<p>PFAS - short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - are so common that they’ve earned the nickname “forever chemicals.” They’re in rain jackets, dental floss, and even the sticky side of a bandage. Too often, they’re also in drinking water.</p>



<p>For years, U.S. contamination maps showed clusters of problem spots in places like California, Michigan, and New England. But those dots didn’t necessarily reveal where PFAS actually are - they only marked where testing had happened.</p>



<p>Now, researchers at Northeastern University’s <a href="https://pfasproject.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS Project Lab</a> have redrawn the picture. Their new analysis suggests that while roughly 2,200 sites have confirmed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-that-eat-forever-chemicals-discovered-in-contaminated-soil/">contamination</a>, as many as 80,000 more are likely polluted but untested.</p>



<p>The result is what the team calls the most complete snapshot yet - a tool designed to help regulators and communities figure out where to look next.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-presumptive-pfas-sites-fill-the-map">Presumptive PFAS sites fill the map</h2>



<p>Because PFAS testing in the U.S. is spotty and often driven by state programs or local advocacy, the “known” map has always been incomplete. </p>



<p>To bridge that gap, the team built a model that flags “presumptive” contamination sites based on what those facilities do. If a type of place is well documented as a PFAS emitter, similar facilities elsewhere likely pose the same risk.</p>



<p>The approach flips the script: instead of waiting for sampling to reveal bad news one neighborhood at a time, it directs investigators toward the most probable sources before problems spread further.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-reveals-contamination">Groundwater reveals contamination</h2>



<p>When the researchers looked closely at the 2,200 verified sites, the picture was grim. Ninety-four percent of the locations with groundwater data had average PFAS concentrations above accepted regulatory levels.</p>



<p>Kimberly Garrett is the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral fellow at the PFAS Project Lab.</p>



<p>“We did find that, overall, all of the sites that we knew about had elevated PFAS concentrations that were above health-based guidelines,” said Garrett. "Some were associated with really high values, but they were all associated with unacceptable values.”</p>



<p>That matters for more than just the communities adjacent to those dots. PFAS contamination moves - through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reed-beds-a-sustainable-revolution-in-wastewater-management/">industrial waste</a> streams, municipal wastewater systems, biosolids applied to fields, and rivers that cross county and state lines. Knowing where it likely starts is the key to cutting it off.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foam-linked-to-high-pfas">Foam linked to high PFAS</h2>



<p>To make the presumptive map, the team sorted potential sources into categories. These included airports, military installations, industrial facilities, municipal fire activities, and wastewater treatment plants. They then compared how often and how strongly PFAS turned up.</p>



<p>Three stood out again and again: airports, military sites, and municipal fire activities. The common thread is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam historically loaded with PFAS. Foam used in training and emergency response can soak into soil and groundwater or run off into nearby waterways.</p>



<p>“AFFF was consistently connected to the highest average PFAS concentrations,” Garrett said - a pattern researchers and regulators have suspected for years, now mapped at a national scale.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factories-tied-to-pfas-leaks">Factories tied to PFAS leaks</h2>



<p>Beyond firefighting, the lab’s latest updates begin to tease out which industrial operations are most associated with PFAS releases. Metal manufacturing and electronics manufacturing emerged as frequent suspects.</p>



<p>“Metal manufacturers and electronic manufacturers could use a little more scrutiny in that area, especially as we think about making investments in semiconductor manufacturing and things like that,” Garrett said.</p>



<p>The point isn’t to halt innovation; it’s to ensure new industrial growth doesn’t lock in another generation of contamination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fixing-pfas-starts-upstream">Fixing PFAS starts upstream</h2>



<p>Public conversation around PFAS often zeroes in on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-100-million-americans-exposed-to-contaminated-drinking-water/">drinking water</a> and wastewater utilities - logical endpoints where contamination becomes visible. But those facilities are downstream. </p>



<p>They inherit what industries and other emitters send them. Treating the problem at the end of the pipe is far harder and more expensive than preventing it in the first place.</p>



<p>“Turning off the tap of PFAS starts at the source,” said Garrett. “We can’t discount the industrial contributions to PFAS contamination.”</p>



<p>Phil Brown, the lab’s co-director, frames it as following the waste stream: identify the treatment plant, then look upstream for likely users and manufacturers.</p>



<p>“We can then tell them that they have to cut down their emissions before it gets into our plants,” he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-triage-plan-for-limited-budgets"><a></a>A triage plan for limited budgets</h2>



<p>Testing is costly, and agencies and utilities have finite staff and funds. The new map is designed with that reality in mind. </p>



<p>By highlighting presumptive hotspots, it helps decision-makers prioritize where sampling will have the biggest payoff. It also indicates where interim protections might be warranted. In some cases, this could mean providing alternative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-forever-chemicals-in-tap-water-linked-to-33-percent-increase-in-cancer-rates/">water</a> sources while testing ramps up.</p>



<p>“We know that resources for testing bodies and regulatory bodies and municipal utilities are very limited,” said Garrett.</p>



<p>“So we hope that our tools can serve as a guide for if a municipality or a state has so much money for testing and they say, what would be the most impactful way to use this? We think that this paper can contribute to those decisions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-scattered-dots-to-a-strategy"><a></a>From scattered dots to a strategy</h2>



<p>PFAS are called forever chemicals because their carbon-fluorine bonds don’t readily break down. That persistence has made them useful - in nonstick coatings, waterproof gear, and industrial processes - and a nightmare to clean up once they escape into the environment.</p>



<p>The Northeastern team’s work doesn’t solve PFAS pollution, but it does something essential: it replaces a misleading patchwork of test results with a forward-looking map of risk.</p>



<p>The takeaway is not simply that PFAS sites are widespread; it’s that the problem has a pattern. Airports, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-u-s-military-bases-for-sea-level-rise/">military bases</a>, and firefighting sites are likely hotspots. Certain industries deserve closer scrutiny. And the most efficient path to safer water starts upstream, before PFAS reach the taps.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c14474%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Science &amp; Technology</em></a>.</p>



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Toxic ‘forever chemical' sites severely underestimated in the U.S.

PFAS - short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - are so common that they’ve earned the nickname “forever chemicals.” They’re in rain jackets, dental floss, and even the sticky side of a bandage. Too often, they’re also in drinking water. For years, U.S. contamination maps showed clusters of problem spots in places like California, Michigan, and New England. But those dots didn’t necessarily reveal where PFAS actually are - they only marked where testing had happened. Now, researchers at Northeastern University’s PFAS Project Lab have redrawn the...

