<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>



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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...

<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...

<p>Experts in canine behavior and artificial intelligence have made a groundbreaking advancement. The team has created an algorithm aimed at revolutionizing the evaluation of personality in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dogs-communicate-with-us-is-impacted-by-their-facial-markings/">working dogs</a>.</p>



<p>This innovative approach seeks to assist dog training organizations in efficiently determining the suitability of dogs for roles in law enforcement and assistance for individuals with disabilities.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-human-compatibility-nbsp">Dog-human compatibility&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Additionally, this technology holds promise for enhancing dog-human compatibility in shelters, potentially reducing the rate of animals returned due to poor matches with their new homes.</p>



<p>This study, titled “An Artificial Intelligence Approach To Predicting Personality Types In Dogs” and published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52920-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Scientific Reports</em></a><em>, </em>was led by researchers from the <a href="https://uel.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East London</a> and the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a>, under the sponsorship of <a href="https://www.dogvatar.dog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogvatar</a>, a pioneering canine technology firm based in Miami, Florida. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canine-personality-traits-nbsp">Canine personality traits&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Leveraging nearly 8,000 responses from the Canine Behavioral Assessment &amp; Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), the AI algorithm was trained to recognize and categorize canine personality traits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The C-BARQ, with its 100 questions, has been the benchmark for assessing potential working dogs for over two decades. However, the AI's objective is to refine this process by accounting for the subjective nature of certain survey responses.</p>



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



<p>James Serpell, a professor of ethics and animal welfare emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and co-Principal Investigator of the study, highlighted the significance of addressing subjectivity in the C-BARQ responses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“C-BARQ is highly effective, but many of its questions are also subjective,” said Serpell. “By clustering data from thousands of surveys, we can adjust for outlying responses inherent to subjective survey questions in categories such as dog rivalry and stranger-directed fear.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personality-profiles">Personality profiles</h2>



<p>The AI algorithm categorizes dog personalities into five distinct types: “excitable/attached,” “anxious/fearful,” “aloof/predatory,” “reactive/assertive,” and “calm/agreeable,” based on key behavioral attributes. This classification helps create a comprehensive personality profile for each dog, which can guide their training and placement.</p>



<p>“It’s rather remarkable – these clusters are very meaningful, very coherent,” Serpell remarked, emphasizing the algorithm's accuracy in reflecting genuine canine personality traits.</p>



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



<p>Dogvatar's CEO, referred to humorously as the “Alpha Pack Leader” Piya Pettigrew, expressed enthusiasm about the project's potential.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This has been a really exciting breakthrough for us,” Pettigrew said. “This algorithm could greatly improve efficiency in the working dog training and placement process, and could help reduce the number of companion dogs brought back to shelters for not being compatible. It’s a win for both dogs and the people they serve.”</p>



<p>The collaboration between Dogvatar and the research team signifies a significant step forward in the application of AI in animal behavior studies, promising enhancements in the selection and training of service dogs as well as in the adoption process in shelters.</p>



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



<p>Dog personalities are as varied and complex as human personalities. Just like people, dogs have distinct characteristics that can define their behavior, preferences, and interactions with both humans and other animals.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influential-factors">Influential factors</h3>



<p>A dog's personality can be influenced by its breed, upbringing, environment, and experiences. For instance, some dogs are naturally more outgoing and sociable, always eager to greet new people and explore new environments with enthusiasm. Others may be more reserved or cautious, possibly taking time to warm up to strangers or new situations.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-nbsp">Breed&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Certain breeds are known for specific traits, such as Labrador Retrievers, who are often friendly, outgoing, and highly trainable, making them excellent family pets and service dogs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, breeds like the Shiba Inu can be more independent and reserved, showing loyalty and affection primarily to their immediate family members.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upbringing">Upbringing</h4>



<p>The upbringing and training a dog receives play a crucial role in shaping its personality. Positive reinforcement and socialization from a young age can help develop a well-adjusted dog that is comfortable in various situations. Conversely, negative experiences or lack of socialization can lead to behavioral issues, such as anxiety or aggression.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotions">Emotions</h4>



<p>Dogs also exhibit a range of emotions that influence their personality, including joy, fear, affection, and even jealousy. These emotions can affect how they interact with their environment and the people and animals within it. A dog's personality can change over time due to life experiences, much like humans.</p>



<p>Understanding a dog's personality is key to fostering a strong, positive relationship with them. It helps in training, in providing the right kind of care and environment, and in matching a dog to the right home or job. Whether a dog is adventurous, laid-back, protective, or playful, each has a unique set of traits that make them special companions.</p>



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Dog personality algorithm will improve work and home placement

Experts in canine behavior and artificial intelligence have made a...

<p>A previously unknown species of pterosaur has been found on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The research is shedding new light on the evolutionary journey of ancient flying reptiles. </p>



<p>The discovery was recently announced by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum</a>, <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, <a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>, and <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>. </p>



<p>Named as part of the Darwinoptera clade, the new pterosaur indicates a previously unappreciated diversity and geographical spread of this group from the late Early Jurassic through to the latest Jurassic period, spanning over 25 million years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ceoptera-evansae">Ceoptera evansae</h2>



<p>The species has been named Ceoptera evansae, with "Ceoptera" combining the Scottish Gaelic word for mist, "Cheò" (referencing the Isle of Skye's nickname, the Isle of Mist), and the Latin term for wing, "-ptera."&nbsp;</p>



<p>The designation "evansae" honors Professor Susan E. Evans for her extensive contributions to anatomical and paleontological research, particularly on the Isle of Skye.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pterosaur-evolution-nbsp">Pterosaur evolution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study of Ceoptera challenges existing models of early pterosaur evolution, suggesting that all major Jurassic pterosaur lineages had already emerged by the end of the Early Jurassic, much earlier than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, it highlights the coexistence of pterosaurs with avialans, the dinosaur lineage that would give rise to modern birds, well into the late Jurassic.</p>



<p>“Ceoptera helps to narrow down the timing of several major events in the evolution of flying reptiles. Its appearance in the Middle Jurassic of the UK was a complete surprise, as most of its close relatives are from China. It shows that the advanced group of flying reptiles to which it belongs appeared earlier than we thought and quickly gained an almost worldwide distribution,” said study senior author Paul Barrett, a Merit Researcher at the Natural History Museum.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The discovery was made possible through the examination of a partial skeleton, which includes elements of the shoulders, wings, legs, and backbone. Due to the condition of the find, with many bones embedded within rock, advanced CT-scanning techniques were essential for study.</p>



