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Scientists have long mapped separate brain areas for sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Yet new research reveals that when we focus sharply on any of those senses, signals converge on the same two structures buried deep in the brain - the midbrain reticular formation and the central thalamus.



This finding highlights a shared neural pathway that sustains <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-stops-paying-attention-to-repeated-distractions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention</a> and wakefulness and could inspire therapies for coma, epilepsy, and attention-deficit disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-senses-in-a-single-brain-region">Senses in a single brain region</h2>



Research over the past century has shown that visual scenes activate the occipital cortex, melodies light up the temporal lobes, and so forth.



“We were expecting to find activity on shared networks, but when we saw all the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-and-different-odors-can-influence-how-we-see-colors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senses</a> light up the same central brain regions while a test subject was focusing, it was really astonishing,” said Aya Khalaf, a postdoctoral associate in neurology at <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Medicine</a> and lead author of the study.



Those two regions - the reticular formation, a mesh of neurons in the upper brainstem, and the intralaminar and mediodorsal nuclei of the thalamus - form part of the so-called subcortical arousal system, a set of circuits long suspected to regulate alertness and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consciousness-may-stem-from-unseen-dimensions-beyond-our-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consciousness</a>.



Previous work had linked these hubs to vigilance by studying patients emerging from coma or experiencing absence seizures. But most of those experiments examined responses to a single type of stimulus, for example flashing lights or chirping sounds.



Khalaf and colleagues asked the broader question: do different senses share the same arousal circuitry when people deliberately pay attention?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-massive-data-mine">A massive data mine</h2>



To answer that, the team turned to the publicly available <a href="https://www.humanconnectome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Connectome Project</a> and other repositories, assembling functional MRI scans from 1,561 healthy adults.



Across 11 tasks, participants viewed moving shapes, listened to spoken stories, sampled liquid tastants, or felt puffs of air on their fingertips. Each task included abrupt cues that forced subjects to switch attention - for instance, a sudden change in picture orientation or a surprise tone embedded in white noise.



The investigators processed more than 500 hours of scan data through a pipeline that removed head motion and physiological noise, then aligned brain volumes to a common atlas.



In every sensory domain, when a cue demanded rapid attentional re-orientation, blood-oxygen signals spiked in the reticular formation and the central thalamus. The effect was absent or minimal during passive stimulation, underscoring the importance of active engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consciousness-in-the-brain">Consciousness in the brain</h2>



Why would a taste test and a vision task end up at the same neural address? The authors propose that the midbrain reticular formation integrates sudden sensory changes and broadcasts a “wake-up” volley to the thalamus, which relays it to widespread cortical areas.



That burst synchronizes cortical rhythms, priming the brain to process incoming information. The scheme dovetails with classical animal studies showing that electrical stimulation of the reticular formation induces cortical desynchronization and behavioral arousal, while lesions produce stupor.



“It tells us how important this brain region is and what it could mean in efforts to restore consciousness,” Khalaf said.



“This has also given us insights into how things work normally in the brain. It’s really a step forward in our understanding of awareness and consciousness,” said senior author Hal Blumenfeld, a neurologist at Yale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awakening-senses-in-the-brain">Awakening senses in the brain</h2>



Because the same deep-brain hubs fire regardless of which sense is active, treatments aimed at modulating those hubs could benefit diverse conditions.



Drugs that enhance thalamic neurotransmission, for instance, might improve focus in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autism-and-adhd-disorders-directly-linked-amount-of-time-kids-spend-on-screens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention deficit hyperactivity disorder</a>. Conversely, overactivity in the arousal circuit has been implicated in insomnia; dampening the circuitry could help induce sleep.



The results also support ongoing trials that deliver low-intensity ultrasound or deep-brain electrodes to the central thalamus in patients with disorders of consciousness. 



If attention triggers the thalamus to “switch on” the cortex, stimulating it directly might help rouse patients who are minimally conscious.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-sensory-rehabilitation"><a></a>Rethinking sensory rehabilitation</h2>



The discovery challenges sensory-specific training programs that ignore subcortical commonalities. 



For example, visual rehabilitation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stroke-risk-is-elevated-by-air-pollution-and-traffic-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke</a> survivors may benefit from pairing attentional cues with tactile or auditory tasks to engage the shared arousal pathway.



Likewise, virtual-reality therapies that bombard users with multi-sensory surprises might more effectively sharpen attentional control.



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



The Yale team plans to refine the timeline of activation using magnetoencephalography, which offers millisecond resolution. They also hope to dissect the frequency bands that link the thalamus to frontal and parietal cortices during attentional jumps. 



Such work could reveal whether gamma-band bursts or alpha-band suppression carry the critical “wake-up” message.



Another frontier involves patients. Investigators will compare responses in healthy volunteers with those in people who have attention deficits or who are emerging from anaesthesia. 



Identifying a lost or delayed thalamic spike could serve as a biomarker for impaired consciousness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-regions-and-the-senses">Brain regions and the senses</h2>



For now, the study establishes the midbrain reticular formation and central thalamus as the universal relay through which sight, sound, taste, and touch gain conscious entry - at least when our minds snap to attention.



By showing that “all the senses light up the same central brain regions,” it confirms that consciousness depends not only on specialized cortical maps but also on a common deep-brain gatekeeper. 



Therapies that target this gatekeeper may eventually help restore awareness where it has dimmed and sharpen it where it wanders.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811925002277?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NeuroImage</a>.



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Scientists discover a brain region that connects all the senses

Scientists have long mapped separate brain areas for sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Yet new research reveals that when we focus sharply on any of those senses, signals converge on the same two structures buried deep in the brain - the midbrain reticular formation and the central thalamus. This finding highlights a shared neural pathway that sustains attention and wakefulness and could inspire therapies for coma, epilepsy, and attention-deficit disorders. Senses in a single brain region Research over the past century has shown that visual scenes...

For centuries, observers have been fascinated by the diverse fish inhabiting rivers, lakes, and oceans. Some dazzle with vibrant colors, while others surprise with unusual shapes and distinctive teeth.



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08612-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> have long studied the skeletal features of fish, especially their mouthparts, to unravel how different species adapt to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-evolution-in-the-baltic-sea-how-herring-became-fish-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing environments</a>.



After many years of investigation at the University of California, Davis, one scientist has discovered a new clue to how fish species branch out faster than most vertebrates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-teeth-help-fish-adapt">Unique teeth help fish adapt</h2>



These fish do not merely differ in color or size. Their teeth also display unique configurations that match the foods they eat and the places they inhabit.



Some sport single-pointed teeth, like little pegs, whereas others have multiple points tucked together in a single tooth. 



“This changes the way we think about key innovations,” said Nick Peoples, first author of the paper and a graduate student working with Professor Peter Wainwright at the <a href="https://biology.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> Department of Evolution and Ecology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cichlids-and-easy-switches">Cichlids and easy switches</h2>



The <a href="https://ronscichlids.com/collections/african-cichlid-breeder-groups?srsltid=AfmBOoouLZjnMMQ5bBuyEyJw2urqXuWKM56umolPjL4l3ObBqBP6gKCZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cichlid group</a> in Africa’s great lakes is famous for its ability to adapt to different food sources. Some species nibble algae, some snap at small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/master-switch-controls-the-timing-of-fish-egg-hatching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic creatures</a>, and others snack on whatever drifts past.



“It’s not just the teeth, it’s how quickly they are gained or lost,” said Peoples. Scientists have noticed that cichlids can rapidly transition between simpler cone-shaped teeth and more complicated multi-cusped teeth. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-all-takes-shape">How it all takes shape</h2>



The researchers used a large dataset to pinpoint moments in fish history when tooth structures switched from one type to another. This reconstruction uncovered a pattern: lineages that can swap between simple and complex teeth form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coelacanth-ngamugawi-wirngarri-new-species-living-fossil-fish-survived-over-400-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new species</a> at an unusually fast pace.



The ability to shift tooth shapes without major roadblocks seems to give fish a trick up their sleeve. This trait has led to repeated bursts of speciation in different environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-teeth-give-fish-an-advantage">Complex teeth give fish an advantage</h2>



“Complex teeth are one innovation that contributed to the evolutionary success of major vertebrate lineages,” noted the researchers. By examining ancient fossils and modern samples, the team confirmed that these structures appeared in multiple fish families through time.



Some gained a competitive edge in crowded waters, while others exploited new food resources that demanded extra tooth surfaces. Speciation rates are five times higher when transitions between simple and complex teeth occur rapidly.



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



Experts propose that certain fish keep the genetic instructions for both tooth types. That might explain how they switch back and forth more effortlessly than other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-find-new-ways-to-reproduce-in-response-to-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groups</a>.



