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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/ieJKWW8sp2A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This animation depicts water disappearing over time in the Martian river valley Neretva Vallis, where NASA's Perseverance Mars takes the rock sample named “Sapphire Canyon” from a rock called “Cheyava Falls,” which was found in the “Bright Angel” formation. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech</em></figcaption></figure>



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



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



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NASA announces "groundbreaking discovery" of life on Mars

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

<p>According to a recent study led by <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/">Tufts University</a>, the 2018 implementation of menu <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/calorie-restriction-makes-it-possible-to-slow-down-aging/">calorie</a> labels - mandated by the <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/where-can-i-read-the-affordable-care-act/">Affordable Care Act</a> for all chain restaurants with 20 or more outlets - is helping Americans make healthier choices at restaurants and fast-food operations, leading to a net decrease in caloric intake by 20 to 60 calories per meal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although this reduction may not sound too significant, the experts estimated that it is sufficient to prevent over 28,000 cancer cases linked to obesity and 16,700 deaths over a lifetime, while saving $2.8 billion in healthcare and societal costs. Since obesity-related cancers currently represent 40 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer cases, helping people make healthier food choices both at home and at restaurants could be considered an important cancer prevention strategy.</p>



<p>“It’s important for us to continue to show consumers, policymakers, and industry how small changes can lead to big benefits,” said lead author&nbsp;Mengxi Du, a doctoral student in Nutrition Epidemiology and Data Science at Tufts. “Our population-level view suggests that these labels can be associated with substantial health gains and cancer-related healthcare cost savings that could be doubled with additional industry response, such as by replacing high-calorie menu items with lower-calorie options or reformulating recipes.”</p>



<p>The model developed by the research team assumes that menu calorie labels lead to one pound of weight loss per year and estimates that it increases health gains and net savings the most among young adults aged 20-44, who are recently facing a disproportionate rise in obesity-associated cancers. While Hispanic and Black individuals are also likely to see more cancer deaths averted by menu labeling, further work is needed to ensure that people of different ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds are equally benefiting from food labeling policies.</p>



<p>“People with higher education or income levels are aware of the information in menu labels and how to understand it, but we need to put some effort into education among underrepresented, low-income, or at-risk communities because we still see some disparities,” Du explained. “I think people would like to see calorie numbers when they go to a restaurant - even if menus don’t provide comprehensive nutrition information, it helps us all make quick calculations about the food we’re about to purchase.”</p>



<p>“From this research, we can see how labeling policies that effectively encourage consumers to make healthier dietary decisions are a form of cancer prevention - they reduce an individual’s chances of being obese and getting an obesity-associated cancer, while improving quality of life. These policies don’t require a lot of spending, especially when compared to cancer screening costs, but provide a lot of benefits,” concluded senior author&nbsp;Fang Fang Zhang, a cancer epidemiologist at Tufts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063614"><em>BMJ Open</em></a><em>.&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>—</p>



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Menu calorie labels can help prevent thousands of cancer deaths

According to a recent study led by Tufts University, the...

<p>A new study from <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/">Lund University</a> in Sweden reveals that providing food to small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diving-birds-face-a-greater-risk-of-extinction/">birds</a> during winter not only fills their stomachs, but also helps them maintain better health. This is because the energy they save from feeding can be utilized to fight infections instead of being expended to maintain their body temperature.</p>



<p>Small birds have a remarkable ability to lower their body temperature by several degrees during winter nights, in an effort to conserve energy. This physiological adaptation is crucial for their survival, given the limited food resources available during the cold months.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, when birds become infected, their bodies respond by raising their temperature, a natural defense mechanism that clashes with their need to save energy.</p>



<p>Hannah Watson, a biologist at Lund University, explained the focus of the research: “We investigated how access to food during winter affected the balancing act between maintaining a low body temperature in order to save energy, and the possibility of raising body temperature in order to fight infection.”</p>



<p>The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13914"><em>Journal of Animal Ecology</em></a>, found that birds with access to food during the winter were able to maintain a slightly higher body temperature at night compared to those who did not have access to feeding tables. This indicates that they had gathered enough energy to survive a winter night without needing to lower their body temperature as much.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



<p>To further investigate the effects of access to food on the birds' immune response, the researchers exposed them to a simulated infection. Surprisingly, all the birds exhibited the same fever temperature, regardless of their access to food. However, birds without access to extra food were forced to expend more energy to raise their body temperature high enough to battle the infection.</p>



<p>“We had expected to find that the birds that had access to birdfeeders would have more energy to fight an infection, and that as a result they would exhibit a stronger fever response," said Watson. "Our results, however, show the opposite – birds that did not have access to a reliable source of food had the strongest reaction to infection. This enabled them to reach the same fever temperature as the birds with extra food.”</p>



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



<p>In the face of climate change and increasing human activity, wild animals are being exposed to new pathogens they have never encountered before.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Bird feeding can have both positive and negative effects: birds that visit feeding tables may be exposed to a higher risk of infection due to the spread of pathogens, but at the same time, their immune defenses could become more tolerant to new infections.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Therefore, understanding the factors that influence animals' capacity for an effective immune response, such as access to food during winter, is crucial for conservation efforts.</p>



<p>“A lot of people like to feed the birds. Our study shows that this can have a positive effect on the capacity of our small birds to fight an infection," said Watson.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research highlights the importance of providing food to small birds during the winter months in order to bolster their health and resilience against infections.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-more-we-know-about-feeding-habits-of-birds">What more we know about feeding habits of birds</h2>



<p>Birds have diverse feeding habits that are influenced by factors such as species, habitat, and season. During the winter months, birds face various challenges due to harsh weather conditions and limited food resources. Consequently, they adapt their feeding habits to survive and maintain their energy levels.</p>



<p>Here are some key aspects of birds' feeding habits during winter:</p>



<h3 id="h-food-scarcity">Food scarcity</h3>



<p>In winter, the availability of natural food sources such as insects, fruits, and seeds decreases. Birds must search for food more intensively or change their diet to include alternative food sources.</p>



<h3 id="h-diet-flexibility">Diet flexibility</h3>



<p>Many birds exhibit flexibility in their diet during winter to cope with food scarcity. For example, insectivorous birds may switch to consuming seeds or fruits, while some seed-eating birds might include insects in their diet.</p>



<h3 id="h-foraging-strategies">Foraging strategies</h3>



<p>Birds employ different foraging strategies to find food in winter. Some may join mixed-species foraging flocks, which increases the chances of locating food sources and provides protection from predators. Others might cache food during the fall season to rely on during winter.</p>



<h3 id="h-energy-conservation">Energy conservation</h3>



<p>With limited food availability, birds need to conserve energy. They do so by reducing their activity levels, roosting together for warmth, and, as mentioned in the previous answer, lowering their body temperature during winter nights.</p>



<h3 id="h-birdfeeders">Birdfeeders</h3>



<p>Many bird species benefit from human-provided food sources such as birdfeeders during winter. Common foods provided in birdfeeders include seeds, suet, and fat balls, which supply birds with essential nutrients and energy. However, it is important to maintain hygiene at birdfeeders to minimize the spread of diseases.</p>



<h3 id="h-migration">Migration</h3>



<p>Some bird species avoid the harsh winter conditions and food scarcity by migrating to warmer regions with abundant food sources.</p>



<p>Understanding the feeding habits of birds during winter months is essential for their conservation, as it helps us develop strategies to support their survival in the face of changing environments and human-induced disturbances.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Providing supplementary food sources, such as birdfeeders, and preserving their natural habitats can play a significant role in sustaining bird populations during winter.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Bird feeders actually improve bird health

A new study from Lund University in Sweden reveals that...

