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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/ieJKWW8sp2A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This animation depicts water disappearing over time in the Martian river valley Neretva Vallis, where NASA's Perseverance Mars takes the rock sample named “Sapphire Canyon” from a rock called “Cheyava Falls,” which was found in the “Bright Angel” formation. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></figcaption></figure>



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



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



<p>Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

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...

Man,With,Backpack,On,The,Train,Tracks,In,Winter

<p>In recent years, the world has witnessed a puzzling phenomenon: despite global warming, winters in regions like East Asia and North America are becoming colder. </p>



<p>This has led to a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/sprawling-winter-storm-over-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a> that contradict general climate change predictions. </p>



<p>Historically, Arctic warming and a weakened jet stream have been pointed to as culprits, yet climate models have struggled to confirm this theory conclusively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-extreme-weather">Understanding extreme weather</h2>



<p>The 2021 Texas power outage, triggered by a rare cold snap, underscores the urgent need for precise climate models. </p>



<p>These models are vital for forecasting <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/winter-storm-triggers-deadly-flooding-in-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events and mitigating their socioeconomic impacts. </p>



<p>Recognizing this, leaders in climate technology have set a critical objective: to predict climate trends for the upcoming decade.</p>



<p>A recent discovery by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (<a href="https://eng.kist.re.kr/eng/index.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KIST</a>), in collaboration with Yonsei University. </p>



<p>Senior researcher Mi-Kyung Sung from KIST's Sustainable Environment Research Center and professor Soon-Il An of <a href="https://www.yonsei.ac.kr/en_sc/research/lab_intro.jsp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yonsei University's Center for Irreversible Climate Change</a> have identified the mid-latitude oceans as key players in generating abnormal weather patterns, particularly in East Asia and North America. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-winter-weather-and-climate-change-are-different">Cold winter weather and climate change are different</h2>



<p>This finding is crucial for developing mid to long-term strategies to address <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-arctic-northeast-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winter climate changes</a>.</p>



<p>Ocean currents, by transporting heat energy as well as suspended and dissolved matter, significantly influence the weather and climate of nearby regions. </p>



<p>Areas with rapid temperature changes within a narrow latitude band, such as the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean and the Kuroshio Current's downstream region in the Pacific Ocean, are termed "ocean fronts." </p>



<p>The KIST-Yonsei research team attributes the rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/brutal-winter-storm-dumped-snow-and-ice-from-texas-to-maine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme cold waves</a> to the excessive heat accumulation in these ocean fronts.</p>



<p>Their research reveals a striking correlation: from the early 2000s until now, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Observed-temperature-trends_winters-of-1995-96-2021-22_credit-KIST_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual cold trend</a> in East Asia aligns with heat buildup near the Gulf Stream, and in North America, it corresponds with intensified heat near the Kuroshio Current. </p>



<p>Essentially, these oceanic frontal regions act as thermostats, influencing the frequency of winter cold waves and abnormal high temperatures.</p>



<p>The accumulation of heat in these ocean fronts can span years to decades. During such periods, continental regions might experience a 'warming hiatus,' seemingly defying the global warming trend. In contrast, periods of ocean frontal cooling may lead to accelerated warming in these regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-colder-winter-weather">The future of colder winter weather</h2>



<p>This research suggests that the recent decadal cooling trend is a temporary fluctuation within the broader global climate system. </p>



<p>It implies that as the accumulated heat in the ocean fronts dissipates, we can expect warmer winters to become more common.</p>



<p>Furthermore, climate model experiments, which varied the heat levels near ocean fronts, align with these observations. </p>



<p>This consistency challenges the conventional sea ice theory and underscores the importance of accurately modeling ocean front variability in climate predictions for the next decade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-variations-in-a-warming-world">Climate variations in a warming world</h2>



<p>As global warming progresses and alters the ocean's structure, regional climate variations could undergo significant changes. </p>



<p>Climate model experiments with increased greenhouse gases indicate that North America may face shorter and fewer warming hiatuses, whereas East Asia might experience more frequent alternations between warming hiatuses and acceleration. </p>



<p>These continental differences are driven by the distinct responses of the Kuroshio Current and the Gulf Stream to global warming.</p>



<p>"Applying the effects of ocean fronts revealed in this research to global warming climate models can improve climate change forecasts for the near future," said Dr. Mi-Kyung Sung of KIST. </p>



<p>"It will provide important references for long-term forecasts of winter energy demand and the construction of climate change response infrastructure to prevent climate disasters such as the 2021 Texas power outage," Sung concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-climate-models-yield-better-forecasts">Better climate models yield better forecasts</h2>



<p>In summary, this pioneering research spearheaded by KIST and Yonsei University offers a vital new perspective in understanding the complex interplay between global warming and regional climate patterns, particularly the phenomenon of colder winters amidst a warming planet. </p>



<p>By highlighting the pivotal role of mid-latitude ocean fronts in modulating extreme weather events, the study challenges prevailing theories while highlighting new avenues for enhancing climate models. </p>



<p>This advancement is crucial for more accurate predictions of future climate trends, enabling societies to better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change. </p>



<p>As we face the increasing challenges of a dynamic climate, such insights become invaluable tools in our ongoing efforts to adapt to and navigate the complexities of Earth's ever-changing climate system.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43686-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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



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

Why winters are getting colder when the world is getting warmer

In recent years, the world has witnessed a puzzling phenomenon:...

<p>Eating certain foods before bed can either improve or disrupt your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-derivation-linked-to-unhealthy-diets-among-teens/">sleep</a>, according to experts at <a href="https://www.bedkingdom.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bed Kingdom</a>. Here are some insights into what you should and shouldn't consume for a better night's rest:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-eating-peanut-butter-before-bed">Benefits of eating peanut butter before bed</h2>



<p>Peanut butter, consumed as a late-night snack, can boost sleep quality, stabilize blood sugar levels, and support muscle growth. Rich in nutrients, vitamins, and heart-healthy fats, peanut butter contains tryptophan, which aids in relaxation and sleep induction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Other nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews also support healthy sleep due to their melatonin, magnesium, and zinc content.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-string-cheese-for-late-night-cravings">String cheese for late-night cravings</h2>



<p>If midnight cravings strike, consider snacking on string cheese. Its protein and fat content can satisfy hunger and support a peaceful sleep. String cheese also contains tryptophan, aiding in faster sleep onset.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-chocolate-as-a-midnight-snack">Dark chocolate as a midnight snack</h2>



<p>Contrary to popular belief, dark chocolate might be beneficial for sleep when consumed in moderation about an hour before bed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dark chocolate's serotonin-boosting properties promote calmness and relaxation, while its antioxidants and flavanols can reduce stress levels. Combining dark chocolate with bananas and almonds can further enhance these effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-popcorn-for-movie-nights">Popcorn for movie nights</h2>



