<p>Inside our bodies, countless decisions play out silently at the cellular level. Some cells divide, some die, and others are forced out when they no longer serve their purpose. </p>



<p>A study from <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King’s College London</a> and the <a href="https://www.crick.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Francis Crick Institute</a> reveals that epithelial cells use electricity to spot weak neighbors and remove them. This breakthrough offers fresh insight into how diseases like cancer and stroke arise when energy balance within cells is disturbed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-renew-constantly">Cells renew constantly</h2>



<p>Epithelial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemifusome-newly-discovered-organelle-inside-human-cells-with-immense-potential/">cells</a> form the barrier that lines organs, renewing rapidly to stay protective. Their balance depends on extrusion, the process of ejecting damaged or excess cells. This keeps tissues tightly packed and efficient. </p>



<p>If extrusion falters, cell numbers become chaotic, creating openings for disease. Without this constant regulation, unhealthy cells may linger, disrupt organ integrity, and interfere with critical signaling pathways. </p>



<p>Over time, these disturbances can weaken the protective barrier, encourage unchecked growth, and increase vulnerability to conditions such as cancer, chronic inflammation, or infections that compromise overall tissue health and resilience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electricity-targets-weak-cells">Electricity targets weak cells</h2>



<p>Earlier work showed that overcrowding forces some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-first-cells-life-form-on-earth-scientists-think-they-finally-figured-it-out/">cells</a> to be squeezed out mechanically. The latest discovery goes further. It shows that extrusion is not random but targets energy-poor cells. Crowding pushes sodium into cells through specialized ion channels, altering their electrical signals. </p>



<p>Healthy cells restore balance, but weak ones cannot, triggering shrinkage and eventual extrusion. This reveals a precise surveillance system where tissues actively monitor cellular energy, ensuring only the strongest cells remain. </p>



<p>Such control preserves organ stability, while defects in this mechanism may promote disease progression and unchecked cellular growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-sense-crowding-with-electricity">Cells sense crowding with electricity</h2>



<p>The researchers noticed a striking prelude to extrusion: cells briefly shrank before being expelled. This stage, termed homeostatic early shrinkage, reflects water leaving the cell. </p>



<p>Roughly 70 percent of extruding cells undergo this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cells-vomit-waste-to-speed-up-healing-in-our-body/">shrinkage</a>. It is not caused by contractile forces but by ion channels regulating water movement. Key players include the potassium channels Kv1.1 and Kv1.2, and the chloride channel SWELL1.</p>



<p>The study revealed that an epithelial sodium channel, ENaC, senses crowding. It acts as a tension detector, letting sodium rush in when cells press against one another.</p>



<p>If a cell has enough ATP, it pumps sodium back out and stabilizes. If not, depolarization occurs, potassium and chloride exit, water follows, and the cell shrinks, crossing the threshold that triggers extrusion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-energy-as-a-trigger">Low energy as a trigger</h2>



<p>Time-lapse experiments revealed that cells destined for extrusion show falling ATP levels before they depolarize and shrink. When ATP levels were artificially lowered, extrusion increased. </p>



<p>This shows energy deficiency directly selects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-space-changes-our-cells-insights-from-the-iss/">cells</a> for removal. In essence, epithelial tissue runs a built-in fitness test: cells unable to maintain their electrical balance are expelled.</p>



<p>"We see this sodium channel acting as a sensor, exposing cells with the least amount of energy and targeting those cells for death," noted study lead author Dr. Saranne Mitchell. </p>



<p>"This mechanism gives epithelia a constant surveillance system to rapidly detect weak cells and remove them. It's like an electrical quality-control check, keeping tissues robust and functional."</p>



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



<p>The study highlights how epithelial tissues are not passive layers but dynamic communities constantly testing their members. By identifying weaker cells early, they can preserve strength and protect organ function.</p>



<p>"By revealing that cells with low energy are targeted for extrusion, our work also adds a new layer into how metabolism can impact many diseases," said Professor Jody Rosenblatt.</p>



<p>"This new insight could suggest how overconsumption, through eating more and consuming more calories, might override this 'low energy trigger' for extrusion and prevent the elimination of defective cells, allowing them to accumulate into cancers." </p>



<p>"It might also reveal how energy deprivation following a stroke, caused by impacted blood supply, could lead to excess extrusion and organ damage."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-use-electricity-effectively">Cells use electricity effectively</h2>



<p>This model highlights energy sufficiency as a deciding factor in cell survival. Much like how mitochondria regulate apoptosis, epithelial extrusion uses energy balance as a checkpoint. </p>



<p>The findings also connect to conditions like cystic fibrosis and cancer, where ion channel malfunctions are common. By linking ion flow, energy, and crowding, this study reframes how tissues maintain integrity.</p>



<p>The discovery paints epithelia as more than static barriers. They are dynamic, electrically sensitive tissues constantly probing their members for weakness. </p>



<p>Cells that cannot meet the energy demands are removed for the greater good of the tissue. Even the faintest electrical flicker within these cellular communities can tip the balance between health and disease.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09514-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: CC0 Public Domain</p>



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Body tissues use electricity to expel weak cells

Inside our bodies, countless decisions play out silently at the cellular level. Some cells divide, some die, and others are forced out when they no longer serve their purpose. A study from King’s College London and the Francis Crick Institute reveals that epithelial cells use electricity to spot weak neighbors and remove them. This breakthrough offers fresh insight into how diseases like cancer and stroke arise when energy balance within cells is disturbed. Cells renew constantly Epithelial cells form the barrier that lines organs, renewing rapidly to...

Planet,Earth,As,Seen,From,Surface,Of,The,Moon.,Elements

<p>An international research team led by Dr. Ottaviano Rüsch from the <a href="https://www.uni-muenster.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Münster</a> has identified anomalous meter-sized Moon rocks, which are covered in uniquely reflective dust, potentially indicating magnetic anomalies. This revelation sheds new light on the understanding of lunar crust formation and changes.</p>



<p>The Moon, unlike Earth, is enveloped in sharp-edged, electrostatically charged dust, a subject of study since the Apollo missions of the late 1960s.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-reflective-properties-nbsp">Unusual reflective properties&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Rüsch's team identified a few lunar boulders with a layer of dust exhibiting unusual reflective properties. The dust reflects sunlight distinctively, differing from that on previously known rocks. The findings are crucial for comprehending the processes shaping the Moon's crust.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-moon-s-magnetism-nbsp">The Moon's magnetism&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study, fueled by interest in the lunar surface's magnetic anomalies, particularly near the Reiner Gamma region, delves into uncharted territory regarding the Moon's magnetism. Dr. Rüsch highlighted the importance of these new rocks in understanding the Moon's magnetic history and core.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Current knowledge of the Moon's magnetic properties is very limited, so these new rocks will shed light on the history of the Moon and its magnetic core," said Dr. Rüsch. "For the first time, we have investigated the interactions of dust with rocks in the Reiner Gamma region - more precisely, the variations in the reflective properties of these rocks. For example, we can deduce to what extent and in which direction the sunlight is reflected by these large rocks."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-reconnaissance-orbiter-images">Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter images</h2>



