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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>---</p>



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



<p>---</p>



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

Plants are absorbing more human-produced carbon dioxide than expected

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

<p>Researchers at <a href="https://nau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a> have shared new details about the resilience of coast redwoods, particularly their recovery from severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-fires-have-released-a-billion-tons-of-carbon-dioxide/">fires</a>. </p>



<p>The study was focused on the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, a devastating event in August of 2020. In California's Big Basin State Park, the fire burned thousands of acres of redwoods - including some that were over 1,500 years old.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilient-redwoods-nbsp">Resilient redwoods&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A team from NAU’s Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss) and the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (SICCS) meticulously examined the aftermath of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.</p>



<p>The researchers found that many of the trees that were initially believed to be dead were actually far from it. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-survival-strategy-nbsp">Remarkable survival strategy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The redwoods, known for storing massive amounts of carbon, had utilized these reserves to fuel new growth. Remarkably, new leaves sprouted from buried buds, dormant for centuries, signaling the start of the forest's regeneration.</p>



<p>This incredible discovery opens up questions about the survival strategies of other long-lived plants and their adaptation to severe environmental stresses.</p>



<p>“It remains to be determined if redwood’s old reserves and ancient cell lines are an exception in the plant kingdom or an exceptional example of an insurance strategy common to long-lived plants,” said study co-author Professor George Koch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-carbon-reserves-nbsp">Ancient carbon reserves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers used computer modeling to analyze the age of the carbon reserves in these ancient trees. The results were astonishing: some trees used carbon reserves that were decades or perhaps even a century old.</p>



<p>The team’s updated models showed that the redwoods’ reserves included carbon captured 50 to 100 years ago.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“As far as we know, these are some of the oldest carbon reserves ever measured,” said study lead author Professor Drew Peltier.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Sugars photosynthesized perhaps 100 years ago were used to grow new leaves in 2021. Although coast redwood is clearly a superlative species, it is likely that other long-lived trees also harbor carbon reserves that are much older than previously recognized.”</p>



<p>“This study was really exciting for us because we used measurements at the atomic level - counting the amount of carbon-14 relative to carbon-12 - to understand what these sprouts, which start as tiny green shoots, are telling us about the growth strategy of these enormous trees, among the largest living organisms on earth,” said study co-author Professor Andrew Richardson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-recovery">Forest recovery</h2>



<p>Despite the optimism, the study also brings to light the harsh reality of forest recovery. Many redwoods and other tree species in Big Basin did not survive the fire. </p>



<p>The researchers noted that, although the coast redwood demonstrates exceptional resprouting capabilities, it might take centuries for the Big Basin forest ecosystem to fully recover.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01581-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Plants</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Rising from the ashes: How some redwoods recover from fire

Researchers at Northern Arizona University have shared new details about...

<p>In an era where sustainable agriculture and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity</a> are critical, a new study from India has demonstrated the power of integrating flowers into farming practices. </p>



<p>The study shows that floral interventions can enhance bee populations and biodiversity while boosting crop yields and benefiting the environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was conducted in South India by a team from the University of Reading and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation.</p>



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



<p>The study was focused on the Moringa crop, which is known for its high nutritional value. Moringa is mainly cultivated in South India.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that Moringa plays a major role in the rural economy. "The moringa global market was worth USD 5.5 billion in 2018 and projected to increase to USD 10 billion by 2025."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-background-of-the-research-nbsp">Background of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Pollination is one of the most important ecosystem services provided by nature, which is crucial for global food security and human nutritional health," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"About 75% of the food crops around the globe benefit from pollination by animal pollinators; this figure increases in the tropics, where ~94% of tropical crops benefit from animal pollinators."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Despite the advances in agricultural technology, the increasing pressure on farming to meet human food and energy needs over the last century has resulted in a rise of intensive but environmentally detrimental farming."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-floral-interventions-nbsp">Floral interventions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers set out to investigate the effectiveness of floral interventions in boosting pollination across 24 moringa orchards.</p>



<p>"We hypothesise that moringa fields with floral interventions have a greater abundance and diversity of flower visitors on crop compared with the moringa fields without such floral interventions," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insect-pollinators-nbsp">Insect pollinators&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Working with farmers, they planted marigold flowers and red gram crops alongside Moringa trees. This strategy led to a significant increase in the abundance and diversity of flower-visiting insects, particularly bees.</p>



<p>"Planting wildflowers on agricultural land is a tried and tested method seen in many arable fields and orchards in the UK and across Europe. This farming technique is known to boost insect pollinator numbers," said Dr. Deepa Senapathi from the University of Reading.</p>



<p>“We worked with farmers in South India to design the best co-flowering crops and boost the numbers of native bees and other insect pollinators visiting the moringa orchards.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-results">Remarkable results</h2>



<p>The researchers found that orchards with co-flowering crops experienced a 50% increase in flower visitor numbers and a 33% boost in diversity compared to those without these crops. This led to larger Moringa pods and a 30% increase in harvestable fruits.</p>



<p>“Greater yields and higher quality fruit will translate to a healthier and better food supply for smallholder communities," said Dr. Senapathi.</p>



<p>"The farming communities can also use the red gram as a protein source in their diets and receive extra income from selling the marigold flowers.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>India, with its vast array of economically and nutritionally valuable crops like mango and moringa, stands to benefit immensely from improved pollination services. However, intensive farming and habitat loss have severely impacted biodiversity, including native pollinators.</p>



<p>Smallholder farmers, who rely on native pollinators, are often the most affected by these ecological challenges. The research demonstrates how they can enhance yields while adopting more sustainable land management practices.</p>



<p>The study is part of the TROPICAL project, funded by the UKRI’s Global Challenges Research Fund. This project aims to apply UK-based research to tropical regions where crops depend heavily on pollinators.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14532" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Applied Ecology</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Floral interventions on farms boost pollinators and crop yields

In an era where sustainable agriculture and biodiversity are critical,...

