<p>A recent analysis of the Sapphire Canyon mudstone core, drilled by NASA’s Perseverance rover in July 2024, adds new and convincing evidence to the ongoing search for life on Mars.</p>



<p>The study describes minerals and textures that - on Earth - are often linked to microbial activity. At the same time, the authors stress that some unknown, nonbiological chemistry could also explain the signals.</p>



<p>“This finding by Perseverance is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars. The identification of a potential biosignature on the Red Planet is a groundbreaking discovery, and one that will advance our understanding of Mars,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. </p>



<p>“NASA’s commitment to conducting Gold Standard Science will continue as we pursue our goal of putting American boots on Mars’ rocky soil.”</p>



<p>The core was taken from a rock named "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-finds-best-evidence-yet-life-on-mars-cheyava-falls-rock/">Chevaya Falls</a>" in Neretva Vallis, an ancient river channel about a quarter mile wide that once fed Jezero Crater’s lake. </p>



<p>After drilling, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-captures-a-surprise-dust-devil-while-taking-high-resolution-selfie-on-mars/">Perseverance</a> sealed the sample for possible return to Earth, where laboratory instruments can perform tests far beyond the rover’s onboard capabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-martian-mudstone">Inside the Martian mudstone</h2>



<p>Lead author Joel A. Hurowitz of <a href="https://www.stonybrook.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stony Brook University</a> (SBU) reports a fine-grained mudstone with circular reaction fronts informally called leopard spots, plus small nodules embedded in layered sediments.</p>



<p>Perseverance’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/jpl/the-detective-aboard-nasas-perseverance-rover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SHERLOC</a> and <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/heres-how-ai-is-changing-nasas-mars-rover-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PIXL</a> instruments mapped organic carbon with phosphate, iron, and sulfur arranged in distinct, repeating patterns.</p>



<p>Two minerals stand out: vivianite and greigite. Vivianite is an iron phosphate, while greigite is an iron sulfide associated with iron and sulfur cycling in oxygen-poor settings.</p>



<p>These features show up in rocks that settled from<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/"> water</a>, not in lavas. The site on Mars lies along Bright Angel, a set of outcrops that preserve layers and veins consistent with slow changes after the mud was laid down.</p>



<p>Textures and chemistry point to low temperature reactions that reorganized elements already present in the mud. </p>



<p>That detail matters because low temperatures fit environments that life can handle, while very hot conditions tend to erase delicate signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-microbes-leave-similar-traces">Earth microbes leave similar traces</h2>



<p>On Earth, vivianite often forms where microbes reduce iron in water-rich sediments and trap phosphorus in blue-green nodules. </p>



<p>Laboratory and field work document biologically mediated vivianite through extracellular electron transfer.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/greigite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greigite</a> frequently appears where sulfate reducing bacteria drive chemistry in anoxic muds. In controlled experiments, greigite was detected only in live biotic setups after months of incubation.</p>



<p>The Martian rock shows rims rich in vivianite surrounding small cores enriched in greigite. That bullseye pattern matches a sequence of electron transfer reactions seen in some Earth sediments.</p>



<p>None of this proves metabolism happened in Bright Angel mud, but it shows the chemistry is right for it. That is a subtle point, and it is the reason scientists keep the language cautious.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-life-on-mars">Evidence of life on Mars</h2>



<p>A potential biosignature is a feature that might have a biological origin but still needs more data to rule out nonbiological sources. </p>



<p>NASA points mission teams and the public to the Confidence of Life Detection, or CoLD scale, which encourages staged claims and independent checks.</p>



<p>The CoLD mindset is simple in practice. First detect a signal, then exclude contamination, then tackle alternatives, and only then talk about life on Mars with high confidence.</p>



<p>The Bright Angel work sits early on that ladder. It clears several necessary steps but leaves demanding tests for the lab.</p>



<p>Organic compounds can also arrive by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-meteorites-tell-us-about-their-birthplace-in-space/">meteorites</a> or form without biology. The authors note those routes and describe how future analyses could tell paths apart.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-signals-but-no-certainty">Organic signals, but no certainty</h2>



<p>The Mars rover detected organic carbon in several targets within Bright Angel. Reaction fronts rimmed with vivianite surround cores richer in greigite, a pairing consistent with iron and sulfur cycling recorded in the paper.</p>



<p>Mineral veins include calcium sulfate, while the mudstone remains fine-grained and low in magnesium and manganese. There is no sign of intense heating that would reset the rock or scramble tiny textures.</p>



<p>The outcrop sits within layered sediments deposited by water flowing through Neretva Vallis. That channel spans roughly a quarter mile across, which implies sustained flow into Jezero’s ancient lake.</p>



<p>Low temperature context favors life-compatible chemistry, but it does not require life. Abiotic organics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mineral-discovery-sheds-light-on-mars-fiery-past/">mineral</a> reactions can sometimes copy the same shapes and signals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-proof-but-potential-life-on-mars">Not proof, but potential life on Mars</h2>



<p>“It’s not life itself,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, stressing that this is a potential biosignature, not proof of life. The lead author echoed that caution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We cannot claim this is more than a potential biosignature,” said Hurowitz. Other officials also underscored the stakes and the limits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“[But] this very well could be the clearest sign of life that we’ve ever found on Mars,” said Sean Duffy, acting NASA administrator. </p>



<p>Caution is not hedging for its own sake. It is how science avoids false alarms when the question is this important.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars-life_olivine_leopard-spot_Cheyava-Falls_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1big.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mars-life_olivine_leopard-spot_Cheyava-Falls_Perseverance-rover_NASA_1s.webp" alt="NASA’s Perseverance rover discovered leopard spots on a reddish rock nicknamed “Cheyava Falls” in Mars’ Jezero Crater in July 2024. Scientists think the spots may indicate that, billions of years ago, the chemical reactions in this rock could have supported microbial life; other explanations are being considered. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS" class="wp-image-1985874"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>NASA’s Perseverance rover discovered leopard spots on a reddish rock nicknamed “Cheyava Falls” in Mars’ Jezero Crater in July 2024. Scientists think the spots may indicate that, billions of years ago, the chemical reactions in this rock could have supported microbial life; other explanations are being considered. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS</em></figcaption></figure>



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



<p>If the vivianite and greigite formed through microbe-like metabolisms, then <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-begins-steep-climb-up-martian-crater-rim-jezero-crater/">Bright Angel</a> captures a period when surface waters supported the same chemical strategies some cells use for energy today. </p>



<p>That would extend Mars's habitability into a window when this part of Jezero was still wet.</p>



<p>If abiotic paths made the same pattern, the rock still records redox organization of iron, sulfur, and phosphorus in Martian mud. That is a window into how the planet cycles key elements without biology.</p>



<p>Either outcome matters for the bigger story. Mars did not just dry out, it changed its chemistry over time, and these samples let researchers track that change layer by layer.</p>



<p>The work also flags what to measure next. Isotopes, microtextures, and the exact structure of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-atoms-in-your-body-took-a-400000-light-year-journey-through-space/">carbon</a> in the core can separate metabolic signatures from chemical lookalikes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-search-for-life-on-mars-moves-forward">Search for life on Mars moves forward</h2>



<p>The authors lay out lab experiments and field analogs on Earth to test whether nonbiological reactions can reproduce these textures and mineral pairings. </p>



