The growing number of rocket launches may pose a threat to Earth’s ozone layer. While the expanding space industry holds great promise, researchers warn that its environmental impacts are being overlooked.



With thousands of satellites now cluttering low Earth orbit, emissions from launches and back-end debris are making alarm bells ring over atmospheric well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-boom-comes-with-a-cost">Space boom comes with a cost</h2>



A team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/">University of Canterbury</a> and ETH Zurich investigated how pollution from rocket launches and falling space junk could slow the ozone layer’s recovery. 



The researchers used a chemistry-climate model developed at ETH Zurich and the Physical Meteorological Observatory in Davos (PMOD/WRC) to forecast rocket emission impacts through 2030.



Back in 2019, there were only 97 orbital launches. By 2024, that number had nearly tripled to 258 - and it's expected to rise to over 2,000 per year by the end of the decade. 



This increase is concerning because emissions in the upper atmosphere linger much longer than those released at ground level. 



Without natural washout processes like rain or clouds, these pollutants can circle the globe and remain in the air for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ozone-layer-s-fragile-recovery">The ozone layer’s fragile recovery</h2>



The model predicts that, if current growth trends continue, the global ozone layer could thin by nearly 0.3 percent by 2030. Over Antarctica, seasonal losses could reach up to four percent.



These might seem like small numbers, but context matters. The ozone layer is still recovering from the damage caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), banned in 1989 by the Montreal Protocol. 



Global ozone levels are still about two percent below pre-industrial levels and aren’t expected to fully recover until 2066. 



According to the researchers, unregulated rocket emissions could delay this timeline by several years - or even decades.



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



The ozone layer may seem like a distant part of the atmosphere, but it plays a vital role in shielding life on Earth. It absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system damage in humans.



 It also affects ecosystems, particularly marine life, by influencing the health of phytoplankton - tiny organisms that form the base of the ocean’s food chain.



Even modest declines in ozone can boost the amount of UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. That is to say, any quantifiable decrease is more than a number - it’s an alarm. 



Ongoing harm could bring about additional UV-related health threats, upset delicate ecosystems, and undermine the gains achieved since CFCs were banned. 



Simply put, every percentage point of recovery counts, and every delay threatens human and environmental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-type-matters-more-than-you-think">Fuel type matters more than you think</h2>



The problem lies mainly with emissions of chlorine gas and soot. Chlorine breaks apart ozone molecules, and soot particles heat the middle atmosphere, speeding up ozone-damaging reactions. 



Solid rocket motors are the main source of chlorine emissions, while most rocket types release soot.



Only rockets using cryogenic fuels - like liquid oxygen and hydrogen - are nearly ozone-neutral. But these fuels are tricky to handle, and only about 6 percent of current launches use them. 



That means the vast majority of launches still contribute to ozone depletion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-re-entry-the-hidden-threat">Re-entry: the hidden threat</h2>



The study focused on emissions during rocket ascent, but what about the return journey? Most satellites burn up when they re-enter the atmosphere, releasing nitrogen oxides and metal particles. 



Nitrogen oxides are already known to harm the ozone, while metals could form clouds or act as chemical surfaces that accelerate ozone loss.



Scientists still poorly understand these effects and often leave them out of climate models. But with satellite constellations growing rapidly, more and more debris will re-enter the atmosphere, making this an urgent area for further research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-fuels-offer-a-path">Clean fuels offer a path</h2>



“There is a risk that the rapid rise in global rocket launches could slow the recovery of the vital ozone layer,” said Sandro Vattioni. “The problem is being underestimated - yet it could be mitigated by forward-looking, coordinated action.”



The researchers believe there’s still time to act. Better monitoring of emissions, using cleaner fuels, and encouraging the switch to cryogenic systems could help protect the ozone layer. 



Setting international regulations would allow the space industry to grow sustainably.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Rocket launches threaten Earth's ozone recovery

The growing number of rocket launches may pose a threat to Earth’s ozone layer. While the expanding space industry holds great promise, researchers warn that its environmental impacts are being overlooked. With thousands of satellites now cluttering low Earth orbit, emissions from launches and back-end debris are making alarm bells ring over atmospheric well-being. Space boom comes with a cost A team of scientists from the University of Canterbury and ETH Zurich investigated how pollution from rocket launches and falling space junk could slow the ozone layer’s...

When your cat sniffs your shirt or rubs its head on your leg, it may be doing more than showing affection. A new study published in&nbsp;PLOS One&nbsp;reveals that cats can distinguish between humans using scent alone. 



This discovery comes from researchers at <a href="https://www.nodai.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo University of Agriculture</a>, led by Yutaro Miyairi. Cats have long fascinated scientists and pet owners alike with their independence and selective social behavior. Unlike dogs, whose loyalty is expressed openly, cats often seem mysterious in their affections. 



But what if those subtle behaviors hide complex recognition abilities? This study offers a new way to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-have-become-one-of-the-worlds-most-invasive-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a> perceive us - through their noses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-sniff-unfamiliar-humans-longer">Cats sniff unfamiliar humans longer</h2>



The research team studied 30 domestic cats to explore their reactions to human odors. Each cat was tested with swabs collected from two people - their owner and a stranger of the same sex as the owner.



These swabs came from specific body areas: behind the ears, the armpits, and between the toes. A third tube acted as a control and contained no scent.



All odor samples were freshly collected before the trials and handled with strict cleanliness to avoid contamination. The trials took place in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-can-associate-human-words-with-images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a>’ homes, and each session was recorded with a GoPro camera for precise behavioral analysis. 



The researchers ensured that cats were familiar with their environment to reduce stress during testing.



The cats were presented with all three tubes at once: one containing their owner’s scent, one from a stranger, and a blank. The tubes were attached to an acrylic sheet with equal spacing, ensuring that cats had the same physical access to each.



Cats consistently sniffed the unfamiliar human scent longer (about 4.8 seconds) than their owner’s scent (about 2.4 seconds) or a blank tube (1.9 seconds). This clear preference suggests they can detect and react to novelty using only their noses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nostrils-show-a-left-right-split">Nostrils show a left-right split</h2>



The cats initially sniffed with their right nostril, then gradually switched to the left as they grew familiar with the scent. This change mirrors findings in dogs and horses, who also show such lateralization - favoring one nostril for new scents and the other for familiar ones.



This nostril-switching implies brain involvement. The right nostril links to the right brain hemisphere, often used for processing new or alerting stimuli. Once the scent becomes familiar, the left hemisphere seems to take over, suggesting a routine response kicks in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tube-placement-also-affected-behavior">Tube placement also affected behavior</h2>



Interestingly, nostril use also varied with tube location. Tubes were spaced 3 centimeters apart on an acrylic plate. 



Cats used the nostril opposite to the tube’s position. For instance, they used their left nostril for the right-side tube, and vice versa. The likely reason: body alignment. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-cat-day-creating-life-saving-change-for-cats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cats</a> may sniff with one nostril while preparing to rub that side of their face. 



The researchers found that cats often rubbed the same side of their face as the nostril they used to sniff. This could suggest an exploratory sequence: sniff, then rub.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sniffing-often-leads-to-face-rubbing">Sniffing often leads to face rubbing</h2>



Rubbing behavior followed sniffing in many trials. This is common in cats, who rub faces to deposit scent markers. But in this study, cats rubbed more often after sniffing their owner’s scent. 



The team observed a strong link between this behavior and emotional closeness scores reported by the owners.



“We suggest that cats use their olfaction for the recognition of humans. Also, we record characteristic rubbing (marking) behavior occurring after sniffing, indicating that sniffing may be an exploratory behavior preceding the rubbing of odor (marking) in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-cats-outlive-dogs-clues-found-in-their-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a>,” the authors note.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cat-personality-shaped-sniffing-patterns">Cat personality shaped sniffing patterns</h2>



The study also looked at how cat personality affects behavior. Using the Feline Five scale (neuroticism, extraversion, dominance, impulsiveness, agreeableness), researchers found that male cats with higher neuroticism scores sniffed more repetitively. 



Meanwhile, more agreeable males sniffed calmly. Female cats didn’t show a clear pattern. Cats that sniffed the blank tube first had higher neuroticism. 



Those that went for the known scent first scored higher in extraversion and agreeableness. This suggests that personality traits might influence scent-driven choices even before sniffing begins.



Though cats responded more to unfamiliar scents, how close they were to their owners didn’t change their sniffing duration. 



