<p>A recent analysis of the Sapphire Canyon mudstone core, drilled by NASA’s Perseverance rover in July 2024, adds new and convincing evidence to the ongoing search for life on Mars.</p>



<p>The study describes minerals and textures that - on Earth - are often linked to microbial activity. At the same time, the authors stress that some unknown, nonbiological chemistry could also explain the signals.</p>



<p>“This finding by Perseverance is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars. The identification of a potential biosignature on the Red Planet is a groundbreaking discovery, and one that will advance our understanding of Mars,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. </p>



<p>“NASA’s commitment to conducting Gold Standard Science will continue as we pursue our goal of putting American boots on Mars’ rocky soil.”</p>



<p>The core was taken from a rock named "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-finds-best-evidence-yet-life-on-mars-cheyava-falls-rock/">Chevaya Falls</a>" in Neretva Vallis, an ancient river channel about a quarter mile wide that once fed Jezero Crater’s lake. </p>



<p>After drilling, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-captures-a-surprise-dust-devil-while-taking-high-resolution-selfie-on-mars/">Perseverance</a> sealed the sample for possible return to Earth, where laboratory instruments can perform tests far beyond the rover’s onboard capabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-martian-mudstone">Inside the Martian mudstone</h2>



<p>Lead author Joel A. Hurowitz of <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a> (SBU) reports a fine-grained mudstone with circular reaction fronts informally called leopard spots, plus small nodules embedded in layered sediments.</p>



<p>Perseverance’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/jpl/the-detective-aboard-nasas-perseverance-rover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SHERLOC</a> and <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/heres-how-ai-is-changing-nasas-mars-rover-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PIXL</a> instruments mapped organic carbon with phosphate, iron, and sulfur arranged in distinct, repeating patterns.</p>



<p>Two minerals stand out: vivianite and greigite. Vivianite is an iron phosphate, while greigite is an iron sulfide associated with iron and sulfur cycling in oxygen-poor settings.</p>



<p>These features show up in rocks that settled from<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/"> water</a>, not in lavas. The site on Mars lies along Bright Angel, a set of outcrops that preserve layers and veins consistent with slow changes after the mud was laid down.</p>



<p>Textures and chemistry point to low temperature reactions that reorganized elements already present in the mud. </p>



<p>That detail matters because low temperatures fit environments that life can handle, while very hot conditions tend to erase delicate signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-microbes-leave-similar-traces">Earth microbes leave similar traces</h2>



<p>On Earth, vivianite often forms where microbes reduce iron in water-rich sediments and trap phosphorus in blue-green nodules. </p>



<p>Laboratory and field work document biologically mediated vivianite through extracellular electron transfer.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/greigite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greigite</a> frequently appears where sulfate reducing bacteria drive chemistry in anoxic muds. In controlled experiments, greigite was detected only in live biotic setups after months of incubation.</p>



<p>The Martian rock shows rims rich in vivianite surrounding small cores enriched in greigite. That bullseye pattern matches a sequence of electron transfer reactions seen in some Earth sediments.</p>



<p>None of this proves metabolism happened in Bright Angel mud, but it shows the chemistry is right for it. That is a subtle point, and it is the reason scientists keep the language cautious.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-life-on-mars">Evidence of life on Mars</h2>



<p>A potential biosignature is a feature that might have a biological origin but still needs more data to rule out nonbiological sources. </p>



<p>NASA points mission teams and the public to the Confidence of Life Detection, or CoLD scale, which encourages staged claims and independent checks.</p>



<p>The CoLD mindset is simple in practice. First detect a signal, then exclude contamination, then tackle alternatives, and only then talk about life on Mars with high confidence.</p>



<p>The Bright Angel work sits early on that ladder. It clears several necessary steps but leaves demanding tests for the lab.</p>



<p>Organic compounds can also arrive by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-meteorites-tell-us-about-their-birthplace-in-space/">meteorites</a> or form without biology. The authors note those routes and describe how future analyses could tell paths apart.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-signals-but-no-certainty">Organic signals, but no certainty</h2>



<p>The Mars rover detected organic carbon in several targets within Bright Angel. Reaction fronts rimmed with vivianite surround cores richer in greigite, a pairing consistent with iron and sulfur cycling recorded in the paper.</p>



<p>Mineral veins include calcium sulfate, while the mudstone remains fine-grained and low in magnesium and manganese. There is no sign of intense heating that would reset the rock or scramble tiny textures.</p>



<p>The outcrop sits within layered sediments deposited by water flowing through Neretva Vallis. That channel spans roughly a quarter mile across, which implies sustained flow into Jezero’s ancient lake.</p>



<p>Low temperature context favors life-compatible chemistry, but it does not require life. Abiotic organics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mineral-discovery-sheds-light-on-mars-fiery-past/">mineral</a> reactions can sometimes copy the same shapes and signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-proof-but-potential-life-on-mars">Not proof, but potential life on Mars</h2>



<p>“It’s not life itself,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, stressing that this is a potential biosignature, not proof of life. The lead author echoed that caution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We cannot claim this is more than a potential biosignature,” said Hurowitz. Other officials also underscored the stakes and the limits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“[But] this very well could be the clearest sign of life that we’ve ever found on Mars,” said Sean Duffy, acting NASA administrator. </p>



<p>Caution is not hedging for its own sake. It is how science avoids false alarms when the question is this important.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars-life_olivine_leopard-spot_Cheyava-Falls_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1big.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars-life_olivine_leopard-spot_Cheyava-Falls_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1s.webp" alt="NASA’s Perseverance rover discovered leopard spots on a reddish rock nicknamed “Cheyava Falls” in Mars’ Jezero Crater in July 2024. Scientists think the spots may indicate that, billions of years ago, the chemical reactions in this rock could have supported microbial life; other explanations are being considered. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS" class="wp-image-1985874"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>NASA’s Perseverance rover discovered leopard spots on a reddish rock nicknamed “Cheyava Falls” in Mars’ Jezero Crater in July 2024. Scientists think the spots may indicate that, billions of years ago, the chemical reactions in this rock could have supported microbial life; other explanations are being considered. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS</em></figcaption></figure>



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



<p>If the vivianite and greigite formed through microbe-like metabolisms, then <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-begins-steep-climb-up-martian-crater-rim-jezero-crater/">Bright Angel</a> captures a period when surface waters supported the same chemical strategies some cells use for energy today. </p>



<p>That would extend Mars's habitability into a window when this part of Jezero was still wet.</p>



<p>If abiotic paths made the same pattern, the rock still records redox organization of iron, sulfur, and phosphorus in Martian mud. That is a window into how the planet cycles key elements without biology.</p>



<p>Either outcome matters for the bigger story. Mars did not just dry out, it changed its chemistry over time, and these samples let researchers track that change layer by layer.</p>



<p>The work also flags what to measure next. Isotopes, microtextures, and the exact structure of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-atoms-in-your-body-took-a-400000-light-year-journey-through-space/">carbon</a> in the core can separate metabolic signatures from chemical lookalikes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-search-for-life-on-mars-moves-forward">Search for life on Mars moves forward</h2>



