<p class="ap-story-p">Largest Oil Companies Pledge Support For Paris Climate Conference. The chief executives of 10 of the world&#8217;s largest oil companies have pledged support for an &#8220;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-diets-are-effective-for-weight-loss/">effective</a>&#8221; deal to fight global warming at a Paris conference next month.</p>
<p class="ap-story-p">In a statement Friday, the CEOs of BP, Shell, Saudi Aramco, Total, Repsol, Statoil, Eni, Petroelos Mexicanos, Reliance Industries and BG Group said they recognize greenhouse gas emissions trends are inconsistent with the ambition to keep warming below a level many consider dangerous.</p>
<p class="ap-story-p">Burning coal, oil and gas for energy is a key <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=emissions&amp;cvid=ef92c87eeea342e7889195dfa6dcade6&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">emissions</a> source. Largest Oil Companies Pledge Support For Paris Climate Conference</p>
<p class="ap-story-p">The companies offered to help by reducing flaring and methane emissions from oil and gas operations. They also called for replacing coal with cleaner-burning natural gas in power generation.</p>
<p class="ap-story-p">Greenpeace said the companies&#8217; offer &#8220;contains nothing meaningful&#8221; and accused them of undermining effective climate action.Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,148,271 residents as of 2020, in an area of 105 square kilometres. Since the 17th century, Paris has been one of Europe&#8217;s major centres of finance, diplomacy, commerce, fashion, science and arts. The City of Paris is the centre and seat of government of the Île-de-France,</p>
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Largest Oil Companies Pledge Support For Paris Climate Conference

Northern,Light,,Aurora,Borealis,At,Kirkjufell,In,Iceland.,Kirkjufell,Mountains

<p>NASA's Parker Solar Probe, on its journey to the Sun, has revealed previously unseen structures of the solar wind, right where it is formed. The way the probe perceives it, the solar wind emanates from the Sun's surface much like water jets from a showerhead.</p>



<p>A paper published in the journal Nature this week, led by scientists Stuart D. Bale from the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>, and James Drake of the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland-College Park</a>, illustrates how the Parker Solar Probe has detected streams of high-energy particles. These particles mirror the supergranulation flows within coronal holes, suggesting these regions as the birthplace of the "fast" solar wind.</p>



<p>Coronal holes are unique areas where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-field-solar-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> lines radiate from the Sun's surface without looping back inward, consequently forming open field lines that encompass most of the space surrounding the Sun.</p>



<p>During quiet periods of the Sun, these holes are primarily located at the poles, preventing the fast solar wind they produce from reaching Earth. However, every 11 years, the Sun's activity peaks, its magnetic field flips, and these holes can be seen all over the Sun's surface, leading to bursts of solar wind aimed directly at Earth.</p>



<h2 id="h-origins-of-the-solar-wind">Origins of the solar wind</h2>



<p>The process of how and where the solar wind originates is crucial for predicting solar storms. These storms, while responsible for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/catch-the-aurora-borealis-in-iceland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's breathtaking auroras</a>, can also disrupt satellites and the electrical grid. As Drake puts it, "Winds carry lots of information from the Sun to Earth, so understanding the mechanism behind the Sun's wind is important for practical reasons on Earth."</p>



<p>The scientists describe the coronal holes like showerheads. From the bright spots where magnetic field lines dive into and out of the Sun's surface, evenly spaced jets burst forth. These jets of charged particles are flung out of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measures-suns-energy-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a> when the oppositely directed magnetic fields in these funnels collide and reconnect.</p>



<p>Bale explains, "The photosphere is covered by convection cells, like in a boiling pot of water, and the larger scale convection flow is called supergranulation." He goes on to illustrate how these supergranulation cells pull the magnetic field down with them into a funnel, intensifying the magnetic field. "The spatial separation of those little drains, those funnels, is what we're seeing now with solar probe data," he said.</p>



<p>The Parker Solar Probe's detection of some exceptionally high-energy particles - ones traveling at speeds 10 to 100 times faster than the solar wind average - led the researchers to believe that this process, known as magnetic reconnection, must be the source of the wind. The primary purpose of launching the probe in 2018 was to establish the origin of these high-energy particles: were they caused by magnetic reconnection or acceleration by plasma or Alfvén waves?</p>



<p>"The big conclusion is that it’s magnetic reconnection within these funnel structures that’s providing the energy source of the fast solar wind," Bale concluded. The research strongly suggests that it's reconnection that's responsible for the high-energy particles detected.</p>



<p>The same funnel structures, as Nour Raouafi of the <a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University</a> suggests, probably align with the bright jetlets that can be seen from Earth within coronal holes. "Solving the mystery of the solar wind has been a six-decade dream of many generations of scientists. Now, we are grasping at the physical phenomenon that drives the solar wind at its source — the corona,” Raouafi said.</p>



<h2>Sampling the solar wind</h2>



<p>The solar wind evolves into a homogeneous, turbulent flow as it traverses the 93 million miles to Earth. The charged particles and entangled magnetic fields interact with Earth's magnetic field, dumping electrical energy into the upper atmosphere, which excites atoms and produces vivid auroras. Understanding and predicting intense solar winds, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storms-earths-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar storms</a>, and their effects near Earth are some of the key goals of NASA's Living With a Star program, which funded the Parker Solar Probe.</p>



<p>The probe's main task is to determine the structure and acceleration of the solar wind near its birthplace, the Sun's surface or photosphere. The probe must approach the Sun closer than ever before - within 13 million miles, or about 25 to 30 solar radii.</p>



<p>According to Bale, once the probe dives below that altitude, the solar wind undergoes minimal evolution and displays more of its initial structure. This allows scientists to see the imprints of the Sun on the wind.</p>



<p>In 2021, the probe's instruments identified magnetic field switchbacks in Alfvén waves, closely associated with the regions generating the solar wind. As the probe neared the Sun, it became clear that the probe was moving through structured jets of material, rather than mere turbulence. Bale, Drake, and their colleagues traced these jets back to the supergranulation cells in the photosphere, where the magnetic fields accumulate and funnel into the Sun.</p>



<h2>Mysteries and questions remain</h2>



<p>The question that loomed was, what accelerates the charged particles in these funnels? Is it magnetic reconnection, which would catapult the particles outward, or hot plasma waves streaming out of the Sun, which would allow particles to ride a wave?</p>



<p>The detection of extremely high-energy particles within these jets suggested to Bale that magnetic reconnection must be responsible for particle acceleration and the generation of Alfvén waves, which could give the particles an additional thrust.</p>



<p>Bale further explained, "Our interpretation is that these jets of reconnection outflow excite Alfvén waves as they propagate out. That's an observation that's well known from Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-lights-linked-to-electrons-traveling-at-millions-of-miles-per-hour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetotail</a>, as well, where you have similar kind of processes. I don't understand how wave damping can produce these hot particles up to hundreds of keV, whereas it comes naturally out of the reconnection process."</p>



<p>The Parker Solar Probe can approach the Sun no closer than 4 million miles, or about 8.8 solar radii above the surface, without risking damage to its instruments. Bale anticipates that data collected from this altitude will confirm their conclusions, despite the Sun's heightened activity during its solar maximum. This increased activity might obscure the processes that scientists aim to observe.</p>



<p>"We're lucky that we launched it in the solar minimum," Bale commented, reflecting on the Parker Solar Probe's journey. He implied that the quieter solar activity during the probe's launch allowed them to make discoveries that would have been impossible during more chaotic solar conditions.</p>



<h2>More about NASA’s Parker Solar Probe</h2>



<p><a href="http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Parker Solar Probe</a> is a pioneering mission that has set its sights on our very own star, the Sun. The probe's main goal is to uncover the mysteries of the corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere, and to learn more about the highly energetic particles present in the solar wind.</p>



<p>Named after astrophysicist Eugene Parker, the probe was launched on August 12, 2018. It's the first spacecraft to be named after a living individual. <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/story/eugene-parker-legendary-figure-solar-science-and-namesake-parker-solar-probe-1927-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eugene Parker</a> is the scientist who first theorized the existence of the solar wind back in 1958.</p>



<p>The Parker Solar Probe is unique because it ventures closer to the Sun than any previous spacecraft. It's designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and conditions near the Sun. The probe is shielded by a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield, which can withstand temperatures up to about 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.</p>



<p>The probe is equipped with four major instrument suites that are designed to measure magnetic fields, plasma and energetic particles, and capture images of the solar wind. These suites include the Fields Experiment (FIELDS), the Integrated Science Investigation of the Sun (ISIS), the Wide-Field Imager for Solar Probe (WISPR), and the Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) investigation.</p>



<p>Over the course of its seven-year mission, the probe will complete 24 orbits of the Sun, coming within 4 million miles of the Sun's surface. This is about seven times closer than any previous mission.</p>



<p>The Parker Solar Probe has several primary science objectives. One is to trace the flow of energy that heats and accelerates the solar corona and solar wind. Another is to determine the structure and dynamics of the plasma and magnetic fields at the sources of the solar wind. The probe also aims to explore the mechanisms that accelerate and transport energetic particles.</p>



<p>By achieving these objectives, scientists hope to improve their ability to forecast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-forecast-data/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> events that impact life on Earth, as well as satellites and astronauts in space. The mission encapsulates the essence of exploration, as it journeys into a region of space never before explored by human-made objects.</p>

The solar wind, which creates beautiful auroras on Earth, is now less mysterious

NASA's Parker Solar Probe, on its journey to the Sun,...