<p>A recent study conducted by <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu/">UC San Francisco</a> reveals a significant reduction in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in Oakland, California, following the implementation of a local soda tax. This decline is likely to contribute to improved public health and financial savings for the city. The findings support previous recommendations by the National Clinical Care Commission (NCCC) to implement a national tax on SSBs and may reignite the debate around the issue.</p>



<p>Published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/"><em>PLOS Medicine</em></a>, the study found that purchases of SSBs in Oakland dropped by 26.8 percent between July 2017, when the one-cent-per-ounce tax went into effect, and December 31, 2019. This decrease was in comparison to similar cities without a tax, such as Richmond, California, and Los Angeles.</p>



<p>The NCCC, established by Congress to provide guidance on diabetes policy, had advised the introduction of a nationwide tax on SSBs just over a year ago. However, California state legislators have prohibited new taxes on SSBs for the past five years. Existing taxes in Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Albany were permitted to remain in place.</p>



<p>“These results suggest SSB taxes can meaningfully improve diet and health and generate substantial cost savings over a sustained period of time, all of which support the case for a national tax on SSBs,” said study senior author Dr. Dean Schillinger.</p>



<p>“The American Beverage Association cornered the California legislature into passing the law barring further SSB taxes in our state. Voters now have evidence that allowing such taxes can yield significant benefits to society, and we hope that legislators at the state and national level act on these findings.”</p>



<h2 id="h-huge-savings-on-health-care-costs-for-the-city">Huge savings on health care costs for the city</h2>



<p>To assess the impact of the soda tax, researchers compared sugary drink purchases in Oakland to those in nearby Richmond and Los Angeles, which do not have a beverage tax. They analyzed consumer behavior in these cities in the 30 months before and after the tax went into effect on July 1, 2017.</p>



<p>The study also employed computer modeling to estimate the consequences of reduced SSB consumption on community health, using quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) as a measure. QALYs represent a year of perfect health and are often used to quantify the benefits of health interventions. Additionally, the researchers calculated the health care cost savings associated with preventing or controlling diseases linked to SSB consumption, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and gum disease.</p>



<p>According to the findings, a 26.8% reduction in SSB consumption over a decade added 94 QALYs per 10,000 residents and saved Oakland more than $100,000 per 10,000 residents in health care costs. The researchers expect these gains to increase over a lifetime.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, they discovered no evidence that consumers traveled to neighboring untaxed locations to purchase sugary drinks or substituted sweet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sweet-snacks-rewire-the-brain-to-prefer-unhealthy-food/">snacks</a> for taxed SSBs.</p>



<p>“Our estimates suggest this tax is at least as cost-effective as other widely recognized public health interventions such as smoke-free workplace policies and air pollution control measures,” noted study first author Professor Justin White.</p>



<h2 id="h-researchers-report-additional-and-unexpected-benefits">Researchers report additional and unexpected benefits&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study also revealed a significant decrease in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) across all categories, including sweetened soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened teas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings suggest that the local soda tax implemented in the city has had positive effects on public health, which may be underestimated due to the study not accounting for additional benefits from nutrition and public health programs funded by the tax revenue.</p>



<p>The research discovered that purchases of various types of SSBs declined significantly, with sweetened soda dropping by 23.1 percent, fruit drinks by 30.4%, sports drinks by 42.4 percent, and sweetened teas by 24.4 percent. The declines were consistent for both individual- and family-sized products and were similar in both lower-income and higher-income areas.</p>



<p>“Studies of other U.S. cities have found similar reductions in SSB purchases as this one,” said Dr. Schillinger. “The sustained impact of Oakland’s tax is particularly important. It suggests that, were an SSB tax to be scaled nationally, our country would enjoy better health and lower healthcare costs.”</p>



<p>According to Dr. Schillinger, the current findings might underestimate the health benefits of the SSB tax. He stated that the researchers "did not account for the positive impacts of the local nutrition and public health programs funded by the tax revenue in Oakland."</p>



<h2 id="h-a-growing-trend-nationwide">A growing trend nationwide</h2>



<p>As of 2021, seven U.S. cities and over 35 countries had implemented SSB taxes to reduce the risk of diet-sensitive chronic diseases and increase government revenue for health promotion initiatives.</p>



<p>Past research has shown that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In fact, a recent UCSF study found that SSB taxes in five cities, including Oakland, significantly lowered the risk of diabetes and unhealthy weight gain in pregnant mothers and reduced the risk of having an overly small fetus.</p>



<p>While previous studies have established that SSB taxes lead to fewer purchases and reduced intake of SSBs in the short term, this study is among the first to examine sustained declines alongside other purchasing behavior, such as "substitute" purchases of sweet snacks. It is also the first study to evaluate cost-effectiveness in relation to SSB taxes.</p>



<p>This research contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of SSB taxes in promoting public health and reducing the risks associated with chronic diet-sensitive diseases. As more cities and countries adopt similar measures, the findings of this study may play an essential role in shaping future policies and strategies aimed at decreasing SSB consumption and promoting healthier lifestyles.</p>



<h2 id="h-health-impact-of-sugar-heavy-diets">Health impact of sugar-heavy diets</h2>



<p>Sugar-heavy diets can have numerous negative health impacts on humans and pose a significant burden on the health care system. Some of the key health issues associated with excessive sugar consumption include:</p>



<h3 id="h-obesity">Obesity</h3>



<p>Consuming excessive amounts of added sugars, particularly in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed foods, can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of obesity. Obesity is associated with numerous health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.</p>



<h3 id="h-type-2-diabetes">Type 2 diabetes</h3>



<p>High sugar consumption can lead to insulin resistance, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Over time, this can cause elevated blood sugar levels, which can damage organs, blood vessels, and nerves, leading to further health complications.</p>



<h3 id="h-cardiovascular-disease">Cardiovascular disease</h3>



<p>Diets high in added sugars have been linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Excessive sugar intake can lead to high blood pressure, increased levels of unhealthy cholesterol (LDL), and inflammation, all of which contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.</p>



<h3 id="h-dental-caries-cavities">Dental caries (cavities)</h3>



<p>Sugary foods and drinks promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Poor dental health can also contribute to other health issues, such as gum disease and tooth loss.</p>



<h3 id="h-non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-nafld">Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)</h3>



<p>Excessive sugar intake, particularly in the form of fructose, can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, resulting in NAFLD. This condition can progress to more severe liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver cancer.</p>



<h3 id="h-metabolic-syndrome">Metabolic syndrome</h3>



<p>High sugar consumption has been linked to the development of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels.</p>



<h2 id="h-impact-on-the-health-care-system">Impact on the health care system</h2>



<p>The increased prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions related to sugar-heavy diets places a significant burden on the health care system. This includes higher health care costs, increased demand for medical services and resources, and a greater need for chronic disease management and prevention programs.</p>



<p>Additionally, the economic impact of lost productivity due to illness, disability, and premature death associated with sugar-related health issues can be substantial. To address these challenges, health care systems must invest in public health initiatives, such as educational campaigns, nutritional guidelines, and policies aimed at reducing sugar consumption and promoting healthier lifestyles.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Sugar drink taxes dramatically improve overall health in cities

A recent study conducted by UC San Francisco reveals a...

