<p>Think about sipping a sugar-free drink that still tastes sweet. Many of us have puzzled over this illusion. Now scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveal how our brains transform smell into taste.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em>Nature Communications</em>, shows that the brain encodes certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-dna-may-explain-why-you-love-or-hate-certain-smells/">aromas</a> as if they were flavors themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-flavor-and-smell-form">How flavor and smell form</h2>



<p>Flavor is more than taste. It comes from a combination of gustatory signals and retronasal odors, those aromas drifting from the mouth to the nose. </p>



<p>The insula, known as the taste cortex, was found to integrate these signals earlier than expected. This means the brain does not wait for higher regions to combine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-your-brain-decides-what-smells-good-or-bad/">taste</a> and smell but merges them immediately into one experience.</p>



<p>Study lead author Putu Agus Khorisantono is a researcher in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a>. </p>



<p>“We saw that the taste cortex reacts to taste-associated aromas as if they were real tastes,” explained Khorisantono. "The finding provides a possible explanation for why we sometimes experience taste from smell alone, for example in flavored waters." </p>



<p>"This underscores how strongly odors and tastes work together to make food pleasurable, potentially inducing craving and encouraging overeating of certain foods.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-links-flavor-and-smell">How the brain links flavor and smell</h2>



<p>The researchers tested 25 adults. First, participants learned to identify sweet and savory flavors through combinations of taste and smell. </p>



<p>Later, inside a scanner, they received either tasteless odors or odorless tastes. Algorithms trained on brain responses to actual tastes were then tested on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radio-waves-can-boost-our-sense-of-smell-without-contact/">odors</a> alone. The surprising outcome was that odours mimicked the brain’s taste responses.</p>



<p>The study revealed that sweet or savory odors activated the same neural patterns as the corresponding tastes.</p>



<p>This overlap was strongest in the ventral anterior insula, a region connected to olfactory areas. Importantly, the researchers ruled out simple pleasure ratings as the cause. Instead, the brain genuinely encoded odors in a way that matched taste perception.</p>



<p>“This shows that the brain does not process taste and smell separately, but rather creates a joint representation of the flavor experience in the taste cortex,” said senior researcher Janina Seubert. </p>



<p>“This mechanism may be relevant for how our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-and-different-odors-can-influence-how-we-see-colors/">taste</a> preferences and eating habits are formed and influenced.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-flavor-and-smell-matter">Why flavor and smell matter</h2>



<p>The findings highlight the insula as a hub for flavor integration. They also reveal that taste representations can drift over time. Neural patterns of taste identity were less stable across days, echoing results seen in rodent studies. </p>



<p>This suggests that our flavor experiences are dynamic, adapting with exposure, context, and internal states such as hunger, mood, or attention. </p>



<p>A flavor that feels vivid and distinct one day may blur or even shift the next, depending on what the brain has recently learned or anticipated.</p>



<p>This fluid quality points to a system designed not for rigid coding but for flexibility, helping us adjust to changing diets, environments, and cultural influences on taste.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flavor-identity-and-reward-value">Flavor identity and reward value</h2>



<p>The study also observed cross-modal decoding in other regions, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, which is known to encode the value of food. </p>



<p>The researchers propose that the insula forms a shared flavor identity, while the orbitofrontal cortex evaluates its reward value. This dual process could explain why certain odors make foods irresistible and shape long-term eating habits.</p>



<p>The team now wants to test external smells, or orthonasal odors. These are the scents we encounter before eating, like walking past bread or pastries.</p>



<p>“We want to find out whether the activation pattern in the brain’s taste cortex changes from salty to sweet when we walk from the cheese aisle to the pastries in the supermarket,” said Khorisantono. “If so, this could have a significant impact on the foods we choose to consume.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-flavor-and-smell-affect-health">How flavor and smell affect health</h2>



<p>This research reframes flavor as a deeply integrated brain process. Smell and taste are not separate streams but overlapping codes that can trick the brain into tasting without tasting.</p>



<p>Beyond solving everyday mysteries like sweet-tasting flavored water, the work raises questions about cravings, overeating, and how our diets are shaped by environments filled with powerful aromas. </p>



<p>The research also suggests that everyday exposure to food-related smells in supermarkets, restaurants, offices, and even advertising spaces may influence us more than we realize.</p>



<p>These aromas may prime the brain to expect certain tastes, creating a loop where scent alone can nudge us toward food choices we might not otherwise make. </p>



<p>Over time, this subtle influence could shape eating habits, nutritional patterns, and even health outcomes, revealing how deeply our sensory world directs behavior long before conscious decisions take place.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63803-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</em></p>



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How smell tricks the brain into tasting flavors

Think about sipping a sugar-free drink that still tastes sweet. Many of us have puzzled over this illusion. Now scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveal how our brains transform smell into taste. The research, published in Nature Communications, shows that the brain encodes certain aromas as if they were flavors themselves. How flavor and smell form Flavor is more than taste. It comes from a combination of gustatory signals and retronasal odors, those aromas drifting from the mouth to the nose. The insula, known as the...

<p>In a new study from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, researchers have discovered that invasive plant species can lie dormant for extended periods - spanning decades to centuries - before abruptly proliferating and causing significant ecological damage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts scrutinized over 5,700 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">invasive plant species</a> across nine global regions, marking it as the most exhaustive study of its kind, according to senior author Mohsen Mesgaran, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-time-bombs-nbsp">Invasive time bombs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Mesgaran highlighted the deceptive nature of these dormant phases: “The longer it is dormant, we’re more likely to ignore it. This latency allows them to be overlooked, contributing to their eventual emergence as a serious invasive threat. They’re like invasive time bombs.”</p>



<p>The study's findings reveal that about one-third of the analyzed invasive plants underwent a significant lag between their introduction and sudden expansion, with an average dormancy period of 40 years.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dormant-invasive-plants">Dormant invasive plants</h2>



<p>The record for the longest dormancy was held by sycamore maples in the United Kingdom, clocking in at 320 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the United States, the common lawn weed <em>Plantago lanceolata</em>, also known as ribwort or buckhorn plantain, boasts the longest dormancy period. Introduced in 1822, this plant, detrimental to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/">livestock</a> and native flora, is now widespread across the country.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another plant, velvetleaf, introduced as a potential fiber crop, can remain dormant for 50 years before spreading and threatening vital <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-corn-crops-could-have-higher-drought-tolerance/">crops</a> like corn and soybeans by depleting water and nutrients.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-problems-ahead">More problems ahead</h2>



<p>The experts argue that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-native-species-can-have-unexpected-benefits/">non-native species</a> introductions occur either accidentally or through deliberate importation for uses such as medicinal, ornamental, or agricultural purposes. In California alone, approximately 65% of invasive plants were introduced intentionally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This lag phase may have played a role,” Mesgaran said. “They didn’t know. With an increase in trade and transportation and tourism we’re going to have more problems.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waiting-for-favorable-conditions-nbsp">Waiting for favorable conditions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To compile their data, the researchers drew from global herbarium records, which are digitized and publicly accessible, to track the occurrence and timeline of these invasive species across various regions, including Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing these records and comparing climate conditions during dormant versus expansion phases, the team discovered that many species waited for or adapted to favorable conditions before spreading, indicating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/managing-invasive-species-can-improve-climate-resilience/">climate</a> plays a significant role in these invasions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dormancy-and-risk-assessment">Dormancy and risk assessment </h2>



<p>This knowledge is crucial for future pest management and invasion prevention strategies, suggesting that existing risk assessment models, which typically overlook dormant phases, need updating.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The problem is most of the models that we have for risk assessment to see if the species are going to be invasive and a pest problem in the future don’t account for this lag phase or this dormant phase,” Mesgaran said. “It’s not that they’re not going to be a problem, it’s just the calm before the storm.”</p>



<p>As the research progresses, the team plans to investigate how the native climates of these invasive species compare to their new environments, shedding further light on the mechanisms behind their spread and dormancy.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02313-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Time bombs: Invasive plants can lie dormant for centuries

In a new study from UC Davis, researchers have discovered...

