<p>Evolution is often framed as a slow process encoded into our DNA. Yet some scientists argue we may be witnessing a shift of a different kind - one driven not by biology but by culture. This idea challenges traditional views of how our species adapts and survives.</p>



<p>At the <a href="https://umaine.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maine</a>, researchers Timothy M. Waring and Zachary T. Wood believe culture is overtaking genetics as the main force of human evolution. Their work suggests that humanity may be experiencing a transition rivaling some of the greatest shifts in evolutionary history.</p>



<p>"We find that culture solves problems much more rapidly than genetic evolution," said Waring. "This suggests our species is in the middle of a great evolutionary transition.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-s-new-driving-force">Evolution’s new driving force</h2>



<p>From <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-neolithic-mountain-settlers-used-complex-farming-methods/">farming methods</a> to legal codes, cultural practices adapt far faster than biological evolution. These changes allow human groups to solve problems and adjust to environments in ways genetics cannot match. </p>



<p>Waring and Wood argue that this transition is not new but is accelerating and could define humanity for millennia. “Cultural evolution eats genetic evolution for breakfast,” said Wood. “It’s not even close.”</p>



<p>Modern life illustrates this vividly. Eyeglasses, surgery, and fertility treatments intervene in challenges once governed by natural selection. Hospitals, schools, and governments have become cultural infrastructures that determine survival more than genetic traits.</p>



<p>“Ask yourself this: what matters more for your personal life outcomes, the genes you are born with, or the country where you live?” Waring said. </p>



<p>“Today, your well-being is determined less and less by your personal biology and more and more by the cultural systems that surround you - your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/community-sleep-health-predicts-success-among-children/">community</a>, your nation, your technologies. And the importance of culture tends to grow over the long term because culture accumulates adaptive solutions more rapidly.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-moves-faster-than-dna">Culture moves faster than DNA</h2>



<p>Culture is not just personal; it thrives on shared practices. Evidence from history and anthropology shows that group-level cultural adaptation has long shaped humanity, from the rise of agriculture to the creation of states. </p>



<p>Health systems, sanitation, and education now contribute more to survival than individual intelligence or genetic luck.</p>



<p>The researchers suggest this reliance on shared systems means humans are evolving through culture to become more group-oriented and dependent. Our survival may hinge on cultural evolution and collective adaptation rather than individual genetic advantage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groups-evolve-beyond-genetics">Groups evolve beyond genetics</h2>



<p>Evolutionary history includes dramatic reorganizations of life, like single cells forming multicellular organisms or insects becoming highly cooperative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-colonies-behave-like-neural-networks-when-making-decisions/">colonies</a>. Waring and Wood argue humans could be undergoing a similar individuality transition.</p>



<p>“Cultural organization makes groups more cooperative and effective. And larger, more capable groups adapt - via cultural change - more rapidly,” said Waring. “It’s a mutually reinforcing system, and the data suggest it is accelerating.”</p>



<p>Societal complexity makes even genetic engineering possible, showing how culture controls biology itself. If this transition continues, future humans may resemble societal “super-organisms” shaped more by cultural systems than genetic evolution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-putting-culture-to-the-test">Putting culture to the test</h2>



<p>The researchers stress that their theory is testable. They are developing mathematical models and long-term data collection to measure how quickly culture is overtaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tens-of-thousands-of-hidden-dark-genes-discovered-in-humans/">genes</a>. Importantly, they caution against viewing cultural evolution as inevitable progress.</p>



<p>“We are not suggesting that some societies, like those with more wealth or better technology, are morally ‘better’ than others,” Wood said. “Evolution can create both good solutions and brutal outcomes. We believe this might help our whole species avoid the most brutal parts.”</p>



<p>At the University of Maine’s Applied Cultural Evolution Laboratory, Waring’s team continues to expand this work, exploring how cultural patterns can inform humanity’s future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-culture-and-evolution">Future of culture and evolution</h2>



<p>The implications are vast. If cultural inheritance keeps dominating, human destiny may rest less on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-dna-shows-what-really-spread-the-farming-revolution/">DNA</a> and more on the resilience of our communities, technologies, and institutions.</p>



<p>“If cultural inheritance continues to dominate, our fates as individuals, and the future of our species, may increasingly hinge on the strength and adaptability of our societies,” Waring noted.</p>



<p>In this view, evolution’s future may not be written in genes but in the shared systems and stories that bind us together, shaping our communities, guiding innovation, and influencing how societies survive, grow, and adapt.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/biosci/biaf094/8230384?redirectedFrom=fulltext&amp;login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>BioScience</em></a>.</p>



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Culture is driving human evolution faster than our genes

Evolution is often framed as a slow process encoded into our DNA. Yet some scientists argue we may be witnessing a shift of a different kind - one driven not by biology but by culture. This idea challenges traditional views of how our species adapts and survives. At the University of Maine, researchers Timothy M. Waring and Zachary T. Wood believe culture is overtaking genetics as the main force of human evolution. Their work suggests that humanity may be experiencing a transition rivaling some of the greatest...

Yggdrasil,From,Norse,Mythology,Known,For,Being,The,Tree,Of

<p>In an insightful analysis, a team of conservation biologists have highlighted a significant gap in the current emoji library's representation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> and the "Tree of Life". They argue that while animals are well depicted, other forms of life like plants, fungi, and microorganisms are glaringly underrepresented.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-emoji-biodiversity">Assessing emoji biodiversity</h2>



<p>The research team, consisting of Stefano Mammola, Mattia Falaschi, and Gentile Francesco Ficetola, categorized emojis from the emoji library related to nature and animals from <a href="https://emojipedia.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emojipedia</a> and mapped them onto the phylogenetic tree of life. </p>



<p>Their findings, displayed in a fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/tree-of-life_Phylogenetic-trees-of-emojis_Credit-iScience-Mammola_1medium-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phylogenetic trees of emojis</a>, revealed a skewed representation favoring animals, particularly vertebrates, over other vital lifeforms in the "tree of life".</p>



<p>“While the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-time-machine-reveals-a-century-of-biological-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> crisis may seem distant from the online world, in our increasingly digitized society, we should not underestimate the potential of emojis to raise awareness and foster appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth,” the research team wrote.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-of-life-and-the-emoji-library">"Tree of Life" and the emoji library</h2>



<p>Their analysis identified 112 distinct organisms in emoji form: 92 animals, 16 plants, 1 fungus (likely <em>Amanita muscaria</em>), and 1 microorganism (likely <em>Escherichia coli</em>). Vertebrates dominated the animal emojis at 76%, followed by arthropods (16%). This starkly contrasts with real-world <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-greening-projects-can-dramatically-boost-urban-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, where arthropods far outnumber vertebrates.</p>