Group,Of,Vikings,Are,Floating,On,The,Sea,On,Drakkar

<p>A groundbreaking study conducted by archaeologists from the <a href="https://english.hi.is/university_of_iceland">University of Iceland</a> has uncovered evidence that Vikings arrived in the Americas 500 years before Christopher Columbus, who is often credited with the discovery of the continent in 1492.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, recently published in the journal <a href="https://antiquity.ac.uk/"><em>Antiquity</em></a>, analyzed wood samples from five Norse sites in western Greenland, occupied between 1000 and 1400.</p>



<p>The researchers were able to identify the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neem-tree-bark-has-the-potential-to-treat-coronaviruses/">tree</a> species that many of the samples originated from, revealing that some of the wood had been imported from both the Americas and Europe. In particular, they found that hemlock and Jack pine, which were not grown in northern Europe during the second millennium, must have been brought across the Atlantic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery supports some Viking sagas - stories passed down through Viking societies - which suggest that explorers imported timber from "Vínland," a coastal area of North America believed to be along the Gulf of St. Lawrence.</p>



<p>Jack pine grows naturally around the Mackenzie River, Nova Scotia, and New England, while hemlock can be found near Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"These findings highlight the fact that Norse Greenlanders had the means, knowledge and appropriate vessels to cross the Davis Strait to the east coast of North America, at least up until the fourteenth century," wrote the researchers. "As such, journeys were being made from Greenland to North America throughout the entirety of the period of Norse settlement in Greenland, and resources were being acquired by the Norse from North America for far longer than previously thought."</p>



<p>Many historical records suggest that Vikings living in Greenland between 985 and 1450 relied on imported materials, such as iron and wood, for large building projects, shipbuilding, and artifact production. Local tree species were not adequate for these purposes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To determine the proportion of foreign wood used by Vikings and its origins, the researchers collected samples from wood assemblages in four medium-sized elite farms and a bishop's manor, which were known to have been occupied in the first half of the second millennium through radiocarbon dating and the types of artifacts found there.</p>



<p>The experts used microscopes to examine the cellular structure of the wood and identify the tree species they came from. Their analysis revealed that 0.27 per cent of the samples came from imported species, either from North America or northern Europe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some of the European species, including oak, beech, and Scots pine, might have been old ship timber or arrived as ready-made artifacts. The analysis also found that a quarter of the samples were either imported or arrived in Greenland as driftwood, with species including larch, spruce, Scots pine, and fir. Driftwood, along with timber from local woodlands, was used as fuel and for other domestic purposes.</p>



<p>The results confirm that the Vikings had established numerous trading routes across the northwestern Atlantic Ocean and corroborate the sagas which claim that explorers, like Leif Erikson - who is thought to have been the first European to set foot on the continent - brought timber back from Vínland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2021, a study of wooden artifacts from L'Anse Aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, reached the same conclusion. The area was first thought to be a Norse site in 1960, based on evidence of cutting and slicing on the wood by metal blades, which were not produced by the Indigenous population.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers from the University of Groningen found that this wood dated back to the year 1021, a full 471 years before Columbus arrived in the Americas.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-vikings">More about the Vikings</h2>



<p>Aside from the groundbreaking discoveries regarding the Vikings' presence in the Americas, their early transatlantic voyages, and their extensive trade networks, the Vikings also left a lasting impact in other areas. Some of their other achievements and contributions include:</p>



<h3 id="h-shipbuilding">Shipbuilding</h3>



<p>Vikings were known for their advanced shipbuilding techniques, which allowed them to sail across vast distances and navigate diverse waterways. Their iconic longships were fast, agile, and had shallow drafts, enabling them to travel both on open seas and along river systems.</p>



<h3 id="h-navigation">Navigation</h3>



<p>The Vikings were skilled navigators, relying on their knowledge of the stars, ocean currents, and other natural cues. They used tools like the sunstone, which helped them determine the position of the sun even on cloudy days, to help guide their voyages.</p>



<h3 id="h-settlements">Settlements</h3>



<p>The Vikings established numerous settlements across Europe and the North Atlantic, reaching as far as Iceland, Greenland, and the aforementioned North American sites. These settlements often included farming communities, trading posts, and centers of political power.</p>



<h3 id="h-language-and-literature">Language and Literature</h3>



<p>The Vikings' language, Old Norse, evolved into several modern Scandinavian languages, including Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Icelandic. They also produced a rich body of literature, including the sagas, which are a mix of history, myth, and legend, as well as the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, which contain a wealth of Norse mythology.</p>



<h3 id="h-art-and-craftsmanship">Art and Craftsmanship</h3>



<p>Viking art, characterized by intricate designs and patterns, is still admired today. They were skilled craftsmen, working with materials like wood, metal, and textiles to create functional and decorative objects.</p>



<h3 id="h-runes">Runes</h3>



<p>The Vikings used a writing system called runes, which they carved into stone, metal, and wood. Runes were used for various purposes, including communication, memorial inscriptions, and magical or religious symbolism.</p>



<h2 id="h-influence-on-european-history">Influence on European History</h2>



<p>The Viking Age, spanning from the late 8th to the early 11th century, significantly influenced European history. Vikings played a role in the formation of several European nations, including England, Scotland, and Russia, through their settlements, conquests, and interactions with local populations.</p>



<p>In conclusion, the Vikings' legacy extends far beyond their early arrival in the Americas. They made significant advancements in shipbuilding, navigation, and other areas, established settlements across vast distances, and influenced the development of modern European nations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their rich cultural heritage, including their language, literature, art, and craftsmanship, continues to captivate people today.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Vikings landed in the Americas 500 years before Columbus

A groundbreaking study conducted by archaeologists from the University of...

<p>Understanding the factors that limit an animal's traveling speed is essential to comprehend their movement patterns, survival strategies, and adaptability in the face of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html">German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research</a> (iDiv) and the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, have discovered a key relationship between animal size and traveling speed, as well as the role of heat dissipation. The study, led by Alexander Dyer, was published on April 18th in the open-access journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3001820"><em>PLOS Biology</em></a>.</p>



<p>The capacity of an animal to travel is critical for its survival, as it determines its ability to migrate, find food and mates, and expand into new territories. In an increasingly human-dominated world, the challenges of fragmented habitats, limited food and water resources, and a changing climate make understanding these factors even more pressing.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



<p>To examine the relationship between animal size and traveling speed, Dyer and his colleagues developed a model using data from 532 species. Although it might be assumed that larger animals, with longer wings, legs, or tails, would be able to travel faster, the research team discovered that medium-sized animals typically demonstrate the fastest sustained speeds.</p>



<p>The researchers believe that this is because larger animals require more time to dissipate the heat generated by their muscles while moving. Consequently, these animals must travel more slowly to avoid overheating. The team concludes that an animal's traveling speed can be explained by jointly considering how efficiently it utilizes energy and sheds heat.</p>



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



<p>"The new study provides a way to understand animal movement capacities across species and can be used to estimate any animal’s traveling speed based on its size. For example, this approach can be applied to predict whether an animal might be able to move between habitats fragmented by human development, even when the details of its biology are unknown," said Dyer.</p>



<p>The researchers anticipate that larger animals may be more vulnerable to the effects of habitat fragmentation in a warming climate than previously thought, making them more prone to extinction. Dr. Myriam Hirt, the study's last author from iDiv and the University of Jena, acknowledges that further investigation is necessary to confirm these suspicions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research could provide crucial insights into the conservation efforts needed to protect species affected by habitat fragmentation and climate change.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-animals-and-traveling-speed">More about animals and traveling speed</h2>



<p>While the aforementioned study provides valuable insights into the relationship between animal size and traveling speed, there are other factors and aspects worth considering.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large animals have certain advantages and disadvantages when it comes to their traveling speed, which are influenced by various biological, physiological, and ecological factors.</p>