<p>They also point to analyses that require the sample in a clean Earth lab, including isotope ratios that biology tends to skew.</p>



<p>Sample return planning will shape how fast those tests happen. Meanwhile, the rover can keep mapping where these features cluster and how they relate to other rock units nearby.</p>



<p>PIXL and SHERLOC have shown enough sensitivity to guide that search. The pairing of elemental maps and Raman detections gives a consistent picture that can be applied to other outcrops.</p>



<p>As new targets are logged, the CoLD framework will help communicate progress without getting ahead of the data. That is how a potential biosignature becomes a result people can trust.</p>



<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://youtu.be/ieJKWW8sp2A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This animation depicts water disappearing over time in the Martian river valley Neretva Vallis, where NASA's Perseverance Mars takes the rock sample named “Sapphire Canyon” from a rock called “Cheyava Falls,” which was found in the “Bright Angel” formation. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09413-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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NASA announces "groundbreaking discovery" of life on Mars

A recent analysis of the Sapphire Canyon mudstone core, drilled by NASA’s Perseverance rover in July 2024, adds new and convincing evidence to the ongoing search for life on Mars. The study describes minerals and textures that - on Earth - are often linked to microbial activity. At the same time, the authors stress that some unknown, nonbiological chemistry could also explain the signals. “This finding by Perseverance is the closest we have ever come to discovering life on Mars. The identification of a potential biosignature on...

The,Concept,Of,The,Human,Brain.,The,Right,Creative,Hemisphere

<p>A recent study led by Dr. Tomás Ryan from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> and his team of neuroscientists has uncovered new insights into the brain’s learning mechanisms. The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.074" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a>, reveals that learning involves the formation of new connectivity patterns between specific engram cells in various brain regions.</p>



<p>Our brains are constantly adapting and changing, incorporating new information from our daily experiences. This continuous process of learning and memory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-has-an-alert-system-to-shut-down-unwanted-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation</a> has long intrigued scientists.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-engram-cells-nbsp">Memory engram cells&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Ryan’s research focuses on understanding how these experiences modify our neurons, allowing us to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewriting-negative-memories-by-activating-positive-ones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">create new</a> memories. The key to this process lies in identifying the ‘engram,’ which is the change in the brain that stores a memory.</p>



<p>“Memory engram cells are groups of brain cells that, activated by specific experiences, change themselves to incorporate and thereby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-has-an-alert-system-to-shut-down-unwanted-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hold information</a> in our brain,” explained lead author Clara Ortega-de San Luis, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Ryan Lab.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Reactivation of these ‘building blocks’ of memories triggers the recall of the specific experiences associated with them. The question is, how do engrams store meaningful information about the world?”</p>



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



<p>To explore this question, the researchers employed a learning paradigm in which animals learned to identify and associate different contexts that are similar to each other.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts utilized genetic techniques to label two distinct populations of engram cells in the brain for two discrete memories. They then monitored the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-may-actually-be-a-form-of-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation of new connections</a> between these engram cells as learning occurred.</p>



<p>Optogenetics, a technique that controls brain cell activity with light, was used to demonstrate the necessity of these newly formed connections for learning.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-learning">New insights into learning</h2>



<p>The study identified a molecular mechanism involving a specific protein in the synapse that regulates the connectivity between engram cells.</p>



<p>This research provides direct evidence that changes in synaptic wiring connectivity between engram cells are a likely mechanism for memory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-identifies-the-brain-cells-that-form-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storage in the brain</a>.</p>



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



<p>Commenting on the significance of these findings, Dr. Ryan said: “Understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-helps-the-brain-consolidate-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular mechanisms</a> that allow learning to occur helps us to comprehend not only how we form new memories or modify those pre-existent ones but also advance our knowledge towards disentangling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-advanced-brain-mapping-yet-reveals-how-we-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how the brain works</a> and the mechanisms needed for it to process thoughts and information."</p>



<p>“In 21st-century neuroscience, many of us like to think memories are being stored in engram cells, or their sub-components. This study argues that rather than looking for information within or at cells, we should search for information between cells, and that learning may work by altering the wiring diagram of the brain – less like a computer and more like a developing sculpture. In other words, the engram is not in the cell; the cell is in the engram,” he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-memory-and-engram-cells">Learning, memory and engram cells</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-may-actually-be-a-form-of-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Engram cells</a>, as discussed previously, are often referred to as memory traces. They are a fundamental concept in understanding how the brain encodes, stores, and retrieves memories. </p>



<p>Scientists identify these cells as the physical embodiment of memories within the brain's neural network. When we learn something new, specific patterns of brain activity occur, leading to changes in certain neurons, which become engram cells.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-engram-cells">Formation of engram cells</h3>



<p>The formation of engram cells begins with learning or experiencing something new. This process, known as encoding, involves various brain regions, particularly the hippocampus for declarative memories and the amygdala for emotional memories. </p>



<p>During encoding, synaptic connections between neurons strengthen, making these neurons more likely to fire together in the future. This phenomenon, based on the principle "neurons that fire together, wire together," underlies the formation of engram cells.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engram-cells-and-memory-storage">Engram cells and memory storage</h3>



<p>Once formed, engram cells play a crucial role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-formation-recall-different/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory storage and recall</a>. They represent the physical and chemical changes in the brain that correspond to a specific memory. When we try to recall a memory, the brain reactivates the same pattern of neural activity that was present during the encoding of the memory, effectively 'lighting up' the engram cells associated with that memory.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engram-cells-and-learning">Engram cells and learning</h3>



<p>Learning involves the continuous formation and reformation of engram cells. Each new piece of information or skill we acquire results in the creation of new engram cells or the modification of existing ones. This dynamic nature of engram cells is key to their role in learning. They are not static but rather adapt and change as we continue to learn and as our memories evolve over time.</p>



<p>In summary, engram cells are at the heart of the learning process and memory formation. They represent the brain's remarkable ability to encode, store, and recall vast amounts of information. Understanding how engram cells work not only unravels the mysteries of memory but also opens up potential avenues for treating memory-related disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-memory-and-sleep">Learning, memory and sleep</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-we-sleep-study-reveals-new-clues-behind-this-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleep</a> is another crucial component in both learning and memory. This relationship that has been extensively researched and documented in various scientific studies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-role-of-sleep-in-learning">Active role of sleep in learning</h3>



<p>Enhancing Cognitive Abilities: Sleep actively improves cognitive abilities essential for learning. It boosts attention and focus, enabling more efficient processing and absorption of new information. By refreshing the mind, sleep prepares individuals for new learning experiences.</p>



<p>Facilitating Memory Consolidation: One of the most crucial functions of sleep in learning is memory consolidation. During sleep, the brain actively transfers new information from short-term to long-term memory, a process essential for learning retention.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-different-sleep-stages-aid-memory">How different sleep stages aid memory</h3>



<p>REM Sleep: This stage is pivotal for consolidating declarative memories, like facts and figures. Here, the brain actively integrates new information with existing knowledge, enhancing understanding and recall.</p>



<p>Non-REM Sleep: The deeper stages of non-REM sleep are vital for procedural memory, involving skills and tasks. This stage strengthens neural connections, solidifying new skills learned during the day.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-s-role-in-synaptic-plasticity">Sleep's role in synaptic plasticity</h3>



