stressed samples.</p>



<p>"Both Ivy and Callie found this work inherently motivating," said Kiiroja. "Their limitless appetite for delicious treats was also an asset. In fact, it was much harder to convince them to take a break than to commence work. Callie in particular made sure there was no dilly-dallying."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-different-types-of-stress">Detecting different types of stress</h2>



<p>When presented with a series of samples to test their accuracy, Ivy achieved 74% accuracy, while Callie achieved 81%. Interestingly, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-smoke-exposure-elevates-cancer-risk-in-dogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> seemed to have slightly different ideas of what constituted a "stressed" breath sample.</p>



<p>"We speculated that Ivy was attuned to sympathetic-adreno-medullar axis hormones (like adrenaline) and Callie was oriented to the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones (like cortisol)," explained Kiiroja. </p>



<p>"This is important knowledge for training service dogs, as alerting to early-onset PTSD symptoms requires sensitivity to sympathetic-adreno-medullar axis hormones."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-earlier-intervention">Potential for earlier intervention</h2>



<p>PTSD service <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-labrador-retrievers-genetic-mutation-pomc-causes-hunger-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> are already trained to help patients by alerting to and interrupting episodes when their companions are struggling with symptoms. </p>



<p>However, if dogs could detect and respond to stress markers on the breath, they could potentially interrupt episodes at an earlier stage, making their interventions more effective.</p>



<p>"This is a multidisciplinary collaboration between Dr Sherry Stewart's clinical psychology lab and Dr Simon Gadbois' canine olfaction lab, both at Dalhousie University," said Kiiroja. "Neither lab could have done this work on their own. We brought together two distinct sets of expertise."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-further-study">Implications and further study</h2>



<p>While this proof-of-concept study provides exciting insights, the researchers acknowledge that validation studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the dogs' ability to reliably detect stress <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-complex-biochemical-communication-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VOCs</a> across different contexts.</p>



<p>"With 40 sample sets, ours is a proof-of-concept study that needs to be validated by studies with larger sample sizes," cautioned Kiiroja. </p>



<p>"In addition to enrolling more participants, validation studies should collect samples from a higher number of stressful events to confirm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golden-retrievers-and-all-dog-breeds-will-live-longer-lives-thanks-to-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>' ability to reliably detect stress VOCs in the breath of one human across different contexts," Kiiroja concluded.</p>



<p>The team plans to carry out further experiments to confirm the involvement of the sympathetic-adreno-medullar axis in the dogs' detection of stress VOCs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-future-holds-for-dogs-and-stress-detection">What the future holds for dogs and stress detection</h2>



<p>In summary, this fascinating study conducted by Laura Kiiroja and her team at Dalhousie University sheds light on the potential for specially trained dogs to detect the early signs of PTSD stress flashbacks. This occurs through canine olfactory analysis of stress-related VOCs in human breath. </p>



<p>Their discovery paves the way for more effective interventions by service dogs, allowing them to interrupt episodes at an earlier stage and provide better support for individuals struggling with PTSD. </p>



<p>As the researchers continue to investigate the involvement of specific hormonal pathways in the dogs' detection abilities, the future of PTSD management looks promising, with the possibility of earlier detection and more targeted assistance from our canine companions.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/falgy.2024.1352840/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Allergy</a></em>.</p>



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



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Dogs can detect humans' stress levels by smelling their breath

Scientists have discovered that specially trained dogs may be able...

<p>A new study is overturning our assumptions about icy objects lurking in the farthest reaches of the solar system. It begins with a strangely shaped object resembling a space snowman, known as Arrokoth -- Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/kuiper-belt/arrokoth-2014-mu69/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">486958</a>) 2014 MU69. </p>



<p>This space snowman, still holding its nickname for some as Ultima Thule, might hold time-capsule remnants of ancient ice dating back to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>'s birth. This, according to a new study from from <a href="https://www.brown.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-kuiper-belt">The Kuiper Belt</h2>



<p>The Kuiper Belt, a distant realm beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mors-somnus-provides-clues-neptune-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neptune</a>, has long intrigued astronomers. This vast expanse, teeming with icy bodies, holds clues to our solar system's origins. </p>



<p>For years, the consensus was that these objects, relics from billions of years ago, had lost their ices to the vacuum of space. </p>



<p>NASA's New Horizons mission kick-started the Kuiper Belt exploration. It sent back the first close-up images of Pluto and its moons. These images showed a world that is both complex and active.</p>



<p>Yet, the understanding of how these distant objects preserved their volatile compounds remained elusive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-space-snowman">Characteristics of space snowman</h2>



<p>As mentioned above, Arrokoth, the distant Kuiper Belt object formerly known as 2014 MU69, is a celestial wonder unlike any other body we've ever explored. </p>



<p>Its unique appearance, revealed by NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/new-horizons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Horizons</a> spacecraft in 2019, immediately captured imaginations and earned it the nickname "the space snowman."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shape">Shape</h3>



<p>Arrokoth's most striking feature is its bi-lobed shape. Two distinct segments, a larger "head" and a smaller "body," appear gently fused together. </p>



<p>Scientists believe this peculiar form tells a tale of a slow, gentle cosmic collision, where two separate bodies merged in the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eris-and-makemake-icy-dwarf-planets-in-our-own-solar-system-may-support-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surface">Surface</h3>



<p>Arrokoth's surface is a mix of surprising features. Some areas are remarkably smooth, with fewer craters than scientists anticipated. </p>



<p>This hints at either a young surface or processes that have reshaped it over time. Bright patches, dark spots, and areas of reddish color add complexity to its appearance. </p>



