<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>Researchers have discovered that goats possess the remarkable ability to distinguish between human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-better-at-expressing-emotions-than-cats-except-for-anger/">emotions</a>, specifically happiness and anger, merely through the sound of a voice. The study sheds new light on the emotional intelligence of livestock, particularly goats.</p>



<p>The research was co-led by Professor Alan McElligott, an expert in animal behavior and welfare at <a href="https://www.cityu.edu.hk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City University of Hong Kong</a> (CityUHK).</p>



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



<p>"Reading another animal's emotional state can enable receivers to anticipate their behavioral motivations, which is important in guiding interactions with that individual. For species living closely alongside humans, the emotional cues that we express can be almost as informative as those of conspecifics," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Goats, Capra hircus, can discriminate differences in emotional valence present in another goat's calls, and we investigated whether this ability extends to human speech."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-insights">Fascinating insights</h2>



<p>The study reveals a fascinating insight: goats seem to have developed a sensitivity to our vocal cues over their long association with humans. This ability highlights not only their emotional intelligence but also their adaptability to human presence.</p>



<p>“This study offers the first evidence that goats can discriminate between cues expressed in the human voice, namely, emotional valence,” said Professor McElligott. “These findings contribute to the limited literature available indicating livestock, like companion animals, are sensitive to human emotional cues.”</p>



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



<p>For the investigation, goats were presented with a series of voice playbacks expressing either a positive (happy) or a negative (angry) emotional valence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In response to the recordings, the goats tended to spend longer gazing toward the source of the sound after a change in the valence of a human voice. This behavior was particularly noticeable when the playback switched from a happier to an angrier sounding voice or vice versa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gazing-behavior">Gazing behavior</h2>



<p>"We predicted that if goats could discriminate emotional content conveyed in the human voice, they would dishabituate, looking faster and for longer towards the source of the sound, following the first shift in valence,” said Dr. Marianne Mason of the University of Roehampton.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results were consistent with this theory, as 75% of the goats that looked at the speaker following a change in valence held their gaze for more extended periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-responses-nbsp">Varied responses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study's findings were not uniform across all goats. Some did not respond to the auditory cues, possibly due to variations in cognitive abilities among goats to perceive human emotional cues or other external factors.</p>



<p>Furthermore, no significant physiological changes, such as a raised heartbeat, were observed in the goats when exposed to changes in voice valence.</p>



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



<p>The research has profound implications for understanding animal behavior, welfare, and emotional experiences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since goats and other livestock frequently hear the human voice in their daily lives, understanding how they perceive different emotional tones is crucial. Negative voices might induce fear, whereas positive ones could be calming and foster human-animal bonding.</p>



<p>"The observed differences in goat responses to human emotional cues may emphasise the importance of individual experiences and learning, particularly interspecific emotional communication," said Professor McElligott.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Further research is needed to understand the importance of the human voice on the emotional lives and welfare of goats and other domesticated species."</p>



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



<p>Goats have formed a close bond with humans through thousands of years of domestication. They belong to the genus Capra and are closely related to sheep. </p>



<p>Goats are used worldwide for their milk, meat, fur, and skin. In many cultures, they are particularly valued for their ability to thrive in harsh environments where other livestock might struggle.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior">Behavior</h3>



<p>Goats are known for their playful behavior and are often seen climbing and balancing in precarious places. They have a varied diet and are browsers by nature, often preferring to eat leaves, twigs, vines, and shrubs rather than grass.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-structure-nbsp">Social structure&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Goats are generally herd animals and establish a social hierarchy within their group. This hierarchy is often determined through head-butting contests and other displays of dominance.</p>



<p>Female goats are called does or nannies, and males are known as bucks or billies. Young goats are called kids. Goats communicate with each other through bleats and other vocalizations, and they have been noted for their intelligence and ability to learn complex tasks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-value-nbsp">Economic value&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In many parts of the world, goats play a significant role in the economy and culture. Their milk is often turned into cheese, which is a staple in many diets. In addition to dairy products, goats are also raised for their fiber; for example, the Cashmere and Angora breeds are prized for their luxurious wool.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.12.008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Animal Behaviour</em></a>. </p>



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Goats can recognize human emotions in the sound of a voice 

Researchers have discovered that goats possess the remarkable ability to...

<p>In a new study, researchers have investigated the often overlooked psychological consequences of "yo-yo dieting." The study, led by Professor Lynsey Romo at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>, offers a critical perspective on this widespread phenomenon.</p>



<p>The researchers caution against the normalization of fad <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-linked-to-unexpected-health-risks/">diets</a> and quick weight-loss plans, which have become ingrained in societal pursuits of beauty ideals.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-people-should-avoid-dieting-nbsp">Most people should avoid dieting&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Yo-yo dieting - unintentionally gaining weight and dieting to lose weight only to gain it back and restart the cycle - is a prevalent part of American culture, with fad diets and lose-weight-quick plans or drugs normalized as people pursue beauty ideals," said Professor Romo.</p>



<p>"Based on what we learned through this study, as well as the existing research, we recommend that most people avoid dieting, unless it is medically necessary. Our study also offers insights into how people can combat insidious aspects of weight cycling and challenge the cycle."</p>



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



<p>The researchers interviewed 36 adults who had experienced significant weight cycling, defined as losing and regaining more than 11 pounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The sample included 13 men and 23 women, and the aim was to understand the reasons behind their entry into the yo-yo dieting cycle and their efforts, if any, to break free from it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misguided-motivation">Misguided motivation</h2>



<p>The findings were revealing. All of the participants reported that their motivation to lose weight stemmed from social stigma or comparisons with celebrities and peers, rather than health concerns.</p>



<p>"Overwhelmingly, participants did not start dieting for health reasons, but because they felt social pressure to lose weight," said Professor Romo.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-regain-nbsp">Weight regain&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study participants adopted various weight-loss strategies, which, while initially successful, led to eventual weight regain. This regain often resulted in feelings of shame and further internalization of weight-related stigma, exacerbating negative self-perceptions. Such experiences propelled participants towards extreme behaviors in an attempt to lose weight again.</p>



<p>"For instance, many participants engaged in disordered weight management behaviors, such as binge or emotional eating, restricting food and calories, memorizing calorie counts, being stressed about what they were eating and the number on the scale, falling back on quick fixes (such as low-carb diets or diet drugs), overexercising, and avoiding social events with food to drop pounds fast," said Professor Romo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Inevitably, these diet behaviors became unsustainable, and participants regained weight, often more than they had initially lost."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unhealthy-obsession">Unhealthy obsession</h2>



