<p>For a long time, the Stone Age has been painted in narrow strokes. Men hunted with stone tools, women cooked. and children watched. This idea shaped research, museum displays, even the way skeletons were identified. But the ground in Latvia is telling a very different story.</p>



<p>At Zvejnieki, one of Europe’s largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/">Stone Age</a> cemeteries, archaeologists have found that tools buried with the dead were not just men’s possessions. Women had them too, so did children. </p>



<p>The way these objects were placed in graves shows they carried meaning far beyond daily work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-graves-and-stone-tools">Ancient graves and stone tools</h2>



<p>Zvejnieki sits near Lake Burtnieks. The site has more than 330 graves, spanning over 5,000 years. Excavations began in the 1960s and continued for decades. </p>



<p>Thousands of ornaments made from animal teeth and amber came out of the ground. Red ochre stained the soil around many skeletons. These details have been studied again and again.</p>



<p>But stone tools? They were mostly ignored. Archaeologists thought of them as practical. Not decorative or symbolic. Just leftovers of everyday survival. That view collapsed once Dr. Aimée Little and her team returned with new tools of their own.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-closer-at-stone">Looking closer at stone</h2>



<p>The Stone Dead Project used microscopes to search for tiny traces on the artifacts. The team studied how each tool was made, used, and finally placed in graves. </p>



<p>The results surprised everyone. Some scrapers showed wear from working animal hides. Others looked fresh, almost untouched, as if they had been created only for burial. And many were broken on purpose before being laid to rest.</p>



<p>These details reveal that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-traveled-long-distances-to-find-colorful-stones-for-tools/">stone</a> tools were not only about survival. They were part of rituals. Part of how people said goodbye. Part of how they thought about life and death.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-in-all-graves">Tools in all graves</h2>



<p>The discoveries challenged long-standing ideas about gender. Women were just as likely, sometimes even more likely, to be buried with stone artifacts. Children and older adults received them too. </p>



<p>That makes the picture clear: these objects were not reserved for hunters. They belonged to everyone.</p>



<p>“Our findings overturn the old stereotype of ‘Man the Hunter’ which has been a dominant theme in Stone Age studies, and has even influenced, on occasion, how some infants have even been sexed, on the basis that they were given lithic tools,” noted Dr. Little.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-traditions-over-time">Changing traditions over time</h2>



<p>Burial practices at Zvejnieki shifted. In earlier centuries, tools were rare in graves. Later, by the 4th millennium BC, deposits grew larger. Some people were buried with dozens of flint artefacts. Many had never been used. Their role was clearly symbolic.</p>



<p>This change matched wider cultural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tools-flint-created-400000-years-show-technological-advancement-of-early-humans/">shifts</a> across the Baltic. Communities began to use more red ochre. They buried people collectively. Clay death masks appeared. The inclusion of flint tools fit into this wider move toward more elaborate rituals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-tools-reveal">What the tools reveal</h2>



<p>Micro-wear analysis showed patterns that mattered. Scrapers often carried traces of hide working, suggesting that preparing skins was a valued activity even in death. </p>



<p>Bone and butchery marks appeared on some pieces. Mineral traces, connected to ochre, turned up only in female burials. That detail hints at gender-specific ritual roles.</p>



<p>Bifacial points - long seen as hunting weapons - often showed no use at all. They were made, broken, and buried. Their meaning was symbolic, not practical. Destroying them may have been part of letting go, part of a shared tradition that stretched beyond one community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-special-graves-with-stone-tools">Special graves with stone tools</h2>



<p>Some graves stood out. An older child was buried with more than 40 tools, many unused, alongside ornaments of amber and animal teeth.</p>



<p>Another grave, belonging to a young woman, contained primary deposits with her body and additional offerings at her feet. These were not random choices. They were deliberate acts, full of meaning for the people who stood around the grave.</p>



<p>These burials show that women and children were not peripheral. They stood at the center of ritual traditions. Their graves carried messages for the living.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-old-assumptions">Breaking old assumptions</h2>



<p>The implications are clear. Tools in Stone Age burials were not simply for men. They were symbols for everyone - men, women, children, and elders. They carried social meaning and were part of rituals that bound communities together in the face of loss.</p>



<p>“This research demonstrates that we cannot make these gendered assumptions and that lithic grave goods played an important role in the mourning rituals of children and women, as well as men,” noted Dr. Anđa Petrović, from the <a href="https://www.bg.ac.rs/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Belgrade</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-it-matters-today">Why it matters today</h2>



<p>What might look like simple flint flakes turn out to be keys to identity, memory, and ritual. They tell us that Stone Age communities valued more than hunting. They cared about symbolism. They cared about honoring all their members.</p>



<p>“The study highlights how much more there is to learn about the lives - and deaths - of Europe’s earliest communities, and why even the seemingly simplest objects can unlock insights about our shared human past and how people responded to death,” said Dr. Little.</p>



<p>The study shows that re-examining overlooked artifacts can transform our understanding of the past. At Zvejnieki, stone tools are no longer just tools. They are stories carved in flint, carrying the voices of communities that lived, grieved, and remembered.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0330623" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a></em>.</p>



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Stone Age women and children were buried with tools too

For a long time, the Stone Age has been painted in narrow strokes. Men hunted with stone tools, women cooked. and children watched. This idea shaped research, museum displays, even the way skeletons were identified. But the ground in Latvia is telling a very different story. At Zvejnieki, one of Europe’s largest Stone Age cemeteries, archaeologists have found that tools buried with the dead were not just men’s possessions. Women had them too, so did children. The way these objects were placed in graves shows they carried...

<p>In recent years, the Arctic Ocean has been facing an unprecedented environmental challenge that is set to redefine its landscape. A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Armineh Barkhordarian from <a href="https://www.uni-hamburg.de/">Universität Hamburg</a> has shed light on a distressing trend that has become a new norm in the Arctic: frequent marine heatwaves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study highlights a stark reality linked to higher anthropogenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/">greenhouse gas emissions</a> and their profound impact on the Arctic's marine environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-transformation-nbsp">Dramatic transformation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Since 2007, the Arctic Ocean has undergone a dramatic transformation. The researchers found that between 2007 and 2021, the marginal zones of this frigid expanse have been the stage for 11 marine heatwaves, each marking an average temperature increase of 2.2 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm and lasting an average of 37 days.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A pattern has emerged since 2015 where marine heatwaves are occurring every year, underscoring a worrying trend of increasing frequency and intensity.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-human-activity-nbsp">The role of human activity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The year 2020 was particularly alarming, witnessing the most severe marine heatwave recorded to date in the Arctic Ocean, which persisted for 103 days, reaching peak temperatures that were four degrees Celsius above the long-term average.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results of the analysis indicate that the likelihood of such an event happening in the absence of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions is less than one percent, effectively highlighting the significant role of human activity in these changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accumulation-of-heat">Accumulation of heat</h2>



<p>Dr. Barkhordarian’s study provides critical insights into the mechanisms behind these heatwaves. The research proves, for the first time, that heatwaves are produced when sea ice melts early and rapidly after the winter. This process allows for the accumulation of considerable heat in the water by July, when solar radiation reaches its peak.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In 2007, a new phase began in the Arctic,” said Dr. Barkhordarian, who is an expert on climate statistics. “There is less and less of the thicker, several-year-old ice, while the percentage of thin, seasonal ice is consistently increasing.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-consequences-nbsp">Potential consequences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The implications of these findings are far-reaching. Marine heatwaves, as defined by the study, occur when temperatures at the water’s surface are higher than 95 percent of the values from the past 30 years for at least five consecutive days.</p>