This switch happens faster in African lakes than in marine habitats. Rapid changes in water conditions or food availability could spark a swift rearrangement of tooth shapes in these cichlids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-african-lakes">Beyond African lakes</h2>



Although cichlids steal the spotlight, fish in other regions show hints of similar adaptability. Some reef-dwelling species can alter their mouthparts for scraping rocks or slicing algae.



Those that can revert to older tooth patterns appear better equipped to handle competition from other fish. This insight might encourage broader studies on how such elasticity influences diversification in other aquatic communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-evolutionary-patterns">Shaping evolutionary patterns</h2>



<a href="http://phytools.org/mexico2018/lec/Diversification.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lineage diversification</a> describes how species split into new forms. Factors like climate, mating behavior, and resource use drive these splits at different speeds.



In fast-evolving groups, minor genetic changes have outsized effects on survival and reproduction. That flexibility, once unleashed, boosts the odds of stumbling onto a successful new niche.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprises-in-ecological-roles">Surprises in ecological roles</h2>



African cichlids seem to exemplify this idea with their blend of opportunism and versatility. Shifting from a flesh-piercing tooth to a multi-cusped one can open up surprising new diets.



The abrupt changes may send fish into microhabitats that were off-limits before, adding more diversity to the lakes. This phenomenon highlights how even a small tweak in anatomy can reshape entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-summer-fishing-shrinks-atlantic-salmon-size-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communities</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeth-adaptability-and-fish-conservation">Teeth adaptability and fish conservation </h2>



Experts suspect similar processes might occur with other physical traits. <a href="https://phys.org/news/2012-06-sticky-gecko-toes-arose-independently.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sticky toe pads</a> in climbing reptiles or specialized beaks in birds can emerge repeatedly across distant groups.



Some lineages might keep the blueprint for these traits in their genetic code and resurface them under the right circumstances. Others might lose this genetic blueprint and hit a dead end for further innovations.



Conservationists who monitor threatened fish species could use this insight to identify groups with higher adaptability potential. If a fish can switch tooth structures quickly, it might cope better with sudden habitat changes.



That same fish could outcompete neighbors that lack this flexibility, altering the balance in fragile ecosystems. The researchers hope this knowledge will guide targeted protection efforts for vulnerable freshwater habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ideas-for-future-research">Ideas for future research</h2>



Scientists are now curious about the specific genes that let fish move easily between different tooth designs. Pinpointing those genes could unlock new ways of understanding variation in other vertebrates.



Engineers might also get ideas from these flexible tooth structures for designing tools that adapt to different tasks. Biology has often inspired clever technological concepts, and fish teeth are no exception.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-impact-of-cichlids">Cultural impact of cichlids</h2>



In some African communities, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17925206/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Victoria cichlids</a> feature prominently in local diets. Their adaptability keeps them abundant in markets, satisfying tastes for nutritious, locally sourced protein.



These same fish also intrigue aquarium enthusiasts around the globe, who admire their colors and unique behavior. Their popularity reinforces the bond between people and the underwater world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-changes-drive-evolution">Small changes drive evolution</h2>



Observing how a physical feature shapes evolutionary paths prompts questions about other hidden traits. One simple switch could ripple through an entire lineage, setting off an explosion of new forms.



Cichlids stand out as a dramatic demonstration of that concept, suggesting that adaptability itself might be the real driver of rapid diversification. That concept may apply well beyond fish, shining light on a bigger story about how life branches out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-path-worth-following">A path worth following</h2>



Future work will likely take a deeper look at the ecological triggers that encourage these genetic possibilities. Many factors - from water acidity to seasonal migration of prey - might tip the balance in favor of a tooth switch.



Such findings add more dimension to our understanding of biodiversity. With each new piece of evidence, researchers gain a richer perspective on why certain groups flourish in unexpected ways.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08612-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Fish evolve rapidly by switching between simple and complex teeth

For centuries, observers have been fascinated by the diverse fish...

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected H5N1 bird flu in raw milk samples from several states in the U.S. Many Americans remain unaware of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-virus-preparing-for-tomorrow-despite-minimal-risk-today/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health risks</a> associated with consuming raw milk, especially for children. 



Raw milk can carry harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Listeria, and Brucella.



More than half of U.S. adults, about 56 percent, understand that raw milk is less safe than pasteurized milk. However, a significant portion of the population remains uncertain. 



Around twenty-five percent are unsure about the safety difference, while 12 percent believe raw milk is just as safe as pasteurized milk. Six percent think raw milk is actually safer, according to a survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (<a href="https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APPC</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-children-face-greater-health-risks">Children face greater health risks</h2>



A concerning survey finding reveals that two-thirds of respondents, about 66 percent, do not know that children face higher risks from consuming raw milk. This lack of awareness can lead to serious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-flu-outbreak-has-killed-20-million-chickens-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health consequences</a>.



“Consuming raw milk and raw milk products can make you sick and pasteurization reduces the risk of milk-borne illness,” said Patrick E. Jamieson, director of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APPC’s Annenberg Health and Risk Communication Institute</a>.



“Looking for the pasteurization label before buying or consuming milk or milk products such as cheese is good practice.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-flu-cases-linked-to-raw-milk-and-poultry">Bird flu cases linked to raw milk and poultry</h2>



As of March 10, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a>) confirmed 70 cases of H5 bird flu in 13 states. 



Most infections were linked to exposure to infected poultry or dairy herds. One person in Louisiana has died from the virus. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this time.



Since January 2022, bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-flu-may-be-more-harmful-to-the-brain-than-covid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flu</a> has affected nearly a thousand dairy herds in 17 states and infected over 166 million poultry and wild birds. 



Global data from the World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) reports 954 cases of human avian flu infections between 2003 and December 2024, with 464 fatalities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-of-bird-flu-in-raw-milk">Risks of bird flu in raw milk</h2>



The majority of U.S. adults are unaware that bird flu has only been detected in raw milk. Only 17 percent correctly recognize this fact, while 68 percent remain uncertain. Some incorrectly believe bird flu has been found in pasteurized milk or both types of milk.



Scientists have found that mice can contract bird flu by drinking raw milk, raising concerns about potential human transmission. 



Although the FDA has not confirmed whether H5N1 can spread to humans through raw milk, studies suggest a possible risk. The <a href="https://www.nih.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health</a> states that untreated milk containing the virus could infect those who consume it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perception-of-raw-milk-safety">Public perception of raw milk safety</h2>



The APPC survey found that 22 percent of Americans believe drinking raw milk increases the risk of contracting bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/efforts-to-control-bird-flu-are-not-working-are-humans-next/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flu</a>. Another 22 percent think it has no effect, while 53 percent remain unsure.



The <a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a> stresses that pasteurization eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses, including H5N1 if present. Yet, misinformation continues to influence public opinion on raw milk safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misunderstood-health-benefits">Misunderstood health benefits </h2>



Despite scientific evidence, raw milk advocates continue to make claims about its supposed health benefits. The APPC survey examined several of these beliefs and found that many Americans remain uncertain about their accuracy.



Twenty-six percent believe raw milk is as effective as pasteurized milk in preventing osteoporosis. Ten percent incorrectly believe raw milk is more effective, while 59 percent are unsure.



Forty percent recognize that raw milk does not cure lactose intolerance. Ten percent incorrectly believe it does, while 50 percent remain uncertain.



Thirty-nine percent correctly identify that raw milk does not reduce asthma symptoms, while 54 percent remain unsure. Seven percent believe it does.



Thirty percent believe raw milk does not enhance the immune system, but 23 percent think it does. Nearly half of respondents, about 47 percent, are unsure.



The FDA refutes these claims, stating that raw milk does not provide superior health benefits and poses serious risks, especially for children.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-government-regulations-and-public-opinion">Government regulations and public opinion</h2>



Since 1987, the FDA has banned the interstate sale of raw milk. However, 30 states permit some form of legal sale. Public opinion on regulation remains divided.



Nearly 24 percent of survey respondents support allowing raw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/raw-milk-could-carry-deadly-flu-viruses-for-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk</a> sales across state lines, while 28 percent oppose it. A significant portion remains uncertain.



In-state raw milk sales also generate divided opinions. About 24 percent favor unrestricted sales, while 25 percent support limiting sales to farm owners selling from their own land. Fourteen percent believe raw milk sales should be completely banned in their states.



Federal regulations on raw milk spark debate. About 32 percent believe these rules represent unnecessary government intrusion. Another 34 percent disagree, while 33 percent neither agree nor disagree.



A quarter of respondents believe state laws prohibiting raw milk sales violate the constitutional rights of sellers. A slightly larger group, about 34 percent, disagrees. Over 40 percent remain uncertain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-and-warning-labels">Testing and warning labels</h2>



More than half of Americans, about 56 percent, do not believe that state laws requiring warning labels on raw milk containers violate sellers’ constitutional rights. Fourteen percent think they do, while 30 percent are unsure.