<p>Katelin Mueller, co-author of the study and graduate student at NC State, noted that almost all of the study participants became obsessed with their weight.</p>



<p>"Weight loss became a focal point for their lives, to the point that it distracted them from spending time with friends, family, and colleagues and reducing weight-gain temptations such as drinking and overeating," said Mueller.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vicious-cycle-nbsp">Vicious cycle&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Professor Romo, the participants referred to the experience as an addiction or a vicious cycle.</p>



<p>"Individuals who were able to understand and address their toxic dieting behaviors were more successful at breaking the cycle. Strategies people used to combat these toxic behaviors included focusing on their health rather than the number on the scale, as well as exercising for fun, rather than counting the number of calories they burned," said Professor Romo.</p>



<p>"Participants who were more successful at challenging the cycle were also able to embrace healthy eating behaviors - such as eating a varied diet and eating when they were hungry - rather than treating eating as something that needs to be closely monitored, controlled or punished."</p>



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



<p>However, most of the participants remained trapped in the cycle, hindered by ingrained thought patterns, societal expectations, toxic diet culture, and pervasive weight stigma. The study thus highlights the immense difficulty in exiting this cycle, even with strong motivation to do so.</p>



<p>"Ultimately, this study tells us that weight cycling is a negative practice that can cause people real harm," said Professor Romo. "Our findings suggest that it can be damaging for people to begin dieting unless it is medically necessary."</p>



<p>"Dieting to meet some perceived societal standard inadvertently set participants up for years of shame, body dissatisfaction, unhappiness, stress, social comparisons, and weight-related preoccupation. Once a diet has begun, it is very difficult for many people to avoid a lifelong struggle with their weight."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/10497323231221666" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Qualitative Health Research</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Breaking the cycle: The hidden harms of yo-yo dieting

In a new study, researchers have investigated the often overlooked...

<p>A team of scientists, using cutting-edge technology, has uncovered a fascinating star system named TOI-1136 in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>. </p>



<p>Located over 270 light years from Earth, this system, surprisingly close given the vast 100,000 light-year diameter of our galaxy, hosts a family of six, possibly seven, planets orbiting a dwarf star. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-secrets-of-toi-1136">Unveiling the secrets of TOI-1136</h2>



<p>This discovery is a milestone in our understanding of planetary formation and behavior around youthful stars.</p>



<p>Tara Fetherolf, a visiting assistant professor of astrophysics at <a href="https://www.csusm.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cal State San Marcos</a> and a co-author of the study, highlights the uniqueness of this system.</p>



<p>“Because few star systems have as many planets as this one does, it’s getting close in size to our own solar system,” said Fetherolf. “It’s both similar enough and different enough that we can learn a lot.”</p>



<p>Their findings build upon initial 2019 observations from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (<a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/tess/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TESS</a>). The paper presents detailed insights into the exoplanets' masses, orbital shapes, and atmospheric properties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toi-1136-a-stellar-enigma">TOI-1136: A stellar enigma</h2>



<p>The youth of TOI-1136, at just 700 million years old, is a key factor that sets it apart from many known systems, including our 4.5 billion-year-old solar system. </p>



<p>Stephen Kane, a professor of planetary astrophysics at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> and principal investigator of the TESS Keck Survey, explained the significance. </p>



<p>“This gives us a look at planets right after they’ve formed, and solar system formation is a hot topic. Any time we find a multi-planet system it gives us more information to inform our theories about how systems come to be and how our system got here,” Kane said. </p>



<p>Juvenile stars like the one in TOI-1136 are both challenging and fascinating to study due to their high levels of activity, including intense magnetism, sunspots, and solar flares. </p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-supersonic-outflow-of-young-star-hh-211/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Young stars</a> are much like toddlers, unpredictable and active, which can complicate high-precision measurements,” Kane explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparative-analysis-of-planetary-evolution">Comparative analysis of planetary evolution</h2>



<p>Interestingly, all the planets in this system share a similar age and formation conditions, providing a unique opportunity to compare how planets and their atmospheres evolve over time at varying distances from their star. </p>



<p>Moreover, the proximity of these planets to each other allowed the researchers to observe the gravitational effects they exert on one another -– a phenomenon difficult to measure in other systems.</p>



<p>The team, using instruments like the Automated Planet Finder telescope and the High-Resolution Echelle Spectrometer, detected subtle stellar motion variations. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reimagining-solar-system-origins">Reimagining solar system origins</h2>



<p>These findings, according to Corey Beard, the lead author and a <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Irvine</a> Ph.D. candidate in physics, are the result of combining hundreds of velocity measurements with transit data, culminating in one of the most complex planetary system models in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a> research.</p>



<p>“It took a lot of trial and error, but we were really happy with our results after developing one of the most complicated planetary system models in exoplanet literature to date,” Beard said.</p>



<p>The collaborative efforts of international research teams, employing advanced technological tools, deepens our knowledge of distant worlds while bringing us closer to comprehending the unique nature of our own solar system. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contemplating-our-place-in-the-universe">Contemplating our place in the universe</h2>



<p>In summary, the study of TOI-1136 opens new vistas in our quest to understand the cosmos. By meticulously unraveling the mysteries of this young, multi-planet system, scientists are revealing the intricacies of planetary formation and evolution. </p>



<p>Kane concludes with a reflection on the rarity of our solar system, saying, “The more we discover systems unlike ours, the more it appears that our solar system's configuration might be exceptionally uncommon in the universe.”</p>



<p>As we continue to explore these celestial frontiers, each discovery like TOI-1136 not only enriches our scientific understanding but also challenges our perception of our place in the vast expanse of the universe.</p>



<p>This international collaborative effort involved prestigious institutions from around the globe, including research teams from the United States, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Japan, Australia, and others. </p>



<p>The study was funded by the W.M. Keck Foundation, NASA, and the National Science Foundation.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.04635" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astronomical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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Six-planet system discovered just 270 light years away named TOI-1136

A team of scientists, using cutting-edge technology, has uncovered a...

