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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Body tissues use electricity to expel weak cells

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

<p>Researchers have uncovered alarming vulnerabilities in coastal communities, stemming from accelerating sea level rise. This phenomenon, primarily driven by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-global-warming-affecting-the-human-brain/">global warming</a>, poses a significant risk to these regions, with minority and disadvantaged populations facing the brunt of its impact.</p>



<p>The study, led by Professor Kelsea Best of <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, sheds light on a critical aspect often overlooked in climate change assessments: the threat of isolation due to rising sea levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts report that as flooding intensifies, disadvantaged populations will be the ones to experience some of the most severe burdens of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disproportionate-risk">Disproportionate risk</h2>



<p>A key finding of the research is the disproportionate risk faced by minority populations when sea levels rise above 4 feet. These groups are more likely to experience isolation, with their access to essential services like emergency care, schools, and grocery stores being severely disrupted.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This risk is further compounded for renters and older adults, highlighting the intersection between historical social inequalities and climate change vulnerabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-community-risk-assessment-nbsp">Rethinking community risk assessment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Professor Best, the first step in better characterizing these threats is changing how researchers assess community risk, as most studies measure this by exclusively determining impacts via direct flooding. But concentrating on this sole measurement neglects more complex aftereffects of sea level rise, such as isolation, and reinforces inequality in coastal areas, said Best.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We need to re-conceptualize how we measure who is burdened by sea level rise because there are so many ways that people might be burdened before their home is flooded."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-and-cascading-burdens-nbsp">Multiple and cascading burdens&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"An estimated 20 million coastal residents in the U.S. will be at risk of inundation due to sea level rise (SLR) and/or storm surges by 2030, yet there is less evidence of how multiple and cascading burdens of SLR that are beyond direct inundation will affect disadvantaged populations," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, because people need access to essential places like grocery stores, public schools, hospitals and fire stations, the researchers argue that an inability to reach these places impacts individuals just as negatively as if they were living in inundated homes themselves, and should be documented as such.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-isolation-nbsp">Risk of isolation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers overlayed OpenStreetMap road network data with NOAA's mean higher high water scenarios and recent census data. The analysis revealed that a group's risk of isolation is intricately linked to the specific layout of road networks and the location of vital services in relation to where at-risk individuals live.</p>



<p>The research team found that Hispanic populations are often overrepresented in those at risk of isolation, beginning at 4 feet of sea level rise, while Black populations face similar risks after 6 feet. In contrast, white populations are underrepresented in these risk assessments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Best emphasized the need for targeted adaptation resources and policies to support those historically marginalized, emphasizing that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach is insufficient and exacerbates existing inequities.</p>



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



<p>The study presents a sobering timeline for the onset of isolation risks in coastal communities. Through a comparison of two long-term sea level rise scenarios, the researchers found that the isolating effects could manifest as early as 2090. This timeline underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing adaptive measures.</p>



<p>“This timeline matters from a planning and adaptation perspective,” said Professor Best. “Part of why we included the temporal piece is to say this issue would not be as much of a problem if we had urgent, aggressive mitigation." </p>



<p>“The effects of climate change are going to be further reaching and more cascading than might be directly obvious, and those effects are not going to be felt equitably. So we need to be thinking about those populations most at risk from the beginning and develop policies to support them.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43835-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Burdens of climate change: Sea level rise and the risk of isolation 

Researchers have uncovered alarming vulnerabilities in coastal communities, stemming from...

<p>A new study led by geoscientist Rebecca Hamilton at the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> is challenging long-held views on the ecological history of South East Asia. </p>



<p>Contrary to the previous belief that dry savannahs dominated the region during the Last Glacial Maximum more than 19,000 years ago, the team discovered a varied landscape of closed and open forest types.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-tropical-forests">Resilience of tropical forests</h2>



<p>The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2311280120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>, has significant implications for understanding the resilience of tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-biodiversity-found-in-ancient-asian-rainforest/">forests</a> to climate change.</p>



<p>Dr. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of this discovery in the context of accelerating climate change. She notes that maintaining a diversity of forest types is key to conserving the region’s ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformation-of-forested-areas-nbsp">Transformation of forested areas&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our work suggests that prioritizing protection of forests above 1,000 meters (‘montane forest’) alongside seasonally dry forest types could be important for preventing future ‘savannization’ of Asia’s rainforests,” she said.</p>



<p>Savannization refers to the transformation of forested areas into savannah ecosystems, characterized by open wooded plains. This process can be triggered by climate changes, human activities, or natural ecological shifts.</p>



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



<p>"The dominant paradigm is that large tracts of Southeast Asia’s lowland rainforests were replaced with a 'savanna corridor' during the cooler, more seasonal climates of the Last Glacial Maximum," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This interpretation has implications for understanding the resilience of Asia’s tropical forests to projected climate change, implying a vulnerability to savannization."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"A savanna corridor is also an important foundation for archaeological interpretations of how humans moved through and settled insular Southeast Asia and Australia. Yet an up-to-date, multiproxy, and empirical examination of the palaeoecological evidence for this corridor is lacking."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paleoenvironmental-sites-nbsp">Paleoenvironmental sites&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To investigate, the researchers analyzed records from 59 paleoenvironmental sites across tropical South East Asia. The team challenged the savannah model, which postulated a vast, uniform grassland expansion during the Last Glacial Maximum.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, their analysis of pollen grains from lakes and other biochemical indicators revealed a coexistence of forests and expanding grasslands during this period.</p>



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



<p>“We put forward the idea that these seeming discrepancies can be reconciled if, during the cool and seasonal climate of the Last Glacial Maximum, montane forests (above 1,000m) persisted and expanded in high-elevation regions, while lowlands experienced a shift to seasonally dry forests, which have a naturally grassy understory,” Hamilton explained.</p>



<p>The research not only offers a revised perspective on the ecological past of South East Asia but also provides valuable insights into the potential resilience of the region’s tropical forests in the face of ongoing climate change. It highlights the critical need for preserving a diversity of forest landscapes to safeguard these ecosystems for the future.</p>



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Forests of South East Asia are more resilient than previously thought

A new study led by geoscientist Rebecca Hamilton at the...