<p>A pioneering study has shed new light on the process of decision-making within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monkey-brain-explain-human-thinking/">primate brain</a> during foraging. The research was focused on two rhesus monkeys that were trained to navigate an experimental setup for food rewards, revealing intricate strategies for optimizing their gains. </p>



<p>The study was conducted by a team of neuroscientists, including contributions from the <a href="https://www.dpz.eu/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Primate Center</a> (DPZ) – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen.</p>



<p>The research not only deepens our comprehension of self-paced actions but also has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experiment allowed the monkeys to roam freely in a room equipped with two food boxes, from which they could obtain food pellets by pressing a button.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Throughout the experiment, the monkeys learned that delaying their button presses would lead to an increase in the number of pellets dispensed. </p>



<p>This behavior adjustment occurred notably when a button press failed to yield a reward, prompting the monkeys to either wait longer before attempting again or to switch to the alternate box. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-patience-levels-in-the-monkeys">Predicting patience levels in the monkeys</h2>



<p>The researchers meticulously recorded the neuronal activity in the front part of the monkeys' brains, employing a mathematical model to decode the monkeys’ reward expectations based on neural activity. </p>



<p>This approach enabled the team to predict with remarkable accuracy how long the rhesus monkeys were prepared to wait for an increased reward and when they would decide to pursue another option.</p>



<p>“When we started the experiment, we expected that our monkeys would simply choose the box based on how successful they had been with that box before,” said lead author Neda Shahidi, a junior research group leader at the Collaborative Research Center 1528 at the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a> and the DPZ in Göttingen. </p>



<p>The monkeys' ability to modulate their waiting times based on previous outcomes and the duration since their last action highlights a sophisticated level of strategic planning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkeys-and-rewards">Monkeys and rewards</h2>



<p>“After a while, however, they had learned to pay attention to the time since the last keystroke and also to their previous success at a box. If they had waited a while but not received any pellets, they waited even longer before pressing the next time. However, if they were not rewarded too many times in a row after pressing the button, they moved to the other box. They had apparently decided that this food box was not worth the wait and it was better to look elsewhere,” Shahidi added. </p>



<p>This indicates a calculated decision-making process, where the monkeys deemed a food box unworthy of further attempts after consecutive unrewarded efforts, choosing instead to explore other options.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characterizing-brain-activity-patterns">Characterizing brain activity patterns </h2>



<p>To dissect the underlying neuronal processes, the research team wirelessly recorded the activity of 96 neurons in the prefrontal cortex, a critical area for controlling goal-directed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-benefit-from-the-sloppy-eating-behavior-of-monkeys/">behavior</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“However, characterizing the activity patterns of individual neurons does not always reveal the whole story when we study complex decision-making processes,” Shahidi explained. </p>



<p>To address this, the team developed a mathematical model that distinguished components of neural activity correlating with the monkeys' decisions on when to press the button and their previous successes with each box.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advances-in-data-science">Advances in data science</h2>



<p>Surprisingly, the model provided highly accurate predictions of the monkeys' forthcoming actions, including their choices to switch between food boxes. “We were surprised at how well our model could predict what the monkeys would do in the next few seconds,” Shahidi remarked.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our results show not only how the development of wireless recording technologies can improve our understanding of brain mechanisms in natural movement scenarios, but also how advances in data science are transforming neuroscience by extracting the computational components of the brain from the collective activity of neurons. We hope that in the long term, such advances will help to better understand abnormalities in cognitive processes such as self-pacing in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-movement-and-parkinsons-disease/">Parkinson's</a> or self-initiating actions in apathy,” she concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41593-024-01575-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Neuroscience</em></a><em>.</em>&nbsp;</p>



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Monkeys and humans quickly learn that patience is rewarding

A pioneering study has shed new light on the process...

Bangkok,Thailand.,10,April,,2019,:,Non-alcoholic,Version,Of,Heineken

<p>A study led by <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> has revealed the complex feelings parents harbor towards the burgeoning availability of zero-alcohol drinks in Australia, and the potential impact on adolescents. The rise of these alcohol-free alternatives has not only expanded the market but also introduced a new layer of complexity for parents nationwide.</p>



<p>Amidst this expanding landscape, lead author Nathan Harrison of the <a href="https://nceta.flinders.edu.au/">National Center for Education and Training on Addiction</a> (NCETA) at Flinders points out the ambiguity surrounding the influence of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-alcoholic-beer-can-be-a-hotbed-for-pathogens/">beverages</a> on teenagers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-challenge-for-parents-nbsp">New challenge for parents&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We already know that conversations around alcohol can be uncomfortable and tricky to broach, especially when it comes to teenagers,” he said. “Now parents face the additional challenge of navigating zero-alcohol drinks that look, and taste, like the real thing.”</p>



<p>“Our research found that parents feel like they don’t have enough information to make an informed decision, and are conflicted on whether alcohol-free alternatives are suitable, healthy or possibly harmful for teenagers.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zero-alcohol-drinks-as-a-gateway">Zero-alcohol drinks as a gateway</h2>



<p>The similarity of these drinks to alcoholic beverages has led some parents to worry about normalizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-consumption-can-lead-to-chronic-pain/">alcohol consumption</a> among their children.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Parents are sometimes confused by zero-alcohol drinks. They wonder if giving them to their children might normalize alcohol because these drinks look so similar. As a result, around half of the parents we spoke to were concerned that these drinks could result in increased alcohol consumption,” Harrison added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-normalizing-alcohol-consumption-nbsp">Normalizing alcohol consumption&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study highlights parents' apprehensions and decision-making dilemmas, with one parent arguing that alcohol-free drinks work “like a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soda-may-be-a-gateway-drug-for-young-children/">gateway drug</a>, you know, that they start on the zero-alcohol and they wanna try the real thing.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another parent shared similar concerns, saying that “if it’s the whole ‘being cool because you’re drinking alcohol’ sort of link, it’s almost in the same realm as being harmful, you know: it’s glorifying, it’s normalizing everything about alcohol.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confusion-over-alcohol-guidelines-nbsp">Confusion over alcohol guidelines&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Ashlea Bartram from the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders led a comprehensive analysis of over 1,100 parents' views, finding that confusion over alcohol guidelines often led parents to consider providing zero-alcohol products to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-violence-may-rewire-teenage-brains/">teenagers</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Research has shown that delaying the introduction of alcohol to children can reduce the likelihood of binge drinking and alcohol-related issues later in life," she explained, advocating for cautious parental guidance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Many parents want to do what they can to minimize harms from alcohol to their children. For now, we advise a precautionary approach and recommend that parents do not provide zero-alcohol drinks to their adolescents,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of protective measures against potential risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marketing-strategies-of-zero-alcohol-drinks-nbsp">Marketing strategies of zero-alcohol drinks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Christine Morris, Prevention and Advocacy Manager at <a href="https://www.cancersa.org.au/">Cancer Council SA</a>, highlighted the unique marketing strategies of zero-alcohol beverages, which are not subject to the same restrictions as alcoholic drinks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As Morris put it, “zero-alcohol drinks are allowed to be marketed and sold in ways that regular alcoholic drinks cannot. Any amount of any type of alcohol increases the risk of seven types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/">cancer</a>, and it’s important to make sure that children and young people are not exposed to advertising from alcohol companies that could put them at risk of harm.”</p>



<p>This study - published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health</em></a> - sheds light on the nuanced concerns parents have regarding zero-alcohol beverages and their adolescent children, urging a more informed and cautious approach to these products amidst growing popularity and market presence.</p>



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



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Are zero-alcohol drinks a type of gateway drug for teens?