<p>This new climate in the Arctic not only leads to the continual loss of sea ice but also results in warmer waters, both of which pose substantial threats to the Arctic ecosystem. The potential consequences include the collapse of food chains, reduction in fish stocks, and an overall decline in biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sobering-projection-nbsp">Sobering projection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>At the heart of this study is the concept of attribution research, which seeks to delineate the extent of human influence on climate events. By comparing the observed phenomena with models of a world unaffected by anthropogenic greenhouse gases, the research underscores the undeniable impact of human activity on the frequency and severity of marine heatwaves in the Arctic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through the use of satellite data and coupled climate models, the study not only documents the current state of the Arctic Ocean but also provides a sobering projection of its future.</p>



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



<p>"Event attribution analysis demonstrates that the 103-day long 2020 event – the most intense (4 ∘C) recorded so far in the Arctic – would be exceptionally unlikely in the absence of greenhouse gas forcing in terms of both intensity and duration," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our further results imply that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, along with the expansion of first-year ice extent, moderate marine heatwaves in the Arctic will very likely persistently reoccur."</p>



<p>As marine heatwaves become an annual occurrence in the Arctic, the study highlights the critical importance of understanding and addressing the human contributions to climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-heatwave-of-2020">Arctic heatwave of 2020</h2>



<p>The Arctic heatwave of 2020 was marked by record-breaking temperatures, with a staggering 38°C (100.4°F) recorded in the Siberian town of Verkhoyansk on June 20, 2020. This temperature was confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as a new Arctic record. </p>



<p>The heatwave led to devastating wildfires, significant sea ice loss, and contributed to making 2020 one of the three warmest years on record. The average temperatures over Arctic Siberia reached up to 10°C above normal for much of the summer, emphasizing the rapid warming of the Arctic region.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01215-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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Frequent heatwaves have become the norm in the Arctic Ocean

In recent years, the Arctic Ocean has been facing an...

<p>A recent study has uncovered promising evidence that men who eat a plant-based, vegan diet exhibit better sexual health and a lower instance of erectile dysfunction.</p>



<p>According to new research conducted by leading researchers at NYU <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grossman School of Medicine</a> and <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard T.H. Chan</a> School of Public Health, a diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts -- while limiting meat and dairy -- may significantly mitigate common complications experienced by prostate cancer patients, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.</p>



<p>This important analysis sheds light on the potential for dietary choices, namely plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-improves-heart-health-in-a-matter-of-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diets</a>, to enhance the quality of life in individuals undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, or simply for men who would like to improve their sexual health</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegan-power-boosting-male-sexual-health">Vegan power: Boosting male sexual health</h2>



<p>The research, engaging over 3,500 men diagnosed with the disease, sought to determine if a shift towards more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-and-keto-diets-rapidly-transform-the-immune-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based vegan</a> foods could alleviate the myriad of sexual health and quality-of-life challenges that typically follow prostate cancer treatments.</p>



<p>By categorizing participants into five distinct groups based on their dietary habits -- specifically, the ratio of plant to animal foods consumed -- the study found notable improvements in sexual and urinary health, as well as hormonal well-being, among those who favored a plant-centric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dont-say-vegan-food-labeling-should-focus-on-health-and-sustainability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diet</a>.</p>



<p>Men in the top quintile for plant food consumption reported an 8% to 11% enhancement in sexual function and up to a 14% improvement in urinary health, experiencing fewer issues related to incontinence, obstruction, and irritation. </p>



<p>Additionally, this group also saw up to a 13% increase in scores related to hormonal health, indicating fewer symptoms associated with low energy, depression, and hot flashes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-plants-to-prostate-health-unpacking-the-study">From plants to prostate health: Unpacking the study</h2>



<p>Dr. Stacy Loeb, the study's lead author and a distinguished urologist and professor at NYU Langone Health, emphasized the significance of these findings. </p>



<p>“Our findings offer hope for those looking for ways to improve their quality of life after undergoing surgery, radiation, and other common therapies for prostate cancer, which can cause significant side effects,” said Dr. Loeb. </p>



<p>“Adding more fruits and vegetables to their diet, while reducing meat and dairy, is a simple step that patients can take.”</p>



<p>Loeb's research is pioneering in its discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/is-a-plant-based-diet-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> vegan dietary impacts on sexual and urinary health among prostate cancer patients, while also reinforcing previous research indicating a plant-based diet's role in reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. </p>



<p>It challenges longstanding myths about meat consumption and male sexual health, suggesting that plant-based vegan foods may, in fact, offer superior benefits in this area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-deeper-the-science-behind-the-greens">Digging deeper: The science behind the greens</h2>



<p>Prostate cancer stands as one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers affecting American men, underscoring the importance of this research. </p>



<p>The study leveraged data from the <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hpfs/">Health Professionals Follow-Up Study</a>. This massive dataset is a comprehensive project initiated in 1986 by the Harvard Chan School.</p>



<p>Their initiative collects detailed nutritional and health-related information from over 50,000 male health professionals to understand how diet influences cancer, heart disease, and other serious health outcomes.</p>



<p>Participants, primarily treated for early stages of prostate cancer, provided dietary information every four years through questionnaires. </p>



<p>Additionally, surveys conducted biennially helped assess various health and sexual health issues, including incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bowel function, energy levels, and mood. </p>



<p>The study controlled for factors such as weight, physical activity, and other lifestyle choices to isolate the effects of normal or vegan diet on health outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-and-the-future-of-male-sexual-health">Plants and the future of male sexual health</h2>



<p>Remarkably, the research indicated that high consumption of any plant-based or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-meat-diets-have-four-times-the-environmental-impacts-of-vegan-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan</a> food was associated with better sexual, urinary, and vitality scores, irrespective of demographic or lifestyle differences, or even a history of medical conditions like diabetes. </p>



<p>The improvement in bowel function observed in those consuming more plant-based foods likely stems from the dietary fiber present in these diets.</p>



<p>Dr. Loeb's team plans to extend their research to include a more diverse patient population and those with advanced stages of the disease, given the initial study's demographic was predominantly White healthcare professionals. </p>



<p>“These results add to the long list of health and environmental benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-are-great-for-weight-loss-regardless-of-the-type/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating more plants</a> and fewer animal products,” said Loeb. “They also clearly challenge the historical misconception that eating meat boosts sexual function in men, when in fact the opposite seems to be the case.”</p>



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



<p>In summary, Dr. Loeb's breakthrough study illuminates the powerful role a plant-based vegan diet can play in enhancing the quality of life and sexual health for men, particularly prostate cancer patients. </p>



<p>By embracing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts, and reducing meat and dairy intake, individuals can significantly improve sexual, urinary, and hormonal health, challenging old myths and setting a new standard for dietary recommendations in cancer care. </p>



<p>This research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of plant-based diets while offering hope for men seeking natural ways to mitigate the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, thereby improving their overall sexual health.</p>



<p>Next steps will include further studies to broaden these findings across more diverse populations and stages of the disease.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.35172" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cancer</a></em>.</p>



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Men exhibit better sexual health eating a plant-based vegan diet

A recent study has uncovered promising evidence that men who...