<p>The authors lay out lab experiments and field analogs on Earth to test whether nonbiological reactions can reproduce these textures and mineral pairings. </p>



<p>They also point to analyses that require the sample in a clean Earth lab, including isotope ratios that biology tends to skew.</p>



<p>Sample return planning will shape how fast those tests happen. Meanwhile, the rover can keep mapping where these features cluster and how they relate to other rock units nearby.</p>



<p>PIXL and SHERLOC have shown enough sensitivity to guide that search. The pairing of elemental maps and Raman detections gives a consistent picture that can be applied to other outcrops.</p>



<p>As new targets are logged, the CoLD framework will help communicate progress without getting ahead of the data. That is how a potential biosignature becomes a result people can trust.</p>



<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://youtu.be/ieJKWW8sp2A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This animation depicts water disappearing over time in the Martian river valley Neretva Vallis, where NASA's Perseverance Mars takes the rock sample named “Sapphire Canyon” from a rock called “Cheyava Falls,” which was found in the “Bright Angel” formation. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09413-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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



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NASA announces discovery of life on Mars with high degree of confidence

A recent analysis of the Sapphire Canyon mudstone core, drilled by NASA’s Perseverance rover in July 2024, adds new and convincing evidence to the ongoing search for life on Mars. The study describes minerals and textures that - on Earth - are often linked to microbial activity. At the same time, the authors stress that some unknown, nonbiological chemistry could also explain the signals. “This finding by Perseverance is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars. The identification of a potential biosignature on...

Olfactory,System,,Sensory,System,Used,For,Smelling,,Olfaction,Senses.,Components

<p>In an exciting development, researchers have made a significant discovery that sheds light on the intricate process of decision-making by brain cells triggered by odors. </p>



<p>The study from the University of Colorado <a href="https://www.cuanschutz.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anschutz Medical Campus</a> reveals how specific brain cells, stimulated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-can-change-the-colors-we-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odors</a>, may be crucial in the rapid decision-making processes we often take for granted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-the-hippocampus-in-decision-making">Role of the hippocampus in decision-making</h2>



<p>The focus of this research is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunger-hormones-in-the-gut-can-change-our-eating-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hippocampus</a>, a vital part of the brain known for its roles in memory and learning. </p>



<p>While it has been established that "time cells" within the hippocampus are key to its functioning, their exact contribution to associative learning was previously unclear. </p>



<p>"These are cells that would remind you to make a decision -- do this or do that," explains Diego Restrepo, PhD, the study's senior author and a renowned neuroscientist and professor at the <a href="https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado School of Medicine</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-associative-learning">Understanding associative learning</h2>



<p>In their experiments, researchers observed mice faced with a choice: respond to a fruity odor by licking a spout to receive sweet water or do nothing when presented with the scent of mineral oil. </p>



<p>The mice's brains quickly learned to associate the fruit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-can-a-smell-transport-us-to-another-place/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odor</a> with the reward, demonstrating the fundamental process of decision-making based on sensory cues. </p>



<p>“They have to associate the odor with the outcome of what they are doing so that’s why they learn decision making,” said Ming Ma, PhD, a first author of the study and a senior instructor in cell and developmental biology at the CU School of Medicine. “When it’s a fruit odor, they lick and get a reward. When it’s mineral oil they stop licking.”</p>



<p>The study further revealed that as the mice's learning progressed, the stimulated brain cells allowed for faster decoding of odors, enabling the mice to proficiently choose the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-treatment-restores-sense-of-smell-in-long-covid-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruity smell</a>. </p>



<p>“The more they learned, the more the cells were stimulated leading to more rapid decoding of the odors and allowing the mice to quickly become proficient at choosing the fruity smell,” said Fabio Simoes de Souza, DSc, another first author of the study and an assistant research professor in cell and developmental biology at the CU School of Medicine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-pathway-from-an-odor-to-the-brain-s-decision">Neural pathway: From an odor to the brain's decision</h2>



<p>This process begins with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-we-bond-more-with-people-that-smell-like-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odor</a> traveling through the nose, sending neural signals to the olfactory bulb and then to the hippocampus, highlighting the close connection between these two organs. </p>



<p>The swift processing of this odor information leads to immediate decision-making. This discovery is a leap forward in understanding the hippocampus's multifaceted role in decision-making, a function previously unrecognized.</p>



<p>Restrepo speculates that these decision-making cells are not always active to prevent sensory overload. </p>



<p>This insight opens new avenues in our comprehension of the brain's decision-making capabilities, especially in the context of quick, instinctive choices that both mice and humans constantly make.</p>



<p>Restrepo elucidates the significance of this discovery, stating, "The hippocampus turns on decision-predicting time cells which would give you a hint of what to remember." </p>



<p>This challenges the traditional view of time cells as mere markers of events and time, revealing their critical role in memory encoding and retrieval during decision-making.</p>



<p>In summary, this research expands our understanding of the brain's decision-making mechanisms and paves the way for future studies that could explore how these processes are altered in neurological conditions, offering hope for new therapeutic strategies. </p>



<p>The University of Colorado's study is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of neuroscience, promising exciting developments in our understanding of the human brain.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960982224000216?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Odors prompt brain cells to make decisions before ‘you’ know what’s happening

In an exciting development, researchers have made a significant discovery...

<p>A recent publication in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45001-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a> unveils groundbreaking insights into the integral role <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-role-will-forests-play-in-future-climate-change/">forests</a> play within the climate system and the water cycle, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of their full impact. </p>



<p>Conducted by researchers from <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a> alongside international collaborators from 11 institutions across five countries, including Sweden, the UK, Finland, Germany, and Brazil, the study sheds light on the complex interactions between forests and their contribution to cloud formation, which in turn could significantly affect global temperatures.</p>



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



<p>Forests, covering a third of the planet's land surface, are crucial for carbon storage and regulating the water cycle. The research uniquely focuses on both boreal and tropical forests, which account for 27% and 45% of the world's forested areas, respectively.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These ecosystems exhibit distinct differences in their emissions and the processes of cloud formation, influencing the feedback loop between forests, clouds, and the climate differently.</p>



<p>"This study, utilizing long-term data from diverse forest environments in Finland and Brazil, marks the first time observational evidence has been presented for these interactions in tropical rainforests," said Sara Blichner, a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Environmental Sciences at Stockholm University.</p>



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



<p>One of the critical findings of the study is the underrepresentation of forests in current climate models, particularly regarding their role in cloud formation.</p>



<p>"Our findings suggest that current models may underestimate the impact of forests on cloud formation and climate, especially in tropical regions, which are crucial due to the high amount of solar radiation these areas receive at these latitudes," Blichner explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-climate-models">Refining climate models</h2>



<p>Despite identifying areas for improvement, Blichner emphasizes the reliability of climate models in capturing the core dynamics of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Climate models are highly trustworthy in representing the main processes of climate change. Our research aims to refine these models, reducing uncertainties in future climate projections," she said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-emissions">Natural emissions</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the study highlights the growing significance of natural particles from forests in the climate system, especially as man-made particle emissions decrease due to stringent air quality policies. These natural emissions could increasingly influence cloud reflectivity and, consequently, global warming.</p>