A study led by Flinders University has revealed the complex...

Hungry,Dog,With,Sad,Eyes,Is,Waiting,For,Feeding,At

<p>Approximately a quarter of Labrador Retriever <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-celebrating-all-the-ways-that-dogs-make-life-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, and two-thirds of flat-coated retrievers, along with many other dog breeds and possibly humans, carry a mutation in a gene known as POMC. This mutation significantly impacts hunger levels and metabolic rates in dogs, often leading to obesity.</p>



<p>According to a recent study led by Dr. Eleanor Raffan from the University of Cambridge's Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (<a href="https://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC-PDN</a>), this genetic alteration not only makes these dogs feel perpetually hungry, but also reduces their caloric burn by about 25% compared to dogs without the mutation. This deadly and unfortunate combination predisposes Labrador Retriever dogs to obesity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-the-pomc-gene-and-obesity">Dogs, the POMC gene, and obesity</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/pomc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">POMC gene</a> is instrumental in controlling hunger and energy expenditure. The mutation in question disrupts normal feeding behavior, causing affected dogs to experience constant hunger despite consuming adequate food amounts.</p>



<p>They feel hungrier sooner after meals and have a reduced need for calories due to their lower resting energy expenditure. </p>



<p>“We found that a mutation in the <em>POMC</em> gene seems to make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-have-memories-of-their-relatives-but-you-can-help-by-making-them-feel-safe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> hungrier. Affected dogs tend to overeat because they get hungry between meals more quickly than dogs without the mutation,” said Dr Raffan.</p>



<p>She emphasized the need for owners of these breeds to be particularly vigilant in managing their pets' diets and exercise routines to maintain a healthy weight, considering the unique challenges posed by this genetic predisposition.</p>



<p>“All owners of Labradors and flat-coated retrievers need to watch what they’re feeding these highly food-motivated dogs, to keep them a healthy weight. But dogs with this genetic mutation face a double whammy. They not only want to eat more, but also need fewer calories because they’re not burning them off as fast," Dr. Raffan explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-canine-hunger-through-science">Decoding canine hunger through science</h2>



<p>The study, published in the journal <em>Science Advances</em>, also explored the behavioral implications of the POMC mutation. </p>



<p>Labrador Retriever <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-better-at-expressing-emotions-than-cats-except-for-anger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, and other breeds carrying this mutation, exhibited a more pronounced interest in food, which often led them to obesity. This predisposition was demonstrated in the 'sausage in a box' test. </p>



<p>In this experiment, the test subjects made significantly more attempts to access a visible, but inaccessible, sausage compared to their non-mutant counterparts. This behavior underscores the intense food motivation driven by the mutation.</p>



<p>Videos showing the 'sausage in a box' test <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/suppl/10.1126/sciadv.adj3823/suppl_file/sciadv.adj3823_movie_s1.zip" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">can be downloaded here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-pomc-causes-obesity-in-dogs-and-possibly-humans">How POMC causes obesity in dogs and possibly humans</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the POMC gene and its pathways are similar in dogs and humans, with previous research indicating that humans with POMC mutations also suffer from extreme hunger and early-onset obesity. </p>



<p>This similarity points to the potential broader implications of the study's findings, especially in the context of developing treatments for obesity and related <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/5443" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions in humans</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Raffan's work challenges prior assumptions about the role of chemical messengers like beta-melanocyte stimulating hormone (β-MSH) and beta-endorphin in hunger and energy use. </p>



<p>Her findings suggest that these factors play a significant role independently of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). This revelation contradicts earlier beliefs based on rat models, highlighting the importance of these hormones in both humans and dogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-advice-for-battling-the-bulge-in-dogs">Practical advice for battling the bulge in dogs</h2>



<p>The research team suggests practical measures for owners to help manage their pets' insatiable hunger, such as spreading daily food rations using puzzle feeders or scattering food to prolong eating time. </p>



<p>These strategies can help mitigate the constant hunger driven by the POMC mutation, although Dr. Raffan acknowledges the difficulty in keeping Labrador Retriever <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dogs-function-in-society-impacts-how-they-are-treated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> at a healthy weight, staving off obesity. </p>



<p>She advocates for a compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by owners of dogs with this genetic condition, highlighting that the propensity for obesity in these animals is not merely a result of negligent care but a complex interplay of genetics and behavior.</p>



<p>“People are often rude about the owners of fat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-live-longer-and-happier-lives-when-they-get-to-socialize-often/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, blaming them for not properly managing their dogs’ diet and exercise," Dr. Raffan lamented. </p>



<p>"But we’ve shown that Labradors with this genetic mutation are looking for food all the time, trying to increase their energy intake. It’s very difficult to keep these dogs slim, but it can be done," she concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-need-empathy-as-they-fight-obesity">Dogs need empathy as they fight obesity</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of the POMC genetic mutation in Labrador and flat-coated retrievers spotlights the significant challenges these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-small-dogs-live-longer-than-large-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> face in managing their weight due to an insatiable hunger and a decreased ability to burn calories. </p>



<p>Dr. Eleanor Raffan and her team's research underscores the importance of understanding the genetic factors influencing pet health while offering practical strategies for owners to help their furry friends maintain a healthy lifestyle. </p>



<p>By recognizing the role genetics play in our pets' behavior and metabolic health, we can approach their care with more empathy and insight, ensuring they lead happier, healthier lives. </p>



<p>This study urges further genetic research to inform better practices in pet care and opens doors for similar discoveries in human health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life on a genetic level.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-labrador-retriever-dogs-and-obesity">More about Labrador retriever dogs and obesity</h2>



<p>As discussed above, Labrador Retrievers hold the crown as America's favorite dog breed, a title they've proudly maintained for years. Known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and versatility, Labradors shine in various roles, from loyal family pets to skilled service <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-and-humans-process-social-information-in-surprisingly-similar-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-and-history">Origins and history</h3>



<p>Originating from Newfoundland, Canada, Labrador Retrievers were initially used by fishermen to retrieve fishing nets and fish that escaped from hooks. In the early 19th century, English nobles visiting Canada spotted the breed and brought them back to England. There, they refined the breed into the Labrador we know and love today.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personality-and-temperament">Personality and temperament</h3>



<p>Labradors are beloved for their friendly and outgoing temperament. They are known to be great with children and other animals, making them ideal family pets. Their eagerness to please and high intelligence make them highly trainable for various tasks beyond companionship, including search and rescue, therapy work, and assistance for people with disabilities.</p>



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



<p>Labradors are medium to large dogs, with males typically weighing between 65 to 80 pounds and females 55 to 70 pounds. They have a short, dense coat that comes in three colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. Their double coat helps them stay waterproof and insulated, a trait tracing back to their origins as fishermen's helpers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-labrador-retriever-dogs-health-and-obesity-care">Labrador Retriever dogs' health and obesity care</h3>



<p>Labradors are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye conditions. Regular exercise is crucial for Labradors, as they have a lot of energy and enjoy being active. </p>



<p>As discussed above, Labrador retriever dogs have a love for food and propensity for obesity caused by a mutation in a gene known as POMC. Because of this, their diet needs to be carefully managed to maintain proper health.</p>



<p>In summary, Labrador Retrievers continue to win hearts worldwide with their affectionate nature, intelligence, and versatility. Whether as a family pet, a working dog, or a loyal companion, the Labrador's enduring popularity is a testament to their wonderful characteristics. With proper care and training, Labradors can truly be a human's best friend.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj3823" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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Many dogs have a genetic mutation that causes constant hunger and obesity

Approximately a quarter of Labrador Retriever dogs, and two-thirds of...