<p>In a concerning revelation, a recent study reveals that polar bears may not have the capacity to adapt to the increasingly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">longer summers</a> caused by climate change. </p>



<p>The research indicates that spending more time stranded on land puts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-unravel-the-secrets-of-polar-bear-fur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bears</a> at risk of starvation.</p>



<p>Over a three-week period during summer, scientists observed the behavior of 20 polar bears stranded on land in the western Hudson Bay region of Manitoba, Canada. </p>



<p>These bears were deprived of their primary food source, seals, which are more readily available on ice. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-sea-ice-and-longer-summers">Declining sea ice and longer summers</h2>



<p>"The Arctic marine ecosystem is experiencing rapid declines in sea ice extent, age, and thickness, which are altering ecological dynamics. Within this ecosystem, polar bears (<em>Ursus maritimus</em>) are an apex predator that use sea ice as a platform to hunt primarily ringed (<em>Pusa hispida</em>) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus)," wrote the study authors. </p>



<p>"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-genetic-diversity-in-polar-bears-linked-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar bears</a> acquire the majority of their energy resources during a brief period in the late spring and early summer when seals are giving birth to and weaning their pups. Climate warming is increasing the duration that some areas of the Arctic are ice free, which in turn forces polar bears in these regions to move to land."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stranded-polar-bears">Stranded polar bears</h2>



<p>In Manitoba, the bears experimented with various strategies to conserve energy and find food. They engaged in resting, scavenging, and foraging. </p>



<p>Despite these efforts, the outcome was disheartening: nearly all of the observed polar bears experienced significant weight loss, averaging about 2.2 pounds per day.</p>



<p>The study challenges the notion that polar bears might adapt to the changing climate by mimicking the survival tactics of grizzly bears, which can survive on a more varied diet and are more accustomed to terrestrial living.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Charles Robbins, director of the <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> Bear Center and co-author of the study, pointed out the critical differences between the two species. “Polar bears are not grizzly bears wearing white coats. They’re very, very different,” he said. </p>



<p>Unlike grizzlies, polar bears have evolved to rely heavily on the high-fat content of seals, necessitating their access to sea ice for efficient hunting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-expenditure-nbsp">Energy expenditure&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers used innovative methods to gather data on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radar-imaging-will-help-protect-polar-bears-from-human-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bears' behavior</a> and energy expenditure during their time on land, including the use of collars equipped with video cameras and GPS. </p>



<p>This approach provided insights into the bears' diet - which included bird and caribou carcasses, berries, kelp, and grasses - and their efforts to conserve energy by minimizing movement.</p>



<p>Despite observing a broad spectrum of behaviors and energy expenditures among the bears, the experts concluded that the energy benefits gained from terrestrial food sources were offset by the greater energy expenditure required to access these resources. </p>



<p>Only one bear in the study managed to gain weight, having found a dead marine mammal on land.</p>



<p>Study lead author Anthony Pagano is a wildlife biologist with the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/centers/alaska-science-center/science/polar-bear-research" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey Polar Bear Research Program</a> and a former postdoctoral researcher at WSU.</p>



<p>“We found a real diversity of bear behaviors, and as a result, we saw a diverse range of energy expenditures,” said Pagano. "The terrestrial foods did give them some energetic benefit, but ultimately, the bears had to spend more energy to access those resources."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-longer-summers-for-polar-bears">Implications of longer summers for polar bears</h2>



<p>This research is particularly significant as it focuses on the southernmost extent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-sweaters-use-synthetic-fibers-mimicking-polar-bear-fur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> range in the western Hudson Bay, an area believed to be experiencing the impacts of climate warming more acutely than other Arctic regions. </p>



<p>The local polar bear population has already experienced a dramatic decline, estimated at 30% since 1987, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change.</p>



<p>The findings from this study not only contribute to our understanding of polar bear ecology and the challenges they face as their natural habitat continues to change but also serve as a poignant reminder of the broader implications of global warming on Arctic wildlife.  </p>



<p>As the ice-free period extends, polar bears across the Arctic face an increased risk of starvation, highlighting the need for immediate and concerted conservation efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve these majestic animals for future generations.</p>



<p>“As polar bears are forced on land earlier, it cuts into the period that they normally acquire the majority of the energy they need to survive,” said Pagano. “With increased land use, the expectation is that we'll likely see increases in starvation, particularly with adolescents and females with cubs.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44682-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>. </p>



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Polar bears are struggling to survive longer summers, and unlikely to adapt

In a concerning revelation, a recent study reveals that polar...

<p>Over the past 30 years, Greenland has witnessed a significant transformation of its land mass. The warming climate has transformed once icy and snowy regions of the country into barren landscapes, wetlands, and shrubby areas ripe with plants and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-a-greener-greenland-reveals-shocking-reality-of-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green vegetation</a>. </p>



<p>Approximately 11,000 square miles (28,707 square kilometers) of its ice sheet and glaciers have melted, an area comparable to the size of Albania. This significant loss accounts for about 1.6% of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-shelves-have-lost-over-35-percent-of-their-volume/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">total ice coverage</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-stories-uncovering-greenland-s-vegetation">Satellite stories: Uncovering Greenland's vegetation</h2>



<p>This transformation is a direct consequence of rising air temperatures, which not only accelerate ice retreat but also affect land surface temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, and landscape stability.</p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> have meticulously analyzed satellite data from the 1980s to the 2010s to track these changes. Their findings reveal the profound impact of warmer temperatures on Greenland's land cover.</p>



<p><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/faculty/staff/1012/jonathan-carrivick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jonathan Carrivick</a>, a key author of the study, emphasizes the linkage between rising temperatures and the observed land cover changes.</p>



<p>“Warmer temperatures are linked to the land cover changes that we are seeing on Greenland," Carrivick said. “By analyzing high resolution satellite images, we have been able to produce a detailed record of the land cover changes that are taking place.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vanishing-vistas-greenland-s-ice-loss-exposed">Vanishing vistas: Greenland's ice loss exposed</h2>



<p>The ice loss predominantly occurs around the peripheries of existing glaciers and is notably pronounced in the north, south-west, west, mid-north-west, and south-east of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland</a>. </p>



<p>Concurrently, the land area covered by vegetation has more than doubled, expanding by 33,774 square miles (87,475 square kilometers) over three decades. </p>



<p>This increase in vegetation is especially marked in the south-west, east, and north-east of Greenland, with a significant rise in dense wetland vegetation near Kangerlussuaq in the south-west and in isolated regions in the north-east.</p>



<p>Carrivick points out that the receding ice is setting off a cascade of environmental responses, leading to further ice loss and the 'greening' of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mysterious-arc-joins-ice-on-a-fjord-in-western-greenland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland</a>. </p>



<p>"We have seen signs that the loss of ice is triggering other reactions which will result in further loss of ice and further ‘greening’ of Greenland, where shrinking ice exposes bare rock that is then colonized by tundra and eventually shrub," Carrivick explained.</p>



<p>“At the same time, water released from the melting ice is moving sediment and silt, and that eventually forms wetlands and fenlands.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappearing-ice-alters-global-temperatures">Disappearing ice alters global temperatures</h2>



<p>This phenomenon sees exposed bare rock gradually become colonized by tundra and eventually shrub. The melting ice also contributes to the formation of wetlands and fenlands by moving sediment and silt.</p>



<p>The retreat of ice impacts land surface temperatures through the albedo effect, where snow and ice, being highly reflective, help maintain cooler global temperatures. </p>



<p>As ice recedes, it unveils bedrock that absorbs more solar energy, thereby increasing land surface temperatures. </p>



