<p>When trees topple into peat bogs or riverbeds, a slow alchemy begins. Hemmed in by mud, deprived of oxygen, and nudged along by microbes, the trunks gradually darken, densify, and mineralize. Sometimes, centuries later, they emerge as prized “ancient buried wood” that resists rot and boasts a marble-like sheen.</p>



<p>An international group of materials scientists recently wondered: Could that natural upgrade be coaxed to happen on the lab bench - quickly, cleanly, and at industrial scale?</p>



<p>The answer is BioStrong Wood, a timber strengthened with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-fungi-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/">fungus</a> and heat, whose tensile strength now outmuscles common SAE 304 stainless steel while weighing far less.</p>



<p>The project was a collaboration between the <a href="https://www.ehu.eus/en/en-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Basque Country</a> (EHU), <a href="https://en.whu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wuhan University</a>, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.</p>



<p>The outcome, the experts argue, is not merely a clever composite but a glimpse of circular, sustainable materials which could replace the non‑renewable and highly polluting materials on which our economy is based.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-wood-still-matters">Why wood still matters</h2>



<p>Humans have used wood for millennia, yet most high‑performance engineering still defaults to steel, aluminum, or petro‑derived plastics.</p>



<p>Wood’s natural drawbacks - porosity, moisture absorption, and inconsistency - confine its use to beams and boards, not precision-engineered parts.</p>



<p>However, study co-author Professor Erlantz Lizundia sees untapped potential: “Wood is one of the most accessible biological materials, but outside its conventional use, it is barely being explored for high‑performance applications.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Taming flaws could let designers replace fossil-heavy materials with a climate-friendly, carbon-storing feedstock that grows on trees.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wood-uses-fungus-and-geology">Wood uses fungus and geology</h2>



<p>Nature already offers a recipe. In ancient buried wood, modest heat and pressure, along with microbial enzymes, partially break down <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/researchers-create-antimicrobial-substances-using-lignin-and-plant-wastes/">lignin</a> - the amorphous polymer that cements cellulose fibers. </p>



<p>This allows the remaining molecules to repolymerize into a tighter, hydrophobic network. The Basque-Chinese team accelerated that evolution in three deliberate steps:</p>



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Selective fungal digestion - Planks of fast‑growing poplar and radiata pine were inoculated with white‑rot fungi. Over several days the microbes chewed specific ether bonds in lignin, loosening the microstructure while leaving the strong cellulose framework largely intact.</li>



<li>Chemical tuning - A mild alkaline wash halted fungal growth and removed low‑molecular‑weight residues, setting the stage for new crosslinks.</li>



<li>Hot pressing under high pressure - Boards were stacked and compressed at temperatures above 356 °F (180 °C). Cell walls collapsed, voids vanished, and fragmented lignin pieces fused into fresh carbon–carbon bonds, welding the lumber into a dense, horn-like slab.</li>
</ol>



<p>This hybrid bio‑thermo‑mechanical route preserves up to 85 percent of the original mass - far higher than acid‑delignified “super woods” - and requires little solvent or energy beyond the press cycle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wood-withstands-extreme-stress">Wood withstands extreme stress</h2>



<p>Mechanical trials show why the researchers are excited. BioStrong Wood survives tensile stresses above 530 MPa - edging out stainless steel’s typical 520 MPa - and absorbs over eleven times more energy before fracturing than raw wood.</p>



<p>Flexural tests reveal a threefold jump in bending strength. Thermal cycling from –321 °F (–196 °C) to 248 °F (120 °C) hardly alters its stiffness, and water contact angles near 140° keep moisture at bay. In accelerated weathering chambers, samples showed negligible swelling or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-technology-can-detect-plant-diseases-from-above/">mildew</a>. </p>



<p>Behind the numbers lies a reengineered microarchitecture. X‑ray diffraction indicates cellulose crystallinity rises during pressing, while scanning electron microscopy shows near‑complete elimination of pores.</p>



<p>Reformed lignin acts like a molecular epoxy, locking cellulose sheets together and sealing pathways for water or oxygen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-capture-in-every-plank">Carbon capture in every plank</h2>



<p>Strength is only half the story; so is sustainability. Using standard life-cycle assessment protocols, the authors calculate that each 2.2 lbs of BioStrong Wood sequesters roughly 2.6 lbs of CO₂ net, even after accounting for energy, chemicals, and fungal cultivation.</p>



<p>The negative footprint contrasts starkly with steel (4.2 lbs CO₂ emitted per 2.2 lbs produced) or glass-fiber composites (~11 lbs CO₂ per 2.2 lbs).</p>



<p>Techno-economic analysis pegs potential production costs near ¥2 CNY (≈ US $0.30) per 2.2 lbs - dramatically cheaper than aerospace polymers and competitive with plywood.</p>



<p>“Our results show that it is possible to obtain materials with a very high mechanical performance and which are, in turn, economically viable and offer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-technology-faces-uncertainty-despite-heavy-investment/">carbon capture</a> capabilities,” noted Professor Lizundia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-uses-for-fungus-wood">Future uses for fungus wood</h2>



<p>Early prototypes hint at diverse uses, from vehicle panels to sports equipment cores and impact-resistant phone cases. </p>



<p>They could also serve as exposed beams with fossil-wood aesthetics or cryogenic insulation supports due to thermal-shock resistance.</p>



<p>Because the process accepts multiple softwood and hardwood species, regional mills could tap local forestry residues instead of importing steel rebar or petrochemical resin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-lab-to-lumberyard">From lab to lumberyard</h2>



<p>Scaling will demand continuous‑press technology, rapid fungal bioreactors, and strict quality control to homogenize input lumber. Building codes require researchers to characterize fire behavior, often a stumbling block for dense woods.</p>



<p>End‑of‑life recycling pathways, perhaps via controlled pyrolysis to biochar, also need definition. </p>



<p>The researchers are already testing other fungal strains and shorter incubation times to cut lead time from days to hours.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wood-joins-the-big-leagues">Wood joins the big leagues</h2>



<p>The BioStrong Wood story demonstrates a broader shift. Engineers are revisiting biological feedstocks not just for novelty, but to replace emissions-heavy incumbents at the structural level.</p>



<p>Whether it is mycelium foams, bacterial cellulose films or now fungus toughened wood, the toolkit of renewable high‑performance materials including wood is expanding. </p>



<p>This study shows that by letting nature handle part of the chemistry, scientists can leapfrog traditional limits of wood. That opens the door to steel‑class strength without the steel‑class carbon bill.</p>



<p>If trials succeed, pallet-bound planks could soon top <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dozens-of-coastal-skyscrapers-in-miami-are-sinking/">skyscrapers</a> or rocket fairings. Even in advanced engineering, well-crafted wood can still compete with metal.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ady0183" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Wood that's stronger than steel? A greener path for engineering

When trees topple into peat bogs or riverbeds, a slow alchemy begins. Hemmed in by mud, deprived of oxygen, and nudged along by microbes, the trunks gradually darken, densify, and mineralize. Sometimes, centuries later, they emerge as prized “ancient buried wood” that resists rot and boasts a marble-like sheen. An international group of materials scientists recently wondered: Could that natural upgrade be coaxed to happen on the lab bench - quickly, cleanly, and at industrial scale? The answer is BioStrong Wood, a timber strengthened with fungus and heat,...

Deer,In,Past,And,Future,Forest,,Climate,Change,Crisis,,Global

<p>In a groundbreaking study published in <a href="https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/journal/cabir">CABI Reviews</a>, scientists have shed light on the multifaceted impact of climate change on animals, with cascading effects observable across several welfare domains. The domains identified are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-in-nutrition-science-dna-barcoding-reveals-dietary-secrets/">nutrition</a>, environment, behavior, physical health, and mental health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The comprehensive nature of the study highlights the urgency and complexity of the situation, prompting an imperative need to prioritize research aimed at preserving the welfare and longevity of a broad spectrum of animals - including those used for food, domestic pets, and species preserved in zoos and nature reserves.</p>



<p>The study underscores the risk faced by a diverse range of animals, including bats, zebrafish, stony creek frogs, koalas, African elephants, chickens, and dairy cows.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-assessing-the-direct-impacts">Assessing the direct impacts</h2>



<p>The review argues that while individual species may vary in their biological response to stress, the five-domain model can effectively serve as a tool for researchers to study and assess the direct and proximate impacts of climate change on animal species.</p>



<p>Dr Edward Narayan, lead author of the study and Senior Lecturer of Animal Science in the School of Agriculture and Food Science at The University of Queensland, Australia, emphasized urgency of the situation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While researchers have extensively examined the effects of climate change on animals, the direct correlation between climate change and animal welfare, particularly in the context of wild animals, remains relatively scarce in existing studies," said Dr. Narayan.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-broad-perspective-on-animal-welfare">A broad perspective on animal welfare</h2>



<p>The research group, dubbed "The Stress Lab," offers a broad perspective on climate change impacts by investigating a multitude of wildlife and domesticated animal examples across various countries and ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We hope that future researchers will apply the animal welfare domains to evaluate how climate change impacts on animals, and further research will pave the way to the protection of animals from the catastrophic impacts of climate change," said Dr. Narayan.</p>



