<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...

<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> have successfully engineered the microbiome of plants for the first time, marking a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology. </p>



<p>This development has the potential to revolutionize the way we protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/">crops</a> from diseases, substantially reducing the dependence on harmful pesticides.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-microbiomes">Plant microbiomes</h2>



<p>The significance of the microbiome, which refers to a complex community of microorganisms, has been a subject of growing interest. In humans, gut microbiomes play a critical role in various aspects of health, from metabolism to immunity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similarly, plants host diverse microbiomes consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms within their roots, stems, and leaves. These microbial communities are crucial in determining a plant's health and its susceptibility to diseases.</p>



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



<p>"In nature, plants and their associated microbes, collectively known as the microbiota, form functional entities that rely on each other. The microbiota contributes to aspects such as disease resistance, stress tolerance, and nutrient acquisition," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"Successful recruitment and maintenance of a sufficient abundance of specific microbial members determines the outcome of plant-microbiota interactions. Thus, understanding the principles driving microbiome assembly in crop plants has become one of the main pursuits of present studies in order to integrate microbiome functioning into sustainable crop production."</p>



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



<p>The research was focused on a specific gene in the lignin biosynthesis cluster of the rice plant, a component crucial for plant cell walls and overall biomass.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Upon deactivating this gene, the scientists observed a decline in certain beneficial bacterial populations, underscoring the gene's role in shaping the plant's microbiome.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, overexpressing the gene resulted in the increased production of a particular metabolite, subsequently enhancing the prevalence of beneficial bacteria.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-successful-results">Successful results</h2>



<p>The genetic modification proved its effectiveness when the engineered rice plants exhibited substantial resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae. This pathogen is responsible for bacterial blight, a prevalent and destructive disease in rice crops.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The traditional method of controlling bacterial blight involves the use of polluting pesticides. Therefore, the development of crops with a naturally protective microbiome could not only secure food production but also benefit the environment.</p>



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



<p>“For the first time, we’ve been able to change the makeup of a plant’s microbiome in a targeted way, boosting the numbers of beneficial bacteria that can protect the plant from other, harmful bacteria,” said study co-author Dr. Tomislav Cernava.</p>



<p>“This breakthrough could reduce reliance on pesticides, which are harmful to the environment. We’ve achieved this in rice crops, but the framework we’ve created could be applied to other plants and unlock other opportunities to improve their microbiome. For example, microbes that increase nutrient provision to crops could reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.”</p>



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond disease resistance. The Southampton team is exploring ways to manipulate plant microbiomes to enhance other aspects of plant health, such as nutrient provision.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <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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Engineered plant microbiomes: The future of crop protection 

Scientists at the University of Southampton have successfully engineered the...

Smiling,Middle,Aged,Woman,With,Just,Made,Glass,Of,Detox

<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.buckinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buck Institute</a> have made a breakthrough discovery in the field of cognitive health, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-can-prevent-brain-aging-and-cognitive-decline/">brain aging</a> and longevity. The study focused on the role of dietary restriction (eating less) in slowing cognitive decline and extending human lifespan.</p>



<p>The experts identified a neuron-specific response mediated by a gene called OXR1, which is enhanced by strategies like intermittent fasting and low-calorie diets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When people restrict the amount of food that they eat, they typically think it might affect their digestive tract or fat buildup, but not necessarily about how it <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affects the brain</a>,” said study first author Dr. Kenneth Wilson. “As it turns out, this is a gene that is important in the brain.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-eating-less-helps-you-live-longer">How eating less helps you live longer</h2>



<p>The research, conducted using fruit flies and human cells, has revealed how dietary restriction delays aging and slows the progression of neurodegenerative brain diseases. </p>



<p>“We found a neuron-specific response that mediates the neuroprotection of dietary restriction,” said <a href="https://www.buckinstitute.org/lab/kapahi-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Pankaj Kapahi</a>. </p>



<p>“Strategies such as intermittent fasting or caloric restriction, which limit nutrients, may enhance levels of this gene to mediate its protective effects.”</p>



<p>Buck Professor <a href="https://www.buckinstitute.org/lab/ellerby-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lisa Ellerby</a>, Ph.D., co-senior author of the study, added, “The gene is an important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sweet-snacks-rewire-the-brain-to-prefer-unhealthy-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain resilience</a> factor protecting against aging and neurological diseases.”</p>



<p>While the Buck team had previously established that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32502405/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifespan and healthspan</a> can be improved with dietary restriction, they found a lot of variability in response to reduced calories across individuals and different tissues. The current study was initiated to investigate the reasons for this variability.</p>



<p>The experts scanned about 200 strains of flies with varying genetic backgrounds and diets. They identified five genes, including two with human genetic counterparts, significantly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eat-well-live-longer-a-dash-of-protein-could-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influencing longevity</a> under dietary restriction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-restriction-and-brain-health">Dietary restriction and brain health</h2>



<p>Focusing on the "mustard" (mtd) gene in fruit flies and its human equivalent, OXR1, the researchers explored its role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. </p>



<p>The loss of OXR1 in humans leads to severe neurological defects and early death, while its excess in mice enhances survival in ALS models.</p>



<p>The connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-impairs-the-brains-response-to-nutrient-intake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain aging</a>, neurodegeneration, and lifespan was further investigated through in-depth tests.  </p>



<p>OXR1 was found to impact the retromer complex, which is crucial for recycling cellular proteins and lipids and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining neurons</a>. </p>



<p>This pathway is vital in protecting neurons under nutrient limitations, as confirmed by the team's findings. </p>



<p>“The retromer is an important mechanism in neurons because it determines the fate of all proteins that are brought into the cell,” said Wilson.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Retromer dysfunction is linked to age-related brain problems, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, which dietary restriction can protect against.</p>



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



<p>The research led by Kapahi's team revealed the pivotal role of dietary habits in brain health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-and-when-may-extend-your-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity</a>. Their findings hinge on the discovery that dietary restriction significantly slows brain aging. </p>



<p>This occurs primarily through the activity of a gene known as mtd/OXR1, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the retromer - a cellular pathway involved in recycling proteins.</p>



<p>Kapahi elucidates, “This work shows that the retromer pathway, which is instrumental in reusing cellular proteins, is essential in protecting neurons under conditions of limited nutrients.” </p>