<p>The team analyzed images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to study the interaction of dust with rocks, focusing on variations in the rocks' reflective properties. The research was initially focused on identifying cracked rocks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Utilizing artificial intelligence, the team sifted through approximately one million images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, searching for fractured rocks.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-130-000-intriguing-rocks-nbsp">130,000 intriguing rocks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Modern data processing methods allow us to gain completely new insights into global contexts - at the same time, we keep finding unknown objects in this way, such as the anomalous rocks that we are investigating in this new study," explained Valentin Bickel from the University of Bern's Center for Space and Habitability.</p>



<p>The algorithm pinpointed around 130,000 intriguing rocks, with half undergoing detailed examination.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-interaction-with-light">Strange interaction with light</h2>



<p>"We recognized a boulder with distinctive dark areas on just one image. This rock was very different from all the others, as it scatters less light back towards the sun than other rocks. We suspect that this is due to the particular dust structure, such as the density and grain size of the dust," said Dr. Rüsch.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Normally, lunar dust is very porous and reflects a lot of light back in the direction of illumination. However, when the dust is compacted, the overall brightness usually increases. This is not the case with the observed dust-covered rocks," noted Marcel Hess from TU Dortmund University.</p>



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



<p>The team's discovery is still in its early stages, with ongoing research focused on understanding the dust's properties and its interaction with the rocks. Upcoming studies will explore processes like electrostatic dust lifting and solar wind interaction with local magnetic fields.</p>



<p>This discovery is timely, as NASA plans to deploy an automatic rover to the Reiner Gamma region in the coming years to seek similar boulders. A deeper understanding of lunar dust movement is not only academically significant but also practical, assisting in future human settlement planning on the Moon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The challenges posed by lunar dust, as experienced by Apollo astronauts in habitat and equipment contamination, highlight the importance of these studies in preparing for extended human presence on the Moon.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023JE007910" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Geophysical Research Planets</em></a>. </p>



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Mysterious rocks may unlock secrets of the Moon's magnetic history 

An international research team led by Dr. Ottaviano Rüsch from...

Father,And,Son,Sitting,On,Sofa,In,Lounge,Playing,Video

<p>In a recent study conducted by a collaborative team of neuroscientists from the University of Vienna and the <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institute</a> in Stockholm, researchers delved into the effects of violent video games on human empathy. </p>



<p>This research, now published in the esteemed journal <em>eLife</em>, aimed to address the prevalent concern that exposure to violent content in video <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-can-help-boost-childrens-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">games</a> could diminish empathetic responses in players.</p>



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



<p>The study's co-leads, Claus Lamm and Lukas Lengersdorff, guided an international team in this intricate exploration. </p>



<p>Their primary focus was to examine whether regular engagement with violent video games alters a person's empathetic reactions to others' pain. </p>



<p>This question is particularly pertinent given the widespread integration of video games into the daily lives of both children and adults, many of which feature explicit violent scenes. </p>



<p>The underlying worry has been that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-do-not-harm-childrens-cognitive-abilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">games</a> might not only desensitize players to violence but also lower their threshold for committing real-world violence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-violent-video-games">Studying violent video games</h2>



<p>The methodology of the study was meticulously designed. The research team selected 89 adult male participants, ensuring that these individuals had minimal or no prior exposure to violent video <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/playing-action-video-games-can-improve-reading-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">games</a>, to maintain the integrity of the study's results. </p>



<p>Initially, the participants underwent a baseline assessment of their empathetic levels. This involved brain scans while they observed another person experiencing painful electric shocks.</p>



<p>Following this, the participants were divided into two groups for the video game phase of the experiment. Over several weeks, they visited the research lab seven times, each session lasting an hour. </p>



<p>The experimental group engaged with a highly violent version of '<a href="https://www.rockstargames.com/gta-v" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grand Theft Auto V</a>', where their objective was to eliminate as many characters as possible. </p>



<p>Conversely, the control group played a non-violent version of the same game, focusing on photographing characters instead of harming them.</p>



<p>Upon completion of the gaming sessions, the researchers conducted a second round of empathy assessments on the participants. </p>



<p>Intriguingly, the results revealed that playing the violent video game had no noticeable impact on the players' empathy levels or the corresponding brain activity. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



<p>This finding challenges the widely held belief that exposure to video <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gaming-may-increase-cognitive-performance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">game</a> violence necessarily dulls empathic responses in individuals.</p>



<p>The study's findings bring a fresh perspective to this ongoing debate, challenging preconceived notions and setting new directions for future research.</p>



<p>At the heart of the study was an exploration of how exposure to violent video games influences an individual's empathetic abilities. The results were intriguing. </p>



<p>Participants who were subjected to extreme violent content in video games showed no significant difference in their empathic responses compared to those who engaged in non-violent tasks, such as taking photos. </p>



<p>This finding is critical because it suggests that short-term exposure to video game violence might not impair empathy.</p>



<p>Further, the study delved into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gamers-may-be-at-risk-of-irreversible-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurological aspect</a>, examining brain activities associated with empathy, particularly in areas like the anterior insular and anterior midcingulate cortex. </p>



<p>No significant differences were observed here either. These findings raise an important question: Are the concerns about video game violence and its impact on empathy overblown?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interpretations-and-significance">Interpretations and significance</h2>



<p>Lead author Lukas Lengersdorff, conducting this research as part of his doctoral studies, urges caution in interpreting these findings. </p>



<p>"Given the sensitive nature of this topic, we must tread carefully," he explains. "Our study does not definitively prove that violent video games are harmless. We lack the comprehensive data required for such a sweeping statement."</p>



<p>The study's real significance, according to Lengersdorff, lies in its contribution to a more nuanced understanding of previous findings. </p>



<p>He notes, "Our results indicate that a few hours of exposure to video game violence doesn't significantly affect the empathy of mentally healthy adults. This contradicts earlier studies which reported negative effects after just a few minutes of gameplay." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-previous-studies-on-violent-video-games">Previous studies on violent video games</h2>



<p>Lengersdorff highlights a crucial difference: previous studies often involved participants playing violent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-finds-no-evidence-that-video-games-promote-violence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">games</a> immediately before data collection, a method that fails to differentiate between short-term and long-term effects.</p>



<p>Claus Lamm, the research group leader and co-author, views this study as a benchmark for future research. </p>



<p>"To make definitive claims about the effects of violent video <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/violent-video-games-kids-guns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">games</a>, we need strong experimental controls and longitudinal studies," says Lamm. Their research aims to pave the way for such rigorous inquiries.</p>



<p>However, the work is far from complete. The next steps involve examining the effects of prolonged exposure to video game violence and determining if these findings hold for vulnerable subpopulations.</p>



<p>Lamm notes, "A critical question remains: are children and adolescents, whose brains are highly adaptable, also unaffected by video game violence?" </p>



<p>He acknowledges the ethical challenges in studying this aspect but underscores its importance.</p>



<p>In summary, this research represents a significant stride in understanding the complex relationship between video game violence and empathy. </p>



<p>While it challenges some existing assumptions, it also opens the door to more thorough and ethically considered future studies, especially concerning younger demographics. </p>



<p>The journey to fully comprehend this relationship is ongoing, but this study marks a pivotal step forward.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/84951" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a></em>.</p>



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How violent video games impact the human mind

In a recent study conducted by a collaborative team of...

