<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>



<p>-----</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,...

<p>Athletes face a lot of pressure to perform, which can take a toll on their mental health. A new study from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/">University of Birmingham</a> suggests that coaches can help the overall well-being of athletes by being authentic leaders.</p>



<p>According to the research, when coaches display authentic leadership qualities, their athletes are less likely to act aggressively towards competitors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-authentic-leadership-and-mental-health">Authentic leadership and mental health</h2>



<p>The researchers looked at how coaches who are genuine and honest (authentic leaders) may influence the mental health of athletes. They wanted to see if this leadership style could boost the mental well-being of athletes.</p>



<p>The team surveyed 751 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-fatigue-impairs-athletic-performance/">athletes</a> of various ages, genders, and sports - from local teams to international competitors. The athletes answered questions about how they saw their coaches' leadership, their own confidence and outlook (psychological capital), how their teammates treated them (supportive or mean), and their own mental health.</p>



<p>The findings suggest that authentic coaches can significantly improve the mental health of their athletes, both directly and indirectly. Athletes under authentic leaders felt happier, dealt with problems more easily, and experienced fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embracing-stress-mindset-is-actually-a-good-thing-for-athletes/">stress</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-authentic-leaders">Key characteristics of authentic leaders</h2>



<p>The study demonstrates that a coach's job is about more than just winning games. Some of the key factors include:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-openness-and-transparency">Openness and transparency</h3>



<p>Honest and straightforward coaches create a safe and trusting environment for their athletes. When coaches share information freely and clearly explain what's expected, athletes feel more secure and less worried about their responsibilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This openness also helps build respect between the coach and the athletes, which is a strong foundation for a positive team spirit.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-strengths-and-weaknesses">Understanding strengths and weaknesses</h3>



<p>Great coaches are skilled at figuring out what each athlete does well and where they might struggle. This lets them adjust their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sports-coaches-are-more-effective-when-they-lead-with-empathy/">coaching style</a> for each person, giving them the exact kind of help they need.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When athletes feel like their coach sees their strengths and weaknesses, it can make them feel good about themselves and more confident. This directly helps their mental state and overall well-being.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-to-different-perspectives">Listening to different perspectives</h3>



<p>When coaches actively listen to their athletes' ideas and consider different viewpoints, it sends a strong message: the athletes' voices and opinions are important. This creates a more inclusive environment where athletes feel empowered.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Athletes gain a sense of control and involvement in how the team functions. Knowing their input is valued can significantly improve their mental well-being. It also fosters a strong team spirit built on mutual respect and a sense of belonging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-athletes-trust-and-commitment">Increasing athletes’ trust and commitment</h2>



<p>“Coaches are vital in influencing athletes’ development and must be encouraged to show high authentic leadership - being open with their athletes and including them in decision making, whilst behaving ethically, admitting to their mistakes, and speaking honestly," noted Professor Kavussanu.</p>



<p>“Our study demonstrates that if a coach displays the attributes of an authentic leader this could have a positive impact on their athletes - increasing athletes’ trust, commitment, and enjoyment, and decreasing aggression."</p>



<p>“Sport enjoyment is particularly important for continued participation in sport, which tends to decline with age. As such, coaches who display authentic behaviors can increase their athletes’ enjoyment, with significant positive implications for athletes’ physical and mental well-being.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coaches-create-a-positive-team-atmosphere">Coaches create a positive team atmosphere</h2>



<p>Authentic leaders set a good example for how team members should treat each other. The experts found several ways that authentic leadership creates a positive team atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>First, coaches who lead authentically tend to create an environment where teammates encourage and support each other more. This is probably because the coach themself acts this way towards the athletes, making it normal for the team to be positive and respectful.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, coaches who are authentic leaders seem to make team members act more kindly towards each other. This includes things like helping each other out, giving compliments, and celebrating each other's successes. </p>



<p>These behaviors make the team feel more united. Importantly, authentic leadership also reduces negative behaviors like jealousy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-aggression-more-focus">Less aggression, more focus</h2>



<p>By showing the importance of fairness and good behavior, the coach helps the team have fewer conflicts and problems with each other. This makes the team more focused on working together towards their goals.</p>



<p>“Higher level athletes tend to train together for longer hours and have the opportunity for more frequent social interaction with each other," said study lead author Professor Maria Kavussanu.</p>



<p>"The relationships that develop within the team become important, as do experiencing positive behaviors such as support and encouragement from their teammates, which can be promoted by coaches adopting an authentic leadership style."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-takeaways-for-coaches">Key takeaways for coaches</h2>



<p>This study offers a valuable lesson to coaches, showing that their influence goes beyond just teaching skills and winning games.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By creating a supportive environment, they help athletes feel valued as people, not just for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ginseng-improves-exercise-performance-and-helps-body-quickly-recover/">performance</a>. This leads to a positive team atmosphere where everyone feels encouraged and respected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This may have greater potential to strengthen the athletes’ psychological capital making them more resilient, confident, and optimistic with subsequent beneficial effects on their positive mental health," noted Professor Kavussanu.</p>



<p>"The stronger effect of authentic leadership on athletes’ competing at higher levels is a unique finding that is worth exploring further in future research."</p>



<p>The <a href="https://research.birmingham.ac.uk/en/publications/mental-health-in-athletes-does-authentic-leadership-matter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> is published in the journal <em>Psychology of Sport and Exercise</em>.</p>



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Coaches can improve athletes' lives by being authentic leaders 

Athletes face a lot of pressure to perform, which can...

<p>At <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>, a team of researchers led by Professor Joel Butterwick has made significant strides in understanding how insects differentiate between various types of sugars. Contrary to humans, who have one receptor for sweet tastes, insects use a complex receptor array for specific sugars.</p>



<p>The study, published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>, reveals deep insights into sensory capabilities in the animal kingdom and suggests new biotechnological applications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-complexity-of-sugar-detection-among-insects">The complexity of sugar detection among insects</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/that-sugar-film-sugar-consumption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sugar</a> plays a vital role in the diets of both animals and humans, serving as a crucial source of energy. However, the mechanisms behind sugar detection in insects have long puzzled scientists.</p>



<p>Butterwick and his team focused on a particular receptor found in silk moths, notable for its selectivity towards D-fructose. Surprisingly, despite its specificity, this receptor can bind to multiple sugars without activating, suggesting a complex mechanism at play.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activation-of-the-sugar-receptor">Activation of the sugar receptor </h2>



<p>The investigation revealed that the receptor's activation is not solely dependent on the sugar-binding to its pocket. Instead, the activation process involves a molecular bridge within the receptor, which facilitates a shape change essential for signaling.</p>



<p>Through atomic-scale mapping, the team discovered that D-fructose could engage this bridge and trigger the necessary shape change. This capability is not shared by similar sugars like L-sorbose.</p>



<p>“What we think is interesting about that is that there are interactions happening outside of the pocket that act as a mechanism of selection,” said Butterwick. “And evolution likely works on both aspects." </p>