Vegan,Lentil,Burgers,With,Kale,And,Tomato,Sauce,On,A

<p>A recent analysis from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pcrm.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine</a> highlights the benefits of replacing animal products with plant-based foods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This analysis, which expands on a previous study by the same committee, emphasizes the significant impact of plant-based diets on weight loss, cholesterol, fat intake, and fiber intake in overweight adults.</p>



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



<p>The most significant finding is that both healthy and unhealthy plant-based foods contribute to weight loss when they replace animal products in the diet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This conclusion is significant because it underscores the potential of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> diet, regardless of the specific type of plant-based foods consumed, in managing weight and improving overall health.</p>



<p>“While a low-fat vegan diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans is the gold standard for weight loss and improved health, the good news is that a plant-based diet that eliminates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-meat-diets-have-four-times-the-environmental-impacts-of-vegan-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal products</a> and minimizes the consumption of oil can help with weight loss in people who are overweight,” said study co-author Dr. Hana Kahleova, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.</p>



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



<p>This analysis is a secondary examination of a prior study that involved 244 overweight adults. The participants were divided into two groups. One group followed a low-fat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-reduces-arthritis-pain-and-inflammation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diet</a>, and the other made no changes to their diet. Notably, the study imposed no restrictions on calorie intake, and the researchers did not give participants specific instructions on diet quality.</p>



<p>The study authors used three different indexes to assess plant-based diet adherence: the plant-based diet index (PDI), the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI), and the unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The PDI measures general adherence to a plant-based diet, the hPDI emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans, while the uPDI includes more refined grains and fruit juices. Higher scores on these indexes correlate with greater consumption of plant-based foods and reduced consumption of animal products.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-foods-show-promising-results">Plant-based foods show promising results</h2>



<p>The results revealed that after 16 weeks, participants on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-environmental-impacts-of-various-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan diet</a> showed increased scores in all three indexes. This increase significantly correlated with participants losing an average of about 13 pounds, mainly from reduced fat mass and visceral fat.</p>



<p>Factors contributing to this weight loss included increased consumption of whole grains and legumes, and reduced consumption of meat, vegetable oil, and sweets. The control group showed no change in their index scores.</p>



<p>Overall, the analysis provides strong evidence that eating plant-based foods is effective for weight management and health improvement, regardless of the specific type of plant-based foods consumed. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-plant-based-foods-for-weight-loss">Best plant-based foods for weight loss</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/is-a-plant-based-diet-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant-based</a> foods are excellent for weight loss as they're typically lower in calories and higher in fiber and nutrients. Here's a description of some effective plant-based foods for weight loss:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legumes">Legumes</h3>



<p>Beans, lentils, and peas are great sources of protein and fiber, which can keep you feeling full and satisfied. They're also low in fat and calories.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-grains">Whole grains</h3>



<p>Foods like quinoa, brown rice, barley, and whole wheat are rich in fiber. They take longer to digest, which helps in maintaining steady blood sugar levels and keeping you full longer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leafy-greens">Leafy greens</h3>



<p>Spinach, kale, collards, and other greens are incredibly low in calories but high in fiber and essential nutrients. They add bulk to meals without adding many calories.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuts-and-seeds">Nuts and seeds</h3>



<p>While higher in calories, nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They should be eaten in moderation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruits">Fruits</h3>



<p>Berries, apples, pears, and other fruits are high in fiber and natural sugars, satisfying sweet cravings in a healthier way. They're also full of vitamins and antioxidants.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegetables">Vegetables</h3>



<p>Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers are low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients, making them perfect for weight loss diets.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tofu-and-yempeh">Tofu and yempeh</h3>



<p>These soy-based products are high in protein and fiber, yet low in calories. They can be great meat substitutes in various dishes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado">Avocado</h3>



<p>Rich in healthy fats and fiber, avocados can help you feel full and satisfied. However, they are calorie-dense, so portion control is key.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushrooms">Mushrooms</h3>



<p>Low in calories and high in flavor, mushrooms can be a satisfying substitute for meat in many dishes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbs-and-spices">Herbs and spices</h3>



<p>Using herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic can add flavor without calories, helping to make plant-based meals more satisfying and enjoyable.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41430-023-01371-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>European Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Plant-based foods are great for weight loss, regardless of the type

A recent analysis from the&nbsp;Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine highlights...

<p>The escalating crisis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/">deforestation</a> in Mexico, primarily fueled by the US’ soaring demand for avocados, is a concern that <a href="https://cri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Rights International</a> (CRI) squarely attributes to the inaction of both US and Mexican federal governments, as well as local authorities in Michoacán and Jalisco. </p>



<p>Despite having the capacity to intervene, these governmental bodies have failed to take effective measures, according to CRI.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corruption">Corruption</h2>



<p>In a recent <a href="https://cri.org/reports/unholy-guacamole/">report</a> CRI identifies two key issues at the heart of local environmental authorities’ failure: corruption and violence. In Michoacán, for instance, the State Prosecutor’s Office’s unit tasked with investigating avocado-related deforestation is reportedly plagued by corruption.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This situation allows those responsible for deforestation to operate with impunity, mocking the powerlessness of the forest commission, as per a forest official’s statement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-violence-and-threats">Violence and threats</h2>



<p>Additionally, any resistance to avocado growers is often met with violence or threats, effectively silencing both governmental authorities and local communities who have tried to hold these growers accountable. The situation is further complicated as criminal syndicates vie for a share in this lucrative industry, valued at billions of dollars annually.</p>



<p>The consequences of such resistance can be severe, with instances of kidnapping and even murder of community group members reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-measures-nbsp">Drastic measures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI criticizes the US government for its role, highlighting that it “routinely certifies illegally deforested orchards to export to US consumers.” This lack of adequate action from the authorities meant to safeguard the land and communities has led some locals to take drastic measures.</p>



<p>In Cherán, Michoacán, frustrated residents ousted the local government in 2011 due to rampant illegal logging and violence, establishing their own governance and police force to enforce anti-deforestation laws. Michoacán eventually acknowledged the authority of this self-established government.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-imports-nbsp">Avocado imports&nbsp;</h2>



<p>CRI emphasizes that localized responses alone are insufficient to tackle such pervasive problems. In its report, CRI outlines several recommendations, including a call for both the Mexican and US governments to enforce deforestation and avocado cultivation laws effectively. One key proposal is for the US to ban the import of avocados cultivated on illegally deforested land.</p>



<p>Despite these recommendations, as recently as last year, the US sanctioned avocado imports from Jalisco without implementing deforestation safeguards.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deteriorating-situation">Deteriorating situation</h2>



<p>CRI warns that if decisive action is not taken soon, the situation will continue to deteriorate, especially given the ever-increasing American appetite for avocados.</p>



<p>“Urgently enacting and implementing such regulations and policies is essential to averting climate catastrophe, and to protecting the rights of populations where the commodities are produced,” officials from CRI concluded.</p>



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



<p>—-</p>



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

America's demand for avocados linked to escalating crisis in Mexico

The escalating crisis of deforestation in Mexico, primarily fueled by...

