<p>In Uganda’s Kibale National Park, scientists have spent years doing the slow, unglamorous work of catching tiny wasps. The payoff is big: a clearer map of “dark biodiversity” - the vast share of species that are poorly known or not yet described - and practical clues for how to protect it before it disappears.</p>



<p>Most of Earth’s species have never been formally documented, making them easy to overlook in conservation plans. Biologists call these overlooked lineages “dark taxa.” They are especially abundant in tropical forests, where species, habitats, and ecological roles remain thinly studied.</p>



<p>The Biodiversity Unit at the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a> has made a specialty of unveiling this hidden diversity, describing new species each year, and building tools to slow global biodiversity loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-living-lab-for-biodiversity">A living lab for biodiversity</h2>



<p>Kibale National Park offers a mosaic of habitats. These include tracts of largely undisturbed forest, areas recovering from past logging, and nearby farmland. That patchwork allowed researchers to ask a simple but powerful question: where, exactly, is the unknown diversity concentrated?</p>



<p>The team focused on ichneumonid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-parasitic-wasps-quietly-crossed-oceans-now-thriving-in-u-s-oak-trees/">wasps</a> - one of the most diverse animal groups on the planet - and, within it, the subfamily Pimplinae.</p>



<p>These wasps don’t just buzz around flowers. They regulate other species by parasitizing the immature stages of insects and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-with-spiders-brain-suggests-arachnids-originated-in-the-sea/">spiders</a>, linking them tightly to the health of entire food webs.</p>



<p>“Ichneumonids are a very poorly known taxon in Africa - we estimate that over half of the species we found are new to science,” said doctoral researcher Emil Österman. </p>



<p>With so little baseline knowledge for tropical ichneumonids, the team used long-term, standardized sampling to see how Pimplinae diversity is distributed across Kibale’s different habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wasps-link-species-and-ecosystems">Wasps link species and ecosystems</h2>



<p>Because parasitoid wasps sit high in food webs, they are sensitive to disruptions below them. If the insects and spiders they rely on decline, parasitoids tend to follow. </p>



<p>That sensitivity makes Pimplinae useful indicators: shifts in their richness and abundance often mirror broader changes in biodiversity. The new work confirms what many ecologists have suspected but struggled to quantify in tropical Africa. </p>



<p>“Many of our finds weren't unexpected, but we didn't have data based on long-term collecting in the field," said Tapani Hopkins, a researcher with the Biodiversity Unit. </p>



<p>"Now we can tell in greater detail how many more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-owl-species-discovered-in-africa/">species</a> there are in natural forest, and to what extent disturbed or logged tropical forest can harbor species.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farmland-cannot-match-forest-life">Farmland cannot match forest life</h2>



<p>The headline result is encouraging for conservation: intact forest in Kibale harbors especially rich Pimplinae communities. Secondary forest that is regrowing after logging also supports far more species than adjacent farmland.</p>



<p>In other words, protecting remaining forest is essential, and letting disturbed forest recover pays real biodiversity dividends.</p>



<p>“Our results clearly show that African forest, including forest that is recovering from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforests-replanted-seedlings-after-logging-do-not-recover-well/">logging</a>, maintains a species-rich Pimplinae fauna compared to, say, nearby farmland," Österman said. "Species-rich habitats can be considered especially valuable in conserving unknown dark biodiversity.” </p>



<p>That matters for policy and on-the-ground management. If you want to safeguard the most unknown species, prioritize forests - and don’t write off recovering stands. They’re already doing important work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-forests-store-hidden-diversity">Global forests store hidden diversity</h2>



<p>The team also asked a bigger biogeographic question: how does African tropical diversity stack up against the New World? </p>



<p>Drawing on their parallel long-term collections in western Amazonia and Brazil’s coastal forests, the researchers found hints that South American rainforests may host even higher Pimplinae richness than Africa. However, African forests still harbor a rich fauna.</p>



<p>“Conserving dark taxa effectively requires a detailed knowledge of how biodiversity is distributed, both locally and at a global scale,” said Professor Ilari E. Sääksjärvi, who leads the Biodiversity Unit.</p>



<p>The comparison underscores a simple lesson: tropical forests on multiple continents are irreplaceable reservoirs of poorly known life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-biodiversity-loss-accelerates">Forest biodiversity loss accelerates</h2>



<p>Parasitoid wasps are only one window into dark biodiversity. But they tell a familiar story: clearing or simplifying forests causes losses to ripple upward. Protecting or allowing forests to recover lets complex communities rebound - including species we haven’t named yet.</p>



<p>The Kibale study shows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-leaks-conservation-efforts-may-shift-harm-elsewhere/">conservation</a> can succeed despite limited taxonomy: protect habitats that concentrate hidden diversity. It also highlights the value of patient, long-term fieldwork in places where biodiversity is vanishing fastest.</p>



<p>“We will continue our field studies at different tropical forest sites, because that is where biodiversity is disappearing especially quickly. It is a fight against time. When a rainforest is destroyed, we lose countless species which we know nothing about,” Sääksjärvi concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/icad.70017" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Insect Conservation and Diversity</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Wasps shine a light on 'dark biodiversity' in rainforests

In Uganda’s Kibale National Park, scientists have spent years doing the slow, unglamorous work of catching tiny wasps. The payoff is big: a clearer map of “dark biodiversity” - the vast share of species that are poorly known or not yet described - and practical clues for how to protect it before it disappears. Most of Earth’s species have never been formally documented, making them easy to overlook in conservation plans. Biologists call these overlooked lineages “dark taxa.” They are especially abundant in tropical forests, where species,...

Cancer,Cell,Infecting,Healthy,Tissue,,Cancer,Cell,And,T-cell,Attack

<p>Recent research has brought to light significant concerns regarding the interaction between micro- and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-linked-to-risk-of-stroke-and-heart-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoplastic particles</a> (MNPs) and cancer cells within the human gastrointestinal tract. </p>



<p>Spearheaded by <a href="https://www.cbmed.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBmed GmbH in Graz</a>, and involving collaborations with the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>, the <a href="https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical University of Vienna</a>, and several other entities, the study provides crucial insights into the persistence and potential hazards of MNPs.</p>



<p>Published in <em>Chemospheres</em>, this research delineates the behaviors of these tiny pollutants in the human body, revealing information critical to understanding their health effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifecycle-of-mnps-in-the-human-body">Lifecycle of MNPs in the human body</h2>



<p>Recognized as a primary depot for MNPs, the human gastrointestinal tract receives a significant weekly dose of these particles, akin to the weight of a credit card. </p>



<p>This investigation discovered that MNPs outstay their anticipated duration within cellular structures, enduring through successive cell divisions.</p>



<p>This phenomenon results in a deeper integration of these particles into human biological systems, raising substantial health concerns. In particular is the role of MNPs in facilitating cancer cell migration and possibly expediting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tumor metastasis</a>.</p>



<p>This pivotal finding necessitates further research to elucidate the intricate dynamics between MNPs and cancer progression fully.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mnps-and-the-proliferation-of-cancer-cells">MNPs and the proliferation of cancer cells</h2>



<p>Under the leadership of Verena Pichler and Lukas Kenner, the research team embarked on an exhaustive examination of MNPs’ interactions with colon cancer cells. Their findings reveal the incorporation of MNPs into lysosomes -- cellular components tasked with waste decomposition.</p>



<p>Unlike organic detritus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MNPs</a> resist disintegration due to their inorganic nature, highlighting a stark contrast in cellular processing mechanisms. This indigestibility suggests MNPs' indefinite residency within the human body, with implications for cellular inheritance during division.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the study underscores a concerning correlation between the diminutive size of nanoparticles and their enhanced capacity to promote cancer cell migration, suggesting a proportionate increase in risk with decreasing particle size.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-responding-to-the-mnp-challenge">Responding to the MNP challenge</h2>