<p>"For example, a less specific receptor than this one maybe binds more molecules or maybe its bridge is easier to activate. With multiple aspects to act upon, there are more ways for evolution to fine-tune these receptors.”</p>



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



<p>The discovery has significant implications for understanding how taste and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquitos-use-unbreakable-system-to-track-human-blood/">smell</a> guide animals in navigating their chemical environments. Furthermore, it holds promise for developing advanced biosensors that detect diseases through scent.</p>



<p>This technology could mimic how some dogs can identify conditions such as cancer or Parkinson's disease. While attempts to create such "electronic noses" have faced challenges, insights from this study could overcome previous obstacles by emphasizing the importance of receptor activation in addition to molecule binding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-disease-transmitting-insects">Controlling disease-transmitting insects </h2>



<p>The team plans to study how these findings could control the feeding of disease-transmitting insects. Manipulating insect receptors could offer new ways to fight mosquito-borne diseases, underlining the research's societal benefits.</p>



<p>“There have been countless cases throughout history where a solved atomic structure paved the way to major discoveries,” said study lead author João Victor Gomes, a graduate student in Butterwick’s lab. </p>



<p>Gomes is from Brazil, which is currently facing a severe dengue outbreak, with more than one million cases of the mosquito-borne disease registered this year alone.</p>



<p>“If we can modulate receptors that affect the feeding behavior of insects, perhaps we could develop better strategies against disease-transmitting mosquitoes,” said Gomes.</p>



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



<p>In summary, Yale University's study not only sheds light on the intricate world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milkweed-bug-genome-analysis/">insect taste receptors</a> but also heralds a new era of scientific exploration and technological innovation. </p>



<p>By unraveling the complexities of how insects discern sugars, the research opens the door to novel approaches in disease prevention and the design of next-generation biosensors, bridging the gap between fundamental science and practical application.</p>



<p>"Uncovering the mechanisms that underlie how receptors recognize various substances will help researchers understand how smell and taste enable humans and animals to decipher the chemical world," said Butterwick.</p>



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Understanding how insects distinguish between sugars

At Yale University, a team of researchers led by Professor...

<p>Microplastics are everywhere on Earth, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountains. A new study from the <a href="https://international.unicampania.it/index.php/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Campania</a> has shown something surprising - these microplastics can also be found inside people's arteries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation raises concerns as microplastics could be connected to serious health problems like heart attacks and stroke.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-arteries">Microplastics in arteries</h2>



<p>Microscopic plastic pollutants, called microplastics, are tiny – less than 5 millimeters in size. They come from the breakdown of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plastic-items-pose-a-hidden-risk-to-childrens-gut-health/">plastic products</a> we use every day, including clothes and cosmetics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The recent study in Naples, Italy, investigated this issue. Doctors examined fatty deposits, called plaque, inside the arteries of 304 patients.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Plaque buildup can block arteries, and sometimes surgeons remove it during procedures. The study's alarming finding was that microplastics were present in the plaque of over half the patients – a concerning 58%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-affecting-heart-health">Microplastics affecting heart health</h2>



<p>The presence of microplastics in arteries is a red flag, potentially linked to a significantly increased risk of heart attack, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/">stroke</a>, and even death.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found a nearly 4.5-fold greater chance of these cardiovascular events within just 3 years for individuals with microplastics in their arteries.&nbsp; This association is particularly alarming because it held true even after accounting for established risk factors like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-blood-pressure-is-commonly-shared-by-couples-worldwide/">high blood pressure</a>, smoking, and cholesterol.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation-caused-by-microplastics">Inflammation caused by microplastics</h2>



<p>Microplastics in arteries may fuel chronic inflammation, boosting heart disease risk. The study revealed higher levels of inflammatory proteins in people with microplastic-laden arteries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These proteins are common in heart disease and are believed to worsen the condition by promoting inflammation and damaging blood vessel walls. While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-impacts-the-brain-through-inflammation-not-infection/">inflammation</a> is the body's natural defense against injury or infection, prolonged inflammation is linked to various health problems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Microplastics trapped in arterial plaque might trigger the immune system to attack them, leading to chronic inflammation. This persistent inflammatory state could then accelerate the development and progression of heart disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-related-to-microplastics">Concerns related to microplastics</h2>



<p>According to the World Health Organization, the potential impacts of plastics on health have become an issue of global concern due to risks and harms from plastics at each stage of their lifecycle.</p>



<p>Plastic is convenient and useful, but there's so much of it around that it's harming the environment and potentially making people sick. Experts warn that we should not be fooled by the convenience of plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“People must become aware of the risks we are taking with our lifestyle,” noted Dr Raffaele Marfella, first author on the study at the University of Campania Luigi.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I hope the alarm message from our study will raise the consciousness of citizens, especially governments, to finally become aware of the importance of the health of our planet. To put it in a slogan that can unite the need for health for humans and the planet, plastic-free is healthy for the heart and the Earth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-microplastics-enter-the-body">How microplastics enter the body</h2>



<p>Since microplastics are everywhere in our surroundings, we can ingest them in a number of ways. This is particularly concerning when you consider the health risks of microplastics such as heart attacks and stroke. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-we-eat">Food we eat</h3>



<p>We often swallow microplastics when we eat. Seafood, especially shellfish and fish, may contain microplastics because they live in polluted water. Fruits and vegetables can also get contaminated.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-we-drink">Water we drink</h3>



<p>Microplastics have been found in tap water, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/">bottled water</a>, and even lakes and rivers. Plastic trash breaks down over time, or because tiny bits of plastic flake off from plastic pipes as water travels through them. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-we-breathe-nbsp">Air we breathe&nbsp;</h3>



<p>We can also breathe in microplastics, especially indoors. Dust particles that contain microplastics can float around in the air from things like carpets, furniture, and clothes. Even outside, air pollution often contains microplastics from car tires, road paint, and plastic waste. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-unexpected-ways">Other unexpected ways</h3>



<p>Microplastics have been found in things like salt, sugar, honey, and even beer, showing how widespread they are. Microplastics can also be in some hygiene products like toothpaste and cosmetics. We might accidentally swallow these, or they might seep into our skin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-to-limit-microplastic-exposure">Tips to limit microplastic exposure</h2>



<p>It might seem difficult to avoid microplastics completely these days, but there are ways to limit their exposure:</p>



<ul>
<li>Choose natural fibers: Opt for clothing made from natural materials like cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo to avoid releasing plastic fibers during washing.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Use water filters: Invest in a reliable water filter to remove microplastics from drinking water, whether sourced from tap water or bottled water.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Avoid single-use plastics: Minimize the use of disposable plastic items such as bags, straws, utensils, and water bottles by opting for reusable alternatives made from glass, stainless steel, or silicone.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Purchase unpackaged foods: Buy fresh produce from farmers' markets or bulk stores to reduce reliance on plastic packaging for fruits, vegetables, and grains.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Check personal care products: Be mindful of personal care items containing microplastics like polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). Look for products labeled "microplastic-free" or containing natural exfoliants such as sugar or salt.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Choose minimal packaging: Select products with minimal or recyclable packaging, and consider buying in bulk to reduce plastic waste. Bring your own reusable containers or bags when shopping.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Dispose of plastic responsibly: Properly dispose of plastic waste by recycling whenever possible and avoiding littering. Responsible waste management helps prevent plastic from breaking down into microplastics in the environment.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Support plastic reduction nitiatives: Get involved in efforts to reduce plastic pollution by supporting policies and initiatives in your community. Raise awareness about the issue and advocate for long-term solutions.</li>
</ul>



<p>The research is published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2309822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The New England Journal of Medicine</em></a>.</p>



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Microplastics found inside human arteries after stroke and heart attack events

Microplastics are everywhere on Earth, from the deepest ocean trenches...