<p>“Currently available emojis encompass a broad range of animal species, while plants, fungi, and microorganisms are underrepresented,” the researchers write. “Such strong taxonomic bias is in line with current societal awareness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historic-treaty-adopted-to-protect-biodiversity-in-the-high-seas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, which tends to prioritize animals over other taxa.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emoji-library-s-representation-of-animals">Emoji library's representation of animals</h2>



<p>The researchers then took a deeper dive into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-risks-will-persist-long-after-temperatures-peak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> characteristics of animal emojis. They managed to identify some emojis as individual animal species, like the bald eagle and giant panda, while they could only classify others at the genus or family level, such as those representing ants or crocodilians.</p>



<p>In their findings, vertebrates accounted for 76% of the animal emojis, arthropods for 16%, mollusks for 4%, cnidarians for 2%, and annelids for 1%. Considering that over 1.3 million arthropod species exist compared to around 85,000 vertebrate species, the current emoji catalog significantly underrepresents arthropod <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-forest-biodiversity-has-massive-potential-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> while overrepresenting vertebrates.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the researchers pointed out the complete absence of emojis for platyhelminths (including flatworms and tapeworms) and nematodes, even though each of these groups includes more than 20,000 species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emoji-tree-of-life-diversity-is-evolving">Emoji "Tree of Life" diversity is evolving</h2>



<p>Fortunately, the diversity of emojis seems to be on the rise. In 2015, emoji representation included only 45 animal taxa, but this number grew to 78 by 2019 and further to 92 by 2022. Not only did the number of animal emojis increase, but their representativeness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-slow-down-biodiversity-loss-but-they-cant-reverse-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> also improved during this period. Initially, emojis only depicted vertebrates, arthropods, and mollusks. </p>



<p>However, by 2020, annelids joined this group with the introduction of the "worm" emoji, likely symbolizing an earthworm, and cnidarians followed in 2021 with the addition of a red coral emoji.</p>



<p>“This increase in phylogenetic diversity driven by less-known taxa emphasizes a positive trend of enhanced opportunities for emojifying biodiversity communication, allowing users of digital platforms to discuss a range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-the-world-at-a-cost-food-production-and-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>-related topics and sentiments more effectively, beyond the icons depicting iconic species,” the researchers write.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-in-the-digitized-world">Biodiversity in the digitized world</h2>



<p>The authors emphasize the role of emojis in today's digitized society for raising awareness about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. </p>



<p>“The development and maintenance of diverse and inclusive emoji sets are crucial to ensure the equitable representation of the tree of life in digital communication tools and to effectively convey messages on the importance of all the organisms for the functioning of the biosphere," they state.</p>



<p>Creating a more diverse emoji catalog could greatly aid conversations around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-for-biological-diversity-from-agreement-to-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> and conservation. The authors argue for the need for inclusive emoji sets to ensure equitable representation of all organisms and to effectively convey the importance of biodiversity in digital communications.</p>



<p>The team suggests that further research is needed to understand how nature-related emojis are utilized in discussions about biodiversity and conservation. This could potentially open up new avenues for engaging the public in these critical topics.</p>



<p>In summary, this eye-opening analysis by Mammola, Falaschi, and Ficetola underscores a critical need for a more inclusive emoji library that accurately represents the rich diversity of life. As digital communication continues to be a dominant medium, ensuring that our digital tools reflect the full spectrum of biodiversity becomes increasingly important for fostering awareness and engagement in conservation efforts.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2589004223026469">iScience</a></em>.</p>



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Current emoji library doesn’t accurately represent the Tree of Life

In an insightful analysis, a team of conservation biologists have...

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://liu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Linköping University</a> have made significant strides in understanding the lingering neurological effects of COVID-19. Using advanced MRI technology, the team has uncovered notable differences in brain tissue structure between patients who have had severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-associated-with-lower-covid-19-vaccine-responses/">COVID-19</a> and those who have not.</p>



<p>The study was focused on 16 patients who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 and continued to experience symptoms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research is a part of the larger Linköping COVID-19 Study (LinCos). It stands out from previous studies in its use of advanced diffusion MRI, a technique that is sensitive to the microstructural organization of the brain, particularly the white matter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-covid-19-brain-changes">Detecting COVID-19 brain changes</h2>



<p>White matter, primarily composed of nerve axons, is crucial for signal transmission within the brain and to the body. Traditional MRI scans have not been specific enough to detect COVID-19 related changes in the brain, leading to frustration among clinicians.</p>



<p>Ida Blystad is a neuroradiologist in the Department of Radiology at Linköping University Hospital and researcher affiliated with the Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences at Linköping University and the Centre for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV).</p>



<p>“It can be frustrating for me as a doctor when I understand that the patients have problems, but I can’t find an explanation because there’s nothing in the MRI scan to explain it," said Blystad. "To me, this underlines the importance of trying other examination technologies to understand what’s happening in the brain in patients with persisting symptoms after COVID-19."</p>



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



<p>The researchers compared the advanced diffusion MRI technology used in this study to the flow of traffic in a city at night. Just as the movement of cars along roads reveals the presence of highways, tracking the movement of water molecules in the brain helps infer the structure of neural pathways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This method has been instrumental in diagnosing strokes and planning brain surgery, but its application in understanding post-COVID conditions marks a novel approach.</p>



<p>“Diffusion MRI is a very sensitive technology that allows changes in how the nerve axons are organised to be detected. This is one of the reasons why we wanted to use diffusion MRI to study the effects of COVID-19 on the brain that other imaging technologies might not pick up,” explained doctoral student Deneb Boito.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-white-matter">Changes in white matter</h2>



<p>The experts compared the brain scans of the 16 previously hospitalized men with those of a healthy control group. The findings indicated differences in the white matter structure of the two groups, suggesting a potential cause for the neurological issues faced by the COVID-19 survivors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The two groups differ when it comes to brain white matter structure. This can be one of the causes of the neurological problems experienced by the group that had suffered from severe COVID-19. It’s a result that’s in line with other studies that have shown changes to the brain’s white matter," said Blystad.</p>



<p>"However, having examined only a small group of patients, we are cautious about drawing any major conclusions. With this technology, we’re not measuring the function of the brain, but its microstructure. To me, these findings are a sign that we must investigate long-term effects of COVID-19 in the brain using more advanced MRI technology than conventional MRI."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-questions-remain">Many questions remain</h2>



<p>Despite the breakthrough, several questions remain unanswered. The researchers are particularly interested in whether different brain regions are affected differently and how these changes correlate with brain function and inter-regional communication.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, since the study provides only a snapshot in time, it's unclear whether the observed brain differences are permanent or if they will resolve over time.</p>



<p>This pioneering research was funded by several institutions, including the Analytic Imaging Diagnostic Arena (AIDA), the ITEA/Vinnova project ASSIST, and the Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Linköping University.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcad284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Brain Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Long-COVID brain changes detected by advanced MRI technology

Researchers at Linköping University have made significant strides in understanding...