<p>The red hue is especially intriguing, suggesting complex organic molecules called tholins, formed through the interaction of radiation with simpler compounds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frozen-ingredients">Frozen ingredients</h3>



<p>Many believe Arrokoth holds a treasure trove of pristine material from the solar system's birth.</p>



<p>Its composition likely includes water ice, methanol ice, and other volatile compounds, along with plenty of organic material. This mix explains its dark surface, reflecting only a small portion of sunlight.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neck">Neck</h3>



<p>Where the two lobes meet– the "neck" region– Arrokoth displays a brighter and bluer hue. </p>



<p>This difference could indicate variations in particle sizes or changes in composition, possibly marking where material from the two original bodies blended long ago.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history">History</h3>



<p>While Arrokoth shows no signs of active geology, its very formation and subtle surface variations reveal a dynamic history. </p>



<p>The gentle union of the lobes suggests a time when debris filled the solar system, allowing for slow collisions. It's a frozen snapshot of how objects were built in our cosmic neighborhood.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-object">Small object</h3>



<p>Measuring about 22 miles (35 kilometers) long, Arrokoth is a small object even for the Kuiper Belt. </p>



<p>But don't let its size deceive you -- studying this peculiar "space snowman" offers a priceless window into the solar system's formation and the secrets held within its deepest, coldest corners.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-but-space-snowman-s-ice-shouldn-t-last-that-long">But, space snowman's ice shouldn't last that long</h2>



<p>The ices found on Arrokoth and similar objects are not your everyday ice. </p>



<p>As discussed, substances like carbon monoxide, methane, and ammonia, which can sublime (turn from solid to gas without becoming liquid) at very low temperatures, make up their composition.</p>



<p>This is similar to how dry ice behaves on Earth, which sublimates in warmer conditions, skipping the liquid phase entirely and turning directly into carbon dioxide gas.</p>



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



<p>Given the longevity of these objects in the solar system, it was a puzzle to scientists how these volatile ices could have survived for billions of years. </p>



<p>The expectation was that the ices would have sublimated away, especially considering the relatively "warmer" conditions even in the distant reaches of the solar system. </p>



<p>This raises an intriguing question about comets, which are known to originate from regions like the Kuiper Belt: if these ices are so ephemeral, how do comets still possess them in abundance, enough to display the spectacular tails we observe when they approach the sun?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-space-snowman-mystery">Solving the space snowman mystery</h2>



<p>Researchers Sam Birch and Orkan Umurhan took a fresh look at an old puzzle. They designed a new simulation model. This model acts like a mini-universe, showing how celestial objects like Arrokoth behave. </p>



<p>"We’ve shown here in our work, with a rather simple mathematical model, that you can keep these primitive ices locked deep within the interiors of these objects for really long times," they explained. </p>



<p>It's as if Arrokoth and its cosmic cousins have built-in super freezers. These internal chillers keep volatile ices solid for billions of years. </p>



<p>“We are basically saying that Arrokoth is so super cold that for more ice to sublimate -- or go directly from solid to a gas, skipping the liquid phase within it -- that the gas it sublimates into first has to have travel outwards through its porous, sponge-like interior,” Birch said.</p>



<p>“The trick is that to move the gas, you also have to sublimate the ice, so what you get is a domino effect: it gets colder within Arrokoth, less ice sublimates, less gas moves, it gets even colder, and so on. Eventually, everything just effectively shuts off, and you’re left with an object full of gas that is just slowly trickling out.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-bomb-theory">The 'Ice Bomb' Theory</h2>



<p>Now, imagine one of these objects gets knocked out of its orbit, closer to the sun. </p>



<p>It begins to warm up, and those frozen volatiles start to unfreeze. But deep inside, it's still frosty. So the gases get trapped and build up pressure. </p>



<p>It's like shaking a soda bottle before opening it. Eventually, BOOM! The comet erupts as the pressure escapes, and we see those iconic tails. </p>



<p>"This new idea could help explain why these icy objects from the Kuiper Belt erupt so violently when they first get closer to the sun."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-space-snowman">Insights from the space snowman </h2>



<p>If comets are basically sleepy 'ice bombs', we need to revisit how they go from quiet wanderers to spectacular sky shows. </p>



<p>"The key thing is that we corrected a deep error in the physical model peoplehad been assuming for decades," Birch revealed.</p>



<p>The good news is this theory might help missions like NASA's CAESAR become even more successful. CAESAR aims to collect a sample from a comet and bring it back to Earth. </p>



<p>“There may well be massive reservoirs of these primitive materials locked away in small bodies all across the outer solar system -- materials that are just waiting to erupt for us to observe them or sit in deep freeze until we can retrieve them and bring them home to Earth,” Birch said.</p>



<p>The study is published&nbsp;in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0019103524000861?via%3Dihub">Icarus</a>.</p>



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'Space snowman' named Arrokoth reveals how celestial objects turn into ice bombs

A new study is overturning our assumptions about icy objects...