<p>In the digital age, distinguishing between reality and artificiality has become an unexpected challenge, particularly when it comes to identifying images of real people compared to AI generated images. A recent study by researchers at the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> has shed light on just how difficult this task can be.</p>



<p>With the rapid advancement of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lawless-superintelligence-zero-evidence-ai-control-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> (AI), images generated by AI technologies are becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate from photographs of real individuals. This development poses significant questions about our ability to recognize authenticity in the digital realm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-generated-images-and-human-perception">AI generated images and human perception</h2>



<p>The study involved 260 participants who were presented with 20 unlabeled images, half of which were photographs of real people obtained from Google searches, and the other half were generated by AI programs such as Stable Diffusion and <a href="https://openai.com/dall-e-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DALL-E</a>. These programs are renowned for their ability to create highly realistic images.</p>



<p>Participants were tasked with identifying which images were real and which were AI-generated, providing reasons for their decisions.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, only 61% of the participants were able to accurately distinguish between real and AI-generated images, a figure significantly lower than the researchers' anticipated accuracy rate of 85%. </p>



<p>"People are not as adept at making the distinction as they think they are," remarked Andreea Pocol, a PhD candidate in Computer Science at the University of Waterloo and the study's lead author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misjudging-digital-realities">Misjudging digital realities</h2>



<p>This revelation underscores a growing challenge in the digital age: the increasing difficulty of distinguishing between genuine and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-computer-chip-enables-ai-computing-at-the-speed-of-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial content</a>.</p>



<p>Participants in the study focused on details such as fingers, teeth, and eyes as indicators of authenticity. However, their assessments were not always accurate, highlighting the sophistication of AI-generated images.</p>



<p>Pocol pointed out that the study's context allowed for detailed scrutiny of each photo, a luxury not afforded to the average internet user who typically glances at images briefly. "People who are just doomscrolling or don't have time won't pick up on these cues," Pocol explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-battle-against-disinformation">Evolving battle against disinformation</h2>



<p>The rapid pace of AI development further complicates this issue, with the technology advancing faster than academic research and legislation can keep up. Since the study commenced in late 2022, AI-generated images have become even more realistic.</p>



<p>These images pose a particular threat as tools of political and cultural manipulation, enabling the creation of fake images of public figures in potentially damaging scenarios.</p>



<p>"Disinformation isn't new, but the tools of disinformation have been constantly shifting and evolving," Pocol observed. She warned of a future where, despite training and awareness, people may still struggle to differentiate between real and fake images.</p>



<p>This potential reality underscores the need for the development of tools to identify and counter AI-generated content. Pocol likened the situation to a new form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-has-learned-that-fingerprints-are-not-unique-shattering-a-long-held-belief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI arms race</a>, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead in the battle against digital deception.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-generated-images-and-the-future-of-content">AI generated images and the future of content</h2>



<p>In summary, the University of Waterloo's study shines a spotlight on a crucial challenge in the digital age: our collective struggle to distinguish between real and AI-generated images. </p>



<p>With only a fraction of participants accurately identifying artificial creations, it's clear that we must enhance our vigilance and develop more sophisticated tools to counteract the rising tide of digital misinformation. </p>



<p>As AI technology continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, staying ahead in this new arms race is imperative for preserving the integrity of our digital world. This calls for a concerted effort from researchers, policymakers, and the public to build a future where we can trust what we see online.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ai-generated-images-and-disinformation">More about AI generated images and disinformation</h2>



<p>As discussed above, AI generated images have emerged as a double-edged sword, providing creative opportunities on one hand while ushering in an era of unprecedented disinformation on the other. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proliferation-of-ai-image-creation-tools">Proliferation of AI image creation tools</h3>



<p>AI's ability to create lifelike images has progressed significantly, thanks to advancements in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionizing-aerodynamics-airplane-emissions-ai-deep-learning-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> and neural networks. </p>



<p>Tools like DeepFake, Stable Diffusion, and DALL-E have democratized the creation of highly realistic images, videos, and art that were previously impossible without extensive resources or skills. </p>



<p>While these technologies herald a new age of creativity and efficiency, they also open Pandora's box of potential misuse, especially in creating deceptive content.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discerning-truth-from-fiction">Discerning truth from fiction</h3>



<p>The advent of AI generated images has intensified the challenge of disinformation, making it increasingly difficult to discern truth from fabrication. These images can be weaponized to create false narratives, manipulate public opinion, and undermine trust in media and institutions. </p>



<p>The ease and speed with which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-outperforms-humans-in-creativity-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI can produce</a> convincing fake content have outpaced the ability of traditional verification methods to keep up, leaving a gap that disinformation can readily exploit.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-implications">Real-world implications</h3>



<p>The implications of AI generated disinformation are vast and varied, affecting everything from politics to personal reputations. Fabricated images can sway elections, incite violence, defame public figures, and spread conspiracy theories. </p>



<p>The potential for harm escalates as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-ai-to-decode-the-legacy-of-the-roman-empire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI technology</a> becomes more accessible and its products more difficult to distinguish from reality. The societal impact is profound, eroding trust and fostering a climate of skepticism and paranoia.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-ai-generated-images-and-disinformation">Combating AI generated images and disinformation</h3>



<p>Addressing the challenge of AI-generated disinformation requires a multifaceted approach. First, there's a need for continued development of detection technologies that can keep pace with AI's advancements. These tools must be integrated into social media platforms and news outlets to identify and flag fake content. </p>



<p>Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate individuals on the prevalence of AI-generated disinformation and how to critically evaluate the credibility of images and sources. Lastly, policy and regulation need to evolve to address the unique challenges posed by AI, ensuring accountability for creators of malicious content.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-collective-challenge-ahead">The collective challenge ahead</h3>



<p>In summary, as we navigate the mirage created by AI-generated images, the battle against disinformation becomes increasingly complex. The potential for these technologies to distort reality and manipulate perceptions underscores the urgent need for robust solutions. </p>



<p>By harnessing advancements in detection technology, raising public awareness, and implementing effective policies, we can mitigate the impact of AI-generated disinformation. The path forward requires collective vigilance and innovation to preserve the integrity of our digital and real-world landscapes.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-50072-5_34" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Computer Graphics</a></em>.</p>