<p>Synaptic plasticity, the brain's ability to strengthen or weaken synaptic connections, is vital for learning and memory. Sleep actively fosters this plasticity, allowing the brain to reorganize and optimize neural pathways based on new experiences and learnings.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-sleep-deprivation">Impact of sleep deprivation</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-damages-dna-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleep deprivation</a> actively hampers learning and memory. It impairs the brain's ability to focus, process information, and engage in the critical process of memory consolidation. Chronic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-impairs-the-brain-potentially-causing-neurological-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lack of sleep</a> can lead to long-term deficits in learning and memory retention.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-sleep-to-enhance-learning-and-memory">Using sleep to enhance learning and memory</h3>



<p>Maintain Regular Sleep Patterns: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consistent-sleep-slows-down-aging-at-a-cellular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Consistent sleep</a> schedules support the brain's natural rhythms, enhancing learning and memory processes.</p>



<p>Create a Conducive Sleep Environment: A comfortable, distraction-free sleep environment actively promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.</p>



<p>Prioritize Sleep Hygiene: Practices like limiting caffeine and screen time before bed can significantly improve sleep quality, directly benefiting learning and memory.</p>



<p>In summary, the active involvement of sleep in learning and memory is undeniable. By facilitating memory consolidation, enhancing cognitive functions, and supporting synaptic plasticity, sleep proves to be a cornerstone of effective learning and robust memory. Recognizing and prioritizing sleep is, therefore, essential for anyone looking to maximize their learning potential and cognitive health.</p>



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How our brains build memories: A new perspective on learning

A recent study led by Dr. Tomás Ryan from Trinity...

<p>In a stark warning on the state of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-global-warming-affecting-the-human-brain/">global warming</a>, the United Nations has announced at COP28 that 2023 is on track to be the warmest year on record. </p>



<p>According to a provisional report from the <a href="https://wmo.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN World Meteorological Organization</a> (WMO), global temperatures have already risen 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels this year. The alarming revelation comes as world leaders convene for the COP28 conference in Dubai.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-time-climate-collapse-nbsp">Real-time climate collapse&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a video statement accompanying the launch of the WMO report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for decisive action. “We are living through climate collapse in real time – and the impact is devastating."</p>



<p>"The world is heating up at an unprecedented pace, new climate data shows, and leaders gathered for the COP28 conference which opened in Dubai on Thursday must get us out of 'deep trouble."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-melt-season">Extreme melt season</h2>



<p>Guterres said the race is on to maintain the 1.5-degree limit set in the 2015 Paris Agreement, pointing to his recent visits to Antarctica and Nepal. He was shocked by the unprecedented environmental changes, including a significant reduction in Antarctic sea ice and rapidly receding glaciers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The WMO report further detailed an "extreme melt season" in western North America and the European Alps, contributing to record-high sea levels due to ongoing ocean warming and ice melt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gases-nbsp">Greenhouse gases&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Compounding these challenges, atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide have hit record highs.</p>



<p>WMO revealed that carbon dioxide levels are 50 percent above the pre-industrial era and that the long-lasting effects of CO2 will cause temperatures to rise for many years to come.</p>



<p>“These are more than just statistics,” said WMO chief Petteri Taalas, calling for action to “limit the risks of an increasingly inhospitable climate in this and the coming centuries."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-lives-and-livelihoods-nbsp">Human lives and livelihoods&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The report also highlighted the devastating effects of climate change on human lives and livelihoods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Events like Cyclone Daniel in Libya and severe floods in the Horn of Africa, exacerbated by consecutive seasons of drought, underline the grim reality of climate upheaval. These extreme weather events have led to widespread food insecurity and displacement across the globe.</p>



<p>“Record global heat should send shivers down the spines of world leaders,” said Guterres. “And it should trigger them to act."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewable-energy">Renewable energy</h2>



<p>Guterres reiterated his call for countries to increase their commitment to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and phase out fossil fuels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the report, renewable energy capacity grew by 10 percent worldwide last year, led by solar and wind power.</p>



<p>Guterres pointed to the existing roadmap to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He urged governments to set “clear expectations” for the next round of climate action plans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cop28-conference">COP28 conference</h2>



<p>The COP28 conference, running from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, marks the 28th session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This year's conference includes a crucial "global stocktake" to assess progress on emissions reduction and adaptation efforts.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The Secretary-General stressed the importance of protecting people from climate chaos by implementing early warnings for extreme weather and operationalizing a fund to assist those most affected by climate disasters.</p>



<p>Guterres also urged developed countries to fulfill their promise of delivering $100 billion per year in climate finance, and to double funding for adaptation efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With over 60,000 delegates attending, including youth activists and indigenous community representatives, COP28 is a critical juncture for assessing global commitments under the Paris Agreement and accelerating ambitious climate action.</p>



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Climate collapse: UN chief urges COP28 leaders to get us out of "deep trouble"

In a stark warning on the state of global warming,...

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a> has revealed significant insights into how personality traits might influence the risk of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-near-traffic-can-cause-dementia-and-change-brain-structure/">dementia</a>. </p>



<p>The analysis suggests that individuals with certain personality traits are less likely to receive a dementia diagnosis.</p>



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



<p>"The incidence of dementia due to neurodegenerative diseases has increased substantially over the past half-century along with increases in life expectancy, contributing to an expansive economic burden and disability," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"Identifying modifiable risk factors that influence individual differences in cognitive aging processes is critical to researchers, policymakers, and the public."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"While research suggests that the Big Five personality traits and subjective well-being (SWB) are associated with dementia diagnosis, limited research has examined traits or SWB as predictors of underlying dementia neuropathology."</p>



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



<p>The experts found that traits like conscientiousness, extraversion, and positive affect can act as protective factors against dementia. By contrast, individuals with high levels of neuroticism and negative affect appear to be at a greater risk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This correlation, as the research points out, is not due to physical brain tissue damage typically observed in dementia patients. Instead, it seems that certain personality traits might enable individuals to better manage or navigate the impairments associated with dementia.</p>



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



<p>Emorie Beck, assistant professor of Psychology at UC Davis and the first author of the paper, emphasized the novelty of this research. Previous studies exploring the link between personality traits and dementia risk were limited in scope, often focusing on small, specific populations. Beck and her team sought to expand this research horizon by using new technology.</p>



<p>“We wanted to leverage new technology to synthesize these studies and test the strength and consistency of these associations,” said Beck. If those links hold up, then targeting personality traits for change in interventions earlier in life could be a way to reduce dementia risk in the long term, she said.</p>



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



<p>The comprehensive analysis included data from eight published studies, encompassing over 44,000 individuals, out of whom 1,703 developed dementia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research team examined the "big five" personality traits - conscientiousness, extraversion, openness to experience, neuroticism, and agreeableness - alongside measures of subjective wellbeing like positive and negative affect and life satisfaction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These traits were then compared to clinical dementia symptoms and brain pathology assessed post-mortem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-discovery-nbsp">Surprising discovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers discovered that while certain personality traits correlated with dementia risk, they did not correspond to the neuropathology observed in the brains of deceased patients.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This was the most surprising finding to us,” said Beck. “If personality is predictive of performance on cognitive tests but not pathology, what might be happening?”</p>



<p>The experts theorize that some personality traits might confer resilience against the cognitive impairments caused by diseases like Alzheimer's, enabling individuals to cope with and adapt to these impairments more effectively.</p>



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



<p>The researchers also explored various factors that could moderate the relationship between personality traits and dementia risk, such as age, gender, and educational attainment. Notably, it was found that the protective effect of conscientiousness increased with age.</p>



<p>The research marks a significant step in understanding non-genetic factors contributing to dementia development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team plans to continue and expand upon this work. In future research, the experts plan to investigate individuals who exhibit minimal cognitive impairment despite significant brain pathology and to explore other everyday factors that might influence dementia risk.</p>



<p>The work was supported by the National Institute on Aging.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/alz.13523" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Alzheimer's &amp; Dementia</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Certain personality traits lower the risk of dementia

A new study led by the University of California, Davis...