A,Young,Multi-ethnic,Woman,Holds,Her,Nose,In,Pain,Lying

<p>Researchers have uncovered a potential explanation for some of the most perplexing mysteries surrounding COVID-19 and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-iron-may-be-a-key-driver-of-long-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>. The discovery of "abzymes" could pave the way for new treatments targeting the acute effects of COVID-19, long COVID, and possibly other viruses.</p>



<p>The study was led by Dr. Steven L. Zeichner and his colleagues from the <a href="https://uvahealth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia Health</a>. They discovered that COVID-19 may prompt some individuals to produce antibodies that mimic enzymes, which are naturally used by the body to regulate crucial functions such as blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation. </p>



<p>These enzyme-like antibodies, known as "abzymes," may be responsible for the diverse and sometimes mysterious symptoms experienced by COVID-19 and long COVID patients.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-abzymes-in-covid-19-complications">Role of abzymes in COVID-19 complications</h2>



<p>Dr. Zeichner, a pediatric infectious disease expert at UVA Children's, highlighted the significance of this discovery. </p>



<p>"Some patients with COVID-19 have serious symptoms and we have trouble understanding their cause. We also have a poor understanding of the causes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-linked-to-alcohol-sensitivity-and-debilitating-hangovers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>," Zeichner explained. </p>



<p>"If COVID-19 patients are making abzymes, it is possible that these rogue abzymes could harm many different aspects of physiology."</p>



<p>The researchers propose that targeting these abzymes could be the most effective way to treat the complications of COVID-19 at their source, rather than merely addressing the downstream symptoms. This novel approach could potentially revolutionize the management of COVID-19 and long COVID.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connection-between-sars-cov-2-and-ace2">Connection between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2</h2>



<p>The study delves into the interaction between SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the surface of cells. </p>



<p>ACE2 plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by converting angiotensin II into angiotensin 1-7, which have opposing effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-has-an-impact-on-womens-sexual-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood vessels</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Zeichner's team hypothesized that some patients might produce antibodies against the Spike protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 that resemble ACE2 and possess similar enzymatic activity. </p>



<p>Their findings confirmed this hypothesis, suggesting that these abzymes could be interfering with the body's normal regulatory processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-long-covid-and-rare-vaccine-side-effects">Implications for long COVID and rare vaccine side effects</h2>



<p>Recent studies have reported that some patients with long COVID experience issues with their coagulation and complement systems. Both of these are controlled by enzymes that cut other proteins to activate them. </p>



<p>If long COVID patients produce abzymes that activate proteins involved in coagulation and inflammation, it could explain the persistence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cause-of-fatigue-in-long-covid-patients-has-finally-been-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a> symptoms even after the initial infection has been cleared. Additionally, this discovery may shed light on the rare side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination.</p>



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



<p>While the understanding of abzymes in COVID-19 is still in its early stages, Dr. Zeichner notes that enzymatic antibodies have previously been detected in certain cases of HIV. </p>



<p>This finding indicates that other viruses may cause similar effects. He anticipates that UVA's findings will reignite interest in abzyme research within the medical community.</p>



<p>"We now need to study pure versions of antibodies with enzymatic activity to see how abzymes may work in more detail, and we need to study patients who have had COVID-19 who did and did not develop long COVID," Dr. Zeichner said. </p>



<p>"There is much more work to do, but I think we have made a good start in developing a new understanding of this challenging disease that has caused so much distress and death around the world," he concluded</p>



<p>As researchers continue to unravel the complexities of COVID-19 and long COVID, this intriguing discovery offers hope for the development of targeted therapies that address the underlying causes of these conditions. </p>



<p>Dr. Zeichner, who is also developing a universal coronavirus vaccine, emphasizes the importance of understanding the disease's underlying causes as the first step in developing effective new therapies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-long-covid-and-abzymes">More about long COVID and abzymes</h2>



<p>As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paxlovid-helps-fight-covid-but-it-does-not-prevent-long-covid-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a> refers to a range of symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 infection has subsided. </p>



<p>Unlike the initial infection, which tends to resolve within a few weeks, Long COVID persists, impacting patients' quality of life significantly. The condition is also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-symptoms-of-long-covid">Identifying symptoms of long COVID</h3>



<p>The symptoms of Long COVID are diverse and can affect any system in the body. Commonly reported symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive impairments often referred to as "brain fog," heart palpitations, chest pain, joint or muscle pain, and changes in taste or smell. Patients may experience symptoms that fluctuate or relapse over time.</p>



<p>Long COVID can affect anyone who has had COVID-19, regardless of the severity of their initial infection. While it's more common in adults, children can also suffer from Long COVID. </p>



<p>Factors that may increase the risk of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-breakthrough-taurine-levels-may-play-a-key-role/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Long COVID</a> include having a severe initial infection, the presence of underlying health conditions, and being female, though research is ongoing to fully understand the risk factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-diagnosis-and-treatment">Impact, diagnosis and treatment</h2>



<p>The impact of Long COVID on individuals and communities is profound. Many sufferers find themselves unable to return to work or participate in daily activities due to their symptoms. </p>



<p>The condition also places a strain on healthcare systems, with patients seeking treatment for a wide range of symptoms and requiring long-term support.</p>



<p>Diagnosing Long COVID can be challenging, as there is no single test for the condition. Instead, healthcare providers must rely on patient history and a process of elimination to rule out other causes of the symptoms. </p>



<p>Treatment is similarly complex and is often focused on managing symptoms, as there is currently no cure. Rehabilitation programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication to manage specific symptoms are common approaches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-and-the-future-of-abzymes">Ongoing research and the future of abzymes</h2>



<p>Researchers around the world are working to understand more about Long COVID, including its causes, risk factors, and effective treatments. Studies are exploring the role of abzymes, the immune system, potential genetic predispositions, and the impact of vaccination on Long COVID.</p>



<p>In summary, long COVID presents a significant challenge to patients, healthcare providers, and researchers alike. As we continue to live with COVID-19, understanding and managing Long COVID will be critical to helping affected individuals recover and minimizing its impact on society. </p>



<p>Encouragingly, ongoing research and increased awareness are paving the way for better diagnosis, treatment, and hopefully, prevention strategies in the future.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00541-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mBio</a></em>.</p>



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



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Newly-discovered ‘abzymes’ cause long COVID symptoms

Researchers have uncovered a potential explanation for some of the...