The emotional bond did influence rubbing behavior but not olfactory exploration. This shows sniffing may be more instinctive, while rubbing could be more social.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-use-scent-to-recognize-you">Cats use scent to recognize you</h2>



This research sheds new light on the private world of cats. We now know that their sense of smell helps them recognize us. They don’t rely only on our voices or faces. Instead, they may build an internal scent map of the humans in their lives.



Cats sniff longer when something smells new. They switch nostrils based on familiarity. They rub their faces to mark people or things. And all of this may connect to their personality - especially in male cats.



Future studies may examine whether cats can identify individuals by smell alone in more complex scenarios. Researchers might use cross-modal testing to find out whether a cat can match a scent with a voice or face.



Until then, the next time your cat sniffs your sock or rubs its head on your knee, remember - that’s not just affection. It might be recognition, memory, and even a scent-based “hello.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0324016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Cats can tell people apart by sniffing them

When your cat sniffs your shirt or rubs its head...

Footprints pressed into soft gypsum nearly 23,000 years ago still hold the unmistakable shape of human toes, arches, and heels. For decades, most archaeologists thought humans arrived on the continent far later. The evidence under the New Mexican sun now tells another story.



These early human footprints sit beside the tracks of mammoths, giant sloths, and other Ice Age neighbors at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White Sands National Park</a> in New Mexico, capturing a moment in time when people and megafauna shared the landscape during the coldest stretch of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last Ice Age</a>.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-interesting-technique-hunt-big-animals-clovis-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clovis spearpoints</a> dating to about 13,000 years ago once set the starting line for human presence in North America. 



New research realigns that timeline by some 10,000 years, inviting a fresh look at how early travelers braved bitter temperatures, shrinking shorelines, and unfamiliar predators while carving routes across a frozen continent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-footprints-frozen-in-time">Human footprints frozen in time</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/white-sands-national-park-in-new-mexico/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lake Otero</a>, an Ice Age lake covering roughly 1,600 square miles, left behind layers of mud and sand when it dried. 



In those layers lie 61 human footprints, some made by adults, others by children who dashed, skidded, and doubled back across wet ground. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/human-footprints_new-mexico_23000-years-old_credit-Science_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/human-footprints_new-mexico_23000-years-old_credit-Science_1s.webp" alt="Early humans left these footprints beside an ancient lake near White Sands, New Mexico roughly 23,000 years ago. Credit: National Park Service" class="wp-image-1971533"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Early humans left these footprints beside an ancient lake near White Sands, New Mexico roughly 23,000 years ago. Click image to enlarge. Credit: National Park Service</figcaption></figure>



Radiocarbon tests on tiny Ruppia cirrhosa seeds embedded in the prints consistently returned ages between 21,000 and 23,000 years.



“We knew it was going to be controversial,” says co-author Kathleen Springer, a geologist with the United States Geological Survey (<a href="https://www.usgs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USGS</a>). After the first paper, she recalls, “we knew we had to do more.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triple-test-chronology">Triple-test chronology</h2>



To silence doubts that the water plant might yield misleading dates, the team gathered tens of thousands of pine pollen grains - a land source free from the hard-water effect - from the same thin horizons. 



Their results fell between 22,600 and 23,400 years, matching the seed ages. 



Optically stimulated luminescence (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/optically-stimulated-luminescence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSL</a>) on quartz in overlying clay showed that the sand had been hidden from sunlight for more than 21,500 years, again in line with the other methods.



Ages from both methods “are statistically indistinguishable from our original seed ages,” says co-author <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/jeff-pigati" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeffrey Pigati</a>, a geologist with the USGS. 



“The new dates harmonize perfectly with the previous chronology,” agrees Thomas Higham, a radiocarbon-dating expert at the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> who wasn’t involved in the work. “This is crucial and compelling confirmation” of the older ages."



Helen Roberts, a geographer and OSL specialist at <a href="https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aberystwyth University</a>, adds, “They obviously had a tricky set of material here. It’s very striking how those ages come together despite those challenges.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-and-corroboration">Challenge and corroboration</h2>



Skeptics remain. Geoscientist Joe Davis points out that winds or streams could have redeposited older clay above younger shoreline mud, scrambling the natural order. 



The research group maintains that careful excavations show no sign of such mixing, and independent labs duplicated their tests to rule out hidden contaminants.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/human-footprints_new-mexico_dig-site_credit-Science_1b.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/human-footprints_new-mexico_dig-site_credit-Science_1s.webp" alt="Ancient human footprints found at WHSA Locality 2. Photograph showing multiple in situ footprints in track horizons TH1 (white arrows), TH2 (yellow arrows), TH3 (red arrows), and TH4 (black arrows)." class="wp-image-1971536"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ancient human footprints found at WHSA Locality 2. Photograph showing multiple in situ footprints in track horizons TH1 (white arrows), TH2 (yellow arrows), TH3 (red arrows), and TH4 (black arrows). Click image to enlarge. Credit: Science </figcaption></figure>



Scientific debate is standard fare, yet the convergence of three dating techniques on one tight window makes an accidental match unlikely. 



Even among dissenters, there is broad agreement that more Ice Age layers deserve scrutiny. Many sites once dismissed as “too old for people” may hold untapped clues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-humans-and-footprints-at-the-lake">Life, humans, and footprints at the lake</h2>



Away from the lab, the prints paint vivid scenes. Kids splashed in puddles while adults trekked long distances, sometimes carrying infants. 



“The site in New Mexico has rewritten history books as we’ve discovered wonderful examples of human activity, the way that humans interacted with one another, with the landscape, and with the animal life there,” Sally Reynolds of <a href="https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bournemouth University</a> said in a statement.



Matthew Bennett, another Bournemouth researcher, notes that the dating confirmation “underlines the accuracy of our original study and provides a fascinating update to the movements and lifestyles of our ancestors.” 



There were hungry predators around, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-no-those-are-definitely-not-resurrected-dire-wolves-grey-wolf-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dire wolves</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saber-toothed-predators-evolved-the-perfect-fangs-for-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saber-toothed cats</a>. 



“We can see where she slipped in the mud at certain points … we can also see the child’s footprints where she set them down, presumably because she was tired and needed a rest," Bennett concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-heritage-and-resilience">Human heritage and resilience</h2>



Kim Charlie of the <a href="https://www.puebloofacoma.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pueblo of Acoma</a> helped locate some tracks and sees a direct thread to today’s communities. 



“These tracks trace back to us, back to the Indigenous people of North America,” she says. “This was a family,” Charlie says. 



Their footprints are “like a photograph,” she adds. “It’s something they left us, saying, ‘We were here.’”



The White Sands footprints don’t just show survival, they reveal human connection. Teenagers played, children followed, and adults carried the weight of family and future. 



These moments, frozen in time, offer more than dates and data; they offer stories. 



Now, inspired by this discovery, archaeologists are expanding their search, eager to uncover the next footprints that will walk us deeper into the human past.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh5007" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Archaeologists discovered ancient footprints in New Mexico that rewrite the story of humans in America

Footprints pressed into soft gypsum nearly 23,000 years ago still...

Motherhood begins with joy, responsibility, and unexpected exhaustion. For many new mothers, the early days with a newborn blur into sleepless nights and foggy mornings. While friends and family may offer advice like "nap when the baby naps," this simple sleep guidance doesn't always work. 



A new study being presented at SLEEP 2025 has revealed something deeper. The exhaustion many new moms feel isn't just due to lack of sleep - it’s rooted in the loss of uninterrupted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parent-children-relationships-are-key-to-lifelong-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>.



Researchers tracked real-world sleep data of first-time mothers using Fitbit devices. What they found shifts our understanding of postpartum fatigue entirely. Even when mothers manage to get enough total sleep hours, the frequent disruptions keep their bodies from truly resting. 



As the data shows, these disruptions are not short-lived. They persist well into the following weeks and months, reshaping what maternal recovery really means.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-habits-of-first-time-mothers">Sleep habits of first time mothers</h2>



The study followed 41 first-time mothers between the ages of 26 and 43. They shared their personal wearable sleep data across a span that began a full year before childbirth and extended into their child’s first birthday.



The research team used 5-minute bins to analyze the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-to-kids-about-puberty-why-sooner-may-be-better-than-later/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> and wake patterns, and required at least 10 consecutive minutes of sleep or wakefulness to define the start and end of a sleep session.



One key metric they focused on was the “Longest Stretch of Sleep” (LSS). Typically used to track infant sleep, this measure proved incredibly revealing when applied to mothers. 