<p>Answer: The woman on the left of the photo is NOT real...she's an AI creation.</p>



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



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Which face is real? Discerning AI generated images isn't as easy as you think

In the digital age, distinguishing between reality and artificiality has...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-form-memories-and-pass-them-on-to-future-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacteria</a> are one of the most abundant life forms on Earth, comprising roughly 75% of all species. Despite being so common, all the bacteria types are not adequately classified. As a result, Dr Kostas Konstantinidis from the <a href="https://ce.gatech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology</a> has tackled the longstanding issue by introducing a reliable method for classification of bacteria. This method provides a fresh perspective on bacterial diversity by considering all the bacterial species and strains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-classification-of-bacteria-matters">Why the classification of bacteria matters</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, existing classification systems often do not reflect how bacteria actually <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radio-waves-can-alter-bacteria-to-create-life-saving-medicines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behave</a>. “While there is a working definition for species and strains, this is far from widely accepted in the scientific community,” explained Dr. Konstantinidis. “This is because those classifications are based on humans’ standards that do not necessarily translate well to the patterns we see in the natural environment.”</p>



<p>Creating a good system for organizing bacteria involves several challenges. In the past, scientists have mostly focused on bacteria that cause diseases. This has led to a classification system that is biased towards certain features of bacteria. Hence, the traditional way of classifying bacteria is not very reliable anymore..</p>



<p>“If we were to classify primates using the same standards that are used to classify <em>E. coli</em>, then all primates — from lemurs to humans to chimpanzees — would belong to a single species," noted Dr. Konstantinidis. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classifying-salinibacter-ruber-species">Classifying Salinibacter ruber species</h2>



<p>To address the current challenges, the researchers developed a new way that can handle the vast bacterial diversity. Initially, they collected samples from special salty pools in Spain, called salterns, where seawater undergoes evaporation to produce salt. These unique environments harbor diverse communities of microorganisms, making them ideal for studying bacterial diversity. </p>



<p>Central to their methodology was the utilization of average nucleotide identity (ANI), a concept pioneered by Dr. Konstantinidis. ANI serves as a powerful tool for measuring genetic similarity between bacterial genomes. By applying ANI analysis to the collected isolates, the researchers could discern subtle genetic variations within bacterial populations.</p>



<p>The researchers successfully identified distinct genetic diversity gaps among individual bacteria belonging to the Salinibacter ruber species. These gaps served as natural boundaries, enabling the precise classification of bacteria into distinct species and strains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-similarity-and-variation">Genetic similarity and variation</h2>



<p>The experts discovered that bacteria within the same species are very similar genetically, with a score of 96 to 100% on the ANI scale. This means they share almost all their genes. On the other hand, bacteria from different species are much less similar, with less than 85% shared genes. This confirms that different species are truly distinct.</p>



<p>The researchers also looked at about 300 other species of bacteria by examining the genes of 18,000 bacteria. They found similar patterns of variation across all the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-release-vast-quantities-of-unknown-microbes/">diverse species</a>. Over 95% of the bacteria studied had similar amounts of genetic variation. This finding confirms that the results likely apply to many different types of bacteria.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-bacteria-classification">Significance of bacteria classification </h2>



<p>The result of the study isn't just a new classification method - it's an expansion of the tools scientists can employ to study bacteria. The impact is broad, reaching evolutionary biologists, taxonomists, ecologists, and even engineers who work on the environment. </p>



<p>Clinicians treating patients, people who analyze biological data (bioinformaticians), and agencies that set rules (regulatory agencies) will all benefit as well. </p>



<p>Ultimately, this kind of collaboration will drive success in microbiology and other related fields. Furthermore, this can lead to advancements in research, healthcare, and taking better care of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beneficial-plant-bacteria-likely-to-decline-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44622-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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New method for bacteria classification includes all of the strains

Bacteria are one of the most abundant life forms on...

<p>Marine biologist Greg Rouse and his team at <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U</a><a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/">C San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> have made an exciting discovery in the ocean near Costa Rica. They found a new deep-sea worm species, Pectinereis strickrotti, thriving near a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> seep about 30 miles offshore.</p>



<p>The discovery, published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">P</a><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/">LoS ONE</a></em>, significantly enriches our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity. Interestingly, the team named the species in honor of Bruce Strickrott, whose expert piloting of the Alvin submersible proved indispensable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-ecosystem-for-a-deep-sea-worm">Unique ecosystem for a deep-sea worm </h2>



<p>Methane seeps on the seafloor offer a habitat unlike the warmer hydrothermal vents. These areas thrive on chemical energy, bypassing the need for sunlight.</p>



<p>Microbes here transform methane into sustenance, supporting a complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-food-chains-threatened-by-ocean-acidification/">food web</a>. This web features mussels, crabs, and unique worms like Pectinereis strickrotti.</p>



<p>Since 2009, Rouse's studies have identified 48 new species in these ecosystems. This underscores their richness and critical ecological role.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-to-discovery-encounters-in-the-abyss">Journey to discovery: Encounters in the abyss</h2>



<p>The initial sighting of Pectinereis strickrotti occurred in 2009, at a depth of 1,000 meters. Aboard the Alvin, Strickrott and Rouse spotted the elusive worms. Their first attempt to get a closer look was fraught with difficulty.</p>



<p>However, by 2018, they succeeded. Employing a vacuum device, the team managed to collect specimens for analysis. This graceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/three-new-species-of-glowing-sea-worms-found-in-japan/">worm</a>, likened to a living magic carpet, was subsequently named. </p>



<p>It marks a significant achievement in deep-sea exploration, highlighting the collaborative effort and technological advancements necessary for such discoveries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-pectinereis-strickrotti">Characteristics of Pectinereis strickrotti</h2>



<p>Pectinereis strickrotti stands out as an extraordinary member of the ragworm family. It resides in the deep sea and uniquely possesses gills on its parapodia - a feature that is not common among most ragworms.</p>



<p>The males are notable for their large tail spines, which may play a role in reproduction. Adapted to total darkness, the worm is blind, depending instead on its keen senses of smell and touch.</p>



<p>The species' diet and its appearance under artificial light hint at the adaptability and enduring mysteries of deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-life-100-new-sea-creatures-found-in-chile/">life</a>. This discovery not only prompts further exploration but also underscores the urgent need to protect these largely unknown ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about deep-sea worms</h2>



<p>Deep-sea worms are fascinating creatures that inhabit the ocean's abyss, thriving in environments that are hostile and alien to most life forms. These organisms have adapted to extreme conditions found at the bottom of the ocean, including high pressure, low temperatures, and complete darkness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike their terrestrial counterparts, deep-sea worms exhibit a variety of unique biological adaptations that enable them to survive and flourish in such an inhospitable habitat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Extreme diet</h3>



