<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...

<p>Scientists from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA) are calling for a project to map the biodiversity of Earth's polar regions. The study would map all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity</a> in these regions - from the atmosphere to the deep sea.</p>



<p>Polar ecosystems, deemed the most sensitive to global warming, are disappearing rapidly, taking with them a vast array of biological life essential for ecosystem services and climate regulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-biodiversity-projections">Polar biodiversity projections</h2>



<p>Professor Thomas Mock, who co-authored the report with Professor Melody Clark from the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, emphasized what is needed for the accurate mapping of biodiversity in polar regions.</p>



<p>“Biodiversity projections for the polar regions can only be reliably constructed if we have a sufficiently profound understanding of the diversity, ecological functions, and interrelations of polar organisms, as well as their resilience to climate change," said Professor Mock.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These remote regions play substantial, often underappreciated, roles in the carbon cycle and drive global nutrient and dissolved organic matter fluxes. Consequently, polar environmental and ecological processes are intimately connected with our everyday life and our planet’s health, much of which is underpinned by the endemic biota, from viruses to large animals."&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There is strong evidence that climate-induced changes in the polar regions are already altering species distributions on land and in the sea, with major impacts on ecosystem function.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Species are shifting towards the poles, affecting food chains and the life dependent on the polar climates, including microbes, seals, whales, and polar bears.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-in-polar-regions">Warming in polar regions</h2>



<p>The Arctic is warming at least four times faster than other regions of the world. As temperature changes alter the Arctic jet stream, this can lead to extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, and flooding in temperate zones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile, melting permafrost and collapsing Arctic coastlines are releasing ancient carbon stores, nutrients, and potentially dormant viruses and pathogenic bacteria - significantly altering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-biodiversity-will-get-a-boost-from-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological interactions</a> and biogeochemistry.</p>



<p>The Southern Ocean and Antarctic continent face similar challenges. The Southern Ocean, responsible for absorbing a large portion of anthropogenic heat and CO2, is crucial in carbon sequestration, serving as a natural buffer against climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sequencing-technologies">Sequencing technologies</h2>



<p>The study highlights the importance of sequencing technologies in understanding how organisms function in these extreme environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Sequencing technologies have massively changed our abilities to decipher how organisms work. However, the uptake in polar biology has been relatively low, especially when considering the tens of thousands of species that reside at the poles and are at threat in our warming world," said Professor Clark.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Understanding how lots of very strange organisms living in extreme cold can help answer globally questions and provide real benefits for society. Failure to act now will result in a substantial loss of knowledge regarding evolutionary adaptation to the cold.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Genomic screening is not just crucial for identifying stressed populations, but also for monitoring invasive species, thus enabling timely interventions.</p>



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



<p>“With the cold regions of our planet diminishing, there is a real imperative to obtain full genome sequences for diverse organisms inhabiting polar ecosystems, from the deep oceans to the permafrost on land, for both the Arctic and Antarctic," said Professor Mock.</p>



<p>"This will enable the wider application of omics technologies to polar species, which will revolutionize our understanding of evolution in the cold and adaptive responses to a warming world.”&nbsp;</p>



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



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Earth's polar regions cannot be protected without first mapping biodiversity 

Scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) are calling...

<p>As we get deeper into the respiratory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emerging-threat-rabies-virus-from-marmosets-found-in-brazilian-bats/">virus</a> season, a recent survey has exposed a concerning trend among Americans.</p>



<p>Despite warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the potential dangers of this year's respiratory viruses, a significant portion of the population seems to be underestimating the threat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>About one-third of Americans surveyed expressed a lack of concern, highlighting a gap in public awareness and readiness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccine-decisions-nbsp">Vaccine decisions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The survey's findings are particularly striking given that 87% of respondents claim to take all possible measures to prevent the spread of seasonal viruses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, a disconnect emerges as one-third of these individuals believe their personal vaccine decisions do not impact others. This group also feels that they do not need vaccinations for flu or COVID-19 if they are not in a high-risk category.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-changing-disease">Life-changing disease</h2>



<p>Dr. Megan Conroy is a pulmonologist and critical care specialist at <a href="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center</a> and a clinical assistant professor in the College of Medicine. She emphasized the severity of respiratory viruses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Unfortunately, respiratory viruses can cause really severe and life-changing disease for some people, even among the young and very healthy," said Dr. Conroy.</p>



<p>"The best way to help prevent a virus from really upending your life or others is to get vaccinated. Our vaccines are safe and very effective in preventing you from getting very sick and that’s an important outcome."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-hospitalizations-expected-this-year">More hospitalizations expected this year</h2>



<p>The healthcare system is under additional strain with the emergence of COVID-19, which has joined the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as a seasonal respiratory virus. The CDC anticipates a higher number of hospitalizations this year compared to pre-pandemic seasons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Unfortunately, the flu kills tens of thousands of Americans every year. We get an idea of how bad a respiratory illness season the U.S. will have by looking at what happened in the southern hemisphere where flu season is during our summer," said Dr. Conroy.</p>



<p>"Australia had almost a record setting influenza season. That’s concerning and a sign that we may have higher flu numbers than average and certainly higher than in recent years since universal masking has gone by the wayside."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccination-recommendations-nbsp">Vaccination recommendations&nbsp;</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flu-and-covid">Flu and COVID</h3>



<p>It is recommended that everyone aged 6 months and older receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccines every season, with a few exceptions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These vaccines can be administered simultaneously, and research is ongoing to potentially combine them into a single shot.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rsv">RSV</h3>



<p>For RSV, vaccination is recommended from September to January for adults aged 60 and over, and for pregnant women during weeks 32 to 36 of their pregnancy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There is a new form of protection for babies in their first RSV season. It involves an immunization with a protein that acts like antibodies. This is not a traditional vaccine but is designed to offer protection against RSV, which can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.</p>



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



<p>A pneumonia vaccination is advised for adults aged 65 and over, children under 5 years of age, and also for individuals with increased risk due to chronic heart or lung diseases or weakened immune systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-your-guard-up">Keep your guard up</h2>



<p>“Whenever we have more virus in the community, it's likely that we'll also see more bacterial and viral pneumonia, and it can cause severe illness in people of all ages,” said Dr. Conroy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Keeping your guard up about respiratory illnesses is important because they’re going to be here every year. There are so many things you can do to mitigate the spread of viruses."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Get your vaccination, stay home if you’re sick, avoid those who are sick and wear a mask if you’re going out and not feeling well. All of these things can help prevent you from getting sick or spreading it to others.”</p>



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Many Americans underestimate the threat of respiratory virus season

As we get deeper into the respiratory virus season, a...