By identifying how long mothers were able to sleep without being woken up, the study captured the true depth of sleep fragmentation. What emerged was a clear picture of profound sleep disruption, even after the first weeks of new motherhood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-crashes-in-week-one-after-childbirth">Sleep crashes in week one after childbirth</h2>



During the first week after childbirth, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-often-feel-lonely-burnt-out-parenting-demands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mothers</a> averaged just 4.4 hours of sleep per day. This is a stark drop from their pre-pregnancy average of 7.8 hours. 



But even more concerning was their LSS, which fell from 5.6 hours before pregnancy to just 2.2 hours. Nearly one-third of these new mothers (31.7%) went more than 24 hours without sleep during that first week.



In many ways, this kind of sleep loss is expected during the first few days. However, the story doesn’t end there. While total sleep duration improved gradually over time, the structure of sleep remained fractured. And that proved to be the real problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-improves-slowly-but-stays-broken">Sleep improves slowly but stays broken</h2>



Sleep rose to 6.7 hours in weeks two to seven, then 7.3 hours by week thirteen. But uninterrupted sleep stayed low - just 3.2 to 4.1 hours, far below the 5.5 to 5.6 hours seen pre-pregnancy.



All differences were statistically significant (F &gt; 29.8, P &lt; 0.001), showing that disrupted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-divided-on-best-time-to-stop-pacifiers-and-thumb-sucking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> reflects a lasting biological change, not just a new routine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interrupted-sleep-leaves-mothers-exhausted">Interrupted sleep leaves mothers exhausted</h2>



The study was led by Teresa Lillis, a clinical psychologist and adjunct professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at <a href="https://www.rush.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rush University</a> Medical Center in Chicago.



“The significant loss of uninterrupted sleep in the postpartum period was the most dramatic finding,” said Lillis. "While mothers generally returned to their pre-pregnancy total nightly sleep duration after the first postpartum week, the structure of their sleep remained profoundly altered." 



"These results fundamentally transform our understanding of postpartum sleep; it’s not the lack of sleep, but rather, the lack of uninterrupted sleep that is the largest challenge for new mothers.”



This insight challenges old advice and explains why many still feel exhausted despite doing everything “right.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-sleep-patterns-new-health-risks">New sleep patterns, new health risks</h2>



Lillis and her team argue that this kind of sleep discontinuity may be a major risk factor for postpartum depression and other related health issues. The quality of sleep, not just the quantity, influences both mental and physical recovery after childbirth.



Their study gives weight to what many new mothers have said for years: “I’m sleeping, but I’m still tired.” Now there’s scientific proof to back up that experience. 



Intermittent sleep does not allow the body to complete essential rest cycles, meaning physical repair and mental restoration stay incomplete night after night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-help-new-mothers-sleep">How to help new mothers sleep</h2>



“Our results validate the lived experience of new mothers’ exhaustion and provide a new target for sleep-related interventions,” said Lillis. “Rather than simply encouraging mothers to ‘nap when the baby naps’, our findings show that mothers would most benefit from strategies that protect opportunities for uninterrupted sleep.”



This statement signals a shift in how caregivers, partners, and healthcare professionals might support mothers. Helping new moms catch up on lost hours isn’t enough. 



What they need are longer blocks of continuous rest - a goal that may require more structural support, such as shared night care, postpartum doulas, or better parental leave options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-mothers-really-need-after-childbirth">What mothers really need after childbirth</h2>



This study opens the door for future research into postpartum recovery and maternal mental health. It may also influence policy decisions related to maternity care. 



The study was conducted at <a href="https://wsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>’s Sleep and Performance Research Center.



What’s clear is that uninterrupted sleep is not just a luxury for new mothers - it is a need, as vital as food and medicine, and it deserves serious attention.



The research will be presented on Monday, June 9, during SLEEP 2025 in Seattle. This annual meeting is a collaborative event hosted by the <a href="https://aasm.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Sleep Medicine</a> and the <a href="https://sleepresearchsociety.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleep Research Society</a>.



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/48/Supplement_1/A398/8135096" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SLEEP</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Why new mothers feel exhausted despite getting sleep

Motherhood begins with joy, responsibility, and unexpected exhaustion. For many...

Two things often happen at the same time in a busy kitchen: plates clatter into the dishwasher and a mental note pops up that the soap dispenser is running low. The brain keeps both thoughts alive for a few seconds, steers the hands, and updates the grocery list. 



Scientists call this swift juggle “working memory,” yet most people know it simply as keeping track of what matters right now.



Researchers have spent decades mapping this mental scratchpad, but its quirks still surprise. The latest clue comes from the eyes. 



A fresh study suggests that the way a person’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupil-size-during-sleep-decides-if-new-or-old-memories-are-replayed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pupils change</a> while they concentrate hints at how well that mental scratchpad is working.



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



Working memory does more than hold stray reminders; it stitches together phone digits until they are dialed, keeps track of a spoken sentence until the meaning lands, and buffers half-finished ideas during problem-solving. 



Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-form-long-term-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term memory</a>, it works on a tight clock measured in seconds. Because the capacity is finite - typically three to seven items at once - small differences in efficiency can ripple through reading, mathematics, and decision-making.



Psychologists often compare working-memory scores among people of similar age, finding wide gaps. Some differences trace back to genetics, sleep quality, and stress. 



Others appear linked to how sharply someone focuses in the moment. Pinning down those fleeting attentional shifts has been tough, so a team at the <a href="https://www.uta.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Arlington</a> turned to a simple, involuntary signal from the eye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyes-signal-focus-level">Eyes signal focus level</h2>



Assistant professor of psychology Matthew Robison and doctoral student Lauren D. Garner, both from UTA's <a href="https://camlab.uta.edu/lab-members/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CAM Lab</a>, recruited 179 undergraduate volunteers for a set of memory challenges designed to last only a few heartbeats. 



An eye-tracking camera, like the one an optometrist uses, recorded pupil size while each participant tried to remember colors, shapes, or letters flashed on a screen. The pupils were expected to widen in the dimly lit lab, yet they also fluctuated with mental effort.



“What we found was that the lowest performers on the tasks showed less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupils-reveal-how-active-the-brain-is-even-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pupil dilation</a>,” Robison explained. 



“For the highest-performing participants, pupil dilations were larger overall, and they were more discerning about the information they were asked to recall.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-working-memory-and-larger-pupils">Working memory and larger pupils</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-eye-features-influence-how-others-perceive-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pupil dilation</a> is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, the same circuitry that speeds the heartbeat under stress. 



Earlier research showed the pupils twitch in sync with challenges such as mental arithmetic, signaling rising cognitive load. 



This new work links that physical reaction directly to the accuracy of working memory: bigger, more precisely timed dilations tracked with sharper recall across the entire group.



The study appears in <a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/13414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attention, Perception &amp; Psychophysics</a>, and its key takeaway has immediate practical value. 



Teachers, coaches, and clinicians could someday use a non-invasive gaze sensor to see whether a student’s attention slips long before test scores reveal a problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-attention-and-cognitive-load">Attention and cognitive load</h2>



The eye-memory link lines up with a well-known theory called “<a href="https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1057/978-1-137-00772-8_677" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resource allocation</a>,” which proposes that the brain funnels more energy - oxygen, glucose, and electrical activity - toward information flagged as important. 



The dilating pupil mirrors that surge. When the surge is weak or mistimed, fewer details make it onto the mental scratchpad.



Everyday distractions, from buzzing phones to background chatter, can sap that resource. 



On the flip side, practice with activities that demand steady focus, such as playing certain musical instruments or fast-paced video games, has been shown to nudge working-memory scores upward. 



Those lifestyle influences mesh neatly with the new pupil data, suggesting the eyes could become a quick biofeedback tool for attention training.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classroom-and-clinic-uses">Classroom and clinic uses</h2>



Individualized instruction often starts with trial and error. A live readout of pupil patterns could speed the process by showing when a student is overwhelmed or under-engaged in real time. 



That information might guide a teacher to slow the pace, rephrase directions, or add a break exactly when it counts.



“We found that people who more intensely and consistently paid attention, as measured by their pupils being dilated more, performed better on the memory tasks,” Robison enthused.



“Importantly, we found high performers also showed more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pupil-size-reveals-hidden-cognitive-fatigue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pupil sensitivity</a> compared to low-performing participants. This is exciting research because it adds another valuable piece of the puzzle to our understanding of why working memory varies between individuals."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-working-memory-in-shape">Keeping working memory in shape</h2>



While future gadgets may monitor focus automatically, old-school habits still help. Brief pauses during dense reading let fresh material settle before more arrives. 