<p>Popcorn, rich in fiber and carbs, can be a sleep-friendly snack during movie nights. It aids in serotonin production, a key component of good sleep. Popcorn's tryptophan content also helps regulate sleep patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-turkey-induce-sleepiness">Does turkey induce sleepiness?</h2>



<p>Although turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that regulates sleep and mood, it does not instantly induce sleepiness. Post-meal tiredness is more likely due to carbohydrate-rich meals rather than turkey itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foods-to-avoid-before-bed">Foods to avoid before bed</h2>



<p>Eating certain foods close to bedtime can negatively impact your sleep quality, so it's best to consume them earlier in the day.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tomatoes">Tomatoes</h3>



<p>Their high acidity can lead to indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux, which could disrupt sleep if consumed close to bedtime.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chips">Chips</h3>



<p>High salt content in chips and salted nuts can dehydrate the body, leading to disturbed sleep.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-instant-noodles">Instant noodles</h3>



<p>These ultra-processed foods are associated with poorer sleep quality, disturbances, and longer sleep onset times.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chicken-and-high-protein-foods">Chicken and high-protein foods</h3>



<p>Foods like chicken, salami, and pepperoni - high in protein and tyramine - may keep the brain stimulated and disrupt sleep due to the energy required for digestion.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-white-bread">White bread</h3>



<p>With its high glycemic index, white bread can spike blood sugar levels, leading to energy rushes and disrupted sleep patterns. Opting for wheat bread, which is higher in fiber and complex carbohydrates, can be a healthier alternative for evening consumption.</p>



<p>In conclusion, choosing the right foods before bedtime can significantly improve sleep quality, while others can hinder it. Being mindful of these dietary choices is key to achieving a restful sleep.</p>



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Midnight snack: The best foods for a good night’s sleep

Eating certain foods before bed can either improve or disrupt...

Electric,Aircraft,Charger,Station,With,Plug,And,Power,Cable,Supply

<p>The aviation industry, accounting for about 2 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions and 4 percent of climate change impacts annually, stands at a critical juncture. In the quest to mitigate these environmental ramifications, electric aircraft are emerging as a promising avenue. </p>



<p>Recent advancements have ushered in the first generation of electric aircraft, predominantly utilized for pilot training and short-range flights. </p>



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



<p>The life cycle assessment of such aircraft offers insightful revelations about their potential in reducing aviation's environmental footprint.</p>



<p>Rickard Arvidsson, the lead author of the study from <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalmers University of Technology</a>, emphasizes the immediate and future applications of these electric aircraft. </p>



<p>“In the short-term future, battery-powered electric aircraft will probably mostly be used for shorter distances, such as what in Norway is called "fjord-hopping", meaning shorter flights between deep fjords," explained Arvidsson. </p>



<p>"In a larger perspective, the study shows that battery-powered electric aircraft have the potential to significantly reduce environmental impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-and-machine-learning-enhance-airplane-performance-and-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aviation</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>The team's study centered on the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/electric-aircraft_study-plane_Chalmers-University-of-Technology_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pipistrel Alpha Electro</a>," a two-seater, battery-electric aircraft, juxtaposed against its fossil fuel-powered counterpart for a comprehensive analysis. </p>



<p>The life cycle assessment spanned from raw material extraction to the aircraft's end of life, focusing on a functional unit of 1-hour flight time. </p>



<p>This approach, fortified with data from the aircraft manufacturer, enabled a detailed exploration of each aircraft's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-airplane-contrail-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a>.</p>



<p>Their investigation encompassed a broad spectrum of environmental categories, including global warming potential, mineral resource scarcity, particulate matter formation, acidification, and ground-level ozone formation. </p>



<p>These factors, indicative of an aircraft's ecological footprint, were meticulously examined.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-on-electric-aircraft">Key insights on electric aircraft</h2>



<p>Arvidsson provides a crucial takeaway from the study. </p>



<p>“The key take-home from this study is that small electric aircraft can have a notably lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-accelerate-jet-stream-winds-and-airplane-turbulence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate impact</a> -- up to 60 percent less -- and other types of environmental impacts than equivalent fossil-fueled aircraft," he said. </p>



<p>"However, there is a trade-off regarding mineral resource scarcity – about 50 percent more even in the most favorable scenario, mainly due to rare metals in the batteries of the electric aircraft.</p>



<p>The study also delves into the life cycle of electric aircraft, paralleling it with electric cars. Initially, the production of their batteries, requiring substantial energy and resources, presents a higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-caused-more-severe-turbulence-on-airplanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> burden. </p>



<p>However, as the aircraft is utilized, its benefits, chiefly emission-free propulsion, become increasingly apparent. </p>



<p>A 'break-even' point is reached after about 1,000 flight hours, beyond which the electric aircraft's climate impact becomes lower than its fossil fuel counterpart. This finding assumes optimal conditions, including the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/passenger-planes-fueled-hydrogen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green energy</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-battery-technology-needed">Better battery technology needed</h2>



<p>Senior Researcher Anders Nordelöf, another author of the study, highlights the significance of battery longevity. </p>



<p>“The lifetime of the lithium-ion batteries, however, would have to be about twice as long for the mineral resource scarcity to be about the same for the electric airplane and the fossil-fuel aircraft," Nordelöf explains. </p>



<p>"Alternatively, have double the energy storage capacity such that only one of two packs are needed onboard for the same flight time," he said.</p>



<p>The study concludes with a forward-looking perspective on battery development, which is pivotal in reducing the life cycle impacts of electric aircraft. </p>



<p>Post-study advancements have seen the aircraft model's battery life triple. New <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-based-battery-may-ultimately-replace-lithium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">battery technologies</a>, like lithium-sulfur, are in the pipeline, potentially enhancing the electric aircraft's environmental performance further.</p>



<p>“There is a constant development of lithium-ion batteries that can improve the environmental performance of the electric aircraft and make it relatively even more preferable than the fossil-fueled one," Arvidsson says.  </p>



<p>There are also new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-e-waste-millions-of-tons-discarded-in-the-us-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">battery technologies</a> that could be developed and be applicable to electric aircraft in a longer time perspective, such as lithium-sulfur batteries, although these are still in an early phase of technology development," he concludes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-greener-horizon-with-electric-aircraft">A greener horizon with electric aircraft</h2>



<p>In summary, the emergence of electric aircraft, as explored in the comprehensive study by Chalmers, marks a significant stride towards sustainable aviation. </p>



<p>With the potential to drastically reduce climate impact by up to 60 percent, these innovative aircraft stand as a testament to the possibilities of greener transportation. </p>



<p>While challenges like mineral resource scarcity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/sodium-based-battery-is-a-safer-alternative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">battery</a> longevity persist, ongoing advancements in battery technology, such as the promising lithium-sulfur batteries, pave the way for an environmentally responsible future in the skies. </p>



<p>As we witness the evolution of electric aircraft, we embrace a new chapter in aviation, one that aligns technological progress with ecological responsibility, steering us towards a more sustainable world.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11367-023-02244-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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



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

Electric aircraft demonstrate major climate benefits

The aviation industry, accounting for about 2 percent of global...