<p>In the whirlwind of contemporary urban life, where the seconds tick away unyieldingly, the adage "time is money" has never felt more poignant. Amidst this relentless march through the minutes and hours that comprise our perception of time, a new study sheds light on a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forest-bathing-fresh-breath-for-teen-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential sanctuary</a> from the temporal storm: nature.</p>



<p>Our days, segmented by the relentless ticking of the clock, seem to rush by, leaving us grappling with a pervasive sense of time scarcity. </p>



<p>This exploration  highlights the stress-inducing tempo of city life and proposes that immersion in nature and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-improves-life-quality-of-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural settings</a> could recalibrate our internal clocks, offering a healthier grasp on time's elusive flow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ticking-differently-the-fluidity-of-time-perception">Ticking differently: The fluidity of time perception</h2>



<p>At the heart of this investigation is the understanding that time perception is inherently subjective, influenced by a tapestry of cognitive processes including attention, memory, and emotion. Dr. Ricardo Correia, an Assistant Professor at the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a>, Finland, illuminates this complexity. </p>



<p>"Time perception in humans is highly subjective and regulated by a complex interaction of factors related to attention, memory, emotions and physical status. As an example, time may seem like it is standing still while stuck in traffic on the way to meet a friend, and then it may fly by quickly while having fun together," Correia notes.</p>



<p>“Living in cities and everything it entails puts a strain on the processes that influence how we perceive time. In contrast, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peoples-love-of-nature-is-both-learned-and-inherited-genetically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> is known to have a restorative effect for humans and may help us to recover a more balanced sense of time," he says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-hours-nature-s-pause-button">Green hours: Nature's pause button</h2>



<p>Correia's research, published in the journal <em>People and Nature</em> by the <a href="https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Ecological Society</a>, dives into the scientific literature to unravel the nuances of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-walking-quantifiably-improves-brain-health-and-functioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural environments</a> influence human time perception. The findings are twofold, touching on both the duration and perspective of time.</p>



<p>First, there's the phenomenon of temporal duration, which refers to how we feel and understand time going by. Studies show that when we spend time in cities or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/access-to-nature-improves-the-mental-health-of-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>, it feels different. </p>



<p>When we're in nature, it feels like time goes slower, and we think we've been there longer than we really have. This makes us feel like we are "gaining time" and that we have more "time" to enjoy things. </p>



<p>Nature experiences make us feel less like we're always in a hurry. This contrast is stark against the backdrop of urban life, where time often feels fleeting and insufficient, as if we're always in a hurry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temporal-expansion-how-nature-stretches-time">Temporal expansion: How nature stretches time</h2>



<p>Moreover, Correia uncovers a shift in temporal perspective when individuals move from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-residents-better-mental-health-access-green-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cityscapes</a> to landscapes. </p>



<p>This perspective encompasses our mental journey through time -- from reminiscing about the past to planning for the future. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-environments-play-an-overlooked-role-in-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>, it seems, facilitates a smoother transition between these temporal states, promoting a more balanced and positive outlook. </p>



<p>This is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world, where a singular, negative focus on time can lead to detrimental behaviors and impact mental well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perspective-shift-nature-s-time-travel">Perspective shift: Nature's time travel</h2>



<p>“Put together, the existing evidence strongly suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-positive-body-image/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature experiences</a> play an important role in regulating and maintaining a healthy sense of time, and I think the impact of nature on human well-being should be better recognized,” affirms Dr Ricardo Correia. </p>



<p>“Furthermore, we lack detailed information about which elements of nature or nature experiences regulate our time perception the most. Developing a better understanding of these aspects can provide important information that helps us to design our cities and parks so that they boost our collective well-being," Correia concludes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reclaiming-time-the-future-of-urban-well-being">Reclaiming time: The future of urban well-being</h2>



<p>This knowledge is pivotal, not just for enhancing individual well-being, but for informing the design of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-solutions-city-greening-reduces-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban environments</a> -- making cities and parks not just spaces of habitation, but havens for our temporal well-being.</p>



<p>In summary, embracing nature's rhythms emerges as a transformative strategy to mend our fractured relationship with time, especially within the relentless pace of urban environments. </p>



<p>Dr. Ricardo Correia's research underscores the profound impact that natural environments have on our perception of time, offering a sense of expansion and a more balanced perspective that contrasts sharply with the time scarcity experienced in city life. </p>



<p>By integrating these insights into the design of our urban spaces, we are able to enhance individual well-being while crafting communities that thrive on a healthier, more harmonious temporal foundation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-human-time-perception-and-nature">More about human time perception and nature</h2>



<p>As discussed above, human time perception is a fascinating subject that reveals how we experience and understand the passing of time. Unlike the constant tick of a clock, our internal sense of time can stretch and compress, influenced by various factors including emotions, activities, and our environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fluid-nature-of-time">The fluid nature of time</h3>



<p>Time perception isn't fixed -- it's fluid and subjective. When we're engaged in enjoyable activities, time seems to fly by. </p>



<p>Conversely, when we're bored or anxious, minutes can feel like hours. This variability shows that our perception of time is deeply connected to our mental and emotional states.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-time-perception">Factors influencing time perception</h3>



<p>Several factors play a crucial role in how we perceive time. Attention, for instance, significantly impacts our time awareness. </p>



<p>When we focus intently on a task, we might lose track of time, experiencing what's known as 'flow' state. Emotions also influence time perception; joyful experiences make time seem shorter, while negative emotions can make it drag.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-age-in-time-perception">Role of age in time perception</h3>



<p>Interestingly, age affects how we perceive time. As we grow older, time seems to speed up. </p>



<p>This phenomenon is often attributed to the relative nature of time; as we age, each year represents a smaller fraction of our lives, making it feel shorter.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-perception-and-health">Time perception and health</h3>



<p>Understanding time perception can have health implications. High stress levels, often linked with a distorted sense of time, can lead to health issues. </p>



<p>Learning to manage our perception of time, perhaps by incorporating mindfulness or relaxation techniques, can improve well-being.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-technology">Impact of technology</h3>



<p>In today's digital age, technology also influences our time perception. The constant bombardment of information can make time seem to pass quickly, contributing to a sense of time scarcity. </p>



<p>Balancing technology use with time spent in nature or disconnected activities can help restore a healthier time balance.</p>



<p>In summary, human time perception is a complex interplay of psychological, emotional, and environmental factors. By understanding how these elements affect our sense of time, we can take steps to enhance our well-being, reduce stress, and live more present, fulfilled lives. </p>



<p>Recognizing the subjective nature of time encourages us to appreciate every moment, knowing that our perception shapes our reality.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pan3.10601" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">People and Nature</a></em>.</p>



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Being in nature changes our overall perception of time

In the whirlwind of contemporary urban life, where the seconds...