<h2 id="h-animal-welfare-and-heat-stress">Animal welfare and heat stress</h2>



<p>The review sheds light on compelling research findings, illustrating the depth of climate change impacts on animal welfare. For instance, one study showed a 35% reduction in milk production due to heat stress in dairy cows, thereby affecting their lactation performance, immune function, and calf health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, researchers suggest mitigating strategies such as the installation of sunshades and sprinklers, along with careful monitoring of cows' activity and rumination time.</p>



<p>Heat stress also significantly impacts the welfare of broiler chickens. Exposing chickens to hot conditions for a span of four days has led to an observed increase in cases of necrosis, consequently impacting the quality of their life and meat.</p>



<p>Given that birds lack sweat glands and regulate temperature by panting, drinking more, and limiting activity, scientists argue that installing air conditioning units might be necessary to maintain optimal production temperatures.</p>



<h2 id="h-widespread-impacts">Widespread impacts</h2>



<p>The impact of climate change on animal welfare extends beyond livestock, impacting wildlife significantly. For instance, frequent and predictable droughts deplete water and vegetation, causing heat and nutritional stress in African elephants, which have significant daily food and water needs. This key contributor is causing the current surge in elephant mortality rates.</p>



<p>Moreover, increased temperatures resulting from climate change are driving marsupials such as koalas towards population decline. This will continue as long as the energy they need to maintain body temperature becomes scarcer due to dwindling food quality.</p>



<h2 id="h-domestic-pets">Domestic pets</h2>



<p>Climate change also spares no repercussions for domestic pets. The study observes that certain breeds of dogs are prone to heat stroke, and heat-related diseases are a leading cause of death in military working dogs. </p>



<p>Also, changes in weather conditions have an impact on the level of physical activity and consequently the health of dogs. In the UK, where nearly half the dog population is overweight, hot weather discourages dog owners from walking their dogs, with a reported 87% of owners exercising their dogs less during hot weather.</p>



<h2 id="h-further-consequences">Further consequences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“As climate change drives more wild populations to ecological limitations, there will be potential welfare consequences and considerations to explore; for example, when vulnerable species would need to be transferred to new environments (e.g., captive breeding), should food and habitat become limiting resources," said Dr. Narayan.</p>



<p>"Likewise, production animals and other domesticated species will be impacted by the extreme environmental changes with consequences on each of the dimensions within the five domains of animal welfare.”</p>



<p>The revelations of this comprehensive study accentuate the looming challenges that climate change presents for animal welfare, propelling an urgent need for focused, multidisciplinary research to safeguard animal populations worldwide.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Climate change poses a multi-faceted threat to animal welfare

In a groundbreaking study published in CABI Reviews, scientists have...

Macro,Shot,On,A,Bunch,Of,Microplastics,That,Cannot,Be

<p>Vacationers turned citizen scientists have assisted a team of researchers in uncovering the threat of microplastics on the pristine beaches of the Arctic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the world grapples with the increasing scale of plastic production, tiny fragments of these synthetic materials, known as microplastics, have become ubiquitous, sparking fears of accumulation and consequent ecosystem damage in the Arctic due to ocean currents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Still yet, our understanding of the extent and nature of this potential Arctic plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/">pollution</a> remains sketchy.</p>



<p>Dr. Bruno Walther of the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research is the lead author of the new study, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1210019"><em>Frontiers in Environmental Science</em></a>.</p>



<p>“Plastic pollution is now ubiquitous. It is found on land and in soil and most rivers of the world,” stated Dr. Walther. His stark observation highlights the reality that even the remotest of regions, including the polar oceans and the deepest ocean trenches, are not spared from the insidious infiltration of plastic.</p>



<h2 id="h-growing-threat-of-microplastics">Growing threat of microplastics </h2>



<p>The focus of the research, the Svalbard archipelago, is Europe's farthest northern landmass. This picturesque yet remote area faces the growing threat of microplastics carried over by ocean currents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To explore this issue, four tourist cruises visiting Svalbard in 2016, 2017, 2021, and 2022 engaged in collecting sediment samples. Alongside, all cruises, with the exception of the 2022 trip, surveyed macroplastic debris for a different study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Initially, participants gathered single samples from beaches utilizing basic metal tools and dispatched them to the scientists along with corresponding metadata and photographs documenting the sampling locations. Later, this process was extended to cover entire beaches using sampling grids.</p>



<p>“Citizen science is possible even in remote Arctic beaches,” said Dr. Walther. In his view, harnessing the power of tourists not only helps scientists reduce travel time, cut down on CO2 emissions, and save costs, but also engages ordinary individuals in tackling a pressing global environmental issue.</p>



<h2 id="h-finding-microplastics-in-the-arctic">Finding microplastics in the Arctic</h2>



<p>Following collection, the samples were desiccated, weighed, and measured. They were then filtered to capture particles of 1mm or larger – a demarcation based on the premise that larger particles are less likely to become airborne.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To test this assumption, scientists kept a bowl of purified water by their workstation, filtering it for microplastics once their analysis was concluded. The results were reassuring; no microplastics had drifted from the laboratory air into the water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To further safeguard against plastic contamination, the team employed an air purifier, wore cotton lab coats, refrained from synthetic clothing, and shielded samples with aluminum lids. Identified plastic particles underwent microscopic examination and spectroscopic analysis.</p>



<h2 id="h-alarming-results">Alarming results</h2>



<p>The findings were alarming. Microplastics of the size targeted were not diffused but highly concentrated, resulting in an overall level of plastic pollution comparable to regions previously deemed much more polluted than Arctic beaches.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Two specific sources of plastic pollution were pinpointed: polypropylene fibers possibly from a fishing net, and polyester-epoxide particles likely derived from a ship’s color coating or equipment.</p>



<p>“Plastic debris from fisheries is the most direct point of entry to the marine realm, and is often particularly important in remote areas,” noted study co-author Dr. Melanie Bergmann of the Alfred Wegener Institute.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The waters around Svalbard host an active fishing fleet, but there are also fleets in the North Sea and the North Atlantic. Some of the waste that they emit eventually finds its way to the beaches of Svalbard.</p>



<h2 id="h-expedited-fragmentation-of-particles">Expedited fragmentation of particles</h2>



<p>The fishing net fragments appeared to have disintegrated rapidly due to the unique beach conditions: repeated freezing cycles, high humidity from fog, and nearly non-stop sunlight during the summer months.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If this expedited fragmentation is a common phenomenon, it could result in the quick introduction of tiny, elusive microplastics into the environment.</p>



<p>While these findings are significant, Dr. Walther stressed that more comprehensive and consistent sampling in the Arctic is necessary to fully understand the situation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It should be noted that we only analyzed microplastics particles larger than 1mm," noted Bergmann. "This was because of the citizen science approach and to avoid potential airborne contamination by small particles."</p>



<p>"But our previous studies on Arctic water, ice, and sediment samples have shown that more than 80% of the particles were much smaller. So, we probably would have found more particles, if we had looked for smaller particles, too.”</p>



<p>Indeed, the Arctic, with its remote and fragile ecosystems, may already be bearing the brunt of a problem born from human activities. This research highlights the urgent need for immediate action. It also underscores the potential value of citizen science in global conservation efforts.</p>



<h2>More about microplastics</h2>



<p>Microplastics refer to minute plastic particles, typically less than five millimeters in diameter. They represent a major category of plastic pollution. In today's world, microplastics are present ubiquitously in a variety of environments ranging from terrestrial to marine ecosystems.</p>



<h3>Origins</h3>



<p>Microplastics primarily originate from two sources. Primary microplastics are purposely manufactured at a small scale for uses in personal care products, industrial abrasives, and medical applications. These include microbeads in exfoliating body washes and facial scrubs, and pellets used for plastic manufacturing.</p>



<p>Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, result from the degradation of larger plastic objects. These include plastic bags and bottles, due to environmental processes like photodegradation and mechanical erosion.</p>



<h3>Environmental impact</h3>



<p>Microplastics infiltrate natural habitats and ecosystems around the world, including the most remote regions of the Arctic, causing adverse effects. Their small size and high surface-area-to-volume ratio make them capable of absorbing persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These include PCBs and DDT.</p>



<p>Upon entering the food chain, these contaminants can magnify, causing potential harm to wildlife and humans.</p>



<p>In the marine environment, microplastics are often mistaken for food by marine organisms, from zooplankton to whales. Ingestion can lead to physical harm, nutrient displacement, reduced energy, and potentially death.</p>



<p>Microplastics also act as vectors for invasive species and pathogens. They accomplish this by facilitating their spread across different ecosystems.</p>



<h3>Human health concerns</h3>



<p>Microplastics present potential human health risks, both directly and indirectly. They can enter the human body in several ways. First, through the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Next, by inhalation of airborne microplastics. Finally, through direct contact with the skin.</p>



<p>Once in the body, microplastics might cause physical harm, generate an immune response, or release absorbed pollutants. Research is ongoing to further understand these potential impacts.</p>



<h3>Mitigation and prevention</h3>



<p>Mitigation of microplastics pollution involves several approaches. Wastewater treatment plants play a role in filtering out microplastics. However, not all particles are captured.</p>



<p>This necessitates the development of more effective filtration methods. Plastic waste management, including recycling and proper disposal, also helps to reduce the production of secondary microplastics.</p>



<p>Prevention strategies aim at reducing the use and production of plastic products. This includes bans on microbeads in personal care products, use of alternative materials, and promoting a circular economy approach to plastic use.</p>



<h3>Research and monitoring</h3>



<p>Scientific research and monitoring are essential to understand the extent and effects of microplastics pollution. Standardized methods for sampling, processing, and analyzing microplastics are needed to compare data globally.</p>



<p>Research areas include exploring new detection and quantification methods, identifying major sources and pathways, and studying the impacts on wildlife and human health.</p>



<p>In summary, microplastics represent a pervasive and complex form of pollution. Despite the challenges, concerted efforts in research, innovation, policy-making, and public awareness are key to tackling this global issue.</p>



<p>—--</p>



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

Microplastics discovered in the most remote Arctic regions

Vacationers turned citizen scientists have assisted a team of researchers...

