The distinctive scent of a forest on a warm summer day is partly due to terpenes, a group of organic compounds found in tree resins and essential oils. Among these, isoprene is the most abundant molecule, released by plants on a massive scale.&nbsp;



Global plant emissions are estimated at 500 to 600 million tons of isoprene annually, constituting about half of all gaseous organic compounds released by vegetation. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon rainforest</a> was found to be responsible for over a quarter of these emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainforest-emissions-beyond-the-canopy">Rainforest emissions beyond the canopy</h2>



Previously, scientists believed that isoprene in the Amazon basin broke down rapidly and did not reach higher layers of the atmosphere. This breakdown was attributed to hydroxyl radicals - highly reactive molecules formed near the ground during daylight hours - that destroy isoprene within hours.&nbsp;



“However, we have now established that this is only partly true,” said Joachim Curtius, an atmospheric scientist at the <a href="https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goethe University Frankfurt</a> and lead author of a recent study.&nbsp;



“There are still considerable amounts of isoprene in the rainforest at night, and a substantial proportion of these molecules can be transported to higher atmospheric layers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thunderstorms-and-rainforest-emissions">Thunderstorms and rainforest emissions</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-tropical-thunderstorms-are-radioactive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tropical thunderstorms</a> play a pivotal role in elevating isoprene molecules. These storms act like vacuum cleaners, pulling isoprene to altitudes between 8 and 15 kilometers.&nbsp;



When the sun rises, hydroxyl radicals react with the isoprene molecules, but the frigid temperatures at these heights transform the compounds differently than near the ground.&nbsp;



The molecules combine with nitrogen oxides - produced by lightning during storms - to form clusters of aerosol particles just a few nanometers in size. Over time, these particles grow and serve as condensation nuclei for water vapor, significantly influencing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-trigger-cloud-formation-and-alter-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud formation</a> in tropical regions.



“We were able to shed light on these processes with the help of research flights that started two hours before sunrise and then continued through the day,” explained



Study senior author Jos Lelieveld is the director at the <a href="https://www.mpic.de/2285/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz</a> and also head of the <a href="https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/77173710/CAFE_Brazil" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CAFE-Brazil</a> research project.



For this project, an international research team collected data on the chemical processes in the atmosphere over the Amazon rainforest.&nbsp;



“We were able to detect considerable amounts of isoprene in the air flowing out of the thunderstorms at high altitude, from which new aerosol particles rapidly formed after several chemical reactions,” said Lelieveld.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-cloud-formation-over-oceans">Impact on cloud formation over oceans</h2>



Curtius and Lelieveld are also part of the CLOUD consortium, which involves over 20 research groups studying climate-relevant atmospheric chemical processes.&nbsp;



Using a specialized aerosol and cloud experiment chamber at <a href="https://home.cern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CERN</a> in Geneva, the researchers replicated high-altitude atmospheric conditions to analyze sunlight-triggered reactions in detail.&nbsp;



“In this way, we were able to determine exactly the rate at which the aerosol particles form from the isoprene products,” explained atmospheric researcher Xu-Cheng He, who is in charge of the isoprene experiments.&nbsp;



“Interestingly, it emerged that even extremely small amounts of sulfuric acid and iodine oxoacids commonly present in the atmosphere are sufficient to accelerate the formation of the aerosol particles by a factor of 100. These molecules may, therefore, jointly influence marine cloud formation - a critically uncertain process in climate projections.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-distance-particle-transport-and-climate-models">Long-distance particle transport and climate models</h2>



Sulfuric acid forms in the atmosphere through reactions involving sulfur dioxide and hydroxyl radicals. Within the CLOUD experiment, the Frankfurt team measured extremely low concentrations of sulfuric acid, while the Mainz team focused on hydroxyl radicals.



The winds that prevail at high altitudes above the Amazon rainforest can transport the particles that form from isoprene up to thousands of kilometers away from the sources. This means they may influence cloud formation at great distances.&nbsp;



As clouds, depending on their type and height, both shield solar radiation and prevent heat from being radiated into space, they play a crucial role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/costs-of-reversing-climate-change-multiply-after-a-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>. The researchers, therefore, expect that their findings will contribute to improving climate models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deforestation-s-dual-threat-to-climate">Deforestation’s dual threat to climate</h2>



The CAFE-Brazil project also underscores the environmental risks posed by continued deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.&nbsp;



“On the one hand, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> are released because the forest no longer stores carbon dioxide,” Curtius explained. “On the other hand, clearing the forest impacts both the water cycle and isoprene emissions, further propelling climate change.”



The research highlights the Amazon’s critical role in global climate dynamics and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to mitigate its far-reaching impacts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08192-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.&nbsp;



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Rainforest emissions shape the climate and cloud formation

The distinctive scent of a forest on a warm summer...

A comprehensive review has recently examined the scientific evidence surrounding coffee’s connection to healthy aging. The experts discovered that daily coffee consumption can add up to two years of healthy aging to our lives.



The percentage of people aged 65 and older worldwide is rapidly increasing, projected to grow from 10% in 2022 to 16% by 2050.&nbsp;



The paper highlights how regular, moderate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-consumption-may-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee consumption</a> can be an essential component of a healthy and balanced lifestyle for this aging demographic.



For reference, the <a href="https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Food Safety Authority</a> considers daily caffeine intake of up to 400 mg - equivalent to three to five cups of coffee - to be moderate and safe for most adults. Pregnant and lactating women, however, should limit their intake to 200 mg per day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-and-reduced-mortality-risk">Coffee and reduced mortality risk</h2>



Coffee, one of the most extensively studied commodities globally, has been linked in over 50 studies to a reduced risk of all-cause mortality.&nbsp;



The research indicates that coffee can play a measurable role in lowering the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, cancer, respiratory diseases, cognitive decline, and frailty.



The review revealed that regular coffee consumption may extend healthy living by an average of 1.8 years. This suggests that coffee not only contributes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-transfer-longevity-gene-hoping-to-extend-human-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longevity</a> but also supports better health during those additional years. 



Unlike some nutritional interventions that may exhibit gender-specific effects, the increased healthy life expectancy associated with coffee consumption was observed in both men and women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-and-biological-aging-nbsp">Coffee and biological aging&nbsp;</h2>



Beyond reducing the risk of chronic diseases, the review delved into how coffee affects biological processes associated with aging.&nbsp;



These mechanisms include mitigating genomic instability - cell mutations that contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-25-years-of-research-revealed-about-brain-aging/">aging</a> - and improving regular cellular function.&nbsp;



To ensure reliability, the review concentrated on studies involving humans and human tissue, providing a clearer picture of coffee’s health benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-coffee-in-healthy-aging-nbsp">The role of coffee in healthy aging&nbsp;</h2>



Traditional clinical advice for older adults has often suggested reducing or even avoiding coffee consumption. However, the review suggests these guidelines should be reconsidered in light of growing evidence supporting coffee’s positive role in healthy aging.



“Traditional clinical recommendations have at times overlooked coffee’s role in healthy aging, but with a strong research base around how regular consumption can potentially reduce some of the most chronic diseases facing society, it is likely time to re-evaluate these,” said lead author Rodrigo Cuhno, an expert in biochemistry at the <a href="https://www.uc.pt/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Coimbra</a>.



“We know that the world’s population is aging faster than ever, which is why it’s increasingly important to explore dietary interventions which may allow people to not only live longer but also healthier lives.”



While caffeine is coffee’s most recognized component, it also contains over 2,000 bioactive compounds. Among these, polyphenols offer antioxidant and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-with-milk-has-powerful-anti-inflammatory-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-inflammatory benefits</a>, which may help reduce neuroinflammation and regulate insulin sensitivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unanswered-questions-and-future-research">Unanswered questions and future research</h2>



Although both caffeine and non-caffeine compounds in coffee contribute to extending healthy lifespan, much remains unknown about their exact mechanisms of action.&nbsp;



The authors emphasize the need for further research to uncover how these compounds work and identify individuals who may benefit the most from coffee’s unique properties.



“Our review underlines the role regular, moderate coffee consumption can play in mediating against the biological mechanisms which naturally slow or fail as we get older - triggering a range of potential health issues and comorbidities,” said Cuhna.&nbsp;



“And there is still room to understand more about exactly how these mechanisms work, as well as which individuals may be biologically predisposed to benefiting most from coffee’s interactions with them.”



This review underscores coffee's potential as a valuable dietary component for promoting healthy aging.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-coffee-consumption-nbsp">A new perspective on coffee consumption&nbsp;</h2>



The research not only sheds light on coffee’s contributions to reducing chronic disease risks but also highlights its broader biological benefits, paving the way for future research in this area.



“The conception of coffee consumption has undergone a profound modification, evolving from a noxious habit into a safe lifestyle actually preserving human health,” wrote the researchers.



“The last 20 years also provided strikingly consistent epidemiological evidence showing that the regular consumption of moderate doses of coffee attenuates all-cause mortality, an effect observed in over 50 studies in different geographic regions and different ethnicities.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568163724003994" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aging Research Reviews</a>.



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Healthy aging: Drinking coffee can add years to your life

A comprehensive review has recently examined the scientific evidence surrounding...

Crop yields are at the heart of a pressing global issue: can we produce enough food to sustain an estimated 10 billion people by 2050?



Amid growing concerns of production stagnation, a new study has emerged, offering promising insights that bring a silver lining to an otherwise cloudy forecast.



The findings challenge the prevailing narrative of agricultural decline, instead highlighting a steady trajectory of growth over the last sixty years.



This revelation highlights the potential to address future food demands, provided we continue to innovate and adapt to evolving global challenges.



The research was conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://www.uidaho.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Idaho</a> and the World Bank.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-global-crop-yields">A new perspective on global crop yields</h2>



"Utilizing a comprehensive caloric-based index of production and yield for 144 crops, covering 98% of global agricultural land and food output, this paper reveals that, on an aggregate level, global yield growth - a vital indicator of agricultural productivity - has not slowed over the past six decades," wrote the study authors. 



The researchers noted that much of the growth in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food production</a> over the past 60 years has been driven by technological advancements. This has led to the creation and widespread use of superior crop varieties.



In response to worrying claims of production growth leveling off, particularly in low and middle-income countries with surging populations, the authors provided a counter narrative.



"This steady growth equates to an annual increase of approximately 33 kilograms of wheat per hectare, highlighting continued productivity gains worldwide," said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-challenges-for-food-security">Ongoing challenges for food security </h2>



However, the study is not all roses. The researchers caution that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-heat-is-threatening-wheat-and-the-global-food-supply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food supply</a>'s sustainability and affordability will continue to pose significant challenges for global food security.



It's essential to understand that observed slowdowns in specific crops or areas have been compensated by gains in others, reminding us that the issue is complex and multifaceted.



The concern becomes even more pertinent when considering the intensifying impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and the increased demand for food due to population growth and income increase. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crop-yields-and-a-sustainable-food-supply">Crop yields and a sustainable food supply</h2>



Even though the overall global yield growth hasn't slowed, these factors will weigh heavily on our ability to secure a stable, affordable, and sustainable food supply for everyone.



The study matters because it offers a new perspective and brings a glimmer of hope to an otherwise grim picture.



It's a stepping stone with valuable implications for scientists and policymakers alike because it allows a more nuanced view of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-cut-agricultural-productivity-by-21-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural productivity</a> across different countries and regions.



Still, the challenges are real and pressing. Therefore, it's essential to continue exploring, innovating, and implementing solutions that can ensure we sustainably feed the growing global population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crop-diversity-and-agricultural-stability">Crop diversity and agricultural stability</h2>



The study emphasizes the role of crop diversity in maintaining global yield growth. By cultivating a wide range of crops that are adapted to varying climates and conditions, farmers worldwide have contributed to a steady increase in agricultural productivity.



This diversity acts as a buffer against localized crop failures, and ensures a stable food supply, even in the face of climate-related challenges.



Regions that adopt diverse agricultural practices often display increased resilience to external pressures, such as fluctuating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-influences-us-weather-patterns-ai-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather patterns</a> and resource limitations.



This highlights the importance of continuing efforts to promote diverse agricultural systems, particularly in low and middle-income countries where populations are increasing rapidly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-crop-productivity-with-sustainability">Balancing crop productivity with sustainability</h2>



While the findings reveal sustained growth in global crop yields, they also point to a critical challenge: balancing increased productivity with sustainable practices. 



The intensive cultivation of high-yielding crops often requires significant inputs such as fertilizers, water, and energy, which raises concerns about environmental degradation and resource depletion.



Innovative agricultural technologies and practices are key to enhancing crop yields without compromising ecological balance. 



Approaches like precision agriculture, soil health monitoring, and the development of drought-resistant crop varieties are pivotal in achieving this balance. 



These strategies are essential to meeting future food demands while protecting the planet's ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0313088" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Crop yields have grown steadily over the last six decades

Crop yields are at the heart of a pressing global...

In a comprehensive 30-year study of American adults, researchers found that individuals who consumed the highest ratio of plant-based protein to animal-based protein had a 19% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a 27% lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to those with the lowest ratio.



The findings suggest that a plant-to-animal protein ratio of at least 1:2 is effective in preventing CVD, while an even higher ratio of 1:1.3 may be necessary to protect against CHD. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-protein-and-heart-health">Plant protein and heart health</h2>



The research is the first of its kind to investigate how the specific ratio of plant to animal protein impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-fruits-and-vegetables-improve-heart-health/">heart health</a>.



Study lead author Andrea Glenn conducted the research as a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a> and is now an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>.



“The average American eats a 1:3 plant to animal protein ratio. Our findings suggest a ratio of at least 1:2 is much more effective in preventing CVD. For CHD prevention, a ratio of 1:1.3 or higher should come from plants,” said Glenn.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-decades-of-data">Three decades of data</h2>



The researchers analyzed 30 years of dietary, lifestyle, and heart health data from nearly 203,000 men and women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Studies I and II and the Health Professionals’ Follow-up Study.&nbsp;



Participants reported their dietary intake every four years. The team calculated each participant’s total daily protein intake in grams, as well as their specific consumption of animal and plant proteins. 



During the study period, there were 16,118 documented cases of CVD, including over 10,000 CHD cases and more than 6,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-blood-type-determine-your-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke</a> cases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-reduction-with-plant-proteins">Risk reduction with plant proteins</h2>



After adjusting for participants’ health history, demographic, and lifestyle factors, the study found that a higher ratio of plant to animal protein was associated with lower risks of CVD and CHD.&nbsp;



Compared to those who consumed the lowest plant-to-animal protein ratio (~1:4.2), individuals with the highest ratio (~1:1.3) experienced a 19% reduction in CVD risk and a 27% reduction in CHD risk.&nbsp;



These benefits were even greater among participants who consumed more protein overall. Those who obtained 21% of their energy from protein and maintained a higher plant-to-animal protein ratio saw a 28% lower risk of CVD and a 36% lower risk of CHD, compared to those consuming 16% of their energy from protein.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-substituting-meat-with-plant-based-sources-nbsp">Substituting meat with plant-based sources&nbsp;</h2>



No significant associations were found between stroke risk and the protein ratio; however, substituting red and processed meats with plant-based sources like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-nuts-every-day-does-not-cause-weight-gain-but-it-does-improve-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuts</a> was linked to a reduced risk of stroke.



The researchers explored whether there is a point where increasing plant protein intake no longer provides additional benefits or could have negative effects.&nbsp;



They found that the risk reduction for CVD begins to level off around a 1:2 ratio of plant to animal protein, but the risk of CHD continues to decrease at higher ratios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-changes-for-heart-health-nbsp">Dietary changes for heart health&nbsp;</h2>



According to the researchers, these risk reductions are likely due to replacing red and processed meats with plant protein sources, especially nuts and legumes.&nbsp;



Such dietary changes have been shown to improve cardiometabolic risk factors like blood lipid levels, blood pressure, and inflammatory biomarkers. Plant proteins are often rich in fiber, antioxidant vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, which contribute to these benefits.



“Most of us need to begin shifting our diets toward plant-based proteins,” said senior author Frank Hu, Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology at Harvard Chan School.&nbsp;



“We can do so by cutting down on meat, especially red and processed meats, and eating more legumes and nuts. Such a dietary pattern is beneficial not just for human health but also the health of our planet.”



The researchers emphasized that the ratios identified are estimates, and additional studies are necessary to determine the optimal balance between plant and animal protein. Further research is also needed to understand how protein intake may affect stroke risk.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.09.006" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>.



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Eating more plant protein lowers the risk of heart disease 

In a comprehensive 30-year study of American adults, researchers found...

Sustainability in cattle farming has taken a promising step forward. Researchers discovered that feeding a seaweed supplement to grazing beef cattle can reduce methane emissions by nearly 40%.



This study demonstrates that environmental benefits can align with cattle health and productivity.



Professor Ermias Kebreab, a researcher at the University of California (UC), Davis, led the team behind this study. Earlier findings showed that seaweed could cut methane emissions by 82% in feedlot cattle and over 50% in dairy cows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-cattle-grazing">Understanding cattle grazing</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-animals-have-an-unexpected-role-in-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cattle grazing</a> is an important part of farming around the world. It makes use of land that can’t be used for crops, turning grass into food and other useful products. 



Grazing also helps keep grasslands healthy, supports wildlife, and reduces the risk of wildfires.



 The management of grazing cattle varies significantly based on geography, climate, and available resources.



In arid regions, rotational grazing helps preserve soil quality and ensures pasture regeneration. In wetter areas, continuous grazing may be possible due to faster grass regrowth. Proper grazing techniques also minimize soil compaction and erosion, contributing to long-term land health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circular-farming-practices">Circular farming practices </h2>



Additionally, grazing systems often integrate with other agricultural practices. For instance, cattle can graze on crop residues post-harvest, reducing waste and enriching the soil with organic matter. 



This integration supports circular farming approaches, which enhance sustainability and resource efficiency.



Despite its benefits, cattle grazing must be carefully managed to avoid overgrazing, which can deplete vegetation, increase soil erosion, and reduce water retention capacity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-emissions-in-cattle">Methane emissions in cattle</h2>



Livestock contribute 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Methane, primarily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-reductions-in-methane-emissions-are-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">released by cattle through burping</a>, constitutes the largest share. 



Grazing cattle, that consume more fiber from grass, produce more methane compared to feedlot cattle or dairy cows. The United States alone is supports 9 million dairy cows and over 64 million beef cattle, making the mitigation of methane production crucial.



"Beef cattle spend only about three months in feedlots and most of their lives grazing on pasture," explained Professor Kebreab.



"We need to make this seaweed additive or any feed additive more accessible to grazing cattle to ensure sustainable farming while meeting global meat demand."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-reducing-methane-emissions">Challenges in reducing methane emissions</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-a-pill-stop-cows-from-burping-methane/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lowering methane emissions</a> in grazing cattle presents unique difficulties. Unlike feedlot or dairy cows, grazing cattle roam far from ranches for extended periods, which makes daily supplementation complicated. 



However, ranchers often provide dietary supplements during winter or when grass availability declines. This study aimed to overcome these logistical barriers.



The researchers conducted a 10-week experiment on a Montana ranch, dividing 24 beef steers into two groups.



One group received the seaweed supplement in pellet form, while the other did not. Despite voluntary intake, emissions dropped by nearly 40% in the supplemented group.



Professor Kebreab noted that most previous research took place in controlled settings. Fewer than half of these methods are effective for grazing cattle. This study represents a significant step in addressing the challenges unique to pasture-based systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-seaweed-reduces-methane-in-cattle">How seaweed reduces methane in cattle</h2>



Seaweed supplements reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-emerged-as-major-source-of-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane emissions</a> by interfering with the gut microbes responsible for producing methane. The researchers suggest delivery mechanisms like lick blocks to make supplementation more practical for ranchers.



"This method paves the way to make a seaweed supplement easily available to grazing animals," said Professor Kebreab. 