<p>Have you ever thought of rivers as being living things? They gurgle, flow, and teem with life, but did you know they also "breathe"? Scientists at the <a href="https://www.pnnl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific Northwest National Laboratory</a> (PNNL) are delving into the process of river respiration. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, just like we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, rivers do the same through tiny organisms and organic matter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiration-process-in-rivers">Respiration process in rivers</h2>



<p>Rivers "breathe" through a complex series of chemical reactions carried out by tiny organisms like bacteria and algae. They absorb dissolved oxygen from the water, similar to how we breathe air.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-less-oxygen-could-extend-your-lifespan-by-50-or-more/">oxygen</a> fuels a process called decomposition, where they break down dead plants, algae, and animal waste in the river. This breakdown releases energy, which these organisms need to survive and grow, just like we get energy from food.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Rivers also release carbon dioxide back into the water, like humans do when we exhale. Importantly, this process releases essential nutrients - like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-farms-could-help-clean-up-coastal-nitrogen-pollution/">nitrogen</a> and phosphorus -&nbsp; that are vital for the growth of other organisms in the river.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The entire cycle, from oxygen absorption to nutrient release, is essential for maintaining healthy oxygen levels in the river and supporting a diverse range of life underwater.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-matter-as-fuel">Organic matter as fuel</h2>



<p>As previously mentioned, rivers contain tiny pieces of dead plants and animals, which is called organic matter. This organic matter acts as food for organisms in the water and helps keep the water clean and healthy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The type of organic matter present depends on various factors like how the land around the river is used, if there is any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-pollution-has-an-immediate-impact-on-blood-pressure/">pollution</a>, and if there have been any disturbances in the environment, both natural and human-caused.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the speed of breakdown depends on the type of matter. Some things, like wood and leaves, take longer to “digest." Knowing how fast things break down is important for keeping rivers healthy and usable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-does-river-respiration-occur">Where does river respiration occur?</h2>



<p>The location of the respiration can vary greatly. For instance, in the wide Columbia River, most of the river’s respiration happens in the water itself. The vast amount of water provides a large space for this process to take place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In smaller streams, however, the bottom sediment becomes the key location for microbial respiration. This is because the sediment is in direct contact with organic matter that sinks to the bottom, providing a rich food source for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-found-that-can-digest-plastic-in-freezing-temperatures/">microbes</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluctuations-in-river-respiration-nbsp">Fluctuations in river respiration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The size of the sediment particles also plays a role in how quickly respiration occurs. Larger rocks in the sediment create more space and surfaces for microbes to live and work on, potentially making respiration more efficient. The increased activity not only helps break down organic matter but also helps the river clean itself by breaking down pollutants.</p>



<p>Therefore, where and how much respiration happens in a river system is constantly changing and depends on both the physical features of the river, like the amount of water and the size of the sediment particles, and where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-management-can-save-corn-production-climate-change/">organic matter</a> is located.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-quality-management-nbsp">Water quality management&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research on the breakdown of organic matter in rivers has important implications for several areas. For example, it can help improve water quality management.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By understanding what factors influence how quickly organic matter decomposes, scientists and policymakers can develop better strategies for cleaning up rivers. They can identify the pollutants that break down the slowest and focus on removing those first.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-conservation-nbsp">River conservation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, the study can inform conservation efforts. If we know how rivers function, we can take better care of them. Healthy rivers provide clean water, habitat for fish and other wildlife, and help regulate nutrients.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Understanding what principles regulate processes and how they work across systems is a key goal of our work," explained PNNL Earth scientist Allison Myers-Pigg.</p>



<p>"This knowledge provides a foundation for building models that can predict the future health of streams and rivers, including how they might be impacted by big disturbances. Without this knowledge, we cannot make accurate predictions."&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2023.1169701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Water</em></a>.</p>



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River respiration is a lot like breathing in humans

Have you ever thought of rivers as being living things?...

<p>Deep in the Arctic, beluga whales gather in vibrant groups and rely heavily on their social bonds for survival.</p>



<p>In a new study published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1359429"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a>, experts reveal that rising ocean temperatures are disrupting the vital social structures of beluga whales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives-of-beluga-whales">Social lives of beluga whales</h2>



<p>Beluga whales are medium-sized, white whales that live in the cold waters of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-soil-plays-a-major-role-in-fighting-climate-change/">Arctic</a> and sub-Arctic regions. They are known for the distinctive bulges on their foreheads called melons and their diverse vocalizations, which earned them the nickname "canaries of the sea."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beluga whales live in groups called pods, which can be small or large, with hundreds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-whales-contribute-to-carbon-capture/">whales</a> gathering during migrations or when food is plentiful. Belugas communicate with each other using a wide variety of sounds to help them navigate, hunt, and stay together in the dark waters of their habitat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-in-groups-nbsp">Living in groups&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Living in groups is essential for the whales. It protects them from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coyotes-move-into-towns-to-avoid-predators-only-to-be-killed-by-humans/">predators</a>, helps them find food more efficiently, and allows them to raise their young together.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Young whales learn important skills like hunting and navigation by watching and copying other whales in their group. These strong social bonds and cooperative behaviors show how important it is to protect the beluga whales' habitat.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-studying-beluga-whales">Challenges in studying beluga whales</h2>



<p>Studying beluga whales in the Arctic is difficult because of their remote location and harsh environment. Traditional research methods are expensive, require a lot of work, and only cover small areas, which means scientists might not get all the information they need.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research introduces a new way to study beluga whales using deep learning, a type of artificial intelligence. Scientists trained computers to analyze high-resolution satellite images using a specific technique called Deep Convolutional Neural Networks. This allowed them to identify groups of beluga whales directly from space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the researchers also acknowledge the limitation of the model. "Unfortunately, in areas where icebergs of similar size to beluga whales were present, the accuracy of the models was not good (less than 50% accuracy), and the images were photo-interpreted to detect beluga whales manually," explain the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-temperature-and-changing-social-habits">Ocean temperature and changing social habits</h2>



<p>During the summer, beluga whales gather in large groups for feeding and socializing. The researchers observed that these groups became smaller as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/">ocean temperature</a> increased. This pattern was consistent across all 11 beluga whale populations studied, suggesting a widespread trend.</p>



<p>The researchers also analyzed the data statistically and confirmed a negative relationship between water temperature and group size. They measured the minimum distance between individual whales within the groups and found that this distance increased as the water temperature became warmer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-predictions">Alarming predictions</h2>



<p>The study predicts that rising ocean temperatures due to climate change will pose significant challenges for beluga whales. The research suggests that the ocean temperatures in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions could rise by up to 3°C by the end of the century.</p>



<p>"This could, in turn, push their distribution patterns towards cooler southern areas, overlapping with northward distribution shifts of other marine mammal species, increasing habitat and resource competition or even leading to drastic population depletion, depending on species ability to adapt to new climate scenarios," the team noted.</p>



<p>The study highlights the need to understand how beluga whales will adapt to these changes. Whether they can find new habitats, adjust their migration patterns, or even change their diet will be crucial for their survival. If they are unable to adapt, the study warns of drastic population declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-action-is-needed">Urgent action is needed</h2>



<p>"Under this scenario, we recommend a prompt and global reduction of gas emissions and the protection of beluga whale territories from marine traffic if we wish to preserve this vulnerable species," said the researchers.</p>



<p>The experts suggest a comprehensive strategy to help beluga whales survive. It is vital to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ponds-release-more-greenhouse-gases-than-they-store/">greenhouse gases</a> to slow global warming. We must also limit our impact on the marine environment, boost research, promote global cooperation, and engage local communities to safeguard belugas.</p>



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Beluga whales are losing their social bonds as temperatures rise

Deep in the Arctic, beluga whales gather in vibrant groups...