<p>The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, featuring researchers from the <a href="https://cfa.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Astrophysics</a> (CfA), has recently shared an image showing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-hole-at-the-center-of-our-galaxy-revealed/">supermassive black hole</a> Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) at the heart of the Milky Way Galaxy in polarized light. The image has revealed magnetic fields spiraling from the black hole's vicinity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery, which mirrors the magnetic field structure seen in the M87 galaxy's central black hole, suggests that such powerful magnetic fields are a universal feature around black holes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers unveiled the first image of Sgr A* - a black hole located about 27,000 light-years from Earth - in 2022, highlighting its striking resemblance to the far larger M87’s black hole, and thus sparking curiosity about their shared characteristics beyond mere appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-twisted-and-organized-magnetic-fields">Strong, twisted, and organized magnetic fields</h2>



<p>To better understand these features, the experts studied Sgr A* through polarized light, a technique previously applied to M87* to clarify how the giant black hole's magnetic fields could expel material into its surroundings. The new polarized light images of Sgr A* indicate a similar phenomenon might be at play around our galaxy's core.</p>



<p>“What we’re seeing now is that there are strong, twisted, and organized magnetic fields near the black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy,” said co-lead author Sara Issaoun, a CfA NASA Hubble Fellowship Program Einstein Fellow, and an astrophysicist at the <a href="https://pweb.cfa.harvard.edu/about/about-smithsonian-astrophysical-observatory">Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory</a> (SAO).&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Along with Sgr A* having a strikingly similar polarization structure to that seen in the much larger and more powerful M87* black hole, we’ve learned that strong and ordered magnetic fields are critical to how black holes interact with the gas and matter around them.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imaging-polarized-light">Imaging polarized light</h2>



<p>Light travels as an electromagnetic wave that oscillates, enabling us to perceive the world around us. At times, this oscillation occurs in a specific direction, resulting in what is known as "polarized" light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even though both polarized and unpolarized light surround us, our human vision cannot differentiate between the two. Near black holes, however, the situation changes dramatically. Here, particles whirling around magnetic fields adopt a polarization orientation that aligns at right angles to these fields.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-ability-to-peer-into-the-vicinity-of-black-holes">Unique ability to peer into the vicinity of black holes</h2>



<p>This polarization grants astronomers the unique ability to peer into the vicinity of black holes with enhanced clarity, allowing them to delineate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-shifts-ten-times-faster-than-expected/">structure</a> of magnetic fields and offering a clearer picture of the dynamic processes occurring within these enigmatic regions of space.</p>



<p>“By imaging polarized light from hot glowing gas near black holes, we are directly inferring the structure and strength of the magnetic fields that thread the flow of gas and matter that the black hole feeds on and ejects,” explained co-lead author Angelo Ricarte, a Harvard Black Hole Initiative Fellow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Polarized light teaches us a lot more about the astrophysics, the properties of the gas, and mechanisms that take place as a black hole feeds.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-changing-black-holes">Rapidly changing black holes</h2>



<p>Capturing Sgr A* in polarized light was no small feat due to its rapid changes, which challenge imaging efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is exciting that we were able to make a polarized image of Sgr A* at all. The first image took months of extensive analysis to understand its dynamical nature and unveil its average structure,” said co-author Paul Tiede, a CfA postdoctoral fellow and SAO astrophysicist.</p>



<p>“Making a polarized image adds on the challenge of the dynamics of the magnetic fields around the black hole. Our models often predicted highly turbulent magnetic fields, making it extremely difficult to construct a polarized image. Fortunately, our black hole is much calmer, making the first image possible.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-the-secrets-of-black-holes">Revealing the secrets of black holes</h2>



<p>These polarized light images of both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/">supermassive</a> black holes provide invaluable data for contrasting black holes of different sizes and masses. As technology advances, these images are expected to reveal more about black holes' secrets and their similarities or differences.</p>



<p>“M87* is much bigger, and it’s pulling in matter from its surroundings at a much faster rate. So, we might have expected that the magnetic fields also look very different. But in this case, they turned out to be quite similar, which may mean that this structure is common to all black holes,” said co-author Michi Bauböck, a postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A better understanding of the magnetic fields near black holes helps us answer several open questions - from how jets are formed and launched to what powers the bright flares we see in infrared and X-ray light.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-event-horizon-telescope">The Event Horizon Telescope</h2>



<p>CfA is currently initiating ambitious projects to significantly advance the capabilities of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) within the coming decade. The forefront of these initiatives is the <a href="https://www.ngeht.org/">next-generation EHT</a> (ngEHT) project, poised to revolutionize the current EHT framework.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This upgrade aims to introduce additional radio dishes to the network, facilitate observations in multiple colors simultaneously, and enhance the sensitivity of the entire setup.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The enhancements brought about by the ngEHT project are expected to empower the telescope array to capture real-time footage of supermassive black holes at the scale of their event horizons.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-new-light-on-black-holes">Shedding new light on black holes</h2>



<p>These dynamic visualizations will unveil intricate structures and phenomena occurring close to the event horizon, highlighting the intense gravitational forces at play as predicted by General Relativity and the processes involved in matter accretion and the launching of relativistic jets, which are instrumental in shaping cosmic structures on a grand scale.</p>



<p>Parallel to the ngEHT project, the <a href="https://www.blackholeexplorer.org/">Black Hole Explorer</a> (BHEX) mission concept envisions extending the reach of the EHT beyond Earth's confines into space, setting the stage for producing the most precise astronomical images ever achieved. BHEX is designed to capture and analyze the "photon ring," a distinct ring-shaped feature that emerges from light strongly bent by the gravitational field of black holes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The dimensions and form of the photon ring encode vital information about a black hole's mass and spin, offering insights into the growth patterns of black holes and their interactions with their surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/">galaxies</a>. Together, these groundbreaking initiatives will likely shed new light on the surrounding black holes and elucidate their role in the cosmic tapestry.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ad2df0"><em>Astrophysical Journal Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: EHT Collaboration</p>



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Powerful magnetic fields found near Milky Way's black hole

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, featuring researchers from the...