<p>The scientific community has discovered a new planet. It is located 245 light-years away from Earth and has been named TOI-733b. Its size is slightly less than twice the radius of Earth. It has a unique feature: its atmosphere. </p>



<p>For now, experts have presented two possibilities. The first is that it may have lost its atmosphere layer. The second is that it could be a "highly irradiated oceanic world."</p>



<p>This is stated in a study published by the specialized astronomy journal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-has-astronomy-research-been-impacted-by-covid-19/">Astronomy</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smiling-cat-nebula-captured-in-a-new-spectacular-image/">Astrophysics</a>. In the study, it is detailed that this new planet has a density of 3.98 grams per cubic centimeter. </p>



<p>To give an idea, it is slightly lower than Earth's density, which is 5.51 grams per cubic centimeter, but higher than that of our neighbor Mars.</p>



<p>Another point mentioned in the <a href="https://www.aanda.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a> article is that this planet orbits a star slightly smaller than the Sun and completes its orbit in a total of 4.9 days. </p>



<p>It is this proximity to the star that serves as an explanation for the first of the two scenarios that scientists have proposed regarding its atmosphere.</p>



<p>Currently, <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/8830/toi-733-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet TOI-733b</a> is a dry rock devoid of a gaseous layer. One of the reasons scientists find to explain this situation is that, being a body very close to its Sun, the atmosphere would eventually evaporate. </p>



<p>But this is not the only hypothesis they consider. They also believe that something else could be happening: it could be an oceanic planet.</p>



<h2 id="h-toi-733b-is-similar-to-a-mini-neptune">TOI-733b is similar to a mini Neptune</h2>



<p>Another significant discovery highlighted by the publication of this article is the similarity between this planet, as well as others with similar characteristics, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-temperature-swings-on-neptune-have-scientists-puzzled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neptune</a>, although on a smaller scale. These types of bodies share a common trait, which is their shrinking process due to the loss of atmosphere.</p>



<p>And while this latest discovery seems to support this theory, it is still unknown who or what is responsible for this phenomenon: whether it is the star to which these planets are closest or the heat they themselves emit.</p>



<h2>Other moons and new planets that may have oceans</h2>



<p>For centuries, the existence of extraterrestrial life has ignited our collective curiosity and drive for exploration. Today, we're focusing that curiosity on a very specific type of celestial body: exoplanets and moons that might host oceans. </p>



<p>Scientists believe that these water-bearing worlds could potentially harbor life, making them a focal point in our search for extraterrestrial organisms. Below is an overview of these intriguing celestial bodies and discusses the ongoing efforts to study and conserve them.</p>



<h3>Exoplanets with Potential Oceans</h3>



<p>The discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-exoplanets-could-have-enough-water-to-be-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> -- planets orbiting stars outside our solar system -- has been a game-changer in our quest for alien life. A few of these new planets, thanks to their favorable conditions, show potential for hosting oceans.</p>



<h3>Proxima Centauri b</h3>



<p>The closest known exoplanet to our solar system, Proxima Centauri b, orbits in the habitable zone of its host star. The planet’s mass suggests a rocky composition, and the potential existence of liquid water on its surface remains a topic of scientific investigation.</p>



<h3>TRAPPIST-1 Planets</h3>



<p>The seven Earth-sized planets in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-earth-sized-exoplanet-covered-in-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRAPPIST-1 system</a>, located about 40 light-years away, also spark interest. Three of these planets -- TRAPPIST-1e, f, and g -- reside in the system's habitable zone. Models suggest they could support liquid water, under suitable atmospheric conditions.</p>



<h3>Kepler-22b</h3>



<p>As the first known exoplanet residing in the habitable zone of a sun-like star, Kepler-22b might hold liquid water. Scientists, however, still need to determine the composition of this super-Earth-sized planet.</p>



<h3>Moons with Potential Oceans</h3>



<p>In our own solar system, several moons show signs of harboring subsurface oceans, fueling the possibility of life.</p>



<h4>Europa</h4>



<p>This moon of Jupiter, warmed by the tidal effects of Jupiter's gravity, likely contains a subsurface ocean twice the volume of all Earth's oceans combined. Its icy surface hints at the existence of this underlying saltwater ocean.</p>



<h4>Enceladus</h4>



<p>Saturn's icy moon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-saturns-moon-enceladus-massive-water-plume-has-scientists-wondering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enceladus</a> hosts a subsurface ocean beneath its southern pole. Scientists believe the plumes of water vapor erupting from its surface are direct evidence of this hidden ocean.</p>



<h4>Titan</h4>



<p>Another of Saturn's moons, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stealth-ocean-discovered-on-one-of-saturns-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Titan</a>, stands as the only known moon with a substantial atmosphere. Radar and infrared observations indicate the presence of lakes filled with hydrocarbons—although not water, this still counts as a form of liquid surface reservoir.</p>



<h3>Exploration of Exoplanets and Moons</h3>



<p>While we still have much to learn about these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-finds-water-on-very-hot-exoplanet-named-gj-486-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant worlds</a> and new planets, it's critical to adopt a forward-thinking perspective on their conservation. The introduction of Earth-originating microbes, intentional or not, could have severe implications for potential life forms and could compromise scientific investigations.</p>



<p>Efforts to prevent biological contamination, known as planetary protection, are at the forefront. NASA and other international space agencies adhere to the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which mandates avoiding harmful contamination of celestial bodies. </p>



<p>The guidelines put forth by the <a href="https://cosparhq.cnes.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)</a> serve to enforce this treaty, demanding rigorous cleaning protocols for spacecraft.</p>



<p>With current technology, detailed observation and research into these potential ocean worlds remain limited. The planned missions, like <a href="https://europa.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Europa Clipper</a> and the European Space Agency's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE)</a>, will offer more insights into these worlds and help refine our planetary protection measures.</p>



<h3>Conclusion</h3>



<p>The discovery of exoplanets and moons with potential oceans marks a significant stride in our quest for extraterrestrial life. While we continue to explore these fascinating worlds, we must also prioritize their conservation to preserve their integrity for future generations. The cosmic ocean awaits us, promising a treasure trove of discoveries and potential encounters with life forms beyond our wildest imaginings.</p>

New planet discovered has a massive ocean and it's not too far from Earth

The scientific community has discovered a new planet. It is...

<p>In an astonishing revelation, researchers from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> and Japan's <a href="https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en">Osaka University</a> have uncovered data suggesting the rogue planets - those solitary wanderers unhinged from any star – significantly outnumber the approximately hundred billion planets which orbit stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings indicate that NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, slated for launch by May 2027, could discover as many as 400 rogue planets similar in mass to Earth. The data has already singled out a likely candidate for this category.</p>



<p>David Bennett is a senior research scientist at NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> and co-author of two papers detailing these findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We estimate that our galaxy is home to 20 times more rogue planets than stars – trillions of worlds wandering alone. This is the first measurement of the number of rogue planets in the galaxy that is sensitive to planets less massive than Earth," said Bennett.</p>



<h2 id="h-microlensing-events">Microlensing events&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The groundbreaking findings originated from a nine-year MOA (Microlensing Observations in Astrophysics) survey conducted at New Zealand's <a href="https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/science/facilities/field-and-research-stations/mount-john-observatory/">Mount John University Observatory</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Microlensing events provide valuable information about the objects in our cosmos. These phenomena occur when a star or planet aligns almost perfectly with an unrelated background star from our viewpoint.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The mass of the nearer object warps space-time, causing light from the distant star to bend around the closer object. The intervening object acts like a lens, briefly intensifying the brightness of the background star's light. This method gleans crucial insights that other methods can't provide.</p>



<p>Takahiro Sumi is a professor at Osaka University and lead author of the paper estimating our galaxy’s rogue planets. He elaborated on the significance of microlensing. </p>



<p>“Microlensing is the only way we can find objects like low-mass free-floating planets and even primordial black holes. It’s very exciting to use gravity to discover objects we could never hope to see directly."</p>



<p>The MOA survey has enabled the second-ever discovery of an Earth-mass rogue planet. The team's finding, along with a demographic analysis suggesting rogue planets outnumber star-orbiting planets by sixfold, will soon be published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-3881"><em>The Astronomical Journal</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-rogue-planets-tend-to-be-smaller">Rogue planets tend to be smaller</h2>



