<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...

Coral,Nurseries,-,Environmental,Protection,Concept.,The,Diverse,Coral,Colony

<p>When we envision coral reefs and coral nurseries, we often picture static rock-like structures dotting the ocean floor. These underwater gardens, vital to marine life, have long been the focus of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. </p>



<p>Typically, these efforts are directed at preserving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existing corals</a> and shielding them from known dangers like pollution, overfishing, and runoff from coastal populations.</p>



<p>However, a transformative study near Miloliʻi, on the southwestern side of Hawai’i Island, is reshaping our approach to coral conservation. The intriguing research was spearheaded by <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> scientists and their collaborators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-knowledge-and-modern-science">Indigenous knowledge and modern science</h2>



<p>At the forefront of this research is an impressive group of scientists. Together, they emphasize the significance of safeguarding marine ecosystems, both down-current and up-current of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-growth-cannot-keep-pace-with-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a>. </p>



<p>These are the areas where coral larvae, the coral keiki, are more likely to flourish. The survival of these coral nurseries is key in the face of the escalating threats posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-coral-reefs-have-naturally-increased-their-heat-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a><strong>. </strong></p>



<p>Rachel Carlson, an ASU affiliate scientist, is the study’s first author. She highlights the importance of integrating local, indigenous knowledge with Western science in mapping a sustainable future for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-study-proves-humans-are-major-ecosystem-disruptors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral populations</a>. </p>



<p>“There’s a lot of indigenous knowledge about coral spawning and fish populations in West Hawaiʻi. In this study, we addressed an open question: how connected are coral populations between embayments along this coastline?” said Carlson. </p>



<p>“What we essentially found is that the major factors in helping the coral keiki, known as larvae, settle down and survive are the nearshore current and the structure of the reef.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-coral-nurseries-from-above">Monitoring coral nurseries from above </h2>



<p>This study addressed a critical question: the connectivity of coral populations along certain coastlines. It found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-survive-warming-waters-by-remembering-heat-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival of coral</a> larvae nurseries hinges on the nearshore currents and the reef's structure. </p>



<p>These larvae tend to settle in areas with larger boulders and uneven surfaces, which they find more conducive.</p>



<p>An exciting aspect of this research is the utilization of ASU’s <a href="https://asnerlab.org/projects/global-airborne-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Airborne Observatory</a>. This specialized aircraft, equipped with advanced remote sensing technologies, has mapped seafloor features significant for coral settlement. </p>



<p>Greg Asner, director of ASU's <a href="https://globalfutures.asu.edu/gdcs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science</a> and the study’s senior author, underscores this as "foundational research" that enhances our understanding of reef connectivity and identifies potential sites for effective coral restoration.</p>



<p>“First, it gives us an understanding of the connectivity of different parts of reefs along our coastline and tells us the level of connectivity in the context of the birth, settlement, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poo-from-fish-that-eat-coral-is-beneficial-for-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth of corals</a> miles apart," Asner explained. </p>



<p>"Second, our unique remote sensing capabilities can identify reef sites where coral restoration could be most viable in the future. Finally, these findings provide a critical building block for future restoration efforts by our ʻĀkoʻakoʻa team and collaborators," concluded Asner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-community-engagement">Cultural and community engagement</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://news.asu.edu/20230613-solutions-turning-tide-our-coral-reefs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration Program</a>, a regional initiative combining cultural leadership, education, science, and government engagement, has been instrumental in supporting this research. </p>



<p>Kaʻimi Kaupiko, president of Kalanihale, a non-profit managing the Miloliʻi Community-based Subsistence Fishing Area, reflects on the cultural and ecological significance of reefs. </p>



<p>Kaupiko states, "We as lineal descendants of the Miloliʻi area have always relied on the reef for our ʻOhana (families). Our reef is our sustenance and is of enormous cultural value to us."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-scope-of-coral-protection">Expanding the scope of coral protection</h2>



<p>This study brings a new perspective to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef protection strategies</a>. Asner compares it to understanding the importance of a forest, not just individual trees. </p>



<p>Robin Martin is an associate professor with the ASU <a href="https://oceans.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Ocean Futures</a>. Martin echoes this sentiment, stressing that reef connectivity is an underutilized tool in global reef restoration efforts. </p>



<p>“In Hawai‘i and worldwide, we're trying to figure out where we should place protections and restore areas to help reefs,” Martin said. </p>



<p>“This study is highly technical, but it needs to be part of that conversation and part of that work because if you aren’t protecting the up-current reefs, you are cutting off important reproductive areas.”</p>



<p>The research suggests that protection should encompass not only areas with dense coral coverage but also the paths through which coral larvae travel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-nursery-conservation-efforts">Coral nursery conservation efforts</h2>



<p>This research opens new possibilities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crust-forming-algae-have-the-potential-to-dominate-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>, potentially extending much further than current practices. </p>



<p>As Asner notes, the extensive coastline of west Hawaiʻi island poses unique challenges and opportunities for coral restoration. </p>



<p>“These kinds of studies of connectivity, flow, and movement are needed because the west Hawaiʻi island coastline is longer than the whole circumference of any other island,” Asner said. </p>



<p>“We have a lot of degraded reefs along our coastline, so knowing where and how to help baby corals thrive is fundamental to the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa restoration effort.”</p>



<p>Understanding the movement and settlement patterns of coral larvae is fundamental to the success of the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa restoration effort.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-student-contributions-are-vital">Student contributions are vital</h2>



<p>The involvement of students in the study represents a fusion of cultural knowledge and scientific inquiry. Kaupiko highlights this integration, emphasizing the ecological connectedness of the region and the need for comprehensive management and protection strategies.</p>



<p>"Our students participated in the coral study, and that also helped us to connect the dots between cultural knowledge and Western science,” said Kaupiko. </p>



<p>“The study supports our CBSFA by showing that our area is ecologically connected, and thus it needs to be managed and protected as one connected reef and coastline."</p>



<p>In summary, this important study in Hawai‘i represents a pivotal shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-oceans-intensify-viruses-that-kill-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral conservation</a> strategies. By combining cultural insights, advanced scientific research, and community collaboration, it offers a holistic approach to preserving and restoring the delicate balance of coral ecosystems. </p>



<p>Their innovative work benefits the reefs of Hawai‘i while also setting a precedent for coral conservation efforts worldwide.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2311661121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Coral ‘nurseries’ need protection equal to that of established coral reefs

When we envision coral reefs and coral nurseries, we often...

