<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...

<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...

<p>Red sprites, also known as "red fairies" are a type of transient luminous event (TLE), primarily appearing as red flashes of light occurring above thunderstorms. They are part of a larger family of upper-atmospheric phenomena linked to thunderstorm activity, alongside blue jets and elves. </p>



<p>Discovered only in the late 20th century, red sprites have since captivated scientists and sky-watchers alike with their elusive and spectacular nature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-andreas-mogensen-video">Andreas Mogensen video</h2>



<p>ESA astronaut <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Astronauts/Andreas_Mogensen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andreas Mogensen</a> captured <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/red-sprite_ISS_Andreas-Mogensen_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this image</a> of a red fairy hovering above a thundercloud as a part of the Thor-Davis experiment at <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danish Technical University</a>. “Red sprites,” as they are called in scientific circles, are rare Transient Luminous Events (TLEs) that form above thunderclouds. They typically emerge between 40 to 80 kilometers above Earth.</p>



<p>As demonstrated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/red-sprite_Davis-camera-video_ISS_ESA_1big.gif">Davis camera video</a>, thunder precedes the appearance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/red-sprites-above-the-u-s-and-central-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red fairies</a> higher in the sky. The Davis camera's uniqueness lies in its operation. It functions more like our eyes' retinas, sensitive to light changes, allowing it to capture up to the equivalent of 100,000 frames per second, unlike a standard camera.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-sprite-discovery-and-background">Red sprite discovery and background</h2>



<p>The existence of red sprites eluded scientific documentation until 1989, largely due to their brief duration and high altitude. </p>



<p>Pilots had reported sightings of unusual aerial phenomena for years. However, these accounts remained anecdotal until researchers, using high-speed cameras, captured the first images of red sprites. This breakthrough paved the way for a new field of atmospheric research.</p>



<p>Red sprites manifest as reddish-orange flashes, often accompanied by tendrils extending both upward and downward. They typically occur in clusters and can stretch 50 to 90 kilometers above the Earth's surface, into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-rocket-launch-ripped-a-hole-in-earths-ionosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ionosphere</a>. The coloration is a result of nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere getting excited by the electrical discharge.</p>



<p>Red sprites develop in conjunction with large-scale thunderstorm activity, specifically above the intense electrical discharges of positive cloud-to-ground lightning. They are believed to arise from the imbalance in electrical charge between the upper atmosphere and the thunderclouds below.</p>



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



<p>The study of red sprites offers valuable insights into atmospheric electricity and upper-atmosphere conditions. They play a role in the Earth’s electrical balance and can impact various atmospheric chemical processes.</p>



<p>Advancements in high-speed photography and observational techniques have significantly enhanced our understanding of red sprites. Satellites, airborne observations, and ground-based photometric arrays are now instrumental in studying these transient events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-studying-red-sprites">Challenges of studying red sprites</h2>



<p>Despite advancements, observing and studying red sprites remain challenging due to their unpredictability and brief lifespan. Future research aims to better understand the impact of sprites on the atmosphere and their relation to other meteorological phenomena.</p>



<p>In summary, red sprites, while still shrouded in mystery, offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex interplay of Earth's weather systems and atmospheric electricity. Continued research and observation promise to uncover more secrets of these ephemeral lights, deepening our understanding of our planet's atmospheric dynamics.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, red sprites are a form of upper atmospheric lightning, a spectacular and somewhat mysterious phenomenon that captures the curiosity of scientists and sky-watchers alike. Unlike the more familiar lightning that occurs within clouds or between clouds and the ground, red sprites are transient luminous events that appear high above thunderstorms, reaching into the Earth's ionosphere.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-and-characteristics">Discovery and characteristics</h3>



<p>The story of red sprites begins with their discovery. Although pilots had reported seeing unusual red lights above thunderstorms for decades, the scientific community largely dismissed these reports until 1989. That year, scientists at the University of Minnesota accidentally captured images of red sprites while filming a thunderstorm. This serendipitous discovery marked the beginning of focused scientific research into these elusive phenomena.</p>



<p>Red sprites are named for their distinct coloration. Typically, they appear as red at higher altitudes and fade to blue at lower altitudes. This coloration is due to the interaction of electrical discharges with nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere. Sprites can take various shapes, including jellyfish-like forms with tendrils extending downward and columnar shapes known as "carrot sprites."</p>



<p>Forming at altitudes between 50 to 90 kilometers (31 to 56 miles), red sprites occur directly above large thunderstorm systems. They are fleeting, lasting only milliseconds, and are best observed at night. Their formation is thought to be linked to the intense electrical activity in thunderstorms. When a powerful positive lightning strike occurs within the cloud, it can create an imbalance in the electric field above the storm, triggering the appearance of sprites.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-importance">Scientific importance</h3>



<p>The study of red sprites is not just for aesthetic appreciation. It also holds significant scientific importance. Understanding sprites can provide insights into the electrical and chemical processes in the upper atmosphere. They are also thought to play a role in the Earth's global electric circuit, a complex system that involves the entire planet's electromagnetic environment.</p>



<p>Research into red sprites is challenging due to their brief and unpredictable nature. Scientists use specialized high-speed cameras and sensitive telescopes to capture and study these elusive events. Additionally, research aircraft and satellites are employed to gain a better vantage point for observing and analyzing sprites.</p>



<p>In recent years, public interest in red sprites has grown, thanks in part to the spread of information on social media and the increasing accessibility of high-quality cameras. Amateur astronomers, astronauts and photographers have captured stunning images of red sprites, contributing to both the public's awareness and the scientific community's understanding of these fascinating natural phenomena.</p>



<p>In summary, red sprites are a mesmerizing and complex element of our planet's atmospheric behavior. They represent a beautiful intersection of earth science and atmospheric physics, offering both aesthetic wonder and scientific intrigue. As research continues, we can expect to learn more about how these fleeting flashes of light fit into the broader puzzle of Earth's atmospheric processes.</p>



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"Red sprite" phenomenon captured by space station astronaut

Red sprites, also known as "red fairies" are a type...