<p>The team's research indicates that mtd/OXR1 is vital not only for preserving retromer function but also for maintaining neuronal health, promoting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-may-be-the-secret-to-slowing-down-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy brain aging</a>, and extending lifespan under dietary restrictions.</p>



<p>Further exploring the impact of diet on this gene, Wilson notes, “Diet is influencing this gene. By eating less, you are actually enhancing this mechanism of proteins being sorted properly in your cells, because your cells are enhancing the expression of OXR1.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat-less-stay-smart-live-longer">Eat less, stay smart, live longer</h2>



<p>The team's research also discovered that increasing mtd levels in flies led to an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-and-feeding-cycle-is-crucial-for-healthy-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extended lifespan</a>. This finding has led researchers to speculate that in humans, increased expression of OXR1 might have similar life-extending benefits. </p>



<p>In summary, the study's revelations suggests that dietary choices have a profound impact on our cellular health, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain functionality</a>, and longevity.</p>



<p>“Our next step is to identify specific compounds that increase the levels of OXR1 during aging to delay brain aging,” reveals Ellerby, indicating the potential for future therapeutic developments.</p>



<p>Wilson further contemplates the broader implications of this research, stating, “Hopefully from this we can get more of an idea of why our brains degenerate in the first place.” This statement underscores the quest for a deeper understanding of brain aging processes.</p>



<p>In his concluding remarks, Wilson emphasizes the overarching impact of diet. “Diet impacts all the processes in your body. I think this work supports efforts to follow a healthy diet, because what you eat is going to affect more than you know.” </p>



<p>This statement serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of our dietary choices, not just for brain health but for overall well-being.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44343-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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

Eating less is proven to dramatically increase lifespan and slow brain aging

Scientists at the Buck Institute have made a breakthrough discovery...

<p>In a landmark discovery that challenges decades of scientific understanding, a new study has revealed that evolution is not as random as previously believed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research suggests a more predictable pattern of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-evolution-occurred-tens-of-millions-of-years-earlier-than-previously-believed/">evolution</a>, opening doors to unprecedented advancements in various fields, including medicine, synthetic biology, and environmental science.</p>



<p>The study was led by an esteemed team of researchers including Professor James McInerney and Dr. Alan Beavan from the School of Life Sciences at the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a>, along with Dr. Maria Rosa Domingo-Sananes from <a href="https://www.ntu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham Trent University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predictable-evolution-vs-random">Predictable evolution vs. random</h2>



<p>The experts meticulously analyzed the pangenome -- a complete set of genes within a species. By deploying a machine learning technique known as <a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/random-forest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Random Forest</a>, and processing data from 2,500 complete genomes of a single bacterial species, the team embarked on a journey to unravel the mysteries of evolutionary predictability.</p>



<p>“The implications of this research are nothing short of revolutionary," said Professor McInerney, the lead author of the study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"By demonstrating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skull-evolution-why-some-mammals-have-long-faces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> is not as random as we once thought, we've opened the door to an array of possibilities in synthetic biology, medicine, and environmental science."&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research process involved creating "gene families" from the genomes to facilitate like-for-like comparisons across them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once these gene families were identified, the team analyzed the pattern of how the families were present in some genomes and absent in others.</p>



<p>Dr. Domingo-Sananes highlighted the intricate patterns observed. He explained, "We found that some gene families never turned up in a genome when a particular other gene family was already there, and on other occasions, some genes were very much dependent on a different gene family being present.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-implications-nbsp">Far-reaching implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers have essentially discovered an invisible ecosystem where genes can cooperate or can be in conflict with one another.</p>



<p>"These interactions between genes make aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-may-be-the-biggest-roadblock-to-solving-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> somewhat predictable and furthermore, we now have a tool that allows us to make those predictions,” said Dr. Domingo-Sananes.</p>



<p>“From this work, we can begin to explore which genes 'support' an antibiotic resistance gene, for example. Therefore, if we are trying to eliminate antibiotic resistance, we can target not just the focal gene, but we can also target its supporting genes," said Dr. Beavan.</p>



<p>“We can use this approach to synthesize new kinds of genetic constructs that could be used to develop new drugs or vaccines. Knowing what we now know has opened the door to a whole host of other discoveries.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-takeaways-on-random-evolution">Key takeaways on random evolution</h2>



<p>In summary, this important research presents significant opportunities in several fields. Scientists are now capable of designing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-primate-genome-project-reveals-hidden-evolutionary-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synthetic genomes</a>, which provides a structured approach to manipulating genetic material, a breakthrough in novel genome design. </p>



<p>In the fight against antibiotic resistance, the understanding of gene dependencies allows researchers to identify auxiliary genes that contribute to this resistance. This discovery paves the way for more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-gene-therapy-shows-promise-in-treating-autism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">targeted treatments</a>. </p>



<p>Additionally, the study offers valuable insights for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-coastal-ecosystems-can-mitigate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change mitigation</a>. It suggests the possibility of engineering microorganisms to either capture carbon or degrade pollutants. </p>



<p>Lastly, in the medical field, the predictability of gene interactions could lead to substantial advancements in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-anti-aging-drugs-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personalized medicine</a>. This includes developing new metrics for evaluating disease risk and the effectiveness of treatments.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, evolution, a cornerstone of modern biological sciences, offers a compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth.</p>



<p>Evolution, fundamentally, is the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth. </p>



<p>The theory posits that all species, past and present, are connected through this gradual process of change and diversification.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-of-evolution">Mechanism of evolution</h3>



<ol>
<li><strong>Natural Selection</strong>: Pioneered by Charles Darwin, natural selection is the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This concept introduces the idea of "survival of the fittest," where the traits that aid survival are more likely to be passed on to the next generation.<br></li>



<li><strong>Genetic Mutation</strong>: Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism. While most mutations are neutral or harmful, some can be beneficial, giving the organism an advantage that can be passed on to its progeny.<br></li>



<li><strong>Gene Flow</strong>: Also known as gene migration, gene flow occurs when there is a transfer of genetic material between populations of the same species. This can introduce new genetic variation to a population.<br></li>



<li><strong>Genetic Drift</strong>: This is a change in the frequency of an existing gene variant in a population due to random sampling of organisms. It is a stochastic mechanism that can cause significant changes in small populations.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-supporting-evolution">Evidence supporting evolution</h3>



<ol>
<li><strong>Fossil Record</strong>: The fossil record provides chronological evidence of organisms that lived in the past. It shows a progression of evolution and reveals transitional forms that bridge the gaps between existing species.<br></li>