<p>The innovative approach of using fat injections for hair loss treatment is gaining attention in the medical community.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent scientific review led by the <a href="https://en.iums.ac.ir/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iran University of Medical Sciences</a> (IUMS) has highlighted the potential benefits of fat injections for combating various types of alopecia, including scarring alopecia and common male pattern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finally-a-cure-for-baldness-scientists-regrow-hair-using-stem-cells/">baldness</a>.</p>



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



<p>"Alopecia may decrease patients' quality of life and self-confidence by limiting their social life. Therefore, the main goal of the treatment is to limit or halt the progression of inflammation, scarring, and hair loss," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The promising effect of fat injection on hair regrowth, limited adverse effects, and subsiding inflammation can be proof of its efficacy and safety in treating alopecia."</p>



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



<p>The technique involves extracting adipose tissue, commonly from the patient's thighs, and then injecting approximately 20ml of this fatty tissue into the scalp at three-month intervals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process was applied to a study group comprising four men with male pattern baldness and five women. The results, which were observed six months post-treatment, were promising.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Patients experienced a significant increase in hair thickness, as evidenced by denser hair and thicker individual strands. Additionally, the "hair-pull test" indicated a reduction in hair loss.</p>



<p>The researchers examined ten case reports and studies focusing on fat injections for hair loss. The team concluded that this treatment method effectively controls scalp inflammation, which is crucial in enhancing hair density and diameter. </p>



<p>The experts noted that adipose tissue is a rich stem cell source, which could be key to inducing hair regrowth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fatty-tissue">Fatty tissue</h2>



<p>The role of fatty tissue in hair regeneration is linked to its production of "growth factors." These molecules are believed to combat inflammation, thus protecting hair follicles from damage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The injection technique, already popular in cosmetic surgery for facial rejuvenation, has demonstrated minimal and non-serious side effects, such as temporary bruising and mild pain post-treatment.</p>



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



<p>The researchers emphasized the novelty and potential effectiveness of "autologous adipose tissue transfer" in treating hair loss and alopecia. This method stands out among existing treatments, such as hair transplants and microneedling, which have their limitations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Given the significant impact of hair loss on patients' quality of life, the experts emphasize the need for new and effective treatments.</p>



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



<p>Alopecia refers to hair loss, which can occur in various forms and affect people of all ages and genders. It's not just a cosmetic issue but can have profound psychological impacts due to its effect on appearance and self-esteem.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-androgenetic-alopecia">Androgenetic alopecia</h3>



<p>The most common type is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. This type is largely genetic and involves a patterned thinning of hair.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In men, it often starts with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while in women, it usually presents as overall thinning without a receding hairline.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alopecia-areata">Alopecia areata</h3>



<p>Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. In severe cases, it can progress to complete scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or even loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scarring-alopecias">Scarring alopecias</h3>



<p>Scarring alopecias, such as lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia, involve inflammation that destroys the hair follicle, leading to permanent hair loss. These are often more challenging to treat due to the irreversible nature of follicular damage.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traction-alopecia">Traction alopecia</h3>



<p>Traction alopecia is caused by prolonged tension on the hair, often due to certain hairstyles like tight braids or ponytails. It is preventable and treatable if recognized early.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-telogen-effluvium">Telogen effluvium</h2>



<p>Telogen effluvium is a temporary form of hair loss often triggered by stress, illness, hormonal changes, or medications. It usually manifests as a diffuse thinning of hair across the scalp.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatment-nbsp">Treatment&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Treatment for alopecia varies depending on the type and severity. It can range from medications like minoxidil and finasteride for pattern baldness, corticosteroids for alopecia areata, to more advanced therapies such as hair transplant surgery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Emerging treatments, such as the fat injections described in the IUMS study, show promise in offering new hope to those affected by this condition.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.16081#:~:text=Autologous%20fat%20grafting%20(AFG)%20is,angiogenesis%2C%20which%20supports%20hair%20regrowth." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Fat injection therapy offers hope for reversing baldness

The innovative approach of using fat injections for hair loss...

<p>The escalating crisis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/">deforestation</a> in Mexico, primarily fueled by the US’ soaring demand for avocados, is a concern that <a href="https://cri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Rights International</a> (CRI) squarely attributes to the inaction of both US and Mexican federal governments, as well as local authorities in Michoacán and Jalisco. </p>



<p>Despite having the capacity to intervene, these governmental bodies have failed to take effective measures, according to CRI.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corruption">Corruption</h2>



<p>In a recent <a href="https://cri.org/reports/unholy-guacamole/">report</a> CRI identifies two key issues at the heart of local environmental authorities’ failure: corruption and violence. In Michoacán, for instance, the State Prosecutor’s Office’s unit tasked with investigating avocado-related deforestation is reportedly plagued by corruption.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This situation allows those responsible for deforestation to operate with impunity, mocking the powerlessness of the forest commission, as per a forest official’s statement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-violence-and-threats">Violence and threats</h2>



<p>Additionally, any resistance to avocado growers is often met with violence or threats, effectively silencing both governmental authorities and local communities who have tried to hold these growers accountable. The situation is further complicated as criminal syndicates vie for a share in this lucrative industry, valued at billions of dollars annually.</p>



<p>The consequences of such resistance can be severe, with instances of kidnapping and even murder of community group members reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-measures-nbsp">Drastic measures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI criticizes the US government for its role, highlighting that it “routinely certifies illegally deforested orchards to export to US consumers.” This lack of adequate action from the authorities meant to safeguard the land and communities has led some locals to take drastic measures.</p>



<p>In Cherán, Michoacán, frustrated residents ousted the local government in 2011 due to rampant illegal logging and violence, establishing their own governance and police force to enforce anti-deforestation laws. Michoacán eventually acknowledged the authority of this self-established government.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-imports-nbsp">Avocado imports&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI emphasizes that localized responses alone are insufficient to tackle such pervasive problems. In its report, CRI outlines several recommendations, including a call for both the Mexican and US governments to enforce deforestation and avocado cultivation laws effectively. One key proposal is for the US to ban the import of avocados cultivated on illegally deforested land.</p>



<p>Despite these recommendations, as recently as last year, the US sanctioned avocado imports from Jalisco without implementing deforestation safeguards.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deteriorating-situation">Deteriorating situation</h2>



<p>CRI warns that if decisive action is not taken soon, the situation will continue to deteriorate, especially given the ever-increasing American appetite for avocados.</p>



<p>“Urgently enacting and implementing such regulations and policies is essential to averting climate catastrophe, and to protecting the rights of populations where the commodities are produced,” officials from CRI concluded.</p>



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America's demand for avocados linked to escalating crisis in Mexico

The escalating crisis of deforestation in Mexico, primarily fueled by...