<p>A recent study published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01884-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Climate Change</em></a> reveals significant insights into the future of the Earth's jet streams amid escalating climate change. </p>



<p>Conducted by Professor Tiffany Shaw from the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> and Osamu Miyawaki from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the research presents a concerning scenario. As the planet warms, the fastest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-winds-help-pathogens-spread-on-poultry-farms/">winds</a> in the upper-level jet streams are predicted to increase in speed substantially.</p>



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



<p>"Earth’s upper-level jet streams influence the speed and direction of travel of weather systems and commercial aircraft, and are linked to severe weather occurrence," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Climate change is projected to accelerate the average upper-level jet stream winds. However, little is known about how fast (&gt;99th percentile) upper-level jet stream winds will change."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Here we show that fast upper-level jet stream winds get faster under climate change using daily data from climate model projections across a hierarchy of physical complexity."</p>



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



<p>Jet streams, the high-altitude winds steering global weather patterns, are expected to undergo drastic changes. The study finds a direct correlation between rising temperatures and the acceleration of these winds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For every degree Celsius increase in global temperatures, the fastest upper-level jet stream winds could speed up by approximately 2%. This rate of increase is notably higher than the average wind speed escalation, estimated to be 2.5 times slower.</p>



<p>Professor Shaw emphasizes the gravity of these findings. “Based on these results and our current understanding, we expect record-breaking winds."</p>



<p>“And it’s likely that they will feed into decreased flight times, increased clear-air turbulence and a potential increase in severe weather occurrence.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faster-jet-stream-winds-nbsp">Faster jet stream winds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Looking at recent news reports of speed-record-breaking flights over the Atlantic, the researchers discovered that there had been very little exploration of how the very fastest jet stream winds would respond to climate change. To investigate, the team combined existing climate change models with known physics of jet streams.</p>



<p>Jet streams form due to the temperature contrast between the cold, dense air at the poles and the warmer, lighter air in the tropics, a phenomenon first demonstrated by UChicago meteorologists Carl-Gustaf Rossby and Dave Fultz in the early 1900s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Climate change, the study suggests, intensifies this contrast. As tropical air warms and holds more moisture, the overall density difference between the poles and the tropics increases, resulting in faster jet stream winds.</p>



<p>“The increase is multiplicative - about 2% per degree - rather than linear,” said Shaw. “Thus, not only does it go up over time, the steeper the contrast you start with, the larger the increase you get - leading to fast winds getting faster.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-climate-models-nbsp">Global climate models&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers acknowledge the need for further research to predict specific impacts on storms and severe weather.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Current global climate models, although effective in representing the jet stream, fall short in predicting smaller-scale extreme weather events. Newer, more detailed models are expected to provide a clearer picture.</p>



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



<p>The prospect of faster flights may seem advantageous, but it comes with a downside. While faster trans-Atlantic flights might not seem so bad, the flip side is that planes are likely to experience more turbulence, said Shaw.</p>



<p>Moreover, while record-high jet stream wind speeds have been observed in recent decades, their statistical significance is yet to be established.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We would expect the signal to emerge in the next few decades, if humans continue the path we’re on with carbon emissions,” Shaw said. “In the end, it’s important to remember that we’re in the driver’s seat here.”</p>



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Climate change will accelerate jet stream winds and airplane turbulence

A recent study published in the journal Nature Climate Change...

3d,Rendering,Of,Tyrannosaurus,Rex,,And,Its,Young,One,,Storming

<p>A recent discovery sheds light on the dietary habits of a juvenile tyrannosaur, revealing its last meal to be two baby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-self-regulated-their-body-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. This finding offers a rare glimpse into the life and development of these prehistoric creatures.</p>



<p>In the Alberta Badlands, a hotspot for dinosaur hunters, a remarkable fossil was unearthed in 2009. It was the ribcage of a juvenile gorgosaurus, a close relative of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-may-have-weighed-up-to-33000-pounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-juvenile-gorgosaurus">Juvenile gorgosaurus</h2>



<p>After meticulous preparation, researchers at the <a href="https://tyrrellmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology</a> discovered the remains of two small bird-like dinosaurs, known as citipes, inside the ribcage.</p>



<p>The juvenile gorgosaurus, about seven years old and weighing approximately 330kg, was in a developmental stage equivalent to a human teenager.&nbsp;Its size was roughly a tenth of a fully grown adult tyrannosaur.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tyrannosaur-dietary-shifts">Tyrannosaur dietary shifts</h2>



<p>The presence of the citipes' hind limbs within its ribcage is "solid evidence that tyrannosaurs drastically changed their diet as they grew up,'' according to Dr. Darla Zelenitsky from the <a href="https://www.ucalgary.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Calgary</a>.</p>



<p>The findings highlight a significant shift in the feeding habits of tyrannosaurs as they matured.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We now know that these teenage (tyrannosaurs) hunted small, young dinosaurs," explained Dr. Zelenitsky. </p>



<p>Dr. Francois Therrien described these adult tyrannosaurs as "quite indiscriminate eaters." They probably pounced on large prey, "biting through bone and scraping off flesh," he told BBC News.</p>