<p>NASA's <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/cassini/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cassini mission</a> has revealed the presence of vital components for life on Saturn’s icy moon, Enceladus.&nbsp;Based on data from Cassini, experts have identified crucial organic compounds and a potent energy source, hinting at the moon's potential to support life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hydrogen-cyanide-nbsp">Hydrogen cyanide&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team has detected the presence of hydrogen cyanide - a molecule that is key to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-from-asteroid-bennu-about-the-origins-of-life/">origin of life</a> - and an abundance of chemical energy sources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The discovery of hydrogen cyanide was particularly exciting, because it’s the starting point for most theories on the origin of life,” said lead author Jonah Peter, a doctoral student at Harvard University who conducted the research while working at <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Enceladus has long captivated scientists with its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-saturns-moon-enceladus-massive-water-plume-has-scientists-wondering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive plume</a> of ice grains and water vapor, known to contain a rich mix of organic compounds. These compounds are crucial for life as we recognize it on Earth. </p>



<p>The latest research goes beyond previous discoveries, providing solid evidence of hydrogen cyanide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our work provides further evidence that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-saturns-moon-enceladus-has-all-of-the-ingredients-necessary-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enceladus</a> is host to some of the most important molecules for both creating the building blocks of life and for sustaining that life through metabolic reactions,” said Peter. </p>



<p>“Not only does Enceladus seem to meet the basic requirements for habitability, we now have an idea about how complex biomolecules could form there, and what sort of chemical pathways might be involved.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enceladus-has-great-potential-for-life">Enceladus has great potential for life</h2>



<p>The study also sheds light on the ocean beneath Enceladus's icy surface, which feeds the plume. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hidden ocean</a> holds a potent source of chemical energy that was previously unidentified.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The discovery of various organic compounds, analogous to those fueling organisms on Earth, suggests a  greater potential for life on Enceladus than previously assumed. Because its molecules can be stacked together in many different ways, the study authors refer to hydrogen cyanide as the Swiss army knife of amino acid precursors.</p>



<p>“The more we tried to poke holes in our results by testing alternative models, the stronger the evidence became," said Peter. "Eventually, it became clear that there is no way to match the plume composition without including hydrogen cyanide.”</p>



<p>In 2017, scientists found indications of methanogenesis chemistry in Enceladus's ocean, hinting at life-sustaining processes. Methanogenesis, a process that generates methane, possibly played a role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-like-planets-may-be-more-common-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emergence of life</a> on our planet. </p>



<p>The recent findings, however, suggest the presence of even more diverse and powerful chemical energy sources.</p>



<p>“If methanogenesis is like a small watch battery, in terms of energy, then our results suggest the ocean of Enceladus might offer something more akin to a car battery, capable of providing a large amount of energy to any life that might be present,” said study co-author Kevin Hand of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meticulous-and-convincing-analysis-nbsp">Meticulous and convincing analysis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team utilized detailed statistical methods, analyzing data from Cassini's ion and neutral mass spectrometer. This approach allowed them to discern subtle differences in how various chemical compounds match Cassini's observations, leading to a refined understanding of Enceladus's chemical composition.</p>



<p>While the question of whether life exists on Enceladus remains unanswered, the study outlines possible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-alien-life-exists-on-enceladus-scientists-have-unambiguous-proof-they-will-find-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical pathways for life</a> that can be explored further in laboratory settings.</p>



<p>“There are many potential puzzle pieces that can be fit together when trying to match the observed data,” said Peter. “We used math and statistical modeling to figure out which combination of puzzle pieces best matches the plume composition and makes the most of the data, without overinterpreting the limited dataset.”</p>



<p>Tom Nordheim, a JPL planetary scientist and co-author of the study, emphasized the ongoing impact of Cassini's observations, even after the mission's conclusion in 2017. “Our study demonstrates that while Cassini’s mission has ended, its observations continue to provide us with new insights about Saturn and its moons – including the enigmatic Enceladus,” said Nordheim.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, Enceladus, one of Saturn's many moons, stands out as a celestial body of immense interest to astronomers and astrobiologists alike. This relatively small moon has captured the imagination and curiosity of scientists due to its unique characteristics and potential for harboring life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Discovery and basic characteristics</h3>



<p>William Herschel discovered Enceladus on August 28, 1789. This icy moon, measuring about 500 kilometers in diameter, ranks as the sixth-largest moon of Saturn. Despite its small size, Enceladus plays a significant role in Saturn's E ring, contributing to its composition.</p>



<p>Enceladus exhibits a diverse range of geological features. Its surface, primarily composed of water ice, reflects sunlight, making it one of the most reflective bodies in the solar system. The moon's south pole particularly fascinates researchers due to the presence of 'tiger stripes', long fractures that emit water vapor and other particles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Subsurface ocean on Enceladus may support life</h3>



<p>Scientists believe that a subsurface ocean of liquid water exists beneath Enceladus's icy crust. This ocean likely interacts with the moon's rocky core, leading to hydrothermal activity. Such conditions could potentially support microbial life, drawing parallels to the hydrothermal vents found in Earth's oceans.</p>



<p>Enceladus is famous for its dramatic plumes of water vapor and ice particles. These plumes, first observed by the Cassini spacecraft, erupt from the tiger stripes and reach heights of hundreds of kilometers. They provide compelling evidence of the moon's geological activity and the existence of a subsurface ocean.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future study and exploration</h3>



<p>The discovery of organic compounds in Enceladus's plumes, hydrogen cyanide most recently, has intensified the debate about the moon's habitability. NASA and other space agencies are considering future missions to Enceladus to search for signs of life and to further explore its intriguing features.</p>



<p>In summary, Enceladus, with its active geology, potential subsurface ocean, and organic-rich plumes, remains a prime candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life. Its mysteries continue to inspire and challenge our understanding of the solar system, making it a focal point for future exploratory missions.</p>



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



<p>Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute</p>



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Life-sparking energy source found on Enceladus hints at alien life on Saturn's moon

NASA's Cassini mission has revealed the presence of vital components...

<p>A study from the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> has revealed a concerning trend: not only are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/">wildfires</a> wreaking havoc on land, but they're also transforming aquatic ecosystems in ways that could have far-reaching implications for water quality and fisheries. </p>



<p>The research, led by Professor Jonathan Shurin of the School of Biological Sciences and his team, is featured in two papers published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17058" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Global Change Biology</em></a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-crisis">Growing crisis</h2>



<p>Climate warming has led to more frequent and severe wildfires globally, and this surge is not just a terrestrial issue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The effects of wildfires are not limited to terrestrial systems,” said study co-author Chris Wall. “When we think about wildfires increasing, especially in the West, it’s important to remember that burned materials flow directly into waterways that are vital for people and wildlife."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We’re now recognizing that wildfires can greatly influence ecosystem health, with implications for water resources, like aquifers and recreational fishing.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altered-aquatic-ecosystems-nbsp">Altered aquatic ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research shows that fire chemically alters plant debris, changing the fundamental role of lakes, ponds, and streams in the carbon cycle. This alteration is crucial because aquatic ecosystems are significant carbon sinks, capturing water flows and storing carbon in their sediments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings indicate a shift in how these systems process and store carbon, with potential consequences for atmospheric CO2 levels.</p>



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



<p>The study was conducted over 90 days using experimental pond systems. The researchers explored the effects of burned and unburned plant matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve seen the impact that these huge fires have had on watersheds, so we’re working in these natural systems to understand how different components of climate change are altering the ecosystems,” said Shurin.</p>