<p>A significant upsurge in the usage of non-LSD hallucinogens among young adults in the United States is causing concern among researchers. An insightful study conducted by the <a href="https://umich.edu/">University of Michigan</a> and Columbia University reveals that in the period between 2018 and 2021, the use of these drugs by individuals aged 19 to 30 almost doubled.</p>



<p>Back in 2018, it was found that 3.4% of young adults reported having used non-LSD hallucinogens in the past year. This figure spiked to 6.6% in 2021.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-sudden-surge-is-surprising">Sudden surge is surprising</h2>



<p>While this prevalence remains relatively low compared to substance usage like alcohol and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infectious-pathogen-has-spread-to-90-percent-of-cannabis-farms-in-california/">cannabis</a>, this sudden surge over a mere three years presents potential public health worries.</p>



<p>"The increase in non-LSD hallucinogen use occurred while LSD use remained stable at around 4% in 2018 and 2021," stated Megan Patrick, a research professor in the Survey Research Center at U-M's Institute for Social Research.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Patrick, who is a co-author of the study, emphasized that the leap in prevalence is substantial and raises critical health-related concerns.</p>



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



<p>This noteworthy information was uncovered as a part of the Monitoring the Future study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the results were published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/add.16259"><em>Addiction</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, involving a longitudinal follow-up of 12th-grade students transitioning into adulthood, focused primarily on substance use and health.</p>



<p>In addition to the overall increase in hallucinogen usage, the research team discovered that the consumption of these substances was notably higher among males compared to females.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, white young adults reported higher usage rates than Black young adults, and those whose parents possessed a college education, indicating a higher socioeconomic status, were also found to use these substances more frequently.</p>



<p>While the reasons behind the usage of these drugs, whether recreational or therapeutic, were not identified in the study, previous research has shown a link between nonmedical hallucinogen use and an increased risk of substance use disorders, self-harm, injury, and anxiety.</p>



<p>"With increased visibility for medical and therapeutic use, potentially comes diversion and unregulated product availability, as well as a lack of understanding among the public of potential risks," explained Katherine Keyes, a professor of epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School and the lead author of the study.</p>



<h2 id="h-national-trend-of-psychedelic-drug-use-for-therapy-may-play-a-role">National trend of psychedelic drug use for therapy may play a role</h2>



<p>Professor Keyes noted that despite the trend of psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs being used for therapeutic purposes, approved therapeutic use under professional healthcare supervision is still rare in the United States. Thus, the trends observed in the study most likely represent nonmedical and nontherapeutic drug use.</p>



<p>The study found the use of psilocybin, commonly found in "shrooms," to be particularly prevalent among the non-LSD hallucinogens. "This is a rising concern for young adult health," Patrick warned.</p>



<p>As part of the Monitoring the Future study, participants were asked about their usage of LSD and other hallucinogens, such as mescaline, peyote, "shrooms," or PCP. The frequency of usage varied greatly, with responses ranging from none to 40 times or more over the past year.</p>



<p>The researchers are committed to keeping a watchful eye on these trends and are eager to delve deeper into the motives behind the usage of these substances by young adults. It is critical, they stress, to understand these motivations and patterns of use to mitigate any negative repercussions effectively.</p>



<p>This crucial research work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/">National Institutes of Health</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-psychedelic-drugs-used-in-therapy">More about psychedelic drugs used in therapy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The use of psychedelic and hallucinogenic substances for therapeutic purposes has been an emerging field of research over the past decade. These substances include compounds like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), dimethyltryptamine (DMT, found in ayahuasca), and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).</p>



<p>The therapeutic value of these substances lies in their ability to profoundly alter perception and cognition, which can facilitate therapeutic introspection and personal insight when used in a carefully controlled setting under the guidance of a trained professional.</p>



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



<p>One of the most researched applications of psychedelic therapy is in the treatment of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).</p>



<p>For instance, studies have shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy can lead to significant and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in individuals with life-threatening cancer. Other studies have suggested that psilocybin can reset the brain's connectivity, leading to lasting therapeutic effects.</p>



<p>Similarly, MDMA has been investigated as a potential treatment for PTSD. In clinical trials, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has been shown to produce significant improvements in individuals with severe PTSD, often in cases where traditional therapies have failed.</p>



<h3 id="h-addiction-treatment-and-therapy">Addiction treatment and therapy&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In addition to mental health applications, some researchers are exploring the use of psychedelics for addiction treatment. Certain psychedelic substances, such as ibogaine (derived from the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga), have shown promise in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with substance abuse disorders, including alcohol and opioid addiction.</p>



<p>It's important to note, however, that while this research is promising, it is still in the relatively early stages. Most of these substances remain classified as Schedule I drugs under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, which means they are not currently accepted for medical use and have a high potential for abuse.</p>



<h3 id="h-doctor-supervision-is-crucial">Doctor supervision is crucial</h3>



<p>Further, the therapeutic use of these substances involves carefully controlled dosages and settings, and is coupled with psychotherapy - it's not a matter of simply taking the drug. Self-medication with psychedelic substances can have serious risks and should not be attempted without professional guidance.</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, the push for further research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances is gaining momentum. With ongoing clinical trials and a growing body of research, it's possible that we may see changes in the regulatory status and medical acceptance of these substances in the future.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Hallucinogen use is on the rise among young adults

A significant upsurge in the usage of non-LSD hallucinogens among...

<p>In moments of intense stress, many of us fall into the trap of indulging in high-calorie snacks. While this may seem pretty harmless, scientists have now discovered that the combination of chronic stress and comfort food instigates a series of changes in our brain. These changes drive us to eat more, intensify our cravings for sweet food, and eventually result in excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diet-linked-to-weight-gain-and-cognitive-decline/">weight gain</a>.</p>



<p>A research group from the <a href="https://www.garvan.org.au/">Garvan Institute of Medical Research</a> has conducted an innovative study showing how chronic stress has the power to disrupt the brain's natural response to fullness. In particular, the scientists pinpointed alterations within a brain region known as the lateral habenula. Ordinarily, when activated, the lateral habenula acts to suppress reward signals associated with eating.</p>



<p>“Our findings reveal stress can override a natural brain response that diminishes the pleasure gained from eating – meaning the brain is continuously rewarded to eat," said study senior author Professor Herbert Herzog. "We showed that chronic stress, combined with a high-calorie diet, can drive more and more food intake as well as a preference for sweet, highly palatable food, thereby promoting weight gain and obesity.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Herzog also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy diet during periods of stress, a key implication of their research. The findings have been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.05.010"><em>Neuron</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-does-the-brain-react-to-chronic-stress">How does the brain react to chronic stress?</h2>



<p>The team delved into the curious phenomenon where most individuals tend to eat more and select calorie-dense options high in sugar and fat when subjected to stress. However, this is not a universal response, as some people may experience decreased appetite under stressful conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To dissect these disparate eating habits, the scientists studied how different areas in the brain reacted to chronic stress under various dietary regimes using mouse models.</p>



<p>“We discovered that an area known as the lateral habenula, which is normally involved in switching off the brain’s reward response, was active in mice on a short-term, high-fat diet to protect the animal from overeating. However, when mice were chronically stressed, this part of the brain remained silent - allowing the reward signals to stay active and encourage feeding for pleasure, no longer responding to satiety regulatory signals," explained study first author Dr. Kenny Chi Kin Ip.</p>



<p>As a result, he disclosed that mice exposed to chronic stress while on a high-fat diet gained double the weight compared to those on the same diet without stress.</p>



<p>At the heart of this weight gain was the molecule Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which the brain naturally generates in response to stress. When the researchers blocked NPY from activating brain cells in the lateral habenula of the stressed mice on a high-fat diet, the mice exhibited a reduced intake of comfort food and consequently less weight gain.</p>



<h2 id="h-chronic-stress-leads-to-an-unhealthy-diet">Chronic stress leads to an unhealthy diet</h2>



<p>The researchers further unraveled the complex relationship between stress and diet preferences using a "sucralose preference test." This involved giving mice the choice to drink either water or artificially sweetened water.</p>



<p>“Stressed mice on a high-fat diet consumed three times more sucralose than mice that were on a high-fat diet alone, suggesting that stress not only activates more reward when eating but specifically drives a craving for sweet, palatable food," said Professor Herzog. Interestingly, this predilection for sweetened water was not observed in stressed mice following a regular diet.</p>



<p>“In stressful situations it’s easy to use a lot of energy and the feeling of reward can calm you down – this is when a boost of energy through food is useful. But when experienced over long periods of time, stress appears to change the equation, driving eating that is bad for the body long term," explained Professor Herzog.</p>



<p>The findings indicate that stress is a key modulator of eating habits, capable of overpowering the brain's inherent capacity to maintain energy equilibrium. In essence, the research suggests that prolonged stress conditions can lead to unhealthy dietary habits and metabolic complications.</p>



<p>Professor Herzog concluded by reinforcing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet, particularly under persistent stress conditions: “This research emphasises just how much stress can compromise a healthy energy metabolism. It’s a reminder to avoid a stressful lifestyle, and crucially – if you are dealing with long-term stress – try to eat a healthy diet and lock away the junk food.”</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-chronic-stress">More about chronic stress&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Chronic stress is a prolonged and constant feeling of stress that can negatively affect one's health if left unmanaged. It is different from acute stress, which is a normal reaction to changes and challenges in daily life. While acute stress can even be beneficial or motivational in short bursts (known as the 'fight-or-flight' response), chronic stress can be detrimental.</p>