<p>"Natural aerosol feedbacks are expected to become more important in the future, as anthropogenic aerosol emissions decrease due to air quality policy," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"One such feedback is initiated by the increase in biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions with higher temperatures, leading to higher secondary organic aerosol (SOA) production and a cooling of the surface via impacts on cloud radiative properties."</p>



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



<p>The collaborative effort underscores the necessity for ongoing research and enhancements in climate modeling to more accurately predict future climate scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also stresses the importance of considering forest conservation as a pivotal strategy in climate change mitigation, given the role of forests in emitting organic gasses that contribute to particle formation, cloud reflectivity, and potentially cooler surface temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As global temperatures rise, the expectation is that forests will emit more gasses, leading to an increase in particle formation and more reflective clouds, a critical factor in climate regulation.</p>



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Forests play an overlooked role in Earth's climate system

A recent publication in Nature Communications unveils groundbreaking insights into...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> have solved the mystery behind the blue color of blueberries. The study reveals fascinating insights into the natural world and potentially paves the way for innovative color technologies. </p>



<p>The study was led by Rox Middleton, a research fellow at Bristol's School of Biological Sciences.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wax-coating-nbsp">Wax coating&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team has discovered that the blue hue of blueberries, along with several other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-fruit-waste-to-extract-energy/">fruits</a> such as damsons, sloes, and juniper berries, is not due to the pigmentation within the fruit itself but rather the result of tiny structures within the wax coating that covers the fruit.</p>



<p>The research delves into the specifics of how blueberries exhibit their characteristic blue despite the dark red color of the pigments in the fruit skin. The experts found that the blue appearance is created by a layer of wax enveloping the fruit.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blue-uv-coloration-nbsp">Blue-UV coloration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The wax layer contains miniature structures that scatter blue and ultraviolet (UV) light, producing the blue-UV coloration visible to both humans and birds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This chromatic blue-UV reflectance stems from the interaction between the randomly arranged crystal structures of the epicuticular wax and light, a mechanism previously unknown.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-blue-of-blueberries-nbsp">Finding the blue of blueberries&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The blue of blueberries can’t be ‘extracted’ by squishing - because it isn’t located in the pigmented juice that can be squeezed from the fruit. That was why we knew that there must be something strange about the color," explained Middleton.</p>



<p>“So we removed the wax and re-crystallized it on card and in doing so we were able to create a brand new blue-UV coating.”</p>



<p>This ultra-thin colorant, which is about two microns thick, is visibly blue and reflects UV light - hinting at the possibility of new colorant methods inspired by nature's design.</p>



<p>“It shows that nature has evolved to use a really neat trick, an ultrathin layer for an important colorant," said Middleton.</p>



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



<p>The research adds to our understanding of the functional complexity of the wax coatings found on most plants. These coatings are known to serve various purposes, including acting as a hydrophobic, self-cleaning layer, but the study highlights their critical role in visible coloration as well.</p>



<p>Looking forward, the research team aims to explore simpler methods of recreating and applying this coating, which could lead to the development of sustainable, biocompatible, and even edible UV and blue-reflective paints. Such coatings could emulate the multifunctional capabilities of natural biological coatings that protect plants, offering promising applications in various fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-results">Exciting results</h2>



<p>“It was really interesting to find that there was an unknown coloration mechanism right under our noses, on popular fruits that we grow and eat all the time," said Middleton.</p>



<p>“It was even more exciting to be able to reproduce that color by harvesting the wax to make a new blue coating that no-one’s seen before. Building all that functionality of this natural wax into artificially engineered materials is the dream!”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-blueberries-nbsp">More about blueberries&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Blueberries are small, round fruits that are known for their sweet and slightly tart flavor, making them a popular choice for use in a variety of culinary dishes like pies, muffins, and jams.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits">Health benefits</h3>



<p>Blueberries are also celebrated for their health benefits; they are rich in vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and particularly high in antioxidants, which are compounds that protect your body from free radicals, molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultivation">Cultivation</h3>



<p>These berries are native to North America but are now grown in many parts of the world, including Europe, South America, and Asia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The cultivation of blueberries involves two main types: highbush blueberries, which are the most commonly cultivated variety and stand about 4-7 feet tall, and lowbush or "wild" blueberries, which are smaller, more intensely flavored, and grow closer to the ground.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvesting">Harvesting</h3>



<p>The harvesting season for blueberries varies by geographical location, but generally, in the Northern Hemisphere, it runs from April to September. Blueberries can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or dried and have become a staple ingredient in health-conscious diets due to their nutrient-rich profile.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition to their dietary benefits, blueberries play a role in cultural traditions and festivals in some regions, celebrating the harvest and heritage of blueberry cultivation. Whether enjoyed as a snack or used as a key ingredient in recipes, blueberries continue to be a beloved fruit around the world.</p>



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Study reveals why blueberries are blue

Researchers at the University of Bristol have solved the mystery...

<p>Scientists have unveiled new insights into the Sun's gamma-ray emissions, producing a fourteen-year movie of the Sun in gamma rays.</p>



<p>This fascinating new study was spearheaded by Bruno Arsioli from the Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences (<a href="https://www.iastro.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IA</a>) and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (<a href="https://ciencias.ulisboa.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ciências ULisboa</a>) in Portugal.</p>



<p>Their research marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the Sun, particularly its polar regions, which were observed to emit high-energy radiation more actively than expected during the previous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sunspot-archipelago-15-times-wider-than-earth-spotted-by-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar maximum</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enigma-of-the-sun-s-gamma-rays">Enigma of the Sun's gamma rays</h2>



<p>The Sun, while radiantly shining in visible light, harbors a much more formidable aspect when viewed in the highest energies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic radiation</a>, such as gamma rays. </p>



<p>“The Sun is stormed with close to light-speed particles coming from beyond our galaxy in all directions,” says Arsioli. </p>



<p>These gamma rays, invisible to the naked eye and blocked by <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's atmosphere</a>, carry a billion times more energy than ultraviolet light.</p>



<p>“These so-called cosmic rays are electrically charged and are deflected by the Sun’s magnetic fields. Those that interact with the solar atmosphere produce a shower of gamma rays," Arsioli explained. </p>



<p>Understanding the Sun's gamma-ray emissions is crucial for predicting space weather that affects satellite operations and terrestrial communications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-14-years-of-the-sun-s-gamma-rays">14-years of the Sun's gamma rays</h2>



<p>Arsioli's study, produced a <a href="https://content.cld.iop.org/journals/0004-637X/962/1/52/revision2/apjad1bd2f6_video.mp4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourteen-year compressed movie</a> of the Sun in gamma rays. </p>



<p><a href="https://content.cld.iop.org/journals/0004-637X/962/1/52/revision2/apjad1bd2f7_video.mp4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A meticulous analysis of these observations</a>, made by the Fermi Large Area Telescope (<a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi-LAT</a>), reveals an unexpected brightness in the Sun's polar regions in gamma rays. </p>



<p>This phenomenon was particularly pronounced in June 2014, during the peak of solar activity and coinciding with the reversal of the solar magnetic field. </p>



<p>“We have found results that challenge our current understanding of the Sun and its environment,” says Orlando. </p>