<p>The team used a novel approach by fertilizing sage plants with nitrogen to track its movement from plants to aquatic species, like plankton.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“By using the nitrogen tracer in plant materials, we found less burned plant-derived nitrogen was being incorporated by zooplankton, indicating that burning reduced the transfer of nitrogen to higher organisms,” said Wall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This agreed with other findings, which showed burned treatments had lower carbon dioxide concentrations, greater oxygenation and higher rates of photosynthesis relative to unburned treatments.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dynamics-nbsp">Carbon dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One striking revelation was that ponds with burned plant matter emitted less carbon dioxide compared to those with unburned material, suggesting a potential increase in carbon storage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, this capacity diminished with higher amounts of burned material, leading to greater CO2 emissions.</p>



<p>“Burned plant matter fuels the biological carbon pump of lakes, allowing them to soak up more CO2 from the atmosphere,” said Shurin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“However, this capacity for increased carbon storage was lost as the amount of burned material increased, with treatments receiving the greatest amounts of burned plant material exhibiting highest CO2 export to the atmosphere.”</p>



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



<p>The researchers also observed a transformation in the species composition within these aquatic ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Ponds with heavy loads of burned material became breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes, diverging from the typical aquatic inhabitants like zooplankton.</p>



<p>“These impacts were shifted by fire treatment,” said the researchers. “Burning increased the elemental and organic composition of detritus, with cascading effects on ecosystem function.”</p>



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



<p>This research underscores the need for climate change models to incorporate interactions between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As climate change projections forewarn of escalating environmental and economic damages due to wildfires, understanding these aquatic transformations becomes vital for future conservation and management strategies.</p>



<p>“More frequent and intense wildfire may alter the capacity of aquatic systems to store, transform and exchange carbon with the atmosphere,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>They noted that in the future, forecasts of climate change should include integrative models that account for feedbacks between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in order to fully understand changes to the global carbon cycle.</p>



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Ripple effects: Wildfires reshape aquatic ecosystems

A study from the University of California San Diego has...

<p>A study conducted by physician-investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (<a href="https://www.bidmc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BIDMC</a>) has identified a significant comparison between the probabilistic reasoning of an AI chatbot and human doctors and clinicians. </p>



<p>This research not only opens new avenues in the application of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-identifies-new-anti-aging-compounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> in medicine but also highlights its potential as a clinical decision support tool for physicians.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probabilistic-reasoning-in-medicine">Probabilistic reasoning in medicine</h2>



<p>Adam Rodman, MD, the study's corresponding author, emphasizes the inherent struggle humans face with probabilistic reasoning. This practice, crucial in making informed decisions, is based on calculating odds, a task at which humans are not naturally adept. </p>



<p>“Humans struggle with probabilistic reasoning, the practice of making decisions based on calculating odds,” said Rodman.</p>



<p>Rodman, an internal medicine physician and investigator in the department of Medicine at BIDMC, highlights the complexity of diagnosis, which involves various cognitive strategies, with probabilistic reasoning being a significant yet challenging component.</p>



<p>“Probabilistic reasoning is one of several components of making a diagnosis, which is an incredibly complex process that uses a variety of different cognitive strategies. We chose to evaluate probabilistic reasoning in isolation because it is a well-known area where humans could use support.”</p>



<p>Acknowledging it as a well-known area where human capabilities can be enhanced, the study aims to explore how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-the-human-brain-outperform-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> can support this aspect of clinical decision-making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-ai-helps-doctors">Studying how AI helps doctors</h2>



<p>The research team based their study on a previously conducted national survey. This survey included over 550 practitioners performing probabilistic reasoning across five medical cases. </p>



<p><a href="https://openai.com/gpt-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chat GPT-4</a>, a publicly available Large Language Model (LLM), was fed the same cases and prompted identically 100 times to generate a diverse set of responses.</p>



<p>Both the chatbot and the human practitioners were tasked with estimating the likelihood of diagnoses based on patient presentations. They were then provided with test results from various medical diagnostics, including chest radiography, mammography, stress tests, and urine cultures, to update their diagnoses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diagnostic-accuracy-of-doctors-and-ai">Diagnostic accuracy of doctors and AI</h2>



<p>The findings revealed a nuanced picture of diagnostic accuracy. When test results were positive, the chatbot’s accuracy was mixed. </p>



<p>The AI showed more accuracy in two cases, similarly accuracy in two, and was less accurate in one, compared to human doctors. However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-reveals-how-to-prevent-covid-19-from-ever-returning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> chatbot demonstrated superior accuracy over doctors in all five cases when test results were negative.</p>



<p>Rodman points out a critical tendency in human clinicians. “Humans sometimes feel the risk is higher than it is after a negative test result, which can lead to overtreatment, more tests and too many medications,” said Rodman.</p>



<p>The perception of higher risk following a negative test result often caused issues for doctors compared to AI. This aspect underscores the potential of AI in mitigating such biases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-ai-and-human-doctor-collaboration">Future of AI and human doctor collaboration</h2>



<p>While the comparative performance of chatbots and humans is intriguing, Rodman stresses more on how the availability of such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-doctors-humans-obsolete/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI technologies</a> could enhance the performance of skilled doctors in clinical settings. Future research, as Rodman suggests, is keenly focused on this aspect.</p>



<p>Rodman clarifies that LLMs, like Chat GPT-4, do not calculate probabilities like epidemiologists or poker players. “LLMs can’t access the outside world -- they aren’t calculating probabilities the way that epidemiologists, or even poker players, do. What they're doing has a lot more in common with how humans make spot probabilistic decisions,” he said. </p>



<p>Their approach mirrors human methods in making quick, spot probabilistic decisions. This similarity is what Rodman finds exciting, as it hints at the potential of AI to integrate seamlessly into clinical workflows, thereby aiding in improved decision-making.</p>



<p>“Even if imperfect, their ease of use and ability to be integrated into clinical workflows could theoretically make humans make better decisions,” he said. “Future research into collective human and artificial intelligence is sorely needed.”</p>



<p>In summary, the study by BIDMC marks a significant step in understanding and leveraging AI in medicine. By highlighting the strengths and limitations of both human doctors and AI in probabilistic reasoning, it paves the way for a future where AI could play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing clinical decision-making, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2812737" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a></em>.</p>



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Artificial intelligence proves very useful to doctors when diagnosing patients

A study conducted by physician-investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical...