<p>The generational wealth gap between Millennials and Baby Boomers has been a topic of extensive debate. Widespread views suggest that Millennials are faring worse financially than their predecessors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to some, Millennials are “the first generation that is worse off than their parents." However, the results of a new study challenge this notion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-and-career-paths-nbsp">Life and career paths&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> has found that Millennials are not uniformly worse off than Baby Boomers, but are contending with a “vast and increasing” wealth gap due to different life and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/online-gaming-may-enhance-career-prospects/">career</a> paths.</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed the life and career paths of over 6,000 individuals from each generation in the United States, focusing on their financial status by the age of 35.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The results show that while some Millennials have indeed amassed greater wealth compared to Baby Boomers with similar life experiences, a significant number are economically worse off.</p>



<p>The study suggests that Millennials were statistically more likely to work in low-paid service jobs or live with their parents as they entered middle age.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-rewards">Economic rewards</h2>



<p>Study lead author Dr. Rob Gruijters emphasized that the real issue is not whether Millennials are worse off in general, but how varying life and career patterns are rewarded differently compared to the past.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The debate about whether Millennials are worse off is a distraction. The crucial intergenerational shift has been in how different family and career patterns are rewarded. The wealthiest Millennials now have more than ever, while the less fortunate are left further behind," said Dr. Gruijters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-wealth-gap">Extreme wealth gap</h2>



<p>"This divergence in financial rewards is exacerbating extreme levels of wealth inequality in the United States. Individuals with typical working class careers, like truck drivers or hairdressers, used to be able to buy a home and build a modest level of assets, but this is more difficult for the younger generation."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The solution lies with measures such as progressive wealth taxation, and policies like universal health insurance, that give more people basic security.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-career-patterns-and-family-dynamics">Career patterns and family dynamics </h2>



<p>The team compared late Baby Boomers (born between 1957 and 1964) with early Millennials (born between 1980 and 1984), using data from the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/nls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Longitudinal Survey of Youth</a>. This allowed the researchers to map out each individual’s life trajectory from 18 to 35, considering changes in work, family, and living arrangements.</p>



<p>One of the striking findings was the shift in career patterns and family dynamics between generations. For instance, a smaller percentage of Millennials (7.3%) transitioned from college into prestigious professions like law and medicine compared to Baby Boomers (17%).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Millennials were more likely to be engaged in other professional roles or in service sector jobs. Additionally, Millennials tended to delay marriage and parenthood and prolong their stay at their parental home.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millennials-and-financial-security">Millennials and financial security</h2>



<p>In terms of wealth distribution, the study revealed a stark contrast in financial security between the generations. While 62% of Boomers owned homes at 35, only 49% of Millennials did.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, 14% of Millennials had a negative net worth, as opposed to 8.7% of Boomers. This disparity highlights a more pronounced wealth inequality among Millennials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wealth-distribution">Wealth distribution</h2>



<p>The experts note that these shifts in wealth distribution are not merely due to changing work and family patterns, but are the result of increased economic rewards for secure, middle and upper-class lifestyles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile, economic rewards for working-class lifestyles have stagnated or declined. This observation is particularly evident in the housing market, where a lower percentage of Millennials in low-skilled service roles own their own home compared to Boomers in similar positions.</p>



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



<p>The researchers argue that these challenges not only foster intergenerational tensions but have also contributed to other social problems, such as the rise of populist authoritarianism.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They say that addressing the problem will require big solutions: principally wealth taxes and policies that offer financial security to the less advantaged. Such measures might, for example, include access to stable housing, universal health insurance, and a higher minimum wage.</p>



<p>“We need to make it easier for those who are currently being left behind to accumulate wealth in the first place,” said study co-author Professor Anette Fasang. “A slow and tentative approach won’t suffice. Significant action is needed to build a more equal society, where more people can experience some form of prosperity.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/726445" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>American Journal of Sociology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Millennials face a vast and ever-increasing wealth gap

The generational wealth gap between Millennials and Baby Boomers has...

<p>A team of astronomers led by <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UChicago</a> scientist Rafael Luque has made a fascinating discovery in a nearby star system, revealing a unique and rhythmic orbital dance of six planets around their central star. This rare sight offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate and harmonious movements of celestial bodies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-six-planet-gravitational-waltz">Six-planet gravitational waltz</h2>



<p>The discovery presents a rare case of an “in sync” gravitational lockstep among the planets. The six planets orbit a star known as HD110067, located approximately 100 light-years away in the constellation of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coma_Berenices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coma Berenices</a>. What makes this system extraordinary is the rhythmic beat of its planetary orbits, so precise that it could be set to music.</p>



<p>Rafael Luque comments on the discovery's importance, saying, “This discovery is going to become a benchmark system to study how sub-Neptunes, the most common type of planets outside of the solar system, form, evolve, what are they made of, and if they possess the right conditions to support the existence of liquid water on their surfaces.”</p>



<p>The planets were initially detected by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (<a href="https://tess.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TESS</a>) in 2020, which observed dips in the brightness of HD110067, indicating planets passing in front of the star. Further analysis using data from TESS and the European Space Agency’s CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Cheops" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheops</a>) led to the discovery of this unique configuration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-and-precise-6-planet-dance">Rare and precise 6-planet dance</h2>



<p>While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-delicate-balance-of-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multi-planet</a> systems are common in our galaxy, those in tight gravitational formation known as “resonance” are much rarer. </p>



<p>In this system, the planet closest to the star completes three orbits for every two of the next planet -- a 3/2 resonance. This pattern is repeated among the four closest planets. The outermost planets follow a 4/3 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-moons-are-warming-each-other-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resonance pattern</a>, repeated twice.</p>



<p>Luque emphasizes the rarity of such systems. He says, “We think only about one percent of all systems stay in resonance, and even fewer show a chain of planets in such a configuration.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-resonant-planetary-systems">Importance of resonant planetary systems</h2>



<p>Orbitally resonant systems are crucial for understanding planetary formation and evolution. Planets around stars typically form in resonance but can be easily perturbed by massive planets, close encounters with other stars, or giant impacts. </p>



<p>As a result, many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-planetary-system-that-resembles-tatooine-from-star-wars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multi-planet</a> systems known to astronomers are not in resonance but may have once been. HD110067 stands out as it has preserved its resonant configuration, providing a window into the early stages of planetary system formation.</p>



<p>To gain a deeper understanding of this system, more precise measurements of these planets' masses and orbits are needed. This will help refine theories on how the system formed and provide insights into the nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-exoplanet-k2-18-have-the-right-conditions-to-support-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sub-Neptunes</a> and their potential to support life.</p>



<p>In summary, the discovery of this harmoniously dancing planetary system not only captivates the imagination but also serves as a crucial benchmark for understanding the complexities of planet formation and evolution in the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extrasolar-multi-planetary-systems">Extrasolar multi-planetary systems</h2>



<p>The discovery of extrasolar multi-planetary systems -- systems with more than one planet orbiting a star other than our Sun -- has revolutionized our understanding of the universe and the diversity of planetary systems. </p>



<p>With advancements in technology and dedicated missions, astronomers are now uncovering these distant worlds, offering insights into their formation, evolution, and potential for harboring life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hunt-for-extrasolar-worlds">The hunt for extrasolar worlds</h2>