Lick blocks could simplify the process, ensuring consistent access for cattle even in remote grazing areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-social-benefits">Environmental and social benefits</h2>



Pastoral farming sustains millions of people globally, often in regions most vulnerable to climate change. 



This study on reducing methane emissions in beef cattle offers a scalable solution to improve environmental sustainability while supporting livelihoods. By reducing emissions, cattle grazing could contribute positively to global efforts against climate change.



Professor Alison Van Eenennaam from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> highlighted related efforts in the same&nbsp;PNAS&nbsp;issue. Her article emphasizes improving livestock efficiency in low- and middle-income countries through better genetics, feeding, and health practices. 



"This approach is key to meeting global meat demand while limiting greenhouse gas emissions," said Professor Eenennaam.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seaweed-supplements-and-methane-mitigation">Seaweed supplements and methane mitigation</h2>



The research marks a significant advancement in sustainable cattle farming. It bridges the gap between practical challenges and environmental goals, ensuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-will-boost-methane-emissions-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> mitigation without compromising cattle health or productivity.



Supported by Matador Ranch in Dillon, Montana, this work sets the stage for broader implementation of seaweed supplements worldwide.



Postdoctoral researchers Paulo de Méo Filho and John-Fredy Ramirez-Agudelo also contributed to the study. The findings highlight the importance of innovative, science-based approaches to combat climate change while supporting global food security.



Future research may refine supplementation methods further, making them accessible to a wider range of farming systems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2410863121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a> (PNAS).



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Seaweed supplements reduce methane in grazing cattle

Sustainability in cattle farming has taken a promising step forward....

Have you ever wondered where your banana peel goes after you casually toss it in the trash? Turns out, it might be missing out on an exciting second life as banana peel flour, which can be transformed into a scrumptious, nutritious snack.



In a recent study, scientists discovered an intriguing possibility. They showed that by blanching, drying, and grinding banana peels into a flour, the unused part of your banana could be reborn as a delicious addition to baked goods.



And it tastes just as good, if not better than wheat-based products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-snacks">Science behind the snacks</h2>



The results of the simple experiment were compelling. Sugar cookies made using the peel flour were taste-tested by consumers who reported that they enjoyed the products as much as they enjoyed peel-free sugar cookies.



The individual were also getting a package deal of flavors packed with a generous helping of minerals and cancer-fighting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrients</a>.



When enriched with banana peels, the sugar cookies baked in the study showed higher levels of fiber, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidant compounds. 



On the flip side, too much banana peel flour did result in somewhat brown and hard cookies, probably due to the extra fiber present in the banana peels. 



However, a balance was found when flour containing 7.5 percent banana peel was used: this combination produced an appealing texture.



Plus, there's another benefit. The goods made with banana peel flour showed no signs of spoilage, even after being kept on the shelf at room temperature for three months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-banana-peel-flour-beyond-cookies">Banana peel flour beyond cookies</h2>



While this particular study focused on sugar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-snack-sizes-lead-to-quicker-eating-and-bigger-bites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cookies</a>, the findings hint at a broader potential. 



Using banana peel flour in breads, cakes, and even pasta, could be the next step. In fact, a study from last year revealed that banana peels can provide a natural food color to cakes while boosting their nutritional value.



Food writers have been using banana peels in curry dishes, while vegan bloggers have gotten creative with ideas like banana peel bacon and pulled peel "pork."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutritional-and-environmental-value">Nutritional and environmental value</h2>



Banana peel flour has more surprises in store. A <a href="https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/82432213.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2016 study</a> found that substituting up to 10 percent of wheat flour with banana peel flour enriched baked bread with greater protein, carbohydrate, and fat content.



Furthermore, it may be important to note that 40 percent of a banana's weight is in its peel. Unfortunately, we discard most of this nutritional treasure.



Interestingly, turning banana peels into flour isn't just about health and taste. It also brings forth a sustainable solution to the ever-growing problem of food waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-in-the-peels-of-other-fruits">Potential in the peels of other fruits</h2>



The trend of converting peels to flour isn't limited to bananas. 



The study found similar potential in the skin of other fruits, such as mangoes and oranges. Using their skins can boost a cake's antioxidant properties and improve its flavor profile. 



Moreover, did you know that orange peels can be repurposed in various ways? From adding zest to recipes to making natural cleansers, orange peels are versatile and sustainable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-banana-peels">Benefits of banana peels</h2>



As discussed, banana peels are mighty health warriors in disguise. They are rich in vitamins like B6 and B12, which improve energy levels, brain health, and red blood cell production. 



Their high potassium and magnesium content is a boon for heart health, muscle function, and blood pressure.



The peels are also full of fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and prevents constipation. Their exceptional antioxidant content combats oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.



Moreover, these antioxidants may also have anti-inflammatory effects and thus may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Making the most of your banana</h2>



The study was led by researchers from Aligarh Muslim University (<a href="https://www.amu.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMU</a>). It teaches us to consider potential uses of what we would ordinarily just throw away. 



Turning a part of your fruit that's not eaten into something beneficial like banana peel flour is a brilliant idea.



This is not just a way to keep your meals flavorful; banana peel flour also adds a healthful spin to your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smart-snacking-quality-and-timing-make-all-the-difference/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a>. So the next time you peel a banana, think twice before you toss the skin away.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.2c00159">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Using this banana peel ingredient in foods adds cancer-fighting nutrients

Have you ever wondered where your banana peel goes after...

Avocados have become a staple in many kitchens, showing up on toast, in smoothies, and as the star ingredient in guacamole at every gathering. In fact, many experts claim that eating one avocado each day can actually add years to your life by improving the overall quality of your diet.



Beyond their delicious taste and texture, avocados pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. They’re loaded with healthy fats, especially monounsaturated fat, which is great for your heart. 



You’ll also find plenty of vitamins like Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and several B vitamins, along with minerals such as potassium and magnesium. 



Avocados are also rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.



So, what is the controversy, and how exactly can eating avocados improve your health and extend lifespan?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-avocado-diet">Investigating the avocado diet</h2>



Kristina Petersen, an associate professor of nutritional sciences, and Penny Kris-Etherton, a retired professor from Penn State University <a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Nutritional Sciences</a>, set out to explore this question. 



They led a team to investigate the potential health benefits of daily avocado consumption. Their research was recently published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition. 



The study aimed to see if adding one avocado to a person's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-linked-to-unexpected-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily diet</a> could make a significant difference in their overall diet quality.



"Avocados are a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-foods-with-these-key-nutrients-will-dramatically-slow-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient-dense food</a>, containing a lot of fiber and other important nutrients. We wanted to see if regular intake of this food would lead to an increase in diet quality," Petersen explained. 



She noted that previous observational studies suggested that people who eat avocados tend to have higher diet quality, but they wanted to find out if there was a direct cause-and-effect relationship.



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



Because only about 2% of American adults regularly eat avocados, the researchers were curious whether incorporating this fruit daily could boost diet quality across a broader population. 



They conducted phone interviews with participants before the study began and at various points throughout to assess their dietary intake over the previous 24 hours. 



They used the Healthy Eating Index to evaluate how well participants adhered to the <a href="https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dietary Guidelines for Americans</a>.



The study involved 1,008 participants divided into two groups. 



One group continued their usual diet and limited their avocado intake during the 26-week study. The other group added one avocado per day to their meals.



"We found that the participants who had an avocado per day significantly increased their adherence to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-meat-less-protein-lacks-certain-nutrients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary guidelines</a>," Petersen said. 



"This suggests that strategies, like eating one avocado per day, can help people follow dietary guidelines and improve the quality of their diets."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-diet-surprises">Avocado diet surprises</h2>



What surprised the researchers was how participants managed to improve their diet quality. 



"We determined that participants were using avocados as a substitute for some foods higher in refined grains and sodium," Petersen noted. 



While avocados counted toward increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-learned-why-so-many-kids-dislike-vegetables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetable consumption</a>, people were also swapping out less healthy options in favor of this nutrient-rich fruit.



Poor diet quality is a significant risk factor for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease. 



"By improving people’s adherence to dietary guidelines, we can help to reduce their risk of developing these chronic conditions and prolong healthy life expectancy," Petersen said.



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



Petersen has explored other food-based interventions, such as the relationship between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-pistachios-daily-proven-to-boost-eyes-vision-and-overall-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pistachios and diet quality</a>. 



She believes more research is needed to discover additional food strategies that can help people stick to dietary guidelines. 



"In studies like this one, we are able to determine food-based ways to improve diet quality, but behavioral strategies are also needed to help people adhere to dietary guidelines and reduce their risk of chronic disease," she emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-diet-avocado-s-global-impact">Beyond diet: Avocado's global impact</h2>



But there's more to the avocado story than just personal health benefits, and it's not what you might expect. 



Enter Honor May Eldridge, a food policy expert who works to promote sustainable agriculture around the world. 



In her book, The Avocado Debate, Eldridge delves into the complexities of our modern food system through the lens of the avocado.



"The avocado has come to represent so much more than just a fruit. It’s wrapped up with ideas of generational conflict, environmental chaos, and social injustice," Eldridge explained.



"Over the last century, through careful marketing, it has evolved into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commodity crop</a> with a huge social media following."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dark-side-of-avocado-diets">The dark side of avocado diets</h2>



However, the book doesn't aim to vilify the avocado or its fans. Instead, it seeks to educate consumers about the often-unseen ramifications of their choices. 



"Everything we eat has an impact -- good and bad. We all just need to be more knowledgeable about those consequences so we can make more informed choices. We shouldn’t demonize the avocado," she stated.



Particularly in the last three decades, avocados have gone from being a regional crop to a global phenomenon embraced by cafes, restaurants, homes, and social media platforms everywhere. 



Eldridge traces the avocado's journey from a staple in indigenous communities to its current status, examining how colonialism and modern marketing have turned this humble fruit into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-avocado-debate-understanding-the-impacts-of-our-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sought-after commodity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-social-challenges">Environmental and social challenges</h2>



She explores the environmental and social challenges tied to avocado production today. Issues like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trillions-of-cubic-meters-of-water-is-used-to-grow-crops-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excessive water use</a>, fertilizers, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a> have significant impacts on ecosystems and local communities. 



One pressing concern is the expanding need for land, leading to widespread clearances that endanger crucial habitats and biodiversity.



Eldridge also tackles questions of equity and sustainability, highlighting connections between avocado production, land grabs, structural inequalities, and the influence of the Global North on the Global South. 



She raises important points about how large-scale export agriculture affects local communities, especially in regions grappling with climate change.



"My goal is to encourage readers to recognize the complexity of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-food-systems-are-gaining-momentum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food system</a> and understand that no food is inherently 'good' or 'bad'," Eldridge said. "The debate needs to move beyond simplistic portrayals and embrace the intricate reality of our choices."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-diet-and-environmental-balance">Avocado, diet, and environmental balance</h2>



So, where does that leave us with our beloved avocados? 



On one hand, they can boost our diet quality and help us meet nutritional guidelines. 



On the other, their production can have significant environmental and social impacts. 



Perhaps the key is balance and awareness. By knowing more about where our food comes from and how it's produced, we can make choices that are good for us while being mindful of the bigger picture.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2475299124000052" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Developments in Nutrition</a> and <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003371915/avocado-debate-honor-may-eldridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Avocado Debate</a>.



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Eating avocado every day can add years to your life, but this fruit has enemies

Avocados have become a staple in many kitchens, showing up...

We often associate wealth with a higher level of biodiversity. This notion, referred to as the "luxury effect," seems to suggest that only affluent communities can enjoy diverse ecosystems.



However, a new study offers a more nuanced view, suggesting that all communities can work towards cultivating biodiversity, regardless of their financial status.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connection-between-biodiversity-and-wealth">Connection between biodiversity and wealth</h2>



"A positive correlation between wealth and biodiversity within cities is a commonly documented phenomenon in urban ecology that has come to be labeled as the 'luxury effect,'" wrote the study authors.



"We contend that both this language and this framing restrict our understanding of how sociopolitical power dynamics influence biodiversity within and across cities."



The researchers explained that the connection between biodiversity and wealth extends beyond just their correlation.



Madhusudan Katti, an associate professor at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> (NC State), noted that biodiversity in cities is not a luxury - it is something we can work to nurture.



"Rather than just rely on the correlation of wealth and biodiversity, we wanted to understand the many ways that biodiversity intersects with different social pressures and systems," explained Professor Katti.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-role-of-cities">Understanding the role of cities</h2>



To unravel this relationship, the researchers started with a meticulous analysis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landscapes-with-a-mix-of-habitats-are-biodiversity-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiverse landscapes</a>. The goal was to identify the common characteristics of these areas and decipher the social structures that enable them.



The team utilized a unique approach called the social-ecological framework, outlining how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human actions shape nature</a> within a social context.



This framework acknowledges that societal actors play a significant role in land use and management decisions. 



"Someone decides how land will be used, whether it’s a city deciding where a park is going to go or zoning for industry," explained Professor Katti.



"Then you also have individuals in their backyards deciding what they want to do with it, whether they want a lawn, a pollinator-friendly garden, or something else.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-biodiversity-and-the-luxury-effect">Urban biodiversity and the "luxury effect"</h2>



As part of their research, the scientists introduced a new framework, the POSE approach. This model focuses on four factors - power, objectives, social/ecological context, and effort (POSE) - which together shape what is termed the "luxury effect."



For instance, homeowners with higher income may have greater control over landscape use compared to apartment dwellers. 



However, the POSE framework empowers communities with fewer resources to prioritize things within their control, such as collective organizing to boost effort.



Professor Katti is optimistic about the impact of the POSE framework. He believes that it will inspire collective action towards healthier landscapes.



The insightful research is a reminder that everyone has a part to play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-for-biological-diversity-from-agreement-to-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nurturing biodiversity</a>.



“We want people to understand that they can influence the landscape around them even without a lot of money. This is what community groups have been doing for a long time: they organize to overcome the handicap of wealth through effort," said Professor Katti.



"Our paper is a call to action. Biodiversity is achievable, and people have the power to create it together.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-communities-with-collective-action">Empowering communities with collective action</h2>



The study reveals that biodiversity can thrive in any community when collective action and creative solutions are prioritized.



Individuals and neighborhoods can take small but impactful steps, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forests-benefit-from-diverse-native-tree-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting native species</a>, reducing pesticide use, or advocating for shared green spaces.



These actions, when coordinated, create a ripple effect that enhances biodiversity on a larger scale.



Collaboration within communities amplifies these efforts, demonstrating that collective action can overcome economic limitations.



By working together, people can reclaim urban spaces for nature, transforming vacant lots, rooftops, and backyards into thriving habitats that support local wildlife and enrich the quality of life for residents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-in-urban-landscapes">Biodiversity in urban landscapes</h2>



Urban planning&nbsp;has&nbsp;a critical role in&nbsp;the&nbsp;shaping&nbsp;of&nbsp;ecosystems&nbsp;and provides&nbsp;an opportunity to&nbsp;bring biodiversity into the fabric of cities.



Simple yet effective design strategies, such as green walls, urban forests, and pollinator pathways, can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-wildlife-habitats-may-prevent-the-next-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restore habitats</a> and reconnect fragmented ecosystems.



The POSE framework provides&nbsp;a practical approach for&nbsp;city planners and policymakers to&nbsp;evaluate&nbsp;the impact of their decisions&nbsp;on&nbsp;biodiversity.



This&nbsp;vision&nbsp;is one of&nbsp;aligning land use policies with ecological goals and engaging community stakeholders, which will help&nbsp;cities&nbsp;to&nbsp;balance development with conservation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70049" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosystems</a>.



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Urban biodiversity is not a luxury - it is attainable for everyone

We often associate wealth with a higher level of biodiversity....

Climate change is no longer a future threat -- it is the reality we are now living in. The hustle and bustle of human activities has caused carbon dioxide (CO2) levels to surge in our atmosphere, triggering a notable increase in the global average surface temperature.



This isn't just an issue for scientists and environmentalists to address - climate change is something everyone needs to understand because it directly threatens our crops and food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crop-yields-and-climate-change">Crop yields and climate change</h2>



A recent study was carried out by a group of researchers at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in India. Driven by concerns about the impact of environmental factors on global food security, the team set out to investigate this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-defy-climate-change-through-acclimation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex problem</a>.



The goal was to predict how climate variables influence the crop yields that feed our expanding population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-model-to-capture-nonlinear-relationships">Model to capture nonlinear relationships </h2>



The researchers didn't just base their work on assumptions or approximations. 



Instead, they meticulously crafted a mathematical model to capture the nonlinear relationships between CO2, temperature, human population, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plant-diversity-can-help-combat-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop growth</a>.



Why the emphasis on "nonlinear" relationships? Because our natural world doesn't play by straight-line rules. 



Complex and often chaotic, ecological systems dance in a pattern that's more of a spiral than a straight line - another factor the researchers took into account when designing their model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-limits-crop-growth">Climate change limits crop growth</h2>



"We've considered how the rising CO2 levels will initially boost crop growth through the 'CO2 fertilization effect,’ but once temperatures exceed a critical threshold, the heat stress will reduce yields," said A.K. Misra, one of the scientists on the project from <a href="https://www.bhu.ac.in/Site/Home/1_2_16_Main-Site" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BHU</a>.



"A non-autonomous system with seasonal variations reveals complex behaviors like periodic oscillations and chaos - and highlights the unpredictability of crop responses to rising temperatures."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-double-edged-sword-of-rising-co-2-levels">Double-edged sword of rising CO2 levels</h2>



While it's true that an abundance of CO2 can initially boost crop growth, the broader picture isn't as optimistic.



As Misra mentioned, the challenge lies in the rising temperatures that accompany the elevation in atmospheric CO2 levels.



So, while we might see a short-term win for crops, the long-term outlook is decidedly more concerning. The takeaway? We need to understand when to say "when" in terms of CO2 emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarm-bells-for-crop-survival">Alarm bells for crop survival</h2>



It turns out that individual crop varieties <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-happening-too-fast-for-some-species-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">react differently</a> to these changing climatic conditions.



"Our findings reveal a critical threshold for anthropogenic CO2 emission, beyond which crop yield starts to decrease significantly. It depends on the cultivated crop varieties - different varieties exhibit varying responses, so the results may not apply uniformly across all crops," Misra explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-tolerant-crops-to-tackle-climate-change">Heat-tolerant crops to tackle climate change</h2>



However, it's not all doom and gloom. The researchers also unveiled a promising strategy to combat these climate-change-induced crop losses - the development of crop varieties with higher temperature tolerance.



By creating crops that can withstand warmer temperatures, farmers can better adapt to changing environmental conditions, thus protecting the crop yield and ensuring food security.



Perhaps the most shocking revelation from the study was how minute increases in temperature could have sweeping impacts on crop yields. It’s a stark reminder that the issue of climate change cannot be taken lightly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chaotic-behavior-of-crop-systems">Chaotic behavior of crop systems</h2>



"By identifying critical temperature thresholds, we get insights into when crop yields may begin to decline, which will guide policymakers in making more beneficial strategies," Misra noted. 



He further suggested that breeding or using crops with increased temperature tolerance should be considered as a strategy to maintain productivity under elevated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-destabilizing-ant-plant-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2 levels</a>.



Misra and his team believe that understanding the chaotic behavior of crop systems will help improve yield predictions and inform adaptive farming practices. This knowledge will be pivotal in managing seasonal and climatic variability.



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



The team plans to refine their model to include more variables like insect population sizes, water availability, soil quality, and nutrient levels, which also impact crop yields under climate change.



"Further experimental validation with real-world data will help calibrate our model more accurately, while the development of region-specific models will enable localized predictions and strategies," concluded Misra.



The study is published in <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/cha/article-abstract/34/11/113134/3322281/Impact-of-elevated-carbon-dioxide-and-temperature?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science</a>.



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Predicting the response of crops to climate change is crucial, but can we do it?

Climate change is no longer a future threat -- it...

