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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<p>Researchers 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>



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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>



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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>



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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...

Robotic,Cyborg,Hand,,Nature,And,Technology,Abstract,Concept,,3d,Rendering

<p>Researchers have made a significant leap in artificial intelligence (AI) by successfully simulating the growth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-still-have-much-to-learn-about-tree-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">form of trees</a>. This achievement, a blend of technology and nature, marks a pivotal moment in digital modeling.</p>



<p>The team comprised scientists from Purdue University’s Department of <a href="https://cs.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Computer Science</a> and Institute for Digital Forestry, along with Sören Pirk from <a href="https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiel University</a> in Germany.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-inspired-ai-modeling-tree-growth">DNA-inspired AI: Modeling tree growth</h2>



<p>At the heart of their endeavor is the DNA molecule, a master blueprint for both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-dark-earth-could-revolutionize-forest-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree shape</a> and environmental response. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.cs.purdue.edu/people/faculty/bbenes.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bedrich Benes</a>, a professor at Purdue, and his team have drawn inspiration from this natural phenomenon to craft innovative AI models. </p>



<p>“The AI models learn from large data sets to mimic the intrinsic discovered behavior,” Benes said.</p>



<p>These models are remarkable for their efficiency, distilling the complex information needed to replicate tree forms into a neural model barely a megabyte in size.</p>



<p>“It's complex behavior, but it has been compressed to rather a small amount of data,” Benes explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-applications">Real-world applications</h2>



<p>The practical applications of these AI models are profound. After a period of rigorous training, they are capable of encoding the local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-will-cause-massive-declines-in-tree-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development of trees</a>, allowing for the generation of intricate tree models with detailed geometries that span several gigabytes. </p>



<p>This technology stands to revolutionize fields ranging from architecture and urban planning to gaming and entertainment, offering a new level of realism in digital environments.</p>



<p>Benes, reflecting on a decade of working with AI models, shared his anticipation of these advancements significantly enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-trees-surrounded-by-less-asphalt-grow-taller-and-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital tree models</a>. </p>



<p>Yet, the compact size of these models, encapsulating complex behaviors in a small data footprint, was an unexpected and pleasant surprise.</p>



<p>The research, detailed in two papers published in the prestigious ACM Transactions on Graphics and IEEE Transactions on Visualizations and Computer Graphics, represents a collaborative effort. </p>



<p>Purdue graduate students <a href="https://www.cs.purdue.edu/people/graduate-students/lee2161.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jae Joong Lee</a>, <a href="https://www.cs.purdue.edu/cgvlab/www/team/bosheng-li/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bosheng Li</a>, and Xiaochen Zhou, alongside <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/directory/sfei" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Songlin Fei</a>, a key figure in remote sensing and director of the <a href="https://ag.purdue.edu/digital-forestry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Digital Forestry</a>, contributed significantly to this breakthrough.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-machine-learning-and-tree-growth">AI machine learning and tree growth</h2>



<p>The team employed deep learning, an advanced branch of AI, to develop <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-outpaces-the-ability-for-trees-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth models</a> for various tree species like maple, oak, pine, and walnut, both with and without leaves. </p>



<p>This method involves training AI models through interconnected neural networks, an approach that seeks to replicate aspects of human brain functionality.</p>



<p>Despite AI's increasing prevalence in various fields, its success in modeling 3D geometries, particularly those related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-becoming-less-productive-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>, has been limited. </p>



<p>According to Benes, generating 3D models of vegetation has been a long-standing challenge in computer graphics. </p>



<p>“Although AI has become seemingly pervasive, thus far it has mostly proved highly successful in modeling 3D geometries unrelated to nature,” Benes said.</p>



<p>Traditional approaches to tree-growth simulations, often led by experts with biological expertise, have focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pine-trees-grow-toward-equator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how trees interact</a> with their environment. </p>



<p>These interactions are governed by both genetic factors, like branching angles, and environmental influences, resulting in diverse tree shapes even within the same species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future of tree growth and artificial intelligence</h2>



<p>In their quest to untangle this complexity, the researchers turned to AI. By feeding thousands of trees' worth of data into their models, they aimed to let AI learn and distill the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-fate-of-our-forests-new-tool-predicts-tree-survival-amidst-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essence of tree form</a>. </p>



<p>This approach marks a departure from traditional model building, which is based on human-generated hypotheses and observations. </p>



<p>“Decoupling the tree’s intrinsic properties and its environmental response is extremely complicated,” Benes said. “We looked at thousands of trees, and we thought, ‘Hey, let AI learn it.’ And maybe we can then learn the essence of tree form with AI.”</p>