<p>But, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-tyrannosaurs-were-surprisingly-small/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immature</a> tyrannosaurs were probably not ready to jump into a group of horned dinosaurs, where the adults weighed thousands of kilograms, said Dr. Zelenitsky.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selective-eaters">Selective eaters</h2>



<p>Interestingly, researchers found only the legs of the baby dinosaurs inside the gorgosaurus. This suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-tyrannosaurs-practiced-biting-as-they-waited-for-adult-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young</a> tyrannosaur was selective, possibly preferring the meatiest parts.</p>



<p>"The rock within the ribcage was removed to expose what was hidden inside," explained Dr. Therrien. "And lo and behold - the complete hind legs of two baby dinosaurs, both under a year old."</p>



<p>Dr. Zelenitsky said that the teenage gorgosaurus seems to have wanted the drumsticks - probably because that's the meatiest part.</p>



<p>"This animal was selecting and even dissecting its prey - biting off the legs and swallowing them whole."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-transformations-of-tyrannosaurs">Physical transformations of tyrannosaurs</h2>



<p>As tyrannosaurs grew, they underwent significant physical transformations. Juveniles were lighter and had blade-like teeth, whereas adults developed rounder teeth, dubbed "killer bananas" by Dr. Therrien.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This change in dentition reflects a shift in feeding strategy from selective predation in juveniles to a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-was-even-more-fearsome-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful</a> and indiscriminate approach in adults.</p>



<p>The discovery provides a window into the lives of these ancient creatures, debunking the stereotype of dinosaurs as mindless monsters. </p>



<p>Professor Steve Brusatte is a palaeontologist from the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a>. He said that seeing prey in the dinosaur's guts gave a real insight into the animals. "They weren't just monsters, they were real, living things and pretty sophisticated feeders."</p>



<p>In the 1993 film Jurassic Park, a giant T. rex chased a car through a fictional theme park. Professor Brusatte noted that an adult T. rex wouldn't have chased after a car - its body was too big, and it couldn't move that fast.</p>



<p>"It would be the youngsters - (like this gorgosaur) - the children of T. rex that you'd have to keep an eye on."</p>



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Juvenile tyrannosaurs hunted baby dinosaurs as part of their diet

A recent discovery sheds light on the dietary habits of...

<p>A high-speed stream from a coronal hole is expected to lead to G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storming on December 4 (UTC Day) and G1 (Minor) storming on December 5, 2023, according to an alert this morning from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (<a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWPC</a>).</p>



<p>Coronal holes are striking features of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storms-will-intensify-then-slow-as-the-solar-cycle-peaks-in-early-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a>, often appearing as dark regions in the solar corona when observed in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft X-ray solar images. These areas are notable for being cooler and less dense compared to the surrounding plasma. The darkness of coronal holes is attributed to their nature as regions of open, unipolar magnetic fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-magnetic-fields-in-coronal-holes">Role of magnetic fields in coronal holes</h2>



<p>The open magnetic field line structure of coronal holes is a critical aspect of their behavior. This structure allows the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a>, a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, to escape more easily into space. The result is a stream of relatively fast solar wind, often referred to as a high-speed stream in interplanetary space analysis.</p>



<p>Interestingly, coronal holes can develop at any time and place on the Sun. However, they are more common and persistent around the years of solar minimum. The more persistent coronal holes can last through several solar rotations, each spanning about 27 days.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevalence-and-stability-of-coronal-holes">Prevalence and stability of coronal holes</h2>



<p>Coronal holes are most prevalent and stable at the solar north and south poles. These polar holes can grow and expand to lower solar latitudes. Additionally, coronal holes can develop in isolation from polar holes, or an extension of a polar hole can split off to become an isolated structure. Persistent coronal holes serve as long-lasting sources for high-speed solar wind streams.</p>



<p>As the high-speed stream interacts with the slower ambient solar wind, a compression region forms, known as a co-rotating interaction region (CIR). From the perspective of a fixed observer in interplanetary space, the CIR will lead the coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-of-cir-on-planetary-conditions">Effects of CIR on planetary conditions</h2>



<p>The CIR can cause particle density enhancement and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) strength increases before the onset of the CH HSS. As the CH HSS approaches Earth, solar wind speed and temperature rise, while particle density begins to decrease. After the passage of the CIR and the transition into the CH HSS flow, the overall IMF strength typically starts to weaken.</p>



<p>Coronal holes located near the solar equator are most likely to affect Earth with CIR passage and/or higher solar wind speeds. Strong CIRs and the faster CH HSS can significantly impact Earth’s magnetosphere, causing geomagnetic storms to the G1-G2 levels (Minor to Moderate) on the NOAA Space Weather Scale. </p>



<p>In rarer cases, stronger storming may occur. The larger and more expansive coronal holes can be a source of high solar wind speeds that affect Earth for extended periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-a-coronal-hole">Forecasting a coronal hole</h2>



<p>Forecasters closely analyze coronal holes for their potential to cause escalated geomagnetic activity and possible storming. They are noted on the daily synoptic drawing. </p>



<p>The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) forecasters consider the effects of CIR and CH HSS activity when forecasting the anticipated levels of overall planetary geomagnetic response for each 3-hour synoptic period over the next three days, as detailed in the 3-day forecast. Predicted CIR or CH HSS influences are further elaborated in the forecast discussion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coronal-holes-and-auroras">Coronal holes and auroras</h2>



<p>Coronal holes play a significant role in the creation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aurora-borealis-seen-as-far-south-as-the-equator-after-largest-known-solar-storm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auroras</a> on Earth. These dark areas on the Sun's surface, characterized by open magnetic fields, allow solar winds to escape more easily into space. When these high-speed solar winds, often emanating from coronal holes, reach Earth, they can interact with the planet's magnetosphere. This interaction involves the solar wind's charged particles colliding with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.</p>