<h3 id="h-key-aspects-of-chronic-stress">Key aspects of chronic stress:</h3>



<h4 id="h-causes">Causes</h4>



<p>Chronic stress can be caused by various factors such as ongoing work pressure, financial strain, challenging relationships, chronic illnesses, or constant exposure to a stressful environment. Sometimes, an accumulation of small stressors can also lead to chronic stress.</p>



<h4 id="h-effects-on-the-brain-and-body">Effects on the brain and body</h4>



<p>Chronic stress releases stress hormones like cortisol over an extended period, which can impact the brain’s structure and function. This can lead to alterations in mood, decision-making, and the way one handles further stress. It also impacts physical health, contributing to issues like heart disease, digestive problems, sleep disorders, weight gain, and a weakened immune system.</p>



<h4 id="h-psychological-consequences">Psychological consequences</h4>



<p>Chronic stress is associated with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can cause feelings of frustration, anger, irritability, and hopelessness.</p>



<h4 id="h-behavioral-changes">Behavioral changes</h4>



<p>People experiencing chronic stress might develop unhealthy coping strategies like overeating (as highlighted in the study conducted by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research), smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug abuse.</p>



<h4 id="h-management-and-coping-strategies">Management and coping strategies</h4>



<p>Managing chronic stress typically involves lifestyle changes. This includes incorporating regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate sleep, and adopting relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. It is also important to build a strong support system through friends, family, or professional counseling.</p>



<h4 id="h-professional-help">Professional help&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Sometimes, chronic stress can be overwhelming, and individuals might need professional help. This can range from counseling and therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy) to medication in some cases.</p>



<p>Understanding and acknowledging the impact of chronic stress is essential for well-being. It's important to recognize its signs and symptoms early and to adopt healthy coping strategies or seek professional help if necessary. By doing so, one can mitigate the adverse effects of chronic stress on both mental and physical health.</p>

Chronic stress causes the brain to crave comfort food

In moments of intense stress, many of us fall into...

<p>Each year, rescue centers release animals into the wild, assuming that they will thrive most in their natural habitat. However, such assumptions have not been tested scientifically with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/primates-danger-extinction/">primates</a> and investigations into the most effective methods of release have been scarce.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, a team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/">Durham University</a> and the <a href="https://janegoodall.org/">Jane Goodall Institute</a> has found that a group of mandrills (<em>Mandrillus sphinx</em>) – a species of monkey native to west central Africa – who were returned to the wild using a carefully phased approach adapted well, exhibiting a lower stress response in the wild than in the sanctuary from which they were released.</p>



<p>“Many primate releases are conducted based on the assumption that it improves animal welfare, but very few studies have actually tested this,” said senior author Joanna Setchell, a zoologist at Durham. “Our work applies rigorous science to this assumption, providing evidence that a carefully planned release of mandrills can work well with the right design, monitoring, and evaluation.”</p>



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



<p>The <a href="https://www.iucn.org/">International Union for the Conservation of Nature</a> (IUCN) recommends a gradual release and post-release monitoring to ensure that, when animals are released into the wild, their stress responses are low, allowing them to survive and adapt to the new environment. However, this slow and steady process is rarely applied due to high costs and time restrictions.</p>



<p>For the current study, the experts transferred 15 mandrills from the Tchimpounga Sanctuary – which were orphaned by hunting and rescued by Congolese authorities - to a pre-release enclosure in the Conkouati-Douli National Park, and afterwards into the park itself.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process involved the mandrills spending time in a pre-release enclosure built in the forest, provisions of extra food, careful observations of the animals’ condition, and interventions to remove animals that were not doing well. Even though all of the 15 mandrills survived, three of them had to be returned to the sanctuary as their transfer was not successful.</p>



<h2 id="h-measuring-the-primates-stress-response">Measuring the primates' stress response&nbsp;</h2>



<p>At every stage of the transfer, the scientists collected fecal samples from the mandrills, which they then used to measure their stress response non-invasively. As expected, the animals’ stress response initially increased after their move from the sanctuary to the pre-release enclosure, most likely due to their being transported in crates by car and boat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, in the pre-release enclosure, which provided the mandrills a safe place to adjust to their new environment, their stress response dropped again and did not increase after they were released in the forest. In fact, just one month after their release into the wild, their stress response dropped below the levels observed while they were in the sanctuary.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, after one year spent in the wild, the response was nearly half what it had been in the sanctuary, suggesting that the mandrills were faring quite well in their natural habitat. The results are published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coad025"><em>Conservation Physiology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>“This project was ultimately successful because of years of pre-release preparation and extensive post-release support.&nbsp;We went to the extreme lengths to conduct this study because it’s important that all releases are&nbsp;learnt from and the results are reported,” said lead author Miles Woodruff, a primatologist at Durham.</p>



<p>“We are dealing with the life and death of critical&nbsp;species in sensitive environments and every individual matters.&nbsp;Our findings are very exciting because we now have physiological evidence to support the ‘why’ behind the IUCN’s suggestions to conduct soft releases of animals.”</p>



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



<p>Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) are a type of primate that are native to rainforests in equatorial Africa, specifically in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo. They're a member of the Old World monkey family, Cercopithecidae, and are close relatives of baboons and drill monkeys.</p>



<p>Physically, mandrills are recognized for their vibrant, multicolored facial and rump markings. Males, in particular, have incredibly vivid markings, with blue and red skin on their faces and a yellow beard, while their rumps feature similar coloration. These striking colors become brighter when the animal is excited.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Mandrills are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have different physical characteristics. Male mandrills are significantly larger and more colorful than females, with males weighing up to 54 kilograms (120 pounds) and females usually around 12 kilograms (26 pounds).</p>



<p>In terms of behavior, mandrills are social animals, living in large groups called hordes, which can number in the hundreds. These groups are typically dominated by a single, older male and consist of several females and their young. They are primarily terrestrial animals, spending much of their time on the ground, but they can climb trees and often sleep in them.</p>



<p>Mandrills are omnivorous and their diet consists of a mix of fruits, roots, and insects, but they can also eat small vertebrates. Their cheek pouches allow them to carry food to be eaten later.&nbsp;</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>

Gradual release of rescued primates into the wild is highly effective

Each year, rescue centers release animals into the wild, assuming...

<p>According to a new study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ehjqcco/qcad025"><em>European Heart Journal – Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes</em></a>, individuals who had <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-attacks-young-women/">heart attacks</a> during the first Covid-19 lockdown in the UK and Spain are predicted to live 1.5 and 2 years less, respectively, than their pre-pandemic counterparts. </p>



<p>Moreover, the experts estimate the additional costs to the UK and Spanish economies to rise as high as £36.6 million (€41.3 million) and €88.6 million, respectively, largely due to work absenteeism.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Heart attacks require urgent medical interventions with stents – called “percutaneous coronary intervention” (PCI) – to open the blocked arteries and restore blood flow. Delays resulting in lack of oxygen can lead to irreversible damage to the heart muscle and can cause heart failure or other complications.</p>



<h2 id="h-fewer-patients-went-to-the-hospital-during-lockdown">Fewer patients went to the hospital during lockdown</h2>



<p>During the first wave of the pandemic, as officials told people to stay at home and some routine emergency care was halted, about 40 percent fewer heart attack patients went to hospital. Those remaining at home following a heart attack were more than twice as likely to die, while those who delayed going to the hospital were nearly twice as likely to have significant complications which could have been avoided compared to people receiving prompt treatment.</p>



<p>“Restrictions to treatment of life-threatening conditions have immediate and long-term negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole,” said study corresponding author William Wijns, a professor of Interventional Cardiology at the <a href="https://www.universityofgalway.ie/">University of Galway</a> in Ireland. “Back-up plans must be in place so that emergency services can be retained even during natural or health catastrophes.”</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers estimated the long-term clinical and economic implications of reduced heart attack treatment during the first lockdowns in the UK and Spain in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), in which an artery supplying blood to the heart is completely blocked.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Survival projections took into account age, hospitalization status, and time to treatment using published data from both countries and compared them to data from one year before the pandemic. The data analysis revealed that 77 percent of STEMI patients in the UK were hospitalized before the pandemic compared to 44 percent during the first lockdown, with the equivalent rates in Spain being 74 percent and 57 percent.</p>



<h2 id="h-long-term-repercussions">Long-term repercussions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By using a model estimating long-term survival, quality of life, and costs related to STEMI, the scientists found that patients who had a STEMI during the first UK lockdown would lose an average of 1.55 years compared to those presenting with this condition before the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, those with a STEMI during the lockdown were predicted to lose about one year and two months of life in perfect health. In the case of Spain, the equivalent figures were 2.03 years of life lost, and one year and seven months of life in perfect health lost.</p>



<p>In addition, the researchers performed a cost analysis that took into account factors such as initial hospitalization and treatment, follow-up treatment, management of heart failure, and productivity loss in patients unable to return to work.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The investigation revealed that, in the UK – with an incidence of 49,332 STEMIs per year – reduced access to PCI during the first month of lockdown would cost an extra £36.6 million (€41.3 million) over the lifetime of the patients, while in Spain – with an annual incidence of 52,954 STEMIs – reduced access to PCI at the beginning of the pandemic would cost an additional €88.6 million over the patients’ lifetimes.</p>



<p>“The findings illustrate the repercussions of delayed or missed care. Patients and societies will pay the price of reduced heart attack treatment during just one month of lockdown for years to come. Health services need a list of lifesaving therapies that should always be delivered, and resilient healthcare systems must be established that can switch to emergency plans without delay. Public awareness campaigns should emphasize the benefits of timely care, even during a pandemic or other crisis,” Wijns 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>

Covid lockdown cost heart attack patients up to two years of life

According to a new study published in the European Heart...