<p>One of the most intriguing aspects of these worms is their diet. Many deep-sea worms are detritivores, feeding on the decaying remains of plants and animals that sink to the ocean floor.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, some species have developed symbiotic relationships with bacteria that allow them to utilize chemicals like hydrogen sulfide or methane, which are toxic to most other forms of life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These chemicals, seeping from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-of-climate-change-have-created-a-new-ocean/">ocean</a> floor through hydrothermal vents or cold seeps, become a source of energy and nutrients for the worms through a process known as chemosynthesis.</p>



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



<p>The physical appearance of deep-sea worms can be as varied as their diets. Some species are slender and elongated, perfectly adapted to burrowing into the soft sediment of the ocean bed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Others might exhibit bright colors and bizarre shapes, with specialized appendages for capturing food or interacting with their environment. The giant tube worm, for example, can grow up to several meters in length and lives in a hard tubular structure that it secretes around itself for protection.</p>



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



<p>Reproduction in the deep sea is another area where these worms exhibit unique adaptations. Many species rely on broadcast spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water to meet by chance. This method increases the likelihood of fertilization in the vast and sparsely populated deep-sea environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some deep-sea worm species have also developed hermaphroditism, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, which is another strategy to maximize reproductive success in a challenging environment.</p>



<p>The study of deep-sea worms is not only a quest to understand the mysteries of life in the deepest parts of the ocean but also holds potential for discovering new compounds and materials. </p>



<p>These organisms' unique biochemical processes and materials adapted to extreme conditions may inspire innovations in medicine, industry, and environmental technology.</p>



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



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

New deep-sea worm discovered off Costa Rica

Marine biologist Greg Rouse and his team at UC San...

<p>Weather forecasting is an ever-evolving field with a focus on accuracy. Despite advancements, challenges like quantile crossing persist. This particular issue disrupts the logical order of predicted values. It stems from numerical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather prediction</a> methods.</p>



<p>These methods, though sophisticated, can yield biased forecasts. Consequently, a global team of researchers is working to improve these methods. Their goal is to eliminate quantile crossing, aiming to enhance forecast reliability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-novel-approach-to-weather-forecasts">A novel approach to weather forecasts </h2>



<p>The team's solution centers on the non-crossing quantile regression neural network (NCQRNN) model. This model is the brainchild of Professor Dazhi Yang and colleagues. They hail from prestigious institutions, collaborating on this breakthrough.</p>



<p>The NCQRNN model refines traditional QRNN frameworks. It incorporates a special layer to maintain the forecast values' order. This ensures lower quantiles stay below higher ones, enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/">prediction accuracy</a>. Moreover, this improvement significantly aids in understanding the forecasts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ncqrnn-advantage-clarity-in-prediction">The NCQRNN advantage: Clarity in prediction</h2>



<p>The NCQRNN's edge lies in its prediction clarity. Professor Yang emphasizes the model's orderly value maintenance, boosting interpretability. Furthermore, Dr. Martin J. Mayer delves into the model's core mechanism.</p>



<p>This mechanism teaches the network to distinguish between quantiles using intermediate variables, thus keeping their order. Additionally, the model's versatility shines, as its non-crossing layer fits various architectures. This adaptability promises broad application in diverse forecasting systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wide-applicability-and-future-forecasting">Wide applicability and future forecasting</h2>



<p>The technique shines, especially in solar irradiance forecasting, outperforming current models. Its flexibility allows easy integration into many weather systems, enhancing predictions across various variables.</p>



<p>Dr. Sebastian Lerch highlights the model's broad potential, suggesting uses beyond solar forecasting in weather and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-warning-systems-are-increasingly-accurate-in-predicting-climate-extremes/">climate domains</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Xiang'ao Xia considers this study critical. It showcases the significant effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-will-be-a-game-changer-in-weather-forecasting/">machine learning</a> on weather models.</p>



<p>This research was a team effort, merging atmospheric and data sciences. Thus, it marks a step forward, making future forecasts more accurate.</p>



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



<p>Quantile crossing in weather forecasting is an issue that arises in probabilistic forecasting when forecasting models produce quantiles that are not properly ordered across different probabilities. This problem violates the basic principle that quantiles should increase with the probability level.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, the 90th percentile of a forecast should predict a higher value than the 50th percentile for the same variable and time point. Quantile crossing contradicts this expectation, indicating a flaw in the forecast system or model.</p>



<p>In the context of weather forecasting, where forecasts are often presented as probabilistic forecasts to indicate uncertainty (for example, the probability that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-events-in-the-northeast-are-set-to-increase-by-over-50-percent/">rainfall</a> will exceed a certain threshold), ensuring that quantiles are properly ordered is crucial for the coherence and reliability of the forecasts.</p>



<p>The focus on ensuring coherent and reliable probabilistic forecasts is essential for effective decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, emergency management, and outdoor event planning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Techniques to avoid quantile crossing are thus an integral part of the development and evaluation of forecasting models in meteorology.</p>



<p>The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-023-3184-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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

Bridging the gap: The quest for accurate weather forecasts

Weather forecasting is an ever-evolving field with a focus on...

<p>Have you ever wondered how humans became so skilled at various tasks? One answer lies in our ability to build upon knowledge passed down through generations, known as cumulative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/">culture</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, new research suggests that passing along skills is not a talent that is unique to us. Through social learning, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-may-be-capable-of-cultural-learning/">bumblebees</a> and chimpanzees can acquire complex skills that would be difficult to master on their own.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-social-behavior">Human social behavior</h2>



<p>Humans have an advantage over other animals because of our language, tools, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/among-songbirds-complex-vocal-learners-are-superior-problem-solvers/">problem-solving skills</a>, and ability to learn from each other across generations. Our culture, where knowledge and inventions build on each other over time, allows us to adapt and innovate in ways no other animal can.</p>



<p>Here's what makes human culture and learning special:</p>



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



<p>We use complex language not just to talk, but also to think about abstract ideas, make plans, and teach others vast amounts of information. This lets us share ideas, feelings, and instructions in detail, allowing our culture to be richer and deeper.</p>



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



<p>While other animals use tools, we're exceptional at inventing, improving, and combining them. Humans have remarkably evolved from simple stone tools to computers and space travel.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Social structures</h3>



<p>Human societies are complex, with large groups of unrelated people working together. This is possible because of cultural norms, laws, and institutions that guide our behavior and allow large-scale cooperation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Building on knowledge</h3>



<p>We excel at using knowledge from past generations to make even bigger advancements in science, art, and technology. The "cumulative" aspect lets us innovate quickly and live in almost any environment on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-learn-by-observation">Bees learn by observation</h2>



<p>Scientists from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> created a special training area where bees could learn to open a box with two steps to get a reward. </p>



<p>Interestingly, bees couldn't figure out the box on their own, no matter how long they tried. But, when they watched other bees who had already been trained, they were able to learn how to open the box too.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding surprised the scientists because social learning, where individuals learn by observing others, was previously thought to be a human-exclusive trait.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lead researcher Alice Bridges expressed her astonishment. "We were so surprised," she said, highlighting the significance of their observations in challenging our understanding of animal learning capabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-social-learning-in-animals">Complex social learning in animals</h2>