<p>As the solar wind penetrates the magnetosphere, it can cause <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-alert-strong-geomagnetic-storm-warning-issued-due-to-strong-solar-flare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geomagnetic storms</a>, especially if the incoming solar wind is strong and fast. These storms disturb the magnetosphere and lead to the acceleration of electrons and protons. When these accelerated particles collide with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen, they excite these gases, causing them to release photons - the basic units of light. This release of photons results in the shimmering lights known as auroras.</p>



<p>The intensity and frequency of auroras often depend on the strength of the solar wind and the geomagnetic storms it induces. Coronal holes, being significant sources of fast solar winds, can enhance the likelihood and intensity of auroras. During times when Earth encounters streams of solar wind from these coronal holes, the chances of observing auroras at higher and sometimes lower latitudes increase. This phenomenon makes coronal holes an essential factor in predicting and understanding auroral activities on Earth.</p>



<p>In summary, understanding coronal holes and their associated phenomena is crucial for anticipating and mitigating the impacts of solar activity on Earth’s magnetosphere and space weather conditions.</p>



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Massive "coronal hole" in the Sun prompts aurora alert for southern states

A high-speed stream from a coronal hole is expected to...

Vegan,Burger,With,White,Bean,Puree,And,Spicy,Aubergine,Slices

<p>A recent UN Environment Programme (UNEP) assessment presents a compelling case for novel alternatives to meat and dairy products as a means to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food system</a>. This is especially pertinent in high- and middle-income countries, where the reliance on low-carbon energy is crucial. </p>



<p>The report, titled "<a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/whats-cooking-assessment-potential-impacts-selected-novel-alternatives-conventional" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What’s cooking? An assessment of the potential impact of select novel alternatives to conventional animal products</a>", highlights three main types of alternatives: novel plant-based meats, cultivated meat from animal cells, and protein-rich products derived through rapid fermentation by microorganisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-health-benefits">Environmental and health benefits</h2>



<p>The UNEP report, supported by the Government of Belgium, underscores the substantial potential of these alternatives in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, they can aid in mitigating land degradation, deforestation, water and soil pollution, and biodiversity loss. </p>



<p>These alternatives also present a lower risk of zoonotic diseases and anti-microbial resistance, and they address animal welfare concerns more effectively compared to traditional animal products.</p>



<p>The authors of the report posit that these novel alternatives can contribute to a more sustainable, healthier, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cowspiracy-film-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humane food system</a>. However, they emphasize that regional differences will play a significant role in their implementation. </p>



<p>The report reviews various policy decisions that could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-food-waste-greater-food-security-less-environmental-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance food security</a>, jobs, livelihoods, social and gender equity, and cultural aspects, thus maximizing the benefits of these novel meat and dairy alternatives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-products-vs-meat-alternatives">Animal products vs. meat alternatives</h2>



<p>Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of <a href="http://www.unep.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP</a>, highlighted the importance of new food alternatives in providing a broader spectrum of consumer choices. </p>



<p>“New food alternatives will offer a broader spectrum of consumer choices,” said Andersen. “Further, such <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/is-a-plant-based-diet-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alternatives</a> can also lessen the pressures on agricultural lands and reduce emissions, thereby helping us address the triple planetary crisis - the crisis of climate change, the crisis of biodiversity and nature loss, the crisis of pollution and waste - as well as address the health and environmental consequences of the animal agriculture industry. More government support, as well as open and transparent research, can help unlock the potential of these new technologies for some countries.”</p>



<p>The report sheds light on the negative impacts of conventional animal product production and consumption, especially in high- and middle-income countries. These include environmental degradation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-improves-heart-health-in-a-matter-of-weeks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health concerns</a> such as cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, obesity, and diabetes. The animal agriculture industry also poses risks of anti-microbial resistance and zoonotic diseases like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-reduce-the-risk-of-severe-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a> or Avian Influenza.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-animal-agriculture">Climate change and animal agriculture</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cattle-farming-expansion-could-expose-more-than-a-billion-cows-to-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal agriculture</a> is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for nearly 60% of food-related GHG emissions and 14-20% of global GHG emissions. This includes emissions from animal GHG, feed production, land use changes, and energy-intensive supply chains.</p>



<p>While these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">novel alternatives</a> offer benefits in terms of animal welfare and public health improvements, some concerns remain. For instance, many novel plant-based products are highly processed and may contain high levels of salt and saturated fats. The health impacts of cultured meat and fermentation-derived products are still under investigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-and-cultural-acceptability">Social and cultural acceptability</h2>



<p>The report acknowledges that the success of novel alternatives depends on factors like cost, taste, and social and cultural acceptability. These factors will significantly influence consumer behavior, especially in high- and middle-income countries where animal protein consumption is unsustainably high.</p>



<p>The UNEP report suggests several policy options to guide the food industry towards a healthier and more sustainable future. These include supporting open access research, shifting subsidies, tax rebates, direct financial investments, and loan guarantees favoring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">novel alternatives</a> to meat. The report also emphasizes the need for equitable and regionally appropriate approaches to food system changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-socio-economic-implications-of-meat-alternatives">Socio-economic implications of meat alternatives</h2>



<p>The authors call for open and transparent research to understand the nutritional and socio-economic implications of these alternatives. This includes considering their impact on equity, food security, and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.</p>



<p>The report does not address meat from wild animals, fish, or other aquatic animals, nor does it assess other food system alternatives like regenerative livestock farms, feed additives, insect farming, reduced meat consumption, or taxing meat. While these alternatives are being pursued, they have yet to achieve significant government support or impact at the desired scale or speed.</p>



<p>In summary, the UNEP report presents a comprehensive analysis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-are-great-for-weight-loss-regardless-of-the-type/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">novel alternatives</a> to meat and dairy products, highlighting their potential benefits and challenges. It offers a roadmap for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers to navigate the transition towards a more sustainable and humane food system.</p>



<p> This study is a part of <a href="https://www.unep.org/resources/frontiers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP’s Frontiers series</a>, which focuses on emerging environmental concerns.</p>



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New meat and dairy alternatives will dramatically transform the global food system

A recent UN Environment Programme (UNEP) assessment presents a compelling...

