<p>A recent study led by <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> reveals that the majority of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-strongly-linked-to-mental-disorders-in-a-new-study/">cannabis</a> users have stopped using conventional over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription sleep aids, favoring cannabis instead.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, which involved 1,255 cannabis users, found that more than 80% of participants no longer used traditional sleep aids like melatonin and benzodiazepines.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-acting-and-effective-nbsp">Fast-acting and effective&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Cannabis users had a strong preference for inhaling high-THC marijuana by smoking joints or vaporizing flower. These methods are known to be fast-acting and effective in alleviating difficulties in falling asleep.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers also found that about half of the respondents preferred cannabis strains containing both CBD and the terpene myrcene.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-myrcene-nbsp">Benefits of myrcene&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Myrcene, found in hops, basil, and other plants, is known for its potential sleep-promoting properties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study senior author Professor Carrie Cuttler noted that cannabis users seem to have independently discovered the benefits of myrcene for sleep.</p>



<p>“One of the findings that surprised me was the fact that people are seeking the terpene myrcene in cannabis to assist with sleep,” said Cuttler. “There is some evidence in the scientific literature to support that myrcene may help to promote sleep, so cannabis users seemed to have figured that out on their own.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights">Key insights</h2>



<p>The research, conducted by Cuttler and psychology doctoral student Amanda Stueber, relied on self-reported data provided by Strainprint®, a Canada-based medical technology company.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data revealed that cannabis users generally experienced more positive morning outcomes, such as feeling refreshed and focused, with fewer instances of headaches and nausea, compared to when they used traditional sleep aids.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, cannabis users also reported feeling sleepier and experiencing mood changes, anxiety, dry mouth, and red eyes more frequently than with other sleep aids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-use-for-sleep">Cannabis use for sleep</h2>



<p>Cuttler pointed out that cannabis use for sleep was perceived as more advantageous than OTC medications or prescription sleep aids.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike long-acting sedatives and alcohol, cannabis did not result in a "hangover" effect, though some lingering effects like sleepiness were reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-duration">Sleep duration</h2>



<p>The study further indicates that over 60% of participants achieved the recommended six to eight hours of sleep when using cannabis alone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is a stark contrast to the less than 20% who reported the same sleep duration while using a prescription or OTC sleep aid, or combining cannabis with such aids.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Only 33.8% of participants used cannabis edibles, and 14.1% opted for THC-containing capsules for sleep, possibly due to their delayed onset compared to inhalation methods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-limitation">Study limitation</h2>



<p>Cuttler cautions that the study has limitations, including a strong selection bias towards individuals already using cannabis for perceived benefits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Not everyone is going to find that cannabis helps with their sleep and future research needs to employ more objective sleep measures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of cannabis for sleep,” said Cuttler.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Exploration of Medicine</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Most cannabis users no longer need conventional sleep aids

A recent study led by Washington State University reveals that...

<p>A study conducted by a collaborative team from Lancaster University, <a href="https://www.bangor.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bangor University</a>, and the University of British Columbia sheds new light on the extensive benefits of secondary forests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Naturally regrown forests, also known as secondary forests, play a critical role in the connectivity of old-growth forest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-koala-habitats-face-an-escalating-threat-of-bushfires/">habitats</a>. They can also help to shield other plants and wildlife from the harsh effects of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-restoration-nbsp">Forest restoration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Restoration of forests across the globe would make a crucial contribution to achieving global climate change mitigation, with the growth of secondary forests on deforested land in the moist tropics fundamental to success," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Although tropical secondary forests (defined here as forest growing on previously cleared land) store less carbon than old-growth forests, they rapidly remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-fragmentation-nbsp">Forest fragmentation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research emphasizes the significant impact of secondary forests in mitigating the effects of forest fragmentation in the Amazon, an area crucial for global biodiversity conservation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Secondary forests cover just 190,000 km2 of the Amazon but connect more than 2 million isolated fragments of old-growth forest, prominent amongst the world’s most important habitats for biodiversity conservation," said study co-author Professor John Healey.</p>



<p>"The secondary forests are helping maintain connectivity for patches of old-growth forest that are too small to support long-term viable populations of rare species.”</p>



<p>These connections are vital for the survival of rare species that rely on extensive, undisturbed habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-buffering-nbsp">Climate buffering&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Secondary forests are buffering as much as 41% of old-growth forest edges, potentially shielding them from negative edge effects such as hotter temperatures and wind," said study lead author Charlotte Smith.</p>



<p>"Proximity to old-growth forests can also help the rate of biodiversity and biomass recovery in secondary forests. It is positive that 94% of secondary forests were connected to old-growth forest. However, may old-growth forest remnants are small and degraded patches, so only 57% of secondary forest was connected to an area of extensive, structurally-intact old-growth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



<p>Professor Healey says the research provides powerful new evidence of the importance of managing forests at the landscape scale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Promoting forest restoration through secondary forests located next to old-growth forest remnants can play a vital role in both conserving biodiversity in these remnants and the rate of biodiversity recovery in the secondary forests themselves.”</p>



<p>The team notes that more research is needed to improve our understanding of the mechanisms driving variation in forest recovery and the potential benefits of secondary forest as buffers so that we can refine current estimates of forest carbon stocks and habitat provision.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-un-decade-on-ecosystem-restoration-nbsp">UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study underscores the importance of secondary forests in the broader context of the climate crisis and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This global initiative, spanning from 2021 to 2030, aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems and restore them to achieve global environmental goals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration calls for a collective effort from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.</p>



<p>The primary objective is to revitalize millions of hectares of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The restoration efforts encompass a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, farmlands, cities, wetlands, and oceans. These endeavors are crucial for combating climate change, enhancing food security, providing clean water, and halting biodiversity loss.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad039e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Secondary forests reconnect fragmented habitats

A study conducted by a collaborative team from Lancaster University,...

<p>A new study led by Henry Häkkinen from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> highlights a critical ecological issue. The researchers predict that naturalized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">species</a>, those that are not native but have established themselves in new locations, possess the potential to spread even further into suitable habitats globally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study explores the dynamics of how naturalized species, including plants, birds, and mammals, have managed to extend their reach beyond their native regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-drives-species-invasions">What drives species invasions?</h2>



<p>"Understanding and predicting the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/economic-time-bomb-costs-of-invasive-species-are-greatly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduced species</a> is one of the key conservation and ecological challenges of the 21st century," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"However, we know little about what causes the introduced range of some species to increase rapidly, while other species remain in small, isolated populations years after establishing self-sustaining populations."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This major gap in our understanding prevents us from understanding how much of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/invasive-species-plants-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive spread</a> is due to characteristics of the invader or the invaded environment." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imminent-threat-of-naturalized-species">Imminent threat of naturalized species</h2>



<p>The researchers said the most imminent threat is posed by the many thousands of species that are naturalized outside their native range and may <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biological-hazard-soil-on-sea-freight-loaded-with-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continue to spread</a> much more widely. "However, there is a surprising lack of attention paid to the potential spread of already-naturalized species." </p>



<p>"Without understanding what has affected the spread of these species historically, we can assess neither which species are likely to spread further nor the geographic regions that will be most affected."</p>



<p>Focusing on 833 naturalized plants, birds, and mammals, the researchers have identified the terrestrial areas most susceptible to future colonization by these species. Their findings highlight North America, Eastern Europe, and Australia as particularly vulnerable regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study reveals a significant potential for the further spread of naturalized birds in North America, mammals in Eastern Europe, and plants in both these regions as well as in Australia.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-spread-of-naturalized-species">Potential spread of naturalized species</h2>



<p>"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unseen-crisis-37000-alien-species-have-been-introduced-by-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential spread</a> of naturalized species appears greatest in regions that are already heavily invaded, i.e., North America, Australia, and Europe. However, already-naturalized species also threaten areas of the world thought of as less invaded," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"In South America and Southern Africa around 200 regionally naturalized plants have the potential to spread widely - a number comparable to that in Australia and China, which have historically borne the brunt of biological invasions."</p>



<p>"Nonetheless, the potential for regionally naturalized species to spread in sub-Saharan Africa and the north of South America is lower than one would expect from the globally high numbers of species naturalized there. This is potentially encouraging given the recent increases in regional trade and transportation infrastructure in these regions that could increasingly facilitate the spread of naturalized species."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delay-in-expansion-nbsp">Delay in expansion&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite having ample opportunities to expand, many of these species have not yet colonized all areas with a compatible climate. This delay in expansion suggests that some introduced species may not become problematic immediately but could pose risks after a lag period.</p>



<p>"Nearly all species we studied have yet to expand throughout most of the areas that are climatically suitable for them, within the biogeographic regions where they have naturalized. This is despite substantial time to invade: 25% have been established for over 150 years," noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasional-meltdown">Invasional meltdown</h2>



<p>The experts also identified the key factors influencing the spread of naturalized species. They found that a species' introduction history, its dispersal capabilities, and the presence of suitable habitats are more critical in determining its spread than its preferred habitat or interactions with local species. This insight is vital for understanding and predicting the movement of non-native species.</p>



<p>A concerning finding of the study is the concept of "invasional meltdown." This phenomenon occurs when multiple introduced species collectively amplify their impact and ability to establish themselves in a new environment, potentially leading to devastating ecological consequences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While many of the species that were studied have a minimal impact on their own, their collective effect could be significantly more harmful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-of-naturalized-species">Future implications of naturalized species</h2>



<p>“Species invasions can devastate biodiversity, agriculture, and livelihoods, so it’s worrying that so many naturalized species seem poised to spread further," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"But there is a glimmer of hope that invasions are much more limited than they could be – ecosystems may be holding off invaders better than we expected, and good management could help stem the spread.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002361" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS Biology</em></a>.</p>



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Invasive naturalized species will continue to spread globally

A new study led by Henry Häkkinen from the University...

White,Summer,Daisies,Reaching,Towards,Blue,Sky

<p>In a remarkable fusion of biology and engineering, the team led by Prof Christian Fankhauser at the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a> (UNIL), in collaboration with <a href="https://www.epfl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPFL</a>, has made a significant breakthrough in understanding how plants perceive light. </p>



<p>This study reveals how plants, devoid of visual organs, determine the source of light using the unique optical properties at the air-water interface within their tissues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phototropism-in-plants">Phototropism in plants</h2>



<p>Phototropism, the orientation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-talk-to-plants-using-light-based-messaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> towards light, is a critical phenomenon for their survival. As Prof Fankhauser explains, "The majority of living organisms (micro-organisms, plants and animals) have the ability to determine the origin of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-why-plants-have-a-burst-of-activity-at-dawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light source</a>, even in the absence of a sight organ comparable to the eye." </p>



<p>This ability is crucial for plants to optimally position their organs for maximum <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-affects-seasonal-rhythms-of-plants-in-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunlight exposure</a>, facilitating efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>, the process by which they convert light energy into chemical energy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-detection-mechanism">Light detection mechanism</h2>



<p>The key to this discovery was the observation of a mutant variety of <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em>, a model plant species, with a uniquely transparent stem. Prof Fankhauser's team, in conjunction with DrSc. Andreas Schüler and the UNIL's Electron Microscopy Centre, found that the normal, milky appearance of plant stems is due to air-filled channels in their tissues. </p>



<p>In contrast, the mutant plants had these channels filled with water, giving them a translucent appearance. These channels, it turns out, are crucial for establishing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-control-plants-using-nothing-but-light/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light gradient</a> within the plant, a mechanism previously unknown.</p>



<p>Martina Legris, a postdoctoral fellow in Prof Fankhauser's group, sheds light on the underlying science. She clarifies, “More specifically, air and water have different refractive indices. This leads to light scattering as it passes through the seedling." </p>



<p>This scattering of light, akin to the formation of rainbows, enables the plant to 'read' the light gradient and determine the light source's direction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-phototropism">Broader implications of phototropism</h2>



<p>This fascinating research elucidates a novel mechanism for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-and-temperature-collaborate-to-boost-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light perception</a> in plants, and also provides insights into the formation and functions of air-filled intercellular channels. These channels are known to aid in gas exchange and offer resistance to hypoxia during flooding. </p>



<p>Understanding their development from embryonic stages to adulthood remains an area ripe for exploration. The genetic resources utilized in this study promise to further our understanding of these intricate structures.</p>



<p>In summary, the collaborative efforts of UNIL and EPFL have unveiled a fascinating aspect of plant biology, opening new avenues in our understanding of plant physiology and their interaction with the environment. This study not only enriches our scientific knowledge but also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary research in unraveling the complexities of nature.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh9384" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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How plants know where to find the light

In a remarkable fusion of biology and engineering, the team...

Ingredients,For,Mediterranean,Diet

<p>A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202300271" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Molecular Nutrition and Food Research</em></a> highlights the beneficial impact of a Mediterranean diet on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cheese-may-contain-nutrients-that-prevent-cognitive-decline/">cognitive health</a> of older adults.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The extensive research, led by Mireia Urpí-Sardá, explores the biological mechanisms underlying the diet's positive effects on the aging brain.</p>



<p>The study is part of the European "Joint Programming Initiative - A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life" (<a href="https://www.healthydietforhealthylife.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPI HDHL</a>) and spans twelve years. The research involved 840 participants over the age of 65, predominantly women, from the Bourdeaux and Dijon regions of France.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-metabolomic-index-nbsp">Dietary metabolomic index&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Within the framework of the study, a dietary metabolomic index has been designed - based on biomarkers obtained from the participants’ serum - on the food groups that form part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-lifestyle-linked-to-a-30-percent-lower-risk-of-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a> diet. Once this index is known, its association with cognitive impairment is evaluated," explained study co-author Cristina Andrés-Lacueva, a professor at the <a href="https://web.ub.edu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Barcelona</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mediterranean-diet-and-key-biomarkers">Mediterranean diet and key biomarkers </h2>



<p>Key biomarkers in this study include levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, gut microbiota-derived polyphenol metabolites, and other phytochemicals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some of these indicators have been recognized as marks of exposure to the main food groups of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-in-the-mediterranean-sea-is-an-urgent-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a> diet, and may also be responsible for the health benefits of this dietary pattern.</p>



<p>The biomarkers are part of a larger set called the metabolome, which is the complete set of small-molecule chemicals found within a biological sample.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Among participants who were not suffering from cognitive decline at the start of the study, the metabolome was analyzed through serum samples.</p>



<p>Over the twelve-year period, cognitive impairment was evaluated using five different neuropsychological tests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results revealed a clear protective link between high scores on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-can-lead-to-longer-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a> diet serum biomarker index and reduced cognitive decline in older individuals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-mediterranean-diet">Significance of the Mediterranean diet</h2>



<p>Mercè Pallàs, a professor at the <a href="http://www.neurociencies.ub.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UB Neurosciences Institute</a> (UBneuro), emphasized the significance of the team's approach.</p>



<p>"The use of dietary pattern indices based on food-intake biomarkers is a step forward towards the use of more accurate and objective dietary assessment methodologies that take into account important factors such as bioavailability," said Pallàs.</p>



<p>"We found that adherence to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-helps-offset-the-health-impacts-of-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a> diet assessed by a panel of dietary biomarkers is inversely associated with long-term cognitive decline in older people," noted study lead author Alba Tor-Roca.</p>



<p>"These results support the use of these indicators in long-term follow-up assessments to observe the health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet or other dietary patterns and therefore, guide personalized counseling at older ages."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mediterranean-diet-nbsp">Mediterranean diet&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-reduces-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mediterranean</a> diet, inspired by the traditional eating habits of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for its numerous health benefits, particularly in promoting heart health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. </p>



<p>This diet emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Olive oil is a key component, serving as the primary source of added fat, renowned for its heart-healthy properties.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-features-of-the-mediterranean-diet">Key features of the Mediterranean diet</h3>



<p>One of the main features of the Mediterranean diet is its emphasis on fresh, whole foods and minimal processing. Fruits and vegetables are consumed in abundance, providing a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whole grains, like whole wheat, oats, barley, and brown rice, are preferred over refined grains, offering more fiber and nutrients.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-sources-nbsp">Protein sources&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Protein sources in the Mediterranean diet are primarily plant-based, with legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas playing a significant role.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Fish and seafood are also important, recommended at least twice a week, providing heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Poultry, eggs, cheese, and yogurt are consumed in moderate amounts, while red meats and sweets are limited.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mediterranean-diet-social-aspects">Mediterranean diet social aspects</h3>



<p>Another distinctive aspect of this diet is its social and lifestyle components. Meals are often enjoyed in a communal setting, encouraging slower eating and the enjoyment of food as part of a social experience. Moderate consumption of red wine is also a feature, usually enjoyed with meals.</p>



<p>Overall, the Mediterranean diet is not just about food choices but also about a healthier and more holistic lifestyle, emphasizing plant-based foods, healthy fats, moderate protein from lean sources, and an enjoyable eating experience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits-of-the-mediterranean-diet">Health benefits of the Mediterranean diet</h2>



<p>The Mediterranean diet offers a multitude of health benefits, making it one of the most recommended eating patterns by health professionals worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-health">Heart health</h3>



<p>At its core, this diet is heart-healthy, significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The high intake of olive oil, nuts, and fish, which are rich in healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, contributes to lower cholesterol levels and improved heart health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-management-nbsp">Weight management&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Moreover, this diet is beneficial for weight management. The emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods, along with healthy fats and fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, helps in maintaining a healthy weight and can aid in weight loss.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The high fiber content also contributes to better digestive health and can help prevent constipation and other digestive issues.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes">Diabetes</h3>



<p>Another significant advantage of the Mediterranean diet is its role in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The diet’s low glycemic index foods help in stabilizing blood sugar levels.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation">Inflammation</h3>



<p>Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, olive oil, and nuts, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases linked to inflammation, including certain types of cancer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-health">Cognitive health</h3>



<p>The diet also has a positive impact on cognitive health. Studies have shown that it may lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, possibly due to the combination of healthy fats and high levels of antioxidants.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longevity">Longevity</h3>



<p>The Mediterranean diet promotes longevity and overall well-being. The combination of nutrient-rich foods, healthy fats, and a lifestyle that emphasizes social eating and moderate physical activity contributes to a longer and healthier life.</p>



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Food for the aging brain: Mediterranean diet protects cognitive health

A new study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and...