<p>The rail industry is being urged to consider the safety risks posed by space weather, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-alert-strong-geomagnetic-storm-warning-issued-due-to-strong-solar-flare/">solar storms</a>. New research suggests that these events could cause train accidents by disrupting rail signaling systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A team from <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a>, including PhD researcher Cameron Patterson and Professor Jim Wild, has conducted a study focusing on the impact of solar storms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-disturbances-nbsp">Powerful disturbances&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-lights-activity-will-intensify-over-the-next-18-months/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar storms</a> can create powerful magnetic disturbances on Earth, leading to geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) which have the potential to interfere with electricity transmission and distribution grids.</p>



<p>“Our research shows that space weather poses a serious, if relatively rare, risk to the rail signaling system, which could cause delays or even have more critical, safety implications," said Patterson. "This natural hazard needs to be taken seriously. By their nature, high-impact, low-frequency events are hard to plan for, but ignoring them is rarely the best way forward."</p>



<p>The study specifically investigated how geomagnetically induced currents could affect the track circuits of AC electrified lines powered by overhead cables. The team modeled these effects on two key routes: the West Coast Main Line between Preston and Lancaster, and the Glasgow to Edinburgh line. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rail-signaling-and-space-weather">Rail signaling and space weather</h2>



<p>"Crucially, our research suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-storms-are-influenced-by-earths-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> is able to flip a signal in either direction, turning a red signal green or a green signal red. This is obviously very significant from a safety perspective," said Patterson.</p>



<p>“By building a computer model of the signaling track circuits using realistic specifications for the various components of the system, we found that space weather events capable of triggering faults in these track circuits are expected in the UK every few decades.”</p>



<p>This is particularly concerning given that there are more than 50,000 signaling track circuits in the UK. Patterson's earlier research explored "right side" failures, where signals switch from green to red, a fail-safe scenario. </p>



<p>However, the more hazardous "wrong side" failures, where signals go from red to green, could occur at lower geoelectric field strengths, meaning weaker geomagnetic storms could more easily trigger these dangerous failures.</p>



<p>The latest study suggests that "wrong side" failures could happen once or twice every decade. For extreme events, which occur less frequently, the risk of widespread signaling malfunctions increases significantly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-space-weather-on-rail-safety">Implications of space weather on rail safety</h2>



<p>The team also examined the effects of a solar storm similar to the massive 1859 eruption, predicting widespread signaling issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When we experience severe space weather which happens every few decades or extreme space weather seen every century or two, then there is a potential for significant signaling misoperation, which has an obvious safety impact," said Patterson.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Severe space weather is recognized in the UK Government’s National Risk Register for Civil Emergencies as a significant threat. This research serves as a wake-up call for the rail industry to address the safety risks posed by space weather.</p>



<p>Professor Wild emphasized the importance of incorporating space weather forecasting into railway operations to mitigate risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Other industries such as aviation, electricity generation and transmission, and the space sector are considering the risks to their operations, and exploring how these might be mitigated. It’s important that the rail sector is included in this planning," said Professor Wild.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As our understanding of the space weather hazard improves, it’s possible to consider how to reduce the risks. In future, we could see space weather forecasting being used make decisions about limiting railway operations if an extreme event is expected, just as meteorological forecasts are used currently."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023SW003625" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Space Weather</em></a>.</p>



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Space weather poses significant risks to railway safety 

The rail industry is being urged to consider the safety...

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruhr University Bochum</a> has scrutinized the memory capabilities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jackdaws-choose-food-over-friends-but-not-over-family/">jackdaws</a>. </p>



<p>The experts found that, like humans, jackdaws have memories that become less precise and more biased as the workload gets heavier.</p>



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



<p>The research involved training two birds to accurately remember colors, with varying amounts of food offered based on the precision of their responses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers introduced manipulations to assess working memory demands, such as altering the duration of color retention or requiring the birds to remember multiple colors simultaneously.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The reward structure was designed to incentivize the birds to respond with maximum accuracy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-working-memory-nbsp">Working memory&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Working memory (WM) is a crucial element of the higher cognition of primates and corvid songbirds. Despite its importance, WM has a severely limited capacity and is vulnerable to noise," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In primates, attractor dynamics mitigate the effect of noise by discretizing continuous information. Yet, it remains unclear whether similar dynamics are seen in avian brains."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Here, we show jackdaws (<em>Corvus monedula</em>) have similar behavioral biases as humans; memories are less precise and more biased as memory demands increase."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-overload">Cognitive overload</h2>



<p>The researchers found that there was a decline in the birds’ performance when subjected to higher demands on their working memory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The functioning of working memory can be seen, for example, in the challenges faced by service staff who have to remember large orders,” said lead author Aylin Apostel, a biologist at Bochum.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-generalized-recollection-nbsp">Generalized recollection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Similar to humans, jackdaws exhibited reduced accuracy and a propensity for biased representations under increased working memory demands.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This translated into less precise and biased memories, analogous to a waiter delivering two lattes instead of a latte macchiato and a cappuccino, due to heightened working memory demands leading to a more generalized recollection.</p>



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



<p>The researchers highlighted attractor dynamics as a fundamental biological principle governing this phenomenon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Attractor dynamics act as a fundamental principle in the brains of corvids and primates, which ultimately direct memories into specific categories,” explained senior author Jonas Rose.</p>



<p>This mechanism biases memory representations, enhancing overall memory performance despite a reduction in precision.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Significantly, this principle proved equally effective in the brains of both corvids and primates, despite their divergent evolutionary paths, suggesting a fundamental biological principle for efficient working memory utilization.</p>



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



<p>By comparing primates and jackdaws, the study offers insights into the evolution and adaptability of working memory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The discovery of common principles in different brains offers promising approaches for the further development of generally valid models that explain the cognitive functioning of animals and humans,” concluded Apostel.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study not only deepens our understanding of avian cognition but also provides a foundation for developing comprehensive models to elucidate cognitive functioning across diverse species.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-05442-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications Biology</em></a>.</p>



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Jackdaws have a human-like response to memory overload

A new study led by the Ruhr University Bochum has...