<p>Instead, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-monitor-biodiversity-through-animal-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI generalizes behavior</a> from a vast input dataset, with subsequent validation to ensure the models mirror the observed behaviors.</p>



<p>One current limitation is the lack of training data that accurately describes real-world 3D tree geometry. The team's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-modeling-study-reveals-new-insights-into-carbon-sequestration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI models</a> simulate tree developmental algorithms rather than directly mimicking nature. </p>



<p>Benes envisions a future where capturing a tree's image with a cellphone could generate its 3D geometry within a computer, offering new perspectives and interaction possibilities. </p>



<p>“In our methods, we needed to generate the data. So our AI models are not simulating nature. They are simulating tree developmental algorithms,” Benes said. He aspires to reconstruct 3D geometry data from real trees inside a computer.</p>



<p>“You take your cellphone, take a picture of a tree, and you get a 3D geometry inside the computer. It could be rotated. Zoom in. Zoom out,” he said. “This is next. And it’s perfectly aligned with the mission of digital forestry.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digital-forestry-and-the-future">Digital forestry and the future</h2>



<p>This vision aligns seamlessly with the mission of digital forestry, heralding a new era of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technological and natural integration</a>.</p>



<p>In summary, the pioneering work of these scientists represents a significant milestone in the intersection of artificial intelligence and natural modeling. </p>



<p>Their innovative approach, harnessing the power of AI to simulate the growth and form of trees, demonstrates the potential of technology to replicate complex natural phenomena, while opening a realm of possibilities for practical applications in diverse fields. </p>



<p>From enhancing the realism in digital entertainment to aiding urban planning and architectural designs, this breakthrough sets the stage for future advancements where technology and nature coalesce, offering new insights and capabilities that were once beyond our reach.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3627101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACM Transactions on Graphics</a></em>.</p>



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Artificial intelligence can now simulate tree growth and shape

Researchers have made a significant leap in artificial intelligence (AI)...

<p>Researchers have recently uncovered the origins of the farthest-known fast radio burst (FRB), tracing it back to an unusual cluster of at least seven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a>. This discovery, which was based on observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, is a remarkable development in the field of astronomy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At the same time, the study presents a significant challenge to existing scientific models of fast radio burst production and their sources.</p>



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



<p>During the summer of 2022, astronomers detected what is now known as the most powerful fast radio burst ever observed. This FRB, also the farthest known to date, has its origins dating back halfway to the Big Bang, a period when the universe was a mere 5 billion years old – significantly younger than its current age of 13.8 billion years.</p>



<p>The research was led by a team of astronomers from <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>. The experts utilized the advanced imaging capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope to trace the origins of this extraordinary fast radio burst, named FRB 20220610A. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-phenomenon-nbsp">Rare phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings have contradicted initial beliefs that the radio burst originated from a single galaxy. Instead, the scientists have traced its birthplace to a collection of at least seven galaxies, closely packed and possibly interacting with each other, a phenomenon that is exceedingly rare in the universe.</p>



<p>Study lead author Alexa Gordon, a graduate student in astronomy at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the critical role of Hubble's imaging in unraveling this mystery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Without the Hubble's imaging, it would still remain a mystery as to whether this FRB originated from one monolithic galaxy or from some type of interacting system," said Gordon. "It's these types of environments - these weird ones - that drive us toward a better understanding of the mystery of FRBs."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-radio-bursts-nbsp">Fast radio bursts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study, which will be presented at the 243rd meeting of the <a href="https://www.aas.org/">American Astronomical Society</a> in New Orleans, offers new insights into the nature of FRBs. These are brief, intense bursts of radio waves that emit more energy in milliseconds than our sun does in an entire year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fast radio burst in question was notably four times more energetic than previously observed FRBs and has set a new record for distance.</p>



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



<p>Initially, the source of FRB 20220610A appeared as an indistinct, blob-like structure. This led to early assumptions that it originated from either a single irregular galaxy or a cluster of distant galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Hubble's sharp imagery revealed a more complex scenario – a compact group of galaxies so densely packed that they could fit within the Milky Way. This discovery has led to speculation about the galaxies possibly exchanging material or even merging.</p>



<p>Professor Wen-fai Fong, a co-author of the study, pointed out the rarity of such compact galaxy groups and the potential for this interaction to trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"There are some signs that the group members are 'interacting,'" Fong said. "In other words, they could be trading materials or possibly on a path to merging. These groups of galaxies (called compact groups) are incredibly rare environments in the universe and are the densest galaxy-scale structures we know of."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-birthplace-nbsp">Rare birthplace&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"This interaction could trigger bursts of star formation," said Gordon. "That might indicate that the progenitor of FRB 20220610A is associated with a fairly recent population of stars which matches what we've learned from other FRBs."</p>