<p>An exciting new study by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> has significantly expanded the horizons of our search for extraterrestrial life. This study reveals that 17 exoplanets, worlds located outside our solar system, could potentially harbor oceans of liquid water beneath their icy surfaces. This discovery holds profound implications for our understanding of life's possibilities beyond Earth.</p>



<p>The research team, pioneering in their approach, has calculated the geyser activity on these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-planet-discovered-with-an-ocean-not-far-from-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>. This is a first-of-its-kind estimate, offering a novel method to observe signs of life in distant worlds. Intriguingly, two of these exoplanets are sufficiently close to enable telescopic observation of these potential eruptions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exoplanets-oceans-and-the-habitable-zone">Exoplanets, oceans, and the "habitable zone"</h2>



<p>Traditionally, the search for extraterrestrial life focuses on exoplanets residing in the "<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>" of their stars. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-generation-telescopes-could-detect-signs-of-life-on-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zone</a> is defined by the range of distances where liquid water can exist on a planet's surface. </p>



<p>However, this study suggests that life could also exist on planets outside this zone if they possess oceans under ice crusts, heated internally. This theory is supported by examples within our own solar system, such as Jupiter's moon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/send-your-name-to-jupiters-ocean-moon-as-europa-clipper-mission-searches-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa</a> and Saturn's moon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-saturns-moon-enceladus-has-all-of-the-ingredients-necessary-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enceladus</a>.</p>



<p>Dr. Lynnae Quick of NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a>, the lead author of the study, explains, “Our analyses predict that these 17 worlds may have ice-covered surfaces but receive enough internal heating from the decay of radioactive elements and tidal forces from their host stars to maintain internal oceans.” </p>



<p>This internal heating could also result in cryovolcanic eruptions, akin to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-in-the-extreme-microbial-activity-discovered-in-old-faithful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geysers</a>. Dr. Quick continued, “Thanks to the amount of internal heating they experience, all planets in our study could also exhibit cryovolcanic eruptions in the form of geyser-like plumes.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-conditions-on-exoplanets">Estimating conditions on exoplanets</h2>



<p>The team recalculated the surface temperature estimates of each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-exoplanet-k2-18-have-the-right-conditions-to-support-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a>, using the known surface brightness and other properties of Europa and Enceladus as models. They calculated the total internal heating of these exoplanets by analyzing the shape of their orbits to determine the tidal heat generation and added the expected heat from radioactive activity. </p>



<p>These calculations of surface temperature and total heating determined the thickness of the ice layers on each exoplanet, as the oceans beneath them cool and freeze at the surface while receiving heat from within. The team then compared these data with Europa’s characteristics, using Europa's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-alien-life-exists-on-enceladus-scientists-have-unambiguous-proof-they-will-find-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geyser activity</a> as a conservative baseline to estimate the geyser activity on the exoplanets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geyser-activity-a-marker-for-detecting-life">Geyser activity: A marker for detecting life</h2>



<p>The team's predictions indicate that the surface temperatures of these exoplanets are up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius) colder than previously estimated. The estimated thickness of the ice shells varies significantly, ranging from approximately 190 feet (58 meters) for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-generation-telescopes-could-detect-signs-of-life-on-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proxima Centauri b</a> and one mile (1.6 kilometers) for LHS 1140 b, to 24 miles (38.6 kilometers) for MOA 2007 BLG 192Lb. </p>



<p>This compares to an estimated average of 18 miles (almost 29 kilometers) for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-life-on-europa-co2-discovery-by-webb-increases-the-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa’s ice shell</a>. </p>



<p>The predicted geyser activity also shows a wide range, starting from a mere 17.6 pounds per second (about 8 kilograms/second) for Kepler 441b, escalating to 639,640 pounds/second (290,000 kilograms/second) for LHS 1140b, and reaching a staggering 13.2 million pounds/second (six million kilograms/second) for Proxima Centauri b. </p>



<p>These figures stand in contrast to Europa’s geyser activity, which is estimated at 4,400 pounds/second (2,000 kilograms/second).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alien-life-in-exoplanet-ocean-geysers">Alien life in exoplanet ocean geysers</h2>



<p>Dr. Quick, presenting her research at the <a href="https://www.agu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Geophysical Union</a> meeting, emphasized the potential for detecting geological activity on these exoplanets through their geyser activity. </p>



<p>As exoplanets like Proxima Centauri b and LHS 1140 b pass in front of their stars, telescopes may observe water vapor dimming or blocking starlight. This sporadic detection of water vapor could indicate cryovolcanic eruptions, offering clues to the planets' habitability.</p>



<p>For planets not crossing their stars from our viewpoint, advanced telescopes could detect geyser activity through light reflected from the exoplanet. Such observations could reveal the composition of the geysers, further assessing the potential for these distant worlds to support life.</p>



<p>In summary, this NASA study not only opens new avenues in the search for extraterrestrial life but also challenges our understanding of where life can exist in the universe. With continued research and technological advancements, we edge closer to answering the age-old question: Are we alone in the universe?</p>



<p>The full study was published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ace9b6">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.</em></p>



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17 exoplanets discovered by NASA have oceans and possibly extraterrestrial life

An exciting new study by NASA has significantly expanded the...

Drunk,Guy,Flirting,With,A,Beautiful,Brunette,In,A,Bar.

<p>The concept of "beer goggles," a colloquial term used for decades, implies that alcohol consumption makes others appear more attractive. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-evidence-that-beer-goggles-are-real-but-liquid-courage-is-definitely-a-thing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomenon</a> has been attributed to the supposed effect of alcohol on one’s perception of facial symmetry. However, a new study from the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> challenges this popular belief.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-beer-goggles-phenomenon">The "beer goggles" phenomenon</h2>



<p>"Beer goggles" refer to the perceived change in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasite-makes-infected-people-look-more-attractive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attractiveness</a> when one is under the influence of alcohol. A common assumption is that alcohol impairs our ability to detect facial asymmetry, making people appear more attractive. </p>



<p>Facial symmetry has long been associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-with-a-sense-of-humor-are-perceived-as-being-more-attractive-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attractiveness</a>, with the idea that more symmetry indicates a better gene pool.</p>



<p>Dr. Alistair Harvey, from the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/organisational-structure/our-academic-structure/faculty-of-science-and-health/department-of-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Psychology</a> at the University of Portsmouth, addresses the limited research on this subject. "Alcohol is a strong predictor of sexual behavior, often consumed before or during dates," he explains. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-beer-goggles-effect">Studying the "beer goggles" effect</h2>



<p>According to Dr. Harvey, “There are a range of possible reasons why alcohol drinkers are more inclined to engage in sex, including a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strangers-move-closer-together-as-they-become-intoxicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lack of inhibition</a>, heightened expectations, personality traits, and the beer goggles effect."</p>



<p>Following this line of thinking, the study aimed to explore the reasons behind the increased inclination for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-alcohol-has-a-significant-negative-impact-on-a-fathers-sperm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sexual encounters</a> after alcohol consumption, including the potential impact of the "beer goggles" effect.</p>



<p>The research team conducted a field experiment at a local pub in Portsmouth. They recruited 99 volunteers, aged between 18 and 62, to rate the attractiveness and symmetry of 18 faces. </p>



<p>Dr. Harvey explained, “Due to the limited research on this topic, we ran a field experiment to help determine why people often experience unexpected – and regretted – sexual escapades after having one too many.”</p>



<p>Each face was rated in its natural form and an altered version with enhanced asymmetry. Participants judged which version of the same face was more attractive and more symmetrical.</p>



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



<p>Contrary to popular belief, while intoxicated individuals struggled to distinguish between natural and symmetrized faces, their perception of attractiveness remained unchanged. </p>



<p>Interestingly, both men and women found natural faces more attractive than altered ones, with women showing a stronger preference for natural faces.</p>



<p>Dr. Harvey suggests that attractiveness is influenced by factors beyond facial symmetry, which might explain why the "beer goggles" effect wasn't observed. He notes, "We don’t deny the existence of a 'beer goggles' effect but suspect it's more detectable with live models rather than static photographs." </p>



<p>Future research is needed to explore other factors like body shape, expression, and clothing in live settings.</p>



<p>In summary, this study provides significant insights into the relationship between alcohol consumption and perceived attractiveness. It challenges the long-held notion of the "beer goggles" effect, suggesting that the impact of alcohol on attractiveness judgments may be more complex than previously thought.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811231215592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Psychopharmacology</a></em>.</p>



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Does facial symmetry explain the "beer goggles" effect?