<p>"The time period that Ceoptera is from is one of the most important periods of pterosaur evolution, and is also one in which we have some of the fewest specimens, indicating its significance," said study lead author Liz Martin-Silverstone, a palaeobiologist at the University of Bristol.</p>



<p>"To find that there were more bones embedded within the rock, some of which were integral in identifying what kind of pterosaur Ceoptera is, made this an even better find than initially thought. It brings us one step closer to understanding where and when the more advanced pterosaurs evolved."&nbsp;</p>



<p>More about pterosaurs</p>



<p>Pterosaurs were a group of flying reptiles that lived during the age of dinosaurs, from the late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 228 to 66 million years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike birds or bats, pterosaurs are not descendants of dinosaurs but are more closely related to modern reptiles. They were the first vertebrates known to have evolved powered flight, meaning they could flap their wings to fly rather than just glide.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wings">Wings</h3>



<p>The wings of pterosaurs were formed by a skin and muscle membrane that stretched from their extremely long fourth finger to their hind limbs. This design is quite distinct from that of birds, which have wings made of feathers, or bats, which have wings formed by membranes stretched between their fingers.</p>



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



<p>Pterosaurs varied greatly in size, from the small Nemicolopterus, with a wingspan of about 10 inches, to the enormous Quetzalcoatlus, which is among the largest known flying creatures with a wingspan estimated to be over 30 feet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their bodies were adapted for flight, with hollow bones to reduce weight and large brains and eyes that likely helped them navigate through the air.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitats">Habitats</h3>



<p>These creatures inhabited a variety of ecosystems, from coastal and marine environments to inland habitats. Their diets were as diverse as their habitats; some species had long, narrow beaks for fishing, while others had short, strong beaks for crushing hard-shelled insects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinction">Extinction</h3>



<p>Despite their successful adaptation to flight and dominance in the skies for millions of years, pterosaurs went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, around the same time as the dinosaurs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This extinction event, known as the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event, is thought to have been caused by a combination of volcanic activity, climate change, and the impact of a large asteroid or comet on Earth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-record-nbsp">Fossil record&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The fossil record for pterosaurs, while not as complete as that of dinosaurs, has provided significant insights into their diversity, anatomy, and lifestyle. Advances in technology and new discoveries continue to shed light on these fascinating creatures, offering a glimpse into the complexity of prehistoric life on Earth.</p>



<p>Image Credit: © NHM &amp; Witton 2021</p>



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New species of Jurassic pterosaur found on the Isle of Skye

A previously unknown species of pterosaur has been found on...

Cabrales,,Artisan,Blue,Cheese,Made,By,Rural,Dairy,Farmers,In

<p>A team of scientists has unlocked the secret to diversifying the color spectrum of blue cheese. Traditionally characterized by its distinctive blue-green veins, blue cheese is set to undergo a transformation that could redefine our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cheese-may-contain-nutrients-that-prevent-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cheese</a> boards.</p>



<p>The team, led by Dr. Paul Dyer, Professor of Fungal Biology at the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a>, embarked on this journey by exploring the production mechanisms behind the blue-green pigmentation unique to blue-veined cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, and Gorgonzola. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-color-decoding-the-pigments-of-blue-cheese">Science of color: Decoding the pigments of blue cheese</h2>



<p>This pigmentation, a result of the fungus <em>Penicillium roqueforti</em>, is pivotal in lending the cheese its unique flavor and appearance. </p>



<p>Through an innovative blend of bioinformatics, targeted gene deletions, and heterologous gene expression, the researchers have demystified the pigment production process.</p>



<p>Dr. Dyer and his team discovered that the pigmentation follows a biochemical pathway that evolves from <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/blue-cheese_different-colors_UNottingham_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white to various hues</a>, including yellow-green, red-brown-pink, dark brown, and shades of blue, culminating in the traditional dark blue-green. </p>



<p>By employing safe, non-GM food production techniques to interrupt this pathway at specific stages, they successfully developed fungal strains capable of producing a range of new colors in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-trick-turns-plant-based-cheese-into-something-that-actually-tastes-good/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cheese</a>.</p>



<p>"We've been delving into the world of cheese fungi for over a decade," Dr. Dyer shared. "Our goal was to see if we could innovate beyond the traditional blue-green hues to include new flavors and appearances." </p>



<p>The team's approach was to stimulate sexual reproduction within the fungus, leading to a variety of strains that not only presented novel colors but also introduced new, mild to intense flavor profiles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taste-perception-how-color-influences-blue-cheese-flavor">Taste perception: How color influences blue cheese flavor</h2>



<p>Upon crafting cheese with these innovative <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-do-bacteria-reproduce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strains</a>, the team conducted taste tests to assess potential flavor variations. </p>



<p>“We found that the taste was very similar to the original blue strains from which they were derived,” said Dr Dyer. “There were subtle differences but not very much.</p>



<p>However, during taste trials with university volunteers, perceptions differed significantly. Participants reported milder tastes in lighter-colored cheeses and more intense flavors in darker variants. </p>



<p>Cheeses with reddish-brown and light green hues were noted for their fruity, tangy elements, showcasing how visual cues can influence taste perception.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-their-innovations-to-the-table">Bringing their innovations to the table</h2>



<p>With this discovery, the team, including lead postgraduate student Matt Cleere, plans to collaborate with cheese producers in Nottinghamshire and Scotland to introduce these colorful variants to the market. </p>



<p>Moreover, the formation of Myconeos, a university spin-out company, aims to commercialize these new strains.</p>



<p>Dr. Dyer concluded, "Personally, I think it will give people a really satisfying sensorial feeling eating these new cheeses and hopefully might attract some new people into the market." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-for-cheese-lovers">A new era for cheese lovers</h2>



<p>In summary, this research has paved the way for a vibrant new spectrum of blue cheese, revolutionizing the traditional culinary landscape. </p>



<p>Led by Dr. Paul Dyer and his team, this innovation challenges the conventional appearance and flavor profiles of blue-veined cheeses while underscoring the intricate relationship between taste perception and visual cues. </p>



<p>By creating a variety of cheese colors ranging from white to dark blues, and introducing mild to intense and fruity flavors, the team has expanded the gastronomic possibilities of cheese. </p>