<p>"Despite hundreds of FRB events discovered to date, only a fraction of those have been pinpointed to their host galaxies," said study co-author Yuxin (Vic) Dong. "Within that small fraction, only a few came from a dense galactic environment, but none have ever been seen in such a compact group. So, its birthplace is truly rare."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-mechanisms-nbsp">Unknown mechanisms&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In the years since astronomers first discovered fast radio bursts in 2007, up to 1,000 FRBs have been discovered. Experts generally agree that FRBs must involve a compact object, such as a black hole or neutron star, but the exact mechanisms remain a mystery.</p>



<p>"Radio waves, in particular, are sensitive to any intervening material along the line of sight - from the FRB location to us," said Fong.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"That means the waves have to travel through any cloud of material around the FRB site, through its host galaxy, across the universe and finally through the Milky Way. From a time delay in the FRB signal itself, we can measure the sum of all of these contributions."</p>



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



<p>Gordon noted that with technology continually becoming more sensitive, improved detections are right around the corner.</p>



<p>"With a larger sample of distant FRBs, we can begin to study the evolution of FRBs and their host properties by connecting them to more nearby ones and perhaps even start to identify more strange populations," said Dong.</p>



<p>"In the near future, FRB experiments will increase their sensitivity, leading to an unprecedented rate in the number of FRBs detected at these distances," said Gordon. "Astronomers will soon learn just how special the environment of this FRB was."</p>



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Fast radio burst traced to rare cluster of interacting galaxies

Researchers have recently uncovered the origins of the farthest-known fast...

Giant,Isopod,Up,Close

<p>In the vast and mysterious world of marine biology, a recent crustacean discovery has sparked excitement and opened doors to further understanding of our planet's oceans. </p>



<p>A team of international marine biologists, including <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/people/_profiles/oliver-shipley.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Oliver Shipley</a> from Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (<a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/somas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SoMAS</a>), has identified a new species of isopod, a type of crustacean, in the deep waters of The Bahamas.</p>



<p>This finding of the new species, named <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Booralana_deep-sea-crustacean_discovered-Bahamas_credit-Oliver-Shipley_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Booralana nickorum</a></em>, emphasizes how much we have yet to learn about oceanic life. </p>



<p>This discovery furthers our understanding of the integral role these creatures play in the deep-sea ecosystem and their contribution to overall ocean biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-isopod-diversity">Glimpse into isopod diversity</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-isopod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isopods</a>, often only a few centimeters long, are a diverse group of crustaceans found in all major ecosystems on Earth. </p>



<p>Dating back over 300 million years, they have adapted to various environments. In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-pressure-preserves-food-for-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea habitats</a>, they primarily act as scavengers, playing a crucial role in recycling energy. </p>



<p>Remarkably, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-pollination-discovered-between-red-seaweed-and-crustaceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isopods</a> can survive years without food, a trait <em>Booralana nickorum</em> seems to share.</p>



<p>Dr. Shipley highlights the importance of this discovery, saying, “This work sheds light on the hidden diversity of these species and reveals how little we know about deep-sea ecosystems in The Bahamas."</p>



<p>He also suggests that these waters might hold a “potentially hidden ‘treasure chest’ of unrecognized biodiversity.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-crustaceans">Discovering new crustaceans</h2>



<p>The journey to this discovery began back in 2013, with Dr. Shipley’s focus on the Exuma Sound for his MS research. </p>



<p>In 2019, in collaboration with <a href="https://oceanx.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OceanX</a> and the <a href="https://islandschool.org/cape-eleuthera-institute/about-us-cei/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cape Eleuthera Institute</a>, he led an expedition into the Exuma Sound's deep waters. </p>



<p>This expedition, part of a series aimed at documenting <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/seven-surprising-secrets-of-the-deepest-sea-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea biodiversity</a> in previously unexplored areas, led to the recovery of specimens for genetic sequencing and, ultimately, to the discovery of <em>Booralana nickorum</em>.</p>



<p>This is not the team's first significant find in The Bahamas’ Exuma Sound. In 2016, they described another new isopod species, <em>Bathynomus maxeyorum</em>. </p>



<p>These discoveries are part of a larger project exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-surveys-identify-over-5000-species-in-future-mining-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity patterns</a> and food web structures in the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinguishing-new-booralana-species">Distinguishing new Booralana species</h2>



<p>Interestingly, before these findings, only a single Booralana species, <em>Booralana tricarinata</em>, was known to exist in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. </p>