<p>A recent study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> has raised significant concerns about the increasing use of melatonin among children in the United States.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study reveals a startling trend: nearly one in five school-aged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-and-adults-perceive-time-differently/">children</a> and preteens are taking melatonin for sleep. This practice has also extended to preschoolers, with some parents giving melatonin to children as young as one year old.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Lauren Hartstein is a postdoctoral fellow in the Sleep and Development Lab at CU Boulder and the lead author of the research. She studies how environmental cues, including light at night, impact children’s sleep quality and melatonin production.</p>



<p>“We hope this paper raises awareness for parents and clinicians, and sounds the alarm for the scientific community,” said Dr. Hartstein.</p>



<p>“We are not saying that melatonin is necessarily harmful to children. But much more research needs to be done before we can state with confidence that it is safe for kids to be taking long-term.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-easy-accessibility-nbsp">Easy accessibility&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Melatonin, a hormone produced in the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in signaling the body's readiness for sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it is classified as a drug requiring a prescription in many countries, melatonin is readily available over the counter as a dietary supplement in the United States. Its easy accessibility, including child-friendly gummies, has contributed to its widespread use.</p>



<p>“All of a sudden, in 2022, we started noticing a lot of parents telling us that their healthy child was regularly taking melatonin,” said Dr. Hartstein.</p>



<p>The researchers are particularly concerned about the slim safety data for melatonin products and the lack of full regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).</p>



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



<p>The study involved a survey of about 1,000 parents in the first half of 2023. The data showed that 18.5% of children aged 5 to 9 and 19.4% of preteens aged 10 to 13 had been given melatonin in the previous 30 days. </p>



<p>Notably, about 6% of preschoolers aged 1 to 4 had also used melatonin in the prior month. This is a significant increase from the 1.3% usage rate reported during 2017.</p>



<p>The dosage of melatonin varied with age, with preschoolers taking between 0.25 to 2 mg and preteens taking up to 10 mg. The duration of use also raised concerns, with preschoolers taking melatonin for a median length of a year, and older children using it for even longer periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unregulated-products-nbsp">Unregulated products&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Further complicating the issue, a study published in April found inconsistencies in the melatonin content of various gummy products, with some containing different amounts than indicated on the label. One product had more than three times the amount on the label, while another product had none at all.</p>



<p>This discrepancy, along with the presence of other substances like serotonin in some supplements, highlights the risks associated with these unregulated products.</p>



<p>“Parents may not actually know what they are giving to their children when administering these supplements,” said Dr. Hartstein.</p>



<p>The potential impact of melatonin on the developing brains and bodies of young people, including the timing of puberty onset, is a topic that requires more research.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accidental-ingestion-nbsp">Accidental ingestion&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study authors also point out the risk of children mistaking melatonin gummies for candy, leading to increased reports of accidental ingestion and calls to poison control centers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers noted that from 2012 to 2021, reports of melatonin ingestion to poison control centers increased 530%, largely occurring among children under age 5.&nbsp; More than 94% were unintentional and 85% were asymptomatic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-aid-nbsp">Short-term aid&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Dr. Julie Boergers is a psychologist and pediatric sleep specialist at Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. </p>



<p>Dr. Boergers said that melatonin can be a useful short-term aid, particularly in youth with autism or severe sleep problems, when used under the supervision of a health care provider.</p>



<p>“But it is almost never a first-line treatment,” she said, noting that she often recommends that families look to behavioral changes first and use melatonin only temporarily. “Although it’s typically well-tolerated, whenever we’re using any kind of medication or supplement in a young, developing body we want to exercise caution.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underlying-sleep-issues">Underlying sleep issues</h2>



<p>Another unintended consequence of introducing melatonin to kids is it could send the message - if you have trouble sleeping, a pill is the answer, said Dr. Hartstein</p>



<p>“If this many kids are taking melatonin, that suggests there are a lot of underlying sleep issues out there that need to be addressed,” Dr. Hartstein noted. “Addressing the symptom doesn’t necessarily address the cause.”</p>



<p>The experts caution that their study was relatively small, which means it does not necessarily represent usage nationwide.<br></p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.4749."><em>JAMA Pediatrics</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Sharp increase in melatonin use among children raises concerns

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of...

Dolphin,Underwater,On,Reef,Background,Looking,At,You

<p>A recent study conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://www.marinemammal.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Mammal Foundation</a>, the RMIT University, and the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Melbourne</a> has revealed alarming concentrations of PFAS chemicals in Victoria’s critically endangered Burrunan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-have-accents-that-vary-by-region/">dolphins</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These chemicals, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence, are commonly found in products like food packaging, firefighting foam, and non-stick cookware.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-insights">Shocking insights</h2>



<p>The study analyzed samples from 38 dolphins of various species found stranded along Victoria’s coastline, with a particular focus on the Burrunan dolphin populations in Port Phillip Bay and Gippsland Lakes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings showed that some chemicals’ average concentrations in these dolphins were over ten times higher than levels believed to cause liver toxicity and other health issues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highest-pfas-levels-recorded">Highest PFAS levels recorded</h2>



<p>One juvenile Burrunan dolphin from Port Phillip Bay exhibited a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invention-turns-toxic-forever-chemicals-pfas-into-harmless-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> liver concentration of 19,500 nanograms per gram, marking the highest level recorded in an individual dolphin globally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Not only did we find the highest levels of these human-made toxicants in a species that’s already critically endangered – including in newborn and juveniles – we also found one dolphin from Port Phillip Bay with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS concentrations</a> almost 30 percent higher than any other individual dolphin reported globally,” said lead author Chantel Foord, a PhD student at RMIT’s Ecotoxicology Research Group and the Marine Mammal Foundation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-implications-for-dolphins">PFAS implications for dolphins&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Foord reassured that these results do not necessarily imply a risk to humans in Victorian waters, as dolphins ingest whole fish including organs that accumulate pollutants, unlike human consumption which typically involves only fish muscle tissue.</p>