<p>Scientists have identified 85 new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>, a major advancement in the search for extraterrestrial life. </p>



<p>The study was led by Faith Hawthorn, a PhD student in the <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Warwick</a>'s Astronomy and Astrophysics department.</p>



<p>Utilizing data from NASA’s <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/tess/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite </a>(TESS), the research team made significant discoveries about these planets outside our solar system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-planetary-systems">Unique planetary systems</h2>



<p>"All of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifting-the-veil-on-alien-exoplanets-with-hazy-atmospheres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> are in 85 unique systems – one planet per star," Hawthorn explained. The diversity of these exoplanets is notable, with some potentially rocky and others gaseous. The habitability of these planets remains a subject of further research. </p>



<p>"It's quite rare for habitable planets to be discovered – you need a very specific set of conditions for habitability, and would need future work to confirm this," said Hawthorn.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-for-transits">Looking for transits</h2>



<p>The TESS mission's methodology involves looking for "transits," periodic dimming in a star's light caused by a planet crossing in front of it. </p>



<p>This approach allows astronomers to infer details like a planet's size and its orbital period around the star. </p>



<p>The distance of a planet from its star is crucial in determining its potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-thats-8-billion-years-old-may-exist-on-nearby-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitability</a>, particularly if it falls within the '<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-expands-the-habitable-zone-where-we-may-find-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zone</a>,' where conditions may be suitable for life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orbital-periods-nbsp">Orbital periods&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"There is plenty of scope for continued research into these exoplanets – to learn more about their exact orbital periods, whether or not they have moons, and what exactly they are made of," Hawthorn said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The orbital periods of these new exoplanets are estimated to be between 20 and 700 days, indicating cooler temperatures compared to most TESS-observed exoplanets, which have much shorter orbital periods.</p>



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



<p>Among the 85 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> discovered, 60 are new, while 25 were also detected by other research groups. </p>



<p>These findings await confirmation by NASA, but the researchers are hopeful that future observations will provide definitive validation.</p>



<p>According to Hawthorn, "future work perhaps by other research groups would confirm the planets – a planet is considered to be 'confirmed' when it has a mass (we only have their size, not mass)."</p>



<p>This study represents a significant contribution to our understanding of exoplanets and the ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-generation-telescopes-could-detect-signs-of-life-on-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quest to find life</a> beyond our solar system. </p>



<p>The research, published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</em></a><em> (MNRAS)</em>, adds to the growing catalog of over 5,500 confirmed exoplanets and underscores the vast potential for discovery in our galaxy and beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-tess-mission">More about the TESS mission</h2>



<p>The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a space telescope for NASA's Explorer program, designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method. Launched on April 18, 2018, TESS is intended to survey the brightest stars near the Earth for periodic dips in brightness caused by planetary transits.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-field-of-view">Field of view</h3>



<p>TESS uses four wide-field cameras to view an area of sky 400 times larger than that covered by the Kepler mission. It surveys different sectors of the sky for about 27 days each, covering 85% of the sky over two years.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-goals">Primary goals</h3>



<p>The mission's primary goal is to identify planets ranging from Earth-sized to gas giants, orbiting a wide range of stellar types and orbital distances. The key focus is on small planets near bright stars, as these are the easiest targets for detailed follow-up studies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-follow-up-studies">Follow-up studies</h3>



<p>TESS planets are ideal targets for follow-up observations with both ground-based and space-based telescopes. These observations can provide detailed information about the planets' masses, sizes, densities, and atmospheric properties.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-kepler">Legacy of Kepler</h3>



<p>TESS builds on the legacy of the Kepler mission, which also used the transit method to discover a large number of exoplanets, many of which were Earth-sized and in the habitable zone of their stars.</p>



<p>The TESS mission represents a significant step forward in our ability to discover and study exoplanets, particularly those that could potentially support life.</p>



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85 new exoplanets identified that could potentially harbor life

Scientists have identified 85 new exoplanets, a major advancement in...

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> offers a new perspective on how animals are responding to the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/">climate change</a>. The research was focused on the remarkable adaptability of Europe's most endangered seabird, the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus).</p>



<p>"How individual animals respond to climate change is key to whether populations will persist or go extinct. Yet, few studies investigate how changes in individual behavior underpin these population-level phenomena," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"Shifts in the distributions of migratory animals can occur through adaptation in migratory behaviors, but there is little understanding of how selection and plasticity contribute to population range shift."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-adaptability-nbsp">Behavioral adaptability&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts found that the rapid migratory range shift of the Balearic shearwater is primarily due to individual behavioral flexibility rather than evolutionary selection.</p>



<p>The significance of this finding lies in its implications for conservation strategies of vulnerable migratory bird species. </p>



<p>The research also suggests that animals may possess more behavioral adaptability to respond to climate changes than previously believed. </p>



<p>However, this adaptability might come with hidden costs, leaving the long-term effects on the Balearic shearwaters uncertain.</p>



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



<p>Known for their longevity, Balearic shearwaters are currently classified as critically endangered, largely due to declines associated with fisheries by-catch. </p>



<p>These seabirds breed in the secluded areas of the Mediterranean's Balearic Islands and migrate to the Atlantic coasts of Spain, France, and increasingly the UK for summer.</p>



<p>The shift in their migration patterns was discovered through a collaborative effort involving researchers from the University of Oxford's Biology Department, the University of Liverpool, and other collaborators in Ibiza.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-migration-patterns-nbsp">Shifting migration patterns&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Since 2010, the experts have been tracking colonies in Mallorca using state-of-the-art miniature geolocation devices. These devices revealed a consistent northward migration trend, with an average shift of 25km per year.</p>



<p>"We found that the best predictor of this change in migratory behavior was the average sea surface temperature in the summering-grounds, suggesting that the birds may well be following changes in underlying marine resources. The fact that individuals can be this flexible in the face of rapid climate change is encouraging," said study co-lead author Joe Wynn.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-delays">Breeding delays</h2>



<p>Despite their flexibility in changing summer destinations, Balearic shearwaters face constraints regarding their breeding locations. This means that migrating further north results in a longer journey back in the autumn. </p>



<p>"We found that individuals speed up their return migration the further north they have gone, but this only partially compensates for the extra distance and they still arrive back in the Mediterranean late. We don’t yet know how such delays may affect their breeding success or survival," explained study co-author Professor Tim Guilford.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-distance-navigation">Long-distance navigation</h2>



<p>The study also delved into the intriguing aspect of how these birds navigate such long distances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We found that the route individual birds took on previous migratory journeys was a much better predictor of return speed than an estimate of the straight line distance back to the colony," said study co-lead author Patrick Lewin.</p>



<p>"This suggests that birds do not rely on a large-scale navigational map on migration, but instead have some memory of the route they have flown in the past."</p>



<p>"It is possible that individual route memory plays an important role in the migration of many other long-lived seabirds, but further research is needed to clarify this."</p>



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



<p>Balearic shearwaters, part of a highly threatened group of birds, face a multitude of threats including predation, habitat degradation, fisheries bycatch, overfishing, pollution, and windfarm development. </p>



<p>"In addition to direct threats both on land and at sea, the increasing threat of climate change poses a challenge for a species that breeds in such a restricted habitat," said study collaborator Pep Arcos, SEO at Birdlife.</p>



<p>"Results from this study suggest that individual flexibility might help with distribution shifts driven by climate change outside the breeding season, but the question is still open about what might be the consequences of climate change for the birds during breeding, when their movements are constrained by the location of the colony."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2312438121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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Balearic shearwaters have a remarkable response to climate change

A new study led by the University of Oxford offers...