Cracked,Earth,At,Ubonratchatani,,Thailand.

<p>Next year is poised to mark a troubling milestone in the annals of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate</a> history, according to forecasts from the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Met Office</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The modeling anticipates that 2024 might become the first year in human history to surpass the critical 2.7°F (1.5°C) warming threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement, a level deemed as the potential point of irreversibility for climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-breaking-high">Record-breaking high</h2>



<p>Despite 2023 on track to become the hottest year on record, projections for 2024 already indicate a new record-breaking high. The Met Office attributes these scorching temperatures to a combination of climate change and a substantial El Niño event.</p>



<p>Scientists estimate that temperatures in the upcoming year will range between 2.41°F (1.34°C) and 2.84°F (1.58°C) above the pre-industrial average.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The forecast is in line with the ongoing global warming trend of 0.2°C [0.36°F] per decade, and is boosted by a significant El Niño event. We expect two new global temperature record-breaking years in succession, and, for the first time, we are forecasting a reasonable chance of a year temporarily exceeding 1.5°C [2.7°F],” said Nick Dunstone, an expert in Climate Science at the Met Office.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perilous-tipping-point">Perilous tipping point</h2>



<p>Since 2015, nations committed to preventing global temperatures from rising beyond 2.7°F (1.5°C), a threshold signifying a perilous tipping point. Although a single temporary breach of this limit wouldn’t technically violate the Paris Agreement, it would nevertheless be a noteworthy event in climate history.</p>



<p>The temperature rise in the coming year will be influenced by factors beyond human-induced climate change. Notably, a significant El Niño event is expected to temporarily elevate average temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>El Niño is characterized by a redistribution of warm water in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in weaker winds and warmer seas for a brief period.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Professor Adam Scaife from the Met Office underscores additional contributors to the temperature extremes, such as anomalous high temperatures in the North Atlantic and Southern Ocean, emphasizing the synergy with climate change.</p>



<p>While natural temperature fluctuations occur, subsequent years are unlikely to breach the 2.7°F (1.5°C) limit. Nevertheless, Professor Scaife argues that human-induced climate change remains the predominant factor driving record-breaking temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This prediction follows a series of unprecedented weather events, with 2023 poised to become the hottest year on record, exceeding initial temperature predictions made by the Met Office at the close of 2022.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-the-1-5-c-limit-so-critical">Why is the 1.5°C limit so critical?</h2>



<p>Surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit could have severe consequences for the planet. It's a complex situation where even a slight increase beyond 1.5 degrees could have wide-ranging and potentially irreversible impacts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather">Extreme weather</h3>



<p>More frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes, heatwaves, droughts, and floods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-sea-levels">Rising sea levels</h3>



<p>Melting polar ice caps and glaciers would contribute to higher sea levels, threatening coastal areas and islands.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-disruptions">Ecosystem disruptions</h3>



<p>Altered habitats could endanger many species and disrupt ecosystems. Coral reefs, in particular, are at risk.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-impact">Agricultural impact</h3>



<p>Changes in climate patterns could affect crop yields, leading to food scarcity and higher prices.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks">Health risks</h3>



<p>Increased temperatures and changing weather patterns can exacerbate health issues, including heat-related illnesses and the spread of infectious diseases.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-consequences">Economic consequences</h3>



<p>Damage from extreme weather, changes in agricultural productivity, and health impacts could have enormous economic costs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geopolitical-effects">Geopolitical effects</h3>



<p>Climate-induced migration and resource scarcity might lead to social unrest and geopolitical tensions.</p>



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2024 is expected to exceed the 1.5°C warming limit

Next year is poised to mark a troubling milestone in...

A,Curious,Humpback,Whale,Calf,In,The,Emerald,Blue,Water

<p>A new <a href="https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/climate-change-and-migratory-species-review/">UN report</a> released at COP28 reveals the severe impacts of climate change on migratory animals. The research emphasizes the dire consequences for migratory species and the potential loss of their crucial ecosystem services.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worldwide-impacts">Worldwide impacts</h2>



<p>The study, prepared by the <a href="https://www.bto.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Trust for Ornithology</a> (BTO), illustrates how climate change - driven by temperature increases, habitat alteration, shifts in ocean currents, and extreme weather events like wildfires - is substantially affecting migratory species worldwide.</p>



<p>The key impacts mentioned in the report include alterations in migratory routes, changes in breeding timings, and reduced reproductive success and survival rates. These changes not only threaten the species themselves but also the global ecosystem functions they support.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anthropogenic-emissions">Anthropogenic emissions</h2>



<p>"Over the last several decades, anthropogenic emissions (primarily of carbon dioxide (CO2)) have rapidly increased global temperatures and altered climate patterns. Widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere have occurred, affecting both average conditions and annual variability, in particular the frequency of extreme events," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"Climate change has already caused substantial damage and increasingly irreversible losses to most species groups in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-migratory-species">Threats to migratory species</h2>



<p>"Migratory species are vulnerable to a wide range of threats, both climate-related and non-climate-related, as they move between countries and ecosystems on a seasonal basis."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This potentially&nbsp;exposes them to the impacts of climate change at multiple locations along their migration route, with possible interactions and divergence in the timing of cues at these locations."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-services">Ecosystem services</h2>



<p>Migratory species offer numerous benefits, including nutrition, economic development, and essential services like pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. They play a pivotal role in climate change mitigation and resilience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, whales sequester significant carbon amounts, and antelopes can mitigate wildfire risks through their grazing patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-evidence">Lack of evidence</h2>



<p>"Overall, there is widespread evidence of changes in the distribution and phenology of migratory species. In particular, poleward range shifts and earlier migration and breeding are already occurring in temperature-driven medium and high latitudes, and more mixed directional shifts are&nbsp;apparent in the tropics, depending on changes in rainfall," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The results of this review suggest that evidence on the impacts of climate change is lacking for several species groups, particularly bats, fish, South American grassland birds, and sharks and rays, as well as regionally for species residing in the tropics and Global South."</p>



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



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures">Rising temperatures</h3>



<p>There is strong evidence that global increases in temperature have affected most migratory species groups, and these impacts are mostly negative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, rising temperatures are causing changes in the reproduction and survival of krill and are having a negative impact on marine mammals and seabirds that rely on krill as a key food source.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution-of-migratory-species">Distribution of migratory species</h3>