Seaweed,Farming,In,The,Clear,Coastal,Waters,Of,Zanzibar,Island

<p>A new study led by <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/">Tufts University</a> has found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-farming-could-boost-food-security-yet-preserve-nature/">seaweed</a> farming could help mitigate hunger and malnutrition while also slowing climate change. Furthermore, the experts report that producing and selling seaweed could boost incomes for farmers in low- and middle-income countries, particularly across coastal regions in Africa and Southeast Asia.</p>



<p>Since seaweed farming requires no land, freshwater, or chemical fertilizers, it is a much more sustainable alternative for raising livestock and could become highly profitable as demands for nutrient-rich seaweed products grows around the globe. Such profits would increase the buying power for the households and communities who produce, process, package, and export it, which in turn could lead to healthier diets worldwide.</p>



<p>“One of the biggest problems of food insecurity in LMICs is the unaffordability of healthy diets,” said study lead author Patrick Webb, a professor of Nutrition Science at Tufts. “There are roughly 3.5 billion people in the world who can’t afford a healthy diet even if they choose local foods at local prices. For many of those people, cultivating and selling seaweed would lead to higher incomes and improved nutrition through purchases on the market.”</p>



<h2 id="h-simple-techniques">Simple techniques&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, seaweed has been grown in parts of Asia for centuries, using simple techniques. For instance, farmers attach long lines of rope to the roots of the algae, which help nourish the plant by absorbing nutrients from the water. About two months later, they gather the seaweed by hand and let it dry in the sun.</p>



<p>“A lot of what we’re looking at on the farming side is not about finding new crops or different kinds of crops. It’s about what’s already being grown that could be scaled up cost-effectively,” Webb explained.</p>



<h2 id="h-low-carbon-footprint">Low carbon footprint&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Besides being relatively easy to grow, seaweed has a very low carbon footprint, and could even help decrease the ocean’s carbon levels. Although little is yet known about how much carbon dioxide seaweed releases during harvest, perennial brown algae farms were found to absorb up to ten tons of CO2 per hectare of sea surface each year. Moreover, when added to livestock feed, seaweed could help substantially reduce methane emissions.</p>



<p>“Unless we get significant warming of the oceans, cultivating seaweed offers a way that is not just climate friendly, but climate proof,” said Webb. “We don’t know how soon the industry will start to experience the negative effects of climate change, but the potential looks good. By farming seaweed, it’s not going to accelerate those negative effects. Whereas cutting down trees and adding more livestock certainly would.”</p>



<h2 id="h-challenges-of-seaweed-farming">Challenges of seaweed farming&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Unfortunately, there are several challenges for producing and processing seaweed. Since ocean waters are becoming increasingly acidic due to climate change, growing healthy, edible seaweed in such conditions is not easy. Moreover, seaweed’s main value as an export lies in some of its extracts as ingredients for other products, rather than as a vegetable to be eaten whole, and many LMICs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; do not yet have a proper infrastructure to effectively process, test, and regulate what will eventually land on consumers’ plates.</p>



<p>“The steps taken between the farm and the fork, that’s what we need to focus on,” Webb argued. “We need to work more closely with governments and the private sector to figure out where the bottlenecks are and how to overcome them.”</p>



<h2 id="h-unlimited-opportunities">Unlimited opportunities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, if these obstacles are successfully addressed, the opportunities of seaweed farming are boundless. The industry has already flourished in countries such as Indonesia, where seasonal labor is always available and farms have managed to achieve industrial-level economies of scale. The country is now a key exporter of two seaweed species from which carrageenan – a thickener found in meats and nut milks – is extracted.</p>



<p>“There are many different types of seaweed, and they all require somewhat of a different environment in which to grow. The vast coasts of Africa and Asia, not all of it will be prime real estate. But much of it will be,” Webb said.</p>



<p>In order for seaweed farming to expand and flourish in these regions, government should create food safety regulations and help attract local and international investment. “The Ministry of Agriculture, or even the Ministry of Fisheries in these countries probably never discusses seaweed. What if they did? They might discover a goldmine,” Webb concluded. The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2023.100686"><em>Global Food Security</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>Seaweed farming is the practice of cultivating and harvesting seaweed. In many parts of the world, it's a significant industry that can be a vital source of income and food.</p>



<h3 id="h-cultivating-seaweed">Cultivating seaweed</h3>



<p>There are various methods for cultivating seaweed, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Most methods involve using a substrate like ropes or nets, which the seaweed can attach to and grow from. The substrate is then anchored to the seabed using weights or floats to maintain its position in the water. For some species, such as kelp, farmers use horizontal long-lines near the water's surface, to which juvenile kelp is attached. The seaweed then grows hanging downwards.</p>



<h3 id="h-harvesting-seaweed">Harvesting seaweed</h3>



<p>Once the seaweed has grown sufficiently, it is harvested. The method of harvest again depends on the type of seaweed and its growth. Some seaweeds can be harvested by hand or using simple tools, while others may require more complex machinery. After the seaweed is harvested, it can be dried, processed, or sold fresh, depending on the market.</p>



<h3 id="h-applications-of-seaweed">Applications of seaweed</h3>



<p>Seaweed has a wide variety of uses, including food, fertilizer, and various industrial uses. It's a popular food item in many Asian countries, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China, where it's used in soups, salads, snacks, and sushi. Seaweed is also a source of carrageenan and agar, which are used as thickening and gelling agents in the food industry. Seaweed is also being researched for its potential uses in biofuel production, carbon sequestration, and as a source of valuable compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.</p>



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



<p>Seaweed farming is considered a sustainable practice as it doesn't require fresh water, arable land, or fertilizers, which are resources commonly used in traditional agriculture. It can also help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, and some types of seaweed can even absorb carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.</p>



<p><em>—-</em></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>

Seaweed farming could boost food security, slow climate change

A new study led by Tufts University has found that...

<p>How do the lifestyle and environment of our four-legged companions impact their health and aging? Professor Noah Snyder-Mackler from the <a href="https://www.asu.edu/">ASU</a> School of Life Sciences poses this question, underlining the fact that the shorter lifespan of dogs and the intensive care they receive from their owners make them perfect models for studying the effects of social and physical environment on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flat-faced-dogs-remain-wildly-popular-despite-severe-health-risks/">health</a>, aging, and survival.</p>



<p>Now, an enormous survey and data collection effort involving over 21,000 dog owners has shed light on key social determinants that influence the health and aging of our beloved canines.</p>



<h2 id="h-dogs-need-other-dogs">Dogs need other dogs</h2>



<p>The findings indicate that a dog's social support network has the most substantial impact on their health outcomes. In fact, social support is found to be five times more influential than financial factors, household stability, or the owner's age.</p>



<p>Under the guidance of Professor Snyder-Mackler, PhD student Bri McCoy, and MSc student Layla Brassington, the team embarked on an extensive analysis of the collected data, which represented a staggering 21,410 dogs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers aimed to identify the vital social factors for a healthy lifestyle, a significant stride in the Dog Aging Project's community-science endeavor.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-dog-aging-project">The Dog Aging Project</h2>



<p>For those unfamiliar, the Dog Aging Project is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the University of Washington and Texas A&amp;M School of Medicine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The initiative includes over a dozen institutions around the country, including ASU. It aims to understand how genes, lifestyle, and the environment influence aging and disease outcomes. So far, more than 45,000 dogs from across the U.S. are enrolled in the project.</p>



<p>Daniel Promislow, the co-director and principal investigator, proudly describes the study's broad reach. He notes that the data gathered through the Dog Aging Project will allow follow-up studies to explore how and why environmental factors affect dogs' health.</p>



<p>The ASU team used a large survey that posed a variety of questions to dog owners about themselves and their pets. The inquiries spanned numerous areas, including physical activity, environment, dog behavior, diet, medications and preventatives, health status, and owner demographics.</p>



<h2 id="h-five-key-factors-that-influence-a-dog-s-wellbeing">Five key factors that influence a dog’s wellbeing</h2>



<p>From these responses, the team identified five key factors - neighborhood stability, total household income, social time with children, social time with animals, and owner age - that combined to shape a dog's social environment and were associated with canine wellbeing.</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that the environment in which a dog lives significantly impacts their health, disease diagnoses, and physical mobility, even after accounting for the dog's age and weight. Specifically, financial and household adversity correlated with poorer health and reduced physical mobility.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, more social companionship, such as living with other dogs, was associated with better health. The influence of social support was five times stronger than financial factors.</p>



<p>McCoy emphasizes the importance of social companionship for a dog's health, mirroring the importance of social connections among humans and other animals.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-finds-a-few-unexpected-results">Study finds a few unexpected results</h2>



<p>Two unexpected findings emerged from the study, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/emph/eoad011/7161464"><em>Evolution Medicine and Public Health</em></a>. First, an inverse relationship was found between the number of children in the household and dog health. Brassington explains that dedicating more time to children likely results in less time spent with the "furry" children. McCoy frames this as a "resource allocation" issue, rather than children being harmful to dogs.</p>



<p>The second counterintuitive finding highlighted the role of finance in disease diagnoses. Dogs from wealthier households tend to have more diseases diagnosed, likely due to more frequent veterinary care and the financial ability to afford additional tests.</p>



<p>The study's results were consistent across both pure and mixed breed dogs, as well as specific breeds. However, as the data was obtained through owner-reported surveys, there may be errors, biases, or misinterpretations.</p>