<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.khamai.bio/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Khamai Foundation</a> and <a href="https://www.liberty.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liberty University</a> have identified a new species of coffee snake in the cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador. </p>



<p>This discovery, led by biologist Alejandro Arteaga, represents a significant contribution to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-forest-biodiversity-has-massive-potential-for-carbon-capture/">biodiversity</a> of the region and sheds light on the complex ecosystems of the Andes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reptiles-of-ecuador-nbsp">Reptiles of Ecuador&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Arteaga first encountered this unique species in Ecuador's Pichincha province. His discovery occurred while searching for animals to feature in his upcoming book, "Reptiles of Ecuador."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Arteaga's discovery is not just a scientific triumph but also a personal milestone. "This is species number 30 that I have discovered, out of a target of 100."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tudor-s-coffee-snake">Tudor's Coffee-Snake</h2>



<p>The newly identified snake, named Tudor's Coffee-Snake, exhibits traits typical of coffee snakes but is distinguished by its unique characteristics and specific habitat. These snakes predominantly reside in coffee plantations, a habitat choice influenced by the destruction of their native cloud forest environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Endemic to the Pacific slopes of the Andes in northwestern Ecuador, Tudor's Coffee-Snake thrives at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts">Conservation efforts</h2>



<p>While the species is not currently facing immediate extinction threats, concerns are rising about the potential decline of its populations. This is attributed to ongoing deforestation driven by logging and large-scale mining activities, which are fragmenting and depleting the snake's natural habitat.</p>



<p>The discovery of Tudor's Coffee-Snake is more than a mere addition to the list of known species; it represents a crucial step in highlighting the importance of conserving the cloud forest ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers hope that this discovery will attract more attention to the need for research and conservation efforts in human-modified habitats surrounding the cloud forests, such as coffee plantations and pastures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tribute-to-guy-tudor-nbsp">Tribute to Guy Tudor&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a touching tribute, the name of this new species honors Guy Tudor, an acclaimed naturalist and scientific illustrator renowned for his profound love for birds and wildlife. His contributions to the conservation of South America's birds through his artistic works have been impactful, which the researchers acknowledged in their paper.</p>



<p>The research goes beyond academic curiosity by serving a greater purpose in conservation. Arteaga and his team are leveraging the naming of new species as a new approach to fund conservation initiatives. In particular, the identification of Tudor's Coffee-Snake has played a pivotal role in supporting the protection of the Buenaventura Reserve, a key biodiversity hotspot in Ecuador.<br></p>



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



<p>The Ninia genus of snakes, commonly known as coffee snakes or coral coffee snakes, belongs to the family Colubridae. These snakes are small, typically growing only up to about 20-30 centimeters in length. They are found primarily in Central America and northern South America, thriving in a variety of habitats including forests, plantations, and sometimes in more urban areas.</p>



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



<p>What's interesting about the Ninia genus is their resemblance to the much more dangerous coral snakes, which they mimic in coloration. This mimicry serves as a defense mechanism, deterring predators who might mistake them for their venomous lookalikes. Despite their appearance, Ninia snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>Their diet mainly consists of small invertebrates, with a particular fondness for earthworms. Ninia snakes have adapted to be efficient burrowers, which aids in hunting their prey. They have a secretive nature and are often found under logs, stones, or leaf litter.</p>



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



<p>Reproduction in Ninia snakes is oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The females typically lay small clutches of eggs, and there is little to no parental care once the eggs are laid. The young are independent from birth and are miniature versions of the adults in both behavior and appearance.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.7.112476" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Evolutionary Systematics</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Alejandro Arteaga</em></p>



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



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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

New coffee snake discovered in the cloud forests of Ecuador

Researchers from the Khamai Foundation and Liberty University have identified...

A,Beautiful,,Huge,European,Eagle,Owl,Flying,Low,Over,Fields

<p>Owls, known for their silent flight through tranquil environments, owe this remarkable trait to their wings, which produce minimal noise, allowing them to stealthily locate prey. This intriguing characteristic has captured the attention of researchers for years.</p>



<p>Recent studies have linked silent flight to micro-fringes found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/california-spotted-owl-officially-listed-as-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owl</a> wings. These trailing-edge (TE) fringes are key in reducing noise from air movement caused by wing flapping. </p>



<p>Understanding these fringes better could pave the way for quieter fluid machinery. However, the specifics of how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/owls_silent-flight_microfrings-on-wings_credit-Hao-Liu_Chiba-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fringes</a> interact with other wing features in actual owl wings remained a mystery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-silent-flight-of-owls">Studying the silent flight of owls</h2>



<p>Aiming to demystify the silent flight of owls, Professor Hao Liu and his team, including Dr. Jaixin Rong from Chiba University's <a href="https://www.se.chiba-u.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Graduate School of Engineering</a> and Dr. Yajun Jiang and Dr. Masashi Murakami from the Graduate School of Science, explored the influence of TE fringes on owl wings' sound and aerodynamics. </p>



<p>Prof. Liu explained the motivation for their research, stating, “Despite many efforts by many researchers, exactly how owls achieve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owl-wings-inspire-noise-reduction-in-wind-turbines-and-aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silent flight</a> is still an open question. Understanding the precise role of TE fringes in their silent flight will enable us to apply them in developing practical low-noise fluid machinery.”</p>



<p>The team created two detailed three-dimensional models of a real owl wing, one with TE fringes and the other without, to conduct their study. </p>



<p>They performed fluid flow simulations using these models, combining large eddy simulations and the Ffowcs-Williams-Hawkings analogy, at the speed of a gliding owl's approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-and-implications">Findings and implications</h2>



<p>Their findings were revealing. The TE fringes significantly reduced noise levels in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-restoration-could-protect-spotted-owls-in-the-long-term/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owl</a> wings, especially at steep angles of attack, without compromising aerodynamic performance. </p>



<p>The team discovered two key ways TE fringes affect airflow. First, they disrupt the trailing edge vortices, thereby reducing interactions between feathers at the wingtips. </p>



<p>This mechanism, in turn, diminishes the shedding of wingtip vortices. These systems work together to improve both aerodynamic force and noise reduction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/barn-owls-construct-mental-maps-during-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owls</a>.</p>



<p>Prof. Liu highlighted the importance of their findings, explaining, “Our findings demonstrate the effect of complex interactions between the TE fringes and the various wing features, highlighting the validity of using these fringes for reducing noise in practical applications such as drones, wind turbines, propellers and even flying cars.”</p>