<p>A forest modeling study has revealed important insights into how harvest rotations can be optimized for maximum carbon sequestration, a critical factor in the fight against climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study was led by Catherine Carlisle as a graduate student, alongside Temesgen Hailemariam and Stephen Fitzgerald from the <a href="https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSU College of Forestry</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights">New insights</h2>



<p>The researchers determined that a site's productivity, reflecting the rate of tree growth and biomass accumulation, is a key determinant in establishing the ideal time period between timber harvests for maximizing above-ground carbon storage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding is particularly relevant for forest managers in the Pacific Northwest, who are looking to balance timber harvesting with carbon sequestration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northwest-forests-nbsp">Northwest forests&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Trees play a vital role in climate change mitigation by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. The researchers noted that the carbon stored in the woody biomass of U.S. forests offsets about 13% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The forests in the Northwest, covering nearly 25 million acres, are among the most productive globally. Specifically, the Oregon Coast Range forests stand out due to their high biomass and carbon densities, fostered by the region's favorable growing conditions.</p>



<p>“Whether short or long harvest rotations are better for maximizing carbon sequestration has been the subject of considerable debate,” said Carlisle. “Future management decisions will need to strive to meet harvest requirements while also striving to maintain high rates of carbon sequestration.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team used the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest, an 11,000-acre woodland managed by the College of Forestry, as the area for modeling. This forest, home to the Douglas-fir, Oregon's state tree, was chosen due to its varied productivity levels. The study was focused on over 300 stands.</p>



<p>The researchers utilized the Forest Vegetation Simulator, a software suite, to predict vegetation changes in response to different management activities or natural disturbances.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-settling-the-debate">Settling the debate</h2>



<p>“Some forest scientists have argued that multiple but shorter rotations lead to greater sequestration rates because of the accelerated growth rates of younger trees compared to mature or old-growth trees,” said Carlisle, who is now a forest carbon analyst at Finite Carbon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Others say frequent harvesting won’t allow forest carbon to rebound after each subsequent rotation, and thus longer periods between clearcutting are a better choice. And depending on who you ask, thinning will either enhance forest carbon uptake by facilitating growth in residual trees, or hurt it by removing above-ground biomass.”</p>



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



<p>The study revealed that for highly productive stands, 60-year rotations with a low-intensity thinning at 40 years maximized carbon storage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, less productive sites showed optimal carbon storage with longer rotations of 80 or 120 years, requiring multiple thinning entries to manage understory vegetation and promote Douglas-fir growth.</p>



<p>“On these longer rotations, multiple entries for thinning were required to prevent buildup of understory vegetation that would have suppressed the growth of overstory Douglas-fir,” Carlisle said.</p>



<p>Moderately productive stands were found to perform the best with 80-year rotations and two low-intensity thinning treatments between harvests, she added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Forest management decisions in the Northwest in the future will aim to meet harvest requirements while maintaining high sequestration potential of the region’s forests,” said Carlisle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Management techniques like determining the optimal rotation length and implementing silvicultural treatments can be powerful tools that can allow managers to meet both objectives.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-modeling-nbsp">Forest modeling&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Forest modeling is a sophisticated scientific method used to understand and predict the growth, structure, and behavior of forest ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It involves creating computer-based representations or simulations of forests, which help in assessing various aspects such as tree growth, biomass accumulation, carbon sequestration, and the impact of environmental factors and human activities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data">Data</h3>



<p>In forest modeling, data from real forests is used to create models that simulate the processes occurring within a forest. These models can be quite complex, incorporating various elements like tree species, soil type, climate conditions, and management practices.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predictions-nbsp">Predictions&nbsp;</h3>



<p>By adjusting the parameters within the models, scientists can predict how forests will respond to different scenarios, such as climate change, natural disturbances like wildfires or pests, and different forest management strategies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



<p>One of the key uses of forest modeling is in the field of forest management and conservation. By simulating different management scenarios, such as varying the timing and intensity of timber harvests or the implementation of conservation practices, forest managers can predict the outcomes and make informed decisions that balance economic needs with ecological sustainability.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dynamics-nbsp">Carbon dynamics&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Forest models are also crucial in studying carbon dynamics in forests. With growing concerns over climate change, understanding how forests sequester carbon and how different management practices or disturbances can affect this process is vital.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Models can predict how much carbon a forest can store under various conditions, helping in the development of strategies to maximize carbon sequestration and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-dynamics-nbsp">Ecological dynamics&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Additionally, forest modeling is used in research to understand the ecological dynamics of forests. It helps in studying the interactions between different species, the impact of invasive species, and the effects of environmental changes on forest health and biodiversity.</p>



<p>Overall, forest modeling is a powerful tool that provides insights into the functioning of forest ecosystems, supporting efforts in sustainable forest management, conservation, and climate change mitigation.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f14102090" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Forests</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Forest modeling study reveals new insights into carbon sequestration

A forest modeling study has revealed important insights into how...

<p>A discovery by researchers at the <a href="https://www.utep.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at El Paso</a> could potentially transform the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The breakthrough centers around the use of caffeic-acid based Carbon Quantum Dots (CACQDs), derived from spent coffee grounds, which have the potential to protect brain cells from damage caused by these diseases.</p>



<p>The study was led by doctoral student Jyotish Kumar and overseen by Professor Mahesh Narayan, a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurodegenerative-disorders-nbsp">Neurodegenerative disorders&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts found that CACQDs could be key in addressing the root causes of neurodegenerative disorders. Their findings highlight the neuroprotective properties of CACQDs, particularly against damages triggered by obesity, aging, and exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides.</p>



<p>Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons, impacting essential functions like movement, speech, and cognitive abilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Early stages of these diseases, often linked to lifestyle and environmental factors, show elevated levels of harmful free radicals and the aggregation of amyloid protein fragments in the brain, leading to further complications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-treatment">Transformative treatment</h2>



<p>“Caffeic-acid based Carbon Quantum Dots have the potential to be transformative in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders,” said Kumar. “This is because none of the current treatments resolve the diseases; they only help manage the symptoms. Our aim is to find a cure by addressing the atomic and molecular underpinnings that drive these conditions.”</p>



<p>The team demonstrated that CACQDs, especially in models of Parkinson’s disease induced by a pesticide called paraquat, could remove or neutralize free radicals and prevent the aggregation of amyloid proteins without significant side effects.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-intervention-nbsp">Early intervention&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers believe that early intervention with CACQD-based treatments could effectively prevent the full onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It is critical to address these disorders before they reach the clinical stage,” said Professor Narayan. “At that point, it is likely too late. Any current treatments that can address advanced symptoms of neurodegenerative disease are simply beyond the means of most people. Our aim is to come up with a solution that can prevent most cases of these conditions at a cost that is manageable for as many patients as possible.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-brain-cells">Protecting brain cells</h2>



<p>Caffeic acid, a polyphenol known for its antioxidant properties, is crucial in this discovery. Professor Narayan noted that caffeic acid is unique because it can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and is thus able to directly exert its effects upon the cells inside the brain.</p>



<p>The team employed a “green chemistry” method to extract CACQDs from used coffee grounds, making the process both environmentally friendly and cost-effective, given the abundant availability of coffee grounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



<p>Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, the project has involved numerous graduate and undergraduate students from UTEP, including Sofia Delgado, who is now pursuing her PhD at Yale University.</p>



<p>Despite the progress, Narayan and Kumar acknowledge that there’s still a considerable journey ahead. Their ultimate goal is to develop a medication, possibly in pill form, that could prevent the majority of neurodegenerative disorders not caused by genetics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team is now seeking additional funding to support further testing.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.116932" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Research</em></a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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Coffee grounds could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases

A discovery by researchers at the University of Texas at...

<p>Better air quality can significantly enhance natural carbon sequestration by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-plants-can-quickly-remove-dangerous-toxins-from-air/">plants</a>, according to a new study from the <a href="https://carnegiescience.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carnegie Institution for Science</a>.</p>



<p>Improved air quality increases sunlight availability for plants, thereby boosting their ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team, including researchers Liyin He, Lorenzo Rosa, and Joe Berry, used satellite data to analyze the correlation between photosynthetic activity and aerosol pollution in Europe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results showed that plants capture more carbon on the weekends when there is less industrial pollution and fewer people commute.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding highlights the impact of human activities and air quality on the natural carbon absorption process of plants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aerosol-pollution-nbsp">Aerosol pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Photosynthesis, a vital process where plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, involves absorbing carbon dioxide and converting it into carbohydrates and fats. This natural mechanism plays a crucial role in combating climate change by removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“However, this can be diminished by poor air quality caused by aerosols, tiny particles that are spewed into the atmosphere when we commute and burn fossil fuels or wood,” explained He. “They have negative effects on air quality, which impacts human health. They can also scatter or absorb sunlight, which would affect a plant similarly to being stuck in the shade.”</p>



<p>Previous studies have indicated that aerosol pollution can reduce agricultural crop yields by up to 20 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-technique-nbsp">Innovative technique&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research involved collaboration with David Lobell and Yuan Wang from Stanford University; Yi Yin, Yitong Yao, and Christian Frankenberg from Caltech; and Russell Doughty from the University of Oklahoma.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team used the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) on the Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite to measure photosynthetic activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This innovative technique, developed about a decade ago by Berry, Frankenberg, and Caltech collaborators, leverages the fluorescence emitted during photosynthesis, observable from space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthetic-activity-nbsp">Photosynthetic activity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team compared photosynthesis data with aerosol measurements from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We focused on Europe due to an established pattern of human activity throughout the week as compared to other regions,” Rosa said. “Additionally, many European ecosystems are already experiencing negative effects from climate change and European countries have set ambitious goals for cutting carbon pollution.”</p>



<p>The findings revealed a weekly cycle in photosynthetic activity, peaking on weekends and decreasing during weekdays, inversely correlating with aerosol pollution levels.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A similar pattern emerged during COVID-19 lockdowns. The research suggests that reducing particulate pollution to maintain weekend-level photosynthetic activity throughout the week could remove 40 to 60 megatons of carbon dioxide annually, increasing agricultural productivity without expanding crop land.</p>



<p>“These findings have major policy implications for European governments who are working on a variety of systems to capture about 500 megatons per year of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it,” said Rosa. “Our work shows that improving air quality could also help meet climate goals.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-carbon-sequestration-nbsp">More about carbon sequestration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Carbon sequestration is a critical process in the fight against climate change. It involves the capture and storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the primary greenhouse gases responsible for global warming. This process can occur both naturally and through human-engineered methods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants">Plants</h3>



<p>In natural carbon sequestration, ecosystems like forests, oceans, and soil play a pivotal role. Trees and plants, through the process of photosynthesis, absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This CO2 is stored in the form of biomass in trees, plants, and soil. Healthy, growing forests, therefore, are essential carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon over long periods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceans">Oceans</h3>



<p>Oceans also sequester a significant amount of carbon, absorbing it from the atmosphere and storing it in various forms. Phytoplankton, small marine plants, use CO2 for photosynthesis, similar to terrestrial plants. The carbon can then become part of the oceanic food web or settle as sediment on the ocean floor.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soils">Soils</h3>



<p>Soils are another crucial component in natural carbon sequestration. They store carbon in organic matter, such as decomposed plant and animal material. Practices that enhance soil health, like organic farming and reforestation, can increase the amount of carbon that soils can sequester.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technologies">Technologies</h3>



<p>Human-engineered carbon sequestration methods aim to complement these natural processes. These include technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), where CO2 emissions from industrial and energy-related sources are captured at their point of origin and stored underground in geological formations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bioenergy">Bioenergy</h3>



<p>Another method is bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which combines biomass energy generation with CCS. In this process, biomass is used as a fuel to generate energy, and the resulting CO2 emissions are captured and stored.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cities">Cities</h3>



<p>Urban carbon sequestration is also gaining attention. This involves enhancing green spaces in cities, such as urban forests and parks, which can absorb CO2. Green roofs and vertical gardens are other innovative ways to sequester carbon in urban areas.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>.&nbsp;</p>



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Reducing air pollution could greatly boost carbon sequestration by plants

Better air quality can significantly enhance natural carbon sequestration by...