<li><strong>Comparative Anatomy</strong>: Studying the anatomical structure of different organisms reveals similarities and differences that suggest a common ancestry. For example, the forelimbs of humans, whales, birds, and dogs have structurally similar bone arrangements.<br></li>



<li><strong>Molecular Biology</strong>: DNA and protein studies have confirmed many evolutionary relationships, showing how species are related through common ancestors. For example, humans and chimpanzees share a remarkably high percentage of their DNA.<br></li>



<li><strong>Biogeography</strong>: The geographical distribution of species also supports evolutionary theory. For instance, island species often resemble nearest mainland species more closely than species on similar but distant islands.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-evolution-on-science-and-society">Impact of Evolution on Science and Society</h3>



<p>The concept of evolution has profound implications. In science, it provides a framework for understanding the history of life, the development of antibiotic resistance, and the genetic basis of diseases. </p>



<p>In society, it influences our understanding of our place in the natural world and raises important questions about biodiversity and conservation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-misconceptions">Challenges and misconceptions</h3>



<p>Despite overwhelming evidence, evolution faces challenges and misconceptions. Some argue against it due to religious or philosophical beliefs. Others misunderstand aspects of the theory, such as the role of randomness in evolution or the misconception that evolution has a direction or goal.</p>



<p>In summary, evolution is not just a theory but a fundamental scientific explanation for the diversity of life. It helps us understand the interconnectedness of all living things and provides insight into the ongoing process of change in the natural world. </p>



<p>As our knowledge expands, so too does our understanding of evolution, continually shaping our perception of life on Earth.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304934120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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



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Paradigm shift: Evolution is not as random as we thought

In a landmark discovery that challenges decades of scientific understanding,...

<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a>'s Department of Fundamental Microbiology (DMF) in Dorigny, led by Professor Philipp Engel, have embarked on an intriguing study using western honey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clues-to-bee-health-found-in-their-gut-microbiome/">bees</a> (Apis mellifera) to answer a fundamental question about gut microbiota: Do hosts provide essential nutrients to their native bacteria, enabling colonization? </p>



<p>The research, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01572-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Microbiology</em></a> on January 15, 2024, uncovers fascinating insights into the symbiotic relationship between bees and their gut bacteria.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-microbiome-nbsp">Simple microbiome&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The bee, known for producing honey, presents a simpler system for studying gut microbiota compared to humans, with a microbiome consisting of only about twenty bacterial species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the Engel group’s laboratory, bees are raised without gut bacteria and then introduced to specific bacterial species to colonize their gut.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snodgrassella-alvi">Snodgrassella alvi</h2>



<p>In their study, Dr. Andrew Quinn and PhD candidate Yassine El Chazli investigated how gut bacteria fare when bees are fed only sugar water, lacking other nutrients. They focused on a particular bacterium, Snodgrassella alvi, which can't metabolize sugar yet still colonized the bee gut under these conditions.</p>



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



<p>Proving the hypothesis that bees directly provide essential nutrients to S. alvi was challenging. Collaborating with Professor Anders Meibom's team, experts in NanoSIMS (Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) technology, they conducted an experiment using glucose with 13C isotopes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The bees were then colonized with S. alvi, and the fixed guts were examined using electron microscopy and NanoSIMS. This process allowed them to create a 2D image showing that S. alvi cells were enriched in 13C, indicating the bees were synthesizing food for their gut bacteria.</p>



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



<p>This research highlights a complex metabolic synergy between bees and their gut microbiota, which could be crucial in understanding bees' vulnerability to climate change, pesticides, or new pathogens. For instance, exposure to glyphosate has been shown to make bees more susceptible to pathogens and reduce S. alvi abundance in the gut.</p>



<p>"This is a wonderful example of cutting-edge, truly interdisciplinary scientific collaboration," said Meibom. "When we work together in this way, there are not many academic environments in the world that have more to offer."</p>



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



<p>Dr. Quinn, co-lead author of the study, suggests that this approach could extend to other gut microorganisms, potentially feeding on compounds derived from their hosts. He further speculates that these findings might explain the specialized and conserved nature of bees’ gut microbiota. The team's research sheds light on the potential impact of environmental stressors on the delicate balance between bees and their gut bacteria, which may contribute to their increasing vulnerability.</p>



<p>Thus, the study represents a significant advancement in understanding the complex interactions within gut microbiota ecosystems. It opens new avenues for research into how similar mechanisms operate in other species, including humans, and how these interactions affect the overall health and resilience of the host organisms.</p>



<p>This groundbreaking research not only deepens our understanding of the symbiotic relationships in nature but also underscores the importance of preserving these delicate ecosystems amidst growing environmental challenges. The insights gained from this study could lead to more effective strategies for protecting bee populations, which are crucial for biodiversity and agricultural productivity worldwide.</p>



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Bees synthesize nutrients to nourish their gut microbiota

Scientists at the University of Lausanne's Department of Fundamental Microbiology...

A,Selective,Focus,Shot,Of,Two,Sea,Otters,Hugging,Each

<p>The natural world often holds the key to solving complex problems, and a recent study on the self-cleaning properties of fur in aquatic mammals is a testament to this. </p>



<p>This fascinating research from <a href="https://mabe.utk.edu/people/andrew-dickerson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andrew Dickerson</a> and his colleagues uncovers how creatures like <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/why-do-beavers-build-dams/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beavers</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-maternal-drive-helps-sea-otters-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">otters</a> manage to keep their fur free from grime, despite living in environments ripe for fouling -- a process where surfaces accumulate dirt, algae, and bacteria.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-fur-flexibility-in-aquatic-mammals">Role of fur flexibility in aquatic mammals</h2>



<p>One of the most intriguing findings from the study is the discovery that fur's ability to bend and flex plays a crucial role in its anti-fouling properties. </p>



<p>This revelation emerged from an experiment where the scientists observed fur under a flow of dirty water containing titanium dioxide, a substance known for its tendency to cling to surfaces. </p>



<p>They found that fur allowed to move freely in the water collected less than half the dirt compared to fur held rigid.</p>



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



<p>Dickerson's team examined the unique properties of fur from various animals, including beavers, otters, and other less water-affiliated species like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/case-study-how-african-antelopes-are-responding-to-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">springbok</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coyotes-move-into-towns-to-avoid-predators-only-to-be-killed-by-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coyotes</a>. </p>