<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> have achieved a breakthrough by harnessing the "super power" of a tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/">flower</a>, potentially revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry's approach to drug development. </p>



<p>The research, inspired by nature, focuses on creating more stable and effective drugs using a technique derived from Oldenlandia affinis, a small purple flower.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeking-more-effective-drugs">Seeking more effective drugs</h2>



<p>Traditionally, drug treatments target disease-related proteins to block their activity, either alleviating symptoms or curing the disease. However, the conventional method using small molecules has limitations, especially in blocking protein interactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The pharmaceutical industry is now exploring the use of small proteins called peptides, which could lead to improved drug discovery.</p>



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



<p>The challenge with peptides and proteins as drug candidates is their structural vulnerability. They tend to unravel, are sensitive to high temperatures, and have difficulty penetrating cells, where many significant drug targets reside.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The University of Bath team has developed a novel solution to these issues. The technique involves creating "cyclic" proteins and peptides by joining their start and end points. This process enhances their stability against heat and chemicals and facilitates easier cell penetration.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The experts utilized the enzyme OaAEP1 from Oldenlandia affinis, modifying it and integrating it into bacterial cells for mass production. This process simultaneously joins the proteins' ends in a single step.</p>



<p>While plants can naturally cyclicize proteins, it's a slow and low-yielding process. Chemical cyclization is an alternative but involves multiple steps and toxic solvents.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The bacterial system introduced by the Bath team is a significant improvement. This approach offers higher yields, uses sustainable biologically-friendly reagents, and simplifies the process, making it cheaper and greener.</p>



<p>To demonstrate their method's efficacy, the researchers applied their bacterial OaAEP1 technology to a protein called DHFR. They found that linking its head and tail ends increased its temperature resistance while maintaining its normal function.</p>



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



<p>Professor Jody Mason from the University of Bath’s Department of Life Sciences highlighted the significance of this discovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Proteins and peptides are generally quite sensitive to heat, but cyclisation makes them much more robust," said Professor Mason. “The Oldenlandia plant naturally makes cyclic proteins as part of a defence mechanism to deter predators."</p>



<p>“So we’ve harnessed this flower super power by modifying OaAEP1 and combining it with existing bacterial protein-producing technology to create a really powerful tool that will help the drug discovery industry.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exciting-potential-applications-nbsp">Exciting potential applications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dr. Simon Tang, a research associate in the University of Bath Department of Life Sciences, explained that proteins and peptides are very promising as drug candidates, but a significant bottleneck for the development of new therapeutic treatments is producing enough of the stuff to reach patients without incurring an astronomical cost.</p>



<p>“Our new process lets the bacteria do all the work – the result is it’s also cleaner and greener, and because it has fewer steps, it is a lot simpler to do," said Dr. Tang.</p>



<p>“We’re really excited about the potential applications of this, not only for the pharmaceutical industry but other industries such as the food industry, detergent industry, in biotechnology, and in bioenergy production.”</p>



<p>The researchers have filed a patent for the technique. The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jacsau.3c00591" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of the American Chemical Society Gold</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Peter Warren</p>



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



<p>—-</p>



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

'Super power' of a tropical flower will improve drug discovery

Scientists at the University of Bath have achieved a breakthrough...

<p>Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels and one of the most catastrophic marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/">extinction events</a> in Earth’s history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research not only illuminates our understanding of past global changes but also issues a stark warning about the current fragility of marine ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triassic-jurassic-mass-extinction">Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction</h2>



<p>The study was focused on the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, which occurred approximately 200 million years ago. This event is among the Earth's major mass extinctions, periods characterized by significant global ecosystem collapses and widespread species extinctions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Historically, these events have been closely associated with global environmental disturbances, frequently resulting in reduced oxygen levels (anoxia) in oceanic waters.</p>



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



<p>A common hypothesis has been that greater extents of ocean deoxygenation would naturally lead to larger scale extinctions. However, the current study challenges this assumption by demonstrating that the level of euxinia (an extreme form of deoxygenation) during the Triassic–Jurassic extinction was similar to what we observe today.</p>



<p>The research team, including experts from Royal Holloway (UK), <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> (Ireland), and Utrecht University (Netherlands), analyzed chemical data extracted from ancient mudstone deposits in Northern Ireland and Germany.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The results of the analysis highlight the role of anoxia in the marine extinctions during this period. The study also reveals a surprising limitation in the global extent of extreme deoxygenation at the time.</p>



<p>The experts found a correlation between increased extinction rates and spikes in deoxygenation across shallow marine environments along European continental margins.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautionary-tale-nbsp">Cautionary tale&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Upon further investigation, the team determined that the global extent of extreme deoxygenation was rather limited, and similar to the present day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research serves as a cautionary tale about the current state of our oceans, suggesting that they may be more vulnerable than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study of past global change events is invaluable in understanding the consequences of modern climate change, as well as in predicting and possibly mitigating future ecosystem tipping points.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-impacts">Cascading impacts</h2>



<p>“Scientists have long suspected that ocean deoxygenation plays an important role in the disturbance of marine ecosystems, which can lead to the extinction of species in marine environments," said study co-author Professor Micha Ruhl.</p>



<p>"The study of past time intervals of extreme environmental change indeed shows this to be the case, which teaches us important lessons about potential tipping points in local, as well as global ecosystems in response to climatic forcing."</p>



<p>“Crucially however, the current findings show that even when the global extent of deoxygenation is similar to the present day, the local development of anoxic conditions and subsequent locally increased extinction rates can cascade in widespread or global ecosystem collapse and extinctions, even in areas where deoxygenation did not occur."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-ecosystem-stability-nbsp">Assessing ecosystem stability&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Ruhl said the research shows that global marine ecosystems become vulnerable, even when only local environments along the edges of the continents are disturbed.</p>