<p>A recent study from <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Dornsife</a> has unveiled startling new insights into one of Earth's most devastating mass extinction events. </p>



<p>The research not only deepens our understanding of the catastrophic end-Triassic mass extinction but also offers vital lessons for addressing today's environmental challenges.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-end-triassic-catastrophe">The end-Triassic catastrophe</h2>



<p>Approximately 200 million years ago, the Earth underwent its fourth major mass extinction event, marking the end of the Triassic period and the dawn of the Jurassic era.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This catastrophic event, triggered by a dramatic surge in greenhouse gases from volcanic activity, led to rapid global warming and a profound transformation of the planet's biosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today, as scientists grapple with the potential of a current mass extinction driven by similar climate changes, this historical event becomes increasingly significant.</p>



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



<p>The USC Dornsife team adopted an innovative "ecospace framework" method to analyze the impact of this extinction on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This approach categorizes animals beyond mere species classification, considering their ecological roles and behaviors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study senior author Professor David Bottjer emphasized the importance of understanding how different species' roles in the ecosystem evolved through this catastrophic period.</p>



<p>“We wanted to understand not just who survived and who didn’t, but how the roles that different species played in the ecosystem changed,” said Professor Bottjer. “This approach helps us see the broader, interconnected ecological picture.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-impacts">Diverse impacts</h2>



<p>The study revealed a stark contrast in the impacts on marine versus terrestrial ecosystems. While ocean life experienced a significant loss, with nearly 71% of genera vanishing, the marine ecosystem structure displayed remarkable resilience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Land ecosystems faced a bleaker scenario, with a staggering 96% of terrestrial genera going extinct, reshaping Earth's landscape dramatically.</p>



<p>“This contrast between land and sea tells us about the different ways ecosystems respond to catastrophic events,” said co-lead author Alison Cribb. “It also raises important questions about the interplay of biodiversity and ecological resilience.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-ancient-climate-change">Learning from ancient climate change</h2>



<p>“Understanding past mass extinctions helps us to predict and possibly soften the impacts of current and future environmental crises,” said co-lead author Kiersten Formoso.</p>



<p>The parallels between the rapid global warming of the end-Triassic and today's climate changes are striking.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re seeing similar patterns now - rapid climate change, loss of biodiversity. Learning how ecosystems responded in the past can inform our conservation efforts today,” said Professor Bottjer.</p>



<p>The research also provides a rare window into the world as it existed over 200 million years ago, he added. “It’s like a time machine, giving us a glimpse of life during a period of profound change.”</p>



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



<p>The study’s ecospace framework, with its focus on functional roles, offers a fresh perspective on ancient life, said Professor Frank Corsetti.</p>



<p>“It’s not just about identifying fossils. It’s about piecing together the puzzle of ancient ecosystems and how they functioned.”</p>



<p>Future research</p>



<p>The team plans to expand this research to explore species recovery post-extinction and the parallels with current biodiversity loss due to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve just scratched the surface,” said Cribb. “There’s so much more to learn about how life on Earth responds to extreme changes, and this new ecospace framework offers great potential for helping us do that.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.2232" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: Courtesy of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County</p>



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Mass extinction event shows how life responds to extreme changes

A recent study from USC Dornsife has unveiled startling new...

<p>A new study has introduced a revolutionary method for detecting habitable worlds and the presence of life beyond our planet. </p>



<p>The findings suggest that low carbon abundance in a planet's atmosphere, observable by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jumbos-james-webb-reveals-free-floating-worlds-that-cant-be-explained/">James Webb</a> Space Telescope (JWST), could indicate the presence of liquid water and potentially life.</p>



<p>The study was conducted by an international team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) and the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>. The research was focused on the composition of planetary atmospheres. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-habitable-worlds">Studying habitable worlds </h2>



<p>The experts propose that a terrestrial planet with significantly less carbon dioxide compared to others in the same system might harbor liquid water and possibly life.</p>



<p>“The Holy Grail in exoplanet science is to look for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-our-galaxys-planets-could-be-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable</a> worlds, and the presence of life, but all the features that have been talked about so far have been beyond the reach of the newest observatories,” said co-lead author Professor Julien de Wit. </p>



<p>“Now we have a way to find out if there’s liquid water on another planet. And it’s something we can get to in the next few years.”</p>



<p>So far, more than 5,200 worlds have been detected beyond our solar system. While we have the technology to determine whether a planet is within a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-expands-the-habitable-zone-where-we-may-find-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zone</a>, there is no way to directly confirm whether a planet has liquid water on its surface and is indeed habitable.</p>



<p>The researchers noted a distinct feature of Earth compared to Venus and Mars - it has significantly lower atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide. Earth's oceans have absorbed massive amounts of carbon dioxide over time, a process that is absent on Venus and Mars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We assume that these planets were created in a similar fashion, and if we see one planet with much less carbon now, it must have gone somewhere,” said Triaud. “The only process that could remove that much carbon from an atmosphere is a strong water cycle involving oceans of liquid water.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide">Atmospheric carbon dioxide </h2>



<p>Carbon sequestration in Earth's oceans and rocks has been key in maintaining its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-generation-telescopes-could-detect-signs-of-life-on-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable</a> climate. Over hundreds of millions of years, the oceans have taken up a huge amount of carbon dioxide that is nearly equal to the amount that persists in Venus’ atmosphere today.</p>



<p>“On Earth, much of the atmospheric carbon dioxide has been sequestered in seawater and solid rock over geological timescales, which has helped to regulate climate and habitability for billions of years,” said study co-author Frieder Klein. </p>



