<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>An international team of scientists, operating under the name PDRs4All (<a href="https://pdrs4all.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photodissociation Regions for All</a>), has found the destruction and re-formation of a large quantity of water at the heart of the Orion Nebula, a massive star-forming region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The revelation expands the search for life beyond our solar system, hinting that water - and potentially the potential for life - may exist in far more diverse environments than we previously imagined.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-orion-nebula">The Orion Nebula</h2>



<p>The Orion Nebula, nicknamed M42, is a famous celestial object in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/">Milky Way</a>. It's located within the Orion constellation, easily recognizable by its three bright stars in a row. Unlike a single star, Orion is a vast birthplace for new stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Orion is a giant cloud of gas and dust, where the ingredients for new stars come together. It's a mix of different gas types, dense molecular clouds, and areas where dust reflects light, creating a colorful and interesting structure. Scientists use Orion to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-black-hole-creates-a-trail-of-stars/">stars</a> and planets form.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planet-forming-disk-nbsp">Planet-forming disk&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Within the Orion Nebula lies a disk called "d203-506." This protoplanetary disk represents a vital stage in the life cycle of both stars and planetary systems. Studying the disk involves a special telescope known as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).&nbsp;</p>



<p>JWST uses infrared light as it can pass through the thick <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/">dust clouds</a> that surround young stars and planets. This allows the scientists to see inside the dusty disk and study how water molecules move and behave.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cycle-of-destruction-and-creation-nbsp">A cycle of destruction and creation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Scientists observed a surprising and ongoing process within the d203-506 disk: water constantly breaks down and reforms. This cycle is driven by the powerful light from nearby young stars, which both destroys and rebuilds water molecules.</p>



<p>Initially, the intense light (UV radiation) breaks water molecules (H<sub>2</sub>O) apart, creating individual hydrogen atoms (H) and hydroxyl radicals (OH). This is a chemical reaction known as photodissociation, where the chemical bonds in a molecule are broken by the energy from light.</p>



<p>The resulting hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals can escape from the planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/">gravity</a>, leading to the loss of water from the planet. This process, over time, contributes to the evaporation or loss of significant amounts of water.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>"It is so impressive that in just a few pixels of observations, and focusing on a few of the lines, we can actually figure out that you have an entire ocean of water being evaporated every month," said Peeters, co-lead investigator of PDRs4All and faculty member at Western's Institute for Earth and Space Exploration. </p>



<p>"This discovery was based on a tiny fraction of our spectroscopic data. It is exciting that we have so much more data to mine and I can't wait to see what else we can find."</p>



<p>But this breakdown isn't the end of the story. The newly formed hydroxyl radicals can then combine with existing hydrogen atoms to form new water molecules. This remarkable cycle of destruction and creation in the Orion Nebula happens continuously, fueled by the constant stream of light from the stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Before, scientists believed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uv-radiation-played-a-role-in-earths-largest-mass-extinction/">UV radiation</a> from nearby big stars would destroy all water in young star systems, making it impossible for life to exist.&nbsp;However, the observations of d203-506 showed a surprising cycle: even with the strong light, water is constantly being destroyed and then recreated.</p>



<p>The discovery suggests that water and potentially life can exist in many more places than scientists thought before. The ability of water to rebuild itself after being destroyed means the ingredients for life could be found in a wider variety of environments.</p>



<p>This information is helpful for the search for planets that could support life outside of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/">solar system</a>. Now that scientists know water can exist in places with strong light, they can look for signs of life in more places. The insight could even lead to finding many more potential planets that could support life.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02203-0"><em>Nature Astronomy</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, PDRs4All ERS Team; Salomé Fuenmayor image</p>



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Orion Nebula destroys an oceans’ worth of water every month

An international team of scientists, operating under the name PDRs4All...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/">Forests</a> play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, yet their capacity to sequester carbon might be significantly overestimated by some current models, warns Professor Runsheng Yin from <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a>. </p>



<p>In his new book - <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781003436652" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Forest Carbon: Policy, Economics and Finance</em></a> - Yin delves into the complexities of utilizing forests as nature-based solutions to combat climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-investment-in-reforestation-nbsp">Heavy investment in reforestation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Yin advocates for a recalibration of how carbon credits from forest-related activities are calculated, suggesting that the present models do not align well with the goals of the Paris Agreement.</p>



<p>"Companies worldwide are investing heavily in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/">reforestation</a> strategies, and while vital this is not going to be enough to remove the amount of carbon created in making timber, and the results won’t be quick enough to counteract the carbon output created by cutting down the trees in the first place,” Yin cautions, highlighting a gap in the current understanding and approach towards forest carbon sequestration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-rigorous-assessments-are-needed">More rigorous assessments are needed</h2>



<p>Yin calls for "more rigorous accounting and assessments for local forest carbon storage and sequestration schemes," emphasizing the importance of considering the lifecycle of timber products and the duration of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-forests-are-unexpected-heroes-of-carbon-capture/">carbon</a> storage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>He suggests the establishment of intermediary agencies to better coordinate the contributions of local smallholders, aiming for a more impactful management of forest carbon at both national and international levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-co2-emissions-nbsp">Rising CO2 emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The urgency of addressing rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-earth-was-heated-by-extreme-levels-of-atmospheric-co2/">atmospheric CO2</a> levels is underscored by the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Nations, corporations and individuals are turning to nature-based solutions to try to offset their greenhouse emissions. As the practice becomes increasingly monetized, it is crucial that the accounting is done accurately," Yin said, pointing out the critical need for precision in environmental accounting amid the worsening climate crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-forest-carbon-dynamics-nbsp">Complex forest carbon dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Yin's research, which analyzed a pine plantation in the southern United States, revealed that the potential for carbon offset credits was exaggerated by a factor of at least 2.76. This discrepancy highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of forest carbon dynamics, especially considering the varied lifespans of wood products and their implications for long-term carbon storage.</p>



<p>"Properly accounted for, forest carbon offsetting is important and deserves to be seriously promoted and financially rewarded. But my research shows that its potential may not be as great as some analysts have claimed," Yin added, critiquing the overly optimistic projections of some studies. He emphasizes the necessity of integrating local carbon offset schemes within broader, government-led strategies that align with international climate commitments.</p>



<p>This call for a reevaluation of forest carbon sequestration's potential and methodology underscores the complexity of relying on forests as a solution to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/">climate change</a>, urging a balanced, well-informed approach to harnessing their benefits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-carbon-offsetting-schemes">Forest carbon offsetting schemes</h2>



<p>Forest carbon offsetting is a mechanism that aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, thereby combating climate change. It involves the protection, restoration, or sustainable management of forests to increase their capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the air.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Trees and other vegetation naturally capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, storing it in their biomass and in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/">soil</a>. By increasing forested areas or enhancing the health of existing forests, carbon offset projects can sequester additional carbon dioxide, offsetting emissions made elsewhere.</p>



<p>Entities, such as businesses or individuals, can invest in forest carbon offset projects to compensate for their own carbon emissions. This is often part of a broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality or reduce one's carbon footprint.&nbsp;</p>



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Reforestation cannot offset carbon emissions from harvesting wood

Forests play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle,...