<p>Alex Thornton is a professor of Cognitive Evolution at the University of Exeter who was not involved in the study. He acknowledged that it was a small sample size.</p>



<p>"But the point is clear - the task was exceptionally hard to learn alone, yet some bees could solve it through social learning," wrote Dr. Thornton. This suggests that the potential for complex social learning extends beyond humans to other species as well.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that it was the first demonstration of cumulative culture in an invertebrate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-among-chimpanzees">Social learning among chimpanzees</h2>



<p>In a similar study, scientists from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/">Utrecht University</a> investigated how chimpanzees learn new skills from each other. They studied 66 chimpanzees in two groups living in Zambia. </p>



<p>The researchers put a special box with a drawer in the chimpanzees' enclosure. The box had a hole that needed to be plugged with a wooden ball to get a treat. Wooden balls were scattered around the box.</p>



<p>For three months, the chimpanzees could play with the box however they liked, but none of them figured out how to use it. Then, the scientists trained one chimpanzee in each group to solve the puzzle.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-skills-from-friends">Learning skills from friends</h2>



<p>After this, other chimpanzees in the group started learning how to use the box by watching the trained chimps. In total, 14 chimpanzees learned this new trick. The scientists analyzed their observations to make sure the chimps were really learning from each other.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that chimps who watched the trained chimps more often were the most likely to learn the trick themselves. This suggests that chimpanzees pay attention to what their friends are doing and acquire new skills through social learning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-culture-in-animal-groups">Cumulative culture in animal groups</h2>



<p>Animals are smarter than we thought. Scientists are learning more and more about how animals think and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pigeons-solve-problems-like-intelligent-machines/">solve problems</a> (animal intelligence). They also learn from each other (social learning), which helps them adapt to their environment without having to wait for evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This ability to share knowledge even builds on itself over time, leading to unique traditions within animal groups (cumulative culture). New information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/roosters-can-recognize-themselves-in-the-mirror-demonstrating-self-awareness/">animal intelligence</a>, social learning, and culture means we need to reevaluate how different humans and animals really are.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It turns out that learning from others, creating new things, and passing on traditions aren't exclusive to humans after all. This makes us wonder how much more there is to learn about the animal world, and highlights the importance of protecting these amazing creatures and their cultures.</p>



<p>The studies are published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01836-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Human Behaviour</em></a><em> </em>and<em> </em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07126-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>. </p>



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



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Chimpanzees and bees are capable of complex social learning

Have you ever wondered how humans became so skilled at...

Psychedelics,Sync,Neurons,A,Caucasian,Girl:,A,Glimpse,Into,Consciousness

<p>In a clinical trial by <a href="https://mindmed.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mind Medicine Inc</a>., a pioneering biopharmaceutical company, a single dose of LSD has shown promising results in providing immediate and sustained relief from generalized anxiety disorder. </p>



<p>As a result of this successful trial, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted breakthrough therapy status to LSD formulation MM120 (lysergide d-tartrate).</p>



<p>This designation highlights LSD’s potential in addressing the urgent need for more effective options to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yoga-relieves-anxiety-and-obsessive-worrying/">treat anxiety</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-therapy-status-nbsp">Breakthrough therapy status&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Daniel Karlin is an assistant professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and chief medical officer for MindMed.</p>



<p>“A breakthrough designation is a recognition that a drug has demonstrated evidence of clinical efficacy in meeting an unmet medical need with morbidity and mortality associated with it,” said Dr. Karlin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The designation opens up enhanced collaborative opportunities with the FDA to streamline the drug development process.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-improvement-among-patients-nbsp">Clinical improvement among patients&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The clinical trial that spurred this designation focused on the efficacy of LSD in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Participants who received a single dose of MM120 exhibited a 48% rate of remission from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-alleviates-the-symptoms-of-anxiety/">GAD symptoms</a> at the 12-week mark post-administration. In addition, 65% of patients showed marked clinical improvement within the first three months.</p>



<p>"The clinical improvement for many patients was more than double what we see with today’s standard of care,” said Dr. Karlin. “This occurred at all levels of anxiety, from moderate all the way up to severe.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimal-dose-of-lsd-for-treating-anxiety">Optimal dose of LSD for treating anxiety</h2>



<p>The trial was designed to pinpoint the optimal dosage of LSD needed to alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. The experts tested varying amounts of MM120 ranging from 25 to 200 micrograms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings indicated that 100 micrograms is the ideal dose to advance into phase III studies, as higher doses did not enhance therapeutic outcomes and were associated with more adverse effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-approach-to-psychedelic-therapy-nbsp">Unique approach to psychedelic therapy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research stands out not only for its promising results in GAD treatment but also because it diverges from the traditional approach of combining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-offers-new-explanation-for-how-psychedelic-drugs-work/">psychedelic therapy</a> with psychotherapy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike studies involving MDMA and psilocybin, where therapists play a crucial role during the drug administration process, the MM120 study did not incorporate psychotherapy. Instead, the trial included safety monitors who remained passive observers during the session.</p>



<p>Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, a professor at McGill University who was not involved in the study, highlighted the novelty of this approach.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While prior research has documented the benefits of combining LSD with psychotherapy to alleviate anxiety associated with life-threatening conditions, this groundbreaking study is the first to show that a single dose of LSD can effectively treat generalized anxiety without the adjunct of psychotherapy,” said Dr. Gobbi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-down-negative-thought-processes-with-lsd">Breaking down negative thought processes with LSD</h2>



<p>Professor David Nutt is the director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit at Imperial College London. He told CNN in an email that the study results are "very exciting data in what can be a difficult to treat population.”</p>



<p>“They expand the likely utility of psychedelic treatment beyond depression. And again, as with the depression trials, a single dose produces enduring effects, probable due to its breaking down persistent negative thought processes,” said Professor Nutt, who was not involved in the research.</p>



<p>According to Dr. Karlin, MM120 also improved signs of depression. “We saw rapid and robust improvement on depression symptoms in people - depression and anxiety have overlapping disease definitions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lsd-formula-reduces-risk-of-adverse-reactions-nbsp">LSD formula reduces risk of adverse reactions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The MM120 formulation's quality is also a critical factor in its success. Unlike street-bought LSD, which can vary in purity and stability, MM120 is produced to pharmaceutical industry standards.</p>



<p>Compared with experiences with forms of LSD purchased illegally on the street, the study’s grade of MM120 did not appear to induce “bad trips,” noted Dr. Karlin.</p>



<p>“LSD is difficult to manufacture with high purity and tends to degrade quickly in the presence of light and water,” said Dr. Karlin. “We’re manufacturing it to pharmaceutical industry standards, a highly pure version that is also shelf stable. So that’s a critical difference.”</p>



<p>Adverse effects reported in the study were mostly mild to moderate and occurred primarily on the day of administration, including euphoria, illusions and hallucinations, and physical symptoms like nausea and dizziness.</p>



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



<p>The FDA's breakthrough therapy designation for MM120, alongside similar statuses for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-microdosing-may-improve-mental-health-by-boosting-stress-resilience/">psilocybin</a> and MDMA for other conditions, signifies a growing recognition of the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treating psychiatric disorders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This development marks a significant milestone in the exploration of alternative treatment options for anxiety disorders. It inspires hope that soon, patients will have access to more effective and immediate relief from crippling symptoms of anxiety.</p>



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



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LSD can heal crippling anxiety with just a single therapeutic dose

In a clinical trial by Mind Medicine Inc., a pioneering...