Detail,Of,Bee,Or,Honeybee,In,Latin,Apis,Mellifera,,European

<p>Have you ever wondered why certain flowers are more appealing to bees? New research on bees and nutrition seems to have found the answer to this question. </p>



<p>Recent research from the USDA Forest Service’s <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/rmrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Research Station</a> and the <a href="https://www.unr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nevada, Reno</a> sheds light on this. </p>



<p>Their study reveals how the nutritional value of plant pollen influences bee foraging behavior and community composition in gardens. </p>



<p>This finding is crucial, especially when considering larger implications such as combating the decline in pollinator populations through improved rangeland restoration strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-requirements-of-bees">Nutritional requirements of bees</h2>



<p>The study delved into the foraging habits of wild bees, uncovering that different bee species have varied nutritional requirements. </p>



<p>“Nutrition is widely recognized as a key factor in addressing pollinator declines, and plants vary in the protein and lipid content of the pollens they offer to bees,” explains lead author Dr. Anthony Vaudo, a research biological scientist at RMRS. </p>



<p>He emphasizes the importance of pollen nutrition, particularly for developing bee larvae, which rely on pollen as their primary food source.</p>



<p>“We wanted to bring focus to that aspect of nutrition and foraging and its direct effects on the health of the developing bees,” he added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-plants-and-bee-nutrition">Implications for plants and bee nutrition</h2>



<p>Dr. Vaudo and his team analyzed the protein and lipid content in the pollen of 109 plant species in the Great Basin region. These plants bloom simultaneously, providing a comprehensive view of the nutritional landscape available to bees. </p>



<p>The research discovered that the nutritional content of pollen in different plant communities predicts the types of bee communities they attract.</p>



<p>An intriguing aspect of their findings is that many bees do not show loyalty to specific plant families or genera. Instead, their preferences are based on more fundamental nutritional needs. </p>



<p>This insight is especially relevant when selecting seeds for conserving bee habitats and plant communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-bee-conservation-efforts">Enhancing bee conservation efforts</h2>



<p>The study also reveals that plants within related genera offer similar pollen nutrition, making them functionally akin for bees. This knowledge could predict how a bee might choose a host plant in new environments. </p>



<p>“This has exciting opportunities for future restoration research and could change the way bee communities can be conserved or improved," Vaudo said. </p>



<p>"For example, designing a restoration project with more nutritionally diverse plants and testing to see if they attract more bees or a higher diversity of bees.” </p>



<p>He highlights a beneficial feedback loop where increased pollination leads to more seed production, supporting healthier bee populations and offering resilience in changing environments.</p>



<p>"This idea of nutritional diversity can support healthier bee populations and hopefully provide resilience in changing environments," explained Vaudo.</p>



<p>In summary, this research not only enhances our understanding of bee foraging behavior but also opens new avenues for conservation efforts. </p>



<p>By considering the nutritional needs of bees, we can design more effective strategies to nurture and preserve these vital pollinators, ensuring the health of our ecosystems and agricultural productivity.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2317228120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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

Different bee species have unique nutritional needs and appetites

Have you ever wondered why certain flowers are more appealing...

<p>The human face is often described as a mirror, reflecting our inner emotional states. In the realm of psychotherapy, understanding these emotional cues is crucial. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-proves-very-useful-to-doctors-when-diagnosing-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> has proven to be without peer when analyzing facial expressions and emotions.</p>



<p>Dr. Martin Steppan, a psychologist from the <a href="https://www.unibas.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Basel</a>, highlights the importance of facial expression analysis in both research and therapeutic settings.</p>



<p>The journey of interpreting facial expressions in psychology dates back to the 1970s, when psychologist Paul Ekman pioneered a coding system to link basic emotions like happiness, disgust, and sadness to specific facial cues. </p>



<p>Dr. Steppan notes, “Ekman’s system is a cornerstone in psychological emotion research.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-facial-expression-analysis">AI and facial expression analysis</h2>



<p>However, a significant challenge in this area is the time-intensive nature of analyzing facial expressions, especially in research and therapy. </p>



<p>Often, psychiatry specialists turn to less direct methods, like skin conductance measurements, to gauge emotional states.</p>



<p>Seeking a more efficient solution, Dr. Steppan, along with his colleagues including emeritus Professor Klaus Schmeck, Dr. Ronan Zimmermann, and Dr. Lukas Fürer, embarked on a new study. </p>



<p>Their objective? To test the effectiveness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-read-and-diagnose-mammograms-just-as-well-as-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> in recognizing emotional states from video recordings. </p>



<p>“We wanted to find out whether AI systems can reliably determine the emotional states of patients in video recordings,” says Steppan.</p>



<p>Their research harnessed the power of artificial neural networks trained on over 30,000 facial photos to identify six basic emotions.</p>



<p>The team put this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-anti-aging-drugs-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI system</a> to the test by analyzing videos from therapy sessions of 23 patients with borderline personality pathology at the University of Basel's Center for Scientific Computing. </p>



<p>The AI had a daunting task ahead -- processing over 950 hours of video recordings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-emotional-analysis-results">Remarkable emotional analysis results</h2>



<p>The results were nothing short of remarkable. Statistical comparisons revealed a high level of agreement between the AI's analysis and that of three trained therapists. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-teaching-other-robots-its-no-longer-science-fiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> matched the human capability in assessing facial expressions and excelled in detecting fleeting emotions, like a brief smile or a momentary expression of disgust, which are often missed or only subconsciously perceived by therapists.</p>



<p>An intriguing finding emerged from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/older-adults-view-ai-as-more-human-like-than-younger-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> analysis. Patients who showed emotional engagement and smiled at the beginning of a therapy session were less likely to cancel subsequent sessions compared to those who appeared emotionally detached. </p>