3d,Illustration,Of,Black,Hole,Absorbing,Light,In,Deep,Space.

<p>MIT scientists have discovered a fascinating aspect of our universe. Black holes that shred stars during tidal disruption events are more common than previously thought.</p>



<p>The research team has discovered 18 new tidal disruption events (TDEs), where stars are torn apart by the immense gravitational pull of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-tidal-disruption-events-tdes">Hunting tidal disruption events (TDEs)</h2>



<p>Tidal disruption events occur when a star gets too close to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>, resulting in its gravitational disintegration. </p>



<p>As the star is drawn in and torn apart, the black hole releases a massive energy burst across the electromagnetic spectrum. </p>



<p>Traditionally, astronomers have identified TDEs by observing specific bursts in optical and X-ray bands. </p>



<p>However, these methods have only uncovered a handful of such events in the nearby universe, limiting our understanding.</p>



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



<p>The <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> researchers, led by graduate student Megan Masterson, took a novel approach by focusing on the infrared spectrum. </p>



<p>Their findings indicate that infrared emissions can be a reliable indicator of TDEs, especially in 'dusty' galaxies. </p>



<p>In these environments, dense galactic debris often obscures optical and X-ray signals, masking the presence of TDEs. Yet, as the dust absorbs energy, it heats up, producing detectable infrared radiation.</p>



<p>Masterson emphasizes the importance of this method, stating, "The majority of these sources don’t show up in optical bands. If you want to understand TDEs as a whole and use them to probe supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hyades-star-cluster-may-contain-the-closest-black-holes-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> demographics, you need to look in the infrared band." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doubling-the-known-catalog-of-tdes">Doubling the known catalog of TDEs</h2>



<p>This approach not only doubled the catalog of known TDEs but also unveiled events in varied types of galaxies scattered across the sky.</p>



<p>The team's research extends beyond just identifying these events. They recently discovered the closest TDE to date, utilizing infrared observations. </p>



<p>This finding has paved a new path for astronomers to search for actively feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-black-hole-is-spinning-in-the-nearby-galaxy-m87-study-confurms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, marking a significant advancement in the field.</p>



<p>For their study, the MIT team, which includes Kishalay De, Christos Panagiotou, Anna-Christina Eilers, Danielle Frostig, and Robert Simcoe, along with assistant professor of physics Erin Kara and collaborators from various institutions, combed through archival data from <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/neowise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NEOWISE</a>.</p>



<p>This satellite, part of NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/wide-field-infrared-survey-explorer-wise" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer</a>, scans the sky for infrared transients or brief bursts. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-infrared-revelation-0">The infrared revelation</h2>



<p>The team embarked on their quest by sifting through archived observations from the mission, utilizing an algorithm crafted by co-author Kishalay De. </p>



<p>This specialized algorithm identifies patterns in infrared emissions that hint at transient bursts of radiation, potentially indicating TDEs. </p>



<p>The researchers then meticulously cross-referenced these signals with a comprehensive catalog of nearby galaxies, spanning 200 megaparsecs or 600 million light years.</p>



<p>The key was in discerning the source of each galaxy's infrared burst. By excluding other possible sources like active galactic nuclei or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-finds-a-second-lensed-supernova-in-a-distant-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, the team honed in on unique infrared patterns indicative of TDEs. </p>



<p>These patterns typically showcase a sharp spike in temperature to about 1,000 kelvins, followed by a gradual decline, a signature of a black hole consuming a star and heating the surrounding dust.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-the-hidden-wonders-of-tdes">Revealing the hidden wonders of TDEs</h2>



<p>This thorough analysis yielded 18 distinct signals of tidal disruption events. Intriguingly, these TDEs were found in a diverse array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seismic-ripples-observed-in-the-oldest-known-spiral-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic systems</a>, dispelling previous notions that they predominantly occur in specific galaxy types. </p>



<p>"If you looked up in the sky and saw a bunch of galaxies, the TDEs would occur representatively in all of them," explains lead researcher Megan Masterson. </p>



<p>"It’s not that they’re only occurring in one type of galaxy, as people thought based on optical and X-ray searches."</p>



<p>Edo Berger, a professor of astronomy at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, who was not involved in the study, commends this advancement, noting, "It is now possible to peer through the dust and complete the census of nearby TDEs." </p>



<p>“A particularly exciting aspect of this work is the potential of follow-up studies with large infrared surveys, and I’m excited to see what discoveries they will yield," Berger added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resolving-long-standing-astronomical-enigmas">Resolving long-standing astronomical enigmas</h2>



<p>These discoveries address several long-standing enigmas in astrophysics. Previously, TDEs were mostly observed in 'post-starburst' galaxies, which are rare and relatively dust-free, making TDEs easier to detect via optical or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-x-ray-telescope-discovers-the-ghostly-cosmic-hand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray emissions</a>. </p>



<p>The MIT team's approach, focusing on the infrared spectrum, reveals that TDEs are not exclusive to these galaxy types but can occur across a broader range.</p>



<p>Moreover, the study offers an explanation for the "missing energy" problem in TDE research. Theoretical models predict a higher energy output from TDEs than what was observed. </p>



<p>The team's findings suggest that dust in galaxies may absorb not only visible and X-ray light but also extreme ultraviolet radiation, accounting for this missing energy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-the-frequency-of-tidal-disruption-events">Estimating the frequency of tidal disruption events</h2>



<p>These 18 new detections also aid in refining estimates of how frequently TDEs occur. Incorporating these findings, researchers now estimate that a typical galaxy experiences a tidal disruption event once every 50,000 years, aligning closer to theoretical predictions.</p>



<p>“People were coming up with very odd solutions to these puzzles, and now we’ve come to the point where we can resolve all of them,” MIT assistant professor of physics Erin Kara says. </p>



<p>“This gives us confidence that we don’t need all this strange physics to explain what we’re seeing. And we have a better handle on the mechanics behind how a star gets ripped apart and gobbled up by a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-black-hole-ever-discovered-dates-back-to-the-dawn-of-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>. We’re understanding these systems better,” Kara concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-event-horizon">Beyond the event horizon</h2>



<p>In summary, the MIT team's pioneering research has revolutionized our understanding of tidal disruption events, unveiling the prevalence of star-shredding black holes across various types of galaxies. </p>



<p>By shifting the focus to infrared observations, they have more than doubled the known catalog of TDEs and resolved long-standing puzzles in astrophysics, such as the "missing energy" problem. </p>



<p>This breakthrough paves the way for future explorations and a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interactions between stars and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echo-of-gravitational-waves-heard-for-the-first-time-finally-confirming-their-existence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>. </p>



<p>Their findings are a testament to the ever-evolving nature of astronomical research and our quest to unravel the mysteries of the universe.</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad18bb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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18 black holes captured devouring nearby stars in dramatic tidal disruption events

MIT scientists have discovered a fascinating aspect of our universe....