Green,Plants,With,Biochemistry,Structure,Illustration

<p>Researchers at Purdue University have made significant strides in understanding plant communication through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical signals</a>, revealing their intricate language. </p>



<p>Plants, incapable of movement, have evolved unique mechanisms for survival and communication, particularly through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-christmas-trees-produce-that-fresh-festive-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volatile Organic Compounds</a> (VOCs). </p>



<p>These compounds serve as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-talk-to-plants-using-light-based-messaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distress signals</a>, warning neighboring plants of potential dangers, such as insect attacks or diseases. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roots-to-receptors-the-plant-communication-network">Roots to receptors: The plant communication network</h2>



<p><a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/directory/doudarev" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natalia Dudareva</a>, a Distinguished Professor at Purdue in the departments of Biochemistry and Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, emphasizes the importance of VOCs in plant communication. </p>



<p>She describes it as a form of immunization, where plants primed by these signals respond more vigorously to threats, despite showing no visible changes under normal conditions.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomato-plants-talk-to-one-another-to-signal-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants inform</a> neighboring plants about pathogen attacks. It looks almost like immunization. Under normal conditions, you don’t see any changes in the receiver plant. But as soon as a receiver plant is infected, it responds much faster. It’s prepared for response," explained Dudareva.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-use-vocs-as-invisible-signals">How plants use VOCs as invisible signals</h2>



<p>The concept of plants communicating through VOCs is not new to science, but the mechanisms behind this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-leaves-send-signals-to-their-roots-on-dry-days-telling-them-to-keep-digging-deeper-for-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a> have remained largely unexplored due to the lack of identifiable markers. </p>



<p>However, recent discoveries by Dudareva and her team have shed light on this process. Their research has documented how petunias produce volatiles to sterilize parts of their flowers, protecting against microbial invasion. </p>



<p>This discovery, first <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-019-0287-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published in 2019</a>, also introduced stigma size as a reliable marker for studying inter-organ communication in plants.</p>



<p>Shannon Stirling, a Ph.D. student at Purdue and the study's lead author, has contributed significantly to this research. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-karrikins-and-plant-communication">Karrikins and plant communication</h2>



<p>Through meticulous analysis, including measurements of stigma size affected by exposure to VOCs, Stirling's work has helped establish a consistent trend in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-engage-in-more-conversations-after-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication process</a>. </p>



<p>“There are a lot of sugars on the stigma, especially in petunias. It means that bacteria will grow very nicely without these volatiles present,” Dudareva explained. </p>



<p>“But if the stigma does not receive tube-produced volatiles, it’s also smaller. This was interorgan communication. Now we had a good marker -- stigma size -- to study this communication process," she concluded.</p>



<p>This trend is further supported by genetic studies that pinpointed a karrikin-like signaling pathway as a crucial element in this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-plants-emit-sounds-when-they-are-stressed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a>. </p>



<p>Karrikins, interestingly, are compounds not produced by plants but are associated with smoke or fire exposure, raising intriguing questions about plant evolutionary biology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selectivity-of-plant-receptors">Selectivity of plant receptors</h2>



<p>The study also highlights the exceptional selectivity of plant receptors, particularly in recognizing specific sesquiterpene compounds. </p>



<p>Matthew Bergman, a postdoctoral researcher and co-author of the study, points out the receptor's ability to differentiate between mirror images of compounds, emphasizing the precision of this signaling system in avoiding false triggers.</p>



<p>“The plant produces many different volatile compounds and is exposed to plenty of others,” Bergman said. “It’s quite remarkable how selective and specific this receptor is exclusively for this signal being sent from the tubes. Such specificity ensures that no other volatile signals are getting by. There’s no false signaling.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-plant-pistils-and-stigmas">Secrets of plant pistils and stigmas</h2>



<p>Stirling's expertise in protein manipulation has been pivotal in identifying the interactions between signaling molecules and receptors. The process involves delicate techniques to modify protein levels in petunia pistils, a challenging task given the small size of these organs. </p>



<p>“Pistils and stigmas are small. They’re a little difficult to work with because of their size,” Stirling said. “Even the sheer amount of stigmas you need to get enough sample for anything is quite large because they don’t weigh much.”</p>



<p>This methodological breakthrough could pave the way for further discoveries in plant signaling and communication.</p>



<p>Petunias, with their vivid colors and fragrances, are more than just a visual delight. As Bergman notes, their value extends into the realm of scientific research, serving as an effective model for understanding complex biological processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-talk-as-both-an-art-and-a-science">Plant talk as both an art and a science</h2>



<p>In summary, this fascinating research has peeled back the layers of mystery surrounding plant communication. These brilliant scientists discovered how petunias, through the sophisticated use of volatile organic compounds, communicate threats to their neighbors. This communication, in turn, effectively immunizes them against potential dangers. </p>



<p>This study highlights the intricacies of plant signaling pathways, particularly through the discovery of the karrikin-like signaling mechanism and the precise receptor specificity for sesquiterpene compounds, while setting the stage for future research in plant biology. </p>