<p>"Understanding such processes is of paramount importance for assessing present day ecosystem stability, and associated food supply, especially in a world where marine deoxygenation is projected to significantly increase in response to global warming and increased nutrient run-off from continents.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01303-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a></p>



<p>---</p>



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



<p>---</p>



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

Today's ocean oxygen levels may have cascading impacts

Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Most cannabis users no longer need conventional sleep aids

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Secondary forests reconnect fragmented habitats

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Invasive naturalized species will continue to spread globally

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>---</p>



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



<p>---</p>



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

How plants know where to find the light

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

Ingredients,For,Mediterranean,Diet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Food for the aging brain: Mediterranean diet protects cognitive health

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Forest modeling study reveals new insights into carbon sequestration

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Coffee grounds could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Reducing air pollution could greatly boost carbon sequestration by plants

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Cannabinoids as pesticides: Study reveals potential of hemp compounds

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

How plants used nitrogen to survive the dinosaur extinction

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>---</p>



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



<p>---</p>



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

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

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

Cropped,Image,Of,Woman,Gardening

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>---</p>



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



<p>---</p>



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

New ‘Plant Hardiness Zone’ map released by the USDA

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Restoring forest biodiversity has massive potential for carbon capture

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

3d,Rendering,Of,Tyrannosaurus,Rex,,And,Its,Young,One,,Storming

<p>A recent discovery sheds light on the dietary habits of a juvenile tyrannosaur, revealing its last meal to be two baby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-self-regulated-their-body-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. This finding offers a rare glimpse into the life and development of these prehistoric creatures.</p>



<p>In the Alberta Badlands, a hotspot for dinosaur hunters, a remarkable fossil was unearthed in 2009. It was the ribcage of a juvenile gorgosaurus, a close relative of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-may-have-weighed-up-to-33000-pounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T. rex</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-juvenile-gorgosaurus">Juvenile gorgosaurus</h2>



<p>After meticulous preparation, researchers at the <a href="https://tyrrellmuseum.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology</a> discovered the remains of two small bird-like dinosaurs, known as citipes, inside the ribcage.</p>



<p>The juvenile gorgosaurus, about seven years old and weighing approximately 330kg, was in a developmental stage equivalent to a human teenager.&nbsp;Its size was roughly a tenth of a fully grown adult tyrannosaur.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tyrannosaur-dietary-shifts">Tyrannosaur dietary shifts</h2>



<p>The presence of the citipes' hind limbs within its ribcage is "solid evidence that tyrannosaurs drastically changed their diet as they grew up,'' according to Dr. Darla Zelenitsky from the <a href="https://www.ucalgary.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Calgary</a>.</p>



<p>The findings highlight a significant shift in the feeding habits of tyrannosaurs as they matured.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We now know that these teenage (tyrannosaurs) hunted small, young dinosaurs," explained Dr. Zelenitsky. </p>



<p>Dr. Francois Therrien described these adult tyrannosaurs as "quite indiscriminate eaters." They probably pounced on large prey, "biting through bone and scraping off flesh," he told BBC News.</p>



<p>But, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-tyrannosaurs-were-surprisingly-small/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immature</a> tyrannosaurs were probably not ready to jump into a group of horned dinosaurs, where the adults weighed thousands of kilograms, said Dr. Zelenitsky.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selective-eaters">Selective eaters</h2>



<p>Interestingly, researchers found only the legs of the baby dinosaurs inside the gorgosaurus. This suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-tyrannosaurs-practiced-biting-as-they-waited-for-adult-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young</a> tyrannosaur was selective, possibly preferring the meatiest parts.</p>



<p>"The rock within the ribcage was removed to expose what was hidden inside," explained Dr. Therrien. "And lo and behold - the complete hind legs of two baby dinosaurs, both under a year old."</p>



<p>Dr. Zelenitsky said that the teenage gorgosaurus seems to have wanted the drumsticks - probably because that's the meatiest part.</p>



<p>"This animal was selecting and even dissecting its prey - biting off the legs and swallowing them whole."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-transformations-of-tyrannosaurs">Physical transformations of tyrannosaurs</h2>



<p>As tyrannosaurs grew, they underwent significant physical transformations. Juveniles were lighter and had blade-like teeth, whereas adults developed rounder teeth, dubbed "killer bananas" by Dr. Therrien.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This change in dentition reflects a shift in feeding strategy from selective predation in juveniles to a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-was-even-more-fearsome-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful</a> and indiscriminate approach in adults.</p>



<p>The discovery provides a window into the lives of these ancient creatures, debunking the stereotype of dinosaurs as mindless monsters. </p>



<p>Professor Steve Brusatte is a palaeontologist from the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a>. He said that seeing prey in the dinosaur's guts gave a real insight into the animals. "They weren't just monsters, they were real, living things and pretty sophisticated feeders."</p>



<p>In the 1993 film Jurassic Park, a giant T. rex chased a car through a fictional theme park. Professor Brusatte noted that an adult T. rex wouldn't have chased after a car - its body was too big, and it couldn't move that fast.</p>



<p>"It would be the youngsters - (like this gorgosaur) - the children of T. rex that you'd have to keep an eye on."</p>



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



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



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



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

Juvenile tyrannosaurs hunted baby dinosaurs as part of their diet

A recent discovery sheds light on the dietary habits of...

<p>In a study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a>, researchers have unveiled striking dynamics in plant-pollinator networks, particularly highlighting the amplifying effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-expansion-linked-to-global-decline-of-wild-pollinators/">urbanization</a> on seasonal variations. </p>



<p>This research, critical in the era of rapid urbanization, offers novel insights into biodiversity within tropical megacities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-biodiversity">Urbanization and biodiversity</h2>



<p>The global trend towards urbanization is often viewed as a threat to biodiversity. However, the researchers pointed out that flowering plants are often more diverse in cities than in the countryside.</p>



<p>This phenomenon is attributed to the proliferation of flowering plants and agricultural crops in urban areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-pollinator-interactions-nbsp">Plant-pollinator interactions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"All species engage in interactions, and the complex ecological networks resulting from these interactions - such as those between plants and their pollinators - are key components of ecosystems," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>"While our knowledge on the structure of interaction networks has improved considerably in recent decades, we still know little about how dynamic these interactions are across environmental, spatial and temporal gradients."</p>