<p>This endeavor promises to enrich the sensory experience of cheese enthusiasts and aims to attract a broader audience to the art of cheese tasting. </p>



<p>With the establishment of Myconeos and collaborations with cheese makers, the future of blue cheese looks both colorful and promising, marking a significant leap forward in food science and culinary arts.</p>



<p>The findings of the study are published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-023-00244-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NPJ Science of Food</a></em>.</p>



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Blue cheese now comes in more colors than just blue

A team of scientists has unlocked the secret to diversifying...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Francisco</a> (UCSF) have discovered a link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-a-history-of-depression-tend-to-process-more-negative-information/">depression</a> and higher body temperatures, suggesting a potential new approach to treating the disorder. </p>



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



<p>"Depression has become a health crisis of epidemic proportions. Globally, the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) has risen over the last several generations in countries across the world," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The last decade has seen a particularly significant increase in depression in the United States, with prevalence rates increasing by 33% between 2013 and 2016, with the largest increase among youth and young adults."</p>



<p>This is particularly concerning, the experts noted, because the costs of depression in terms of lost opportunities across a lifetime are likely to be highest in youth and young adulthood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-temperature-and-depression-nbsp">Body temperature and depression&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Correlations between altered body temperature and depression have been reported in small samples; greater confidence in these associations would provide a rationale for further examining potential mechanisms of depression related to body temperature regulation," said the researchers.</p>



<p>"We sought to test the hypotheses that greater depression symptom severity is associated with (1) higher body temperature, (2) smaller differences between body temperature when awake versus asleep, and (3) lower diurnal body temperature amplitude."</p>



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



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-51567-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Scientific Reports</em></a>, examined data from over 20,000 participants worldwide who wore devices to measure their body temperature and reported both their temperatures and depression symptoms daily over seven months starting in early 2020.</p>



<p>The findings indicate a correlation between increased depression symptom severity and higher body temperatures. Additionally, there was a tendency for individuals with higher depression scores to exhibit less fluctuation in their body temperatures throughout a 24-hour period, although this observation did not achieve statistical significance.</p>



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



<p>Lead author Ashley Mason, PhD, an associate professor of Psychiatry at the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, commented on the implications of these findings for depression treatment.</p>



<p>“Ironically, heating people up actually can lead to rebound body temperature lowering that lasts longer than simply cooling people down directly, as through an ice bath,” Mason explained, suggesting that tracking the body temperature of individuals with depression could optimize the timing for heat-based treatments.</p>



<p>“To our knowledge, this is the largest study to date to examine the association between body temperature – assessed using both self-report methods and wearable sensors – and depressive symptoms in a geographically broad sample. Given the climbing rates of depression in the United States, we’re excited by the possibilities of a new avenue for treatment."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-treatments-for-depression">Novel treatments for depression</h2>



<p>"To develop novel treatments for depression it is important to identify mechanisms that contribute to the development and/or maintenance of depressive symptoms and that may be amenable to intervention," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Although depression is both biologically and behaviorally heterogeneous, an important first step in treatment development is often to identify physiologic signatures among individuals with major depressive disorder that are not present among those without MDD."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Although no single biological or behavioral abnormality will characterize all individuals with major depressive disorder, the identification of an abnormality associated with MDD may open the door to identifying a relatively biologically homogeneous subgroup that demonstrates a larger treatment response to interventions that target the specific abnormality."</p>



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Depression may be linked to higher body temperatures

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have...

Tropical,Hurricane,Approaching,The,Usa.elements,Of,This,Image,Are,Furnished

<p>For over five decades, the National Hurricane Center has relied on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale to categorize <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/tsunami-vs-hurricane-whats-the-difference/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, ranking them from Category 1, with wind speeds of 74 to 95 mph, to Category 5, which includes winds of 158 mph or greater. </p>



<p>However, as ocean temperatures rise and hurricanes grow more intense and destructive, scientists Michael Wehner of <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory</a> and James Kossin of the <a href="https://firststreet.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First Street Foundation</a> are questioning whether the current scale adequately communicates the risk of hurricane damage in today's changing climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-case-for-a-category-6-hurricane-classification">The case for a Category 6 hurricane classification</h2>



<p>In their research, Wehner and Kossin introduce the concept of a Category 6 for <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/otis-was-the-strongest-landfalling-pacific-hurricane-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, which would cover storms with winds exceeding 192 mph. </p>



<p>Their work stems from a need to address how the existing scale's open-ended Category 5 might lead to an underestimation of risk, especially in a warming world. </p>



<p>"Our motivation is to reconsider how the open-endedness of the Saffir-Simpson Scale can lead to underestimation of risk, and, in particular, how this underestimation becomes increasingly problematic in a warming world," Wehner explains.</p>



<p>The duo's analysis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-related-deaths-on-the-rise-especially-in-vulnerable-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> data from 1980 to 2021 revealed five storms that would qualify as Category 6, all occurring in the last nine years of the record. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming-and-the-future-of-hurricanes">Global warming and the future of hurricanes</h2>



<p>This finding, alongside the recognition that hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones are geographically named manifestations of the same weather phenomenon, underscores the escalating threat posed by these storms.</p>



<p>Their research not only revisits historical data but also employs simulations to forecast how a warming climate might affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-stronger-and-tougher-in-hurricane-prone-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> intensity. </p>



<p>Results indicate that a 2°C rise in global temperatures could increase the risk of Category 6 storms by up to 50% near the Philippines and double it in the Gulf of Mexico, with Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and the Gulf of Mexico facing the highest risk.</p>



<p>Wehner emphasizes the significance of these findings in the context of the Paris Agreement's goals to cap global warming at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. </p>



<p>"Even under the relatively low global warming targets of the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>, the increased chances of Category 6 storms are substantial in these simulations," he points out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-impact-of-hurricanes">Comprehensive impact of hurricanes</h2>



<p>The scientists argue that expanding the Saffir-Simpson Scale to include a sixth category won't directly address the broader impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hurricane-lee-is-a-slow-moving-storm-with-a-massive-wind-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, such as inland flooding and storm surge. </p>



<p>However, it could play a crucial role in raising public awareness about the heightened risk of major hurricanes in a warming climate. </p>



<p>Kossin adds, "Tropical cyclone risk messaging is a very active topic, and changes in messaging are necessary to better inform the public...Our results are not meant to propose changes to this scale, but rather to raise awareness that the wind-hazard risk from storms presently designated as Category 5 has increased and will continue to increase under climate change."</p>