Many Americans remain unaware of the extent of bird flu testing in raw milk. When asked how many states participate in USDA testing, 74 percent of survey respondents said they were unsure.



As of January 8, 2025, the USDA reports that its National Milk Testing Strategy includes 28 states. These states account for nearly 65 percent of the nation's milk production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pasteurized-milk-is-the-safest-choice">Pasteurized milk is the safest choice</h2>



Raw milk carries significant health risks, including exposure to harmful bacteria and potential bird flu transmission. Many Americans remain uninformed or misinformed about these dangers. 



Scientific research consistently supports pasteurization as the best method to ensure milk safety. 



Public health organizations continue to emphasize the importance of choosing pasteurized milk to protect consumers, especially vulnerable populations like children.



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Most Americans don't know the dangers of raw milk and bird flu

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected H5N1 bird flu...

Preventing diseases like malaria often relies on individual choices, but a new study shows that social connections play a more significant role than previously thought. 



Health campaigns typically focus on educating individuals about prevention methods, assuming people will make rational decisions based on available information. However, researchers have found that the behaviors of friends, family, and community members strongly influence whether someone adopts protective measures.



This research highlights the importance of social ties in shaping health behaviors. People are more likely to use bed nets, insect repellents, and protective clothing if they see others around them doing the same. 



While personal awareness and expert advice matter, the study suggests that social influences outweigh these factors. Understanding how behaviors spread within communities could help improve public health efforts, making disease prevention more effective and sustainable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-ties-shape-malaria-prevention">Social ties shape malaria prevention</h2>



Researchers conducted a study in ten rural villages in India, focusing on malaria prevention behaviors. Their goal was to determine what influences people’s decisions to adopt preventative measures. 



The study examined whether factors like education, personal health awareness, and professional medical advice played a key role or if social networks had a stronger impact.



The findings revealed that social exposure is the most significant factor in determining whether individuals take action against malaria. 



The study also emphasized the role of households as primary spaces where health-related discussions take place. Instead of making independent decisions, people tend to follow the behavior of those closest to them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-networks-and-disease-prevention">Social networks and disease prevention </h2>



The research was conducted by experts from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>, the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a>, the <a href="https://iiphshillong.edu.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong</a>, <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>, and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 



The team introduced a new framework for analyzing the impact of social networks on disease prevention.



“Social networks can either help or hinder disease prevention efforts that rely on a combination of behaviours. For example, if your friends and family use insect repellents, you are much more likely to use them yourself,” noted Dr. András Vörös from the University of Birmingham.



This suggests that health interventions should not only provide information but also encourage communities to adopt healthier behaviors collectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-households-in-health-behaviors">Role of households in health behaviors</h2>



One of the most striking findings of the study was the influence of households on health behaviors. People tend to discuss health matters with family members more than with outsiders. 



These discussions shape their choices regarding disease prevention. If health information is introduced within a household, there is a higher chance that multiple members will adopt preventative measures.



In contrast, expert advice and personal factors like age, gender, and education had a much smaller impact on prevention behaviors. Even when individuals were aware of health risks, they were less likely to take action unless their social circles reinforced those behaviors.



This insight highlights the need for public health initiatives that target entire families rather than individuals. When an entire household is engaged in prevention efforts, the likelihood of consistent and long-term adherence increases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-follow-social-trends">People follow social trends </h2>



“We found that people do not necessarily adopt prevention behaviors in bundles, but rather tend to simply adopt ones which are common among the people they talk to. Exposure to preventative behaviors within someone’s social network is the main factor influencing whether they adopt those same,” Dr. Vörös noted.



This means that people do not necessarily follow expert recommendations in full. Instead, they pick and choose based on what they see others doing. If someone in their social circle starts using insect repellent but not bed nets, they are likely to do the same.



This pattern suggests that public health interventions should focus on promoting common behaviors within social groups. If a campaign successfully encourages a few influential individuals to adopt protective measures, those behaviors are likely to spread naturally throughout the community.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-programs-and-social-influence">Public programs and social influence</h2>



Given these findings, public health campaigns need to shift from targeting individuals to engaging with groups. Instead of simply informing people about prevention measures, programs should focus on encouraging community leaders and other influential figures to promote these behaviors.



Community-based strategies could include training local leaders to educate their social circles about the importance of malaria prevention. When trusted individuals endorse certain health measures, people are more likely to follow their example.



Additionally, household-level interventions could be more effective than targeting individuals separately. When a whole family is encouraged to adopt protective measures, they reinforce these behaviors for one another, leading to longer-lasting results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broader-perspective">A broader perspective</h2>



Although this study focused on malaria prevention in rural India, its findings apply to various diseases and locations worldwide. 



Social networks influence how people respond to health threats beyond malaria, including other infectious and non-communicable diseases.



By recognizing the power of social influence, health organizations can design more effective strategies to encourage prevention. Understanding that people follow the behaviors of those around them allows for better-targeted interventions that result in greater public health improvements.



In the fight against disease, knowledge is important, but social influence plays an even bigger role. Public health efforts that embrace this reality can lead to lasting changes and healthier communities.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-85240-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Social networks have a powerful influence on disease prevention

Preventing diseases like malaria often relies on individual choices, but...

March 16 honors one of the world’s most cherished animals - the giant panda. With their playful antics and unmistakable black-and-white fur, they’ve won hearts everywhere. But their charm hides a struggle. 



Habitat loss has pushed giant pandas to the edge, and their numbers have dwindled. 



National Panda Day is not just a celebration of their charm but a call to action. It raises awareness about the challenges they face and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-pandas-taste-for-bamboo-is-literally-written-in-their-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global efforts</a> needed to protect them.



Conservationists, animal lovers, and researchers work tirelessly to ensure that pandas have a future in the wild. This day reminds us of the responsibility we share in preserving their existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-pandas-in-the-wild">Giant pandas in the wild </h2>



Native to the dense bamboo forests of China, giant pandas belong to the Bear (Ursidae) family. 



Despite their bear lineage, pandas have a diet that is vastly different from other species. While they have the digestive system of a carnivore, they survive almost entirely on bamboo.



To compensate for the low nutritional value, pandas spend most of their time eating - consuming up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of bamboo daily.



Unlike other bears, pandas do not hibernate. Their mountainous habitat provides food throughout the year, eliminating the need for long periods of sleep. 



They are also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-panda-day-recognizing-the-beauty-and-fragility-of-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solitary creatures</a>, avoiding interactions unless it is mating season. Pandas may look friendly, but in the wild, they prefer to keep to themselves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-species-on-the-brink">A species on the brink</h2>



Pandas have roamed the Earth for nearly 20 million years, making them one of the oldest bear species. However, their survival has been anything but easy.



For decades, giant pandas were classified as endangered due to habitat destruction and their difficulty in reproducing. With fewer than 2,000 left in the wild, the risk of extinction loomed large.



One of the biggest threats to panda populations has been deforestation. Expanding cities, agricultural development, and climate change have forced pandas into smaller areas, making it harder for them to find food and mates. 



Conservationists feared that without immediate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intervention</a>, pandas would disappear forever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-panda-day-and-conservation">National Panda Day and conservation </h2>



Efforts to protect pandas gained global attention in 1961 when the World Wide Fund for Nature (<a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF</a>) adopted the giant panda as its official logo. This decision highlighted the species' vulnerability and sparked worldwide initiatives to protect them. It was a turning point in conservation history.



In 1984, the United States placed pandas on the Endangered Species list, further emphasizing the need for protection. 



China also took significant steps, creating more reserves and implementing breeding programs to boost panda numbers. By 2006, the number of panda reserves had tripled, greatly improving their chances of survival.



Thanks to years of dedicated conservation work, a milestone was reached in 2016. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>) downgraded pandas from “endangered” to “vulnerable.” 



This marked a rare success story in wildlife conservation, proving that global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-are-some-giant-pandas-born-with-brown-fur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">efforts</a> can make a difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-panda-reproduction">Challenge of panda reproduction</h2>



Despite progress, pandas still face significant challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is reproduction. 



Female pandas are only fertile for a short window - about two to three days per year. This makes successful mating rare in the wild. Even in captivity, breeding programs have struggled with low birth rates.



To address this issue, China’s Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding has played a key role in improving reproductive success. 



Scientists have developed techniques to increase the likelihood of pregnancy, including artificial insemination and improved care for newborn cubs.



These efforts have given hope that panda populations can continue to grow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pandas-matter-to-the-ecosystem">Why pandas matter to the ecosystem</h2>



Pandas are more than just adorable animals - they play a vital role in maintaining their habitat. 



As they move through the forests, they help spread seeds, allowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancestors-of-giant-pandas-had-a-completely-different-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> to grow. Their presence supports biodiversity, benefiting countless other species in the region.



Protecting pandas means protecting entire ecosystems. Their survival ensures that the forests they inhabit continue to thrive. 