<p>By analyzing how the fur responded to continuous exposure to contaminated water, the team gained valuable insights into the factors that contribute to fur's cleanliness.</p>



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond understanding animal hygiene. Fouling is a significant issue in industrial contexts, often requiring energy-intensive and environmentally harmful methods to manage. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-fouling-technologies">Anti-fouling technologies</h2>



<p>The insights gained from the study of mammalian fur could inspire more sustainable anti-fouling technologies, potentially revolutionizing how we approach challenges in marine environments, water supply systems, and even in medical applications.</p>



<p>One promising avenue is the development of surfaces that mimic fur's flexibility and texture. This could lead to innovative materials that resist fouling without the need for harmful chemicals.</p>



<p>However, the complexity of the fouling process and the diverse properties of fur mean that there's still much to learn. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-aquatic-mammal-fur-behaves">How aquatic mammal fur behaves</h2>



<p>The interaction of fur strands, their texture, length, cross-sectional shape, and the environmental conditions they face all play a part in how effectively they resist dirt and grime. </p>



<p>Additionally, researchers are exploring the role of the fur's movement, as the strands don't operate in isolation but clean each other through mutual contact as the animal moves.</p>



<p>Yet, not all mammals have harnessed this anti-fouling ability. The sloth, a notable exception, often hosts algae on its fur, highlighting the diversity and adaptability of nature's solutions to environmental challenges.</p>



<p>In summary, as we continue to unravel the secrets of fur's self-cleaning properties, the potential for novel, eco-friendly solutions to longstanding problems becomes increasingly apparent. </p>



<p>This research is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey into the world of biomimicry and sustainable innovation. </p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal of the <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2023.0485" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Interface</a></em>.</p>



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



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

How aquatic mammals keep their fur clean underwater

The natural world often holds the key to solving complex...

"Dark energy" is ripping the universe apart, but we aren't exactly sure how

For the past quarter of a century, scientists have been...

<p>Have you ever wondered if an alien civilization could detect our planet, Earth, from many light years away? Scientists recently found out.</p>



<p>A team of researchers from Mauritius and <a href="https://www.manchester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester University</a> took on this fascinating question using crowd-sourced data to simulate radio leakage from mobile towers. </p>



<p>By predicting what alien civilizations might detect from various nearby stars, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frozen-super-earth-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barnard's star</a>, located six light years away, they are shedding light on humanity's impact on the cosmos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-radio-leakage-from-mobile-towers">Simulating radio leakage from mobile towers</h2>



<p>Ramiro Saide, an intern at the SETI Institute's <a href="https://www.seti.org/hcro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hat Creek Radio Observatory</a> and an M.Phils. student at the <a href="https://www.uom.ac.mu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mauritius</a>, has developed models to simulate the radio power that alien civilizations could receive as the Earth rotates and the towers rise and set. </p>



<p>Saide believes that unless an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/searching-for-technosignatures-from-intelligent-life-in-the-cosmos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alien civilization</a> is considerably more advanced than ours, they would have difficulty detecting the current levels of mobile tower radio leakage from Earth. </p>



<p>However, the team suggests that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxygen-levels-on-distant-planets-reveal-presence-of-alien-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technical civilizations</a> may possess far more sensitive receiving systems, thereby significantly increasing our mobile system's detectability as we transition to more powerful broadband systems.</p>



<p>Interestingly, Saide's simulations have revealed that the Earth's mobile radio signature comprises a substantial contribution from developing countries, including Africa. </p>



<p>Professor Mike Garrett, the team leader from the University of Manchester's <a href="https://www.jodrellbank.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics</a>, highlights this discovery as a testament to Africa's remarkable achievement in bypassing the landline stage of development and directly embracing the digital age.</p>



<p>“The results highlight Africa’s success in bypassing the landline stage of development and moving directly into the digital age," Garrett said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-earth-too-quiet-for-aliens-to-detect">Is Earth too quiet for aliens to detect?</h2>



<p>Despite claims that the Earth has become increasingly radio quiet in recent years, Professor Garrett contests this belief. </p>



<p>He acknowledges the decrease in powerful TV and radio transmitters, but emphasizes the profound impact of the proliferation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/communications-satellites-may-disrupt-astronomical-observations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mobile communication systems</a> worldwide. </p>



<p>“I’ve heard many colleagues suggest that the Earth has become increasingly radio quiet in recent years -- a claim that I always contested -- although it’s true we have fewer powerful TV and radio transmitters today, the proliferation of mobile communication systems around the world is profound," Garrett explained.</p>



<p>While each individual system may emit relatively low radio power, the integration of billions of these devices results in a substantial spectrum that can now be detected by advanced civilizations.</p>



<p>Dr. Nalini Heeralall-Issur, Saide's supervisor in Mauritius, supports Saide's findings. She notes the continual advancements we make in understanding exoplanets through space missions like <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/kepler/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kepler</a>, <a href="https://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/tess/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TESS</a>, and the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>). </p>



<p>"I believe that there’s every chance advanced civilizations are out there, and some may be capable of observing the human-made radio leakage coming from planet Earth,” said Heeralall-Issur.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-brightness-of-earth-s-radio-spectrum">Increasing brightness of Earth's radio spectrum</h2>



<p>The research team is eager to expand their investigation to include other contributors to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/welcome-to-humanitys-new-era-the-anthropocene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's radio leakage signature</a>. </p>



<p>Their next step involves incorporating powerful civilian and military radars, new digital broadcast systems, Wi-Fi networks, individual mobile handsets, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/see-the-satellite-constellations-posing-risks-to-night-sky-observations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swarm of satellite constellations</a>, such as Elon Musk's <a href="https://www.starlink.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starlink</a> system, currently being launched into low Earth orbit.</p>



<p>With projections indicating that there may be more than one hundred thousand satellites in low Earth orbit and beyond by the end of the decade, the Earth could become increasingly detectable by any advanced civilization equipped with the right technology. </p>



<p>Professor Garrett highlights the anomaly of Earth's brightness in the radio part of the spectrum, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and exploration of the increasing impact radiated by our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-received-laser-communication-from-10-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technological endeavors</a>.</p>



<p>“Current estimates suggest we will have more than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-pieces-of-debris-threaten-the-space-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one hundred thousand satellites</a> in low Earth orbit and beyond before the end of the decade," Garrett surmises. </p>



<p>"The Earth is already anomalously bright in the radio part of the spectrum; if the trend continues, we could become readily detectable by any advanced civilization with the right technology."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-earth-s-signature-on-alien-worlds">Studying Earth's signature on alien worlds</h2>