<h3 id="h-body-structure">Body structure</h3>



<p>The biomechanics of large animals, including their muscle strength, leg length, and overall body design, can influence their traveling speed. For instance, long-legged animals like giraffes or elephants can cover greater distances with each stride. However, their size and mass can also limit their acceleration, making them slower to reach their top speed compared to smaller animals.</p>



<h3 id="h-metabolic-rate">Metabolic rate</h3>



<p>Large animals typically have lower metabolic rates compared to smaller ones. As a result, they may not need to travel as fast to obtain the necessary energy and resources for survival. This could partly explain why larger animals don't travel as fast as might be expected based on their size alone.</p>



<h3 id="h-energy-conservation">Energy conservation</h3>



<p>Large animals may opt for slower traveling speeds to conserve energy. Traveling at high speeds can be energetically costly, so maintaining a slower pace can help them preserve energy for essential activities like foraging, mating, and escaping predators.</p>



<h3 id="h-terrain">Terrain</h3>



<p>The type of terrain that large animals inhabit can affect their traveling speed. For example, large animals living in dense forests may have difficulty navigating through tight spaces and obstacles, while those living in open grasslands or savannahs may be able to move more freely and rapidly.</p>



<h3 id="h-predation-and-escape-strategies">Predation and escape strategies</h3>



<p>Large animals often have fewer natural predators, which could reduce the need for high-speed escapes. Instead, they may rely on their strength, size, or social behavior to deter predators.</p>



<h3 id="h-locomotion-type">Locomotion type</h3>



<p>The mode of locomotion used by large animals can also impact their traveling speed. For example, large aquatic animals, like whales, can achieve considerable speeds in water due to their streamlined bodies and powerful tails. However, large terrestrial animals like elephants may not be as efficient in terms of their speed.</p>



<p>Understanding the factors that govern the traveling speed of large animals is essential for ecological studies, wildlife conservation, and predicting how these species will respond to environmental changes. Further research in this area could help refine our understanding of the relationship between animal size and traveling speed, as well as the consequences for species conservation and management.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Large animals travel slowly because they get too hot

Understanding the factors that limit an animal's traveling speed is...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://umich.edu/">University of Michigan</a> have developed an innovative optimization framework that could dramatically reduce the energy demands of training deep learning models, a critical tool in powering artificial intelligence systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The open-source optimization framework, called Zeus, studies deep learning models during the training process to identify the optimal balance between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-energy-do-plants-use-to-lift-water-from-the-soil/">energy</a> consumption and training speed.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zeus-comparison-graph.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1916974"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A variety of common deep learning models benefit from Zeus' ability to tune GPU power limits and the training batch size. When both parameters were tuned, the software achieved up to 75% energy reduction.&nbsp;<br>Credit: SymbioticLab, University of Michigan</figcaption></figure>



<p>Deep learning models have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, powering a range of applications from image-generation models and expressive chatbots to recommender systems for platforms like TikTok and Amazon. However, the energy consumption associated with training these models is substantial and has significant environmental implications.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"At extreme scales, training the GPT-3 model just once consumes 1,287 MWh, which is enough to supply an average U.S. household for 120 years," said Professor Mosharaf Chowdhury.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-researchers-goals">The researchers' goals</h2>



<p>With the new Zeus energy optimization framework, Chowdhury and his team aim to reduce energy consumption figures like these by up to 75 percent without the need for new hardware and with only minor impacts on the time it takes to train a model. The framework was presented at the 2023 USENIX Symposium on Networked Systems Design and Implementation (NSDI) in Boston.</p>



<p>As cloud computing continues to grow and outpace the emissions of commercial aviation, the increased climate burden from artificial intelligence is a pressing concern.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Existing work primarily focuses on optimizing deep learning training for faster completion, often without considering the impact on energy efficiency," said study first author Jae-Won Chung, a doctoral student in computer science and engineering.</p>



<p>"We discovered that the energy we're pouring into GPUs is giving diminishing returns, which allows us to reduce energy consumption significantly, with relatively little slowdown."</p>



<h2 id="h-why-ai-training-consumes-so-much-energy">Why AI training consumes so much energy</h2>



<p>Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that relies on multilayered, artificial neural networks, also known as deep neural networks (DNNs), to tackle a wide array of tasks. These models are highly complex and learn from some of the largest data sets ever used in machine learning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a result, they benefit significantly from the multitasking capabilities of graphical processing units (GPUs), which account for 70 percent of the power consumed during the training process.</p>



<p>Zeus achieves this optimization by adjusting two critical software parameters in real-time: the GPU power limit and the deep learning model's batch size. The GPU power limit controls the energy consumption of the GPU, reducing it while temporarily slowing down the model's training until the setting is adjusted again.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The batch size parameter, on the other hand, determines how many samples from the training data the model processes before updating its internal representations. Higher batch sizes can decrease training time but at the cost of increased energy consumption.</p>



<p>The unique ability of Zeus to tune these settings in real time allows it to find the optimal tradeoff point between energy usage and training time. According to Jie You, a recent doctoral graduate in computer science and engineering and co-lead author of the study, the repetitive nature of machine learning enables Zeus to learn about the DNN's behavior across different recurrences, making it highly effective in practice.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-makes-zeus-better-than-other-options">What makes Zeus better than other options</h2>



<p>Zeus stands out as the first framework designed to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows for various machine learning tasks and GPUs. This innovative solution reduces energy consumption without necessitating changes to a system's hardware or data center infrastructure.</p>



<p>To further reduce the carbon footprint of DNN training, the team has also developed complementary software called Chase. This software prioritizes speed when low-carbon energy is available and opts for efficiency at the expense of speed during peak times, which are more likely to involve carbon-intensive energy generation like coal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Chase won second place at last year's CarbonHack hackathon and will be presented on May 4 at the International Conference on Learning Representations Workshop.</p>



<p>Study co-author Zhenning Yang emphasized the need for solutions that don't conflict with the realistic constraints of DNN training, such as data regulations or the requirement for up-to-date data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our aim is to design and implement solutions that do not conflict with these realistic constraints, while still reducing the carbon footprint of DNN training," Yang said.</p>



<p>Zeus represents a groundbreaking step forward in addressing the energy efficiency concerns associated with training deep learning models. By optimizing the tradeoff between energy consumption and training speed, the framework has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of artificial intelligence systems without sacrificing performance.</p>



<p>The study was supported in part by the National Science Foundation grants CNS-1909067 and CNS-2104243, VMWare and the Kwanjeong Educational Foundation, and computing credits provided by CloudLab and Chameleon Cloud. As the AI industry continues to grow, frameworks like Zeus and software like Chase can play a crucial role in promoting sustainability and minimizing the environmental impact of AI technologies.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Tech breakthrough cuts carbon footprint of AI training by 75 percent

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an innovative...