By conserving pandas, we also safeguard other endangered wildlife that depends on the same environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrate-national-panda-day">Celebrate National Panda Day</h2>



National Panda Day is an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating animals and support their conservation.



Visiting a zoo with a panda exhibit provides an up-close look at their behavior and daily routines. Zoos that house pandas often contribute to research and breeding programs, helping ensure their long-term survival. Observing pandas in person can deepen appreciation for the efforts needed to protect them.



For those who cannot visit a zoo, watching documentaries such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4624970/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Born in China</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6676350/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pandas</a>&nbsp;offers an insightful look into their lives. These films showcase the challenges pandas face and the conservation efforts working to protect them.



Supporting organizations like the WWF by adopting a panda symbolically or donating to conservation programs also makes a real difference. Every contribution helps maintain research centers, preserve habitats, and fund rescue efforts.



Wearing panda-themed clothing or purchasing eco-friendly panda merchandise can also spread awareness. Many brands donate a portion of their profits to conservation, making it a fun way to support the cause.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-future-for-pandas">A future for pandas</h2>



Although pandas are no longer classified as endangered, their survival is far from guaranteed. Habitat destruction, climate change, and human expansion continue to threaten their future. 



National Panda Day serves as a reminder that continued conservation efforts are necessary. The progress made so far proves that with dedication and global support, species on the brink of extinction can recover. 



By protecting pandas, we contribute to a larger movement of wildlife conservation. Their story is one of resilience, but it is up to us to ensure that future generations can continue to admire these incredible animals.



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National Panda Day 2025: From the brink of extinction to hope

March 16 honors one of the world’s most cherished animals...

Even though Mars is now a cold and dry world, it once hosted rivers, lakes, and possibly vast oceans. Robotic missions search for traces of this past. Some discoveries take years, while others, like unexpected mineral clues, appear suddenly.



A rover traversing the Martian surface may seem routine, but when that rover is NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a> and it encounters something extraordinary, the discovery sends ripples through the scientific community.



Roger Wiens, professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a>, witnessed one of these moments when Perseverance’s laser struck some pale rocks that turned out to be anything but ordinary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chance-encounter-with-a-good-rock">Chance encounter with a good rock</h2>



The rocks in question looked different from the rest. They were paler, and stood out against the usual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/detecting-life-on-mars-a-breakthrough-in-space-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian landscape</a>.



That alone made them interesting, but what truly surprised Wiens and his team was their composition. These rocks contained an unusually high amount of aluminum, linked with the mineral kaolinite.



This, in itself, would have been a noteworthy discovery. But kaolinite is no ordinary mineral. On Earth, it forms only under very specific conditions - ones that involve warmth, moisture, and long-term exposure to water.



Finding it on Mars meant that, at some point in its history, the planet must have been wetter, and possibly even significantly warmer than previously believed.



“On Earth, these minerals form where there is intense rainfall and a warm climate or in hydrothermal systems such as hot springs. Both environments are ideal conditions for life as we know it,” Wiens said.



If the conditions that created these minerals were present on Mars for an extended period, it raises questions about whether the planet once supported environments suitable for life. 



The discovery challenges long-standing ideas about Mars's climate history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-rover-detects-minerals">Mars rover detects minerals</h2>



Wiens’s involvement in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-mars-once-host-life-we-finally-know-where-to-look/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars exploration</a> runs deep. He has spent decades working with rovers and played a crucial role in designing SuperCam, the powerful instrument mounted atop Perseverance. 



Resembling a head and neck, this device allows the rover to analyze the Martian surface from a distance.



SuperCam’s tools allow scientists to examine the composition of Martian rocks without requiring the rover to physically touch them. 



On the first day Perseverance landed, its cameras spotted small, pale pebbles scattered across the landscape. At the time, researchers had other priorities and paid them little attention.



Later, as the rover continued exploring, it came across larger rocks with the same coloration. These rocks were not attached to the underlying bedrock but instead lay loose on the surface. 



Known as “float rocks,” they had been moved from their original location, carried by unknown forces across the Martian terrain. That alone made them intriguing. What came next changed everything.



“These rocks are very different from anything we’ve seen on Mars before,” Wiens said. “They’re enigmas.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-mars-minerals">Mysterious Mars minerals</h2>



Wiens’s research team, including Candice Bedford and Clement Royer, took a closer look at these rocks. The deeper they analyzed, the more astonishing the results became.



More than 4,000 of these pale stones were scattered across the surface, all showing similar characteristics. The presence of kaolinite stood out, but that wasn’t the only surprising element.



Alongside kaolinite, the rocks also contained traces of spinel, most likely aluminum spinel. This mineral typically forms in either igneous or metamorphic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a>. 



That posed an important question: Did the spinel form first, later interacting with kaolinite, or did the kaolinite somehow develop around the spinel? The answer remains unclear.



On Earth, kaolinite is often found in locations where water has flowed for ages, dissolving away all but the most resilient materials. This means the Martian rocks could be remnants of an ancient, long-lived watery environment. 



However, their current hardness differs from Earth’s kaolinite, suggesting additional geological processes have altered them over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-minerals-hold-evidence-of-water">Mars minerals hold evidence of water</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-atmosphere-may-improve-weather-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars’s history</a> is written in its rocks, and each discovery adds another layer to the story. 



Water has always been at the heart of that story, raising fundamental questions about how much once existed, how long it lasted, and where it eventually disappeared.



“The big questions about Mars are about water,” Wiens said. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mars_Perseverance-rover_Ouzinkie-rock_kaolinite-mineral-discovery_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mars_Perseverance-rover_Ouzinkie-rock_kaolinite-mineral-discovery_NASA_1s.webp" alt="SuperCam RMI color images showing various types of textures. A Image of Ouzinkie showing the shiny luster (scam02691); B image of Chignik showing the abundant dark, dull lustered grains within a pale, light-grey matrix (scam01681); C image of Rainbow Curve highlighting a discontinuous and anastomosing tendency of the layered targets (scam01777); D image of Dolgoi Island with yellow arrows pointing to dark green candidate spinel grains ( ~ 1 mm diameter) (scam01657); E image of Unga Island highlighting vitreous, spatter-like texture intermingled with large pits up to 4 cm in diameter (scam01676); F image of Barrier Range showing the smooth, aphanitic/very fine-grained nature of the smooth targets that commonly contains small, spherical pits sometimes filled with a dark coating material (scam02554). Credit: NASA/Purdue/Nature" class="wp-image-1962411"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SuperCam RMI color images showing various types of textures. A Image of Ouzinkie showing the shiny luster (scam02691); B image of Chignik showing the abundant dark, dull lustered grains within a pale, light-grey matrix (scam01681); C image of Rainbow Curve highlighting a discontinuous and anastomosing tendency of the layered targets (scam01777); D image of Dolgoi Island with yellow arrows pointing to dark green candidate spinel grains ( ~ 1 mm diameter) (scam01657); E image of Unga Island highlighting vitreous, spatter-like texture intermingled with large pits up to 4 cm in diameter (scam01676); F image of Barrier Range showing the smooth, aphanitic/very fine-grained nature of the smooth targets that commonly contains small, spherical pits sometimes filled with a dark coating material (scam02554). Credit: NASA/Purdue/Nature</figcaption></figure>



“How much water was there? How long was there water? Given how cold and dry Mars is now, where did all that water go? As a mineral, kaolinite has a lot of water bound up in its structure. It’s possible that a lot of the water is still there, on Mars, bound up in the minerals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Even though the research team has not yet found these rocks in their original bedrock location, orbital satellite data confirms that Jezero Crater’s rim contains kaolinite-rich formations. 



Bedford, who co-led the study, believes that tracking the source of these float rocks could provide answers.



“Although we have not seen these rocks ‘in place’ in bedrock with the rover, and we’re not sure where these float rocks came from, from orbiting satellites we know that there are kaolinite-rich rocks in Jezero crater’s rim,” Bedford said. 



“Investigating these rocks in place will help us test our hypotheses on how the rocks formed, how they relate to the ancient Martian environment and the habitability of the planet in the past. We are keeping our eyes wide open, looking for the source of these rocks now that Perseverance is exploring the crater rim.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-signs-of-life">Searching for signs of life</h2>



Mars’ transformation from a planet with liquid water to the frozen desert we see today remains one of the biggest scientific mysteries.



The discovery of these minerals strengthens the possibility that ancient Mars was not just habitable but sustained environments capable of supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-collects-26th-rock-sample-on-mars-plans-to-bring-them-all-to-earth-for-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.



Since life as we know it depends on water, uncovering the history of water on Mars is key to understanding whether life ever had a foothold there.