<p>The team proposes that habitable worlds will exhibit a similar depletion of atmospheric carbon dioxide relative to their neighbors.</p>



<p>“After reviewing extensively the literature of many fields from biology, to chemistry, and even carbon sequestration in the context of climate change, we believe that indeed if we detect carbon depletion, it has a good chance of being a strong sign of liquid water and/or life,” said de Wit.</p>



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



<p>The researchers outlined a strategy for finding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable</a> planets by looking for depleted carbon dioxide signatures. This approach would be particularly effective in "peas-in-a-pod" systems, where multiple terrestrial planets of similar size orbit close to each other. </p>



<p>Initially, astronomers could confirm the presence of atmospheres by detecting carbon dioxide. Then, they would compare the carbon dioxide content of these planets to look for significant differences.</p>



<p>“Carbon dioxide is a very strong absorber in the infrared, and can be easily detected in the atmospheres of exoplanets,” explained de Wit. “A signal of carbon dioxide can then reveal the presence of exoplanet atmospheres.”</p>



<p>However, just because a planet is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-exoplanet-k2-18-have-the-right-conditions-to-support-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable</a> does not necessarily mean that it is inhabited. To confirm whether life might actually exist, the team proposes that astronomers look for another feature in a planet’s atmosphere: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-an-exoplanets-atmosphere-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a>. </p>



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



<p>The researchers say that if a planet’s atmosphere shows signs of both ozone and depleted carbon dioxide, it likely is a habitable, and inhabited world.</p>



<p>“If we see ozone, chances are pretty high that it’s connected to carbon dioxide being consumed by life,” said Triaud. “And if it’s life, it’s glorious life. It would not be just a few bacteria. It would be a planetary-scale biomass that’s able to process a huge amount of carbon, and interact with it.”</p>



<p>The team estimates that NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope would be able to measure carbon dioxide, and possibly ozone, in nearby, multi-planet systems such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-earth-sized-exoplanet-covered-in-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRAPPIST-1</a> - a seven-planet system that orbits a bright star, just 40 light years from Earth. </p>



<p>“TRAPPIST-1 is one of only a handful of systems where we could do terrestrial atmospheric studies with JWST,” said de Wit. “Now we have a roadmap for finding habitable planets. If we all work together, paradigm-shifting discoveries could be done within the next few years.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-023-02157-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Astronomy</em></a>.</p>



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Habitable worlds: New strategy to identify planets that may host life

A new study has introduced a revolutionary method for detecting...

<p>In an era where the fragility of our natural environment is more apparent than ever, the Endangered Species Act (<a href="https://www.fws.gov/law/endangered-species-act" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>) stands as a critical piece of legislation. But as we move further into the 21st century, the question arises: how can this act evolve to effectively combat the growing threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a>? </p>



<p>Experts are now turning to a blend of technology, economics, and human intervention to reshape the conservation landscape.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Tanya Berger-Wolf and Amy Ando of <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a> are at the forefront of integrating technology and economics into conservation efforts.</p>



<p>The researchers shared their insights in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adn3245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>, offering a fresh perspective on the future of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and its implementation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-technology-and-nature">Bridging technology and nature</h2>



<p>Tanya Berger-Wolf, faculty director of Ohio State’s Translational Data Analytics Institute, emphasized the importance of a "Sustainable, trustworthy, human-technology partnership."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We are in the middle of a mass extinction without even knowing all that we are losing and how fast," said Berger-Wolf. However, she also pointed out the potential of technology to change this narrative.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-tools">New tools</h3>



<p>New technological tools, such as camera traps and smartphone apps, are enabling large-scale monitoring of animal and plant populations. These tools empower scientists and citizen scientists to contribute to data collection on biodiversity that benefits the Endangered Species Act.</p>



<p>“But even with all this data, we are still monitoring only a tiny fraction of the biodiversity out in the world,” said Berger-Wolf. “Without that information, we don’t know what we have, how different species are doing and whether our policies to protect endangered species are working.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bonding-with-nature">Bonding with nature</h3>



<p>Berger-Wolf warned against an over-reliance on technology alone. She advocates for maintaining a strong connection between people and nature. "We don’t want to sever the connection between people and nature, we want to strengthen it."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Berger-Wolf emphasized the need for a conscious partnership between humans, technology, and AI in the quest to preserve biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-economics-nbsp">The role of economics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Amy Ando, professor and chair of the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at Ohio State, focused on "Harnessing economics for effective implementation."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Ando noted that while biology and ecology are crucial, economics plays a significant role in the successful implementation of the Endangered Species Act.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sweeping-changes-nbsp">Sweeping changes&nbsp;</h3>



<p>"Though the ESA precludes the use of economic analysis in making listing decisions, insights and tools from economics have helped to make management and policy related to the ESA more successful and trigger sweeping changes in many human behaviors including logging, development, and water use," wrote Ando.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"For example, economics research has informed efforts to reduce perverse habitat destruction incentives created by the original ESA and helped to quantify the impacts, costs, and benefits of ESA protections."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioeconomic-research-nbsp">Bioeconomic research&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Bioeconomic research, a collaboration between economists and biologists, examines how human behavior affects ecological systems and vice versa.</p>



<p>Professor Ando described innovative approaches like "pop-up" habitat modification, which involves temporary actions like removing fences during elk migration or flooding rice fields for shorebirds. These actions, optimized through economic principles, can provide significant benefits to both society and the environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-policies-nbsp">Proactive policies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Furthermore, Ando highlighted the importance of proactive policies that protect species before they require ESA protection. This involves navigating complex scenarios where multiple landowners must coordinate their efforts to protect habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Professor Ando, economists are exploring ways to achieve this coordination without imposing heavy regulations, thus reducing the cost of conservation while effectively protecting species.</p>