<p>The revelations brought forth by Pichler and Kenner underline the gravity of MNP contamination in our environment and its relentless imposition on human health. </p>



<p>This investigation aligns with preceding studies that hint at MNPs' ability to modify cell behavior and advance disease and flags critical areas for future inquiry, particularly concerning their long-term health impacts.</p>



<p>Given that MNPs meet significant criteria for concern under the EU Chemicals Regulation ("REACH"), the imperative for continued and comprehensive research is clear. Kenner's caution regarding the potential for chronic toxicity emphasizes the urgency of these efforts.</p>



<p>In summary, this study signals an urgent call to both the scientific community and policymakers to delve deeper into the implications of micro- and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-are-rapidly-escalating-the-threat-of-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoplastic</a> contamination.</p>



<p>As we amass further evidence of their detrimental effects, the necessity for a concerted response to mitigate plastic pollution and safeguard human health becomes ever more pressing.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653524003564?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chemosphere</a></em>.</p>



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Micro- and nanoplastics, MNPs, proven to help cancer cells spread

Recent research has brought to light significant concerns regarding the...

<p>Ever wonder what your dog's trying to tell you? Those barks, whines, and tail wags might be more than just cute quirks. A fascinating study by the <a href="https://vetmed.tamu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences</a> sheds new light on dog communication, helping us interpret the meaning behind different vocalizations.</p>



<p>"Deciphering what dogs are trying to communicate with a particular vocalization depends on the tone of their communication, their body language, environmental factors, health, level of comfort, and emotion, such as stress, fear, or hunger," explained Harmony Diers, a manager for the Dog Aging Project.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spectrum-of-barking-in-dog-language">Spectrum of barking in dog language</h2>



<p>Dogs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dogs-communicate-with-us-is-impacted-by-their-facial-markings/">communicate</a> a lot through barking. The pitch, how often they bark, and what else they do with their body can indicate what your dog is feeling.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-pitched-excitement">High-pitched: Excitement</h3>



<p>A high-pitched bark often means your dog is excited about something fun, like going for a walk or seeing a friend. You can usually tell this kind of bark because your dog will also be wagging their tail and jumping around.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-repetitive-boredom-or-seeking-attention">Repetitive: Boredom or seeking attention</h3>



<p>If your dog barks the same way over and over, they might be bored or lonely. Dogs who don't get enough toys, playtime, or exercise may bark this way to get your attention. Try giving your dog more things to play with or taking them for longer walks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharp-alert-or-warning">Sharp: Alert or warning</h3>



<p>Sharp, loud barks are how dogs warn you about something strange or scary. This could be someone they don't know coming to your house, another animal outside, or a loud noise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This type of barking is a warning that your dog is on high alert. By watching what makes your dog bark this way, you can learn what they see as a threat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-playfulness">Short: Playfulness</h3>



<p>A short bark can mean your dog wants to play or is giving a gentle warning. Playful barks often come from a dog with a relaxed body, showing they want to have fun. But a short bark can also be a way for a dog to say "leave me alone" without getting aggressive.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-pitched-frequent-bark-anxiety">High-pitched, frequent Bark: Anxiety</h3>



<p>If your dog barks high-pitched and often, they might be anxious or scared. Dogs bark this way when they are feeling stressed, worried, or afraid. There are many reasons a dog might feel anxious, like being left alone, loud noises, or new places.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Anxious barking often comes with other signs of stress, like pacing, whining, or acting nervous. If your dog barks this way a lot and you don't know why, take them to the vet or a dog trainer.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whining-and-sighing-in-dog-communication-nbsp">Whining and sighing in dog communication&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dogs whine and sigh to communicate their needs. Whining can mean they want attention, playtime, or to go outside. It can also signal anxiety, stress, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-body-positions-that-indicate-your-dog-is-in-pain/">pain</a>. A persistent whine, especially if new, might mean your dog is sick and needs a vet visit.</p>



<p>Dog sighs also have different meanings. A long sigh while being petted means your dog is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/typical-american-dog-knows-18-words-and-love-is-at-the-top-of-the-list/">happy</a> and relaxed. But groans can also mean they are frustrated, like when their meal is late or playtime ends.</p>



<p>While whining and sighing are usually normal, they can sometimes be signs of health problems. If your dog whines or groans a lot, especially if it seems unusual or they have other symptoms like limping or not eating, it's important to see a doctor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-howling-as-a-form-of-dog-communication">Howling as a form of dog communication</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-some-dogs-howl-but-others-dont/">Howling</a> is an ancient way for dogs to communicate, just like their wolf ancestors. Dogs howl to talk to each other over long distances, to let others know where they are, and to claim territory.</p>



<p>"Howling can be a response to external sounds - such as sirens, music, or other dogs' barking - or used when claiming territory, communicating to a pack or family members, or alleviating feelings of isolation," explained Diers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At home, your dog's pack includes you and any other pets. They might howl to tell you they are there, to show how they feel, or to get your attention if they need something. Howling helps dogs communicate and stay close to their pack.</p>



<p>Some dogs even howl along with people. This is a way for them to bond with you and enjoy spending time together. It's not just about their wild instincts, it shows how much they love being part of your family and sharing experiences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warning-growls-in-dog-communication">Warning growls in dog communication</h2>



<p>Growling is a nuanced vocalization that dogs use to communicate discomfort, fear, or a warning. It's crucial not to punish a dog for growling. It's their way of expressing that they are not okay with the current situation. Recognizing and respecting a growl can prevent escalations and allow for a peaceful resolution.</p>



<p>There are different types of growls that can offer clues to your dog's specific emotions:</p>



<ul>
<li>Defensive: Often accompanied by a defensive posture, including showing teeth or a stiffened body, signaling the dog feels threatened and is asking for space.</li>



<li>Fearful: This growl may occur when a dog is scared. Their body might be lowered, and the tail tucked, indicating a desire to avoid confrontation.</li>



<li>Playful: It's important to note that dogs may growl during play, which is normal and should be distinguished from growls of discomfort or warning. These growls are usually lower in pitch and accompanied by playful body language.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-s-body-language">Dog’s body language</h2>



<p>Dogs also use their bodies to talk to us. By watching their posture, tails, and faces, we can learn how they're feeling.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tail-wagging">Tail wagging</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-explores-the-mystery-of-why-dogs-wag-their-tails/">tail wag</a> is a classic canine expression, but it's important to remember that not all wags are created equal. Here's how to decipher the tail wags:</p>



<ul>
<li>Happy and playful: A loose, relaxed wagging tail paired with floppy ears and a happy face is a sure sign your dog is feeling excited and playful. They're likely up for some fun and interaction.</li>



<li>Nervous or upset: A stiff wag held high or a very fast wagging tail can indicate arousal, anxiety, or even aggression. Be sure to observe the context and other body language cues to understand the full message.</li>



<li>Scared or uncomfortable: A tail tucked between the legs is a universal sign of fear, submission, or discomfort. Your dog is not feeling confident and may need some reassurance or space.</li>
</ul>



<p>"A barking dog with a wagging tail and relaxed ears and face may be happy and barking from excitement, while a barking dog that is standing stiff with ears at attention may indicate they feel threatened," explained Diers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-posture">Body posture</h2>



<p>A dog's overall posture can provide valuable additional context to their emotional state. Look for these clues:</p>



<ul>
<li>Content and relaxed: A relaxed posture with a soft, open facial expression generally means your dog is content and comfortable. They're happy to be around you and feel at ease.</li>



<li>Threatened or defensive: Conversely, a stiff, still body with alert ears and narrowed eyes could indicate a dog feels threatened or is preparing to defend themselves. This is a sign to proceed with caution and avoid confrontation.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-to-better-dog-communication">The path to better dog communication</h2>



<p>Being able to interpret what your dog is trying to communicate opens doors to a stronger connection. You'll be able to provide better care based on their emotional needs. Training becomes more effective and positive when you consider your dog's perspective.</p>



<p>Understanding dog communication is also beneficial for vets, shelters, and public safety. Vets can diagnose and treat behavioral problems, while shelters can create calmer environments for dogs. Furthermore, this may help people recognize signs of aggression in unfamiliar dogs.</p>



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



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Dog communication: What is your pet trying to tell you?