<p>A recent scientific investigation has unveiled a potential link between flaxseed, the human gut microbiome, and breast health, emphasizing the impact of dietary and lifestyle choices on overall wellbeing. </p>



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



<p>The study, focusing on the influence of flaxseed components known as lignans on gut microorganisms, revealed their significant role in modulating the expression of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-is-epigenetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microRNAs</a> (miRNAs) in the mammary gland. </p>



<p>These miRNAs are crucial in regulating genes associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breast-cancer-incidence-linked-to-high-particulate-air-pollution/">breast cancer</a>, particularly those governing cell growth and movement. This research has been published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.02290-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Microbiology Spectrum</em></a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gastrointestinal-microbiota">Gastrointestinal microbiota</h2>



<p>Jennifer Auchtung, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Food Science and Technology Department at the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska - Lincoln</a> and the editor overseeing the paper’s review, highlighted the crucial role of gastrointestinal microbiota.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The gastrointestinal microbiota plays an important role in modifying many components of our diet to impact human health,” she explained. </p>



<p>"In this study, we found correlations between diets enriched in flaxseed, cecal microbiota composition and miRNA profiles in the mammary gland that regulate many pathways, including those involved in cancer development."</p>



<p>"This preliminary study supports further research into the role that the microbiota plays in dietary approaches to reduce risk factors associated with disease.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flaxseed-lignans">Flaxseed lignans</h2>



<p>The research team delved into how flaxseed lignans, found abundantly in flaxseed and associated with lower breast cancer mortality among postmenopausal women, affect the gut microbiota in young female mice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts discovered that these lignan components induce specific miRNA responses in the mammary gland, with miRNAs being short, noncoding RNAs that control gene expression by targeting specific mRNA regions.</p>



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



<p>The study aimed to explore whether manipulating the interaction between microbiota and mammary gland miRNAs could diminish breast cancer risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For this, female mice were fed flaxseed lignan components to examine the connection between gut cecal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-may-be-key-in-promoting-healthy-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiota</a> profiles and miRNA expression in the mammary gland. The cecum, a crucial part of the digestive system, is thought to be involved in short-chain fatty acid production and may act as a hub for anaerobic bacteria.</p>



<p>The experiments revealed that a particular flaxseed oil lignan, upon microbial processing, releases bioactive metabolites with potential antitumor effects. </p>



<p>This finding indicates a relationship between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fermented-foods-combat-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiota</a> and mammary gland miRNA, with flaxseed lignans altering this interaction to reduce cancer risk.</p>



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



<p>Elena M. Comelli, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a> and the paper’s senior author, reflected on the implications of these findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If these findings are confirmed, the microbiota becomes a new target to prevent breast cancer through dietary intervention.” Thus, this study paves the way for further exploration into how dietary modifications can potentially serve as preventive measures against breast cancer.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, flaxseed, a remarkable superfood, has been gaining popularity due to its extensive health benefits and versatility in culinary applications. </p>



<p>Originating from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), this tiny seed boasts a rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations where it was highly valued for both its nutritional and medicinal properties.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-profile">Nutritional profile</h3>



<p>Flaxseed is a nutritional powerhouse, densely packed with a variety of essential nutrients. It is exceptionally high in omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health and reducing inflammation. Additionally, flaxseed is a rich source of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen that may have anti-cancer properties. This seed is also loaded with dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flaxseed-health-benefits">Flaxseed health benefits</h3>



<ol start="1">
<li>Cardiovascular Health: The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed contribute significantly to heart health by reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and decreasing the risk of heart diseases.<br></li>



<li>Cancer Prevention: Studies suggest that the lignans in flaxseed may help in reducing the risk of certain cancers, particularly breast and prostate cancer.<br></li>



<li>Digestive Health: The high fiber content in flaxseed aids in regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and promoting a healthy digestive system.<br></li>



<li>Blood Sugar Control: Flaxseed can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes.<br></li>



<li>Weight Management: The fiber in flaxseed increases the feeling of fullness, which can help in controlling appetite and aiding in weight loss.</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culinary-uses-of-flaxseed">Culinary uses of flaxseed</h3>



<p>Flaxseed's versatility in the kitchen is remarkable. It can be consumed in various forms - whole, ground, or as flaxseed oil. Ground flaxseed is more easily digested, allowing the body to access its nutrients more efficiently. It can be added to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or used as a baking ingredient. Flaxseed oil is another way to incorporate this nutrient-rich seed into your diet, perfect for salad dressings or drizzling over cooked dishes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-side-effects-and-considerations">Side effects and considerations</h3>



<p>While flaxseed is generally safe for most people, it is essential to consume it in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues like bloating and gas. It's also important to drink plenty of water when increasing fiber intake. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before adding flaxseed to their diet due to its phytoestrogen content.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-sustainability-aspects">Environmental and sustainability aspects</h3>



<p>Flaxseed is not only beneficial for health but also for the environment. Flax plants require less water and fewer pesticides compared to many other crops, making them a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.</p>



<p>In summary, incorporating flaxseed into your diet can be a simple yet effective way to enhance your overall health. Its rich nutritional profile, health benefits, and culinary versatility make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. As always, moderation is key, and it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.</p>



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Eating flaxseed can help prevent breast cancer

A recent scientific investigation has unveiled a potential link between...