How do you tell if a plant is doing well or poorly? Is there a way to increase agricultural productivity in our world of climate change and overpopulation? The answers to these pressing questions may be found in a tiny yet powerful plant sensor created by researchers from Japan's Tohoku University.



This is more than just a tale of innovation; it's the story of how we're transforming the way we monitor our planet's green life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-methods-new-problems">Old methods, new problems</h2>



The adverse impacts of climate change are not news. Harsh weather conditions such as heatwaves, intense rainfall, and prolonged droughts stress our plants and crops, reducing yields and endangering the long-term health of our farms, forests, and biodiversity.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sensors-that-detect-plant-stress-could-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tracking plant responses</a> has always been challenging, and while drones and aircraft offer a bird's eye view of our greenery, they capture only surface-level information.



Moreover, these high-tech solutions need constant adjustments to track plants accurately over time. On the other hand, smaller, ground-level sensors that can monitor individual plants require manual checks, which become impractical for larger fields or forests.



"The traditional methods may work well for some purposes, but they are difficult to operate and quite expensive. In order to continuously monitor small changes, we needed a new solution," said Kaori Kohzuma, a member of the research team at <a href="https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tohoku University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-towards-smarter-agriculture">Step towards smarter agriculture</h2>



Addressing these challenges, the researchers developed a unique sensor that can be attached directly to the underside of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-a-secret-breathing-strategy-in-response-to-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> leaves. Framed in its small body is a powerful spectroscopic sensor and light source that can measure leaf color over time without blocking sunlight.



Easy to use and durable, the sensor is powered by a battery and equipped with Wi-Fi for data transfer. Thanks to its waterproof design, it can work outdoors for over a month, ensuring extended data collection.



"Smart agriculture is a huge time-saver," said Ko-ichiro Miyamoto, a researcher at Tohoku University.



"Farmers don't have time to manually check every single plant. This sensor is able to provide fine-tuned readings for what's going on in real time. Then, they can react accordingly to areas where plants are experiencing high levels of stress."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-putting-the-plant-sensor-to-test">Putting the plant sensor to test</h2>



The sensor was put through stringent tests where it had to take on a commercial spectrometer across about 90 leaves from 30 different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-diverse-crops-traps-carbon-and-boosts-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a>. 



In the face-off, the sensor distinguished colors accurately across seven out of its eight detectable wavelengths. It also showed similar readings to commercial chlorophyll meters at 620 nm.



An outdoor trial was conducted to test the sensor under real-world, changing conditions. Attached to birch leaves, it tracked changes in leaf color during autumn, leaf fall, and aging over a span of two weeks.



The sensor recorded a decrease in chlorophyll - often an indication of plant stress - and documented how the plant's response shifted with sunlight intensity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-smart-agriculture">Future of smart agriculture</h2>



"This affordable sensor is a promising tool for accurately monitoring plant health and stress through leaf color and light reflection data," said Kohzuma.



"Its low cost makes it possible to place multiple sensors across various locations, creating a network for simultaneous monitoring in many spots."



Indeed, the future of agriculture looks bright, and this smart sensor technology could well be the forerunner in a new wave of precision farming. 



Farmers, forest rangers, and researchers alike could benefit from the granular data provided by these sensors, and use it to ensure the health and productivity of our plant life in a challenging environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-plant-sensors">Significance of plant sensors</h2>



Smart farming is more than a buzzword; it's an essential part of our initiatives to sustain life on Earth. 



"The plant sensor can be a powerful tool in the field of agriculture and ecological study by realizing simultaneous, multi-point and remote monitoring at a low cost," noted the researchers.



As we continue to battle against climate change and overpopulation, innovative solutions like the plant sensor offer a beacon of hope for our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green world</a>. It's time to embrace technology that will help plants thrive in a changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214180424000709?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research</a>.



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New sensor remotely tracks plant health in real time

How do you tell if a plant is doing well...

There is a fruit called the 'squirting cucumber' that fires its seeds like mini ballistic missiles. But how does it do this? Researchers seem to have solved this mystery -- a question that has baffled scientists for hundreds of years.



The results of a recent study, based on a myriad of experiments, high-speed videography, image scrutiny, and advanced mathematical modeling, are published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-squirting-cucumber">Understanding the squirting cucumber</h2>



The squirting cucumber, or Ecballium elaterium, derives its name from its unique method of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-seeds-go-dormant-to-avoid-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seed</a> dispersal.



As the fruit ripens, it transitions into a seed-launching machine, that can shoot out seeds enveloped in a jet of mucus-like fluid.



In a minuscule span of just 30 milliseconds, the seeds are propelled at speeds of around 20 meters per second or 44 miles per hour, enabling them to land a considerable distance away (approximately 10 meters or 33 feet). 



This is equal to around 250 times the length of the fruit itself .



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-seed-dispersal">Decoding seed dispersal</h2>



Despite the fruit's intriguing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-increase-forest-recovery-by-dispersing-seeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seed dispersal</a> method, the mechanism behind it -- as well as its impact on the plant's reproduction -- remained elusive until recently.



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> and the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> ran a battery of tests on Ecballium specimens grown at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden.



These experiments included capturing the seed dispersal in motion using a high-speed camera, conducting indentation tests, measuring the volume of the fruit and stem before and after dispersal, and observing the fruit's changes through time-lapse photography. 



Armed with this data, the team devised mathematical models to describe and understand the internal and external mechanics at play.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluid-distribution-in-squirting-cucumber">Fluid distribution in squirting cucumber</h2>



The team's rigorous approach resulted in the identification of key features of the plant's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-play-a-much-bigger-role-in-seed-dispersal-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seed dispersal strategy</a>. 



These involve a highly pressurized system, fluid redistribution, rapid recoil, and variable launch - that together form a sophisticated launch system.



The fluid redistribution from the fruit back into the stem, a feature thought to be unique to the squirting cucumber, was among the most significant findings.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="4NlCX5nNI6-4062310-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fine-tuning-for-successful-seed-dispersal">Fine-tuning for successful seed dispersal</h2>



The team's mathematical model helped them explore the effects of altering different parameters, and revealed that the squirting cucumber's seed projection method has been naturally fine-tuned for optimal dispersal and propagation.



For instance, making the stem thicker and stiffer led to a narrower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/woodlice-prove-crucial-players-plant-seed-dispersal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dispersal area</a> and, therefore, a lower survival rate.



On the other hand, reducing the fluid transferred from the fruit to the stem caused the seeds to be ejected at accelerated speeds but with a nearly vertical launch angle, again resulting in reduced dispersal and survival rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-of-a-unique-plant">Mechanisms of a unique plant</h2>



"For centuries people have asked how and why this extraordinary plant sends its seeds into the world in such a violent way," said Dr. Chris Thorogood, Deputy Director and Head of Science at the <a href="https://obga.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford Botanic Garden</a>.



"Now, as a team of biologists and mathematicians, we’ve finally begun to unravel this great botanical enigma." 



Dr. Derek Moulton, professor of Applied Mathematics at the Oxford <a href="https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mathematical Institute</a>, also participated in the research.



"The first time we inspected this plant in the Botanic Garden, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-europes-plants-at-risk-due-to-decline-in-seed-dispersers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seed</a> launch was so fast that we weren’t sure that it had actually happened. It was very exciting to dig in and uncover the mechanism of this unique plant," Dr. Moulton explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-seed-dispersal">Beyond seed dispersal</h2>



According to Dr. Finn Box, a Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, this study has implications beyond botany.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/squirting-cucumber_Ecballium-elaterium_squirting-seeds_UOxford_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/squirting-cucumber_Ecballium-elaterium_squirting-seeds_UOxford_1s.webp" alt="A still showing the jet ejected from a squirting cucumber, which carries its seeds distances of up to 10m away from the mother plant. Credit: Dominic Vella" class="wp-image-1951606"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A still showing the jet ejected from a squirting cucumber, which carries its seeds distances of up to 10m away from the mother plant. Credit: Dominic Vella</figcaption></figure>



"This research offers potential applications in bio-inspired engineering and material science, particularly on-demand drug delivery systems, for instance microcapsules that eject nanoparticles where precise control of rapid, directional release is crucial," said Dr. Box.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-squirting-cucumber-a-part-of-history">The squirting cucumber: A part of history</h2>



Ecballium elaterium, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes melon, pumpkin, squash, and courgette, is native to the Mediterranean region where it is commonly regarded as a weed due to its effective seed-dispersal strategy.



This plant caught the attention of ancient Greeks and Romans alike, with naturalist Pliny the Elder describing its powerful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-how-plants-use-winged-seeds-to-expand-their-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seed launch</a> centuries ago.



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



Given the squirting cucumber's extensive use as a model for understanding complex biological phenomena, conserving its natural habitats becomes imperative. This plant holds significant scientific and ecological value.



Future research could investigate the genetic underpinnings of its unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-play-a-much-bigger-role-in-seed-dispersal-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dispersal system</a>, linking it to other species within the Cucurbitaceae family to unravel shared evolutionary traits.



Additionally, exploring the potential for cross-disciplinary applications, from environmental management to biomimicry in engineering, could broaden our perspective on how such ecological marvels can benefit human society while preserving biodiversity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2410420121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Video Credit: Dominic Vella



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How the 'squirting cucumber' squirts and the trigger that makes it happen

There is a fruit called the 'squirting cucumber' that fires...

Plant reproduction is fundamental to our food systems and ecological balance, yet it remains a complex and diverse process.&nbsp;



Some plants are male or female, others are hermaphroditic, and some even change sex over their lifetime.&nbsp;



Understanding the mechanisms that determine plant sex is crucial for advancing modern agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-strategies-of-flowering-plants">Reproductive strategies of flowering plants</h2>



A study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-024-01858-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a> has unveiled new perspectives on the intricate reproductive strategies of flowering plants. 



Led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.hudsonalpha.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology</a> and the University of Georgia, the study was focused on the genetics of Amborella trichopoda. This unique species offers a rare glimpse into the early evolution of flowering plants. 



By producing a much-improved assembly of the Amborella genome and its sex chromosomes, the researchers have gained valuable insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fibonacci-spirals-an-unexpected-twist-in-plant-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant evolution</a> and reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-the-amborella-genome">Evolution of the Amborella genome</h2>



Amborella trichopoda is the sole surviving member of a lineage that branched off early from all other flowering plants. Its genome provides essential information about the genetic foundations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plant-diversity-can-help-combat-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant diversity</a>.



Eleven years ago, an international team of researchers co-led by Jim Leebens-Mack, a professor of plant biology at the University of Georgia, completed the first Amborella genome. The results, published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1241089?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D90780648708216300104417575982572668868%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1732616953">Science</a> in 2013, have been cited over 575 times.



“The evolutionary lineage leading to Amborella diverged from all other flowering plant lineages approximately 150 million years ago, so our draft genome published in 2013 has been a foundation for comparative analyses of genes tracing back to the origin of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a> and earlier,” Leebens-Mack said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-the-evolution-of-flowers">New insights into the evolution of flowers</h2>



The new insights from the improved genome assembly are particularly exciting for HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Alex Harkess, who was a PhD student in Leebens-Mack's lab during the original Amborella genome project.&nbsp;



Now leading his own lab at HudsonAlpha, Harkess and his mentee, senior scientist Sarah Carey, collaborated with Leebens-Mack and HudsonAlphafFaculty investigators Jeremy Schmutz and Jane Grimwood, on the new genome analyses.



“Working on the original Amborella genome in Jim's lab was transformative because it allowed me as a first-year PhD student to be on the very edge of newly developing technologies and software that was coming out to help handle all of this massive genomic data we were creating,” Harkess reflected.&nbsp;



“This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-genome-size-impact-evolutionary-success/">genome</a> reveals so much about the evolution of flowers, but also about the evolution of my own research career and the way I, and now my entire laboratory, view reproduction through the lens of diversity.”



Carey, who was a postdoctoral fellow in the Harkess lab when the new genome assembly was completed, led much of the genome analysis, including the study of the Amborella sex chromosomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-technology-and-plant-reproduction">Advanced technology and plant reproduction </h2>



Thanks to advanced sequencing and assembly technology, as well as emerging computational tools, Carey and the team at the HudsonAlpha Genome Sequencing Center were able to assemble a significantly improved Amborella genome.&nbsp;



The new, highly contiguous genome reference made it easier to search for the Amborella <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-animals-balance-their-sex-chromosomes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sex chromosomes</a>, which are Z and W chromosomes, unlike the familiar human X and Y chromosomes.



“The first Amborella genome was a mixture of short segments of DNA from different sequencing types and technologies,” Carey explained.&nbsp;



“Advancements in long-read sequencing and access to other pieces of information, like Hi-C data, allowed us to assemble larger pieces that made it easier to search for the ZW chromosomes than if it were in lots of smaller pieces.”



In addition to the improved sequencing tools, the team stayed at the forefront of new computational methods.&nbsp;



They developed a pipeline called cytogenetics-by-sequencing to more easily and cost-effectively identify and characterize sex chromosomes in plants, successfully applying it to nearly 30 dioecious plant and animal species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mechanisms-of-sex-determination">The mechanisms of sex determination</h2>



Through their analysis of the Amborella sex chromosomes, the researchers discovered intriguing aspects of the plant's sex-determination system.&nbsp;



Notably, the Z and W chromosomes are relatively young, having emerged more than 100 million years after Amborella diverged from other flowering plant lineages.



In many sex-determination systems, such as the human Y chromosome, the sex chromosomes stop exchanging genetic material with their partner chromosome - a phenomenon known as recombination suppression.&nbsp;



This allows the two sex chromosomes to diverge over time due to different rearrangements, deletions, and insertions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-associated-with-flower-evolution">Genes associated with flower evolution</h2>



While the team found evidence of suppressed recombination in Amborella, the Z and W chromosomes appear very similar, making their assembly more challenging.



“The cytogenetics-by-sequencing pipeline helped us to identify a difficult border on the Amborella sex chromosomes: where they no longer recombine,” Carey noted.&nbsp;



“This is an important task because within this region of non-recombination are expected to be the carpel and stamen sterility genes associated with the evolution of separate female and male plants.”



By carefully analyzing the sex chromosomes, Carey and the team identified two genes hypothesized to be responsible for sex determination in Amborella.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-agriculture-and-plant-breeding">Implications for agriculture and plant breeding</h2>



“The big picture takeaway from this study is that we're learning another exception for how you can maintain separate sexes in plants,” Harkess said.&nbsp;



“That gives us another tool in our toolkit for engineering new ways to do plant breeding, creating separate sexes, preventing plants from self-pollinating, and enforcing outcrossing in a way that is controllable and predictable.”



The new Amborella genome project was part of the <a href="https://jgi.doe.gov/csp-2018-leebens-mack-open-green-genomes-initiative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Green Genomes Initiative</a>, a Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute Community Science Program.



“The Open Green Genomes initiative is filling phylogenetic gaps in the availability of reference-quality genomes for land plants,” said Leebens-Mack, lead principal investigator for the initiative.&nbsp;



“Our haplotype-resolved chromosomal assembly of the Amborella genome has enabled us to better understand aspects of the ancestral angiosperm genome and the derived characteristics of Amborella's sex chromosomes."



This research not only advances our understanding of plant reproduction but also offers practical applications for agriculture and plant breeding.&nbsp;



By unraveling the genetic mechanisms behind sex determination in plants, scientists can develop new strategies to improve crop yields, enhance biodiversity, and ensure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a>.



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A new window into the early evolution of flowering plants

Plant reproduction is fundamental to our food systems and ecological...

Ethiopian wolves, which are primarily carnivorous, have been observed feeding on the Ethiopian red hot poker flower - an unusual and fascinating behavior.



Furthermore, careful observations have revealed that the wolves are not only feeding on the nectar of these flowers but are also inadvertently playing a pivotal role in the pollination process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollination-by-ethiopian-wolves">Pollination by Ethiopian wolves </h2>



As the wolves feed, their muzzles become generously dusted with pollen, allowing them to transport the pollen from one flower to another as they continue to feed.



This remarkable behavior is possibly the first observed instance of plant-pollinator interaction that involves a large predator.



It’s a rarity to spot a primarily meat-eating predator indulging in nectar; this behavior challenges common perceptions and opens up exciting new avenues for research.



Dr. Sandra Lai is a senior scientist from the University of Oxford and lead author of the study.



"These findings highlight just how much we still have to learn about one of the world's most-threatened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/assessments-of-large-african-carnivores-urgently-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carnivores</a>. It also demonstrates the complexity of interactions between different species living on the beautiful Roof of Africa. This extremely unique and biodiverse ecosystem remains under threat from habitat loss and fragmentation," noted Dr. Lai.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-source-of-energy">Unusual source of energy</h2>



Professor Claudio Sillero, the director of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP) and a distinguished faculty member from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, was the first person to observe this behavior.



"I first became aware of the nectar of the Ethiopian red hot poker when I saw children of shepherds in the Bale Mountains licking the flowers. In no time, I had a taste of it myself - the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nectar</a> was pleasantly sweet," said Professor Sillero.



"When I later saw the wolves doing the same, I knew they were enjoying themselves, tapping into this unusual source of energy. I am chuffed that we have now reported this behaviour as being commonplace among Ethiopian wolves and explored its ecological significance."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethiopian-wolves-guardians-of-the-highlands">Ethiopian wolves: Guardians of the highlands</h2>



Ethiopia's&nbsp;endangered&nbsp;wolf,&nbsp;or&nbsp;"Roof of Africa's fox," is one of the world's most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-tracking-endangered-animal-habitats-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered</a> carnivores.



The species is&nbsp;only&nbsp;found on&nbsp;Ethiopia's&nbsp;high-altitude grasslands&nbsp;where it is an&nbsp;essential part of this fragile Afroalpine ecosystem.



With fewer than 500 individuals left in the wild, their survival speaks to the challenges and beauty of this unique landscape.



Ethiopian&nbsp;wolves live&nbsp;in&nbsp;approximately&nbsp;99 packs&nbsp;that&nbsp;are&nbsp;to be found in six isolated, highland regions. They are entirely dependent&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;environment&nbsp;in which they&nbsp;live. The threats&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hippopotamus-population-hit-hard-by-habitat-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat&nbsp;destruction</a>&nbsp;and human activity&nbsp;are perpetual pressures on the remaining individuals.



Even though&nbsp;their&nbsp;count is&nbsp;low, these wolves play an&nbsp;important&nbsp;role in&nbsp;being&nbsp;the top predator of the ecosystem and controlling&nbsp;rodent&nbsp;populations,&nbsp;which form the majority of their prey.



These&nbsp;are&nbsp;no&nbsp;ordinary&nbsp;wolves;&nbsp;they are guardians of a habitat that is&nbsp;home&nbsp;to&nbsp;countless species, including many other plants and pollinators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethiopian-wolf-conservation-program">Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program</h2>



Initiated in 1995, the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Program (EWCP) has made sustained efforts to protect these unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-may-not-be-heroes-but-theyre-not-villains-either/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wolves</a> and their precious habitat from extinction and threats.



It is a collaborative initiative between the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at the University of Oxford, the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), and Dinkenesh Ethiopia. 



This iniative holds the distinction of being the longest-running conservation program in Ethiopia, and has worked relentlessly to safeguard the future of natural habitats for the benefit of wildlife and the people who co-habit these highlands.



Being witness to such remarkable behavior from these wolves reinforces the importance of our conservation efforts and renews our commitment to preserving these magnificent creatures and their habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wolves-and-flowers-a-symbiotic-connection">Wolves and flowers: A symbiotic connection</h2>



The unexpected interaction between Ethiopian wolves and the Ethiopian red hot poker flower highlights the intricate relationships that can exist between species in delicate ecosystems.



While the wolves gain a supplementary energy source through the flower’s nectar, the plants benefit from a reliable pollinator that helps ensure their successful reproduction.



This symbiotic relationship demonstrates how even apex predators can contribute to the health of their environment in surprising ways.