<p>In an enlightening discovery at MIT, researchers have shown how our brains manage speaking and breathing. Interestingly, they found a brain circuit that coordinates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-a-human-voice-attractive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocalization</a> mainly during exhalation and interrupts speech to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-difference-breathin-sniffing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inhale</a>, ensuring these actions work together smoothly.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the core of this finding is a mechanism that adjusts the voice by controlling the larynx and airflow, crucial for sound production. Additionally, this system is overseen by a specific area in the brainstem that also controls our breathing patterns, prioritizing the need to breathe over the desire to speak.</p>



<p>According to Professor Fan Wang from MIT's <a href="https://mcgovern.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGovern Institute</a>, this interaction is vital. Firstly, he points out that vocalization stops when we need to inhale. Secondly, Wang mentions that speech-controlling neurons receive inhibitory signals from the brain area managing our breath rhythm.</p>



<p>This research is led by Jaehong Park, a graduate student from <a href="https://www.duke.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a> now at MIT, and his team. They've published their findings in <em>Science</em>, offering deep insights into how we communicate. Notably, this work highlights the complex biological processes behind speech.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanics-of-speaking-and-breathing">Mechanics of speaking and breathing</h2>



<p>The vocal cords, situated within the larynx, are essential for phonation, facilitating sound production as they vibrate from the flow of exhaled air when nearly closed. </p>



<p>Consequently, scientists investigating the neurological control of phonation have turned to mice and their ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which parallel human vocal mechanisms, to unravel the complexities of our communication systems.</p>



<p>"Our aim was to unravel the neuronal control behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-our-voice-gives-us-a-greater-sense-of-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocal cord</a> closure and how these controls integrate with the breathing circuit," Wang shares, highlighting the study's primary objective.</p>



<p>Through innovative techniques that map synaptic connections, the team uncovered that a group of premotor neurons in the hindbrain's retroambiguus nucleus (RAm) plays a crucial role. These neurons, activated during USVs, are instrumental in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/standard-normal-voice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vocalization</a>, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of speech production.</p>



<p>Experiments demonstrated that silencing these RAmVOC neurons halted vocalization, while stimulating them facilitated speech, albeit temporarily interrupted by inhalations if the stimulation extended. This finding underscores the dominance of the breathing control system, even in the face of artificial stimulation aimed at inducing speech.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-the-conductor-of-speech">Breathing: The conductor of speech</h2>



<p>Further investigations revealed that the pre-Bötzinger complex, a brainstem region responsible for generating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-breathing-impacts-memory-formation-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breathing rhythms</a>, directly inhibits the RAmVOC neurons. This ensures that our need to breathe maintains its primacy, artfully weaving pauses into our speech for inhalation.</p>



<p>This research not only sheds light on the biological intricacies of speech production but also hints at the universal aspects of vocalization shared across species. </p>



<p>"Despite the differences in vocalization mechanics between mice and humans, the core process involving vocal cord closure and exhalation is a common thread," Park notes, drawing parallels between the communication methods of the two species.</p>



<p>The team now sets its sights on exploring how this brain circuit influences other functions like coughing and swallowing, further expanding our understanding of the brain's control over essential life processes.</p>



<p>This discovery opens new doors to appreciating the sophisticated neural choreography that enables us to communicate, breathe, and live harmoniously.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi8081" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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How our brains manage speaking and breathing at the same time

In an enlightening discovery at MIT, researchers have shown how...

Spinosaurus,And,Deinonychus,In,The,Jungle.,This,Is,A,3d

<p>The lifestyle and hunting strategies of <em>Spinosaurus aegyptiacus</em>, a colossal Cretaceous-era <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/">dinosaur</a> with a distinctive sail-like spine, have long been subjects of intense scientific debate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Was this massive predator, one of the largest to ever exist and notably adapted to aquatic environments, a deep-sea hunter or did it prefer to catch its prey in shallower waters near the shore?&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-habits-of-spinosaurus-aegyptiacus">Hunting habits of <em>Spinosaurus aegyptiacus</em></h2>



<p>A recent study led by a team of paleontologists at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>, examining the bone density of this enigmatic dinosaur, delves into this question, providing new insights into the debate.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shoreline-predator-nbsp">Shoreline predator&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The discussion around the aquatic habits of Spinosaurus reignited with the publication of a near-complete specimen in 2014, described in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.1258750?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D90780648708216300104417575982572668868%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1709806059" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a> by a UChicago-led team as possibly a shoreline predator.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underwater-predator-nbsp">Underwater predator&nbsp;</h3>



<p>On the contrary, a 2020 <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04528-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a> study proposed, based on the discovery of tall-spined tail bones, that Spinosaurus might have swum like an eel to pursue prey underwater.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Further support for this underwater hunting theory came in 2022, suggesting Spinosaurus used its dense bones as ballast for diving, similar to a penguin's strategy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-assessment-nbsp">Critical new assessment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, the University of Chicago team, including senior author Paul Sereno and first author Nathan Myhrvold, Founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.intellectualventures.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intellectual Ventures</a>, revisited these claims in their latest work, by critically assessing the methodology used in prior studies to determine bone density and its implications for the dinosaur's lifestyle.</p>



<p>“We had made the thin sections of these species that were used for bone density calculations, and so we thought we would start by trying to replicate their measurements. But we encountered many factors that generated a range of values - enough to undermine the conclusions,” explained Sereno.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This reflects the complexity of accurately interpreting bone density in relation to aquatic capabilities, especially given the variances in modern and extinct species' bone compositions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-statistical-method-nbsp">Limitations of the statistical method&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, the study scrutinized the statistical method employed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spinosaurus-reveals-a-link-between-bone-density-and-hunting-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 study</a> - phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis (pFDA) - to classify Spinosaurus's behavior. Myhrvold pointed out the limitations of this approach:&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Unfortunately, that technique does not work properly unless you have lots of data, you make apples-to-apples comparisons, and you check that the data meet certain statistical prerequisites. None of those requirements were met in that earlier study, so the results just didn’t hold up under reexamination.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spinosaurus-aegyptiacus-was-a-semi-aquatic-hunter"><em>Spinosaurus aegyptiacus</em> was a semi-aquatic hunter</h2>