<p>Central and South American rainforests harbor tiny, see-through "glass frogs" that blend into the foliage with their translucent skin. These charming creatures have captivated scientists and nature lovers for years, but there's more to them than just their unique appearance.</p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.international.unesp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">São Paulo State University</a> (Unesp) have finally answered a question about how these frogs evolved. The study reveals a surprising trade-off: glass frogs with smaller testes care more for their babies than males with bigger testicles. This choice, between raising offspring or making more sperm, is key to their evolution.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glass-frogs-wave-their-hands-and-feet-to-attract-mates/">Glass frogs</a>, part of the Centrolenidae family, are captivating amphibians found mainly in the Central and South American rainforests and cloud forests. The name comes from their most striking feature: translucent bellies that reveal their internal organs.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Glass frogs call the lush <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-overheating-in-warmer-rainforests/">rainforests</a> and cloud forests their home, often choosing areas near streams and rivers for breeding. Their distribution stretches from Mexico through Central America, all the way down to Bolivia and Brazil in South America.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



<p>The frogs are very small. They measure from 1.2 to 7.5 centimeters (0.47 to 2.95 inches) in length, with the size varying among different species within the glass frog family.</p>



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



<p>Their backs are typically green, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the surrounding foliage. This camouflage, combined with their translucency, makes them incredibly difficult to spot in their natural environment, adding to their mystical allure.</p>



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



<p>What truly sets glass frogs apart from other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibians-threatened-by-mercury-with-unknown-health-impacts/">amphibians</a> is the fascinating diversity in their reproductive strategies, particularly regarding parental care. Unlike most amphibians, many glass frog species rely on extensive investment from the dads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-glass-frog-species">Distinct glass frog species</h2>



<p>Initially, the scientists gathered information on many different types of glass frogs. They focused on two things: how big the male's testes were and if the dads took care of their eggs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Next, the scientists observed how the different frog dads took care of their babies. Some dads were super involved, guarding their eggs from hungry creatures and keeping them nice and moist. Others, not so much. This gave the researchers an idea of the frogs parenting styles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through their study, the researchers discovered a total of 37 distinct glass frog species, with 11 of these species having males who actively participate in caring for their offspring.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-act-of-males">Balancing act of males</h2>



<p>When the male frogs take care of their young (paternal care), their testicles are smaller. This suggests they invest less energy in producing sperm to compete with other males for fertilization.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, species where males don't care for their young have bigger testes. This indicates they put more effort into producing sperm to outcompete rivals and increase their chances of reproductive success.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Essentially, the research shows how different approaches to reproduction can influence the physical features and behavior of even closely related species. There is a balance between allocating resources to raising offspring and achieving breeding success.</p>



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



<p>Living organisms have limited resources available, including energy, nutrients, and time. They cannot excel in everything at once. Instead, they must prioritize and invest resources in certain areas that are more crucial for their survival and reproduction, which leads to trade-offs.</p>



<p>The concept of trade-offs is not unique to a specific species but is widespread across the animal kingdom. The study suggests that increased investment in offspring (through care) may come at the expense of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-sperm-count-directly-linked-to-mobile-phone-use/">sperm production</a> (compromise).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-pressures">Environmental pressures</h2>



<p>The environment plays a significant role in shaping the frogs' reproductive strategies. Factors like predation pressure (risk of eggs being eaten) can influence how glass frogs allocate resources.</p>



<p>In environments with high egg predation, parental care becomes crucial. Glass frogs that invest in guarding and protecting their eggs (parental care) are more likely to see their offspring survive to adulthood. This makes parental care a favorable trait in such an environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-interactions">Social interactions</h2>



<p>Social interactions, particularly mating competition, can also be a driving force in adaptation. In situations where finding mates is difficult due to scarcity or competition, larger testicles and increased sperm production can be advantageous.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This allows males to produce more sperm, potentially increasing their chances of fertilization and reproductive success.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-within-glass-frogs">Biodiversity within glass frogs</h2>



<p>The study showcases the incredible variety of reproductive strategies present among glass frogs, even though they belong to the same group of animals. This variety reveals the existence of multiple evolutionary pathways within the same group.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Different glass frog species have evolved unique solutions to survive and reproduce in their specific environments. Studying these differences helps us understand how species adapt to their unique ecological niches (the specific role and environment they occupy).&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing the different strategies, we can identify the evolutionary pressures (environmental and social factors) that have driven these adaptations, ultimately contributing to the diversity of life on Earth.</p>



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



<p>Recognizing the importance of both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-mating-strategies-of-critically-endangered-muriquis/">reproductive strategies</a> and parental care for the survival of glass frogs emphasizes the need for comprehensive conservation approaches.</p>



<p>Conservation efforts should not only focus on protecting the habitat itself but should also prioritize the diverse reproductive behaviors within that habitat. This might involve protecting specific resources crucial for certain strategies, like safeguarding areas suitable for parental care.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.0054" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society</em></a>.</p>



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Glass frogs with small testes are invested in caring for their young

Central and South American rainforests harbor tiny, see-through "glass frogs"...

<p>Why do some people escape high blood pressure, while others battle it? Scientists are inching closer to the answer, and it involves a fascinating twist: our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-plastics-may-harbor-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/">genes</a>.</p>



<p>A recent study by the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology</a> has achieved a breakthrough in predicting blood pressure risk. By analyzing minuscule variations in DNA, they can now predict your risk of developing high blood pressure.</p>



<p>But this isn't just about foretelling your future blood pressure. It's about opening the door to personalized medicine, where treatments could be tailored to an individual's unique genetic makeup.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polygenic-risk-score-nbsp">Polygenic risk score&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Scientists used a powerful tool called a polygenic risk score (PRS) to predict high blood pressure risk in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-apps-to-practice-mindfulness-improves-mental-health-of-children/">children</a> and adults. It is similar to a genetic scan that analyzes tiny variations in your DNA, each with a score reflecting its impact on blood pressure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The bigger the impact, the higher the score. This score can reveal who has a greater risk of developing high blood pressure before symptoms even appear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differences-start-early-in-kids">Differences start early in kids</h2>



<p>The study revealed that children with a higher genetic risk for high blood pressure started showing differences in their actual blood pressure levels compared to children with lower risk. These differences were already noticeable as early as age three and became more pronounced as the kids grew older.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We found that genetic factors affect blood pressure from the first years of childhood and throughout your entire life,” said study lead author Karsten Øvretveit, a PhD candidate in the NTNU Department of Public Health and Nursing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Specifically, children with a high genetic risk reached certain blood pressure milestones, like having a systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 100mmHg, much earlier than kids with a lower risk. This suggests that genes might play a role in the early development of blood pressure differences, even in children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linear-relationship-in-adults">Linear relationship in adults</h2>