<p>“We demonstrated a strong correlation of the asymmetry in the solar gamma-ray emission in coincidence with the solar magnetic field flip, which has revealed a possible link among solar astronomy, particle physics, and plasma physics," she concluded.</p>



<p>This discovery challenges the previously held belief that gamma-ray emissions would be uniformly distributed across the Sun's surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-solar-astronomy-and-particle-physics">Bridging solar astronomy and particle physics</h2>



<p>The research highlights a peculiar asymmetry in the energy of gamma rays emitted from the Sun's poles, with the south pole emitting photons of higher energy compared to the north pole. </p>



<p>This asymmetry, along with the unexpected concentration of gamma rays at higher latitudes, suggests a complex interaction between cosmic rays, the Sun's magnetic field, and its atmosphere, which remains not fully understood.</p>



<p>Elena Orlando, co-author of the study and a researcher at the <a href="https://www.units.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Trieste</a>, INFN, and <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, emphasizes the significance of these findings. </p>



<p>The correlation between the asymmetry in solar gamma-ray emission and the solar magnetic field flip suggests a potential link between solar astronomy, particle physics, and plasma physics. </p>



<p>This opens new avenues for theoretical models that could explain the observed phenomena and improve predictions of solar activity.</p>



<p>The study utilized a novel visualization tool, integrating solar gamma-ray events over periods of 400 to 700 days, which clarified the moments of polar excesses and the energy discrepancy between the north and south poles. </p>



<p>This approach not only sheds light on the processes generating these gamma-ray excesses at the poles but also underscores the role of cosmic rays as probes of the inner solar atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-the-next-solar-maximum">Looking ahead: The next solar maximum</h2>



<p>As the Sun approaches a new solar maximum, with another magnetic pole inversion underway, Arsioli and Orlando anticipate further research to assess if this event is followed by an increase in gamma-ray emissions from the poles. </p>



<p>“In 2024 and the next year we will experience a new solar maximum, and another inversion of the Sun’s magnetic poles has already started. We expect by the end of 2025 to reassess if the inversion of the magnetic fields is followed by a surplus in the gamma rays emissions from the poles,” says Bruno Arsioli. </p>



<p>Elena Orlando adds, “We have found the key to unlock this mystery, which suggests the future directions that should be taken. It is fundamental that the Fermi telescope will operate and observe the Sun in the coming years.”</p>



<p>Their findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of the Sun by current and future gamma-ray space observatories to enhance our understanding of solar activity and its impact on space weather forecasts.</p>



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



<p>In summary, this important study has profoundly shifted our understanding of the Sun, particularly its polar regions' unexpected gamma-ray emissions. </p>



<p>By analyzing 14 years of data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope, the team revealed that the Sun's poles emit gamma rays more actively than previously thought, especially during periods of intense solar activity. </p>



<p>This discovery, highlighting an asymmetry in energy emissions between the poles and the correlation with the solar magnetic field's reversal, challenges existing theories and opens new pathways for future research. </p>



<p>As we approach another solar maximum, this work sets the stage for further investigations that could refine our models of solar activity and enhance space weather forecasting, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and study of our star's most energetic phenomena.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad1bd2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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The Sun in gamma rays over a 14-year period captured on video

Scientists have unveiled new insights into the Sun's gamma-ray emissions,...

<p>A massive solar storm has caused widespread disruptions in Australia and South Asia, with more activity expected in the coming days. The colossal solar explosion released a plume of energized particles at an astonishing speed of 900,000 miles per hour through space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ongoing-solar-storms-spectacular-auroras-and-radio-blackouts/">solar storm</a> reached Earth, triggering blackouts and affecting communication systems notably among ham radio operators and mariners.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-duration-flare-nbsp">Long-duration flare&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The event began with a long-duration flare that erupted from the sun at 8:30 pm ET on Monday. By Tuesday morning, shortly after 10 am ET, the solar explosion had made its presence felt on Earth, leading to notable disturbances.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chance-of-further-disruptions-nbsp">Chance of further disruptions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The NOAA <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Weather Prediction Center</a> has since issued an alert, indicating a 45 percent chance of further communication disruptions in the days ahead. </p>



<p>This forecast highlights the unpredictable nature of solar activities and their impact on Earth's technology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-m-class-flare-nbsp">M-class flare&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The flare, classified as an M-class flare by physicists, possesses the capability to cause small to moderate radio blackouts on Earth's daylight side. This classification of solar flares is significant as it directly affects frequencies utilized in crucial services including aviation communication, government time stations, and weather stations, among others.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broad-impact">Broad impact</h2>



<p>Dr. Tamitha Skov, a physicist, highlighted the broad impact of such solar phenomena. She told Daily Mail: "Those who (are typically) impacted are people who rely on GPS/GNSS services, especially at high latitudes, as well as precision farmers and anyone using UAVs for reconnaissance, search and rescue, or aerial photography."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coronal-mass-ejections">Coronal mass ejections</h2>



<p>M-class flares are known for their potential to launch coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The recent CME contained billions of tons of solar material, capable of causing geomagnetic storms that disrupt Earth's magnetosphere and satellites in orbit through a solar wind shock wave.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Keith Strong, a solar physicist, shared insights on the trajectory of the CME, suggesting its potential impact on Earth due to its southern position on the sun.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-likelihood-of-continued-activity">High likelihood of continued activity</h2>



<p>The incident underscores the sun's volatile nature, with EarthSky's predictions indicating a high likelihood of continued solar activity, including C, M, and X flares. While C-class flares are relatively minor, X flares represent major solar events with the capacity to cause significant disruptions globally.</p>



<p>The focal point of this solar activity was sunspot AR3575, responsible for the M-class flare directed towards Earth. In addition, another region, AR3576, is moving towards our planet and is so sizable that NASA's Mars rover observed it last week.</p>



<p>This solar event did not just affect terrestrial communications but also had a significant impact on the poles, where the energized particle stream caused an outage lasting approximately seven hours.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-scream-from-the-sun">A scream from the Sun</h2>



<p>Dr. Skov elaborated on the phenomenon, explaining how solar flares produce "radio bursts" that can overpower satellite signals, including GPS and HF radio communications. She compared this effect to the sun "screaming" at Earth, temporarily drowning out satellite communications.</p>



<p>"This 'scream' is much louder than our satellites can 'chirp' and so it drowns out the satellite signals temporarily," Dr. Skov told Daily Mail. "That being said, the sun doesn't always scream at the exact frequencies that affect GPS signals."</p>



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



<p>The recent solar explosion and subsequent blackouts serve as a vivid reminder of our vulnerability to the sun's immense power.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With ongoing research and monitoring, scientists continue to seek better understanding and prediction methods to mitigate the impacts of such solar phenomena on our increasingly technology-dependent world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-solar-explosions">More about solar explosions</h2>



<p>Solar explosions, primarily known as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are significant eruptions of electromagnetic radiation and plasma from the Sun's surface and its atmosphere, the corona. These phenomena are the most powerful explosions in our solar system, emanating from the release of magnetic energy stored in the Sun's atmosphere.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-flares">Solar flares</h3>