<p>The new species, <em>Booralana nickorum</em>, is distinguished by unique morphological features, particularly in its pleotelson or ‘tail.’</p>



<p>The discovery was made possible through a collaboration that included experts from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, like Professor Duncan Irschick.</p>



<p>Professor Irschick employed novel technologies to create <a href="https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/model-103a-deep-sea-booralana-isopod-d033ca11dc94474aabd45a723fc5d707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3D models of the specimen</a> that are quite impressive.</p>



<p>Dr. Shipley also points out the broader implications of these discoveries. </p>



<p>“The Caribbean houses many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-shows-giant-sea-spiders-mating-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea ecosystems</a> that could be considered pristine, mostly hidden from anthropogenic exploitation, such as deep-sea fisheries and mining,” explains Shipley. </p>



<p>“Therefore, they provide a baseline from which to compare exploitation effects occurring in less pristine regions. However, these systems are not immune from the increasing impacts of climate changes and pollution, so it is critical that we understand the full extent of the biodiversity supported by these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-upheaval-the-ecological-impact-of-deep-sea-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea environments</a>.”</p>



<p>However, he warns that these ecosystems are not immune to the broader impacts of climate change and pollution, making it crucial to understand the biodiversity these environments support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-impact-and-student-involvement">Educational impact and student involvement</h2>



<p>At <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a>, Dr. Shipley extends his passion for marine discovery to the classroom. He conducts an annual field course at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, where students, both undergraduate and graduate, engage directly in active discovery alongside Bahamian scientists. </p>



<p>This environment enriches the educational experience of Stony Brook students and contributes to the ongoing exploration of subtropical ecosystems, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-life-disappear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep sea</a>.</p>



<p>In summary, the discovery of <em>Booralana nickorum</em> represents a window into the largely unexplored marine life of The Bahamas, and underscores the importance of continued research in these critical ecosystems. </p>



<p>As we delve deeper into the ocean's mysteries, we expand our scientific knowledge while enhancing our ability to protect these vital habitats for future generations.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5399.3.4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a></em>.</p>



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New deep-sea crustacean species discovered

In the vast and mysterious world of marine biology, a...

<p>In a fascinating exploration of the bond between humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-humans-close/">dogs</a>, scientists from the <a href="https://www.mpi.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics</a> have delved into the reasons behind dogs' distinctive tail wagging behavior. The relationship between humans and dogs, a bond that dates back to the dawn of civilization, has always included the enigmatic aspect of why dogs wag their tails more than other canines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-preferences">Human preferences</h2>



<p>The researchers, in an opinion piece in <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0407"><em>Biology Letters</em></a>, propose a theory linking human enjoyment of rhythmic movements to the evolution of dogs' tail wagging behavior. They suggest that early humans might have unconsciously preferred dogs that exhibited more rhythmic movements. </p>



<p>However, they acknowledge that this is just one theory and that the behavior could also be a byproduct of dogs becoming more sociable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tail-wagging-behavior-nbsp">Tail wagging behavior&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the mutual enjoyment derived from tail wagging, there's been limited research into its evolutionary origins. Unlike domesticated dogs, undomesticated canines like wolves wag their tails less frequently and primarily for communication.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers point out that tail wagging in dogs seems innate rather than learned, as evidenced by the behavior of wolf and dog pups raised by humans, with dog pups beginning to wag their tails much more frequently as early as three weeks old.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domesticated-rhythmic-wagging-nbsp">Domesticated rhythmic wagging&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The scientists propose two theories. The first, termed "domesticated rhythmic wagging," suggests that humans may have selectively bred dogs for more frequent and rhythmic tail wagging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Humans have remarkable abilities to perceive and produce rhythmic sequences, particularly isochronous patterns where events are evenly spaced in time," the authors wrote. The preference for rhythmic stimuli, ingrained in human cognitive neuroscience and linked to pleasurable responses and reward system engagement, could have influenced this selection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestication-syndrome-hypothesis-nbsp">Domestication syndrome hypothesis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The second theory, known as the "domestication syndrome" hypothesis, posits that tail wagging could be an incidental result of breeding for friendliness. This idea is supported by a study on silver foxes selectively bred for tameness, which showed that friendlier foxes in later generations exhibited more dog-like tail wagging, even though this trait wasn't specifically selected for.</p>



<p>The researchers also discuss the variation in tail wagging behavior across different dog breeds, noting that selection may not have been uniform; for instance, hunting-type dogs wag their tails more than shepherd-type dogs.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the scientists acknowledge that further experiments are necessary to conclusively determine the true reason behind dogs' tail-wagging behavior. Their insights provide a thought-provoking look at how human preferences and evolutionary processes might have shaped one of our closest animal companions' most endearing traits.</p>