<p>A comprehensive study involving over 25,000 dogs across 238 breeds in the United States has uncovered significant links between the size of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-body-positions-that-indicate-your-dog-is-in-pain/">dog</a> and its risk for various health conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conducted by Yunbi Nam and colleagues from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, the study marks a significant step in understanding why smaller dogs generally have a longer lifespan compared to their larger counterparts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dog-aging-project">The Dog Aging Project</h2>



<p>"Age in dogs is associated with the risk of many diseases, and canine size is a major factor in that risk. However, the size patterns are complex. While small size dogs tend to live longer, some diseases are more prevalent among small dogs," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>"In this study we seek to quantify how the pattern of disease history varies across the spectrum of dog size, dog age, and their interaction."</p>



<p>To investigate, the experts analyzed data from 27,541 dogs, part of the ongoing Dog Aging Project. This extensive dataset allowed for a comprehensive view of how size impacts health risks across a dog's life.</p>



<p>"The Dog Aging Project (DAP) provides a unique opportunity to investigate how the lifetime prevalence of different conditions varies across age and size in a large community-based population of companion dogs," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Additionally, we explore whether the adjustment for the dog’s sex, breed status (purebred vs. mixed-breed status), and the census division defined by the dog’s residence address impacts this relationship."</p>



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



<p>The results of the study indicate that large dogs are more prone to suffer from certain health conditions such as cancer, bone-related diseases, and gastrointestinal issues. </p>



<p>Bigger dogs were also found to be more likely to have problems related to ears, nose, and throat; neurological and endocrine conditions; and infectious diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, smaller dogs tend to be more susceptible to diseases affecting the eyes, heart, liver, pancreas, and respiratory system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the prevalence of kidney and urinary diseases did not show a significant difference between large and small dogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundbreaking-approach-nbsp">Groundbreaking approach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study is groundbreaking in its approach to understanding how risks for various health conditions vary with the size of the dog throughout its lifespan.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, the researchers found distinct patterns of risk associated with various diseases such as cancer, ocular, cardiac, orthopedic, and ear/nose/throat conditions, depending on the dog's size.</p>



<p>Even after accounting for variables such as the dog's sex, living environment, and whether they were purebred or mixed-breed, the clear link between size and disease risk remained evident.</p>



<p>The experts said their results provide insights into the disease categories that may contribute to reduced lifespan in larger dogs and suggest multiple avenues for further exploration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-size-study-strengths-and-limitations">Dog size study strengths and limitations </h2>



<p>"Our study has several strengths and limitations that should be noted. Strengths include the large sample size of this study, which allows us to estimate patterns with high power across the whole age and size spectrum," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Additionally, we have a very diverse sample of dogs distributed across the entire United States. Since the sample is not veterinary-hospital or clinic-based it may be more representative of the general population of dogs."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Conversely, while our observations can suggest which conditions manifest differently across age and size, they do not prove any causal relationships due to the cross-sectional nature of the analysis. Over time, longitudinal data will be collected on these dogs, and we will be able to examine disease incidence."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0295840" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLOS ONE</em></a>.</p>



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Dog size is directly linked to different types of disease

A comprehensive study involving over 25,000 dogs across 238 breeds...

<p>A series of studies has revealed that daily multivitamins could play a crucial role in improving memory and slowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-prevent-brain-aging-and-cognitive-decline/">cognitive aging</a> in older adults.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation comes at a critical time, as the Alzheimer’s Association predicts that by 2060, nearly a quarter of Americans will be at an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmos-trials">COSMOS trials</h2>



<p>The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), led by experts at <a href="https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mass General Brigham</a>, has been at the forefront of this research. COSMOS is a comprehensive, nationwide trial that examines the effects of cocoa extract and multivitamin supplements.</p>



<p>Significantly, this is the third study from COSMOS to indicate the positive impact of daily multivitamins on cognition. The results revealed consistent benefits for memory as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-decline-nbsp">Cognitive decline&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Chirag Vyas, the study's first author and an instructor in the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry, emphasized the importance of these findings.</p>



<p>“Cognitive decline is among the top health concerns for most older adults, and a daily supplement of multivitamins has the potential as an appealing and accessible approach to slow cognitive aging,” said Vyas.</p>



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



<p>The latest study involved detailed, in-person cognitive assessments of 573 participants, known as the COSMOS-Clinic subset.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In conjunction with two earlier studies that utilized telephone-based and online web-based cognitive assessments, the researchers found modest benefits for global cognition over two years, with a significant impact on episodic memory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-evidence-nbsp">Strong evidence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A meta-analysis combining data from all three studies, with 5,000 non-overlapping COSMOS participants, revealed strong evidence of benefits for both global cognition and episodic memory. The researchers estimated that daily multivitamin usage could slow global cognitive aging by as much as two years.</p>



<p>“The meta-analysis of three separate cognition studies provides strong and consistent evidence that taking a daily multivitamin, containing more than 20 essential micronutrients, helps prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging," said Vyas.</p>



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



<p>Senior author Dr. Olivia Okereke highlighted the significance of the research for older adults concerned about brain health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These findings will garner attention among many older adults who are, understandably, very interested in ways to preserve brain health, as they provide evidence for the role of a daily multivitamin in supporting better cognitive aging," said Dr. Okereke.</p>



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



<p>The overall COSMOS project is led by Dr. JoAnn Manson and Howard Sesso, both of Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The finding that a daily multivitamin improved memory and slowed cognitive aging in three separate placebo-controlled studies in COSMOS is exciting and further supports the promise of multivitamins as a safe, accessible and affordable approach to protecting cognitive health in older adults," said Dr. Manson.</p>



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



<p>“With these three studies using different approaches for assessing cognition in COSMOS, each providing support for a daily multivitamin, it is now critical to understand the mechanisms by which a daily multivitamin may protect against memory loss and cognitive decline with a focus on nutritional status and other aging-related factors," said Sesso.</p>



<p>"For example, the modifying role of baseline nutritional status on protecting against cognitive decline has been shown for the COSMOS cocoa extract intervention. A typical multivitamin such as that tested in COSMOS contains many essential vitamins and minerals that could explain its potential benefits.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em></a>. </p>



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Daily multivitamins slow cognitive aging and improve memory

A series of studies has revealed that daily multivitamins could...