-----



This work is the result of a collaboration involving scientists from around the world. Los Alamos National Laboratory (<a href="https://www.lanl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LANL</a>) and the French Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie (<a href="https://www.irap.omp.eu/en/homepage-en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IRAP</a>), supported by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (<a href="https://cnes.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNES</a>) in France.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01837-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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New Mars discovery is "different from anything ever seen before"

Even though Mars is now a cold and dry world,...

Makassar,Strait,Highlighted,On,A,Satellite,Image,Map

Early explorers wondered why two neighboring islands, separated by something called the "Wallace Line," had such different wildlife. They saw tigers and elephants on one side, while marsupials lived just a short boat ride away.



Dr. Penny Van Oosterzee, an ecological researcher at <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cook University</a>, has studied these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutions-many-solutions-nature-finds-multiple-paths-to-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> for years. She sees them as a reminder of how physical barriers can split habitats even when they sit close by.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wallace-line-and-species-separation">Wallace Line and species separation</h2>



The Wallace Line runs through Southeast Asia, marking where Asian species give way to Australian species. 



It crosses narrow waters between Borneo and Sulawesi, and between Bali and Lombok, which lie only about 15 miles apart.



Even though it is not an official border, it acts like one for many animals. Flocks of Asian birds thrive on one side, but groups of Australian cockatoos stay on the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-invisible-fence">An invisible fence </h2>



A deep ocean trench, known as the Makassar Strait, is key to this puzzle. During past ice ages, many islands were connected by land bridges when sea levels dropped.



Yet that submerged gap never vanished here, so animals could not simply wander across. Highly specialized species remained where they could find food, avoid predators, and keep up their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embryo-development-shows-how-evolution-had-many-options-to-choose-from/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival strategies</a>.



Even birds, which can fly, tend to stay within their familiar habitats because of differences in climate and food availability. The Wallace Line, in many ways, acts like an invisible fence shaped by nature’s own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolving-evolution-how-life-learns-to-adapt-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">design</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-makassar-strait-the-basics">Understanding the Makassar Strait - the basics</h2>



The Makassar Strait is a narrow stretch of water that runs between the islands of Borneo and Sulawesi in Indonesia. 



It connects the Celebes Sea in the north to the Java Sea in the south, making it a key passage for ships traveling between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. 



The strait isn’t just a busy maritime route - it’s also home to some incredible marine life. 



Strong ocean currents flow through, bringing nutrient-rich waters that support vibrant coral reefs, fish, and even deep-sea creatures. 



It’s a hotspot for divers and researchers alike, offering a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich underwater biodiversity.



The region is also a key focus for climate change research, as rising sea levels and shifting currents affect both marine ecosystems and coastal communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wallace-line-shaped-evolution">The Wallace Line shaped evolution</h2>



This unique divide helped shape some early ideas about how species change over time. It sparked thoughts on biogeography, the study of how plants and animals are distributed across the planet.



When Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace independently <a href="https://evolution.berkeley.edu/the-history-of-evolutionary-thought/1800s/natural-selection-charles-darwin-alfred-russel-wallace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a> about natural selection in the mid-1800s, they each pointed to real-world examples of animals adapting to local conditions. 



The stark difference between these islands stood out to Wallace.



His observations supported the idea that species do not appear randomly but evolve based on their environment. 



The Wallace Line became one of the strongest cases for how geographic barriers can drive the formation of new species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-different-perspective">A different perspective</h2>



There are debates over the geographic accuracy of the line. Researchers have <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/article/130/1/225/5802023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">called</a> for the boundary line to be redrawn.&nbsp;



“We suggest that Wallace’s Line be redrawn such that the landmass is placed on the Australasian side of this fundamental biogeographical boundary,” wrote Jason Ali and colleagues from the University of Hong Kong.



Shifting a line on a map may seem simple, but it shows how active science can be. As more research appears, definitions can move, and old ideas can adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-australasia">What is Australasia?</h2>



The region that includes Australia, New Zealand, and the islands of the surrounding Pacific is known as Australasia. 



It’s a place where you can find everything from vast deserts and lush rainforests to snowy mountains and stunning coral reefs. 



Australia dominates the region with its massive landmass, unique wildlife like kangaroos and koalas, and world-famous landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. 



Meanwhile, New Zealand brings its own magic with breathtaking fjords, rolling green hills, and a deep-rooted Māori culture. 



The islands of Australasia, including Papua New Guinea and parts of Indonesia, add even more diversity with rich indigenous traditions and some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wallace-line-and-human-history">The Wallace Line and human history</h2>



The idea of a boundary extends to humans and not only wildlife. The racial and political effects of the line have been studied at length.&nbsp;



“The difference between these two people had already been noticed by early European travelers, together with the difference in flora and fauna,” noted Fenneke Sysling from the <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utrecht</a> in The Netherlands.



Many decades ago, claims emerged that certain groups east of the line shared traits with Papuans, while those west of the line fit the Malay category. 



Debates around these claims have carried into modern times, highlighting how complex human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> can be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographic-borders-and-human-evolution">Geographic borders and human evolution</h2>



Various projects track bird populations, insects, and even marsupials (kangaroo) to see how borders and evolution link together. 



Shallow seas no longer block human travel, yet animals remain bound by their own quirks.



Scientists ask whether climate changes or habitat loss might shift wildlife distributions in the future. Updates on these studies add another layer of intrigue to a line first drawn in the 19th century.



The Wallace Line demonstrates how subtle geographic forces can create stark contrasts in living things. It also reminds us that physical distance is not always the main factor - evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history</a> and chance play major roles.



With all of the debates and shifting perspectives, one thing is clear: the planet holds more surprises than any single line can capture.



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Earth has a natural border line that no species will cross - what is the Wallace Line?

Early explorers wondered why two neighboring islands, separated by something...

We all know someone who seems to be aging more slowly than others. They look younger, move with more energy, and seem healthier despite having the same chronological age as their peers. What makes them different?



Scientists at <a href="https://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka University</a> in Japan believe they may have found a way to measure this difference more accurately.



Instead of relying solely on chronological age, their new method assesses biological age - the true measure of how well the body has aged.



Using artificial intelligence (AI) and steroid metabolism <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-protein-that-reverses-cellular-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathways</a>, the model provides a deeper look into aging at a biochemical level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormones-as-indicators-of-aging">Hormones as indicators of aging</h2>



Aging is influenced by a complex mix of genetics, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/defying-time-three-ways-to-slow-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifestyle</a>, and environmental factors. Traditional methods for estimating biological age rely on broad biomarkers such as DNA methylation or protein levels. 



However, these approaches often miss the intricate hormonal interactions that keep the body in balance.



“Our bodies rely on hormones to maintain homeostasis, so we thought, why not use these as key indicators of aging?” said Dr. Qiuyi Wang, co-first author of the study.



To explore this, the researchers focused on steroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, immune response, and stress levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-ai-model-for-biological-age">New AI model for biological age</h2>



The team developed a deep neural network (DNN) model that incorporates steroid metabolism <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organ-aging-can-predict-diseases-decades-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathways</a>. This AI-driven system is the first to examine how steroid hormones interact rather than just their individual levels.



“Our approach reduces the noise caused by individual steroid level differences and allows the model to focus on meaningful patterns,” explains Dr. Zi Wang, co-first author of this work.



The model was trained using blood samples from hundreds of individuals. The findings suggest that biological age differences increase as people grow older, much like a river widening as it flows downstream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precise-health-assessment">Precise health assessment</h2>



The researchers’ method requires only five drops of blood. From this sample, they analyze 22 key steroids and their interactions to estimate biological age with greater precision. 



This advancement in technology opens doors for the early detection of age-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-and-aging-new-study-reveals-a-surprising-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> risks and personalized interventions to slow down aging.



One of the most significant discoveries in the study relates to cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. The team found that when cortisol levels doubled, biological age increased by approximately 1.5 times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-stress-on-biological-aging">Impact of stress on biological aging</h2>



“Stress is often discussed in general terms, but our findings provide concrete evidence that it has a measurable impact on biological aging,” said Professor Toshifumi Takao, a corresponding author and an expert in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry.



This discovery reinforces the importance of stress management in maintaining long-term health. Chronic stress may speed up aging at a biochemical level, making it essential to prioritize mental well-being along with physical health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-applications-and-potential">Future applications and potential</h2>



Scientists believe their AI-powered biological age model could transform how people understand and manage their health. Instead of relying on general guidelines, this tool might allow doctors to give advice tailored to each person’s body and aging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-cellular-mortality-timer-that-dictates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">process</a>. 



By analyzing hormone interactions, the model could help detect diseases before symptoms appear, making early treatment possible. 



The technology could also assist in designing wellness programs that fit an individual’s needs, helping people choose the best diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to slow down aging.



In the future, this technology might make it easier to track aging speed and adjust health strategies accordingly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-research-on-biological-aging">Expanding research on biological aging</h2>



While this study represents a major step forward, the researchers acknowledge that biological aging is complex. 