International,Space,Station,In,2021,In,Space,On,Orbit,Of

<p>NASA recently commemorated a significant milestone in space exploration history: the 25th anniversary of the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/station" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a> (ISS). This celebration was marked with a special live event on December 6, where a space-to-Earth call connected the current crew aboard the ISS with NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana and Joel Montalbano, space station program manager.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-iss-turns-25-years-old">The ISS turns 25 years old</h2>



<p>Operational since 1998, the ISS stands as a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration in space research and exploration. Hosting 273 astronauts from around the world and facilitating over 3,300 research projects, the station has become a cornerstone for advancements in space technology and scientific understanding.</p>



<p>The journey of the ISS began on December 6, 1998, with the attachment of its first two elements, Unity and Zarya, by the crew of the space shuttle Endeavour’s STS-88 mission, led by Bob Cabana. This marked the beginning of a global endeavor that has seen astronauts continuously live and work aboard the station for more than 23 years.</p>



<p>The ISS is a product of international cooperation, involving the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, NASA, and Roscosmos. This partnership has resulted in numerous technological and scientific achievements, with more than 3,300 research and educational investigations from 108 countries. </p>



<p>These efforts not only advance space exploration but also benefit humanity on Earth, laying the groundwork for future commercial destinations in low Earth orbit and exploration farther into the solar system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-station-s-design-and-construction">Space station's design and construction</h2>



<p>The ISS's journey began with its official approval by President Reagan and the US Congress in 1984. NASA Administrator James Beggs played a pivotal role in bringing together international partners, leading to a collaborative design and construction process between 1984 and 1993. The involvement of Canada, Japan, many European nations, and later Russia, was crucial in shaping the ISS.</p>



<p>The development of the ISS proceeded in two phases. Phase 1 involved the NASA-Mir program, where astronauts and cosmonauts conducted joint missions to the Russian Mir Orbital Station. This phase was instrumental in establishing collaborative processes and modifying Russian modules for international experiments. </p>



<p>Phase 2, commencing in 1998, saw the launch of the new ISS elements, marking a significant step in international space cooperation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-educational-and-scientific-goals">Educational and scientific goals</h2>



<p>The ISS serves as a vital educational platform, inspiring youth worldwide to pursue STEM careers. The collective efforts of the participating space agencies emphasize the importance of applying ISS research in diverse fields such as human physiology, radiation, materials science, engineering, biology, fluid physics, and technology. These endeavors are crucial for future space missions and translating space research benefits back to Earth.</p>



<p>The ISS program is a technological triumph and a remarkable example of international cooperation. It exemplifies the harmonization of cultural and political differences to achieve a common goal in space exploration. The ISS has brought together international crews and a global network of launch, operations, training, engineering, and scientific research communities, showcasing the power of collaborative effort.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-the-25-year-old-iss">What's next for the 25-year-old ISS?</h2>



<p>As the ISS continues to age, with several components exceeding their original lifespan, ongoing analyses ensure its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-initiates-ambitious-plan-to-bring-iss-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safety and viability</a>. The station's modular design allows for the replacement and augmentation of parts, ensuring its functionality as a laboratory and outpost in orbit. </p>



<p>Currently, the ISS is set to continue operations until at least 2030, marking an era of continued discovery and international collaboration in space. </p>



<p>In summary, the 25th anniversary of the ISS is a celebration of a space station and a tribute to the spirit of exploration and cooperation that defines our journey into the cosmos.</p>



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The International Space Station celebrates its 25th anniversary

NASA recently commemorated a significant milestone in space exploration history:...

<p>The widespread practice of deicing roads, a crucial safety measure in icy conditions, is causing an unintended environmental crisis: the increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/influx-of-salt-in-water-soil-and-air-poses-a-potential-health-crisis/">salinization</a> of soil, air, and water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> and the University of Maryland set out to better understand and possibly help mitigate this growing issue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-toll-nbsp">Environmental toll&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Rock salt, commonly used for deicing, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of pedestrians and motorists during winter. However, the study highlights the environmental toll of this practice.</p>



<p>The team found that the act of deicing roads is making the Earth’s air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty, a trend that poses a significant existential threat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-slowly-building-crisis">A slowly building crisis</h2>



<p>Megan Rippy, an assistant professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering, describes the situation as a "slow-moving train wreck."&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s playing out so slowly that it’s easy to overlook that our streams, lakes, and drinking water resources are becoming progressively saltier.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupting-the-salt-cycle">Disrupting the salt cycle</h2>



<p>Salts are naturally occurring. They are made up of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfate ions.</p>



<p>Human activities such as mining, land development, agriculture, construction, and industrial processes are rapidly accelerating the natural salt cycle, leading to environmental degradation. This human-induced salinization harms biodiversity and, in severe cases, makes drinking water unsafe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts">Potential impacts</h2>



<p>“Ecosystems are finely tuned to a certain level of salinity, and as that increases over time it can lead to big impacts, for example loss of important species, including fish. That applies to humans too," said Rippy.</p>



<p>"Too much salt in irrigation water can cause crops to fail, and salt in drinking water supplies has been linked to human health effects like preeclampsia. This is happening in the U.S. and around the world."</p>