<p>Solar flares are sudden, intense outbursts of radiation that originate from the Sun’s surface and its immediate atmosphere. They are caused by the tangling, crossing, or reorganizing of magnetic field lines near sunspots.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The energy released during a flare can heat the Sun's plasma to tens of millions of degrees Celsius, producing light across the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to gamma rays.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although flares can last from minutes to hours, their effects on Earth, such as disturbances in the ionosphere, can impact radio communications, navigation systems, and even power grids.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coronal-mass-ejections-0">Coronal mass ejections</h3>



<p>Coronal mass ejections, on the other hand, involve the release of huge quantities of magnetized plasma into space. Unlike solar flares, which are electromagnetic, CMEs are massive bubbles of gas threaded with magnetic field lines that are ejected over several hours. They can propel billions of tons of coronal material into space at speeds ranging from 250 to over 2,000 kilometers per second.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When these ejections are directed towards Earth, they can interact with our planet's magnetic field, causing geomagnetic storms. Such storms can lead to spectacular auroras, but they can also disrupt satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring">Monitoring</h3>



<p>Both solar flares and CMEs are closely monitored by astronomers and space weather forecasters due to their potential to affect space- and ground-based technological systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study of solar activity and its effects on Earth is an important part of heliophysics, the science that deals with understanding the Sun and its interactions with the Earth and the solar system.&nbsp;</p>



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Solar explosion triggered blackouts on Earth yesterday

A massive solar storm has caused widespread disruptions in Australia...

<p>Extreme weather and natural disturbances often capture headlines for their dramatic impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-forests-are-more-resilient-and-productive/">forests</a>, but it's the more common, moderate-severity disturbances - like smaller fires, ice storms, and pest outbreaks - that may play a bigger role in shaping ecosystems than previously recognized.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Since they’re more common, they’re probably playing a larger role in the ecosystem than we might have appreciated before,” said senior author Brady Hardiman, an associate professor of forestry and natural resources and environmental and ecological engineering at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a>. </p>



<p>“At any given time, a huge fraction of the forested landscape is undergoing or regrowing from a moderate-severity disturbance, which took out some of the trees but not all of them. The forest is not regrowing from scratch.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-effects-of-forest-disturbances-nbsp">Subtle effects of forest disturbances&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In an effort to delve deeper into this topic, a team of researchers from Purdue, used lidar data to examine changes in forest canopy structure resulting from these disturbances. The findings, published in the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2745.14145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Ecology</em></a>, are based on data from the <a href="https://www.neonscience.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Ecological Observatory Network</a> (NEON) across several U.S. states. </p>



<p>The team discovered that lidar, a technology that measures distance with laser light, can reveal subtle effects of disturbances on forests. Study lead author Dennis Heejoon Choi, a postdoctoral scientist at Purdue, notes the capability of lidar data to detect these subtle signals.</p>



<p>This research is significant because it helps clarify the role of moderate-severity disturbances in forest ecosystems, which has been less understood compared to catastrophic events.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-forest-canopies">Complex forest canopies</h2>



<p>Forest canopies, which include the upper layer of trees, play a crucial role in biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and sheltering various organisms. Complex canopies, which are not uniform and include a variety of tree sizes and species, are particularly good at absorbing light and supporting ecosystem functions.</p>



<p>Elizabeth LaRue, assistant professor at the University of Texas at El Paso and co-author of the study, compares complex canopies to a block of Swiss cheese, with its holes and variations, as opposed to the uniformity of a cheddar block or a Christmas tree farm. This complexity, the researchers found, may help forests better withstand and recover from disturbances.</p>



<p>“You can measure things that might be equivalent to a block of cheese. A block of Swiss cheese would be more complex than, say, a block of cheddar. Some of the metrics we use essentially measure how many holes you have in your block of forest,” she explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-forest-growth-and-recovery-nbsp">Supporting forest growth and recovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study also explores the idea that managing forests to enhance canopy complexity could improve their resilience to various disturbances, supporting continuous growth and recovery. This approach requires a significant amount of data, which the researchers obtained from NEON's comprehensive and repeated observations across the continent.</p>



<p>Handling the NEON data posed challenges, especially in maintaining consistency across different lidar technologies over time. The research team, supported by Purdue’s Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, worked to normalize data despite these challenges, aiming to provide comparative metrics that reflect changes in forest canopies accurately.</p>



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



<p>This work contributes to the goals of the Institute for Digital Forestry, which aims to develop tools and methods for more detailed and frequent measurement of individual trees and global forest health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By integrating forest ecology with computer science and engineering, the institute seeks to provide innovative research in the field of forestry, asking new questions and finding new answers about how forests grow, change, and respond to the world around them.</p>



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Complex canopies help forests recover from disturbances

Extreme weather and natural disturbances often capture headlines for their...

<p>The quest for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/game-changing-invention-converts-both-co2-and-plastic-waste-into-renewable-energy/">renewable energy</a> solutions has led to a surge in the development of wind farms worldwide. However, the rapid expansion of wind farms raises questions about their broader environmental impacts and the efficiency of their operation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://ok.ubc.ca/">University of British Columbia Okanagan</a> (UBCO) and the <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/">Delft University of Technology</a> (TU Delft) in the Netherlands embarked on a study to address these concerns. The team set out to investigate how wind farms influence airstream patterns and the surrounding atmosphere.</p>



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



<p>For the investigation, the experts developed a sophisticated modeling framework aimed at enhancing the accuracy of wind energy forecasts and the productivity of wind farms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This initiative is not just about maximizing energy output. It is a deep dive into understanding how large-scale wind farms could potentially alter natural wind patterns, an area of study that has become increasingly relevant as wind farms grow in size and number.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimizing-power-output-nbsp">Optimizing power output&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Wind farms are getting so large that they can actually alter the structure of the incoming wind,” explained Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff, an associate professor in UBCO’s School of Engineering. “The structure they are researching, which engineers call the atmospheric boundary layer, monitors how the wind’s speed, temperature and pressure varies with altitude.”</p>



<p>Understanding and predicting the changes in wind are critical for the strategic placement of turbines within a farm to optimize power output.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-wind-farms-nbsp">Designing wind farms&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The challenge of efficiently designing wind farms is multifaceted. It involves the selection of suitable locations for the farms themselves, as well as the precise positioning of each turbine to maximize energy generation. In this context, the researchers' work on developing the Toolbox for Stratified Convective Atmospheres (TOSCA) is particularly noteworthy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>TOSCA is an open-source framework designed for large-scale studies of wind farm-atmosphere interactions, offering new insights into the dynamics of boundary layer turbulence and atmospheric flow conditions around wind farms.</p>



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



<p>Sebastiano Stipa, a doctoral student involved in the project, highlighted the capability of TOSCA to address critical challenges in wind energy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The results of this research will lead to a better understanding of potential wind farm power estimates and an increase in their energy outputs,” said Stipa. “This new modeling framework can serve as a roadmap for the industry.”</p>



<p>Dr. Brinkerhoff noted that the computer modeling can help when wind farms are being established, especially to forecast whether they can create energy efficiently.</p>