<p>This suggests that 'social' smiling might be a key predictor of therapy success in individuals with borderline personality pathology symptoms.</p>



<p>Dr. Steppan expressed his astonishment at the AI's proficiency, “We were really surprised to find that relatively simple AI systems can allocate facial expressions to their emotional states so reliably.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-ai-in-psychotherapy">Future of AI in psychotherapy</h2>



<p>This breakthrough indicates that AI could become an invaluable tool in therapy and research. It could aid in analyzing existing video recordings from studies, making it easier to identify emotionally significant moments during conversations. Such a capability could also enhance the supervision of psychotherapists.</p>



<p>In summary, while AI shows immense potential in the field of psychotherapy, Dr. Steppan reminds us, “Therapeutic work is still primarily about human relationships, and remains a human domain, at least for the time being.” </p>



<p>This study marks a significant step forward in the intersection of technology and psychology, opening new doors for understanding and treating emotional states more effectively.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://karger.com/psp/article/doi/10.1159/000534811/870243/Machine-Learning-Facial-Emotion-Classifiers-in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychopathology</a></em>.</p>



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



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

AI can decipher every possible facial expression and emotion, outperforming therapists

The human face is often described as a mirror, reflecting...

<p>Given their size and status as one of the top <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/">predators</a> in Antarctica, one might expect that male southern elephant seals are indiscriminate feeders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, new research from <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW Sydney</a> reveals that these elephant seals are surprisingly picky eaters, preferring specific favorites over the wide array of food choices available in their Antarctic habitat.</p>



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



<p>Study lead author Andrea Cormack is a PhD candidate at UNSW Science. “They could have the pick of the buffet, and yet each male southern elephant seal eats a lot of the same food, which is just a fraction of what’s on offer,” said Cormack.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“So, they are extremely picky eaters, each with their own unique favorite foods they go after, whether it be fish, squid species, crustaceans or octopus.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-specialists-nbsp">Extreme specialists&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research provides one of the first in-depth insights into the diet of adult male southern elephant seals. Compared to their female counterparts, the dietary habits of these males, who can weigh up to four tons, have been relatively understudied.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, while female seals maintain a specialized diet, the males' preferences are far more extreme.</p>



<p>“We didn’t specifically compare males to females in this study,” said Cormack. “But females are known to maintain a fairly specialized diet between one another, just nowhere near as extreme as what we found with the males in our research.”</p>



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



<p>Studying these creatures in their natural habitat poses significant challenges due to their size and temperament. Instead, the research team analyzed whiskers collected from 31 male seals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The whiskers contain stable isotopes that provide a chemical record of the seals' diet over time. This method allowed the researchers to construct the most comprehensive picture yet of the males' dietary habits, encompassing up to a year of eating behavior per seal.</p>



<p>“These guys are out in the water foraging for months, and then fasting for two to three months on land during breeding season, so it’s hard to gather a lot of information about their diet through study methods like stomach analysis,” said Cormack. “But by analyzing hard tissues that store an inert chemical record of what they’ve eaten, we can start putting together the pieces about their eating habits.”</p>



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



<p>The study revealed that nearly all the sampled seals were specialists, consistently eating the same types of food with little variation. A majority were extreme specialists, feeding on less than 20% of the available food types, while only one seal demonstrated a more generalist diet.</p>



<p>“The Antarctic ecosystem has a lot of variety, but male southern elephant seals don’t like to mix it up,” said study senior author Professor Tracey Rogers. “They each have their own favorite foods, and they stick to them despite all the options available.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistently-picky-nbsp">Consistently picky&nbsp;</h2>



<p>An interesting correlation emerged between body size and dietary specialization. Larger seals tended to eat higher up the food chain, opting for energy-dense prey like large squid, especially leading up to the breeding season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, size was not the sole determinant of specialization, as even smaller seals showed extreme pickiness in their diet from early adulthood.</p>



<p>“They were all consistently picky on their food type regardless of size,” said Cormack. “For these guys, who can lose up to 50 percent of their body weight during the breeding season when they’re fasting on land, what you choose to eat could be very important.”</p>



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



<p>Cormack noted the significance of these findings, especially considering the potential impact on breeding success. The specialization in diet could be driven by various factors, from physical attributes like gape size to fluctuations in food availability.</p>



<p>According to the experts, this specialization may help improve foraging success rates between male seals and allow them to gain the size needed to compete with other males for breeding rights.</p>



<p>“We know from previous studies that individuals will often return each year to the same feeding grounds in search of their favorite foods,” said Cormack. “But we need more studies to be confident about exactly what’s driving specialization and how it impacts breeding success.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps14472" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Marine Ecology Progress Series</em></a><em>. </em></p>



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Male southern elephant seals are extremely picky eaters

Given their size and status as one of the top...

Prehistoric,Stone,Age,Neanderthal,Man,Draws,Rock,Art,3d,Render

<p>A revised interpretation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-how-neanderthal-dna-got-diluted-in-europe/">Neanderthals</a>, traditionally viewed as brutish and intellectually inferior to early modern humans, is emerging due to recent scientific discoveries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This shift is revitalizing debates among experts about the classification of Neanderthals – whether they should be considered the same species as early modern humans. The reevaluation could profoundly impact our understanding of human evolution and our definition of humanity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthal-dna-nbsp">Neanderthal DNA&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For a long time, Neanderthals were perceived as primitive, inarticulate beings doomed to extinction about 40,000 years ago, overshadowed by the evolutionary triumph of Homo sapiens. This narrative, however, is being challenged by new findings.</p>



<p>Contrary to earlier beliefs, most people today carry a fraction of Neanderthal DNA. This fact complicates the longstanding view of Neanderthals as a distinct species separate from Homo sapiens.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-debate">Ongoing debate</h2>



<p>Antoine Balzeau, a paleontologist at the <a href="https://www.mnhn.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Museum of Natural History</a> in France, highlights this ongoing debate in the scientific community. "When we were at first discussing the fossils in the 19th century, there was no real debate about specific species or not, simply because at the time, humans were seen as a species but by default," he told Business Insider.</p>