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



<p>The study reveals a startling fact: human-caused salinization has affected about 2.5 billion acres of soil globally - an area equivalent to the size of the United States. Furthermore, salt ions in streams and rivers have increased over the past 50 years, in line with the rise in global salt use and production.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The intrusion of salt into the air, particularly through the aerosolization of road salts, is causing a decline in air quality, detrimental to wildlife and crops.</p>



<p>This research has established for the first time that humans affect the concentration and cycling of salt on a global, interconnected scale.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solutions">Sustainable solutions</h2>



<p>Stanley Grant, the director of the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory, emphasizes the substantial impact of road salts in the U.S., which produces 44 billion pounds annually. These salts account for a significant portion of the total dissolved solids in U.S. waterways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alternative deicing methods, like the use of beet juice in Washington, D.C., and other cities, offer a promising yet challenging solution, given the balance between environmental safety and effective road maintenance.</p>



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



<p>“There’s a lot of interest in how we can change the way roads are maintained in the winter to reduce road salt use and its impacts on ecosystems and drinking water supplies,” said Bhide. “It’s a tricky issue, because deicing roads also reduces traffic accidents and saves lives.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Salinization is also associated with cascading effects, noted the researchers. For example, saline dust accelerates the melting of snow, which can harm communities that rely on snow for water supplies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“History is littered with ancient civilizations that collapsed because they couldn’t balance their salt budget. I’m hoping this article will raise awareness and lead to action on this issue, so that history doesn’t repeat itself,” said Grant.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natrevearthenviron/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Reviews Earth &amp; Environment</em></a>.</p>



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Less ice, more salt: The environmental cost of deicing

The widespread practice of deicing roads, a crucial safety measure...

<p>In a study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a>, researchers have unveiled striking dynamics in plant-pollinator networks, particularly highlighting the amplifying effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/">urbanization</a> on seasonal variations. </p>



<p>This research, critical in the era of rapid urbanization, offers novel insights into biodiversity within tropical megacities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-biodiversity">Urbanization and biodiversity</h2>



<p>The global trend towards urbanization is often viewed as a threat to biodiversity. However, the researchers pointed out that flowering plants are often more diverse in cities than in the countryside.</p>



<p>This phenomenon is attributed to the proliferation of flowering plants and agricultural crops in urban areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-pollinator-interactions-nbsp">Plant-pollinator interactions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"All species engage in interactions, and the complex ecological networks resulting from these interactions - such as those between plants and their pollinators - are key components of ecosystems," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"While our knowledge on the structure of interaction networks has improved considerably in recent decades, we still know little about how dynamic these interactions are across environmental, spatial and temporal gradients."</p>



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



<p>The research team, led by Dr. Gabriel Marcacci, now a postdoc at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and the University of Neuchâtel, embarked on an extensive year-long study in Bengaluru, India.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This bustling metropolis, emblematic of rapid urban growth in the tropics, provided a fertile ground for examining the interactions between plants and their pollinators.</p>



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



<p>The study encompassed all local seasons: the mild-dry winter, the hot-dry summer, and the rainy monsoon. By analyzing bee species, the plants they visited, and the frequency of these interactions, the team constructed detailed plant-pollinator networks for each location and season.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the interactions between plants and pollinators, which are important for agricultural production, are surprisingly dynamic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There was a significant variation in the plant and bee species involved in pollination across different seasons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To identify the factors contributing to the variations in plant-pollinator interactions, the team considered multiple elements: the time of year, proximity to the city center, and the degree of urbanization, indicated by the presence of "sealed surfaces" like roads and buildings.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Marcacci emphasized the significance of this research for understanding tropical urban ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our study provides new insights into the role of urbanization in the dynamics of networks involving plants and pollinators in the tropics, which have been little studied. This is particularly important as current and future urban expansions are largely occurring in tropical regions, where they are subject to different ecological, climate and social factors than in temperate zones," said Dr. Marcacci.</p>



<p>"Our results point to major changes in plant-pollinator networks over the course of the year and to the little-recognized importance of seasonality for the interactions between plants and their pollinators, especially in rapidly growing tropical megacities," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-planning">Urban planning</h2>



<p>This study not only contributes to our understanding of urban ecology but also calls for thoughtful urban planning and biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical megacities facing rapid growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The unique dynamics of plant-pollinator networks in these settings are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring sustainable agricultural production - an aspect that city planners and environmentalists must consider in the face of escalating urban expansion.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ele.14324" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Urbanization alters the dynamics of plant-pollinator networks

In a study led by the University of Göttingen, researchers...

<p>A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting range of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) due to rising global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a>.</p>



<p>The Mediterranean green turtle is a species that is often overshadowed in climate change discussions.</p>



<p>A team of researchers led by Chiara Mancino has unveiled how global warming could reshape the nesting dynamics of these turtles, potentially altering the ecological landscape of the Mediterranean.</p>



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



<p>"Climate change is reshaping global ecosystems at an unprecedented rate, with major impacts on biodiversity. Therefore, understanding how organisms can withstand change is key to identify priority conservation objectives," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Marine ectotherms are being extremely impacted because their biology and phenology are directly related to temperature. Among these species, sea turtles are particularly problematic because they roam over both marine and terrestrial habitats throughout their life cycles."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-the-coastline-nbsp">Transforming the coastline&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts theorized that nesting ground availability for green turtles will increase in the Mediterranean following hotter summers and winters, shifting their nesting locations in response to rising temperatures.</p>



<p>Based on their modeling study, the team predicts that the turtles will expand their nesting range by 60 percent under the worst case emissions scenario.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This expansion is set to transform the Mediterranean coastline, extending the turtles' nesting grounds beyond their current range in Turkey and Cyprus to vast stretches of North African, Italian, and Greek shores.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-predictive-accuracy-nbsp">High predictive accuracy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For the investigation, Mancino and colleagues developed a model to predict the suitability of various points on the Mediterranean coastline as green turtle nesting locations.</p>