<p>In summary, this study not only deepens our understanding of owls' silent flight but also opens up new avenues for biomimetic designs in creating quieter fluid machinery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-owls-and-silent-flight">More about owls and silent flight</h2>



<p>As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-screech-owls-are-already-critically-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owls</a> are mysterious and captivating birds of prey, dominating the night sky with their remarkable abilities and unique characteristics. </p>



<p>These nocturnal creatures have fascinated humans for centuries, not only because of their haunting hoots and striking appearance but also due to their incredible hunting skills and adaptability across various habitats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exceptional-hunters-with-silent-flight">Exceptional hunters with silent flight</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/barn-owls-improve-navigational-devices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Owls</a> stand out as exceptional hunters. Their ability to fly almost silently gives them a significant advantage over their prey. </p>



<p>The specialized design of their feathers allows air to pass through without creating noise, enabling them to swoop down on unsuspecting prey. </p>



<p>This silent flight, coupled with their sharp talons and beaks, makes owls formidable predators.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superior-vision-and-hearing">Superior vision and hearing</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-great-grey-owls-capture-prey-beneath-snow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Owls</a> possess extraordinary night vision, allowing them to see prey in low light conditions. Their large, forward-facing eyes provide a wide field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owls-humans-visual/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision</a> and depth perception, crucial for pinpointing prey from a distance. </p>



<p>Moreover, owls have a highly developed sense of hearing, with ears that are not symmetrical. This asymmetry lets them accurately locate sounds in different planes, an essential skill for hunting in the dark.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-owl-species-and-flight-adaptations">Diverse owl species and flight adaptations</h3>



<p>There are over 200 species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-owls-decline-drastically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">owls</a>, each adapted to its environment. From the tiny Elf Owl, which nests in cacti in the desert, to the imposing Snowy Owl, which thrives in the Arctic tundra, these birds have developed unique adaptations to survive in various ecosystems. </p>



<p>Owls can camouflage themselves against tree bark or snow, making them nearly invisible to both prey and predators.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-in-ecosystems">Significance in ecosystems</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-barn-owls-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Owls</a> play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. As predators, they control the population of rodents and other small animals, preventing overpopulation and the spread of disease. </p>



<p>Their presence indicates a healthy environment, making them vital indicators of ecological health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-impact-of-owls">Cultural impact of owls</h3>



<p>Throughout history, owls have held a place in mythology and folklore. Seen as symbols of wisdom in some cultures and omens of death in others, they have always stirred human imagination and curiosity.</p>



<p>In summary, owls, with their silent wings, remarkable hunting abilities, and diverse adaptations, continue to captivate and intrigue us. </p>



<p>As we learn more about these magnificent birds, we gain a deeper appreciation for their role in nature and our shared environment.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-3190/ad0aa9">Bioinspiration &amp; Biomimetics</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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



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

The silent flight of owls is one of nature’s great mysteries

Owls, known for their silent flight through tranquil environments, owe...

<p>A new study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072951" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>BMJ Open</em></a> has established a link between the consumption of energy drinks and reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-we-sleep-study-reveals-new-clues-behind-this-mystery/">sleep</a> quality, including insomnia, among college students. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-disturbances-nbsp">Sleep disturbances&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research indicates that the more frequently students consume energy drinks, the fewer hours of sleep they get each night. Surprisingly, even occasional consumption, ranging from 1-3 times a month, is associated with a higher risk of sleep disturbances.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-caffeine-content-nbsp">High caffeine content&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Energy drinks, known for their high caffeine content averaging 150 mg per liter, along with varying amounts of sugar, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, are marketed as boosts for mental and physical energy. They are particularly popular among college students and young adults.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While there is some evidence of their impact on sleep quality, the specific aspects of sleep affected and potential gender differences in these effects were unclear.</p>



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



<p>The study used data from 53,266 participants aged 18 to 35 in the <a href="https://www.fhi.no/en/cristin-projects/ongoing/the-shot-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Students’ Health and Well-being Study</a> (SHOT22 study), a comprehensive national survey of college and university students in Norway. The survey included detailed questions about sleep patterns and energy drink consumption frequency.</p>



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



<p>The experts found notable sex differences in energy drink consumption patterns. For instance, 50% of women compared to 40% of men reported never or seldom consuming energy drinks. Among those who consumed these drinks, 5.5% of women and 8% of men reported drinking them 4-6 times a week.</p>



<p>The study revealed a clear dose-response relationship between energy drink intake and reduced sleep duration for both sexes. Those consuming energy drinks daily slept about half an hour less than those with occasional or no consumption. Increased consumption was also linked to more time awake at night and longer sleep latency, indicating poorer sleep efficiency.</p>



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



<p>Insomnia rates were higher among daily consumers, with 51% of women and 37% of men reporting insomnia, compared to 33% of women and 22% of men who consumed these drinks occasionally or not at all.</p>



<p>Higher consumption of energy drinks was consistently associated with an increased risk of various sleep problems, with the most substantial impact observed on short sleep duration.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Men who consumed energy drinks daily were more than twice as likely to sleep fewer than six hours per night, while the likelihood for women was 87% higher compared to those with no or occasional consumption.</p>



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



<p>While the study is observational and cannot establish cause and effect, the findings are significant. The researchers acknowledge the possibility of reverse causality and the limitations of self-reported data without precise information on consumption timing or quantities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, they emphasize the robust association between energy drink consumption frequency and various sleep parameters, suggesting that reducing energy drink intake could be a target for interventions to improve sleep among college students.</p>



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Energy drinks directly linked to insomnia and reduced sleep quality

A new study published in BMJ Open has established a...

<p>The concept of life's emergence in a "warm little pond," as postulated by Charles Darwin, has fascinated scientists for generations. An intriguing study from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> reexamines this theory that life on Earth evolved in shallow soda lakes. </p>



<p>Researchers have found that soda lakes, particularly a shallow one in western Canada, may provide the perfect conditions for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birth of life</a>, a hypothesis that reimagines our understanding of life's origins on Earth about 4 billion years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-life-s-molecular-origins">Tracing life's molecular origins</h2>



<p>The journey to this discovery began with the acknowledgment that life's complex molecules can spontaneously form under specific conditions. </p>



<p>This notion, dramatized in the popular film “Lessons in Chemistry,” is rooted in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller%E2%80%93Urey_experiment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real-life breakthroughs</a> of the 1950s and beyond. </p>



<p>These advancements revealed the spontaneous formation of amino acids and, later, 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</a> of RNA. However, a significant hurdle, known as the “phosphate problem,” stood in the way. </p>



<p>The emergence of life requires high phosphate concentrations, far exceeding those found in natural water bodies like rivers, lakes, or oceans.</p>