The concept of "beer goggles," a colloquial term used for...

<p>Positive tipping points must be achieved to combat the escalating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">climate crisis</a>, according to a recent commentary from the Global Systems Institute at the <a href="https://www.intostudy.com/en/universities/university-of-exeter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.</p>



<p>The call to action emerges as global warming threatens to breach the critical 1.5°C threshold. This level of warming could trigger at least five Earth system tipping points with potentially catastrophic consequences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-system-tipping-points">Earth system tipping points</h2>



<p>The researchers highlight a distressing scenario: if the current trajectory of global warming is not altered, it could lead to the activation of multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tipping-points-report-shows-humanity-on-a-disastrous-trajectory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth system tipping points</a>. </p>



<p>These include devastating sea-level rise due to ice sheet melting, mass species extinction from the dieback of the Amazon rainforest, and severe disruption to weather patterns due to the collapse of large-scale ocean circulation currents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ramifications of these "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-planet-faces-six-risk-tipping-points-with-irreversible-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk tipping point</a>" events would be both profound and far-reaching, impacting ecosystems and human societies on a global scale.</p>



<p>The team's commentary introduces an innovative approach to this dire situation - the concept of positive tipping points. These are cases where beneficial changes rapidly gain momentum, leading to significant and positive environmental impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers argue that such positive tipping points are essential to achieving the levels of decarbonization required to avert the worst of the climate crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-decarbonization-nbsp">Rapid decarbonization&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“One reason for hope is that many of the tipping thresholds that are likely to be crossed first are so-called slow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping systems</a>, which can be briefly exceeded without a commitment to tipping,” said study lead author Dr. Paul Ritchie.</p>



<p>“However, rapid decarbonization that minimizes the distance of any overshoot and – even more importantly – limits the time spent beyond a threshold is critical for avoiding triggering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-abruptly-push-species-over-their-tipping-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate tipping points</a>.”</p>



<p>According to Dr. Jesse Abrams, one mechanism for achieving rapid decarbonization is ironically through positive tipping points, moments when beneficial changes rapidly gain momentum.</p>



<p>This statement highlights the paradoxical nature of the solution: using tipping points, often associated with negative outcomes, as a mechanism for driving positive environmental change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-and-broader-implications">Electric vehicles and broader implications</h2>



<p>A prime example of a positive tipping point in action is the surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales in Scandinavia. This case demonstrates the potential of humans to promote positive tipping dynamics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Under the correct enabling conditions, such as affordability, attractiveness and accessibility, Norway have managed to transition the market share of electric vehicles from under 10% to near 90% within a decade," said Professor Tim Lenton.</p>



<p>This remarkable transition underscores the feasibility of rapid, large-scale environmental change under conducive conditions.</p>



<p>"Overshooting the Paris Agreement target of limiting warming to 1.5°C is now probable, making crossing several climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-surpassed-almost-every-safe-limit-to-keep-earth-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping point thresholds</a> likely," wrote the experts.</p>



<p>"Triggering positive tipping points can help reach the levels of decarbonization required to minimize both overshoot time and peak warming in order to avoid triggering climate tipping points, but urgent action is needed."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(23)00552-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2590332223005523%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>One Earth</em></a>. </p>



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Positive tipping points could help prevent climate catastrophe

Positive tipping points must be achieved to combat the escalating...

<p>Cats are often perceived as independent and less trainable pets, but a new study shows that they have a surprising inclination toward playing fetch - a game commonly associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-live-longer-and-happier-lives-when-they-get-to-socialize-often/">dogs</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A comprehensive survey of 924 cat owners sheds light on this unexpected feline behavior, revealing that most cats who engage in fetching do so without explicit training.</p>



<p>"The motivation behind playing with objects in cats is different from that of dogs; cats are more motivated to engage in solitary play with objects that have prey-like features, as seen in other non-domestic animal species such as kestrels, whereas object play in dogs usually involves a dog or human partner and is socially motivated," wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-control-the-game">Cats control the game</h2>



<p>The study, conducted by Jemma Forman, Elizabeth Renner, and David Leavens, involved a detailed analysis of fetching behaviors in 1,154 cats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The survey delved into various aspects of this activity, including the frequency of fetching, the types of objects used, and the dynamics of initiating and concluding the game.</p>



<p>Key findings from the study indicate that cats are not just passive participants but active controllers of the fetch game.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Approximately 59 percent of fetching cats did so up to ten times a month, and 55 percent fetched objects up to five times during their most recent game.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the cats themselves often initiated and concluded these games, suggesting a significant level of autonomy and control over the activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-fetchers">Natural fetchers</h2>



<p>A remarkable 94 percent of owners observed that their cats began playing fetch spontaneously, without any formal training. The survey further reveals that 61 percent of these cats started fetching as kittens, underlining an innate tendency towards this behavior.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While some cats might have learned from other animals, only 23 percent cohabited with another fetching pet, like a dog or a cat.</p>



<p>"Most cats who fetch first display this behavior as kittens or young adults. Cats have individual preferences for a variety of objects to fetch and they exhibit agency in the initiation and ending of fetching sessions," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Owners also provided detailed descriptions of the fetching process itself and highlighted how some cats will fetch only in certain circumstances."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-fetching-preferences">Cats' fetching preferences</h2>



<p>Among the 160 purebred cats in the survey, Siamese cats emerged as the top fetching breed, followed by Bengals and Ragdolls.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding points towards a possible breed-specific propensity towards this type of play, although the behavior was observed across various breeds.</p>



<p>The study also highlights the diverse range of objects cats choose to fetch. While cat toys constituted nearly 40 percent of these objects, the majority were everyday household items, such as hair ties and bottle parts, or items thrown by owners, like crumpled paper.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Common locations for the games included bedrooms and stairs, indicating that cats have a preference for familiar and comfortable environments.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-47409-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Some cats love to play fetch as much as dogs and even initiate the game

Cats are often perceived as independent and less trainable pets,...