Ever wonder what your dog's trying to tell you? Those...

<p>A team of chemists from the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) has designed a breakthrough method for the detection of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The experts constructed a sensor capable of identifying these hazardous chemicals in water at remarkably low concentrations. </p>



<p>Since PFAS - widely used in consumer products such as food packaging, nonstick cookware, and water-repellent clothing - are notorious for their persistence in the environment, they are widely known as "forever chemicals." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-forever-chemicals-m-water">Health risks of forever chemicals m water</h2>



<p>The health implications of PFAS exposure are severe, with studies linking them to a range of adverse effects including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/">cancer</a>, reproductive issues, and disruptions to the immune and endocrine systems.</p>



<p>The innovative sensor developed by the MIT team is designed to detect PFAS levels down to 200 parts per trillion in water samples, representing a significant advancement in our ability to monitor these compounds. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-harmful-pfas">Detecting harmful PFAS</h2>



<p>This device not only has the potential to empower consumers to test their own drinking water but also holds promise for industries that utilize PFAS in their manufacturing processes, such as semiconductor production and firefighting equipment fabrication.</p>



<p>“There’s a real need for these sensing technologies. We’re stuck with these chemicals for a long time, so we need to be able to detect them and get rid of them,” said senior author Timothy Swager, the John D. MacArthur Professor of Chemistry at MIT.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research team, including former MIT postdoc Sohyun Park and graduate student Collette Gordon, has demonstrated a profound understanding of the urgency and necessity of such innovations in the face of enduring PFAS <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/">contamination</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-chemical-contamination-in-drinking-water-nationwide">PFAS chemical contamination in drinking water nationwide</h2>



<p>PFAS chemicals, given their extensive application across a myriad of consumer goods, from stain-resistant fabrics to cosmetics and firefighting foams, have been a staple of industrial use since the 1950s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, their environmental and health impacts have only come to light in recent decades, revealing contamination in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-reveals-new-evidence-of-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/">drinking water</a> sources nationwide. In response, the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) established "advisory health limits" for two of the most hazardous PFAS compounds in 2023, aiming to set a benchmark for safe water consumption levels.</p>



<p>Traditionally, assessing PFAS contamination in water has been a laborious and expensive process, requiring specialized laboratory equipment and weeks of waiting for results. Addressing this challenge, the MIT sensor utilizes lateral flow technology, akin to that of rapid Covid-19 tests, offering a faster, more cost-effective solution. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-sensor-works">How the sensor works</h2>



<p>The novel sensor embeds polyaniline, a polymer that transitions between semiconducting and conducting states, onto a nitrocellulose paper strip. </p>



<p>When exposed to PFAS, the sensor harnesses a surfactant to extract the compounds from the water, leading to a measurable change in the polymer's electrical resistance, which can be quantified and relayed to an external device such as a smartphone.</p>



<p>The sensor specifically targets acidic PFAS compounds, including PFOA and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), marking a significant step toward comprehensive PFAS detection. While the current sensitivity levels of the sensor do not yet meet the stringent EPA guidelines, the research team is optimistic. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-detection-system">Revolutionary detection system</h2>



<p>By scaling up the technology to process larger water volumes through a polyaniline membrane, they anticipate achieving the sensitivity required to detect even lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-dolphins-suffer-from-the-highest-known-levels-of-pfas/">concentrations</a> of PFAS, aligning with EPA advisories.</p>



<p>“We do envision a user-friendly, household system,” Swager explained. “You can imagine putting in a liter of water, letting it go through the membrane, and you have a device that measures the change in resistance of the membrane.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such a system would not only revolutionize PFAS detection for consumers, enabling them to take immediate action if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/">contaminants</a> are present, but also assist manufacturers in ensuring the environmental safety of their wastewater.</p>



<p>This breakthrough in PFAS detection technology signifies a critical advancement in our ongoing battle against forever chemicals. By providing a practical, efficient means of monitoring these pervasive contaminants, the team’s work offers hope for mitigating the extensive health and environmental risks posed by PFAS. </p>



<p>As the technology continues to develop, it promises to play a crucial role in our collective efforts to understand, manage, and ultimately reduce PFAS contamination in our environment.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2317300121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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New sensor can detect 'forever chemicals' in drinking water

A team of chemists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology...

<p>The consequences of the diminishing Arctic sea ice, particularly its effects on the daily weather patterns across the United States, are now more clear thanks to a new study from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a>. </p>



<p>As the planet warms, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shrinkage of Arctic sea ice</a> presents a complex challenge, affecting not only global climate systems but also the intricate dynamics of local weather patterns.</p>



<p>Utilizing advanced climate models paired with innovative machine learning techniques, the research team has shed light on how the loss of sea ice could alter large-scale meteorological patterns over North America. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-s-role-in-cold-weather-events-in-the-u-s">Arctic's role in cold weather events in the U.S.</h2>



<p>Published in the <em>Journal of Climate</em>, their findings suggest a significant change in weather phenomena, specifically a reduction in the intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-amplification-is-destabilizing-the-delicate-balance-of-the-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cold weather events</a>. This implies that as sea ice continues to recede, events typically characterized by severe cold may become less extreme.</p>



<p>Melissa Gervais, an assistant professor in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State and the lead author of the study, emphasizes the crucial role of the Arctic in supplying cold air during these events. </p>



<p>“The Arctic in general is the source of cold air for us when we have these really cold events,” Gervais explained. “As warming continues, we know that the Arctic is going to be less cold. What this work shows us is that the loss of sea ice also changes weather patterns that bring cold air to the middle latitudes. So, warming both depletes your source of cold air and makes it harder to transport.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blanket-effect-understanding-sea-ice">The blanket effect: Understanding sea ice</h2>



<p>The function of sea ice as a thermal barrier is pivotal, insulating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer ocean waters</a> and preventing heat loss to the atmosphere. The disappearance of this natural insulator allows for the increased transfer of heat from the ocean into the atmosphere, creating low-pressure systems over the areas previously covered by ice. </p>



<p>This shift results in a diminished movement of cold Arctic air to other regions, further illustrating the interconnectedness of Earth's climate systems. The phenomenon known as Arctic amplification, where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-could-speed-up-global-2c-temperature-rise-by-eight-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic warms</a> more rapidly than other parts of the globe, plays a significant role in these changes. </p>



<p>“Our research allowed us to dig a little bit deeper into what is going on,” Gervais said. “We were able to see that in addition to the impact of Arctic amplification, there also is an impact on the actual circulation or flow in the atmosphere.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-amplification-and-u-s-weather-patterns">Arctic amplification and U.S. weather patterns</h2>



<p>This study delves deeper into the mechanisms behind this process, exploring how it influences atmospheric circulation and weather patterns. </p>