<p>Melting ice also feeds into lakes, further raising temperatures since water absorbs more solar energy than snow and ice.</p>



<p>The research highlights a near fourfold increase in wetlands across Greenland, particularly in the east and north-east, which are significant sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-absorbs-more-methane-than-it-emits-surprising-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane emissions</a>. </p>



<p>The expansion of vegetation and wetlands not only signals but also exacerbates permafrost thaw, active layer thickening, and the release of greenhouse gases previously trapped in Arctic soils.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floods-flora-and-vegetation-for-future-greenland">Floods, flora and vegetation for future Greenland</h2>



<p>The team also developed a model predicting areas on Greenland likely to undergo marked and accelerated changes in the future. </p>



<p>Dr. Michael Grimes, lead author of the report, notes the simultaneous expansion of vegetation and retreat of ice and glaciers as significantly altering the flow of sediments and nutrients into coastal waters. </p>



<p>“These changes are critical, particularly for the indigenous populations whose traditional subsistence hunting practices rely on the stability of these delicate ecosystems," says Grimes.</p>



<p>"The loss of ice mass in Greenland is a substantial contributor to global sea level rise, a trend that poses significant challenges both now and in the future.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland-s-wake-up-call">Greenland's wake-up call</h2>



<p>In summary, Greenland's dramatic transformation underscores the urgent need for global action against climate change. </p>



<p>As ice retreats and vegetation expands, the island's landscape undergoes profound changes, signaling broader environmental shifts that affect not only local ecosystems and indigenous communities but also contribute significantly to rising global sea levels. </p>



<p>The results of the University of Leeds' study presented above vividly illustrates the cascading effects of warmer temperatures, offering an urgent call to action to address the root causes of climate change. </p>



<p>By understanding these changes and their impacts, we can work towards mitigating future risks and preserving the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-52124-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a></em>.</p>



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Greenland is becoming a 'green' land as melting ice is replaced with vegetation

Over the past 30 years, Greenland has witnessed a significant...

<p>Scents may offer a new avenue for treating individuals who are struggling with depression, according to a new study from the <a href="https://www.pitt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pittsburgh</a> School of Medicine. </p>



<p>The research highlights the power of familiar scents in triggering autobiographical memory recall, potentially offering a unique tool for therapeutic intervention.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotionally-vivid-memories-nbsp">Emotionally vivid memories&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study's findings suggest that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-treatment-restores-sense-of-smell-in-long-covid-patients/">olfactory system</a> - our sense of smell - may play a crucial role in the mental health recovery process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike traditional approaches that often rely on verbal or visual cues to stimulate memory and emotional response, this research indicates that scents can evoke more specific and emotionally vivid memories, potentially helping individuals break free from the cycle of negative thoughts that often characterize depression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-of-memory-recall">Mechanisms of memory recall</h2>



<p>With a background in neuroscience focusing on autobiographical memories, study senior author Dr. Kymberly Young has long been interested in the mechanisms of memory recall. She noted the challenge that depressed individuals face in recalling specific autobiographical memories and the strong, vivid memories healthy individuals can trigger through scents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Given the direct connection between the olfactory bulb and the amygdala - the part of the brain responsible for emotional processing and memory recall - Dr. Young hypothesized that scents might offer a more effective cue for memory recall in depressed individuals.</p>



<p>“It was surprising to me that nobody thought to look at memory recall in depressed individuals using odor cues before,” said Dr. Young.</p>



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



<p>To test this theory, the researchers conducted an experiment using opaque glass vials filled with various potent, familiar scents, such as oranges, ground coffee, shoe polish, and Vicks VapoRub.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Participants in the study, including individuals diagnosed with depression, were asked to smell the contents of the vials and then recall a specific memory, regardless of its emotional valence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-striking-results-nbsp">Striking results&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study revealed that participants who were exposed to odor cues demonstrated a significantly higher ability to recall specific events, rather than general memories, compared to those who received word cues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, the memories recalled with the help of scents were described as more vivid and immersive, enhancing the feeling of reliving the event.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Young noted that even though she did not direct participants to specifically recall positive memories, the results showed that participants were more likely to remember positive events when prompted by scents.</p>



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



<p>The research opens up new possibilities for therapeutic interventions for depression, suggesting that engaging the amygdala through olfactory cues could be a simple yet effective strategy to enhance memory recall and emotional processing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This approach could complement existing treatments, offering a low-tech, accessible method to assist individuals in overcoming depression by leveraging the natural connections between scent, memory, and emotion.</p>



<p>As Dr. Young prepares for more technologically advanced studies using brain scanners to further explore the connection between scents and amygdala activation in depressed individuals, the implications of her current findings are already generating excitement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The potential to improve memory recall, and consequently, problem-solving and emotion regulation, offers hope for addressing some of the core challenges faced by individuals with depression.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.55958" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JAMA Network Open</em></a>.</p>



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Unlocking memories with scents may help treat depression

Scents may offer a new avenue for treating individuals who...

Many,Red,Worms,In,Dirt,-,Bait,For,Fishing

<p>The quiet invasion of non-native earthworms across North America, once considered benign, has been revealed as a significant threat to the continent's ecosystems. According to a new study led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/">Stanford University</a>, at least 70 species of invasive earthworms have made their way into North American soil. </p>



<p>The study presents the largest database of alien <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthworms-are-important-drivers-of-global-food-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthworms</a> to date, shedding light on a critical yet underappreciated ecological issue.</p>



<p>“Earthworms tell the story of the Anthropocene, the age we live in,” said study senior author Professor Elizabeth Hadly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is a story of global homogenization of biodiversity by humans, which often leads to the decline of unique local species and the disruption of native ecosystem processes.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-introduction-of-invasive-earthworms-nbsp">Introduction of invasive earthworms&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthworms-are-unseen-heroes-in-food-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earthworms</a>, generally hailed for their beneficial roles in agriculture and gardening, are now under scrutiny for their potential as antagonists in native ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The introduction of alien earthworm species to North America, a practice dating back to the late 1800s, aimed to exploit their positive contributions to soil health. </p>



<p>These creatures aerate the soil, facilitate water and nutrient penetration, and enrich the ground with their castings. However, the study highlights a darker side to this narrative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Non-native earthworms have begun to stress native plants, trees, and wildlife by altering soil properties and encouraging the spread of invasive plant species.</p>



<p>For example, in the northern broadleaf forests of the U.S. and Canada, alien earthworms’ impact on soil stresses trees such as sugar maples by altering the microhabitat of their soils. This triggers a cascading series of impacts on the food web that help invasive plants spread.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-displacement-of-native-earthworms">Displacement of native earthworms</h2>



<p>One of the most striking findings of the research is the sheer scale of alien <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthworms-invade-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthworm</a> colonization, with these species found in 97% of studied soils across North America. </p>



<p>These invaders now account for 23% of the continent's earthworms, showcasing a significant displacement of native species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers noted that invasive earthworms are at a distinct advantage, considering that many female alien earthworm species can produce offspring without fertilization from a male. </p>



<p>Furthermore, melting permafrost in the northern parts of the continent is providing brand new habitats for invasive earthworms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-action-against-invasive-earthworms">Urgent need for action against invasive earthworms</h2>



<p>The study's lead author, Jérôme Mathieu, an associate professor of Ecology at the <a href="https://www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en">Sorbonne University</a>, emphasized the urgent need for attention to this phenomenon, pointing out that human activities continue to facilitate the proliferation of these alien species, threatening the survival of native earthworms.</p>