Such interactions also emphasize the interconnectedness of life in the Ethiopian highlands where every species, from the smallest plant to the largest predator, plays a vital role in sustaining the ecosystem.



Recognizing and studying these complex dynamics could open doors to more innovative and inclusive conservation strategies that prioritize not just individual species but the broader web of life in ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4470" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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First wolf species discovered that eats fruit and pollinates flowers

Ethiopian wolves, which are primarily carnivorous, have been observed feeding...

Few sights can be as awe-inspiring as New Zealand's legendary "walking tree," a towering ancient giant that stands like a sentinel from a fantasy world.



This extraordinary tree remains unmatched, as though it has stepped right out of the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-champion-of-the-forest">Champion of the forest</h2>



The "walking tree" is no ordinary one. It recently won the title of New Zealand's Tree of the Year with ease, claiming 42% of the public vote and leaving five other finalists behind. The contest was organized by the <a href="https://www.nzarb.org.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Zealand Arboricultural Association</a>.



The tree that seems to be on a stroll is not just unique in its appearance; it carries a rich legacy that stretches back centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-the-walking-tree">Journey of the walking tree</h2>



The tree - a northern rātā (Metrosideros robusta) - has its roots on the west coast of South Island, near Karamea.



Reaching heights of up to 105 feet (equal to a seven-story building), it exists as a remarkable symbol of nature's ingenuity and endurance. The tree stands by a cemetery, the lone survivor of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> that was cleared about 150 years ago.



Brad Cadwallader, organizer of the Tree of the Year competition, told Radio New Zealand that during the voting, the walking tree "strode out into the lead right from the very start."



"The farming family back then clearly thought it was special because they left it," noted Cadwallader.



This tree has been described as an "exceptional feature" and a "prime example of the remarkable trees that we, as New Zealanders, are fortunate to experience," said NZ Arb president Richie Hill in a statement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-growth-and-survival">A tale of growth and survival</h2>



Northern rātā trees are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epiphytes-are-increasingly-threatened-by-forest-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epiphytes</a>, a type of tree that starts growing on the surface of a host tree before growing aerial roots that reach to the ground.



This walking tree likely lived, initially, high up in the canopy of its host, surviving on air and rainwater before it finally grounded itself.



Its unusual root layout is probably due to how it grew around its host tree, which probably died off centuries ago.



“That <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=host%20tree&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">host tree</a> has now gone," said Cadwallader. "Maybe the tree was either very, very big, or there may have been another tree that fell and lent against the host tree, and that's why the roots have split near the ground and given it that walking appearance.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plight-of-the-northern-rata">Plight of the northern rātā</h2>



Unfortunately, the majestic northern rātā is under significant threat. Once common in New Zealand's forests, these trees are now listed as nationally vulnerable.



Multiple factors, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> and the invasive common brushtail possums, which wreak havoc by devouring the leaves and gnawing at the roots, pose significant threats.



The trees face danger from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scrub-mint-almost-extinct-lived-earth-millions-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybridization</a> with the closely related pōhutukawa trees. They are also susceptible to myrtle rust, a pathogenic fungus that is native to South America but was detected in New Zealand for the first time in 2017.



As we appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the "walking tree," it’s crucial to take note of the environmental challenges these giants face. Although the trees are evidence of nature's resilience, they also serve as a stark reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-ecological-legacy-of-the-walking-tree">Cultural and ecological legacy of the walking tree</h2>



The walking tree is more than just a botanical marvel; it serves as a living emblem of New Zealand's deep connection to its natural world.



For the indigenous Māori people, trees like the northern rātā are taonga, or treasures, woven into cultural myths, rituals, and traditions.



The rātā, with its crimson flowers, is often associated with strength, endurance, and renewal - qualities that are certainly epitomized by this lone survivor near Karamea.



Ecologically, the northern rātā plays a critical role in its environment. Its towering canopy provides shelter and sustenance for native birds like the tūī and kererū, while its roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.



The walking tree, standing alone and surrounded by cleared land, reminds us of what has been lost - and what still needs to be preserved.



As New Zealanders rally around this extraordinary tree, it becomes a symbol of hope and a call to action for conservation efforts. 



Protecting such iconic species ensures that future generations will not only learn about them in stories but also experience their majesty firsthand.



Image Credit: Gareth Andrews



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New Zealand’s 'walking tree': The final remains of a lost forest

Few sights can be as awe-inspiring as New Zealand's legendary...

While the Spanish explorers may have brought the first peach pits to North America, recent research reveals that the real credit for the fruit's widespread cultivation goes to the Indigenous communities of the continent.



The study, conducted by researchers at Penn State, sheds light on this often overlooked chapter of history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-networks-and-the-spread-of-peaches">Indigenous networks and the spread of peaches</h2>



Jacob Holland-Lulewicz, the first author of the study and an assistant professor of anthropology at <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>, elaborated on the intensive care required for peaches to be productive.



This care includes finding appropriate places for plantation with abundant sunlight and proper soil drainage, along with regular pruning. 



The widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-sophisticated-strategies-to-balance-defense-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultivation</a> of peaches is a result of the Indigenous networks and land management practices - a fact that is often missed in narratives regarding the quick spread of peaches post-Spanish introduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-samples-from-archeological-sites">Samples from archeological sites </h2>



The researchers meticulously examined historical documents that mentioned peaches such as the writings of French missionary explorer Jacques Marquette and English merchant Jonathan Dickinson. 



Radiocarbon dating, a method that measures the decay of radioactive carbon-14 atoms in organic material, was used to determine the approximate ages of peach pits and other organic samples from various archaeological sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spread-of-peaches-in-north-america">Spread of peaches in North America</h2>



The researchers found that by 1620, a hundred years after the Spanish arrival in Florida and Georgia's Oconee Valley, peaches likely spread across the Indigenous settlements throughout the interior southeast.



But these communities didn't just adopt the fruit. They bred new varieties - so many that they outnumbered those found in Europe during the same era.



The researchers identified what are possibly the oldest peaches in North America unearthed at a Muskogean farmstead in Oconee Valley dating back to between 1520 and 1550.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-influence-on-peaches">Indigenous influence on peaches</h2>



Study co-author Victor Thompson is a research professor of archaeology at the University of Georgia (<a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UGA</a>) and executive director of the Georgia Museum of Natural History.



"Understanding the path that the introduction of species, such as peach trees, took through colonization and the role that Indigenous people and their long-term relationship with the environment played in shaping these histories demonstrates the importance of these events, people and processes to what becomes a broader American history,” said Thompson.



“Further, the fact that all of this work took place on museum specimens underscores the importance of maintaining these collections for future study.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-indigenous-communities">Legacy of Indigenous communities </h2>



At this point in our story, peaches had so intertwined with Indigenous history and culture that when the ancestors of the modern-day Muscogee (Creek) Nation were forcefully relocated from Georgia and Alabama in the 1800s, they took peaches with them.



Today, peaches continue to be grown as heritage crops by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, with the act of growing and caring for them being a significant cultural practice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-s-role-in-peach-cultivation">Climate's role in peach cultivation</h2>



Understanding the climatic factors that affect peach cultivation is pivotal for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-uncover-how-plants-grow-wider-not-just-taller/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">successful growth</a>. Peaches thrive in regions with distinct seasonal variations, requiring cold winters to induce dormancy followed by warm springs to awaken the fruiting process. 



This adaptability explains their prevalence in temperate zones worldwide. However, climate change poses potential challenges, with rising temperatures and unpredictable frosts threatening the delicate balance necessary for peach production. 



The researchers emphasize the need for exploring cultivars resilient to climate fluctuations, ensuring the preservation of both traditional and newly developed peach varieties.



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



As the historical and anthropological perspectives have enriched our understanding of peach cultivation, future research may involve genetic studies and exploring innovative agricultural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electro-agriculture-grows-food-in-the-dark-with-94-less-land-required/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">practices</a>.



With advances in biotechnology, scientists are unraveling the genome of peaches to identify traits that confer resistance to diseases and environmental stressors. This genetic insight is crucial for breeding programs aimed at improving yield and quality. 



Moreover, sustainable practices, such as permaculture and regenerative agriculture, are being explored to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-and-flower-strips-improve-honey-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a>. 



So, the next time you enjoy a sweet, juicy peach, remember the Indigenous communities that played a key role in its journey.



Their extensive care and management not only introduced this beloved summer fruit to a new continent but also paved the way for its spread and the diversity we enjoy today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52597-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How peaches spread across North America and the world

While the Spanish explorers may have brought the first peach...

Have you ever paused to admire a morning glory? Just as their name suggests, these flowers open at sunrise and often close by afternoon or evening.



Despite their fragile appearance, a recent study from the University of Michigan suggests that morning glory plants are quite resilient. The team discovered that these plants can withstand the effects of weed killers and display resistance to damage from herbivorous insects.



In particular, morning glory plants were found to resist glyphosate - the active component in the herbicide RoundUp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-resistance-to-insect-damage">Plant resistance to insect damage</h2>



Interestingly, the researchers found that plants which are susceptible to glyphosate are also susceptible to damage from insects. This implies that glyphosate can disrupt the co-evolution of plants and their insect adversaries.



Study lead author&nbsp;Grace Zhang is a U-M doctoral student working with&nbsp;Regina Baucom, a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.



"When people think about herbicides and study them in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, they think about herbicide resistance," said Zhang. 



"Resistance is a big problem, tolerance is a big problem. But beyond that, we don't really have a great idea of how herbicides impact plant evolution in general, and also how it might impact how plants interact with other things in their environment."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-insect-damage-on-plants-with-glyphosate">More insect damage on plants with glyphosate</h2>



The researchers set up the study with 1,600 morning glory plants in <a href="https://umich.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U-M</a>'s Matthaei Botanical Gardens. They sprayed half of the plants with glyphosate and recorded the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-leaf-eating-insects-have-a-huge-impact-on-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>' growth traits.



Noteworthy findings from the study included the fact that plants treated with glyphosate incurred more damage from insects compared to the non-treated (control) plants. However, plants resistant to glyphosate had less insect damage.



While conventional ecological theory would suggest a tradeoff between these two traits, Zhang said the team "saw the opposite."



The researchers also analyzed the fitness of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-technology-will-accelerate-the-pace-of-plant-species-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, i.e., their likelihood of producing seeds. They discovered a positive selection acting on glyphosate resistance: the more resistant the plants are to glyphosate, the fitter they are and the more likely to produce seeds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-genes-and-insect-defenses">Plant genes and insect defenses</h2>



But, why are plants that are resistant to glyphosate also resistant to insect damage?



While Zhang and Baucom are yet to confirm, they hint at the role of the shikimate pathway - a metabolic process that glyphosate attacks, impacting the plant's herbivory defenses.



In contrast, the plants resistant to glyphosate seem to have multiple genes working together. These form detoxification pathways that can wade off glyphosate, thereby maintaining their insect defenses.



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



This study has profound implications for current agricultural practices and the management of herbicide application. Understanding the dual resistance to both glyphosate and herbivory challenges the conventional approach to pest and weed management. 



For farmers, this could mean re-evaluating the use of herbicides like glyphosate to mitigate potential unintended ecological repercussions. 



The development of crops that can naturally resist both herbicides and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-the-milkweed-beetle-safely-feed-on-a-toxic-plant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> predation could lead to more sustainable agricultural strategies, reducing the need for chemical inputs while preserving biodiversity in farmlands.



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



The findings open the door to further exploration into the genetic underpinnings of plant resistance. Future research could investigate the exact genetic pathways involved in this dual resistance, potentially leading to breakthroughs in genetic engineering for crop improvement.



Another avenue of research could focus on the long-term evolutionary consequences of glyphosate use on plant-insect interactions. 



Scientists could harness these insights for developing crops that are better suited to withstand both chemical and biological stressors, ensuring food security in an ever-changing environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-made-impacts-on-nature">Human-made impacts on nature</h2>



"Studies in the past usually look at the evolution of herbicide resistance in these plants or they'll look at how applying the herbicide directly to specific insects will affect them," Zhang said. 



"But they haven't really looked at this question from more of a community level: How does herbicide act as a disruptor on this community level?" 



"So that's what we really wanted to focus on: how does this new disruptive agent that is human-made impact a very natural, long standing relationship between plants and their insects?"



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.20238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Herbicides disrupt the co-evolution of plants and insects

Have you ever paused to admire a morning glory? Just...

Phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for soil fertility and life sustainability, is increasingly vanishing from U.S. farmland, washing into rivers and streams at alarming rates.&nbsp;



A new study led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> reveals that despite efforts to curb phosphorus loss, agricultural runoff has continued to rise over the past four decades, posing significant threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> and water quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-nutrient-and-phosphorus-loss">Soil nutrient and phosphorus loss</h2>



Phosphorus is indispensable for life, playing a key role in DNA formation and cellular energy transfer.&nbsp;



However, unlike nitrogen, it is a non-renewable resource with limited geological reserves. Once it is lost from soil and enters <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-impacts-on-waterways-contribute-to-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a>, it cannot naturally replenish in agricultural lands.



“This is a problem for many reasons,” said Li Li, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Penn State and corresponding author of the study.&nbsp;



“When it’s lost from farmland, it can reduce crop yields, potentially leading to higher food prices. Then, when phosphorus enters our waterways, it can cause harmful algal blooms that can make water unsafe for swimming and fishing - and can even reduce oxygen levels in water and kill fish and other aquatic life.”



Li also highlighted the economic impact of phosphorus depletion: “It makes it more expensive to treat drinking water, which means higher water bills for all of us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-phosphorus-levels-in-rivers">Rising phosphorus levels in rivers</h2>



Analyzing data from 430 U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> spanning 1980 to 2019, the research team used a deep learning model to uncover troubling trends. 



While phosphorus levels have declined in 60% of the studied rivers, overall phosphorus flowing into waterways has increased.



“Agricultural areas are the biggest contributors to the problem, with phosphorus levels increasing in most rivers near agricultural areas, even as they decline in rivers near urban areas,” Li explained.&nbsp;



“This suggests that efforts to control phosphorus pollution from sources like agricultural runoff are not as effective as we thought.”



By contrast, targeted efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution from urban wastewater treatment plants appear to be succeeding.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-nutrient-loss-is-beyond-local-control">Soil nutrient loss is beyond local control </h2>



However, the researchers warn that the broader problem is worsening due to factors beyond local control, particularly the increased frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.



“This means that even though we’re doing a better job at limiting phosphorus pollution from urban areas, the problem is getting worse overall, due to factors largely beyond the control of just one region,” Li said.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme weather events</a>, such as heavier rainfall and flooding, have amplified phosphorus runoff into waterways. As storms grow wetter and more frequent due to climate change, the volume of water flowing through rivers increases, pulling more phosphorus from the soil.



“We’ve seen from recent weather events that water quantity, the amount of water that storms and waterways carry, can lead to dangerous flooding and mudslides,” Li said.&nbsp;



“What we wanted to understand is what happens to the land when these storms pull the subsurface of the soil into rivers and streams. What we found is an alarming loss of this finite element that lets soil sustain life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-solutions-are-needed">Innovative solutions are needed</h2>



To combat this escalating issue, the researchers emphasize the need for innovation and changes in agricultural practices. One promising development is a technology invented at Penn State by alumnus Hunter Swisher.



Swisher, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.phospholutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phospholutions</a>, has developed a fertilizer designed to improve phosphorus efficiency in soil. “We are advocating for more innovation, more creativity and more urgency,” Li said.



The company’s product has shown remarkable results, reducing phosphorus runoff potential by 78% compared to conventional fertilizers.&nbsp;



Phospholutions is now expanding its technology across the Americas, Europe, and India, aiming to address phosphorus pollution on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-ddressing-soil-nutrient-loss">Addressing soil nutrient loss</h2>



The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address phosphorus loss.&nbsp;



With climate change exacerbating the problem, researchers call for a combination of advanced technologies and sustainable farming practices to mitigate the impacts on both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> and aquatic ecosystems.



“The connection between water and land is essential, and that balance is growing increasingly fragile,” Li concluded.



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Soil nutrient loss due to heavy rainfall threatens agriculture 

Phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for soil fertility and life sustainability,...

Our vast forests, those endless expanses of green mesmerizing beauty, showcase the incredible diversity of Mother Nature. However, rising forest damage threatens their role in maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting stable economies.



In a surprising turn of events, a recent study shows that forests seem to be facing an unwelcoming reality - increased vulnerability. And the culprit? Lack of diversity in tree species.



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



Life as we know it thrives on the principle of diversity. The more diverse an ecosystem, the more resilient it turns out to be. But what happens when this diversity dwindles?



When you explore the heart of the forest, areas dominated by a single species, such as the lodgepole pine, may reveal a striking vulnerability. Experts have identified significant risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> lacking species diversity.



The research on forest damage was led by researchers at Umeå University and the <a href="https://www.slu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish University of Agricultural Science</a> in Uppsala.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-that-threaten-forest-health">Factors that threaten forest health</h2>



Swedish forests have their fair share of visitors, but not all of them are welcome. 



Fires, insects, cervids like moose, and fungi, are among the uninvited guests. These factors chip away at the health of the forest, sometimes to such an extent that they disrupt the ecosystem's functionality.



This impact is not just an environmental concern. It has significant implications on the forest industry, which relies on the forest's ability to provide wood and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-forest-damage">Climate change and forest damage</h2>



Our forests are up against another formidable foe - climate change. As the temperatures increase and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the forests face a heightened risk of damages.



“In a warmer climate with more extreme weather and new pest organisms, and with a more intense forestry, forest damages are expected to become more common and more severe," said Micael Jonsson of <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a>, who led the study. 



"It is therefore important to understand causes of forest damages and whether it can be prevented." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-on-forest-diversity">Findings on forest diversity</h2>



The research team relied on vast data collected by the Swedish national forest inventory since 2003. They sought to identify the most prevalent types of tree damages and what escalates the risk of trees getting damaged.



Knocking down assumptions, wind and snow damage topped the list, followed by forestry-related destruction and damage caused by fungi. Sadly, 94 percent of all trees had suffered some level of damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-to-forest-damage">Vulnerability to forest damage</h2>



The researchers observed that coniferous trees in younger stands, especially in warmer parts of Sweden, were at a higher risk for damages. And amongst all, the lodgepole pine, an introduced species, seemed to bear the brunt.



Jonsson and his team noted that introducing species like lodgepole pine may not be in the best interest of a profitable forestry in Sweden.



Not all news is bad news, though. The study reveals an encouraging finding: forests having a broader spectrum of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> displayed resilience against extensive damages, especially in warmer climates.



So, Mother Nature has given us a hint - diversification may be the key to healthier, more resilient forests in the face of climate change!



“We must adapt Swedish forests and forest management methods to a future warmer climate," said study co-author Jan Bengtsson at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science.



"Including more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-living-organism-consists-of-47000-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> species in production forests seems to be an adaptation that could work!” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-room-for-improvement">Room for improvement</h2>



While the study brings forward several valuable insights, it also sheds light on the challenges encountered during research. 



“The national forest inventory collects important data for our understanding of the forest, but when it comes to the damage inventory, the data quality needs to improve to be fully usable in forestry practices,” said study co-author Jon Moen of Umeå University.



In conclusion, the study provides a compelling case for diversifying our forests and adapting our forestry practices. 



Can we thwart the looming risk of forest damages and create healthier, more thriving forests? Only time will tell, but for now, it's clear that we have some changes to make.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70071" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosphere</a>.



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Forests face rising damage risks as their diversity dwindles

Our vast forests, those endless expanses of green mesmerizing beauty,...

Climate change has emerged as a formidable challenge to plant life on Earth. Changes in the environment, which plants are unaccustomed to, disrupt their growth, posing grave risks. 



Increasingly, plant scientists strive to comprehend how these environmental changes will impact plant life and whether plants can acclimate to a new status quo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptations-of-paper-birch-trees">Adaptations of paper birch trees</h2>



A team of researchers from the Walker lab at the <a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a>-U.S. Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, or PRL, has set their sights on how paper birch trees adapt to changing environments. They are keen on understanding the management of an important plant process known as photorespiration.