Carbon,Dioxide,Or,Co2,Is,Colorless,Gas.,Which,Inhaling,This

<p>A new study brings a glimmer of hope in the battle against climate change. The research suggests that the Earth's plants could absorb more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-ancient-plants-affect-atmospheric-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric CO2</a> caused by human activities than previously thought. </p>



<p>This exciting revelation was conducted by the <a href="https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment</a> at Western Sydney University and led by Dr. Jürgen Knauer. It comes from advanced ecological modeling techniques, offering a more optimistic outlook on the planet's capacity to combat carbon emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-and-co2-interact">How plants and CO2 interact</h2>



<p>Despite these encouraging findings, the environmental scientists behind the study warn against any laxity in global efforts to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-plants-continue-offsetting-our-carbon-emissions-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>. </p>



<p>"Plants take up a substantial amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) every year, thereby slowing down the detrimental effects of climate change, but the extent to which they will continue this CO2 uptake into the future has been uncertain,” Dr. Knauer explains. </p>



<p>Knauer continued, “What we found is that a well-established climate model that is used to feed into global climate predictions made by the likes of the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a> predicts stronger and sustained carbon uptake until the end of the 21<sup>st</sup>&nbsp;century when it accounts for the impact of some critical physiological processes that govern how plants conduct photosynthesis."</p>



<p>The research underlines the importance of not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/us-cities-are-about-to-get-a-lot-greener-with-1-billion-for-tree-planting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting more trees</a> but also conserving existing vegetation. However, it emphasizes that this is not a standalone solution but one of the many steps needed to tackle climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-climate-models">Enhancing climate models</h2>



<p>The study delves into the complexities of how plants conduct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. </p>



<p>"We accounted for aspects like how efficiently carbon dioxide can move through the interior of the leaf, how plants adjust to changes in temperatures, and how plants most economically distribute nutrients in their canopy," explained Dr. Knauer.</p>



<p>Knauer went on to explain that, "These are three really important mechanisms that affect a plant’s ability to ‘fix’ carbon, yet they are commonly ignored in most global models."</p>



<p>This enhanced understanding has allowed for more accurate predictions of vegetation's carbon uptake capabilities, which is critical in the fight against climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-nature-s-climate-mitigator">Photosynthesis: Nature's climate mitigator</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-finally-decoded-the-process-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photosynthesis</a>, the process by which plants convert CO2 into sugars for growth and metabolism, plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The study highlights the increasing land carbon sink observed over recent decades, largely driven by increased CO2 uptake by vegetation. </p>



<p>However, the long-term effects of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-greening-affects-carbon-uptake-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation carbon uptake</a>, especially under extreme conditions like droughts and heatwaves, remain a concern.</p>



<p>The research team tested various models under a high-emission climate scenario, assessing global climate change until the end of the 21st century. Models ranged in complexity and the extent to which they accounted for critical plant physiological processes. </p>



<p>The results consistently showed that more complex models, incorporating current understanding of plant physiology, projected stronger increases in global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deserts-as-carbon-sinks-study-reveals-potential-for-greening-arid-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation carbon uptake</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-modeling-plants-and-co2">Climate modeling, plants, and CO2</h2>



<p>Silvia Caldararu is an Assistant Professor at Trinity’s <a href="https://naturalscience.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Natural Sciences</a> and a contributor to the study. She contextualizes the findings, saying, "Because the majority of terrestrial biosphere models used to assess the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boreal-and-temperate-forests-have-emerged-as-the-main-carbon-sinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global carbon sink</a> are located at the lower end of this complexity range, accounting only partially for these mechanisms or ignoring them altogether, it is likely that we are currently underestimating climate change effects on vegetation as well as its resilience to changes in climate."</p>



<p>Caldararu continued, "We often think about climate models as being all about physics, but biology plays a huge role and it is something that we really need to account for."</p>



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



<p>The study suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-solutions-city-greening-reduces-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature-based solutions</a> to climate change, such as reforestation and afforestation, could be more impactful and sustainable than previously thought.</p>



<p>According to Silvia Caldararu, “These kinds of predictions have implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-savannas-have-a-hidden-weapon-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature-based solutions</a> to climate change such as reforestation and afforestation and how much carbon such initiatives can take up."</p>



<p>The team's findings suggest these approaches could have a larger impact in mitigating climate change and over a longer time period than we thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Caldararu cautions, however, that these measures cannot replace the urgent need to reduce emissions across all sectors. “Simply <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/initiatives-to-plant-billions-of-trees-threatened-by-seedling-undersupply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting trees</a> will not solve all our problems.&nbsp;We absolutely need to cut down emissions from all sectors. Trees alone cannot offer humanity a get out of jail free card,”&nbsp;says Caldararu.</p>



<p>In summary, this research marks a significant step in understanding the role of vegetation in mitigating climate change. It provides an optimistic perspective on the planet's ability to absorb CO2 but simultaneously serves as a reminder that this is not a panacea. </p>



<p>Concerted efforts in emission reductions, alongside nature-based solutions, remain paramount in addressing the global climate crisis.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh9444" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em> <em>Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Good news: Plants are absorbing more human-produced CO2 than expected

A new study brings a glimmer of hope in the...

<p>A new study conducted by <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> has shown promising results in using cannabinoids, compounds naturally found in hemp plants, as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-travel-far-and-wide-endangering-aquatic-ecosystems/">pesticides</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research reveals a direct relationship between higher concentrations of cannabinoids in hemp leaves and reduced damage from insect larvae, suggesting these compounds might have evolved as a defense mechanism against pests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-previous-studies">Previous studies</h2>



<p>"In the decades since the first cannabinoids were identified by scientists, research has focused almost exclusively on the function and capacity of cannabinoids as medicines and intoxicants for humans and other vertebrates," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Very little is known about the adaptive value of cannabinoid production, though several hypotheses have been proposed including protection from ultraviolet radiation, pathogens, and herbivores."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defensive-compounds-nbsp">Defensive compounds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Larry Smart is a professor in the School of Integrative Plant Sciences at Cornell and the senior author of the study.</p>



<p>“It has been speculated that they are defensive compounds, because they primarily accumulate in female flowers to protect seeds, which is a fairly common concept in plants,” said Professor Smart.</p>



<p>“But no one has put together a comprehensive set of experimental results to show a direct relationship between the accumulation of these cannabinoids and their harmful effects on insects."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights">New insights</h2>



<p>Study first author George Stack, a postdoctoral researcher in Smart’s lab, said the research provides insight into how cannabinoids function in natural systems and can help us develop new THC-compliant hemp cultivars that maintain these natural built-in defenses against herbivores.</p>



<p>The researchers tested the efficacy of hemp plants with varying concentrations of cannabinoids. Smart said the team saw heavy insect damage in the absence of cannabinoids, and much less damage in the presence of cannabinoids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key findings</h2>



<p>"In the field, foliar cannabinoid concentration was inversely correlated with chewing herbivore damage," wrote the researchers. </p>



<p>"On detached leaves, Trichoplusia ni larvae consumed less leaf area and grew less when feeding on leaves with greater concentrations of cannabinoids."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed-nbsp">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Cornell program cannot work with high THC plants due to federal mandate, so THC was not tested as a pesticide in this research, noted Smart.</p>



<p>Further research is needed to understand how effective cannabinoid-based pesticides may be for use on house plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The potential use of cannabinoids as a pesticide is an exciting area for future research, but there will certainly be regulatory barriers due to pharmacological activity of the compounds, and more studies are needed to understand what pests cannabinoids will be effective against,” explained Stack.</p>



<p>The research was funded by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets through Empire State Development.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhad207" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Horticulture Research</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Cannabinoids as pesticides: Study reveals potential of hemp compounds

A new study conducted by Cornell University has shown promising...

<p>A new study has uncovered how some plants used nitrogen to survive the cataclysmic events that led to the extinction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-self-regulated-their-body-temperature/">dinosaurs</a>. Michael Kipp, the lead author of the study and an upcoming assistant professor of Earth and Climate Sciences at <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>, has provided significant insights into this enduring mystery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cycads">Cycads</h2>



<p>Cycads, once a prevalent source of food for grazing dinosaurs, have mostly vanished, with only a few species existing in tropical and subtropical areas today.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their decline, which began in the late Mesozoic and continued into the early Cenozoic Era, was accelerated by the asteroid impact and volcanic activity marking the K-Pg boundary 66 million years ago. However, unlike their ancient grazers, some cycads managed to survive until the present day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-fixing-bacteria-nbsp">Nitrogen-fixing bacteria&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results of the study suggest that the key to their survival was their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots. This relationship allowed the plants to extract nitrogen directly from the atmosphere, similar to modern legumes and other nitrogen-fixing plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through this symbiosis, cycads traded sugars with the bacteria in exchange for atmospheric nitrogen, enabling them to thrive in changing environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-fixing-plants">Nitrogen-fixing plants</h2>



<p>Kipp's research was based on the knowledge that the tissues of nitrogen-fixing plants can reveal the atmospheric composition of the past. He set out to analyze old plant fossils to gain insights into ancient atmospheres.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This analysis led to the realization that the surviving cycads were the ones that had developed nitrogen-fixing capabilities, unlike their extinct counterparts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-plants">Evolving plants</h2>



<p>“Instead of being a story about the atmosphere, we realized this was a story about the ecology of these plants that changed through time,” said Kipp, who spent nearly a decade on this finding, first at UW and then as a postdoctoral researcher at CalTech.</p>



<p>The surviving cycads showed the same nitrogen signatures in their fossils as modern cycads, indicating their reliance on symbiotic bacteria for nitrogen. This contrasted with older, extinct cycad fossils, which lacked this nitrogen signature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The exact benefits of nitrogen fixation for the survival of these cycads remain an area of ongoing research. It might have aided them in adapting to the dramatic climatic changes post-dinosaur extinction or in competing with rapidly proliferating angiosperms, or perhaps both.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Kipp's upcoming role at Duke University will further focus on using the fossil record to unravel Earth's climate history and its potential future.</p>



<p>Much of what we know about ancient atmospheres comes from chemical studies of ancient sea life and sediments, said Kipp. Applying some of those methods to terrestrial plants will add new pieces to this puzzle.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about cycads</h2>



<p>Cycads are a group of ancient, seed-producing plants that have a long and fascinating history. Here are some key aspects about them:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ancient lineage</h3>



<p>Cycads are among the oldest seed plants on Earth, dating back over 280 million years. They were already ancient when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, thriving during the Mesozoic era.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Physical appearance</h3>



<p>Cycads resemble palm trees or ferns but are not closely related to either. They typically have a stout and woody trunk with a crown of large, hard and stiff, evergreen leaves. They can vary in size from small, few-centimeter-tall plants to large trees.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Reproduction</h3>



<p>Cycads are dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. They reproduce via cones, with pollination often occurring through the wind or insects, notably beetles.&nbsp;Some species also exhibit environmental sex determination, where temperature influences the sex of the plant.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Geographical distribution&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Cycads are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. They are native to South and Central America, Australia, Asia, and Africa.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Diversity</h3>



<p>There are around 300 species of cycads, categorized into three families: Cycadaceae, Stangeriaceae, and Zamiaceae. Each family and species have unique characteristics and adaptations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ecological role</h3>



<p>In their native habitats, cycads play significant roles in the ecosystem. They provide food and habitat for various animal species. However, they are slow-growing and have specific habitat requirements, making them sensitive to environmental changes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Threats and conservation</h3>



<p>Many cycad species are endangered due to habitat destruction, over-collection, and environmental changes. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, cultivation in botanical gardens, and strict regulation of trade (many species are listed under CITES - the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultural significance</h3>



<p>Cycads have been used by various cultures for food, medicine, and ornamental purposes. However, care must be taken as many parts of the plant are toxic if not properly processed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fossil record</h3>



<p>Cycads have a rich fossil record, which helps scientists understand the Earth's prehistoric environments and the evolution of plant life. Their persistence through various geological periods and mass extinctions makes them an important subject of study in paleobotany and evolutionary biology.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02251-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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How plants used nitrogen to survive the dinosaur extinction

A new study has uncovered how some plants used nitrogen...

<p>A recent study conducted by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> has uncovered a concerning insight into the world of bumblebees and their interaction with pesticides.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-exposure">Increased exposure</h2>



<p>The researchers found that bumblebees are unable to taste pesticides in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/">nectar</a>, even when these pesticides are at levels that could be lethal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding is particularly alarming as it indicates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-rusty-patched-bumblebee-a-very-important-pollinator-is-on-the-edge-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> cannot avoid ingesting contaminated nectar, thereby significantly increasing their risk of exposure to harmful pesticides.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bumblebees-and-pesticides">Bumblebees and pesticides</h2>



<p>"Bees are important pollinators of agricultural crops, but their populations are at risk when pesticides are used. One of the largest risks bees face is poisoning of floral nectar and pollen by insecticides," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Studies of bee detection of neonicotinoids have reported contradictory evidence about whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-have-an-incredible-sense-of-smell-to-find-their-way-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> can taste these pesticides in sucrose solutions and hence avoid them."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-toxic-compounds-nbsp">Detecting toxic compounds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Given their innate ability to taste and differentiate between various sugary solutions, the team wanted to investigate if this sense of taste could extend to detecting and avoiding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glyphosate-disrupts-brood-care-in-bumblebees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previous observations had shown that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/european-bumblebees-face-extinction-as-their-habitats-vanish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> could detect certain toxic compounds, such as quinine, which tastes bitter to them.</p>



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



<p>The team, led by Dr. Rachel Parkinson of the University of Oxford's Department of Biology, employed two distinct methods to assess the bumblebees' ability to taste two types of pesticides: neonicotinoid and sulfoximine.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study focused on Bombus terrestris, a common species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-choose-immediate-rewards-over-energy-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebee</a>, and used nectar from oilseed rape (Brassica napus) as a base for the experiments.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-response-when-tasting-pesticides">Bees' response when tasting pesticides</h2>



<p>The first method involved electrophysiology to record the neuron responses in the taste sensilla, akin to tastebuds, on the bumblebees' mouthparts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This technique allowed the researchers to determine the strength of the bees' response to the taste. The second method involved offering the bees sugar solutions with and without the addition of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-increase-pesticide-toxicity-in-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a> and observing their feeding behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-into-bees-and-pesticides">Critical insights into bees and pesticides</h2>



<p>The results showed that there was no difference in neuron responses whether the bees consumed sugar solution alone or sugar solution mixed with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-cannot-fly-straight-after-ingesting-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a>. This indicates that the bumblebees' mouthparts lack the mechanisms to detect common pesticides in nectar.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, in the behavioral tests, the bees consumed equal amounts of both the pesticide-laced and pesticide-free solutions, even when the pesticide concentration was high enough to be harmful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-study-is-significant">Why this study is significant</h2>



<p>"As bumblebees cannot taste pesticides and don’t experience immediate negative consequences from drinking them, they likely would not be able to avoid consuming nectar contaminated with pesticides in the field," said Dr. Parkinson.</p>



<p>"This research is important when considering the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-make-it-harder-for-male-bees-to-attract-mates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a> on outdoor crops due to the risk posed to bees as they will not avoid drinking these compounds. Potentially, these findings could be applied towards searching for a non-toxic compound that tastes bad to bees and could be used as a 'bee deterrent' on pesticide-treated crops that do not require insect pollination."</p>



<p>The researchers also explored the concept of "bitter" taste avoidance using quinine. While bees did not reduce their intake of the pesticide-infused solutions, they did show an aversion to quinine-laced sugar solutions at high concentrations, suggesting some ability to detect and react to specific bitter tastes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study highlights a critical issue in the interaction between bees and pesticides, with the inability of bees to taste and therefore avoid pesticide-contaminated nectar posing a significant threat to their health and their indispensable role in pollinating crops.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The pesticides used in the study included neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and the sulfoximine pesticide sulfoxaflor.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research opens the door to future studies and potential strategies to mitigate the risks posed by pesticide use in agriculture, particularly in relation to bee health and pollination services.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.89129.2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>eLife</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Hidden danger: Bumblebees can't taste lethal pesticides in nectar

A recent study conducted by the University of Oxford has...

Cropped,Image,Of,Woman,Gardening

<p>The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a new version of its <a href="https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Hardiness Zone Map</a> (PHZM), marking a significant update to this essential resource for gardeners and agricultural researchers. </p>



<p>This is the first major revision since 2012, offering a more detailed and accurate guide for plant cultivation across the United States.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-updates-provide-better-accuracy">Updates provide better accuracy</h2>



<p>The 2023 PHZM, developed jointly by USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University's <a href="https://prism.oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PRISM Climate Group</a>, represents a notable improvement over previous versions. This enhanced map provides a refined tool for determining the most suitable plants for specific locations, catering to the needs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gardening-is-beneficial-for-physical-and-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gardeners</a> and growers.</p>



<p>In tandem with the map updates, the PHZM website has expanded, now featuring a "Tips for Growers" section. This addition offers insights into USDA ARS research programs, benefiting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-gardens-provide-a-reliable-food-supply-for-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gardeners</a> and plant breeders with valuable information.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2023-plant-hardiness-map-innovations">2023 Plant Hardiness map innovations</h2>



<p>The latest map is based on 30-year temperature averages, categorized into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones and subdivided into 5-degree Fahrenheit half-zones. These divisions are crucial for understanding the nuances of local climate conditions.</p>



<p>Like its 2012 predecessor, the 2023 map maintains a user-friendly, Geographic Information System (GIS)-based interactive format. However, it surpasses the previous version by incorporating data from 13,412 weather stations, significantly more than the 7,983 stations used in 2012.</p>



<p>A noteworthy improvement in the new map is its detailed rendering for Alaska. The area of detail for this region has been refined from a 6 ¼-square-mile area to a more precise ¼ square mile. </p>



<p>ARS Administrator Dr. Simon Liu comments, "These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring the Plant Hardiness Zone Map remains a premier source of information for users across the U.S., including in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-plant-hardiness-zones">Understanding plant hardiness zones</h2>



<p>The PHZM is not only a resource for approximately 80 million American gardeners and growers. It also serves various other sectors. For instance, the <a href="https://www.rma.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA Risk Management Agency</a> utilizes the map for setting crop insurance standards. In addition, scientists incorporate the zone designations in numerous research models.</p>



<p>The map's zones represent the "average annual extreme minimum temperature" at a location over a 30-year period. This measure is crucial for determining the survivability of plants in different regions, based on their winter temperature tolerance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-2023-map-s-zone-structure">The 2023 map's zone structure</h2>



<p>Maintaining the 13-zone structure of the 2012 map, each zone in the 2023 version is further divided into 'A' and 'B' half zones. A comparison between the two maps reveals significant shifts in some areas to warmer half zones, indicative of a 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit warming, though not uniformly across the country.</p>



<p>The 2023 map includes temperature data from 1991 to 2020, contributing to its updated zone boundaries. Notably, the map shows a "warmer" Alaska, primarily due to the inclusion of data from the state's mountainous regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-variability-and-climate-change">Temperature variability and climate change</h2>



<p>The extreme minimum temperature, representing the coldest night of the year, varies significantly and is influenced by local weather patterns. Map developers caution against using these temperature updates as indicators of global climate change, as they are based on highly variable and specific data points.</p>



<p>In a shift towards digital accessibility, a paper version of the 2023 map will not be available for purchase. Instead, the map is freely downloadable online, allowing widespread access and the ability to print copies as needed. This approach ensures that the latest plant hardiness information is readily available to all interested parties.</p>



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New ‘Plant Hardiness Zone’ map released by the USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a new...