<p>The researchers utilized a vast collection of records spanning from 1891 to 2021, combined with data on U.S. border interceptions of alien earthworms from 1945 to 1975, to map out the introduction pathways and spread of these species across North America.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that overall, invasive earthworms represent 23% of the continent’s 308 earthworm species, and account for 12 of the 13 most widespread earthworm species. &nbsp;</p>



<p>The proportion of alien <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-soil-ecosystems-earthworms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthworms</a> in Canada was found to be three times greater than that of native earthworms. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the study revealed that there is about one alien earthworm for every two native species across most of the lower 48 U.S. states and Mexico.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-and-implications-nbsp">Key findings and implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analysis, bolstered by machine learning techniques, reveals a complex web of introduction and dissemination, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of these organisms. </p>



<p>The study also underscores the importance of prevention and early detection in managing the threat posed by alien earthworms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These ratios are likely to increase because human activities facilitate the development of alien species that threaten native earthworm species, a phenomenon still largely overlooked,” said Professor Mathieu.</p>



<p>“This is most likely the tip of the iceberg,” said study co-author John Warren Reynolds. “Many other soil organisms may have been introduced, but we know very little about their impacts.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-remarkable-world-of-earthworms">The remarkable world of earthworms</h2>



<p>As discussed above, earthworms, both invasive and native, play a pivotal role in maintaining the health and fertility of our soil.</p>



<p>These invertebrates, belonging to the class Oligochaeta, thrive in moist environments, burrowing through the earth to create intricate tunnel systems. </p>



<p>Their activities significantly benefit the ecosystem, making them unsung heroes of the agricultural world.</p>



<p>Earthworms consume organic matter, including dead leaves and decaying plant materials, as they navigate through the soil. </p>



<p>This diet not only helps to break down organic waste but also aids in the recycling of nutrients. As they digest this material, earthworms produce castings -- nutrient-rich waste that serves as a powerful natural fertilizer. </p>



<p>These castings enrich the soil, boosting its fertility and enhancing plant growth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-earthworms-and-biodiversity">Invasive earthworms and biodiversity</h3>



<p>The physical movement of earthworms through the soil is equally beneficial. Their burrowing action creates channels that improve soil structure by increasing aeration and drainage. </p>



<p>This enhanced soil environment allows for better root penetration and water retention, crucial factors for healthy plant development. </p>



<p>Moreover, the tunnels they create serve as conduits for root growth, enabling plants to access nutrients and water more efficiently.</p>



<p>Earthworms also play a critical role in the soil food web. They serve as a food source for a variety of predators, including birds, rodents, and insects, thus contributing to the biodiversity of their ecosystems. </p>



<p>Their presence and activity indirectly support a wide range of above-ground biodiversity, highlighting their importance in sustaining both soil health and overall ecosystem balance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-agriculture-and-combating-climate-change">Supporting agriculture and combating climate change</h3>



<p>The impact of earthworms extends beyond their immediate environment. By improving soil health, they support agriculture and horticulture, ensuring that soil is fertile and productive for food crops and ornamental plants alike. </p>



<p>Their contribution to carbon sequestration, through the incorporation of organic matter into the soil, further underscores their role in combating climate change.</p>



<p>Despite their silent work beneath our feet, earthworms face threats from human activities, such as the excessive use of pesticides and habitat destruction. </p>



<p>Recognizing and mitigating these threats is essential to preserving the health of our soils and the broader environment.</p>



<p>In summary, earthworms are vital yet often unnoticed engineers of the earth. Their continuous labor transforms the soil, making it a hospitable place for plants to thrive. </p>



<p>By understanding and appreciating the role of earthworms, we can better steward the land, ensuring the health and vitality of our planet for future generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02310-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Invasive earthworms are reshaping North American ecosystems

The quiet invasion of non-native earthworms across North America, once...

<p>A study by the <a href="https://manoa.hawaii.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hawai‘i (UH) at Mānoa</a> and the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a> (NIOZ) has shed new light on the detrimental effects of coral bleaching on reef ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The collaborative research, which also involved contributions from the<a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> and the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>, has unveiled that during bleaching events, corals release specific organic compounds into their environment. These compounds not only foster an increase in bacterial populations but also encourage the growth of opportunistic bacteria, potentially exacerbating the stress on coral reefs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-reach-of-coral-bleaching">Extensive reach of coral bleaching</h2>



<p>“Our results demonstrate how the impacts of both short-term thermal stress and long-term bleaching may extend beyond coral and into the water column,” said co-lead author Wesley Sparagon, a postdoctoral researcher at UH Mānoa.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This insight underscores the extensive reach of coral bleaching, affecting not just the corals but the surrounding aquatic environment as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-water-column-microbiology">Reef water column microbiology</h2>



<p>The research, initiated in response to a bleaching event in French Polynesia in 2019, aimed to explore the lesser-known consequences of coral bleaching on reef water column microbiology and biogeochemistry.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Although coral bleaching is a well-documented and increasingly widespread phenomenon in reefs across the globe, there has been relatively little research on the implications for reef water column microbiology and biogeochemistry,” explained senior author Craig Nelson, a professor of Earth Sciences at UH.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-pathogens-around-stressed-corals">Potential pathogens around stressed corals</h2>



<p>Through meticulous heating experiments with both bleached and unbleached corals, the team discovered that the composition of organic matter released by corals under thermal stress differs significantly from that of healthy corals. These unique compounds serve as nourishment for microbial communities in the water, leading to a notable increase in microbial abundance.</p>



<p>“Interestingly, the microbes responding to bleaching coral exudates were distinct from those grown on healthy coral exudates,” said Sparagon. This shift towards fast-growing opportunists and potential pathogens surrounding stressed corals poses additional threats, such as suffocation or disease introduction, which could further compromise coral health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-compound-shift-in-stressed-corals">Universal compound shift in stressed corals</h2>



<p>A particularly striking finding of the study was the universal occurrence of this compound shift in corals subjected to any form of stress during the experiment. According to co-lead author Milou Arts, an expert in microbiology and biogeochemistry at NIOZ, this suggests that the process occurs throughout the period of coral bleaching, from onset of thermal stress all the way through recovery.</p>



<p>The implications of these findings are profound, indicating that the initial stages of thermal stress are critical and could lead corals towards more severe bleaching and, ultimately, mortality.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-warning-system">Early warning system</h2>



<p>The researchers are now focusing on pinpointing specific compounds and microbes in the water column that could signal impending stress on coral reefs. Such an early-warning system holds promise for enhancing coral reef conservation strategies, allowing for timely intervention before irreparable damage occurs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Therefore, this study not only contributes significantly to our understanding of coral reef ecosystems but also highlights the urgent need for integrated conservation efforts to safeguard these vital marine habitats against the escalating threats of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about coral bleaching</h2>



<p>Coral bleaching is a phenomenon that occurs when corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white. This happens because corals have a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae called zooxanthellae, which live inside their tissues.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stressful conditions&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The algae provide corals with food through photosynthesis and are responsible for their colorful appearance. However, when corals are stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients, they expel the algae, leading to a loss of color. This stress is most often associated with increased sea temperatures due to global warming.</p>



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



<p>Coral bleaching does not mean the coral is dead, but it does indicate a coral under stress, which can lead to decreased growth, reduced reproductive capacity, increased susceptibility to diseases, and, if the stressful conditions persist, death. Bleaching events are becoming more frequent and severe with climate change, posing a significant threat to coral reefs worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Valuable ecosystems&nbsp;</h3>



<p>These ecosystems are crucial for marine life, providing habitat, food, and protection for a diverse range of species. Coral reefs also offer important benefits to humans, including coastal protection, sources of food, and income from tourism and fishing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The increasing occurrence of coral bleaching highlights the need for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect marine biodiversity.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05730-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Communications Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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

Coral bleaching releases bacteria that put further strain on reefs

A study by the University of Hawai‘i (UH) at Mānoa...