<p>Dr. Wael Farah, the <a href="https://www.seti.org/ata" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allen Telescope Array</a> Project Scientist, applauds this research. </p>



<p>"This work is a superb example of how a detailed analysis of the properties of human technology (the “anthropogenic technosphere”) can be leveraged toward developing exciting, novel strategies for <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/exploring-the-universe-from-the-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detecting extraterrestrial technologies</a>,” Dr. Farah explained.</p>



<p>He expresses excitement about utilizing the Allen Telescope Array's unique instrumentation capabilities, paired with our growing knowledge of nearby exoplanet systems, to undertake new searches based on these strategies.</p>



<p>"We look forward to using the unique instrumentation capabilities and scheduling flexibility of the Allen Telescope Array, paired with our growing knowledge of nearby exoplanet systems, to undertake new searches based on these strategies," said Dr. Farah.</p>



<p>In summary, as we continue to push the boundaries of human technology and our presence becomes increasingly evident in the cosmos, it is crucial to explore and understand the implications of our radio leakage on the detection of extraterrestrial civilizations. </p>



<p>This research deepens our understanding of our place in the universe, and offers a glimpse into exciting new horizons of scientific investigation.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.13779" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a></em>.</p>



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Would Earth be detectable to extraterrestrials light years away?

Have you ever wondered if an alien civilization could detect...

Cute,Girl,Eating,Spinach,And,Broccoli,At,The,Table.,Child

<p>Humans are inherently social creatures, often learning and drawing conclusions from observing others. This is particularly true in the realm of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-will-eat-more-vegetables-if-they-see-adults-enjoy-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating habits</a> and food preferences. </p>



<p>A concept known as social modeling plays a crucial role in shaping our dietary choices, where we often look to others as benchmarks for what and how much to eat. But how deep does this influence go?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facial-expressions-and-food-preferences">Facial expressions and food preferences</h2>



<p>A recent UK study delved into this question, examining the impact of observing facial expressions on food preferences, specifically regarding raw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-that-broccoli-is-a-superfood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broccoli</a>. </p>



<p>Dr. Katie Edwards from <a href="https://www.aston.ac.uk/hls/school-of-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston University School of Psychology</a>, the study's lead author, emphasized the findings in the journal <em>Frontiers in Psychology</em>. </p>



<p>“We show that watching others eating a raw vegetable with a negative facial expression reduces adult women’s liking of that vegetable, but not their desire to eat it,”  Edwards explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-vs-positive-facial-expressions">Negative vs. positive facial expressions</h2>



<p>Involving over 200 young women, the study showed participants videos of various adults consuming raw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/broccoli-sprouts-have-more-nutritional-value-than-mature-broccoli/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broccoli</a> with varying facial expressions -- positive, neutral, and negative. </p>



<p>This focus on women was due to potential gender differences in how eating behaviors are modeled. The findings were somewhat surprising: negative expressions significantly lowered the vegetable's liking, but positive expressions didn't enhance it.</p>



<p>“Watching others eating a raw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-carrots-and-colorful-veggies-really-can-improve-your-eyesight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetable</a> with a positive facial expression did not increase adults’ vegetable liking or eating desire.”</p>



<p>Edwards offered potential reasons for this. Avoidance of foods shown with disgust could be a natural defense against harmful or unpalatable foods. </p>



<p>“This might imply that watching someone eating a raw vegetable with positive facial expressions does not seem an effective strategy for increasing adults’ vegetable consumption,” said Edwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-for-food-preferences">Future implications for food preferences</h2>



<p>This study highlights the complexity of the relationship between apparent enjoyment and actual food preferences. </p>



<p>While the focus was on adult reactions, these insights might <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/picky-eating-habits-in-childhood-have-lingering-effects-in-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extend to children</a>, who are generally more hesitant to try vegetables. </p>



<p>“For example, if a child sees their parent showing disgust whilst eating vegetables, this could have negative consequences on children’s vegetable acceptance,” Edwards pointed out.</p>



<p>A unique aspect of this study was the use of video clips instead of live demonstrations or static images, providing a more realistic view of dynamic facial reactions. </p>



<p>However, Edwards notes that future research should explore the effects of witnessing live eating experiences and how these findings translate to actual vegetable intake among adults.</p>



<p>“We also need more research to see whether the findings from this study translate to adults’ actual intake of vegetables,” Edwards concluded.</p>



<p>In summary, while we understand the powerful role of social modeling in shaping eating behaviors, much remains to be discovered about the nuances of this influence, especially in live settings and across different age groups.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1252369/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Psychology</a></em>.</p>



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

Why do so many kids dislike vegetables? A new study found out

Humans are inherently social creatures, often learning and drawing conclusions...

<p>While many people harbor fears about sharing incriminating secrets with others, a new study from the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin</a> suggests that these fears are unfounded.</p>



<p>Researchers in the McCombs School of Business set out to investigate the dynamics of revealing negative personal information, both in personal and professional settings.</p>



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



<p>The experts found a significant discrepancy between individuals' fears and the actual response they receive upon sharing a secret. Contrary to expectations, the confidants exhibited a more charitable response than anticipated.</p>



<p>“When we’re thinking about conveying negative information about ourselves, we’re focused on the content of the message,” said study co-author Amit Kumar, assistant professor of marketing at Texas McCombs. “But the recipients are thinking about the positive traits required to reveal this secret, such as trust, honesty, and vulnerability.”</p>



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



<p>The experiments revealed a consistent trend where participants expected harsher judgments than what they actually received upon revealing a dark secret.</p>



<p>"Keeping negative interpersonal secrets can diminish well-being, yet people nevertheless keep negative information secret from friends, family, and loved ones to protect their own reputations," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Twelve experiments suggest these reputational concerns are systematically miscalibrated, creating a misplaced barrier to honesty in relationships."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honesty-and-trustworthiness-nbsp">Honesty and trustworthiness&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The decision to conceal or reveal information is largely influenced by the expectations of others' judgments. However, the study showed that revealing secrets often led to higher ratings of honesty and trustworthiness.</p>



<p>The consistency of miscalibrated expectations persisted across different types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-men-relationship-satisfaction-can-prevent-workplace-burnout/">relationships</a>, including strangers and close family members.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-relief-nbsp">Psychological relief&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The participants' fears were amplified with the severity of the secrets, but the team found that even for darker secrets, the impact was overestimated.</p>