<p>The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168438"><em>Science of the Total Environment</em></a> journal, raises questions about the source of this pollution, especially as no PFAS manufacturing occurs in Australia. Foord emphasized the importance of identifying the sources of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-us-drinking-water-taps-are-likely-to-contain-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> and understanding their behavior in the environment.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Kate Robb, Director of the Marine Mammal Foundation and co-author of the study, highlighted the critical status of the Burrunan dolphin. “With only 250 individuals across these populations, increasing our understanding of threatening processes is absolutely crucial for the conservation and protection of the Burrunan dolphin, and in the management and mitigation of those threats,” she said.</p>



<p>The experts also discovered emerging contaminants, indicating that newer replacement chemicals are already bioaccumulating in the marine ecosystem. This finding underscores the need for continued research and conservation efforts to protect these endangered marine mammals and their habitat.</p>



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



<p>PFAS, which stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been in production since the 1940s. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-green-hidden-chemicals-found-in-paper-straws/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> are used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial applications because of their ability to resist heat, water, and oil.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-sources">PFAS sources</h3>



<p>Common products that contain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> include non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, and products that use firefighting foams.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns">Concerns</h3>



<p>One of the primary concerns with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-iss-is-contaminated-with-a-disturbing-amount-of-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> is their persistence in the environment and in the human body, which is why they are often referred to as "forever chemicals." They do not break down and can accumulate over time. This persistence can lead to contamination of drinking water, soil, and air.</p>



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



<p>Exposure to certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> has been linked to a range of health problems. Studies indicate that PFAS may affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children, lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant, interfere with the body’s natural hormones, increase cholesterol levels, affect the immune system, and increase the risk of cancer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulation">Regulation</h3>



<p>Efforts to manage and mitigate PFAS contamination include regulating their use, developing alternative materials, and cleaning up contaminated sites.</p>



<p>However, the widespread use and persistence of these chemicals make this a challenging task. Additionally, the scientific understanding of the health effects of many PFAS is still evolving, making regulation and remediation a complex issue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-and-wildlife">PFAS and wildlife</h2>



<p>The impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-are-accumulating-high-levels-of-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS on wildlife</a> varies depending on the species and the level of exposure, but it generally includes a range of adverse health effects:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-issues">Reproductive issues</h3>



<p>PFAS can cause reproductive problems in wildlife, leading to reduced fertility, developmental delays, and changes in reproductive behaviors.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developmental-effects">Developmental effects</h3>



<p>Young animals exposed to PFAS may experience developmental delays or defects, impacting their survival and growth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-system-disruption">Immune system disruption</h3>



<p>These chemicals can disrupt the immune systems of animals, making them more susceptible to diseases. For example, studies have shown that PFAS exposure can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines in animals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-changes">Behavioral changes</h3>



<p>Exposure to PFAS can lead to changes in animal behavior, which can affect their ability to forage, mate, and avoid predators.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-life">Marine life</h3>



<p>Aquatic creatures, such as fish and amphibians, are particularly vulnerable to PFAS contamination due to the runoff of these chemicals into water bodies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Birds, especially those that consume fish or live in aquatic environments, are also at significant risk. Terrestrial animals can be exposed through contaminated water sources, soil, or through the food chain.</p>



<p>Efforts to protect wildlife from PFAS involve reducing and eventually eliminating the use of these chemicals in products and industrial processes, as well as cleaning up contaminated environments. However, given the persistence and ubiquity of PFAS, protecting wildlife from these substances is a complex and ongoing challenge.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Marine Mammal Foundation</p>



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Endangered dolphins suffer from highest levels of PFAS "forever chemicals"

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Marine Mammal...

<p>A new study led by Henry Häkkinen from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> highlights a critical ecological issue. The researchers predict that naturalized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">species</a>, those that are not native but have established themselves in new locations, possess the potential to spread even further into suitable habitats globally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study explores the dynamics of how naturalized species, including plants, birds, and mammals, have managed to extend their reach beyond their native regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-drives-species-invasions">What drives species invasions?</h2>



<p>"Understanding and predicting the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/economic-time-bomb-costs-of-invasive-species-are-greatly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduced species</a> is one of the key conservation and ecological challenges of the 21st century," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"However, we know little about what causes the introduced range of some species to increase rapidly, while other species remain in small, isolated populations years after establishing self-sustaining populations."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This major gap in our understanding prevents us from understanding how much of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/invasive-species-plants-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive spread</a> is due to characteristics of the invader or the invaded environment." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imminent-threat-of-naturalized-species">Imminent threat of naturalized species</h2>



<p>The researchers said the most imminent threat is posed by the many thousands of species that are naturalized outside their native range and may <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biological-hazard-soil-on-sea-freight-loaded-with-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continue to spread</a> much more widely. "However, there is a surprising lack of attention paid to the potential spread of already-naturalized species." </p>



<p>"Without understanding what has affected the spread of these species historically, we can assess neither which species are likely to spread further nor the geographic regions that will be most affected."</p>



<p>Focusing on 833 naturalized plants, birds, and mammals, the researchers have identified the terrestrial areas most susceptible to future colonization by these species. Their findings highlight North America, Eastern Europe, and Australia as particularly vulnerable regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study reveals a significant potential for the further spread of naturalized birds in North America, mammals in Eastern Europe, and plants in both these regions as well as in Australia.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-spread-of-naturalized-species">Potential spread of naturalized species</h2>



<p>"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unseen-crisis-37000-alien-species-have-been-introduced-by-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential spread</a> of naturalized species appears greatest in regions that are already heavily invaded, i.e., North America, Australia, and Europe. However, already-naturalized species also threaten areas of the world thought of as less invaded," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"In South America and Southern Africa around 200 regionally naturalized plants have the potential to spread widely - a number comparable to that in Australia and China, which have historically borne the brunt of biological invasions."</p>