<p>Climate change is impacting migratory species distribution and timing of migration. In particular, temperature increases are driving poleward range shifts and earlier migration and breeding.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In some species, such as wading birds, there is a risk this will cause a mismatch between the timing of breeding and the time when prey species are most abundant.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-availability-nbsp">Water availability&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Changes in water availability are causing the loss of wetlands and reduced river flows, which are likely to particularly impact the migration of fish and waterbirds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-events">Extreme events</h3>



<p>Extreme climate-related events such as landslides are causing severe habitat destruction and have already been observed at some seabird breeding sites.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-currents">Ocean currents</h3>



<p>There is strong evidence that migratory seabirds and marine mammals will be impacted by changes in ocean currents. These changes are likely to alter the nature and functioning of many marine and terrestrial ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-demonstration-nbsp">Powerful demonstration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Steve Barclay is the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.</p>



<p>“Nature underpins the very fabric of our lives – the ecosystems, food and water security upon which we all depend, as well as the health of our economies," said Barclay.</p>



<p>"The challenges that these migratory species face as a result of climate change are a powerful demonstration of the need for coordinated global action to protect our environment, which is why the UK is taking a leading role in efforts to restore nature, halt biodiversity loss and achieve our stretching targets to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-disruptions-to-migratory-species">Severe disruptions to migratory species</h2>



<p>Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of CMS, noted that migratory species are facing severe disruptions due to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Migratory species are finely tuned to the rhythms of our planet. They depend on a delicate balance, journeying vast distances to reach habitats specifically suited for their survival and reproduction," said Fraenkel.</p>



<p>"However, climate change is severely disrupting these critical paths, altering ecosystems and affecting the availability of resources. This disruption serves as a crucial red flag, highlighting the broader implications of climate change not just for these species, but for the interconnected web of life on Earth."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-species-need-immediate-help">Migratory species need immediate help</h2>



<p>The report stresses the urgent need for action to assist vulnerable migratory species in adapting to climate change. Recommendations include establishing connected protected areas and robust monitoring for successful intervention assessment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The clock is ticking on the future for many iconic species. We owe it to them to raise global awareness that solutions are possible, and call on governments to use this report to take action, seeking out nature based solutions that will help migratory species and that can reduce the impacts of climate change," said Professor Galbraith, Former Chair of the <a href="https://jncc.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joint Nature Conservation Committee</a>.</p>



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United Nations: Urgent need to protect migratory animal species

A new UN report released at COP28 reveals the severe...

<p>In a comprehensive new study, scientists have assembled a detailed 66 million-year history of Earth's atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and corresponding temperatures. The research offers critical insights into the current and future state of our planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study was conducted over the course of seven years by a consortium of over 80 researchers from 16 countries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitivity-of-earth-s-climate-nbsp">Sensitivity of Earth's climate&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts determined that the last time Earth's atmosphere contained CO2 levels comparable to today was 14 million years ago, which is much earlier than previously estimated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation underscores the sensitivity of Earth's climate to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/state-of-the-climate-greenhouse-gases-hit-a-record-high-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> and human-driven concentrations of CO2, with potential long-term effects spanning millennia.</p>



<p>“We have long known that adding CO2 to our atmosphere raises the temperature,” said Bärbel Hönisch, a geochemist at <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory who coordinated the consortium. “This study gives us a much more robust idea of how sensitive the climate is over long time scales.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-levels-and-global-temperature-rise">CO2 levels and global temperature rise </h2>



<p>The research suggests that for every doubling of atmospheric CO2, average global temperatures could increase by 1.5 to 4.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 to 8.1 Fahrenheit) in the near future, with some studies proposing even higher increases.</p>



<p>The study highlights a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tipping-points-report-shows-humanity-on-a-disastrous-trajectory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concerning trend</a>: from around 280 parts per million (ppm) of CO2 in the late 1700s, we have reached approximately 420 ppm today, a 50% increase. </p>



<p>This trajectory could lead to levels of 600 ppm or more by the century's end, pushing the planet along a path of uncertain but significant warming, with an increase of about 1.2 degrees C (2.2 degrees F) already observed since the late 19th century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-historical-co2-levels">Studying historical CO2 levels</h2>



<p>The researchers used a range of scientific methods, including analysis of air bubbles in ice cores, ancient soil and ocean sediment chemistry, and fossil plant leaf anatomy, to track historical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-accelerated-in-the-last-decade-making-it-the-hottest-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature trends</a> relative to CO2 levels. </p>



<p>The team meticulously reviewed and recalibrated existing data, excluding less reliable studies in light of new findings, to create a more accurate and comprehensive CO2 versus temperature curve over 66 million years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-prediction-nbsp">Dramatic prediction&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This new curve suggests a dramatic prediction: a doubling of CO2 could increase global temperatures by 5 to 8 degrees C. However, this "Earth system sensitivity" metric reflects climate changes over hundreds of thousands of years, not the shorter timescales directly relevant to human experience.</p>



<p>The study authors explained that over long periods, increases in temperature may emerge from intertwined Earth processes that go beyond the immediate greenhouse effect created by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-carbon-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2 in the air</a>. </p>



<p>These include melting of polar ice sheets, which would reduce the Earth’s ability to reflect solar energy; changes in terrestrial plant cover; and changes in clouds and atmospheric aerosols that could either heighten or lower temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-effects-of-co2-levels">Cascading effects of CO2 levels</h2>



<p>“If you want us to tell you what the temperature will be in the year 2100, this does not tell you that. But it does have a bearing on present climate policy,” said study co-author Dana Royer, a paleoclimatologist at Wesleyan University. “It strengthens what we already thought we knew. It also tells us that there are sluggish, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cascading effects</a> that will last for thousands of years.”</p>



<p>Hönisch said the study will be useful for climate modelers trying to predict what will happen in coming decades, because they will be able to feed the newly robust observations into their studies, and disentangle processes that operate on short versus long time scales. She noted that all the project’s data are available in an open database, and will be updated on a rolling basis.</p>



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



<p>Covering the Cenozoic era, the study offers a refined understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2-temperature relationship</a>, particularly for certain time periods. It confirms that the hottest period was around 50 million years ago, with CO2 levels reaching up to 1,600 ppm.</p>



<p>The researchers conclude that the last time CO2 was consistently higher than now was about 16 million years ago at about 480 ppm. By 14 million years ago, atmospheric CO2 had decreased to today’s human-induced level of 420 ppm.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messing-with-the-atmosphere">Messing with the atmosphere</h2>



<p>The decline continued, and by 2.5 million years ago, atmospheric CO2 reached about 270 or 280 ppm, kicking off a series of ice ages. It was at or below that when modern humans came into being about 400,000 years ago, and persisted there until we started messing with the atmosphere on a grand scale 250 years ago, said the experts.</p>



<p>"Regardless of exactly how many degrees the temperature changes, it’s clear we have already brought the planet into a range of conditions never seen by our species,” said study co-author Gabriel Bowen, a professor at the University of Utah. “It should make us stop and question what is the right path forward.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adi5177" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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CO2 levels linked to cascading effects that last for millennia 

In a comprehensive new study, scientists have assembled a detailed...