Organizing tidbits into tiny clusters - phone numbers into three short chunks, for example - reduces the load. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/practicing-mindfulness-can-quiet-the-noise-of-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mindfulness exercises</a> that train sustained attention have gained traction, and emerging evidence suggests they may slightly enlarge working-memory capacity over weeks of practice.



Even aerobic movement matters. Studies tracking middle-aged adults find that brisk walking improves blood flow to brain regions involved in executive control, indirectly supporting the memory buffer. 



The take-home message echoes common sense: whatever boosts overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moderate-belly-fat-may-actually-boost-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain health</a> tends to support the few precious slots on that internal notepad.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pupils-working-memory-and-future-study">Pupils, working memory, and future study</h2>



The UT Arlington experiment adds a clear, measurable signpost to the study of working memory. By tying pupil behavior to test performance in 179 young adults, it builds a bridge between subjective focus and objective outcomes. 



Larger studies spanning different ages and cultures are already in the planning stages, aiming to see whether the same patterns hold in childhood development, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taking-vitamin-d-supplements-may-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-diet-may-protect-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive disorders</a>.



If they do, tracking a tiny change in the eyes might soon guide personalized learning plans, aid early diagnoses of attention deficits, or help engineers design user interfaces that adapt to a person’s real-time mental load. 



For now, the findings serve as a reminder that the eyes are broadcasting more than mood or alertness - they may be giving away the secrets of how we juggle the small but vital tasks that keep life running smoothly.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13414-024-02853-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Attention Perception &amp; Psychophysics</a>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Scientists link pupil dilation to the brain’s all-important 'working memory' levels

Two things often happen at the same time in a...

A surprising copper deposit has been identified in a remote region, capturing the attention of mining analysts. Preliminary <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-89046-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data</a> suggests the lode measures well above 20 million tons, far surpassing previous estimates.



<a href="https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202501/06/WS677b72c2a310f1265a1d9349.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reports</a> indicate that the site is nestled in the Tibetan plateau, also known as the Qinghai-Xizang region, an area traditionally overlooked by geologists searching for copper. This new information has sparked global conversations about the future of resource exploration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-copper">The significance of copper</h2>



“This is a critical metal for renewable energy,” said <a href="https://english.casad.cas.cn/members/pm/202404/t20240428_661814.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tang Juxing</a>, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. 



He has emphasized that wind, solar, and emerging vehicle technologies all rely on copper’s superior conductivity for efficient performance.



Copper has long been prized by manufacturers for its versatility. It is used in electronics, architecture, transportation, and power infrastructure, making it essential for nations that aim to develop strong supply chains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-demand-in-green-industries">Growing demand in green industries</h2>



Experts <a href="https://internationalcopper.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2017.06-E-Mobility-Factsheet-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">note</a> that electric cars, in particular, use more copper than traditional cars. Some estimates show that a single wind turbine can incorporate nearly 4 tons of copper to optimize its generators and wiring.



Solar power systems also depend on copper for efficient conduction, which means sizable deposits can fuel rapid growth in clean energy installations. 



This serves as a reminder of copper’s increasing relevance in reducing carbon footprints worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-global-competition">Impact on global competition</h2>



Mining analysts believe China’s newly identified trove could bolster domestic production. The development will likely reduce reliance on international suppliers and shift negotiations around metal pricing.



Some industry observers warn that concentrated control of this metal will amplify economic sway. Major producers in South America and other regions are watching these changes with growing concern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-at-high-altitudes">Challenges at high altitudes</h2>



Logistics remain complicated when extraction sites lie in freezing, rugged terrain. Researchers are studying ways to reduce hazards, including specialized drilling systems that can function in unpredictable temperatures.



Technological breakthroughs may reshape extraction norms for other mountainous regions. Remote sensing tools and automated machinery could become standard practice, simplifying future mining activities.



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



Local advocates voice concerns about potential harm to fragile ecosystems. Companies operating in the plateau plan to explore methods that minimize disruption, which include advanced filtering systems to manage wastewater responsibly.



Over the years, some high-altitude projects in China have tested environmentally friendly techniques. Adopting these approaches for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geologists-discover-the-largest-copper-gold-and-silver-deposit-in-the-last-three-decades/">copper</a> extraction may protect local flora and fauna from irreversible damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-perspectives">Community perspectives</h2>



Increased economic activity often brings an influx of jobs and new infrastructure. Some residents hope the project will deliver modernized roads, faster communication networks, and educational programs that benefit families.



Others worry about cultural shifts tied to outside influences. Preserving local traditions becomes a priority when mining projects open remote territories to workers from distant cities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trade-tensions-and-resource-security">Trade tensions and resource security</h2>



Analysts say metals remain at the heart of ongoing trade disputes. Disruptions linked to <a href="https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-copper.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tariffs</a> have already stressed copper scrap supplies, forcing some smelters to switch to pricier ore.



Companies in the United States and abroad are looking for alternative sources. 



This pressure may persuade governments to reevaluate bilateral agreements on metals to protect both domestic industries and international ties.



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



Global carbon reduction goals rely on stable access to raw materials. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amount-of-copper-needed-to-power-tech-and-develop-the-world-is-astonishing-not-enough/">Copper </a>wires connect power grids, support energy storage, and enable electric mobility, so new deposits can lower risks of bottlenecks.



A consistent supply means energy projects may stay on schedule. Investors tracking wind, solar, and zero-emission vehicle targets watch these resource developments to gauge the future cost of green technologies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efforts-to-balance-progress">Efforts to balance progress</h2>



Scholars have stressed the importance of sustainable approaches. They highlight reclamation policies that encourage companies to restore mined land for agriculture and wildlife once the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-white-gold-a-lithium-deposit-valued-at-1-5-trillion-has-been-discovered-in-the-u-s/">deposit</a> is exhausted.



Observers note that balanced progress depends on collaboration among local governments, environmental specialists, and mining organizations. Strong partnerships can help communities thrive without sacrificing their heritage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-directions-for-research">New directions for research</h2>



Geological teams continue to map untapped veins in surrounding areas. Upgraded imaging technologies may point to additional finds, which could influence resource strategies in other nations.



Scientific data from these efforts often circles back into economic discussions. Policymakers rely on accurate mapping to plan infrastructure and negotiate trade partnerships responsibly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-shifts-in-supply-chains">Possible shifts in supply chains</h2>



Manufacturers value reliable deliveries of metals. If they view one region as especially robust, factories might relocate or diversify to ensure they can secure essential materials quickly.



Some experts predict a transformation of supply chains as the market reacts. Local and international partnerships might form around advanced processing, recycling, and refined manufacturing to meet anticipated demand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautious-optimism">Cautious optimism</h2>



Optimism surrounds this large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/copper-industry-of-king-solomons-era-didnt-harm-the-environment/">copper</a> discovery, though the long-term impact remains unknown. Voices from environmental advocates, local residents, and global industries will shape how the site develops.



China’s new deposit may further guide the conversation on resource independence. Policy adjustments and diplomatic measures could follow, given how pivotal copper is for modern society.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Discovery of a 20 million ton copper super-deposit

A surprising copper deposit has been identified in a remote...

A teenager in Iowa headed outside to look for arrowheads on a friend’s farmland. He never expected to make a discovery that would send ripples through the scientific community.



He stumbled upon a massive bone later identified as part of a <a href="https://www.sdnhm.org/exhibitions/fossil-mysteries/fossil-field-guide-a-z/mastodon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mastodon</a>, an extinct elephant cousin believed to have died out around 10,000 years ago.



According to <a href="https://ees.uiowa.edu/people/tiffany-adrain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tiffany Adrain</a>, the special collections manager at the University of Iowa’s <a href="https://paleorepository.sites.uiowa.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paleontology Repository</a>, the jaw bone belonged to a young animal. Adrain oversees one of the region’s largest collections of ancient specimens.



“He cradled the fossil in his arms, which is very heavy, and carried it up to the farmhouse,” said Adrain. It was still so fresh that letting it dry completely in the sun would have destroyed it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-mastodon-fossils">Learning from mastodon fossils</h2>



The jaw measures about 30 inches in length and is from a juvenile that likely stood around 7 feet tall. Researchers have noted that these animals roamed much of North America during the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/late-pleistocene" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Late Pleistocene</a>, which spanned roughly from 129,000 to 11,700 years ago.



This freshly uncovered fossil was swiftly wrapped in plastic to keep it from deteriorating. The student had luck on his side, because the fossil may have crumbled in just a few weeks if nobody had found it.



People often confuse mastodons with mammoths. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-americans-relied-on-mammoths-for-food-and-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mammoths</a> usually had high-crowned teeth adapted for grazing, whereas mastodons had distinct ridged molars suited for munching on branches and leaves.