<p>“The most significant finding is that our model can capture the interaction between large wind farms and the oncoming wind,” said Dr. Brinkerhoff. “To date, this hasn’t been captured properly, leading to overestimation of how much power a wind farm will produce. This kind of overestimation is financially disastrous for the wind farm operators.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-wind-energy">More about wind energy</h2>



<p>Wind energy is a form of renewable power generated by harnessing the wind's kinetic energy. This process involves using wind turbines, which are tall structures equipped with blades that rotate when blown by the wind.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The turbines are connected to generators that convert the mechanical energy of spinning blades into electrical energy. Wind farms, which can be located onshore or offshore, consist of multiple turbines and are designed to capture the wind's energy on a large scale.</p>



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



<p>One of the key benefits of wind energy is its sustainability. Unlike fossil fuels, wind energy does not produce greenhouse gases or pollutants, making it environmentally friendly. It's also inexhaustible, as wind is a natural and renewable resource. </p>



<p>The operational costs of wind turbines are relatively low once they are installed and operational, although initial costs can be high due to the technology and infrastructure required.</p>



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



<p>The efficiency and productivity of wind energy can vary depending on wind speeds, which are influenced by geographical location, time of year, and weather conditions. </p>



<p>Areas with consistently high wind speeds, such as coastal regions and hilltops, are ideal for wind farms. The technology behind wind turbines continues to advance, leading to more efficient and less obtrusive designs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges">Challenges</h3>



<p>Despite its benefits, wind energy also faces challenges. These include the variability of wind, which can affect power supply consistency, and the potential impact on wildlife, such as birds and bats. Additionally, the visual and auditory impact of wind turbines can lead to community opposition.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/wes-9-297-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Wind Energy Science</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Understanding how wind farms interact with wind can optimize their power  

The quest for renewable energy solutions has led to a...

<p>Scientists have recently discovered a transient nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-plastics-may-harbor-antimicrobial-resistance-genes/">antimicrobial resistant genes</a> (ARGs) within river biofilms, suggesting a potential natural filtration mechanism against wastewater contaminants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msphere.00573-23"><em>mSphere</em></a>, the study highlights how ARGs, upon entering river ecosystems, quickly incorporate into existing biofilms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures">Rising temperatures</h2>



<p>However, as temperatures rise, the prevalence of these invasive antimicrobial resistant genes significantly diminishes, with native microbial populations seemingly outcompeting the resistant strains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, at a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), ARG levels were observed to revert to baseline within a fortnight.</p>



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



<p>This phenomenon indicates that rivers might possess inherent capabilities to counteract the proliferation of antimicrobial resistant genes from wastewater sources, a finding that contradicts the expectations of the study's authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The common origin of most wastewater ARGs from human feces, which thrive at body temperature, had led researchers to presume that warmer river waters would facilitate their survival and assimilation into river biofilms.</p>



<p>“We thought they should be rather well-adapted to higher temperatures,” said Uli Klümper, a microbiologist at <a href="https://tu-dresden.de/">Technische Universität Dresden</a>’s Institute of Hydrobiology. Klümper, who undertook the study alongside Ph.D. student Kenyum Bagra from the <a href="https://www.iitr.ac.in/">Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee</a> under a DAAD exchange fellowship, aimed to assess how increased river temperatures might influence the integration of wastewater bacteria into natural biofilms.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The experimental approach involved deploying glass slides in the Lockwitzbach River to develop natural biofilms, which were then subjected to artificial river conditions at various temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite an initial influx of antimicrobial resistant genes from wastewater across all temperatures, only the higher temperature setting saw a significant reduction in ARGs over time, eventually matching the original biofilm's ARG composition.</p>



<p>“The introduction seems to be temperature independent,” Klümper noted, highlighting the unexpected resilience of the natural biofilm communities at elevated temperatures.</p>



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



<p>These observations challenge the assumption that global warming will invariably enhance the spread of pathogenic ARGs, suggesting a more complex interaction within river ecosystems that could mitigate such risks. Klümper also pointed out the variability of real-world conditions, where continuous wastewater discharge might affect biofilm compositions differently.</p>



<p>The study not only sheds light on the dynamic interactions between ARGs and river biofilms but also underscores the potential of natural water bodies to act as barriers against the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of environmental surveillance in understanding and managing the implications of such ecological processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-antimicrobial-resistance-nbsp">More about antimicrobial resistance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Antimicrobial resistant genes are segments of DNA that enable bacteria and other microbes to resist the effects of antibiotics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These genes can be naturally present in the genetic makeup of certain bacteria, or they can be acquired from other bacteria through various mechanisms such as conjugation (transfer of DNA between bacteria via direct contact), transformation (uptake of genetic material from the environment), and transduction (transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via viruses).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-nbsp">Public health&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The presence of antimicrobial resistant genes in bacteria is a major concern for public health because it can lead to infections that are difficult or sometimes impossible to treat with existing antibiotics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This resistance can arise through the misuse or overuse of antibiotics in human medicine, veterinary practice, and agriculture, which creates selective pressure that favors the survival and proliferation of resistant bacteria.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-infections">Deadly infections</h3>



<p>As resistant bacteria spread, they can cause infections in humans and animals that are harder to cure, often requiring longer hospital stays, more expensive and toxic medications, and may result in higher mortality rates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies worldwide consider antimicrobial resistance (AMR) one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-efforts">Ongoing efforts</h3>



<p>To combat the rise of antimicrobial resistance, efforts are focused on the prudent use of antibiotics, development of new antibiotics and alternative treatments, infection prevention and control, and the monitoring and surveillance of resistant infections and the presence of resistance genes in different settings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ongoing research is focused on understanding how resistance genes are transferred and how resistance mechanisms work, with the goal of finding ways to circumvent or disable these mechanisms.</p>



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Warmer rivers keep antimicrobial resistant genes at bay

Scientists have recently discovered a transient nature of antimicrobial resistant...

Panorama,Of,Roman,Forum,(foro,Romano),In,The,Morning,,Rome,

<p>The Roman Empire, a colossal force in history, has left a lasting impact on various aspects of modern society, including science, art, architecture, government, culture, and language. However, the downfall of this empire and the ensuing Dark Ages led to a significant loss of knowledge about ancient Roman and Greek civilizations. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping us rediscover what was once lost.</p>



<p>Today, unearthing this nearly two millennia-old history is not just an archaeological pursuit but a key to understanding the roots of Western civilization and the depth of human creativity and behavior through the ages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-ashes-to-artifacts-the-vesuvius-discovery">From ashes to artifacts: The Vesuvius discovery</h2>



<p>A glimmer of hope in rediscovering these lost treasures emerged from the tragic ruins of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vesuvius-eruption-skulls-explode/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pompeii</a> and Herculaneum, cities buried under the ash of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mount-vesuvius-peaks-out-through-the-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount Vesuvius</a> in 79 A.D. </p>



<p>In the 18th century, archaeologists unearthed over 800 papyrus scrolls in Herculaneum. Charred and fragile, these scrolls resembled logs more than historical documents. </p>



<p>Attempts to unfurl them often led to their destruction, yet these relics hold the potential to more than double our collection of pre-Middle Ages texts.</p>



<p>The turn of the millennium brought a ray of hope for these ancient documents. Supported by the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>), researchers began exploring innovative ways to preserve and analyze these scrolls using modern computing technologies. </p>