<p>This study serves as a call to action for updating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-maria-trees-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> risk communication methods to better reflect the realities of climate change, ensuring that the public is adequately informed about the evolving nature of storm threats. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-saffir-simpson-hurricane-wind-scale">Understanding the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale</h2>



<p>As discussed above, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind <a href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scale</a> stands as a crucial tool for meteorologists, emergency responders, and the public to understand and assess the intensity of hurricanes. </p>



<p>Developed in the early 1970s by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson, then director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, this scale categorizes hurricanes into five distinct categories based on their sustained wind speeds. </p>



<p>Each category reflects the potential for damage and flooding that a hurricane can cause upon making landfall.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-hurricane-category-scale-works">How the hurricane category scale works</h3>



<p>The scale assigns hurricanes a category from 1 to 5. Category 1 hurricanes have the lowest wind speeds (74-95 mph), while Category 5 hurricanes feature the highest (greater than 157 mph). </p>



<p>As the category number increases, so does the potential for significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and the natural environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-1-hurricane-minimal-damage">Category 1 hurricane: Minimal damage</h3>



<p>Category 1 hurricanes can cause some damage to unanchored mobile homes, vegetation, and poorly constructed signs. </p>



<p>However, well-constructed frame homes can generally withstand the wind forces, experiencing primarily damage to shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-2-hurricane-moderate-damage">Category 2 hurricane: Moderate damage</h3>



<p>With winds from 96 to 110 mph, Category 2 storms can cause extensive damage to roofs, windows, and doors of buildings. </p>



<p>Mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers may face considerable damage or destruction. Near-coastal flooding and some injuries to people and animals due to flying and falling debris are more common in this category.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-3-hurricane-extensive-damage">Category 3 hurricane: Extensive damage</h3>



<p>Category 3 hurricanes, with wind speeds ranging from 111 to 129 mph, can cause devastating damage. </p>



<p>Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Electricity and water are likely to be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-4-hurricane-extreme-damage">Category 4 hurricane: Extreme damage</h3>



<p>Winds of 130 to 156 mph characterize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-harvey-worst-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Category 4</a> hurricanes. </p>



<p>These storms can cause catastrophic damage, with most trees snapped or uprooted, power poles downed, and residential areas isolated due to fallen trees and power poles. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-5-hurricane-catastrophic-damage">Category 5 hurricane: Catastrophic damage</h3>



<p>The highest category, Category 5, represents <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiger-sharks-can-take-a-direct-hit-from-a-major-hurricane/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a> with wind speeds of 157 mph or higher. </p>



<p>These storms can level houses, destroy industrial buildings, and cause widespread power outages that could last for weeks or months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for the same duration.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-tool-for-preparedness">Critical tool for preparedness</h3>



<p>The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale serves as a fundamental component of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane preparedness</a> and response strategies. </p>



<p>It helps to communicate the potential impact of hurricanes in a clear and understandable way, enabling individuals, communities, and governments to take appropriate actions to safeguard lives and property. </p>



<p>By providing a standardized measure of storm intensity, the scale plays a vital role in the planning and execution of evacuation orders, the allocation of resources, and the overall management of disaster response efforts.</p>



<p>In summary, the Saffir-Simpson Scale is a vital tool that helps predict the potential damage from hurricanes, guiding preparation and response efforts to minimize the impact of these powerful storms on our communities.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2308901121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Scientists propose adding a "Category 6" to the current hurricane intensity scale

For over five decades, the National Hurricane Center has relied...

<p>In the vast and mysterious depths of the ocean, scientists have revealed a fascinating new species of medusa jellyfish, known as <em>Santjordia pagesi</em>, or the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/jellyfish_new-species_Santjordia-pagesi_Japan_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St George’s Cross Medusa</a>.</p>



<p>This unique creature captivates with its gelatinous, umbrella-shaped body and a striking red stomach that resembles the Cross of St George when viewed from above. </p>



<p>Spanning about 10 cm in diameter, this medusa stands out for its vibrant coloration and diminutive size, especially when compared to other deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-impacts-helmet-jellyfish-foretell-the-dangers-of-seafloor-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-medusa-jellyfish-santjordia-pagesi">Finding the medusa jellyfish <em>Santjordia pagesi</em></h2>



<p><em>S. pagesi</em>'s home is the Sumisu Caldera in the Ogasawara Islands, a hydrothermally active deep-sea volcanic structure located about 460 km south of Tokyo. </p>



<p>This environment, known for its rich mineral substrate and potential for commercial development, has revealed a species that defies the common characteristics of deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-jellyfish-are-more-nutritious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a>. </p>



<p>“The species is very different from all the deep-sea medusae discovered to date. It’s relatively small, whereas others in this kind of environment are much larger. The bright red coloring of its stomach probably has to do with capturing food,” Morandini elaborated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-adaptations-survival-in-the-deep">Evolutionary adaptations: Survival in the deep</h2>



<p>One of the most intriguing aspects of <em><em>Santjordia pagesi</em></em> is its transparency and the bright red stomach, which plays a crucial role in its survival. </p>



<p>This feature ensures that bioluminescent prey, common in the dark depths of the ocean, cannot be seen by predators once swallowed, providing a fascinating glimpse into the evolutionary adaptations of deep-sea life.</p>



<p>The naming of the species pays homage to Dr. Francesc Pagès, a renowned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-can-regenerate-functioning-tentacles-in-just-a-few-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> taxonomist, further emphasizing the scientific community’s tradition of honoring its members’ contributions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medusa-jellyfish-santjordia-pagesi-is-rare-and-elusive">Medusa jellyfish <em><em>Santjordia pagesi</em></em> is rare and elusive</h2>



<p>Additionally, the discovery process for <em>S. pagesi</em> was notably challenging due to its rarity. </p>



<p>The team relied on a single specimen captured in 2002 by a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) <a href="https://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/about/equipment/ships/hyperdolphin.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hyperdolphin</a>, with another sighting in 2020, underscoring the difficulties of deep-sea exploration.</p>



<p>“We opted to publish the description and call attention to the species that are present at the site, which has a substrate rich in minerals and the potential to be commercially developed," explained Morandini. </p>



<p>"Unfortunately, research can’t be conducted in such places without partners who have interests of this kind.”</p>