Both animals are distant relatives of modern elephants. Mastodons, though slightly smaller than many mammoths, could still grow impressively large, with some males sporting tusks of remarkable length.



Iowa’s landscape once supported a surprising variety of big creatures. Mammoths, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-in-america-coexisted-with-giant-sloths-and-mastodons/">mastodons</a>, giant ground sloths, and huge bears roamed parts of the Midwest for millennia.



Many of these species thrived in wetlands and forests that now appear very different from the farmland that covers much of the state. Shifting climate patterns and changes in vegetation contributed to their eventual disappearance.



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



Keeping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/archaeopteryx-fossil-soft-tissue-flight-evolution-proves-darwin-right/">fossil</a> moist was key. Mastodon bones can degrade quickly once exposed to air and light, which explains why quick thinking can be as important as scientific insight.



Experts say that staying alert to unusual shapes or textures along creek beds can lead to more finds. Mastodon fossils have turned up where water currents erode buried layers and reveal ancient surprises.



The farm owners chose to donate the jaw. Large fossil discoveries can captivate the public, yet landowners may also worry about trespassing or disruptions. In this instance, they quietly ensured the fossil reached experts for proper study.



Once at the University of Iowa’s Paleontology Repository, the specimen joined a collection of over a million artifacts. 



The repository continues to examine how this young mastodon lived and what its discovery can show about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-teens-romito-2-went-through-puberty-grew-up-like-modern-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Age life</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-discovery-matters-for-science-education">Why this discovery matters for science education</h2>



Young people getting involved in discoveries like this can make science feel real and immediate. 



When a student stumbles on a fossil that turns out to be over 30,000 years old, it changes the way science is seen - not as something that only happens in labs, but as something alive in everyday life.



Institutions like the Paleontology Repository regularly work with students to catalog specimens, which helps train the next generation of scientists. 



In fact, around 148,000 items in the collection have already been logged with the help of local high school and college students.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mastodon-fossils-and-lost-ecosystems">Mastodon fossils and lost ecosystems</h2>



Fossils like this jaw help researchers understand Late Pleistocene ecosystems and how creatures adapted to harsh conditions. 



One recent <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7463256/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> suggested that regional mastodon populations expanded during warming cycles but still vanished by the onset of a cooler climate event.



Such discoveries feed larger debates over what drove these animals to extinction. Climate shifts, human activities, and changes in habitat are all factors researchers consider as they piece together the story.



<a href="https://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/american-mastodons-northern-habitat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists believe</a> mastodons spread across much of North and Central America for more than 20 million years. 



They flourished in flexible habitats that included forests and wetlands, but they ultimately disappeared in the late phases of the last Ice Age.



Modern archaeology and paleontology depend on keen-eyed individuals just as much as trained specialists. Many noteworthy finds start with curious people simply paying attention to what’s around them.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313800551_Late_Pleistocene_proboscidean_population_dynamics_in_the_North_American_Midcontinent" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boreas</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Student discovers a 34,000-year-old mastodon fossil by accident while walking around a farm

A teenager in Iowa headed outside to look for arrowheads...

Proteins are central to life because they shift shape in response to molecules they encounter. Some transform in milliseconds, triggering everything from muscle movement to signals in the nervous system.



Scientists have tried for decades to engineer these biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-new-forms-of-life-inside-humans-rna-carriers-obelisks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> to do specific tasks. 



Now there is a fresh example of synthetic proteins that adjust just like those found in cells, described by Tanja Kortemme, PhD, a professor of bioengineering at the <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Francisco</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proteins-that-change-shape">Proteins that change shape</h2>



Natural proteins shift into new configurations when they meet triggers such as ions or small molecules. This motion can set off downstream effects, including the release of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/neurotoxin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a>, the contraction of heart muscles, or the breakdown of complex nutrients.



Until recently, most engineering methods focused on building rigid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-begins-egg-sperm-and-a-covert-team-of-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shapes</a>. That approach has powered household cleaning solutions and lifesaving drugs like insulin, but it fell short when trying to capture the graceful movements found in biological systems.



Many teams have used advanced computational tools, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03819-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alphaFold2</a>, to predict how proteins fold. A few years ago, these tools took a leap forward, solving perplexing puzzles that once consumed research labs for months.



The latest research adds movement to these predictions. By adjusting a protein so it can switch between two shapes, the scientists hope to open possibilities in medicine, agriculture, and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-algorithms-can-increase-ocean-plastic-cleanup-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental cleanup</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-synthetic-proteins-stayed-rigid">Early synthetic proteins stayed rigid</h2>



Earlier synthetic proteins were usually static. They stayed locked in one form, which was enough for some tasks but limiting for signals that rely on on-off mechanisms.



Medications that control metabolism or cell division often target proteins that move between active and inactive states. The ability to design synthetic versions with similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-persistent-spike-proteins-accumulate-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a> could transform drug development.



<a href="https://kortemmelab.ucsf.edu/current---amy-guo.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amy Guo</a>, a graduate student at UCSF, focused on adding a small swinging segment to a simple protein so it could bind a calcium ion. The new segment switched positions based on the presence or absence of that ion.



Upon success, she tapped advanced modeling techniques to verify that the structure would remain stable in both configurations. These techniques relied on a library of possible shapes before converging on the final two.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-small-loop-to-change-protein-shape">One small loop to change protein shape</h2>



One crucial test involved nuclear magnetic resonance simulations performed by <a href="https://pharm.ucsf.edu/nmr/people/kelly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Kelly</a>, a pharmaceutical chemist at UCSF. 



Those simulations confirmed the synthetic protein could capture calcium, then return to its original shape.



Research teams have been fascinated by how small modifications open the door to more sophisticated reactions. A short movable loop can reconfigure a protein’s entire structure, paving the way for sensors that pick up subtle signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Scientists see applications in <a href="https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/07/biosensors-your-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biosensors</a> that monitor conditions in living organisms and trigger alerts for early disease signs. Others imagine proteins that break down plastics or adapt crops to temperature extremes.



“This study is the first step on a path that will lead far beyond biomedicine, into agriculture and the environment,” said Tanja Kortemme. Her team’s achievements underline the importance of shape-shifting proteins in diverse applications.



“We wanted to devise a design method that could be applied in lots of situations,” said Guo. She observed that small tweaks in a protein’s design could lock or unlock its active state.&nbsp;



These efforts may help shape new therapeutics that sense chemical signals in the body, respond to them, then revert to a resting form. Such changes enable more targeted interventions, possibly reducing side effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shape-shifting-proteins-use-energy-wisely">Shape-shifting proteins use energy wisely</h2>



Researchers note that engines of metabolism, immune responses, and other essential systems function through shifting proteins. A well-tuned synthetic protein might repair micro-fractures in metals or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-rewire-themselves-to-battle-the-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boost crop resilience</a>.



“That really gives me confidence that this was for real, that we really did it,” said Guo. The finding was confirmed through multiple analytical steps.



“The possibilities are truly endless,” said Guo. Experimental validations continue, indicating that shape-changing proteins could transform a range of scientific fields.



<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr7094" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dynamic proteins</a> mirror nature’s preference for efficient processes, as their conformational shifts often hinge on specific environmental cues. Their shapes adapt only when needed, minimizing energy waste while enhancing reactivity.



Engineered molecules with these qualities can address urgent issues in healthcare and ecological management. 



A shape-altering protein could detect a pollutant, neutralize it, then reset itself for another encounter, giving it an edge over conventional static systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-artificial-proteins-that-react">Building artificial proteins that react</h2>



Some researchers envision <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-model-esm3-creates-new-protein-that-simulates-500-million-years-of-biological-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial proteins</a> that function like finely tuned switches in the body’s immune system. These switches could identify a virus or tumor marker, change shape to deliver a therapeutic agent, and revert once the threat is resolved.



Others point to potential uses in synthetic biology for producing fuels or sustainable materials. Such proteins might adapt their structure based on temperature shifts, ensuring optimal performance in diverse industrial processes.



Additional exploration could involve harnessing shape-shifting proteins to stabilize vaccines. By flexibly responding to temperature fluctuations, these molecules might reduce cold-chain requirements in resource-limited areas.



Researchers are also examining whether dynamic proteins can handle tasks that require rapid structural changes under mechanical stress. This could shape the future of engineering fields that rely on adaptive materials.



The study is published in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40403060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

New shape-shifting proteins open doors in medicine and farming

Proteins are central to life because they shift shape in...