<p>Gervais noted the importance of their methodology in uncovering these insights, stating, "Without using this machine learning method, we would not have been able to really robustly understand the processes involved."</p>



<p>The research utilized climate models to compare weather patterns under two different scenarios: one reflecting sea ice levels from the 1980s and 1990s, and another based on projected reductions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-rivers-undergoing-dramatic-change-thawing-permafrost-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> by the century's end. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-impact-with-ai-machine-learning-models">Exploring the impact with AI machine learning models</h2>



<p>Through the application of self-organizing maps, a form of machine learning, the team was able to classify and analyze patterns of daily weather in the troposphere, where most weather occurs.</p>



<p>Their findings revealed a noteworthy shift in weather patterns, particularly those associated with cold weather anomalies over North America. </p>



<p>Under current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/less-ice-and-more-sunlight-may-drastically-alter-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice conditions</a>, these patterns can produce strong cold anomalies with temperatures around 29 degrees Fahrenheit. However, with reduced sea ice, not only do these anomalies diminish, but the pattern can also transform into one that brings warmer temperatures to the surface.</p>



<p>This study highlights the intricate and far-reaching impacts of Arctic sea ice loss on global weather patterns. As Gervais succinctly put it, the reduction of sea ice not only alters the source of cold air but also the atmospheric dynamics that transport this air, leading to warmer weather patterns in areas previously prone to cold anomalies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-weather-impact-from-melting-arctic-sea-ice">Global weather impact from melting Arctic sea ice</h2>



<p>In summary, this Penn State-led study illuminates the profound effects that the loss of Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-rivers-could-unleash-carbon-equal-to-millions-of-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> has on weather patterns across the middle latitudes, including the United States. </p>



<p>By leveraging advanced climate models and machine learning techniques, researchers have uncovered that the diminishing sea ice weakens the source of cold air during severe weather events and disrupts the atmospheric dynamics responsible for transporting this cold air. </p>



<p>This research underscores the intricate link between the Arctic's health and our global climate system, highlighting the urgent need for continued study and action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. </p>



<p>As the Arctic continues to warm, understanding these complex mechanisms becomes critical in predicting and preparing for the changing patterns of our future weather.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/37/3/JCLI-D-23-0389.1.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Climate</a></em>.</p>



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AI discovers how Arctic warming influences U.S. weather patterns

The consequences of the diminishing Arctic sea ice, particularly its...

<p>The serene buzz of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-periodical-cicadas-eat-when-theyre-above-ground/">cicadas</a> often heralds the arrival of summer, yet it's their unique method of urination, rather than their iconic sound, that has piqued the interest of researchers at <a href="https://www.gatech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia Institute of Technology</a>. </p>



<p>Unlike the typical droplets excreted by many insects, cicadas expel powerful jets of urine. This phenomenon has intrigued study senior author Professor Saad Bhamla and his team for its uncommon fluid dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-cicada-urination-nbsp">Observing cicada urination&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the prevalence of cicadas and their unmistakable chorus, observing them in action is challenging due to their penchant for remaining hidden within the foliage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team's breakthrough came during fieldwork in Peru, where they observed numerous cicadas engaging in their distinctive urination process directly, a rarity that had previously been limited to online video observations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jetting-urine-for-nutrient-extraction-nbsp">Jetting urine for nutrient extraction&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This direct observation debunked two longstanding beliefs about insect urination. Traditionally, it was thought that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-play-important-roles-in-ecosystems/">insects</a> feeding on xylem sap, such as cicadas, would naturally excrete in droplets to conserve energy, as xylem sap is not nutrient-rich.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cicadas, however, consume sap so voraciously that jetting urine becomes a more efficient method for nutrient extraction.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-on-insect-urination-nbsp">New insights on insect urination&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"The assumption was that if an insect transitions from droplet formation into a jet, it will require more energy because the insect would have to inject more speed," said study lead author Elio Challita, a former Ph.D. student in Bhamla's lab and now a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/">Harvard University</a>.</p>



<p>“Previously, it was understood that if a small animal wants to eject jets of water, then this becomes a bit challenging, because the animal expends more energy to force the fluid’s exit at a higher speed. This is due to surface tension and viscous forces. But a larger animal can rely on gravity and inertial forces to pee," explained Challita.</p>



<p>However, the recent cicada study challenges the notion that smaller animals are constrained to droplet urination due to the size of their orifices, which would supposedly make jetting biologically expensive.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-understanding-of-fluid-dynamics-nbsp">Broader understanding of fluid dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Cicadas, with their relatively large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-size-shaped-by-predators-and-temperature/">size</a> compared to other insects, leverage their physical dimensions to minimize energy expenditure while expelling urine in jets.</p>



<p>This insight into cicada urination provides a broader understanding of fluid dynamics across the animal kingdom, from minuscule insects to large mammals. Professor Bhamla's group has extensively studied fluid ejection in various species, uncovering applications ranging from soft robotics to drug delivery, based on the mechanics of fluid expulsion observed in nature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-cicada-urination-nbsp">Implications of cicada urination&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Cicadas, being among the smallest creatures capable of generating high-speed fluid jets, offer a model for developing efficient jet mechanisms in microscale applications like robotics and spray nozzles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, with cicada populations reaching into the trillions, the ecological ramifications of their urination habits remain a largely unexplored area with potential implications for bio-monitoring and environmental science.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excretory-patterns-of-animals">Excretory patterns of animals</h2>



<p>The research transcends mere academic curiosity, providing a window into the excretory patterns of life forms as varied as cicadas and elephants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our research has mapped the excretory patterns of animals, spanning eight orders of scale from tiny cicadas to massive elephants," said Bhamla.</p>



<p>"We've identified the fundamental constraints and forces that dictate these processes, offering a new lens through which to understand the principles of excretion, a critical function of all living systems."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This work not only deepens our comprehension of biological functions but also paves the way for unifying the underlying principles that govern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-life-has-inhabited-earth-since-the-very-first-cell-scientists-found-out/">life</a>’s essential processes."</p>



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Cicada urination defies what scientists thought was possible

The serene buzz of cicadas often heralds the arrival of...

NGC 5468 (Webb NIRCam + Hubble WFC3)

<p>The enigmatic nature of our universe presents numerous puzzles, none more perplexing than the "Hubble Tension" -- a discrepancy in the universe's expansion rate. </p>



<p>Scientists have long grappled with this issue, which pits the anticipated expansion rate, based on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-lighthouses-emanated-earliest-starlight-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early universe</a> conditions and our current understanding, against higher rates observed through modern telescopes. This discord hints at either a gap in our knowledge of physics or possible measurement inaccuracies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-vs-planck-a-cosmic-discrepancy">Hubble vs. Planck: A cosmic discrepancy</h2>



<p>NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>, a veteran observer of the cosmos for three decades, has been instrumental in measuring the universe's expansion. However, its findings consistently clash with predictions derived from data collected by the European Space Agency's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Planck" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planck mission</a>, which examines the universe's earliest light. </p>



<p>This discrepancy raises a fundamental question: Are we on the brink of new physics, or are we simply dealing with errors in our measurements?</p>



<p>The collaboration between Hubble and NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> has brought us closer to answering this question. By combining their capabilities, these observatories have sharpened our view of the universe's expansion rate, suggesting that the anomaly might not stem from measurement errors. </p>



<p>"With measurement errors negated, what remains is the real and exciting possibility we have misunderstood the universe," stated Adam Riess, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>, who played a key role in discovering the acceleration of the universe's expansion due to "dark energy."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-dive-into-the-universe-s-expansion">Deep dive into the universe's expansion</h2>