<p>Morandini’s insights also touch on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-shed-light-on-the-origins-of-hunger-regulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broader implications</a> of such discoveries, pointing out the potential for <em>Santjordia pagesi</em> to possess unique venoms, distinct even from those of closely related species. </p>



<p>“Who knows? Maybe it holds secrets more valuable than all the mineral wealth that could be extracted from that place. All this with the advantage of keeping the species and the site intact,” he speculated, highlighting the untapped potential of biodiversity over commercial exploitation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-collaboration">International collaboration</h2>



<p>The discovery of <em>S. pagesi</em> was a collaborative effort involving an international team of scientists, including <a href="https://bv.fapesp.br/en/pesquisador/30050/andre-carrara-morandini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">André Morandini</a>, a zoologist from the University of São Paulo’s <a href="https://www.ibb.unesp.br/#!/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Biosciences</a> and Director of the Center for Marine Biology. </p>



<p>Morandini's research was supported by FAPESP’s Research Program on Biodiversity Characterization, Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Use (<a href="https://www.biota.org.br/en/biotafapesp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BIOTA-FAPESP</a>), highlighting the importance of international and interdisciplinary cooperation in marine biology.</p>



<p>In summary, this study expands our understanding of the rich tapestry of life in the deep sea while emphasizing the importance of preserving these environments. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to explore these uncharted territories, each new medusa <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-known-swimming-jellyfish-date-back-505-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> species discovery, like <em>Santjordia pagesi</em>, brings us closer to understanding the complex web of life that exists in the depths of our oceans, reminding us of the wonders that lie hidden beneath the waves and the need to protect them for future generations.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, medusa <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-are-capable-of-more-complex-learning-than-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a>, named after the mythical Greek monster with snakes for hair, captivate observers with their mesmerizing forms and graceful movements through the water. </p>



<p>These creatures, part of the larger jellyfish family, distinguish themselves with their bell-shaped bodies and trailing tentacles, embodying the quintessential image of a jellyfish.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anatomy-and-characteristics">Anatomy and characteristics</h3>



<p>The anatomy of a medusa jellyfish is both simple and intricate. At the heart of their design is the bell or umbrella, capable of pulsating to propel the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-eyes-catch-a-glimpse-of-evolutionary-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jellyfish</a> through the water. </p>



<p>Hanging from the bell are tentacles equipped with cnidocytes, specialized cells that release venom to capture prey or deter predators. </p>



<p>This efficient predatory strategy highlights the medusa's role as an adept hunter within its aquatic realm.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-and-distribution">Habitat and distribution</h3>



<p>Medusa jellyfish, like <em>Santjordia pagesi</em>, are not confined to any single marine environment but are found across the world's oceans, from the shallows to the depths of the open sea. </p>



<p>Their adaptability allows them to thrive in a variety of conditions, including temperate, tropical, and even some freshwater ecosystems, showcasing their broad ecological range.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-and-reproduction">Life cycle and reproduction</h3>



<p>The life cycle of medusa jellyfish includes two main stages: the sessile polyp stage and the free-swimming medusa stage. </p>



<p>This dual-phase life cycle allows them to exploit different ecological niches and contributes to their success as a species. </p>



<p>Reproduction can occur both sexually, with the medusa stage releasing sperm and eggs into the water, and asexually, with polyps budding off new individuals, ensuring their widespread presence in marine environments.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-and-impact">Ecological role and impact</h3>



<p>Medusa jellyfish play a significant role in marine ecosystems, serving as both predator and prey. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-the-mysterious-jellyfish-diet-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Their diet</a> mainly consists of small fish, zooplankton, and other jellyfish, positioning them as important regulators of marine population dynamics. </p>



<p>However, their capability to form large blooms can also have significant impacts on human activities, such as fishing and tourism, and on the overall health of marine ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-study">Conservation and study</h3>



<p>The study of medusa jellyfish, like <em>Santjordia pagesi</em>, is crucial for understanding marine biodiversity and the health of oceanic ecosystems. </p>



<p>Researchers focus on their distribution, population dynamics, and ecological impacts to better manage and conserve marine environments. </p>



<p>The beauty and mystery of medusa jellyfish continue to inspire both scientific curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the complexity of life beneath the waves.</p>



<p>In summary, medusa jellyfish, with their elegant forms and ecological importance, remind us of the ocean's vast mysteries and the need to protect its fragile ecosystems. </p>



<p>As symbols of the sea's beauty and power, they challenge us to explore, understand, and ultimately safeguard the marine world for future generations.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5374.4.5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a></em>.</p>



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Very rare medusa jellyfish species spotted near Japan

In the vast and mysterious depths of the ocean, scientists...

<p>In a study led by <a href="https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cincinnati Children’s Hospital</a>, researchers have brought to light the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on kindergarten readiness among children. </p>



<p>The research, focusing on the 22 million children under age 6 who were not yet enrolled in school during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-inactivity-remains-a-problem-after-the-pandemic/">pandemic</a>, reveals a concerning decline in preparedness for school life, particularly among disadvantaged families.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drop-in-readiness-scores">Drop in readiness scores</h2>



<p>The experts analyzed data from approximately 8,000 kindergartners who underwent the state-required Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) in the years 2018, 2019, and 2021. The group included 3,200 children receiving care through Cincinnati Children’s primary care clinics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results showed that in 2021, only 30% of students in Cincinnati public schools were assessed as kindergarten-ready, a significant drop from the 40% readiness rate observed in 2018. Among the children cared for at Cincinnati Children’s primary care sites, the readiness rate fell from 32% in 2018 to 21.5% in 2021.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-disruption-nbsp">Major disruption&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“This means that 7 of every 10 children in the Cincinnati Public Schools were considered not ready to learn when they entered kindergarten during the pandemic. This trend was even more pronounced among the more-disadvantaged, Medicaid-covered children we see in our primary care clinics,” said study lead author Dr. Kristen Copeland. “It will take intense effort on multiple levels to help these children overcome this disruption."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influential-factors">Influential factors</h2>



<p>The researchers investigated various factors that could influence a child’s readiness for kindergarten, including family financial hardships, food security, primary language spoken at home, the child’s race and ethnicity, and maternal stress or depressive symptoms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team identified several risk factors for lower kindergarten readiness, such as failed developmental screenings, Medicaid coverage, Hispanic ethnicity, need for medical interpreters, male gender, infrequent reading at home, and previous experiences of food insecurity.</p>