<p>“The magnitude of what you’re revealing can impact people’s evaluations, but it also impacts your expectations of those evaluations,” said Professor Kumar.</p>



<p>The research indicates that honesty not only improves perceptions among others but also provides psychological relief to the individual.</p>



<p>"Overestimating the reputational costs of disclosing negative information might leave people carrying a heavier burden of secrecy than would be optimal for their own well-being," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-workplace-interactions-nbsp">Workplace interactions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“There’s a psychological burden associated with secrecy,” said Professor Kumar. “If we can alter people’s expectations to make them more in line with reality, they might be more transparent in their relationships.”</p>



<p>Although none of the experiments were conducted in business settings, Professor Kumar noted that the lessons can be applied there.</p>



<p>“Any comprehensive understanding of how to navigate the workplace includes a better understanding of how people think, feel, and behave,” said Professor Kumar. “When workplace transgressions arise, people could be wise to consider that they also reveal warmth, trust, and honesty when they are open and transparent about revealing negative information.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000441" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Personality and Social Psychology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Sharing dark secrets can build trust in relationships

While many people harbor fears about sharing incriminating secrets with...

<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> have identified a significant association between the use of acetaminophen during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-brain-how-neurons-get-rewired-to-prepare-for-motherhood/">pregnancy</a> and language delays in children.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Acetaminophen, widely recognized as the safest over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer for pregnant women, is used by 50 to 65 percent of women in North America and Europe. However, this study challenges the idea of its harmlessness during pregnancy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acetaminophen-and-child-development-nbsp">Acetaminophen and child development&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Megan Woodbury, who is now a postdoctoral researcher at Northeastern University, led the study with Professor Emerita Susan Schantz as part of the Illinois Kids Development Study (IKIDS). The goal of IKIDS is to explore how environmental exposures during pregnancy affect child development.</p>



<p>Compared to previous research, the team used a different approach. “The previous studies had only asked pregnant people at most once a trimester about their acetaminophen use,” said Woodbury. “But with IKIDS, we talked to our participants every four to six weeks during pregnancy and then within 24 hours of the kid’s birth, so we had six time points during pregnancy.”</p>



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



<p>The researchers focused on 298 children, who were monitored prenatally and then assessed at the ages of two and three. At these ages, children undergo a period known as "word explosion," making it an ideal time to evaluate language development.</p>



<p>The team utilized the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories for assessing 2-year-olds. This involved parents reporting on their child's vocabulary, language complexity, and the average length of their longest utterances. At age three, parents compared their child's language skills to their peers.</p>



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



<p>Significantly, the research linked increased acetaminophen use, especially during the third trimester, to modest but meaningful delays in early language development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We found that increased use of acetaminophen – especially during the third trimester – was associated with smaller vocabulary scores and shorter ‘mean length of utterance’ at two years,” said Woodbury.</p>



<p>“At age three, greater acetaminophen use during the third trimester was related to parents ranking their kids as lower than their peers on their language abilities,” said Schantz. “That outcome was seen primarily in male children.”</p>



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



<p>One of the study's most striking findings is that each instance of acetaminophen use in the third trimester was linked to an almost two-word reduction in the vocabulary of 2-year-olds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This suggests that if a pregnant person took acetaminophen 13 times – or once per week – during the third trimester of that pregnancy, their child might express 26 fewer words at age 2 than other children that age,” said Woodbury.</p>



<p>Shantz noted that fetal brain development occurs throughout pregnancy, but the second and third trimesters are especially critical times.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Hearing is developing in the second trimester, but language development is already starting in the third trimester before the baby is even born," said Shantz.</p>



<p>“It’s thought that acetaminophen exerts its analgesic effect through the endocannabinoid system, which is also very important for fetal development,” said Woodbury.</p>



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



<p>While the findings are significant, the researchers caution against alarm and emphasize the need for further, larger studies. They advise that acetaminophen should not be avoided for managing serious pain and fever during pregnancy, as conditions like high fever can be harmful.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There aren’t other options for people to take when they really need them,” said Schantz. “But perhaps people should use more caution when turning to the drug to treat minor aches and pains.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41390-023-02924-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Pediatric Research</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Acetaminophen use during pregnancy linked to language delays in children

Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have identified a...

Environmentally,Sustainable,Futuristic,City,Illustration

<p>In the ever-evolving quest to uncover extraterrestrial life, researchers are now expanding their scope to include not just biological indicators, like oxygen, but also signs of technology.</p>



<p>This shift in focus brings to light a key element often associated with life as we know it: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-are-helping-astronomers-in-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen</a>. However, its significance extends beyond biology and into the realm of advanced technology on a cosmic scale.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.pas.rochester.edu/people/faculty/frank_adam/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adam Frank</a> of the <a href="https://www.rochester.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a> and <a href="https://www-en.fisica.uniroma2.it/phone-directory/balbia_en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amedeo Balbi</a>, Associate Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the <a href="https://web.uniroma2.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Roma Tor Vergata</a>, Italy, delve into this connection in their thought-provoking new study. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alien-technology-and-oxygen-signatures">Alien technology and oxygen signatures</h2>



<p>Their research highlights the intricate relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-ancient-breath-study-links-atmospheric-oxygen-and-mantle-chemistry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric oxygen</a> and the emergence of advanced technology on distant planets.</p>



<p>Frank emphasizes the readiness to detect life beyond Earth, questioning how planetary conditions might hint at intelligent, technology-producing life. </p>



<p>“We are ready to find signatures of life on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alien worlds</a>,” Frank says. “But how do the conditions on a planet tell us about the possibilities for intelligent, technology-producing life?”</p>



<p>Balbi adds, discussing their exploration into whether any atmospheric composition could support advanced technology. Their findings suggest strict atmospheric requirements for such advancements.</p>



<p>“In our paper, we explore whether any atmospheric composition would be compatible with the presence of advanced technology,” Balbi says. “We found that the atmospheric requirements may be quite stringent.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concept-of-technospheres">Concept of technospheres</h2>



<p>The duo introduces the concept of "technospheres," vast domains of advanced technology emitting unique signs, or "technosignatures," indicative of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial intelligence</a>. </p>



<p>They argue that oxygen is not only vital for respiration and metabolism in multicellular organisms but also essential for developing fire -- a cornerstone of technological civilizations.</p>