<p>The team's findings not only challenge previous interpretations but also underscore the importance of applying rigorous, consistent criteria in statistical analyses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research suggests that Spinosaurus, despite its massive size and aquatic adaptations, was likely a semi-aquatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-marine-predator-could-float-motionless-in-the-water/">predator</a> that hunted in waters where it could remain grounded, ambushing fish with its powerful jaws and claws while avoiding deep or open water hunting.</p>



<p>“We think Spinosaurus, one of the largest predatory animals ever to have evolved, needed extra bone strength to support its weight on its relatively short hind limbs," explained Sereno</p>



<p>"Spinosaurus was able to wade into waterways more than six feet deep without floating, where it could ambush fish of any size with its claws and jaws - but all while keeping its toes firmly anchored in the mud."</p>



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



<p>This research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS ONE</em></a>, sheds light on the complex nature of paleontological inquiry, where new evidence and methodologies can significantly alter our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-highlight-dinosaur-diversity-in-prehistoric-patagonia/">prehistoric life</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It also highlights the need for cautious interpretation of statistical analyses and the value of considering multiple lines of evidence when reconstructing the behaviors and lifestyles of ancient creatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-spinosaurus-aegyptiacus">More about <em>Spinosaurus aegyptiacus</em> </h2>



<p>Spinosaurus is one of the most intriguing and distinctive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-how-massive-dinosaurs-carried-their-weight/">dinosaurs</a> known to science, primarily due to its unique features and adaptations. Here are some key points about Spinosaurus:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-name-and-discovery">Name and discovery</h3>



<p>The name "Spinosaurus" means "spine lizard," a reference to its most noticeable feature: the long, prominent spines extending from its vertebrae.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These spines could grow over 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall. Spinosaurus fossils were first discovered in Egypt in 1912 by German paleontologist Ernst Stromer, but many original fossils were destroyed during World War II, making subsequent research challenging.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



<p>Spinosaurus is believed to have been one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs, with estimates suggesting it could reach lengths of over 15 meters (49 feet) and weigh up to 20 tons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its distinctive spines, forming a "sail" on its back, might have been used for display, thermoregulation, or other functions still debated among scientists.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aquatic-lifestyle-of-spinosaurus-aegyptiacus">Aquatic lifestyle of <em>Spinosaurus aegyptiacus</em></h3>



<p>Spinosaurus is notable for its aquatic adaptations, a rarity among dinosaurs. It had a crocodile-like skull with conical teeth perfect for catching fish, and its nostrils were located high on its skull, allowing it to breathe while partially submerged.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recent studies suggest it had paddle-like feet and a tail adapted for swimming, indicating it likely spent a lot of time in the water, hunting aquatic prey.</p>



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



<p>Its diet likely consisted mainly of fish, making it one of the few known semi-aquatic, piscivorous dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spinosaurus lived in what is now North Africa during the Cretaceous period, approximately 112 to 97 million years ago, in environments ranging from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangroves-and-saltmarshes-are-much-better-at-storing-carbon-than-previously-believed/">mangroves</a> to river deltas, teeming with life, including various fish, sharks, and other aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures.</p>



<p>Spinosaurus remains a subject of active research and debate, symbolizing the ever-evolving understanding of dinosaur biology and ecology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its unique adaptations make it a standout among dinosaurs, highlighting the diverse ways in which these ancient creatures could thrive in their environments.</p>



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



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Spinosaurus waded into the water to ambush fish of any size

The lifestyle and hunting strategies of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, a colossal...

<p>Coral reefs are vital underwater ecosystems teeming with life. Yet, climate change and human actions threaten their very existence. This is cause for alarm as coral reefs provide a haven for countless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/">marine creatures</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Not all hope is lost. Scientists recently discovered a surprising power of coral reefs: amazing regenerative abilities. With a little assistance, restored coral reefs can bounce back in just four years, becoming vibrant once again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-reefs-with-coral-transplants">Restoring reefs with coral transplants</h2>



<p>The study focused on the <a href="https://www.buildingcoral.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Coral Reef Restoration Programme</a>, one of the world's largest reef restoration projects. The program restored coral reefs in two Indonesian islands. </p>



<p>The restoration method involved structures called "reef stars" – hexagonal metal frames filled with sand. Each frame provides a home for 10-15 pieces of coral collected from nearby healthy reefs. These coral fragments come from several different types of branching coral naturally found in the area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-careful-maintenance-nbsp">Careful maintenance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The restoration process involves placing these reef stars in large groups across a designated area. But simply placing them isn't enough. To ensure the coral thrives, the frames are brushed regularly to remove algae, and any dead coral pieces are replaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This careful maintenance is especially important in the first few months after the coral is transplanted, giving it the best chance to grow and establish itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbonate-budget-of-restored-coral-reefs">Carbonate budget of restored coral reefs</h2>



<p>Scientists studied how well restored coral reefs were doing by looking at their "carbonate budget." This refers to the balance between how much calcium carbonate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/">reef</a> is making and how much it's losing. </p>



<p>Calcium carbonate is a building block for corals, and a healthy reef will be making more of it than it's losing.</p>



<p>“Corals constantly add calcium carbonate to the reef framework while some fishes and sea urchins erode it away, so calculating the overall carbonate budget basically tells you if the reef as a whole is growing or shrinking,” noted study lead author Dr. Ines Lange from the University of Exeter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Four years after the restoration efforts began, the reefs were doing much better. They had more coral, were more complex, and were building calcium carbonate at a similar rate to healthy reefs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We found that restored coral reefs can grow at the same speed as healthy coral reefs just four years after coral transplantation. This means that they provide lots of habitat for marine life and efficiently protect the adjacent island from wave energy and erosion,” said Dr. Lange.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoration-challenges">Restoration challenges</h2>



<p>Coral restoration projects often use fast-growing branching corals because they help reefs recover quickly. However, these corals are also more likely to die from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/">bleaching</a> caused by rising water temperatures. This could make the restored reefs weaker in the long run.</p>



<p>While branching corals create good homes for fish and other sea creatures, researchers worry that relying on them too much might be risky. They recommend using a wider variety of coral types during restoration, similar to what's found on healthy reefs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This mix would include massive, encrusting, and plating corals, which are all better at surviving bleaching events.</p>



<p>The researchers also express that there's no single perfect way to restore reefs. The best approach will depend on the specific location, the types of coral available, and how well the surrounding environment is protected.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-coral-reef-restoration">Future of coral reef restoration</h2>



<p>The study has demonstrated that actively restoring reefs by transplanting coral can significantly improve their health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is a really encouraging discovery. If we can maintain climate conditions that allow for coral survival, it’s possible to restore even very damaged reefs back to healthy, functional systems within relatively short periods of time,” noted Dr. Tim Lamont of Lancaster University.</p>



<p>The study is a wake-up call. We can revive our coral reefs, but we must act swiftly. By implementing a multi-pronged approach of restoration, environmental protection, and climate change action, we can ensure the future of these underwater wonders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a>.</p>



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



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Restored coral reefs can bounce back in just four years

Coral reefs are vital underwater ecosystems teeming with life. Yet,...

<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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