<p>In adults, the study discovered a direct correlation: individuals with a higher genetic risk had consistently higher readings in real life. Interestingly, this effect was measurable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each incremental unit of genetic risk translated to a roughly 5 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure and a 3 mmHg rise in both diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure. Moreover, individuals with the highest genetic risk were significantly more likely to fall within the hypertensive range.</p>



<p>“We have been able to follow the same people from when they were around 37 until they were approximately 70 years old. We found that the differences persisted and resulted in various disease risks, where the differences in disease were quite large,” explained Øvretveit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-health-risks">Additional health risks</h2>



<p>People with a higher genetic risk were much more likely to experience various health problems compared to those with lower risk. These problems included:</p>



<ul>
<li>High blood pressure itself<strong>:</strong> Both early-onset (before age 55) and late-onset (after age 55) were more common in individuals with high risk scores.</li>



<li>Heart-related issues<strong>: </strong>This included a higher risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-fuels-cardiovascular-deaths-worldwide/">cardiovascular diseases</a> (CVD) overall, as well as specific problems like heart attacks (myocardial infarction) and strokes.</li>



<li>Kidney problems<strong>:</strong> People with high risk were more likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD).</li>
</ul>



<p>On the other hand, those with a lower genetic risk were less likely to experience these negative health outcomes. This suggests that genetic risk scores can predict future health problems, which could be helpful in early prevention and intervention strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactively-blood-pressure-management">Proactively blood pressure management</h2>



<p>Individuals with a high genetic risk can actually lower it by proactively managing it. This means they can achieve a healthier outcome than those with "protective" genes who neglect their health or receive a late diagnosis. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-dietary-changes-could-offset-carbon-emissions/">Lifestyle changes</a> and medication can significantly impact your health, even if you have a genetic predisposition for a certain condition.</p>



<p>“By keeping their blood pressure at a low level, people with a high genetic risk score can achieve a lower risk of disease than people diagnosed with high blood pressure who we consider genetically protected. It seems that controlling your blood pressure matters more than genetics,” said Øvretveit.</p>



<p>The takeaway here is that taking charge of your health early on is important. Knowing your genetic risk profile, through tests or family history, can help you create targeted strategies to manage your blood pressure effectively.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>This study has important implications for both individuals and the healthcare system. Knowing who's at higher genetic risk early on allows for earlier intervention. This means lifestyle changes (healthy eating, exercise, stress management) and preventive measures can be started sooner, potentially preventing or delaying high blood pressure and its related diseases like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-b-paradox-supplement-linked-to-heart-disease-risk/">heart disease</a> and stroke.</p>



<p>Moreover, understanding the genetic side of high blood pressure allows for more targeted public health efforts. Resources can be focused on high-risk groups identified through genetic testing, making public health campaigns and interventions more effective in reducing future complications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad365" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>European Journal of Preventive Cardiology</em></a>. </p>



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Genes influence blood pressure from early childhood 

Why do some people escape high blood pressure, while others...

<p>Our planet is changing, and headlines often paint a scary picture, particularly when it comes to biodiversity loss. A new study from researchers at the <a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html">German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research</a> (iDiv) and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) offers a surprising twist: nature is adapting.</p>



<p>The experts looked at Earth's oceans, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/">mountains</a>, and everything in between, going back hundreds of years. The research shows that our planet is performing a giant balancing act, with some places losing unique species and others gaining new ones. The study isn't a justification for inaction towards nature, but rather an invitation to rethink conservation approaches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystems-across-the-globe">Ecosystems across the globe</h2>



<p>The researchers delved deep into how life on Earth is changing, looking across diverse ecosystems and through time. They studied 461 groups of species (called metacommunities) tracked for 10 to 91 years, and also analyzed historical lists of species going back 13 to over 500 years. This vast information covered various ecosystems worldwide, allowing them to see how different species and communities have responded to both natural and human-caused changes.</p>



<p>The team's approach involved gathering existing data on what species lived where and how many there were. The data, collected across different locations and times, helped them identify trends in two key processes:</p>



<ul>
<li>Biotic differentiation<strong>: </strong>Ecosystems become more distinct because unique species thrive in specific areas.</li>



<li>Biotic homogenization<strong>:</strong> Ecosystems become more similar because some species spread widely while others disappear.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-act-of-two-forces">Balancing act of two forces</h2>



<p>The study reveals a surprising finding. These two forces - differentiation and homogenization - are shaping the Earth in roughly equal measure, creating a dynamic relationship of loss and gain.</p>



<p>A mountain meadow blooming with unique wildflowers that cannot be found anywhere else is an example of differentiation, as these ecosystems become more distinct. Now imagine a field of invasive plants overtaking a once diverse forest. This is homogenization, where ecosystems become more similar. Homogenization often occurs when non-native species spread widely, like the invasive plant, displacing local ones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While some areas lose unique species due to homogenization, others gain new ones through differentiation. This balancing act suggests that biodiversity is adapting in complex ways to human influence.</p>



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



<p>Human activities have a profound, complex impact on biodiversity, acting like a double-edged sword. They can both foster diversity and lead to uniformity across ecosystems in surprising ways.</p>



<p>Cities, often seen as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/">biodiversity</a> deserts, can also be diverse havens. As they expand, they create microhabitats: parks, gardens, waterways, industrial sites. These diverse environments attract non-native species, like ornamental plants, bringing new pollinators and birds. However, common urban species like pigeons and rats can homogenize the fauna across cities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agriculture-boosts-biodiversity-contrast">Agriculture boosts biodiversity contrast</h2>



<p>Farming heavily alters landscapes, often replacing diverse ecosystems with single-crop fields. This can dramatically reduce native species, making landscapes more similar across regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, field edges with hedgerows or native vegetation strips become areas of increased diversity. These buffer zones support beneficial insects, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/">birds</a>, and mammals, creating unique niches different from both fields and undisturbed areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-climate-change-on-biodiversity">Impacts of climate change on biodiversity</h2>



<p>Climate change reshapes ecosystems at an unprecedented scale, driving both differentiation and homogenization. Rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-struggling-to-maintain-oxygen-as-temperatures-rise/">temperatures</a> and changing rainfall can make new areas habitable for some species, leading to new communities and increased regional diversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, warmer temperatures may push plant and animal species poleward, creating unique species combinations. Conversely, it can also homogenize landscapes. Iconic species like coral reefs or Arctic tundra, facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/">extinction</a>, may cause their ecosystems to lose their unique characteristics and become more similar to each other.</p>



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



<p>The findings challenge traditional conservation approaches. The balance between biotic differentiation and homogenization means protecting biodiversity requires a broader view. Simply preserving existing species and habitats won't be enough.</p>



<p>“Our analysis exposes the complexity of the issue," said study senior author Professor Jonathan Chase. “It doesn’t mean severe changes aren’t happening in the world, it means we need to move beyond a belief that homogenisation is the main way biodiversity is changing."</p>



<p>Conservation strategies need to adapt to changing ecosystems. We must not only protect what we have but also consider the ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/">evolution</a> of life on Earth. This means embracing adaptive management - constantly learning and adjusting our strategies to maintain ecological balance as conditions shift.</p>



<p>The research highlights the need for continued research and monitoring. We need to understand the forces driving these complex dynamics in more detail. Conservation must become flexible enough to accommodate both differentiation and homogenization, ensuring biodiversity thrives even in a rapidly changing world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj9395" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>. </p>



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Earth's great balancing act: Nature is adapting to human influence 

Our planet is changing, and headlines often paint a scary...