<p>“I think these soda lakes provide an answer to the phosphate problem,” said senior author <a href="https://environment.uw.edu/faculty/david-catling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Catling</a>, a UW professor of Earth and space sciences. </p>



<p>“Our answer is hopeful: This environment should occur on the early Earth, and probably on other planets, because it's just a natural outcome of the way that planetary surfaces are made and how water chemistry works," Catling explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-soda-lakes-are-unique">Why soda lakes are unique</h2>



<p>These lakes are unique due to their high levels of dissolved sodium and carbonate, akin to baking soda, resulting from interactions between water and volcanic rocks. </p>



<p>Moreover, they can contain elevated phosphate levels, potentially solving the puzzle of <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">life's emergence</a>.</p>



<p>In 2019, University of Washington researchers had <a href="https://www.washington.edu/news/2019/12/30/life-lakes-high-phosphorus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theorized</a> that soda lakes could naturally concentrate phosphate to levels a million times higher than typical waters. </p>



<p>Their latest study aimed to confirm this in a real-world setting, leading them to Last Chance Lake in British Columbia, Canada. </p>



<p>This shallow, murky lake, situated on federal land, rests above volcanic rock and experiences conditions ideal for a soda lake: low water levels and high compound concentration due to evaporation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cradles-of-life-on-earth-and-other-planets">Cradles of life on Earth and other planets</h2>



<p>The team's analysis, as published in their recent paper, suggests that soda lakes could indeed be cradles for the emergence of life on Earth and potentially on <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">other planets</a>. </p>



<p>“We studied a natural environment that should be common throughout the solar system. Volcanic rocks are prevalent on the surfaces of planets, so this same water chemistry could have occurred not just on early Earth, but also on early Mars and early Venus, if liquid water was present,” said lead author <a href="https://ess.uw.edu/people/sebastian-haas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sebastian Haas</a>, a UW postdoctoral researcher in Earth and space sciences.</p>



<p>Volcanic rock prevalence on planetary surfaces suggests that similar chemical processes could have occurred on early Mars and Venus, given the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-discovery-earths-building-blocks-contained-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid water</a>.</p>



<p>The research team visited <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/aDDRiCqjTGBWbhPx7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Chance Lake</a> three times in 2021-2022, collecting samples of water, lake sediment, and salt crust to understand its unique chemistry. </p>



<p>In most lakes, phosphate binds with calcium to form insoluble calcium phosphate. However, in Last Chance Lake, calcium combines with carbonate and magnesium to form dolomite, leaving phosphate in high concentration in the water.</p>



<p>“You have this seemingly dry salt flat, but there are nooks and crannies. And between the salt and the sediment there are little pockets of water that are really high in dissolved phosphate,” Haas said. </p>



<p>“What we wanted to understand was why and when could this happen on the ancient Earth, in order to provide a cradle for the origin of life.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-two-soda-lakes">A tale of two soda lakes</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the study also compared Last Chance Lake with nearby Goodenough Lake to understand why life hadn't consumed the high phosphate levels in Last Chance Lake. </p>



<p>The findings revealed that the saltiness of Last Chance Lake inhibited lifeforms that fix nitrogen, unlike in Goodenough Lake, which supports life that consumes phosphate. </p>



<p>“This study adds to growing evidence that evaporative soda lakes are environments meeting the requirements for origin-of-life chemistry by accumulating key ingredients at high concentrations,” Catling said.</p>



<p>This characteristic makes Last Chance Lake a more accurate representation of a lifeless early Earth environment.</p>



<p>Professor Catling emphasizes the broader implications of this research for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life's origins</a>.</p>



<p>“These new findings will help inform origin-of-life researchers who are either replicating these reactions in the lab or are looking for potentially habitable environments on other planets,” Catling concluded.</p>



<p>In summary, the University of Washington's study on soda lakes, particularly Last Chance Lake, opens a fascinating window into the past, offering a plausible answer to the long-standing question of how life might have emerged on our planet and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-a-water-reservoir-two-miles-deep-enough-to-fill-earths-red-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">possibly others</a>. </p>



<p>This discovery not only enriches our understanding of life's origins but also expands the horizons of our search for life beyond Earth.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-01192-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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



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

Life on Earth may have first sparked in shallow "soda lakes"

The concept of life's emergence in a "warm little pond,"...

<p>In an age where medical science continually pushes the boundaries of what's possible, a new and intriguing research area is emerging, focusing on the potential to delay or even prevent menopause in healthy women.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research, centered around ovarian tissue freezing, is not just a scientific curiosity but could hold significant implications for women's health and reproductive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anti-aging-molecule-extends-lifespan-by-improving-cellular-health/">longevity</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradigm-shift-in-menopause-research">Paradigm shift in menopause research</h2>



<p>The topic of menopause, a natural yet complex phase in a woman's life, is undergoing a radical re-evaluation. Experts are exploring the possibilities of extending child-bearing years and alleviating health risks and symptoms associated with decreased estrogen levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The debate is intense, with some seeing immense potential benefits and others cautioning against altering a natural life stage. At the forefront of this exploration is Dr. Kutluk Oktay, a renowned ovarian biologist at <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Medicine</a> (YSM). </p>



<p>Dr. Oktay, who performed the world’s first ovarian transplant using cryopreserved tissue in 1999, envisions a future where ovarian tissue freezing could significantly delay or prevent menopause. “For the first time in medical history, we have the ability to potentially delay or eliminate menopause.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mathematical-model">Mathematical model</h2>



<p>Utilizing data from numerous ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation procedures, Dr. Oktay and his team have developed a mathematical model to predict the potential duration of menopause delay in healthy women based on various factors, including the age at procedure and the quantity of ovarian tissue harvested.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The model takes into account the survival rates of primordial follicles post-transplantation, which are expected to improve with advancing technologies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ovarian-tissue-cryopreservation">Ovarian tissue cryopreservation</h2>



<p>Originally used in cancer patients to preserve fertility, this procedure involves laparoscopic removal and freezing of ovarian tissue at temperatures as low as negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit. The preserved tissue can later be reimplanted, restoring ovarian function.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new research expands this technique's potential to healthy women, offering a way to extend their fertile lifespan and potentially delay menopause.</p>



<p>According to Dr. Oktay, the younger the patient, the better the potential outcomes, with the model being most effective for women under 40. The amount of tissue removed is also critical - too much could lead to early menopause, while too little may not delay it effectively. The model assists in determining the optimum amount of tissue for a given age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prospects-for-delaying-menopause">Prospects for delaying menopause</h2>



<p>Dr. Oktay's predictions are optimistic. For women under 40, the procedure could significantly delay menopause, and for those under 30, it might prevent it entirely. Dr. Hugh S. Taylor, Chair at YSM, emphasizes the appeal of this option, especially for women who wish to defer pregnancy for professional or personal reasons.</p>



<p>Delaying menopause could also offer health benefits, as studies suggest that a later menopausal age is associated with longer life and reduced risks of various conditions like cardiovascular disease and bone loss. However, whether these benefits would apply to women who delay menopause through ovarian tissue cryopreservation remains to be fully understood.</p>



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



<p>While the publication of studies on the outcomes for healthy women who opt for this procedure is still forthcoming, the current research and mathematical model offer a promising start.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The potential to change the way menopause is perceived and managed is immense, but it comes with the need for continued research to fully understand the long-term benefits and risks.</p>



<p>The research is published in the <a href="https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00003-6/pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>American Journal of Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Study suggests menopause can be delayed, or even eliminated 

In an age where medical science continually pushes the boundaries...