<p>"Nonetheless, the potential for regionally naturalized species to spread in sub-Saharan Africa and the north of South America is lower than one would expect from the globally high numbers of species naturalized there. This is potentially encouraging given the recent increases in regional trade and transportation infrastructure in these regions that could increasingly facilitate the spread of naturalized species."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delay-in-expansion-nbsp">Delay in expansion&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite having ample opportunities to expand, many of these species have not yet colonized all areas with a compatible climate. This delay in expansion suggests that some introduced species may not become problematic immediately but could pose risks after a lag period.</p>



<p>"Nearly all species we studied have yet to expand throughout most of the areas that are climatically suitable for them, within the biogeographic regions where they have naturalized. This is despite substantial time to invade: 25% have been established for over 150 years," noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasional-meltdown">Invasional meltdown</h2>



<p>The experts also identified the key factors influencing the spread of naturalized species. They found that a species' introduction history, its dispersal capabilities, and the presence of suitable habitats are more critical in determining its spread than its preferred habitat or interactions with local species. This insight is vital for understanding and predicting the movement of non-native species.</p>



<p>A concerning finding of the study is the concept of "invasional meltdown." This phenomenon occurs when multiple introduced species collectively amplify their impact and ability to establish themselves in a new environment, potentially leading to devastating ecological consequences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While many of the species that were studied have a minimal impact on their own, their collective effect could be significantly more harmful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-of-naturalized-species">Future implications of naturalized species</h2>



<p>“Species invasions can devastate biodiversity, agriculture, and livelihoods, so it’s worrying that so many naturalized species seem poised to spread further," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"But there is a glimmer of hope that invasions are much more limited than they could be – ecosystems may be holding off invaders better than we expected, and good management could help stem the spread.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002361" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS Biology</em></a>.</p>



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Invasive naturalized species will continue to spread globally

A new study led by Henry Häkkinen from the University...

<p>Japanese green syllid worms have a posterior body part that develops its own set of organs and transforms into a mobile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reproductive-success-of-southern-white-rhinos-linked-to-gut-microbiome/">reproductive</a> unit.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In a peculiar reproductive process called stolonization, the posterior part detaches from the worm and swims away for spawning. Scientists at the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a> have now unraveled the mystery of this bizarre reproductive strategy. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autonomous-movement">Autonomous movement</h2>



<p>During stolonization, the posterior segment of the syllid worm, which contains the gonads, detaches from the main body. This independent unit, called the stolon, is filled with gametes - either eggs or sperms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The stolon is not just a passive carrier of reproductive cells. It swims autonomously, a feature that not only shields the original body from environmental hazards but also aids in spreading the gametes across broader areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puzzling-anatomy">Puzzling anatomy</h2>



<p>The stolon is a marvel of biological engineering. Before detaching, it develops its own sensory and navigational tools. It grows eyes, antennae, and swimming bristles while still attached to the main body.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These features allow the stolon to move and behave independently. But a question that has puzzled scientists is - how does the stolon head form in the middle of the original body?&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developmental-mechanism-revealed">Developmental mechanism revealed</h2>



<p>The research, led by Professor Toru Miura, has shed light on the developmental mechanism of the stolon for the first time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The formation of the stolon begins with the maturation of gonads at the worm's posterior end. Subsequently, a head-like structure forms at the anterior part of the evolving stolon. The development of sensory organs - eyes and antennae - along with swimming bristles soon follows.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Crucially, before detachment, the stolon also develops nerves and a rudimentary "brain," equipping it to sense its environment and act independently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-findings">Unexpected findings</h2>



<p>"Furthermore, expression profiles of genes involved in the anterior–posterior identity (Hox genes), head determination, germ-line, and hormone regulation were compared between anterior and posterior body parts during the stolonization process," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The results reveal that, in the posterior body part, genes for gonadal development were up-regulated, followed by hormone-related genes and head-determination genes."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Unexpectedly, Hox genes known to identify body parts along the anterior–posterior axis showed no significant temporal expression changes. These findings suggest that during stolonization, gonad development induces the head formation of a stolon, without up-regulation of anterior Hox genes."</p>



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



<p>The study not only reveals the developmental mechanism of stolons but also opens new avenues for understanding the complex reproductive behaviors of annelids.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Professor Miura, the next steps involve clarifying the sex determination mechanism and the endocrine regulations that govern the reproductive cycles in syllid worms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research enhances our understanding of the evolutionary transitions in developmental systems of animal life cycles. It also adds a fascinating chapter to the study of life's reproductive strategies.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46358-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Nakamura et al 2023</p>



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Syllid worms have a butt that grows its own organs and swims away to mate

Japanese green syllid worms have a posterior body part that...

<p>The 2020-2021 California megafires marked a significant event in the state's history. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/already-endangered-orangutans-now-face-new-threats-from-wildfires/">wildfires</a> were unprecedented in the modern record.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fires burned ten times more forest area than the annual average since the late 1800s, raising concerns about the fate of the affected wildlife and their habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-prospects-nbsp">Survival prospects&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Experts at the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/rmrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Research Station</a> set out to gain a better understanding of how such extreme fire severity alters the habitat and survival prospects of various species.</p>



<p>Wildlife in western forests have coevolved with habitat changes and disturbances like wildfires. However, the scale and intensity of recent fires are beyond what many species are adapted to, and little is known about their ability to cope with these "megafires."&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>To address this knowledge gap, the researchers utilized California's Department of Fish and Wildlife's extensive wildlife database, which maps the habitat suitability of hundreds of species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team combined the wildlife data with Forest Service wildfire records and advanced computational analysis. This approach allowed for a broad examination of how megafires are reshaping wildlife habitats across California.</p>



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



<p>"Our intent was to take a broad look to gain a better understanding of the impacts of these kinds of fires on wildlife habitat as a whole," said study lead author Jessalyn Ayars.</p>



<p>"And since each species is different, this study provides a good jumping-off point for others to be able to focus on a single species of interest or small group of species that share similar habitats."</p>