<p>Imagine a world where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-path-to-happiness-the-science-is-still-not-clear/">happiness</a> in Chinese doesn't quite translate to happiness in English - not just in words, but in the very way our brains process it. A recent study from the <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</a> suggests that's the reality.</p>



<p>By analyzing reactions to emotional facial expressions, the experts have cracked open a new understanding of how we experience the world. Forget the "universality of emotions" we've always assumed. This research reveals that our cultural background and the language we use shape how we perceive emotions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anger-can-be-a-powerful-motivator-to-achieve-major-life-goals/">anger</a> and disgust.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-responses-across-cultures">Emotional responses across cultures</h2>



<p>The researchers wanted to understand how culture and language affect the interpretation of emotional facial expressions. They studied two groups: Chinese and White Americans. Before seeing pictures of faces showing anger and disgust, people read either words related to those emotions ("anger," "disgust") or neutral words.</p>



<p>While the participants looked at the faces, the researchers monitored which parts of their brains worked together using a brain scanner (fMRI). The goal was to see if the words they read changed how their brains reacted to the faces, and if this differed between the two groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-response-to-disgust">Varying response to disgust</h2>



<p>When Chinese participants saw "disgust," a part of their brain responsible for understanding words (inferior frontal gyrus) became less connected to other parts involved in seeing, understanding meaning, and social interactions. This suggests that their brain was not focused on developing a reaction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When primed with the word ‘disgust’ before viewing the corresponding facial expression, immigrants from mainland China showed decreased functional connectivity in brain regions related to semantic processing, visual perception, and social cognition,” said study first author Dr. Joseph Leshin. Interestingly, this effect was not seen in White American participants. Their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brains-bend-time-to-adapt-to-lifes-rhythm/">brains</a> worked hard to develop an instant response.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-response-for-anger">No response for anger</h2>



<p>When shown the pictures of "anger," both Chinese and White American participants didn't show the same decrease in brain connections as with "disgust." This suggests "anger" triggers emotional processing differently than "disgust."</p>



<p>The different brain responses to "anger" and "disgust" hint at distinct ways these emotions are handled in the brain, likely due to their different meanings across cultures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While "disgust" seemed to disrupt information processing in Chinese participants, "anger" didn't have the same effect. Hence, "anger" might be more universally recognized and processed across cultures, or its meaning might not vary as much between Chinese and American cultures as "disgust" does.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-influence-nbsp">Cultural influence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Let's explore how our cultural background influences how we experience and express <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-crabs-and-lobsters-have-emotions-and-feelings/">emotions</a> with an example.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Imagine two friends, Lee from China and Alex from the United States. When Lee encounters something disgusting, like spoiled food, his reaction might be influenced by Chinese cultural norms. These norms may emphasize maintaining harmony or avoiding strong emotional displays.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study suggests that priming Lee with "disgust" could subtly alter his reaction, perhaps making him focus more on internally recognizing the emotion rather than expressing it vividly. This doesn't mean he feels less disgusted, but he might not express it openly.</p>



<p>For Alex, seeing spoiled food might trigger a more direct and outward expression of disgust. This reflects a different cultural norm where expressing emotions like disgust might be more accepted or expected. However, when faced with something angering, like being cut off in traffic, they might show similar reactions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-response-to-anger">Universal response to anger</h2>



<p>The study suggests that priming with "anger" doesn't significantly change how people from either culture process or express this emotion. This could mean that expressing anger has a more universal pattern across these cultures, or at least the differences are not as pronounced as with disgust.</p>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, anger served as a powerful tool for survival. It helped signal displeasure or threat, deterring aggression and promoting cooperation within groups. This is why we have some universally recognized aspects of anger, like facial expression.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, when someone sees a furrowed brow, clenched fists, or a raised voice (common anger expressions), it's a clear signal of potential danger. This instinctive recognition of anger helps people avoid conflict and aggression, promoting peaceful coexistence. We are biologically wired to understand these signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disgust-is-not-common-worldwide">Disgust is not common worldwide</h2>



<p>The way people experience and understand disgust isn't the same worldwide. This difference can be traced back to several factors, including language, cultural norms, and even how our brains process information.</p>



<p>For example, studies show that there isn't a direct equivalent for the English word "disgust" in traditional Chinese philosophies like Daoism, Buddhism, or Confucianism. This suggests that historically, disgust was not an important concept in these cultures compared to Western ones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-integration">Social integration </h2>



<p>In our increasingly interconnected world, understanding how cultural nuances affect how we perceive emotional facial expressions is crucial for social integration. This knowledge can help bridge cultural divides, promoting harmony and mutual respect among people from all over the globe.</p>



<p>​​“Our findings contribute to growing evidence that emotional facial expressions are not universally produced and understood,” said study co-author Dr Kristen Lindquist, a neuroscientist at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.</p>



<p>Knowing how culture and language affect our interpretation of emotions can make communication between different cultures much better. By accepting these differences (like gestures or facial expressions having different meanings), we can interact more effectively and with more empathy. This is especially important in international business, diplomacy, and teamwork, where misunderstandings can happen easily.</p>



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



<p>The study reminds us that therapy and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/">mental health</a> care need to be culturally sensitive. By understanding how people from different cultures perceive emotions, therapists can diagnose and treat patients more effectively and personally.</p>



<p>Moreover, as we build machines that can understand human emotions, considering cultural and language differences becomes crucial. This study can help develop better AI systems that recognize emotional facial expressions accurately across cultures, making them useful in various settings, from customer service chatbots to mental health apps.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1084059" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Psychology</a>.</p>



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Emotional facial expressions are not universally understood

Imagine a world where happiness in Chinese doesn't quite translate...