<p>The discovery of more Neanderthal fossils over time led scientists to question the rigid species boundaries previously established. Despite this, the general consensus until recently was that Neanderthals were distinct from Homo sapiens. The two groups, with lineages diverging around 500,000 years ago, only had brief interactions when Homo sapiens arrived in Europe about 50,000 years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-game-changer-nbsp">Big game changer&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The turning point in this debate came in 2008 with Swedish geneticist Svante Pääbo’s groundbreaking work. He sequenced the Neanderthal genome, demonstrating that most living humans carry about two percent Neanderthal DNA, implying interbreeding between human ancestors and Neanderthals around 50,000 years ago. "It definitely was a big game changer at that point," said evolutionary anthropologist Laura Buck.</p>



<p>This genetic evidence reopened discussions about the species classification of Neanderthals and humans. The traditional biological definition of species, which asserts that different species cannot produce fertile offspring, is now under scrutiny. Buck points out that this definition is “intuitively attractive because it's sort of clear cut, but biology isn't clear cut.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-physical-characteristics-nbsp">Distinct physical characteristics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite genomic similarities, Buck and others argue that the distinct physical characteristics of Neanderthal bones set them apart from modern humans and their direct ancestors. However, she also notes that people would likely find a Neanderthal’s appearance unusual if encountered today: "I think we'd definitely think they looked a bit weird."</p>



<p>Balzeau concurs, emphasizing clear anatomical differences between Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens. Conversely, Paul Pettitt, an archaeologist at <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/">Durham University</a>, UK, specializing in the Paleolithic era, cautions against using evolutionary divergence as a basis for declaring different species. "It would be guesswork to use that evolutionary divergence to assume that there are different species," he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthal-sophistication">Neanderthal sophistication</h2>



<p>Recent archaeological finds suggest Neanderthals might have been far more sophisticated than previously thought, challenging the stereotype of them as simple, unrefined beings. Pettitt, who was initially skeptical about Neanderthal sophistication, acknowledges this shift.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Until, say, 20 years ago, Neanderthal behavior was looked on as fairly stupid, or at least fairly limited, and Homo sapiens were, by contrast, seen as quoting Shakespeare, as they dance across Europe," he said.</p>



<p>Evidence suggests Neanderthals were adept hunters, made rudimentary jewelry, had a complex lithic industry, and possibly engaged in spiritual practices. This newfound appreciation of Neanderthal culture complicates the narrative of human evolution and our relationship with them.</p>



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



<p>The question of whether Neanderthals should be considered human extends beyond scientific classification to cultural and ethical considerations. Angela Saini, author of "Superior: the Return of Race Science," warns of the dangers in misinterpreting Neanderthal genetics, particularly regarding potential discrimination based on the varying percentages of Neanderthal DNA in different populations.</p>



<p>In summary, the evolving understanding of Neanderthals and their relationship with Homo sapiens is reshaping our view of human history. The work of researchers like Pääbo highlights the exceptional nature of modern humans, prompting reflection on how we might perceive Neanderthals and Denisovans if they had survived alongside us.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Had Neanderthals and Denisovans survived, how would we deal with that today? ... Would we experience even worse racism against them than what we experience among us today - because they were in some respects really different - or could we think differently and say if we had them here today, we would not just have one type of humans?" said Pääbo. This ongoing research and debate continue to challenge and refine our understanding of humanity's past.</p>



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Humans and Neanderthals may actually belong to the same species

A revised interpretation of Neanderthals, traditionally viewed as brutish and...

<p>In a study led by <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue</a> veterinarian Deborah Knapp, experts have found that exposure to cigarette smoke significantly elevates the risk of bladder cancer in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/typical-american-dog-knows-18-words-and-love-is-at-the-top-of-the-list/">dogs</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers tracked 120 Scottish terriers over three years, revealing that those exposed to cigarette smoke were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer compared to unexposed dogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-factors-of-dogs-and-smoke">Risk factors of dogs and smoke</h2>



<p>Knapp, a renowned expert in veterinary medicine and a leader in comparative oncology research, emphasized the interplay of genetics and environmental factors in cancer development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Cancer is a combination of what you are born with - your genetics - and what you are exposed to - your environment," Knapp explained. </p>



<p>“In this case, we studied these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-small-dogs-live-longer-than-large-breeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> for years at a time, and then we went back and asked, ‘What was different between those that developed cancer and those that did not develop cancer? What were the risk factors?’”</p>



<p>Scottish terriers are particularly prone to bladder cancer, with a rate 20 times higher than other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-dogs-more-intelligent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog breeds</a>. </p>



<p>Bladder cancer is often very aggressive in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-live-longer-and-happier-lives-when-they-get-to-socialize-often/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, similar to muscle invasive bladder cancer in humans, noted the researchers.</p>



<p>“We know that Scotties’ genetics play a huge role in making them vulnerable to cancer,” said Knapp. This strong genetic signal helps researchers isolate other factors that affect the likelihood of any dog, or human, getting cancer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If we were to do this study with mixed breeds of dogs, it would take hundreds and hundreds of dogs to uncover this same risk, which is probably there, just more difficult to discern because those dogs are not already inclined genetically to get bladder cancer.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-study-dogs-and-cigarette-smoke">How to study dogs and cigarette smoke</h2>



<p>The research team, including Scottish terrier expert Marcia Dawson, delved into the impact of tobacco smoke exposure on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dog-day-celebrating-all-the-ways-that-dogs-make-life-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>. </p>



<p>The experts studied 120 Scottish terriers, analyzing their health, environment, food, activity, and any other factors that may affect their cancer risk.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-have-memories-of-their-relatives-but-you-can-help-by-making-them-feel-safe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dogs</a> can inhale secondhand smoke or ingest chemicals through licking smoke-infused clothing, leading to the absorption and urinary elimination of harmful compounds like nicotine metabolites. </p>