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



<p>Tail wagging in dogs is a form of canine communication that can express a variety of emotions and intentions. Contrary to popular belief, tail wagging doesn't always mean a dog is happy. The nature of the tail wag can convey different messages.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed">Speed</h3>



<p>The speed of the wag is significant. A rapid wag is generally a sign of excitement or happiness. If a dog wags its tail slowly, it might be unsure or assessing a situation.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-height">Height</h3>



<p>The height at which a dog holds its tail while wagging can also be telling. A high tail often indicates confidence or aggression, while a lower tail might signify fear, submission, or anxiety.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direction">Direction</h3>



<p>The direction of the tail wag also plays a role. Recent studies suggest that a tail wagging more to the right might be associated with positive feelings, while a left-biased wag could indicate negative emotions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-language-nbsp">Body language&nbsp;</h3>



<p>It's important to consider the whole body language of the dog, not just the tail. Other cues like ear position, posture, and facial expression provide context to the meaning of a tail wag.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, a wagging tail combined with relaxed body language and a playful stance often means the dog is happy and inviting interaction. Conversely, a wagging tail with stiff body posture or bared teeth could signal aggression.</p>



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Study explores the mystery of why dogs wag their tails

In a fascinating exploration of the bond between humans and...

<p>In a recent comprehensive review, experts have brought attention to a lesser-known but increasingly significant issue in public health: reverse zoonoses. </p>



<p>This phenomenon, where diseases are transmitted from humans to animals (particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pets-did-not-improve-emotional-well-being-during-the-pandemic/">pets</a>), is more common than previously thought.</p>



<p>The research raises concerns about the health of both domestic and wild animals, and the potential implications for human health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zoonotic-diseases-nbsp">Zoonotic diseases&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, the focus has been on zoonoses, diseases that jump from animals to humans. However, Dr. Benjamin Anderson from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> says people should also pay attention to disease transmission in the opposite direction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Anderson notes that pets sharing close quarters with humans are at a heightened risk of contracting diseases from their owners. “We’re starting to see a lot of examples of reverse zoonosis. Pets are more susceptible than, maybe, we previously thought "</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cross-species-transmission-nbsp">Cross-species transmission&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Reverse zoonoses occur when a pathogen in humans mutates and adapts to a new animal host. Dr. Anderson noted that differences in the biology of animals and humans usually make it difficult for <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-terrifying-biology-of-zoonotic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infectious diseases</a> to spread between species. </p>



<p>“Typically, the viruses that I will have as a human are not going to fit into the receptors that a dog or cat has,” he explained.</p>



<p>On the other hand, viruses like influenza and coronaviruses are prime candidates for cross-species transmission due to their RNA-based genetic material, which is more prone to replication errors and subsequent mutations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pets-at-risk-from-reverse-zoonoses">Pets at risk from reverse zoonoses</h2>



<p>Dr. Anderson mentioned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exploding-population-of-macaque-monkeys-and-wild-pigs-poses-risk-of-another-global-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several diseases</a> that have been transmitted from humans to their pets, including swine flu, human norovirus, dengue, COVID-19 and tuberculosis, as well as several lesser-known viral, fungal, parasitic and bacterial infections. </p>



<p>Mammals, due to their genetic similarity to humans, are more susceptible to catching diseases from their owners. This includes pets like dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disease-reservoirs-nbsp">Disease reservoirs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Reverse zoonoses not only affect household pets but also have wider implications. Livestock and wildlife can contribute to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-animal-viruses-will-cause-future-pandemics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spread of diseases</a> - and to the risk of new outbreaks among humans. </p>



<p>Dr. Anderson pointed out that domestic animals can become reservoirs for pathogens, potentially leading to pandemics.</p>



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



<p>“We have to first ask how the pathogen gets into those animals in the first place,” said Dr. Anderson. “The pathogen doesn’t develop out of thin air in animals before suddenly spilling over into humans."</p>



<p>"While pathogens certainly can move from animals to other animals and can be picked up from the environment, exposures to humans also plays an important role. It’s this constant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tools-are-needed-to-control-infectious-animal-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">back and forth exchange</a> that happens over time, increasing the probability of a mutation taking place that allows the pathogen to infect a new host.”</p>