<p>A new study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www5.usp.br/english/institutional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> has shed new light on the link between stress experienced during adolescence and the predisposition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supportive-adults-help-protect-children-from-mental-health-issues/">mental illness</a> in adulthood. </p>



<p>The comprehensive research, involving experiments on rats, reveals significant alterations in gene expression within the brain, particularly in genes associated with energy metabolism.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study provides valuable insights into how adolescent stress can lead to long-term psychiatric disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-time-of-development-nbsp">Critical time of development&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Like the human brain, the brain of an adolescent rat is highly plastic. This plasticity is seen at the molecular level and in terms of behavior," explained study first author Thamyris Santos-Silva.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Changes in the expression profiles of specific genes in different brain regions lead to alterations in brain cell connectivity, which spread systemically and can produce persistent alterations in adulthood that correlate with psychiatric disorders."</p>



<p>“Adolescence is a critical period for brain plasticity, which is significantly influenced by social experience,” said study co-author Felipe Villela Gomes. “Susceptibility to adverse social and environmental factors, such as traumas, insults and abuse, increases during this period, and social experience can influence vulnerability and resilience to stress.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prefrontal-cortex">Prefrontal cortex</h2>



<p>The study revolves around the prefrontal cortex, a brain region particularly sensitive to stress during adolescence. This region, crucial for the cognitive control of emotions in adulthood, exhibited reduced gene expression levels associated with mitochondrial respiration in rats subjected to adolescent stress. </p>



<p>Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell, and are essential for the chemical energy needed for properly functioning neurons. Ultimately, mitochondria play a critical role in regulating social behavior and stress responses.</p>



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



<p>The research began with an analysis of behavioral responses to stress in late-adolescent rats, including aspects such as anxiety, social interaction, and cognition. The rats were exposed to a stress protocol over ten consecutive days, coinciding with a period of intense brain plasticity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Behavioral assessments revealed significant impairments across all tested domains. “We found that stressed animals in this life stage displayed a markedly poor behavioral profile, with anxiety, reduced sociability and impaired cognitive function,” Gomes said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-gene-expression">Changes in gene expression</h2>



<p>To further understand these behavioral changes, RNA samples from the rats were sent to the Behavioral Genetics Laboratory of the Brain Mind Institute at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, led by Professor Carmen Sandi.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, the team identified alterations in the genes of the prefrontal cortex in stressed animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The analysis showed alterations to the genes of the prefrontal cortex in the stressed animals. Among the ten most affected genes, several were associated with pathways linked to oxidative stress and mitochondrial function, a key cellular component of energy production for the brain,” said Gomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitochondrial-function">Mitochondrial function</h2>



<p>The team also found that oxygen consumption by mitochondria in the brains of stressed animals was impaired, underlining the crucial role of mitochondrial function in the observed behavioral profile.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We now have evidence of various kinds pointing to the importance of mitochondrial function in this behavioral profile,” said Gomes.</p>



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



<p>Looking ahead, the research team plans to explore whether this behavioral profile can predict an individual's stress response and its potential to lead to psychiatric disorders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Another route to advance the study would be to focus on genetic alterations, conducting tests to find out what happens when gene expression diminishes or improves. This could provide more evidence regarding the links between stress and the alterations in question, and even point to ways to combat them,” Gomes said.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41398-023-02648-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Translational Psychiatry</em></a>. </p>



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Study reveals how childhood stress changes the brain

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of...

<p>Meteorites, fragments of asteroids that blaze across our skies as shooting stars, are more than just celestial spectacles. They are frozen time capsules, preserving the building blocks of life and the primordial elements from which our solar system originated. </p>



<p>These cosmic relics offer invaluable insights into the mysteries of matter and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-a-galaxy-12-billion-light-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life's emergence</a> on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-life-in-the-winchcombe-meteorite">Secrets of life in the Winchcombe meteorite</h2>



<p>A recent pioneering study, led by Dr. Christian Vollmer from the <a href="https://www.uni-muenster.de/Mineralogie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Mineralogy</a> at Münster University, in collaboration with British researchers, has made a groundbreaking discovery using the Winchcombe meteorite. </p>



<p>This particular meteorite, observed falling in England in February 2021 and swiftly collected, is a pristine witness to the solar system's birth, untainted by life and Earth's varying climates.</p>



<p>Dr. Vollmer's team achieved a remarkable feat in the analysis of this meteorite. They became the first to precisely identify vital nitrogen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compounds</a>, including amino acids and heterocyclic hydrocarbons, within the meteorite without resorting to chemical treatments. </p>



<p>“Normally, meteorites are tracked down in the cold and hot deserts on Earth, where the dry climate means that they don’t weather very fast, but they do change as a result of humidity,” says Vollmer. </p>



<p>“If a meteorite fall is observed soon after the event and the meteorite is quickly collected, as was the case in Winchcombe, they are important ‘witnesses’ for us regarding the birth of our solar system -- which makes them especially interesting for research purposes.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-meteorite-analysis">New era in meteorite analysis</h2>



<p>The traditional approach to studying meteorites involves extracting and enriching molecules like amino acids and hydrocarbons, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-building-blocks-may-have-formed-near-newborn-stars-and-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks of life</a>, using solvents or acids. </p>



<p>This process, while effective, often alters the fragile substances under study. Dr. Vollmer's team, however, utilized a cutting-edge, high-resolution electron microscope at the <a href="https://www.superstem.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SuperSTEM laboratory</a> in Daresbury, England. </p>



<p>This "super-microscope" not only offers atomic resolution imaging of high-carbon compounds but also features a novel detector design for chemical analysis.</p>



<p>“Demonstrating the existence of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Extraterrestrial-building-blocks-of-life_discovered_UK-meteorite_electron-microscope_SuperSTEM-Laboratory_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biologically relevant organic compounds</a> in an untreated meteorite is a significant achievement for research,” says Vollmer, emphasizing the importance of this discovery. </p>