<p>“If someone goes out to a smoky concert or party, then comes home and their dog hops up on their lap to snuggle with them, the dog can be exposed to the particulate material in smoke through the person’s clothing,” explained Knapp.</p>



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



<p>Some dogs showed exposure to smoke even in non-smoking households, suggesting indirect exposure through environments visited by their owners.</p>



<p>The study also revealed a complex relationship between smoke exposure and cancer development. Not all dogs exposed to smoke developed cancer, mirroring the variability seen in human smokers. </p>



<p>This complexity provides the Purdue team with an opportunity to further investigate the interplay of genetics and environmental factors in cancer development.</p>



<p>Knapp emphasized that this discovery is a new one. Dog owners, who almost universally want the best for their dog, did not knowingly put their dogs at risk of cancer by smoking around them. However, with this new information, individuals may be able to better protect their pets going forward.</p>



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



<p>Contrary to previous research, the experts did not find a connection between lawn chemicals and bladder cancer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That’s likely because we are working with pet owners who are aware of the risk of lawn chemicals, so they took precautions to keep the dogs safe, like not treating parts of the lawn where the dog tends to be or keeping the dogs off the lawn for longer,” said Knapp. </p>



<p>“That is encouraging! People love their pets. There are people taking steps to keep their dogs healthier.”</p>



<p>Ultimately, understanding the link between cigarette smoke and cancer can lead to more informed decisions to protect pets' health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What we hope pet owners will take from this is that if they can reduce the exposure of their dogs to smoke, that can help the dogs’ health,” said Knapp. </p>



<p>“We hope they stop smoking altogether, both for their health and so they will continue to be around for their dogs, but any steps to keep smoke from the dogs will help.”</p>



<p>The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health’s <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Cancer Institute</a>, the <a href="https://stca.biz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottish Terrier Club of America</a> and gifts made to Purdue University for canine bladder cancer research.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, dogs, much like humans, are susceptible to a variety of cancers, which have become a significant health issue in the canine world. </p>



<p>Cancer, an uncontrolled growth of cells, can affect dogs of all breeds and ages. The most common types include lymphoma, affecting the lymph nodes; mast cell tumors, usually found on the skin; and osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. </p>



<p>Symptoms vary based on the cancer type but often include lumps or bumps, sudden weight loss, lethargy, and changes in appetite or behavior.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diagnosis-and-treatment">Diagnosis and treatment</h3>



<p>Early detection plays a crucial role in successful treatment. Regular veterinary check-ups and paying attention to any unusual changes in your dog's health are vital. </p>



<p>Modern veterinary medicine offers a range of treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, often used in combination for the best outcome. The choice of treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, and the overall health of the dog.</p>



<p>While the diagnosis of cancer in a dog can be devastating, advancements in veterinary oncology have significantly improved the prognosis for many dogs. </p>



<p>Owners play a critical role in the care of a dog with cancer, providing emotional support and working closely with veterinarians to ensure the best possible quality of life.</p>



<p>In summary, cancer in dogs is a complex health issue that requires awareness and proactive care. With advances in veterinary medicine and the commitment of dog owners, many dogs with cancer can lead fulfilling lives. </p>



<p>Early detection, appropriate treatment, and loving care are the keys to managing this challenging condition.</p>



<p>The research is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023323000953" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Veterinary Journal</em></a>.</p>



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



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Cancer risk in dogs is greatly elevated by exposure to cigarette smoke

In a study led by Purdue veterinarian Deborah Knapp, experts...

<p>Researchers have uncovered startling evidence that frequent visits to oil palm plantations significantly increase mortality rates among infant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-african-primates-face-multiple-threats/">primates</a>, particularly southern pig-tailed macaques.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding highlights a disturbing trend where agricultural practices are directly impacting wildlife, including vulnerable young primates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perilous-environment-nbsp">Perilous environment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Southern pig-tailed macaques, native to Peninsular Malaysia, are increasingly drawn to oil palm plantations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While these areas provide easy access to food, they also expose these primates to a multitude of dangers, including predators, human encounters, and harmful agricultural chemicals. This perilous environment is proving detrimental to the survival of infant macaques.</p>



<p>Researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia, the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, Leipzig University, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology conducted an extensive study over nearly a decade.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-statistics">Alarming statistics</h2>



<p>The experts discovered that a shocking 57 percent of macaque infants died before their first birthday - a mortality rate far exceeding that in other wild primate populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team observed two groups of macaques in a landscape interspersed with rainforests and oil palm plantations. They found that prolonged exposure to plantation environments tripled the likelihood of mortality among the infant primates.</p>



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



<p>According to the researchers, this startling mortality rate could be explained by increased encounters with predators and humans, and potential exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides.</p>



<p>“Some of these risks are relatively clear: infant macaques are more likely to fall prey to feral dogs that roam in the plantations in packs or to be captured by humans and sold illegally as pets,” explained Dr. Nadine Ruppert from USM, who established and leads the field site.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But the potential long-term effects of the pesticides used to manage the monocultures on mammalian wildlife are much less obvious and very poorly understood.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accumulation-of-agricultural-chemicals">Accumulation of agricultural chemicals</h2>



<p>The study further revealed an unexpected pattern of increased infant mortality linked to first-time births or long intervals between consecutive births. This contradicts previous findings that shorter interbirth intervals lead to higher mortality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The accumulation of agricultural chemicals in a mother’s body, which can be passed through breastmilk, is believed to play a significant role. </p>



<p>"The literature suggests that certain harmful substances used in agriculture can cross the placental barrier and be passed on to the unborn offspring. We also know that certain fat-soluble molecules can be passed on through breastmilk,” said study lead author Dr. Anna Holzner.</p>



<p>“Accordingly, the longer the chemicals accumulate in the mother’s body, the more they could influence foetal development during pregnancy and also during lactation.”</p>



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



<p>The study highlights the urgent need to address the threats that agricultural landscapes pose to wildlife. The survival of infant primates, crucial for the maintenance of viable populations, is being jeopardized by our agricultural practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We know that the use of pesticides in agriculture has led to drastic declines in insect populations, so chemical analysis is essential to understand the effects of pesticides on mammalian wildlife,” said study senior author Dr. Anja Widdig.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our findings underscore the critical need to implement environmentally friendly cultivation practices that minimise the risks to wildlife populations and also to people living near plantations.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Lethal attraction: Plantations are deadly for infant primates 

Researchers have uncovered startling evidence that frequent visits to oil...