“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Wang. “By expanding our dataset and incorporating additional biological markers, we hope to refine the model further and unlock deeper insights into the mechanisms of aging.”



Advancements in AI and biomedical research continue to bring us closer to understanding the process of aging at a deeper level. The ability to assess how quickly a person is aging with a simple blood test could completely transform preventive healthcare in the years to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt2624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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AI-powered blood test can predict your true biological age

We all know someone who seems to be aging more...

Skin cancer stands as the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States, bringing about millions of non-melanoma cases and tens of thousands of melanomas yearly.&nbsp;



In addition, treating skin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golfers-have-more-than-double-the-risk-of-skin-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> costs the nation roughly $8.9 billion annually. Individuals with fair skin, a history of sun exposure or tanning bed use, and a genetic predisposition bear higher risks. 



Yet, barriers like insufficient public awareness, cultural ideals favoring tanned skin, and limited access to sun protection tools underscore the ongoing challenges in prevention.



A new study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> (FAU) sheds light on how sunburn patterns and protective habits vary with different sociodemographic backgrounds.&nbsp;



According to the <a href="https://www.aad.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Dermatology</a>, experiencing over five blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases melanoma risk by 80 percent and nonmelanoma skin cancer risk by 68 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perceived-risk-of-skin-cancer-nbsp">Perceived risk of skin cancer&nbsp;</h2>



The research drew from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6), focusing on participants’ confidence in their own health, perceived risk of cancer, and anxiety about potential diagnoses.&nbsp;



Additionally, respondents noted whether they had experienced sunburn within the last year. The study examined how age, gender, occupation, marital status, education, Hispanic origin, race, and income shaped these responses, recognizing each of these factors could influence skin cancer risk.



Among 6,252 participants surveyed, 44% felt “very confident” they could care for their health, while 27.3% said they were “completely confident.”&nbsp;



Although few reported being “extremely worried” about skin cancer (9.1%), a quarter felt moderately concerned. On sunburns, the study found 67.6% reported none in the past year and 30.3% said they had between one and five.&nbsp;



In addition, 6.4% acknowledged drinking alcohol while already sunburned - something the authors associated with heightened exposure and additional sunburns. Activities such as drinking, working outdoors, or swimming commonly coincided with sunburn incidents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-trends-in-sunburn-prevalence">Surprising trends in sunburn prevalence</h2>



Using multinomial regression, the team found multiple factors tied strongly to sunburn likelihood. Adults over 40 emerged with lower sunburn risks, and women also tended to have fewer.&nbsp;



People who were disabled, unemployed, or employed in multiple jobs saw fewer sunburns, while those who were married or partnered experienced more. In contrast, being divorced or single corresponded with fewer sunburns.&nbsp;



Also, higher education and being Hispanic, Black, Asian, or of mixed race correlated with fewer incidents. Income was found to be a striking predictor: higher income individuals had significantly higher risks of sunburns, with the highest income group being over four times more likely to report sunburns.



“Social determinants such as race/ethnicity, sex, income and employment status are closely linked to sunburn and skin cancer risk,” said Lea Sacca, senior author and an assistant professor in the Department of Population Health and Social Medicine at FAU.&nbsp;



“While Hispanics and Black Americans generally report lower rates of sunburn, Hispanics often perceive greater benefits of UV exposure, which increases their risk. Factors such as sex, education, and income also influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-acid-in-our-skin-could-be-a-natural-sunscreen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunscreen</a> use, with lower use observed among Black Americans and Hispanic Americans.”&nbsp;



“However, within these groups, women with higher education and income are more likely to use sunscreen. Interestingly, higher income is associated with more frequent sunburns.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-basics-of-skin-cancer">The basics of skin cancer</h2>



There are three primary types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melanoma-has-been-replaced-as-the-deadliest-form-of-skin-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melanoma</a>.&nbsp;



Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent but typically the least severe, emerging as pearly bumps on sun-exposed areas.&nbsp;



Squamous cell carcinoma often takes the form of red, scaly patches or open sores and can spread if untreated.&nbsp;



Melanoma, the most dangerous type, can appear as new or changing moles and spreads quickly if not caught early.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-sociodemographics-matter">Why sociodemographics matter</h2>



“Understanding perceptions of skin cancer risk and the prevalence of protective behaviors is vital to reducing the likelihood of developing skin cancer, particularly among vulnerable groups,” said first author Madison Etzel, a second-year medical student at FAU.&nbsp;



“Our study underscores the importance of raising awareness about skin cancer susceptibility as we found that all sociodemographic factors were significantly linked to the number of reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/main-cause-of-sunburn-finally-identified-is-rna-damage-not-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunburns</a> in the past year.”



“Future research should explore how additional social determinants of health influence sunburn incidence and prevention behaviors. A deeper understanding of these factors is critical to addressing the widespread harms of skin cancer in U.S. adults.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-skin-cancer">Preventing skin cancer</h2>



According to health authorities like the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Cancer Society</a>, several effective strategies can prevent skin cancer.&nbsp;



Key recommendations include regularly applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors, avoiding peak UV radiation times (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing (such as long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses), and steering clear of tanning beds.&nbsp;



Self-exams and professional check-ups can help detect any unusual skin changes early on, improving treatment outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-awareness-and-targeted-interventions-nbsp">Growing awareness and targeted interventions&nbsp;</h2>



The study’s findings show that comprehending public attitudes and behaviors - especially among high-risk populations - is essential to driving down skin cancer prevalence.&nbsp;



By considering how age, race, income, and education intersect with sun exposure, health officials and policymakers can better hone campaigns to encourage healthy habits.&nbsp;



Ultimately, growing awareness and targeted interventions may lead to fewer sunburns, lower healthcare costs, and improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-alone-in-america-an-escalating-public-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health</a> across the U.S.



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Skin cancer risk: The hidden factors beyond sunburn

Skin cancer stands as the most frequently diagnosed cancer in...

A team of chemists has recently introduced a non-toxic, eco-friendly, solvent-free approach to recycling plastic by using moisture found in ambient air.&nbsp;



In a study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D4GC05916F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Chemistry</a>, the experts describe how a low-cost catalyst splits apart the bonds in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - the most common polyester plastic.&nbsp;



After that, the fragmented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> is exposed to ordinary air, converting it into monomers that could be reconstituted into new PET products or higher-value materials. The team’s findings raise the potential for a more cost-effective, sustainable path toward creating a circular economy for plastics.



Yosi Kratish is a research assistant professor of chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>.



“The U.S. is the number one plastic polluter per capita, and we only recycle 5% of those plastics. There is a dire need for better technologies that can process different types of plastic waste,” said Kratish.



“Most of the technologies that we have today melt down plastic bottles and downcycle them into lower-quality products.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-moisture-to-recycle-plastic">Using moisture to recycle plastic</h2>



According to Kratish, what is particularly exciting about the research is that the team harnessed moisture from air to break down the plastics, achieving an exceptionally clean and selective process.&nbsp;



“By recovering the monomers, which are the basic building blocks of PET, we can recycle or even upcycle them into more valuable materials.”



Naveen Malik, the paper’s first author, noted that the study offers a sustainable and efficient solution to one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges: plastic waste.



“Unlike traditional recycling methods, which often produce harmful byproducts like waste salts and require significant energy or chemical inputs, our approach uses a solvent-free process that relies on trace moisture from ambient air. This makes it not only environmentally friendly but also highly practical for real-world applications,” said Malik.&nbsp;



Kratish co-led the study with Tobin J. Marks, a longtime chemistry professor at Weinberg and a professor of materials science and engineering at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-need-for-plastic-solutions">Critical need for plastic solutions</h2>



PET plastics, commonly used in items such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-use-in-food-packaging-could-be-drastically-reduced/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food packaging</a> and beverage bottles, make up approximately 12% of all plastics globally.&nbsp;



Their persistence in the environment underscores a major dilemma: PET is resistant to decomposition and therefore liable to end up in landfills, fragment into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> or nanoplastics that seep into water sources, or accumulate in the natural environment.



Scientists worldwide are seeking new approaches to manage or recycle plastic, but existing processes often employ harsh conditions - extreme temperatures, high energy demands, strong solvents - that generate toxic byproducts.&nbsp;



The required catalysts can also be expensive or hazardous, compounding waste problems. Furthermore, once the recycling reaction finishes, researchers face a tough job of extracting useful materials from the leftover solvents, adding cost and complexity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solvent-free-method-for-recycling-nbsp">Solvent-free method for recycling&nbsp;</h2>



In prior work, Marks’ group at Northwestern pioneered catalytic methods that operate without solvents. This new paper builds on that achievement, once again using a solvent-free reaction approach.