Wolf,Spider,On,Leaf

<p>In the animal kingdom, the impact of environmental factors on communication and survival is a subject of endless fascination. A recent study by the <a href="https://www.uc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cincinnati</a> reveals a unique aspect of this interaction, focusing on wolf spiders and its struggle with rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mating-season-wolf-spiders-and-rain">Mating season, wolf spiders, and rain</h2>



<p>Wolf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-turn-to-cannibalism-when-food-sources-are-limited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a>, a species found throughout the United States, have a unique way of communicating and sensing danger. </p>



<p>They lack ears but use specialized organs in their eight legs to sense vibrations. This form of communication becomes particularly challenging in wet conditions. </p>



<p>The study revealed that rain-soaked leaves significantly hamper the spiders' ability to signal each other and perceive threats from predators, such as predatory birds, compared to dry leaves.</p>



<p>The timing of this struggle is crucial. Spring, the mating season for wolf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolf-spiders-color-green/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a>, coincides with the nesting season of birds like blue jays. </p>



<p>These birds, feeding spiders to their offspring due to the high taurine content beneficial for brain development, pose a significant threat to the spiders, especially males engaging in courtship rituals. </p>



<p>Male wolf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-wolf-spiders-perform-elaborate-dances-to-woo-females/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a> attract mates by drumming their furry front legs on leaves, a display that is less effective and more dangerous on wet leaves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-camouflage-and-adaptive-behaviors">Camouflage and adaptive behaviors</h2>



<p>Professor George Uetz, the lead author of the study, explains that the camouflage abilities of these striped black and brown spiders are remarkable, especially when they remain motionless. </p>



<p>However, this strategy has its limitations. </p>



<p>“Birds preferentially feed spiders to their offspring because spiders have 50 times the amount of taurine than insects,” Uetz said. </p>



<p>“And taurine is critical for the development of the hippocampus of nestlings’ brains. The hippocampus is associated with spatial memory, which is really important for birds.”</p>



<p>The study also highlighted the spiders' adaptive behavior in response to changing conditions. Despite the challenges posed by wet leaves, male wolf spiders didn't shy away from courting in the rain. </p>



<p>Instead, they increased their visual signaling to compensate for the reduced effectiveness of vibratory communication. </p>



<p>“If they remain still, they just disappear,” Utz said. “Like lots of predators, blue jays are visually oriented. They’re very visually acute. For them, movement really is the key.”</p>



<p>Interestingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interesting-fact-hungry-spiders-lose-their-eyesight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a> that could utilize dry leaves for communication had greater mating success.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-implications-and-climate-change">Ecological implications and climate change</h2>



<p>The implications of this study extend beyond the immediate struggles that wolf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-pest-control-tree-species-diversity-increases-spider-density/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a> have when it rains.</p>



<p>With climate change bringing about more frequent and prolonged spring rains, these spiders face increasing ecological challenges. </p>



<p>“Spring is coming a little earlier. What we’re seeing is there’s a shift in the life cycle of the spiders,” Uetz points out. </p>



<p>“If global warming shifts the annual life cycle of the spiders, that will push them out of synchrony with the nesting season of the birds, which is more closely tied to daylight cues.”</p>



<p>Rachel Gilbert, a UC graduate and co-author of the study, emphasizes the broader significance of these findings. </p>



<p>“Spiders are very important to local ecosystems, both as a predator of insects and as a major food source to larger animals like birds,” she says, suggesting that spiders can serve as important indicators of environmental change.</p>



<p>In summary, this research provides insightful revelations about how environmental changes, particularly rainfall, impact the communication, mating success, and survival strategies of wolf spiders. </p>



<p>It also underscores the broader ecological implications, emphasizing the interconnectedness of species and the potential effects of climate change on these delicate balances.</p>



<p>The study was published in the <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10905-023-09843-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Insect Behavior</a></em>.</p>



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



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Wolf spiders hate the rain and change their mating strategies when it showers

In the animal kingdom, the impact of environmental factors on...

<p>The world's largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/">iceberg</a>, A23a, is undergoing significant erosion and transformation as it moves away from Antarctica. Captured in new photos and videos, the iceberg, measuring 1,540 square miles, is being reshaped by ocean waters, forming caves and arches.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The erosive process, similar to coastal land erosion, is accelerated by waves crashing against the iceberg, gradually enlarging gaps until the top layers collapse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mind-boggling-size">Mind-boggling size</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.eyos-expeditions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EYOS Expeditions</a>, who recently visited iceberg A23a, deployed a drone for aerial photography. Expedition leader Ian Strachan described the scene, thusly. </p>



<p>"We saw waves, a good three meters or four meters high, smashing into the berg... These were creating cascades of ice – a constant state of erosion." </p>



<p>"It's mind-bogglingly big and stretches as far as you can see in both directions... It's certainly too big to photograph," added videographer Richard Sidey.</p>



<p>The erosion process involves powerful waves hitting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a23a-worlds-largest-iceberg-is-moving-after-30-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg's base</a>, creating small gaps that eventually widen into caves and arches, leading to the collapse of the 'roof' or the top ice layer. This leaves behind smaller stacks that eventually melt away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-of-iceberg-a23a">Potential impact of iceberg A23a</h2>



<p>A23a, grounded to the ocean floor for 30 years, is now drifting northwards due to wind and ocean currents. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS) revealed that the iceberg is moving at about 30 miles per day and may enter "iceberg alley" towards South Georgia. </p>



<p>According to a BAS spokesperson, "it depends on its trajectory, but there is potential for impact to wildlife if it approaches any of the sub-Antarctic islands."</p>



<p>Originally part of the Filchner Ice Shelf, A23a became stationary after grounding, a phenomenon that occurs when an iceberg's keel is deeper than the water's depth. </p>



<p>Scientists noted its movement in November, with the iceberg now on a northward journey. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-title-of-world-s-largest-iceberg">The title of world's largest iceberg</h2>



<p>Despite its current title as the world's largest iceberg, this status is temporary, as icebergs inevitably fragment. </p>



<p>The previous largest iceberg, A76, detached from the Weddell Sea ice shelf in May 2021 but has since broken into three pieces.</p>



<p>One of the most notable was Iceberg A-68, which calved from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in Antarctica in July 2017. </p>



<p>At the time of its calving, A-68 was one of the largest ever recorded, measuring about 5,800 square kilometers (2,240 square miles) in area, roughly the size of Delaware or the island of Trinidad.</p>