<p>First, the researchers tested the predictive accuracy of their model against 178 verified nesting sites recorded from 1982 to 2019. The findings revealed a high predictive accuracy, with sea surface temperature, salinity, and human population density emerging as pivotal factors influencing nesting site suitability.</p>



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



<p>The researchers analyzed four distinct greenhouse gas emission scenarios and their implications for green turtle nesting by 2100.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The correlation was clear: more severe climate conditions led to a broader nesting range. The worst-case scenario predicted a dramatic 62.4% increase in nesting range, extending to the North African coastline up to Algeria, significant parts of Italy and Greece, and the southern Adriatic Sea.</p>



<p>"Our models show an increase in nesting probability in the western Mediterranean Sea, irrespective of the climate scenario we consider. Contrary to what is found in most global change studies, the worse the climate change scenario, the more suitable areas for green turtles will potentially increase," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



<p>However, this potential expansion is not without its challenges. The experts warn that this increase in green turtle nesting range in the heavily populated central and western Mediterranean would bring them into increased contact with humans and urbanized beaches, which could negatively affect nesting success.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers emphasize the urgency for future studies to focus on mitigating these potential negative impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"To better inform future management of marine turtles, there is the need to understand future threats, as well as to couple predictions of marine turtle distribution with an assessment of exposure to these threats," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-turtles-and-biodiversity-collapse">Green turtles and biodiversity collapse</h2>



<p>The Mediterranean Sea represents one of the most vulnerable regions in the world when considering the impacts of global warming, noted the researchers.</p>



<p>"The Mediterranean has always been hugely exploited by humans, with important and potentially negative interactions between human activities and climate changes."</p>



<p>"The basin currently hosts more than 500 million inhabitants, a third of whom live along the coasts, and is the first tourist destination in the world with 360 million visitors per year."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The combination of climate change and human impacts clearly generate the starting baseline for a biodiversity collapse, especially for species exploiting at the same time marine and terrestrial habitats as sea turtles."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46958-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Nesting range of green turtles will explode in a warmer climate 

A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting...

<p>In a recent comprehensive investigation involving over 50,000 young individuals from Korea, experts found that excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-spend-nearly-5-hours-a-day-on-smartphones/">smartphone</a> usage, defined as more than four hours daily, correlated with an increase in negative mental health outcomes and substance abuse.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This study, conducted by Jin-Hwa Moon and Jong Ho Cha from <a href="https://www.hyumc.com/eng/main.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hanyang University Medical Center</a> in Korea, was recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294553" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS ONE</em></a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surge-in-smartphone-usage-nbsp">Surge in smartphone usage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previous studies have highlighted a surge in smartphone usage among younger demographics, linking it to various health concerns including psychiatric conditions, sleep disturbances, ocular issues, and musculoskeletal problems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, some emerging studies suggest that moderate daily internet use might actually contribute positively to the physical and mental well-being of this age group.</p>



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



<p>To further explore how smartphone usage impacts the health of adolescents, Moon, Cha, and their team delved into more than 50,000 responses from the ongoing <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/45/4/1076/2951681" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey</a>, which included responses from 2017 and 2020. This comprehensive dataset encompassed daily smartphone usage times and various health indicators. </p>



<p>The team employed sophisticated statistical methods, such as propensity score matching, to adjust for potential confounding variables like age, gender, and socioeconomic background.</p>



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



<p>The findings revealed a notable increase in smartphone usage among adolescents from 2017 to 2020, with those exceeding two hours of daily use jumping from 64.3 to 85.7 percent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, adolescents engaging in over four hours of smartphone use daily exhibited higher instances of stress, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse compared to those with less than four hours of usage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, moderate use of one-two hours daily appeared to be less problematic than not using a smartphone at all.</p>



<p>While the study stops short of establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between smartphone usage and adverse health impacts, its insights are crucial for developing future guidelines for adolescent smartphone use, particularly as these usage patterns continue to evolve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smartphones-and-mental-health-in-adults">Smartphones and mental health in adults</h2>



<p>Smartphones and their impact on adult mental health is a topic of ongoing research and debate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Smartphones enable constant connectivity and instant communication, which can be both beneficial and detrimental. They allow people to stay in touch with friends and family, which can be positive for mental health. However, this constant connectivity can also lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to disconnect.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-nbsp">Social media&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Many adults use smartphones to access social media. While these platforms can provide a sense of community, they can also lead to negative mental health outcomes through comparison, cyberbullying, and the pressure to maintain a certain online image.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-information-overload">Information overload</h3>



<p>Smartphones give access to an endless stream of information and news. This can cause stress and anxiety, especially when the news is negative or when the user feels compelled to constantly stay updated.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-disruption">Sleep disruption</h3>



<p>The use of smartphones, particularly before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addiction-and-dependency">Addiction and dependency</h3>



<p>There's growing concern about smartphone addiction, where individuals may become overly reliant on their devices, leading to issues like neglect of personal relationships, reduced productivity, and increased anxiety and depression.</p>



<p>Positive apps&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the bright side, smartphones provide access to mental health resources, like meditation apps, online counseling, and mood-tracking tools. These can be beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variability-in-impact">Variability in impact</h3>



<p>The impact of smartphones on mental health can vary widely among individuals, depending on factors like the amount of usage, the type of content consumed, and the individual's pre-existing mental health status.</p>



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Excessive smartphone usage linked to health issues in adolescents

In a recent comprehensive investigation involving over 50,000 young individuals...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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