Deep,Space,Alien,Planet,,Scifi,3d,Illustration

<p>Billions of years ago, Earth was a fiery young world. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/">Volcanoes</a> erupted, oceans churned, and the key compounds of life were just starting to blend. Fast forward to today, scientists have made a discovery that sheds light on this mysterious time.</p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a> have created the compound pantetheine, a crucial ingredient for life, using conditions that mimic early Earth. This isn't just science fiction; it's a real breakthrough that helps us understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origin-of-life-on-earth-may-have-been-found-in-ancient-hot-springs/">life</a> might have begun. The achievement also opens doors to finding life beyond our planet.</p>



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



<p>Pantetheine is a vital molecule found in all living things. It's part of a bigger molecule called coenzyme A (CoA), which helps cells with essential tasks like making energy, breaking down food, and building new molecules. But pantetheine isn't just important for life today; it might also hold clues about how life began.</p>



<p>Some scientists believe pantetheine could be one of the very first molecules that appeared on the early Earth and paved the way for more complex life forms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creation-of-pantetheine">Creation of pantetheine</h2>



<p>The researchers didn't directly synthesize pantetheine from scratch. Instead, they designed a series of reactions inspired by the conditions and available molecules on early Earth. </p>



<p>This means they used simple building blocks like water, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/">methane</a>, and ammonia, which were likely abundant in Earth's early atmosphere.</p>



<p>Pantetheine has a complex structure made of connected carbon atoms. The researchers linked these carbon atoms together, forming the basic skeleton of the molecule.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intermediate-pantetheine-compounds">Intermediate pantetheine compounds </h3>



<p>Building the frame isn't enough. Pantetheine has unique functional groups that give it specific properties. The researchers used intermediate compounds like "sculpting clay" to refine the structure and add these groups. Here, nitriles come into play as critical intermediates. </p>



<p>Derived from simple precursors like hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitriles are versatile molecules that can be transformed into a variety of functional groups found in biological molecules, including those present in pantetheine.</p>



<p>For the final touches, amino acid-like molecules played a crucial role in the final step. They provided energy for the reactions and helped guide the final arrangement of atoms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-discovery-nbsp">Exciting discovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>What makes this study truly groundbreaking is that it demonstrates the formation of life's building blocks at ordinary room temperature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This exciting discovery suggests that these crucial molecules could have arisen not in extreme environments like volcanoes or space, but in the everyday settings of early Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-life-nbsp">Origins of life&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study shows a realistic way to build pantetheine from basic materials like hydrogen cyanide and water. This changes our understanding of how diverse and potentially fertile early Earth was.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results also change the way we see water's role in the origin of life. Instead of just breaking down complex molecules, water could actually help build important ones like pantetheine. This means life could have begun in more places than we thought.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-on-pantetheine">Critical new insights on pantetheine</h2>



<p>The unique discovery suggests that key molecules for life, like RNA, proteins, and even pantetheine, might have formed together, not one after another. This challenges the popular "RNA world" idea, where RNA came first and led to DNA and protein life later.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study hints at a complex network of prebiotic reactions. The network could have led to many different life molecules forming at the same time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This new study is further evidence that the basic structures of biology, the primary molecules that biology is built from, are predisposed to form through nitrile chemistry," said study senior author Professor Powner from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>.</p>



<p>"The ease with which different classes of biological molecules can be made using nitriles has convinced me that, rather than life being preceded by one molecule such as RNA, and there being an ‘RNA world’ before life began, the basic molecules of biology emerged alongside each other – a network of RNAs, proteins, enzymes and cofactors leading to the first living organisms.”</p>



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



<p>The research is exciting because it shows how a crucial building block of life, like pantetheine, could form under conditions that might exist on other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trillions-of-rogue-planets-may-be-wandering-alone-in-our-galaxy/">planets</a> or moons. This raises the possibility that life could be much more common than we think.</p>



<p>We could look for life beyond just Earth-like planets, expanding our search to places like icy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/">moons</a> with hidden oceans or planets with lots of nitrogen in the air.</p>



<p>Moreover, the process used to make pantetheine could be used to create other important molecules for life, opening new doors in the field of synthetic biology. We could build new drugs, materials, and even better understand the chemistry that makes life possible.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk4432" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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Pantetheine: Key compound suggests that life beyond Earth could be common

Billions of years ago, Earth was a fiery young world....

<p>Every parent wants to raise a bright and curious kid, and the good news is, everyday moments hold surprising power when it comes to shaping their intelligence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> have been exploring how different activities, from playtime to bedtime stories, can influence a child's language development in fascinating ways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The researchers looked at three common activities: reading books, sharing memories, and playing with toys (LEGO). They chose families with young children (3-5 years old) in Denmark and observed how parents talked during each activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts recorded the conversations and analyzed them to see how complex the words were, how open-ended the questions were, and how well parents responded to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-causes-of-sedentary-behavior-in-children/">children</a>.</p>



<p>The researchers expected that reading and reminiscing would lead to richer conversations than playing with toys, because they involve more storytelling and reflection. The goal wasn't just to see how conversations differed, but also to understand how each activity helps or hinders language development. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-type-of-activity-matters">Type of activity matters</h2>



<p>The experts found that parents use more complex and descriptive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-have-a-much-more-complex-language-than-we-thought/">language</a> when reading and reminiscing compared to playing with toys. This means they ask more "what/who/where" and "why/how" questions, which encourage longer and more detailed responses from children.</p>



<p>Reading and reminiscing help children learn more vocabulary and sentence structures. These activities expose children to a wider range of language in a natural and engaging way.</p>



<p>Parents of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/every-year-of-education-reduces-mortality-risk/">education</a> levels benefit from these activities. While education might play a small role in how parents talk, the type of activity has a bigger impact.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playing-with-lego-was-least-engaging">Playing with LEGO was least engaging</h2>



<p>Building with LEGO involves hands-on activities, and not as much back-and-forth talk. The study found that playing with LEGO wasn't as good as other activities for encouraging parents to use rich language with their children.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When playing with LEGO, the focus might be on completing a specific project, leading to more instruction-like talk ("Put this here") instead of open-ended questions and rich descriptions.</p>



<p>This suggests that LEGO play led to less stimulating conversations and potentially less educational interaction for the children. Another key finding was that parents used more "labeling" (describing actions and objects) when reminiscing, but less when playing with LEGO. Activities like remembering old stories together can lead to more descriptive language, which is important for children to learn new words.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-parents-education-level-nbsp">Impact of parents' education level&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While parents' education level somewhat impacted how they spoke, the activity context had a bigger effect. Even highly educated parents used simpler language during playtime.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers found that parents with higher education tend to have more in-depth and detailed conversations with their kids when reminiscing. They ask more open-ended questions, explain things in detail, and encourage their children to think and talk about their feelings and thoughts about past experiences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-unique-opportunity-nbsp">A unique opportunity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Reminiscing offers a unique opportunity for both cognitive and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-promotes-social-development-in-infants/">emotional development</a>. It helps kids learn how to tell stories, understand cause and effect, and even develop empathy by thinking about their feelings and reactions during past events. Parents with higher education might be more aware of these benefits and use reminiscing as a teaching moment more often.</p>



<p>Additionally, the researchers found no significant difference between how moms and dads talk to their children, regardless of the activity. This challenges the idea that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sex-roles-among-animals-are-driven-by-gender-ratios/">gender</a> plays a major role in shaping parent-child language interactions.</p>