Kp,5,Northern,Light,Over,Kirkjufell,Mountain,In,Iceland

<p>The sun has been exhibiting heightened levels of activity, marked by a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-massive-solar-flare-struck-earth-on-monday-but-what-does-this-mean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMEs</a>) that have captured the attention of astronomers and space weather forecasters alike.</p>



<p>There is no need for alarm from the general public. However, according to the <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/g1-g2-minor-moderate-geomagnetic-storm-watches-12-14-feb-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center</a>, there will be increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storms-will-intensify-then-slow-as-the-solar-cycle-peaks-in-early-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aurora activity</a> over the next few days in Canada and the northern and Midwest U.S. states.</p>



<p>This recent surge in solar phenomena has implications not only for our understanding of solar dynamics but also for space weather forecasting, which is vital for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ongoing-solar-storms-spectacular-auroras-and-radio-blackouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite operations</a>, communication systems, and even power grids on Earth. The most recent, detailed forecast is below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-solar-flares-and-regions-of-interest">Recent solar flares and regions of interest</h2>



<p>At the heart of the recent activity is an impulsive M6.5/2b flare that erupted on February 12 at 03:48 UTC from Region 3576, located at the solar coordinates S16W30. </p>



<p>This region, characterized by a complex magnetic configuration known as Fkc/beta-gamma-delta, has been particularly active, also producing a C6.9 flare shortly thereafter at 05:54 UTC. </p>



<p>This latter event was accompanied by a Type IV radio sweep, indicative of significant magnetic restructuring in the sun's atmosphere.</p>



<p>Another noteworthy flare, an M1.0, was observed from a region just beyond the northeast limb of the sun on February 11 at 22:45 UTC. </p>



<p>This activity underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the sun's surface and atmosphere.</p>



<p>The solar regions numbered 3576 and 3583 (N09E22, characterized as Eki/beta-gamma) have been sources of C-class flaring, demonstrating the widespread nature of the current solar activity. </p>



<p>While Region 3576 showed some decay in its trailing spots, Regions 3582 (N06W07, Dai/beta) and 3583 exhibited rapid growth and development, highlighting the volatile and unpredictable nature of solar magnetic regions.</p>



<p>An additional solar event of note was a filament eruption near N28E19, which began on February 11 at 06:40 UTC. </p>



<p>This eruption may be associated with a CME observed off the northeast limb, further illustrating the complex interplay of solar phenomena.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analysis-of-recent-coronal-mass-ejections-cmes">Analysis of recent Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)</h2>



<p>The CME associated with the M9.0 flare from Region 3576, observed in SOHO/LASCO C2 imagery beginning on February 10 at 23:36 UTC, has been carefully analyzed. </p>



<p>This analysis revealed two distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canyon-of-fire-solar-eruption-extended-more-than-60000-miles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMEs</a>: a full halo CME visible by February 11 at 00:00 UTC and a slower, narrower CME, with the majority of its ejecta directed off the north-northeast limb. </p>



<p>Modeling of these CMEs suggests an expected arrival at Earth early on February 13, highlighting the importance of monitoring and forecasting these solar emissions for their potential impact on space weather.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-activity-forecast">Solar activity forecast</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, solar activity is projected to reach moderate levels (R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) from February 12 to 14, with a slight chance of X-class flares (R3/Strong). </p>



<p>This forecast is based on the current behavior of the sun's surface and atmospheric conditions, which continue to be closely monitored by astronomers and space weather experts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energetic-particles-and-their-impact">Energetic particles and their impact</h3>



<p>The recent solar activity has also been characterized by energetic particle events, including a minor (S1) solar radiation storm that peaked at 187 pfu on February 9. </p>



<p>A new 10 MeV proton event, associated with the C6.9 flare, began on February 12 at 08:05 UTC. These events, while minor, underscore the potential for increased solar radiation, which can affect satellite operations and astronaut safety.</p>



<p>The greater than 2 MeV electron flux has been at normal to moderate levels, with expectations for this trend to continue in the short term. </p>



<p>However, there remains a chance for further minor solar radiation storm enhancements, particularly in light of the flare potential of Regions 3576 and 3583 and possible shock enhancements from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aurora-borealis-seen-as-far-south-as-the-equator-after-largest-known-solar-storm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inbound CMEs</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-wind-and-geospace-impact">Solar wind and geospace impact</h3>



<p>The solar wind has seen fluctuations, with parameters indicating the arrival of a CME that may be related to the X3.3 flare on February 9. </p>



<p>Wind speeds have ranged between 500-600 km/s, with total magnetic field strengths varying. These conditions are expected to be further influenced by the combination of CMEs from February 8 and 10, likely leading to enhancements in solar wind conditions through February 14.</p>



<p>In terms of geospace, the geomagnetic field has been relatively quiet but is expected to become unsettled to active due to ongoing CME activity. </p>



<p>This shift could escalate from unsettled to G1 (Minor) storming conditions on February 12, with the potential for active to G2 (Moderate) storming on February 13. </p>



<p>These conditions serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness between solar and terrestrial environments, with solar activity having direct implications for space weather and, by extension, technological systems on Earth.</p>



<p>This detailed overview of recent solar activity from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, its analysis, and forecast underscores the dynamic and interconnected nature of our solar system. </p>



<p>By closely monitoring and studying these phenomena, scientists and forecasters can better predict the potential impacts of space weather and aurora activity, ensuring that we remain prepared for the diverse effects of solar activity on our technological infrastructure and daily lives.</p>



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NOAA: Auroras expected in the US this week from strong solar flares

The sun has been exhibiting heightened levels of activity, marked...

<p>A new study has revealed the pivotal role of home and wild food production (HWFP) activities like gardening, hunting, fishing, foraging, and raising backyard poultry or livestock in combating food insecurity during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was conducted by a collaborative team from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a> and the <a href="https://umaine.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maine</a>. The results highlight the critical importance of home food production practices during extreme events, including pandemics and climate change-related incidents.</p>



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



<p>The team surveyed over 1,000 individuals residing in Vermont and Maine, regions known for their rural character, to assess food security levels and the sources of their food.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings were eye-opening: both food insecurity and the engagement in home and wild food production activities saw a significant increase during the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Crucially, those who engaged in these activities were more likely to experience improved food security 9-12 months later, showcasing the tangible benefits of such practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilient-food-system-nbsp">Resilient food system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers hope that policymakers will consider how home and wild food production might lead to a more resilient food system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Home and wild food production is not a silver bullet, but it is a potential solution set that has been largely overlooked,” said Professor Meredith Niles, who led the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barriers-to-food-access-nbsp">Barriers to food access&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research has also shed light on the various barriers to food access, especially for those experiencing poverty. According to Professor Rachel Schattman, the pandemic exacerbated these challenges through travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, and supply chain disruptions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite the availability of food assistance programs, the contribution of self-provisioning practices to food security had not been thoroughly examined until now.</p>