<p>The study was predominantly focused on areas in the Sierra Nevada, southern Cascades, and Klamath mountain regions. The team analyzed the habitats of over 600 wildlife species.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The results revealed that 100 species experienced high-severity fire in over 10 percent of their geographic range across the state. Notably, 16 of these species are of management concern, including the great gray owl, wolverine, Pacific marten, and northern rubber boa.</p>



<p>While previous studies suggest that some species like the great gray owl may benefit from fire-induced habitat changes for foraging, the current study underscores the uncertainty of such benefits given the magnitude and speed of these changes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitats-of-conservation-concern-nbsp">Habitats of conservation concern&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts found that the fires did not disproportionately impact habitats of conservation concern compared to other wildlife species. This suggests that the habitats of threatened species might provide a refuge in the face of such catastrophic events.</p>



<p>"Special-status species were not disproportionately affected by the 2020 and 2021 California megafires, and birds and reptiles of greatest conservation need had less of their range burn than expected, even at high severity," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"While this is encouraging, the overall area burned and at high severity was large for all species, and the effects of fire on special-status species should be addressed on a case-by-case basis."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highly-variable-responses">Highly variable responses</h2>



<p>"The long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum), which experienced high-severity fire across a greater portion of its range than any other species examined (14%), has been shown to decline one to two decades postfire, particularly in the most severely burned areas," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>"The most fire-affected bird, the great gray owl (Strix nebulosa), has been shown to persist immediately after severe fires and is thus thought to be fire-resilient."</p>



<p>"But, for this and other species examined here, there is simply no frame of reference for understanding population responses to the scale and severity of the fires seen in 2020 to 2021 in California, and it is unlikely that many species have adaptations to survive these fire events."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"While our goal was to examine broad-scale fire impacts on habitat, species’ responses to wildfire are highly variable and will depend on life-history and other traits that should be a focus of future research."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-management-strategies-nbsp">Forest management strategies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study senior author Gavin Jones had previously investigated the role of proactive forest management in mitigating habitat loss for species like the California spotted owl due to increasing wildfire size and severity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This new paper contributes significantly to Jones' research, highlighting the urgent need to accelerate and expand proactive forest management strategies, especially considering the expected rise in extreme fire events in the future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2312909120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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How did the California megafires impact wildlife habitats?

The 2020-2021 California megafires marked a significant event in the...

Man,Isolated,Watching,The,Serene,Nature,At,Hill,Top,With

<p>The gender gap in life expectancy is widening in the United States, with men dying an average of six years before women. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by experts from <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Francisco</a> and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.</p>



<p>The researchers found that by 2021, the disparity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-less-oxygen-could-extend-your-lifespan-by-50-or-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifespan</a> between American men and women had expanded to 5.8 years, marking the largest gap since 1996. This increase is notable compared to 2010, when the difference was at a historic low of 4.8 years. </p>



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



<p>The research highlights several factors contributing to the growing gender gap. The COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately impacted men, was the primary driver of this widening gap during 2019-2021.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The contribution of the pandemic was closely followed by unintentional injuries and poisonings - largely attributed to drug overdoses - along with accidents and suicide.</p>



<p>"There's been a lot of research into the decline in life expectancy in recent years, but no one has systematically analyzed why the gap between men and women has been widening since 2010," noted study first author Dr. Brandon Yan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deaths-of-despair-nbsp">Deaths of despair&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In 2021, life expectancy in the U.S. fell to 76.1 years, a drop from 78.8 years in 2019 and 77 years in 2020. This decrease has been partially attributed to "deaths of despair," a term that describes the rise in fatalities due to suicide, drug use disorders, and alcoholic liver disease. Deaths of despair are often linked to factors like economic hardship, depression, and stress.</p>



<p>The study revealed that while both men and women have experienced increased rates of death from drug overdose and homicide, men represent a disproportionately larger share of these deaths.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-life-expectancy">Studying life expectancy</h2>



<p>To address this troubling trend, the researchers used data from the National Center for Health Statistics to pinpoint the primary causes of reduced life expectancy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team then assessed the impact of these causes on both men and women to determine their contribution to the widening gap.</p>



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



<p>Before the pandemic, the leading contributors to the life expectancy gap were unintentional injuries, diabetes, suicide, homicide, and heart disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, during the pandemic, COVID-19 significantly affected the mortality rates of men more than women. Factors such as health behaviors, occupational exposure risks, reluctance to seek medical care, incarceration, and housing instability were likely contributors to this trend.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, chronic metabolic disorders, mental illness, and gun violence played a role in exacerbating the gender differences in life expectancy.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Yan said the results raise questions about whether more specialized care for men should be developed to address the growing issue.</p>



<p>"We have brought insights to a worrisome trend," said Dr. Yan. "Future research ought to help focus public health interventions towards helping reverse this decline in life expectancy."</p>



<p>The researchers also noted that further analysis is needed to see if these trends change after 2021.</p>



<p>"We need to track these trends closely as the pandemic recedes," said study senior author Dr. Howard Koh. "And we must make significant investments in prevention and care to ensure that this widening disparity, among many others, do not become entrenched."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.6041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>JAMA Internal Medicine</em></a>.</p>



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Life expectancy drops: Men in the U.S. die six years before women 

The gender gap in life expectancy is widening in the...

<p>A new study could potentially revolutionize the field of cancer immunotherapy. Researchers from the <a href="https://seas.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences</a> (SEAS) have gained critical insights into the role of macrophages in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-dietary-supplement-proven-to-combat-breast-cancer/">cancer</a> treatments. </p>



<p>Macrophages, a type of white blood cells, have long been recognized for their potential in cell therapy due to their innate ability to infiltrate tumor cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite showing promise in laboratory settings, their effectiveness in clinical trials has been disappointing, prompting researchers to seek answers beyond conventional biological explanations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-barriers-nbsp">Physical barriers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team, led by Samir Mitragotri, used an engineering approach to investigate the physical barriers hindering macrophages from reaching tumors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By integrating microscopy with machine learning, the experts discovered that certain macrophage phenotypes are more adept at traveling to tumors than others. Intriguingly, the phenotype commonly used in clinical cancer therapies is not the most effective one.</p>