<p>“To our knowledge, this is among the first and the largest studies to use real-world data to analyze protective and risk factors for school readiness among a population that has been traditionally reluctant to participate in research studies,” said Dr. Copeland.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-silver-lining">Silver lining</h2>



<p>Despite these challenges, the research team found reasons for optimism. Many of the factors limiting readiness are measurable during primary care visits, and interventions to address these issues are already within reach.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The good news is that we identified several factors that predicted later kindergarten readiness that we already measure during primary care visits,” said Dr. Copeland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Furthermore, we have in primary care ways to quickly get kids the additional help they need, be it speech therapy, legal aid, benefits assistance, food pantry or produce delivery, or hands-on assistance in enrolling in preschool, high quality childcare and Head Start.”</p>



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



<p>The study not only sheds light on the impact of the pandemic on early childhood development but also underscores the importance of strengthening collaborations between healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations to support children’s preparation for school.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such partnerships, exemplified by the ongoing collaboration between Cincinnati Children’s and Cincinnati Public Schools, are vital for overcoming data-sharing barriers and enhancing early child development support systems.</p>



<p>“These cross-sector linkages highlight the urgency for primary care organizations to become more involved in promoting equitable early child development, not just in Cincinnati but across the United States,” said study co-author Dr. Robert Kahn.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6458" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JAMA Pediatrics</em></a>. </p>



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Covid-19 pandemic setbacks reduced kindergarten readiness 

In a study led by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, researchers have...

A,Large,Female,Atlas,Moth,(attacus,Atlas),From,South,And

<p>For years, the enigmatic draw of flying insects to artificial light sources has puzzled both scientists and poets alike. </p>



<p>The common belief that these creatures are simply attracted to the brightness of lights, like moths to a flame, has been challenged by recent research. </p>



<p>This study, conducted by the <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/bioengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Bioengineering</a> at Imperial College London, sheds new light on the phenomenon, proposing that artificial lights at night disrupt the insects' innate navigational systems rather than attracting them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insects-and-light-debunking-myths-with-science">Insects and light: Debunking myths with science</h2>



<p>Phototaxis, or the movement of organisms in response to light, has been a subject of interest among researchers for decades. </p>



<p>Various theories have been proposed to explain why nocturnal <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-insects-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> are so often found spiraling around artificial luminescence, ranging from mistaking these lights for gaps in foliage to using them as navigational aids. </p>



<p>Some have even suggested that insects are drawn to the warmth of the lights or become disoriented by their brightness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigational-disruption-over-attraction">Navigational disruption over attraction</h2>



<p>The research, led by Dr. Samuel Fabian from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, introduces a new theory. He posits that flying insects are not attracted to artificial light but become disoriented, mistaking it for the sky. </p>



<p>This confusion leads to erratic flight patterns and, ultimately, collisions with the light source. </p>



<p>Dr. Fabian explains, “We wanted to understand why insects seem unable to resist flying into and around potentially fatal light sources. Answering this question could help us get a better grip on humans’ impact on insects and the wider natural world.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-computer-models">Innovative computer models</h2>



<p>Utilizing advanced techniques such as stereo-videography in Costa Rica and high-resolution motion capture and computer analyses in laboratory settings, the researchers were able to reconstruct the 3D movements of insects' flight around artificial luminescence. </p>



<p>Their findings contradicted the prevailing belief that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> are attracted to light from afar. Instead, insects only become trapped if they venture close to an artificial light source.</p>



<p>At a certain distance, their natural inclination to turn their dorsum (top) towards the light -- a behavior beneficial under natural lighting conditions -- results in their entrapment.</p>



<p>“Flying animals need a reliable way to determine their orientation, especially relative to the direction of gravity. With help from new technologies that enable us to track the movements of tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-silent-language-decoding-the-chemical-signals-of-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> in difficult and dark conditions, we were able to understand how these insects behave around different light sources," Dr. Fabian said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unnatural-insect-behaviors-light-induced-confusion">Unnatural insect behaviors: Light-induced confusion</h2>



<p>The study observed three distinct behaviors in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-thrive-in-restored-habitats-near-solar-energy-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> around artificial luminescence: orbiting, stalling, and inversion. </p>



<p>These behaviors suggest that the insects continually attempt to orient themselves by directing their dorsal axis towards the light, a strategy that fails under artificial conditions, leading to crashes.</p>



<p>In laboratory experiments with various insect species, including dragonflies, moths, and hawkmoths, the researchers discovered that artificial lights significantly impair insects' ability to maintain control over their flight direction. </p>



<p>Computer modeling further supported the theory that this disorientation stems from the insects' attempts to orient their bodies towards the light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-artificial-lighting">Rethinking artificial lighting</h2>



<p>This research provides the most plausible model for why flying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-study-insects-are-also-declining-in-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> are drawn to artificial luminescence, while emphasizing the impact of human-generated light pollution on nocturnal wildlife. </p>



<p>With the proliferation of artificial light sources, such as streetlamps and vehicle headlights, the natural night sky is increasingly obscured, disrupting the natural behaviors of flying insects.</p>



<p>Dr. Fabian stresses the importance of reevaluating our use of artificial light at night, suggesting that measures such as shielding lights and reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting could significantly benefit nocturnal wildlife. </p>



<p>He concludes, “Light at night is pollution, and we need to think of it as such. It may be that simply shrouding and restricting our lights can dramatically improve life for our nocturnal wildlife.”</p>



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



<p>In summary, this fascinating research marks a significant step forward in understanding the effects of artificial light on flying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-flightless-stick-insects-spread-their-populations-over-vast-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a> and highlights the need for further investigation into how distance from light sources affects insects' behaviors. </p>



<p>Dr. Fabian feels more research is needed, suggesting, “A key next step for this research is to work out how distance changes the effect of lights at night. We know what’s happening at 1 meter from a light, but what’s happening at 100 meters?”</p>



<p>This insight advances our knowledge of insect behavior and prompts a reevaluation of our environmental impact, urging us to consider more wildlife-friendly lighting solutions.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44785-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Why insects seem to be attracted to light has long been a mystery

For years, the enigmatic draw of flying insects to artificial...