<p>Over time, these massive icebergs break into smaller pieces and eventually melt. Satellite imagery and tracking have been crucial in monitoring their movements and changes, providing valuable data for understanding the dynamics of polar regions in the context of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-iceberg-a23a">More about iceberg A23a</h2>



<p>In the vast, frigid waters of the Southern Ocean, Iceberg A23a stands as a monumental testament to nature's grandeur and the dynamic processes shaping our planet. </p>



<p>As discussed above, this massive iceberg, once part of Antarctica's sprawling ice shelf, embarked on an extraordinary journey that captures the attention of scientists and the public alike.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-and-discovery">Origins and discovery</h3>



<p>Iceberg A23a broke away from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, a significant section of the Antarctic ice sheet. Its calving, a natural part of the ice shelf's life cycle, was a spectacle of nature's power. </p>



<p>The moment it separated, A23a became an independent entity, charting a course through the world's southernmost waters.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-a23a-size-and-structure">Iceberg A23a size and structure</h3>



<p>Measuring over a hundred kilometers in length and breadth, A23a is comparable in size to major global cities, dwarfing most other icebergs. </p>



<p>Its towering walls of ice rise majestically, while the bulk of its mass, like that of all icebergs, remains hidden underwater. </p>



<p>This colossal size makes A23a a subject of fascination and a vital piece in understanding the Earth's cryosphere.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-the-environment">Impact on the environment</h3>



<p>As A23a drifts, it influences the oceanic currents and the marine ecosystem. The iceberg's immense size acts as a floating barrier, redirecting water flows and potentially altering weather patterns. </p>



<p>Moreover, its gradual melting process releases vast amounts of freshwater, impacting the salinity of the surrounding ocean, which can have far-reaching effects on marine life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h3>



<p>The journey of A23a provides a unique opportunity for research. Scientists employ satellites, drones, and ship-based observations to track its movement and study its impact. </p>



<p>This research offers insights into the behavior of icebergs and the broader implications for global climate patterns. The data gathered helps refine models predicting the response of polar regions to climate change.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-a23a-and-climate-change">Iceberg A23a and climate change</h3>



<p>The story of A23a is intrinsically linked to the narrative of global warming. The increasing rate of iceberg calving in Antarctica raises concerns about the stability of ice shelves and the potential for accelerated sea-level rise. </p>



<p>A23a's voyage is a vivid, tangible example of these changes. While its contribution to sea-level rise is minimal compared to glacial meltwater, it symbolizes the larger, more pressing issue of our warming planet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-social-impact-of-iceberg-a23a">Cultural and social impact of iceberg A23a</h3>



<p>Beyond its scientific importance, A23a has captured the public's imagination. It represents the remote and wild beauty of the Antarctic region and serves as a powerful symbol of the natural world's scale and mystery. </p>



<p>In a world increasingly concerned with environmental issues, A23a's journey is a reminder of the need for stewardship and understanding of our planet's delicate ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-change-and-discovery">Symbol of change and discovery</h3>



<p>As Iceberg A23a continues its solitary voyage, it remains a subject of awe and study. It stands as a stark reminder of the Earth's changing climate and the urgent need to understand and protect our planet's polar regions. </p>



<p>In summary, the story of A23a is not just about a massive chunk of ice. The takeaway here is the interconnectedness of our global environment and the shared responsibility we hold in safeguarding it for future generations.</p>



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World’s largest iceberg, A23a, is adrift and seeing major erosion and melting

The world's largest iceberg, A23a, is undergoing significant erosion and...

<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a> and published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/nafm.10959" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>North American Journal of Fisheries Management</em></a>, has uncovered two potential new species of lamprey <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/female-lamprey-fish-mate/">fish</a> in California waters. </p>



<p>This discovery suggests a greater diversity of this ancient animal in the state than previously known, which could impact how these jawless fish are managed.</p>



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



<p>PhD candidate Grace Auringer, the lead author of the study, emphasized the unexpected diversity found. “We found diversity that has never been reported,” she said. “We found two groups of fish in Napa River and Alameda Creek that are very genetically different from other samples along the West Coast.”</p>



<p>While eight species of lampreys are known in California, the study suggests that some species thought to be separate may not be, necessitating further research to define these new species accurately.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Auringer described lampreys as a "really understudied group of fish." These species are crucial for the food chain and contribute significantly to water quality and nutrient levels in waterways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-life-cycle-nbsp">Unique life cycle&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lampreys, which date back over 350 million years, have a unique life cycle. They are boneless, jawless fish with eel-like bodies, and their larval stages can last up to nine years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As they mature, some lamprey fish become parasitic, while others cease feeding, likely living off stored energy. Research affiliate Matthew “Mac” Campbell noted the challenges in distinguishing between species during the larval stage.</p>



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



<p>The study focused on 19 areas across various river basins in California. Researchers collaborated with staff from various districts, state agencies, and utilities to collect lamprey fin samples for analysis at UC Davis. The research also utilized archived tissue samples from the <a href="https://critfc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission</a>.</p>



<p>Using DNA barcoding, specifically isolating the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, the scientists identified species types and their evolutionary relationships. “The amount of diversity that we saw is quite remarkable,” Auringer said, highlighting the potential for future studies.</p>



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



<p>The research is significant as lamprey fish populations are thought to be declining in the West. The two newly discovered species belong to the Lampetra genus, adding complexity to California's lamprey narrative. Identifying these species can aid in refining management practices, protecting populations, and supporting ecosystems.</p>



<p>Lampreys provide ecosystem benefits, such as improving water quality, maintaining streambeds, cycling nutrients, and serving as a food source for various predators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research underscores the need for further study, including genomic sequencing, to understand and define the new potential lamprey species and the broader population.</p>



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



<p>Lamprey fish belong to the ancient lineage of jawless fish, known as Agnatha. Unlike most modern fish, lampreys don't have typical jaws. Instead, they have a unique, round, sucker-like mouth filled with rows of sharp teeth. This mouth structure allows them to attach to other fish and feed on their blood and body fluids, making them parasitic in nature.</p>



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



<p>Lampreys are often recognized by their elongated, eel-like bodies. They lack the paired fins and scales that are typical of many fish, giving them a distinctive, smooth appearance.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Their life cycle is also quite interesting. They begin life as larvae, living in freshwater sediments and feeding on microorganisms. This larval stage can last several years. As they mature, they undergo a significant transformation, developing their characteristic sucker mouth and transitioning to a parasitic lifestyle if they are of a species that feeds on other fish.</p>



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



<p>In terms of habitat, lampreys are found in coastal and fresh waters in temperate regions. Some species are anadromous, meaning they migrate from saltwater to freshwater to spawn. Their spawning process is a notable event: they build nests by moving stones with their mouths, and after spawning, most species die.</p>



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



<p>Lampreys have a significant ecological impact. In some cultures, they are considered a delicacy and are fished for food. However, in places where they are non-native, such as the Great Lakes in North America, they can become invasive and cause damage to the local fish populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Efforts to control their numbers in such areas are ongoing and involve various methods, including barriers and targeted pesticides that affect their larvae.</p>



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Unexpected diversity found in California's lamprey fish

A recent study led by the University of California, Davis...