"If plant metabolism was a freeway system, photorespiration would be the second-highest trafficked road,” noted Berkley Walker, an associate professor in the Department of Plant Biology in the PRL.



The question is whether the roads of this crucial pathway can handle all this traffic under present and predicted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate conditions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acclimation-in-humans-and-plants">Acclimation in humans and plants </h2>



Acclimation refers to the adjustment of living organisms to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-are-largely-unprepared-for-the-effects-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altered conditions</a>. In humans, we acclimate when we adapt to the cold weather of winter or while getting accustomed to a new job.



However, plants must acclimate too, which is made complex by the fact that the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and global warming have contrasting effects on photosynthesis and photorespiration.



As the temperature rises, so does photorespiration, but when CO2 levels rise, photorespiration decreases. This interplay may modify the efficiency of photorespiration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paper-birch-response-to-climate">Paper birch response to climate</h2>



In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the research team examined whether paper birch trees adjusted the activity of photorespiratory enzymes under varying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental conditions</a>.



Paper birch trees were selected because they inhabit boreal forest biomes located in the northernmost parts of the planet, which are expected to be among the ecosystems hit hardest by climate change.



The experimental growth conditions mirrored current, moderate, and extreme climate change scenarios for these boreal forest regions, as outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 



In each scenario, researchers modified the CO2 concentration and increased air temperatures in various combinations.



“This study explored whether plants fine-tuned their enzyme capacity based on demand or whether they keep a buffer, so they have extra capacity in reserve to handle unpredictable changes,” said Luke Gregory, former graduate student in the Walker lab and first author on the study.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-growth-in-a-changing-climate">Plant growth in a changing climate </h2>



Trees for the study were grown from seeds at the <a href="https://www.uwo.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Ontario</a> by researchers in Professor Danielle Way’s lab. They used the university’s Biotron, a research facility capable of simulating almost any climate on Earth.



Surprisingly, the experts found that the trees did not increase their enzyme capacity depending on the climate they were grown in. Instead, they maintained similar capacities across all six future climate scenarios.



Remarkably, the measured enzyme capacities were more than adequate for the photorespiratory pathway, implying that the trees were poised to grow even under changing conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-resilience-in-changing-climates">Plant resilience in changing climates</h2>



Gregory highlighted an intriguing find: the plants have a “safety factor” or buffer capacity that enables them to cope with different changes, whether under current, moderate, or extreme conditions.



This discovery offers a glimmer of hope that plants have a built-in mechanism which might help them survive the adverse effects of climate change, at least in terms of photorespiration.



That being said, this research is just one piece of the larger puzzle in comprehending how photorespiration is and will continue to be impacted by human-induced climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-resilience-in-the-face-of-climate-change">Plant resilience in the face of climate change </h2>



“It’s important that we understand how plants are responding to current conditions and future conditions because we need them in our lives,” said Gregory. 



The question of whether plants can acclimate or adapt over generations to these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-of-2023-weakened-earths-carbon-storage-capacity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altered environments</a> is pertinent as they provide us with oxygen, food, and energy.



This study opens a new window to appreciate and understand plant resilience in the face of the relentless challenges posed by climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-77049-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Plants defy climate change through acclimation

Climate change has emerged as a formidable challenge to plant...

Across the globe, approximately 8.7 million different plant species exist, with around a quarter of them dwelling in the ocean.



For centuries, our understanding of these species, particularly those on land, has been largely shaped by their physical characteristics. 



The process of identifying species based on their morphological characteristics was first established by 18th-century scientist Carl Linnaeus.



However, new findings suggest that this method may not be as comprehensive as we once thought. The research suggests that DNA holds the key to uncovering the identities of plants. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-dna-to-identify-plant-species">Using DNA to identify plant species</h2>



While Linnaeus's method has guided our identification of species for centuries, advancements in technology have ushered in a new era of species identification - through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-ocean-dna-study-uncovers-mysteries-of-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA sequencing</a>. 



Over the last decade, biologists have begun to depend heavily on DNA sequencing to distinguish between species more accurately. This approach typically involves analyzing a single, species-specific site in the DNA, but it's not foolproof.



"There are times when different plant species are difficult to characterize from a small DNA sequence. But now DNA sequencing has taken several steps forward and we have been able to identify completely new species by analyzing a larger part of the genome," explained Zaynab Shaik, author of a doctoral thesis at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-case-of-the-cryptic-daisies">The case of the cryptic daisies</h2>



Shaik's research zeroes in on a group of daisies in the Cape Province of her native South Africa. This collection comprises 66 recognized species, and the first of these species was described in 1753.



Despite their prevalence and commonality, some daisies in the region have puzzled botanists. These "cryptic" plants appear identical in leaf and flower structure, growth habit, and distribution, yet they boast significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/just-a-few-genetic-differences-tailor-flowers-to-specific-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic differences</a>.



"It is important that we have a better understanding of plant relationships and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> on Earth. It is easy to imagine how wrong it could be if we discover that a plant is suitable for use as a base in a drug, and then we pick another, similar, species instead, which may not have the same properties at all," said Shaik.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-reveals-new-plant-species">DNA reveals new plant species </h2>



Shaik's DNA analyses of these cryptic daisies have led to the unmasking of four new species. She noted that these species aren't new creations hidden in unexplored terrains. 



"When I'm asked about this, there's a bit of an anti-climax when I explain that it's not that I've found a new daisy in a remote location that no one has seen before. But these have been admired for a long time, but they have been mistaken for another species."



Shaik's identification method, known as integrative taxonomy, merges traditional observational techniques with modern DNA sequencing. 



This combination enhances our knowledge of species boundaries and is expected to ramp up the rate of new species discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-more-discoveries-to-be-made">Many more discoveries to be made</h2>



Shaik hints at a possible underestimation of the biodiversity in the Cape region and, by extension, other parts of the world. 



"In the Cape, it has been thought that only 1 percent of biodiversity remains to be discovered. My results suggest that it could be much more than that. And the same should reasonably apply to other areas of the globe."



Thus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-parrots-in-the-illegal-wildlife-trade-with-dna-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA technology</a>, progressing hand in hand with traditional methods, is undeniably reshaping our understanding of Earth's biodiversity. 



As we continue to unravel more secrets within the realm of genetics, the question arises: how much more of nature's mysteries are waiting to be unveiled?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-and-plant-species-discovery">Technology and plant species discovery</h2>



The integration of DNA sequencing with traditional taxonomy, known as integrative taxonomy, is becoming the cornerstone of modern biodiversity studies. 



Unlike conventional methods that rely solely on observable physical traits, this approach combines morphological analysis with molecular data, offering a multi-dimensional view of species identification. 



This hybrid method addresses limitations found in singular approaches and helps clarify ambiguities, particularly in species with minimal visible differences.



Integrative taxonomy is not only accelerating the pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species discovery</a> but also refining conservation strategies.



By identifying genetic differences that aren't apparent through morphology alone, researchers can better understand which populations may be at risk and develop more effective protection measures. 



This evolving field highlights the importance of embracing modern technology alongside traditional scientific practices to enrich our understanding of life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S025462992400320X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South African Journal of Botany</a>.



Image Credit: Zaynab Shaik



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DNA technology will accelerate the pace of plant species discovery

Across the globe, approximately 8.7 million different plant species exist,...

Animals, much like humans, accumulate knowledge and wisdom as they age. A growing body of research highlights the profound impact that older animals have on their groups and ecosystems. 



However, human activities, especially hunting and fishing, are threatening this invaluable resource, pushing many species toward instability and decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-that-defy-time">Animals that defy time</h2>



Some species achieve astonishing lifespans. Bigmouth buffalo fish can live up to 127 years, Greenland sharks can reach 392 years, and certain sponges live for over 10,000 years.



These extended lifespans allow the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> to gather knowledge about their environments and pass it on to younger generations.



In a recent paper published in&nbsp;the journal Science, researchers noted that Earth's old animals are in a state of decline.



The analysis, which was based on data from over 9,000 peer-reviewed papers, warns that the few animals reaching old age are often targeted due to their size, unique features, or reproductive potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longevity-conservation-for-old-animals">Longevity conservation for old animals</h2>



Eliminating the largest and most experienced animals has significant consequences for social structures and group survival. Keller Kopf, lead researcher and ecologist at <a href="https://www.cdu.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charles Darwin University</a>, advocates for "longevity conservation," which emphasizes protecting older individuals. 



"That simplistic idea about old individuals not being important for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>, or for environments, is really not the full story," said Kopf.



He and his co-authors argue that old animals play vital roles in biodiversity and ecosystem health, and therefore need targeted protection policies and management strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-knowledge-in-animal-populations">Cultural knowledge in animal populations</h2>



Older animals often act as reservoirs of cultural knowledge, maintaining stability within their groups. 



Older female elephants, for example, possess a "social memory" that helps identify friends and foes, detect dangers like lions, and guide the group to water sources during droughts. Similarly, postmenopausal orcas excel at locating salmon for their pods.



The removal of older individuals destabilizes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-got-their-colors-150-million-years-before-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a>. This loss of cultural transmission explains why some fish populations fail to recover, even after fishing bans are implemented.



"The trouble is once culture is lost, it is very hard to regain," said Kopf.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grandmother-hypothesis-and-group-stability">Grandmother hypothesis and group stability</h2>



Older mammals often contribute significantly to the survival of their offspring and subsequent generations - a phenomenon known as the "grandmother hypothesis."



While their reproductive output declines with age, their knowledge and assistance in raising young bolster group success. 



For instance, deep-sea corals, which can live for thousands of years, provide critical habitats for marine life. Furthermore, older birds often ensure better care for their offspring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fisheries-and-collapse-of-collective-memory">Fisheries and collapse of collective memory</h2>



The targeting of older fish in fisheries has dire consequences for species survival. Culum Brown, a fish biologist at Macquarie University, emphasizes that older fish carry essential cultural knowledge. 



"The key thing here is that many important behaviors, such as migration to breeding and feeding grounds, are transmitted socially in lots of species of fish," said Brown.



"Imagine a fish swimming around in the ocean. The chances of finding the best feeding or breeding locations by chance is virtually zero." Losing older fish disrupts these learned behaviors, leading to potential population collapse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wisdom-and-social-learning-in-conservation">Wisdom and social learning in conservation</h2>



Kopf’s research underscores the importance of "cultural transmission" in animals. This concept acknowledges that animals possess culture and that older individuals transmit critical social learning. 



The accumulated knowledge of older individuals, such as where to locate scarce resources or find shelter, becomes irreplaceable in challenging environments.



More conservationists now recognize the need to preserve social learning and cultural knowledge within animal populations. 



"A term that has definitely pretty much only been used for people in the past is ‘wisdom,’ and we’ve used that term - wise - in the title (of the study)," said Kopf. This wisdom, stored in older animals, often holds the key to a species’ survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tragic-loss-of-wisdom-and-experience">Tragic loss of wisdom and experience </h2>



Hunting practices that target older animals exacerbate species’ vulnerabilities.



For instance, older elephants, which play pivotal roles in group dynamics, are systematically hunted for their large tusks and trophy value. 



This loss impacts not just the individuals but also the social fabric of their groups.



Kopf’s findings on the importance of older animals offer a poignant reflection on human society. "It’s made me think a lot more about how we don’t value older people in our society," he noted. 



This neglect of older generations results in a loss of wisdom and experience that could benefit humanity. "What is that doing for the modern world?” said Kopf.



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



Longevity conservation could provide a solution. This approach involves targeted policies to protect older individuals, recognizing their role in maintaining biodiversity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-and-possibly-even-insects-have-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> services. 



By prioritizing these efforts, we can safeguard not just individual species but the intricate webs of knowledge and survival strategies they sustain.



Protecting older animals is not just about preserving the past. It is a step toward ensuring the future stability and richness of life on Earth. 



As researchers continue to reveal the critical roles of older animals, it becomes clear that their survival is intertwined with our planet’s ecological health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado2705" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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'Old and wise' animals are essential for the survival of species

Animals, much like humans, accumulate knowledge and wisdom as they...

Clothing is more than just fabric and fashion -- our clothes tell stories about who we are as humans, where we've been, and how we've adapted over time. 



But when did our human ancestors first decide that we needed to cover up and wear clothes? 



This question has puzzled scientists for years. David Reed, associate curator of mammals at the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a>, has been digging into this mystery by studying an unlikely source: lice.



Reed's work focuses on these tiny parasites that have been our unwelcome companions for thousands of years. 



"We wanted to find another method for pinpointing when humans might have first started wearing clothing," Reed said. 



"Because they are so well adapted to clothing, we know that body lice or clothing lice almost certainly didn’t exist until clothing came about in humans."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lousy-clues-hidden-in-our-hair">Lousy clues hidden in our hair</h2>



By examining the DNA of modern human lice, Reed and his team have calculated that we started wearing clothes about 170,000 years ago. 



This was a significant technological leap that allowed our ancestors to migrate out of Africa into colder climates. 



"It’s just interesting to think that humans were able to survive in Africa for hundreds of thousands of years without clothing and without body hair," Reed noted. 



"And that it wasn’t until they had clothing that modern humans were then moving out of Africa into other parts of the world."



This research, funded by the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>), suggests that there was a substantial period when humans roamed the African continent without the warmth of body hair or the protection of garments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lice-humans-and-the-first-clothes">Lice, humans, and the first clothes</h2>



Lice are more than just a nuisance; they're evolutionary markers. Unlike many parasites, lice stick closely to their hosts over long periods. 



This host-parasite relationship allows scientists like Reed to trace changes in human history based on changes in lice populations. 



"We use these lice as a marker, if you will, as a marker of their host’s evolutionary history," he explained.



Interestingly, the study shows that we began wearing clothes around 70,000 years before venturing into colder regions -- a move that started about 100,000 years ago. 



This gap implies that clothing wasn't just a response to colder climates but perhaps a development that had other social or practical motivations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-humans-got-cold-too">Early humans got cold, too</h2>



Back in 2003, geneticist Mark Stoneking from the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a> estimated that clothing use began around 107,000 years ago. 



Reed's study, however, includes new data and refined calculation methods, offering a different perspective. 



"The new result from this lice study is an unexpectedly early date for clothing, much older than the earliest solid archaeological evidence, but it makes sense," noted Ian Gilligan, a lecturer at <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Australian National University</a>.



The timing of clothing's emergence seems to align with the harsh conditions of the Ice Ages. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Last Ice Age</a> occurred about 120,000 years ago, but Gilligan suggests that humans started bundling up during the preceding Ice Age, around 180,000 years ago. 



With modern humans appearing about 200,000 years ago, this period was crucial for developing technologies that would ensure our survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-humans-needed-clothes-to-survive">First humans needed clothes to survive</h2>



Clothing wasn't the only advancement that helped our ancestors thrive. Reed pointed out that other innovations played a role. 



"The things that may have made us much more successful in that endeavor hundreds of thousands of years later were technologies like the controlled use of fire, the ability to use clothing, new hunting strategies, and new stone tools," he said.



One of the challenges in studying ancient clothing is the lack of physical evidence. Early garments wouldn't have survived millennia buried in the earth. 



Direct evidence like eyed needles only appeared about 40,000 years ago, and tools suitable for scraping animal hides date back to about 780,000 years ago. 



Reed's lice research fills in the gaps, offering a biological clue where archaeological evidence is scarce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lice-aren-t-often-seen-as-heroes">Lice aren't often seen as heroes</h2>



Collecting lice samples from around the world, including places like homeless shelters and health clinics, was essential for the study's success. 



These parasites provide a unique dataset that can be applied across various fields, from medicine to ecology. 



"It gives the opportunity to study host-switching and invading new hosts, which has everything to do with diseases that do the same thing, like emerging infectious diseases that affect humans," Reed explained.



"From an evolutionary standpoint, it’s interesting to learn about the evolutionary histories of a mammal and its parasite that are so intertwined, so interconnected over vast, long time scales. They just generate such interesting evolutionary questions," he continued.



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



To sum it all up, by examining lice, Reed and his team found clues about when our early human ancestors first decided to wear clothes.



This was a pivotal moment in Earth history that allowed humans to migrate around the globe and adapt to new environments and extreme weather.



If our distant relatives hadn't figured out how to create and wear clothes roughly 170,000 years ago, chances are the species would not have survived, and we wouldn't be here today reading this article.



This fun but important research highlights the fact that humans have always been resourceful, even the very first ones. 



The incremental survival steps they took during the Last Ice Age led to the complex societies we have today. Whether that's a good thing, or a bad thing, will be left open for discussion on another day.



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Study co-authors were Melissa Toups, previously with UF and now at Indiana University, Andrew Kitchen, formerly with UF and presently at The Pennsylvania State University, and Jessica Light of Texas A&amp;M University. The researchers completed the five-year project with the help of Reed’s NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award, which is granted to researchers who exemplify the teacher-researcher role.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mbe/article/28/1/29/984822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Biology and Evolution</a>.



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When did early humans first start wearing clothes, and why?

Clothing is more than just fabric and fashion -- our...

Scientists have made a fascinating discovery that rewrites our understanding of early American survival. For the first time, direct evidence shows that ancient Americans, specifically the Clovis people, relied heavily on mammoths and other large animals for food.



This new information about the diet of these early people not only indicates how they expanded across the Americas but also sheds light on the extinction of large, Ice Age animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-were-the-clovis-people">Who were the Clovis people?</h2>



The Clovis people arrived in North America around 13,000 years ago, likely via the Bering Land Bridge. 



Known for their unique, fluted projectile points, they weren’t just hunters but also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-interesting-technique-hunt-big-animals-clovis-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expert toolmakers</a> who used scrapers and blades for diverse survival needs.



Once considered the first inhabitants of the Americas, the Clovis people have now been relegated to a different status as older, pre-Clovis sites have been discovered. 



The decline of the Clovis culture, which is also linked to megafaunal extinctions, suggests that environmental changes and overhunting were involved.



However, their influence persisted and impacted later cultures, with their tools and strategies becoming foundational for subsequent Paleo-Indian populations in North America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-of-ancient-americans">Diet of ancient Americans</h2>



The study, recently featured in the journal Science Advances, used stable isotope analysis to understand the diet of a Clovis mother from a 13,000-year-old burial site in Montana. 



Before this, researchers inferred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homo-juluensis-new-human-species-vanished-just-fifty-thousand-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric</a> diets by studying tools or animal remains. 



Now, for the first time, scientists have been able to analyze the food consumed by the Clovis people directly, thus offering a more complete picture of their lives.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mammoth-hunt_ancient-humans_clovis-site_credit-Eric-Carlson_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mammoth-hunt_ancient-humans_clovis-site_credit-Eric-Carlson_1s.webp" alt="An artist’s reconstruction of Clovis life 13,000 years ago shows the Anzick-1 infant with his mother consuming mammoth meat near a hearth. Another individual crafts tools, including dart projectile points and atlatls. A mammoth butchery area is visible nearby. The scene is inspired by the La Prele mammoth site in Wyoming and set against the Montana landscape where the Anzick burial was discovered. Credit: Eric Carlson" class="wp-image-1952744"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An artist’s reconstruction of Clovis life 13,000 years ago shows the Anzick-1 infant with his mother consuming mammoth meat near a hearth. Another individual crafts tools, including dart projectile points and atlatls. A mammoth butchery area is visible nearby. The scene is inspired by the La Prele mammoth site in Wyoming and set against the Montana landscape where the Anzick burial was discovered. Credit: Eric Carlson</figcaption></figure>



The findings strongly suggest that the Clovis people specialized in hunting large mammals instead of focusing on smaller animals or plants. 



These ancient humans lived in North America when mammoths roamed across both northern Asia and the Americas. 