<h2 id="h-next-steps-for-the-research-team">Next steps for the research team</h2>



<p>The research team's next steps involve exploring potential links between survey data and underlying physiology. Professor Snyder-Mackler is interested in understanding how these external factors are translating into tangible health effects on dogs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We now want to understand how these external factors are getting under the skin to affect the dog's health - how is the environment altering their bodies and cells?" he noted.</p>



<p>The researchers are keeping a close eye on a subgroup of around 1,000 dogs from the larger study. These animals are part of a focused cohort where blood and other biological samples are being collected over several years to uncover these environmental impacts.</p>



<p>"In future research, we will look at electronic veterinary medical records, molecular and immunological measures, and at-home physical tests to generate more accurate measures of health and frailty in the companion dog," said Professor Snyder-Mackler.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-s-conclusions-are-very-clear">Study’s conclusions are very clear</h2>



<p>Still, the central takeaway from the study is clear. "Having a good network, having good social connectedness is good for the dogs that are living with us, said McCoy. "But the structure and equities that are in our society also have a detrimental effect on our companion animals as well. And they are not the ones thinking about their next paycheck or their health care.”</p>



<p>In conclusion, the findings could serve as a prescription for people to lead healthier lives. After all, what is good for our dogs may also be good for us.</p>



<p>“Overall, our study provides further evidence for the strong link between the social environment and health outcomes that reflects what is known for humans," said Professor Snyder-Mackler.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We need to focus more attention to the role of the social environment on health and disease, and continued investigation of how each environmental factor can contribute to more years of healthy living (i.e., 'healthspan') in both companion dogs and humans."</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-bond-between-dogs-and-humans">More about the bond between dogs and humans</h2>



<p>The bond between dogs and humans is an enduring relationship that dates back thousands of years. Dogs were among the first animals to be domesticated, and this long-shared history has resulted in a deep emotional and social bond between the two species.</p>



<h3 id="h-companionship">Companionship&nbsp;</h3>



<p>At the heart of this bond is the notion of companionship. Dogs, often referred to as "man's best friend," are cherished members of many families worldwide. They provide their owners with emotional support, companionship, and often contribute to their sense of safety and security.</p>



<p>This connection goes beyond simple companionship. Numerous studies have shown that having a dog can provide a range of health benefits. For example, dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and are less likely to experience heart attacks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dogs also promote a more active lifestyle, as they require regular exercise. This increased physical activity can benefit the cardiovascular system and help maintain a healthy weight.</p>



<h3 id="h-psychological">Psychological&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Psychologically, the bond between dogs and humans can also have profound impacts. Interacting with dogs can lead to lower stress levels and can even help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. The simple act of petting a dog can increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease the production of the stress hormone cortisol.</p>



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



<p>Furthermore, dogs have been shown to offer significant social and emotional benefits. For children, growing up with a dog can aid in their emotional development and boost their self-esteem. </p>



<p>Dogs can also teach children about responsibility, empathy, and compassion. For older adults, dogs can provide companionship and a sense of purpose, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.</p>



<p>It's also important to note that dogs have evolved to understand human emotions and to respond in ways that provide comfort and companionship. They are attuned to human emotions and often react empathetically to their owners' feelings. This emotional intelligence, combined with their unconditional love and loyalty, makes the bond between humans and dogs truly special.</p>



<h3 id="h-two-way-street">Two-way street&nbsp;</h3>



<p>However, this bond is not a one-way street. Just as humans derive emotional and health benefits from their dogs, the dogs also thrive on the love, care, and companionship provided by their human partners. As the study we discussed earlier suggests, dogs' health and well-being can be greatly affected by their social environment, which underscores the importance of this mutual bond.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the bond between dogs and humans is a symbiotic relationship characterized by mutual affection, emotional connection, and shared benefits. It's a relationship that is treasured by many and continues to be a subject of fascinating scientific study.</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>

Dogs live longer and happier lives when they get to socialize often

How do the lifestyle and environment of our four-legged companions...

<p>Tens of thousands of aircrafts face severe turbulence each year, with an estimated cost to the global aviation sector of up to $1 billion from structural damage to airplanes, flight delays, and costs of injuries. Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/">University of Reading</a> in the UK has found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate change</a> could be the main culprit behind this phenomenon, leading to more turbulence during flights, which drive up maintenance costs and increase the risks for both passengers and crews.</p>



<p>While some aircraft turbulence occurs in well-defined places, such as within the vicinity of convection storms or over mountain ranges, a particular type called “clear-air turbulence” (CAT) is caused when bodies of air moving at different speeds meet. Unlike the other types of turbulence, CAT is highly difficult to observe and forecast.</p>



<p>“The main problem [with CAT] is that you can’t see it,” said Ramalingam Saravanan, a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tamu.edu/">Texas A&amp;M University</a>, who was not involved in the current study.</p>



<p>“The best way I think pilots know about it is when some other pilot has flown through it and radios back, letting them know its location. You can try to predict it statistically, but you can’t predict it by individual case because it is a random process, and the air looks clear and harmless – hence the name.”</p>



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



<p>The experts analyzed clear-air turbulence trends globally during 1979 and 2020 by using a dataset called <a href="https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu/cdsapp#!/dataset/reanalysis-era5-single-levels">ERA5</a>. “This dataset contains information about the past atmosphere – e.g. temperature, wind speed – that we have used as the basis for this study,” said lead author Mark Prosser, a doctoral student in Meteorology at Reading. “Although information automatically recorded from aircraft do go into this dataset, other observations – such as those from satellites and weather balloons – do so too.”</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that the skies aircrafts fly through have becoming increasingly “bumpier” during the past four decades in various regions of the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, over the North Atlantic – one of the busiest flight routes in the world – the total annual duration of severe turbulence has increased by 55 percent, from 17.7 hours in 1979 to 27.4 hours in 2020, while moderate turbulence has risen by 37 percent (from 70 to 96.1 hours) and light turbulence by 17 percent (from 466.5 to 546.8 hours).</p>



<h2 id="h-global-warming-is-to-blame">Global warming is to blame</h2>



<p>The experts argue that these increases are consistent with the effects of climate change, with warmer air caused by rises in greenhouse gas emissions increasing windshear in the jet streams - the narrow currents of fast-moving air that planes fly along to get a speed boost - and consequently strengthening clear-air turbulence in the North Atlantic and other busy flight routes over the US, Europe, the Middle East, and the South Atlantic.</p>



<p>“Turbulence makes flights bumpy and can&nbsp;occasionally&nbsp;be dangerous.&nbsp;Airlines will need to&nbsp;start thinking&nbsp;about how they will manage&nbsp;the increased&nbsp;turbulence,&nbsp;as&nbsp;it&nbsp;costs&nbsp;the industry&nbsp;$150–500m&nbsp;annually in the USA alone. Every&nbsp;additional&nbsp;minute spent travelling through&nbsp;turbulence&nbsp;increases&nbsp;wear-and-tear on the&nbsp;aircraft,&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;the&nbsp;risk of&nbsp;injuries&nbsp;to passengers and flight attendants,” Prosser said.</p>



<p>&nbsp;“Following a decade of research showing that climate change will increase&nbsp;clear-air&nbsp;turbulence in&nbsp;the&nbsp;future, we now&nbsp;have evidence&nbsp;suggesting&nbsp;that the increase has already begun.&nbsp;We should be investing&nbsp;in&nbsp;improved&nbsp;turbulence&nbsp;forecasting and detection systems,&nbsp;to prevent&nbsp;the rougher air&nbsp;from&nbsp;translating&nbsp;into bumpier flights&nbsp;in&nbsp;the coming decades,” concluded co-author Paul Williams, a professor of Atmospheric Science at Reading.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023GL103814"><em>Geophysical Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em>&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-airplane-turbulence">More about airplane turbulence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Airplane turbulence refers to irregular motion of an aircraft, caused by changes in air pressure or air currents, particularly when the plane is flying through a weather system. It's one of the common situations that can occur during a flight, and while it might feel unsettling or uncomfortable, it's usually not a cause for concern. There are several types of turbulence:</p>



<h3 id="h-clear-air-turbulence-cat">Clear air turbulence (CAT)</h3>



<p>This is the most common type of turbulence. It's caused by fast moving air near the jet stream (usually at high altitudes) and is often not detectable by weather radar, which can make it difficult to avoid. Despite the abrupt jolts, CAT is generally not dangerous, though passengers are still advised to keep their seatbelts fastened when seated.</p>



<h3 id="h-thermal-turbulence">Thermal turbulence</h3>



<p>This is caused by hot air rising and cold air descending. This often happens on sunny days when the sun heats the earth's surface, causing pockets of warm air to rise. This is most common during the summer and in tropical areas.</p>



<h3 id="h-mechanical-turbulence">Mechanical turbulence</h3>



<p>This type of turbulence is caused by the wind blowing over rough terrain or buildings, creating eddies in the air. These eddies can cause turbulence when an aircraft flies through them.</p>



<h3 id="h-wake-turbulence">Wake turbulence</h3>



<p>This is caused by the spinning vortices that form at the tips of an aircraft's wings. These vortices can persist in the air and cause turbulence for aircraft flying behind. Air traffic control keeps aircraft separated by specific distances to prevent encounters with wake turbulence.</p>



<p>Although turbulence can be uncomfortable, modern aircraft are built to withstand even severe turbulence. The main danger with turbulence is not to the aircraft itself, but to unsecured objects and people inside the cabin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pilots and air traffic control use weather radar and other information to try and avoid turbulent areas when possible. Despite these efforts, turbulence is sometimes unavoidable, but again, it's usually not a threat to the safety of the flight.</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>

Climate change has caused more severe turbulence on airplanes

Tens of thousands of aircrafts face severe turbulence each year,...