“Using solvents has many disadvantages,” Kratish said. “They can be expensive, and you have to heat them up to high temperatures. Then, after the reaction, you are left with a soup of materials that you have to sort to recover the monomers.”



“Instead of using solvents, we used water vapor from air. It’s a much more elegant way to tackle plastic recycling issues.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-chemistry-to-recycle-plastic">Simple chemistry to recycle plastic </h2>



To test this new process, the team combined PET with a low-cost, non-toxic molybdenum catalyst plus activated carbon, then heated the mixture. Through this step, the large molecules of PET began to break down.&nbsp;



Next, the scientists introduced the fragmented plastic to ambient air, which contains minimal levels of water vapor, triggering a conversion of plastic remnants into monomers known as terephthalic acid (TPA) - the valuable precursor for making new polyesters.&nbsp;



The process yielded just one byproduct, acetaldehyde, which is considered relatively straightforward to remove in industrial contexts.



“Air contains a significant amount of moisture, making it a readily available and sustainable resource for chemical reactions,” Malik noted.&nbsp;



“On average, even in relatively dry conditions, the atmosphere holds about 10,000 to 15,000 cubic kilometers of water. Leveraging air moisture allows us to eliminate bulk solvents, reduce energy input, and avoid the use of aggressive chemicals, making the process cleaner and more environmentally friendly.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tasting-the-recycling-technology">Tasting the recycling technology </h2>



In preliminary trials, 94% of the TPA was recovered in merely four hours, demonstrating both speed and efficiency. The catalyst was shown to be robust and reusable, making it a practical choice for large-scale applications.&nbsp;



Because the technique selectively breaks down only polyester plastics, other types of plastic or non-plastic contaminants in a mixed batch are effectively bypassed.



When tested on actual plastic bottles, shirts, and mixed plastic waste, the process functioned similarly well, even eliminating dyes so that the recovered TPA turned out colorless.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-the-new-method">Scaling up the new method </h2>



The scientists’ next move involves scaling up the method to meet industrial demand and handle bigger loads of discarded plastic. 



By optimizing factors such as reaction time, catalyst concentration, and temperature, they hope to create an economical solution for converting waste plastics into building blocks that can then be turned into new products.



“Our technology has the potential to significantly reduce plastic pollution, lower the environmental footprint of plastics and contribute to a circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded," said Malik. 



"It’s a tangible step toward a cleaner, greener future, and it demonstrates how innovative chemistry can address global challenges in a way that aligns with nature."



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How scientists are using air to recycle plastic

A team of chemists has recently introduced a non-toxic, eco-friendly,...

What if eating chocolate could be more than just a guilty pleasure? What if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chocolate-and-cocoa-prices-have-doubled-in-the-past-year-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a>, infused with probiotics, had hidden health benefits beyond the usual antioxidant boost from dark varieties?



Scientists are working on just that. By infusing chocolate with prebiotics and probiotics, they aim to transform it into a functional food. 



The goal is to produce a delicious, gut-friendly treat that does more than satisfy cravings. But there’s a challenge: adding health-boosting ingredients can alter texture, moisture, and even protein levels. 



The trick is to keep the chocolate as indulgent as ever while making it better for the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probiotics-make-chocolate-healthier">Probiotics make chocolate healthier</h2>



Probiotics are tiny, beneficial microbes found in yogurt and kimchi that play a vital role in gut health. They help balance bacteria, aid digestion, and even reduce inflammation.



But they’re delicate. Stomach acid, heat, and processing can destroy probiotics before they ever reach the intestines, where they do their best work.



Enter prebiotics. These compounds, often dietary fibers, act as food for probiotics, helping them to thrive. Together, they form a powerhouse combination known as synbiotics. The challenge now is to find a way to embed these prebiotics and probiotics into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-chocolate-survive-dna-research-may-help-save-cacao-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a> without ruining its flavor or texture.



That’s where researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from the Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (<a href="https://www.jiit.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JIIT</a>) in India stepped in.



Instead of using complex processing methods, they took a different approach - corn and honey. These natural prebiotics were easy to integrate, and eliminated the need for complicated manufacturing techniques.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimenting-with-flavor">Experimenting with flavor </h2>



The research team didn’t stop at a single chocolate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cocoa-production-in-africa-is-under-extreme-climate-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recipe</a>. They created five versions. 



One was a control - pure chocolate with standard ingredients like cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and milk powder. 



The others were synbiotic chocolates, each containing different combinations of prebiotics (corn and honey), probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), and a flavor enhancer - either cinnamon or orange.



Then came the tests. Fat content remained steady across all chocolates, keeping the mouthfeel familiar, but other properties shifted.



Orange-flavored chocolate, for example, changed the game. It lowered the pH, increased moisture, and even boosted protein levels compared to the other samples. Scientists believe the citrus elements interacted with the probiotics, enhancing their stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probiotics-change-chocolate-s-texture">Probiotics change chocolate’s texture</h2>



Texture matters in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-farming-could-save-the-future-of-chocolate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a>. The perfect piece should break with a clean snap, not crumble or feel too soft. The synbiotic chocolates, however, lost some of that sharp break. 



Additional ingredients disrupted the chocolate’s structure, making it slightly softer. Whether that’s good or bad depends on personal preference. Some might find it more luxurious.



Nutritionally, though, the changes were promising. The probiotic-enhanced chocolates had higher antioxidant levels than the control. That means they not only delivered gut-friendly microbes but also an extra dose of protection against oxidative stress.



Storage was another key test. Would the probiotics survive? Over time, microbial counts decreased, but not as much as expected. Even after 125 days, probiotic levels remained high.



This shelf life exceeded that of many other probiotic-infused chocolates that had been tested in past studies, proving that the chosen bacteria strains and prebiotic ingredients contributed to long-term stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-real-test-is-surviving-digestion">The real test is surviving digestion</h2>



Chocolate infused with probiotics sounds great in theory, but there’s a bigger question: do the probiotics actually make it past the stomach? 



Harsh digestive conditions can destroy beneficial microbes before they reach the intestines, rendering the whole idea useless.



To find out, the researchers simulated human digestion in a lab. The results were encouraging. The probiotics maintained substantial viability for over five hours, meaning they had a strong chance of surviving long enough to benefit gut health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-it-still-feel-like-a-treat">Does it still feel like a treat?</h2>



Of course, none of this matters if the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-discovery-will-help-climate-proof-chocolate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a> doesn’t taste good. People aren’t likely to choose gut-friendly chocolate if it doesn’t deliver the same rich, satisfying experience. So, the researchers sampled their creations.



“Personally, we enjoyed the orange-flavored chocolates the most, where the vibrant citrus notes complemented the rich cocoa, and it had a slightly softer texture that made each bite feel more luxurious,” said Gaur.



That’s a promising sign. A probiotic chocolate that doesn’t taste like a “health food” could appeal to a much wider audience. Experimenting with more flavors could make these chocolates even more exciting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-probiotic-chocolate">The future of probiotic chocolate</h2>



This study is just the beginning. While the results suggest that synbiotic chocolates can boost gut health and antioxidant levels, there’s still room for improvement. Future research could refine the probiotic strains, adjust texture, and enhance flavors.



“In the future, we are excited to explore additional health benefits of these chocolates while thoroughly investigating their sensory and nutritional profiles, with the goal of creating an even more wholesome and enjoyable treat,” said Gaur.



If successful, this could mark a shift in how people see chocolate - not just as a sweet indulgence, but as a functional food. Imagine a world where treating yourself means nourishing your body, too. 



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>.



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Chocolate could be the next probiotic powerhouse

What if eating chocolate could be more than just a...

For over a century, the early Paleocene mammal named Mixodectes pungens has remained an enigma. First identified in 1883, its remains consisted of small fragments of fossilized teeth and bones - not enough for paleontologists to be able to draw many conclusions.



Researchers at that time could only guess about the creature's habits and its position in evolutionary history. 



Recently, however, a far more complete fossilized skeleton of one of these ancient mammals has been analyzed, and this has shed light on aspects of the animal's anatomy, behavior, diet and evolutionary connections.



The research team found that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-earliest-evidence-of-mammals-at-the-seashore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early mammal</a>, that lived in western North America about 62 million years ago, was tree-dwelling, weighed around three pounds, and fed primarily on leaves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixodectes-related-to-primates-and-colugos">Mixodectes related to primates and colugos</h2>



The researchers determined that Mixodectes was more closely related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bonobos-group-cohesion-common-enemy-effect-do-not-kill-inside-their-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">primates</a> and colugos - also known as flying lemurs - than previously thought.