<p>In the past few decades, our understanding of the cosmos has dramatically evolved. From pondering our solar system's solitude, we've discovered over 5,300 planets beyond it. Contrary to the trend, which reveals most of these newfound worlds are either massive or in close proximity to their host star, the team’s study suggests rogue planets lean towards a smaller size.</p>



<p>Professor Sumi explained the prevalence of pint-sized planets: “We found that Earth-size rogues are more common than more massive ones. The difference in star-bound and free-floating planets’ average masses holds a key to understanding planetary formation mechanisms.”</p>



<p>Planetary formation is a chaotic process. Young celestial bodies, bound by gravity, jostle for space in their orbits. The less massive planets, not as strongly tethered to their stars, often find themselves catapulted into space. From there, they begin a solitary, shadowy existence.</p>



<p>Despite their mysterious nature, not all rogue planets are inhospitable. Sci-fi enthusiasts might recall an episode of the original Star Trek series where the crew stumbles upon Gothos. It was a lone habitable planet in a star desert. However, despite sharing mass characteristics, it's essential to note that our newly discovered "rogue Earth" is likely starkly different from Earth.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-roman-space-telescope">The Roman Space Telescope&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Discovering more rogue planets depends on expanding our field of observation - a task perfectly suited to the Roman Space Telescope.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Naoki Koshimoto is now an assistant professor at Osaka University and lead author of the paper. He announced the candidate terrestrial-mass rogue world by saying, “Roman will be sensitive to even lower-mass rogue planets since it will observe from space. The combination of Roman’s wide view and sharp vision will allow us to study the objects it finds in more detail than we can do using only ground-based telescopes, which is a thrilling prospect.”</p>



<p>Previously, estimates suggested Roman would uncover around 50 terrestrial-mass rogue worlds. The new research revises this expectation to approximately 400. However, more accurate predictions will have to wait until Roman begins its stellar sweep.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Roman's data will be supplemented by ground-based observations from facilities like Japan's PRIME (Prime-focus Infrared Microlensing Experiment) telescope at the South African Astronomical Observatory.</p>



<p>Each microlensing event is a one-off, and cannot be revisited. However, they do last from a few hours to a day, allowing time for coordinated observations with Roman and PRIME.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Seeing them from both Earth and Roman’s location a million miles away will help scientists measure the masses of rogue planets much more accurately than ever before, deepening our understanding of the worlds that grace our galaxy," said Koshimoto.</p>



<h2>More about rogue planets</h2>



<p>Rogue planets, also known as interstellar planets, nomad planets, or orphan planets, are celestial bodies that have the characteristics of planets but do not orbit a star. Instead, they traverse the vast expanse of interstellar space independently. Although scientists first proposed the concept in the 20th century, only in recent years has the technology become available to detect and study these elusive objects.</p>



<h3>Rogue planet formation</h3>



<p>The primary mechanism for the formation of rogue planets relates to the volatile dynamics within young star systems. These systems often exhibit chaotic gravitational interactions between developing planets.</p>



<p>The unstable conditions can eject a planet from the system, sending it into interstellar space. In some cases, rogue planets may form directly from the collapse of interstellar gas clouds, similar to how stars form but on a smaller scale.</p>



<h3>Detection and observation</h3>



<p>Detecting rogue planets presents a significant challenge due to their inherent darkness. They emit no light of their own, and they do not transit a host star to create observable patterns. Nevertheless, astronomers have developed two primary methods for identifying these celestial wanderers: gravitational microlensing and direct imaging.</p>



<p>Gravitational microlensing occurs when the gravity of a massive object, such as a rogue planet, bends and magnifies the light of a distant star. This creates a noticeable brightening effect, alerting astronomers to the presence of an intervening object.</p>



<p>Direct imaging, on the other hand, relies on sophisticated telescopes to observe the weak infrared radiation that rogue planets emit as they cool. The introduction of the James Webb Space Telescope in 2021 greatly enhanced our capacity for direct imaging.</p>



<h3>Characteristics</h3>



<p>Rogue planets vary widely in their characteristics. Many are similar to conventional planets, with masses ranging from Earth-like to Jupiter-like sizes. However, some border on the line between large gas giant planets and brown dwarfs, objects which are too massive to be considered planets but not massive enough to initiate nuclear fusion in their cores like stars.</p>



<p>Despite their solitary existence, rogue planets may possess atmospheres and even maintain internal heat from their formation. There is ongoing debate about the potential for these bodies to support life, but it remains largely speculative due to the lack of energy input from a star.</p>



<h3>Significance</h3>



<p>Rogue planets contribute to our understanding of planetary formation and the dynamic processes within young star systems. They challenge traditional definitions of planets and blur the lines between different categories of celestial objects.</p>



<p>Furthermore, they hold implications for astrobiology. If rogue planets can host conditions suitable for life, it expands the range of environments in which we might find extraterrestrial organisms. This broadens the scope of our search for life beyond our solar system.</p>



<p>In summary, rogue planets are fascinating objects that traverse the interstellar void independent of a host star. Their detection and study push the limits of our astronomical technology and knowledge, offering unique insights into planetary formation, dynamics, and the potential for life in unexpected places. As technology continues to evolve, our understanding of these mysterious objects will undoubtedly expand.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Trillions of rogue planets, 20x more than stars, are wandering alone in our galaxy

In an astonishing revelation, researchers from NASA and Japan's Osaka...

Climate,Change,Heat,Dryness,Withered,Earth

<p>In a recent briefing, NASA's leading climate authority Gavin Schmidt, the director of the <a href="https://www.giss.nasa.gov/">Goddard Institute for Space Studies</a>, warned that this July could potentially mark Earth’s hottest month for the first time in centuries, if not millennia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The assertion comes as an unrelenting heatwave scorches large portions of the US, particularly the south, a meteorological phenomenon highlighting the escalating severity of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-leaves-one-third-of-pakistan-underwater/">climate crisis</a>.</p>



<p>Schmidt presented his forecast during a meeting at NASA’s Washington headquarters, which gathered agency climate experts including NASA administrator Bill Nelson and chief scientist and senior climate adviser Kate Calvin.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-harsh-reality-of-climate-change">Harsh reality of climate change</h2>



<p>The assembly was set against the backdrop of a summer that has underscored the pressing reality of climate change: devastating floods in New England, choking smoke from Canadian wildfires afflicting US cities, and tens of millions of Americans under heat advisories due to record-breaking temperatures in the south and west of the country.</p>



<p>"We are seeing unprecedented changes all over the world," Schmidt noted. The director elaborated that while these dramatic shifts may seem startling, they were expected by the scientific community, citing "a decade-on-decade increase in temperatures throughout the last four decades."</p>



<h2 id="h-earth-s-hottest-june">Earth's hottest June</h2>



<p>Schmidt's announcement comes on the heels of NASA's recent disclosure that last month was Earth's hottest June on record according to their global temperature analysis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The current trend, Schmidt suggests, is "certainly increasing the chances" of 2023 becoming the hottest year on record. His estimations indicate a 50% likelihood of this happening, while some models propose a staggering 80% probability.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the prognosis for 2024 is even more alarming, predicted to surpass 2023's projected record-breaking temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-el-nino">El Niño</h2>



<p>Scientists anticipate an El Niño weather pattern, infamous for amplifying global temperatures, to peak towards the end of this year. Schmidt recalls how the most recent significant El Niño event, which transpired between 2014 to 2016, culminated in each of those years successively setting new global temperature records, with 2016 holding the current title for Earth's hottest year ever recorded.</p>



<p>The assembly of experts attending the meeting echoed Schmidt's concerns, collectively raising an alarm over Earth's rapid transformation. These climatic alterations were linked unequivocally to greenhouse gas emissions. However, they hesitated to explicitly attribute these emissions predominantly to fossil fuel consumption.</p>



<h2 id="h-wide-ranging-impacts">Wide-ranging impacts</h2>



<p>Scientific consensus affirms that "human activity and principally greenhouse gas emissions are unavoidably causing the warming that we're seeing on our planet," according to Calvin. She stressed the wide-ranging impacts of global warming on both human societies and ecosystems around the world.</p>



<p>However, the discussion wasn't solely focused on the grim realities of climate change. NASA's leaders spotlighted the agency's extensive climate-centered initiatives designed to assist governments in combating and preparing for the repercussions of the climate crisis. As Nelson pointed out, "NASA is also a climate agency."</p>



<h2 id="h-tracking-environmental-changes">Tracking environmental changes</h2>



<p>Among its initiatives, NASA's newest venture, the Earth Information Center, aims to democratize climate data from the agency's 25 satellites, making it accessible in real time. An exhibition featuring the initiative recently opened at the agency's headquarters, with an online counterpart set to debut on NASA's website next week.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The agency also outlined a range of other projects that track environmental changes, from air pollution and methane emissions to tropical cyclones and hurricanes. Additionally, NASA is striving to mitigate planet-warming pollution through research into lower-carbon forms of air travel.</p>



<p>Despite some opposition from rightwing lawmakers seeking to slash funding for climate-related projects, including some of NASA's, the agency remains committed to advancing its mission.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Karen St. Germain, NASA's Earth Science division director, emphasized that the agency's aspiration is not only to accelerate scientific discovery but also to ensure new research bolsters climate preparedness. This ranges "from a farmer assessing what to do with a single field, to global leaders weighing decisions impacting the entire world."</p>



<p>In summary, as Schmidt's warnings illustrate, the stakes have never been higher. "Our goal is to put scientific information and understanding out in ways that help the public," concluded St. Germain, underscoring the urgency of addressing the climate crisis head-on.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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July may be Earth's hottest month in centuries, or even millennia as climate crisis gets worse

In a recent briefing, NASA's leading climate authority Gavin Schmidt,...