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



<p>“Our engineering approach led us to question whether the poor therapeutic outcome of macrophages in cell therapies can in part originate from their inability to get into the tumor in the first place,” said Mitragotri.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“And indeed, our results show that different phenotypes exhibit different penetration into the tumor. This provides an interesting physics-based hypothesis for the poor clinical outcome of previously reported macrophage therapies and provides a counter- and complimentary hypothesis to the classical biology-based paradigm.”</p>



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



<p>Macrophages exist in multiple types, namely M0, M1, and M2. M1 macrophages, known for their tumor-fighting capabilities, have been predominantly used in cell therapies but with limited success in clinical trials.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers examined how these phenotypes navigated through a complex hydrogel to a tumor in a petri dish.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-system">Mapping system</h2>



<p>“We basically wanted to measure how well the transport mechanics and GPS of these different macrophages worked in a complex environment," explained study first author Kolade Adebowale, a postdoctoral fellow at SEAS.</p>



<p>“We found that the M1 phenotype, anti-tumor microphage, seem to have trouble finding their targets, almost like their GPS wasn’t working. But the M0 phenotype seemed to have a really good map.”</p>



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



<p>The team uncovered a link between the macrophages' ability to change shape and their transport efficiency.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The M1 macrophages, which are most commonly used in therapies, are the least capable of shape-shifting, impacting their ability to reach tumors effectively.</p>



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



<p>This research not only challenges the existing biological perspectives but also opens new avenues for improving the efficacy of macrophage-based therapies in cancer treatment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study demonstrates that the reduced transport of M1 macrophages compared to M0 macrophages is correlated with their reduced ability to undergo shape transformations,” said Adebowale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We hope that these findings shed new light on the biophysics of macrophage migration and delivery of macrophage cell therapies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tremendous-potential-nbsp">Tremendous potential&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Jennifer Guerriero is an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and the lead investigator of Brigham and Women’s Hospital Breast Oncology Program.</p>



<p>“There is tremendous potential in utilizing macrophages to mediate anti-tumor immune responses in human tumors and clinical trials are ongoing to treat patients with macrophages,” said Guerriero.</p>



<p>“We learned in this study that, surprisingly, macrophages that resemble an M0 phenotype were most efficient at getting to their target. These data will have an immediate impact on clinical trials are likely to transform the next generation of macrophage-mediated therapies.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was supported by the National Science Foundation.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0160924" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Applied Physics Reviews</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Cancer treatment could be transformed by shape-shifting macrophages

A new study could potentially revolutionize the field of cancer...

<p>A recent paper published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj4911?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D57771259346450227453434502185155494928%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1700746078#con1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a> has brought attention to a critical issue: the transformation of the melting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/">Arctic</a> into a battleground for resource extraction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This situation, which the experts compare to a modern-day gold rush, is emerging as climate change causes the ice to recede, exposing new land and sea areas for exploitation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-energy-resources">Arctic energy resources</h2>



<p>Nations are scrambling to take advantage of the enormous economic opportunities presented by these newly accessible regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The U.S. Geological Survey (<a href="https://www.usgs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USGS</a>) has provided staggering figures, estimating around 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil in the Arctic, with a significant portion, up to 84%, located offshore.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This untapped resource has drawn the interest of major oil corporations, with Exxon Mobil, a U.S. oil giant, highlighting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-arctic-summers-could-be-the-new-normal-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> as one of the most promising yet least explored regions for oil exploration.</p>



<p>The prospects extend beyond oil. The USGS estimates the presence of 1,669 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 44 billion barrels of liquid natural gas in the Arctic. These figures underline the vast potential of the region in terms of energy resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-action">Environmental action</h2>



<p>The rush for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> resources is not without its controversies, and environmental group Greenpeace pointed out the "bitter irony" in the situation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The melting Arctic ice, a clear indicator of climate change's impact, is being viewed as an opportunity for profit rather than a warning sign of the environmental costs associated with such changes.</p>



<p>The conflict between economic interests and environmental concerns has led to legal challenges. Notably, environmental activists have taken the Norwegian government to the European Court of Human Rights (<a href="https://www.echr.coe.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECHR</a>) for allowing oil exploration in the Arctic. This illustrates the growing tension between environmental protection and resource exploitation.</p>



<p>The urgency of the situation is underscored by data from NASA, which reveals that summer Arctic sea ice is diminishing at a rate of 12.2 percent each decade, a change attributed to human-induced climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drilling-operations-in-the-melting-arctic">Drilling operations&nbsp;in the melting Arctic</h2>



<p>The geopolitical aspect of this issue is equally complex. Nations like Norway, Canada, Denmark, the USA, and Russia have staked claims to "extended continental shelves" under the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/law-of-sea-convention" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNCLOS</a>).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Approximately 40 percent of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> consists of land, while another third is comprised of continental shelves in relatively shallow waters less than 500 meters deep. Arctic countries exercise rights to drill in their territories, leasing areas to companies such as Shell and BP for drilling operations.</p>



<p>The full potential of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blowing-snow-plays-an-important-role-in-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> resources was not realized until 2009. That year, the US Geological Survey estimated that the Arctic might hold 30% of the planet's undiscovered natural gas reserves and 13% of its undiscovered oil.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over the years, interest in the region has intensified, setting the stage for conflict where economic gains are weighed against environmental preservation and the realities of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-value">Ecological value</h2>



<p>Jonathan W. Moore is an expert in the Earth Ocean Research Group at <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Fraser University</a> and lead author of the report in the journal <em>Science</em>.</p>



<p>"As climate change warms Earth, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-could-speed-up-global-2c-temperature-rise-by-eight-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting cryosphere</a> creates nascent ecosystems that have future value as habitat but that are also the frontlines for resource extraction," wrote Moore and his co-authors.</p>



<p>"For example, glacier retreat uncovers rivers and valleys that go through rapid ecological succession to provide new habitats for important species, such as moose and Pacific salmon."</p>