Abstract,3d,Illustration,Of,The,Biological,Cell,And,The,Mitochondria

<p>Scientists have uncovered the mechanism by which "leaky" mitochondria, the cell's energy factories, can trigger harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammation and disease</a>. </p>



<p>This research has shed light on a fundamental biological process with far-reaching implications for treating chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. </p>



<p>It could pave the way for developing more effective therapies for these conditions, enhancing our immune response to viral infections, and potentially slowing the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cell-powerhouses-under-siege">Cell powerhouses under siege</h2>



<p>Mitochondria possess their unique genetic material, distinct from the cell's nuclear DNA. It has been known that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can escape into the cell, sparking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-impacts-the-brain-through-inflammation-not-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammation</a>. However, the exact trigger for this escape has eluded scientists until now. </p>



<p>The recent findings illustrate how mtDNA leakage prompts the body to initiate a damaging immune response, which can lead to autoimmune and chronic diseases.</p>



<p>Laura E. Newman, PhD, from the <a href="https://med.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia School of Medicine</a>, explains the significance of this discovery.</p>



<p>"When mitochondria fail to properly manage their DNA, attempts to dispose of the excess can lead to inflammation. Understanding this process opens the door to interventions that could mitigate inflammation and its consequences," Newman said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-mitochondrial-leaks-to-inflammation-and-disease">From mitochondrial leaks to inflammation and disease</h2>



<p>Gerald Shadel, PhD, and his team, including Newman, utilized advanced imaging and cell biology techniques to trace the mtDNA's journey out of the mitochondria.</p>



<p>They discovered that malfunctions in mtDNA replication cause protein accumulations, leading to the cell's attempt to eliminate these excess nucleoids. However, the cellular waste disposal system, or endosomes, can get overwhelmed, resulting in mtDNA spilling into the cell.</p>



<p>"We observed mtDNA within a mysterious membrane structure post-leakage, leading us to identify the endosome's role in this process. This breakthrough points to a novel mechanism of mtDNA disposal and leakage," said Newman.</p>



<p>The cell identifies the leaked mtDNA as foreign, triggering an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-and-keto-diets-rapidly-transform-the-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune response</a> akin to fighting off a virus, but this also results in detrimental inflammation. </p>



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



<p>Uri Manor, PhD, emphasized the novelty of their discovery and its potential to answer critical questions about the interaction between cellular components, the variance in mtDNA release among different cell types, and strategies to reduce inflammation associated with diseases and aging.</p>



<p>In her new position at the UVA School of Medicine’s Department of Cell Biology, Newman aims to delve deeper into the conditions under which this mitochondrial pathway is activated. </p>



<p>This includes exploring how viruses targeting mitochondria could exploit this pathway to alarm against infections and whether its overactivation could lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-protein-linked-to-healthier-aging-and-lower-risk-of-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic diseases</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeting-mitochondria-to-fight-disease">Targeting mitochondria to fight disease</h2>



<p>In summary, this important discovery of how "leaky" mitochondria contribute to harmful inflammation opens new doors for treating autoimmune and chronic diseases, fighting viral infections, and potentially slowing the aging process. </p>



<p>The UVA School of Medicine team has elucidated the pathway through which mitochondrial DNA escapes and incites an immune response, while laying the groundwork for future therapies aimed at mitigating this inflammation. </p>



<p>This pivotal research underscores the intricate link between cellular processes and human health, promising a future where targeted interventions can effectively combat inflammation-related diseases, enhancing our overall well-being and longevity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-mitochondria-and-disease">More about mitochondria and disease</h2>



<p>As discussed above, mitochondria, often hailed as the powerhouses of our cells, play a pivotal role in generating the energy necessary for cellular functions. </p>



<p>Embedded within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cell-wide-web-carries-signals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cytoplasm</a> of nearly every cell, these organelles convert nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency that powers cellular activities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-mitochondria-a-closer-look">Structure of mitochondria: A closer look</h3>



<p>Mitochondria are unique among cellular organelles, distinguished by their double-membrane structure. The outer membrane encases the organelle, while the inner membrane folds into cristae, increasing the surface area for energy production. </p>



<p>This specialized architecture facilitates the efficient production of ATP through the process of oxidative phosphorylation, a testament to the organelle's evolutionary origins from symbiotic bacteria.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-blueprint-of-mitochondrial-dna-mtdna">Genetic blueprint of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)</h3>



<p>An intriguing aspect of mitochondria is their possession of their own DNA (mtDNA), separate from the nuclear DNA found in the cell's nucleus. </p>



<p>This mtDNA encodes essential proteins for the organelle's energy-generating functions, highlighting mitochondria's evolutionary ancestry as independent organisms. </p>



<p>The inheritance of mtDNA through the maternal line opens fascinating avenues for studying genetics, evolution, and hereditary diseases.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-mitochondria-in-health-and-disease">Role of mitochondria in health and disease</h3>



<p>Mitochondria are central to more than just energy production; they are crucial in calcium signaling, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and the regulation of cellular metabolism. </p>



<p>Dysfunctions in mitochondrial operations can lead to a spectrum of diseases, collectively known as mitochondrial disorders, impacting organs and systems that require high energy, such as the brain, heart, and muscles. </p>



<p>Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic syndromes, and the aging process.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-mitochondrial-research">Future of mitochondrial research</h3>



<p>The ongoing research into mitochondrial biology holds promise for novel therapeutic strategies to combat mitochondrial diseases, enhance human health, and extend lifespan. </p>



<p>Scientists are exploring ways to manipulate mitochondrial functions, develop treatments for mitochondrial disorders, and even use mitochondrial DNA as a biomarker for certain diseases.</p>



<p>In summary, mitochondria, with their complex functions and critical role in cellular energy production, are key players in maintaining cellular and organismal health. </p>



<p>As research unfolds, the mysteries of these remarkable organelles continue to reveal new insights into their potential for treating diseases and enhancing human health, marking an exciting frontier in biological and medical sciences.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41556-023-01343-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Cell Biology</a></em>.</p>



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



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Leaking 'cell batteries' called mitochondria cause many human diseases

Scientists have uncovered the mechanism by which "leaky" mitochondria, the...