<p>Meadow brown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-when-butterflies-evolved-and-what-plants-they-used-for-food/">butterflies</a> may lose their spots as a result of climate change, according to a study from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Exeter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>. The researchers found that females, in particular, experience a decrease in the number of spots on their wings when they develop in warmer temperatures.</p>



<p>"For butterflies, the critical period for determining the development of wing pattern formation is during late larval development or early pupation," wrote the study authors. "However, most studies of butterfly eyespot variation to date come from temperature-controlled laboratory experiments and not from the field."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-development-is-evolving-nbsp">Female development is evolving&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Exeter's Centre for Ecology and Conservation, specifically found that female meadow browns developed differently based on the temperature of their environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Females that developed at 11°C had six spots on average, while those developing at 15°C had just three," wrote the researchers. This correlation between temperature and spot formation suggests that as the climate warms, these butterflies could become less spotty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-eyespots-nbsp">Significance of the eyespots&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Richard ffrench-Constant, from the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, explained the significance of these spots.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Meadow browns always have large ‘eyespots’ on their forewings, probably for startling predators. They also have smaller spots on their hindwings, probably useful for camouflage when the butterfly is at rest."</p>



<p>“Our findings show that fewer of these hindwing spots appear when females experience higher temperatures during their pupal stage (in a chrysalis before emerging as a butterfly)."</p>



<p>“This suggests the butterflies adapt their camouflage based on the conditions. For example, with fewer spots they may be harder to spot on dry, brown grass that would be more common in hot weather."</p>



<p>“We did not observe such a strong effect in males, possibly because their spots are important for sexual selection (attracting females)," noted Professor ffrench-Constant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thermal-plasticity-nbsp">Thermal plasticity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For years, the variation in eyespot number on the meadow brown butterfly has been a classic example of “genetic polymorphism,” as noted in the works of biologist EB Ford.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, this new research indicates that eyespot variation is actually due to thermal plasticity, meaning the butterflies’ ability to react to changing temperatures, rather than purely genetic factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-climate-change">Consequences of climate change</h2>



<p>“This is a family story for me, as my father collected butterflies for EB Ford here in Cornwall,” said Professor ffrench-Constant.</p>



<p>“In the new study, we looked at current Cornish populations – collecting males and females from the same field every day throughout the flight season – and historical collections from Eton and Buckingham.”</p>



<p>Meadow browns spend about 28 days in the pupal stage, usually emerging in late spring. The researchers predict that their spots will decrease year after year as our climate warms.</p>



<p>Professor ffrench-Constant added: “This is an unexpected consequence of climate change. We tend to think about species moving north, rather than changing appearance.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about meadow brown butterflies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The meadow brown butterfly, known scientifically as Maniola jurtina, is a common and widespread species especially prominent across Europe and extending into Asia and North Africa. This butterfly is characterized by its predominantly brown coloration.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Habitat</h3>



<p>In terms of habitat, meadow browns are quite adaptable and are often found in a variety of environments including meadows, woodland clearings, and grassy paths. Their versatility in habitat choice has contributed to their widespread presence across their range.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Life cycle</h3>



<p>Their life cycle follows the typical butterfly pattern of complete metamorphosis. This includes a transformation from egg to larva (caterpillar), then to pupa (chrysalis), and finally to the adult butterfly. The larvae primarily feed on a range of grasses, which aligns with their preference for grassland habitats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Behavior&nbsp;</h3>



<p>As adults, meadow brown butterflies feed on nectar and are commonly seen visiting various wildflowers. A notable behavior of this species is their ability to fly in less sunny and duller weather conditions, unlike many other butterfly species that are more dependent on sunshine.</p>



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



<p>The reproductive cycle of meadow browns involves females laying eggs individually on or near host plants. The species generally has a single generation per year, with adults typically emerging in late spring or early summer, depending on the climate of their habitat. The adult lifespan of meadow browns, like many butterflies, is relatively short, emphasizing the importance of each life stage in their overall life cycle and survival.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10842" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology and Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Meadow brown butterflies are losing their spots as temperatures rise

Meadow brown butterflies may lose their spots as a result...

<p>Genotyping technology can detect Covid variants more rapidly and cheaply than ever before, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a>. This advancement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-associated-with-lower-covid-19-vaccine-responses/">Covid-19</a> pandemic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-detection-nbsp-of-new-variants">Rapid detection&nbsp;of new variants </h2>



<p>At the core of this innovation is the ability of genotyping to identify Covid variants more effectively than the previously used whole genome sequencing methods. The new study highlights that genotyping can detect new variants almost a week faster than traditional methods.</p>



<p>The significance of this development cannot be overstated. During the height of the pandemic, the rapid detection and communication of variant information to frontline health protection professionals were critical.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new genotyping technology not only facilitated this but also expedited the implementation of local control measures, such as contact tracing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-genome-sequencing-nbsp">Whole genome sequencing&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“When the Covid pandemic began, the variant with which people were infected was initially determined using a highly accurate technique known as whole genome sequencing," said lead researcher Professor Iain Lake from UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences.</p>



<p>“This is the gold standard diagnostic tool for identifying and genetically characterizing variants. But where large populations need to be assessed rapidly - then cost, capacity and timeliness limit its utility."</p>



<p>“By the start of 2021, new technology to rapidly detect new variants was being trialed by the government in NHS Test and Trace laboratories. The technology – known as ‘genotype assay testing’ or genotyping – allows scientists to explore genetic variants.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transition-to-genotyping">Transition to genotyping</h2>



<p>The transition to genotyping began early in 2021, with the UK government trialing new technology in NHS Test and Trace laboratories.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We wanted to find out how this technology compares to traditional whole genome sequencing," said Neil Bray from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).</p>



<p>The study, involving data from over 115,000 Covid cases, revealed that genotyping not only provides highly accurate results but also delivers these results six days faster than whole genome sequencing.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“We found that genotyping was able to detect known Covid variants more quickly and cheaply that whole genome sequencing," said Professor Lake.</p>



<p>“They produced variant results six days faster than whole genome sequencing – with results back in just three days, compared to nine days for whole genome sequencing."</p>



<p>“Genotyping enabled a nine-fold increase in the quantity of samples tested for variants. This meant that variants were detected among many more people. Local control measures such as contact tracing could therefore happen more rapidly."</p>



<p>“Genotyping can be applied to finding variants in a wide range of organisms in humans and animals - so it has huge potential for guiding public health decision-making and disease control globally in future.”</p>



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



<p>“The world-leading genomics expertise that UKHSA and other institutions across the UK were able to draw on throughout the pandemic was critical to the UK response to COVID-19," said Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor.</p>



<p>“Research like this will help us continue to build on our capability in this area and ensure that the UK is as well-prepared as possible to respond quickly to emerging threats to public health in the future.”</p>



<p>Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak is the chief scientist for Health in Scotland who previously led the UK government’s operation to expand and run the Covid lighthouse laboratories.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Research such as this is really important to ensure that we build upon the huge advances in testing that occurred during Covid to bolster our defenses against future pandemic threats," said Professor Anna Dominiczak. </p>



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Covid variants can be detected more rapidly than ever before

Genotyping technology can detect Covid variants more rapidly and cheaply...