<p>By advancing our understanding of these complex communication systems, scientists unlock new possibilities for enhancing plant resilience and health, paving the way for agricultural innovations and environmental conservation strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs-and-plant-communication">More about Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and plant communication</h2>



<p>As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-can-warn-each-other-of-imminent-dangers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volatile Organic Compounds</a> (VOCs) represent a vast group of chemicals that plants and other organisms naturally emit. These compounds easily evaporate at room temperature, making them a significant part of the air we breathe. </p>



<p>In the plant kingdom, VOCs serve as critical components in a sophisticated communication network. They play pivotal roles in attracting pollinators, deterring herbivores, and signaling neighboring plants about environmental stressors.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-vocs-in-plant-communication">Role of VOCs in plant communication</h3>



<p>Plants utilize VOCs to convey vital information to their surroundings. This form of communication is especially crucial in responding to threats such as herbivore attacks or disease. </p>



<p>When a plant gets damaged, it releases specific VOCs into the air. These signals can directly repel pests or attract natural enemies of the pests, such as predators or parasitoids, effectively reducing the damage to the plant.</p>



<p>Moreover, VOCs are not just about defense. They are instrumental in forming symbiotic relationships and facilitating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-gives-pine-trees-fresh-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-to-plant interactions</a>. </p>



<p>For example, when one plant is attacked, neighboring plants can detect the VOCs released and preemptively bolster their own defenses, a phenomenon known as "priming." This capability suggests a level of interconnectedness and communal support among plant populations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocs-in-attracting-pollinators-and-symbiosis">VOCs in attracting pollinators and symbiosis</h3>



<p>Beyond defense, plants produce VOCs to lure pollinators. These chemical signals can attract specific insects or animals, ensuring the plant's reproductive success. </p>



<p>The diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-skunky-cannabis-emissions-affect-air-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">array of scents</a> and odors produced by flowers is primarily due to VOCs, tailored to appeal to the plant's pollinators, whether they be bees, birds, or bats.</p>



<p>Furthermore, VOCs facilitate symbiotic relationships between plants and microorganisms. Certain VOCs can attract beneficial microbes that help the plant absorb nutrients more efficiently or provide resistance against pathogens. </p>



<p>This interaction underscores the complexity of VOCs in plant ecology, extending beyond plant-to-plant communication to encompass a broader ecological network.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-vocs-on-ecosystem-dynamics">Impact of VOCs on ecosystem dynamics</h3>



<p>The exchange of VOCs among plants and between plants and other organisms significantly influences ecosystem dynamics. It affects plant competition, biodiversity, and the structure of plant communities. </p>



<p>VOCs can mediate the outcome of plant interactions, determining which species dominate in certain conditions and contributing to the overall health and resilience of ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocs-and-future-study-on-plant-communication">VOCs and future study on plant communication</h3>



<p>As discussed above, Volatile Organic Compounds are more than mere byproducts of plant metabolism. They are vital communicative tools that plants use to interact with their environment. </p>



<p>Through the release of VOCs, plants can defend against predators, attract pollinators, and communicate with neighboring flora, showcasing a sophisticated level of interaction that mirrors the complexity of animal communication networks. </p>



<p>As research in this field progresses, we continue to uncover the depth and breadth of plant communication, revealing an intricate world where plants are far from passive entities in their ecosystems.</p>



<p>This study, which appears in the March 22, 2024, issue of the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl4685" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>, is a collaborative effort involving scientists from <a href="https://www.purdue.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue</a>, <a href="https://www.univ-st-etienne.fr/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne</a><a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> in France, and the University of California-Davis</a>.</p>



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Plants have an astonishing biochemical communication network

Researchers at Purdue University have made significant strides in understanding...

<p>A fascinating study conducted by an international team of scientists has recently found that an individual's distinctive facial features might be significantly influenced by their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brainteaser-how-can-a-mothers-diet-protect-the-brain-health-of-their-grandchildren/">mother's dietary choices</a> during pregnancy, specifically the consumption of protein-rich foods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research suggests that the variety in human appearances, including skull shape and nasal cartilage, can be traced back to the womb, where genes are activated by nutritional factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-craniofacial-skeletal-structures">Development of craniofacial skeletal structures</h2>



<p>“The development of craniofacial skeletal structures is fascinatingly complex and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms will not only provide novel scientific insights, but also help develop more effective clinical approaches to the treatment and/or prevention of the numerous congenital craniofacial malformations,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>“To this end, we performed a genome-wide analysis of RNA transcription from non-coding regulatory elements by CAGE-sequencing of the facial mesenchyme of human embryos and cross-checked the active enhancers thus identified against genes, identified by GWAS for the normal range human facial appearance.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-facial-features-during-embryonic-development">Shaping facial features during embryonic development</h2>



<p>The experts explored how the gene complex known as ‘mTORC1’ plays a pivotal role in shaping facial features during embryonic development. The analyses revealed that a diet high in protein during pregnancy can enhance the activity of the mTORC1 genes, thereby ‘fine-tuning’ the baby's facial characteristics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This can influence various aspects of a child's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-make-snap-judgments/">appearance</a>, such as the length and width of the nose, the shape of the cheeks, and the prominence of the jawline.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noticeable-differences-among-siblings">Noticeable differences among siblings</h2>