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



<p>The research team, led by Dr. Gabriel Marcacci, now a postdoc at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and the University of Neuchâtel, embarked on an extensive year-long study in Bengaluru, India.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This bustling metropolis, emblematic of rapid urban growth in the tropics, provided a fertile ground for examining the interactions between plants and their pollinators.</p>



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



<p>The study encompassed all local seasons: the mild-dry winter, the hot-dry summer, and the rainy monsoon. By analyzing bee species, the plants they visited, and the frequency of these interactions, the team constructed detailed plant-pollinator networks for each location and season.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the interactions between plants and pollinators, which are important for agricultural production, are surprisingly dynamic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There was a significant variation in the plant and bee species involved in pollination across different seasons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To identify the factors contributing to the variations in plant-pollinator interactions, the team considered multiple elements: the time of year, proximity to the city center, and the degree of urbanization, indicated by the presence of "sealed surfaces" like roads and buildings.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Marcacci emphasized the significance of this research for understanding tropical urban ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our study provides new insights into the role of urbanization in the dynamics of networks involving plants and pollinators in the tropics, which have been little studied. This is particularly important as current and future urban expansions are largely occurring in tropical regions, where they are subject to different ecological, climate and social factors than in temperate zones," said Dr. Marcacci.</p>



<p>"Our results point to major changes in plant-pollinator networks over the course of the year and to the little-recognized importance of seasonality for the interactions between plants and their pollinators, especially in rapidly growing tropical megacities," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-planning">Urban planning</h2>



<p>This study not only contributes to our understanding of urban ecology but also calls for thoughtful urban planning and biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical megacities facing rapid growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The unique dynamics of plant-pollinator networks in these settings are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring sustainable agricultural production - an aspect that city planners and environmentalists must consider in the face of escalating urban expansion.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ele.14324" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecology Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Urbanization alters the dynamics of plant-pollinator networks

In a study led by the University of Göttingen, researchers...

<p>A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting range of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) due to rising global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a>.</p>



<p>The Mediterranean green turtle is a species that is often overshadowed in climate change discussions.</p>



<p>A team of researchers led by Chiara Mancino has unveiled how global warming could reshape the nesting dynamics of these turtles, potentially altering the ecological landscape of the Mediterranean.</p>



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



<p>"Climate change is reshaping global ecosystems at an unprecedented rate, with major impacts on biodiversity. Therefore, understanding how organisms can withstand change is key to identify priority conservation objectives," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Marine ectotherms are being extremely impacted because their biology and phenology are directly related to temperature. Among these species, sea turtles are particularly problematic because they roam over both marine and terrestrial habitats throughout their life cycles."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-the-coastline-nbsp">Transforming the coastline&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts theorized that nesting ground availability for green turtles will increase in the Mediterranean following hotter summers and winters, shifting their nesting locations in response to rising temperatures.</p>



<p>Based on their modeling study, the team predicts that the turtles will expand their nesting range by 60 percent under the worst case emissions scenario.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This expansion is set to transform the Mediterranean coastline, extending the turtles' nesting grounds beyond their current range in Turkey and Cyprus to vast stretches of North African, Italian, and Greek shores.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-predictive-accuracy-nbsp">High predictive accuracy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For the investigation, Mancino and colleagues developed a model to predict the suitability of various points on the Mediterranean coastline as green turtle nesting locations.</p>



<p>First, the researchers tested the predictive accuracy of their model against 178 verified nesting sites recorded from 1982 to 2019. The findings revealed a high predictive accuracy, with sea surface temperature, salinity, and human population density emerging as pivotal factors influencing nesting site suitability.</p>



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



<p>The researchers analyzed four distinct greenhouse gas emission scenarios and their implications for green turtle nesting by 2100.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The correlation was clear: more severe climate conditions led to a broader nesting range. The worst-case scenario predicted a dramatic 62.4% increase in nesting range, extending to the North African coastline up to Algeria, significant parts of Italy and Greece, and the southern Adriatic Sea.</p>



<p>"Our models show an increase in nesting probability in the western Mediterranean Sea, irrespective of the climate scenario we consider. Contrary to what is found in most global change studies, the worse the climate change scenario, the more suitable areas for green turtles will potentially increase," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>However, this potential expansion is not without its challenges. The experts warn that this increase in green turtle nesting range in the heavily populated central and western Mediterranean would bring them into increased contact with humans and urbanized beaches, which could negatively affect nesting success.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers emphasize the urgency for future studies to focus on mitigating these potential negative impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"To better inform future management of marine turtles, there is the need to understand future threats, as well as to couple predictions of marine turtle distribution with an assessment of exposure to these threats," wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-turtles-and-biodiversity-collapse">Green turtles and biodiversity collapse</h2>



<p>The Mediterranean Sea represents one of the most vulnerable regions in the world when considering the impacts of global warming, noted the researchers.</p>



<p>"The Mediterranean has always been hugely exploited by humans, with important and potentially negative interactions between human activities and climate changes."</p>



<p>"The basin currently hosts more than 500 million inhabitants, a third of whom live along the coasts, and is the first tourist destination in the world with 360 million visitors per year."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The combination of climate change and human impacts clearly generate the starting baseline for a biodiversity collapse, especially for species exploiting at the same time marine and terrestrial habitats as sea turtles."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46958-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Nesting range of green turtles will explode in a warmer climate 

A new study predicts a significant expansion in the nesting...

<p>A new study from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> reveals that paper wasps possess the ability to recognize individual faces, a skill that seems to enhance their social cooperation and potentially their cognitive abilities. </p>



<p>The research offers compelling behavioral evidence of an evolutionary link between individual recognition and social cooperation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-interactions-and-intelligence-nbsp">Social interactions and intelligence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study senior author Professor Michael Sheehan noted that the research delves into the relationship between social interactions and intelligence in animals.</p>



<p>The findings are particularly significant as they suggest that the ability to recognize individual faces may not just be a trivial aspect of wasp behavior but a fundamental feature that influences their social dynamics and cognitive development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-adaptations-nbsp">Genomic adaptations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Through genomic sequencing, the researchers discovered that populations of paper wasps capable of recognizing each other exhibited recent adaptations in brain regions associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ravens-develop-sophisticated-cognitive-skills-by-the-age-of-four-months/">cognitive abilities</a>, such as learning, memory, and vision.</p>