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



<p>The insights from Berger-Wolf and Ando underscore the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to conservation. By integrating technology and economics into the framework of the ESA, we can develop more effective strategies to protect our planet's biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It's a reminder that saving endangered species is not just a matter of ecological concern, but a complex challenge that requires technology, economics, and human engagement to be effectively solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-endangered-species-act-nbsp">The Endangered Species Act&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"The Endangered Species Act was signed into law on Dec. 28 in 1973. It’s appropriate that it happened in the midst of the winter holiday season because it’s one of the best gifts we’ve ever given ourselves. It’s our nation’s most effective law to protect at-risk animals and plants from extinction both nationally and abroad," wrote the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF).</p>



<p>"Currently, under the Endangered Species Act, more than 1,670 species native to the United States and 698 species in other countries are safeguarded to increase their chances of survival. And it’s had a stellar success rate so far with 99% of species listed still with us - dodging extinction and many species making the slow march toward recovery."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Scientists estimate that hundreds of species have been rescued from the brink of extinction in the United States since the Endangered Species Act went into effect. Fifty years later, we’re reflecting on the success of our bedrock conservation law - and continuing to work together to ensure that it protects the world's most vulnerable species for another 50 years (and more!)."</p>



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



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The Endangered Species Act turns 50 years old today

In an era where the fragility of our natural environment...

<p>A new study has revealed that semaglutide, a drug commonly used for diabetes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/berberine-plant-derived-supplement-is-the-hot-new-weight-loss-trend/">weight loss</a>, may significantly reduce symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This promising research was conducted by experts from the <a href="https://www.ou.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oklahoma</a> School of Community Medicine and Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-documented-evidence-in-humans-nbsp">First documented evidence in humans&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study was primarily focused on six patients undergoing weight loss treatment with semaglutide. Remarkably, all participants exhibited a substantial decrease in their alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) scores.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This decrease is the first documented evidence in humans that semaglutide can specifically mitigate AUD symptoms.</p>



<p>The study has sparked optimism among medical professionals and researchers. It highlights the potential of semaglutide to significantly impact the lives of individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-semaglutide">What is semaglutide?</h2>



<p>Semaglutide is a medication primarily used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors, it enhances the release of insulin, a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels, while also reducing the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that increases blood glucose levels. This dual action effectively helps in controlling blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozempic-and-wegovy">Ozempic and Wegovy</h2>



<p>Semaglutide has gained recent acclaim under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy for its potential in promoting weight loss. The drug reduces appetite and food intake, which can lead to significant weight loss in some individuals. This has made it a subject of interest in the treatment of obesity.</p>



<p>The popularity of Ozempic and Wegovy has surged so quickly in the United States that some people are having trouble getting their prescriptions filled. According to one study, the number of prescriptions for these drugs quadrupled in two years, reaching about 9 million by the end of 2022.</p>



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



<p>The new study suggests that the potential applications of semaglutide may extend far beyond diabetes and obesity. Prior animal studies have already shown that semaglutide can decrease drug and alcohol consumption, and many patients using it for diabetes or weight loss have reported a diminished desire to consume alcohol.</p>



<p>"This research marks a significant step forward in our understanding of the potential therapeutic applications of semaglutide in the field of addiction medicine," said study lead author Dr. Jesse Richards, an expert in Obesity Medicine at the OU-TU School of Community Medicine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-trials-nbsp">Clinical trials&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Kyle Simmons is the paper’s senior author and professor of Pharmacology &amp; Physiology at OSU-Center for Health Sciences. He noted that this case series evidence paves the way for gold-standard placebo-controlled clinical trials such as the one he is currently conducting in Tulsa at the OSU Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is an example of what can happen when our two R-1 research institutions in Oklahoma collaborate,” said Dr. Simmons. “With the publication of this case series in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, the stage is set for future clinical trials, such as the STAR studies, which can definitively tell us whether semaglutide is safe and effective for treatment of alcohol use disorder.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The researchers emphasized the need for further investigation through larger, controlled studies to validate and expand upon these initial findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study highlights a remarkable reduction in AUDIT scores among patients treated with semaglutide for weight loss, suggesting its potential utility in managing alcohol use disorder.</p>



<p>The findings pave the way for future investigations into glucagon-like peptide-1 medications, like semaglutide, for treating addictive behaviors.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.4088/jcp.23m15068" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Popular weight loss drug semaglutide reduces alcohol cravings

A new study has revealed that semaglutide, a drug commonly...

Digital,Mind,Series.,Abstract,Arrangement,Of,Silhouette,Of,Human,Face

<p>Researchers have made a significant leap in understanding the risk factors of early-onset dementia. Traditionally, genetics have been viewed as the primary culprit behind this condition. </p>



<p>However, recent findings are challenging this belief, opening doors to innovative prevention strategies.</p>



<p>The extensive research, a collaborative effort by the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and <a href="https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maastricht University</a>, involved more than 350,000 participants under the age of 65 from the <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Biobank study</a>. </p>



<p>This study is unique in its scale and depth, examining a wide range of factors from genetics to lifestyle and environmental influences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-discoveries-on-early-onset-dementia">Key discoveries on early-onset dementia</h2>



<p>The study identified 15 risk factors for early-onset <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-near-traffic-can-cause-dementia-and-change-brain-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>, mirroring those for late-onset dementia. This overlap suggests that it may be feasible to mitigate the risk of young-onset dementia by focusing on health and lifestyle factors. </p>



<p>Despite the commonality of these risk factors, the research into early-onset <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-owners-are-much-less-likely-to-develop-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> remains relatively sparse, with about 370,000 new cases globally each year.</p>



<p>Among the risk factors identified, the study highlights lower formal education, socioeconomic status, genetic variations, lifestyle choices like alcohol use and social isolation, and health issues including vitamin D deficiency, depression, stroke, hearing impairment, and heart disease.</p>