<p>In a groundbreaking study conducted by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/">University of Oxford</a>, researchers found that high-meat diets generate four times the greenhouse gases compared to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-for-dogs-given-the-thumbs-up-by-scientists/">vegan</a> diets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research, leveraging the eating habits of 55,000 individuals, further demonstrates that diets free from meat substantially decrease environmental impact, affecting land use, water use, water pollution risk, and biodiversity loss.</p>



<p>“Cutting down the amount of meat and dairy in your diet can make a big difference to your dietary footprint," said study lead author Professor Peter Scarborough.</p>



<p>This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that a radical change in our dietary habits could be key for mitigating the accelerating effects of climate change.</p>



<h2 id="h-impacts-of-food-production">Impacts of food production&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Agriculture is a chief contributor to deforestation and biodiversity loss, and has commanded three-quarters of ice-free land for human use, according to UN data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, our food system is responsible for a staggering 70% of the world's freshwater use and 78% of freshwater pollution. As if that wasn't enough, it also ranks second in producing greenhouse gases, just behind energy production.</p>



<p>A previous study from 2015 found that the direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from food production constituted approximately one-third of total emissions for that year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although it has been established in earlier research that plant-based diets yield fewer greenhouse gases and demand less water, these studies may not have fully considered the ways and places where food is produced.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This latest study, recently published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natfood/"><em>Nature Food</em></a>, involved a survey completed by 55,000 UK participants. Respondents were categorized as vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, and either high or low meat eaters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Oxford research team proceeded to integrate these data with databases that quantify the environmental impact of different food types for a comprehensive analysis.</p>



<p>According to Professor Scarborough, focusing on the data for high-impact, plant-based food or low-impact meat can distract from the salient correlation between animal-based foods and environmental degradation. He emphasized the importance of their comprehensive approach.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our results, which use data from over 38,000 farms in over 100 countries, show that high-meat diets have the biggest impact for many important environmental indicators, including climate change and biodiversity loss," said Professor Scarborough.</p>



<p>The environmental impact of vegans was found to be a mere quarter of that of high-meat diets, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and land use.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For water pollution, this figure was 27%, 46% for water use, and 34% for biodiversity loss. Even those following a low-meat diet showed considerable improvements, exhibiting at least a 30% reduction across these environmental impact categories.</p>



<h2 id="h-new-strategies-are-needed">New strategies are needed</h2>



<p>The research team suggests these findings should inform policy making, encouraging strategies to curtail meat production and consumption. However, this proposition has already sparked debate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In a recent Commons committee hearing on food security, Farming Minister Mark Spencer stated a preference for enhancing meat production efficiency over dictating dietary choices. He highlighted a yearly 1% efficiency improvement in agriculture and a vision for genetically-modified cows emitting less methane.</p>



<p>Green MP Caroline Lucas challenged Spencer's view, criticizing the government’s reticence in promoting vegetarianism as “perverse.” She pointed to what she perceives as governmental “double standards” for levying taxes on sugar, tobacco, and alcohol, yet exempting meat.</p>



<p>“Achieving the net zero target is a priority for this Government, and whilst food choices can have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions, well-managed livestock also provide environmental benefits such as supporting biodiversity, protecting the character of the countryside and generating important income for rural communities," said Lucas.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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High-meat diets have four times the environmental impact of vegan diets

In a groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Oxford,...

<p>As farms across the globe continue to shift toward organic agricultural practices, new research suggests that this transition may have unexpected effects on bat populations. The study has uncovered evidence that during the transition period to organic farming, bat activity is substantially reduced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This surprising discovery highlights the intricate interconnectedness of ecosystems and raises questions about how best to manage farming transitions to benefit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a>.</p>



<p>While it has long been recognized that organic farming fosters greater biodiversity than conventional farming, less is known about the impact of the transition period on local wildlife.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Traditional farming heavily relies on substances such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers which can be detrimental to many species. As farms convert to organic practices, these substances are removed, leaving a gap that some elements of biodiversity may struggle to bridge.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>To gain insights into this, the researchers turned their focus to bats – specifically, insect-eating bats living in the citrus orchards of Cyprus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Across 22 matched pairs of citrus orchards, the team monitored the activity of four bat species: Kuhl's pipistrelle (P. kuhlii), Savi's pipistrelle (H. savii), common bent-wing (M. schreibersii), and common pipistrelle (P. pipistrellus).&nbsp;</p>



<p>These observations allowed them to compare bat activity at certified organic farms with conventional farms, and those in transition to organic practices</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study revealed that the activity of three of the four bat species was notably lower at farms in the transition period compared to those maintaining conventional practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, once the transition to organic farming was complete, bat activity increased, indicating a "time-lag" before the organic biodiversity boost for the most abundant bat species.</p>



<p>The researchers, initially anticipating positive effects from the onset of organic farming transition, were taken aback by these results.</p>



<p>"We can't be certain why bats are negatively affected, but previous research suggests soil can suffer – with knock-on effects for other wildlife – when fertilisers, pesticides and other aspects of conventional farming stop," said study co-author Penelope Fialas, from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/">University of Exeter</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-potential-negative-effects">Potential negative effects</h2>



<p>Fialas suggested that the soil and wider ecosystem might need time to recover from the abrupt cessation of conventional farming inputs.</p>



<p>With these findings at hand, Fialas underlined the importance of carefully managing the transition to organic farming. Avoiding simultaneous transitions at neighboring farms could help wildlife find alternative habitats while each farm switches its methods, thereby reducing potential negative effects on biodiversity.</p>



<p>"We've long known that organic farms often harbour higher biodiversity than otherwise similar conventional farms," said Gareth Jones from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/">University of Bristol</a>.</p>



<p>"The transition to organic farming has been little studied, however, and determining if the detrimental effects during transition observed here hold for other animals and plants would be an interesting future research project."</p>



<p>Notably, the study also found that the presence of “semi-natural” areas surrounding the farms did not influence these differences in bat activity. This may challenge some existing beliefs about the mitigating effects of these areas on changes in biodiversity during farming transitions.</p>



<p>The research was partially funded by the University of Göttingen and has been published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14468"><em>Journal of Applied Ecology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-organic-farming">More about organic farming&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, and growth hormones. Organic farming can be defined as:</p>



<p>An integrated farming system that strives for sustainability, the enhancement of soil fertility and biological diversity while, with rare exceptions, prohibiting synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, and growth hormones.</p>



<p>Organic farming promotes the use of crop rotations and cover crops and encourages balanced host/predator relationships. It offers benefits like biodiversity, soil health improvement, lower levels of pollutants in groundwater, better taste, and possibly, nutritional benefits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, it also poses its own suite of environmental challenges. For example, due to the current low yields of organic farming, wide-scale adoption could require additional land to be converted for farming use.</p>



<p>Here are a few key principles and practices typically associated with organic farming:</p>



<h3 id="h-soil-management">Soil management</h3>



<p>Organic farming emphasizes the use of compost, green manure, and organic fertilizer to nourish the soil that crops are grown in. The health of the soil is a critical component in organic farming, and practices like crop rotation and intercropping are used to prevent the depletion of soil nutrients.</p>



<h3 id="h-weed-management">Weed management</h3>



<p>Organic farming doesn't use synthetic weedkillers. Instead, organic farmers might plant fast-growing species to outcompete weeds, or use physical methods such as hand weeding or flame weeding.</p>



<h3 id="h-pest-management">Pest management</h3>



<p>Organic farming typically relies on the principle of biodiversity and the creation of a balanced ecosystem to control pests. This could include the use of insects that prey on crop pests, or using disease-resistant crop varieties. Some organic farmers might also use certain natural pesticides.</p>



<h3 id="h-livestock">Livestock</h3>



<p>Organic standards for livestock involve a range of factors, including providing outdoor access for animals, using organic feed, and limiting the use of antibiotics.</p>



<h3 id="h-genetically-modified-organisms">Genetically modified organisms</h3>



<p>Organic standards generally prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This includes both the crops grown and the feed given to livestock.</p>



<h3 id="h-sustainability">Sustainability</h3>



<p>A key principle of organic farming is the idea of sustainability. This involves farming practices that help maintain ecological balance, preventing soil depletion or the loss of biodiversity, and reducing the use of non-renewable resources.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Hidden costs of organic farming: Wildlife may struggle through the transition 

As farms across the globe continue to shift toward organic...