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/">University College London</a> (UCL) has found that individuals living with long Covid who suffer from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-loss-of-smell-linked-to-abnormal-immune-response/">loss of smell</a> (anosmia) have reduced brain activity and impaired communication between the orbitofrontal cortex and the prefrontal cortex, two areas of the brain which process important smell information.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings suggest that smell loss caused by long Covid is associated with a change in the brain that stops smells from being processed properly.</p>



<p>The experts used MRI scans to compare the brain activity of individuals with long Covid experiencing anosmia, those whose smell returned after their Covid infection, and people who never tested positive for Covid.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that, although the brain impairment of people with long Covid suffering from loss of smell seemed quite persistent, in those who regained their sense of smell after Covid, the connection between the two brain areas was not impaired. This finding suggests that it may be possible to retrain the brain to recover its sense of smell.</p>



<p>“Persistent loss of smell is just one way long Covid is still impacting people’s quality of life – smell is something we take for granted, but it guides us in lots of ways and is closely tied to our overall wellbeing,” said lead author Jed Wingrove, a neuroimaging scientist and data analyst at UCL. “Our study gives reassurance that, for the majority of people whose sense of smell comes back, there are no permanent changes to brain activity.”</p>



<p>&nbsp;“Our findings highlight the impact Covid-19 is having on brain function. They raise the intriguing possibility that olfactory training – that is, retraining the brain to process different scents – could help the brain to recover lost pathways, and help people with long Covid recover their sense of smell,” added joint senior author Claudia Wheeler-Kingshott, a professor of Magnetic Resonance Physics at the UCL Institute of Neurology.</p>



<p>The researchers also discovered that the brains of people with long Covid smell loss might be compensating for this lost sensorial capacity by creating neuronal connections with other sensory regions of the brain, such as the visual cortex, suggesting that the neurons which would normally process smell are still there, but are functioning in a different way.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101883"><em>EClinicalMedicine</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>—</p>



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



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

Covid smell loss linked to changes in brain connectivity

A new study led by the University College London (UCL)...

<p>Through careful crossbreeding and selection, a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.umd.edu/">University of Maryland</a> (UM) has recently developed two improved varieties of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-apples-are-bigger-and-less-acidic-than-their-ancestors/">apples</a> – a yellow and a red one - that are heat-tolerant, blight-tolerant, easy to harvest, low-maintenance, and delicious-tasting. The two varieties have been approved for patents and are currently awaiting the final grant from the <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a>.</p>



<p>These developments aim to address a variety of problems the apple industry has been grappling with in recent years. For instance, apples have always been labor-intensive to bring to market, with trees needing to be trained, pruned, and harvested by hand.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since during the past decade, farming experienced increased labor shortages, the apple industry has been one of the hardest hit. In addition, more frequent and severe heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, increased temperatures in the South, and shorter and warmer cool seasons in the North and East have strained the country’s largest apple producing regions, spelling increased uncertainty for orchard fruits that need cooler conditions.</p>



<p>Through the development of the two new Maryland varieties, experts aimed to solve at least some of these problems. “These trees require a lot less hand labor compared to apples that are available to growers now,” said Chris Walsh, a professor emeritus of Plant Science &amp; Landscape Architecture at UM who developed the new apples with his colleagues Julia Harshman and Kathleen Hunt. “We can’t say they’re non-pruning, but the pruning a farmer would do is minimal on these trees.”</p>



<p>These varieties grow into much shorter trees, making harvesting easier, are tolerant to fire blight, a devastating bacterial disease frequently affecting apples, and are heat-tolerant, being specifically designed to grow in Maryland’s warm and humid climate.</p>



<p>In future research, scientists from <a href="https://msu.edu/">Michigan State University</a> and <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/">Texas A&amp;M University</a> will conduct trials to assess how well these varieties grow in their climate conditions. If these investigations lead to positive results, the next step would be to license the apples to commercial nurseries which will produce the stock in large numbers and sell the trees to apple growers. When the apples will finally reach the markets, consumers will most likely find them in local fruit stands, farmer’s markets, and pick-your-own farms.</p>



<p>“These apples were bred for direct-to-consumer sales. They’re not meant for the big chain stores to be shipped and stored for months. They’re meant to be eaten right off the tree,” Walsh concluded.</p>



<p>—</p>



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



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

New apple varieties can handle a hotter climate

Through careful crossbreeding and selection, a team of researchers from...

<p>Wildfires are a major threat to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-taking-a-toll-on-the-wine-industry/">wine industry</a> since persistent exposure to smoke compromises the quality of wine grapes and negatively impacts wines. Currently, these threats are particularly pronounced on the US West Coast, where states such as California, Oregon, and Washington are some of the country’s top wine-producing states.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, a team of scientists led by the <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/">Oregon State University</a> (OSU) has discovered a new class of chemical compounds that contributes to the smoky or ashy flavors in wines produced from grapes exposed to wildfire smoke. These findings are crucial for winemakers struggling to combat the effect of smoke on grapes at a time when climate change is leading to an increasing number of severe wildfires.</p>



<p>“These findings provide new avenues for research to understand and prevent smoke taint in grapes,” said&nbsp;Elizabeth Tomasino, an associate professor of Enology at OSU. “They also will help provide tools for the grape and wine industries to quickly make decisions about whether to harvest grapes or make wine following a smoke event.”</p>



<p>Previously, changes in wine flavor and aroma were attributed to a class of compounds known as volatile phenols. However, wines with high levels of these compounds often did not taste smokey, while wines with low levels could have such a taste, so volatile phenols did not seem to be good predictors of smoke taint issues.</p>



<p>Now, the experts discovered that these problems are actually caused by a class of sulfur-containing compounds called thiophenols, which are usually not found in wines and other alcoholic beverages, but rather in meat and fish. To clarify these compounds’ impact on wine, the researchers exposed grapes to smoke in the university’s vineyard, and then produced wine from them and assessed their chemical contents. The analysis revealed that, in contrast to wines not exposed to smoke, wines that had been exposed to smoke contained thiophenols.</p>



<p>“To date, volatile phenol concentrations and frequent tasting of potentially impacted wines are the only predictors winemakers can use to determine the level of smoke they might have in their wines. The discovery of thiophenols provides a new chemical marker for smoke taint that could offer a reliable way to identify smoke taint and ways to potentially eliminate it during the winemaking process,” Tomasino concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/food-chemistry-advances"><em>Food Chemistry Advances</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>—</p>



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



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

How does wildfire smoke impact wine flavors?

Wildfires are a major threat to the wine industry since...

<p>As we grow older, it is an unfortunate reality that our cognitive abilities gradually decline. The loss of brain plasticity and a decrease in grey matter, where our neurons are located, are linked to this decline. Scientists have long been searching for ways to delay this cognitive decline in healthy seniors. </p>



<p>A recent breakthrough study led by a team from the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/">University of Geneva</a> (UNIGE), HES-SO Geneva, and EPFL has found that practicing and listening to music can help slow down this process by stimulating the production of grey matter.</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ynirp.2023.100166"><em>NeuroImage: Reports</em></a>, the study investigated the potential benefits of music practice and active listening on cognitive functions, specifically working memory, in healthy retirees who had never practiced music before.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Working <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-devices-can-actually-improve-our-memory-skills/">memory</a> is a core cognitive process that allows us to briefly retain and manipulate information to achieve a goal. Remembering a telephone number long enough to write it down or translating a sentence from a foreign language are examples.</p>



<p>The research team followed 132 healthy retirees, aged 62 to 78. The subjects had not taken any music lessons for more than six months in their lives. The researchers enrolled these participants in piano and music awareness training for a period of six months.</p>



<p>The results demonstrated that engaging in these activities promoted brain plasticity, which led to an increase in grey matter volume. The researchers also observed positive impacts on working memory.</p>



<p>Throughout our lives, our brain constantly remodels itself. Brain morphology and connections change according to the environment and our experiences. One example of this is when we learn new skills or recover from a stroke. However, as we age, this "brain plasticity" decreases, leading to "brain atrophy," or the loss of grey matter.</p>



<h2 id="h-practicing-vs-listening-to-music">Practicing vs. listening to music</h2>