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



<p>Professor David Llewellyn from the University of Exeter underlines the significance of these findings. He remarks.</p>



<p>"This study marks a major advancement in our comprehension of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/certain-personality-traits-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>. The collaboration and use of big data have been pivotal. While we continue to unravel dementia's complexities, this study opens promising avenues for prevention and more targeted treatment strategies," Llewellyn said.</p>



<p>Dr. Stevie Hendriks from Maastricht University points out the profound impact of early-onset <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-dementia-cases-may-triple-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>, especially since it affects people in the prime of their lives. </p>



<p>Hendriks explained, “Young-onset <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-reduces-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> has a very serious impact, because the people affected usually still have a job, children, and a busy life. The cause is often assumed to be genetic, but for many people we don’t actually know exactly what the cause is. This is why we also wanted to investigate other risk factors in this study.”</p>



<p>Echoing this sentiment, Professor Sebastian Köhler, a Neuroepidemiology expert at Maastricht University, expresses his surprise at the similarities in risk factors between early and late-onset <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>. </p>



<p>He notes, “We already knew from research on people who develop dementia at older age that there are a series of modifiable risk factors. In addition to physical factors, mental health also plays an important role, including avoiding chronic stress, loneliness and depression. The fact that this is also evident in young-onset dementia came as a surprise to me, and it may offer opportunities to reduce risk in this group too.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-early-onset-dementia">Preventing early-onset dementia</h2>



<p>This research received support from various esteemed organizations, including Alzheimer’s Research UK, The Alan Turing Institute, Alzheimer Nederland, and several others. This wide-ranging support underscores the study's importance in the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberry-consumption-may-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> research.</p>



<p>Dr. Janice Ranson, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, believes this research marks the beginning of a new era in reducing the incidence of young-onset dementia.</p>



<p>“Our research breaks new ground in identifying that the risk of early-onset <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> can be reduced. We think this could herald a new era in interventions to reduce new cases of this condition," Ranson expounded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-early-onset-dementia-risks">Understanding early-onset dementia risks</h2>



<p>Similarly, Dr. Leah Mursaleen, Head of Clinical Research at <a href="https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s Research UK</a>, highlights the transformative nature of this study in understanding dementia risk. </p>



<p>She stresses the importance of building upon these findings to further our knowledge in this area.</p>



<p>“We’re witnessing a transformation in understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blueberries-may-protect-our-brains-against-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> risk and, potentially, how to reduce it on both an individual and societal level," said Mursaleen. </p>



<p>"In recent years, there’s been a growing consensus that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watching-tv-increases-risk-of-dementia-in-seniors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> is linked to 12 specific modifiable risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure and hearing loss. It’s now accepted that up to four in 10 dementia cases worldwide are linked to these factors."</p>



<p>In summary, this study challenges existing notions about the causative factors of early-onset dementia while also highlighting the potential for intervention and prevention. </p>



<p>By broadening our understanding of risk factors, this research paves the way for new strategies to combat this debilitating condition, offering hope to many affected individuals and their families.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2813439" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Neurology</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Early-onset dementia can actually be prevented through lifestyle choices

Researchers have made a significant leap in understanding the risk...

Microplastics,In,Soil,A,Test,Tube,With,Soil,Sample,-

<p>In recent years, the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment has emerged as a pressing concern. While the pollution of oceans by plastics is widely recognized, the presence of microplastics in soils across the globe is equally alarming. </p>



<p>These plastics, breaking down into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> (MPs), significantly impact soil properties and, alarmingly, find their way into the human food chain, raising health concerns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-soil-and-corporate-sustainability">Microplastics, soil, and corporate sustainability</h2>



<p>The effects of microplastics on soil are crucial in the realm of corporate sustainability, particularly under the 'Environmental' pillar of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.</p>



<p>Companies worldwide are increasingly expected to adopt eco-friendly approaches, with a strong focus on addressing plastic pollution. </p>



<p>However, the complex interaction between soil and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, influenced by the diversity of both soil types and microplastics, complicates understanding and managing their environmental impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-research-using-ai-machine-learning">Innovative research using AI machine learning</h2>



<p>To bridge the research gap in this area, a team led by <a href="https://pure.korea.ac.kr/en/persons/yong-sik-ok-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prof. Yong Sik Ok</a>, a Korean University Professor and a prominent figure in environmental governance, applied AI machine learning (ML) techniques to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> in soil. </p>



<p>Professor Ok emphasizes the efficiency and predictive power of ML in environmental research, explaining, “ML is a dynamic and transformative field of artificial intelligence (AI) that uses algorithms and models to learn and make predictions from vast datasets with great accuracy."</p>



<p>"Using ML to comprehensively understand the role of MPs in soil systems is time- and resource-efficient and provides a foundation for future research on this subject,” Professor Ok noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-on-microplastics-and-soil">Key insights on microplastics and soil</h2>



<p>The study revealed that various factors of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, including type, size, shape, and concentration, have distinct effects on soil properties. </p>



<p>Notably, the size of microplastics was identified as a critical factor influencing soil characteristics. The study also highlighted the distinct impacts of microplastic shape, type, and concentration on soil chemistry.</p>



<p>Professor Ok explained, “This pioneering study contributes essential data to support informed decision-making on plastic waste management, aligning with the global focus on sustainability and ESG principles. It underscores the importance of innovative research in guiding corporate sustainability efforts, where plastic-related issues are a growing concern." </p>



<p>"The application of ML techniques to this problem demonstrates the potential for advanced technology to drive sustainable practices and create a greener, more eco-conscious future,” says Prof. Ok.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-soil-pollution-implications">Microplastic soil pollution implications</h2>



<p>The study's use of AI machine learning to analyze <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-contaminate-all-lakes-and-freshwater-environments-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> influence on soil represents a significant advancement in understanding and addressing the plastic waste challenge. </p>