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



<p>Activities like reading books together and reminiscing about fun memories are powerful tools for language development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I would suggest to parents that it’s not just important to spend time with your children. What you’re doing when you’re spending time with them also is important,” said study senior author Professor Erika Hoff.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s good to carve out some time just to have a conversation. If you like reading books, read books, if you would rather talk about planning the future or talking about the past, do that. Make time to have conversations with your children.”</p>



<p>These activities naturally encourage parents to use richer language, asking more engaging questions like "what happened next?" and "how did you feel?" This exposes children to a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures, building a strong foundation for their own language skills.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The experts warn that activities like remembering past experiences, though helpful, may accidentally make the gap between children from families with different education levels wider if not adjusted carefully.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means we need different ways of doing these activities depending on the parents' education level. It is important to make sure these activities don't make the existing differences in language learning even bigger.</p>



<p>“Reminiscing is good, but it’s not a magic bullet that closes societal and educational gaps. The applied motivation behind our line of research is to find ways that will close the gap in the language experience of children from more advantaged and less advantaged families,” said Dr Hoff.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Of course, it’s good to find activities that enrich all children’s language experience, and all children will benefit from such experiences. However, such activities can’t be expected to eliminate all differences in children’s experience.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appdev.2024.101632" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology</em></a>.</p>



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Reminiscing can boost language development in preschoolers

Every parent wants to raise a bright and curious kid,...

<p>In a thrilling scientific adventure, researchers on a <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/">Schmidt Ocean Institute</a> expedition have made a remarkable discovery: a multitude of never-before-seen life forms thriving off the Chilean coast.</p>



<p>From the dark depths to towering underwater mountains, this expedition revealed a hidden world teeming with life. Each dive brought new discoveries, challenging our understanding of the ocean's depths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salas-y-gomez-ridge">Salas y Gomez Ridge</h2>



<p>Dr. Javier Sellanes and his team plunged into the unknown, uncovering an unexplored water mountain: the Salas y Gomez Ridge. Spanning an impressive distance of over 1,800 miles, this underwater mountain range emerged as a focal point of the expedition.</p>



<p>As the team dove deeper, they discovered a world teeming with life. From tiny fish to giant whales, the ridge was like a bustling underwater city.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-new-species">100 new species</h2>



<p>The team made an astounding discovery: they found over 100 sea creatures living in the deep ocean that nobody knew existed before. These animals come in all shapes and sizes, and they each play a special role in the ocean ecosystem.</p>



<p>For example, the researchers found colorful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-corals-more-resilient-to-climate-change-than-others/">corals</a> that build homes for other animals on the dark ocean floor. They saw strange lobsters with long bodies and thin legs that scurry around rocks looking for food. </p>



<p>There were even delicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sponges-sneeze-to-get-rid-of-unwanted-waste/">sponges</a> that filter tiny particles from the water and spiraling corals that sway in the currents. Spiky urchins were also found, with shells that protect them from danger.</p>



<p>“We far exceeded our hopes on this expedition,” said Dr. Sellanes, who led the study. “You always expect to find new species in these remote and poorly explored areas, but the amount we found, especially for some groups like sponges, is mind-blowing.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-previously-unknown-seamounts">Four previously unknown seamounts</h2>



<p>In addition to discovering new species, Dr. Sellanes’s team mapped four previously unknown seamounts within the Salas y Gomez Ridge. Each mountain harbored its own distinct ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Among them, the tallest seamount, unofficially named Solito, stood as a towering giant, reaching an astonishing height of 3,530 meters. To put this into perspective, Solito reaches nearly 70% of the height of Mount Everest (8,848 meters).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The discovery of these seamounts provides valuable insights into the geological diversity of the Salas y Gomez Ridge and the habitats it supports. Each seamount creates a unique environment, offering refuge and resources for a variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-is-getting-louder-what-does-this-mean-for-animals/">marine life</a>. From the depths of the ocean floor to the sunlit shallows near the summit, these landforms contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the identification and mapping of the seamounts contribute to our understanding of the broader marine ecosystem. By studying the geological features and associated marine life of these underwater mountains, scientists can gain valuable insights into oceanic processes and the interconnectedness of marine habitats.</p>



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



<p>Over 100 new species show how much unseen life exists in the ocean. This means we urgently need to protect these fragile ecosystems from stressors like fishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. </p>



<p>The deep sea helps regulate Earth's climate by storing carbon and supporting food webs. Knowing more about these ecosystems helps us understand how they'll respond to climate change. The expedition's findings give us valuable data to predict and address these challenges.</p>



<p>Moreover, the giant underwater mountain range shows how much of the ocean remains unexplored. We must keep exploring and mapping these areas to better understand Earth's geology, life, and ocean currents. This knowledge helps us learn more about our planet and guides future research and conservation efforts.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ROV SuBastian/ Schmidt Ocean Institute&nbsp;</p>



<p>License link: <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/</a></p>



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Ocean life: 100 new sea creatures found in Chile

In a thrilling scientific adventure, researchers on a Schmidt Ocean...

<p>The <a href="https://www.globalvaccinedatanetwork.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Vaccine Data Network</a> (GVDN) recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 13 neurological, blood, and heart-related medical conditions to determine if there is an increased risk following <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-vaccination-reduces-mortality-risk-but-only-for-6-months/">COVID-19 vaccination</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, hosted at the University of Auckland, is part of the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38350768/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global COVID Vaccine Safety Project</a>. The experts analyzed a vast dataset covering 99 million individuals across eight countries. Overall, the data encompassed more than 23 million person-years of follow-up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"As of November 2023, at least 70.5% of the world’s population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"This unparalleled scenario underscores the pressing need for comprehensive vaccine safety monitoring as very rare adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccines may only come to light after administration to millions of individuals."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-new-insights-into-covid-vaccines">Critical new insights into COVID vaccines</h2>



<p>The research pinpointed pre-established safety signals for myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA vaccines. In addition, the experts identified safety signals for Guillain-Barré syndrome alongside cerebral venous sinus thrombosis post-viral vector vaccines.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team also identified possible safety signals for transverse myelitis following viral vector vaccines and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after both viral vector and mRNA vaccines.</p>



<p>A detailed follow-up of these findings was carried out by the GVDN's site in Victoria, Australia, with the outcomes and data accessible on GVDN’s interactive data dashboards for public scrutiny.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-vaccine-safety-signals-nbsp">Identifying vaccine safety signals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The methodology used for the study was an observed versus expected rates analysis. This type of evaluation is valuable for spotting potential vaccine safety signals. It scrutinizes the risk of developing a medical condition post-vaccination against a timeframe prior to the vaccine's availability.</p>



<p>Study lead author Kristýna Faksová is an expert in the Department of Epidemiology Research at <a href="https://en.ssi.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Statens Serum Institut</a> in Copenhagen, Denmark.</p>