<p>An initial crosscheck by Webb in 2023 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expansion-rate-of-the-universe-confirmed-by-jwst/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">confirmed the accuracy</a> of Hubble's observations, challenging the notion that unseen errors could account for the Hubble Tension. </p>



<p>This was particularly significant in the study of Cepheid variable stars, essential cosmic benchmarks for measuring distances in the universe. </p>



<p>The SH0ES (Supernova H0 for the Equation of State of Dark Energy) team, led by Riess, utilized Webb to observe these stars across the same range as Hubble, effectively ruling out measurement error as the cause of the discrepancy with high confidence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-and-james-webb-s-joint-venture">Hubble and James Webb's joint venture</h2>



<p>This endeavor highlighted the strengths of both telescopes. Hubble's long-term observations have been crucial in establishing the "cosmic distance ladder," a series of methods for measuring distances in the universe. </p>



<p>However, as we look further into space, the task becomes more complex due to factors like stellar crowding and intervening dust, which can blur the signals from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-from-stars-can-be-used-to-measure-distances-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant stars</a>. </p>



<p>Here, Webb's superior infrared vision comes into play, slicing through the dust and clearly distinguishing individual Cepheids even in crowded star fields. </p>



<p>"Combining Webb and Hubble gives us the best of both worlds," Riess explained, ensuring the reliability of our measurements as we delve deeper into the cosmos.</p>



<p>The new observations have expanded our reach to galaxies as distant as NGC 5468, located <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Cepheid-variable_star-P42_galaxy-NGC-5468_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">130 million light-years away</a>, encompassing the full range previously measured by Hubble. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-from-nancy-grace-roman-to-euclid">Next steps: From Nancy Grace Roman to Euclid</h2>



<p>This milestone reinforces the fidelity of our cosmic measurements and sets the stage for future explorations by observatories like NASA's upcoming <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/roman-space-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope</a> and ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> observatory. These missions aim to further study dark energy and its role in the universe's expansion.</p>



<p>As it stands, the cosmic distance ladder, meticulously calibrated by Hubble and Webb, anchors one end of our understanding at a point in the observable universe. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, Planck's measurements from the universe's infancy hold the other end. Bridging the vast temporal gap between these two points remains an uncharted journey.</p>



<p>"We need to find out if we are missing something on how to connect the beginning of the universe and the present day," Riess concluded, emphasizing the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic expansion</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quest-to-understand-the-expansion-of-our-universe-continues">Quest to understand the expansion of our universe continues</h2>



<p>In summary, the collaborative efforts of NASA's Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes have brought us closer to understanding the elusive Hubble Tension, challenging long-held assumptions about the universe's expansion rate. </p>



<p>By meticulously confirming the accuracy of cosmic measurements and ruling out errors with high confidence, these observations open the door to the tantalizing possibility that our understanding of the cosmos might require a fundamental revision. </p>



<p>As we stand on the brink of new discoveries, with future missions poised to explore the influence of dark energy further, the quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe continues, promising to reshape our comprehension of the cosmos from its earliest moments to the present day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-cepheid-variable-stars">More about Cepheid variable stars</h2>



<p>As mentioned above, Cepheid variable stars stand as cosmic lighthouses in the vast expanse of the universe, guiding astronomers in their quest to decipher the vast distances that separate celestial bodies. </p>



<p>These pulsating stars, named after the prototype star Delta Cephei in the constellation Cepheus, are not only fascinating in their own right but also serve as one of the most reliable tools for measuring cosmic distances. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-cepheid-variables">Understanding Cepheid variables</h3>



<p>Cepheid variable stars are a type of variable star that exhibits a regular pattern of brightness changes over time. This pulsation is due to a cycle of expansion and contraction within the star's outer layers, driven by changes in the opacity of ionized helium. </p>



<p>The remarkable aspect of Cepheids is the direct correlation between their pulsation periods and intrinsic luminosity. In simpler terms, the longer a Cepheid star's pulsation period, the brighter it is. </p>



<p>This relationship, known as the period-luminosity relation, was discovered by American astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt in 1912 and has since been a cornerstone in the field of astrophysics.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-universe-with-cepheids">Measuring the universe with Cepheids</h3>



<p>Cepheid variable stars act as one of the primary rungs on the cosmic distance ladder, a method used by astronomers to measure the distances of celestial objects. By observing the pulsation period of a Cepheid star, astronomers can determine its true luminosity. </p>



<p>Comparing this intrinsic brightness to how bright the star appears from Earth allows them to calculate the distance to the star with remarkable accuracy. </p>



<p>This technique has enabled astronomers to measure distances to nearby galaxies, refine the scale of the universe, and contribute significantly to resolving the Hubble Tension.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-expansion-secrets-of-the-universe">Unlocking expansion secrets of the universe</h3>



<p>The role of Cepheid variable stars extends beyond mere distance measurement. They have been instrumental in determining the Hubble constant, the rate at which the universe is expanding. </p>



<p>By measuring the distances to galaxies using Cepheids and comparing these distances to the galaxies' redshifts (a measure of how fast they are moving away from us), astronomers can calculate the expansion rate of the universe. </p>



<p>This research has profound implications for our understanding of the universe's age, size, and ultimate fate.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cepheid-variables-and-future-explorations">Cepheid variables and future explorations</h3>



<p>As technology advances, so too does our ability to observe and study Cepheid variable stars with greater precision. Observations like with Webb and Hubble, as discussed previously in this article, are crucial for testing and refining our models of the universe, ensuring that with each pulsation of these cosmic beacons, we edge closer to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.</p>



<p>In the grand tapestry of the universe, Cepheid variable stars shine as indispensable guides, helping astronomers navigate the vast distances between the stars. </p>



<p>Their pulsations, like the steady beat of a cosmic drum, mark the rhythm of our quest for knowledge, echoing through the ages as we seek to understand the vast universe we call home.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad1ddd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a></em>.</p>



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Universe's expansion rate continues to puzzle astronomers

The enigmatic nature of our universe presents numerous puzzles, none...

<p>Remember those cherished beach trips from your childhood? Those memories may be underwater by 2050 if we don't take action on climate change. Researchers from the <a href="https://nationalsecurity.vt.edu/">Virginia Tech National Security Institute</a> have released a study with a stark warning: sea levels could rise by a whole foot, swallowing up our beaches. </p>



<p>To make matters worse, some coasts are actually sinking on their own. Unfortunately, this sinking of land, called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-sinking-cities-land-subsidence-on-the-east-coast/">subsidence</a>, isn't always considered in planning for our cities and coasts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-sinking-cities">Climate change and sinking cities</h2>



<p>Our warming planet is greatly contributing to the rising sea levels. Melting ice caps and glaciers add more water to the oceans, pushing sea levels up. On top of that, as the oceans get warmer, the water itself expands, making sea levels rise even further.</p>



<p>The recent study has painted a concerning picture for many U.S. coastal cities. By 2050, these cities could lose an extra chunk of land the size of Los Angeles or Chicago due to flooding on top of rising sea levels in 32 major coastal cities.</p>



<p>In these cities, the ground is sinking at the same time the ocean is rising, squeezing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/burdens-of-climate-change-sea-level-rise-and-the-risk-of-isolation/">coastal communities</a> from both sides. This is projected to affect up to 273,000 people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-impacts-across-country">Varying impacts across country</h2>



<p>The impact of sea level rise and land subsidence varies across the country:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atlantic-coast">Atlantic Coast</h3>



<p>Eleven cities here could see between 773 and 951 km² of additional land flooded, impacting up to 263,000 people and 163,000 properties. Miami, with its average elevation of less than 2 meters above sea level, is particularly at risk.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gulf-coast">Gulf Coast</h3>