<p>On Earth, the evolution of technology has hinged on the ability to utilize open-air combustion -- a process where fuel and an oxidant, typically oxygen, combine to create fire. </p>



<p>From cooking and metal forging to energy harnessing, combustion has been pivotal in shaping industrial societies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-needs-fire-which-needs-oxygen">Technology needs fire, which needs oxygen</h2>



<p>The researchers trace Earth's historical trajectory, discovering that controlled fire use and subsequent metallurgical advancements were only feasible when atmospheric oxygen levels hit or surpassed 18 percent. </p>



<p>This finding implies that only planets with significant oxygen concentrations can develop advanced technospheres capable of leaving detectable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/searching-for-technosignatures-from-intelligent-life-in-the-cosmos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technosignatures</a>.</p>



<p>“You might be able to get biology -- you might even be able to get intelligent creatures -- in a world that doesn’t have oxygen,” Frank says, “but without a ready source of fire, you’re never going to develop higher technology because higher technology requires fuel and melting.”</p>



<p>Interestingly, the oxygen levels needed to biologically sustain complex life and intelligence are lower than those required for technology. </p>



<p>Thus, while a species might evolve in an oxygen-deficient world, it is unlikely to progress into a technological species, the study suggests.</p>



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



<p>Frank elaborates on this bottleneck, stating that high oxygen levels are a prerequisite for a technological species. Without it, all other conditions may align, but technological advancement remains unachievable.</p>



<p>“The presence of high degrees of oxygen in the atmosphere is like a bottleneck you have to get through in order to have a technological species,” Frank says. </p>



<p>“You can have everything else work out, but if you don’t have oxygen in the atmosphere, you’re not going to have a technological species.”</p>



<p>This research, partially funded by a NASA grant, opens a new chapter in the cosmic search for intelligent life. It underscores the importance of prioritizing planets with high oxygen levels when searching for extraterrestrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-signals-are-aliens-trying-to-contact-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technosignatures</a>.</p>



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



<p>Frank concludes by emphasizing the need to focus on planets with high oxygen levels, as their atmospheres could be a significant indicator in locating potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-telescope-array-is-joining-the-hunt-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technosignatures</a>. </p>



<p>“Targeting planets with high oxygen levels should be prioritized because the presence or absence of high oxygen levels in exoplanet atmospheres could be a major clue in finding potential technosignatures,” Frank says.</p>



<p>Balbi adds a cautionary note on interpreting such detections, highlighting the monumental implications of discovering intelligent, technological life on another planet and the importance of being skeptical about technosignatures from planets with insufficient atmospheric oxygen.</p>



<p>“The implications of discovering intelligent, technological life on another planet would be huge,” adds Balbi. “Therefore, we need to be extremely cautious in interpreting possible detections. Our study suggests that we should be skeptical of potential technosignatures from a planet with insufficient atmospheric oxygen.”</p>



<p>In summary, this progressive study broadens our understanding of the search for life beyond Earth while also serving as a crucial guidepost in this awe-inspiring cosmic journey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-oxygen-technology-and-exoplanets">More about oxygen, technology and exoplanets</h2>



<p>As discussed in depth above, oxygen plays a crucial role in the study of exoplanets, celestial bodies orbiting stars beyond our solar system. </p>



<p>The presence of oxygen in an exoplanet's atmosphere is a key indicator in the search for extraterrestrial life, as it is a fundamental element for life as we know it on Earth. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Detecting oxygen on distant worlds</h3>



<p>Scientists use advanced telescopes to analyze the light from distant stars, which passes through the atmospheres of exoplanets. </p>



<p>This process, known as spectroscopy, allows researchers to identify the chemical composition of these atmospheres. When oxygen is detected, it raises the possibility that the planet could harbor life. </p>



<p>Oxygen in an exoplanet's atmosphere can be produced through various processes, with photosynthesis being the primary method on Earth. This process, carried out by plants and some microorganisms, releases oxygen as a byproduct.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Implications of oxygen on exoplanets</h3>



<p>However, the presence of oxygen alone does not guarantee the existence of life. It can also be produced through non-biological processes, such as the photodissociation of water vapor by ultraviolet light. </p>



<p>Therefore, scientists look for a combination of gases, like oxygen, methane, and carbon dioxide, in specific ratios that would suggest a biological origin.</p>



<p>Additionally, the amount of oxygen in an exoplanet's atmosphere can provide insights into its habitability. Too little oxygen might indicate an inhospitable environment, while too much could suggest a runaway greenhouse effect, like on Venus.</p>



<p>In summary, exoplanet research, particularly focusing on oxygen and other life-indicating molecules, represents an exciting frontier in astronomy. It not only deepens our understanding of the universe but also brings us closer to answering the age-old question: Are we alone in the cosmos?</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-023-02112-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a></em>.</p>



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



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Technospheres: Alien technology revealed by oxygen levels on exoplanets

In the ever-evolving quest to uncover extraterrestrial life, researchers are...

A,Magnetar,Is,A,Type,Of,Neutron,Star,Believed,To

<p>Using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have made an extraordinary discovery in an unexpected location. They detected a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-bursts-from-space-may-be-signs-of-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fast radio burst</a> named FRB-20220610A -- a fleeting, incredibly bright flash of energy that can outshine an entire galaxy for a mere fraction of a second.</p>



<p>While hundreds of FRBs have been observed in recent years, the origins of these intense bursts of radiation remain shrouded in mystery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-radio-burst-named-frb-20220610a">Fast radio burst named FRB 20220610A</h2>



<p>This particular FRB is truly baffling, as it originated from a point halfway across the universe, making it the farthest and most powerful example known to date. </p>



<p>Subsequent <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> observations have further deepened the mystery. The FRB was detected in what appears to be an unlikely place -- a collection of galaxies that existed when the universe was only 5 billion years old. This is quite unusual, as the majority of previous FRBs have been found in isolated galaxies.</p>



<p>FRB 20220610A was initially spotted on June 10, 2022, by the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (<a href="https://www.atnf.csiro.au/projects/askap/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASKAP</a>) radio telescope in Western Australia. </p>



<p>The European Southern Observatory's <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Very Large Telescope</a> in Chile later confirmed that the FRB originated from a distant location. Remarkably, this FRB was observed to be four times more energetic than FRBs that occur closer to us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-fast-radio-bursts">Understanding fast radio bursts</h2>



<p>Lead author Alexa Gordon of <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> in Evanston, Illinois, highlights the vital role played by Hubble in pinpointing the FRB's source. </p>