"A 62-million-year-old skeleton of this quality and completeness offers novel insights into mixodectids, including a much clearer picture of their evolutionary relationships," said Eric Sargis, professor of anthropology in <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mixodectes-pungens_illustration_credit-Stephen-Chester_1m1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mixodectes-pungens_illustration_credit-Stephen-Chester_1s.webp" alt="Graphic illustration of Mixodectes pungens. New findings illuminate ancient species and its evolutionary connections to modern-day humans. Credit: Stephen Chester" class="wp-image-1962388"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Graphic illustration of Mixodectes pungens. New findings illuminate ancient species and its evolutionary connections to modern-day humans. Credit: Stephen Chester</figcaption></figure>



The skeleton, which includes a partial skull, teeth, spine, rib cage, and limbs, was discovered and excavated in New Mexico’s San Juan Basin, under a federal permit.



The well-preserved remains have helped scientists reconstruct how the species, which roamed the Earth shortly after the extinction of the dinosaurs, moved, ate, and interacted with the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-built-for-climbing">Built for climbing</h2>



The study revealed that Mixodectes was built for life in the trees. Its limb structure and claws suggest that it could cling to almost vertical surfaces, much like modern primates.



Its molar teeth were shaped for breaking down tough plant material, indicating an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/darwins-ground-sloth-was-not-fully-vegetarian/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">omnivorous</a> diet with a strong preference for leaves.



"This fossil skeleton provides new evidence concerning how placental mammals diversified ecologically, following the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-extinction-of-dinosaurs-was-not-caused-by-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction of the dinosaurs</a>," said  Stephen Chester, associate professor of anthropology at <a href="https://www.brooklyn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn College/CUNY</a> and lead author of the study.



"Characteristics such as a larger body mass and an increased reliance on leaves allowed Mixodectes to thrive in the same trees likely shared with other early primate relatives."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-ecological-niche">Unique ecological niche</h2>



At almost three pounds (.4 kilograms), Mixodectes was quite large for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-driving-tree-dwelling-primates-to-the-ground/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree-dwelling</a> mammal of its era. It was much larger than another small, forest-dwelling mammal, Torrejonia wilsoni, that was discovered with it. 



While Mixodectes ate primarily leaves, Torrejonia consumed mostly fruit, suggesting that the two species occupied different ecological niches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixodectes-and-the-evolutionary-tree">Mixodectes and the evolutionary tree</h2>



The researchers conducted two phylogenetic analyses to determine Mixodectes’ evolutionary placement. 



One analysis suggested it was an archaic primate, while the other classified it as a primatomorphan - part of a group that includes primates and colugos, but not tree shrews.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mixodectes-pungens_skeleton_credit-scientific-Reports_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mixodectes-pungens_skeleton_credit-scientific-Reports_1s.webp" alt="The skeleton, discovered in New Mexico’s San Juan Basin, is the most complete of its kind known to exist. Credit: Scientific Reports (2025)" class="wp-image-1962390"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The skeleton, discovered in New Mexico’s San Juan Basin, is the most complete of its kind known to exist. Credit: Scientific Reports (2025)</figcaption></figure>



"While the study doesn’t entirely resolve the debate over where mixodectids belong on the evolutionary tree, it significantly narrows it," commented Sargis.



These discoveries not only enhance our understanding of Mixodectes but also provide insight into how early mammals evolved and diversified in changing forest environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-back-at-the-post-dinosaur-world">Looking back at the post-dinosaur world</h2>



The finding of this Mixodectes fossil offers a glimpse into the ecosystems that arose in the aftermath of the mass extinction that eradicated the dinosaurs.



The initial Paleocene was an era of accelerated evolutionary transformation, as mammals started to diversify and utilize the ecological niches left vacant by the demise of the large reptiles.



During this time, the forests of North America were lush and humid, with plenty of room for arboreal mammals, such as Mixodectes, to flourish.



The fact that they had adapted claws for climbing indicates that they competed and coexisted with other arboreal species, such as early primate ancestors.



Their diet split - with Mixodectes being leaf specialists and other species preferring fruit - could have reduced direct competition and enabled several species to coexist in the same environment.



Apart from its role in ecology, the adaptation of Mixodectes as a specialist tree-dweller is in keeping with the wider pattern of mammals adapting to make use of tree habitats.



These initial experiments in climbing, grasping, and dietary specialization laid the foundation for the eventual emergence of primates, which set the stage for the evolutionary path that would eventually give rise to humans.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-90203-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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62 million years ago this mysterious mammal called Earth home

For over a century, the early Paleocene mammal named Mixodectes...

College athletes who suffer concussions may experience changes in their brains for up to a year after being cleared to play, according to new research. 



A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can interfere with normal brain function.



While symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and balance issues may fade, brain scans reveal that recovery at the neurological level may take much longer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-brain-recovery-after-concussion">Tracking brain recovery after concussion</h2>



Researchers used brain scans over the course of a year to track biomarkers of brain injury in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/at-what-age-do-olympic-athletes-perform-their-best/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">athletes</a>.



“Concussion can have long-term effects on brain health, and there is growing evidence that brain recovery may persist months to years, even after symptoms like headache, fatigue and balance problems resolve,” said Dr. Nathan Churchill of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.



“Our study followed athletes before and after concussion for over a year, using multiple brain scans to examine biomarkers that signify <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychoactive-drug-relieves-symptoms-of-traumatic-brain-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain injury</a>. Our results provide strong evidence, suggesting incomplete recovery of brain function when returning to play and beyond.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-changes-over-time">Brain changes over time</h2>



The experts evaluated 187 college athletes, 25 of whom experienced concussions during the regular season. They played high-impact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-who-play-team-sports-have-fewer-mental-health-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports</a> like basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, and volleyball.



All of the athletes underwent pre-season testing that assessed balance, thinking, and memory in order to set a baseline. They also had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan prior to the start of the season.



Participants who later experienced concussions were given additional brain scans at important intervals: about five days following their concussion, upon clearance to resume playing, one to three months after resuming play, and one year after resuming play.



As a comparison, 27 athletes who did not have concussions had similar scans at their subsequent pre-season evaluation.



The researchers then contrasted the pre- and post-injury scans of the concussed players, with additional examination of how these changes compared to those of healthy players.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-flow-and-white-matter-changes">Blood flow and white matter changes</h2>



The tests revealed that despite being cleared medically, athletes who had experienced concussions continued to exhibit evidence of brain damage. 



The most significant finding was a reduction in blood flow to the fronto-insular cortex - a region of the brain involved in thinking, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concussions-alter-brain-signals-that-are-crucial-for-memory-and-focus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>, emotions, and social behavior.



At the time of their return to play, concussed athletes showed an average decrease of nine milliliters of blood per 100 grams per minute compared to healthy athletes.



A year later, the difference was even greater, with an average decrease of 11 milliliters per 100 grams per minute. These changes were more pronounced than those seen in uninjured athletes.



The researchers also looked at how water molecules flowed through the brain’s white matter. These scans indicated that, even a year after the injury, concussed athletes continued to display possible signs of residual brain injury.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-repeated-concussions">Impacts of repeated concussions</h2>



“The presence of significant, long-lasting brain changes after injury reinforces concerns about the consequences of repeated concussions, and to what extent these effects accumulate over time,” said Churchill. 



“More studies are needed in larger groups of people to further investigate the long-term effects to the brain.”



One limitation of the study is that it only included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-kids-sports-putting-their-hearts-in-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young athletes</a>. Future research should look at how concussions affect non-athletes and people in other age groups to understand the broader impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-athletes">What this means for athletes </h2>



The results of the study contribute to the increasing concern regarding the management of concussions in athletes, especially when they are young. Although symptoms resolve within weeks, brain recovery might take many more months.



All stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and clinicians, should consider these residual effects when deciding whether it will be safe to return to play.



Concussions are more than just temporary setbacks - they can have lasting effects. Monitoring brain health even after symptoms subside is crucial for long-term well-being.



The research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Institute for Military and Veterans Health Research, and Siemens Healthineers Canada.



 The full study was published in the journal of the <a href="https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5245">American Academy of Neurology</a>.



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College athletes have lasting brain changes after concussion

College athletes who suffer concussions may experience changes in their...

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. 



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



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



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



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. 



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).



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



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.



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.



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>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



"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.



"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."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day 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.



"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.



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.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



"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.



"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."



"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."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day 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;



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;



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.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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;



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;



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. 



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.



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. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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. 



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.



“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;



“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.”



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



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.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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Today’s Video of the Day 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?



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;



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;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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.

How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



'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)."



"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.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

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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.



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;



"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."



"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."



"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."



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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Today's Video of the Day 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. 



"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."



"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.



"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.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

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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Today's Video of the Day 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.



"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.



"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."



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.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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.

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day 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.



"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.



"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."



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.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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.

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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Today's Video of the Day 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;



"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.



"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;



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.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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.

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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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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. 



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.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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



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.

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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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



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



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;



"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.



"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."



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.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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.



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;



“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;



“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."



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research&nbsp;



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



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.

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



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



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;



"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.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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.

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day 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."



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.



"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;



"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."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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



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.

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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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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