<p>In the cold, silent expanse of space, two robotic pioneers touched down on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-records-a-martian-day-from-dawn-to-dusk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> in January 2004, heralding a new era in interplanetary exploration. NASA's <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/mer/index.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">twin rovers</a>, Spirit and Opportunity, made their grand entrance to the Red Planet, landing on opposite sides. </p>



<p>Their descent was nothing short of dramatic: each encased in airbags, they bounced on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian surface</a> around 30 times before coming to a rest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-mars-watery-past">Uncovering Mars' watery past</h2>



<p>Sized akin to golf carts, these rovers embarked on a groundbreaking mission: to seek evidence of water on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/odyssey-orbiter-captures-unprecedented-images-of-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>. </p>



<p>The discoveries they made not only altered our understanding of the Red Planet but also rewrote science textbooks. </p>



<p>Shortly after landing, Opportunity stumbled upon what would become an iconic find – the “<a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/resources/6944/martian-blueberries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blueberries</a>,” small spherical pebbles of hematite formed in acidic water. This was concrete evidence of Mars’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-korolev-crater-holds-a-50-mile-wide-sheet-of-solid-ice-that-is-one-mile-thick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watery past</a>.</p>



<p>Spirit, showcasing resilience despite a damaged wheel, later unveiled signs of <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/mars-rover-spirit-unearths-surprise-evidence-of-wetter-past" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient hot springs</a>. These could have been sanctuaries for microbial life billions of years ago, hinting at the possibility of past life on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-martian-sky-often-has-an-eerie-green-glow-at-night-called-nightglow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>.</p>



<p>Before their arrival, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-found-for-life-on-mars-where-ancient-rivers-once-flowed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> was a mystery. Orbital images had suggested water-carved channels, but concrete evidence was missing. </p>



<p>“Our twin rovers were the first to prove a wet, early Mars once existed,” noted <a href="https://science.jpl.nasa.gov/people/golombek/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matt Golombek</a>, a former project scientist at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-triumphs-of-the-mars-rovers">Technological triumphs of the Mars rovers</h2>



<p>The legacy of Spirit and Opportunity paved the way for larger rovers like <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curiosity</a> and <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a>. The data they gathered played a crucial role in the development and approval of the Curiosity rover. </p>



<p>Launched in 2012, Curiosity's mission was to investigate Mars' ancient chemistry and the possibility of it once being a habitat for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-seismic-discoveries-and-the-quest-for-past-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.</p>



<p>Building on Curiosity's findings, Perseverance, which landed in 2021, took things further. It began collecting rock cores for the Mars Sample Return campaign, a collaborative effort between <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, aimed at seeking signs of ancient microbial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-mars-rover-finds-more-compelling-evidence-for-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.</p>



<p>The journey of Spirit and Opportunity was also a tale of technological and human evolution. The engineering practices developed during their mission laid the groundwork for future Martian surface exploration. </p>



<p>Specialized software and 3D goggles, for instance, became standard tools for navigating the Martian terrain. </p>



<p>These advancements led to safer, longer drives and more complex daily plans required for operating the newer rovers, Curiosity and Perseverance.</p>



<p>Science team members evolved into adept virtual field geologists, using years of experience to guide their decisions in exploring the Martian landscape with their robotic counterparts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-rovers-far-exceeded-expectations">Mars rovers far exceeded expectations</h2>



<p>Designed for a 90-day mission, the rovers far exceeded expectations. Spirit landed on January 3 and Opportunity on January 24, 2004. </p>



<p>They persevered for years, with Opportunity enduring nearly 15 years until it was silenced by a massive dust storm in 2018. </p>



<p>This endurance went beyond what scientists and engineers had hoped for. Opportunity, in particular, made history by covering nearly 30 miles (45 kilometers) on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-internal-structure-of-mars-core-is-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>, the farthest distance driven on another planet.</p>



<p>John Callas, a former project manager at JPL, reflected on this achievement: “This was a paradigm shift no one was expecting. The distance and time scale we covered were a leap in scope that is truly historic.”</p>



<p>The extensive journey of the rovers was crucial in revealing Mars’ varied watery past, from fresh water bodies to hot springs and acidic pools.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiring-future-generations">Inspiring future generations</h2>



<p>Beyond their scientific achievements, Spirit and Opportunity served as beacons of inspiration. Abigail Fraeman's story is a testament to this. </p>



<p>As a high school student, she witnessed the excitement of Opportunity's landing at JPL. This experience propelled her toward a career in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-found-for-life-on-mars-where-ancient-rivers-once-flowed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars geology</a>, eventually leading her to become the deputy project scientist for Curiosity.</p>



<p>“The people who kept our twin rovers running for all those years are an extraordinary group, and it’s remarkable how many have made exploring Mars their career,” Fraeman said. </p>



<p>“I feel so lucky I get to work with them every day while we continue to venture into places no human has ever seen in our attempt to answer some of the biggest questions.”</p>



<p>In summary, the journey of Spirit and Opportunity on Mars stands as a monumental chapter in space exploration. </p>



<p>Their discoveries and the technological advancements they spurred have opened new horizons in our quest to understand the Red Planet. </p>



<p>The legacies of these robotic pioneers continue to inspire new generations of scientists, engineers, and dreamers, all united in the pursuit of unraveling the mysteries of our universe.</p>



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



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

Mars Spirit and Opportunity rovers celebrate 20 years on the Red Planet

In the cold, silent expanse of space, two robotic pioneers...