<p>New research provides the latest evidence that money doesn't buy happiness. The study reveals that many Indigenous peoples and local communities across the globe experience high levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brief-conversations-with-strangers-boost-life-satisfaction/">life satisfaction</a> despite possessing minimal monetary income.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study was conducted by experts at the <a href="https://www.iest.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Environmental Science and Technology</a> of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), in collaboration with researchers McGill University in Canada. The findings shed light on the complexities of human happiness and suggest the need to reevaluate what is considered essential for a fulfilling life.</p>



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



<p>"It is often said that money can’t buy happiness, yet many surveys have shown that richer people tend to report being more satisfied with their lives. This tendency could be taken to indicate that high material wealth - as measured in monetary terms - is a necessary ingredient for happiness," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Here, we show survey results from people living in small-scale societies outside the globalized mainstream, many of whom identify as Indigenous. Despite having little monetary income, the respondents frequently report being very satisfied with their lives, and some communities report satisfaction scores similar to the wealthiest countries."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"These results imply greater flexibility in the means to achieve happiness than are apparent from surveys that examine only industrialized societies."</p>



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



<p>The pursuit of economic growth has long been considered a key strategy for enhancing the well-being of populations in low-income countries. This approach has been supported by global surveys over the past few decades, which indicate that residents of high-income nations generally report greater life satisfaction compared to those in poorer countries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was focused on individuals from small-scale societies at the margins of the global economy, where monetary transactions are less central to daily life and where people's livelihoods are intimately connected with nature.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-satisfaction-levels">Life satisfaction levels</h2>



<p>By surveying 2,966 individuals from Indigenous and local communities across 19 globally distributed sites, the experts found that a significant portion of these populations, despite low levels of monetary income, reported life satisfaction levels on par with those found in affluent countries.</p>



<p>"Surprisingly, many populations with very low monetary incomes report very high average levels of life satisfaction, with scores similar to those in wealthy countries," said study lead author Eric Galbraith.</p>



<p>While not all communities reported high satisfaction levels, with some averages dipping to 5.1, four of the sites boasted scores exceeding 8, a figure comparable to the satisfaction levels of wealthy Scandinavian countries known for their high quality of life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remarkably, these high levels of satisfaction were reported even though many of these communities have endured histories of marginalization and oppression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspectives-on-happiness-nbsp">New perspectives on happiness&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results suggest that human societies can cultivate highly satisfying lives for their members without the need for substantial material wealth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The strong correlation frequently observed between income and life satisfaction is not universal and proves that wealth - as generated by industrialized economies - is not fundamentally required for humans to lead happy lives," said study senior author Victoria Reyes-Garcia.</p>



<p>The research opens up new perspectives on happiness and well-being, suggesting that the wealth generated by industrialized economies is not a fundamental requirement for leading a fulfilling life.</p>



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



<p>The implications of these findings are significant, particularly in the context of sustainability and the pursuit of human happiness. They provide strong evidence that pursuing resource-intensive economic growth is not necessary for achieving high levels of subjective well-being.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers noted that, although they now know that people in many Indigenous and local communities report high levels of life satisfaction, they do not know why. Prior studies suggest that family and social support and relationships, spirituality, and connections to nature are among the important factors on which this happiness is based.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"But it is possible that the important factors differ significantly between societies or, conversely, that a small subset of factors dominate everywhere," said Galbraith.</p>



<p>"I would hope that, by learning more about what makes life satisfying in these diverse communities, it might help many others to lead more satisfying lives while addressing the sustainability crisis."</p>



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Happiness beyond wealth: Some communities find joy in simplicity

New research provides the latest evidence that money doesn't buy...

<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> sheds light on the complex defensive mechanisms employed by nature. The researchers have unraveled the mystery behind the ultrasonic warning sounds produced by ermine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-moths-use-an-aphrodisiac-during-mating-to-feel-macho/">moths</a>, a species known as Yponomeuta. </p>



<p>This discovery not only provides fascinating insights into the natural world but also holds potential implications for the fields of engineering and technology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ermine-moths-nbsp">Ermine moths&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Ermine moths, which lack hearing organs and are unaware of the sounds they produce, have developed an ingenious acoustic defense mechanism to deter their predators, primarily echolocating bats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that these moths generate ultrasonic clicking sounds at an astonishing rate of twice per wingbeat cycle. This sound production is facilitated by a minute corrugated membrane located in their hindwings, known as an "aeroelastic tymbal."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-defense-strategy-nbsp">Natural defense strategy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study reveals that the unique sound production mechanism is a result of the snap-through buckling of individual ridges on the corrugated patch in the moth's hindwings during flight. The buckling causes a sudden vibration of an adjacent membrane, significantly amplifying the sound's strength and direction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process occurs passively, without any muscular action from the moth, highlighting the efficiency and elegance of this natural defense strategy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our goal in this research was to understand how the corrugations in these tymbals can buckle and snap through in a choreographed way to produce a chain of broadband clicks," explained Professor Marc Holderied. "With this study, we unfolded the biomechanics that trigger the buckling sequence and shed light on how the clicking sounds are emitted through tymbal resonance.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultrasonic-sound-production-nbsp">Ultrasonic sound production&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study first author Hernaldo Mendoza Nava investigated the mechanics of the aeroelastic tymbal as a PhD student at the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Composites for Innovation and Science of the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI).</p>



<p>"Sound production and radiation is linked to mechanical vibration, for example in the skin of a drum or a loudspeaker," said Mendoza.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In ermine moths, the snap-through buckling events act like drumbeats at the edge of a tymbal drum, exciting a much larger portion of the wing to vibrate and radiate sound. As a result, these millimeter-sized tymbals can produce ultrasounds at the equivalent level of a lively human conversation."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interdisciplinary-research-nbsp">Interdisciplinary research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team used advanced techniques from both biology and engineering mechanics to achieve their findings. Detailed computer simulations, along with biological characterization of the wing's morphology and material properties, enabled the researchers to accurately model the snap-through response and sound production, closely matching recorded moth signals.</p>



<p>“The integration of various methods across the sciences with a consistent information flow across discipline boundaries in the spirit of ‘team science’ is what made this study unique and a success," said co-author Rainer Groh. "In addition, without the amazing modern capabilities in imaging, data analysis and computation, uncovering the mechanics of this complex biological phenomenon would not have been possible."</p>



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



<p>The study not only contributes to our understanding of insect defense mechanisms against predators but also has broader implications for engineering and technology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The phenomenon of structural buckling and sound production, though rarely studied together, presents exciting opportunities for developing morphing structures with enhanced functionality or efficiency, particularly in fields such as aerospace.</p>



<p>“In the realm of engineering design, nonlinear elastic responses, such as buckling and snap-through instabilities, have traditionally been perceived as failure modes to be avoided," said Professor Alberto Pirrera.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In our research, we have been advocating a paradigm shift and have demonstrated that buckling events can be strategically leveraged to imbue structures with smart functionality or enhanced mass-efficiency. Yponomeuta’s aeroelastic tymbal embodies the concept of beneficial nonlinearity. The natural world, once again, serves as a source of inspiration.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.&nbsp;</p>



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How ermine moths effortlessly produce ultrasonic warning sounds 

A new study from the University of Bristol sheds light...