If you’ve ever noticed how squirrels vastly outnumber foxes in your neighborhood - or seen the same car brands dominate parking lots - you’re observing a pattern that governs not just human-made environments, but the natural world at every scale.



This pattern, where a few species are extremely common while most remain rare, is called the “hollow curve” species-abundance distribution.



For nearly a century, ecologists have sought a unified model to explain it. Now, researchers from the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a> (UVA) believe they’ve found that model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-pattern-in-nature">Universal pattern in nature</h2>



In a recent study, the team analyzed an enormous array of 30,000 datasets covering ecosystems from U.S. forests to the microbial colonies in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-methane-producing-microbe-discovered-in-the-human-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human gut</a>. 



The researchers discovered that a mathematical model known as the “powerbend distribution” consistently describes how species are spread out. This applies to birds, trees, bacteria, and other organisms in communities across the planet.



“This is the first study to comprehensively examine all types of organisms, large and small,” said Martin Wu, professor of biology at UVA and co-author of the study. “We found that the powerbend distribution consistently fits communities of all life forms, habitats, and abundance scales.”



The powerbend model shows most species are rare, while a few are extremely common - a core pattern in ecology.



Wu explains this through an everyday example: “If you walk around UVA, you might see a lot of squirrels and, only once in a while, a raccoon or fox. If you look at cars on city streets, you’ll see a lot of Hondas, Toyotas, or Fords, but there are many other brands you only see every once in a while.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-life-we-can-t-see">Estimating life we can't see</h2>



The breakthrough isn’t just about better understanding nature - it also has practical implications for conservation and environmental monitoring. The powerbend model allows scientists to estimate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> of a region without needing to count every individual organism.



“Previously, if I collected one gram of soil, I had no way of knowing how many bacterial species it contained,” Wu said. “Now that we have the model, I don’t need to enumerate every single cell in the soil and I can have a pretty good estimate.”



This is particularly important when dealing with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a>, which are notoriously difficult to grow and study using traditional lab techniques. Prior to the development of DNA sequencing tools around 2008, scientists struggled to survey microbial communities effectively.



Since then, technological advances have given microbiologists access to vast genetic data, transforming our understanding of microbes.



“You can go to a forest to survey trees or use binoculars to look at birds, but until recent DNA sequencing technologies became available, we couldn’t easily survey microbes,” Wu said. “Since 2008, there’s been an explosion of microbial survey data, and we’re learning a lot.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecology-meets-math">Ecology meets math</h2>



Though Wu is a microbiologist by training, the turning point in the research came when two math-savvy graduate students - Yingnan Gao and Ahmed Abdullah - joined his lab. Their expertise allowed the team to rigorously test the powerbend distribution against real-world datasets across ecosystems, organisms, and regions.



The model even made its way into the classroom. “Using a thumb drive-sized DNA sequencer and a laptop, we did a real-time demonstration in the class when we surveyed the gut microbiome of a beloved professor known to students,” Wu said. “It was a great way to show the students what kind of microbes live in the gut.”



The exercise gave students the chance to become “microbe detectives” in a hands-on lab course focused on sequencing-based ecological surveys.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pattern-stretches-across-life">Pattern stretches across life</h2>



One dataset in the study looked at the pattern of tree species across the United States. In Virginia, for instance, five species - red maple, loblolly pine, yellow poplar, sweetgum, and American holly - make up about 45% of the state’s 10.6 billion trees. The remaining 55% is spread across over 120 other species.



“Generally, you’ll find that 20% of tree species account for 80% of the total abundance,” Wu said. “This follows the Pareto Principle, a term coined by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who found that 20% of the population controlled 80% of the wealth.”



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



The discovery of the powerbend distribution as a consistent and predictive model offers scientists a new tool for tackling ecological questions. 



More than that, it reaffirms that despite the dizzying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microfossils-reveal-a-leap-in-lifes-complexity-2-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complexity of life</a> on Earth, there are underlying patterns that unify everything from backyard birds to invisible bacteria.



As ecologists confront biodiversity loss and work to restore ecosystems, understanding natural species distribution patterns could be a crucial step forward. Thanks to the UVA team’s work, that understanding just got a lot clearer.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59253-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Life's hidden pattern: Why most species are rare but a few rule the world

If you’ve ever noticed how squirrels vastly outnumber foxes in...

Anger flares up in traffic jams, board meetings, and kitchen quarrels alike. The rush of heat, the pounding heart, and the urges to shout or slam a door feel almost automatic. Most of us just want lash out and vent, hoping the anger will be gone as fast as it came.



For decades, people have sworn by “getting it out,” whether by screaming into a pillow or pummeling a punching bag. Others swear by the opposite approach: pause, breathe, let it pass. 



A new scientific sweep of the evidence puts these rival tactics head-to-head - and crowns a clear winner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-venting-anger-myth-loses-steam">The 'venting anger' myth loses steam</h2>



After the second paragraph, it’s time to meet the researchers. Communication scholar <a href="https://comm.osu.edu/people/bushman.20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Bushman</a> at <a href="https://osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a> has spent years testing the notion of catharsis. 



“Venting anger might sound like a good idea, but it’s actually counterproductive,” he says. 



His team, working with postdoctoral fellow <a href="https://sophiekja.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sophie Kjærvik</a>, combed through 154 different studies with more than 10,000 people to sort myth from reality.



Their review shows that activities lowering bodily arousal - deep breathing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-protects-against-work-stress-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mindfulness</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-slows-biological-aging-at-the-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation</a>, even slow, controlled yoga - consistently push anger levels down. 



The setting hardly matters; results hold for solo exercises at home, therapist-guided sessions, and app-based programs. 



“Reducing arousal - and actually the physiological aspect of it - is really important,” Kjærvik explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-numbers-say">What the numbers say</h2>



Kjærvik’s meta-analysis, published in Clinical Psychology Review, found that every group studied - college students, retirees, people with intellectual disabilities, and individuals with criminal records - benefited from arousal-decreasing strategies. 



In stark contrast, jogging, hitting a bag, or smashing plates in a rage room showed little effect or even nudged anger upward. “To reduce anger, it is better to engage in activities that decrease arousal levels,” Bushman notes.



Meta-analyses of this size are rare in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-shows-better-emotional-intelligence-than-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion research</a>. By pooling so many participants, the team could spot small but steady patterns that single experiments miss. 



The consistency across gender, age, and cultural background signals that calming the body is a universal recipe, not a fad tied to one social-media trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calm-beats-cardio">Calm beats cardio</h2>



Why would a brisk run fail where a quiet breath succeeds? Anger already revs the sympathetic nervous system - the body’s gas pedal. Adding more acceleration simply keeps the engine roaring. 



“Certain physical activities that increase arousal may be good for your heart, but they’re definitely not the best way to reduce anger,” Bushman adds.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yoga-can-reduce-stress-and-improve-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yoga</a> offers an intriguing twist. Though poses raise heart rate, the practice embeds steady breathing and focused attention, turning movement into meditation. 



“It was really interesting to see that progressive muscle relaxation and relaxation in general might be as effective as approaches such as mindfulness and meditation,” Kjærvik noted. 



“And yoga, which can be more arousing than meditation and mindfulness, is still a way of calming and focusing on your breath that has a similar effect in reducing anger.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-body-s-alarm-system">Inside the body's alarm system</h2>



Anger sparks a full-body alert: faster heartbeat, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-heart-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher blood pressure</a>, surging adrenaline. The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system primes muscles for fight or flight, while its calmer twin - the parasympathetic branch - waits to dial everything back. 



Techniques that lengthen exhales or tense and release muscles flip that switch sooner, cooling the system before words or fists fly.



Scientists think this quick reset evolved because it lets social groups resolve conflicts without lasting harm. Lowering arousal gives the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-brain-pathways-identified-as-being-unique-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prefrontal cortex</a> - our planning center - time to weigh consequences, recall past regrets, and choose words more carefully. 



The payoff is fewer broken dishes, lower stress hormones, and relationships that bounce back instead of break.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-anger-without-venting">Reducing anger without venting</h2>



Apps offering guided breathing now sit within arm’s reach, many of them free of charge. A simple routine - inhale for four counts, exhale for six - can drop heart rate within a minute. 



Two cycles of progressive muscle relaxation ease shoulder knots that broadcast irritability.



A five-minute mindfulness session on YouTube can do the same job as a longer appointment when time is tight. 



“It’s really a battle because angry people want to vent, but our research shows that any good feeling we get from venting actually reinforces aggression,” Bushman says.