<p>In a significant announcement, the <a href="https://thebulletin.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists</a> has decided to keep the hands of the Doomsday Clock fixed at 90 seconds to midnight for 2024, signaling a sustained moment of historic danger. </p>



<p>This decision reflects the ongoing ominous trends that threaten global catastrophe, and emphasizes the urgency of addressing major global threats.</p>



<p>The experts indicate that the decision to maintain the Doomsday Clock's position is not due to a stabilization of global threats but rather to the continued presence of significant dangers. </p>



<p>The unchanged setting at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest ever in history, underscores the critical nature of the current global situation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symbol-of-global-peril">A symbol of global peril</h2>



<p>The Doomsday Clock, first set in 1947, is a metaphorical design that highlights the proximity of humanity to self-destruction due to dangerous technologies of our own making.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Initially, the focus was on the nuclear threat during the post-World War II era, especially the potential nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In 2007, the Bulletin expanded its scope to include catastrophic disruptions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate change</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-call-for-action">Urgent call for action</h2>



<p>Rachel Bronson, the Bulletin's president and CEO, articulated the urgency of the situation. She stressed that the unchanged time on the Doomsday Clock does not imply stability but a pressing need for action from governments and communities worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Conflict hotspots around the world carry the threat of nuclear escalation, climate change is already causing death and destruction, and disruptive technologies like AI and biological research advance faster than their safeguards," said Bronson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-context-nbsp">Historical context&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Doomsday Clock was conceptualized by scientists involved in the Manhattan Project, which developed the first nuclear weapons during World War II. Artist Martyl Langsdorf, tasked with creating a design for the Bulletin's June 1947 magazine cover, was inspired by the urgency and responsibility felt by these scientists.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Initially considering the symbol for uranium, Langsdorf eventually chose a clock to convey the critical time pressure to control atomic weapons.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ominous-trends-nbsp">Ominous trends&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Ominous trends continue to point the world toward global catastrophe. The war in Ukraine and the widespread and growing reliance on nuclear weapons increase the risk of nuclear escalation. China, Russia, and the United States are all spending huge sums to expand or modernize their nuclear arsenals, adding to the ever-present danger of nuclear war through mistake or miscalculation," the experts wrote in their <a href="https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/current-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 statement</a>.</p>



<p>"In 2023, Earth experienced its hottest year on record, and massive floods, wildfires, and other climate-related disasters affected millions of people around the world. Meanwhile, rapid and worrisome developments in the life sciences and other disruptive technologies accelerated, while governments made only feeble efforts to control them."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deteriorating-state-of-the-world">Deteriorating state of the world</h2>



<p>"The members of the <a href="https://thebulletin.org/about-us/science-and-security-board/">Science and Security Board</a> have been deeply worried about the deteriorating state of the world. That is why we set the Doomsday Clock at two minutes to midnight in 2019 and at 100 seconds to midnight in 2022."</p>



<p>"Last year, we expressed our heightened concern by moving the Clock to 90 seconds to midnight - the closest to global catastrophe it has ever been - in large part because of Russian threats to use nuclear weapons in the war in Ukraine."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-level-of-danger-nbsp">Unprecedented level of danger&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Today, we once again set the Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight because humanity continues to face an unprecedented level of danger."</p>



<p>The team says that leaders and citizens around the world should take this statement as a stark warning and respond urgently, as if today were the most dangerous moment in modern history. "Because it may well be…But the world can be made safer. The Clock can move away from midnight."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-engagement">Public engagement</h2>



<p>In response to the grave warning represented by the Doomsday Clock, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has removed the paywall for the latest issue of its magazine, encouraging public engagement and awareness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The publication focuses on actions that individuals and communities can undertake to mitigate these global threats, emphasizing the role of citizens in steering away from the brink of catastrophe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-younger-generations">Younger generations</h2>



<p>Despite the grim warning symbolized by the Doomsday Clock, Bronson notes a glimmer of hope, particularly in the proactive stance of younger generations. Their involvement and leadership in addressing these global challenges provide a beacon of hope.</p>



<p>As the Doomsday Clock remains at a perilous 90 seconds to midnight, the world faces a critical juncture. The collective effort of global citizens and leaders is essential to turn back the hands of the Clock.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Bulletin's initiative to educate and involve the public is a crucial step in this direction, but it is the actions of individuals and governments that will ultimately determine the fate of the planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-turn-back-the-clock-nbsp">How to turn back the clock&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Everyone on Earth has an interest in reducing the likelihood of global catastrophe from nuclear weapons, climate change, advances in the life sciences, disruptive technologies, and the widespread corruption of the world’s information ecosystem," wrote the Bulletin team.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"These threats, singularly and as they interact, are of such a character and magnitude that no one nation or leader can bring them under control. That is the task of leaders and nations working together in the shared belief that common threats demand common action."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As the first step, and despite their profound disagreements, three of the world’s leading powers - the United States, China, and Russia - should commence serious dialogue about each of the global threats outlined here."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"At the highest levels, these three countries need to take responsibility for the existential danger the world now faces. They have the capacity to pull the world back from the brink of catastrophe. They should do so, with clarity and courage, and without delay."</p>



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



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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

Countdown to catastrophe: Doomsday Clock remains unchanged 

In a significant announcement, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists...