<p>In an unprecedented medical event, a French Bulldog puppy named Tyson experienced the spontaneous regrowth of his jaw after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. </p>



<p>This remarkable case, documented by <a href="https://vet.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> veterinarians, marks the first of its kind for dogs, offering new hope and insights into veterinary oncology and surgical recovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-challenge-a-malignant-diagnosis">The challenge: A malignant diagnosis</h2>



<p>Tyson, a three-month-old French <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/english-bulldogs-are-suffering-from-poor-breeding-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulldog</a>, was initially brought to Cornell’s Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service for a cleft palate operation. </p>



<p>It was during this time that a malignant tumor was discovered on his lower left mandible. Dr. Alexandra Wright, D.V.M. ’18, who spearheaded Tyson’s treatment, identified the tumor as an <a href="https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/oral-tumors-squamous-cell-carcinoma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oral papillary squamous cell carcinoma</a> -- a rare but aggressive cancer in dogs. </p>



<p>“Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most common malignant oral tumor in dogs, and this papillary subtype has previously been reported in young dogs," explained Dr. Wright.</p>



<p>This diagnosis prompted an urgent and drastic response: the removal of a significant portion of Tyson's jaw to save his life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-leap-of-faith-to-save-tyson">A leap of faith to save Tyson</h2>



<p>Despite the grim prognosis, Tyson's owners, Melissa Forsythe and Mike Lacagnina, chose to proceed with the surgery after learning the cancer hadn't spread beyond the tumor site. </p>



<p>“We didn’t know if we wanted to put a puppy through all this. The prognosis at the time was uncertain,” Forsythe said. </p>



<p>However, since Tyson’s CT scans were clear, meaning that the cancer hadn’t spread to other sites in the body, “we decided to give him a chance and continue with surgery. We had no idea his jaw would grow back!”</p>



<p>The surgical team, led by Wright, managed to preserve a vital layer of tissue called the periosteum, which played a crucial role in Tyson's recovery. </p>



<p>The periosteum, rich in blood vessels and nerves, is essential for bone growth and regeneration. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-miracle-french-bulldog-s-jaw-regrows">Medical miracle: French bulldog's jaw regrows</h2>



<p>This meticulous surgical approach, coupled with Tyson's early cancer detection, set the stage for what was to come: the spontaneous and almost complete regrowth of his mandible.</p>



<p>Tyson's recovery defied all odds. Typically, such extensive bone loss in dogs does not regenerate, especially to the extent seen in Tyson's case. </p>



<p>His new mandible, while slightly abnormal in its lack of certain features such as the mandibular canal and teeth, matched the length of the opposite side, maintaining proper jaw alignment and showing no signs of cancer recurrence.</p>



<p>Following his jaw surgery, Tyson faced another challenge with his cleft palate, which also required surgical intervention. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-and-thriving-despite-obstacles">Surviving and thriving despite obstacles</h2>



<p>Throughout his recovery, Tyson displayed remarkable resilience, adapting to life with an E-collar and restrictions on his activity. </p>



<p>Forsythe shared that despite these limitations, their French <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/french-bulldogs-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulldog</a> remained spirited as his jaw healed, enjoying water-soaked kibble and soft toys, and keeping active with walks around the house.</p>



<p>Today, Tyson's story is not just about survival but thriving. He has graduated from obedience class, earned his Canine Good Citizen certification, and even participated in a Christmas parade. </p>



<p>His journey from a critical cancer diagnosis to becoming a symbol of hope and resilience is a testament to the advances in veterinary medicine and the possibilities of regenerative healing.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Wright, reflecting on Tyson's case, highlighted its significance in expanding our understanding of bone regeneration in young dogs and its potential implications for other animals facing similar diagnoses. </p>



<p>Tyson's case underscores the importance of early detection, surgical precision, and the inherent capacity for healing present in young animals.</p>



<p>For Forsythe, Tyson's story is one of love, determination, and the joy of seeing a beloved pet overcome incredible odds. </p>



<p>She hopes that Tyson's remarkable recovery will inspire and inform future treatments for other dogs facing life-threatening conditions. </p>



<p>Through Tyson's journey, the veterinary community has gained invaluable insights into the potential for spontaneous bone regeneration, opening new avenues for research and treatment in veterinary care.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1281232/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Veterinary Science</a></em>.</p>



<p>Special thanks to <em>Melanie Greaver Cordova</em></p>



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



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

French Bulldog puppy spontaneously regrows jaw after cancer diagnosis

In an unprecedented medical event, a French Bulldog puppy named...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge"><strong>Disturbing connections emerge</strong></h2>



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters"><strong>Timing matters</strong></h2>



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns"><strong>Genetic vulnerability patterns</strong></h2>



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications"><strong>Public health implications</strong></h2>



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



<p>Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



<p>The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.</p>



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



<p>At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.</p>



<p>"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.</p>



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



<p>The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



<p>Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.</p>



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



<p>Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.</p>



<p>Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



<p>The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.</p>



<p>Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



<p>Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



<p>The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.</p>



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



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.</p>



<p>The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



<p>This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.</p>



<p>The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.</p>



<p>The full study was recently published in <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What was acid rain?</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The science behind it</strong></h2>



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The crisis at its peak</strong></h2>



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Environmental devastation</strong></h2>



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic impact</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The solution: government action and technology</strong></h2>



<p>Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Clean Air Act of 1990</strong></h2>



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cap-and-trade success</strong></h2>



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Technology advances</strong></h2>



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today"><strong>Why we don't hear about it today</strong></h2>



<p>Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Success doesn't make news</strong></h2>



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mission accomplished</strong></h2>



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone"><strong>Is it really gone?</strong></h2>



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What this teaches us</strong></h2>



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



<p>Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



<p><strong>3. What made the solution successful?</strong> Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.</p>



<p><strong>4. Do other countries have acid rain problems?</strong> Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.</p>



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[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>



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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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