<p>A new study published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06723-z"><em>Nature</em></a> has found that allowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/">forests</a> to naturally recover could capture approximately 226 Gigatons (Gt) of carbon. However, this is only feasible if there is a simultaneous reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study emphasizes the importance of community-driven efforts in conserving and restoring forest biodiversity to achieve these carbon capture goals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-carbon-potential-nbsp">Forest carbon potential&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The role of forests in carbon capture has been a subject of heated debate. A previous study published in the journal <em>Science</em> argued that forest restoration could sequester over 200 Gt of carbon, but subsequent discussions raised concerns about environmental impacts and the accuracy of this estimate.</p>



<p>Now, an international team of researchers led by <a href="https://ethz.ch/de.html">ETH Zurich</a> has integrated ground-sourced data and satellite datasets to clarify the forest carbon potential.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that forests currently store about 328 Gt less carbon than they could naturally, largely due to deforestation.</p>



<p>Excluding areas used for urban and agricultural purposes, forests could sequester around 226 Gt in low human footprint regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, protecting and allowing existing forests to mature can contribute to 61 percent of this potential, with the remainder achievable through ecosystem restoration and management.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-forest-restoration-nbsp">Redefining forest restoration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These findings emphasize the need for a diverse range of species to maximize the forest carbon potential. According to the scientists, biodiversity accounts for approximately half of the global forest productivity, highlighting the necessity of including natural species diversity in restoration efforts.</p>



<p>The authors stress that effective restoration is a deeply social endeavor involving various community-driven efforts to promote biodiversity. “We need to redefine what restoration means to many people,” said senior author Thomas Crowther, a professor of Ecology at ETH Zurich.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Restoration is not about mass tree plantations to offset carbon emissions. Restoration means directing the flow of wealth towards millions of local communities, Indigenous populations, and farmers that promote biodiversity across the globe. Only when healthy biodiversity is the preferred choice for local communities will we get long-term carbon capture as a byproduct.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Thus, the study underscores the vital role of forests in carbon storage but cautions against considering them a substitute for reducing fossil fuel emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“My biggest fear is that corporations misuse this information as an excuse to avoid cutting fossil fuel emissions,” Crowther added. “The more we emit, the more we threaten nature and people. There can be no choice between reducing emissions and protecting nature because we urgently need both. We need nature for climate, and we need climate action for nature!”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Forests are incredible places, teeming with life and delivering countless benefits for humanity. This research reaffirms that we can make meaningful contributions to the fight against climate change by protecting and restoring degraded forests, and drawing on the wisdom and leadership of the local communities that know these ecosystems best. We owe it to nature, to future generations and to ourselves to meet this global challenge,” concluded world-famous primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall.</p>



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Restoring forest biodiversity has massive potential for carbon capture

A new study published in the journal Nature has found...

<p>Lightning has been identified as the leading cause of wildfires in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-changes-what-happens-to-boreal-forests-after-fire/">boreal forests</a>, a critical area for carbon storage, and is expected to become more frequent with climate change. This is the alarming conclusion of a new study led by Dr. Matthew Jones from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a>’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, alongside international collaborators.</p>



<p>Using machine learning, the team predicted wildfire ignitions globally, identifying whether they were caused by humans or natural lightning. This research marks the first time fire ignition sources have been attributed on a global scale.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-important-insights">Important insights</h2>



<p>The findings revealed that 77% of burned areas in intact extratropical forests were caused by lightning. This contrasts sharply with tropical regions, where fires are predominantly human-caused.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Intact extratropical forests, largely undisturbed and sparsely populated, are mainly located in the remote boreal forests of the northern hemisphere.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-frequency">Lightning frequency</h3>



<p>Further insights were gained using climate models to predict changes in lightning frequency as the planet warms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study found an 11 to 31% increase in lightning frequency per degree of global warming over these forests, indicating a heightened risk of wildfires due to climate change.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-fires">Lightning fires</h3>



<p>Lightning fires tend to be larger, more intense, and more confined to remote areas during periods of extreme fuel dryness compared to human-caused fires.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team's previous work showed that conditions conducive to fires are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate warms, leading to increased forest flammability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extratropical-forests-nbsp">Extratropical forests&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Extratropical forests are globally significant, storing vast amounts of carbon in vegetation and permafrost soils.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Remarkably, although they cover only about 1% of Earth’s land surface, these forests contribute over 8% of global CO2 emissions from fires. Fires in these regions could amplify greenhouse gas emissions from permafrost thaw by 30% by the end of the century, following a moderate emissions scenario.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-stores">Carbon stores</h2>



<p>“Extratropical forests are globally important because they lock up dense stores of carbon in vegetation and soils, helping to keep CO2 out of the atmosphere and moderate global warming," said Dr. Jones. “However, when fires occur in these regions, they emit more CO2 per unit area than virtually anywhere else on Earth."</p>



<p>“Our research highlights that extratropical forests are vulnerable to the combined effects of a warmer, drier climate and a heightened likelihood of ignitions by lightning strikes."</p>



<p>“Future increases in lightning ignitions threaten to destabilize vast carbon stores in extratropical forests, particularly as weather conditions become warmer, drier, and overall more fire-prone in these regions.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-events">Extreme events</h2>



<p>The research gains relevance in the context of Canada's record-breaking fire season in 2023, where emissions were over four times the average of the past two decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Thomas Janssen from VU, the study's lead author, noted that while the research didn't specifically address Canada's fire season, it helps understand such extreme events.</p>



<p>“While our research did not focus specifically on this year’s extreme fire season in Canada, it does help us to understand this year’s events. Extreme fire seasons in boreal forests, like the one we saw in Canada this year, will be more likely in warmer climates due to hotter, drier weather and more lighting strikes," said Dr. Janssen.</p>



<p>“The fires in Canada this year closely follow record-breaking fire seasons in the Siberian boreal forests in 2020 and 2021.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinforcing-feedback">Reinforcing feedback</h2>



<p>The researchers warn that greenhouse gas emissions from fires can contribute to rising concentrations of carbon in the atmosphere and drive additional warming, further exaggerating the likelihood of fires and other adverse impacts of climate change in future.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Increased greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires reinforces the problem of climate change, with more fires occurring as the climate warms and more greenhouse gases being emitted by fires," said Professor Sander Veraverbeke.</p>



<p>“This ‘reinforcing feedback’ is particularly important in boreal forests, most of which are underlain by carbon-rich permafrost soils that take many hundreds of years to form if they are lost to fire.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



<p>"Our work has shown that the risk of lightning ignitions increases substantially as the planet warms, meaning that every tenth of a degree of warming that we can avoid will translate directly into a reduced risk of wildfire," said Dr. Jones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Curbing emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel use and land use change is critical to avoiding the worst additional risks of wildfire in many regions, but especially in the boreal forests where fires are so sensitive to warming.”&nbsp;</p>



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



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Lightning is the leading cause of wildfires in boreal forests

Lightning has been identified as the leading cause of wildfires...

Breathtaking,Panoramic,Aerial,View,Of,The,Hills,Of,Colorful,Red,

<p>In the global fight against climate change, trees serve as an invaluable ally. This is especially true in mixed forests. Through the process of photosynthesis, forests absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide -- a primary greenhouse gas -- and store it in soil, shrubs, and their very fibers. </p>



<p>This natural form of carbon sequestration is essential in the efforts to slow down the warming of our planet. Recognizing this, many countries have pledged to restore forests as a part of their environmental strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-forests-vs-monocultures">Mixed forests vs. monocultures</h2>



<p>Recent research emphasizes a key nuance in reforestation efforts: the type of forests we restore. Mixed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-trees-use-social-distancing-to-promote-forest-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> -- ecosystems where a variety of tree species coexist -- outshine their single-species counterparts in carbon storage. </p>



<p>Dr. Emily Warner of the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> and her team have shown that forests with a mix of species can store up to 70% more carbon than monocultures. The secret lies in the complementary traits of different species which, when combined, lead to more effective carbon absorption and storage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-benefits-of-mixed-species-forests">Dual benefits of mixed species forests</h2>



<p>Apart from carbon storage, mixed forests bring forth increased resilience against threats such as pests, diseases, and climate disturbances. This resilience not only safeguards the forests but also ensures the longevity of their carbon storage capabilities.</p>



<p> Additionally, these forests are hotspots for biodiversity, supporting a richer variety of life forms and providing a wider range of ecosystem services.</p>



<p>Despite the clear advantages of mixed forests, reforestation efforts around the world are predominantly geared towards monoculture plantations. These are often chosen for their simplicity and economic benefits. However, this approach overlooks the long-term environmental and ecological gains of diversified planting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparative-analysis-of-carbon-stocks">Comparative analysis of carbon stocks</h2>



<p>In a comprehensive study spearheaded by Dr. Warner, an international team of scientists has laid bare the stark differences in carbon storage between mixed and single-species forests. </p>



<p>Their analysis, which includes data from studies since 1975 and recent global tree diversity experiments, indicates that four-species mixtures are particularly effective as carbon sinks, more so than even the best-performing monocultures.</p>



<p>The implications of this study are significant for forest management. Dr. Susan Cook-Patton, a collaborator from <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>, highlights that there's not only an environmental but also a productivity incentive to diversify newly planted forests. </p>



<p>These findings could potentially reshape reforestation policies and practices, aligning them more closely with climate change mitigation goals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversification-as-a-strategy">Diversification as a strategy</h2>



<p>While the study's findings are compelling, the researchers acknowledge the need for more data, especially from older and more diverse forests. They call for extended research to further understand the dynamics behind the increased carbon storage in mixed forests and how it may vary by factors such as location, species mix, and forest age.</p>



<p>This research advocates for a shift in the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-are-a-powerful-driver-of-forest-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a> approach. By embracing the diversification of planted forests, we can significantly amplify the benefits of our reforestation efforts, turning them into more potent tools against climate change. </p>



<p>As countries continue to develop and refine their environmental strategies, this study serves as a crucial piece of evidence for the potential of mixed-species forests in creating a more sustainable and resilient future.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://blog.frontiersin.org/2023/11/09/multiple-tree-species-effective-carbon-sinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Forests and Global Change</a></em>.</p>



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Mixed forests with many tree species are more effective at carbon storage

In the global fight against climate change, trees serve as...

<p>In a remarkable discovery, Finnish scientists have identified that an extract from willow bark may hold the key to combating future viral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-can-we-learn-from-previous-bird-flu-outbreaks/">outbreaks</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This plant, which historically contributed to the development of aspirin, has now been found to have broad-spectrum antiviral properties, effective against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. These include strains that cause common colds, COVID-19, flu, and meningitis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antiviral-agents">Antiviral agents</h2>



<p>Professor Varpu Marjomäki from the <a href="https://beta.jyu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jyväskylä</a>, who led the research, emphasized the urgent need for versatile antiviral agents in the face of emerging epidemics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We need broadly acting and efficient tools to combat the virus load in our everyday life,” said Professor Marjomäki. “Vaccinations are important, but they cannot deal with many of the newly emerging serotypes early enough to be effective on their own.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The research team had previously demonstrated the effectiveness of willow bark extract on enteroviruses. For the new study, they wanted to test the extract on additional types of viruses. The goal was to understand the underlying mechanism of action.</p>



<p>Through a meticulous process of harvesting, grinding, and hot water extraction, the researchers produced a willow bark extract.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-results">Promising results</h2>



<p>The extract demonstrated high efficacy in protecting cells from viral infections without damaging the cells themselves. This finding is particularly significant given the absence of clinically approved drugs targeting enteroviruses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-mechanisms-nbsp">Distinct mechanisms&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interestingly, while the extract prevented both types of viruses from spreading, the mechanism of action varied. For enveloped coronaviruses, the extract disrupted the virus structure, whereas for non-enveloped enteroviruses, it prevented the release of the viral genome, effectively stopping reproduction.</p>



<p>“The extracts acted through distinct mechanisms against different viruses,” said Marjomäki. “But the extracts were equally effective in inhibiting the enveloped as well as non-enveloped viruses.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commercial-extracts-nbsp">Commercial extracts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team also tested various willow-derived compounds and commercial extracts. Only one showed antiviral activity, suggesting that a complex interaction of bioactive compounds in the bark extract could be responsible for the observed effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the promising results, the exact bioactive compounds and their mechanisms are not yet fully understood. The team is committed to continuing their research, aiming to isolate and identify these compounds and expand their studies to a broader spectrum of viruses.</p>



<p>“We are presently continuing fractionations and bioactive molecule identification from willow bark extracts,” said Marjomäki. “This will give us a number of identified pure molecules which we can study in further detail. Also, we will study a larger number of viruses with purified components. Purified components will give us better opportunities to study their mechanisms of action.”</p>



<p>If successful, this research could pave the way for new, nature-derived medicines to treat viral infections like colds and flu, marking a significant breakthrough in antiviral therapy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-willow-bark">Willow bark</h2>



<p>Willow bark, the bark of several varieties of willow tree, has been used for centuries for pain relief and as an anti-inflammatory agent. It contains salicin, a substance that when taken into the body is metabolized to salicylic acid, which is the active component of aspirin. The use of willow bark dates back to the time of Hippocrates when people were advised to chew on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation.</p>



<p>Willow bark is available as a herbal supplement and is used for various conditions such as headaches, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and a disease of the spine called ankylosing spondylitis. It's considered a natural alternative to synthetic aspirin, being gentler on the stomach, though it acts more slowly than aspirin and the effects are less potent per dosage.</p>



<p>The efficacy of willow bark as an antiviral agent, as highlighted in the study, opens up new potential applications for this traditional medicine. The researchers are delving into the complex interactions of its bioactive compounds to understand how they confer antiviral properties, which could lead to innovative treatments for viral diseases in the future.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1249794" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Microbiology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Willow bark may contain life-saving antiviral medications 

In a remarkable discovery, Finnish scientists have identified that an...