<p>‘‘We wanted people whose brains did not yet show any traces of plasticity linked to musical learning. Indeed, even a brief learning experience in the course of one’s life can leave imprints on the brain, which would have biased our results," explained study first author Damien Marie, a research associate at the CIBM Center for Biomedical Imaging, the Faculty of Medicine and the Interfaculty Center for Affective Sciences (CISA) of UNIGE, as well as at the Geneva School of Health Sciences.</p>



<p>Researchers divided the participants into two groups. One group took piano lessons while the other engaged in active listening sessions. The active listening group focused on instrument recognition and analysis of musical properties across a wide range of musical styles. The researchers required both groups to attend one-hour classes and do half an hour of homework daily.</p>



<h2 id="h-positive-impact-found-for-both-groups">Positive impact found for both groups</h2>



<p>‘‘After six months, we found common effects for both interventions. Neuroimaging revealed an increase in grey matter in four brain regions involved in high-level cognitive functioning in all participants, including cerebellum areas involved in working memory. Their performance increased by six percent and this result was directly correlated to the plasticity of the cerebellum,’’ said study last author Clara James, a privat-docent at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of UNIGE.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers discovered that the quality of sleep, the number of lessons attended, and the daily training quantity positively influenced the degree of improvement in performance.</p>



<p>However, the researchers observed differences between the two groups. For the group of pianists, the volume of grey matter remained stable in the right primary auditory cortex. This is a key region for sound processing. In contrast, the active listening group experienced a decrease in grey matter volume in the same area.</p>



<p>"In addition, a global brain pattern of atrophy was present in all participants. Therefore, we cannot conclude that musical interventions rejuvenate the brain. They only prevent aging in specific regions," explained Marie.</p>



<p>The findings of this study open up new possibilities for promoting healthy aging and supporting cognitive functions in older adults. By engaging in music practice and active listening, seniors can help preserve their working memory and potentially slow down the decline of other cognitive processes as well.</p>



<p>The researchers from UNIGE, HES-SO Geneva, and EPFL have provided valuable insights into the potential benefits of music training on cognitive decline in healthy seniors. As the global population continues to age, these findings are promising. They offer exciting prospects for maintaining cognitive health and promoting well-being in our later years.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-music-and-the-mind">More about music and the mind</h2>



<p>People have long recognized music for its ability to evoke emotions and influence various aspects of human brain functioning. Researchers have conducted numerous studies over the years to understand the underlying mechanisms and the extent of music's impact on the brain. Some key findings include:</p>



<h3 id="h-emotional-processing">Emotional processing</h3>



<p>Music can elicit strong emotional responses, such as joy, sadness, and relaxation. The emotional impact of music is believed to be linked to the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine. This chemical plays a role in the brain's reward system, and serotonin, which contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being.</p>



<h3 id="h-memory-and-learning">Memory and learning</h3>



<p>Studies have shown that listening to music can improve memory retention and learning in various tasks. This is partly due to music's ability to enhance the encoding of information and improve cognitive performance. Familiar music can also trigger memories. This trick makes it an effective tool in therapies for patients with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.</p>



<h3 id="h-spatial-temporal-skills">Spatial-temporal skills</h3>



<p>Research has found that engaging in musical activities, such as playing an instrument or listening to certain types of music, can enhance spatial-temporal skills. These skills are essential for solving complex problems and understanding abstract concepts.</p>



<h3 id="h-stress-reduction-and-relaxation">Stress reduction and relaxation</h3>



<p>Listening to music can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Studies have demonstrated that music can lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is associated with stress, and increase the release of endorphins, the body's natural "feel-good" chemicals.</p>



<h3 id="h-brain-connectivity-and-neuroplasticity">Brain connectivity and neuroplasticity</h3>



<p>Music training and practice have been shown to promote brain connectivity and neuroplasticity. Learning to play an instrument can enhance motor skills and auditory processing, and boost cognitive functions such as attention and memory. As seen in the previously mentioned study, music can also help maintain brain plasticity in older adults, potentially slowing cognitive decline.</p>



<h3 id="h-pain-management">Pain management</h3>



<p>Music has been used as a complementary therapy for pain management in various settings. Listening to music can distract the brain from pain, lower anxiety, and create a more positive emotional state, making it easier to cope with discomfort.</p>



<h3 id="h-mood-regulation">Mood regulation</h3>



<p>Music can be an effective tool for regulating mood and promoting emotional well-being. By selecting music that resonates with our emotional state or the emotions we want to experience, we can influence our mood and maintain emotional balance.</p>



<p>In summary, music has a profound impact on human emotions and brain functioning. It can elicit powerful emotional responses, enhance cognitive performance, promote relaxation, and even help manage pain. The ability of music to influence the brain and emotions has led to its integration into various therapies and interventions for mental health and well-being.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Music can prevent brain aging and cognitive decline

As we grow older, it is an unfortunate reality that...

<p>Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) continue to persist in the environment, despite most countries banning them since the 1970s. They pose a significant threat to both human and marine life. </p>



<p>In a groundbreaking study, deep-sea researchers have recently discovered traces of PCBs at the bottom of the Atacama Trench in the Pacific Ocean. This startling discovery highlights the far-reaching effects of human activities on even the most remote and isolated ecosystems.</p>



<p>The research team, consisting of scientists from the Department of Environmental Science at <a href="https://www.su.se/english/search-courses-and-programmes">Stockholm University</a> and the Danish Center for Hadal Research at the <a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en">University of Southern Denmark</a>, conducted an expedition to the Atacama Trench to study its sediment layers.</p>



<p>After retrieving sediment cores from five different locations within the trench, they found that all of the surface sediment samples analyzed contained PCBs.</p>



<p>The study, led by Professor Anna Sobek and Professor Ronnie N. Glud, has been published in the prestigious scientific journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37718-z"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-what-are-pcbs">What are PCBs?</h2>



<p>In the 1930s, chemists initially introduced PCBs primarily in building materials and technical components. These substances comprise 209 different components. Most countries have banned PCBs and classified them as a highly persistent environmental toxin. This is due to their potential to cause cancer and reproductive harm.</p>



<p>Although the world's production of PCBs significantly declined in the 1970s, these substances still pose an ongoing environmental threat. In 2018, researchers found that half of the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-are-accumulating-high-levels-of-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killer whale populations were weakened by PCB exposure</a>. Moreover, another study reported that deep-sea scavenging amphipods contained large amounts of PCBs.</p>



<p>Professor Glud has participated in more than ten expeditions to deep-sea trenches worldwide. He commented on the significance of their findings: "It is thought-provoking that we find traces of human activity at the bottom of a deep-sea trench; a place that most people probably perceive as distant and isolated from our society."</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-have-learned">What the researchers have learned</h2>



<p>Surface-level human activities can affect deep-sea trenches, as these expeditions have shown by dispelling the misconception. They have also revealed a surprisingly rich, active, and diverse ecosystem at the ocean's greatest depths. </p>



<p>Moreover, the studies have demonstrated that deep-sea trenches accumulate large amounts of organic material. This contributes to the oceans' capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon released through fossil fuel burning.</p>



<p>However, not only organic material accumulates in these hadal trenches. In 2021, the Danish Center for Hadal Research reported that mercury accumulates in the sediments of these trenches. In 2022, researchers announced that black carbon also accumulates in these deep-sea environments, similarly to PCBs. The combustion of fossil fuels primarily forms black carbon.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/sediment-core_Atacama-trench_PCBs_SDU_1medium.png" alt="A sediment core containing PCBs from the Atacama trench. Credit SDU" class="wp-image-1916951"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A sediment core containing PCBs from the Atacama trench. Credit SDU</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-not-yet-time-to-panic">Not yet time to panic</h2>