<p>A study that links Neanderthal genes to modern "early risers" is shredding new light on the mystery of human sleep patterns and their origins. The research delves into the genetic journey from our African roots to intermingling with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reconstructed-face-of-a-neanderthal-reveals-a-softer-side-of-the-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a>, and uncovers a fascinating link between ancient genes and today’s sleep preferences.</p>



<p>About 300,000 ago, anatomically modern humans emerged in Africa with evolving traits that were molded by their environment. Fast forward to 70,000 years ago, these humans ventured into Eurasia, encountering not just varied landscapes but also other hominins like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-how-neanderthal-dna-got-diluted-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/denisovan-tooth-suggests-southeast-asia-was-a-human-diversity-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denisovans</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These archaic hominins, which diverged from our lineage around 700,000 years ago, had already adapted to the Eurasian environment over 400,000 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-neanderthal-genes">Humans and neanderthal genes</h2>



<p>When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-genes-still-influence-modern-humans/">modern humans</a> reached Eurasia, they didn't just coexist with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-structure-of-neanderthal-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> and Denisovans - they interbred. This intermingling was more than a social exchange. It was also a genetic one, providing humans with variants well-suited to their new environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While much of the archaic hominin ancestry was lost to natural selection, certain traits proved advantageous, contributing to adaptations like altitude-friendly hemoglobin levels, immune responses, skin pigmentation, and fat composition.</p>



<p>Beyond physical traits, the researchers identified 246 circadian genes. These genes, integral to our body’s internal clock, showed significant variances between lineages, hinting at functional differences in how archaic hominins and modern humans perceived day and night cycles.</p>



<p>The discrepancy in circadian rhythms makes sense when you consider the varying daylight patterns in Africa and higher Eurasian latitudes. It also raises the question: did Neanderthal genes influence our sleep-wake preferences?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthal-genes-and-mornings">Neanderthal genes and mornings</h2>



<p>Using artificial intelligence, the researchers pinpointed 28 circadian genes in archaic humans with potential alterations in splicing, alongside 16 genes with divergent regulations. This suggested functional differences in circadian rhythms between us and our ancient cousins.</p>



<p>In a comprehensive study involving hundreds of thousands of individuals from the <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Biobank</a>, the experts discovered a striking correlation. They found that introgressed genetic variants from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-provides-insights-into-the-lives-of-neanderthals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> were consistently linked to increased morningness. This propensity to wake up early aligns with adaptations seen in animals living in high latitudes.</p>



<p>Morningness in humans, associated with a shortened circadian clock, likely offered a survival edge in higher latitudes. This adaptation mirrors what is observed in fruit flies, where shortened circadian periods are crucial for synchronization with extended summer daylight.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, the morningness trait, potentially a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/severe-covid-linked-to-a-neanderthal-genetic-variant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal legacy</a>, might have been an evolutionary boon for our ancestors in Europe.</p>



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



<p>This study offers a compelling glimpse into how our ancient encounters have shaped not just who we are, but how we live and when we prefer to wake up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the grand narrative of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-have-co-existed-for-many-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a>, it appears our Neanderthal ancestors might have left us more than just tools and fire - they might have set our alarm clocks.</p>



<p>“By combining ancient DNA, large-scale genetic studies in modern humans, and artificial intelligence, we discovered substantial genetic differences in the circadian systems of Neanderthals and modern humans,” said study lead author John A. Capra.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Then by analyzing the bits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-how-neanderthal-dna-got-diluted-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal DNA</a> that remain in modern human genomes we discovered a striking trend: many of them have effects on the control of circadian genes in modern humans and these effects are predominantly in a consistent direction of increasing propensity to be a morning person. This change is consistent with the effects of living at higher latitudes on the circadian clocks of animals and likely enables more rapid alignment of the circadian clock with changing seasonal light patterns." </p>



<p>"Our next steps include applying these analyses to more diverse modern human populations, exploring the effects of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-dna-protect-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal variants</a> we identified on the circadian clock in model systems, and applying similar analyses to other potentially adaptive traits.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interaction-between-neanderthals-and-homo-sapiens">Interaction between Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens</h2>



<p>The intricate tapestry of human history becomes even more fascinating when we consider the interactions between Homo sapiens (modern humans) and Neanderthals. As discussed above, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-neanderthals-may-have-co-existed-for-many-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interspecies connection</a> played a significant role in shaping the course of human evolution and have left a lasting impact on the genetic makeup of modern humans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-neanderthal-human-interplay">Evidence of Neanderthal-human interplay</h3>



<p>Archaeological sites have revealed significant insights into the interactions between humans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-children-were-raised-like-modern-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a>. Tools, cave paintings, and remains found in locations such as the Neander Valley in Germany and other parts of Europe suggest that these two species coexisted for several thousand years. </p>



<p>The nature of the artifacts indicates that there were likely shared practices in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-tools-hunt-distance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tool-making</a> and possibly hunting strategies.</p>



<p>As discussed previously in this article, genetic studies have been pivotal in understanding the extent of interaction between humans and Neanderthals. The presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-dna-is-preserved-in-archeological-sediments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthal DNA</a> in the modern human genome is conclusive evidence of interbreeding. </p>



<p>Approximately 1-2% of the DNA in non-African modern humans can be traced back to Neanderthals. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-you-feel-more-pain-sensitivity-than-others-blame-your-neanderthal-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic exchange</a> suggests that there was not only interaction but also integration to some extent.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-of-their-interactions">Nature of their interactions</h3>



<p>The coexistence of humans and Neanderthals in overlapping territories likely led to competition for resources. This competition might have been a driving force for the eventual decline of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-tooth-ancient-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a>. However, it also fostered a scenario where the two species had to adapt and perhaps learn from each other.</p>



<p>Evidence such as the similarity in tool-making techniques and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-compassionate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burial rituals</a> suggests there was some level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-created-fires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural exchange</a> between humans and Neanderthals. These interactions might have ranged from hostile encounters to peaceful exchanges and even collaboration in certain activities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixing-neanderthal-and-human-genes">Mixing Neanderthal and human genes</h3>



<p>Interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals is the most direct form of interaction. This genetic mixing had implications for the evolution of modern humans, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-thank-neanderthals-for-the-size-and-shape-of-our-noses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contributing to traits</a> related to the immune system and possibly other physiological and cognitive aspects.</p>



<p>In summary, the interactions between humans and Neanderthals were complex and multifaceted, involving competition, cultural exchanges, and interbreeding. These interactions played a significant role in shaping the course of human evolution and have left a lasting impact on the genetic makeup of modern humans. Ongoing research continues to unveil more about this fascinating chapter in human history.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evad203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Genome Biology and Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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"Early risers" can thank the Neanderthal genes in their DNA

A study that links Neanderthal genes to modern "early risers"...