<p>Recent research has revealed alarming new details about the state of Greenland's glaciers. According to a study led by scientists at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, the Greenland ice sheet has lost approximately 20 percent more ice than previously estimated. </p>



<p>This discovery not only raises concerns about sea level rise but also poses potential challenges for ocean circulation patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-retreat-nbsp">Glacier retreat&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study, which spanned from 1985 to 2022, involved a comprehensive analysis of glacier retreat across the entire ice sheet. Utilizing nearly a quarter of a million pieces of satellite data, the researchers observed significant retreat in 179 out of 207 glaciers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Chad Greene, a glacier scientist at JPL and the study’s lead author, explained the process. “When the ice at the end of a glacier calves and retreats, it’s like pulling the plug out of the fjord, which lets ice drain into the ocean faster.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-sea-level-rise-nbsp">Global sea level rise&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previous research was primarily focused on direct contributions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/">Greenland Ice Sheet</a> to global sea level rise through ice flow and melting.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, citing the Ice sheet Mass Balance Inter-comparison Exercise (IMBIE), estimated a loss of 5,390 billion tons of ice from 1992 to 2020, contributing about 0.531 inches to global sea levels.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-ice-loss-nbsp">Additional ice loss&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, this did not account for the ice lost due to the retreat of terminal glaciers at the edges of Greenland. The new study fills this gap, revealing an additional loss of about 1,140 billion tons of ice – a staggering 21% more than the IMBIE assessment.</p>



<p>While this additional ice loss has not directly contributed to sea level rise due to its subsea level origin, it signifies a substantial influx of fresh water into the ocean. This influx could potentially disrupt the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a critical component of the global oceanic “conveyor belt.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such a disruption could have far-reaching impacts on global weather patterns and ecosystems, noted the researchers.</p>



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



<p>The study revealed that Greenland’s ice extent remained relatively stable from 1985 to 2000 but then experienced significant recession.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Zachariae Isstrom glacier lost the most ice, followed by Jakobshavn Isbrae and Humboldt Gletscher. Interestingly, only one glacier, Qajuuttap Sermia, showed any growth, but its gains were insufficient to offset the losses elsewhere.</p>



<p>A crucial finding of the study is the correlation between Greenland's glaciers with large seasonal fluctuations in their ice fronts and the extent of overall retreat. This suggests that glaciers which are most sensitive to summer warming are likely to be the most affected by climate change in the future.</p>



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



<p>JPL cryosphere scientist Alex Gardner, a co-author of the paper, emphasized the significance of the study’s approach. By synthesizing big data, the study provided a systematic and comprehensive view of the ice sheet over time, as well as new insights into its behavior.</p>



<p>“Previously, we had bits and pieces – lots of local studies,” said Gardner. “But what this study offers is a systematic and comprehensive view that has led to some pretty significant insights that we didn’t have about the ice sheet before.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06863-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Greenland's glaciers are losing far more ice than previously thought

Recent research has revealed alarming new details about the state...

Abstract,Space,Wallpaper.,Black,Hole,With,Nebula,Over,Colorful,Stars

<p>An international research team has unveiled the oldest known black hole, offering new insights into the early universe's mysteries. </p>



<p>This ancient entity, observed by the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>-led team using the James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), dates back to just 400 million years after the Big Bang, over 13 billion years ago. </p>



<p>The findings, led by <a href="https://www.robertomaiolino.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Roberto Maiolino</a> and hailed as "a giant leap forward", have been published in the esteemed journal Nature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-conventional-wisdom">Challenging conventional wisdom</h2>



<p>The significance of this discovery lies in its challenge to our existing beliefs about black hole formation and growth. </p>



<p>This black hole, several million times the mass of our Sun, existed at a time when the universe was in its infancy, raising questions about the traditional theories of black hole development. </p>



<p>It suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-black-hole-is-spinning-in-the-nearby-galaxy-m87-study-confurms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>, like the one at the center of our Milky Way, might not only grow over billions of years but could also be ‘born big’ or grow at rates previously thought impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-black-hole-formation">Rethinking black hole formation</h2>



<p>Standard models propose that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-black-holes-are-very-messy-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> originate from the remnants of dead stars. These remnants collapse, potentially forming black holes about a hundred times the mass of the Sun. </p>



<p>However, for the black hole observed by Maiolino and his team, the traditional growth trajectory does not apply. </p>



<p>Given the age of the universe at the time, it would have been impossible for this black hole to reach its massive size through standard growth processes.</p>



<p>Professor Maiolino, from Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory and <a href="https://www.kicc.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kavli Institute of Cosmology</a>, emphasizes the need to explore alternative formation theories. </p>



<p>He suggests that the gas-rich environments of early galaxies could have been feeding grounds for burgeoning black holes, likening them to a buffet.</p>



<p>“It’s very early in the universe to see a black hole this massive, so we’ve got to consider other ways they might form,” said&nbsp;Maiolino. “Very early galaxies were extremely gas-rich, so they would have been like a buffet for black holes.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-gn-z11-hosts-the-oldest-black-hole">Galaxy GN-z11 hosts the oldest black hole</h2>



<p>This particular black hole, located in the young galaxy GN-z11, stands out for its voracious appetite. Unlike its counterparts in later epochs, it consumes matter from its host galaxy at an unprecedented rate. Black holes, by their nature, devour surrounding material to fuel their growth. </p>



<p>This consumption is usually observed through the glow of the accretion disc, formed at the black hole's edge, where gas heats up and emits ultraviolet radiation. </p>



<p>For GN-z11, the energetic black hole at its center significantly influences its characteristics and development.</p>



<p>The relationship between black holes and their host galaxies is complex. In the case of GN-z11, the black hole's intense consumption of gas might be detrimental to the galaxy's growth. </p>



<p>Excessive consumption leads to the expulsion of gas at high speeds, a phenomenon likened to an ultra-fast wind. </p>



<p>This process could halt star formation within the galaxy, ultimately leading to its demise. However, this also poses a risk to the black hole itself, as it cuts off its main source of sustenance.</p>



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



<p>The discovery made possible by JWST marks a new era in space exploration and research. Professor Maiolino reflects on this as the most exciting time in his career, drawing parallels between the leap in sensitivity offered by JWST and the transition from Galileo's telescope to modern optics. </p>



<p>He notes that the universe, as observed through JWST, is revealing more than what was visible with the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>, and this is just the beginning.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, Maiolino anticipates that JWST's capabilities might lead to the discovery of even older black holes. His team aims to use future observations to identify smaller black hole 'seeds', shedding light on their formation processes.</p>



<p>“It’s a new era: the giant leap in sensitivity, especially in the infrared, is like upgrading from Galileo’s telescope to a modern telescope overnight,” Maiolino said. </p>



<p>“Before Webb came online, I thought maybe the universe isn’t so interesting when you go beyond what we could see with the Hubble Space Telescope. But that hasn’t been the case at all: the universe has been quite generous in what it’s showing us, and this is just the beginning.”</p>



<p>In summary, this research, a collaboration involving the European Research Council, the Royal Society, and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), challenges our understanding of the cosmos and points us in a new direction of exploration and discovery. </p>



<p>As we stand on the threshold of these new cosmic revelations, the universe continues to generously unveil its secrets, beckoning us to keep looking up and questioning.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07052-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Oldest black hole ever discovered dates back to the dawn of time

An international research team has unveiled the oldest known black...

<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>



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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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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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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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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Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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