<p>As our understanding of the animal kingdom continues to grow, one fascinating revelation is the strategy adopted by male field crickets to attract mates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/">University of Exeter</a> has discovered that these crickets, found commonly in the meadows of northern Spain, actually engage in a cooperative technique known as "singing overlap" to attract female attention.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, there's a catch to this harmonious collaboration - when rivalry edges too close, the crooning promptly stops.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>Over a period of 51 days, the scientists observed more than 100 male crickets, studying their behavior through a project named "WildCrickets."&nbsp;</p>



<p>This expansive research project utilized a network of CCTV cameras to continuously monitor field crickets, specifically <em>Gryllus campestris</em>, within their natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-quality-and-biodiversity-impact-bee-health/">habitat</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Analyzing over a million scan samples of 129 male crickets, the scientists were able to closely examine the influences on and dynamics of the males' singing behavior.</p>



<p>“Courtship displays are common in nature, but we know surprisingly little about how animals tactically adjust these in response to their environment,” said Joe Wilde, a PhD student at Exeter’s Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers noticed that when males were situated one to five meters away from a listening male, their singing seemed to have a "stimulatory effect," inciting a symphony of chirps resonating through the meadow. This synchronized chorus, a captivating phenomenon, is believed to serve a greater purpose.</p>



<p>According to Wilde, "We can’t say for certain why the males tend to sing together, but a likely explanation is that females are drawn to areas with multiple males calling. By ‘chorusing’ in this way, the males all benefit."&nbsp;</p>



<p>This harmonious serenade is, however, not just a simple courtship display. For crickets, singing is a high-energy endeavor, and males need to make the strategic decision on when to invest their energy in singing and when to remain silent.</p>



<h2 id="h-territorial-males">Territorial males&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Contrary to the harmonizing effect observed at distances greater than one meter, when a rival male chirped within the one-meter radius, it was likely to interrupt the chorus. This is possibly because the males, known for their territorial nature, would choose to confront the invaders of their personal space rather than continue with their serenades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We also can’t be sure why males sing less when others chirp within one meter, but it’s likely that they choose to fight rivals that get too close to their burrow," said Wilde.</p>



<p>This intriguing research, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), provides a glimpse into the complex social and behavioral dynamics within the cricket community.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study further highlights the delicate interplay between cooperation and competition in the natural world. The findings are published in the revered journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347223001549?via%3Dihub"><em>Animal Behaviour</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-field-crickets">More about field crickets&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Field crickets are insects that belong to the family Gryllidae. They are known for their distinctive chirping sounds, which males produce by rubbing their forewings together to attract females. This noise-making process is known as stridulation. Field crickets are found all over the world, particularly in warmer climates.</p>



<h3 id="h-key-characteristics">Key characteristics&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-appearance">Appearance</h4>



<p>Field crickets are generally black or dark brown in color, and their bodies are about an inch long. They have long antennae, powerful hind legs for jumping, and wings that cover their abdomen.</p>



<h4 id="h-behavior">Behavior</h4>



<p>Crickets are usually more active at night. They are omnivorous and will consume a wide variety of foods, including plant material, smaller insects, and decaying organic material.</p>



<h4 id="h-life-cycle">Life cycle</h4>



<p>The life cycle of a field cricket typically consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. After mating, the female lays her eggs in the ground. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which look like small versions of adults but without wings. They undergo a series of molts before reaching adulthood.</p>



<h4 id="h-chirping">Chirping</h4>



<p>The chirping sounds, or "songs," that male crickets make serve different purposes: calling songs attract females and repel other males, courtship songs are used when a female is near and encourage her to mate, and aggressive songs are used in encounters with other males.</p>



<h4 id="h-human-interaction">Human interaction</h4>



<p>In many cultures, crickets are considered good luck symbols. They are also used in pet food and human food industries. However, they can be pests in agriculture and homes, especially in large numbers, because they feed on crops and can damage household items.</p>



<h4 id="h-environmental-indicators">Environmental indicators</h4>



<p>Crickets are known to be sensitive to environmental changes and can serve as bioindicators. For instance, the frequency of a cricket's chirping is related to temperature, and can therefore be used as a kind of thermometer.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Male crickets cooperate to attract mates, until the competition heats up

As our understanding of the animal kingdom continues to grow,...

<p>In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/">Rutgers University</a> have released a study that provides a new perspective on how individuals chose to navigate the unprecedented challenges. This research, a refreshing departure from narratives of increased substance use, found that many people turned to healthy habits and hobbies to cope with pandemic-related stress.</p>



<p>The study, recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109929"><em>Drug and Alcohol Dependence</em></a>, refines our understanding of how the American public adapted their behaviors during the enforced stay-at-home orders, a period marked by pervasive global anxiety.</p>



<h2 id="h-positive-pandemic-experiences">Positive pandemic experiences</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers highlighted that those who reported more types of negative experiences spanning across work, home, and social domains also reported more positive types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-pandemic-was-especially-damaging-to-the-mental-health-of-college-students/">pandemic</a> experiences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These included engaging in hobbies, increasing physical activity and exercise, improving diet and nutrition through cooking, and spending more time with family and friends (virtually).</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The goal of the study was to examine the effects of emotional, physical, and economic stressors related to the pandemic on substance use frequency. The researchers analyzed data from the COVID-Dynamic project run by Caltech.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The COVID-Dynamic survey asked participants a series of questions encompassing a broad range of pandemic-related experiences, from physical and emotional health, employment, finances to family dynamics. It also inquired about their monthly substance use and the potential positive effects the pandemic had on their lives, such as a more vigorous exercise regimen or a better diet.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By investigating data from two waves of the COVID-Dynamic project, in July 2020 and January 2021, the researchers identified how substance use correlated with pandemic-related experiences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, those individuals reporting social and emotional impacts were more likely to consume alcohol, while those who experienced economic hardship drank less.</p>



<p>Nicotine use, however, showed an increase among those reporting economic impacts, and a decrease among individuals reporting significant social impact. Additionally, a positive association was found between emotional hardship and cannabis use.</p>



<p>Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the research was the scarcity of substance use among the study participants. Denise Hien, Director of the Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies and a co-author of the study, noted, “Overall, the amount of substance use in this sample was relatively low.”</p>



<h2 id="h-widespread-resilience">Widespread resilience&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This research challenges the general assumption that the pandemic had a universally negative impact. "We often think in terms of collective trauma, but this sample upends the idea that the pandemic was universally impactful,” said study co-author Alexandria Bauer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>She added that the data reveal nuanced ways in which people experience these types of mass events, suggesting a normative population's resilience.</p>



<p>Margaret Swarbrick, associate director of the Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies, noted: “While some data has shown that the use of drugs and alcohol increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, we found that many also coped during its darkest days by doing healthy activities like cooking, reading and gardening.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>This underlines the fact that people demonstrated resilience by embracing healthier habits and hobbies to navigate the pandemic's negative impacts.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-healthy-habits">More about healthy habits</h2>



<p>Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being and longevity. Here are some healthy habits you might consider incorporating into your daily routine:</p>



<h3 id="h-balanced-diet">Balanced diet</h3>



<p>Consume a variety of foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit intake of processed foods, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars.</p>



<h3 id="h-regular-exercise">Regular exercise</h3>



<p>Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, coupled with muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week.</p>



<h3 id="h-hydration">Hydration</h3>



<p>Drink at least 8 cups (2 liters) of water per day, although this can vary depending on individual needs.</p>



<h3 id="h-adequate-sleep">Adequate sleep</h3>



<p>Adults typically need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Regular, quality sleep is critical for mental and physical health.</p>



<h3 id="h-stress-management">Stress management</h3>



<p>Regularly engage in activities that reduce stress, such as yoga, meditation, reading, hobbies, or other activities you enjoy.</p>



<h3 id="h-regular-check-ups">Regular check-ups</h3>



<p>Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your health and detect any potential problems early.</p>



<h3 id="h-mental-health-awareness">Mental health awareness</h3>



<p>Pay attention to your mental health just as much as your physical health. Seek professional help if you are struggling with mental health issues.</p>



<h3 id="h-limit-alcohol">Limit alcohol</h3>



<p>If you drink, do so in moderation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate drinking as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.</p>



<h3 id="h-no-smoking">No smoking&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke. If you currently smoke, seek help to quit.</p>



<h3 id="h-healthy-body-weight">Healthy body weight</h3>



<p>Maintain a body weight that is healthy for your height and body type. This can typically be assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI) or waist-to-hip ratio, but it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

The pandemic prompted a surge in healthy habits

In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at...