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



<p>The research was focused on two distinct populations of paper wasps (Polistes fuscatus): one from Louisiana, with more uniform appearances, and another from Ithaca, featuring diverse color patterns on their faces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The evidence for strong recent positive selection on cognition, learning and memory is much stronger in the northern populations compared to the southern populations," said Professor Sheehan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-differences-nbsp">Behavioral differences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Experiments indicated a stark behavioral difference between the two groups of paper wasps. Unlike the southern wasps, the northern population displayed the ability to recognize individuals and showed greater social cooperation.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the study highlights the role of facial color patterns in these behavioral differences. Southern paper wasps exhibit similar red color patterns on their faces, whereas northern ones have varied black and yellow patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As you go further north, you find the individuals become more variable in their color patterning, such that roughly around the Carolinas, they start becoming substantially variable and continue to be more variable as you go further north,” said Professor Sheehan. In the Ithaca population, every individual was pretty distinct, he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aggression-levels-nbsp">Aggression levels&nbsp;</h2>



<p>During lab experiments, aggression levels were recorded as wasps from both populations were introduced to strangers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Northern wasps showed aggression towards strangers but were less hostile towards wasps they had previously met, suggesting recognition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By contrast, the southern wasps treated all individuals similarly, indicating a lack of individual recognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-cohesion">Social cohesion</h2>



<p>The ability to recognize individuals appears to make northern wasps more selective in their interactions, leading to more stable social groups.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the other hand, the southern wasps, with less individual recognition, tend to have less consistent and cohesive social interactions.</p>



<p>“Individuals in the southern population treat everyone the same,” said Professor Sheehan. “They don’t show any evidence of changing their behavior as a result of previously meeting that particular individual, which suggests they’re not recognizing them.”</p>



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



<p>While further research is needed, Professor Sheehan said there’s some indication that wasps from the northern population have more stable nesting groups, whereas the southern wasps had high turnover of members when they occasionally made nests.</p>



<p>The data suggests that being able to recognize individuals makes northern wasps more selective and better able to manage their social profiles, whereas the more homogenous-looking southern wasps interact more indiscriminately and have less consistent, cohesive social interactions, Sheehan said.</p>



<p>The study was funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. The findings are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.032" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>—-&nbsp;</p>



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

Paper wasps that can recognize faces are more cooperative

A new study from Cornell University reveals that paper wasps...

<p>Tropical coral reefs, celebrated for their extraordinary beauty and biodiversity, are facing significant challenges due to the relentless pace of global warming. However, a novel solution to boost reef recovery may be found in an unexpected ally: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-need-ocean-wide-protection-to-survive-human-impacts/">seabirds</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study led by <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a> has uncovered a fascinating interaction between seabirds and coral reefs.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-recovery-insights">Reef recovery insights</h2>



<p>According to the experts, the presence of seabirds on islands located nearby tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> can boost coral growth rates on such reefs by more than double. This discovery is not just about growth rates; it also pertains to the resilience of coral reefs. </p>



<p>Reefs located near <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredible-journey-seabird-rode-out-a-typhoon-for-11-hours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seabird</a> colonies can bounce-back much quicker from bleaching events. This is particularly significant given the increasing frequency of bleaching events due to rising sea temperatures, which often result in widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-fish-have-feces-that-is-deadly-to-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral mortality</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-reef-recovery">Studying reef recovery</h2>



<p>The focus of the study was on Acropora, a critical type of coral known for its structural complexity and importance in sustaining fish populations and reef growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers noted a significant difference in recovery times based on the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heatwaves-are-causing-massive-seabird-mortality-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seabirds</a>. For instance, Acropora around islands with seabirds were found to recover from bleaching events by around 10 months faster compared to reefs located away from seabird colonies.</p>



<p>The study highlights the crucial role of seabirds in shortening recovery times for corals, which could be pivotal in their ability to withstand the rapid pace of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The shorter recovery times could make the difference between continuing to bounce back for some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a> in the face of climate change, due to which damaging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching events</a> now occur much more frequently than in earlier periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabird-derived-nutrients-nbsp">Seabird-derived nutrients&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The connection between seabirds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-coral-reefs-have-naturally-increased-their-heat-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral health</a> is rooted in the nutrient-rich guano produced by these birds. Seabirds that feed on fish in the open ocean far from islands return to islands to roost, while depositing nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich nutrients in the form of guano. </p>



<p>This nutrient transfer, critical for coral growth, occurs when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poo-from-fish-that-eat-coral-is-beneficial-for-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guano</a> is washed into the sea, fertilizing the corals and other marine species.</p>



<p>“Our results clearly show that seabird-derived nutrients are directly driving faster coral growth rates and faster recovery rates in Acropora coral,” said lead author Casey Benkwitt, an expert in Marine Biology at Lancaster.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimental-approach-nbsp">Experimental approach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research team conducted their study in a remote Indian Ocean archipelago, comparing reefs near seabird-populated islands to those near rat-infested islands, which negatively impact seabird populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also involved an experimental approach where some Acropora corals were transplanted between islands. This confirmed that the presence of seabirds, and not other factors, was responsible for the nutrient enrichment and enhanced coral growth.</p>



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



<p>“This faster recovery may be critical as the average time between successive bleaching events was 5.9 years in 2016 – a reduction from 27 years in the 1980s. Even small reductions in recovery times during this window may be key to maintaining coral cover over the short-term,” Benkwitt said.</p>



<p>These findings not only highlight a natural solution for enhancing coral resilience but also emphasize the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the far-reaching impacts of biodiversity conservation efforts.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj0390" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Nutrients from seabird poop accelerate coral reef recovery

Tropical coral reefs, celebrated for their extraordinary beauty and biodiversity,...