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://engineering.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Tandon School of Engineering</a> have made a significant advancement in addressing the global water crisis. The team is using redox flow desalination (RFD) technology to convert seawater into drinkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-hydrogel-device-turns-hot-summer-air-into-drinkable-water/">water</a>, while also harnessing renewable energy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Led by Dr. André Taylor, professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, the research aims for both effective water desalination and sustainable energy storage.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>"Although water is abundant on Earth, global statistics estimate that up to 66% of the world’s population suffers from water insecurity," wrote the study authors. "Worse, the challenge of securing adequate drinkable water is expected to worsen due to the combined effects of climate change and population growth."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In regions lacking access to suitable water sources, seawater desalination plays a crucial role in providing potable water."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-benefits-nbsp">Dual benefits&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers documented a 20% increase in the RFD system's salt removal rate and a reduction in energy demand.  </p>



<p>"By seamlessly integrating energy storage and desalination, our vision is to create a sustainable and efficient solution that not only meets the growing demand for freshwater but also champions environmental conservation and renewable energy integration.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storing-excess-energy-nbsp">Storing excess energy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>RFD's inherent versatility lies in its ability to store excess energy from intermittent renewable sources, like solar and wind, and release it during peak demand. This aligns well with the fluctuating energy requirements of desalination processes, making RFD an eco-friendly alternative to traditional desalination methods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The success of this project is attributed to the ingenuity and perseverance of Stephen Akwei Maclean, the paper’s first author and a NYU Tandon PhD candidate in chemical and biomolecular engineering,” said Dr. Taylor. “He demonstrated exceptional skill by designing the system architecture using advanced 3D printing technology available at the NYU Maker Space.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-technology-works">How the technology works</h2>



<p>The redox flow desalination system works by dividing incoming seawater into two streams, the salinating and the desalinating streams. Alongside these, two additional channels contain the electrolyte and redox molecule. The system uses a cation exchange membrane (CEM) or an anion exchange membrane (AEM) for effective separation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this setup, ions and electrons move through the channels, resulting in a freshwater stream and a concentrated brine stream. "We can control the incoming seawater residence time to produce drinkable water by operating the system in a single pass or batch mode," said Maclean.</p>



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



<p>Moreover, the RFD system can function in reverse, converting the stored chemical energy back into renewable electricity. This unique feature enables RFD systems to act as a kind of "battery," capturing and releasing energy as needed, thus contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.</p>



<p>While the technology is promising, further research is needed to refine the redox flow desalination process, making it more cost-effective. However, the NYU Tandon team's findings mark a critical step forward in the quest for efficient desalination methods, especially as climate change and population growth exacerbate water scarcity.</p>



<p>The success of this project aligns with the mission of DC-MUSE, which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of chemical processes through renewable energy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101761" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cell Reports Physical Science</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Converting seawater into drinkable water is now more sustainable

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have made a...

<p>Supportive and stable caregiving during childhood significantly improves cardiovascular health in adulthood, according to a new study led by <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/our-community/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Grossman School of Medicine</a> and The Ohio State University Wexler Medical Center.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research marks a pivotal shift in understanding the long-term impacts of early childhood environments on heart health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-adversity-and-heart-health">Early adversity and heart health</h2>



<p>The connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adverse-childhood-experiences-lead-to-lifelong-health-consequences/">childhood adversity</a> - such as abuse, neglect, and household substance use - and deteriorating heart health in later life has been well-documented. However, the new study provides a fresh perspective by highlighting the protective role of positive childhood experiences.</p>



<p>The researchers said the findings are the first to frame adversity and protective factors across a large group when it comes to cardiovascular health over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-risk-factors">Mitigating risk factors</h2>



<p>Study lead author Dr. Robin Ortiz is a professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health at NYU Langone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We know that mitigating risk factors for cardiovascular disease must begin in childhood,” said Dr. Ortiz. “At the same time, our findings show that adversity in early childhood does not equal destiny."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"While adverse childhood family environments were associated with lower odds of cardiovascular health in adulthood, our findings suggest that supportive and, importantly, stable caregiving may have a stronger influence on later heart health than early adversity.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>The researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 participants in the CARDIA study, a long-term project tracking cardiovascular disease risks in more than 5,000 adults. This cohort was examined at the baseline average age of 25 and followed up at seven and 20-year intervals.</p>



<p>The team used scales to measure childhood adversity, such as child abuse and caregiver warmth.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The experts discovered that for each increase in overall family environment adversity and child abuse, there was a corresponding 3.6% and 12.8% lower likelihood of achieving ideal cardiovascular health (CVH), respectively. Conversely, each increase in caregiver warmth was linked to an 11.7% higher chance of better heart health.</p>



<p>Exposure to caregiver warmth in childhood was associated with the highest cardiovascular health scores in adults.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stability-and-consistency-nbsp">Stability and consistency&nbsp;</h2>



<p>What was most unique about the findings, said Dr. Ortiz, was that of all adults with high levels of child abuse exposure, those who also reported high levels of caregiver warmth exposure had lower CVH scores than those with high child abuse but low levels of caregiver warmth exposure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Dr. Ortiz, this suggests that while having a supportive caregiver is crucial to a life course of health, the stability and consistency of that support and warmth in childhood is just as important of a predictor of heart health in later life.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Ortiz noted that individuals who have experienced both abuse and warmth in childhood might face the inability to predict the presence of support overall in their childhood environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results suggest that an unpredictable or unstable relational environment may be associated with poor heart health later in life, while predictable support in childhood may optimize physiology and behavior to result in greater cardiovascular health later in life.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Ortiz said the hope is that this study offers insight into how supportive and stable caregiving relationships in childhood can offer greater attainment of cardiovascular health at a population level. Future research will focus on the complex relationship between cardiovascular health and economic hardship.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We have to address healthy caregiver relationships as well as address socioeconomic hardship,” said Dr. Ortiz. “We need policies and programs that support both caregivers and children in order to achieve greater health equity.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.122.009794" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Support in childhood linked to better heart health in adulthood 

Supportive and stable caregiving during childhood significantly improves cardiovascular health...

<p>Salads and leafy greens, like lettuce, are essential components of a healthy diet on Earth, and they're also crucial for astronauts embarking on space missions. </p>



<p>Since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>) introduced <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/exploration-research-and-technology/growing-plants-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space-grown</a> lettuce to the International Space Station (ISS) menu over three years ago, it has become a vital part of astronauts' diets, complementing staples like flour tortillas and powdered coffee. </p>



<p>However, growing lettuce in space presents unique challenges, especially concerning food safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-lettuce-pathogens-in-space">Problem: Lettuce pathogens in space </h2>



<p>The ISS harbors numerous pathogenic bacteria and fungi, posing a significant risk to astronauts' health. </p>



<p>These pathogens, including E. coli and Salmonella, can aggressively colonize plant tissues, such as lettuce, leading to potential foodborne illnesses. </p>



<p>With billions invested annually in space exploration by entities like NASA and <a href="https://www.spacex.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX</a>, an outbreak aboard the ISS could severely impact mission success.</p>



<p>A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.udel.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Delaware</a>, including lead author Noah Totsline, recently published studies in Scientific Reports and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-023-00323-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Microgravity</a>, exploring this issue in depth. </p>



<p>They replicated the weightless environment of the ISS to study how lettuce plants respond to these conditions, particularly in terms of pathogen susceptibility.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-plant-defense-and-pathogen-invasion">Gravity, plant defense, and pathogen invasion </h2>