<p>This approach marks a departure from traditional, more labor-intensive methods, highlighting the potential of technology in fostering sustainable practices.</p>



<p>"Our ML-based method in this study demonstrates the role of advanced technology in tackling MP pollution," Prof. Ok adds. </p>



<p>"Such research can inform plastic waste management strategies, align with global sustainability goals, and potentially revolutionize corporate sustainability, leading to green job creation and sustainable development."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-corporations-and-communities">Role of corporations and communities</h2>



<p>Incorporating ML insights into studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-rain-the-growing-threat-of-airborne-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> aligns with social responsibility and fosters sustainable practices with positive community impacts. </p>



<p>Companies addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-a-new-method-to-estimate-the-age-of-microplastics-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> pollution can reduce their environmental footprint and build community trust by applying ML solutions. </p>



<p>These efforts might also influence industry standards, potentially creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in related sectors.</p>



<p>"These findings could revolutionize corporate sustainability efforts and pave the way for more green jobs and sustainable development to create a greener and eco-conscious world for current and future generations,” says Prof. Ok.</p>



<p>In summary, this research highlights the pressing issue of microplastics pollution in soil while also showcasing the potential of machine learning in advancing our understanding and management of environmental challenges. </p>



<p>The findings in this study help pave the way for a more sustainable and eco-conscious future.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than 5mm in size, have emerged as a major environmental concern. </p>



<p>They originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothing.</p>



<p>The primary sources of microplastics are consumer products and industrial processes. These tiny particles easily enter natural ecosystems through waste water, wind, and runoff. </p>



<p>They are now ubiquitous, found in oceans, rivers, soils, and even the air we breathe.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-wildlife-and-humans">Impact on wildlife and humans</h3>



<p>Microplastics pose a significant threat to wildlife. Marine animals often mistake them for food, leading to ingestion and accumulation in the food chain. </p>



<p>This not only harms the animals directly but also affects the entire ecosystem and can eventually impact human health.</p>



<p>Humans are exposed to microplastics through various means, including seafood and water. The long-term health impacts of this exposure are still under investigation, but there are concerns about potential toxicity and other adverse effects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-the-microplastic-problem">Fighting the microplastic problem</h3>



<p>To tackle the issue of microplastics, governments, organizations, and individuals are taking action. </p>



<p>This includes banning microbeads in personal care products, promoting recycling, and developing biodegradable alternatives. </p>



<p>Public awareness campaigns also play a crucial role in reducing the use and disposal of plastics.</p>



<p>In summary, microplastics are a pervasive environmental issue with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human health. </p>



<p>Addressing this challenge requires collective efforts from all sectors of society to reduce plastic usage and improve waste management practices.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0269749123018353?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a></em>.</p>



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



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

AI reveals how microplastics are harming global soil and agriculture

In recent years, the accumulation of plastic waste in the...

<p>A new species of pit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-just-a-few-drops-of-viper-venom-call-kill-you/">viper</a> from Myanmar has been identified and described. The study was led by herpetologist Dr. Chan Kin Onn, formerly of the <a href="https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum</a>, Singapore, and now with the <a href="https://biodiversity.ku.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum</a>.</p>



<p>The discovery showcases the complexity and challenges in classifying species, particularly when encountering both cryptic species and highly variable individual species simultaneously.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asian-pit-vipers-nbsp">Asian pit vipers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Chan’s study focuses on the Asian pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus, known for their wide range of morphological variation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This genus includes species that are difficult to distinguish due to their similar appearance, as well as species that exhibit significant variation yet belong to the same species. The study highlights a particular pit viper in Myanmar that embodies this dual challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybrid-species-nbsp">Hybrid species&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The newly discovered Ayeyarwady pit viper (Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis) is named after the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar and presents an intriguing blend of characteristics from its sister species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The redtail pit viper (Trimeresurus erythrurus), found along Myanmar’s northern coast, is typically green with no markings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In contrast, the southern mangrove pit viper (Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus) is known for its distinct dorsal blotches and variable coloration, but it never appears green.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ayeyarwady-pit-viper">Ayeyarwady pit viper</h2>



<p>In central Myanmar, researchers found a unique population of pit vipers that seemed to combine features of both the redtail and mangrove pit vipers. Initially believed to be a hybrid population, genomic analysis by Dr. Chan revealed that this group was, in fact, a distinct species.</p>



<p>Adding to the intrigue, the Ayeyarwady pit viper displays considerable variability within its own populations. Some exhibit dark green colors with distinct blotches, easily distinguishable from the bright green, unmarked redtail pit viper. However, other populations of the Ayeyarwady pit viper closely resemble the redtail pit viper, being bright green with no blotches.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Chan explained the significance of this finding: “This is an interesting phenomenon, where one species is simultaneously similar and different from its closest relative (the redtail pit viper). We think that at some point in the past, the new species may have exchanged genes with the redtail pit viper from the north and the mangrove pit viper from the south.”</p>



<p>The discovery of the Ayeyarwady pit viper not only adds to the biodiversity of the region but also provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history and complexity of species differentiation. This research underscores the dynamic nature of species classification and the ongoing efforts to understand the rich tapestry of life on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about pit vipers</h2>



<p>Pit vipers are a family of venomous snakes known scientifically as Crotalinae. They are characterized by a distinctive heat-sensing pit organ located between the eye and the nostril on each side of their head, which aids them in detecting warm-blooded prey even in the dark. This feature sets them apart from other types of snakes.</p>



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



<p>These snakes are found primarily in the Americas and Asia. They vary greatly in size, from the relatively small hognose pit viper, which can be less than a foot long, to the large bushmasters, which can exceed 10 feet in length.</p>



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



<p>Pit vipers are known for their potent venom, which they use to immobilize and pre-digest their prey, which is typically small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. The venom composition varies among species and can cause significant tissue damage and disruption of blood clotting in the victims.</p>