<p>A significant number of Europe’s plants and animals are edging closer to disappearance. A new study indicates that around 20 percent of the species on the European Red List are threatened with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/">extinction</a>. This includes a surprising array of invertebrates whose risk of dying out is much greater than previously estimated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research was led by Axel Hochkirch of the <a href="https://www.mnhn.lu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle</a> in Luxembourg. The team analyzed 14,669 species, which represent approximately 10 percent of all known terrestrial, freshwater, and marine flora and fauna in Europe. </p>



<p>This exhaustive review was based on data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red List of Threatened Species</a>, a key resource for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species globally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-european-red-list-nbsp">European Red List&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"In Europe, taxonomic coverage of the IUCN Red List is more extensive than in other parts of the world, as the European Commission has funded European Red List assessments of thousands of species from a wide variety of taxonomic groups since 2006," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"These include all vertebrates (amphibians, birds, fishes, mammals and reptiles), functionally important invertebrate groups (all bees, butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, crickets, bush-crickets, freshwater and terrestrial mollusks, and a selection of saproxylic beetles) and about 12 percent of the known plant species in Europe (including all ferns and lycopods, orchids, trees, aquatic plants and bryophytes, as well as selected shrubs, medicinal plants, priority crop wild relatives, and plants listed in policy instruments)."</p>



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



<p>Alarmingly, the researchers found that 27 percent of plant species, 24 percent of invertebrates, and 18 percent of vertebrates included in the study are on the brink of extinction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Invertebrates, often overlooked in conservation efforts, appear to be more imperiled than was previously thought, as highlighted by the latest reports from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greater-extinction-risk">Greater extinction risk</h2>



<p>"These numbers exceed recent IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) assumptions of extinction risk," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Changes in agricultural practices and associated habitat loss, overharvesting, pollution and development are major threats to biodiversity. Maintaining and restoring sustainable land and water use practices is crucial to minimize future biodiversity declines."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-to-action">Call to action</h2>



<p>The study is not just a call to alarm but a call to action. The researchers emphasize the need for increased conservation action, recognizing the crucial role of biodiversity in food security, wealth generation, and overall well-being in Europe.</p>



<p>Further investigation into specific threats and effective conservation strategies is imperative, according to the research team. Such work is vital to guide and measure the success of initiatives aiming to curb the loss of biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge and minimizing extinction rates is the goal of several multilateral environmental agreements. Policy decisions require comprehensive, spatially explicit information on species’ distributions and threats," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This comprehensive analysis of 14,669 continental Red List assessments for European animal and plant species suggests that 2 million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. This result doubles the latest IPBES assumption of 1 million threatened species.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293083" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLOS ONE</em></a>.</p>



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One fifth of all European endangered species may vanish 

A significant number of Europe’s plants and animals are edging...

<p>In an intriguing twist to the ongoing debate surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-strongly-linked-to-mental-disorders-in-a-new-study/">cannabis</a>, a recent study has shed light on the drug's potential impact on empathy. Psychological assessments reveal that regular cannabis users might have a keener sense of others' emotions.</p>



<p>The researchers found that frequent cannabis users demonstrated a heightened understanding of other people's emotional states.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The investigation did not merely rely on subjective psychological evaluations. The experts extended its scope to include brain imaging tests</p>



<p>The tests revealed that the anterior cingulate - a brain region typically influenced by cannabis - exhibited stronger connections with areas that are responsible for sensing the emotional states of others within the individual's own body.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This neurobiological evidence suggests that the drug's influence on the brain may play a role in the users' increased empathetic abilities.</p>



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



<p>The study's comprehensive approach included a sample of 85 regular cannabis users and 51 non-consumers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>All participants underwent psychometric testing to gauge empathy levels. Additionally, a subset of the group, consisting of 46 users and 34 non-users, participated in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) exams to observe the brain's activity and network connectivity.</p>



<p>The results are particularly noteworthy because they challenge existing stereotypes about cannabis users and offer a fresh perspective on the substance's neurological impact.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-therapeutic-applications-nbsp">New therapeutic applications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Dr. Víctor Olalde-Mathieu from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México noted that these preliminary findings could pave the way for novel therapeutic applications of cannabis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Although further research is needed, these results open an exciting new window for exploring the potential effects of cannabis in aiding treatments for conditions involving deficits in social interactions, such as sociopathy, social anxiety, and avoidant personality disorder, among others,” said Dr. Olalde-Mathieu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Cannabis use has generally been associated with negative mental health and behavioral outcomes. Using fMRI connectivity and psychometric methods, this study found that regular cannabis users have a greater understanding of the emotions of others," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Furthermore, the anterior cingulate, a region generally affected by cannabis use and related to empathy, had stronger functional connectivity with brain regions related to sensing the emotional states of others within one's own body."</p>



<p>"These findings highlight positive effects of cannabis on interpersonal relationships and potential therapeutic applications."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed-nbsp">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While the findings are promising, the researchers note that further research is needed to fully understand the implications of cannabis use in this context. The study does not conclusively establish causation, nor does it delve into the long-term effects of cannabis on empathy and social behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This research marks a significant step towards demystifying the multifaceted effects of cannabis on the human mind and social functioning. It opens a new window for exploring how cannabis could be integrated into therapeutic strategies for social disorders, potentially leading to groundbreaking treatment options.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the scientific community continues to investigate the brain and behavioral changes of cannabis users, this study serves as a pivotal reference point for future inquiries and clinical trials.</p>



<p>The research is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jnr.25252?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=publicity&amp;utm_content=WRH_11_6_23&amp;utm_term=JNR"><em>Journal of Neuroscience Research</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Cannabis users may learn to understand the emotions of others

In an intriguing twist to the ongoing debate surrounding cannabis,...

<p>Researchers from Israel have introduced a new database that is the first of its kind to combine data on plant distribution and life cycles on a global scale. This research has implications for understanding the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-trees-are-not-responding-well-to-climate-change/">climate change</a> on plant life, particularly annuals, and could shape future agricultural practices and conservation efforts.</p>



<p>The study was led by Dr. Niv DeMalach of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Professor Itay Mayrose of Tel Aviv University, and Dr. Tyler Poppenwimer, a researcher at the FDA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The newly created database is extensive, including information on the life cycles of around 235,000 species - equivalent to 67 percent of species known to science - collected over an 80-year span.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perennials-vs-annuals-nbsp">Perennials vs. annuals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Plants are broadly classified into perennials, which live for more than a year, and annuals, which complete their life cycle in a single season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While perennials, such as grasses, trees, and bushes, form the bulk of the world's flora and are crucial for ecosystem stability, annuals dominate agricultural lands and our diets, being a primary source of carbohydrates and proteins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-annual-distribution-nbsp">Annual distribution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Contrary to previous assumptions, the research identified that the abundance of annuals is not uniform worldwide. Their distribution is significantly influenced by seasonal climates rather than average annual temperature and rainfall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study provided a surprising revelation that annuals are less prevalent globally than previously estimated, occupying less than six percent of plant species compared to the earlier assumed 12 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings shed light on historical human agricultural practices, particularly in the Middle East, where the climate favored the cultivation of annuals, thus facilitating the birth of agriculture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also raises concerns for the future. It supports the prediction that the prevalence of annuals will increase due to human impact, which could potentially harm the environment due to their less efficient role in carbon sequestration compared to perennials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The study both helps explain human history and is relevant for the future of humankind. It helps us understand why agriculture, which is the basis for human civilization, first appeared in the Middle East," said Dr. DeMalach.</p>



<p>"Our region is unusual in its high proportion of annuals, and now we know why - it has the right climate conditions. Food production is based mainly on annual species. This is true today, and it was true thousands of years ago."</p>



<p>"These conditions facilitated the transition from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural society. Regarding the future, our model suggests that the human species has become the most influential factor on the planet, and not only will its impact have consequences for wild plant life, but the changes caused will also affect human life in turn.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upcoming-challenges">Upcoming challenges</h2>



<p>Dr. DeMalach said that one of the great challenges facing humanity in the 21st century is providing food for billions of people with minimal damage to the environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Therefore, extensive efforts are being made to shift from annual crops to perennial crops, which are&nbsp; more environmentally friendly," said Dr. DeMalach. “The problem today is that perennial crops are still less productive, and there is great debate as to whether they can be made more productive in the future.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06644-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Plant life cycles: Predicting the impacts of climate change

Researchers from Israel have introduced a new database that is...

<p>A recent study from Japan has revealed that owning a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mischievous-dogs-experts-reveal-the-top-ten-naughtiest-breeds/">dog</a> can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia in old age. The experts found that dog owners over the age of 65 were 40 percent less likely to develop dementia.</p>



<p>The study marks the first scientific establishment of a clear link between dog ownership and a lowered risk of dementia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-dog-owners">Studying dog owners</h2>



<p>The research wad focused on nearly 12,000 residents in Tokyo aged 65 and older. It was conducted over four years by the <a href="https://www.tmig.or.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts compared the mental health of older adults who were current dog owners, previous owners, and those who never owned a dog.</p>



<p>The researchers meticulously accounted for various factors including gender, marital status, education, income, health history, and exercise habits, regardless of pet ownership. The average age of the participants was 74.2 years, with 51.5% being female.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-exercise-and-social-interaction-nbsp">Regular exercise and social interaction&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr Yu Taniguchi, the lead author of the study, noted that individuals who owned a dog had therefore exercised, making new connections with people as they walked their pets.</p>



<p>“Having a dog enabled owners to habitually take exercise and avoid social isolation and these were the two key factors in people having a much lower risk of developing dementia,” explained Dr. Taniguchi.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers found that the protective effects against dementia were still present in dog owners who did not regularly exercise or engage socially, though to a lesser extent than those who did.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Having a dog effectively requires people to get into the habit of physical activity and that makes it much more likely that they will then have interactions and socialize with other people,” said Dr. Taniguchi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cats-and-dementia-nbsp">Cats and dementia&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers also investigated the relationship between owning cats and dementia. They determined that cat ownership was not effective for preventing dementia</p>



<p>This is due to the fact that owners do not walk their cats and they do not bring people together socially in the way that dogs do, said Dr. Taniguchi, who has a Jack Russell terrier.</p>



<p>He added that he was not surprised by the group’s findings, as earlier research had identified the potential health benefits of pets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frailty-and-disability-nbsp">Frailty and disability&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Prior research has already hinted at the health benefits of dog ownership, including reduced frailty in old age and delayed onset of disabilities and death</p>



<p>"Although some previous study reported no-significant association of pet ownership with mortality, systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that dog ownership is associated with lower risk of death over the long term," wrote Dr. Taniguchi and his co-authors.</p>



<p>"Our previous study revealed that older adults who had owned a dog and/or cat had lower risk of incident frailty, with dog owners at baseline showing 0.81 times the likelihood of developing incident frailty than never dog owners during 2-year follow-up period."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improved-well-being-of-dog-owners">Improved well-being of dog owners</h2>



<p>During the coronavirus pandemic, dog owners also reported better well-being than those without pets, likely due to increased exercise and social opportunities.</p>



<p>"Dog care might contribute to the maintenance of physical activity, including having an exercise habit, and social participation even in the face of restrictions to interactions such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic," wrote the researchers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the December edition of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221133552300356X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Preventive Medicine Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Dog owners are much less likely to develop dementia

A recent study from Japan has revealed that owning a...

Chinstrap,Penguin,,Antarctica,,January,2019

<p>In a new study, researchers have discovered that nesting chinstrap penguins in the wild manage to accumulate over 11 hours of sleep daily, not through extended rest periods, but via thousands of brief microsleeps. </p>



<p>This fascinating sleep behavior underscores the adaptability and resilience of these birds in maintaining continuous vigilance over their nests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-sleep-to-animals">Importance of sleep to animals</h2>



<p>Sleep, a state typically marked by immobility and a decreased sensory response to the environment, is a common trait across various species. Sleeping, while restorative, can make animals vulnerable to predators. </p>



<p>In humans, lack of adequate sleep often leads to microsleeps -- brief, seconds-long lapses in wakefulness characterized by eye closure and sleep-like brain activity. These involuntary pauses can be hazardous, especially in activities like driving. </p>



<p>However, the true restorative value of such microsleeps in comparison to longer sleep periods remains a subject of scientific inquiry.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-chinstrap-penguins-sleep">Studying how chinstrap penguins sleep</h2>



<p>Paul-Antoine Libourel and his team spearheaded a comprehensive study on a colony of chinstrap penguins (<em>Pygoscelis antarcticus</em>) in Antarctica. </p>



<p>These penguins, while nesting, face the constant need to protect their nests from predators and other intruding penguins, especially when their partners are away. This situation demands that one parent remains vigilant, making extended sleep periods impractical and potentially dangerous.</p>



<p>The team employed remote electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, along with other noninvasive sensors, to record the sleep patterns of these freely roaming and nesting birds. Continuous video surveillance and direct observations complemented this study.</p>



<p>Contrary to typical sleep patterns observed in many animals, chinstrap penguins did not engage in long sleep sessions. Instead, they were found to frequently fall into microsleeps, each lasting about 4 seconds on average. Remarkably, they accumulated over 11 hours of sleep per day through more than 10,000 of these microsleep episodes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-perspectives">Implications and perspectives</h2>



<p>The study's findings suggest that these brief sleep bouts, or microsleeps, can collectively fulfill some of the restorative functions traditionally associated with longer sleep periods. This adaptation appears to be a successful strategy for species like chinstrap penguins that require constant vigilance.</p>



<p>Christian Harding and Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, in a related perspective, highlighted the significance of these findings. They noted that the chinstrap penguins' microsleeps might represent one of the most extreme examples of how the benefits of sleep can accumulate incrementally. This observation opens new avenues for understanding sleep patterns and their variations across different species.</p>



<p>The research conducted by Libourel and colleagues sheds light on the remarkable adaptability of chinstrap penguins in fulfilling their sleep needs through microsleeps. This study adds to our understanding of sleep in wild animals. It also raises intriguing questions about the flexibility and functionality of sleep across different species. </p>



<p>The chinstrap penguins' unique sleep pattern is a testament to the diverse strategies employed by animals to balance the demands of survival and rest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-chinstrap-penguins">More about chinstrap penguins</h2>



<p>As touched on above, chinstrap penguins are easily recognizable by their distinctive facial markings. They are a fascinating species of penguins that reside primarily in the islands and shores of the Southern Pacific and the Antarctic Ocean. Let's dive deeper into their life, habitat, behavior, and the challenges they face.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical characteristics</h3>



<p>Chinstrap penguins stand out with their thin black band under the head, resembling a helmet strap, which gives them their name. They are medium-sized penguins, typically weighing between 3 to 6 kilograms. Their bodies are adapted to the aquatic environment. Chinstraps have streamlined shapes, flippers for swimming, and a layer of insulating feathers to protect against the cold.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chinstrap-penguins-habitat">Chinstrap penguins habitat</h3>



<p>Primarily found on the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands, chinstrap penguins thrive in large colonies on ice-free coastal areas. Their choice of habitat is largely influenced by the availability of their primary food source, the krill, which is abundant in these cold waters.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-feeding-habits">Diet and feeding habits</h3>



<p>Krill constitutes the major part of a chinstrap penguin's diet, although they also consume fish and squid. They are excellent swimmers and can dive to depths of up to 70 meters in pursuit of prey. Their feeding expeditions can last several hours, during which they skillfully navigate through the water.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-and-lifecycle">Breeding and lifecycle</h3>



<p>Chinstrap penguins are monogamous and often return to the same mate each breeding season. The breeding season starts in November when they gather in vast colonies to nest. Females typically lay two eggs, and both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The chicks fledge after about two months and are ready to go to sea.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chinstrap-penguins-social-behavior">Chinstrap penguins social behavior</h3>



<p>These penguins are highly social birds. Their colonies, sometimes consisting of hundreds of thousands of individuals, are a hub of activity. The colonies help provide protection against predators and are also crucial for the birds' social interactions. This includes finding mates and caring for their young.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-and-conservation">Threats and conservation</h3>



<p>Chinstrap penguins face several threats. Most notably, climate change, which affects their food supply, and human activities such as fishing and pollution. While they are not currently endangered, their populations are under observation for potential decline due to these environmental pressures.</p>



<p>In summary, chinstrap penguins are a remarkable species, adept at surviving and thriving in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Their unique physical features, social behaviors, and breeding habits make them an important subject of study for understanding the dynamics of marine life in the Antarctic ecosystem. </p>



<p>As they navigate the challenges posed by a changing environment, the continued study and conservation of chinstrap penguins remain crucial for ensuring their survival.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh0771" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Chinstrap penguins take over 10,000 micro-sleeps per day

In a new study, researchers have discovered that nesting chinstrap...