<p>“It shows that these building blocks of life can be characterized in these cosmic sediments even without chemical extraction.”</p>



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



<p>This advancement is a major leap in understanding meteorites. It also holds immense potential for analyzing extraterrestrial specimens returned from space missions, like the dust particles from asteroids collected by <a href="https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/en/missions/spacecraft/current/hayabusa2.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hayabusa2</a> (Japanese Space Agency) and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-safely-delivers-rock-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> (NASA). </p>



<p>This method preserves the integrity of these delicate substances, offering a more authentic glimpse into the early solar system and the origins of life on Earth.</p>



<p>In summary, the origins of life on our planet remain an enigma, with some scientists hypothesizing that life's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroids-were-formed-in-cold-regions-of-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential components</a> were delivered via meteorites over four billion years ago.</p>



<p>The Winchcombe meteorite, with its unaltered state and the advanced technology used in its analysis, brings us closer to unraveling this mystery. </p>



<p>The research furthers our understanding of our cosmic beginnings, while demonstrating new methods for studying extraterrestrial matter, potentially answering some of the most profound questions about our existence in the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-building-blocks-of-life">More about the building blocks of life</h2>



<p>Life, in its diverse and complex forms, is built upon a foundation of relatively simple yet fascinating elements known as the building blocks of life. </p>



<p>These fundamental components, working in harmony, create the incredible tapestry of living organisms we observe on Earth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amino-acids-the-alphabet-of-life">Amino acids: The alphabet of life</h3>



<p>At the heart of these building blocks are amino acids, often hailed as the "letters" of the biological alphabet. </p>



<p>Amino acids combine to form proteins, the workhorses of cells, executing a plethora of functions from catalyzing biochemical reactions to providing structural support. </p>



<p>Proteins are not just functional entities; they play a crucial role in signaling and regulation within organisms, orchestrating the symphony of life processes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-pioneers-dna-and-rna">Genetic pioneers: DNA and RNA</h3>



<p>Nucleic acids, comprising DNA and RNA, form another critical component. DNA holds the genetic blueprint of an organism, passing on hereditary information from one generation to the next. </p>



<p>RNA, on the other hand, serves as the messenger and the translator, converting the genetic code into functional proteins. Together, these nucleic acids ensure the continuity and diversity of life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lipids-the-unsung-heroes-in-cellular-structure">Lipids: The unsung heroes in cellular structure</h3>



<p>Lipids, often underappreciated, are essential for constructing cell membranes, the protective barriers that encase cells. </p>



<p>These fatty compounds are not just structural elements; they play a vital role in energy storage, signaling, and acting as secondary messengers in various biological processes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbohydrates-the-fuel-of-life">Carbohydrates: The fuel of life</h3>



<p>Carbohydrates, the primary energy source for most organisms, are vital for life. These sugars and starches fuel cellular activities, provide structural integrity to cells, and are involved in cell recognition and signaling processes.</p>



<p>Trace elements and vitamins, though required in smaller quantities, are indispensable for the proper functioning of enzymes and various biochemical reactions. </p>



<p>They act as cofactors, ensuring that biological processes proceed efficiently and effectively.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-journey-into-life-s-molecular-marvels">A journey into life’s molecular marvels</h3>



<p>Understanding these building blocks is not just a scientific endeavor; it's a journey into the essence of life itself. </p>



<p>Each component, while simple in isolation, contributes to the complex and dynamic nature of living organisms. </p>



<p>This knowledge not only deepens our appreciation of life but also fuels advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and our quest to understand the origins and possibilities of life beyond Earth.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45064-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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Extraterrestrial building blocks of life discovered in UK meteorite

Meteorites, fragments of asteroids that blaze across our skies as...

<p>Researchers have successfully mapped the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a> of 51 diverse animals species, including cats, dolphins, kangaroos, penguins, sharks, and turtles. </p>



<p>This significant achievement, spearheaded by a team from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a>, marks a pivotal moment in our understanding of evolution and the intricate genetic ties that bind humans to the animal kingdom.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-human-health-and-evolution">Understanding human health and evolution</h2>



<p><a href="https://engineering.jhu.edu/faculty/michael-schatz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Schatz</a>, the lead author of the study and a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of computer science and biology at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the monumental impact of this discovery. </p>



<p>“Being able to access that genetic information will have huge implications for understanding human health and evolution,” said Schatz. </p>



<p>“A lot of work on drug compounds starts in mice and other animal models, so understanding their genomes and the genomes of other animals directly benefits us.”</p>



<p>The research was conducted in collaboration with the <a href="https://vertebrategenomesproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vertebrate Genomes Project</a>. The team focused on sequencing the genomes of 51 animal species, prioritizing those with significant relevance to human evolutionary studies.</p>



<p>They overcame previous technological constraints by developing innovative algorithms and software, remarkably reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complete-sequencing-of-the-human-genome-reveals-new-findings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome sequencing</a> time from months or even decades to mere days.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-connections-through-animal-genome-mapping">DNA connections through animal genome mapping</h2>



<p>The study highlights an intriguing fact: mammals, which encompass primates, dogs, cats, mice, and humans, share between 50% to 99% of identical DNA. </p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genomes-from-240-mammals-show-what-makes-humans-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shared genetic heritage</a> traces back to a common ancestor who lived approximately 200 million years ago. </p>



<p>By comparing complete genomes of these species, researchers are beginning to pinpoint when and where DNA sequences diverged, offering vital insights into human genetics. </p>



<p>However, the limited number and quality of available vertebrate genomes had previously restricted such comparative studies.</p>



<p>Mapping animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-analysis-can-predict-which-animals-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a>, which are billions of characters long, is no small feat. Traditional gene sequencing technologies faltered, akin to attempting a massive jigsaw puzzle where only blue sky pieces remain. </p>



<p>“Have you ever done a massive jigsaw puzzle where at some point all that’s left is blue sky, and you don’t think you’ll ever be able to fit the right pieces together? The old software would basically give up on these hard parts of the genome. That’s the problem with genome assembly,” Schatz said. </p>



<p>“Our new program, using the latest sequencing data and the latest assembly algorithms, knows how to work through those parts to get a more complete picture.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-democratizing-genome-assembly">Democratizing genome assembly</h2>



<p>The team tested their technology by mapping the genome of the zebra finch, a bird previously sequenced for brain development research. </p>



<p>The new technology proved vastly superior in reassembling genome segments, creating a more accurate and complete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammalian-tree-of-life-traces-evolution-of-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic map</a>.</p>



<p>In a significant move towards open science, the team has made their software freely available online via Galaxy, a web-based platform. </p>