<p>Light physical activity has the potential to reverse the risks associated with increased cholesterol levels caused by sedentary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-inactivity-during-childhood-linked-to-heart-damage-in-early-adulthood/">childhood</a> lifestyles, according to a study led by Dr. Andrew Agbaje from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Exeter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research reveals new insights into the long-term health impacts of sedentary behavior on children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-startling-findings">Startling findings</h2>



<p>The experts analyzed data from the University of Bristol's "Children of the 90s" project, tracking 792 children from age 11 to 24. The results showed that accumulated sedentary time from childhood can increase cholesterol levels by 67 percent by mid-twenties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This alarming statistic underscores the association of high cholesterol and dyslipidaemia from a young age with severe health issues, including premature death and heart problems like subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiac damage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-physical-activity">Light physical activity</h2>



<p>Contrary to popular belief and existing guidelines, the researchers found that light physical activity is significantly more effective than moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in combating these risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Activities such as long walks, house chores, slow dancing, swimming, or cycling are up to five times more effective in promoting heart health and reducing inflammation in young people.</p>



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



<p>The research was focused on accelerometer measures of sedentary time, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at ages 11, 15, and 24.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts repeatedly measured high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol at ages 15, 17, and 24.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additional metrics - including total body fat mass, muscle mass, fasting blood glucose, insulin, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels - were also considered.</p>



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



<p>Over the 13-year period, sedentary time increased, while light physical activity decreased significantly. Notably, the increase in total cholesterol was observed regardless of body fat changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>An average of four-and-a-half hours of light physical activity daily from childhood through young adulthood causally reduced total cholesterol levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, the impact of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on cholesterol was significantly less and was further diminished by increases in body fat.</p>



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



<p>“These findings emphasize the incredible health importance of light physical activity and shows it could be the key to preventing elevated cholesterol and dyslipidaemia from early life," said Dr. Agbaje.</p>



<p>"We have evidence that light physical activity is considerably more effective than moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in this regard, and therefore it’s perhaps time the World Health Organization updated their guidelines on childhood exercise - and public health experts, pediatricians, and health policymakers encouraged more participation in light physical activity from childhood.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradigm-shift-nbsp">Paradigm shift&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings are linked with another recent study by Dr. Agbaje, which demonstrated the ability of light physical activity to reverse obesity linked to increased sedentary time in children. This body of research advocates for a paradigm shift in public health guidelines and practices. </p>



<p>Dr. Agbaje stressed the importance of replacing the current focus on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with an emphasis on less strenuous exercise.</p>



<p>“Our research suggests light physical activity may be an unsung hero and it is about time the world replaced the mantra of ‘an average of 60 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity’ with ‘at least 3 hours a day of light physical activity.' Light physical activity appears to be the antidote to the catastrophic effect of sedentary time in the young population.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgad688" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &amp; Metabolism</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Light physical activity reverses the damage of sedentary behavior in children

Light physical activity has the potential to reverse the risks...

<p>In the harsh conditions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-dipole-the-atmospheric-pattern-shaping-our-future-climate/">Arctic</a>, survival hinges on an array of specialized adaptations. One such adaptation, as revealed in a recent study, is the strategic structure of the nasal cavities in Arctic seals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that Arctic seals have more convoluted nasal passages than seal species that live in milder environments. This unique feature, which is often overlooked, plays a crucial role in helping the seals conserve heat and moisture in their frigid habitat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-advantage-nbsp">Evolutionary advantage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Signe Kjelstrup, a physical chemist at the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology</a>, said the complex nasal structure of Arctic seals allows them to minimize heat loss during the critical process of breathing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Thanks to this elaborate structure in their nasal cavities, Arctic seals lose less heat through nasal heat exchange than subtropical seals when both are exposed to the same conditions,” said Kjelstrup. “This provides an evolutionary advantage, especially in the Arctic where heat loss is energy dissipation, which must be replenished by food.”</p>



<p>“What’s so amazing is that these Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-fur-seals-face-an-emerging-threat-of-food-shortages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a> retain 94% of the water when they breathe in and out. This means that most of the water added to the air during inhalation is then recovered during exhalation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-arctic-seals">Studying Arctic seals</h2>



<p>The research team used advanced imaging techniques, such as computer tomography, to create 3D models of the nasal cavities of two seal species: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bearded-seals-may-not-be-loud-enough-to-survive-ocean-noise-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic bearded</a> seal (Erignathus barbatus) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). </p>



<p>By simulating various environmental conditions and analyzing the nasal structures' efficiency, the team discovered significant differences in the heat and moisture exchange capabilities between these species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-killed-hundreds-of-seals-in-new-england-last-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a> proved to be far more effective in retaining heat and moisture across different temperatures, a testament to their specialized adaptation.</p>



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



<p>This discovery not only sheds light on the fascinating adaptations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-amplification-is-destabilizing-the-delicate-balance-of-the-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic wildlife</a> but also opens doors to potential applications in engineering and design. </p>



<p>Inspired by nature's ingenuity, Kjelstrup envisions leveraging these biological insights to enhance the efficiency of heat exchangers and ventilation systems in technology.</p>



<p>“If nature manages to create such great heat exchangers, I think we should copy that in engineering to create more efficient processes, for instance, in air conditioners,” said Kjelstrup.  </p>



<p>Going forward, the researchers also plan to study the nasal structures of other species to see if different structures provide evolutionary advantages in other environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The camel, for instance, doesn't need to save much on heat, but it does need to save on water, so one may speculate that it could tell us something about relative importance of the two,” said Kjelstrup.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seals-can-perceive-rhythm-early-in-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a>, the resilient inhabitants of the frigid Arctic regions, present a fascinating example of adaptation and survival. Their lives, deeply intertwined with the Arctic ice and sea, offer a glimpse into the complex ecosystem of the polar areas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-of-arctic-seals">Species of Arctic seals</h3>



<p>Harp seals, known for their distinctive harp-shaped markings, primarily inhabit the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. They are famous for their annual migration, covering thousands of miles.</p>



<p>Ringed seals, the smallest and most common Arctic seal, have a unique ability to create breathing holes in the ice. This skill is crucial for their survival in the ice-covered waters.</p>



<p>Bearded seals, named for their prominent whiskers, are larger and prefer shallow waters. They play a vital role in the diet of indigenous peoples and are critical prey for polar bears.</p>



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



<p>Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weddell-seals-sacrifice-diving-energy-to-give-iron-to-their-pups/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seals</a> have evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in extreme cold. They possess a thick layer of blubber for insulation and streamlined bodies for efficient swimming. Their specialized flippers enable agile movement both in water and on ice.</p>



<p>Sea ice is crucial for their survival, serving as a platform for resting, molting, and nurturing their young. The diminishing ice due to climate change poses a significant threat to their habitat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-predation">Diet and predation</h3>



<p>Arctic seals mainly feed on fish, krill, and other small marine creatures. Their hunting techniques are a marvel, involving stealth and agility. However, they also fall prey to larger predators like polar bears and orcas, playing a vital role in the Arctic food web.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-and-lifecycle">Reproduction and lifecycle</h3>



<p>The reproductive cycle of Arctic seals is closely linked to the sea ice. Mothers give birth on ice floes, providing a safe haven for their pups. The nurturing period is short but intense, with pups quickly learning to swim and hunt.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



<p>Several Arctic seal species face threats from climate change, hunting, and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway, including habitat protection and regulating hunting practices. Monitoring and research are critical for their continued survival.</p>



<p>In summary, Arctic seals, with their unique adaptations and crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem, are a testament to the resilience of wildlife in extreme environments. Understanding and protecting them is essential for preserving the delicate balance of the Arctic's natural world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bpj.2023.11.012" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Biophysical Journal</em></a>. </p>



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Complex nasal passages help Arctic seals stay warm

In the harsh conditions of the Arctic, survival hinges on...