<p>While it's understood that the fundamental aspects of a human face are inherited from parents, there are often noticeable differences among siblings and even among identical twins.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These subtle variations have long intrigued scientists, and the current study offers new insights, suggesting that the mother's diet plays a crucial role in determining these unique facial traits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spectrum-of-facial-features-nbsp">Spectrum of facial features&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"We found that modulation of the level of protein in the maternal diet regulates mTORC1 activity, resulting in subtle but distinct changes in the craniofacial shape of the embryos," the researchers explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This modulation leads to a "spectrum" of facial features, indicating a nuanced interplay between diet, genetics, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embryo-structures-fetal-development/">embryonic development</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-protein-diet-linked-to-more-pronounced-facial-features">High protein diet linked to more pronounced facial features</h2>



<p>In experiments involving pregnant mice and fish, changes in the mothers' diets were observed to alter mTORC1 signaling within the womb, subsequently affecting the facial features of their offspring.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Specifically, diets high in protein were linked to more pronounced facial features, such as enlarged jaws and thicker nasal cartilage, whereas lower protein intake resulted in more slender and pointed facial characteristics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptive-advantages-to-offspring">Adaptive advantages to offspring</h2>



<p>This dietary influence on facial development may confer certain adaptive advantages to offspring, depending on their environmental context. For example, in some fish species, offspring born to mothers on low-nutrition diets tend to have longer, thinner noses - an attribute that could be advantageous in environments where food is scarce, aiding in foraging for food.</p>



<p>“A key aspect of most social communication between humans is facial recognition<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46030-3#ref-CR1"><sup>1</sup></a>. Accordingly, congenital craniofacial malformations, including cleft palate, craniosynostosis, and craniofacial skeletal hypoplasia, which together account for more than one-third of all congenital birth defects, can have a profound influence on social interactions,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“From an evolutionary perspective, the viscerocranium harbors vital structures such as the feeding apparatus and supports sensory organs. Its precise sculpting and inheritable reproducibility are of unequivocal importance for survival.”</p>



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



<p>The implications of this study extend beyond the scientific curiosity of why we look the way we do, suggesting that maternal nutrition can have lasting effects on offspring, potentially tailored to environmental conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In summary, we have demonstrated here that the mTORC1 pathway modulates the embryonic shaping of craniofacial skeletal elements at the stage of chondrogenic condensations, with subsequent fine-tuning during intercalation of chondro-progenitors," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Furthermore, we provide evidence for an impact of maternal protein intake during pregnancy on the shaping of fetal craniofacial cartilage."</p>



<p>“These findings provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying craniofacial shaping and, potentially, the phenotypic plasticity of this process as well and, in addition, help elucidate the role of material dietary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-too-much-protein-greatly-increases-heart-disease-risk/">protein</a> during pregnancy in this context."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-46030-3#Sec8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Facial features influenced by mother's diet during pregnancy

A fascinating study conducted by an international team of scientists...

<p>Deepfake detection involves identifying videos and images that have been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distinguishing-ai-generated-images-of-people-from-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">manipulated</a> using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to make it appear as though individuals are saying or doing things they never actually did. </p>



<p>As deepfakes become more sophisticated, detecting them becomes increasingly challenging, but it is crucial for maintaining trust in digital media.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-approach-to-deepfake-detection">Primary approach to deepfake detection</h2>



<p>The primary approach to deepfake detection is to use machine learning models trained to differentiate between genuine and manipulated content. These models analyze various aspects of the media, such as inconsistencies in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-decipher-every-possible-facial-expression-outperforming-therapists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">facial expressions</a>, unnatural blinking patterns, and discrepancies in lighting or background noise. </p>



<p>Since deepfakes are created by algorithms that can have specific weaknesses, these models often look for signs that those algorithms have been used.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-method-to-detect-audio-deepfakes">Breakthrough method to detect audio deepfakes </h2>



<p>Now, deepfake detection has entered a new era with an innovative breakthrough by scientists at <a href="https://www.klick.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Klick Labs</a>. The team has developed an unprecedented approach for combating the increasingly sophisticated world of audio deepfakes. </p>



<p>Utilizing artificial intelligence, this method captures the subtle nuances that distinguish genuine human speech from artificial imitations. It presents a promising solution to challenges highlighted by recent incidents, such as the fake Joe Biden robocall and the counterfeit Taylor Swift cookware advertisement on Meta. </p>



<p>Consequently, this advancement arrives at a critical moment, with increasingly indistinguishable artificial voices becoming more common.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tapping-into-humanity-s-vocal-signatures">Tapping into humanity's vocal signatures</h2>



<p>The inspiration for this novel detection method has a dual origin. Initially, it stems from Klick Labs' prior research on employing vocal biomarkers to improve health outcomes. Moreover, it is fueled by a fascination with the portrayal of artificial intelligence in science fiction movies, like "Blade Runner."</p>



<p>Subsequently, researchers honed in on the "signs of life" in human speech, such as breathing patterns and micro-pauses. They crafted a technique that leverages these vocal biomarkers for accurate deepfake detection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-a-new-detection-paradigm">Unveiling a new detection paradigm</h2>



<p>Yan Fossat, Senior Vice President of Klick Labs and the study's principal investigator, emphasized the effectiveness of this approach. </p>



<p>"Our findings highlight the potential to use vocal biomarkers as a novel approach to flagging deepfakes because they lack the telltale signs of life inherent in authentic content," explained Fossat. "These signs are usually undetectable to the human ear but are now discernible thanks to machine learning and vocal biomarkers."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-study-of-sounds">A study of sounds</h2>



<p>The open-access journal JMIR Biomedical Engineering recently published the study titled "Investigation of Deepfake Voice Detection using Speech Pause Patterns: Algorithm Development and Validation." The study demonstrates how vocal biomarkers, combined with machine learning, can distinguish between deepfakes and authentic audio with reliable precision. </p>