<p>Although the recent discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-banned-toxic-chemicals-remain-a-global-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)</a> in the Atacama Trench has raised concerns, Professor Glud assures that the concentration of these pollutants in the trench's samples is not alarmingly high. He points out that researchers have found much higher concentrations of PCBs in places like the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Tokyo Bay. Concentrations there range from 300 to 1500 times higher than those found in the Atacama Trench.</p>



<p>“These are places with a lot of human activity, so one would expect that. The Atacama samples do not show very high concentrations, but considering that they were retrieved from the bottom of a deep-sea trench, they are relatively high. A priori no one would expect to find pollutants in such a place," said Professor Glud.</p>



<p>PCBs are hydrophobic, meaning they are not very soluble in water. They tend to bind to organic material that sinks to the bottom. Professor Anna Sobek explains that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/three-new-species-discovered-pacific/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atacama Trench</a> is located in an area with relatively high production of plankton in surface waters. As the plankton dies, it sinks to the ocean floor. Large amounts of material descend down the steep slopes. They then deposit in the trench's deepest areas.</p>



<p>Microorganisms eventually decompose the organic material that reaches the bottom of the Atacama Trench. This causes PCBs to accumulate in the sediment. Over time, PCBs slowly redeposit as persistent compounds. This is why researchers can find increasing concentrations of PCBs in remote areas like the hadal trenches, even though most countries largely banned them worldwide in the 1970s.</p>



<p>“Unlike coastal areas where PCB concentrations are typically higher in deeper sediment layers deposited 50 years ago, PCB concentrations in hadal sediments are highest in the upper sediment layers, indicating that PCBs have only recently reached the deeper trenches and that concentrations have not yet peaked: We may see higher concentrations in a few years," said Professor Glud.</p>



<h2 id="h-about-the-deep-sea-trenches-where-pcbs-were-found">About the deep-sea trenches where PCBs were found</h2>



<p>The deep-sea trenches are home to various microorganisms and animals that have adapted to the extreme living conditions. It is possible that these trenches also harbor organisms capable of metabolizing the pollutants deposited there. This is one of the focus points of the Danish Center for Hadal Research. Researchers there have a stock of frozen sediment samples collected from expeditions to different deep-sea trenches in 2021 and 2022.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ocean-depth-graphic_1medium.jpg" alt="Different layers of ocean depths where PCBs were found" class="wp-image-1916955"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Different layers of ocean depths where PCBs were found</figcaption></figure>



<p>“We are interested in finding out if PCBs are also present in other deep-sea trenches or if they are unique to the Atacama Trench. We also want to investigate the bacteria that live down there and learn more about their function," said Professor Glud.</p>



<p>The deep-sea trenches are located in the hadal zone of the ocean, which lies at depths of 6-11 km. There are about 27 hadal trenches, named after the Greek god Hades, who ruled the underworld. As researchers continue to explore these remote and mysterious environments, they aim to better understand the impact of pollutants like PCBs on these ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.</p>



<p>The discovery of PCBs in the Atacama Trench serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive and long-lasting consequences of human activities on even the most remote ecosystems. This research underscores the importance of continued monitoring and mitigation efforts. With consistent effort, they hope to reduce the impact of environmental toxins on the planet's most vulnerable habitats.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-pcbs">More about PCBs</h2>



<p>Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of 209 different substances, also known as congeners. They were first produced in the 1930s and used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. PCBs were popular due to their chemical stability, low flammability, and insulating properties. </p>



<p>Common uses included electrical transformers and capacitors, coolants, flame retardants, plasticizers, adhesives, and as additives in paints, sealants, and caulking.</p>



<h2 id="h-pcbs-are-harmful-to-both-humans-and-the-environment-for-several-reasons">PCBs are harmful to both humans and the environment for several reasons:</h2>



<h3 id="h-persistence">Persistence</h3>



<p>PCBs are extremely stable and resistant to breaking down in the environment. As a result, they persist for long periods, allowing them to bioaccumulate in plants, animals, and humans. Even though many countries have banned PCB production since the 1970s, they still pose a threat to ecosystems and human health due to their persistence.</p>



<h3 id="h-bioaccumulation">Bioaccumulation</h3>



<p>PCBs accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms, a process called bioaccumulation. As these chemicals move up the food chain, they become more concentrated, posing a greater risk to top predators and humans who consume contaminated food.</p>



<h3 id="h-toxicity">Toxicity</h3>



<p>Researchers have shown that PCBs can cause a range of adverse health effects in both humans and animals. PCBs are carcinogenic (cancer-causing). They can also affect the immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems. Long-term exposure to PCBs may lead to developmental issues in children, memory and learning problems, and other neurological disorders.</p>



<h3 id="h-environmental-impact">Environmental impact</h3>



<p>Due to their persistence and bioaccumulation, PCBs can cause significant harm to ecosystems, impacting the health of various plant and animal species. The contamination of water bodies, soil, and air can lead to the death of aquatic life, reduced reproductive success in birds and mammals, and disruption of entire ecosystems.</p>



<p>The discovery of PCBs' harmful effects on human health and the environment led to a widespread ban on their production and use in many countries. However, the long-lasting nature of these chemicals means that they continue to pose a threat, and ongoing research and monitoring efforts are necessary to assess and mitigate their impacts.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Shocking: Deepest parts of the ocean polluted with PCB chemicals

Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) continue to persist in the environment, despite...

<p>The Plains bison, a majestic symbol of the Great Plains and the national mammal of the United States, is the largest mammal on the continent. This impressive creature weighs around 2,000 pounds. It is easily identified by its shaggy, winter-resistant coat and formidable horns that serve as both warning and weapon.</p>



<p>The bison's scientific name, Bison bison bison, seems to echo its grandeur. However, the formidable appearance of this iconic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-animal-conflicts-large-weapons-may-be-designed-for-deception/">animal</a> belies a vulnerability in its history. Its population plummet from tens of millions to just a few hundred within a few colonial centuries.</p>



<p>Thankfully, conservation efforts have helped to increase the bison population to roughly 20,000. Experts have upgraded its status from endangered to near-threatened. However, a recent study led by Nic McMillan from the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/">University of Nebraska–Lincoln</a> indicates that the ongoing conservation of the Plains bison will require a greater focus on climate factors, particularly the number of scorching days and drought-affected landscapes it faces in the future.</p>



<h2>How the Plains bison study was done</h2>



<p>In collaboration with colleagues from Oklahoma State University, McMillan has found GPS-backed evidence that temperature and extreme drought can drive movement among herds of Plains bison. Continued increases in both of these factors, combined with the reality that most bison herds are now confined to significantly smaller areas than they once roamed, could present challenges in managing this iconic species.</p>



<p>“When we think about reintroducing bison or any large animal to a landscape, the landscape that the animal is inhabiting is potentially a lot smaller than it was historically," said McMillan. "In 1491, if there was a drought in northeastern Montana, the bison had the entire Great Plains to escape that drought. They could move as far as they needed to."&nbsp;</p>



<p>As we experience more extreme temperatures and droughts, McMillan suggests that rethinking how we structure these landscapes is necessary. Experts should consider whether or not they’re actually meeting the fundamental physiological needs of these animals.</p>