<p>“The size of the population in this study increased the possibility of identifying rare potential vaccine safety signals. Single sites or regions are unlikely to have a large enough population to detect very rare signals,” explained Faksová.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-covid-vaccines">Broader implications of COVID vaccines</h2>



<p>The initiative emphasizes transparency and effective communication with both the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harmful-microbes-persist-on-hospital-surfaces-after-disinfection/">healthcare</a> sector and the general public by making these data dashboards widely available.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“GVDN supports a coordinated global effort to assess vaccine safety and effectiveness so that vaccine questions can be addressed in a more rapid, efficient, and cost-effective manner. We have a number of studies underway to build upon our understanding of vaccines and how we understand vaccine safety using big data,” said GVDN Co-Director Dr. Steven Black.</p>



<p>“By making the data dashboards publicly available, we are able to support greater transparency, and stronger communications to the health sector and public,” added GVDN Co-Director Dr. Helen Petousis-Harris.</p>



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



<p>The GCoVS Project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The project enables the comparison of vaccine safety across a wide range of global populations. This highlights its significance in the broader context of vaccine research and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">public health</a>.</p>



<p>"While our study confirmed previously identified rare safety signals following COVID-19 vaccination and contributed evidence on several other important outcomes, further investigation is warranted to confirm associations and assess clinical significance," concluded the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-vaccines-nbsp">COVID vaccines&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Covid vaccines represent a monumental effort in the history of medicine. Researchers around the world quickly identified the genetic makeup of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-unleashing-ancient-zombie-viruses/">virus</a>, laying the groundwork for vaccine development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Next, companies and academic institutions rapidly developed and tested vaccine candidates through unprecedented collaboration.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-various-technologies-nbsp">Various technologies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The most notable COVID vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, employ various technologies. These vaccines use mRNA technology, which instructs cells to produce a protein that triggers an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extra-weight-impairs-the-bodys-immune-response-to-covid-19/">immune response</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>AstraZeneca-Oxford and Johnson &amp; Johnson, on the other hand, use viral vector technology. This involves a harmless virus delivering genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 to stimulate the body's immune defense.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-campaigns">Massive campaigns</h3>



<p>Regulatory agencies across the globe conducted rigorous reviews to ensure the vaccines' safety and efficacy before granting emergency use authorizations. Following approval, governments and health organizations launched massive vaccination campaigns to distribute doses worldwide.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Vaccine</em></a>.</p>



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COVID vaccines linked to many serious health-related issues

The Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) recently conducted a comprehensive...

Stone,Age,Tools,On,Wooden,Background,-,Panoramic,View

<p>Recent research has unveiled that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reconstructed-face-of-a-neanderthal-reveals-a-softer-side-of-the-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a>, the predecessors to modern humans, developed stone tools using a sophisticated multi-component adhesive glue, challenging our previous understanding of their cognitive abilities and cultural sophistication. </p>



<p>This discovery, the earliest evidence of such complex adhesive usage in Europe, suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-belong-to-the-same-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> possessed a higher level of thought and cultural development than previously recognized.</p>



<p>The findings are the result of collaborative efforts by scientists from <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>, the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a>, and the <a href="https://www.smb.museum/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museums in Berlin</a>. </p>



<p>This fascinating research not only sheds light on the technological capabilities of Neanderthals but also places them on a closer intellectual footing with early modern humans in Africa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stone-tools-and-sophisticated-neanderthal-glue">Stone tools and sophisticated Neanderthal glue</h2>



<p><a href="https://as.nyu.edu/faculty/radu-iovita.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radu Iovita</a>, an associate professor at New York University’s Center for the Study of Human Origins, highlighted the remarkable preservation of these tools, which exhibit a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-and-humans-lived-side-by-side-45000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal innovation</a> in creating handles for hand-held tools. </p>



<p>“These astonishingly well-preserved tools showcase a technical solution broadly similar to examples of tools made by early modern humans in Africa, but the exact recipe reflects a Neanderthal ‘spin,’ which is the production of grips for handheld tools,” said Iovita.</p>



<p>These tools bear a striking resemblance to those made by early modern humans, yet they carry a distinct Neanderthal signature in their fabrication.</p>



<p>The research was spearheaded by Patrick Schmidt from the University of Tübingen and Ewa Dutkiewicz from the National Museums in Berlin. </p>



<p>Their focus was on <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/neanderthal-glue_stone-tool-handle_credit-Patrick-Schmidt_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artifacts from Le Moustier</a>, a French archaeological site with finds dating back to the Middle Palaeolithic period, approximately 120,000 to 40,000 years ago. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-neanderthal-ingenuity">Unraveling Neanderthal ingenuity</h2>



<p>These artifacts, which had been largely overlooked since their last examination, revealed upon closer inspection, traces of a complex Neanderthal adhesive glue made from ochre and bitumen.</p>



<p>“The items had been individually wrapped and untouched since the 1960s,” says Dutkiewicz. “As a result, the adhering remains of organic substances were very well preserved.”</p>



<p>The researchers expressed surprise at the high ochre content in the adhesive, noting its significant impact on the mixture's properties. </p>



<p>“We were surprised that the ochre content was more than 50 percent,” Schmidt explained. “This is because air-dried bitumen can be used unaltered as an adhesive, but loses its adhesive properties when such large proportions of ochre are added.” </p>



<p>This blend, they found, was just sticky enough to hold the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> in place without sticking to the users' hands, indicating a sophisticated understanding of material properties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-neanderthal-glue">Deciphering Neanderthal glue</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/neanderthal-glue_evidence_micrographs_credit-Greinert_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microscopic analysis</a> conducted by Iovita on the wear patterns of these tools further confirmed their use in conjunction with adhesives. </p>



<p>The distinct polish and abrasion patterns provided evidence of how these tools were likely held and used, showcasing the Neanderthals' practical ingenuity and the effectiveness of their adhesive glue technology.</p>



<p>“The tools showed two kinds of microscopic wear: one is the typical polish on the sharp edges that is generally caused by working other materials,” explains Iovita, who conducted this analysis. </p>



<p>“The other is a bright polish distributed all over the presumed hand-held part, but not elsewhere, which we interpreted as the results of abrasion from the ochre due to movement of the tool within the grip.”</p>



<p>The study underscores the significance of adhesive technology in understanding the cognitive capabilities and cultural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-thank-neanderthals-for-the-size-and-shape-of-our-noses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of early humans. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reassessing-neanderthal-intelligence">Reassessing Neanderthal intelligence</h2>



<p>The development and use of such complex adhesives were once thought to be exclusive to <em>Homo sapiens</em> in Africa. However, this discovery reveals that Neanderthals in Europe shared similar technological insights and thought processes.</p>



<p>Moreover, the effort and planning required to source materials like ochre and bitumen from distant locations speak to the Neanderthals' advanced planning abilities and their strategic approach to tool-making. This level of sophistication suggests a deliberate and thoughtful process in their technological practices.</p>