<p>A significant breakthrough came from Brent Seales, a computer science professor at the <a href="https://www.uky.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kentucky</a>. </p>



<p>Seales, initially part of a project to develop digital libraries for the British Library's damaged Cottonian Collection, focused on new illumination methods and digital processing techniques.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-history-rise-of-heritage-science">Decoding history: Rise of heritage science</h2>



<p>Seales's journey took a revolutionary turn in 2006 when he dove into <a href="https://nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0535003&amp;HistoricalAwards=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heritage science</a>, developing methods to read unrollable ancient scrolls through computerized tomography scans. </p>



<p>He created groundbreaking software capable of locating and mapping the 2D surfaces of a scroll within its 3D form. </p>



<p>This nondestructive approach, using X-ray scans, allowed for imaging the scrolls in slices, revealing their layered secrets without physically unrolling them.</p>



<p>By 2015, Seales and his team successfully read parts of a metallic-ink document dating between the 1st and 4th centuries. </p>



<p>The team's efforts further advanced in 2018 with the integration of machine learning to differentiate ancient ink from the reconstructed images. </p>



<p>However, a major hurdle remained: the carbon-based ink of the Herculaneum scrolls, invisible to X-rays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-meets-ancient-ink-from-the-roman-empire">AI meets ancient ink from the Roman Empire</h2>



<p>The breakthrough came with the application of AI, specifically computer vision. This field, focused on the computational understanding of visual data, enabled researchers to identify ink patterns invisible to the human eye. </p>



<p>In early 2023, the Seales team developed a machine learning algorithm capable of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AI_roman-empire_handwriting_vesuvius-challenge_NSF_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detecting faint ink</a> traces on 3D scroll X-rays.</p>



<p>Recognizing the magnitude of this discovery, the team, along with two Silicon Valley investors, launched the "<a href="https://scrollprize.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vesuvius Challenge</a>" in 2023. </p>



<p>This crowdsourcing initiative, offering a cash prize, aimed to accelerate the process of reading at least four passages from a full <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/AI_roman-empire_Herculaneum-scroll_vesuvius-challenge_NSF_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Herculaneum scroll</a>. </p>



<p>The challenge not only spurred innovation but also provided a unique educational opportunity for participants to contribute to a historical narrative centuries in the making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-antiquity-first-words-revealed">Glimpse into antiquity: First words revealed</h2>



<p>The potential of these techniques was underscored in fall 2023 when a computer science undergraduate student deciphered the first word from these scrolls: "purple." </p>



<p>This word, symbolizing wealth and power in the ancient Roman Empire, exemplifies the vast possibilities these AI methods hold for interpreting not only these scrolls but other damaged historical documents as well.</p>



<p>In summary, the relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation has remarkably bridged the chasm between ancient history and modern technology. </p>



<p>Through the efforts of researchers like Brent Seales, the once inaccessible wisdom of the Roman Empire is now within our grasp. </p>



<p>This ongoing journey, bridging ancient wisdom from the Roman Empire with modern AI technology, symbolizes a profound quest to reclaim lost knowledge. </p>



<p>It's a testament to human ingenuity, demonstrating how technology can unlock secrets of the past, offering us a clearer view of our cultural and historical origins.</p>



<p>As we continue to decipher the secrets of the past, we are reminded of the enduring power of human curiosity and the limitless potential of technology to reshape our understanding of history.</p>



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



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

AI helps team decipher an ancient scroll from the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire, a colossal force in history, has left...

<p>The reintroduction of apex predators into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-coastal-ecosystems-can-mitigate-climate-change/">ecosystems</a> does not result in the immediate or quick restoration of those ecosystems to their original states, according to a study from <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> (CSU).</p>



<p>The research challenges the previously held belief that the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park fully restored the ecosystem degraded by their absence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-absence-of-apex-predators">Absence of apex predators</h2>



<p>The study was conducted by scientists at CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources, focusing on the effects of three apex predators: wolves, cougars, and grizzly bears in Yellowstone. These carnivores, positioned at the top of the food chain and not preyed upon by other animals, had populations that were depleted over time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The return of wolves to the park in 1995 was concurrent with the natural recovery of cougar and grizzly populations. Their absence for nearly a century had significantly altered the park's landscape and food web, transforming regions rich in willow and aspen along small streams into grasslands due to intense elk browsing.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternative-ecological-state-nbsp">Alternative ecological state&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, the widespread changes stabilized into an alternative ecological state that resisted returning to previous conditions once the carnivores were restored.</p>



<p>Conducted over more than two decades, this experiment in Yellowstone is the longest of its kind. The results of the research support the theory that degradation of ecosystems may not be reversed when harmful stressors are mitigated.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lasting-changes">Lasting changes</h2>



<p>"When you disturb ecosystems by changing the makeup of a food web, it can lead to lasting changes that are not quickly fixed,” said study lead author Professor Tom Hobbs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We can't rule out the possibility that the ecosystem will be restored over the next 40 years as a result of the return of apex predators. All we can be sure of is what's observable now - the ecosystem has not responded dramatically to the restored food web.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthier-ecosystems-nbsp">Healthier ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While it is not a quick and easy solution, said Professor Hobbs, the restoration of apex predators produces healthier ecosystems in the long run.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The conservation message is don't lose them in the first place. Keep the food web intact, because there's not a quick fix for losing top predators from ecosystems.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-excessive-elk-grazing">Excessive elk grazing</h2>



<p>The researchers also explored the implications of these findings for Colorado, where Colorado Parks and Wildlife has begun reintroducing wolves following voter approval in 2020.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Hobbs noted the differences between Colorado's management of elk populations through hunting and Yellowstone's policy, which led to excessive grazing and browsing by elk.</p>



<p>"Unlike Yellowstone, Colorado's landscapes have not experienced widespread excessive grazing or browsing from elk,” said Hobbs. “The state has done a good job of managing elk populations using hunting."&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The researchers said there are many good reasons to restore wolves - just don’t expect them to cause immediate ecosystem improvements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our work supports the fact that wolves are important components of ecosystems,” said study co-author David Cooper, a research scientist emeritus in the Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“They will have some ecosystem benefits by reducing some large herbivore populations. Over the next hundred years, they'll have a greater role in regulating some of the ecological processes that we've been studying."&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>"This research contributes greatly to our understanding of Yellowstone by teasing out the degree to which complex links in a food web affect ecosystems under native species recovery,” said Yellowstone National Park Senior Wildlife Biologist Daniel Stahler.</p>



<p>“Importantly, it is among few published studies to date on the Yellowstone ecosystem that highlight that not just wolves, but multiple predator species together have contributed to changes in elk abundance. This point has ramifications for how we evaluate how complex ecosystems respond to carnivore presence and absence.”</p>



<p>“This long-term research conducted by the CSU team also highlights the value of national parks in helping us understand ecological processes, in order to better protect ecosystems. We should not only cherish our national parks because they protect, preserve and allow people to enjoy nature, but because they provide a place where well-designed science can elevate our understanding of its complexity."&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1598" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecological Monographs</em></a>. </p>



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Apex predators can help restore ecosystems, but not immediately 

The reintroduction of apex predators into ecosystems does not result...