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



<p>The appearance of pit vipers is diverse. Many species have a robust and stocky build, and they often exhibit striking patterns and colors that help them blend into their natural environments. This camouflage is a key aspect of their hunting strategy, allowing them to lie in wait for unsuspecting prey.</p>



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



<p>Reproduction among pit vipers varies, with some species laying eggs (oviparous) and others giving birth to live young (viviparous). In species that give birth to live young, the embryos are nourished in the mother's body.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ecological role</h3>



<p>Pit vipers play an important role in their ecosystems as both predators and prey. They help control the populations of their prey species and are, in turn, preyed upon by larger animals, including birds of prey and mammals.</p>



<p>Despite their fearsome reputation, pit vipers are generally shy and avoid humans. However, they will defend themselves if threatened or stepped on, making them a significant source of snakebite injuries in their native regions. Their venom has also been a subject of medical research, contributing to the development of new drugs and antivenoms.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1186.110422" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>ZooKeys</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Wolfgang Wüster</p>



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New species of pit viper discovered in Myanmar

A new species of pit viper from Myanmar has been...

<p>In an innovative study, researchers have successfully used an instrument designed to find exoplanets for exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-turbulent-atmosphere-includes-a-high-speed-jet-stream/">Jupiter’s winds</a>, marking the first time such a tool has been applied within our Solar System.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was led by a team from the <a href="http://iastro.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Astrophysics and Space Sciences</a> (IA) at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/unitedkingdom/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Southern Observatory</a> (ESO).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doppler-velocimetry-nbsp">Doppler velocimetry&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study utilized the <a href="https://planetas.iastro.pt/en/projeto/espresso/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPRESSO</a> spectrograph, mounted on the <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/unitedkingdom/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VLT</a> telescope at ESO, to measure wind speeds on Jupiter. This method, known as Doppler velocimetry, analyzes the reflection of sunlight by clouds in a planet’s atmosphere. </p>



<p>Changes in the wavelength of this reflected light correspond to the clouds’ movement relative to the Earth-based telescope, revealing the wind speed at the observed location.</p>



<p>Originally developed by the Planetary Systems research group of IA to study Venus’s atmosphere, this method’s application with ESPRESSO on Jupiter has been highly successful.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>During five hours of observation in July 2019, the team focused on Jupiter’s equatorial zone and its north and south equatorial belts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Jupiter’s atmosphere, at the level of the clouds visible from Earth, contains ammonia, ammonium hydrosulfide, and water, forming distinct red and white bands,” explained lead author Pedro Machado, an astrophysicist at IA.</p>



<p>Using ESPRESSO, the researchers measured Jupiter’s wind speeds ranging from 60 to 428 km/h, with an accuracy of less than 36 km/h.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study faced challenges, including navigation over Jupiter’s disk due to the VLT telescope’s high resolution.</p>



<p>“One of the difficulties centered on ‘navigation’ over Jupiter’s disk, that is, knowing exactly which point on the planet’s disk we were pointing to,” Machado added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuous-monitoring-nbsp">Continuous monitoring&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To confirm the effectiveness of this method, the team compared their findings with historical wind measurements, primarily obtained by space-based instruments. The consistency between the two sets of data confirms the viability of using Doppler velocimetry for monitoring Jupiter’s winds from Earth.</p>



<p>This continuous monitoring will be crucial in developing a reliable global circulation model of Jupiter’s atmosphere, accounting for wind differences by latitude and understanding atmospheric phenomena like Jupiter’s storms.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The team plans to extend their observations with ESPRESSO to cover more of Jupiter’s disk and its entire rotation period of almost 10 hours. They also aim to measure winds at different altitudes to study vertical air layer transport.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, the researchers hope to apply this technique to other gaseous planets, with Saturn as the next target.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The success of these observations with ESPRESSO is particularly significant as ESO designs <a href="https://planetas.iastro.pt/en/projeto/hireselt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANDES</a> for the upcoming <a href="https://elt.eso.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extremely Large Telescope</a> (ELT) and in anticipation of the European Space Agency’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JUICE</a> mission dedicated to Jupiter.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/universe9120491" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Universe</em></a>,</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS. Image processing by Thomas Thomopoulos CC BY</p>



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Experts use exoplanet hunter to study Jupiter’s winds

In an innovative study, researchers have successfully used an instrument...

Collage,Of,Flu,Covid-19,Virus,Cells,In,Blood,Under,The

<p>The emergence of a new COVID-19 strain, JN.1, is significantly impacting the United States, swiftly becoming the most dominant variant in the country.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The rapid rise in the prevalence of JN.1 highlights the ever-evolving nature of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-household-spread-of-covid-19/">SARS-CoV-2</a> virus and poses new challenges for public health authorities and the medical community.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-jn-1">Understanding JN.1</h2>



<p>JN.1, identified as a "variant of interest" by the <a href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> (WHO), is a recent addition to the list of COVID-19 subvariants. </p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> (CDC), JN.1 has seen a swift rise in cases, with projections indicating further increases through the winter months. </p>



<p>Notably, JN.1 has surpassed other subvariants, including HV.1 and EG.5, in prevalence. By December, JN.1 accounted for over 44% of COVID-19 cases in the United States.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sars-cov-2-is-still-evolving-nbsp">SARS-CoV-2 is still evolving&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Heidi Zapata, an infectious diseases specialist at <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale Medicine</a>, said that there is still much to learn about JN.1. "We don’t know much about this new subvariant just yet," she said, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to understand its characteristics.</p>



<p>“I would say the most important thing for people to know is that the virus is out there, as are respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] and the flu,” said Dr. Zapata. “Any new subvariant is a sign that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still evolving; it’s still here with us, and we can’t ignore it.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-and-concerns">Characteristics and concerns</h2>