<p>Ultrafast laser technology represents a significant advancement in medical technology, particularly in the realm of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-molecule-can-kill-all-types-of-solid-cancer-tumors/">cancer</a> treatment.</p>



<p>This breakthrough, led by researchers at <a href="https://www.inrs.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INRS</a> and McGill University Health Centre, demonstrates the potential of using high-power laser pulses to accelerate electrons to energies comparable to those used in radiation therapy.</p>



<p>"The strength of this electron source stems from its simplicity. A single focusing optic in ambient air produces an electron beam capable of delivering a yearly radiation dose in less than one second to a person standing one meter away," noted the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The key discovery is that a laser beam focused in ambient air can generate a plasma, which in turn can accelerate electrons to megaelectronvolt (MeV) levels. This is a substantial increase from the previously known limit of a few kiloelectronvolts (keV).&nbsp;</p>



<p>“For the first time, we showed that, under certain conditions, a laser beam tightly focused in ambient air can accelerate electrons reaching energies in the MeV (megaelectronvolt) range, the same order of magnitude as some irradiators used in radiation therapy for cancer,” explained François Légaré, Director of the EMT Centre at INRS.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flash-radiotherapy">FLASH radiotherapy</h2>



<p>Such high-energy electrons could be instrumental in FLASH radiotherapy, a new method for treating resistant tumors more effectively and with less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, the FLASH effect is still poorly understood but seems to involve a rapid deoxygenation of healthy tissues, reducing their sensitivity to radiation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safer-practices">Safer practices</h2>



<p>The researchers at INRS and MUHC emphasize the importance of their discovery not just for its medical applications, but also for the need to implement safer laboratory practices. The laser beams can produce radiation doses high enough to pose a health risk.</p>



<p>“The electron energies observed (MeV) allow them to travel more than three meters in air, or several millimeters under the skin. This poses a radiation exposure risk for users of the laser source,” explained study first author Simon Vallières.</p>



<p>Furthermore, by taking measurements near the source, the team observed a high radiation dose rate of electrons - three to four times greater than those used in conventional radiation therapy. “Uncovering this radiation hazard is an opportunity to implement safer practices in laboratories,” said Vallières.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-radiation-treatments">Improved radiation treatments</h2>



<p>The study opens the door to further research into the FLASH effect in radiotherapy and the development of more effective cancer treatments. It's a prime example of how scientific research can lead to practical and potentially life-saving applications.</p>



<p>“No study has been able to explain the nature of the FLASH effect. However, the electron sources used in FLASH radiotherapy have similar characteristics to the one we produced by focusing our laser strongly in ambient air," said Vallières.</p>



<p>"Once the radiation source is better controlled, further research will allow us to investigate what causes the FLASH effect and to, ultimately, offer better radiation treatments to cancer patients."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/lpor.202300078" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Laser &amp; Photonics Review</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Laser technology could improve radiation treatments for cancer patients

Ultrafast laser technology represents a significant advancement in medical technology,...

Unhealthy,Woman,Sit,In,Blanket,Hat,Feel,Sick,Suffer,From

<p>Since the outbreak of COVID-19, a wealth of research has highlighted the virus’s ability to impact various organ systems, leading to a condition known as long COVID, characterized by persistent and often debilitating health issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recent findings from the <a href="https://medicine.wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis</a> and the <a href="https://www.va.gov/st-louis-health-care/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System</a> have now shown that hospitalization due to seasonal influenza can also result in long-term, detrimental health effects, particularly on the lungs and airways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-health-risks-nbsp">Extended health risks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This study, which compared the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-passed-swine-flu-to-pigs-370-times-since-2009/">flu</a>, found that patients hospitalized for either condition face increased risks of death, rehospitalization, and various health problems for up to 18 months following infection. Significantly, the greatest risk period extends beyond the first 30 days after initial infection.</p>



<p>“The study illustrates the high toll of death and loss of health following hospitalization with either COVID-19 or seasonal influenza,” said senior author Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s critical to note that the health risks were higher after the first 30 days of infection. Many people think they’re over COVID-19 or the flu after being discharged from the hospital. That may be true for some people. But our research shows that both viruses can cause long-haul illness.”</p>



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



<p>Published on Dec. 14 in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00684-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Lancet Infectious Diseases</em></a>, the study involved a comprehensive 18-month post-infection analysis, comparing risks of death, hospital readmissions, and 94 adverse health outcomes across major organ systems.</p>



<p>“A review of past studies on COVID-19 versus the flu focused on a short-term and narrow set of health outcomes. Our novel approach compared the long-term health effects of a vast array of conditions,” Al-Aly said.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“The big answer is that both COVID-19 and the flu led to long-term health problems, and the big aha moment was the realization that the magnitude of long-term health loss eclipsed the problems that these patients endured in the early phase of the infection. Long COVID is much more of a health problem than COVID, and long flu is much more of a health problem than the flu.”</p>



<p>Al-Aly pointed out that while both COVID-19 and the flu lead to long-term health issues, the risks associated with COVID-19 are significantly higher in many organ systems, except for the lungs, where flu poses a greater threat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This tells us the flu is truly more of a respiratory virus, like we’ve all thought for the past 100 years. By comparison, COVID-19 is more aggressive and indiscriminate in that it can attack the pulmonary system, but it can also strike any organ system and is more likely to cause fatal or severe conditions involving the heart, brain, kidneys and other organs.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-19-outcomes">COVID-19 outcomes</h2>



<p>The study utilized de-identified medical records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs database, including data from 81,280 COVID-19 patients and 10,985 flu patients hospitalized during specific periods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mortality-risk">Mortality risk</h3>



<p>The analysis revealed that COVID-19 patients had a 50 percent higher risk of death than those with the flu, equating to about eight additional deaths per 100 persons in the COVID-19 group compared to those with flu.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-complications-nbsp">Health complications&nbsp;</h3>



<p>COVID-19 was associated with an increased risk of 68 percent of the health conditions studied (64 of 94), while the flu was linked to an elevated risk of six percent of conditions (six of 94), mainly affecting the respiratory system.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hospital-readmission">Hospital readmission</h3>



<p>Over 18 months, COVID-19 patients also faced a higher risk of hospital readmission and ICU admission. The findings underscore the importance of reducing hospitalizations for both viruses to lessen overall health loss in populations.</p>



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



<p>Al-Aly stressed the significance of vaccinations for both COVID-19 and the flu, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and immunocompromised, as they can prevent severe illness and reduce hospitalization and death risks.</p>



<p>Highlighting the long-term impact of these viral infections, Al-Aly concluded: “The idea that COVID-19 or flu are just acute illnesses overlooks their larger long-term effects on human health.” He called for a paradigm shift in how viral infections are perceived, emphasizing their role as major contributors to chronic diseases.</p>



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"Long flu" emerges as a public health risk

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, a wealth of research has...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<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>



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</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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<p>-----</p>

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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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
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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