<p>Astronomers use various methods to detect and study extrasolar planets, or exoplanets. The most successful techniques include the transit method, where a planet passes in front of its host star, causing a slight dimming in the star's brightness, and the radial velocity method, which detects the gravitational influence of a planet on its star.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-transit-method">The transit method</h4>



<p>The transit method has been instrumental in identifying numerous multi-planetary systems. Missions like NASA's Kepler Space Telescope and the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) have discovered thousands of exoplanets by monitoring the brightness of stars for periodic dips.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radial-velocity">Radial velocity</h4>



<p>The radial velocity method complements the transit method by measuring the slight back-and-forth wobbles of a star caused by the gravitational pull of orbiting planets. This technique not only confirms the existence of planets but also provides estimates of their masses.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-of-multi-planetary-systems">Diversity of multi-planetary systems</h3>



<p>Extrasolar multi-planetary systems exhibit remarkable diversity in terms of the number of planets, their sizes, compositions, and orbital configurations. Some systems closely resemble our solar system, with a mix of rocky inner planets and gas giants further out, while others are entirely different, featuring "hot Jupiters" or "super-Earths."</p>



<p>As discussed previously in this article, some extrasolar systems display resonant orbits, where planets exhibit orbital periods in a precise ratio, creating a stable gravitational interaction. These systems provide crucial information about the processes of planetary migration and the early stages of planetary system formation.</p>



<p>One of the most intriguing aspects of studying extrasolar multi-planetary systems is the search for habitable planets – worlds that could potentially support life. The habitable zone, or the "Goldilocks zone," is the region around a star where conditions might be right for liquid water to exist on a planet's surface.</p>



<p>The discovery of Earth-sized planets in the habitable zone of their stars fuels the hope of finding life beyond Earth. The characterizing atmospheres of these planets, especially for signs of water vapor or gases like oxygen and methane, which could indicate biological processes, is a key focus of ongoing research.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-exploration-of-multi-planetary-systems">Future exploration of multi-planetary systems</h3>



<p>Future missions are expected to further our understanding of extrasolar multi-planetary systems. By analyzing the light from these distant worlds, astronomers will delve deeper into their atmospheres, surface conditions, and potentially even signs of life.</p>



<p>In summary, the study of extrasolar multi-planetary systems opens a window into the vast and varied universe beyond our solar system. As we continue to discover and analyze these distant worlds, we expand our knowledge of how planetary systems form and evolve, and inch closer to answering the age-old question: Are we alone in the universe?</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06692-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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Six-planet solar system discovered orbiting a nearby star in cosmic waltz

A team of astronomers led by UChicago scientist Rafael Luque...

DCIM100GOPROGOPR1228.

<p>In an extraordinary feat of engineering and international collaboration, the Orion spacecraft, a part of NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis I</a> mission, has achieved a remarkable milestone in space exploration. The spacecraft ventured some 267,000 miles from Earth and roughly 40,000 miles from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a>, surpassing the distance record set by the Apollo 13 mission over half a century ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-portrait-in-space">Family portrait in space</h2>



<p>In this photo, the Orion capsule, along with the Earth and the Moon, appeared to be posing for a '<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/orion_earth_moon_photo_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">family portrait</a>.' This iconic image marks a pivotal moment in the mission's journey, symbolizing the culmination of years of meticulous planning and execution.</p>



<p>Orion's journey from Earth began a year ago, on November 16, 2022, when NASA’s mega Moon rocket, the Space Launch System, lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. The uncrewed Orion spacecraft was placed into Earth orbit, marking the beginning of a new era in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-will-melt-lunar-dust-to-build-roads-on-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar exploration</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-european-service-module">The European Service Module</h2>



<p>The mission's success was significantly bolstered by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Orion/European_Service_Module" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Service Module</a>, which functioned like a train engine, not only propelling the Orion capsule but also supplying it with necessary power. This module, crafted by the <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> (ESA) and industry teams from over 20 companies across Europe, was a testament to international cooperation in space endeavors.</p>



<p>The European Service Module, equipped with 33 engines, played a crucial role in keeping Orion on course. Remarkably, this module saved 25% of the propellant and generated 15% more power than expected. At the same time, it exhibited performance that exceeded all predictions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orion-captures-the-moment">Orion captures the moment</h2>



<p>A notable aspect of the Orion mission was the use of the module's solar arrays as 'selfie sticks' to capture spectacular <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/esa_events/albums/72177720304267906" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">images</a>, such as this one of the Earth and moon. These images, including one with the ESA logo, were taken halfway through the mission and have since captivated the world.</p>



<p>As Orion approached Earth, the European Service Module separated from the capsule. Lacking a heat shield, it burned up harmlessly over the Pacific Ocean. The Orion crew module then made its return. The spacecraft employed a skip entry technique for a safe splashdown off the coast of Baja California, Mexico, on December 11, 2022.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-artemis-ii-and-beyond">Looking ahead: Artemis II and beyond</h2>



<p>The success of the Artemis I mission sets the stage for the Artemis II mission. Artemis II will see three NASA astronauts and one CSA astronaut orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-plans-to-build-house-on-the-moon-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a>. The serial production of the European Service Module is crucial for these upcoming missions, showcasing Europe's significant role in powering humanity's return to the Moon.</p>



<p>In summary, the Artemis I mission, with the Orion capsule's record-setting journey, has not only rewritten the history books but also opened a new chapter in human space exploration. This mission exemplifies the power of international collaboration and technological innovation, paving the way for future endeavors beyond our planet.</p>



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



<p>The Orion capsule represents a significant leap in space exploration technology. Designed and built by NASA, it serves as a multi-purpose crew vehicle aimed at facilitating human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. Orion is central to NASA's deep space exploration missions, including the journey to the Moon and potentially Mars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-design-and-capabilities-a-technological-marvel">Design and capabilities: A technological marvel</h3>



<p>Orion's design incorporates advanced technology to ensure the safety and efficiency of long-duration, deep-space missions. The capsule is equipped with life support systems, large storage areas for crew and supplies, and state-of-the-art navigation systems. Its robust construction enables it to withstand the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures and radiation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crew-module-the-heart-of-the-orion-spacecraft">Crew module: The heart of the Orion spacecraft</h3>



<p>The Crew Module is the primary living and working space for astronauts. It is designed to accommodate up to four astronauts on missions lasting up to 21 days. The module is equipped with advanced life support systems, ensuring a habitable environment throughout the mission.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-service-module-powering-the-journey">Service module: Powering the journey</h3>



<p>The Service Module, developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), plays a crucial role in the Orion spacecraft. It provides power, propulsion, thermal control, and water and air for the astronauts. This module also houses the solar panels that generate electricity and the engines necessary for maneuvering in space.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-features-prioritizing-astronaut-well-being">Safety features: Prioritizing astronaut well-being</h3>



<p>Safety is paramount in the design of Orion. The spacecraft boasts a launch abort system. This can quickly propel the crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of an emergency during ascent. Additionally, Orion's heat shield is the largest of its kind ever built. It is capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures experienced during re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mission-profile-the-path-to-deep-space">Mission profile: The path to deep space</h3>



<p>Orion is integral to NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually to Mars. The capsule is launched atop the powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The SLS provides the necessary thrust to escape Earth's gravity. Once in space, Orion can travel to the Moon, where it can dock with the Lunar Gateway or land astronauts on the lunar surface.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-missions-for-the-orion-spacecraft">Future missions for the Orion spacecraft</h3>



<p>Orion's first test flight, Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1), successfully took place in 2014. This uncrewed mission tested key systems and paved the way for future crewed missions. The Artemis I mission, another significant milestone, saw Orion travel further than any spacecraft built for humans had ever gone.</p>



<p>In summary, the Orion capsule stands as a cornerstone in NASA's efforts to extend human presence deeper into the solar system. With its advanced design, robust safety features, and versatile capabilities, Orion is not just a spacecraft but a symbol of the new era of space exploration. </p>



<p>As humanity looks towards the Moon, Mars, and beyond, Orion will be at the forefront, carrying astronauts into the unknown realms of deep space.</p>



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Stunning photo of Earth and the Moon captured by Orion from deep space

In an extraordinary feat of engineering and international collaboration, the...