<p>"It required Hubble's keen sharpness and sensitivity to pinpoint exactly where the FRB came from," said Gordon. </p>



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



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fast-radio-burst_FRB-20220610A_energy-flash_8-billion-light-years_Hubble_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crisp images</a> captured by Hubble suggest that this FRB may have originated in an environment where as many as seven galaxies are on a possible path to merging. </p>



<p>This finding holds significant implications for researchers, as co-investigator Wen-fai Fong, also of Northwestern University, explains. </p>



<p>"We are ultimately trying to answer the questions: What causes them? What are their progenitors and what are their origins? The Hubble observations provide a spectacular view of the surprising types of environments that give rise to these mysterious events."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-these-energy-flashes-remain-a-mystery">These energy flashes remain a mystery</h2>



<p>While astronomers have yet to reach a consensus on the specific mechanism behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-radio-burst-traveled-through-space-for-8-billion-years-to-reach-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FRBs</a>, it is generally believed that they involve compact objects such as black holes or neutron stars. </p>



<p>Of particular interest is a subtype of neutron star known as a magnetar. These incredibly magnetic stars possess fields so strong that they have the potential to cause havoc. </p>



<p>As an example, if a magnetar were located halfway between Earth and the Moon, it would erase the magnetic strip on every credit card in the world. </p>



<p>In a worse-case scenario, an astronaut venturing within a few hundred miles of a magnetar would be dissolved, as the intense magnetic forces would disrupt every atom in their body.</p>



<p>Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the origin of these energy flashes involving magnetars. </p>



<p>One possibility is a violent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-alien-radio-signals-may-be-caused-by-starquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starquake</a>, while another involves the snapping and reconnecting of a magnetar's twisting magnetic field lines. Such an event would be akin to what occurs during solar flares on the Sun. </p>



<p>However, the magnetic field of a magnetar is a trillion times stronger than the Sun's, potentially generating the intense flash observed in an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-bursts-are-even-more-mysterious-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FRB</a> or even producing a shock wave that incinerates surrounding dust and heats gas into a plasma.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetars-are-the-key-suspects">Magnetars are the key suspects</h2>



<p>Different scenarios may give rise to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echo-of-gravitational-waves-heard-for-the-first-time-finally-confirming-their-existence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetars</a>. For instance, it could be the result of objects orbiting a black hole encircled by a disk of material. </p>



<p>Alternatively, a pair of orbiting neutron stars with periodically interacting magnetospheres could create a space where eruptions occur.</p>



<p>In the near future, experiments studying FRBs, such as FRB-20220610A, will enhance their sensitivity, leading to an unprecedented number of FRBs detected at vast distances. </p>



<p>Crucially, Hubble will play a pivotal role in characterizing the environments in which these enigmatic bursts occur. It is in this pursuit that astronomers hope to uncover the secrets behind FRBs. </p>



<p>As Gordon concludes, "We just need to keep finding more of these FRBs, both nearby and far away, and in all these different types of environments."</p>



<p>In summary, the discovery of this distant and powerful energy flash, FRB-20220610A, raises more questions than answers. </p>



<p>However, thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope's exceptional capabilities, astronomers are one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of FRBs and their origins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-magnetars-and-energy-flashes">More about magnetars and energy flashes</h2>



<p>As mentioned above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-captures-magnetar-activity-that-has-never-been-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetars</a> stand out as some of the most intriguing and powerful entities. These neutron stars are remnants of massive stars that have exploded in supernovae.</p>



<p>They are distinguished by their extraordinarily strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a>, which can be over a trillion times stronger than Earth's.</p>



<p>Understanding magnetars offers insights into the extremes of the universe and the laws of physics under the most intense conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-characteristics">Formation and characteristics</h3>



<p>Magnetars begin their life as stars much more massive than our Sun. When these stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, their cores collapse, leading to a massive energy flash called a supernova explosion. </p>



<p>This catastrophic event births a neutron star, a city-sized, incredibly dense object composed primarily of neutrons. In some of these neutron stars, the magnetic field, already strong, undergoes an amplification process, becoming a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-object-detected-in-our-galactic-backyard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetar</a>.</p>



<p>The magnetic field of a magnetar is so strong that it dominates almost every aspect of the star's environment. It's powerful enough to affect atoms, distorting their shape into narrow, cigar-like forms. </p>



<p>This immense magnetic field is believed to be the result of a dynamo mechanism occurring within the rapidly spinning, fluid neutron star.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energetic-outbursts-and-anomalies">Energetic outbursts and anomalies</h3>



<p>Magnetars are famous for their spectacular outbursts of gamma rays and X-rays, phenomena that can release more energy in a fraction of a second than our Sun will emit in 100,000 years. </p>



<p>These outbursts are thought to be caused by the star's unstable magnetic field, which can twist and snap like a colossal cosmic spring.</p>



<p>These neutron stars also exhibit unique rotational behaviors. Unlike regular pulsars, whose spin rates are relatively stable, magnetars often show irregular spin-down rates. This erratic behavior is likely due to the interaction between the magnetar's magnetic field and its surrounding environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-magnetars-and-their-energy-flashes">Significance of magnetars and their energy flashes</h3>



<p>Studying magnetars offers astrophysicists a rare window into the behavior of matter and energy under the most extreme conditions. The physics governing these stars tests our understanding of neutron-rich matter, the behavior of magnetic fields, and the limits of the quantum world.</p>



<p>Magnetars also play a crucial role in broader cosmic phenomena. For instance, they are considered as possible sources of the mysterious Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). As discussed above regarding FRB-20220610A, FRBs are intense blasts of radio waves that have puzzled astronomers since their discovery.</p>



<p>In summary, magnetars, with their immense magnetic fields and energetic outbursts, are keys to unlocking some of the most profound mysteries of the cosmos. </p>



<p>As astronomers continue to observe and study these extraordinary stars, we can expect to deepen our understanding of the universe and the fundamental laws that govern it. </p>



<p>In this journey, magnetars stand as beacons, guiding us through the uncharted territories of extreme physics.</p>



<p>The results were presented at the <a href="https://www.aas.org/meetings/aas243" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">243rd meeting of the American Astronomical Society</a> in New Orleans, Louisiana.</p>



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Mysterious energy flash, brighter than a galaxy, traveled 8 billion light years to reach Earth

Using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have made an extraordinary...

<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>



<p>—–</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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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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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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