<p>The research team arrived at these conclusions after analyzing the movement data of 33 Plains bison from two different sites in Oklahoma. These sites were the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in the southwestern part of the state, and the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near its northern border.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers equipped these iconic animals with GPS collars to track their location every 12 minutes over multiple years. The data collected amounted to a total of 715,344 measurements. This was paired with temperature, rainfall, wind, and other variables recorded by nearby weather stations.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Gathering temperature data and soil samples</h2>



<p>Additionally, the team analyzed moisture readings of the soils at both study sites to assess the presence of drought. This comprehensive data set allowed the researchers to identify links between bison movement and weather patterns.</p>



<p>The experts found that air temperature explained variations in bison movement better than any other factor analyzed. Bison movement increased 92.5 percent for every 18-degree rise in temperature. This ranged from a few degrees below zero to 83 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Movement nearly doubled when the temperature rose from, for example, 65 degrees to 83 degrees. However, above the 83-degree threshold, an 18-degree increase corresponded to a 48.5 percent decrease in movement.</p>



<p>The temperature-related increase in movement suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bison-american-survival-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plains bison</a> were searching for grasses that grew better in the higher heat. This is especially noteworthy given that bison obtain the majority of their water from foraging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, the reduced movement in excessive heat indicates that the Plains bison likely rested and cooled themselves in places with standing water and shade from nearby trees to prevent heat stroke.</p>



<h2>Conclusions of the Plains bison study</h2>



<p>McMillan highlighted the significance of the findings: “When you consider (that) this is the first study of Plains bison across multiple herds - and then we find the same relationship across herds, in two very different landscapes - that’s a big deal.” He also noted that the trend paralleled a study of wood bison in Canada.</p>



<p>To assess the potential effects of drought, the team examined sensors that measured soil moisture at two depths. They chose depths of five centimeters, indicating moderate drought, and 25 centimeters, signifying severe drought. While bison appeared mostly unaffected by moderate drought, they moved substantially more during severe drought. One such drought hit Oklahoma in the early 2010s.</p>



<p>"There’s a lot of (prior) research that suggests that bison are basically drought-proof," said McMillan. "They’re like these tanks out on the prairie that don’t need anything. They can just take whatever comes, and no big deal. At least, that’s the dogma in the reintroduction world. So I think this is really interesting, because we show that, hey, they still are not immune to drought. They have this potential threshold where they can’t handle it.”</p>



<h2 id="h-cultural-importance-of-plains-bison-to-north-america">Cultural importance of Plains bison to North America&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Plains bison, once abundant on the Great Plains, has played a crucial role in American history. Indigenous peoples used it as a vital food source and cultural touchstone. Bison were also a keystone species for many other plants and animals. However, their population has dwindled significantly. Scientists have relocated them to protected areas. This raises questions about whether they still serve the same ecological purposes as they once did.</p>



<p>Regardless, McMillan emphasizes the importance of preserving these animals due to their cultural significance and their role in North American identity.</p>



<p>“They’re incredibly culturally important and represent the cultural identity for all of the Plains tribes, at a minimum,” McMillan said. “But they also represent one of the most charismatic animals that we have in North America. So they’re really important for our identity as a country and all the people who live here.”</p>



<p>For McMillan, his interest in bison is deeply personal. As the son of a plant biologist and ecologist who hosted a national TV show on PBS, McMillan accompanied his father on a visit to Nebraska when he was 15. The experience left him captivated by the Great Plains and kindled his "profound attachment" to bison, ultimately shaping his career.</p>



<p>“We came to the Great Plains, and I was just hooked,” he said. “I never thought about anything else after that. I never necessarily originally envisioned myself being a scientist or studying bison as a scientist, but I was just always fascinated by how they exist on the landscape, bringing them back - that really emotional story. So for me, it’s very personal.”</p>



<h2>Opening hearts and minds to Plains bison</h2>



<p>McMillan hopes that the findings of his research can help inform the management of Plains bison in areas such as Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone houses the largest wild herd of the species. The study's results, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9586"><em>Ecology and Evolution</em></a>, make a compelling case for paying attention to the behavior of these animals and what they are communicating to ecologists and conservationists.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although national parks and other protected areas may appear to offer everything the Plains bison need, the fact that the animals still attempt to leave suggests that this may not be the case.</p>



<p>As heat and extreme drought, which encourage Plains bison to move, become more commonplace, the space previously considered sufficient for their habitat may no longer be adequate. McMillan explained that ensuring the diversity of their habitat - including access to grasslands, trees, and standing water - becomes even more critical as the available space shrinks.</p>



<p>“Then it’s an ethical question for us,” McMillan said. “Are we really being ethical if we’re forcing these animals to live in a landscape that may not actually be suited for them into the future? Whether bison were in Yellowstone historically is irrelevant to the likelihood that they can persist there into the future. Because today is completely and fundamentally different than yesterday.”</p>



<p>This thought-provoking study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between the changing climate and the ecological needs of the Plains bison. It raises questions about the ethics of our conservation efforts and how we can best protect these iconic creatures in a rapidly changing world.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-plains-bison">More about Plains bison</h2>



<p>Bison, often referred to as buffalo in North America, are large herbivores native to the continent. They are divided into two subspecies: the Plains bison (Bison bison bison) and the Wood bison (Bison bison athabascae). Here are some additional facts about bison:</p>



<h3 id="h-size-and-appearance">Size and appearance</h3>



<p>Bison are the largest terrestrial mammals in North America. Adult males can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg) and stand 5 to 6.5 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) tall at the shoulder. Their distinctive features include a shaggy winter coat, a massive head, a hump at the shoulders, and sharp, curved horns.</p>



<h3 id="h-social-structure">Social structure</h3>



<p>Bison are social animals, typically forming herds with separate groups for males and females. Female herds consist of cows, their calves, and young males, while adult males form smaller bachelor herds. During the mating season, also known as the rut, the two groups come together, and males compete for access to females.</p>



<h3 id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>Bison are herbivores, primarily grazing on grasses and sedges. They have a unique digestive system with a large rumen. This allows them to break down and extract nutrients from fibrous plant material efficiently.</p>



<h3 id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



<p>Historically, bison roamed across much of North America, from the eastern United States to the Rocky Mountains and from Canada to Mexico. Their range has significantly decreased due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, people mostly find them in protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves.</p>



<h3 id="h-importance-to-ecosystems">Importance to ecosystems</h3>



<p>Bison play a crucial role in maintaining healthy grassland ecosystems. Their grazing patterns promote the growth of various plant species, which in turn support a diverse range of wildlife. Bison also create wallows—depressions in the ground—by rolling in the dirt, which can provide habitat for other species and help retain water in the landscape.</p>



<h3 id="h-historical-decline-and-conservation-efforts">Historical decline and conservation efforts</h3>



<p>During the 19th century, bison populations plummeted due to overhunting, habitat loss, and the spread of diseases from domestic cattle. Their numbers dropped from an estimated 30-60 million to fewer than 1,000 individuals. Conservation efforts, including breeding programs and habitat restoration, have helped bison populations rebound to around 500,000 today, with most residing on private ranches and public lands.</p>



<h3 id="h-cultural-significance">Cultural significance</h3>



<p>Bison have been an essential part of the lives of Indigenous peoples in North America for thousands of years. They provided food, clothing, tools, and shelter and held spiritual significance for many tribes. Today, bison continue to be an important symbol of the American West and North American heritage.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Plains bison are in danger from rising temperatures

The Plains bison, a majestic symbol of the Great Plains...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge"><strong>Disturbing connections emerge</strong></h2>



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters"><strong>Timing matters</strong></h2>



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns"><strong>Genetic vulnerability patterns</strong></h2>



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications"><strong>Public health implications</strong></h2>



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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