<p>Dr. Anderson noted the difficulty in tracking reverse zoonoses, given the challenge in linking animal illnesses to human cases. This has led to a lack of attention towards this issue in both research and media.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-reverse-zoonoses-nbsp">Combating reverse zoonoses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To combat reverse zoonoses, Dr. Anderson advises caution around pets, especially when the owner is sick with communicable diseases like the flu or COVID-19. He suggests limiting contact and maintaining hygiene to prevent transmission.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Anderson also calls for more integrated research, combining human and animal health data, to better understand and manage these diseases.</p>



<p>“We have the diagnostic tools to track many different pathogens in both human and veterinary medicine, but not always the resources to see them used as broadly as is necessary to understand all of the epidemiological trends. In particular, we need greater testing among animals."</p>



<p>“I think it’s important to know not just about the human health issues, but also have a more complete picture as to what’s actually happening out in the environment."</p>



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Reverse zoonoses: Humans are getting their pets sick

In a recent comprehensive review, experts have brought attention to...

<p>A new study led by Dr. Cristiane Duarte of <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> has revealed a significant insight into mental health issues. The research team found that supportive relationships with adults during childhood can significantly mitigate the risks of depression and anxiety in adulthood, even in the face of adverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adverse-childhood-experiences-lead-to-lifelong-health-consequences/">childhood</a> experiences. </p>



<p>"For kids, an extremely important resilience factor is a warm, nurturing relationship with a parent, caregiver, or other adult," said lead author Dr. Sara VanBronkhorst. "Our study demonstrates that children who have at least one positive, committed adult-child relationship are less likely to experience depression, anxiety and perceived stress later in life."</p>



<p>This finding is crucial as it underlines the protective role these relationships play against long-term mental health issues.</p>



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



<p>The experts targeted a critical research gap by focusing on marginalized and minoritized youth, who often face multiple adversities. To better understand resilience factors, the team used data from the Boricua Youth Study, which tracked three generations of Puerto Rican families over 20 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team looked at adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) at three points during childhood. These experiences include physical or emotional abuse; household violence; neglect; and caregiver mental illness, death, or incarceration.</p>



<p>The researchers measured seven sociocultural factors associated with resilience, which included social relationships (maternal warmth and friendships). They also measured the following mental health outcomes during young adulthood: generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, substance use disorder, and perceived stress.</p>



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



<p>The analysis revealed that positive social relationships, specifically non-peer relationships, were linked to lower instances of mental health issues in adulthood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding is pivotal, suggesting that the presence of at least one positive adult-child relationship can significantly reduce the likelihood of these mental health issues later in life.</p>



<p>The study also uncovered some unexpected results regarding religion. Contrary to common belief, high levels of family devoutness were associated with increased perceived stress among young adults who had experienced high ACEs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"With factors such as religiosity, the story may be more nuanced," said Dr. VanBronkhorst. "One explanation for this unexpected finding could be that religious families may experience higher levels of shame and guilt related to ACEs, such as parental substance use or incarceration."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-factors-nbsp">Resilience factors&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the study authors noted that while certain resilience factors were associated with reduced stress and mental health disorders, none were linked to a decrease in substance use disorders. This observation highlights the complexity of mental health and the necessity for multifaceted approaches to prevention and intervention.</p>



<p>Dr. Duarte emphasized the need to expand our understanding of resilience, suggesting future studies should explore the impact of factors like financial resources, racism, and social equity.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Dr. VanBronkhorst, who also works as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, sees firsthand the challenges families face in forming these protective relationships.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The parents I work with see their kids struggling, they want to form these positive relationships, but so much gets in the way," said Dr. VanBronkhorst.</p>



<p>"We should be helping them with parenting classes and family therapy; we can educate teachers and community members. But we should also be looking at larger, structural, interventions that could reduce the experiences of adversities and the causes of stress that interfere with adults forming bonds that can buffer children from stress."</p>



<p>"In this study we wanted to acknowledge that resilience cannot be reduced to individual attributes that one may be born with," added Dr. Duarte. "Resilience is a process. To engage in this process, children and caregivers need access to resources in their environment that foster strong, responsive relationships and meaningful experiences."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.4900" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JAMA Psychiatry</em></a>.</p>



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Supportive adults help protect children from mental health issues 

A new study led by Dr. Cristiane Duarte of Columbia...