<p>Based at Johns Hopkins and Penn State, Galaxy supports over half a million scientists and educators globally, offering scientific software at no cost. </p>



<p>“In the past, only a handful of elite research groups would have had access to the resources needed to assemble these genomes. Now, anyone on the planet with access to the internet can visit the website and, with a few clicks of the button, run multiple scientific tools,” said <a href="https://galaxyproject.org/people/alex-ostrovsky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alex Ostrovsky</a>, a Johns Hopkins software engineer on the Galaxy team who was responsible for making the tools easy to use for noncoders.</p>



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



<p>The team, in continued collaboration with the Vertebrate Genomes Project, aims to sequence the genomes of at least one species from all 275 vertebrate orders. </p>



<p>Schatz likens this endeavor to constructing an "evolutionary time machine." This ambitious project will trace vertebrate evolution, shedding light on genes and sequences unique to humans.</p>



<p>“In some ways, we’re building an evolutionary time machine,” Schatz said. “We can trace how vertebrates evolved over time and eventually gave rise to genes and sequences that are uniquely found in humans. Having the genes of our evolutionary cousins mapped out will help us better understand ourselves.”</p>



<p>In summary, this groundbreaking research by Michael Schatz and his team marks a significant advancement in the field of genomics, fundamentally transforming our understanding of the evolutionary connections between humans and other vertebrates. </p>



<p>By mapping the genomes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/genome-mapping_51-vertebrate-species_diagram_NSF_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">51 diverse animal species</a> and making their innovative software publicly accessible via the Galaxy platform, the team has democratized the process of genome assembly, empowering researchers across the globe. </p>



<p>Their work offers unprecedented insights into our genetic heritage and sets the stage for future scientific discoveries that could have profound implications for medicine, biology, and our comprehension of life's intricate web on Earth.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-023-02100-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Biotechnology</a></em>.</p>



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Genome mapping completed for dozens of common animals

Researchers have successfully mapped the genomes of 51 diverse animals...

Old,Tyres,Polluting,The,Nature

<p>Recent research has raised significant concerns about the environmental impact of plastic pollutants originating from common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-deadly-and-widespread-environmental-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road tires</a>.</p>



<p>A study, spearheaded by the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and the <a href="https://plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a>, reveals these microparticles should be considered a high concern pollutant, especially in areas heavily contaminated, where they may surpass chronic safety thresholds.</p>



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



<p>The research team delved into the chronic toxicity of particles and chemical leachates emanating from a variety of popular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goodyear-eco-friendly-tires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tire brands</a>. </p>



<p>Their focus extended to the impact these substances have on small planktonic crustaceans, specifically the water flea (<em>Daphnia magna</em>). </p>



<p>The findings were alarming, to put it mildly. The tire-derived pollutants adversely affected both the reproduction and development of these water fleas, which also showed visible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-hazardous-chemicals-found-in-recycled-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle</a> ingestion within their digestive tracts.</p>



<p>The study also shed light on the leachates -- liquids that seep through tire material, carrying harmful chemicals. </p>



<p>Notably, these leachates contained high levels of zinc, titanium, and strontium, along with numerous organic chemicals. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognizing-the-hazard">Recognizing the hazard</h2>



<p>Of the plethora of organic chemicals identified during the research, over 50 were detected across all five tire brands examined. Alarmingly, many of these chemicals were categorized as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highly toxic</a>.</p>



<p>This comprehensive research underscores the hazardous nature of tire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, highlighting them as pollutants of significant concern. </p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, the researchers suggest, could be close to, or even exceed, chronic environmental safety limits in some regions. </p>



<p>Lead author Paul Boisseaux, from the University of Exeter, commented on the complexity of this issue, saying, “Tires exert a complex toxic pressure to wildlife because they release plenty of toxic chemicals as well as tiny particles that can be ingested, so both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxins-from-oil-spills-and-wildfires-are-found-in-killer-whales-and-their-offspring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical</a> and physical effects are occurring.”</p>



<p>The ubiquity of tire usage, essential to modern transportation, underscores the urgency of this issue. The global tire industry, growing by approximately 3% annually, generates tire-tread particles during roadway use that significantly pollute the environment. </p>



<p>It is estimated that about 18% of these particles eventually reach freshwater systems, and 2% find their way into estuaries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-and-global-environmental-challenge">Growing and global environmental challenge</h2>



<p>Previous studies hinted at environmental concentrations of these particles, but their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-butts-leak-thousands-of-deadly-toxins-into-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxicological impact</a> on aquatic organisms was less understood. </p>



<p>To address this, the research team utilized several globally recognized tire brands to create a tire tread microparticle mixture. </p>



<p>The toxicity of both the particles and the chemical leachates was then tested on the water flea over a three-week period. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, the study found that pristine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/roadways-are-the-source-of-most-plastic-dust-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tire tread</a> microparticles were more toxic than the chemical leachates alone.</p>



<p>Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth and co-author of the study, emphasized the gravity of the findings. </p>



<p>“Our previous work has shown that road debris is a major source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-shows-how-microplastics-are-harming-global-soil-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> in the environment. In recent years, we have been working with partners across research and industry to determine how those particles distribute and their potential to cause harm," Thompson explained.</p>



<p>“This new study is of key importance because it demonstrates the potential for harmful effects on an aquatic invertebrate species, at concentrations similar to those we have recorded near to roads in the UK. It is clearly an area we need to explore further,” Thompson concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-forward-fighting-toxic-tire-pollutants">Path forward: Fighting toxic tire pollutants</h2>



<p>In summary, this pivotal research presents a clear and urgent call to action regarding the environmental hazards posed by tire pollutants. </p>



<p>Uncovering the significant toxic impacts these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> have on aquatic life, particularly on crucial species like the water flea, it highlights an urgent need for regulatory attention and further scientific exploration. </p>



<p>The findings challenge the global tire industry to consider more sustainable practices, while encouraging policymakers and environmental agencies to formulate strategies that mitigate this under-recognized but significant environmental threat. </p>



<p>As we continue to rely on tires for transportation, understanding and addressing their environmental footprint becomes imperative for the health of our ecosystems and the future of our planet.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389424001596" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Hazardous Materials</a></em>.</p>



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

Car tires shed pollutants that are especially toxic for humans and wildlife

Recent research has raised significant concerns about the environmental impact...