<p>This region could face between 528 and 826 km² of new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/100-year-floods-will-likely-be-annual-events-by-the-end-of-the-century/">flooding</a> areas, affecting between 110,000 and 225,000 people and up to 109,000 properties. Cities like New Orleans already grapple with high-tide flooding due to below-sea-level areas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-coast-nbsp">Pacific Coast&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Cities here are comparatively better off, with a projected increase in flooded areas of just 20 to 40 km², affecting 6,000 to 30,000 people and 3,000 to 15,000 properties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-disparities-and-sinking-cities">Economic disparities and sinking cities</h2>



<p>Climate change and the resulting sea level rise do not affect all communities equally. People who have less money and haven't had a fair shot in life are often stuck in areas more likely to be flooded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It's not just bad luck, either. Past unfair housing practices pushed these communities into riskier zones. These families can't necessarily bounce back from disasters like wealthier folks can.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Deprived communities need a helping hand, not just to fix the immediate damage, but to build a future where they will be safe. This is about fairness and making sure everyone has a chance to weather the storm, literally and figuratively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-adaptation-to-prevent-sinking-cities">Sustainable adaptation to prevent sinking cities</h2>



<p>The experts propose working with nature, restoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-wetlands-are-inching-closer-to-extinction-as-the-world-heats-up/">wetlands</a> and oyster reefs that act like natural shields against rising seas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Ecosystems act as natural buffers against storm surges and help in sediment accumulation, which can mitigate the effects of land subsidence," said study lead author Leonard Ohenhen from Virginia Tech. These green guardians not only absorb storm surges but also become havens for wildlife, making our coasts healthier places.</p>



<p>The plan goes beyond just waves, though. The experts acknowledge that human actions like draining groundwater can make coasts sink lower. By being smarter about how much water we use and how we develop land, we can prevent this from happening.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The key is planning our cities carefully. This means building on higher ground, making sure buildings can withstand floods, and even designing landscapes to channel floodwaters away from homes and businesses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unified-call-for-action">A unified call for action</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-release-more-methane-from-wetlands-than-expected/">Rising seas</a> and sinking land are no longer distant worries, they are imminent threats to our communities. This report is a wake-up call. It's time for leaders, planners, and everyone to join forces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We need to adapt and become more resilient in the face of this changing world. By working together, we can protect the cities we love and the people who live there from the rising tides of tomorrow.</p>



<p>‌The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07038-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Sinking cities on U.S. coast face a double threat as sea levels rise

Remember those cherished beach trips from your childhood? Those memories...

<p>Have you ever felt a pang of guilt for skipping a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/150-minutes-of-exercise-per-week-reduces-liver-fat/">workout</a> because you didn't want to break your fitness app streak? New research reveals the surprising psychology behind streaks, and why they can be help or hurt motivation at the same time.</p>



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



<p>Two researchers, Jackie Silverman and Alixandra Barasch, were at a brewery when something sparked their curiosity. Dr. Silverman's husband casually stopped using a craft beer tracking app he used regularly. This seemingly ordinary event made them wonder why streaks seem to matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We were kind of giving him a hard time," said Dr.  Silverman, assistant professor of marketing at the <a href="https://www.udel.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delaware</a>. “But he explained it didn't seem that important anymore because he'd forgotten to track it the week before." </p>



<p>"Alix and I being consumer psychologists were like, 'Well, that's weird. Why did your utility change just because you missed one?'&nbsp;</p>



<p>And so that started us down this rabbit hole about thinking about how consumers track what they do … (and how) inevitably ruining that record can have negative effects."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-of-streaks-on-motivation">Influence of streaks on motivation</h2>



<p>Through a series of analyses, the curious researchers found that streaks we've recently achieved can strongly influence how committed we believe we are to our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-to-set-realistic-goals-and-achieve-them-in-2024/">goals</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>People are more likely to think they'll stick to a goal if they've been doing things that support that goal recently, compared to if they haven't. This is especially true for difficult goals that require dedication. Streaks act like a visible sign that someone is serious about their goal.</p>



<p>This explains why apps like Duolingo and Peloton use streaks to keep people engaged. Silverman's research shows that even streaks that aren't entirely real, like those you can "fix" on Duolingo, can still motivate people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disadvantages-of-breaking-a-streak">Disadvantages of breaking a streak</h2>



<p>"On the flip side, what we find is that when people break their streaks, that is especially demotivating, because not only have they missed out on some behavior that they like doing that they're tracking, but they also now have failed in the goal of keeping their streak alive," Dr. Silverman explained.</p>



<p>One reason for this is that people dislike losing things more than they like gaining things. Breaking a streak feels like a loss, because they lose the streak itself and the feeling of progress they had. Streaks can also become a habit, making it easier to stick with a goal. If the streak breaks, it can be hard to get back on track.</p>



<p>Shockingly, apps that use streaks to keep people engaged can sometimes discourage them instead. While these apps can help with motivation at first, reminders about broken streaks can make people feel like they're failing. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-streaks-shape-our-thinking">Streaks shape our thinking</h2>



<p>Streaks also affect our perception. They can make people more confident in their ability to reach a goal. For example, imagine someone who's been sticking to a diet or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-exercise-may-be-the-best-way-to-lose-weight-study-reveals/">exercise</a> plan. They'll likely feel more confident that they can keep it up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This confidence can be helpful for keeping them on track. However, it can also make them think they don't need help from others. For instance, someone who's been eating healthy might not think they need a nutritionist. This overconfidence could hurt their progress in the long run, because external support can be important for lasting change.</p>



<p>Moreover, streaks can influence how we judge others. When someone constantly does something positive, like showing up to work on time or getting good grades, we tend to think they'll keep doing it. This can affect our expectations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, a student who's never missed class might be seen as more likely to keep showing up than a student with the same number of absences spread throughout the semester. This also highlights the importance of past behavior in shaping our expectations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-streaks-for-positive-motivation">Using streaks for positive motivation</h2>



<p>Streaks can be like a buddy cheering you on. They keep you <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nutritional-interventions-can-boost-motivation-in-the-brain/">motivated</a>, but only if you're using them for the right reasons. The key is understanding why you want that streak. Is it just to see a high number, or is it because each day brings you closer to your goals? </p>



<p>Streaks are a great motivational tool for tracking progress and celebrating little wins. App creators can contribute to this as well. Instead of just encouraging people to be glued to their phone, they can use these streaks to help build habits in a healthy way. </p>



<p>Remember, streaks are a tool, just like a hammer. A hammer can build a house, but it can also smash your thumb. Use them wisely, and they'll help you reach your goals in no time.</p>



<p>The researchers investigated the power of streaks on goal pursuit in a pair of studies published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2023.104281" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes</em></a> and the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jcr/ucac029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Consumer Research</em></a>.</p>



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Streaks can be a powerful tool for motivation

Have you ever felt a pang of guilt for skipping...