<p>Although many studies have shown that, in rodents, prenatal stress affects gut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-gut-microbiome-is-shaped-by-what-we-eat/">microbiomes</a> way into adulthood, how long after birth such effects last in humans is less understood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/">University of California, Los Angeles</a> (UCLA) has found that hardship experienced by mothers during their own childhood or pregnancy is reflected in the composition of their two-year-old children’s gut microbiome, which likely affects the latter’s socioemotional development. This study is the first to document the transgenerational effects of adversity on the human gut microbiome.</p>



<p>A growing body of research has shown that the gut microbiome affects brain and immune functioning and that changes in the community of microorganisms are connected to how hardship impacts children’s socioemotional development.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-prenatal-stress">Prenatal stress&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Previous studies on rodents have found that prenatal stress disrupts maternal vaginal and gut microbiomes. Thus, since babies acquire their first gut microbes passing through their mothers’ birth canals, the mother's microbiome is likely to have a major influence on that of the offspring.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Studies conducted on humans have found evidence that, shortly after birth, stress experienced by the infant in the womb – as well as the mother’s own psychological distress – influence the infant microbiome.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although the effects of prenatal stress on rodent microbiomes are known to persist into adulthood, until now scientists were not aware of how long after birth such disturbances remain in humans, or whether they could affect subsequent generations.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



<p>To answer this question, the researchers enrolled a cohort of 450 mother-child pairs in Singapore – when the children were two years of age – and investigated the consequences of maltreatment to mothers during their childhoods, anxiety while pregnant, and their children’s exposure to stressful life events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Mothers were asked to recall abuse, neglect, or other maltreatment they experienced during their own childhoods and were screened for anxiety during the second trimester of their pregnancy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, the experts interviewed the children’s primary caregivers to assess what stressful events the children had experienced during their first two years of life, and tested their stool samples to map the composition of their microbiomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finally, the scientists controlled for variables such as family income, which is known to serve as a proxy for childhood adversity.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analyses revealed that children whose mothers reported more anxiety during pregnancy had microbiomes in which various species of microorganisms had populations of similar sizes – a metric biologists call “evenness” – which is different from the typically “lumpier” aspect of the microbiome, with some species being more abundant than others.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, children who experienced stressful life events after birth also exhibited less microbial genetic diversity, meaning that the microorganisms living in their guts were more closely related to each other than they usually are.</p>



<p>Although more experiences of adversity were found to be correlated with less microbial genetic diversity in each child, the amount of adversity did not appear to affect the similarity between different children’s microbiomes, which were still significantly different from one another.</p>



<p>“There are lot of questions around whether more diversity or evenness is better or worse when the gut microbiome is developing during childhood, so we don’t know if more is better at two years old,” said lead author Francesca Querdasi, a doctoral student in Environmental Biology at UCLA.</p>



<p>“But many of the species we found to be related to adversity are known to interact with the immune system in some way, suggesting that maybe the way the gut microbiome interacts with the immune system is different after adversity. There’s a lot that we need to explore in the future.”</p>



<h2 id="h-adversity-and-the-gutmicrobiome">Adversity and the gutmicrobiome </h2>



<p>The investigation also revealed that some kinds of behavioral and mental health problems were linked to an abundance of certain species in the gut microbiome. While none of these species were the same ones related to adversity in this study, some have been associated with adversity in previous research and could thus perform similar functions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since the brain-gut microbiome connection develops rapidly during infancy, it is likely that changes caused by adversity may significantly impact children’s socioemotional development. Further research in fields such as nutritional psychiatry is needed to assess how changes in diet could improve the gut microbiome and, consequently, physical and mental health.</p>



<p>“The microbiome gets a lot of attention and is very exciting, but it really is just one piece of the large and complicated puzzle of human health,” said senior author Bridget Callaghan, an assistant professor of Psychology at UCLA.</p>



<p>“Our study is part of a growing body of research showing the effects of early exposure and transgenerational experience on the microbiome. When we understand how experiences of hardship can influence the gut microbiome, we can then try to manipulate diet, supplements, and lifestyle to make positive impacts on an individual’s gut microbiome and broader developmental trajectory.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2213768120"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-gut-microbiome">More about the gut microbiome&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The gut microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, that live in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals. These organisms play a critical role in health and disease, and research into the gut microbiome is an active and rapidly expanding field.</p>



<h3 id="h-key-aspects-of-the-gut-microbiome">Key aspects of the gut microbiome </h3>



<h4 id="h-diversity">Diversity</h4>



<p>A healthy gut microbiome is diverse, containing many different types of organisms. This diversity helps to protect against disease by competing with harmful bacteria and other microbes for resources.</p>



<h4 id="h-digestion">Digestion</h4>



<p>The gut microbiome assists in the digestion of food, particularly substances that the body can't digest on its own, such as certain types of fiber. These microbes can break down these substances and convert them into useful products, such as short-chain fatty acids.</p>



<h4 id="h-immune-system">Immune system</h4>



<p>The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the development and function of the immune system. Certain types of bacteria in the gut are known to interact with immune cells and influence their activity.</p>



<h4 id="h-mental-health">Mental health</h4>



<p>Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome might also have an impact on mental health. This connection, often referred to as the "gut-brain axis," could potentially influence conditions such as depression, anxiety, and autism, although more research is needed in this area.</p>



<h4 id="h-disease">Disease</h4>



<p>Imbalances or changes in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, have been linked with a number of health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancer.</p>



<h4 id="h-probiotics-and-prebiotics">Probiotics and prebiotics</h4>



<p>Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for your health, especially your digestive system. Prebiotics are types of dietary fiber that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Both can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.</p>



<h4 id="h-personalized-medicine">Personalized medicine</h4>



<p>Scientists are exploring the use of the gut microbiome in personalized medicine, as individual differences in the gut microbiome can influence how people respond to certain drugs and treatments.</p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Mothers' hardships are reflected in their child's gut microbiome

Although many studies have shown that, in rodents, prenatal stress...

<p>Greenland, a white expanse of ice spanning an area three times the size of Texas, was not always so barren and frigid. According to a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.ade4248"><em>Science</em></a>, a large portion of Greenland was an ice-free tundra landscape - perhaps covered by trees and populated by woolly mammoths - as recently as 416,000 years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation challenges the previous assumption that much of the Greenland ice sheet remained frozen for most of the last two and a half million years.</p>



<p>The discovery, made by an international team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/">University of Vermont</a> (UVM), Utah State University, and fourteen other institutions, highlights the sensitivity of the Greenland ice sheet to moderate warming periods.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-harsh-reality">Harsh reality</h2>



<p>The scientists found that, between 424,000 and 374,000 years ago, Greenland's ice sheet melted substantially, leading to at least five feet of global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-disproportionally-affect-asian-megacities/">sea level rise</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Intriguingly, the atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, a significant driver of climate change, were lower then than they are today - 280 parts per million (ppm) versus today's 420 ppm.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding indicates that the ice sheet on Greenland may be more sensitive to human-induced climate change than previously understood, rendering it susceptible to irreversible, rapid melting in the upcoming centuries.</p>



<h2 id="h-long-lost-ice-core">Long-lost ice core</h2>



<p>The evidence for these startling revelations was unearthed from an unlikely source, a long-lost ice core collected by a secret U.S. Army mission during the Cold War.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Under the guise of the Arctic science station, Camp Century, the Army drilled through 4,560 feet of ice, extracting a twelve-foot-long tube of soil and rock from beneath the icy surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This icy sediment, initially lost in a freezer for decades, was accidentally rediscovered in 2017. Surprisingly, it held not just sediment but also leaves and moss, testaments to an ice-free landscape that might have been a boreal forest.</p>



<h2 id="h-new-understanding-of-greenland-s-history">New understanding of Greenland's history</h2>



<p>Using advanced luminescence technology and rare isotope analysis on the sediment from the ice core, the researchers have painted a dramatically different picture of Greenland's history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Until recently, scientists believed Greenland to be a fortress of ice, relatively untouched by melting for millions of years. However, these new techniques allowed the team to create a detailed timeline of Greenland's thawing, revealing that large portions of the ice sheet melted much more recently than one million years ago.</p>



<p>"It's really the first bulletproof evidence that much of the Greenland ice sheet vanished when it got warm," says University of Vermont scientist Paul Bierman, who co-led the new study. The implications of this research are significant, particularly considering the present-day effects of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-twenty-three-feet-of-potential-sea-level-rise">Twenty-three feet of potential sea-level rise</h2>



<p>Approximately twenty-three feet of potential sea-level rise is stored in Greenland's ice, placing every coastal region in the world at risk.</p>



<p>The study revealed that the sediment from the Camp Century ice core was exposed to sunlight - indicating an ice-free landscap - before being buried under the ice once more. This discovery was made using a "luminescence signal" within the sediment, which zeros out when exposed to sunlight.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over time, in the darkness, minerals within the sediment accumulate electrons, forming a kind of geological clock. By examining the amount of these accumulated electrons, the scientists could determine when these sediments were last exposed to the sun. The team at Utah State University conducted these examinations in a specialized dark room, using advanced tools and repeated tests.</p>



<h2 id="h-additional-insights">Additional insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In the University of Vermont lab, scientists studied quartz from the Camp Century core. Ratios of beryllium and other isotopes gave the scientists a window onto how long rocks at the surface were exposed versus buried under layers of ice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This data helped the scientists show that the Camp Century sediment was exposed to the sky less than 14,000 years before it was deposited under the ice, narrowing down the time window when that portion of Greenland must have been ice-free.</p>



<p>Understanding Greenland's past is not just about rewriting history books. It provides crucial insight into how its giant ice sheet will respond to future warming and how quickly it could melt. This discovery offers robust and precise evidence that Greenland is more sensitive to climate change than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Greenland’s past, preserved in twelve feet of frozen soil, suggests a warm, wet, and largely ice-free future for planet Earth, unless we can dramatically lower the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere," says Bierman.</p>



<p>The Camp Century core and its rich data have transformed scientists' understanding of Greenland's icy history. "We had always assumed that the Greenland ice sheet formed about two and a half million years ago - and has just been there this whole time and that it’s very stable," says study co-author Tammy Rittenour. "But this paper shows that it did."</p>



<h2 id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While 416,000 years ago, there were no cities hugging coastlines, today, millions of people live in low-lying coastal areas. This makes the potential for a significant sea level rise due to the melting of Greenland's ice sheet a major concern.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"If we melt just portions of the Greenland ice sheet, the sea level rises dramatically. Most global population centers are near sea level," explains Rittenour.</p>



<p>The Camp Century study sends a clear warning to the world. It shows that the Greenland ice sheet has a history of melting during periods of moderate warming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With today's rapidly increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, the chances of significant and irreversible melting are alarmingly high. The outcome of such an event would be catastrophic, given that Greenland's ice holds enough water to raise global sea levels by over twenty feet - a disaster for many coastal cities and nations.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Evidence of a greener Greenland reveals shocking reality of sea level rise

Greenland, a white expanse of ice spanning an area three...