<p>El Niño has arrived. The last month has seen an atmospheric shift in response to the unusually warm surface of the tropical Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) forecasts that these conditions will extend into the winter season. The likelihood of this developing into a potent event stands at a solid 56%, with an 84% chance for at least a moderate event.</p>



<p>El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-La Niña climate oscillation. This meteorological phenomenon alters global atmospheric circulation in predictable ways, helping us anticipate potential future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-extreme-weather-events/">weather</a> and climate patterns. As El Niño strengthens, its impact on global temperature, precipitation, and other patterns become increasingly evident.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-to-expect-from-the-weather">What to expect from the weather</h2>



<p>Take the monthly Niño-3.4 index, for example. This measures the temperature of the tropical Pacific Ocean's surface. It has been observed to be 0.5 °Celsius (0.9 ˚Fahrenheit) higher than the long-term average (1991–2020), according to the OISSTv2.1 monthly dataset.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A 0.5 °C anomaly signifies the arrival of El Niño, marking a remarkable transition from the recent La Niña phase. The NOAA recorded a temperature anomaly of 0.8°C over the last week, further signifying an upward trend.</p>



<p>These conditions, in line with climate model predictions and current tropical Pacific conditions, are expected to remain above the El Niño threshold for the next several months. This marks the fulfillment of the first two criteria of El Niño.</p>



<h2 id="h-disrupting-normal-atmospheric-patterns-and-trade-winds">Disrupting normal atmospheric patterns and trade winds</h2>



<p>The third criterion involves the indication of a weaker Walker circulation, which refers to the typical atmospheric pattern over the equatorial Pacific. Under normal conditions, warm western Pacific waters fuel rising air and storms, with winds blowing from the west to east high in the atmosphere. These give rise to surface winds known as trade winds that blow from east to west, maintaining the concentration of warm water in the western Pacific.</p>



<p>El Niño disrupts this system. Its warm surface waters shift rainfall and convection towards the central and eastern Pacific, which weakens the trade winds, allows further warming, and results in a backflow of warmer water to the east, reinforcing the El Niño sea surface temperature pattern. This feedback loop is a crucial sign of El Niño.</p>



<p>Recent evidence of this disrupted Walker circulation includes weaker trade winds over the western Pacific and increased cloud cover and rainfall over the equatorial Pacific. Reduced convection over Indonesia is another characteristic indicative of a weaker Walker circulation.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-el-nino-is-measured">How El Niño is measured</h2>



<p>To measure the atmospheric component of El Niño, the NOAA employs the Equatorial Southern Oscillation Index (EQSOI) and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). Both of these indexes compare the surface atmospheric pressure in the western Pacific to that in the eastern Pacific.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In May, they measured -1.0 standard deviations, meaning these indexes were lower than about two-thirds of all measurements. This implies a significant indication of the weaker Walker circulation and evidence that the ocean-atmosphere system has coupled, marking the development of El Niño conditions.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-forecasters-sound-the-alarms-for-el-nino">Why forecasters sound the alarms for El Niño</h2>



<p>Why all this focus on El Niño (and La Niña)? Their impact on atmospheric circulation has global implications. Warm air rising near the equator moves towards the poles high in the atmosphere, descending near 30 °N and 30 °S, in a pattern known as the Hadley circulation. This process affects jet streams over the middle to high latitudes, which guide storms worldwide and separate cold and warm air masses.</p>



<p>As El Niño warms the atmosphere over the central and eastern tropical Pacific, it strengthens the Hadley circulation and alters the jet streams. For instance, an El Niño winter tends to bring more storms across the southern US and warmer air to the northern half of North America.</p>



<p>Given that El Niño can usually be predicted months in advance, the NOAA can anticipate these changes and their potential impacts. When this weather pattern intensifies, warming the sea surface temperature significantly above average, it wields greater influence on global circulation, making the impact patterns more likely.</p>



<h2 id="h-expect-the-unexpected">Expect the unexpected</h2>



<p>However, Mother Nature never fails to surprise. While El Niño increases the likelihood of certain patterns, exact predictions are elusive. In the words of two poignant post titles: "Not what I ordered: How El Niño is like a bad bartender," and "No, you can't blame it all on El Niño… but it's still a seasonal forecaster’s best friend."</p>



<p>Adding to the atmospheric signs, the subsurface ocean also lends support to the persistence of El Niño. Currently, the Pacific holds significantly warmer-than-average water beneath the surface. This is due to the passage of one downwelling Kelvin wave (an area of warm water that moves from west to east under the surface) and the emergence of another.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In fact, the average subsurface temperature for May 2023 was the fourth-warmest May value on record (1979–2023). This isn't a guaranteed predictor of a strong El Niño, but it certainly is suggestive. The top two May values were in 1997 and 2015, both of which preceded strong El Niño events, but the third in 1980 did not.</p>



<p>As always, nature's unpredictability makes it challenging to forecast several months ahead. Even though El Niño conditions have formed, there's a slim chance (4-7%) that it might fizzle out. NOAA considers this unlikely but not impossible. The global oceans' unprecedented warmth could throw us off track. Another potential, though less probable, outcome is a weak El Niño, with a 12% chance.</p>



<p>In the upcoming months, updates on this El Niño's development will be provided. We'll delve deeper into some of the impacts of El Niño, including a post on El Niño's interaction with global temperature in a couple of weeks. As noted in the previous month, global temperatures are significantly above average and have been steadily rising. Thank you for joining us on this journey into the heart of our changing climate!</p>



<h2 id="h-a-summary-and-exact-explanation-of-an-el-nino-event">A summary and exact explanation of an El Niño event</h2>



<p><br>El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters along the tropical west coast of South America. It's part of what's known as the Southern Oscillation, a larger climatic phenomenon encompassing both the ocean and the atmosphere. Together, they're often referred to as ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation).</p>



<p>Typically, trade winds in the Pacific blow from east to west, pushing warm surface water towards Indonesia. When this happens, cold water from deep in the ocean rises up to replace it along the west coast of South America, a process known as upwelling. This cool, nutrient-rich water supports a rich ecosystem, including a thriving fishing industry.</p>



<p>During an El Niño event, the trade winds weaken or may even reverse direction. This change allows the warm water that was "piled up" in the western Pacific to slosh back towards the east. With the retreat of cooler water, sea surface temperatures along the western coast of South and Central America can rise significantly.</p>



<p>This significant warming of ocean water has substantial effects on global weather and climate patterns due to the large amount of heat energy transferred from the ocean to the atmosphere. For instance, it can lead to increased rainfall across the southern tier of the US and in Peru, which has caused destructive flooding, and drought in the West Pacific, affecting Australia and Indonesia.</p>



<p>These effects can also disrupt the marine ecosystem. The warmer surface waters of the Pacific Ocean during an El Niño can deplete the nutrients in the water, disrupting the food chain from its very base. For example, the anchovy industry in Peru and Ecuador can suffer during El Niño years as the anchovies, which prefer cooler water, disappear from their usual coastal habitats.</p>



<p>The frequency and intensity of these events vary. They tend to happen every two to seven years and can last anywhere from nine months to two years. Some can be more intense than others, and their effects can vary accordingly. However, predicting the exact timing and details of these events remains a significant scientific challenge.</p>



<p>On the flip side of El Niño is La Niña, which is essentially the opposite phase of ENSO. During La Niña, the trade winds are stronger than usual, pushing more warm water towards the west and causing cooler waters to rise along the eastern Pacific. This scenario leads to weather patterns that are generally the reverse of those during El Niño events.</p>



<p>It's important to note that while we understand the general patterns of El Niño and La Niña, each event is unique and can bring its own surprises, which makes studying and predicting them an ongoing endeavor for climatologists.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Forecasters warn of weather chaos as El Niño arrives early

El Niño has arrived. The last month has seen an...

<p>In a shocking study, Faysal Bibi of the <a href="https://museumfuernaturkunde.berlin/">Museum für Naturkunde</a> in Berlin and Juan L. Cantalapiedra of the University of Alcalá have unlocked key insights into the history of African large mammals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Using measurements from thousands of fossilized teeth, the researchers have reconstructed the size and population data of these mammals over the past 10 million years. The task was not without its difficulties, especially due to the various uncertainties inherent to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-gibbon-fossil-discovered-in-china/">fossil</a> preservation.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>However, despite these challenges, their research has identified a significant correlation between the size of an animal and its population, a relationship which remains consistent across both fossil and extant communities. This discovery suggests that the same fundamental ecological principles shaping living communities today are also echoed in the ancient fossil record.</p>



<p>In creatures exceeding 45 kg, Bibi and Cantalapiedra uncovered evidence for a decrease in population density correlating with an increase in size. This finding corresponds with the known "rule of metabolic scaling," where larger species tend to have lower population densities compared to their smaller counterparts.</p>



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



<p>Interestingly, the experts discovered that mammals ranging between approximately 15 to 45 kg were less abundant than predicted, in both living and fossil communities. This unexpected observation, according to the researchers, is likely due to these species' rarity in savanna habitats, an ecosystem where monkeys and small forest-dwelling antelopes are scarce.</p>



<p>A major revelation came when they investigated how the relationship between size and abundance has evolved over time. Earlier communities, particularly those older than about 4 million years, displayed a markedly higher number of large individuals. Furthermore, a higher proportion of total biomass was found in larger size categories compared to younger communities.</p>