<p>“Even during normal times, there are many barriers to food access especially for people experiencing poverty. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, there were additional barriers including travel restrictions, stay at home orders, and disruptions to the supply chain,” said Professor Schattman.</p>



<p>“While there were a variety of food assistance programs, no one had really looked at how self-provisioning things like hunting, gardening, canning, foraging and raising backyard animals contributed to food security.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-security">Food security</h2>



<p>The research not only confirms evidence about the rise of gardening and canning during the early days of the pandemic but also provides quantitative data to support these observations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We were able to actually show, at a large scale with significant data, that people who did home and wild food production, especially gardening, in the early part of the pandemic, were more likely to be food secure 9 to 12 months later,” said Professor Niles. “It’s exciting because we haven’t really seen this scale of data before and over multiple time points to assess this issue.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve suspected that producing some of your own food through hunting, fishing, foraging, gardening helps people’s food security. This is the best evidence yet that we have that producing your own food makes a difference,” said study co-author Sam Bliss.</p>



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



<p>The study's findings suggest that individuals who became food insecure during the pandemic were more adept at recovering from food insecurity through HWFP, compared to those who were food insecure even before the pandemic.</p>



<p>This distinction raises questions about the challenges faced by chronically food insecure individuals in leveraging HWFP to improve their food security.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our team is really interested to understand why chronically food insecure people in particular don’t seem to be able to use home and wild food production in the same way to improve food security as other people,” said Professor Niles. “We have some information on the barriers they face and are exploring other work to assess how to overcome these issues.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52320-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>. </p>



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Home food production helped combat hunger during the pandemic 

A new study has revealed the pivotal role of home...

<p>For the first time, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-molecule-discovery-will-force-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water molecules</a> have been detected on the surface of silicate-rich asteroids. In a unique study that marks a significant stride in space exploration and understanding, scientists utilized data from the now-retired Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/sofia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOFIA</a>) to make a remarkable discovery.</p>



<p>This finding, derived from a collaboration between the <a href="https://www.swri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Research Institute</a>, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and the German Space Agency at <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DLR</a>, sheds new light on the composition and history of these celestial bodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-find-water-on-an-asteroid">How to find water on an asteroid</h2>



<p>The research team, led by Dr. Anicia Arredondo, focused on analyzing four <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/successful-launch-for-nasas-psyche-mission-to-study-an-asteroid-worth-10000-quadrillion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> using SOFIA's FORCAST instrument. </p>



<p>This tool was pivotal in isolating mid-infrared spectral signatures that unambiguously pointed to the presence of molecular water on two of the asteroids, Iris and Massalia. </p>



<p>Dr. Arredondo, the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-bennu-hints-at-the-possibility-of-life-on-an-ancient-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> in understanding the early solar system.</p>



<p>"Asteroids are remnants from the planetary formation process, offering clues about the conditions prevalent during the early stages of the solar system's evolution," she explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-secrets-of-silicate-asteroids">Unraveling the secrets of silicate asteroids</h2>



<p>This discovery provides valuable insights into the distribution and origins of water in our solar system, thereby contributing to the broader quest of understanding water's role in supporting life beyond Earth. </p>



<p>The presence of water on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/god-of-darkness-asteroid-apophis-prepares-for-visit-from-osiris-apex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a>, as Dr. Arredondo elaborates, can inform us about the mechanisms through which water was delivered to Earth, potentially unraveling the mysteries surrounding the origins of life.</p>



<p>The distinction between anhydrous asteroids, which form closer to the Sun, and their icy counterparts that coalesce farther out, underpins the study's importance. </p>



<p>This differentiation helps scientists understand the distribution of materials in the solar system and how they have evolved over time. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroids-and-the-story-of-water">Asteroids and the story of water</h2>



<p>The discovery that water can bind to minerals on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-impact-sparked-two-years-of-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a>, as observed on Iris and Massalia, echoes previous findings on the Moon, where water was detected chemically bound in minerals and trapped in the lunar soil.</p>



<p>Despite the promising results from Iris and Massalia, the study faced limitations when analyzing two fainter asteroids, Parthenope and Melpomene, due to the insufficient sensitivity of the FORCAST instrument. </p>



<p>However, this has not deterred the team's ambition. Buoyed by their findings, Dr. Arredondo and her team are now turning to the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, with its unparalleled infrared capabilities, to extend their research to more asteroids.</p>



<p>"We have initiated measurements for another two asteroids with Webb during its second cycle and have proposed to examine an additional 30 targets in the next cycle," Dr. Arredondo shared. </p>



<p>This forward-looking approach underscores the study's potential to significantly enhance our understanding of water distribution in the solar system, paving the way for future explorations that could identify habitable environments beyond Earth.</p>



<p>In summary, this study represents a significant milestone in planetary science, offering new perspectives on the role of water in the solar system's formation and evolution. </p>



<p>As research continues, the implications of these findings promise to deepen our understanding of the cosmos, guiding future missions in the search for life beyond our planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-asteroids-and-water-in-the-universe">The role of asteroids and water in the universe</h2>



<p>As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-black-dust-found-on-bennu-asteroid-samples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a>, the rocky remnants from the dawn of the solar system, orbit the Sun, silently bearing witness to the history of our cosmic neighborhood. </p>



<p>Unlike the planets, which cleared their orbits of debris, asteroids remain, offering a unique glimpse into the early solar system's conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classification-and-composition-diversity-of-asteroids">Classification and composition: Diversity of asteroids</h3>



<p>Scientists classify asteroids based on their composition and location, primarily within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. </p>



<p>However, their journeys can take them far beyond, with some venturing close to Earth's orbit, earning them the title of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).</p>



<p>Recent missions to asteroids have unlocked secrets of their compositions, revealing a diversity of materials, from water ice to precious metals. </p>



<p>These findings not only enhance our understanding of the solar system's formation but also hint at asteroids' potential as future resources for space exploration.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroids-water-and-planetary-defense">Asteroids, water, and planetary defense</h3>



<p>The study of asteroids also plays a crucial role in planetary defense. By monitoring NEOs, scientists can predict potential Earth impacts, devising strategies to prevent catastrophic events. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-released-boulders-with-the-explosive-capacity-of-an-atomic-bomb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DART mission</a>, for example, tested our ability to alter an asteroid's trajectory, a significant step toward defending our planet.</p>



<p>Moreover, asteroids challenge and inspire our quest for knowledge. Missions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-safely-delivers-rock-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a>, which collected samples from the asteroid Bennu, aim to return these samples to Earth for detailed analysis. </p>



<p>These missions could answer fundamental questions about life's origins, as asteroids are thought to have delivered organic compounds and water to early Earth.</p>



<p>In summary, asteroids are key to understanding our place in the universe. As we continue to explore these ancient voyagers, we unlock the mysteries of the past, safeguard our future, and open the door to new possibilities in space exploration.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/PSJ/ad18b8"><em>The Planetary Science Journal</em></a>.</p>



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Water molecules discovered on an asteroid for the first time

For the first time, water molecules have been detected on...