Mammoths, being abundant and migratory, provided a stable source of fat and protein for the humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-mammoths-in-clovis-expansion">Role of mammoths in Clovis expansion</h2>



"The focus on mammoths helps explain how Clovis people could spread throughout North America and into South America in just a few hundred years," explained co-lead author James Chatters from <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McMaster University</a>.



This reliance on mammoths allowed the ancient Americans to expand rapidly, as they did not need to depend on local, unpredictable food sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clovis-technology-and-mammoths">Clovis technology and mammoths</h2>



The study also revealed an interesting link between Clovis technology and their diet.



"What's striking to me is that this confirms a lot of data from other sites. For example, the animal parts left at Clovis sites are dominated by megafauna, and the projectile points are large, affixed to darts, which were efficient distance weapons," said Ben Potter, co-lead author and archaeology professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (<a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UAF</a>).



This hunting technology was critical to the Clovis <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-early-humans-first-start-wearing-clothes-and-why-parasites-lice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifestyle</a>, enabling them to target massive, dangerous animals like mammoths from a safe distance. 



"Hunting mammoths provided a flexible way of life. It allowed the Clovis people to move into new areas without having to rely on smaller, localized game, which could vary significantly from one region to the next," Potter noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammoth-diet-of-ancient-americans">Mammoth diet of ancient Americans </h2>



The research team was able to estimate the Clovis diet by analyzing isotopic data from earlier studies of Anzick-1, an 18-month-old Clovis child. Adjustments for nursing helped researchers model the mother’s diet. 



"Isotopes provide a chemical fingerprint of a consumer's diet and can be compared with those from potential diet items to estimate the proportional contribution of different diet items," explained Mat Wooller, the director of the Alaska Stable Isotope facility at UAF.



The isotopic fingerprint revealed that mammoths made up around 40% of the diet of the Clovis mother, while other large animals, like elk and bison, made up the rest. 



Surprisingly, small mammals contributed very little to her diet. When researchers compared her diet with that of other carnivores from the same era, including American lions and wolves, they found it most closely resembled that of the scimitar cat (Homotherium serum), a specialist mammoth predator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-ice-age-extinctions">Implications for Ice Age extinctions</h2>



These findings also have implications for understanding the extinction of large animals from the Ice Age. Environmental changes reduced habitats for megafauna, which may have increased their vulnerability to human hunters.



"If the climate is changing in a way that reduces the suitable habitat for some of these megafauna, then it makes them potentially more susceptible to human predation. These people were very effective hunters," noted Potter.



"You had the combination of a highly sophisticated hunting culture - with skills honed over 10,000 years in Eurasia - meeting naïve populations of megafauna under environmental stress," said Chatters.



This mix of experienced hunters and vulnerable prey may have accelerated the extinction of animals like the mammoth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-with-indigenous-communities">Collaboration with Indigenous communities</h2>



Another important aspect of this research on ancient Americans' reliance on mammoths is its emphasis on ethical collaboration with Indigenous communities. 



Potter and Chatters actively engaged with Native Americans in Montana and Wyoming to address their concerns and interests.



"It is important and ethical to consult with Indigenous peoples on questions relating to their heritage,” said the researchers.



The team worked closely with Shane Doyle, executive director of Yellowstone Peoples, who consulted tribal representatives throughout Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. 



"The response has been one of appreciative consideration and inclusion," noted Doyle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptability-and-hunting-skills-of-early-americans">Adaptability and hunting skills of early Americans</h2>



"I congratulate the team for their astounding discovery about the lifeways of Clovis-era Native people and thank them for being tribally inclusive and respectful throughout their research," said Doyle. 



"This study reshapes our understanding of how Indigenous people across America thrived by hunting one of the most dangerous and dominant animals of the day, the mammoth."



This study not only highlights the incredible adaptability and hunting skills of the Clovis people but also stresses the importance of consulting with Indigenous communities in research involving their ancestors. 



It enriches our understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> shaped the environment and their role in the extinction of some of the most iconic creatures of the Ice Age.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr3814" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Mammoths fed and clothed early Americans, resulting in their extinction

Scientists have made a fascinating discovery that rewrites our understanding...

In the abandoned lands surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site, something unexpected is happening. Amid decaying buildings and lingering radiation, Chernobyl dogs are not just surviving -- they're thriving. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-wolves-have-evolved-resistance-to-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine communities</a> are offering scientists a unique glimpse into how life adapts in one of the most hostile environments on Earth.



"Somehow, two small populations of dogs managed to survive in that highly toxic environment," head researcher <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/profile/norman-kleiman-phd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Norman J. Kleiman</a> remarked.



Dr. Kleiman's team discovered significant genetic differences between two groups of dogs. 



One group roams near the former Chernobyl reactors, while the other lives about 10 miles away in Chernobyl City. This finding suggests that these are two distinct populations that rarely interbreed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-chernobyl-dogs-the-basics">Understanding Chernobyl dogs -- the basics</h2>



The Chernobyl dogs are a heart-wrenching part of the disaster's legacy. After the 1986 nuclear meltdown explosion, many residents evacuated and were forced to leave their pets behind. 



Among them were countless dogs, now descendants of those left behind, roaming the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyls-exclusion-zone-wildlife-refuge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chernobyl Exclusion Zone</a>. 



These dogs adapted to life in a harsh, radioactive environment, surviving extreme winters, limited food, and lingering radiation. 



They live around abandoned villages and near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, often relying on scraps from workers and visitors.



Many of them form packs for protection and companionship, while some have surprisingly bonded with humans, especially the workers and scientists who still operate in the zone. 



Efforts to help these dogs have increased over the years, with organizations stepping in to provide vaccinations, medical care, and even adoption programs to give some of them a chance at a new life outside the zone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-clues-in-a-toxic-landscape">Genetic clues in a toxic landscape</h2>



This study marks the first time scientists have delved into the genetic makeup of stray dogs living near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. 



"In addition to classifying the population dynamics within these dogs at both locations, we took the first steps towards understanding how chronic exposure to multiple environmental hazards may have impacted these populations," Dr. Kleiman explained.



According to Dr. Matthew Breen from <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NC State</a>, "The overarching question here is: does an environmental disaster of this magnitude have a genetic impact on life in the region?" 



By analyzing the dogs' DNA, the team identified 391 outlier regions in their genomes that differed between the two groups.



"Think of these regions as markers, or signposts, on a highway. They identify areas within the genome where we should look more closely at nearby genes," Dr. Breen explained.



Moreover, some of these markers are pointing to genes associated with genetic repair; specifically, with genetic repair after exposures similar to those experienced by the dogs in Chernobyl.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-much-still-unknown-about-the-chernobyl-dogs">Much still unknown about the Chernobyl dogs</h2>



Despite these intriguing findings, the researchers caution that there's still much to learn. 



"At this stage we cannot say for sure that any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-labrador-retrievers-genetic-mutation-pomc-causes-hunger-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic alterations</a> are in response to the multigenerational and complex exposures; we have a lot more work to do to determine if that is the case," Dr. Breen added.



Ph.D. candidate Megan Dillion, a lead author of the study at NC State, is eager to dig deeper. 



"The question we must answer now is why are there striking genetic differences between the two dog populations?" she said. 



"Are the differences just due to genetic drift, or are they due to the unique environmental stressors at each location?"



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



The research has broader implications beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-evolving-to-fit-the-modern-lives-of-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the canine world</a>, because dogs are a sentinel species with much to teach us about human health.



"By teasing out whether or not the genetic changes we detected in these dogs are the canine genome's response to the exposures the populations have faced, we may be able to understand how the dogs survived in such a hostile environment and what that might mean for any population -- animal or human -- that experiences similar exposures," Breen concluded.



With 37 years having passed since the Chernobyl disaster, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-is-teeming-with-worms-resistant-to-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dangers of radiation</a> haven't faded. 



The approximately 30-year-long half-lives of lingering radioisotopes mean the danger posed by radiation exposure is still very much real.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-environmental-challenge">Complex environmental challenge</h2>



Radiation isn't the only concern in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-exposed-to-radiation-show-no-signs-of-accelerated-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chernobyl Exclusion Zone</a>. The area is contaminated with chemicals, toxic metals, pesticides, and organic compounds left behind from years of cleanup efforts and decaying infrastructure. 



"When radiation exposure is combined with a complex toxic chemical mixture of uncertain composition, there are very real human health concerns raised for the thousands of people who continue to work within the Exclusion Zone," Dr. Kleiman warned.



"Understanding the genetic and health impacts of these chronic exposures in the dogs will strengthen our broader understanding of how these types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/car-tires-shed-pollutants-that-are-especially-toxic-for-humans-and-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental hazards</a> can impact humans and how best to mitigate health risks."



The research team plans to continue their work, hoping to unravel more of the genetic mysteries held by these resilient dogs. Their findings could pave the way for new insights into genetic adaptation in extreme environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-chernobyl-and-its-dogs">Learning from Chernobyl and its dogs</h2>



To sum it all up, the story of Chernobyl's dogs is a testament to life's resilience. These animals have carved out an existence in a place deemed uninhabitable. 



Their journey raises thought-provoking questions: How do organisms adapt to such hostile conditions? What can we learn from their survival?



As scientists continue to explore these questions, one thing is clear: the dogs of Chernobyl have much to teach us. 



Their survival offers a unique opportunity to understand the genetic impacts of environmental disasters, potentially informing how we protect both wildlife and ourselves in the face of similar challenges.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40575-023-00124-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canine Medicine and Genetics</a>.



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Chernobyl dogs are rapidly evolving in strange ways due to radiation

In the abandoned lands surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site,...

Next time you spot a Norway rat scurrying around in Central Europe, remember, it's not technically a local. Non-native species, often introduced by humans, are causing a significant decline in indigenous species, globally.



They have been implicated in a colossal 60 percent of worldwide species extinctions in recent years. A new study shows that some non-native species are now endangered in their homeland, and would benefit from conservation measures to protect them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effect-of-globalization-on-species-distribution">Effect of globalization on species distribution</h2>



This intriguing find comes from a collaboration of biologists from the University of Vienna and La Sapienza University in Rome. 



The study, published in the journal Conservation Letters, examines the paradoxical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> predicaments posed by non-native species.



Our increasingly interconnected world has caused many animal and plant species to migrate to new areas. These invasive species can endanger local species by introducing competition or new diseases. Interestingly, though, some of these invasive species are facing extinction in their native homes. 



This presents a compelling paradox, and prompts questions about whether we should protect or control non-native populations of endangered species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extent-of-the-paradox">Extent of the paradox</h2>



The recent study explores how widespread this conservation paradox is among non-native mammal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-we-failing-the-worlds-most-threatened-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>. Worldwide, humans have introduced 230 mammal species to new regions.



"We were very surprised by this high number, as we assumed that invasive species are also common in their area of origin," noted study lead author Lisa Tedeschi from <a href="https://www.uniroma1.it/en/pagina-strutturale/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Sapienza University</a> and the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-saviors-foreign-territories">Unexpected saviors: Foreign territories</h2>



The study details interesting instances where invasive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> have flourished outside their native lands. 



For example, the crested macaque and wild rabbit both face severe declines in their original habitats whereas, in new territories, their numbers have remained stable or even increased. This finding implies that invasive populations could potentially rescue these endangered species from extinction in their homelands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-globalization-in-nature-conservation">Role of globalization in nature conservation</h2>



The study raises valid questions about the current methods for assessing global extinction risks. Often, non-native populations are not considered in these assessments. 



However, the researchers argue that including these populations could improve the threat assessment for some species. 



Franz Essl, a biodiversity researcher from the University of Vienna, states that this could decrease the global extinction risk for 22 percent of the analyzed species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protection-efforts-for-non-native-species">Protection efforts for non-native species</h2>



While recognizing the value of non-native populations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-know-far-less-about-four-footed-animals-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> conservation, the study also warns of potential downsides. Diverting attention towards such populations could reduce protection efforts for native ranges which may be more threatened. 



Plus, these species could negatively impact the local flora and fauna of their new range. Franz Essl concludes that the future may see more species threatened in their native ranges but thriving in new areas.



Thus, the tricky task of striking a balance between the benefits and risks of non-native populations needs to be addressed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-native-species-are-not-always-invasive">Non-native species are not always invasive </h2>



Non-native species are not always considered invasive. In some cases, they integrate into ecosystems without causing significant harm. 



For example, certain plants and animals introduced centuries ago have become naturalized, contributing to biodiversity and even serving as critical resources for local wildlife. The distinction between invasive and non-invasive alien species is vital for targeted conservation efforts.



Additionally, non-native species are often unintentionally introduced through human activities such as trade, tourism, and transportation. 



For instance, the zebra mussel, native to Eastern Europe, spread across North America by hitching rides on ships. Once such species are established, controlling them can be costly and challenging, often requiring coordinated international efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-types-of-non-native-species">Different types of non-native species</h2>



While many discussions focus on mammals, non-native species include a wide range of organisms such as birds, insects, and plants.



Non-native plants like kudzu in the United States can outcompete native flora, while insect species, such as the emerald ash borer, have devastated tree populations in North America. These examples highlight the need for comprehensive management strategies across multiple species and ecosystems.



Climate change further complicates the issue, as shifting temperatures and habitats can make regions more hospitable to different types of non-native species.



This can exacerbate their spread, introducing new risks to ecosystems that are already under stress. Understanding the interplay between climate change and non-native species is critical for future conservation policies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/conl.13069" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Letters</a>.



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How non-native species are saving themselves from extinction

Next time you spot a Norway rat scurrying around in...

In ancient Rome, fisherman gladiators wielded nets and tridents to survive against heavily armed opponents. Today, a similar tactic is used by much smaller and more fascinating predators - slingshot spiders (Theridiosoma gemmosum).



These arachnids, also known as ray spiders, have evolved a unique hunting technique: instead of waiting for prey to fly into their web, they use it like a catapult to ensnare unsuspecting prey. 



But how do these spiders decide when to release their ballistic nets? Recent research suggests they might actually be listening for their next meal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slingshot-spider-arsenal">Slingshot spider arsenal</h2>



Slingshot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/save-a-spider-day-protecting-our-connection-with-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a> create a flat web and then pull back the center and anchor it with a taught thread. This creates a cone-shaped web that can spring forwards when released.



Perched at the back tip of the cone, they wait for the right moment to release the thread and launch it forward to entangle their prey. Their remarkable strategy inspired researchers to investigate further, which revealed surprising details about how these spiders hunt.



"Slingshot spiders are really tiny, so they can be quite hard to find," said Sarah Han, from the <a href="https://www.uakron.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Akron</a>, USA.



Han spent hours searching riverbanks for the distinctive cone-shaped webs, nestled in crevices and on rocks. "It does take some time to develop the eye for them," she noted.



Once Han relocated the spiders to a laboratory, she provided twigs for web construction and collected mosquitoes to test their hunting behavior. By attaching mosquitoes to strips of black paper and filming the spiders' interactions with them, the team gained valuable insights.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-for-dinner">Listening for dinner</h2>



The experiments showed that slingshot spiders launch their webs even before their prey make physical contact with the structure. Using high-speed cameras, Han observed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holy-grail-artificial-spider-silk-indistinguishable-from-natural-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiders</a> released their webs when flapping mosquitoes were nearby, despite there being no direct contact.



To probe further, Han introduced a tuning fork that replicated the frequency of mosquito wingbeats. The spiders still launched their webs, confirming that they were using sound as a means of detection when prey approached.



Han and her colleague Todd Blackledge suspect that sound-sensitive hairs on the spiders’ legs enable this extraordinary ability. By perceiving vibrations both in the web and the surrounding air, the spiders can determine when prey is within range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precision-and-speed">Precision and speed</h2>



Once the spiders release their webs, the action is astonishingly fast. Han meticulously tracked web trajectories and calculated their acceleration at an incredible 50G (504 m/s²).



The webs reach speeds of nearly 1 m/s, and capture prey within 38 milliseconds. This lightning-quick reaction leaves little chance for the insects to escape.



Moreover, the spiders showed a remarkable preference for targeting prey in front of their webs. They were successful in 76 percent of attempts when the insect was in front of the web, compared with only 29 percent when the prey was behind the web.



This precision suggests slingshot spiders might compare sound vibrations traveling through their webs to those reaching their legs via air. This mechanism helps them avoid misfires and ensures their hunting efforts are efficient.



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



Understanding the slingshot spider’s hunting strategy not only showcases nature’s ingenuity but also opens avenues for biomimetic applications. 



Could these precision-based mechanisms inspire new technologies in robotics or materials science? Time will tell, but for now, the slingshot spider remains a testament to evolution’s creativity and efficiency.



This research, published in the&nbsp;Journal of Experimental Biology, adds yet another chapter to the fascinating world of arachnid behavior. By listening for their prey, slingshot spiders are able to capture prey that are significantly larger than themselves. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-behavior-of-slingshot-spiders">Proactive behavior of slingshot spiders</h2>



Slingshot spiders belong to the family&nbsp;Theridiosomatidae, a group of orb-weaving spiders known for their unique web structures and hunting methods. 



These spiders are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, preferring humid environments near water bodies where flying insects are abundant. 



Despite their small size, slingshot spiders demonstrate remarkable engineering skills by creating highly elastic webs capable of storing immense potential energy.



Unlike many other spider species, slingshot spiders’ webs are not passive traps. These webs require constant maintenance to ensure optimal elasticity and effectiveness.



The spiders frequently rebuild and adjust their webs, particularly after a successful hunt. This proactive behavior underscores their reliance on precision and efficiency in capturing prey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nocturnal-activity-of-slingshot-spiders">Nocturnal activity of slingshot spiders</h2>



Interestingly, slingshot spiders exhibit a degree of nocturnal activity, relying on low light conditions to hunt more effectively. 



This behavior helps them avoid predators and increases the likelihood of encountering prey, which is often more active during the evening and night hours. Their ability to blend into their surroundings further aids their survival, as their small size and muted coloration make them difficult to spot.



The advanced sensory abilities of these small spiders also extend beyond hearing. Some studies suggest that they may detect changes in air pressure or subtle environmental cues, which allows them to anticipate prey movements.



The combination of sensory and mechanical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-man-web-slinging-technology-has-become-a-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptations</a> places slingshot spiders among the most specialized hunters in the arachnid world.



The study is published in the <a href="https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/227/23/jeb249237/363202/Directional-web-strikes-are-performed-by-ray" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Biology</a>. 



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Slingshot spiders listen for the right moment to launch their webs

In ancient Rome, fisherman gladiators wielded nets and tridents to...

Desert ants, particularly the species Cataglyphis nodus, have amazed scientists with their navigational skills using magnetic field.



Researchers, led by Dr. Pauline Fleischmann from the University of Oldenburg, Germany, have unveiled a fascinating discovery about these ants.



Unlike other insects, they rely on a unique component of Earth's magnetic field for orientation. This finding suggests that desert ants possess a distinct mechanism for magnetoreception that potentially involves tiny particles of magnetite or other magnetic minerals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetoreception-in-animals">Magnetoreception in animals</h2>



Magnetoreception - the ability to detect the Earth's magnetic field - remains a topic of intense scientific debate.



One theory centers on the radical-pair mechanism, a light-dependent quantum effect that allows an organism to detect subtle changes in the direction of the magnetic field.



Evidence from the Collaborative Research Centre's Magnetoreception and Navigation in Vertebrates project supports the radical-pair mechanism in small songbirds and possibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-queens-turn-to-cannibalism-recycle-bodies-for-colony-disease-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>, such as monarch butterflies.



Another theory involves tiny magnetic particles, within sensory or nerve cells, that act like compass needles.



Animals such as pigeons, bats, and sea turtles are thought to use this particle-based system. Both mechanisms appear to coexist in nature, demonstrating the complexity of magnetoreception across species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-ants-have-magnetic-sensitivity">Desert ants have magnetic sensitivity</h2>



To identify which mechanism desert <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-use-chemical-trails-to-guide-their-friends-to-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> use, scientists from the <a href="https://uol.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oldenburg</a> conducted behavioral experiments.