<p>In 2019, the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope detected something entirely unprecedented in the vast expanse of space: colossal radio wave circles, so large they encapsulated entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/">galaxies</a> within their centers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery, a true space oddity, has spurred intense research and debate. Now, a team led by Professor Alison Coil from the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> has had a potential breakthrough in understanding the origins of these enormous rings, known as "odd radio circles" (ORCs).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-the-unknown">Discovery of the unknown</h2>



<p>Odd radio circles were first observed through the technological ability of ASKAP, allowing astronomers to scan large swathes of the sky at previously unattainable faint limits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>ORCs are massive, measuring hundreds of kiloparsecs across - dwarfing even the Milky Way galaxy in size. The discovery of these rare rings posed a new challenge for astronomers to understand their origin and nature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theoretical-breakthrough">Theoretical breakthrough</h2>



<p>Professor Coil and her team have proposed a fascinating theory. They speculate that these circles are shells formed by the powerful galactic winds generated by massive starbursts in galaxies.</p>



<p>“These galaxies are really interesting. They occur when two big galaxies collide. The merger pushes all the gas into a very small region, causing an intense burst of star formation," said Coil.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starburst-galaxies">Starburst galaxies</h2>



<p>Starburst galaxies, characterized by their exceptionally high rate of star formation, play a crucial role in this theory. When massive stars in these galaxies reach the end of their lifespans, they explode as supernovae, ejecting gas at phenomenal speeds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The simultaneous explosions can generate outflowing winds strong enough to push this gas out of the galaxy, reaching velocities up to 2,000 kilometers per second.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-orc-4">Studying ORC 4</h2>



<p>To further explore this theory, Coil's team focused on ORC 4, the first odd radio circle observable from the Northern Hemisphere. Utilizing an integral field spectrograph at the W.M. Keck Observatory, the team detected vast amounts of luminous, heated, compressed gas within ORC 4 which far exceeded that of average galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Optical and infrared data indicated that the stars within the ORC 4 galaxy are approximately 6 billion years old, with a significant starburst event having occurred a billion years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outflowing-galactic-winds-nbsp">Outflowing galactic winds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Cassandra Lochhaas, a postdoctoral fellow specializing in the theoretical aspects of galactic winds, conducted extensive computer simulations to replicate the properties of ORC 4.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The models showed that outflowing galactic winds blowing for 200 million years could create such a radio ring. When the wind stopped, a forward-moving shock continued to propel high-temperature gas out of the galaxy and created a radio ring, while a reverse shock sent cooler gas falling back onto the galaxy, suggested the researchers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“To make this work you need a high-mass outflow rate, meaning it’s ejecting a lot of material very quickly. And the surrounding gas just outside the galaxy has to be low density, otherwise the shock stalls. These are the two key factors,” explained Coil.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It turns out the galaxies we’ve been studying have these high-mass outflow rates. They’re rare, but they do exist. I really do think this points to ORCs originating from some kind of outflowing galactic winds.”</p>



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



<p>While outflowing winds can help astronomers understand odd radio circles, the ORCs can help astronomers understand outflowing winds as well.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“ORCs provide a way for us to ‘see’ the winds through radio data and spectroscopy,” said Coil. “This can help us determine how common these extreme outflowing galactic winds are and what the wind life cycle is."</p>



<p>"They can also help us learn more about galactic evolution: do all massive galaxies go through an ORC phase? Do spiral galaxies turn elliptical when they are no longer forming stars? I think there is a lot we can learn about ORCs and learn from ORCs.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06752-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: © J. English (U. Manitoba)/EMU/MeerKAT/DES(CTIO)</p>



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Space mysteries: Odd radio circles may be formed by galactic winds 

In 2019, the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope...

<p>A recent publication in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05410-z"><em>Nature Communications Biology</em></a> has brought to light the significant influence of soil microbes, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/">fungi</a>, on global forest diversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study contributes to a broader understanding of the pivotal role microbes play in various ecological processes, from human digestion to enhancing crop yields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-gradient-in-forest-diversity-nbsp">Distinct gradient in forest diversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research indicates a distinct gradient in forest diversity across the Earth, with tropical forests near the equator boasting a high number of species, in contrast to the lesser diversity in forests closer to the poles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A widely accepted theory suggests that soil pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, are partly responsible for this gradient. The accumulation of species-specific pathogens near adult trees can hinder the growth of juveniles nearby, thus encouraging diversity. This effect is more pronounced in warm, wet climates, contributing to the higher diversity in equatorial forests.</p>



<p>However, Camille Delavaux from <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html">ETH Zurich</a> in Switzerland, along with her colleagues, introduces a new perspective to this established idea.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-soil-fungi">The role of soil fungi</h2>



<p>The study highlights the role of mycorrhizal fungi – soil fungi that form symbiotic relationships with most plant roots globally – in moderating the effects of harmful soil pathogens.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This paper provides an additional mechanism that may help explain why forest compositional diversity differs with latitude, and a little more about how microbes may regulate patterns of diversity across the planet,” said co-author Matthew Baker, a professor at the <a href="https://umbc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland, Baltimore County</a> (UMBC).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-species-diversity-nbsp">Tree species diversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study delves into the roles of two major classes of mutualistic fungi: ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal. While both types may improve juvenile survival, ectomycorrhizal fungi, forming a protective sheath around plant roots, seem to have a more significant impact, particularly at higher latitudes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, arbuscular fungi, more common near the equator, may offer less protection against pathogens and less specialization with particular tree species, potentially encouraging diverse tree growth nearby.</p>