<p>This abundant presence of large mammals in ancient African ecosystems - some elephants weighed in at over 10 tons - is an extraordinary phenomenon seldom seen in today's ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over time, there has been a steady disappearance of large individuals from the fossil record. This slow loss reflects the long-term decline of large mammal diversity since the late Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, leading to the smaller and less diverse communities we observe today.</p>



<h2 id="h-african-megafauna-began-vanishing-much-earlier-than-believed">African megafauna began vanishing much earlier than believed</h2>



<p>This study bolsters recent arguments suggesting that the massive loss of African megafauna began significantly earlier than previously thought, challenging the prevalent belief that humans were the primary drivers of these declines.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the dispersion of humans worldwide during the late Pleistocene and Holocene epochs coincides with significant extinction events, this new research supports the idea that megafaunal losses in Africa began as early as 4 million years ago, much before humans developed efficient hunting strategies. Instead, the researchers identify environmental factors, such as a decrease in global temperatures and the growth of tropical grasslands, as potential triggers for megafaunal extinctions.</p>



<p>Bibi and Cantalapiedra also found that the gradual disappearance of larger mammals and the consequent shift in biomass distribution could be associated with a reduction in primary productivity. Using a well-established relationship between mammalian tooth morphology and current plant productivity, they estimated past productivity for African communities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings suggest a significant, approximately two-thirds decrease in productivity since the Late Miocene epoch, more than 5 million years ago. This global trend could have substantially reduced the carrying capacity of large mammal communities, thereby accelerating the decline of large species diversity and hastening their extinction.</p>



<h2 id="h-ecosystem-dynamics-are-incredibly-complex">Ecosystem dynamics are incredibly complex</h2>



<p>This research provides a fresh perspective on ecosystem dynamics and the complex interplay between individuals, species, and their environment. It demonstrates how using fossil abundance data and size-based methodologies can offer invaluable insights into the ecological factors driving extinction.</p>



<p>The findings of this study represent a significant step forward in our understanding of African megafaunal extinctions and the evolution of ecosystems over geological time. The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.add8366"><em>Science</em></a>, has the potential to shape future conservation strategies and enhance our capacity to predict and manage biodiversity loss in response to environmental shifts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study emphasizes the deep-time origins of African megafaunal losses, challenging conventional wisdom and presenting a new timeline for these declines.</p>



<h2 id="h-using-these-findings-to-slow-this-rapid-decline">Using these findings to slow this rapid decline</h2>



<p>Understanding how environmental changes impacted past ecosystems can help predict how current and future shifts might affect biodiversity. The data provided by Bibi and Cantalapiedra's study may inform conservation efforts, highlighting the potential consequences of losing large individuals from our ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The work provides a sobering reminder of the cascading effects environmental changes can have on biodiversity and the overall health of our planet. This study also highlights the importance of paleontological research in conservation science.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By peering into the past, scientists can gain a better understanding of how ecological communities are structured and how they respond to large-scale changes. This knowledge can, in turn, provide valuable insights for managing the impacts of ongoing environmental changes on our ecosystems.</p>



<p>In conclusion, the research has opened new avenues for understanding the dynamics of ecosystems and the complex interactions between individuals, species, and their environment. Their findings offer fresh perspectives that can contribute to mitigating the impact of biodiversity loss.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This in-depth exploration into the life and death of ancient African megafauna offers valuable lessons for the present and future, showing how vital it is to preserve our planet's biodiversity for generations to come.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-african-megafauna">More about African megafauna&nbsp;</h2>



<p>African megafauna refers to the continent's large animals, typically weighing over 100 pounds or around 45 kilograms. This group includes a diverse range of animals, from large herbivores like elephants and giraffes to large carnivores like lions and hyenas. It also includes a variety of lesser-known, yet equally impressive species such as the hippopotamus, rhinoceros, and the Cape buffalo.</p>



<p>The term "megafauna" is often associated with animals from a previous geological era, notably the Pleistocene epoch which ended around 11,700 years ago. During this time, Africa was home to a number of species that are now extinct, such as various species of proboscideans (the group that includes elephants and their extinct relatives) and the saber-toothed cat.</p>



<p>Africa is unique in that it's the only continent that has preserved a diverse range of megafauna to the present day. For instance, in many parts of the world, megafauna such as mammoths, mastodons, and giant sloths went extinct at the end of the Pleistocene, an event known as the Quaternary extinction. However, Africa retained much of its large mammalian biodiversity, with the extant fauna including charismatic species like elephants, rhinos, and big cats.</p>



<p>That said, Africa's megafauna has not been immune to decline. Many species have seen their ranges shrink and populations dwindle due to human activity such as habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change. Even animals that are seemingly plentiful, like elephants, face significant threats that could lead to their extinction if not properly addressed.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the research conducted by Bibi and Cantalapiedra suggests that this trend is not entirely new. Their findings indicate that the loss of megafauna in Africa started around 4 million years ago, far earlier than the spread of humans. They argue that changes in climate and habitat, rather than human hunting, initiated this gradual decline in megafauna diversity and abundance.</p>



<p>Understanding Africa's megafauna and their history is crucial for conserving these magnificent animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. These creatures play vital roles in their environments, influencing everything from vegetation patterns to the behavior of other animals. Their loss would drastically alter African ecosystems and could have far-reaching impacts on global biodiversity.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Vanishing giants: Study reveals shocking decline of large mammals in Africa

In a shocking study, Faysal Bibi of the Museum für...

<p>The global COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-pandemic-affect-young-peoples-mental-health/">pandemic</a> and subsequent lockdowns led to a substantial shift in human behavior. As people huddled indoors, it appeared that land mammals seized the opportunity to explore more freely and widely, as per a recent study conducted by Marlee Tucker of <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en/home-basis-seo">Radboud University</a> and his team of 174 colleagues.</p>



<p>In the first few months of the pandemic, when most countries were in stringent lockdown, reports of wildlife reclaiming spaces in urban areas began to circulate. One could spot cougars strolling down the streets of Santiago, Chile.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Tucker questioned, "Is there any evidence of this? Or were people simply paying more attention to everything while being at home?" This doubt inspired a global investigation into the behavioral changes of land mammals.</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-the-movements-of-mammals-worldwide">Studying the movements of mammals worldwide</h2>



<p>To dig deeper into the phenomenon, the team, which included members of the COVID-19 Bio-Logging Initiative, embarked on a mission to analyze GPS tracking data of land mammals worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They collected and scrutinized data from a diverse array of 43 different species, ranging from elephants and giraffes to bears and deer. The team studied more than 2,300 individual mammals in all.</p>



<p>The data under scrutiny was specifically from the first period of lockdowns, spanning from January to mid-May 2020. The team then compared these figures to movement data from the same months the previous year. The patterns they discovered were intriguing.</p>



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



<p>The research,&nbsp; published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abo6499"><em>Science</em></a>, revealed that animals traveled up to 73% longer distances within a span of 10 days during the strict lockdown period, compared to the same time the previous year when no lockdown was in place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, animals were found to be on average 36% closer to roads. "This is probably because those roads were quieter during strict lockdowns," explained Tucker.</p>



<p>Fewer people outside, especially in heavily urbanized areas, offered animals an unprecedented opportunity to explore new territories. However, the results varied in regions with less stringent lockdown measures.</p>



<p>"In contrast, in areas with less strict lockdowns, we saw that animals traveled shorter distances," said Thomas Mueller of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and Goethe University Frankfurt, who co-designed the study with Tucker.</p>



<p>"This may have to do with the fact that during those lockdowns, people were actually encouraged to go into nature. As a result, some nature areas were busier than before COVID-19."</p>



<h2 id="h-unique-opportunity-for-study-that-may-not-happen-again">Unique opportunity for study that may not happen again</h2>



<p>The unique circumstances presented by the pandemic lockdowns allowed the researchers to observe the immediate effects of a sudden change in human presence on wildlife behavior.</p>



<p>"Our research has shown that animals can respond directly to changes in human behavior. This offers hope for the future, because in principle this means that making some adjustments to our own behavior could have a positive effect on animals," said Tucker.</p>



<p>This intriguing study provides crucial insights into how human activity impacts wildlife, potentially guiding our path towards more sustainable cohabitation with the natural world.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-happens-when-mammals-lose-their-habitat-to-humans">What happens when mammals lose their habitat to humans</h2>



<p>When humans encroach on the habitats of land mammals, it can lead to a variety of negative impacts on these animals and their environments, as well as potential negative effects on human populations. Here are several key issues:</p>



<h3 id="h-habitat-loss-and-fragmentation">Habitat Loss and Fragmentation</h3>



<p>When humans convert forests, grasslands, or other natural habitats into residential areas, commercial zones, farms, or roads, this results in habitat loss for many species. Furthermore, remaining natural areas often become fragmented, isolating wildlife populations. Fragmented habitats can prevent animals from moving freely to find food, mates, or new territory, leading to declines in population size and potentially even extinction.</p>



<h3 id="h-conflict-with-humans">Conflict with Humans&nbsp;</h3>



<p>As human settlements expand into wild areas, the potential for human-wildlife conflict increases. For instance, animals such as bears, coyotes, or elephants can encroach on human settlements in search of food, which can result in property damage or even human injuries or deaths. Conversely, humans may kill or injure animals perceived as threats or nuisances.</p>



<h3 id="h-spread-of-diseases">Spread of Diseases</h3>



<p>Encroachment can also facilitate the spread of diseases between wildlife and human populations. For example, the Ebola virus is believed to have jumped from wildlife to humans in areas where humans are encroaching on previously undisturbed habitats.</p>



<h3 id="h-decreased-biodiversity">Decreased Biodiversity&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Human encroachment can lead to decreased biodiversity as habitats are destroyed or altered, and certain species may not be able to adapt to the changes. This can result in a loss of species richness and an imbalance in ecosystems, which can lead to a decrease in ecosystem health and resilience.</p>



<h3 id="h-disruption-of-animal-behavior">Disruption of Animal Behavior</h3>



<p>Human encroachment can cause changes in animal behavior. For example, it can change migration patterns or feeding habits, causing stress to the animals and potentially impacting their survival. Animals might also start to avoid areas populated by humans, resulting in a reduced habitat area.</p>



<h3 id="h-overexploitation-of-resources">Overexploitation of Resources</h3>



<p>Humans often exploit natural resources within animal habitats, such as water, timber, or mineral resources. This exploitation can alter or destroy habitats and leave fewer resources available for animal populations.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the encroachment of human activities into animal habitats poses a significant threat to wildlife. It highlights the importance of sustainable development practices, habitat conservation, and coexistence strategies to mitigate these impacts.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Behavior of land mammals changed dramatically during COVID-19 lockdowns

The global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns led to a...