<p>Amid the myriad of diet trends populating our online landscapes and social media feeds, a flexible approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-nutrition-leads-to-poor-mental-health/">nutrition</a> may be a much better strategy. This is the conclusion of Joyce Patterson, a distinguished dietitian and diabetes care specialist at <a href="https://www.michiganmedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan Medicine</a>.</p>



<p>Patterson points to a balanced dietary approach as the most sustainable choice, according to scientific evidence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misconceptions-related-to-diet-trends">Misconceptions related to diet trends</h2>



<p>“We live in a world full of messages to restrict, eliminate, and fast, and misconceptions related to diet trends are common, such as macronutrient or supplement needs,” says Patterson.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“For example, the war wages on over fats versus carbs, or eggs come in and out of favor every couple of years, and the media and food manufacturers exploit such information to drive what people think about nutrition to increase sales.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimal-and-misleading-information-nbsp">Minimal and misleading information&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The sheer number of products and programs claiming to ‘reset your metabolism’ or ‘cleanse’ your system indicates that many people are indeed interested in science. But few receive comprehensive and reliable nutrition education and are unable to discern between marketing ploys and good science," says Patterson.</p>



<p>"They are making food choices and purchase decisions based on minimal or misleading information.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-altered-relationship-with-food">An altered relationship with food</h2>



<p>Her latest book, <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781003326038/think-like-dietitian-barretto-patterson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Think Like A Dietitian</em></a> delves into the reality behind various diet trends, exposing the myths and identifying where they fall short. Patterson reflects on how diet culture has deeply influenced individuals' relationship with food, from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/picky-eating-habits-in-childhood-have-lingering-effects-in-adulthood/">childhood</a> through to the pervasive reach of today's social media. </p>



<p>In her opinion, despite the minimal scientific backing for many popular diets, “for many, diet culture has shaped their relationship with food throughout their lives. From the parental influences of their childhood to the virality of social media today, these beliefs can be deeply ingrained.”</p>



<p>For instance, Patterson acknowledges that while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ketogenic-diet-may-prevent-asthma-attacks/">ketogenic diet</a> and intermittent fasting have attracted significant research interest, their long-term efficacy and safety remain under scrutiny.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although a substantial amount of research cited in the book has shown that the ketogenic diet offers short term benefits in rapid weight loss and lowering the risk of metabolic disorders including diabetes, there are not enough long‑term studies to assess the long‑term safety of the regimen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restrictive-diet-trends">Restrictive diet trends</h2>



<p>Moreover, Patterson criticizes the quick-fix mentality often seen with restrictive diets, which, despite initial success, frequently prove unsustainable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When certain diets show promising findings in research, many well‑meaning, non‑nutrition clinicians will be quick to recommend these approaches."</p>



<p>“From low fat to low carb to fasting, the most popular diets are ironically the most restrictive. It is no wonder they tend to be the most unsustainable.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-dangers-of-diet-trends">Potential dangers of diet trends</h2>



<p>The dietitian also points out the dangers of partial adherence to diet trends without understanding the comprehensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-lifestyle-linked-to-a-30-percent-lower-risk-of-death/">dietary patterns</a> researched.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A common practice is that people will apply certain features of a diet, instead of the actual dietary pattern that was researched. Without proper guidance, people may end up practicing unhealthy behaviors that put their health at risk,” she warns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unhealthy-extremes">Unhealthy extremes</h2>



<p>Patterson argues against the binary thinking that pervades diet culture, noting how it often leads to unhealthy extremes. “Not all people push nutrition down the priority list,” she says, pointing out the detrimental effects of viewing food as an enemy rather than a source of nourishment and strength.</p>



<p>She further criticizes the 'all-or-nothing' mindset, which, while initially effective for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diet-tracking-does-not-have-to-be-perfect-to-promote-weight-loss/">weight loss</a>, often collapses under the weight of real-life challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Life happens. And it will happen again and again. These are perhaps the most impactful challenges that people encounter because they are recurring and inevitable,” says Patterson, explaining how such setbacks can spiral into feelings of guilt and failure, derailing dietary efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-more-forgiving-approach-nbsp">A more forgiving approach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Instead of succumbing to the rigidity of diet trends, Patterson proposes a more forgiving '80/20' rule as a sustainable path to healthy eating.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Specifically, this rule of thumb suggests that people follow dietary recommendations 80% of the time, and not to worry about the other 20%, factoring in convenience, enjoyment, and social interactions,” she recommends, advocating for balance and moderation over perfection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-healthy-relationship-with-food-nbsp">A healthy relationship with food&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Patterson's approach encourages a healthy relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-products-need-environmental-impact-labels/">food</a>, where dietary flexibility and mindfulness pave the way for long-term wellness, challenging the unsustainable norms of contemporary diet culture.</p>



<p>“One of the most important experiences that a dietitian can share is that perfection is not only unattainable but also unnecessary. Even centenarians often admit to some lifelong indulgences."</p>



<p>"A healthy diet does not have to be all-or-nothing. The occasional treat is not harmful. However poor choices in excess can increase risk for nutrition-related disease,” concludes Patterson.</p>



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



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Ditch the diet trends for a healthier relationship with food

Amid the myriad of diet trends populating our online landscapes...

<p>Scheduled for launch in October, NASA's Europa Clipper <a href="https://europa.nasa.gov/">spacecraft</a> is set to embark on a journey towards Jupiter's moon Europa, armed with a message of human curiosity and connection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The mission follows NASA's long-standing tradition of sending inspirational artifacts into the cosmos, this time incorporating a unique dispatch that encompasses more than 2.6 million names from the public, alongside a poignant poem dedicated to the exploration of this distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-may-exist-on-one-of-jupiters-moons/">moon</a>.</p>



<p>Europa, known for its icy exterior hiding a vast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-life-on-europa-co2-discovery-by-webb-increases-the-odds/">ocean</a> beneath, contains more than double the water found in Earth's oceans, suggesting potential for life.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europa-clipper-s-message">Europa Clipper's message</h2>



<p>To commemorate humanity's quest for knowledge and the shared essence of water as a lifeline, Europa Clipper will carry a specially designed triangular metal plate. This artifact is not just a symbol but a bridge between science and art, featuring U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón's "In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa" etched alongside a silicon microchip bearing the millions of submitted names.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The microchip, central to an artistic illustration, embodies NASA's "<a href="https://europa.nasa.gov/message-in-a-bottle/join-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Message in a Bottle</a>" campaign, encouraging public participation in this interstellar voyage.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="M2NRH3ryXX-3458474-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Mirroring the <a href="https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/golden-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager's Golden Record</a>'s intent to showcase the diversity of life and culture on Earth, the Europa Clipper's message is a rich tapestry of human creativity and inquiry. Constructed from durable tantalum, the plate measures 7 by 11 inches and is adorned with artwork that emphasizes our planetary kinship with Europa.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-connection-through-water-nbsp">Universal connection through water&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Notably, it includes waveforms generated from recordings of the word "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-water-travel-through-our-solar-system/">water</a>" in 103 languages, surrounding a representation of the American Sign Language sign for "water," symbolizing a universal connection through this essential element.</p>



<p>"The plate combines the best humanity has to offer across the universe - science, technology, education, art, and math,” said Lori Glaze, director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA. “The message of connection through water, essential for all forms of life as we know it, perfectly illustrates Earth's tie to this mysterious ocean world we are setting out to explore."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europa-clipper-s-objectives-nbsp">Europa Clipper's objectives&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As Europa Clipper ventures towards Jupiter after a 1.6-billion-mile journey, its mission will be to analyze Europa's subsurface ocean, ice shell, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-moon-europa-creates-enormous-amount-of-oxygen/">atmosphere</a>, and surrounding space environment, seeking signs of habitability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The spacecraft is equipped with a suite of scientific instruments, shielded from Jupiter's intense radiation by a protective vault, which the commemorative plate will seal.</p>



<p>Integral to the spacecraft's exploration objectives is the <a href="https://www.seti.org/drake-equation-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drake Equation</a>, inscribed on the plate's inward-facing side. This equation, formulated by astronomer Frank Drake in 1961, explores the likelihood of encountering advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. Alongside, artwork referencing frequencies used in the search for interstellar communication underscores humanity's enduring quest to connect with the cosmos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-long-journey-nbsp">Decades-long journey&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The mission also pays homage to planetary science pioneer Ron Greeley, acknowledging his foundational work in conceptualizing a mission to Europa.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Robert Pappalardo, the Project Scientist at NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, reflects on the mission's long gestation and the collective anticipation for the discoveries that lie ahead. "It's been a decades-long journey, and we can't wait to see what Europa Clipper shows us in this water world," he said.</p>



<p>As the assembly of Europa Clipper concludes at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the spacecraft's next destination will be NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it will await its monumental launch towards uncovering the mysteries of Europa and potentially, the secrets of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-compound-suggests-that-life-beyond-earth-could-be-common/">life beyond Earth</a>.</p>



<p>Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/ JPL-Caltech</p>



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Europa Clipper will deliver a message to one of Jupiter’s moons

Scheduled for launch in October, NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft is...