For situations demanding movement, try a slow walk around the block. Keep the pace easy enough to hold a steady conversation. Pair it with attention to your surroundings - the hum of cicadas, the scent of fresh-cut grass. 



Gentle motion helps metabolize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-hormones-rise-during-sleep-to-prepare-your-body-for-the-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress hormones</a> without driving arousal higher, and nature’s small details pull focus away from rumination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Unchecked anger strains marriages, work teams, and the cardiovascular system. Over months, it can hardwire aggressive habits. 



The new review shows there’s nothing inevitable about that spiral; swapping venting for calming returns control to the driver’s seat. 



Because most interventions cost little or nothing, workplaces, prisons, and schools can roll them out without red tape. Even a coach’s whistle can cue athletes to pause for three slow breaths before play resumes.



Parents can apply the same thinking at home. Instead of sending a child to “go punch a pillow,” suggest three balloon-slow breaths, a sip of water, and a quiet corner until color fades from their cheeks. 



Modeling the strategy yourself teaches by example and keeps the living room peaceful.



Cooling down trumps blowing up. Evidence from more than 10,000 volunteers says so, and the message holds whether you are nine or ninety. 



So next time fury rises, skip the punching bag and breathe. Your heart - and everyone within earshot - will thank you.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735824000357?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clinical Psychology Review</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

'Venting' doesn't reduce anger, so psychologists advise patients to do this instead

Anger flares up in traffic jams, board meetings, and kitchen...

In everyday life, the spleen rarely gets the spotlight. This lesser-known organ, tucked under the rib cage on the left side of the abdomen, has just gained new respect from medical researchers.



For a long time, doctors have been able to remove the spleen without major issues, giving it a reputation as something non-essential. That view is now shifting, thanks to a fresh wave of discoveries related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-could-save-an-enormous-number-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organ</a> repair and new cell growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spleen-s-surprising-capability">Spleen’s surprising capability</h2>



Recent work led by a team of researchers, including Professor Lei Dong and Professor Jian Xiao from <a href="https://en.wmu.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wenzhou Medical University</a>, <a href="https://www.nju.edu.cn/en/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing University</a>, and the <a href="https://www.um.edu.mo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Macau</a>, has opened up new horizons.



They have shown that the spleen can be turned into a built-in system that supports transplanted tissues.



Many see this approach as a possible game-changer for people with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/about/about-type-1-diabetes.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 1 diabetes</a>, a serious condition in which the body stops making enough insulin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spleen-redefined-as-a-valuable-organ">Spleen redefined as a valuable organ</h2>



For decades, doctors recognized that the spleen helps manage blood cells and fights infections. Yet, a partial or total removal rarely caused life-threatening <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-microbiome-trillions-of-bacteria-unique-like-fingerprints/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">problems</a>, leading many to call it non-essential.



That view changed when experts discovered how <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4052466/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immunomodulatory nanoparticles</a> could adjust the local environment inside the spleen. Researchers believe this technique sets the stage for better acceptance of transplanted <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542302/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islets</a>, the insulin-producing clusters in the pancreas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-built-in-host-for-new-cells">A built-in host for new cells</h2>



“We’re essentially converting the spleen into a high-performance bioreactor,” explains Dong. He adds that by enhancing the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/extracellular-matrix" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extracellular matrix</a>, improving blood vessel formation, and controlling immune attacks, transplanted cells can flourish.



For some doctors, the spleen’s layout and connections make it a strong candidate for these treatments. It receives blood directly, which can help transplanted cells get oxygen and nutrients right away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spleen-showed-organ-support-abilities">Spleen showed organ support abilities</h2>



In earlier <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15619229/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> reported in 2020, the same team showed that a reprogrammed spleen could support partial liver-like functions in mice. This finding laid the groundwork for investigating if the spleen can handle other types of tissues.



Now, they have taken that concept further by examining how the spleen might support transplanted insulin-producing cells in nonhuman primates. This serves as a vital step before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-snail-venom-possible-key-to-improving-diabetes-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential</a> testing in human volunteers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-type-1-diabetes">Tackling type 1 diabetes</h2>



About 1.6 million people in the United States are <a href="https://breakthrought1d.org.au/what-is-t1d/quick-guide-to-t1d/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimated</a> to have type 1 diabetes. The condition arises when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-making cells in the pancreas.



A promising option has been <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/insulin-medicines-treatments/pancreatic-islet-transplantation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islet transplantation</a>, but it often faces issues with rejection and poor cell survival. Scientists hope that by giving these cells a protected environment inside the spleen, more patients could benefit from transplantation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-injections-that-change-the-game">Injections that change the game</h2>



These nanoparticle injections prime the spleen to handle new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-reveals-the-secret-to-keeping-your-brain-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a> more effectively. This strategy might reduce the need for high-dose immune-suppressing drugs.



Reports suggest that the spleen’s environment becomes friendlier to new cells after the nanoparticle treatment. This shift could help ensure that transplanted islets continue working in the long run.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



Researchers are now considering how to refine these spleen-focused methods to handle stem cell–derived tissues. One vision involves using induced <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4699068/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pluripotent stem cells</a>, or iPSCs, to create organs that match each patient’s own tissue profile.



However, experts caution that more safety tests are essential before this approach finds its way into clinics. Large-scale trials and long-term monitoring would help confirm if these cells remain stable and functional over time.



Minimally invasive approaches, such as B-ultrasound guided injections, might also make this therapy more accessible. Early demonstrations in animals have shown encouraging feasibility for that technique.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spleen-could-power-next-steps">Spleen could power next steps</h2>



If future tests confirm these successes, doctors might have a simpler way to replace failing organs without relying on complex external devices. In the case of insulin-making cells, that could mean fewer daily injections and better quality of life for many individuals.



Most people never expect the spleen to help them recover lost organ function. Yet this approach highlights how an overlooked structure might hide untapped capacity for medical breakthroughs.



Though more confirmation is needed, the early findings raise hope for a future where organ transplants rely less on donor shortages and immune conflicts. Even if the spleen was once called non-essential, it might soon prove to be a valuable partner in personalized medicine.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adj9615" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Translational Medicine</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

This overlooked human organ has a built-in bioreactor that could revolutionize diabetes treatment

In everyday life, the spleen rarely gets the spotlight. This...

Microsoft has sparked wide interest with its pursuit of a new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-photon-theory-casts-doubt-on-double-slit-experiment-quantum-light-interference-pattern/">quantum</a> computing design. Its latest effort focuses on a special subatomic entity that could unlock faster, more error-proof computation for tasks once seen as impossible.



“After 17 years, we are showing results that are not only incredible, but real. They will fundamentally redefine how the next stage of quantum computing unfolds,” said <a href="https://asiatechxsg.com/atxsummit/speakers/zulfi-alam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zulfi Alam</a>, the head of the division at Microsoft, describing the work in vivid terms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-majorana-1-matters">Why Majorana 1 matters</h2>



Italian physicist <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/ghostly-quasiparticle-rooted-century-old-mystery-unlock-quantum-computings-potential" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ettore Majorana</a> first proposed the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1222360" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Majorana fermion</a> in 1937, highlighting a particle that is its own antiparticle. 



Scientists have chased this concept for decades, given its potential to strengthen quantum hardware against noise.



Microsoft’s new chip, called Majorana 1, takes advantage of these elusive particles in a bid to stabilize qubits, the fundamental units of quantum information. 



This marks a shift from common quantum designs based on electrons alone.



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



Engineers at Microsoft claim they have built the world’s first <a href="https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/quantum/2025/02/19/microsoft-unveils-majorana-1-the-worlds-first-quantum-processor-powered-by-topological-qubits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">topoconductor</a>, a semiconductor that also behaves like a superconductor at the same time. 



This material can manipulate Majorana fermions more efficiently, possibly curbing data corruption.



By packaging eight topological qubits on this initial chip, the team hopes to reduce error rates that hamper present-day quantum devices. 



Developers foresee scaling this to one million qubits, which could break barriers in fields such as drug discovery and complex material design.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-majorana-1-noise-resistance">Majorana 1 noise resistance</h2>



Quantum hardware struggles when signals become jumbled by environmental interference. 



Majorana 1 is designed to lessen these effects by arranging qubits in a so-called <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c00713" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">topological superconductivity</a> pattern that deflects common disturbances. 



This strategy aims to give scientists better readings without sacrificing speed.



“There will no longer be a need to experiment. You can imagine a world where a scientist computes the material they want, and they compute it with such precision that it’s right the first time,” explained Alam. 