<p>"However, mining companies are looking to retreating glaciers for newly exposed mineral deposits. This proglacial mining is a global pressure, from Greenland to Kyrgyzstan to western Canada."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Yet environmental and mining policies might fail to consider the future ecological value and capacity of emerging habitats."</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, the Arctic region is undergoing significant changes due to global warming. Active melting of sea ice and glaciers has been observed at an accelerated rate. This melting has led to a reduction in the overall ice cover, impacting local ecosystems and global weather patterns.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-arctic-melting">Causes of Arctic melting</h3>



<p>Human-induced climate change is the primary driver of Arctic melting. The release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane has led to a rise in global temperatures. These warmer temperatures are more pronounced in the Arctic, causing ice to melt faster than in previous decades.</p>



<p>Human-induced climate change is the primary driver of Arctic melting. The release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane has led to a rise in global temperatures. These warmer temperatures are more pronounced in the Arctic, causing ice to melt faster than in previous decades. Let’s take a more detailed look at the causes.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions">Greenhouse Gas Emissions</h4>



<p>The most significant cause of Arctic melting is the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These emissions are largely due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes. These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming">Global Warming</h4>



<p>The trapped heat from greenhouse gases leads to global warming, which has a pronounced effect in the Arctic. The region is warming at least twice as fast as the global average, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. This rapid warming leads to the melting of sea ice, glaciers, and permafrost.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-albedo-effect-reduction">Albedo Effect Reduction</h4>



<p>Snow and ice have a high albedo, meaning they reflect most of the sun's energy back into space. As ice melts, it exposes darker surfaces like ocean water or land, which absorb more solar energy. This absorption of heat further accelerates the melting process, creating a feedback loop.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-currents-and-temperatures">Ocean Currents and Temperatures</h4>



<p>Changes in ocean currents and warmer ocean temperatures also contribute to the melting of Arctic ice. Warmer water from lower latitudes is moving into the Arctic Ocean, melting sea ice from below.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-circulation-changes">Atmospheric Circulation Changes</h4>



<p>Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, influenced by global warming, can lead to unusual weather patterns in the Arctic. For instance, warmer air masses may move into the Arctic, contributing to further warming and melting.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-carbon">Black Carbon</h4>



<p>Emissions of black carbon (soot) from industrial activities, and burning of fossil fuels and biomass, also contribute to Arctic melting. When black carbon settles on snow and ice, it reduces their albedo and leads to faster melting.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-variability">Natural Variability</h4>



<p>While human-induced factors are the primary cause, natural variability also plays a role. However, the current rate and scale of Arctic melting are beyond what can be attributed to natural cycles alone.</p>



<p>Understanding and addressing these causes is critical for efforts to mitigate Arctic melting and its global impacts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-arctic-melting">Consequences of Arctic melting</h3>



<p>The melting of Arctic ice has several significant consequences:</p>



<ul>
<li>Sea Level Rise: As glaciers and ice sheets melt, they contribute to rising sea levels, which can lead to coastal flooding.<br></li>



<li>Ecosystem Disruption: Native species, such as polar bears and seals, depend on sea ice for their habitat and are facing challenges due to its loss.<br></li>



<li>Climate Impact: The reduction of ice cover affects global weather patterns, potentially leading to more extreme weather events.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efforts-to-mitigate-arctic-melting">Efforts to mitigate Arctic melting</h3>



<p>Efforts to mitigate Arctic melting focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices globally. International agreements, like the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global temperature rise and reduce the impacts of climate change.</p>



<p>In summary, without significant efforts to combat climate change, the Arctic will continue to warm, and ice melting will accelerate. This could have irreversible effects on global climates and ecosystems. However, concerted global action can slow down the rate of melting and mitigate its impacts.</p>



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The melting Arctic is becoming an oil and gas battleground

A recent paper published in the journal Science has brought...

<p>The world's largest iceberg, known as A23a, has begun to drift after being anchored to the ocean floor for over three decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-cycles-show-impacts-of-climate-change/">iceberg</a>, measuring nearly 4,000 square kilometers, is more than double the size of Greater London.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colossal-size">Colossal size</h2>



<p>A23a first separated from the Antarctic coastline in 1986. It was quickly grounded in the Weddell Sea and transformed into an ice island.</p>



<p>The sheer size of A23a is astounding. It has a thickness of approximately 400 meters, dwarfing Europe's tallest skyscraper, the London Shard, which stands at 310 meters.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-a23a-nbsp">History of A23a&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A23a was a significant part of a massive release of icebergs from Antarctica's Filchner Ice Shelf. At the time that A23a first broke free, it was hosting a Soviet research station.</p>



<p>This prompted a Soviet expedition to retrieve equipment before it was lost. However, the iceberg did not drift far from the coast due to its deep keel anchoring it to the seabed of the Weddell Sea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-losing-its-grip">Losing its grip</h2>



<p>Dr. Andrew Fleming from the British Antarctic Survey sheds light on why A23a has started moving after nearly 40 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"I asked a couple of colleagues about this, wondering if there was any possible change in shelf water temperatures that might have provoked it, but the consensus is the time had just come," said Dr Andrew Fleming, a remote sensing expert from the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>.</p>



<p>"It was grounded since 1986 but eventually it was going to decrease (in size) sufficiently to lose grip and start moving. I spotted first movement back in 2020."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceberg-alley-nbsp">Iceberg alley&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Now, A23a is rapidly drifting, influenced by winds and currents, and has reached the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is likely to enter the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, following a path through "iceberg alley" towards the South Atlantic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This route, famously utilized by Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1916 for his escape from Antarctica, often leads icebergs to South Georgia Island.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-will-happen-next-nbsp">What will happen next?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The journey of A23a is under close scientific scrutiny. Should it ground at South Georgia, it could disrupt the feeding patterns of the island's wildlife, including millions of seals, penguins, and seabirds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, icebergs are not just hazards. They play a vital role in the environment. As icebergs melt, they release mineral dust, a key nutrient for oceanic food chains.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Catherine Walker of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution emphasizes the ecological significance of these ice giants. Born the same year as A23a, she sees a special connection with the iceberg, recognizing it as a source of life and biological activity.</p>



<p>The journey of A23a is a striking reminder of the dynamic and interconnected nature of our planet's ecosystems. Its movement, after being stationary for so many years, marks a significant event in the study of polar ice and climate change.</p>



<p>Image Credit; European Union/Copernicus Sentinel-3/Handout/Reuters</p>



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World's largest iceberg, A23a, is on the move after nearly 40 years

The world's largest iceberg, known as A23a, has begun to...