<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> have investigated the climate history of the San Joaquin Valley. The study reveals a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate</a> marked by intense weather extremes of droughts and floods.</p>



<p>For the investigation, the researchers used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-confirm-the-historic-significance-of-2021-heat-wave/">tree ring</a> data from over 600 years to reconstruct an extensive record of weather and streamflow scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>This innovative research method, which combined paleoclimatic data with synthetic weather generation, ultimately provides a new lens through which to prepare for climate-related risks.</p>



<p>The study sheds light on the weather extremes that have historically plagued the San Joaquin Valley in central California. These climate extremes include prolonged periods of both drought and floods, surpassing anything recorded in recent history in terms of severity and duration.</p>



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



<p>The study insights are particularly important given the valley's status as a major agricultural center and a crucial source of produce for the nation.</p>



<p>Over the last few years, the region has seen a wild swing between severe drought and significant atmospheric rivers. This makes the valley a bellwether for the climate hazards that are facing the rest of California and much of the world, noted study co-senior author Patrick Reed, professor of Engineering at Cornell.</p>



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



<p>One of the key findings of the study is the role of natural variability in influencing short-term weather extremes. However, human-induced climate change becomes a significant factor over periods exceeding 30 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The last six centuries have witnessed prolonged phases of heavy rainfall and severe drought that can persist for decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Surprisingly, the severity of droughts in the past 30 years rivals some of the worst in the 600-year record, but with a slightly shorter duration. The experts noted that hydroclimatic risks may be underestimated when they are based exclusively on modern records.</p>



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



<p>One of the most significant implications of this research is its potential impact on policy and planning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Folks typically want to separate out internal variability versus climate change, just to get a sense of the signal change with anthropogenic warming,” said Professor Reed. </p>



<p>“But when we’re planning in complex water systems, both are occurring. And we need a sense of what happens when they come together. And what happens is we get extremes we’ve never seen. This opens the envelope of plausible futures in a much wider sense.”</p>



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



<p>The study suggests that the convergence of natural variability and anthropogenic climate change is likely to result in more frequent, severe, and protracted flood and drought extremes than have been seen in the past 600 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research provides invaluable insights into California's climate history and serves as a crucial tool for future climate resilience planning.</p>



<p>The study was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. The results are published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003909" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Earth’s Future</em></a>, a journal of the American Geophysical Union.</p>



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California’s weather extremes found in 600-year-old tree rings

Researchers from Cornell University have investigated the climate history of...

Honey,Bee,Flying,To,The,Flower

<p>Venoms, remarkable for their complexity and potency, have independently evolved in numerous animal groups, including bees. Within the diverse insect order Hymenoptera, which encompasses over 6,000 bee species alone, venomous species are notably abundant. </p>



<p>Despite their ecological and economic significance, the evolutionary development of hymenopteran venoms has remained largely unexplored. A recent study led by Dr. Björn von Reumont, a visiting scientist at <a href="https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goethe University Frankfurt</a>, has made significant strides in understanding this mysterious evolutionary path.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-bee-venom-evolution">Studying bee venom evolution</h2>



<p>The research, grounded in comparative genomics, marks the first systematic exploration of the evolution of bee and other hymenopteran venoms. </p>



<p>The team identified prevalent peptides and proteins in hymenopteran venom using protein databases. They then analyzed venoms from two wild bee species -- the violet carpenter bee (<em>Xylocopa violacea</em>) and the great-banded furrow-bee (<em>Halictus scabiosae</em>) -- as well as of the honeybee (<em>Apis mellifera</em>). </p>



<p>Twelve peptide and protein families were found to be common across the hymenopteran venoms studied, suggesting these are fundamental "common ingredient" of their venom cocktails.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-genetic-discoveries">Surprising genetic discoveries</h2>



<p>In collaboration with institutions like the <a href="https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/institutes/leibniz-institutes-all-lists" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute</a>, <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TUM</a>, and <a href="https://tbg.senckenberg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LOEWE TBG</a>, the researchers examined the genes of these 12 families in 32 hymenopteran taxa. </p>



<p>This group included sweat bees and stingless bees, and also wasps and ants such as the notorious fire ant (<em>Solenopsis invicta</em>). The genetic differences were sometimes as minute as a single letter change in the genetic code. Nonetheless, this enabled the team to trace relationships and compile a lineage of venom genes using artificial intelligence and machine learning.</p>



<p>A key revelation was the presence of many venom genes across all hymenopterans, indicating a common ancestral origin. Bees, it seems, have been venomous from their beginnings. </p>



<p>This finding challenges current debates in other groups, such as Toxicofera, about the independent evolution of venoms. “This makes it highly probable that hymenopterans are venomous as an entire group,” concludes von Reumont. “For other groups, such as Toxicofera, which includes snakes, anguids (lizards) and iguania, science is still debating whether the venoms can be traced back to a common ancestor or whether they evolved separately.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hymenoptera-specialization">Hymenoptera specialization</h2>



<p>In the Hymenoptera order, it's specifically the stinging insects like bees, wasps, and ants that are equipped with a stinger for venom delivery. In contrast, the ancient parasitic sawflies, such as the sirex wood wasp (Sirex noctilio), employ a different method. They use their ovipositor, in conjunction with laying eggs, to introduce substances that modify the physiology of their host plants. </p>



<p>A notable example is the sirex wood wasp, which not only injects a fungus aiding its larvae in colonizing the wood but also delivers its unique blend of venomous proteins, as highlighted in the study. </p>



<p>These proteins are crucial in preparing the plant environment to be conducive for the larvae's growth. Dr. von Reumont points out, "Based on this, we can categorize the sirex wood wasp as venomous too."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-venom-components-in-bees">Novel venom components in bees</h2>



<p>Particularly intriguing was the discovery related to the peptide melittin in bees. Contrary to previous beliefs that multiple gene copies were responsible for its diversity and abundance in bee venom, the study revealed it is encoded by a single gene. </p>



<p>This discovery refutes the hypothesis of melittin belonging to the postulated aculeatoxins group, emphasizing the importance of genome data in understanding venom evolution.</p>



<p>Additionally, the study identified anthophilin-1 as a new protein family in bee venom, further enriching our understanding of venom composition and evolution.</p>



<p>Dr. von Reumont explains, “Not only are there many different variants of melittin, but the peptide also accounts for up to 60 percent of the dry weight of bee venom. That is why science previously assumed that there must be many gene copies. We were able to disprove this quite clearly.”</p>



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



<p>This important study by Dr. von Reumont and his team offers unprecedented insights into the origin and evolution of venom genes in Hymenoptera. It sets the stage for future research in tracing venom gene evolution in the ancestors of Hymenoptera and understanding specializations within the group. </p>



<p>However, large-scale comparative genomics will require the automation of analysis methods for the expansive protein families involved. </p>



<p>This research illuminates the evolutionary paths of venoms, while also opening new avenues for understanding the intricate relationships between genetics and ecology in one of the most diverse and ecologically significant insect orders.</p>



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Which came first, bee venom or bee stingers?