<p>“We found initial evidence for both the diversity-promoting effects of arbuscular fungi and the diversity-reducing effects of ectomycorrhizal fungi,” explained Baker, suggesting these mechanisms could influence global biodiversity patterns in tree species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forestgeo-network-nbsp">ForestGEO network&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research also underscores the role of the <a href="https://forestgeo.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Institution’s Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO) Network</a> in facilitating this study. The network comprises forest plots globally, where researchers commit to a detailed inventory of trees every five years. The current study utilized data from 43 of the network's 77 plots, including one at UMBC’s main campus.</p>



<p>UMBC’s ForestGEO plots, unique in their urban, temperate setting, were established in 2012 and boast a high species diversity, contributing valuable data to the study. The plots' diverse microbial life has implications for understanding urban forest ecology, a focus of Baker's recent research.</p>



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



<p>Looking ahead, Delavaux envisions leveraging the extensive tree census data and generating additional microbial genetic sequencing data from 30 plots to directly link the microbiome to plant community structure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The scientific community is very much in the learning stage about appreciating the diversity of different types of soil microbes and their distribution over the planet,” said Baker, highlighting the burgeoning interest in understanding how microbes drive global biodiversity patterns. Delavaux’s enthusiasm for future research reflects a growing recognition of the intricate connections between microbial life and global ecological processes.</p>



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Soil fungi determine the gradient of forest diversity worldwide

A recent publication in Nature Communications Biology has brought to...

<p>Wind turbines, a growing source of renewable energy, have been found to significantly impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-play-an-active-role-in-plant-pollination/">bat</a> populations, not only causing fatalities but also displacing them from their natural habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research</a> (Leibniz-IZW) and <a href="https://www.uni-marburg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philipps-Universität Marburg</a> reveals a startling decrease in bat activity near these turbines.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avoidance-behavior-nbsp">Avoidance behavior&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study indicates an almost 80 percent drop in the activity of bats that hunt in dense habitats like forests, within a radius of 80 to 450 meters around operational turbines during high wind speeds. The researchers suggest that the noise emitted by the turbine rotors, escalating with wind speed, is likely causing this avoidance behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-energy-expansion-nbsp">Wind energy expansion&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As the world shifts towards renewable energy to meet climate goals, more wind turbines are being installed. Germany, for example, operates around 30,000 onshore wind turbines.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The search for new turbine sites has extended to forests, which are vital habitats for many European bat species, such as the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis). The expansion of wind energy in these forested areas poses not only a direct collision risk with turbine rotors but also indirect negative impacts on bat species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, led by Christian Voigt from Leibniz-IZW and Nina Farwig from Philipps-Universität Marburg, highlights the considerable avoidance distance of forest-dwelling bats from operational turbines.</p>



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



<p>Julia Ellerbrok, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Biology at Philipps-Universität Marburg and a former doctoral student in the project, explained the findings.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-operational-factors-nbsp">Operational factors&nbsp;</h3>



<p>“We investigated the activity of different bat species in different wind conditions and during the operation of wind turbines in forests in the German federal state of Hessen," said Ellerbrok.</p>



<p>"We found that the activity of bats, which usually forage in narrow, structurally dense vegetation of forests, decreases by 77 percent on average within a radius of 80 to 450 meters around the wind turbines with increasing wind speed when the turbines are in operation. In contrast, bat activity was unaffected by wind speed when the turbines were switched off.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>This led the team to conclude that the operational factors of the turbines at high wind speeds are causing such avoidance behavior.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noise-emissions">Noise emissions</h3>



<p>“The rotor movements of wind turbines not only generate so-called wake turbulences but also substantial noise,” added Christian Voigt, head of the Department of Evolutionary Ecology at the Leibniz-IZW.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Both factors can affect bats over several hundred meters. Forest bats that hunt under the canopy presumably do not come into contact with the wake vortices. Rather, they could be affected by the noise emissions of the turbines, even if the frequency range of the noise is far below those of the echolocation calls. If bats actively avoid noise emissions from wind turbines, they lose valuable habitat on a large scale.”</p>



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



<p>The research team concludes that wind turbines in forests present multiple challenges for bats. Not only is valuable habitat lost both during construction and operation of these turbines, but bats hunting above the treetops are also at risk of collision with the rotating blades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To minimize the long-term ecological impact on bat populations in forested areas, the researchers suggest that wind turbines should be erected only in structurally poor forest plantations with fewer bats. They also emphasize the need for future research to further investigate the effects of noise emissions from turbines on bats.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02782" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Ecology and Conservation</em></a>.</p>



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Wind turbines are displacing bats from their forest habitats

Wind turbines, a growing source of renewable energy, have been...

<p>An international team of astronomers has utilized the NASA/ESA <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/">Hubble Space Telescope</a> to examine the atmosphere of the exoplanet WASP-121 b, revealing fascinating insights into its changing environment.</p>



<p>The team, working over several years, reprocessed observations from 2016, 2018, and 2019. This effort resulted in a unique dataset allowing them to not only analyze WASP-121 b's atmosphere but also to compare its state across these years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temporal-variations">Temporal variations</h2>



<p>The findings were remarkable. The experts observed clear evidence of temporal variations in WASP-121 b’s atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sophisticated modeling techniques suggested these changes could be attributed to weather patterns on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-exoplanet-k2-18-have-the-right-conditions-to-support-alien-life/">exoplanet</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-distant-exoplanets">Observing distant exoplanets</h2>



<p>Observing distant exoplanets is challenging. Their vast distance from Earth and the overshadowing brightness of their host stars make it difficult to gather data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Hubble’s advanced capabilities and the accumulation of long-term data, however, have made such detailed observations possible.</p>



<p>WASP-121 b, or Tylos, is a well-studied "hot Jupiter" situated about 880 light-years away and completing an orbit every 30 hours. Its close proximity to its host star results in extremely high temperatures, particularly on the star-facing hemisphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detailed-data-assembly">Detailed data assembly</h2>



<p>The team's approach involved combining four sets of Hubble observations using the Wide Field Camera 3. This included two sets of phase-curves and observations of the exoplanet transiting both in front of and behind its star.</p>