Brittle,Stars,Or,Ophiuroids,Are,Echinoderms,In,The,Class,Ophiuroidea

<p>In the quest to understand intelligence and learning, humans have often focused on brain size as a key factor. However, a fascinating study on brainless brittle stars challenges this notion, revealing that these creatures are capable of learning through experience, despite lacking a centralized brain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enigmatic-brittle-stars">Enigmatic brittle stars</h2>



<p>Brittle stars, related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crown-of-thorns-starfish-are-natures-ultimate-coral-predators-and-they-are-winning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starfish</a>, are fascinating marine creatures known for their secretive nature. They spend most of their time hidden under rocks or buried in sand, with their bodies consisting of five wiggly arms connected to a nerve ring near their mouth, instead of a traditional brain.</p>



<p><a href="https://jnotar.github.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Julia Notar</a>, the lead author of the study conducted at Duke University under <a href="https://scholars.duke.edu/person/sjohnsen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Sönke Johnsen</a>, emphasizes the uniqueness of the brittle star's nervous system. "There's no processing center," explains Notar. "Each of the nerve cords can act independently, functioning more like a committee than under a central boss."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-by-association">Learning by association</h2>



<p>Notar's research posits that brittle stars can learn through classical conditioning, a learning process where an organism learns to associate different stimuli.</p>



<p>One example of classical conditioning is demonstrated by Pavlov's famous experiments with dogs. When repeatedly fed at the ringing of a bell, they eventually start drooling at just the sound of the bell, even without food present.</p>



<p>Similarly, humans experience this often. When you repeatedly hear the “ding” of a smartphone alert, the sound eventually takes on a special meaning. The mere ping or buzz of someone's phone, if it matches your phone's chime, can prompt you to reflexively reach for your phone, expecting the next text, email, or Instagram post.</p>



<p>Researchers have demonstrated classical conditioning in starfish in a few previous studies. However, most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-stars-may-actually-be-walking-heads-with-no-bodies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">echinoderms</a>, a diverse group encompassing around <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/s13420-021-00492-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7,000 species</a> including brittle stars, brainless starfish, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-urchins-are-struggling-to-survive-because-they-cant-get-a-grip/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea urchins</a>, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-eating-sea-cucumbers-can-prevent-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea cucumbers</a>, remain untested in this area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>To determine if brittle stars can learn, researchers placed 16 black brittle stars (<em>Ophiocoma echinata</em>) in individual water tanks and recorded their behavior with a video camera.</p>



<p>They trained half of the brittle stars by dimming the lights for 30 minutes at each feeding time. Whenever the lights went out, the researchers placed a morsel of shrimp -- a favorite of the brittle stars -- just out of reach in the tanks.</p>



<p>The researchers fed the other half the same amount of shrimp but did so under lit conditions, never coinciding with the 30-minute dark periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watching-brittle-stars-learn">Watching brittle stars learn</h2>



<p>Regardless of light conditions, the animals mostly hid behind the filters in their tanks, emerging only for meals. However, only the brittle stars that received training learned to associate darkness with food.</p>



<p>In the early stages of the 10-month experiment, all the animals remained hidden when the lights dimmed. Over time, the trained brittle stars formed a connection between darkness and feeding time. They began to anticipate food and emerged from hiding whenever the lights went out, even before shrimp was introduced to the tanks.</p>



<p>These brittle stars had learned to associate the dimming lights with the likelihood of food. They responded without needing to smell or taste the shrimp. The mere dimming of the lights was sufficient to prompt them to emerge for dinner.</p>



<p>Even after a 13-day break without training, which involved repeatedly dimming the lights without feeding, the brittle stars still remembered this association.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-research">Implications and future research</h2>



<p>Notar finds these <a href="https://rdcu.be/drHJO" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">results</a> exciting, as they demonstrate classical conditioning in a group of animals previously not known for such learning capabilities. </p>



<p>“Knowing that brittle stars can learn means they’re not just robotic scavengers like little Roombas cleaning up the ocean floor,” Notar said. “They're potentially able to expect and avoid predators or anticipate food because they’re learning about their environment.”</p>



<p>The study opens doors to further explore how creatures with non-standard nervous systems learn and remember. Notar plans to delve deeper into the mechanisms behind the brittle stars' learning abilities, aiming to answer the intriguing question: "How do they do it?"</p>



<p>This research fundamentally challenges our understanding of learning and intelligence in the animal kingdom. It suggests that brain size or structure may not be the sole determinants of an organism's ability to learn and adapt to its environment, paving the way for a broader and more inclusive study of intelligence in nature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-brittle-stars">More about brittle stars</h2>



<p>As discussed above, brittle stars, fascinating and unique echinoderms, exhibit remarkable features and behaviors in marine ecosystems. Belonging to the class Ophiuroidea, these creatures are close relatives of sea stars, but they stand out due to their distinct physical characteristics and ecological roles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-description-and-diversity">Physical description and diversity</h3>



<p>Brittle stars typically possess a central disc and five slender, highly flexible arms. Unlike sea stars, their arms do not contain vital organs and are sharply demarcated from the central disc. This structure enables them to move swiftly through the water and across the seabed. They exhibit a wide array of colors and patterns, enhancing their appeal.</p>



<p>There are over 2,000 known species of brittle stars, varying greatly in size and form. Some species have smooth arms, while others have spiny or adorned ones. Their size can range from a few centimeters to nearly a meter in arm span, with the central disc usually being relatively small.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-and-distribution">Habitat and distribution</h3>



<p>Brittle stars inhabit diverse marine environments, from shallow coral reefs to the deep sea. They often hide under rocks, in coral crevices, or within seagrass beds during the day. Some species even live in symbiotic relationships with other marine organisms, such as corals.</p>



<p>Their global distribution is impressive, with species found in every ocean and at various depths, some reaching as deep as 6,000 meters. This wide distribution highlights their adaptability to different environmental conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-and-nutrition">Feeding and nutrition</h3>



<p>Brittle stars are mostly scavengers and detritivores, feeding on dead organic material and small organisms. They use their flexible arms to capture food particles, which they then transport to their mouths. Some species are also known to be suspension feeders, using their arms to catch plankton and other small particles from the water column.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-and-lifecycle">Reproduction and lifecycle</h3>



<p>Brittle stars reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, they release eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization occurs. The larvae then go through several planktonic stages before settling on the seafloor and metamorphosing into juveniles.</p>



<p>Asexual reproduction occurs through fragmentation, where a part of an arm breaks off and regenerates into a new individual. This ability also aids in their survival, as they can readily regenerate lost limbs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-and-importance">Ecological role and importance</h3>



<p>Brittle stars play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. As scavengers, they aid in the decomposition process and nutrient cycling. They also serve as prey for various marine animals, including fish and crabs.</p>



<p>Their presence in various habitats makes them good indicators of environmental health. Some species are particularly sensitive to changes in water quality, making them useful in monitoring the impact of pollution and climate change on marine ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



<p>While many brittle star species are abundant, some face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Their conservation is essential for maintaining the health and diversity of marine ecosystems.</p>



<p>In summary, brittle stars are not just captivating creatures but also vital components of the ocean's biodiversity. Their unique adaptations and ecological roles make them an important subject of study in marine biology and conservation efforts.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-023-03402-x">Behavioral </a><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00265-023-03402-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Sociobiology</a>.</p>



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Brittle stars have no brain but still manage to learn

In the quest to understand intelligence and learning, humans have...

<p>A recent study by a team of researchers from Italy, Norway, Canada, and the US suggests that before their eventual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/">extinction</a>, dinosaurs might have faced repeated "volcanic winters" that left them in a weakened state.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These findings come from an analysis of sulfur and fluorine gasses trapped in ancient volcanic rocks from the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/dinosaurs-ancient-fossils/extinction/deccan-traps-volcanoes#:~:text=The%20Deccan%20Traps%20date%20back,volcanic%20eruption%20ever%20on%20land." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deccan Traps supervolcano</a>, which erupted around 200,000 years before the asteroid impact that is widely believed to have caused the dinosaurs’ extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-volcanic-winters">Studying volcanic winters</h2>



<p>The study, which focuses on these gases, reveals that their release could have caused global temperatures to drop by up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery contributes to the ongoing debate among paleontologists and scientists regarding the precise cause of the dinosaurs’ demise. The research aligns with the "press-pulse extinction model," which suggests that a combination of factors led to the extinction event.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unstable-climate-conditions">Unstable climate conditions</h2>



<p>“Our research demonstrates that climatic conditions were almost certainly unstable, with repeated volcanic winters that could have lasted decades, prior to the extinction of the dinosaurs,” said study co-author Don Baker, a geologist at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> in Montreal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our work helps explain this significant extinction event that led to the rise of mammals and the evolution of our species.”</p>



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



<p>The team analyzed sulfur and fluorine compounds in samples from the Deccan Traps in India’s Western Ghats, near Bombay. They employed synchrotron radiation x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry to measure these compounds’ concentrations. Baker likened the process to cooking pasta, where a small amount of the salt in boiling water is absorbed by the pasta.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similarly, the team estimated the volume of sulfur and fluorine gases that entered the atmosphere during the Cretaceous period based on the compounds’ presence in the lava rocks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Notably, the researchers found that the highest sulfur content, as high as 1,800 parts-per-million, correlated with a drop in temperature during the late Cretaceous period. They estimated that between 86,000 and 466,000 cubic-kilometers of sulfur gas were released into the atmosphere, leading to significant climatic changes.</p>



<p>Although the team did not attribute major climate change to fluorine gases, they noted these gases' toxic local effects, including acid rain, crop failure, and livestock poisoning, as observed in historical accounts of the Laki volcano eruptions in Iceland in the 18th century. These effects might have similarly impacted the dinosaurs’ environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-triggers">Multiple triggers</h2>



<p>The researchers conclude that the Deccan Traps’ volcanic activity set the stage for a global biotic crisis by triggering repeated short volcanic winters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, they believe the "final blow" was the Chicxulub asteroid impact in Mexico, which caused massive environmental devastation. This impact, combined with the preceding volcanic activity, likely accelerated the dinosaurs’ extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg8284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>, highlights the intricate interplay of environmental factors leading up to one of Earth’s most significant extinction events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our dataset indicates that volcanic-driven climate disturbance was already underway,” the researchers noted, underscoring the complexity of the events that led to the end of the dinosaur era.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-volcanic-winters">More about volcanic winters</h2>



<p>As mentioned above, volcanic winters are climatic events resulting from major volcanic eruptions that inject large amounts of ash and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the Earth's stratosphere. Let's dig a little deeper.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-of-volcanic-winters">Mechanism of volcanic winters</h3>



<p>Eruption Dynamics: Large volcanic eruptions expel ash and gases high into the stratosphere.</p>



<p>Formation of Sulfur Aerosols: The sulfur dioxide reacts to form sulfuric acid aerosols, which reflect sunlight away from Earth, leading to cooling.</p>



<p>Longevity in the Stratosphere: These aerosols can remain in the stratosphere for years, prolonging their cooling effect.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-winters-impact-on-climate">Volcanic winters' impact on climate</h3>



<p>Global Cooling: Volcanic winters typically result in a noticeable drop in global or regional temperatures.</p>



<p>Weather Pattern Disruptions: These temperature changes can alter normal weather patterns, causing droughts or excessive rainfall.</p>



<p>Agricultural Impact: Reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures adversely affect crop yields, potentially leading to famines.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-instances">Historical instances</h3>



<p>The Year Without a Summer (1816): Following the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora, 1816 experienced dramatically lowered temperatures, leading to widespread crop failures.</p>



<p>The Toba Catastrophe (Around 74,000 Years Ago): The Toba super-volcano eruption is believed to have caused a decade-long volcanic winter, severely impacting early human populations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-concerns-and-future-risks">Modern concerns and future risks</h3>



<p>Today, advanced monitoring and climate modeling allow for better prediction and preparedness for volcanic winters. A major eruption today could significantly impact our globalized society, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.</p>



<p>In summary, volcanic winters, though rare, pose a significant risk due to their ability to alter global climates and disrupt human activities. Understanding and preparing for these events is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world.</p>



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Volcanic winters weakened the dinosaurs before the asteroid hit

A recent study by a team of researchers from Italy,...

<p>Sentinel warning calls in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/">birds</a> may be universally understood, transcending continental boundaries, according to a new study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discovery not only expands our understanding of animal communication but also hints at an evolutionary convergence in vocal signals related to danger.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-danger">Signs of danger</h2>



<p>The research was led by Henry Pollock, executive director of the Southern Plains Land Trust, and Jonah Dominguez, a graduate student at the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>



<p>Sentinel species, like the Paridae family, are pivotal in mixed-species groups for their distinct alarm calls. These calls, like the “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” of chickadees, are recognized by various bird species, emphasizing their role as universal signals of danger.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-predator-behavior-nbsp">Anti-predator behavior&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Many animals form mixed-species groups, and the thought is that this is an anti-predator behavior,” said Pollock. “There is safety in numbers, and there is a benefit to surrounding yourself with a more diverse set of eyes and ears."</p>



<p>"However, you have to be able to understand the information that the others around you give to make use of it.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team set out to investigate whether bird communities across three continents – North America, Europe, and Asia – could interpret the alarm calls of a previously unknown sentinel, the dusky-throated antshrike, a Central and South American bird known for its sentinel role.</p>



<p>The study included contributions from Mark Hauber (GNDP) and international collaborators from Serbia and China.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-results">Surprising results</h2>



<p>The experts played warning calls of the dusky-throated antshrike to different bird flocks. They theorized that birds would react most strongly to familiar local sentinel calls. But the results were surprising.</p>



<p>“We expected to see some kind of response to the novel antshrike’s calls, but predicted that birds wouldn’t respond as strongly to it as their own local sentinel’s calls,” said Dominguez.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“However, we were surprised to find no statistical difference in how birds responded to the local versus foreign sentinel’s alarm call. Birds were responding to the unfamiliar antshrike’s call as if it was a bird they’ve known their whole lives.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-recognition-nbsp">Universal recognition&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, flocks of birds across all three continents responded equally as strongly to the unfamiliar antshrike’s warning calls as they did to familiar, local sentinel’s warning calls.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts say this finding suggests there is something to sentinel calls that makes them universally recognizable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For messages that contain important information, such as a warning call for danger, evolution likely converges on similar sounding calls that help get across the message as quickly as possible, according to the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-theme-nbsp">Central theme&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“It’s possible that these calls are more readily recognized across species because they have a central theme – essentially something about them that is unique and conserved despite millions of years in evolutionary history,” explained Dominguez.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There is research in other animals on specific amplitudes and frequencies of sound that cause innate responses, even in animals that are unfamiliar with those sounds. Our study can help researchers figure out what those acoustic elements might be for birds.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signal-recognition-nbsp">Signal recognition&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“What’s amazing is that our findings are consistent across three different continents with completely different bird communities, which suggests there is some signal encoded within these sentinel alarm calls that cause birds to respond to them, independent of previous experience with that signaler,” explained Pollock.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This really highlights that signal recognition is not always something that has to be learned through environmental experience.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-prospects-nbsp">Future research prospects&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers said the study opens the door to many future research directions. They noted that testing birds with the calls of other sentinels and getting more granular in terms of the behavioral responses are potential next steps.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defining-sentinel-species">Defining sentinel species</h2>



<p>Dominguez wants to find the common thread among sentinel birds in an effort to standardize what is categorized as a sentinel species across the literature.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Sentinel species are not very well defined, as the term is used nebulously for any animals that engage in mixed-species foraging and signaling,” said Dominguez.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There’s lots of birds that we don’t typically think of as sentinels being classified as them in the literature, and others that probably are sentinels that are being overlooked. I want to figure out if there’s a common thread between them, and whether the term should be used on the species level or more on a flock level.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0332" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Biology Letters</em></a>.</p>



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Sentinel warning calls seem to be universally understood by birds

Sentinel warning calls in birds may be universally understood, transcending...