<p>Air conditioning systems can significantly reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Technology Sydney</a> (UTS).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that air conditioning units trap particles from wildfire smoke and reduce our exposure to potentially harmful elements like soluble mercury, sulfate, and nitrate. This revelation adds a new dimension to the understanding of air conditioning beyond its primary function of cooling spaces.</p>



<p>Wildfire smoke, as highlighted by the UTS study, is not just an environmental concern but a significant health hazard. It can exacerbate conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease, leading to increased hospitalizations and even fatalities.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-wildfires">Increasing wildfires</h2>



<p>The study’s insights are particularly relevant in the wake of increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/">wildfires</a> globally, which have been a source of major air pollution.</p>



<p>“The wildfires that raged across Australia during the 2019–2020 ‘Black Summer’ produced an enormous amount of air pollution, with plumes of smoke traveling long distances and cloaking Sydney and surrounding areas,” said study lead author and PhD candidate Raissa Gill.</p>



<p>“We wanted to find out more about what was in the wildfire smoke we were breathing. By using commercial air conditioning filters, we were able to capture and analyze the chemical composition of particles that would otherwise have been inhaled."</p>



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



<p>The team used commercial air conditioning filters to collect and analyze the chemical composition of airborne particles during the wildfires. Filters from UTS Buildings 4 and 7 served as the primary source for sample collection.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results showed that particulate matter concentrations were 2–3 times higher than normal, with spikes reaching 10.5 times the usual maximum. These levels exceeded national standards on 19% of the days across the four-month sampling period.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-aerosols-nbsp">Wildfire aerosols&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Professor Martina Doblin noted significant differences in the physical and chemical properties of wildfire aerosols compared to typical urban aerosols.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Wildfire aerosols contained much smaller, rounder particles than urban aerosols, making them more likely to be inhaled into our lungs and to transfer toxic elements into our blood stream,” said Professor Doblin. </p>



<p>“These particles also contained more soluble forms of mercury, as well as higher concentrations of sulfate, nitrate and fluoride ions and metals including manganese, cobalt, and antimony. Mercury is quite toxic even in low concentrations and can cause neurological problems and lung damage.”</p>



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



<p>The study not only highlights the immediate risks posed by wildfire smoke but also emphasizes the long-term environmental and health impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While air quality in Sydney is usually good by world standards, recent evidence has clearly shown that the handful of days that we get every year with high pollution loads from wildfires and dust storms lead to significant disease and death in the community," said study co-author Professor Fraser Torpy. </p>



<p>"Studies that build an understanding of these high pollution events are critical in helping us determine what is causing these health crises, and will lead towards a better understanding of how we can protect the vulnerable members of the community that suffer from them."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hvac-systems">HVAC systems</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers found that HVAC systems, though not specifically designed for wildfire smoke, played a significant role in reducing indoor exposure to toxic particles. This was evidenced by the lower concentrations of fine particulate matter indoors compared to outdoors during the Canberra wildfires in 2019-2020.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study suggests that considering higher-rated HVAC filters during fire seasons, and their regular maintenance and replacement, could be vital in reducing exposure to toxic particles.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-future-directions">Challenges and future directions</h2>



<p>Despite these findings, Gill pointed out that many Australian homes and older buildings, which rely on natural ventilation or have inefficient HVAC systems, remain vulnerable to wildfire smoke.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Australians face significant obstacles in achieving satisfactory air quality during major wildfire events. Many homes and older buildings rely on natural ventilation or have poor HVAC filtration efficiency and gaps that allow smoke to enter. These systems can also be costly and complicated to manage for effective protection during wildfires,” said Gill.</p>



<p>“Given that severe wildfires are projected to increase with climate change, the role of wildfire-ready infrastructure in maintaining public health, as well as the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is now more pressing than ever."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Pollution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Air conditioning systems trap harmful particles from wildfire smoke 

Air conditioning systems can significantly reduce the risk of harm...

<p>In a discovery that could redefine dietary interventions, experts at the <a href="https://monell.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monell Chemical Senses Center</a> have identified neural pathways specifically linked to cravings for fats and sugars. </p>



<p>The study not only demystifies the internal mechanisms driving our appetite for unhealthy foods, but also raises important questions about how these cravings may hinder <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-improves-heart-health-in-a-matter-of-weeks/">dieting</a> efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-brain-pathways-nbsp">Gut-brain pathways&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers have found distinct gut-brain pathways that are separately activated by fatty and sugary foods. When these pathways combine, they amplify our desire to eat, potentially leading to overconsumption.</p>



<p>Study lead author Dr. Guillaume de Lartigue described this as a "one-two punch" to the brain's reward system. </p>



<p>"Food is nature's ultimate reinforcer," said Dr. de Lartigue. "But why fats and sugars are particularly appealing has been a puzzle. We've now identified nerve cells in the gut rather than taste cells in the mouth are a key driver. We found that distinct gut-brain pathways are recruited by fats and sugars, explaining why that donut can be so irresistible."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vagus-nerve-system-nbsp">Vagus nerve system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study highlights the role of the vagus nerve in transmitting nutritional information from the gut to the brain. This neural communication goes beyond the sensory experience of taste, originating instead in the gut, thereby affecting our eating behavior on a more primal level.</p>