<p>Exoplanet data processing is both time-consuming and complex. Despite this, the team's efforts paid off, allowing them to directly compare data across different observation sets.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Xsla9cU1ZJ-3297475-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-view-of-wasp-121-b">Dynamic view of WASP-121 b</h2>



<p>Quentin Changeat is an ESA research fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute and one of the principal investigators of the team.</p>



<p>“Our dataset represents a significant amount of observing time for a single planet and is currently the only consistent set of such repeated observations," said Changeat.</p>



<p>"The information that we extracted from those observations was used to characterize (infer the chemistry, temperature, and clouds) of the atmosphere of WASP-121 b at different times. This provided us with an exquisite picture of the planet, changing in time.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-patterns">Weather patterns</h2>



<p>Upon analyzing the data, the team noticed variations over time, including shifts in the exoplanet's hot spot and spectral signatures. The observations hinted at a changing atmosphere, potentially explained by massive cyclones due to temperature differences on the exoplanet.</p>



<p>According to the experts, this research represents a significant step forward in potentially observing weather patterns on exoplanets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-simulations-nbsp">Advanced simulations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The high resolution of our exoplanet atmosphere simulations allows us to accurately model the weather on ultra-hot planets like WASP-121 b,” explained Jack Skinner, a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology and co-leader of the study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Here we make a significant step forward by combining observational constraints with atmosphere simulations to understand the time-varying weather on these planets.”</p>



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



<p>Quentin also remarked on the broader implications of their study. Understanding weather on exoplanets is crucial for comprehending the complexity of their atmospheres and, by extension, the search for potentially habitable exoplanets.</p>



<p>“Weather on Earth is responsible for many aspects of our life, and in fact the long-term stability of Earth’s climate and its weather is likely the reason why life could emerge in the first place,” added Quentin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Studying exoplanets’ weather is vital to understanding the complexity of exoplanet atmospheres, especially in our search for exoplanets with habitable conditions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-exoplanet-observation">The future of exoplanet observation</h2>



<p>The team anticipates that future observations, especially with the Hubble and powerful telescopes like Webb, will unveil more about weather patterns on distant exoplanets, potentially leading to discoveries of worlds with stable, habitable climates.</p>



<p>The research marks a significant milestone in our understanding of exoplanetary atmospheres and their dynamic nature, paving the way for future explorations and discoveries in the vast universe.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA&nbsp;</p>



<p>Video Credit: NASA, ESA, Q. Changeat et al., M. Zamani (ESA/Hubble)</p>



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Alien weather: The changing atmosphere of exoplanet WASP-121 b

An international team of astronomers has utilized the NASA/ESA Hubble...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.amsterdamumc.org/en/about/organization/about-amsterdam-umc.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amsterdam University Medical Center</a> have made a significant discovery regarding the persistent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-fatigue-impairs-athletic-performance/">fatigue</a> experienced by long Covid patients. </p>



<p>The experts have identified a biological cause for this debilitating symptom: reduced energy production by mitochondria in muscle cells.</p>



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



<p>The study participants, including 25 long Covid patients and 21 healthy controls, were subjected to a 15-minute cycling test.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The test resulted in a prolonged worsening of symptoms in the long-Covid group, known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). This exacerbation of fatigue occurs after physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion, beyond an individual's tolerance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muscle-tissue-changes">Muscle tissue changes</h2>



<p>"We're seeing clear changes in the muscles in these patients," said Professor Michèle van Vugt. These changes were evident in blood and muscle tissue analyses conducted one week before and one day after the cycling test.</p>



<p>"We saw various abnormalities in the muscle tissue of the patients. At the cellular level, we saw that the mitochondria of the muscle, also known as the energy factories of the cell, function less well and that they produce less energy," explained Professor Rob Wüst.</p>



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



<p>"So, the cause of the fatigue is really biological. The brain needs energy to think. Muscles need energy to move. This discovery means we can now start to research an appropriate treatment for those with long Covid," said Professor van Vugt.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>One of the theories about long Covid is that coronavirus particles may linger in the body. "We don't see any indications of this in the muscles at the moment," said Van Vugt.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, heart and lung functions appeared normal in the patients, indicating that the persistent fatigue is not due to abnormalities in these organs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-treatment-nbsp">Implications for treatment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings have significant implications for managing the symptoms of persistent Covid. The results suggest that intense exercise is not always good for patients with long Covid.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"A low exercise capacity is one of the hallmark signs of long Covid, associated with a substantial burden for daily life," wrote the researchers. "The ventilatory and central cardiovascular system did not limit exercise capacity in long Covid patients, but our results confirm previous suggestions of a peripheral impairment in skeletal muscle metabolism in long Covid patients."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advice-for-patients-nbsp-nbsp">Advice for patients&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Brent Appelman, a researcher at Amsterdam UMC, advises patients to exercise within their own limits. "In concrete terms, we advise these patients to guard their physical limits and not to exceed them."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Think of light exertion that does not lead to worsening of the complaints. Walking is good, or riding an electric bike, to maintain some physical condition. Keep in mind that every patient has a different limit," said Appelman.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Because symptoms can worsen after physical exertion, some classic forms of rehabilitation and physiotherapy are counterproductive for the recovery of these patients," added Professor van Vugt.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-long-covid">Understanding long Covid</h2>



<p>An estimated one in eight patients develop long Covid, also known as post-Covid syndrome (PCS). A major study involving nearly 10,000 Americans found that long Covid can affect almost every tissue and organ in the body, with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, long COVID was more prevalent and severe in those infected before the 2021 Omicron variant. Researchers also identified 12 symptoms that most distinguish long Covid cases, including post-exertional malaise and issues with sexual desire or capacity. </p>



<p>Further research has proposed several mechanisms for long Covid pathogenesis, including immune dysregulation, microbiota disruption, autoimmunity, clotting and endothelial abnormality, and dysfunctional neurological signaling.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Studies have observed alterations in immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, in individuals with long Covid, as well as elevated levels of certain cytokines. Elevated levels of autoantibodies have also been found in long Covid patients.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44432-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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Cause of fatigue in long Covid patients has finally been revealed

Researchers at the Amsterdam University Medical Center have made a...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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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