<p>A recently published study reveals fascinating new insights into the history of ancient animals. Researchers Miengah Abrahams and Emese M. Bordy from the <a href="https://uct.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cape Town</a>, South Africa, have made a monumental fossil discovery of what seems to be bird tracks. This find indicates that creatures roamed the earth over 210 million years ago on feet resembling those of modern birds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-trisauropodiscus-footprints">The <em>Trisauropodiscus</em> footprints</h2>



<p>For years, the enigmatic three-toed footprints known as <em>Trisauropodiscus</em>, prevalent in fossil sites across southern Africa, have puzzled scientists. Debates have centered around the type of animals that might have left these distinct tracks and the exact number of ichnospecies (species identified from trace fossils) of <em>Trisauropodiscus</em>.</p>



<p>In their study, Abrahams and Bordy reevaluated the fossil records of these footprints. They scrutinized physical fossil evidence and reviewed previously published materials. Their focus was on <em>Trisauropodiscus</em> tracks from four sites in Lesotho, dating back to the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic Periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detailed-analysis-at-maphutseng">Detailed analysis at Maphutseng</h2>



<p>A significant aspect of their research involved an in-depth field-based examination of footprints at an 80-meter-long tracksite in Maphutseng. Here, they discovered two distinct morphologies among the Trisauropodiscus footprints. The first type bears resemblance to certain non-bird dinosaur tracks, while the second closely matches the size and proportions of bird footprints.</p>



<p>These tracks present a conundrum, as they do not directly correspond to any known fossil animals from this era and region. Intriguingly, the oldest of these footprints, over 210 million years in age, predates the earliest known true bird body fossils by 60 million years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theories-on-the-bird-track-makers">Theories on the bird track makers</h2>



<p>The researchers propose that these tracks could have been created by early dinosaurs, possibly even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-bird-hipped-dinosaurs-evolve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancestors of a near-bird lineage</a>. However, they also consider the possibility that other reptiles, related to dinosaurs, might have independently evolved bird-like feet. This discovery pushes back the origin of bird-like feet to at least the Late Triassic Period.</p>



<p>The authors add, “Trisauropodiscus tracks are known from numerous southern African sites dating back to approximately 215 million years ago. The shape of the tracks is consistent with modern and more recent fossil bird tracks, but it is likely a dinosaur with a bird-like foot produced Trisauropodiscus.”</p>



<p>In summary, this mysterious research not only sheds light on the evolutionary history of ancient animals but also opens new avenues for understanding the origins of avian traits in non-avian species. Future research in this area promises to unravel more mysteries of our planet's distant past.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0293021">PLOS ONE</a>.</p>



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Bird tracks discovered that predate the oldest birds by 60 million years

A recently published study reveals fascinating new insights into the...

<p>A study led by the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a> reveals a concerning gap in the conservation efforts for some of the ocean's most endangered species: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-household-products/">sharks</a>, rays, and skates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These creatures, belonging to the elasmobranch group, are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in marine environments. However, their survival is at risk due to inadequate protection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functional-diversity-nbsp">Functional diversity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research was focused on the functional diversity of sharks, rays and other elasmobranchs. Functional diversity refers to the various ecological roles these creatures play in their ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This aspect of biodiversity, along with taxonomy (species variety) and phylogenetics (evolutionary history), forms a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The researchers analyzed a global dataset containing the traits of more than 1,000 elasmobranch species to assess their functional diversity including richness, uniqueness, and specialization.</p>



<p>The analysis pinpointed several critically endangered species that are vital for maintaining the functional diversity of elasmobranchs.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We identified the top endangered species crucial for maintaining the architecture of elasmobranch functional diversity, including the longfin mako shark, Ganges shark, daggernose shark, shortfin mako shark, and scalloped hammerhead shark,” explained Professor&nbsp; Catalina Pimiento, who led the study.</p>



<p>These species contribute significantly to the intricate tapestry of ecological roles within marine environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functional-diversity-hotspots-nbsp">Functional diversity hotspots&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Spatial analysis revealed that the richness of elasmobranch functional diversity is predominantly found along continental shelves and around oceanic islands.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts identified 18 unique functional diversity hotspots, which only slightly overlap with those identified by other biodiversity facets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study co-author Dr. John Griffin of Swansea University noted that many of these hotspots are under severe threat from industrial fishing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fishing-pressure-nbsp">Fishing pressure&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Many of the hotspots vital for elasmobranch biodiversity converge with fishing pressure along the coast of China, others fall around oceanic islands and high seas,” said Dr. Griffin.</p>



<p>"In line with previous global analyses we found that hotspots of fishing pressure are mainly distributed along the coasts of China and Europe (both in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean)," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Smaller fishing pressure hotspots occur on the coasts of the US and Canada and along the Atlantic coast of southern South America (southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina), west Africa and in the Sea of Okhotsk in Russia."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-protection-nbsp">Lack of protection&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Alarmingly, the study revealed that the multiple facets of elasmobranch biodiversity remain inadequately protected within the global Marine Protected Area network, leaving these species vulnerable to various threats.</p>



<p>"Overall, our results highlight acute vulnerability of the world’s elasmobranchs’ functional diversity and reveal global priorities for elasmobranch functional biodiversity previously overlooked."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43212-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.</p>



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Sharks need better protection to maintain functional diversity

A study led by the University of Zurich reveals a...

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> have discovered that plastic waste in aquatic environments may be severely disrupting the reproductive behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-45000-marine-species-are-endangered-by-human-impacts/">marine animals</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts say that plastic waste in the water might be stopping - or interrupting - some creatures from reproducing.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-marine-plastic-waste">Studying marine plastic waste</h2>



<p>The study was specifically focused on the marine amphipod <em>Echinogammarus marinus</em>, a shrimp-like creature that has a wide distribution.</p>



<p>Previous research on marine plastic pollution has typically examined the physical dangers, such as entrapment and ingestion. Instead, the Portsmouth study explored the chemical composition of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a>, particularly the additives that enhance their properties.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsuccessful-mating-nbsp">Unsuccessful mating&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study reveals that chemicals commonly found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> are altering the reproductive behavior of E. marinus. This could have serious consequences not only for the species but also for the entire marine ecosystem.</p>



<p>“This unsuccessful mating behavior has serious repercussions, not only for the species being tested but potentially for the population as a whole," explained Professor Alex Ford from Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences.</p>



<p>"These animals form pairs to reproduce. Once they were exposed to a chemical, they would break apart from their mate and take much longer -in some cases days - to repair, and sometimes not at all."</p>



<p>“These creatures are commonly found on European shores, where they make up a substantial amount of the diet of fish and birds. If they are compromised it will have an effect on the whole food chain.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-use-of-chemicals-nbsp">Widespread use of chemicals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research sheds light on the widespread use of chemicals in everyday products. Out of over 350,000 chemicals used globally, about 10,000 are employed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> for various purposes, including flexibility, color enhancement, sun protection, and fire resistance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, a third of these chemicals are toxic to human health, affecting the immune, nervous, or reproductive systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-additives-nbsp">Plastic additives&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers tested four common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastics-are-a-hazard-at-every-stage-of-their-life-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic additives</a>: phthalates (DEHP and DBP), Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), and N-butyl benzenesulfonamide (NBBS). These chemicals are found in a range of products, from medical supplies and food packaging to electronic equipment and cooking utensils.</p>



<p>The study revealed that all the tested additives hindered the pairing process of the amphipods, with some even causing a substantial decline in sperm count.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Although the animals we tested were exposed to much higher concentrations than you would normally find in the environment, the results indicate these chemicals can affect sperm count," said Professor Ford.</p>



<p>“It is conceivable that if we did the experiment on shrimps that had been exposed for a longer period or during critical stages in their life history, it would affect their sperm levels and quality.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study lead author Bidemi Green-Ojo, a PhD researcher in Environmental Toxicology, emphasized the importance of understanding the effects of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals on aquatic life</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We must understand more about these chemicals and how they affect behavior. Many types of behavior - such as feeding, fight or flight mode, and reproduction - are essential in an animal's life, and any atypical behavior may reduce the chances of survival," said Green-Ojo.</p>



<p>“We are urging environment agencies around the world to take more notice of behavioral data, because sometimes the data tells us things that normal toxicity tests don’t. Studies like this give a different perspective on potential damage caused by a specific pollutant.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122946" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Pollution</em></a>.</p>



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Plastic waste is disrupting the sex lives of marine animals

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have discovered that plastic...

Front,Head,Of,Bottlenose,Dolphin,(tursiops,Truncatus),With,An,Open

<p>Recent research by Tim Hüttner and Guido Dehnhardt from the <a href="https://www.uni-rostock.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rostock</a>, Germany, has revealed a remarkable discovery about bottlenose dolphins. Known for their intelligence and agility, these marine mammals are now suspected to have an additional sensory ability – the detection of weak electric fields. This finding could revolutionize our understanding of dolphin behavior and sensory capabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-bottlenose-dolphins">Studying bottlenose dolphins</h2>



<p>The study began with an observation of bottlenose dolphin calves, which are born with two rows of whiskers on their beaks that eventually fall out, leaving behind vibrissal pits. </p>



<p>Hüttner and Dehnhardt noted that these pits closely resemble the structures in sharks that enable them to detect electric fields. Intrigued by this similarity, they decided to investigate further.</p>



<p>In collaboration with Lorenzo von Fersen at <a href="https://tiergarten.nuernberg.de/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nuremberg Zoo</a> and Lars Miersch at the University of Rostock, Dehnhardt and Hüttner designed experiments to test the dolphins' sensitivity to electric fields. </p>



<p>The team first examined how sensitive two bottlenose dolphins, Donna and Dolly, were to varying electric fields to determine their ability to detect a fish buried in the sandy sea floor. Hüttner, Armin Fritz from Nuremberg Zoo, and a team of colleagues trained the dolphins to rest their jaws on a submerged metal bar. </p>



<p>They then taught them to swim away within 5 seconds upon detecting an electric field from electrodes placed just above their snouts. As the researchers progressively reduced the electric field strength from 500 to 2μV/cm, they meticulously recorded the frequency of the dolphins' correctly timed departures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



<p>The experiments yielded fascinating results. Donna demonstrated slightly higher sensitivity than Dolly as the electric fields weakened, detecting fields as low as 2.4μV/cm compared to Dolly's threshold of 5.5μV/cm. </p>



<p>The team recognized that living animals produce fluctuating electric fields, not just static ones, due to the pulsing movements of fish gills. To test this, they varied the electric field pulses at 1, 5, and 25 times per second while lowering the field strength. </p>



<p>Both Donna and Dolly detected these pulsing fields. However, their sensitivity to these alternating fields was not as high as it was to steady fields. Dolly detected only the slowest pulsed field at 28.9μV/cm, while Donna sensed all three, with the slowest at 11.7μV/cm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-this-super-sense">Implications of this "super sense"</h2>



<p>Dehnhardt explains the practical significance of this finding, stating that the ability to detect weak electric fields aids dolphins in locating fish hidden in sediment. This skill differs from sharks, who can sense electric fields from a greater distance.</p>



<p>Hüttner and Dehnhardt propose that dolphins' ability to perceive electricity might aid them on a larger scale. Dehnhardt explains, "Dolphins could use this sensory ability to orient themselves to the Earth's magnetic field." </p>



<p>He suggests that dolphins swimming at a normal speed of 10m/s through weak areas of the Earth's magnetic field could produce a detectable electric field of 2.5μV/cm across their bodies. Moreover, swimming faster increases their likelihood of sensing the planet's magnetic field, enabling them to navigate globally using an electric sense-based magnetic map.</p>



<p>In summary, this surprising discovery by Hüttner and Dehnhardt opens new avenues for understanding the sensory world of dolphins. It highlights their remarkable adaptability, and also poses exciting questions about the evolutionary purpose and ecological implications of this newfound electrosensitivity "super sense" in dolphins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-bottlenose-dolphins">More about bottlenose dolphins</h2>



<p>Bottlenose dolphins, scientific name <em>Tursiops truncatus</em>, captivate people worldwide with their intelligence, agility, and playful behavior. These marine mammals, known for their curved mouths giving the appearance of a friendly "smile," belong to the family Delphinidae. They inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide and have become one of the most studied and recognized dolphin species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics-of-bottlenose-dolphins">Physical characteristics of bottlenose dolphins</h3>



<p>This dolphin species typically measures between 2 to 4 meters in length and weighs around 150 to 650 kilograms. Their sleek, streamlined bodies, adapted for swimming, display a grayish-blue color with a lighter underside. They possess a distinctive dorsal fin, which provides stability while swimming. These dolphins have a well-developed sense of hearing and eyesight, both above and below the water.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-hunting-techniques">Diet and hunting techniques</h3>



<p>Bottlenose dolphins are carnivorous, primarily feeding on a diet of fish and squid. They employ sophisticated hunting techniques, including the use of echolocation. By emitting sound waves that bounce off objects, they can locate and identify their prey with remarkable precision. In some regions, they have developed unique hunting strategies, like mud-ring feeding, where they trap fish in muddy circles before feasting on them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-behavior-and-communication">Social behavior and communication</h3>



<p>Bottlenose dolphins are highly social animals, living in groups called pods. These pods can contain anywhere from a few individuals to over a dozen. They communicate using a complex array of whistles, clicks, and body language. Each dolphin has a unique signature whistle, functioning like a name, allowing them to call out to specific individuals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intelligence-and-training">Intelligence and training</h3>



<p>Renowned for their intelligence, bottlenose dolphins can learn and perform complex tasks, making them stars in many aquarium shows. They have the ability to understand symbolic language, use tools, and exhibit problem-solving skills. Researchers continually discover new aspects of their cognitive abilities, deepening our understanding of these fascinating creatures.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-and-lifespan">Reproduction and lifespan</h3>



<p>Female bottlenose dolphins reach sexual maturity around 5-12 years of age, while males mature a bit later, around 10-12 years. They mate throughout the year, with a gestation period of about 12 months. A calf is born tail-first and quickly rises to the surface for its first breath. Calves typically stay with their mothers for 3-6 years. In the wild, bottlenose dolphins can live up to 40 years or more.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



<p>While bottlenose dolphins are not currently endangered, they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and fishing nets. Various conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and reducing human-induced threats. Public awareness and responsible ecotourism play significant roles in the conservation of these magnificent creatures.</p>



<p>In summary, bottlenose dolphins, with their remarkable abilities and charismatic nature, continue to intrigue and delight humans. Their presence in the oceans reminds us of the complexity and beauty of marine life and the importance of preserving such incredible species for future generations.</p>



<p>Understanding and respecting these intelligent creatures is crucial for their continued survival in the ever-changing marine environment.</p>



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Bottlenose dolphins have a newly-discovered 'super sense'

Recent research by Tim Hüttner and Guido Dehnhardt from the...

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.uta.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Arlington</a> have found that the skulls of dipsadine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venomous-snake-bites-are-more-likely-to-occur-in-warmer-weather/">snakes</a> are strongly correlated with their habitat and diet. </p>



<p>The study reveals that, in these Central and South American snakes, skull shape has evolved and adapted to meet their needs.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



<p>Gregory Pandelis from UTA's Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center emphasized the significance of this study.</p>



<p>"We now have evidence that this group of snakes is one of the most spectacular and largest vertebrate adaptive radiations currently known to science," said Pandelis.</p>



<p>"We found that both habitat use and diet preferences are strongly correlated to skull shape in this group of snakes, indicating these are likely factors driving cranial evolution for these species.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dipsadine-snakes">Dipsadine snakes</h2>



<p>Dipsadine snakes vary in size from less than 12 inches to over 9 feet. They have dietary preferences that range from larger animals like birds and frogs to smaller prey such as frog eggs and worms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Dipsadine snakes represent one of the most spectacular vertebrate radiations that have occurred in any continental setting, with over 800 species in South and Central America," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Their species richness is paralleled by stunning ecological diversity, ranging from arboreal snail-eating and aquatic eel-eating specialists to terrestrial generalists."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The study was focused on skull evolution and its functional significance for snakes, especially considering their lack of limbs. The skull shape is crucial for prey acquisition, ingestion, navigating habitats, mate selection, and defense against predators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Snakes' skulls enable them to maneuver through their environment and consume prey much larger than their size would suggest.</p>



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



<p>To analyze skull evolution, the team created 3D digital reconstructions of 160 dipsadine snake skulls using X-ray microcomputed tomography-scanning (CT scanning) of museum specimens.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They combined this with geometric morphometrics and field data on the snakes' lifestyles and diets to examine the relationship between skull shape and ecology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights">Critical insights </h2>



<p>“Our research shows that snakes that are aquatic (water) or fossorial (underground dwellers) seem to have the strongest selective pressure on their skulls, and evolutionary convergence is rampant among these groups,” explained Pandelis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are only a few good evolutionary solutions to the difficult problems of trying to move through dirt and water efficiently."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pandelis said the study provides important insights into how snakes adapt to their highly unique ways of eating and inhabiting their environments, although there is much that we still don’t know about these enigmatic and fascinating animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications </h2>



<p>"Both habitat and dietary ecology are significantly correlated with skull shape in dipsadines; the strongest relationships involved skull shape in snakes with aquatic and fossorial lifestyles," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"This association between skull morphology and multiple ecological axes is consistent with a classic model of adaptive radiation and suggests that ecological factors were an important component in driving morphological diversification in the dipsadine mega radiation."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12862-023-02157-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>BMC Ecology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Dipsadine snakes have skulls that evolve to fit their needs

Researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington have found...