<p>NASA has successfully received data from a record-breaking distance using laser, or optical, communications. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-space-exploration-could-be-shut-down-by-orbiting-debris/">space exploration</a> and communication technology.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/deep-space-optical-communications-dsoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep Space Optical Communications</a> (DSOC) experiment transmitted a near-infrared laser encoded with test data from an astonishing distance of nearly 10 million miles. This distance is approximately 40 times farther than the space between the Earth and the Moon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data was accurately received by the <a href="https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/about/telescopes/hale.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hale Telescope</a> at Caltech's Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-light">First light</h2>



<p>This achievement, referred to as "first light," represents a significant advancement in increasing data transmission capabilities throughout the solar system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Trudy Kortes, the director of Technology Demonstrations at <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> Headquarters in Washington, D.C., emphasized the importance of this milestone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Achieving first light is one of many critical DSOC milestones in the coming months, paving the way toward higher-data-rate communications capable of sending scientific information, high-definition imagery, and streaming video in support of humanity’s next giant leap: sending humans to Mars," said Kortes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optical-laser-communications">Optical/laser communications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>NASA compares this upgrade in communication technology to the significant shift from traditional telephone lines to fiber optics. The use of optical communications is expected to enhance the capacity of current state-of-the-art radio systems used by spacecraft by a factor of 10 to 100.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The DSOC experiment forms part of NASA's first demonstration of optical communications beyond the Moon. It comprises a sophisticated system featuring a flight laser transceiver, a ground laser transmitter, and a ground laser receiver. These components worked in unison to achieve this historic feat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electromagnetic-radiation-nbsp">Electromagnetic radiation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Both radio waves and lasers are forms of electromagnetic radiation, capable of traversing the vacuum of space at the speed of light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the key difference lies in their frequency. Infrared light, used in NASA's new system, is a higher-frequency wave, allowing for the transfer of more information per second compared to radio waves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flight-laser-transceiver">Flight laser transceiver</h2>



<p>The core of this system is the flight laser transceiver. It encodes data into the photons that constitute the laser beam. This high-tech encoding of bits into photons represents a significant advancement in data transmission technology.</p>



<p>The transceiver was part of NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/successful-launch-for-nasas-psyche-mission-to-study-an-asteroid-worth-10000-quadrillion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psyche spacecraft</a>, which launched on October 13. The primary mission of this spacecraft is to reach and study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psyche-asteroid-is-worth-10000-quadrillion-and-nasa-is-sending-a-space-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psyche 16</a>, a metal-rich asteroid in the asteroid belt.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-the-laser-communication">Capturing the laser communication</h2>



<p>Upon reaching Earth, the laser signal is captured by a superconducting high-efficiency detector array. This sophisticated receiver identifies individual photons as they arrive and decodes the data they carry. Despite the signal traveling at the speed of light, accurately targeting a laser signal to a receiver on Earth from vast distances poses a considerable challenge.</p>



<p>To overcome this, the DSOC system first locks onto a powerful uplink laser beacon emitted by the Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory at JPL’s Table Mountain Facility in California. This precise alignment allows the spacecraft to aim its laser accurately at the communications array at Palomar, located approximately 130 kilometers to the south.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formidable-challenge-nbsp">Formidable challenge&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Meera Srinivasan, the operations lead for DSOC at NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, highlighted the complexity and novelty of this test.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It was a formidable challenge, and we have a lot more work to do, but for a short time, we were able to transmit, receive, and decode some data," said Srinivasan.</p>



<p>The test involved full integration of the ground assets and flight transceiver, requiring close coordination between the DSOC and Psyche operations teams.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-laser-communication-system-nbsp">Laser communication system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>NASA is also preparing to establish a two-way laser communication system on the International Space Station (ISS). Earlier this month, NASA sent a laser communication terminal to the ISS to explore how high-rate lasers could function in low Earth orbit.</p>



<p>This initiative is part of NASA's broader vision to integrate lasers into the entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-lost-contact-with-voyager-2-spacecraft-12-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communications network in space</a>, aiming to build a faster, more efficient, and reliable system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The successful implementation of such technology will not only enhance current space missions but also pave the way for more ambitious explorations in the future.</p>



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



<p>As mentioned above, laser communication, also known as optical communication, represents a significant leap in data transmission technology. Utilizing light to transfer information, this method offers advantages over traditional radio frequency (RF) systems in several key aspects.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanics-of-laser-communication">Mechanics of laser communication</h3>



<p>At its core, laser communication employs focused light beams, typically in the infrared spectrum, to transmit data. These laser beams, directed through telescopes, carry digital information over vast distances with remarkable precision. The process involves modulating the light beam to encode data, which the receiver then decodes upon capture.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-over-traditional-methods">Advantages over traditional methods</h3>



<p>One of the most significant benefits of laser communication is its potential for extremely high bandwidth. This aspect allows for the transmission of large amounts of data at speeds much greater than RF communications. Additionally, laser beams have a much narrower focus compared to radio waves, leading to enhanced security and reduced risk of interception or jamming.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-in-space-and-beyond">Applications in space and beyond</h3>



<p>Laser communication shows immense promise in space applications. Spacecraft equipped with laser communication systems can transmit scientific data back to Earth at unprecedented speeds. Organizations like NASA and the European Space Agency are actively researching and implementing this technology in various missions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-laser-communication">Future of laser communication</h3>



<p>As technology progresses, laser communication is poised to revolutionize data transmission on Earth and in space. Its implementation in satellite networks, deep space missions, and potentially even in consumer internet services, promises a future where data transfer is faster, more secure, and more efficient than ever before.</p>



<p>In summary, laser communication stands as a cutting-edge technology, offering significant improvements in data transmission. Its continued development and implementation will undoubtedly have a profound impact on communication technologies in the coming years.</p>



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Laser beam message sent to Earth from deep outer space

NASA has successfully received data from a record-breaking distance using...

<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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<p>—–</p>

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>



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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