3d,Render,Dinosaur.,This,Is,A,3d,Render

<p>An intriguing new study introduces the 'longevity bottleneck' hypothesis, which suggests human aging may be intricately linked to the long period of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> dominance on Earth. </p>



<p>This concept was brought to light by Professor João Pedro de Magalhães, a renowned expert in the field of aging from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>. The hypothesis presents a fascinating connection between the reign of dinosaurs over 100 million years ago and the biological aging processes observed in mammals, including humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mesozoic-era-and-mammalian-aging">Mesozoic Era and mammalian aging</h2>



<p>The Mesozoic Era, marked by the domination of dinosaurs, posed significant challenges for early mammals. According to Professor de Magalhães, mammals during this era were under constant pressure for rapid reproduction, primarily due to the threat posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-are-helping-astronomers-in-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. </p>



<p>This prolonged period of evolutionary stress, spanning over 100 million years, is believed to have led to the loss or inactivation of longevity-related genes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/incredible-discovery-some-mammals-attacked-dinosaurs-and-they-often-won-the-battle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early mammals</a>.</p>



<p>Professor Magalhães elaborates on this theory. He states, "We and these mammals, such as elephants and whales, live with the genetic hangups from the Mesozoic era and we age surprisingly faster than many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-secrets-of-the-evolution-of-prehistoric-reptiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a>."</p>



<p>He further adds, "The 'longevity bottleneck hypothesis' may shed light on evolutionary forces that have shaped the way that mammals have aged over millions of years. While humans are among the longest-living animals, there are many reptiles and other species that exhibit a much slower aging process and minimal signs of senescence."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-dominance-and-human-aging">Dinosaur dominance and human aging</h2>



<p>Professor de Magalhães explains that the earliest mammals, relegated to the lower tiers of the food chain, evolved to prioritize rapid reproduction as a survival strategy during the age of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-impact-sparked-two-years-of-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. This evolutionary pressure, he proposes, significantly impacts how modern humans age.</p>



<p>"We see examples in the animal world of truly remarkable repair and regeneration. That genetic information would have been unnecessary for early mammals that were lucky to not end up as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-may-have-had-brains-and-brawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T Rex</a> food," says Professor de Magalhães. </p>



<p>He highlights that while mammals including humans, whales, and elephants have evolved to grow larger and live longer, they still bear the genetic consequences of the Mesozoic era, aging faster than many reptiles.</p>



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



<p>Professor de Magalhães suggests that this hypothesis, while still in the realm of theory, opens up numerous intriguing research directions. One such avenue is exploring why cancer may be more prevalent in mammals than in other species, possibly due to the rapid aging process instigated during the dinosaur era.</p>



<p>The 'longevity bottleneck' hypothesis posits a profound and previously unexplored connection between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-winters-weakened-the-dinosaurs-before-the-asteroid-hit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reign of dinosaurs</a> and the aging process in mammals. This theory provides a novel perspective on the evolutionary history of aging, while also paving the way for further research into the genetic and environmental factors that have influenced mammalian longevity over millions of years. </p>



<p>Professor de Magalhães' pioneering work opens up a new frontier in understanding the complex interplay between evolution, genetics, and aging.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/bies.202300098" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioEssays</a></em>.</p>



<p>---</p>



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



<p>---</p>



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

How dinosaurs influence human aging 65 million years after extinction

An intriguing new study introduces the 'longevity bottleneck' hypothesis, which...

<p>In our local neighborhoods, encountering distressed wildlife is not uncommon. People often turn to social media seeking advice on what to do when they find injured or disoriented wildlife. The answer typically lies with local wildlife rehabilitation centers. </p>



<p>These centers, run by licensed individuals and organizations, play a crucial role in caring for sick and injured wildlife. They handle hundreds of thousands of wild animals annually across the United States, offering a unique perspective on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thermal-imaging-can-help-monitor-animal-health-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal health</a> and environmental changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-humans-impact-wildlife">Studying how humans impact wildlife</h2>



<p>A few years ago, Tara Miller, a biologist then with <a href="https://defenders.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defenders of Wildlife</a>, came across Wendy Hall, cofounder of the <a href="https://adirondackwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adirondack Wildlife Refuge</a>. Hall shared observations about unusual animal occurrences, like the appearance of black vultures, typically a southern species, in the Adirondacks. </p>



<p>These insights, linked to climate change, sparked Miller's interest in using wildlife rehabilitation data to study the environmental impact on North American wildlife.</p>



<p>Miller, who uses they/them pronouns, spearheaded a pioneering study while at <a href="https://sites.bu.edu/urban/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston University</a>'s Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health program. Collaborating with 94 wildlife centers across the U.S. and Canada, Miller's team analyzed records of over a thousand species. This study aimed to identify regional threats to wildlife and assess the effectiveness of rehab centers in treating these animals.</p>



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



<p>The research revealed alarming trends. Human activities, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lead-ammunition-is-a-silent-threat-to-bald-eagle-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead poisoning</a> in bald eagles and sea turtles entangled in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dynamic-ocean-closures-offer-protection-from-accidental-catch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing gear</a>, have a significant impact on wildlife. </p>



<p>The study also noted an increase in animals admitted to rehab centers following extreme weather events, a phenomenon linked to climate change. Miller emphasizes the importance of their findings in understanding the broader, direct impact that people have on wildlife. </p>



<p>“A lot of what we found in the research isn’t going to shock anyone, but you want to be able to tell people, ‘It’s not just this one animal. This is happening across the country,’” Miller says. “I think that was what was so cool about the work we were able to do with this huge dataset: tie together what rehabbers across the country are seeing and validate it. We were able to find a lot of these trends for the big picture of how humans are impacting wildlife.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-collection-and-challenges">Data collection and challenges</h2>



<p>Initially, accessing wildlife rehab records was a challenge, as most were stored in physical formats. However, with digitalization efforts, like the Wildlife Center of Virginia’s <a href="https://www.wildlifecenter.org/training-opportunities/WILD-ONe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WILD-ONe</a> patient database system, researchers could analyze vast amounts of data. This system also plays a role in identifying wildlife diseases that might affect human and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock health</a>.</p>



<p>“This was a gigantic dataset, with more than 600,000 observations,” says <a href="https://www.bu.edu/biology/people/profiles/richard-b-primack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Primack</a>, a BU College of Arts &amp; Sciences professor of biology, who was Miller’s PhD advisor and a coauthor on the paper. Primack says he encourages all of his students to consider what questions they want their data to address. In Miller’s case, the big question was, “What are the major threats to wildlife?”</p>



<p>Miller's interactions with wildlife rehabilitators were integral to the study. These conversations often happened amidst the rehabbers' busy schedules, highlighting their dedication and willingness to contribute to the project.</p>