<p>In a breakthrough study led by <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/">Columbia</a> researchers and involving a global team of aging experts, a discovery reveals that the nutrient taurine, which is naturally produced within our bodies and also found in various foods, has a significant role in driving the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-identifies-new-anti-aging-compounds/">aging</a> process in animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers also found that supplements of taurine could potentially slow down this process. The evidence suggests a notable impact on the healthy lifespans of middle-aged mice, worms, and monkeys, with an increase of up to 12% observed.</p>



<p>Dr. Vijay Yadav, who led the study, is an assistant professor of Genetics and Development at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He noted that the science community has been on a 25-year quest to identify factors that don't merely increase lifespan, but also enhance healthspan – the period of time that an individual maintains good health in old age. "This study suggests that taurine could be an elixir of life within us that helps us live longer and healthier lives," said Dr. Yadav.</p>



<h2 id="h-many-anti-aging-molecules-are-within-us">Many anti-aging molecules are within us</h2>



<p>The last two decades have seen a surge in efforts to identify interventions that could enhance health in old age. This has been fueled by the increase in human longevity and the growing understanding that the aging process can be manipulated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Numerous studies have connected various blood-carried molecules with aging, but it's unclear whether these molecules actively control the aging process or are just passengers going along for the ride.</p>



<p>Taurine caught Dr. Yadav's attention during earlier osteoporosis research that highlighted the nutrient's role in bone-building. At the same time, other researchers started associating taurine levels with various aspects of health such as immune function, obesity, and nervous system functions. These findings made the team wonder whether taurine levels in the bloodstream might influence overall health and lifespan.</p>



<h2 id="h-taurine-declines-naturally-with-age">Taurine declines naturally with age</h2>



<p>The researchers initially investigated taurine levels in the bloodstream of mice, monkeys, and humans, discovering a substantial decrease with age. In humans, taurine levels in individuals at the age of 60 were only around a third of those found in 5-year-olds. This discovery prompted the question, is a deficiency of taurine a driver of aging?</p>



<p>The researchers then began a large experiment with nearly 250 mice, which were about 14 months old (equivalent to approximately 45 human years). Every day, half of the mice received taurine supplements. After concluding the experiment, the researchers found that taurine extended average lifespan by 12% in female mice and 10% in males. For the mice, this translated to an additional three to four months, which would equate to seven or eight human years.</p>



<h2 id="h-taurine-supplement-experiments-improved-health-in-old-age">Taurine supplement experiments improved health in old age</h2>



<p>To delve deeper into how taurine affects health, additional researchers were brought in to investigate the nutrient's impact on health and lifespan across various species. The results were astonishing; mice that were given taurine for a year were found to be healthier in nearly all aspects compared to their untreated counterparts at the age of two (or 60 in human years).</p>



<p>The health benefits of taurine supplementation ranged from suppressing age-associated weight gain and increasing energy expenditure, to improving muscle strength and endurance, reducing insulin resistance, and promoting a more youthful immune system.</p>



<p>The study also showed that taurine improves many cellular functions that typically deteriorate with age. For instance, taurine reduced the number of “zombie cells,” which are old cells that linger instead of dying and subsequently release harmful substances. Taurine also improved the performance of mitochondria and reduced DNA damage.</p>



<p>The promising results extended to middle-aged rhesus monkeys, which showed improved health indicators after receiving daily taurine supplements for six months. The monkeys experienced reduced weight gain, lower fasting blood glucose, fewer liver damage markers, and improved immune system health, among other benefits.</p>



<p>Dr Yadav and his team are careful to note, however, that while these results are promising, they do not yet know if taurine supplements will improve health or increase longevity in humans.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, the team has conducted two human-based experiments which suggest taurine may have potential. The first analyzed the relationship between taurine levels and approximately 50 health parameters in over 12,000 European adults aged 60 and above.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Overall, those with higher taurine levels were generally healthier, with fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, lower obesity levels, less hypertension, and reduced inflammation levels. "These are associations, which do not establish causation. But the results are consistent with the possibility that taurine deficiency contributes to human aging," explained Dr. Yadav.</p>



<p>In a second experiment, the researchers studied whether taurine levels would respond to an intervention known to improve health: exercise. After a strenuous cycling workout, taurine levels were measured in a variety of male athletes and sedentary individuals, both before and after exercise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings were consistent across all groups – taurine levels significantly increased post-exercise. "This suggests that some of the health benefits of exercise may come from an increase in taurine," said Dr. Yadav.</p>



<h2 id="h-randomized-clinical-trials-are-next">Randomized clinical trials are next</h2>



<p>However, Dr. Yadav is clear that a randomized clinical trial in humans is the only way to definitively determine if taurine has genuine health benefits. Trials are currently underway for obesity, but none of them are designed to measure a wide range of health parameters. Other potential anti-aging drugs, including metformin, rapamycin, and NAD analogs, are being considered for testing in clinical trials.</p>



<p>"I think taurine should also be considered," said Dr. Yadav. "It has some advantages: Taurine is naturally produced in our bodies, it can be obtained naturally in the diet, it has no known toxic effects, and its levels can be boosted by exercise."</p>



<p>Ultimately, Dr. Yadav concludes that restoring taurine to youthful levels in old age might be a promising anti-aging strategy, given that taurine levels decrease with age. His team's research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abn9257"><em>Science</em></a>, could potentially revolutionize our understanding of the aging process and how we can manipulate it for a healthier, longer life.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-anti-aging-research">More about anti-aging research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Anti-aging research is a rapidly growing field dedicated to understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms that contribute to aging. The goal is to develop interventions that can delay, stop, or even reverse the aging process, thereby extending both lifespan (how long we live) and healthspan (how long we live in good health). Here are some promising molecules that have been identified in this field:</p>



<h3 id="h-taurine">Taurine&nbsp;</h3>



<p>As discussed in the study led by Dr. Vijay Yadav, taurine, a naturally produced nutrient, could potentially have a significant role in slowing down the aging process.</p>



<h3 id="h-metformin">Metformin&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Originally a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, metformin has shown promising results in extending lifespan and healthspan in multiple animal models. It's believed to work by increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing oxidative stress, and possibly by modifying the microbiome. The "Metformin in Longevity Study" (MILES) is one such trial examining the effects of metformin on aging in humans.</p>



<h3 id="h-rapamycin">Rapamycin</h3>



<p>This is a compound originally discovered in soil bacteria and now used as an immunosuppressant in organ transplantation. In mice, rapamycin has been shown to extend lifespan, possibly by inhibiting a cellular pathway involved in cell growth and proliferation called mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). Clinical trials are underway to test the effects of rapamycin and related compounds on aging in humans.</p>



<h3 id="h-nad-precursors">NAD+ precursors</h3>



<p>NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical coenzyme found in every cell in your body and plays a significant role in energy metabolism. Aging, in part, has been considered a result of decreasing NAD+ levels over time. To combat this, precursors such as Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) are being investigated for their potential to replenish NAD+ levels and possibly slow down the aging process.</p>



<h3 id="h-senolytics">Senolytics</h3>



<p>Senescent cells, often referred to as "zombie cells," stop dividing but don't die. They accumulate with age and secrete inflammatory molecules that can harm nearby cells. Senolytics are a class of drugs designed to target and eliminate these cells, potentially reducing inflammation and other negative effects of aging. Initial trials in mice have shown promising results.</p>



<h3 id="h-resveratrol">Resveratrol&nbsp;</h3>



<p>This naturally occurring compound, found in foods like grapes and berries, has been shown to have several health benefits, including anti-aging effects. Resveratrol is thought to activate certain pathways in the body that help combat aging, although results from human studies have been mixed.</p>



<h3 id="h-caloric-restriction-mimetics-crms">Caloric Restriction Mimetics (CRMs)</h3>



<p>Dietary restriction without malnutrition (or caloric restriction) is the most robust intervention known to increase lifespan in a variety of organisms. CRMs are compounds that can mimic the biochemical effects of a low-calorie diet, thereby promoting a longer, healthier life. Examples include the diabetes drug metformin, rapamycin, and resveratrol.</p>



<p>It's important to note that while these substances show promise, most are still in the early stages of research and have not been conclusively proven to slow human aging. The best-proven methods to promote a longer, healthier life remain a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and regular medical care.</p>



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