<p>In a startling revelation, experts have found that rising sea levels are leading to higher-than-anticipated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-finalizes-ambitious-rule-to-slash-methane-emissions/">methane emissions</a> from certain wetland areas. This finding challenges the previously held belief that increasing seawater in tidal wetlands would suppress methane production.</p>



<p>The study, conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Lab</a> and <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a>, involved an extensive examination of 11 different wetland zones. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-results">Unexpected results</h2>



<p>Contrary to expectations, a low-salinity Bay Area estuary ecosystem was found to emit significantly high levels of methane. This was especially surprising given that freshwater sites were emitting far less methane.</p>



<p>The research team analyzed DNA from organisms in soil samples using high-throughput sequencing, identifying genes involved in various metabolic processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complicated-dynamics">Complicated dynamics</h2>



<p>The results indicate that the factors governing how much greenhouse gas is stored or emitted in natural landscapes are more complex and difficult to predict than we thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We looked at how many methanogens, the organisms that make methane, are present in soils at these sites and it wasn't really well correlated with the amount of methane observed. And even if you look at the amount of methanotrophs, organisms that eat methane, in combination with methanogens, that doesn’t seem to fully explain it," said study senior author Susannah Tringe.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-methane-emissions-nbsp">Surprising methane emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One particular site, restored in 2010 from pastureland to its original wetland state, showed high methane emissions despite moderate seawater levels. This finding challenges the assumption that more sulfate from seawater would lead to less methane production, as sulfate-using bacteria were thought to outcompete methanogens.</p>



<p>“Ultimately, we found that there were significant influences from other bacterial groups like the ones that break down carbon and even organisms that are better known as nitrogen cyclers, and we couldn’t readily explain the methane emissions by something as simple as, for example, how much sulfate is available or how many methanogens are there,” explained Tringe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restored-wetlands">Restored wetlands</h2>



<p>Wetlands are increasingly recognized as critical ecosystems that boost carbon storage, improve water quality, and support wildlife. In recent years, there have been widespread efforts to restore wetlands.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Modeling work by study co-author Dennis D. Baldocchi suggests that while the restored wetland site currently adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, it might become a net carbon sink within 100 to 150 years. This timeline is significant for stakeholders who aim for immediate carbon sequestration through ecosystem restoration.</p>



<p>“We want to know if these systems will act as long-term carbon sinks,” said Baldocchi. “And these microbiological investigations can help refine our models and predictions.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Tringe noted that similar findings of increased methane production with increased salinity have been observed in other studies, including experiments by Duke University and North Carolina State University. Collectively, the research highlights that the effects of seawater intrusion and ecosystem restoration are more complicated than previously thought.</p>



<p>“There was this expectation that sulfate would be the most important thing. And in those studies, not only did salt water stimulate methane production, which again is kind of counter to the dogma that sulfate is important, it happened whether you had sulfate there or not; in fact the sulfate didn't have a big effect on the methane emissions,” said Tringe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“So I think these experimental manipulations are reconfirming the story that there's more nuanced effects of seawater intrusion than just a sulfate addition, and also more nuanced factors behind ecosystem restoration.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/msystems.00936-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>mSystems</em></a>. </p>



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Rising seas release more methane from wetlands than expected

In a startling revelation, experts have found that rising sea...

<p>In a remarkable breakthrough for marine biology, a live newborn <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-whites-are-far-more-prevalent-than-expected-on-the-california-coast/">great white</a> shark has been observed in the wild for the first time.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newborn-great-white-shark_credit-UCR_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This historic sighting</a> was made along California’s central coast by wildlife filmmaker Carlos Gauna and Phillip Sternes, a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-sighting">Extraordinary sighting</h2>



<p>On July 9, 2023, Gauna and Sternes were scanning the ocean near Santa Barbara when their drone camera captured an extraordinary sight - a pure white, roughly 5-foot-long shark pup.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We enlarged the images, put them in slow motion, and realized the white layer was being shed from the body as it was swimming,” said Sternes. “I believe it was a newborn white shark shedding its embryonic layer.”</p>



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



<p>Gauna, also known as The Malibu Artist, has spent thousands of hours filming sharks around the world. </p>



<p>In a paper published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-024-01512-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Biology of Fishes</em></a>, the team emphasizes the significance of witnessing a newborn great white shark. This observation could help solve the longstanding mystery of great white birthing habits.</p>



<p>“Where white sharks give birth is one of the holy grails of shark science. No one has ever been able to pinpoint where they are born, nor has anyone seen a newborn baby shark alive,” noted Gauna. “There have been dead white sharks found inside deceased pregnant mothers. But nothing like this.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-skin-condition">Possible skin condition</h2>



<p>The study authors acknowledge that the white film being shed by the shark could have been related to a skin condition. But they do not believe this to be the case.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If that is what we saw, then that too is monumental because no such condition has ever been reported for these sharks,” said Gauna.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-was-it-a-newborn-great-white-nbsp">Was it a newborn great white?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>There are several factors that suggest the animal was a newborn great white shark.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intrauterine-milk">Intrauterine milk</h3>



<p>Great white females give birth to live pups. The mothers provide nourishment to the embryos with a type of "milk" secreted in the uterus. “I believe what we saw was the baby shedding the intrauterine milk,” said Sternes.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-sharks">Pregnant sharks</h3>



<p>In addition, Gauna had previously observed the presence of large great whites that were likely pregnant in this same location.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I filmed three very large sharks that appeared pregnant at this specific location in the days prior. On this day, one of them dove down, and not long afterwards, this fully white shark appears,” said Gauna. “It’s not a stretch to deduce where the baby came from.”</p>



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



<p>The size and shape of the shark (thin, short and rounded) also indicated that it was a newborn. “In my opinion, this one was likely hours, maybe one day old at most,” said Sternes.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birthing-location">Birthing location</h3>



<p>Furthermore, this particular location off the coast of central California near Santa Barbara has long been proposed as a birthing location for great whites.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are a lot of hypothetical areas, but despite intense interest in these sharks, no one’s seen a birth or a newborn pup in the wild,” said Sternes. “This may well be the first evidence we have of a pup in the wild, making this a definitive birthing location.”</p>



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



<p>The sighting is not just a scientific marvel but also a crucial development in great white shark conservation. </p>



<p>Listed as an endangered species, the confirmation of this location as a breeding ground for great whites could prompt legislative action to protect these waters, thereby supporting the thriving of this species. </p>



<p>“Further research is needed to confirm these waters are indeed a great white breeding ground. But if it does, we would want lawmakers to step in and protect these waters to help white sharks keep thriving,” said Sternes. </p>



<p>Click here to see the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newborn-great-white-shark_credit-UCR_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo of the newborn great white shark.</a></p>



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Newborn great white shark spotted for the first time ever

In a remarkable breakthrough for marine biology, a live newborn...

<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>



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>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>



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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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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>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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/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

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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>



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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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