<p>Keeping tabs on honeybee <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-causing-honey-bee-colony-collapse-in-the-u-s/">colonies</a> can be tricky, especially during the winter months when they become inactive. Traditionally, beekeepers have relied on opening the hives to assess their health, which can be disruptive to the honeybees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But now, a study from <a href="https://www.ntu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham Trent University</a> offers a bee-friendly alternative: a gentle tap that can reveal a hive's health without needing to peek inside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-honeybee-health-with-vibrations">Monitoring honeybee health with vibrations</h2>



<p>The method involves gently introducing a vibration to the hive using a special device called an electromagnetic shaker.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The shaker basically gives the hive a small nudge to get the bees' attention. To see how the bees react to this nudge, the researchers use an accelerometer - which can pick up even the tiniest movements inside the hive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By measuring these movements, the researchers can tell how active the bees are after feeling the vibration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honeybees-reaction-to-the-vibrations">Honeybees' reaction to the vibrations</h2>



<p>At first, the bees tend to slow down their activity, likely because they are being cautious and want to figure out what's going on. However, after a while, they become more active as they try to understand what caused the vibration.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By looking at these patterns of how active the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-have-surprising-abilities-to-maintain-their-nest-structure/">honeybees</a> become, the scientists can actually figure out the overall health and well-being of the entire bee colony.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-a-healthy-honeybee-colony">Signs of a healthy honeybee colony</h2>



<p>In the summer, honeybees do not react much when researchers introduce vibrations. This is because they are focused on essential tasks like collecting food and raising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-refine-their-dancing-skills-by-watching-others/">young bees</a>, which are crucial for the survival of the colony.</p>



<p>However, things change in the winter. As the weather gets colder, the bees huddle together to stay warm and become less active. During this time, the bees become more sensitive to the same vibrations and react more strongly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This increased sensitivity and the resulting "whooping" sound, which the researchers observed earlier, are signs that a healthy colony is adapting to the cold temperatures by clustering together.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evaluating-the-health-of-a-honeybee-colony">Evaluating the health of a honeybee colony </h2>



<p>The new method not only measures bee activity but also provides clues about the overall health of the honeybee colony. The researchers monitored several beehives and noticed that one colony buzzed constantly throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">summer</a>, even during periods when bees are typically very active.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This particular colony turned out to be the only unhealthy group in the study, suggesting that the continuous buzzing might be a sign of poor health.</p>



<p>Further investigation revealed that the struggling colony had lost its queen in the spring. The abnormal buzzing pattern stopped and returned to normal after the colony was successfully reintroduced to a healthy new queen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionizing-beekeeping">Revolutionizing beekeeping</h2>



<p>"Our measurements reveal, non-invasively, colony mobility, the clustering of the colony and its restfulness, and can detect the absence of the queen in the active season," noted lead researcher Dr. Martin Bencsik, a scientist at Nottingham Trent University.</p>



<p>"We believe our work might also help to give beekeepers an indication of the size of their colonies, based upon the strength of the signal."&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the future, the technology might even be used to create tools that constantly monitor beehive health. This would give <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-causing-honey-bee-colony-collapse-in-the-u-s/">beekeepers</a> immediate information about their bees, allowing them to address problems quickly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even beyond beekeeping, the research could be helpful in understanding how the environment affects bee health. This information would be valuable for scientists who are studying ecology and conservation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54107-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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



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A gentle tap on the hive reveals honeybee health

Keeping tabs on honeybee colonies can be tricky, especially during...

<p>The 1986 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-wolves-have-evolved-resistance-to-cancer/">Chernobyl</a> nuclear disaster indelibly marked the region as the most radioactive environment on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-discovered-a-massive-planet-too-big-for-its-sun/">planet</a>, leading to the mass evacuation of humans. Despite the high radiation levels that persist nearly four decades later, a diverse array of flora and fauna continues to inhabit the area.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU</a> has shed light on the remarkable genetic resilience of microscopic worms in the Chernobyl zone. While it does not indicate that the area is safe, this finding underscores the extraordinary adaptability of these organisms to extreme conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chernobyl-radiation-and-wildlife">Chernobyl radiation and wildlife</h2>



<p>The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, encompassing an area within an 18.6-mile radius of the power plant in northern Ukraine, has become a living laboratory for scientists studying the impacts of prolonged radiation exposure on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/">wildlife</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observations have revealed that animals within the zone exhibit distinct physical and genetic characteristics compared to those living in less contaminated environments. This has propelled scientific inquiry into how chronic radiation exposure influences DNA.</p>



<p>“Chernobyl was a tragedy of incomprehensible scale, but we still don't have a great grasp on the effects of the disaster on local populations. Did the sudden environmental shift select for species, or even individuals within a species, that are naturally more resistant to ionizing radiation?” said lead author Sophia Tintori, a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Biology at NYU.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-worms-that-live-fast">Tiny worms that live fast</h2>



<p>The research team, seeking answers, focused their efforts on nematodes - tiny worms noted for their simplistic genomes and rapid life cycles, which render them particularly valuable for fundamental biological research.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These worms live everywhere, and they live quickly, so they go through dozens of generations of evolution while a typical vertebrate is still putting on its shoes,” explained senior author Matthew Rockman, a professor of biology at NYU.</p>



<p>“I had seen footage of the exclusion zone and was surprised by how lush and overgrown it looked - I'd never thought of it as teeming with life,” Tintori added. “If I want to find worms that are particularly tolerant to radiation exposure, this is a landscape that might have already been selected for that.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-tolerance-to-radiation">Enhanced tolerance to radiation</h2>



<p>This prompted Tintori to consider the possibility that the area might have naturally selected for organisms with an enhanced tolerance to radiation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To explore this hypothesis, the research team, including collaborators from Ukraine and the United States such as biologist Timothy Mousseau of the <a href="https://sc.edu/">University of South Carolina</a>, embarked on a field expedition to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in 2019.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Equipped with Geiger counters and protective gear, they meticulously collected worm samples from various locations, encountering radiation levels ranging from minimal to extremely high.</p>



<p>Upon collecting the samples, the researchers transported them to Mousseau’s field lab in Chernobyl for initial analysis. They then continued their examinations in a hotel in Kyiv, isolating and cultivating nematodes using travel microscopes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Back at NYU, the team leveraged cryopreservation techniques to halt the worms' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/">evolution</a>, allowing for a comparative analysis of specimens that had experienced different evolutionary histories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-resilience-of-chernobyl-worms">Genetic resilience of Chernobyl worms</h2>



<p>The investigation centered on 15 worms of the species <em>Oscheius tipulae</em>, known for its relevance in genetic and evolutionary research. </p>



<p>By sequencing the genomes of these Chernobyl worms and comparing them to those of <em>O. tipulae</em> from other regions, the researchers anticipated uncovering radiation-induced genetic alterations. However, their findings did not support this hypothesis.</p>



<p>“This doesn't mean that Chornobyl is safe - it more likely means that nematodes are really resilient animals and can withstand extreme conditions,” said Tintori. “We also don’t know how long each of the worms we collected was in the Zone, so we can't be sure exactly what level of exposure each worm and its ancestors received over the past four decades.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chernobyl-worms-were-not-phased-by-radiation">Chernobyl worms were not phased by radiation</h2>



<p>Intrigued by the absence of a genetic signature from radiation, the team devised an experiment to assess the worms' growth rates and sensitivity to various types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sexual-competition-drives-male-beetles-to-neglect-dna-repair/">DNA damage</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite observing differences in DNA damage tolerance among the worm lineages, these variations did not align with the radiation levels at their collection sites, suggesting that the Chernobyl nematodes had not evolved a specific resistance to radiation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-repair-mechanisms-nbsp">DNA repair mechanisms&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This groundbreaking research not only highlights the nematodes' resilience but also paves the way for future studies into DNA repair mechanisms across different organisms, including humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Now that we know which strains of <em>O. tipulae</em> are more sensitive or more tolerant to DNA damage, we can use these strains to study why different individuals are more likely than others to suffer the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-seeds-toxic-carcinogen/">carcinogens</a>,” Tintori explained.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>As Tintori points out, contemplating individual variability in response to environmental DNA-damaging agents enriches our understanding of personal cancer risk factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study - published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2314793121"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a> - not only contributes to the field of evolutionary biology and genetics but also offers insights into human health, emphasizing the significance of genetic research in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities to environmental carcinogens.</p>



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



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Chernobyl is teeming with worms resistant to radiation

The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster indelibly marked the region as...