They hypothesized that animals using a particle-based system would respond to the north-south polarity of the geomagnetic field, while those using the radical-pair mechanism detect the field’s inclination.



Dr. Fleischmann, along with Dr. Robin Grob, Johanna Wegmann, and Dr. Wolfgang Rössler, explored the magnetic sense displayed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-ants-use-earths-magnetic-field-for-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert ants</a>.



The experts focused on whether the ants detect the geomagnetic field’s inclination or polarity. This research builds on Fleischmann’s 2018 doctoral discovery that desert ants have a magnetic sensitivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manipulating-magnetic-fields">Manipulating magnetic fields</h2>



The team conducted experiments on a Greek ant colony, using Helmholtz coils to create artificial magnetic fields. 



Ants emerging from a nest were guided through a tunnel to an experimental platform, where their "learning walks" were filmed. These walks are crucial as ants memorize the nest entrance direction, using the magnetic field to enhance their visual memory.



“We suspect the ants use the magnetic field to train their visual memory,” Fleischmann explained. A recent study in&nbsp;PNAS on ant brain development supports this hypothesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-ants-rely-on-polarity">Desert ants rely on polarity </h2>



In their experiments, the researchers altered the magnetic field’s inclination without affecting the behavior of the ants.



The ants continued to look towards their nest entrance. However, when the field’s polarity was reversed by 180 degrees, the ants misjudged the nest’s location entirely. This indicates that desert ants rely on polarity, not inclination, for navigation.



"This type of compass is particularly useful for navigation over comparatively short distances," said Fleischmann. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eastern-monarch-butterfly-populations-have-plummeted-by-59-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monarch butterflies</a> and songbirds, by contrast, use magnetic inclination as a navigational aid on their long-distance migrations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigational-skills-of-desert-ants">Navigational skills of desert ants </h2>



Desert ants thrive in harsh environments like the North African Sahara’s salt pans or Greek pine forests, where landmarks are scarce. 



Despite traveling hundreds of meters in search of food, they return to their nest entrance with remarkable precision. Their zig-zag outbound patterns transform into straight-line paths on their return.



This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary diversity of magnetoreception. Ants, bees, and wasps, all members of the Hymenoptera order, exhibit unique sensory adaptations. 



"The fact that desert ants use a different mechanism for magnetoreception than other insects opens up new avenues for studying the evolution of sensory perception in the animal kingdom," noted Fleischmann.



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



Understanding the magnetic sense of desert ants not only deepens our knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-destabilizing-ant-plant-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> navigation but also highlights the intricate evolution of sensory systems.



This research paves the way for further investigation into how diverse species adapt to their environments using the Earth's magnetic field as a guide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-on-desert-ants">More on desert ants</h2>



Desert ants are not just remarkable for their magnetic sense; they are also masters of adaptation. They thrive in some of the world’s most extreme environments, enduring temperatures that can exceed 50°C (122°F). 



These ants have specialized heat-shock proteins that allow them to survive such intense heat. Additionally, their silvery body hairs reflect sunlight, which helps them maintain lower body temperatures.



Another fascinating aspect of desert ants is their reliance on path integration for navigation. They use a combination of step counting and celestial cues, such as the position of the sun, to calculate their precise location. 



This allows them to find their way back to their nest even when their outward journey involves complex, winding routes.



Desert ants also exhibit impressive teamwork. They collaborate to transport large food items back to the nest and adapt their strategies based on environmental challenges. These survival traits make them an excellent model for studying behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01519-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Desert ants have a unique way of using Earth's magnetic field for navigation

Desert ants, particularly the species Cataglyphis nodus, have amazed scientists...

Fentanyl, a drug infamous for its devastating effects on human health, has now surfaced in a completely unexpected domain: marine life. Researchers at Texas A&amp;M University-Corpus Christi recently made a startling discovery - traces of fentanyl and other pharmaceuticals in the blubber of bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico.



This revelation, born from a routine boating survey, raises urgent questions about the contamination of marine ecosystems and its cascading effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-chance-discovery">A chance discovery</h2>



In September 2020, researchers conducting a routine boating survey stumbled upon a dead <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lonely-dolphin-in-the-baltic-sea-is-constantly-talking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphin</a> floating in Gulf waters. 



The team took the dolphin to their lab. Two years later, when the carcass was used for hormone blubber analysis, the researchers uncovered something alarming.



"When I started this project, we did what we call an untargeted study of the blubber, where we put it in a very fancy instrument that’s able to resolve all the compounds inside. We were looking for what we actually found," explained Makayla Guinn, a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.tamucc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi</a>.



Guinn and her team collaborated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Precision Toxicological Consultancy, with additional support from the Frazier Family Foundation. 



The analysis revealed over 3,000 compounds in the dolphin’s blubber, including sedatives, relaxants, and, most alarmingly, fentanyl.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fentanyl-in-dolphins">Fentanyl in dolphins</h2>



The study expanded to include 89 dolphin blubber samples. Of these, 83 were collected from live dolphin biopsies and six from deceased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-dolphin-breath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>. 



Pharmaceuticals were detected in 30 of these samples. Disturbingly, fentanyl was present in all six of the deceased dolphins.



Dolphins were sampled from Redfish Bay, the Laguna Madre in Texas, and the Mississippi Sound. These locations are significant not only for their ecological importance but also for their role in the local fishing industry. 



"Dolphins are often used to examine ecosystem health in contaminant research because their blubber can store contaminants and be sampled," Guinn said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fentanyl-crisis-beyond-dolphins">Fentanyl crisis beyond dolphins</h2>



The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies fentanyl as being 100 times more potent than morphine. Its presence in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/military-sonar-does-a-lot-more-damage-to-dolphins-than-previously-disclosed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphin</a> blubber underscores a worrying trend of pharmaceutical contamination in marine ecosystems.



"It’s not something we were looking for, so of course we were alarmed to find something like fentanyl, especially with the fentanyl crisis happening in the world right now," Guinn noted. 



"These drugs and pharmaceuticals are entering our water, and they have cascading effects in our marine life."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-sources-of-contamination">Possible sources of contamination</h2>



The study’s lead investigator, Dr. Dara Orbach, highlighted the challenge of tracing the source of the fentanyl in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-dolphins-who-play-with-others-become-successful-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>.



"One possibility but not the only possibility is that drugs might be coming from our wastewater," said Dr. Orbach.



"It’s likely they’re getting these pharmaceuticals in their system from eating prey. Those prey being the same fish and shrimp that we’re also eating over here, considering that the Coastal Bend is such an important fishing community, locally."



Dr. Orbach pointed out that this contamination is not a new issue. "Some of these samples we looked at are more than a decade old, and those animals also had pharmaceuticals. So we think this is a longstanding problem that no one's been looking at."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pharmaceuticals-in-marine-ecosystems">Pharmaceuticals in marine ecosystems</h2>



This discovery has implications that extend far beyond dolphins. Pharmaceuticals entering marine ecosystems could potentially affect a wide array of marine organisms, disrupting food chains and ecosystems. 



The contamination may also have repercussions for human health, particularly in regions dependent on seafood from these waters.



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



Both Guinn and Orbach are committed to advancing this research. They aim to identify the precise sources of pharmaceutical contamination and bring greater awareness to the issue. 



"We’re hoping to bring about more awareness to the community on how important it is to preserve our wildlife," said Guinn.



As this research on fentanyl in bottlenose dolphins progresses, the findings will undoubtedly shed light on the extent of pharmaceutical contamination and its far-reaching consequences for marine and human life.



The study, "Pharmaceuticals in the Blubber of Live Free-Swimming Common Bottlenose Dolphins," offers a foundation for further exploration and calls for urgent action to address this silent crisis.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004224027342?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Fentanyl discovered in dolphins: What it means for marine animals

Fentanyl, a drug infamous for its devastating effects on human...

Have you ever wondered if crabs and lobsters felt pain or fear as they were being boiled alive before making it onto your dinner plate? 



Recent studies suggest that these creatures experience discomfort in ways we hadn't fully understood before.



Dr. Lynne Sneddon, a zoophysiologist at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>, believes it's time we reconsider how we treat these animals. 



"We need to find less painful ways to kill shellfish if we are to continue eating them. Because now we have scientific evidence that they both experience and react to pain," she says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-crustaceans-the-basics">Understanding crustaceans -- the basics</h2>



Crustaceans have been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-coloration-in-crayfish-does-not-serve-an-evolutionary-purpose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roaming the Earth</a> for an impressive span of over 500 million years. 



They first appeared during the Cambrian period, a time known for the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grand-canyon-fossils-reveal-secrets-of-the-cambrian-explosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambrian Explosion</a>" when many major animal groups emerged. 



Early crustaceans already showcased the key features we recognize today, such as their hard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shellfish-consumed-by-humans-are-ironically-more-resistant-to-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoskeletons</a>, segmented bodies, and jointed limbs. 



This long evolutionary history has allowed them to diversify into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-melita-panda-the-black-and-white-crustacean-shrimp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thousands of species</a>, adapting to a wide range of environments from the deepest parts of the oceans to freshwater rivers and even some terrestrial areas.



Crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, are more than just seafood delicacies. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-crabs-and-lobsters-have-emotions-and-feelings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These fascinating creatures</a> boast a hard exoskeleton made of chitin, providing them with protection and support. 



With ten legs -- often featuring claws or pincers -- they navigate their environments with ease. 



Their bodies are segmented into the head, thorax, and abdomen, and they have specialized appendages for swimming, walking, or digging.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-deep-sea-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-bahamas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptable animals</a> can be found almost everywhere: from the deepest ocean trenches to freshwater rivers and even damp terrestrial spots. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crabs-pain-and-perception">Crabs, pain, and perception</h2>



Until now, the idea that crustaceans feel pain was mostly based on observational studies. 



Researchers noticed that when crabs and lobsters were exposed to potentially harmful stimuli -- like electric shocks or acids -- they would touch the affected area or try to avoid the danger in subsequent encounters. 



This behavior led many to believe they might be experiencing pain.



But the team at the University of Gothenburg took it a step further. PhD student Eleftherios Kasiouras led a study where they measured the activity in a shore crab's brain using EEG-style recordings. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/crabs_feel-pain_electrodes_shore-crab_Eleftherios-Kasiouras_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/crabs_feel-pain_electrodes_shore-crab_Eleftherios-Kasiouras_1s.webp" alt="Electrodes measuring brain activity were attached to a shore crab, which was then subjected to mechanical and chemical stimuli. Credit: Eleftherios Kasiouras" class="wp-image-1951623"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Electrodes measuring brain activity were attached to a shore crab, which was then subjected to mechanical and chemical stimuli. Credit: Eleftherios Kasiouras</figcaption></figure>



"We could see that the crab has some kind of pain receptors in its soft tissues, because we recorded an increase in brain activity when we applied a potentially painful chemical, a form of vinegar, to the crab's soft tissues. The same happened when we applied external pressure to several of the crab's body parts," he explains.



These findings suggest that shore crabs have a pain signaling system that sends messages to their brains when they experience harmful stimuli. 



Interestingly, the pain response was shorter and more intense with physical stress, while chemical stress produced a longer-lasting effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-crabs-feel-pain-what-about-lobsters">If crabs feel pain, what about lobsters?</h2>



Given that many crustaceans share similar structures and nervous systems, these results could extend beyond shore crabs. 



"It is a given that all animals need some kind of pain system to cope by avoiding danger. I don't think we need to test all species of crustaceans, as they have a similar structure and therefore similar nervous systems," Kasiouras explains.



"We can assume that shrimps, crayfish, and lobsters can also send external signals about painful stimuli to their brain which will process this information."



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



Crustaceans play <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-did-billions-of-crabs-vanish-from-the-bering-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital roles in their ecosystems</a>. Acting as both predators and prey, they help maintain the balance of marine and freshwater food webs.



For humans, they are a significant food source, contributing to economies worldwide. They're also valuable in scientific research, aiding studies on regeneration, development, and environmental health.



However, challenges like overfishing and habitat destruction <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crabs-are-losing-their-sense-of-smell-and-vanishing-due-to-ocean-acidification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threaten their populations</a>. This raises concerns about sustainability and the need for better practices to ensure these creatures thrive for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconsidering-how-we-handle-seafood">Reconsidering how we handle seafood</h2>



Currently, shellfish like prawns, lobsters, crabs, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-crayfish-atlas-offers-new-tools-for-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crayfish aren't covered</a> by animal welfare legislation in the European Union. 



This means practices that might cause them pain are still legally acceptable. But with new evidence pointing to their ability to feel pain, there's a growing call to change how we treat these animals.



Dr. Sneddon emphasizes the need for change: "We need more research to find less painful ways to kill shellfish." 



If we continue to consume these creatures, it's crucial to ensure we're not causing unnecessary suffering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-is-awful-but-what-can-we-do">This is awful, but what can we do?</h2>



The first step is acknowledging that these animals might experience pain similarly to how we do. 



With that understanding, industries and regulators can work towards implementing more humane methods of handling and killing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberry-claws-the-hermit-crab-that-sings-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crustaceans</a>. 



This could involve developing new technologies or techniques that minimize pain or distress.



Consumers also play a role. By supporting businesses that prioritize humane practices and advocating for better regulations, we can encourage a shift towards more ethical treatment of these animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crabs-pain-and-human-compassion">Crabs, pain, and human compassion</h2>



As we learn more about the creatures we share our planet with, it's essential to adapt our behaviors accordingly. 



Knowing that crabs, lobsters, and other crustaceans can feel pain changes the game on how we should treat them, especially when it comes to cooking and handling. 



It's not just about following laws or guidelines -- it's about being mindful and compassionate in our everyday choices, treating sentient creatures with respect. 



By supporting humane practices and staying informed, we can help ensure that all crustaceans are treated with the respect they've earned by inhabiting our planet for over 500 million years.



As we move forward, both industries and individuals have a part to play. After all, how we treat the smallest of creatures often reflects our values as a society.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/13/11/851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology</a>.



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Immediate ban on boiling crabs and lobsters called for after disturbing study

Have you ever wondered if crabs and lobsters felt pain...

Chimpanzees are renowned for having the most complex memory among animals, apart from humans. Their short-term or working memory is especially impressive.



They can remember not only when and where fruits are ripe, but also use this knowledge to plan which fruit-bearing trees to visit and even where to sleep -- ensuring they can feast on these fruits first thing in the morning. 



However, while much is known about how chimpanzees locate and exploit plant-based resources, the cognitive strategies they use to obtain animal-based foods have remained less explored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-locating-elusive-prey-underground">Locating elusive prey underground</h2>



Until recently, researchers had limited understanding of how chimpanzees locate critical non-plant foods. 



Now, a team from the <a href="https://web.ub.edu/web/ub/">University of Barcelona</a> (UB) and the <a href="https://janegoodall.org/">Jane Goodall Institute</a> in Spain has led a study revealing that wild chimpanzees in Africa employ sophisticated cognitive skills to find and consume army ants concealed in underground nests. 



This discovery, published in the journal Nature Communications Biology, marks the first documentation of how chimpanzees rely on spatial and episodic-like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-connects-old-memories/">memory</a> to extract social insects hidden beneath the surface.



The study shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-pass-tool-use-skills-across-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these primates</a> can successfully overcome a challenging cognitive task to exploit a difficult animal food source in the wild over extended periods.



By doing so, chimpanzees provide insight into the evolutionary underpinnings of cognitive abilities shared by both non-human primates and humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-locating-hidden-insects">Challenge of locating hidden insects</h2>



Army <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-shifting-to-new-habitats-to-cope-with-climate-change/">ants</a> (Dorylus spp.), also known as marabunta, boast the largest colonies of social insects on Earth. 



Rich in protein and minerals -- key nutrients for chimpanzees -- these hymenopterous insects are notoriously elusive.



They build their nests under rocks, roots, and fallen vegetation, and move unpredictably, posing a significant foraging challenge.



To uncover how chimpanzees meet this challenge, the team analyzed 679 visits by chimpanzees to four army ant nests in Senegal’s Dindefelo community nature reserve from 2018 to 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chimpanzees-memory-of-hidden-nests">Chimpanzees' memory of hidden nests</h2>



Study first author Andreu Sánchez-Megías is a PhD student at UB. 



"We studied if chimpanzees intentionally return to nests, the strategies they use to detect if ants are present, the availability of these insects and the extent to which chimpanzees consume them.” 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/chimpanzee_using-stick-tool_credit-Jane-Goodall_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/chimpanzee_using-stick-tool_credit-Jane-Goodall_1s.webp" alt="A chimpanzee carries a stick to use as a tool to eat army ants. The chimpanzees insert these tools into the ant nests until the insects climb on the tool and then eat them. Credit: Andreu Sánchez-Megías" class="wp-image-1952667" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A chimpanzee carries a stick to use as a tool to eat army ants. The chimpanzees insert these tools into the ant nests until the insects climb on the tool and then eat them. Credit: Andreu Sánchez-Megías</figcaption></figure>



According to Sánchez-Megía, ant nests are scarce and nearly always impossible to see, and thus, for the chimpanzees, remembering the exact location of the nest is a good <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-foraging-behavior-changing-climate-warming-waters/">foraging strategy</a>. 



"The nests are abandoned and reoccupied at irregular intervals, and this key component of the ants’ behavior allows chimpanzees to repeatedly visit the same nests to feed on these insects," said Sánchez-Megías.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spatial-memory-in-chimpanzees">Spatial memory in chimpanzees</h2>



By recalling not only where the nests are located but also past outcomes -- whether ants were found previously -- chimpanzees exhibit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-chickadees-have-an-extraordinary-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">episodic-like memory</a>. 



In humans, this type of memory corresponds with the ability to remember where, when, and what happened in past events.



Since non-human animals cannot verbally communicate their memories, scientists refer to this as episodic-like memory, indicating it is similar yet not identical to human episodic memory.



A key finding of this study is that chimpanzees employ four senses -- sight, smell, taste, and touch -- to inspect empty nests and detect whether ants are present. 



This multi-sensory approach adds a new dimension to our understanding of how primates navigate complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rhesus-monkeys-quickly-learn-that-patience-is-rewarding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foraging challenges</a>.



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



Study senior author R. Adriana Hernandez-Aguilar is an evolutionary anthropologist at UB, 



"It is important to emphasize that the study of chimpanzee cognition in an ecologically relevant context -- such as the savannah where our research was carried out -- contributes to better understanding the evolution of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifestyle-choices-in-young-adulthood-impact-cognitive-ability-in-midlife/">cognitive capacities</a>, given that the first hominins inhabited similarly dry, open, and hot landscapes," said Hernandez-Aguilar.



This research advances our knowledge of primate cognition and has important implications for conservation. 



As chimpanzees are endangered, understanding the strategies they use to secure essential foods can inform efforts to protect their habitats and ensure their survival. 



By revealing that chimpanzees rely on advanced memory and problem-solving abilities to exploit challenging animal food sources, this study broadens our perspective on primate intelligence and its evolutionary roots. 



The findings serve as a reminder that these extraordinary creatures possess cognitive talents that can inspire deeper appreciation and inform more effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-machine-learning-can-help-us-protect-chimpanzees/">conservation</a> measures.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-07206-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications Biology</a>.



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Chimpanzees have remarkable spatial memory and sense of direction

Chimpanzees are renowned for having the most complex memory among...

Potatoes could hold the key to addressing the challenges posed by frequent and intense heatwaves, which are becoming more common in different regions of the world. 



These resilient crops are crucial in safeguarding global food supplies as climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming practices.



"We need to produce crops that can withstand more frequent and intense heatwave events if we are going to meet the population’s need for food in regions most at risk from reduced yields due to global warming," said Katherine Meacham-Hensold, scientific manager for the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project at the University of Illinois.