Microsoft officials see a future where machines simulate chemical reactions with such accuracy that lab experiments become less necessary. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborations-on-the-horizon">Collaborations on the horizon</h2>



Microsoft’s agreement with <a href="https://www.darpa.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DARPA</a> (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) might accelerate prototypes that are fault-tolerant at scale. 



Engineers believe a topological setup can sidestep the usual incremental approach and reach stable operations in just a few years.



Researchers also hint that these topological qubits might allow new encryption methods. Their error correction capabilities could reinforce data security while retaining the benefits of <a href="https://www.quera.com/glossary/parallelism" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum parallelism</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-majorana-1-actually-works">How Majorana 1 actually works</h2>



The chip’s functionality hinges on an <a href="https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/page/what-is-interferometer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interferometric device</a> made of three quantum dots and a special nanowire. 



By tuning magnetic fields and gate voltages, researchers created a loop where <a href="https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/499324/fermion-parity-operator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fermion parity</a>, a quantum state feature - can be measured in real time using <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266705692400066X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum capacitance shifts</a>.



In practice, they observed signal switches that correspond to parity changes over milliseconds, which suggests the system remains stable long enough for meaningful quantum operations. 



The team achieved a <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/signal-to-noise-ratio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signal-to-noise ratio</a> of 5.01 in under 90 microseconds, a milestone for parity detection that supports the chip’s reliability.



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



“It will solve problems that are unsolvable today with the combined global computing power,” Microsoft officials stated. 



Leaders at Microsoft say these machines could solve intractable problems across fields like health care and clean energy. 



As the foundation stabilizes, outside collaborators might begin testing algorithms that can only run effectively on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-theory-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/">quantum</a> devices. 



This opens doors for scientists in various disciplines to harness quantum simulations without specialized hardware or huge budgets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-authenticity-and-verification">Authenticity and verification</h2>



Skeptics in the field continue to ask whether Microsoft’s signals truly reflect <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/npjqi20151">Majorana zero</a><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/npjqi20151" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/npjqi20151">modes</a> or cleverly tuned low-energy states that mimic them. 



The experimental setups show promising bimodal signals and long dwell times, but some researchers note that similar results could emerge from <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42254-020-0228-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andreev bound states</a> under specific conditions.



To address this, Microsoft’s team ran simulations with different models and cross-checked findings on multiple devices. 



However, the paper acknowledges that their data cannot definitively prove the presence of topological states without further validation. 



That hasn't stopped industry watchers from calling this work the strongest case yet for a <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.4.013010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">measurement-based topological qubit</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-expectations-in-check">Keeping expectations in check</h2>



Practical quantum computing is still evolving, and no system to date can handle everyday tasks at extreme scales. 



Hardware improvements must address coherence limits, chip manufacturing hurdles, and real-world deployment challenges.



Yet the persistence shown in designing Majorana 1 hints that commercial quantum solutions are inching closer. 



Recent peer-reviewed results in Nature support these claims with measured data, though experts note more demonstrations are needed.



Microsoft’s focus on Majorana-based qubits sets it apart from competitors pursuing other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-theory-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/">quantum</a> methods. 



Analysts say that if this architecture meets its reliability promises, it could reshape what scientists can tackle on a daily basis.



Industry watchers expect lively debates on the practicality of the topoconductor material. Each breakthrough prompts new questions about costs, scalability, and readiness for mass adoption.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08445-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Microsoft's quantum gamble: A Majorana chip that promises a million qubits

Microsoft has sparked wide interest with its pursuit of a...

It’s easy to believe that the internet is an open door to knowledge. A place where a user's search leads to discovery. A tool for understanding new ideas, correcting mistakes, or seeing both sides of a debate. But in practice, something very different is happening.



Especially now, when polarization defines everything from public health to climate action to political opinion, many people go online hoping to learn - and come away even more convinced they were right all along.



The surprising part? These biases are not the fault of online search engines alone. 



A study from <a href="https://tulane.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tulane University</a> has exposed a quiet but powerful driver behind the entrenchment of opinion: the way people frame their questions in the first place. And even unbiased algorithms can’t save us from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scrolling-online-videos-is-not-a-good-cure-for-boredom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a> of our own wording.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-user-search-terms-shape-results">User search terms shape results</h2>



The Tulane study offers a wide-angle look at how search behavior deepens existing beliefs. It’s not about misinformation. It’s not about manipulation. It’s about routine, everyday habits that unknowingly reinforce what people already think. 



According to the researchers, most users choose search terms that reflect their current opinions, often without realizing it. The search engine then returns the most relevant results based on those terms - leading users into a loop of self-confirmation.



"When people look up information online - whether on Google, ChatGPT or new AI-powered search engines - they often pick search terms that reflect what they already believe (sometimes without even realizing it)," noted study lead author Eugina Leung, assistant professor at Tulane’s A. B. Freeman School of Business.



"Because today’s search algorithms are designed to give you ‘the most relevant’ answers for whatever term you type, those answers can then reinforce what you thought in the first place. This makes it harder for people to discover broader <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happiness-influences-online-shopping-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perspectives</a>."



This pattern held steady across 21 experiments with nearly 10,000 participants. Regardless of the subject - caffeine, nuclear power, COVID-19, or crime statistics - people shaped their searches to match their beliefs.



Someone confident that caffeine is healthy might search for “benefits of caffeine,” while a skeptic would look up “caffeine health risks.” That small difference pushed them toward vastly different sources, perspectives, and conclusions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-users-unknowingly-confirm-their-views">Users unknowingly confirm their views</h2>



The team also explored whether users were consciously seeking validation through their searches. Surprisingly, most weren’t. In several experiments, fewer than 10% of participants admitted they were deliberately using search to find results that supported what they already believed.



Yet the majority still typed queries that aligned with their personal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomscrolling-is-silently-ruining-our-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">views</a>. Their search patterns didn’t change, even when their intent wasn’t to confirm a bias.



That’s what makes this issue so subtle. People can fall into biased search loops even when they think they’re being neutral. Search engines prioritize what they interpret as relevance, so they reward the exact words entered. 



The result is a kind of algorithmic loyalty to the user’s original phrasing, whether or not that phrasing reflects a full picture of the topic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-reflects-user-bias-too">AI reflects user bias too</h2>



The issue isn’t just with search engines. AI tools like ChatGPT also reflect users' biases. When queries are slanted, AI responses often match the tone and viewpoint of the question. 



Even if other views are mentioned, the search still supports the user's original belief. These tools seem neutral but rely heavily on how users frame their questions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solution-for-online-search-biases">Solution for online search biases </h2>



The researchers tested multiple approaches to see if they could encourage people to seek out more balanced information. Merely advising users to consider different views didn’t work. Neither did suggesting that they run multiple types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-is-helping-save-wild-animals-like-caracals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">searches</a>. Behavioral nudges and awareness campaigns weren’t enough.



But one change worked consistently: modifying the algorithm itself. In one experiment, researchers adjusted the search tool to deliver a broader range of articles - regardless of how narrowly the query was phrased - exposing users to more diverse perspectives.



This had a clear effect: users were more likely to adopt moderate views, showed greater openness to changing their behavior, and didn’t find the broader results less helpful or accurate.



Participants appreciated the balanced approach, rating the mixed results as just as relevant as the ones that matched their original wording. 



That challenges the idea that users only want search content that aligns with their beliefs and suggests they will value a fuller view - so long as they aren’t required to search for it themselves.



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



The researchers proposed a “Search Broadly” feature - an alternative to Google’s “I’m Feeling Lucky.” Rather than showing the most relevant result, it would present diverse sources.



Users responded positively, showing interest in tools that challenge rather than reflect their views. This approach isn’t about restricting content, but about design. 



By prioritizing perspective over confirmation, algorithms could interrupt polarization at its source: the search query.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-biases-in-online-searches">Reducing biases in online searches</h2>



Search engines and AI platforms aren’t neutral containers. They’re decision-makers. Every search result order, every answer phrasing, is based on calculations of relevance, popularity, or usefulness. 



And these calculations reflect assumptions about what the user wants. But what if those assumptions are wrong? What if users aren’t best served by hearing what they expect?



“Because AI and large-scale search are embedded in our daily lives, integrating a broader-search approach could reduce echo chambers for millions (if not billions) of users," noted Professor Leung.



"Our research highlights how careful design choices can tip the balance in favor of more informed, potentially less polarized societies."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2408175122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Internet search results often reinforce a person's existing beliefs

It’s easy to believe that the internet is an open...

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.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0dEcERCq61-2283382-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

News coming your way