<p>In a significant study, researchers have determined that protein biomarkers in the blood can predict the onset of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dementia-was-extremely-rare-in-ancient-times-so-why-is-it-now-so-prevalent/">dementia</a> up to 15 years before clinical symptoms appear.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, conducted by scientists from <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Warwick</a> and Fudan University, represents the most extensive study of its kind. The experts used blood proteomics to predict the risk of dementia long before its debilitating effects take hold.</p>



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



<p>The study was focused on blood samples from 52,645 healthy participants in the UK Biobank. These samples, collected between 2006 and 2010, were preserved and examined a decade or more later, between April 2021 and February 2022.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By March 2023, 1,417 of the individuals had developed dementia. Remarkably, the researchers were able to trace dementia onset back to dysregulation in specific protein biomarkers identified in the participants' blood samples.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-future-dementia">Predicting future dementia</h2>



<p>Utilizing a sophisticated machine learning approach, the team scrutinized 1,463 proteins, ultimately identifying and focusing on a panel of 11 proteins that demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in predicting future dementia cases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When this protein panel was combined with other conventional risk factors - such as age, sex, education level, and genetics - the predictive accuracy of the model soared to over 90%, showcasing its immense potential for application in community-based dementia screening programs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-artificial-intelligence-with-protein-analysis">Combining artificial intelligence with protein analysis</h2>



<p>The significance of these findings cannot be overstated. Early diagnosis of dementia is crucial, as it opens the door to treatments that can slow or even reverse the progression of diseases like Alzheimer's. The study highlights the drug lecanemab, among others, as a beacon of hope for early-stage treatment.</p>



<p>Study lead author Professor Jianfeng Feng emphasized the transformative potential of combining artificial intelligence with protein analysis. This methodology not only paves the way for precision medicine but also promises to enhance the screening process for middle-aged to older individuals at high risk of dementia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This model could be seamlessly integrated into the NHS and used as a screening tool by GPs," said Professor Feng.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-proteomic-biomarkers">Advantages of proteomic biomarkers</h2>



<p>Study co-author Professor Wei Cheng highlighted the advancement this study represents over previous research efforts. Compared to earlier models that relied on variables like age and genetic markers, the protein-based model offers a non-invasive, easily accessible, and significantly more precise method for predicting dementia onset.</p>



<p>Professor Jintai Yu, a neurovegetative disease specialist also from Fudan University, pointed out the advantages of proteomic biomarkers over traditional, more invasive methods such as lumbar punctures or complex imaging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The proteomic biomarkers are more easily to access and non-invasive, and they can substantially facilitate the application of large-scale population screening," said Professor Yu.</p>



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



<p>This study not only sheds light on the potential of protein biomarkers as a powerful tool for early dementia detection but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing medical science.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The integration of artificial intelligence, proteomics, and clinical research holds the promise of revolutionizing the way we predict, diagnose, and treat dementia, offering hope to millions of individuals and families affected by this devastating condition.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-023-00565-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Aging</em></a>.</p>



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Blood biomarkers predict dementia onset 15 years in advance

In a significant study, researchers have determined that protein biomarkers...

Pouring,Chocolate,Sauce,Onto,Delicious,Fresh,Cake,On,Grey,Table,

<p>For chocolate lovers seeking to indulge in their favorite treat with less guilt, a recent study discovered that oat flour can be used to create delicious chocolate with 25% less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americans-propensity-to-snack-has-gotten-out-of-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">added sugar</a>, without compromising on taste or texture. </p>



<p>This innovative approach from Penn State researchers offers a promising avenue for reducing sugar content in chocolate, aligning with growing consumer demand for healthier indulgences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-sugar-more-flavorful-chocolate">Less sugar, more flavorful chocolate</h2>



<p>John Hayes, a professor of food science at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> and the study's corresponding author, emphasized the significance of their findings. </p>



<p>We were able to show that there is a range in which you can manage a sizable reduction in added sugar and people won’t notice and don't care, in terms of liking,” said Hayes. </p>



<p>“We're never going to make chocolate healthy, because it's an indulgence, but we can successfully take out some of the sugar for consumers who are trying to reduce their intake of added sugars.”</p>



<p>The challenge in reducing sugar content lies in the fact that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sweet-discovery-eating-chocolate-can-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a> is typically composed of half sugar by weight, along with fat and cocoa solids. </p>



<p>Gregory Ziegler, another distinguished professor of food science at Penn State and co-author of the study, pointed out that sugar serves dual roles in chocolate: providing sweetness and contributing to its bulk. </p>



<p>Removing sugar necessitates a suitable substitute to maintain the desired qualities of chocolate.</p>



<p>“The function of sugar in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-eating-chocolate-feels-so-good/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a> is both sweetness and bulking, so if we take that sugar out, we have to put something else in that will do the job just as well, or consumers will notice,” Ziegler explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-science-tasting-the-difference">Behind the science: Tasting the difference</h2>



<p>The researchers explored using fine granular starches from two different grains, rice and oats, as potential sugar replacements in chocolate. </p>



<p>Although these starches do not lower the calorie count, since they are carbohydrates that eventually break down into sugar, they do offer a slower absorption rate and a notable reduction in added sugar content.</p>



<p>In their investigation, the team conducted two separate blind taste tests. The first test involved 66 participants sampling six varieties of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-chocolate-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark chocolate</a>, including a control with a normal sugar level, four sugar-reduced versions using oat or rice flour, and one with reduced refining time. </p>



<p>The 25% sugar-reduced chocolates and those with reduced refining time were rated similarly to the control, whereas chocolates with a 50% sugar reduction were perceived differently, mainly due to texture differences.</p>



<p>The second taste test, with 90 participants, focused on comparing 25% sugar-reduced chocolates made with oat and rice flours to regular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-chocolate-in-the-morning-may-help-you-lose-weight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-replacing-the-sugar-in-chocolate-with-oat-flour">Replacing the sugar in chocolate with oat flour</h2>



<p>The results were telling: chocolates with rice flour were less favored due to their texture, but those made with oat flour were equally, if not more, appreciated than the control.</p>



<p>“Our results suggest we can cut back 25% of added sugar to chocolate, effectively reducing the total sugar by 13.5%, if we substitute oat flour,” said Kai Kai Ma, a doctoral candidate in food science at Penn State and co-author on the paper. </p>



<p>“That addition of oat flour is unlikely to meaningfully impact consumer acceptability, which is great news.”</p>



<p>Hayes, who also directs Penn State’s <a href="https://foodscience.psu.edu/about/facilities/sensory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sensory Evaluation Center</a>, shared his intentions to collaborate with industry professionals to introduce sugar-reduced chocolates using oat flour. His approach is rooted in practicality and consumer preference. </p>



<p>“I'm a big believer in meeting consumers where they are. We've tried for 40 years to tell people to eat less sugar and it doesn't work because people want to eat what they want to eat," said Hayes. </p>



<p>"So instead of making people feel guilty, we need to meet people where they are and figure out how to make food better while still preserving the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/midnight-snack-the-best-foods-for-a-good-nights-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pleasure from food</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sweet-future-paving-the-way-for-healthier-treats">Sweet future: Paving the way for healthier treats</h2>



<p>In summary, Penn State's fascinating study marks a significant leap forward in the quest for healthier indulgences, demonstrating that oat flour can effectively reduce the added sugar content in chocolate by 25% without compromising taste or texture. </p>



<p>This innovation caters to the growing consumer demand for healthier options and expands horizons for the chocolate industry to explore sugar-reduced varieties. </p>



<p>By embracing oat flour as a viable substitute, the study paves the way for a future where chocolate lovers can indulge in their favorite treat with less guilt, aligning indulgence with a healthier lifestyle.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1750-3841.16923" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Food Science</a></em>.</p>



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

Chocolate with less sugar still tastes great with a secret ingredient

For chocolate lovers seeking to indulge in their favorite treat...

<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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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>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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...

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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>



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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...

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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
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



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



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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