<p>In a study that underscores the vast health benefits of quitting smoking, researchers have found compelling evidence that kicking the habit can significantly decrease the risk of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-molecule-can-kill-all-types-of-solid-cancer-tumors/">cancer</a>. </p>



<p>The study revealed that the benefits of quitting smoking accumulate over time and are particularly pronounced after the first decade of cessation.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quitting-smoking-nbsp">Quitting smoking&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research, involving nearly 3 million Koreans, has illuminated the path to a healthier future for individuals who choose to quit smoking, emphasizing that it's never too late to make a change.</p>



<p>“Regardless of age, quitting smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of developing cancer, especially lung cancer, with early cessation before middle age leading to significant reductions,” said Dr Jin-Kyoung Oh, who led the study at the <a href="https://nationalcancercenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Cancer Center</a> near Seoul.</p>



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



<p>The experts meticulously analyzed medical records from individuals who underwent health examinations in 2002. The individuals were tracked and monitored for cancer incidences - including lung, liver, stomach, and colorectal cancers - until 2019.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This longitudinal approach allowed the team to witness nearly 200,000 cancer diagnoses among the participants, providing a strong dataset for understanding the relationship between smoking cessation and cancer risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-effects">Protective effects</h2>



<p>One of the most striking findings from the research was that quitting smoking can halve the chances of developing cancer after at least 15 years, compared to those who continue smoking.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study specifically highlighted the substantial reduction in lung cancer risk, which plummeted by 42% among those who quit compared to persistent smokers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The risks for liver, colorectal, and stomach cancers were also notably reduced. The findings reinforce the notion that quitting smoking has a broad protective effect against various forms of cancer.</p>



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



<p>The study is particularly relevant given the grim statistics surrounding cancer and smoking in the UK, where cancer accounts for more than a quarter of all deaths annually - with lung cancer being the predominant killer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Smoking is implicated in at least 15 different cancers, marking it as the largest preventable cause of cancer and death.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-cancer-risk">Reducing cancer risk</h2>



<p>The results of the study clearly demonstrate that quitting smoking can profoundly impact one's health, reducing the risk of developing deadly cancers.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the study also revealed age-related benefits of quitting smoking. Individuals who quit before the age of 50 saw a 57% reduction in lung cancer risk over the study's follow-up period, compared to those who continued smoking.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even those who quit at 50 or older experienced significant benefits, with a 40% reduction in lung cancer risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-at-every-age">Benefits at every age</h2>



<p>Professor Robert West of University College London noted the importance of quitting smoking as early as possible to minimize the cumulative risk of cancer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This study confirms two crucial facts,” said Professor West. “One is that it can take many years for the risk of cancer to decrease relative to continuing smoking. The other is that the decrease is greater for those who quit at a younger age.”</p>



<p>“For smokers, this shows how crucial it is to stop smoking as young as possible. There is a benefit at every age but, the younger smokers can stop, the more of their lives they get back."</p>



<p>“The way out of smoking is clear: try to stop at least once a year and make use of evidence-based specialist stop-smoking support at every quit attempt rather than trying to go cold turkey.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2814567?utm_source=For_The_Media&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=ftm_links&amp;utm_term=020624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Jama Network Open</em></a>.</p>



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Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of deadly cancers

In a study that underscores the vast health benefits of...

<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Lab</a> represents a significant advancement in climate prediction technologies. By delving into the genetic secrets of soil microbes, the researchers have developed a model that could revolutionize our understanding of carbon sequestration processes and greatly improve the accuracy of climate models. </p>



<p>The innovative research could herald a new era in our fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-could-cause-one-billion-deaths-over-the-next-century/">climate change</a>, offering new strategies for agricultural practices aimed at bolstering plant growth while mitigating climate impacts.</p>



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



<p>Soil microbes, often overlooked in the broader narrative of climate science, play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. These microscopic organisms are key players in soil carbon sequestration, a natural process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in the soil.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process is critical for maintaining the balance of our planet’s climate systems. However, traditional climate models have struggled to accurately represent the complex interactions between soil microbes and their environment, leading to potential gaps in our predictions and understanding of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-genetic-information">Valuable genetic information</h2>



<p>The team at Berkeley Lab, led by Gianna Marschmann, has made a significant breakthrough by incorporating genetic information from soil microbes into their models.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our research demonstrates the advantage of assembling the genetic information of microorganisms directly from soil. Previously, we only had information about a small number of microbes studied in the lab,” said Marschmann.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Having genome information allows us to create better models capable of predicting how various plant types, crops, or even specific cultivars can collaborate with soil microbes to better capture carbon. Simultaneously, this collaboration can enhance soil health."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-microbial-ecosystems">Understanding microbial ecosystems</h2>



<p>The research was conducted in collaboration with Jennifer Pett-Ridge of Lawrence Livermore National Lab and funded by the DOE Office of Science. It marks a significant step forward in the "<a href="https://sc-programs.llnl.gov/biological-and-environmental-research-at-llnl/soil-microbiome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbes Persist</a>" Soil Microbiome Scientific Focus Area project, which aims to deepen our understanding of microbial ecosystems and their impact on the environment.</p>



<p>One of the key challenges in studying soil microbes is their sheer diversity and abundance. With up to 10 billion microorganisms in just one gram of soil - representing thousands of species - the majority have never been directly studied in laboratory settings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This diversity has historically posed a significant barrier to accurately modeling their role in carbon sequestration and the broader carbon cycle.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-soil-microbes">Environmental impact of soil microbes</h2>



<p>The new model developed by the Berkeley Lab team was able to overcome this challenge by using genomic information to predict microbial behavior and interactions with plants. This allows for a much more nuanced and accurate representation of the environmental impact of soil microbes.</p>



<p>The research was specifically focused on the rhizosphere, the area surrounding plant roots, which is a hotbed of microbial activity and carbon exchange. This zone, though comprising a small fraction of the Earth’s soil volume, plays a disproportionately large role in global carbon storage.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-roots-and-soil-microbes">Plant roots and soil microbes</h2>



<p>The team’s model revealed how different types of carbon released by plant roots during growth phases influence microbial growth strategies - highlighting the efficiency of certain microbes in storing carbon in the soil.</p>



<p>This breakthrough offers promising implications for agriculture and soil management strategies aimed at combating climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By better understanding the dynamics between plant roots and soil microbes, scientists can now propose more effective ways to preserve soil carbon, enhancing soil health, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable plant growth.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The research underscores the potential of leveraging genetic information to model microbial traits, shedding light on the soil microbiome and its critical role in the Earth’s carbon cycle.</p>



<p>“This newfound knowledge has important implications for agriculture and soil health. With the models we are building, it is increasingly possible to leverage new understanding of how carbon cycles through soil," said Marschmann.</p>



<p>"This in turn opens up possibilities to recommend strategies for preserving valuable carbon in the soil to support biodiversity and plant growth at scales feasible to measure the impact."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01582-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Microbiology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Secrets of soil microbes could revolutionize climate predictions

A new study from the Berkeley Lab represents a significant...

<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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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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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>



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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>



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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>



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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