<p>Key Deer Awareness Day, observed each year on March 11, is dedicated to raising awareness about a fascinating and unique species of deer found only in the Florida Keys. This particular date was selected to commemorate the moment in 1967 when Key deer were officially recognized as being endangered.</p>



<p>Key deer are a smaller relative of the Virginia <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-is-circulating-and-evolving-rapidly-in-white-tailed-deer/">white-tailed deer</a>, adapted to life in the isolated island environment of the Keys. The story of Key deer is one of both resilience and vulnerability, as they have faced numerous challenges over the years.</p>



<p>The survival of this species is threatened by an array of dangers, including poaching, habitat loss, vehicular accidents, illnesses, and climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-key-deer">The evolution of Key deer</h2>



<p>Key deer have an intriguing history. It is believed that these deer migrated to the Florida Keys from the mainland thousands of years ago. This journey took place between 6,000 and 12,000 years ago when the melting of the Wisconsin Glacier abruptly raised sea levels.</p>



<p>This geological event transformed a once-unified peninsula into a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/islands-are-not-evolutionary-dead-ends-for-animals/">isolated islands</a>, stranding the deer and severing their connection to their mainland cousins. Over millennia, these deer adapted to their new island homes, developing unique physical and behavioral traits to thrive in their isolated habitat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-account-nbsp">Historical account&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A noteworthy historical account comes from the 1500s, when a young Spanish sailor, Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda, documented Key deer in his memoirs following a shipwreck and an extended period of captivity among Native Americans. </p>



<p>Fontaneda's observations provide invaluable insights into tabundance of Key deer in the Florida Keys during that era and their role as a food source for indigenous people and explorers.</p>



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



<p>The journey of Key deer from abundance to the brink of extinction is a sobering narrative of human impact on wildlife. For centuries, unregulated hunting decimated their populations, with numbers dwindling to a mere 50 individuals by the 1940s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This dire situation prompted governmental and community interventions, leading to the establishment of the National Key Deer Refuge in 1957. The refuge, located in the Lower Florida Keys, is a 100-mile stretch of islands that extends south and west from south Florida.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/">protected area</a> consists of pine rockland forests, salt marsh wetlands, and mangrove forests. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the refuge is home to more than 20 endangered and threatened plant and animal species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-road-to-recovery-for-key-deer">Road to recovery for Key deer</h2>



<p>Subsequent conservation efforts, including stringent law enforcement against poaching, the construction of fences along roadways, and the imposition of speed limits, have been crucial for the recovery of the Key deer population.</p>



<p>Today, approximately 1,000 Key deer reside on Big Pine Key and No Name Keys. However, the species continues to face significant threats that jeopardize its survival. Key Deer Awareness Day serves as a platform for educating the public about the ongoing challenges faced by these deer and the importance of continued <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deer-migration-is-driven-by-springtime-vegetation-patterns/">conservation efforts</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-community-engagement">Conservation and community engagement</h2>



<p>The story of the Key deer's decline and partial recovery highlights the critical need for sustained conservation initiatives and the role of community engagement in preserving our planet's biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This day not only commemorates the past struggles of Key deer but also serves as a call to action for their future preservation. Through increased public awareness and support for conservation efforts, there is hope for Key deer to make a full recovery. </p>



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Key Deer Awareness Day: A story of vulnerability and resilience 

Key Deer Awareness Day, observed each year on March 11,...

<p>In the vast expanse of the universe, white dwarf stars have long been considered celestial timekeepers. Their cooling rates marked the passage of billions of years. It was believed that these "dead stars," or stellar remnants, would predictably cool down after depleting their nuclear fuel.</p>



<p>However, a groundbreaking theory from international researchers challenges the established view on the cooling of white dwarf stars, solving a longstanding astronomical puzzle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-traditional-theories-of-white-dwarf-stars">Beyond traditional theories of white dwarf stars </h2>



<p>The study was a collaboration among experts from the <a href="https://www.ias.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Advanced Study</a>, the <a href="https://www.cityuniversity.ca/campuses/victoria/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiArrCvBhCNARIsAOkAGcX7xFH_aeDgAmnUCXCOYVfinkKttobxYQCiVDNdwNqIYc1mhSNtCXIaAnzYEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Victoria</a>, and the <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Warwick</a>. The research offers a compelling explanation for the enigmatic behavior of a subset of white dwarf stars that seemingly defy the laws of physics by halting their cooling process for an astonishing ten billion years.</p>



<p>Traditionally, astronomy textbooks have taught that the cooling of white dwarf stars is a straightforward process. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/">stars</a> deplete their nuclear heat, the freezing of their core's dense plasma causes them to solidify from the inside out.</p>



<p>This classical picture was upended in 2019 when an analysis of data from the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite revealed that some white dwarfs remained unexpectedly warm over extensive periods, challenging experts to rethink their understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-a-new-way-that-stars-die/">stellar evolution</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-new-processes">Uncovering new processes</h2>



<p>"In order for these white dwarfs to cease cooling down, they must somehow produce additional energy," explained study co-author Sihao Cheng. </p>



<p>The mystery of how these stars maintained their warmth has now been unraveled. The researchers propose a revolutionary theory in which the internal dynamics of certain white dwarfs diverge significantly from the expected behavior. </p>



<p>Rather than a uniform process of freezing, the formation of solid crystals within these stars triggers a surprising physical reaction. The crystals, less dense than the surrounding liquid plasma, rise toward the surface, displacing the denser liquid downward. This movement generates enough gravitational energy to stall the cooling process for billions of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-understanding-of-white-dwarf-stars">A new understanding of white dwarf stars </h2>



<p>Cheng compares this to ice cubes floating in water, illustrating the complex physics in ancient stars on a cosmic scale. This discovery enriches our knowledge of white dwarf stars and prompts questions about influences like composition changes from progenitor star mergers.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the implications of this research are profound. White dwarf stars are integral to our understanding of the cosmic timeline, serving as indicators of age within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/">galaxy</a>.</p>



<p>The discovery that some white dwarfs cool more slowly suggests these stars may be billions of years older than estimated. This finding requires new age-calculation methods for stars, possibly changing our understanding of the Milky Way's history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gateway-to-new-discoveries">A gateway to new discoveries</h2>



<p>As we continue to explore the cosmos, the study of white dwarf stars remains at the forefront of unraveling the complex processes that govern the life and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dead-stars-will-help-astronomers-find-signs-of-life-on-exoplanets/">death</a> of stars. "Our work will necessitate updates to astronomy textbooks," said Cheng, highlighting the impact of their findings on the field of astronomy.</p>



<p>The study not only challenges our existing knowledge but also opens the door to new discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the universe.</p>



<p>The research was supported by a host of prestigious institutions, including the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the European Research Council.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07102-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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White dwarf stars may be billions of years older than estimated

In the vast expanse of the universe, white dwarf stars...

<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>



<p>—–</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>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features 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>



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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