Venoms, remarkable for their complexity and potency, have independently evolved...

Artist’s impression of the disc and jet in the young star syst

<p>In a significant breakthrough, astronomers have identified a rotating disc around a young star in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a galaxy in close proximity to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>. This is the first time that such a disc, akin to those that contribute to planet formation in our own galaxy, has been observed outside the Milky Way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-extragalactic-rotating-disc">Finding the extragalactic rotating disc</h2>



<p>The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (<a href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ALMA</a>) in Chile, an installation in which the European Southern Observatory (<a href="https://www.eso.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESO</a>) plays a significant role, was instrumental in this discovery. The observations disclosed a young, massive star in the process of growth, accumulating matter from its surroundings and forming a rotating disc.</p>



<p>Anna McLeod is an associate professor at <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> in the UK and the study's lead author. She expressed her astonishment at the discovery. </p>



<p>“When I first saw evidence for a rotating structure in the ALMA data I could not believe that we had detected the first extragalactic accretion disc, it was a special moment,” says McLeod. “We know discs are vital to forming stars and planets in our galaxy, and here, for the first time, we’re seeing direct evidence for this in another galaxy.”</p>



<p>McLeod highlighted the crucial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-discovery-about-earths-formation-raises-probability-of-finding-life-on-other-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">role of discs</a> in star and planet formation in our galaxy, emphasizing the importance of this discovery in another galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-follow-up-observations">Follow-up observations</h2>



<p>The Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (<a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/vlt-instr/muse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MUSE</a>) on ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) previously observed a jet emanating from a forming star -- named HH 1177 -- within a gas cloud in the Large Magellanic Cloud. </p>



<p>McLeod noted, “We discovered a jet being launched from this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-revelation-new-image-sheds-light-on-the-birth-of-giant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young massive star</a>, and its presence is a signpost for ongoing disc accretion.” However, to confirm the existence of a rotating disc, the team needed to analyze the movement of dense gas surrounding the star.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rotating-accretion-discs">Rotating accretion discs</h2>



<p>The process of matter accreting onto a growing star is complex. Rather than falling directly onto the star, it flattens into a spinning disc around it. The inner parts of the disc rotate faster than the outer regions, providing key evidence for the presence of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-the-perseus-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accretion disc</a>.</p>



<p>Jonathan Henshaw is a research fellow at <a href="https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liverpool John Moores University</a> in the UK and co-author of the study. He explained how the frequency of light changes with the motion of the gas emitting it. </p>



<p>“The frequency of light changes depending on how fast the gas emitting the light is moving towards or away from us,” explains Henshaw. “This is precisely the same phenomenon that occurs when the pitch of an ambulance siren changes as it passes you and the frequency of the sound goes from higher to lower.”</p>



<p>ALMA's precise frequency measurements allowed the researchers to detect the characteristic spin of a disc, confirming it was, indeed, the first discovery of a disc around an extragalactic young star.</p>



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



<p>Massive stars, like the one observed in this study, form much more rapidly and have shorter lifespans than smaller stars like our Sun. They are usually difficult to observe in our galaxy due to the obscuring dust. </p>



<p>However, the Large Magellanic Cloud, situated 160,000 light-years away and having lower dust content, provided a clear view of the star and planet formation process.</p>



<p>McLeod concluded by emphasizing the rapid advancements in astronomical technology. “We are in an era of rapid technological advancement when it comes to astronomical facilities,” McLeod says. “Being able to study how stars form at such incredible distances and in a different galaxy is very exciting.”</p>



<p>This discovery marks a pivotal moment in our understanding of star and planet formation across the universe.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06790-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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For the first time, astronomers discover planet formation in another galaxy

In a significant breakthrough, astronomers have identified a rotating disc...

<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> have achieved a breakthrough by harnessing the "super power" of a tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/">flower</a>, potentially revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry's approach to drug development. </p>



<p>The research, inspired by nature, focuses on creating more stable and effective drugs using a technique derived from Oldenlandia affinis, a small purple flower.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-more-effective-drugs">Seeking more effective drugs</h2>



<p>Traditionally, drug treatments target disease-related proteins to block their activity, either alleviating symptoms or curing the disease. However, the conventional method using small molecules has limitations, especially in blocking protein interactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The pharmaceutical industry is now exploring the use of small proteins called peptides, which could lead to improved drug discovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-drug-candidates-nbsp">New drug candidates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The challenge with peptides and proteins as drug candidates is their structural vulnerability. They tend to unravel, are sensitive to high temperatures, and have difficulty penetrating cells, where many significant drug targets reside.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The University of Bath team has developed a novel solution to these issues. The technique involves creating "cyclic" proteins and peptides by joining their start and end points. This process enhances their stability against heat and chemicals and facilitates easier cell penetration.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The experts utilized the enzyme OaAEP1 from Oldenlandia affinis, modifying it and integrating it into bacterial cells for mass production. This process simultaneously joins the proteins' ends in a single step.</p>



<p>While plants can naturally cyclicize proteins, it's a slow and low-yielding process. Chemical cyclization is an alternative but involves multiple steps and toxic solvents.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The bacterial system introduced by the Bath team is a significant improvement. This approach offers higher yields, uses sustainable biologically-friendly reagents, and simplifies the process, making it cheaper and greener.</p>



<p>To demonstrate their method's efficacy, the researchers applied their bacterial OaAEP1 technology to a protein called DHFR. They found that linking its head and tail ends increased its temperature resistance while maintaining its normal function.</p>



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



<p>Professor Jody Mason from the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences highlighted the significance of this discovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Proteins and peptides are generally quite sensitive to heat, but cyclisation makes them much more robust," said Professor Mason. “The Oldenlandia plant naturally makes cyclic proteins as part of a defence mechanism to deter predators."</p>



<p>“So we’ve harnessed this flower super power by modifying OaAEP1 and combining it with existing bacterial protein-producing technology to create a really powerful tool that will help the drug discovery industry.”</p>



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



<p>Dr. Simon Tang, a research associate in the University of Bath Department of Life Sciences, explained that proteins and peptides are very promising as drug candidates, but a significant bottleneck for the development of new therapeutic treatments is producing enough of the stuff to reach patients without incurring an astronomical cost.</p>



<p>“Our new process lets the bacteria do all the work – the result is it’s also cleaner and greener, and because it has fewer steps, it is a lot simpler to do," said Dr. Tang.</p>



<p>“We’re really excited about the potential applications of this, not only for the pharmaceutical industry but other industries such as the food industry, detergent industry, in biotechnology, and in bioenergy production.”</p>



<p>The researchers have filed a patent for the technique. The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.3c00591" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of the American Chemical Society Gold</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Peter Warren</p>



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'Super power' of a tropical flower will improve drug discovery

Scientists at the University of Bath have achieved a breakthrough...

<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>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

<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>



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features 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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