<p>Dutkiewicz and Schmidt conclude that the adhesive material was undoubtedly produced by Neanderthals, adding a significant chapter to our understanding of human evolution. </p>



<p>“Taking into account the overall context of the finds, we assume that this adhesive material was made by Neanderthals,” concludes Dutkiewicz.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What our study shows is that early Homo sapiens in Africa and Neanderthals in Europe had similar thought patterns,” adds Schmidt. “Their adhesive technologies have the same significance for our understanding of human evolution.”</p>



<p>This parallel in adhesive technologies emphasizes the cognitive and cultural parallels between these two groups, enriching our appreciation of Neanderthals' place in human history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-human-history-with-neanderthal-glue">Redefining human history with Neanderthal glue</h2>



<p>In summary, this study shatters long-held stereotypes about Neanderthals and illuminates the rich tapestry of human evolution. Neanderthals were not mere rudimentary beings, but very innovative and thoughtful toolmakers. </p>



<p>By uncovering the sophisticated use of multi-component adhesives in stone tool construction, researchers have provided compelling evidence of Neanderthals' cognitive capabilities and cultural sophistication. </p>



<p>Their discovery, bridging the gap between Neanderthals and early modern humans, underscores the complexity of our ancestors' lives and challenges us to rethink the narrative of human progress and ingenuity.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adl0822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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Neanderthals created and used glue, proving to be much smarter than we thought

Recent research has unveiled that Neanderthals, the predecessors to modern...

<p>Orchids are one of the oldest families of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-true-survivors-flowering-plants-lived-through-the-dinosaur-extinction/">flowering plants</a>, with fossil evidence suggesting that they have been around for at least 80 to 100 million years. This timeline places them in the Cretaceous period, meaning they coexisted with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The longevity and evolutionary success of orchids are attributed to their remarkable adaptability and symbiotic relationships with pollinators and fungi, allowing them to colonize a wide range of habitats across the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recent discoveries by researchers at the <a href="https://www.kew.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens</a> have shed light on the orchids' ancient origins and the ingenious strategies they employ to flourish worldwide. The study authors hope their findings will help inform conservation planning to protect orchids, many of which are disappearing at an alarming rate. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchid-evolution">Orchid evolution</h2>



<p>The study involved collecting different samples of the vast orchid family. Study co-author Dr. Natalia Przelomska is a lecturer at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a>.</p>



<p>"I had the privilege of extracting DNA from field samples ranging from those recently collected by multiple field botanists involved in this research, going back to botanists such as A.C. Maingay and E.L. Ekman, who were exploring the Old-World tropics and Neotropics in the 19th and 20th centuries," said Dr. Przelomska.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-techniques-nbsp">Advanced techniques&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team used two advanced techniques to study the history of orchids: a newer method called high-throughput sequencing and a traditional method called Sanger sequencing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Combining these techniques allowed the experts to create a detailed map of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/masters-of-deception-orchids-use-trickery-to-get-what-they-need/">orchid</a> family's genes. The goal was to build a family tree showing how these species evolved over time.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-very-long-legacy">A very long legacy</h2>



<p>The study suggests that orchids are ancient survivors, rooted in the time of dinosaurs. Imagine Earth millions of years ago, ruled by giants like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. In the shadows, under the leaves and branches, the first orchids sprouted and thrived.</p>



<p>This time was a big turning point for Earth. Everything changed, including the climate, which eventually led to the end of dinosaurs and the rise of mammals. But through it all, the orchids kept going, slowly changing into the many types we know today. The findings emphasize how tough and adaptable these flowers are.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-tricks">Survival tricks</h2>



<p>The orchid family, with over 25,000 members, is a stunning example of evolution and adaptation in the plant world.</p>



<p>When orchid populations get separated by mountains, rivers, or other barriers, they experience different pressures and mutations. This "moving apart" process, called allopatric speciation, can lead to the birth of entirely new orchid species. The wind helps by carrying orchid seeds far and wide, creating opportunities for isolation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/">evolution</a>.</p>



<p>Even without moving apart, orchids can evolve new species within the same habitat. This "staying together" process, called sympatric speciation, often happens when orchids attract different pollinators with unique flower shapes or smells. This selective mating prevents them from mixing with relatives, paving the way for new species.</p>



<p>From steamy rainforests to dry deserts, orchids have conquered it all. This incredible adaptability is partly thanks to their partnership with fungi (mycorrhizae) that help them get nutrients from the soil.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-reproductive-strategies-nbsp">Fascinating reproductive strategies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Orchids have a unique relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-moths-are-more-efficient-pollinators-than-bees/">pollinators</a>. A pollinator is an animal that carries pollen from one flower to another, helping plants reproduce and make new seeds. Their partnership with orchids is a dance of evolution, where both sides have adapted to create a mutually beneficial bond. This co-evolution has led to a stunning array of pollination strategies, each as fascinating as the orchids themselves.</p>



<p>Some orchids are masters of disguise. The Ophrys orchid, for example, looks and smells just like a female bee or wasp. Male insects, fooled by this trickery, try to mate with the flower, leaving pollen behind in the process. This shows the amazing lengths orchids go to to get pollinated.</p>



<p>However, not all orchids rely on trickery. Some offer a genuine reward: nectar. This sweet treat attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, who happily visit the orchid and carry pollen between flowers in their search for more.</p>



<p>The relationship between orchids and pollinators is like an ongoing competition. Each new adaptation by one side is met by a counter-adaptation by the other. This constant push and pull has led to the incredible diversity of orchids, each with unique strategies to attract its specific pollinator.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-on-the-brink-of-extinction-nbsp">Orchids on the brink of extinction&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Orchids are disappearing faster than they ever evolved. It took them around 5 million years to become the diverse family we know today. Sadly, this means they might not be able to come back from extinction even if we stop the current threats right now.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Habitat loss due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-brands-fail-to-fight-against-deforestation-and-human-rights-violations/">deforestation</a>, urban sprawl, and agriculture erodes their very foundation. Climate change adds another layer of danger, disrupting delicate ecosystems where orchids thrived for millennia. Additionally, their captivating beauty makes them targets for illegal collection, further jeopardizing their survival.</p>



<p>"Orchids are not only extraordinary jewels of nature, they also hold untold mysteries about life on Earth: how species evolve, adapt and move. Safeguarding their future is critical for protecting the complex interactions they play in ecosystems and making sure those stories can one day be unveiled by scientists," said study senior author Professor Alexandre Antonelli.</p>



<p>We must act now. Conservation efforts need to prioritize protecting natural habitats, the foundation of orchid diversity. This means legal protections for key areas, but also active management practices to ensure healthy ecosystems. Reforestation and habitat restoration offer lifelines to species suffering from habitat loss.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.19580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>New Phytologist</em></a>. </p>



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Despite their incredible adaptability, orchids are disappearing

Orchids are one of the oldest families of flowering plants,...

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