<p>Using cutting-edge technology, the research team was able to directly manipulate neurons in the vagus nerve system of mice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By stimulating these neurons with light, the experts observed a subsequent dopamine release in the brain's reward center. This approach allowed the team to isolate and identify the separate pathways for fat and sugar cravings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-dieting">Challenges of dieting</h2>



<p>"It's like a one-two punch to the brain's reward system," said Dr. de Lartigue. "Even if the total calories consumed in sugar and fats stays the same, combining fats and sugars leads to significantly more dopamine release and, ultimately, overeating in the mice."</p>



<p>This finding suggests that human brains may be naturally inclined to seek out foods high in both fats and sugars, making conscious efforts to resist these foods more difficult than previously understood.</p>



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



<p>The implications of this research extend far beyond academic interest, opening new avenues for anti-obesity strategies. By targeting and regulating these newly discovered gut-brain reward circuits, there is potential for creating more effective interventions to curb unhealthy eating habits.</p>



<p>"The communication between our gut and brain happens below the level of consciousness," said Dr. de Lartigue. "We may be craving these types of food without even realizing it."</p>



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



<p>The team predicts that this line of research offers hope for future development of anti-obesity treatments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Understanding the wiring diagram of our innate motivation to consume fats and sugars is the first step towards rewiring it," said Dr. de Lartigue. "This research unlocks exciting possibilities for personalized interventions that could help people make healthier choices, even when faced with tempting treats."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.014"><em>Cell Metabolism</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Why do some foods seem irresistible? The answer is in your gut

In a discovery that could redefine dietary interventions, experts at...

<p>A team of researchers from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> and various institutions in Western Australia have made intriguing discoveries in two newly identified species of the Urodacus genus of burrowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indiana-jones-was-right-small-scorpions-are-more-deadly/">scorpions</a>. These findings include a uniquely shaped tail tip and distinctive reproductive anatomy.</p>



<p>“By also looking at their internal genitalia, rather than only the external morphology, we discovered what we initially thought was one strange species – quite distinctive from other known Urodacus species – was actually two new unusual species,” said lead author Bruno Buzatto, an evolutionary biologist at Flinders University.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-notable-features">Notable features</h2>



<p>The two new species, Urodacus uncinus and Urodacus lunatus, exhibit notable differences in their tails. “One novel feature of these two new species... is that the males have noticeable enlargement in their sting or telson where the venom glands are located,” Buzatto explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“[Moreover,] the tip of their ‘tails’ features a swollen vesicle and an aculeus that is more strongly curved than other known species of Urodacus.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urodacus-scorpions">Urodacus scorpions</h2>



<p>This research adds to the existing knowledge of the 21 known Urodacus scorpions, with an estimation that over 100 more species could still be discovered. U. uncinus derives its name from the hooked shape of its sting, and U. lunatus is named after a moon-shaped structure in its hemispermatophore.</p>



<p>“It’s important to study and understand the biodiversity of these burrowing scorpions and list species of conservation significance because a lot haven’t been discovered or properly described yet,” Buzzato said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hemispermatophore-morphology">Hemispermatophore morphology</h2>



<p>“What we did discover is that these two species are quite distinctive in their hemispermatophores, which are structures that occupy the full length of their abdomen and fuse together to produce the spermatophore,” said senior author Erich Volschenk, highlighting the lack of comprehensive knowledge about these species' behavior, ecology, and physiology.</p>



<p>“This is the first time in Urodacus research that we have used hemispermatophore morphology to diagnose two different species, however, we can still only speculate about how these structures work during mating. After mating, the male scorpions will regrow hemispermatophores and can mate again within two weeks.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study identified threats from the pet trade and mining industry to burrowing scorpions, which are adapted to arid ecosystems. </p>



<p>For instance, three of the known Urodacus species are currently featured in the top ten most popular invertebrate species in online pet trade, an aspect calling for more research on the impact of such activities on biodiversity and biosecurity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specific-habitat-nbsp">Specific habitat&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Finally, Buzatto discusses the specific habitat of these new species: “So far, we only know these two new species have a narrow range in the Pilbara, restricted to creeks and drainage lines.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Volschenk added that while some Urodacus species can live up to 20 years in the wild, in captivity, their lifespan is much shorter, while their venom is less harmful to humans than that of other Australian scorpions.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ZO23018" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Australian Journal of Zoology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Two new species of burrowing scorpions discovered

A team of researchers from Flinders University and various institutions...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<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>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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