<p>In an era where sustainable agriculture and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity</a> are critical, a new study from India has demonstrated the power of integrating flowers into farming practices. </p>



<p>The study shows that floral interventions can enhance bee populations and biodiversity while boosting crop yields and benefiting the environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was conducted in South India by a team from the University of Reading and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The study was focused on the Moringa crop, which is known for its high nutritional value. Moringa is mainly cultivated in South India.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that Moringa plays a major role in the rural economy. "The moringa global market was worth USD 5.5 billion in 2018 and projected to increase to USD 10 billion by 2025."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-background-of-the-research-nbsp">Background of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Pollination is one of the most important ecosystem services provided by nature, which is crucial for global food security and human nutritional health," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"About 75% of the food crops around the globe benefit from pollination by animal pollinators; this figure increases in the tropics, where ~94% of tropical crops benefit from animal pollinators."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Despite the advances in agricultural technology, the increasing pressure on farming to meet human food and energy needs over the last century has resulted in a rise of intensive but environmentally detrimental farming."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floral-interventions-nbsp">Floral interventions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers set out to investigate the effectiveness of floral interventions in boosting pollination across 24 moringa orchards.</p>



<p>"We hypothesise that moringa fields with floral interventions have a greater abundance and diversity of flower visitors on crop compared with the moringa fields without such floral interventions," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insect-pollinators-nbsp">Insect pollinators&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Working with farmers, they planted marigold flowers and red gram crops alongside Moringa trees. This strategy led to a significant increase in the abundance and diversity of flower-visiting insects, particularly bees.</p>



<p>"Planting wildflowers on agricultural land is a tried and tested method seen in many arable fields and orchards in the UK and across Europe. This farming technique is known to boost insect pollinator numbers," said Dr. Deepa Senapathi from the University of Reading.</p>



<p>“We worked with farmers in South India to design the best co-flowering crops and boost the numbers of native bees and other insect pollinators visiting the moringa orchards.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-results">Remarkable results</h2>



<p>The researchers found that orchards with co-flowering crops experienced a 50% increase in flower visitor numbers and a 33% boost in diversity compared to those without these crops. This led to larger Moringa pods and a 30% increase in harvestable fruits.</p>



<p>“Greater yields and higher quality fruit will translate to a healthier and better food supply for smallholder communities," said Dr. Senapathi.</p>



<p>"The farming communities can also use the red gram as a protein source in their diets and receive extra income from selling the marigold flowers.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>India, with its vast array of economically and nutritionally valuable crops like mango and moringa, stands to benefit immensely from improved pollination services. However, intensive farming and habitat loss have severely impacted biodiversity, including native pollinators.</p>



<p>Smallholder farmers, who rely on native pollinators, are often the most affected by these ecological challenges. The research demonstrates how they can enhance yields while adopting more sustainable land management practices.</p>



<p>The study is part of the TROPICAL project, funded by the UKRI’s Global Challenges Research Fund. This project aims to apply UK-based research to tropical regions where crops depend heavily on pollinators.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14532" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Applied Ecology</em></a>.</p>



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Floral interventions on farms boost pollinators and crop yields

In an era where sustainable agriculture and biodiversity are critical,...

Vegan,Lentil,Burgers,With,Kale,And,Tomato,Sauce,On,A

<p>A recent analysis from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pcrm.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine</a> highlights the benefits of replacing animal products with plant-based foods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This analysis, which expands on a previous study by the same committee, emphasizes the significant impact of plant-based diets on weight loss, cholesterol, fat intake, and fiber intake in overweight adults.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-on-plant-based-foods">Key insights on plant-based foods</h2>



<p>The most significant finding is that both healthy and unhealthy plant-based foods contribute to weight loss when they replace animal products in the diet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This conclusion is significant because it underscores the potential of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> diet, regardless of the specific type of plant-based foods consumed, in managing weight and improving overall health.</p>



<p>“While a low-fat vegan diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans is the gold standard for weight loss and improved health, the good news is that a plant-based diet that eliminates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-meat-diets-have-four-times-the-environmental-impacts-of-vegan-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal products</a> and minimizes the consumption of oil can help with weight loss in people who are overweight,” said study co-author Dr. Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>This analysis is a secondary examination of a prior study that involved 244 overweight adults. The participants were divided into two groups. One group followed a low-fat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-reduces-arthritis-pain-and-inflammation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diet</a>, and the other made no changes to their diet. Notably, the study imposed no restrictions on calorie intake, and the researchers did not give participants specific instructions on diet quality.</p>



<p>The study authors used three different indexes to assess plant-based diet adherence: the plant-based diet index (PDI), the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and the unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The PDI measures general adherence to a plant-based diet, the hPDI emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans, while the uPDI includes more refined grains and fruit juices. Higher scores on these indexes correlate with greater consumption of plant-based foods and reduced consumption of animal products.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-foods-show-promising-results">Plant-based foods show promising results</h2>



<p>The results revealed that after 16 weeks, participants on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-environmental-impacts-of-various-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diet</a> showed increased scores in all three indexes. This increase significantly correlated with participants losing an average of about 13 pounds, mainly from reduced fat mass and visceral fat.</p>



<p>Factors contributing to this weight loss included increased consumption of whole grains and legumes, and reduced consumption of meat, vegetable oil, and sweets. The control group showed no change in their index scores.</p>



<p>Overall, the analysis provides strong evidence that eating plant-based foods is effective for weight management and health improvement, regardless of the specific type of plant-based foods consumed. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-plant-based-foods-for-weight-loss">Best plant-based foods for weight loss</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/is-a-plant-based-diet-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant-based</a> foods are excellent for weight loss as they're typically lower in calories and higher in fiber and nutrients. Here's a description of some effective plant-based foods for weight loss:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legumes">Legumes</h3>



<p>Beans, lentils, and peas are great sources of protein and fiber, which can keep you feeling full and satisfied. They're also low in fat and calories.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-grains">Whole grains</h3>



<p>Foods like quinoa, brown rice, barley, and whole wheat are rich in fiber. They take longer to digest, which helps in maintaining steady blood sugar levels and keeping you full longer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leafy-greens">Leafy greens</h3>



<p>Spinach, kale, collards, and other greens are incredibly low in calories but high in fiber and essential nutrients. They add bulk to meals without adding many calories.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuts-and-seeds">Nuts and seeds</h3>



<p>While higher in calories, nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They should be eaten in moderation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruits">Fruits</h3>



<p>Berries, apples, pears, and other fruits are high in fiber and natural sugars, satisfying sweet cravings in a healthier way. They're also full of vitamins and antioxidants.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegetables">Vegetables</h3>



<p>Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers are low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients, making them perfect for weight loss diets.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tofu-and-yempeh">Tofu and yempeh</h3>



<p>These soy-based products are high in protein and fiber, yet low in calories. They can be great meat substitutes in various dishes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado">Avocado</h3>



<p>Rich in healthy fats and fiber, avocados can help you feel full and satisfied. However, they are calorie-dense, so portion control is key.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms">Mushrooms</h3>



<p>Low in calories and high in flavor, mushrooms can be a satisfying substitute for meat in many dishes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbs-and-spices">Herbs and spices</h3>



<p>Using herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic can add flavor without calories, helping to make plant-based meals more satisfying and enjoyable.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41430-023-01371-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>European Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Plant-based foods are great for weight loss, regardless of the type

A recent analysis from the&nbsp;Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine highlights...

<p>The escalating crisis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/">deforestation</a> in Mexico, primarily fueled by the US’ soaring demand for avocados, is a concern that <a href="https://cri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Rights International</a> (CRI) squarely attributes to the inaction of both US and Mexican federal governments, as well as local authorities in Michoacán and Jalisco. </p>



<p>Despite having the capacity to intervene, these governmental bodies have failed to take effective measures, according to CRI.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corruption">Corruption</h2>



<p>In a recent <a href="https://cri.org/reports/unholy-guacamole/">report</a> CRI identifies two key issues at the heart of local environmental authorities’ failure: corruption and violence. In Michoacán, for instance, the State Prosecutor’s Office’s unit tasked with investigating avocado-related deforestation is reportedly plagued by corruption.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This situation allows those responsible for deforestation to operate with impunity, mocking the powerlessness of the forest commission, as per a forest official’s statement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-violence-and-threats">Violence and threats</h2>



<p>Additionally, any resistance to avocado growers is often met with violence or threats, effectively silencing both governmental authorities and local communities who have tried to hold these growers accountable. The situation is further complicated as criminal syndicates vie for a share in this lucrative industry, valued at billions of dollars annually.</p>



<p>The consequences of such resistance can be severe, with instances of kidnapping and even murder of community group members reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-measures-nbsp">Drastic measures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI criticizes the US government for its role, highlighting that it “routinely certifies illegally deforested orchards to export to US consumers.” This lack of adequate action from the authorities meant to safeguard the land and communities has led some locals to take drastic measures.</p>



<p>In Cherán, Michoacán, frustrated residents ousted the local government in 2011 due to rampant illegal logging and violence, establishing their own governance and police force to enforce anti-deforestation laws. Michoacán eventually acknowledged the authority of this self-established government.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-imports-nbsp">Avocado imports&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI emphasizes that localized responses alone are insufficient to tackle such pervasive problems. In its report, CRI outlines several recommendations, including a call for both the Mexican and US governments to enforce deforestation and avocado cultivation laws effectively. One key proposal is for the US to ban the import of avocados cultivated on illegally deforested land.</p>



<p>Despite these recommendations, as recently as last year, the US sanctioned avocado imports from Jalisco without implementing deforestation safeguards.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deteriorating-situation">Deteriorating situation</h2>



<p>CRI warns that if decisive action is not taken soon, the situation will continue to deteriorate, especially given the ever-increasing American appetite for avocados.</p>



<p>“Urgently enacting and implementing such regulations and policies is essential to averting climate catastrophe, and to protecting the rights of populations where the commodities are produced,” officials from CRI concluded.</p>



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America's demand for avocados linked to escalating crisis in Mexico

The escalating crisis of deforestation in Mexico, primarily fueled by...

<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> have achieved a breakthrough by harnessing the "super power" of a tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/">flower</a>, potentially revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry's approach to drug development. </p>



<p>The research, inspired by nature, focuses on creating more stable and effective drugs using a technique derived from Oldenlandia affinis, a small purple flower.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-more-effective-drugs">Seeking more effective drugs</h2>



<p>Traditionally, drug treatments target disease-related proteins to block their activity, either alleviating symptoms or curing the disease. However, the conventional method using small molecules has limitations, especially in blocking protein interactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The pharmaceutical industry is now exploring the use of small proteins called peptides, which could lead to improved drug discovery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-drug-candidates-nbsp">New drug candidates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The challenge with peptides and proteins as drug candidates is their structural vulnerability. They tend to unravel, are sensitive to high temperatures, and have difficulty penetrating cells, where many significant drug targets reside.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The University of Bath team has developed a novel solution to these issues. The technique involves creating "cyclic" proteins and peptides by joining their start and end points. This process enhances their stability against heat and chemicals and facilitates easier cell penetration.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts utilized the enzyme OaAEP1 from Oldenlandia affinis, modifying it and integrating it into bacterial cells for mass production. This process simultaneously joins the proteins' ends in a single step.</p>



<p>While plants can naturally cyclicize proteins, it's a slow and low-yielding process. Chemical cyclization is an alternative but involves multiple steps and toxic solvents.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights">Key insights</h2>



<p>The bacterial system introduced by the Bath team is a significant improvement. This approach offers higher yields, uses sustainable biologically-friendly reagents, and simplifies the process, making it cheaper and greener.</p>



<p>To demonstrate their method's efficacy, the researchers applied their bacterial OaAEP1 technology to a protein called DHFR. They found that linking its head and tail ends increased its temperature resistance while maintaining its normal function.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



<p>Professor Jody Mason from the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences highlighted the significance of this discovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Proteins and peptides are generally quite sensitive to heat, but cyclisation makes them much more robust," said Professor Mason. “The Oldenlandia plant naturally makes cyclic proteins as part of a defence mechanism to deter predators."</p>



<p>“So we’ve harnessed this flower super power by modifying OaAEP1 and combining it with existing bacterial protein-producing technology to create a really powerful tool that will help the drug discovery industry.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-potential-applications-nbsp">Exciting potential applications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Simon Tang, a research associate in the University of Bath Department of Life Sciences, explained that proteins and peptides are very promising as drug candidates, but a significant bottleneck for the development of new therapeutic treatments is producing enough of the stuff to reach patients without incurring an astronomical cost.</p>



<p>“Our new process lets the bacteria do all the work – the result is it’s also cleaner and greener, and because it has fewer steps, it is a lot simpler to do," said Dr. Tang.</p>



<p>“We’re really excited about the potential applications of this, not only for the pharmaceutical industry but other industries such as the food industry, detergent industry, in biotechnology, and in bioenergy production.”</p>



<p>The researchers have filed a patent for the technique. The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.3c00591" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of the American Chemical Society Gold</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Peter Warren</p>



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'Super power' of a tropical flower will improve drug discovery

Scientists at the University of Bath have achieved a breakthrough...

<p>Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels and one of the most catastrophic marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/">extinction events</a> in Earth’s history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research not only illuminates our understanding of past global changes but also issues a stark warning about the current fragility of marine ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triassic-jurassic-mass-extinction">Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction</h2>



<p>The study was focused on the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, which occurred approximately 200 million years ago. This event is among the Earth's major mass extinctions, periods characterized by significant global ecosystem collapses and widespread species extinctions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Historically, these events have been closely associated with global environmental disturbances, frequently resulting in reduced oxygen levels (anoxia) in oceanic waters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>A common hypothesis has been that greater extents of ocean deoxygenation would naturally lead to larger scale extinctions. However, the current study challenges this assumption by demonstrating that the level of euxinia (an extreme form of deoxygenation) during the Triassic–Jurassic extinction was similar to what we observe today.</p>



<p>The research team, including experts from Royal Holloway (UK), <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> (Ireland), and Utrecht University (Netherlands), analyzed chemical data extracted from ancient mudstone deposits in Northern Ireland and Germany.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results of the analysis highlight the role of anoxia in the marine extinctions during this period. The study also reveals a surprising limitation in the global extent of extreme deoxygenation at the time.</p>



<p>The experts found a correlation between increased extinction rates and spikes in deoxygenation across shallow marine environments along European continental margins.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautionary-tale-nbsp">Cautionary tale&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Upon further investigation, the team determined that the global extent of extreme deoxygenation was rather limited, and similar to the present day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research serves as a cautionary tale about the current state of our oceans, suggesting that they may be more vulnerable than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study of past global change events is invaluable in understanding the consequences of modern climate change, as well as in predicting and possibly mitigating future ecosystem tipping points.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-impacts">Cascading impacts</h2>



<p>“Scientists have long suspected that ocean deoxygenation plays an important role in the disturbance of marine ecosystems, which can lead to the extinction of species in marine environments," said study co-author Professor Micha Ruhl.</p>



<p>"The study of past time intervals of extreme environmental change indeed shows this to be the case, which teaches us important lessons about potential tipping points in local, as well as global ecosystems in response to climatic forcing."</p>



<p>“Crucially however, the current findings show that even when the global extent of deoxygenation is similar to the present day, the local development of anoxic conditions and subsequent locally increased extinction rates can cascade in widespread or global ecosystem collapse and extinctions, even in areas where deoxygenation did not occur."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-ecosystem-stability-nbsp">Assessing ecosystem stability&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Ruhl said the research shows that global marine ecosystems become vulnerable, even when only local environments along the edges of the continents are disturbed.</p>



<p>"Understanding such processes is of paramount importance for assessing present day ecosystem stability, and associated food supply, especially in a world where marine deoxygenation is projected to significantly increase in response to global warming and increased nutrient run-off from continents.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01303-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a></p>



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Today's ocean oxygen levels may have cascading impacts

Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels...

species in Disceliaceae