<p>In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, many people desire to adopt a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthy-nations-are-making-more-progress-toward-sustainable-development/">sustainable</a> lifestyle. Yet, the transition to sustainable behavior is not as simple as it may seem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new review article by Professor Wilhelm Hofmann of <a href="http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruhr University Bochum</a> explains why self-control is more complex than a mere lack of self-discipline.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-motivational-conflicts-nbsp">Motivational conflicts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"People often encounter motivational conflicts in which they must somehow choose between a highly enjoyable, tempting option and an option that is more long-term oriented or prosocial," said Professor Hofmann.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This phenomenon is the focus of self-control research, where self-control is typically defined as the process of advancing a self-control goal over a conflicting motivation."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-external-environment-nbsp">The external environment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Hofmann argues that when psychological studies are focused on the individual, they often overlook structural factors. His analysis of numerous research studies uncovers the significant role of the physical and social environment in shaping individual behavior.</p>



<p>For instance, when an eco-conscious consumer faces a choice between multiple meat dishes and a single, possibly more expensive vegetarian option, the environmental setup plays a key role in decision-making. This example illustrates the conflict between personal goals and available choices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-individual-discipline-nbsp">Beyond individual discipline&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Traditional theories like self-determination emphasize personal autonomy and the preservation of freedom of choice. However, Hofmann points out that this approach is flawed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The assumption that providing sufficient information about risks and trusting individuals to make the right decisions is insufficient. Environmental and social norms significantly influence decisions, like the tendency to conform to peer choices in matters like car ownership.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-changes-are-needed">Structural changes are needed</h2>



<p>“Many people try to live in a more sustainable manner, but fail to do so in reality,” said Hofmann. Unsustainable options are often cheaper, more visible and more available than sustainable ones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Relying on individual discipline, willingness to make sacrifices and a sense of guilt won’t get us very far. We need to question and change the structures that contribute to social problems such as the overuse of natural resources and make sustainable behavior more difficult. And in order to achieve this, we need sound and effective political decisions.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalating-climate-crisis-nbsp">Escalating climate crisis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Hofmann suggests that society needs to agree on good rules in order to provide individuals with the best possible support on the path to sustainable behavior.</p>



<p>"The accelerating climate crisis is the best example of how the unlimited exercise of personal consumer freedoms leads to negative consequences for society as a whole,” explained Hofmann.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve forgotten to a certain extent to look at the collective benefit, i.e. the common good, and need to recognize the importance of good regulation once again. By this I mean that we need to agree on effective and fair rules that protect us from risks and that apply to everyone equally. Such as are standard practice in road traffic, for example.”</p>



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



<p>While acknowledging the importance of structural changes, Hofmann does not diminish the role of individual efforts in achieving sustainability.</p>



<p>“Everyone can take small steps and help shape their environment wherever possible. And once your own creative power as a citizen, employee or customer reaches its limits, you can advocate for people with decision-making power to take up the cause. We always have the power to influence."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44159-023-00256-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Reviews Psychology</em></a>.</p>



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Why is the transition to sustainable behavior so difficult?

In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, many people...

<p>The moon has entered into a new phase of existence due to human influence. In a new study from the <a href="https://ku.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kansas</a>, experts say that it is time to recognize a new epoch on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-spacecraft-captures-stunning-photo-of-earth-and-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>: the Lunar Anthropocene.</p>



<p>This proposal is rooted in the first human-induced disturbance on the moon on September 13, 1959, when the USSR's <a href="https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1959-014A#:~:text=Luna%202%20was%20the%20second,%2C%20Archimedes%2C%20and%20Autolycus%20craters." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luna 2 mission</a> made contact with the lunar surface. </p>



<p>Since then, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> has been host to over 100 spacecraft, including the famed Apollo Lunar Modules. These visits have left indelible marks on the moon, altering its landscape in ways previously unimagined.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-anthropocene-nbsp">Lunar Anthropocene&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The idea is much the same as the discussion of the Anthropocene on Earth - the exploration of how much humans have impacted our planet,” said study lead author Justin Holcomb, a postdoctoral researcher with the <a href="https://kgs.ku.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas Geological Survey</a> at KU.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The consensus is on Earth the Anthropocene began at some point in the past, whether hundreds of thousands of years ago or in the 1950s. Similarly, on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/days-are-getting-longer-as-the-moon-drifts-away-from-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>, we argue the Lunar Anthropocene already has commenced, but we want to prevent massive damage or a delay of its recognition until we can measure a significant lunar halo caused by human activities, which would be too late."</p>



<p>Collaborating with Professor Rolfe Mandel and Professor Karl Wegmann at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>, Holcomb emphasizes that the lunar landscape is no longer a static, untouched entity. </p>



<p>“Cultural processes are starting to outstrip the natural background of geological processes on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-are-moon-tides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>,” said Holcomb. “These processes involve moving sediments, which we refer to as ‘regolith,’ on the moon."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initiating-discussions">Initiating discussions </h2>



<p>"Typically, these processes include meteoroid impacts and mass movement events, among others. However, when we consider the impact of rovers, landers and human movement, they significantly disturb the regolith. In the context of the new space race, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/man-in-the-moon-craters-are-200-million-years-older-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar landscape</a> will be entirely different in 50 years." </p>



<p>"Multiple countries will be present, leading to numerous challenges. Our goal is to dispel the lunar-static myth and emphasize the importance of our impact, not only in the past but ongoing and in the future. We aim to initiate discussions about our impact on the lunar surface before it's too late.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delicate-exosphere-nbsp">Delicate exosphere&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We know that while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-plasma-sheet-may-be-forming-water-on-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> does not have an atmosphere or magnetosphere, it does have a delicate exosphere composed of dust and gas, as well as ice inside permanently shadowed areas, and both are susceptible to exhaust gas propagation,” wrote the study authors. “Future missions must consider mitigating deleterious effects on lunar environments.”</p>



<p>While Holcomb and his colleagues want to use the Lunar Anthropocene to highlight the potential for humanity’s potential negative environmental impact to the moon, they also hope to call attention to the vulnerability of lunar sites with historical and anthropological value, which currently have no legal or policy protections against disturbance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lunar-anthropocene-artifacts">Lunar Anthropocene artifacts</h2>