<p>One of the distinguishing features of JN.1 is its relation to BA.2.86 (Pirola), a lineage of the Omicron variant. While it shares similarities with its predecessors, JN.1 possesses a unique mutation in its spike protein, which could potentially affect its behavior, such as immune evasion capabilities.</p>



<p>Despite its rapid spread, there is no evidence yet that JN.1 causes more severe COVID cases or poses a greater risk to public health than other circulating variants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Symptoms and severity seem consistent with previous strains, largely dependent on individual immunity rather than the variant itself. However, its quick evolution and increased prevalence are points of concern, suggesting a possible higher transmissibility or better immune system evasion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protection-measures">Protection measures</h2>



<p>The CDC's current recommendations remain unchanged in the face of JN.1's emergence. These include getting updated vaccines, testing for COVID if respiratory symptoms arise, and following general protective measures like strategic masking and hand-washing.</p>



<p>New vaccines and antiviral treatments are expected to maintain efficacy against JN.1. The availability of updated COVID vaccines this fall is a significant step in enhancing protection against this and other variants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I would advise getting your updated vaccine, consider masking in certain situations, and if you get sick, please test for COVID because you can get medicine to treat it,” said Dr. Zapata.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-the-global-picture">Implications and the global picture</h2>



<p>The rapid spread of JN.1 has implications both domestically and internationally. As of late December, it was most prevalent in the Northeast U.S., particularly in the Department of Health and Human Services' Region 2, which includes New York and New Jersey.</p>



<p>Despite JN.1's prominence, the WHO assesses the additional public health risks posed by this variant as low. However, the potential burden on health systems, especially when combined with other respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV, remains a significant concern.</p>



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JN.1 is now the dominant Covid variant in the United States

The emergence of a new COVID-19 strain, JN.1, is significantly...

Side,View,Of,Beautiful,Asian,Woman,Using,Mobile,Phone,While

<p>In an age where smartphones are nearly ubiquitous, particularly among college-aged individuals, a pressing question arises: does texting while walking, or 'twalking,' increase the likelihood of accidents? </p>



<p>This topic has sparked debate among experts, with some research indicating heightened risk and others suggesting that young adults are adept multitaskers.</p>



<p>However, few studies have examined how texters respond to unpredictable hazards. Recent research indicates that texting increases the risk of falling in response to walkway hazards, highlighting the potential dangers of this seemingly innocuous behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-study-twalking">How to study 'twalking'</h2>



<p>Senior author Matthew A. Brodie, a neuroscientist and engineer at the University of New South Wales (<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/biomedical-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNSW</a>) Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, recognized the prevalence of 'twalking' and embarked on a study to investigate its inherent risks. </p>



<p>“On any day it seems as many as 80% of people, both younger and older, may be head down and texting. I wondered: is this safe?” says Brodie. </p>



<p>“This has made me want to investigate the dangers of texting while walking. I wanted to know if these dangers are real or imagined and to measure the risk in a repeatable way.”</p>



<p>The team recruited 50 undergraduate students from Brodie's “Mechanics of the Human Body” UNSW course to participate in the experiment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-special-twalking-runway-created">Special 'twalking' runway created</h2>



<p>Brodie and co-author Yoshiro Okubo designed a <a href="https://www.cell.com/cms/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18366/attachment/01d69b98-2ec4-4484-bd60-b5669ce6d960/mmc1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">special walkway</a> at Neuroscience Research Australia's gait laboratory, which featured a tile that could be intentionally displaced, causing participants to slip.</p>



<p>To ensure safety, the students wore harnesses that prevented actual falls, while motion sensors collected data on their movements. </p>



<p>They traversed a simulated walkway equipped with a movable tile mimicking a slipping hazard, akin to stepping on a banana peel. </p>



<p>Equipped with a safety harness and motion sensors, participants navigated this walkway both with and without texting the phrase, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."</p>



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



<p>The study revealed that individuals responded differently to the threat of slipping. "What surprised me is how differently people responded," Brodie remarks. </p>



<p>"Some were more cautious, while others sped up. This diversity in behavior underscores that no two individuals are alike, suggesting the need for multiple strategies to prevent accidents related to texting and walking."</p>



<p>Despite these varied responses, motion data showed that texting participants remained at an increased risk of falling. </p>



<p>When participants transitioned from leaning forward (such as when using a phone) to slipping backward, their motion sensors indicated a significant increase in the range of their "trunk angle."</p>



<p>Additionally, the accuracy of texters decreased during walking, even when caution was exercised against a potential slip that did not occur. </p>



<p>The highest texting accuracy was observed when participants were seated, highlighting the challenges posed by multitasking while in motion. The lowest accuracy, unsurprisingly, occurred when participants did slip.</p>



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



<p>The study emphasizes that young people may be more prone to taking risks, like 'twalking," even when they are aware of the potential dangers associated with texting and walking. </p>



<p>As a result, the effectiveness of traditional educational initiatives, such as signs, may be limited in addressing this population.</p>



<p>In light of these findings, the researchers propose the implementation of locking technology on phones, similar to the measures used for preventing distracted driving. </p>



<p>This technology could detect walking activity and activate a screen lock to prevent texting during that time. While this intervention shows promise, further research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusions-about-twalking">Conclusions about 'twalking'</h2>



<p>The study provides compelling evidence that texting while walking increases the risk of falling in response to hazardous conditions.</p>



<p>While some individuals may adopt cautious approaches, it doesn't fully mitigate the danger posed by distractions. Furthermore, the decrease in texting accuracy during walking underscores the limitations of multitasking in this context.</p>



<p>In summary, as society becomes increasingly dependent on smartphones and the prevalence of texting while walking rises, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the risks associated with this behavior. </p>



<p>By raising awareness and implementing technological interventions, we can better protect people from harm and promote responsible mobile phone use.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2405844023055743" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heliyon</a></em>.</p>



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

'Twalking' is the most common cause of tech-related injuries

In an age where smartphones are nearly ubiquitous, particularly among...

<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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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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