<p>A recent study led by <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a> (QMUL) has found that bumblebees exhibit a level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/longevity-in-parrots-linked-to-brain-size-and-cognitive-ability/">cognitive ability</a> far more advanced than previously recognized, showcasing their capacity for complex social learning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts discovered that bumblebees can master intricate tasks through observation, a trait once thought to be exclusive to humans. This finding suggests that elements of cumulative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/">culture</a>, the layering of knowledge and skills across generations, may also exist among these insects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sophisticated-puzzle">Sophisticated puzzle</h2>



<p>The study involved a sophisticated two-step puzzle box designed to test the bumblebees' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/among-songbirds-complex-vocal-learners-are-superior-problem-solvers/">problem-solving</a> capabilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To access a sugary reward, the bees were required to complete two separate actions in a specific sequence. Initially, the bees were enticed with an additional reward partway through the task, which was later removed, forcing them to open the box entirely on their own to obtain the treat.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-by-watching">Learning by watching</h2>



<p>The most astonishing observation came from the fact that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-evolution-occurred-tens-of-millions-of-years-earlier-than-previously-believed/">bees</a> watching a "demonstrator" bee could learn the entire sequence without prior experience of the intermediate reward.</p>



<p>The research marks a significant shift in our understanding of social learning, suggesting that bumblebees can acquire and transmit behaviors that surpass their innate cognitive limits. This capability was once believed to be a hallmark of human culture's complexity and depth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-task-for-bumblebees-to-learn">Challenging task for bumblebees to learn</h2>



<p>Lead author Alice Bridges, a PhD student at QMUL, highlighted the task's challenge, noting the necessity of initially training demonstrator bees with a temporary reward to facilitate learning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This is an extremely difficult task for bees. They had to learn two steps to get the reward, with the first behavior in the sequence being unrewarded. Yet, other bees learned the whole sequence from social observation of these trained bees, even without ever experiencing the first step's reward," explained Bridges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This contrasts starkly with the bees' inability to solve the puzzle without a demonstration, underscoring the importance of social learning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bumblebee-learning-hints-at-cultural-transmission-nbsp">Bumblebee learning hints at cultural transmission&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The implications of this study extend beyond the realm of individual learning, suggesting the potential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-may-be-more-similar-to-humans-than-expected/">cumulative culture</a> among animals. This concept - the gradual build-up of knowledge and practices over time - has traditionally been associated with human societies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The bees' capacity for learning complex tasks from demonstrators hints at mechanisms for cultural transmission and innovation beyond mere individual learning.</p>



<p>"This challenges the traditional view that only humans can socially learn complex behavior beyond individual learning,” said senior author Lars Chittka, a zoologist at QMUL.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It raises the fascinating possibility that many of the most remarkable accomplishments of the social insects, like the nesting architectures of bees and wasps or the agricultural habits of aphid- and fungus-farming ants, may have initially spread by copying of clever innovators, before they eventually became part of the species-specific behavior repertoires."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-origins-of-social-learning">Evolutionary origins of social learning</h2>



<p>This pioneering study - published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07126-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a> - not only expands our understanding of animal intelligence but also invites further exploration into the cognitive abilities of insects</p>



<p>By demonstrating that bumblebees are capable of social learning and potentially participating in the rudiments of cumulative culture, it prompts a reevaluation of long-held assumptions about the mental lives of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/">insects</a> and opens new horizons for research into the evolutionary origins of social learning and culture.</p>



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



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Bumblebees may be capable of cultural learning

A recent study led by Queen Mary University of London...

<p>In an intriguing new study, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> has found that African weakly electric fish, also known as elephantnose fish, exhibit a remarkable form of collective sensing akin to a hypothetical scenario where each member of a basketball team could see through the others' eyes. </p>



<p>This shared sensory perception could significantly aid these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-that-fish-can-recognize-themselves-in-a-mirror/">fish</a> in locating food and identifying allies and adversaries in their environment.</p>



<p>The research was led by Dr. Nathaniel Sawtell, a principal investigator at the Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute and professor of neuroscience at Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Federico Pedraja, a postdoctoral research associate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-in-electric-fish-nbsp">Social learning in electric fish&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts discovered that African weakly electric fish can learn and execute complex, multi-step tasks as a group, a feat that challenges the assumption that advanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-availability-influences-social-learning-among-orangutans/">social learning</a> is unique to humans and hints at elements of cumulative culture within these aquatic creatures.</p>



<p>“In engineering it is common that groups of emitters and receivers work together to improve sensing, for example in sonar and radar. We showed that something similar may be happening in groups of fish that sense their environment using electrical pulses. These fish seem to ‘see’ much better in small groups,” explained Sawtell.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collective-sensing-among-electric-fish-nbsp">Collective sensing among electric fish&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study provides compelling evidence that the electric fish species Gnathonemus petersii performs a swift act of collective sensing, a phenomenon not previously documented in the biological realm.</p>



<p>Electric fish utilize specialized organs to emit and detect electric fields, aiding in communication and an electric form of echolocation for navigating their dark, murky river habitats in Africa.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sophisticated-sensory-abilities-nbsp">Sophisticated sensory abilities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Considering these challenges, the scientists proposed that these fish might have evolved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-affects-the-sensory-abilities-of-mammals/">sensory abilities</a> comparable to networked radar and sonar systems, which can detect objects with greater range and detail through collaboration.</p>



<p>By developing a computer model to simulate the electric environment of these fish, the researchers assessed whether individual electric fish could enhance their object detection capabilities by accessing signals from their peers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beaming-images-at-the-speed-of-light">Beaming images at the speed of light</h2>



<p>“Think of these external signals as electric images of the objects that nearby electric fish automatically produce and beam to nearby fish at the speed of light,” said Pedraja.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our work suggests that three fish in a group would each receive three different 'electrical views' of the same scene at virtually the same time,” Sawtell added.</p>



<p>One of the simulation's key findings, as noted by Sawtell, is that collective sensing could triple the electro-location range of electric fish, likely providing substantial survival benefits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electrical-communication-nbsp">Electrical communication&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Further investigation sought a neural basis for this ability in <em>G. petersii</em>. Brain recordings related to the electrosensory system revealed that the fish respond to both their own discharges and external electrical signals. The alignment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-fish-synchronize-their-behavior-and-brain-activity/">brain activity</a> patterns with the simulation predictions was particularly exciting for the scientists.</p>



<p>Behavioral observations reinforced the notion of collective sensing, with the fish forming specific patterns that facilitate shared sensing and engaging in electrical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-disrupts-communication-among-animals/">communication</a> that suggests a coordinated effort. This behavior might be crucial for the fish's collective sensing capabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-brains-for-collective-sensing-nbsp">Big brains for collective sensing&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“These fish have some of the biggest brain-to-body mass ratios of any animal on the planet. Perhaps these enormous brains are needed for rapid and highly sophisticated social sensing and collective behavior,” Sawtell said.</p>



<p>This discovery opens new paths for exploring animal intelligence and social learning evolution, challenging existing beliefs and offering insights into potential applications in artificial sensing technologies, including underwater autonomous vehicles and medical imaging.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07157-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Collective sensing: Electric fish can 'see' through others' eyes

In an intriguing new study, a team of researchers led...

<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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