<p>The team's concern extends to the remnants of human missions on the moon, ranging from scientific equipment to more unconventional items like golf balls and religious texts. These artifacts, they argue, are not merely litter but constitute a unique archaeological record of human presence in space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A recurring theme in our work is the significance of lunar material and footprints on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-moon-is-40-million-years-older-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> as valuable resources, akin to an archaeological record that we’re committed to preserving,” said Holcomb. </p>



<p>“The concept of a Lunar Anthropocene aims to raise awareness and contemplation regarding our impact on the lunar surface, as well as our influence on the preservation of historical artifacts.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-heritage-movement">Space heritage movement</h2>



<p>Holcomb said this field of “space heritage” would aim to preserve or catalog items such as rovers, flags, golf balls and footprints on the moon’s surface.</p>



<p>“As archaeologists, we perceive footprints on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-moon-dust-help-slow-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a> as an extension of humanity's journey out of Africa, a pivotal milestone in our species' existence."</p>



<p>“These imprints are intertwined with the overarching narrative of evolution. It’s within this framework we seek to capture the interest of not only planetary scientists but also archaeologists and anthropologists who may not typically engage in discussions about planetary science.”</p>



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



<p>The moon, Earth's only natural satellite, presents a fascinating subject for exploration and study. Radiating a ghostly glow in our night sky, it has captivated human imagination for millennia.</p>



<p>Formed about 4.5 billion years ago, the moon likely resulted from a colossal impact between Earth and a Mars-sized body. This dramatic event spewed material into orbit, which eventually coalesced into the moon we see today. Orbiting Earth at an average distance of about 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers), it completes a revolution approximately every 27.3 days.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics">Characteristics</h3>



<p>The moon's surface, characterized by its distinctive craters, mountains, and 'seas' (or maria), tells a story of ancient violence. These features formed primarily due to meteorite impacts and volcanic activity. The most notable feature, the Tycho crater, with its prominent ray system, serves as a testament to these violent impacts.</p>



<p>Unlike Earth, the moon lacks an atmosphere, leading to extreme temperature variations. Its surface experiences scorching heat exceeding 250°F (121°C) during the day and plunging to below -250°F (-157°C) at night. This lack of atmosphere also means the moon provides no sky or weather changes, offering a constant view of the universe.</p>



<p>The moon's gravitational pull plays a crucial role in Earth's life. It stabilizes our planet's axial tilt, influencing climate and seasons. More visibly, it drives the tides, rhythmically raising and lowering our oceans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploration-and-lunar-anthropocene">Exploration and Lunar Anthropocene</h3>



<p>NASA's Apollo missions from 1969 to 1972 marked a significant milestone in lunar exploration, with Apollo 11 being the first to land humans on the moon. These missions brought back lunar rocks for study and deepened our understanding of the moon's geology and history. However, as discussed above, they also left indelible marks, changing it forever and prompting the Lunar Anthropocene epoch.</p>



<p>Currently, the moon remains a key focus for space exploration. Plans for further manned missions, lunar bases, and even mining operations are in the works. These endeavors aim to unlock the moon's potential as a stepping stone for deeper space exploration, possibly even serving as a gateway for missions to Mars and beyond.</p>



<p>In essence, the moon is more than just a celestial body orbiting Earth. It's a historical archive of our solar system, a catalyst for Earth's stability, and a gateway to the wider cosmos. Its silent presence in the night sky continues to inspire and challenge us, beckoning future explorers to uncover its secrets.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01347-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Lunar Anthropocene: How humans have permanently changed the moon

The moon has entered into a new phase of existence...

<p>New research led by Dr. Florian Klein at the <a href="https://portal.uni-koeln.de/en/uoc-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cologne</a> has revealed incredible new details about how the immune system responds to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-household-spread-of-covid-19/">SARS-CoV-2</a> and its variants. </p>



<p>Despite the familiarity of the immune system with the virus, new variants continue to present challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Two recent studies from Dr. Klein's group have shed light on the evolution of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system's proactive strategies against emerging variants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-affinity-maturation-nbsp">Affinity maturation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the key processes in this battle is "affinity maturation," where antibodies mature over time through mutations of individual amino acids. This maturation enhances the detection and neutralization of infectious pathogens.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that an infection with the Omicron variant triggers a renewed immune response in vaccinated individuals, primarily through the reactivation of memory B cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the antibodies produced by these cells had matured even before the emergence of Omicron, suggesting that the immune system was preemptively prepared.</p>



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



<p>“Our first goal was to investigate how the antibody response in healthy subjects changes through a third vaccination against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain,” said study first author and doctoral candidate Svea Rose.</p>



<p>“We were initially surprised by the results. Although the third vaccination significantly increased the SARS-CoV-2 immune response overall, there was hardly any further maturation at the level of individual antibodies.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-affinity-maturation-nbsp-0">Affinity maturation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Further analysis, particularly in individuals infected with Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 post-vaccination, revealed that memory B cells that were capable of forming antibodies to neutralize the Omicron variant had proliferated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the study's first author Dr. Timm Weber, these immune cells were already in existence prior to contact with the Omicron variant.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Interestingly, the immune cells directed against the Omicron variant were already present before contact with Omicron and were not induced by Omicron,” said Dr. Weber.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-response-nbsp">Proactive response&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the team discovered broad neutralizing antibodies - which had appeared early on in the pandemic - that were effective against all tested new variants.</p>



<p>The working group also looked at the molecular mechanism of affinity maturation. The clock was turned back and individual antibodies, which were isolated throughout the world in the first year of the pandemic, were restored to their original state, explained study lead authors Michael Korenkov and Dr Matthias Zehner.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-random-modifications-nbsp">Random modifications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that some modifications during affinity maturation occur randomly, and surprisingly, these random modifications were crucial for neutralizing the Omicron variants.</p>



<p>“The immune system expands the arsenal of existing antibodies by inserting arbitrary mutations and thus increases the likelihood of having a suitable antibody in the repertoire when a new virus variant appears,” explained Dr. Christoph Kreer, who led the study together with Professor Klein.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This insight led to the modification of a therapeutic antibody, previously ineffective against Omicron, to effectively neutralize Omicron variants.</p>



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



<p>Ultimately, these studies not only illuminate how the human immune system reacts to a new virus and its evolving variants but also highlight the potential therapeutic and preventive applications of the newly isolated broad neutralizing antibodies against newer Omicron variants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research marks a significant advancement in our understanding of the immune system's adaptability and resilience in the face of emerging viral threats.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2023.11.004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Immunity</em></a>.</p>



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Our immune system has a proactive response to Covid variants

New research led by Dr. Florian Klein at the University...