<p>Plants typically use their roots to sense gravity, but the University of Delaware team disrupted this process by rotating the plants, simulating microgravity. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, they found that plants grown under these conditions were more prone to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salmonella-has-found-a-way-to-evade-plant-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a> infection. </p>



<p>The researchers attributed this to an unusual response in the plants' stomata – the tiny pores responsible for gas exchange. Noah Totsline, an alumnus of UD’s <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/departments/plant-and-soil-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Plant and Soil Sciences</a>, explained why in the study.</p>



<p>“The fact that they were remaining open when we were presenting them with what would appear to be a stress was really unexpected. In effect, the plant would not know which way was up or down,” Totsline said. “We were kind of confusing their response to gravity.”</p>



<p>This reaction inadvertently makes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/special-lettuce-could-protect-astronauts-from-bone-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> more vulnerable to Salmonella invasion.</p>



<p>To achieve the simulation of microgravity, the team utilized a clinostat, a device that rotates plants similarly to a rotisserie chicken. "The plant would not know which way was up or down," Totsline describes. </p>



<p>This disorientation, while not true microgravity, effectively helped the plants lose their sense of direction, making the conditions right for studying pathogen interaction.</p>



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



<p>The study's findings highlight a critical area of concern for space agriculture: ensuring food safety under unique environmental conditions. </p>



<p>The propensity for increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-treatment-protects-tomatoes-from-salmonella-and-e-coli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a> invasion in space-grown lettuce underlines the need for continued research and innovative solutions to protect astronauts' health.</p>



<p>UD researchers, led by <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/departments/plant-and-soil-sciences/faculty-staff/harsh-bais/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Harsh Bais</a>, have been investigating the role of a helper bacteria, <a href="https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2019/may/beneficial-bacteria-basf-soil-plants-licensing-patent-oeip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacillus subtilis UD1022</a>, in enhancing plant growth and resilience against various stressors, including pathogens and drought. </p>



<p>This bacterium, previously effective in protecting plants against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-vegetables-often-harbor-human-pathogens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a> on Earth, was added to a microgravity simulation to assess its protective capabilities in space-like conditions. </p>



<p>Contrary to expectations, Bais and his team discovered that UD1022 did not safeguard plants in these simulated conditions. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-of-lettuce-microbes-in-space">Risks of lettuce microbes in space</h2>



<p>This failure is attributed to the bacterium’s inability to induce a biochemical response in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-extract-mars-astronauts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, crucial for closing their stomata and preventing pathogen invasion.</p>



<p>“The failure of UD1022 to close stomata under simulated microgravity is both surprising and interesting and opens another can of worms,” Bais said, expressing surprise at these findings. </p>



<p>“I suspect the ability of UD1022 to negate the stomata closure under microgravity simulation may overwhelm the plant and make the plant and UD1022 unable to communicate with each other, helping Salmonella invade a plant," Bais concluded.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/departments/animal-and-food-sciences/faculty-staff/kali-kniel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kali Kniel</a>, a microbial food safety professor at UD, emphasizes the ubiquity of microbes and the consequent risk of bacterial pathogens in any human-inhabited space, including the International Space Station (ISS). </p>



<p>“We need to be prepared for and reduce risks in space for those living now on the International Space Station and for those who might live there in the future,” Kniel said, stressing the importance of mitigating these risks. </p>



<p>With around seven astronauts working on the ISS at any given time, the environment, comparable to a six-bedroom house, is prone to microbial havoc.</p>



<p>“It is important to better understand how bacterial pathogens react to microgravity in order to develop appropriate mitigation strategies," said Kniel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-a-solution-for-safe-space-agriculture">Finding a solution for safe space agriculture</h2>



<p>The collaboration between Kniel and Bais, blending expertise in microbial food safety and plant biology, is pivotal in studying human pathogens on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-space-radiation-affect-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants in space</a>. </p>



<p>“To best develop ways to reduce risks associated with the contamination of leafy greens and other produce commodities we need to better understand the interactions between human pathogens on plants grown in space,” Kniel said. “And the best way to do this is with a multidisciplinary approach.”</p>



<p>As Earth's population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.4 billion by 2100, according to a United Nations report, the demand for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watermeal-may-become-an-essential-food-for-astronauts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safe food in space</a> becomes increasingly critical. </p>



<p>Bais points out the urgency of exploring alternate living spaces due to diminishing agricultural land on Earth. He notes, “people are going to soon think seriously about alternate habitation spaces. These are not fiction anymore.”</p>



<p>The significance of this research is underscored by the frequent food safety issues on Earth, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-treatment-protects-tomatoes-from-salmonella-and-e-coli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E. coli</a> or Salmonella outbreaks in leafy greens. </p>



<p>With such greens being a primary food source for astronauts and easily cultivable in controlled environments like the ISS, ensuring their safety is paramount. Bais emphasizes, “You don’t want the whole mission to fail just because of a food safety outbreak.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sterilized-seeds-and-genetic-modifications">Sterilized seeds and genetic modifications</h2>



<p>Addressing the challenge of plant vulnerability in microgravity environments, Kniel suggests starting with sterilized seeds to minimize microbial presence. </p>



<p>However, she acknowledges the possibility of microbes in the space environment contaminating the plants. </p>



<p>“Starting with sterilized seeds is a way to reduce risks of having microbes on plants,” Kniel said. “But then microbes may be in the space environment and can get onto plants that way.” </p>



<p>Bais proposes genetic modifications to plants to prevent them from excessively opening their stomata in space. </p>



<p>His lab is evaluating different lettuce varieties under simulated microgravity to identify genetic factors that influence stomatal behavior.</p>



<p>“If, for example, we find one that closes their stomata compared to another we have already tested that opens their stomata, then we can try to compare the genetics of these two different cultivars,” Bais said. “That will give us a lot of questions in terms of what is changing.” </p>



<p>The outcomes of this research could be crucial in preventing food safety issues with plants grown in space, ensuring the well-being of astronauts and paving the way for sustainable living beyond Earth.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, the work of Totsline and his team opens the door to further studies on how microgravity affects plant physiology and pathogen interaction. </p>



<p>These insights will not only benefit space missions but also enhance our understanding of plant biology and disease management in agriculture. </p>



<p>As we venture further into space, ensuring the safety and nutritional value of astronaut diets remains a top priority, guiding the future of space farming and habitation.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s41598-024-51573-y">Scientific Reports</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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



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

Eating lettuce and salads in space is a bad idea, according to a new study

Salads and leafy greens, like lettuce, are essential components of...

<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>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



<p>—–</p>



<p>Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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>



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



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



<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>



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



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



<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>



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



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



<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>



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



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



<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>



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



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



<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>



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



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



<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>



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



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



<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>



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way