Working under the auspices of this project, the research team has engineered a potato that not only withstands extreme weather conditions but also thrives in them, promising greater food security for many.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-promise-of-a-climate-ready-potato">The promise of a climate-ready potato</h2>



While studying the effects of global warming on crop yields, Meacham-Hensold and her team found that this new breed of potato could yield a 30% increase in tuber mass under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-century-heatwave-may-soon-happen-every-other-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwave</a> conditions compared to its conventional counterparts.



"The 30% increase in tuber mass observed in our field trials shows the promise of improving photosynthesis to enable climate-ready crops," she said.



The team operates under the banner of RIPE, an international research project that seeks to address global food scarcity by enhancing the ability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food crops</a> to convert the sun's energy into edible matter.



Since its inception in 2017, RIPE has garnered support from numerous entities such as the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for Food &amp; Agriculture Research, and the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-silent-enemy-photorespiration">The silent enemy: Photorespiration</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-defy-climate-change-through-acclimation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photorespiration</a> is a core issue that reduces crop yields. It refers to an energy-consuming process wherein the plant enzyme Rubisco, which is responsible for fixing carbon dioxide into organic molecules, reacts more readily with oxygen than with carbon dioxide when the ambient temperatures are high. 



This challenge is particularly pronounced in crops like potatoes, where high temperatures can significantly hinder growth and productivity. 



The reaction results in the production of a harmful byproduct called glycolate that, if not dealt with, can severely impair the plant's growth.



"Photorespiration is a large energy cost for the plant," explained Meacham-Hensold. "It takes away from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/local-food-production-is-undervalued-in-the-context-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food production</a> as energy is diverted to metabolizing the toxin. Our goal was to reduce the amount of wasted energy by bypassing the plant’s original photorespiratory pathway.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potatoes-that-can-thrive-in-a-heatwave">Potatoes that can thrive in a heatwave</h2>



By introducing two new genes into the potato's DNA, the team managed to improve photosynthetic efficiency.



These genes, glycolate dehydrogenase and malate synthase, help the plant metabolize the toxin in the chloroplast (the leaf compartment responsible for photosynthesis), eliminating the need for energy-draining transfer of the toxin to other parts of the cell.



This solution led to substantial growth gains in the test crops. The benefits of these modifications were further intensified under heatwave conditions, making these crops more resilient to the changing climate.



On a testing field in the year 2022, during a heatwave that consistently broke over 95°F (35°C), the modified potatoes yielded 30% more tubers than the control group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crops-that-resist-global-warming">Crops that resist global warming</h2>



Notably, the team's genetic engineering did not compromise the nutritional quality of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crop-yields-have-grown-steadily-over-the-last-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop yield</a>. 



"Food security is not just about the amount of calories that can be produced but we must also consider the quality of the food,” noted Don Ort, the Robert Emerson Professor of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences, and Deputy Director of the RIPE project.



While further multi-location field trials are needed to confirm the findings, the promising results in potatoes open the possibility of applying similar modifications to other tuber crops. These might include cassava, a staple food in some Sub-Saharan African countries that is expected to be heavily impacted by increasing global temperatures.



In conclusion, the research by scientists from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a> presents a ray of hope in the battle against climate change.



By creating crops that not only resist the impacts of global warming but also thrive under them, we are taking steps toward a future where every table has food, and no one is left hungry.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Crops of the future: Potatoes that thrive in heatwaves

Potatoes could hold the key to addressing the challenges posed...

We all rely on agriculture for our food, but the escalating climate crisis is placing increasing stress on the world’s crops.&nbsp;



Modern crop varieties, domesticated to maximize yield and harvest efficiency, lack the genetic flexibility to adapt to the environmental challenges now reshaping our planet.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-climate-resilient-crops-nbsp">Creating climate-resilient crops&nbsp;</h2>



As temperature extremes, erratic rainfall, and other climate-driven stressors reduce output, food supplies dwindle and prices rise. Converting more land to agriculture is unsustainable, so we must instead alter our crops to withstand the conditions we have created.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agriculture</a> is highly vulnerable to climate change, and the intensity and frequency of extreme events is only going to increase,” said lead author Sergey Shabala, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Australia.</a> 



“Both sustainable agricultural production and global food security will be critically dependent on our ability to create climate-resilient crops.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnected-challenges-for-crops">Interconnected challenges for crops</h2>



The current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food system</a> relies heavily on monocultures and intensive use of fertilizers. While this has met the world’s food demands for decades, it is now recognized as environmentally harmful. 



Fertilizer production damages ecosystems, and their application on fields leads to runoff that pollutes waterways.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, the climate crisis reduces the yield of key staple crops by exposing them to harsher conditions. If high temperatures do not kill plants, they still lower yields, prompting farmers to rely on irrigation water that often contains more salt than ideal freshwater resources.



This higher salt content in irrigated soils reduces the productivity of most crops. Moreover, flooding caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-tens-of-millions-of-people-love-watching-videos-of-extreme-weather-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a> leaves roots submerged in low-oxygen conditions, further diminishing yields. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-a-sustainable-diet-nbsp">Achieving a sustainable diet&nbsp;</h2>



These interconnected problems underscore the complexity of achieving a sustainable diet in the face of scientific, social, and political challenges.



“The problem of a sustainable diet has scientific, social, and political facets,” said Shabala. “A broader acceptance of novel technologies and a willingness to accept some cultural shifts is needed.”&nbsp;



“A good example may be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-study-reveals-secrets-of-weedy-rice-invasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rice</a>: it is a main staple food for a high percentage of the population, but many parts of the world may become unsuitable for its production. A switch to other, more resilient, crops may be needed, and I am not sure the public is ready to accept it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-crops-that-can-cope">Creating crops that can cope</h2>



Many wild plants, including the ancestors and relatives of today’s staple crops, are inherently better equipped to handle environmental extremes. To help cultivated plants cope with the climate crisis, we need to bring these resilient traits back into domesticated species.



There are two main approaches to achieve this. The first is to introduce stress-resistance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-inspire-a-safer-method-of-editing-human-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> from closely related plants or reactivate dormant genes within existing crops. This approach seems straightforward, but transferring multiple traits into a single high-yield crop is challenging. 



The second approach involves domesticating entirely new species that are naturally resilient but produce less food initially. Adapting these wild plants to modern farming demands a careful and possibly lengthy process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-paths-and-public-resistance">Uncertain paths and public resistance</h2>



It remains unclear which strategy - gene introduction into established crops or domesticating wild species - will eventually prevail.&nbsp;



However, both approaches share certain requirements: cutting-edge gene-editing and precision breeding methods, backed by accurate cell-based phenotyping and, crucially, public acceptance of new crop varieties.



“One of the current challenges is to match recent scientific advances with public perception of new technologies,” cautioned Shabala.&nbsp;



“The issue is highly politicized and there are significant commercial interests involved. And due to a lack of specific knowledge, the general public cannot distinguish the subtle differences amongst various technologies, and relies on opinions in the media.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-change-for-a-sustainable-future">Embracing change for a sustainable future</h2>



Developing climate-resilient crops involves technological breakthroughs and social willingness to embrace them. Whether by gene-editing existing crops or domesticating new species, our success depends on navigating scientific, regulatory, and cultural hurdles.&nbsp;



The rising global population and the intensifying climate crisis leave us with no choice but to adapt our agriculture to these changing realities.



By investing in research, improving public understanding, and supporting innovation in both plant genetics and farming practices, we can move toward a future where climate-resilient crops ensure not only that we continue to feed everyone, but also that we do so sustainably in the world we have altered.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsci.2024.1416023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a>.



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Creating resilient crops to cope with the climate crisis

We all rely on agriculture for our food, but the...

We are dependent on oxygen that is generated by miniscule planktonic creatures that live in the oceans. Scientists estimate that over 50% of the Earth's oxygen is produced by these tiny, drifting protists, plants and algae.



It is these microscopic oceanic organisms, even more than the tall tree outside your window, that are the unsung heroes of our planet. Marine plankton drive the Earth's carbon cycle and regulate the climate.



Plankton drifts with the ocean's currents and has a dual role in producing oxygen and storing carbon dioxide (CO2). This makes these organisms indispensable in maintaining the planet’s delicate balance.



A recent discovery has shed light on the intricate relationship between these planktonic life forms and one of the greatest challenges of our time - increasing atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-plankton-and-carbon-storage">Marine plankton and carbon storage </h2>



Buried deep within the ocean's waters resides a near-invisible, yet vital organism - Trilobatus trilobus, a species of plankton that belongs to the group known as the formainifera. 



These tiny heroes sequester and store CO2 in their calcium carbonate shells through a process known as calcification.



This is the process whereby living organisms, like plankton, build hard, shell-like structures using calcium, carbon and oxygen from their surroundings. The protective "suits of armor" are made of a material similar to chalk or limestone.



Once the plankton expire, their shells sink to the seafloor, becoming long-term carbon storage facilities. This means that the huge task of CO2 storage is undertaken partially by these microscopic life forms.



Now, scientists from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> have explored this phenomenon in more detail and uncovered some fascinating insights.



Initially, research focused on how changes in ocean chemistry and acidification influence calcification. However, this study revealed that physical properties of the ocean, such as density, also play a crucial role in this complex process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-artful-adaptations-of-marine-plankton">The artful adaptations of marine plankton </h2>



What makes T. trilobus so remarkable? This planktonic species demonstrates an extraordinary ability to adapt its calcification process in response to environmental fluctuations, particularly to changes in ocean density and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a>.



These survival strategies ensure that the plankton can maintain buoyancy and thrive in varying conditions.



For example, when ocean density decreases due to freshwater influx from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-caps-changing-earths-rotation-need-negative-leap-second/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting ice caps</a>, T. trilobus reduces the calcification rate, thus forming lighter shells that help to keep the individuals buoyant. 



This adjustment not only supports the survival of the microorganisms, but also affects ocean chemistry by leaving surface waters more alkaline. 



The increase in alkalinity enhances the ocean's ability to absorb even more CO2, illustrating the intricate relationship between these microscopic organisms and the planet’s carbon cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-unseen-impact-on-climate-change">The unseen impact on climate change</h2>



The adaptive behavior of T. trilobus has far-reaching implications for climate regulation. 



By modifying calcification in response to environmental changes, these plankton indirectly boost the ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 and act as a natural mitigator of atmospheric carbon.



This dynamic process highlights the vital role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-stress-causes-undetected-changes-in-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> in buffering the effects of climate change.



“Our findings demonstrate how planktonic foraminifera adapt their shell architecture to changes in seawater density. This natural adjustment, potentially regulating atmospheric chemistry for millions of years, underscores the complex interplay between marine life and the global climate system,” explained Dr. Stergios Zarkogiannis, the study's lead scientist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-plankton-in-ocean-calcification">The role of plankton in ocean calcification</h2>



Dr. Zarkogiannis and his team explored the intricacies of T. trilobus shells, collected from deep-sea sediments along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.



Using advanced techniques like X-ray microcomputed tomography and shell trace element geochemistry, they linked variations in calcification to environmental changes, including salinity, density, and carbonate chemistry.



Their findings revealed that plankton produce lighter, thinner shells in equatorial waters and thicker, heavier shells in denser subtropical regions, illustrating how these tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms adapt</a> to their surroundings.



“Although planktonic organisms may passively float in the water column, they are far from passive participants in the carbon cycle. By actively adjusting their calcification to control buoyancy and ensure survival, these organisms also regulate the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2," said Dr. Zarkogiannis.



This dual role underscores their profound importance in understanding and addressing climate challenges."



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



While this study illuminates the adaptive capabilities of T. trilobus, further research is needed to determine whether buoyancy regulation influences calcification in other marine organisms. 



By continuing to unravel the intricate ways in which plankton interact with their environment, scientists can better understand - and perhaps leverage - their role in mitigating climate change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Marine plankton are key players in carbon cycle regulation

We are dependent on oxygen that is generated by miniscule...

As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat to our global food supply. Scientists are raising alarms about the potentially devastating consequences. 



Without rapid changes to how we develop climate-resilient crops, we could face widespread food shortages, famine, mass migration, and global instability. 



An international team of researchers, as reported in Trends in Plant Science, calls for urgent action to avert this crisis.



"We're in a race against time," said Silvia Restrepo, president of the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and co-author of the paper.



"The crops we depend on for food are increasingly struggling to survive extreme weather, from heat waves to droughts and floods. Meanwhile, our current approaches to developing tougher, more resilient crops simply aren't moving fast enough."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impacting-food-supply">Climate change impacting food supply </h2>



The challenges facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> are more complex than ever. Crops are not only battling higher temperatures but are also dealing with more frequent pest outbreaks and diseases. 



Even when plants survive these challenges, climate change can reduce their nutritional value. 



The situation is further complicated by agriculture itself contributing to about 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates climate change.



The <a href="https://btiscience.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BTI</a> researchers outline five key recommendations to tackle this urgent crisis:



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Create global research initiatives that unite scientists from developed and developing nations to share resources and expertise. </li>



<li>Study plants in real-world conditions, beyond the confines of controlled laboratory environments. </li>



<li>Forge stronger partnerships between scientists and farmers to ensure practical solutions. </li>



<li>Build public trust in new crop development technologies to increase acceptance. </li>



<li>Streamline regulations&nbsp;to speed up the implementation of innovative agricultural solutions.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-gaps-and-neglected-regions">Funding gaps and neglected regions</h2>



Despite the crucial role agriculture plays in human survival, only about 4% of global climate funding - roughly $35 billion annually - goes toward developing climate-resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food systems</a>.



What’s even more alarming is that most of this funding focuses on large-scale farming in developed nations, leaving smaller farms and developing countries behind. 



This imbalance is exacerbating both climate challenges and the global food supply crisis, leaving vulnerable regions at greater risk.



"We need to completely rethink how we approach this challenge," said study co-author Andrew Nelson, an associate professor at BTI.



"Instead of starting in the lab and hoping solutions work in the field, we should begin by understanding farmers' real-world challenges and then work backward to develop practical solutions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-resilience-through-collaboration">Building resilience through collaboration</h2>



Success will demand unprecedented collaboration among scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public. 



It will also require making new technologies accessible to all regions, particularly in the Global South, where climate impacts are felt most severely.



This global collaboration could help prevent a worsening crisis in agriculture and improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> security and nutrition worldwide.



The experts emphasize that the time for incremental changes has passed. Rapid and decisive action is required to implement their five recommendations. 



Only by building resilient agricultural systems can we hope to secure our food supply in the face of ongoing climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-summit-on-plant-resilience">International summit on plant resilience</h2>



The group of 21 co-authors from nine countries formed after the First International Summit on Plant Resilience, organized by the Plant Resilience Institute. 



The summit, held earlier this year, featured Michelle Heck as the keynote speaker. Heck, an adjunct professor at BTI and <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> and Research Molecular Biologist at USDA-ARS, spoke about her innovative research on preventing citrus greening disease.



The summit aimed to promote global collaboration by bringing together leading plant scientists from diverse disciplines. The goal? Establishing plant resilience research as a cornerstone of climate change solutions.



Another summit is already planned for 2026, signaling the importance and urgency of continued efforts to fight climate threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-our-food-supply-from-climate-change">Protecting our food supply from climate change</h2>



As climate change continues to accelerate, our food systems face an uncertain future. 



Addressing these issues will require collaboration across borders, new technology, and a fresh perspective on solving real-world agricultural problems.



The five recommendations outlined by the researchers are a roadmap that could lead to a more resilient and secure food system - but only if we act decisively.



The time for half-measures has passed; the world must come together to ensure a stable food supply for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/abstract/S1360-1385(24)00302-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>.



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We are in a race against time to save our food supply from climate change

As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat to...

Every year on December 5, we turn our attention to the soil beneath our feet - the essential foundation of life on our planet. World Soil Day is an international event dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of healthy soils for sustaining life on Earth.&nbsp;



Established by the <a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization</a> (FAO), this day highlights the role of soil in providing essential ecosystem services, including food production and climate regulation.&nbsp;



World Soil Day also draws attention to the alarming rate of soil degradation caused by human activities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theme-of-world-soil-day">Theme of World Soil Day</h2>



Each year, World Soil Day revolves around a specific theme to address the biggest soil-related challenges. Past themes have included combating soil salinization, preventing erosion, and promoting soil biodiversity.&nbsp;



The theme for World Soil Day 2024, "Caring for soils: Measure, monitor, manage," is focused on ways to promote soil health.&nbsp;



This theme highlights the vital importance of monitoring soils and collecting accurate data to inform <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-footprint-a-new-frontier-in-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable management practices</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-soil-important">Why is soil important?</h2>



Soil is a fundamental resource that supports life on Earth in countless ways. It provides the foundation for nearly all terrestrial ecosystems by acting as the medium for plant growth, supplying nutrients, water, and oxygen essential for vegetation.&nbsp;



This vegetation, in turn, forms the base of food chains and provides resources for humans and animals. Healthy soil is essential for the productivity of crops that feed billions of people worldwide.



Beyond its role in food production, soil acts as a natural water filter, absorbing rainfall and replenishing groundwater while removing contaminants.&nbsp;



Furthermore, soil supports human infrastructure, providing a stable foundation for buildings, roads, and other structures.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-healthy-soil">Benefits of healthy soil</h2>



Healthy soil is the foundation of environmental and human well-being, offering a wide range of benefits. It acts as a natural reservoir of nutrients, supporting the growth of healthy plants.



Through its ability to store and filter water, healthy soil helps maintain water quality and reduces the risk of flooding by preventing surface runoff.&nbsp;



Soil also plays a vital role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-practices-boost-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sequestration</a>, capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, which helps to mitigate climate change.&nbsp;



Furthermore, soil is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-pollution-is-harming-worms-and-bugs-to-an-unknown-degree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> hotspot. It provides habitats for countless organisms, from microbes to insects, which contribute to nutrient cycling and plant health.&nbsp;



By promoting crop resilience, healthy soil reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Its ability to retain moisture leads to better crop yields - even in periods of drought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-growing-issue-of-soil-degradation-nbsp">The growing issue of soil degradation&nbsp;</h2>



Soil degradation refers to the deterioration of the soil’s quality and health, which can result from a variety of factors such as poor land management, deforestation, overgrazing, urbanization, and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.&nbsp;



This process leads to the loss of essential soil nutrients, reduced water retention, and the breakdown of soil structure.&nbsp;



As a consequence, the land becomes less productive, making it harder to grow crops and sustain plant life. Soil degradation also contributes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-erosion-rates-have-exploded-in-the-midwestern-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a>, where the topsoil is washed away, leading to further loss of fertile land.



Soil degradation is increasingly recognized as a growing issue across the globe. Over the past century, human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, and unsustainable land management practices have significantly accelerated soil degradation.&nbsp;



The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that about one-third of the world’s land is moderately to severely degraded. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food, water, and land increases, further straining the planet’s soil resources.&nbsp;



In many regions, soil erosion, desertification, and nutrient depletion have become widespread, impacting agricultural productivity and food security.&nbsp;



Climate change exacerbates the problem by altering rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, which can lead to further soil loss.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-soil-day">World Soil Day</h2>



The idea of dedicating a day to soil was first proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. This idea gained momentum with the support of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who advocated for sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-soils-produce-a-symphony-of-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil management</a> throughout his reign. 



In 2013, the UN General Assembly officially declared December 5 as World Soil Day to coincide with the king's birthday, honoring his lifelong commitment to soil conservation.



World Soil Day emphasizes that soil is a fragile resource, taking hundreds to thousands of years to regenerate naturally. It reminds us of the need for collective action to preserve soil health - from adopting sustainable agricultural practices to restoring degraded lands.&nbsp;



Through global participation, this occasion seeks to inspire individuals and communities to appreciate the critical role of soil in building a sustainable future.



Ultimately, healthy soil supports the balance of natural ecosystems and directly influences human health, livelihoods, and the planet's capacity to thrive.



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World Soil Day 2024: Protecting our planet's lifeline

Every year on December 5, we turn our attention to...

species in Scorpidiaceae