<p>New research has unveiled a new piece of this cosmic puzzle, pointing towards the role of nuclear fission in the creation of heavy elements throughout the universe.</p>



<p>For decades, scientists have been intrigued by the origin of elements heavier than iron in the periodic table. The prevailing theory suggested these elements were born from cataclysmic stellar events such as supernovae or the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-explosion-created-elements-essential-for-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">merger of neutron stars</a>. However, recent studies involving old stars have revealed intriguing data suggesting the presence of nuclear fission in the universe. </p>



<p>Matthew Mumpower, a theoretical physicist at <a href="https://www.lanl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Alamos National Laboratory</a>, emphasized the novelty of this discovery. "People have thought fission was happening in the cosmos, but to date, no one has been able to prove it," Mumpower stated. His research indicates that superheavy nuclei, beyond the heaviest elements known, may be naturally produced.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuclear-fission-s-role-in-element-formation">Nuclear fission's role in element formation</h2>



<p>The researchers observed a positive correlation between light precision metals like silver and rare earth nuclei such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/europium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">europium</a> across different stars. "The only plausible way this can arise among different stars is if there is a consistent process operating during the formation of the heavy elements," Mumpower explained. After exhaustive testing, fission emerged as the only viable explanation for this trend.</p>



<p>"This is incredibly profound and is the first evidence of fission operating in the cosmos, confirming a theory we proposed several years ago," Mumpower declared. </p>



<p>The observations suggest that elements with an atomic mass of 260, heavier than any currently on the periodic table, might exist. These findings stem from fission models developed by Mumpower and observational leadership by Ian Roederer of <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>.</p>



<p>Traditionally, astrophysicists believed heavy elements beyond iron were formed in supernovae or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-alien-radio-signals-may-be-caused-by-starquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a> mergers. These processes involve the rapid-neutron capture process, or r-process, where atomic nuclei capture neutrons to form heavier elements. The possibility of these elements undergoing fission, splitting into lighter elements while releasing energy, had been a mystery until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observational-evidence-of-nuclear-fission">Observational evidence of nuclear fission</h2>



<p>In a 2020 <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prc/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevC.101.054607" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper</a>, Mumpower first predicted the distributions of fission fragments for r-process nuclei. A subsequent <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ab91a9/meta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> predicted the co-production of light precision metals and rare earth nuclei. Roederer's analysis of data from 42 stars found the precise correlation predicted, providing a clear signature of fission in the creation of these elements.</p>



<p>"The correlation is very robust in r-process enhanced stars where we have sufficient data," Mumpower pointed out. He explained that the creation of an atom of silver is proportionally linked to the production of heavier rare earth nuclei. "We have shown that only one mechanism can be responsible — fission," he added.</p>



<p>Mumpower highlighted the significance of nuclear fission models developed at Los Alamos, initially intended for weapons research. These models have proven effective in interpreting experimental data and filling gaps where measurements are lacking. Since the cessation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/risk-of-nuclear-winter-underestimated-by-most-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear weapon</a> testing in the United States in 1992, experimental data on fission has been limited, making these models even more crucial.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-chapter-in-astrophysics">A new chapter in astrophysics</h2>



<p>In summary, this research opens a new chapter in our understanding of the universe and the formation of heavy elements. It confirms the occurrence of fission in cosmic processes while also hinting at the existence of elements beyond our current knowledge. </p>



<p>As Mumpower and his team continue to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, we are reminded of the ever-evolving nature of scientific discovery and its ability to challenge and refine our understanding of the universe.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf1341" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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'Incredibly profound' evidence of nuclear fission discovered in the cosmos

New research has unveiled a new piece of this cosmic...

<p>The Atlantic Ocean has experienced significant changes over the past 40 years, according to the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS). The recent findings from this long-term monitoring effort present a concerning picture of the ocean's health.</p>



<p>The research project, which was launched in 1988 about 80 kilometers southeast of Bermuda, has been meticulously recording the physics, biology, and chemistry of the ocean's surface and depths through monthly samples.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Based on this data, experts found that the Bermuda Atlantic is hotter and more acidic than ever before.</p>



<p>Professor Nicholas Bates is an ocean researcher at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, a unit of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University (ASU).&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We show that the surface ocean in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean has warmed by around 1°C over the past 40 years. Furthermore, the salinity of the ocean has increased, and it has lost oxygen,” said Professor Bates. “In addition, ocean acidity has increased from the 1980s to the 2020s.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surface-temperatures">Surface temperatures</h3>



<p>The BATS data reveals that the ocean surface <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/">temperatures</a> have increased by about 0.24°C per decade since the 1980s, and this warming trend has accelerated in the last four years.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinity">Salinity</h3>



<p>The ocean's surface salinity has also increased, particularly in recent years. “We suspect this is part of the broader, more recent trends and changes in ocean temperatures and environmental changes, like atmospheric warming and having had the warmest years globally,” said Professor Bates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen">Oxygen</h3>



<p>One of the most concerning findings is the reduction in oxygen, which has decreased by 6% over the last 40 years. This decrease has serious implications for ocean health, as well as for marine life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acidity">Acidity</h3>



<p>Moreover, the ocean's acidity has increased by 30% since the 1980s, leading to lower concentrations of carbon ions. This change in ocean chemistry can adversely affect marine organisms, especially those with shells, by hampering their ability to maintain their shells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-ocean-chemistry-nbsp">Changing ocean chemistry&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The ocean chemistry of surface waters in the 2020s is now outside of the seasonal range observed in the 1980s and the ocean ecosystem now lives in a different chemical environment to that experienced a few decades ago,” explained Professor Bates. “These changes are due to the uptake of anthropogenic CO2 from the atmosphere.”</p>



<p>The importance of long-term data collection in understanding and predicting shifts in ocean health cannot be overstated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These observations give a sense of the rate of change in the recent past of ocean warming and ocean chemistry. They provide key indications of future changes in the next decades,” said Professor Bates. “They also are proof of regional and global environmental change and the existential challenges we face as individuals and societies in the near future.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-stations">Monitoring stations</h2>



<p>The BATS monitoring station is one of several long-term sustained ocean time-series sites across the globe. Other key stations are located off Hawaii, the Canary Islands, Iceland, and New Zealand.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that similar ocean processes have been observed at some of those stations, highlighting the challenges and complexities of understanding the long-term interactions between warming, salinification, and ocean acidification.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1289931" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Alarming shifts in ocean health: Less oxygen, more heat and acidity

The Atlantic Ocean has experienced significant changes over the past...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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