Composition,With,Assorted,Raw,Organic,Vegetables.,Detox,Diet

<p>A dedicated team of horticultural scientists from <a href="https://www.ecu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edith Cowan University (ECU)</a> in Australia is making significant strides in the effort to use melatonin in efforts to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer periods of time.</p>



<p>For the past year, they have been gathering and examining global research to evaluate the potential benefits of applying melatonin, a hormone naturally occurring in living organisms, to fresh produce.</p>



<p>The team's leader, Professor <a href="https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/science/staff/profiles/professors/professor-zora-singh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zora Singh</a>, disclosed that a staggering 44 percent of fresh horticultural produce is wasted from farm to consumption. This loss is largely attributable to a phenomenon known as 'chilling injury'.</p>



<p>“You will often see abnormal ripening, sunken spots, pitting, hardening of flesh and browning of peel and pulp in cold-stored fruits, while browning of tissues, translucency and water-soaked lesions in the vegetables, that is what we call chilling injury,” he explained.</p>



<h2 id="h-combatting-chilling-injury-with-melatonin">Combatting chilling injury with melatonin</h2>



<p>Storage conditions play a critical role in the occurrence of chilling injury. Shippers store subtropical fruits and vegetables at average temperatures between 4–8°C. Tropical produce, however, requires a slightly warmer 10–20°C to sidestep this issue.</p>



<p>As the researchers delved into this area, the mounting evidence pointed to melatonin as a promising candidate for mitigating the effects of chilling injury in cold-stored produce.</p>



<p>Shoaib Shah, a PhD student and researcher on Professor Singh's team, noted that melatonin, also known as a sleep-inducing hormone in living creatures, is beneficial in reducing chilling injury symptoms and membrane leakage. It works by maintaining higher antioxidant levels, thereby keeping horticultural produce fresher.</p>



<p>Shah also emphasized the safety of melatonin application, labeling it a "safe alternative to hazardous chemical treatments, without any adverse effects on consumer health."</p>



<h2>Keeping fruits and vegetables fresh linked to food security</h2>



<p>The stakes are high in this melatonin research. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-food-waste-greater-food-security-less-environmental-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food security</a> continues to be a growing concern around the world, with food losses escalating each year.</p>



<p>Annually, we lose a shocking 13.2 percent of food, equivalent to a $400 billion value, between harvest and the retail market. This, according to a 2019 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).</p>



<p>Furthermore, the <a href="https://www.unep.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)</a> revealed in 2020 that 17 percent of food production is wasted at the household, food service, and retail levels. This food loss and waste account for approximately 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h2>Steady decline in global fruit production</h2>



<p>Professor Singh's work is even more critical when considering the steady decline in fruit production. Various factors link to this decrease. These include diminishing agricultural land, dwindling water supplies, climate change, and soil degradation. </p>



<p>Chilling injury is another culprit. It causes 44 percent of fruits and vegetables to be unfit for human consumption worldwide.</p>



<p>Tropical and sub-tropical fruits, due to their high perishability, are particularly vulnerable. For example, we can store apples for up to nine months, but we can only keep berries refrigerated for seven to 12 days.</p>



<p>Speaking about the resilience of produce, Professor Singh compared grains and other harvested goods to fresh horticultural produce. He pointed out that fruits and vegetables pose more challenges, both in terms of growth and preservation. Singh declared this issue a global crisis, stressing the need for sustainable solutions.</p>



<p>"Fruit and vegetables are not only challenging to grow, preserving them is immensely difficult and this is a crisis affecting nations all over the world, so we need to find the solution to keep producing food from the earth in a sustainable way,” he said.</p>



<p>Professor Singh, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/87559129.2023.2212042" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">along with his research team</a>, is working diligently to counter global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-infections-are-threatening-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food and nutritional security challenges</a>. Their focus is on enhancing production technology and curbing postharvest losses in fresh horticultural produce, from farm to fork. Melatonin may be an unlikely savior.</p>



<h2>More about melatonin</h2>



<p>The pineal gland in the brain primarily produces melatonin, a hormone naturally occurring within the body. Its primary function is to regulate sleep-wake cycles, or circadian rhythms, making it a critical component of the body's internal clock.</p>



<h3>Production and release</h3>



<p>Light exposure closely ties to the production and release of melatonin. When darkness falls, the pineal gland responds by synthesizing melatonin from the amino acid tryptophan. This occurs through a process that also involves the neurotransmitter serotonin.</p>



<p>The elevated levels of melatonin in the bloodstream signal the body that it is time to sleep. Conversely, during daylight hours, the production of melatonin decreases. This change helps to maintain alertness and wakefulness.</p>



<h3>Functions and effects</h3>



<p>Beyond its role in sleep regulation, melatonin serves other functions in the body. It acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage by free radicals. Research suggests that melatonin might enhance the immune system, support eye health, and have potential anti-cancer properties.</p>



<p>Melatonin also helps in regulating body temperature, blood pressure, and hormone levels. Its role in sleep regulation is beneficial for various physiological processes such as memory consolidation and tissue repair, which primarily occur during sleep.</p>



<h3>Melatonin supplements</h3>



<p>Due to its role in promoting sleep, synthetic melatonin is available as an over-the-counter supplement in many countries. It is often used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders, combat jet lag, and help shift workers adjust to new sleep schedules.</p>



<p>However, while melatonin supplements are generally safe for short-term use, they can cause side effects like headaches, dizziness, and daytime sleepiness. Long-term effects of melatonin supplement use are still being studied.</p>



<h3>Melatonin in animals and plants</h3>



<p>In addition to humans, many animals produce melatonin, and it plays a crucial role in their seasonal breeding, hibernation, and migration patterns. Plants also produce melatonin, where it functions as an antioxidant and helps to regulate growth.</p>



<h3>Research and future directions</h3>



<p>Ongoing research is investigating melatonin's potential benefits for various health conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and cancer. Studies are also assessing the hormone's potential effects on mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. However, more clinical trials are needed to fully understand these potential uses and their implications for treatment.</p>



<p>In summary, melatonin is a hormone with significant roles in sleep regulation and other physiological functions. It continues to be the subject of extensive research due to its potential health benefits and use as a treatment for various conditions. As with all substances, it should be used responsibly, and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.</p>

Melatonin keeps fruits and vegetables fresh as well as helping you sleep

A dedicated team of horticultural scientists from Edith Cowan University...

<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"><strong>Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</strong></h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



<p>The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</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>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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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> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?</p>



<p>One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</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>

How does salt makes things taste better?

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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 Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;</p>



<p>'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."</p>



<p>"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.</p>



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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<p>Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.</p>



<p>The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."</p>



<p>"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."</p>



<p>"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."</p>



<p>The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&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>

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. </p>



<p>"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."</p>



<p>"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.</p>



<p>"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



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<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>

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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 Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.</p>



<p>"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."</p>



<p>Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&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>

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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 the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.</p>



<p>"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."</p>



<p>Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.</p>



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.</p>



<p>"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</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>

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.</p>



<p>In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.</p>



<p>The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.</p>



<p>The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.</p>



<p>The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. </p>



<p>Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</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>

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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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 the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.</p>



<p>The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.</p>



<p>At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.</p>



<p>"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."</p>



<p>The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.</p>



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes why experts are studying zebrafish to gain a better understanding of how the immune system responds to injury. Zebrafish have the ability to repair and regenerate organs.</p>



<p>“Organ regeneration offers an exciting opportunity for studying the immune system and to inquire why some species can regenerate organs like the heart or missing limbs while others like humans cannot,” explained Dr. Tatjana Piotrowski.</p>



<p>Zebrafish sensory organ hair cells are an ideal system to investigate the pathways and cell types involved in regeneration since they are easily destroyed with antibiotics and begin regenerating within five hours. This enabled the researchers to identify the exact timing and genetic programs for each anti-inflammatory macrophage activation state.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our hypothesis is that human macrophages do not receive the proper chemical activation 'cocktail' to instruct pro-regenerative processes,” said Dr. Nicolas Denans. “Identifying the molecular recipe of macrophage activation in zebrafish may one day enable us to design regenerative immunotherapies in humans.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The new evidence is a valuable resource for comparative studies on the genetic programs involved in macrophage-mediated repair and regeneration. In other words, different types of injuries may induce different kinds of inflammatory responses. We want to decipher whether this 'language' is universal or if there are a variety of dialects."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&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>

How the immune system responds to injury

[sendtonews key="0dEcERCq61-2283382-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Stowers...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.</p>



<p>Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.</p>



<p>From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</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>

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."</p>



<p>The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.</p>



<p>"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)</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>

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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