<p>The research involved 49 participants with diverse backgrounds and accents. Deepfake models were trained on their voice samples to create corresponding artificial audio samples. Through analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/computer-models-can-mimic-human-language-processing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speech</a> pause metrics, the team was able to differentiate real from fake voices with approximately 80 percent accuracy.</p>



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



<p>This development is especially pertinent in light of recent voice cloning scams and the Federal Communications Commission's decision to outlaw deepfake voices in robocalls. Furthermore, with Meta's initiative to label AI-generated content and the looming threat of deepfakes influencing the upcoming U.S. presidential election, the need for effective detection methods is more pressing than ever.</p>



<p>Fossat acknowledged the constant evolution of deepfake technology and the ongoing challenge it presents. "While our study offers a promising solution to this growing problem, we recognize the need to continuously advance our detection technology to keep pace with the increasing realism of deepfakes," he said.</p>



<p>Klick Labs' pioneering work highlights the potential of AI and vocal biomarkers in safeguarding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/functioning-quantum-internet-makes-giant-stride-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital communication</a> authenticity. It also underscores the necessity of innovation amidst evolving digital threats. As deepfakes become more realistic, advancing detection methods is crucial to maintain our digital integrity.</p>



<p>Ultimately, deepfake detection is a multifaceted challenge. It's a critical field of research as the implications of undetected deepfakes can be significant, affecting everything from personal reputations to the integrity of democratic processes.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://biomedeng.jmir.org/2024/1/e56245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JMIR Biomedical Engineering</a>.</p>



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



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Deepfake detection: Inauthentic content lacks telltale signs of life

Deepfake detection involves identifying videos and images that have been...

<p>When scientists and policymakers decide on which regions to prioritize for conservation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a> is frequently their top consideration. The rationale is clear: ecosystems with higher biodiversity tend to support a broader range of species and offer a wider spectrum of ecosystem services, making them prime candidates for conservation.</p>



<p>However, the task of quantifying biodiversity is fraught with challenges. Various metrics offer different lenses through which the intricate interactions of life within ecosystems, such as forests, can be viewed, sometimes leading to conflicting interpretations of biodiversity's significance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-forest-productivity">Measuring forest productivity </h2>



<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a> has shed light on this issue through a detailed analysis of two decades' worth of data. This comprehensive review suggests that the most straightforward biodiversity metric - simply counting the total number of species within a specific area - provides the most accurate reflection of a forest's productivity.</p>



<p>"Ecosystem services provided by forests - including wildlife habitat, wood, fiber, and carbon storage - depend on forest productivity, the collective biomass growth of individual trees. Forest productivity is thought to increase with tree biodiversity, but there are many ways to quantify biodiversity, with little consensus on which measures are most important," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"Despite experimental and observational studies demonstrating that biodiversity enhances primary productivity, the best metric for predicting productivity at broad geographic extents - functional trait diversity, phylogenetic diversity, or species richness - remains unknown."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-metrics-and-forest-productivity-nbsp">Biodiversity metrics and forest productivity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“There aren’t many studies that look at the differences between measurements of diversity,” said lead author Yunpeng Liu, a postdoctoral associate at the Florida Museum. With access to an extensive database maintained by the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/">U.S. Forest Service</a>,&nbsp;</p>



<p>Liu and his team set out to explore how different biodiversity metrics correlate with the productivity of forests across the eastern United States, drawing on nearly two million tree measurements from 23,145 forest plots collected between 2000 and 2020.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-with-diverse-species-interactions-nbsp">Forests with diverse species interactions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings revealed a consistent trend: forests with a higher number of tree species, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/environmental-changes-put-a-cap-on-species-richness/">species richness</a>, demonstrated greater productivity. This aligns with the understanding that diverse species interactions within an ecosystem bolster essential services such as carbon sequestration and provide renewable resources like wood.</p>



<p>Contrary to initial expectations, the study found that measures of phylogenetic diversity (which tracks the evolutionary relationships among species) and functional diversity (which looks at the variety of structural and biological traits) were negatively correlated with productivity. This unexpected discovery complicates the narrative on how different dimensions of biodiversity influence ecosystem functionality.</p>



<p>However, as co-author Douglas Soltis (a distinguished professor with the Florida Museum of Natural History) argues: “These aren’t mutually exclusive measurements. They’re all ways that we might be able to make better conservation decisions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-resilience-and-productivity-nbsp">Ecosystem resilience and productivity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study also ventured into the implications of these findings for ecosystem resilience and productivity. Co-author Robert Guralnick, curator of biodiversity informatics at the Florida Museum, admitted the uncertainties that still linger, highlighting the ongoing need for research into the dynamics of tree interactions and the traits that enable diverse forests to flourish.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, there is not enough information about various specific traits, such as the shape and depth of roots, to make accurate assessments. “It may also be that there are aspects of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-species-diversity-shaped-by-climate-change-for-21000-years/">trees</a> of the same or different species structure their interactions with each other, especially as tree communities become more diverse, that we don't yet understand,” Guralnick added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-insights-for-conservation-practices">Valuable insights for conservation practices</h2>



<p>By illuminating the multifaceted role of biodiversity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-face-threats-from-multiple-industries/">forest health</a> and productivity, the study provides valuable insights for conservation practices. It particularly highlights the significance of species richness as a straightforward and reliable indicator for evaluating ecosystem health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s reassuring for other investigators and policymakers to know that species richness is reliable. This is especially important when making conservation decisions with short notice and limited data,” Soltis concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2314231121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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

Species richness linked to forest productivity in the eastern U.S.

When scientists and policymakers decide on which regions to prioritize...

<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>



<p>—–</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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<p>—–</p>

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>



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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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>



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<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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