<p>“I had phone calls with rehabbers where they would have to jump off because they had a baby squirrel they had to go feed, or one time someone had a porcupine autopsy they had to get back to,” Miller says. “People were so generous with their time and of their data, and so enthusiastic about this whole project.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-threaten-wildlife-in-many-ways">People threaten wildlife in many ways</h2>



<p>The data showed that human disturbances caused injuries to 40% of the animals admitted to rehab centers. These disturbances included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-killed-roads-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle accidents</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/window-collisions-are-a-leading-cause-of-bird-mortality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building collisions</a>, and fishing incidents. </p>



<p>Miller, in a tone of incredulity, noted, "Forty percent of the animals arrive at wildlife rehab centers largely due to negative impacts from human activities. How can we modify our policies and behaviors to lessen our impact on these animals?"</p>



<p>Regarding seasonal trends, the researchers found that vehicle collisions, peaking from May to July, affected reptiles disproportionately. During spring, summer, and early fall -- periods of heightened agricultural and construction activities -- pesticide poisonings rose. </p>



<p>In the winter, following the hunting season, lead poisonings became more prevalent, especially in animals like bald eagles. This increase is often due to many hunters using lead ammunition for deer hunting. Lead from the bullets subsequently poisons scavengers like eagles and vultures feeding on the remains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-policy-and-environmental-health">Future policy and environmental health</h2>



<p>Wildlife rehab centers eventually release about one-third of the animals they receive back into the wild. However, this release rate varies significantly among different species.</p>



<p>“For example, pelicans are injured but then are often released [68%], whereas bald eagles have a very low chance of being released [20%],” Primack says. “This presents a very interesting question of why the threats to wildlife are so different between these two groups of large birds.”</p>



<p>The team hopes their research will aid wildlife rehab centers in securing grants and funding. It also aims to encourage community-level changes to protect wildlife from people. Their plans would include implementing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-animals-feel-safe-using-wildlife-crossings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife underpasses and overpasses</a>, using bird-friendly window designs, and promoting the use of non-lead fishing gear and ammunition.</p>



<p>Post-graduation, Miller has shifted focus to policy research at the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a>, addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vast-amounts-of-edna-captured-in-air-quality-monitoring-stations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental health</a> issues affecting human communities. This transition underscores the interconnectedness of wildlife and human health and the broader environmental impacts of policy decisions.</p>



<p>In summary, this study, led by Tara Miller, marks a significant step in understanding the threats facing wildlife and the role of human activities in these challenges. It calls for a collective effort in policy-making, community awareness, and individual actions to create a safer environment for wildlife and, consequently, for ourselves.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0006320723003968" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a></em>.</p>



<p>---</p>



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



<p>---</p>



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

People are a greater threat to wildlife than climate change or anything else

In our local neighborhoods, encountering distressed wildlife is not uncommon....

<p>Animals use self-control to plan and achieve long-term goals. Birds, for instance, demonstrate delayed gratification when they resist a small, immediate reward in favor of waiting for a better one. Recent research has revealed intriguing differences in self-control behaviors between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> species, particularly in the presence of others. </p>



<p>This study was spearheaded by researchers from <a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anglia Ruskin University</a> (ARU) in Cambridge, UK, and the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>. It presents a fascinating comparison of the behavioral patterns of Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) and New Caledonian crows (Corvus moneduloides) in the context of delayed gratification.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-self-control-in-bird-species">Studying self-control in bird species</h2>



<p>Eurasian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jays-with-greater-intelligence-have-more-self-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jays</a> and New Caledonian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-brains-and-bodies-helped-crows-expand-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a>, both members of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ravens-crows-corvid-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">corvid</a> family, are known for their high intelligence. This study specifically explored how these birds respond to food choices when another bird is present, focusing on their ability to exhibit self-control through delayed gratification.</p>



<p>The core of the study was a rotating tray task, where they gave the birds two food choices: a high-quality and a low-quality option. The birds had to remove these from under clear plastic cups. Mealworm served as the high-quality food for jays, and bread as the low-quality food, while crows preferred meat over the less desirable apple.</p>



<p>The team tested each bird individually, letting them observe as the researchers placed both food types on the rotating tray. Simultaneously, another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a>, either a competitor or a non-competitor, stayed in an adjacent compartment.</p>



<p>Right before the tray offered the less preferred food option, the researchers opened the door between the compartments. This allowed the second bird access. The tested bird then had the choice to either take the immediate option or wait 15 seconds for the preferred option to become available.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delayed-gratification-and-self-control">Delayed gratification and self-control</h2>



<p>The study found a notable behavioral pattern among Eurasian jays. While alone, each jay chose the delayed reward (mealworm) but shifted to the immediate food choice (bread) when another bird was present, be it a competitor or a non-competitor. This flexibility in their decision-making underlines the influence of social context on their behavior.</p>



<p>In contrast, New Caledonian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jackdaws-reach-a-consensus-before-taking-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a> demonstrated remarkable consistency. They demonstrated self-control by waiting for the high-quality, delayed reward (meat), regardless of whether another bird was present. This consistency was observed in all test conditions, emphasizing the crows' steadfastness in their preference.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.aru.ac.uk/people/rachael-miller-harrison" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Rachael Miller</a>, Co-lead author and Senior Lecturer in Biology at Anglia Ruskin University, highlighted the significance of delayed gratification as an indicator of self-control in birds. She drew parallels between this study and similar research conducted on young children, using the rotating tray task to measure self-control.</p>



<p>“Interestingly, we found that jays were highly flexible in their use of delayed gratification, and this was entirely influenced by the presence of other birds, but the crows consistently chose the better, delayed reward, regardless of rival birds being present," said Miller. </p>



<p>Miller pointed out the unexpected findings regarding the Eurasian jaybird's flexibility in using delayed gratification, influenced entirely by the presence of other birds. In contrast, the New Caledonian crows' consistent choice of the better, delayed reward, irrespective of rival birds, adds a new dimension to our understanding of animal behavior in social contexts.</p>



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



<p>This research sheds light on the dynamics of self-control and factors influencing delayed gratification in animals. It suggests that a species' social tolerance and competition levels play a significant role in these behaviors.</p>



<p>Dr. Miller expounded, “These findings add to our understanding of self-control and the factors influencing delayed gratification in animals, which may relate to a particular species’ social tolerance and levels of competition."</p>



<p>Particularly, the more sociable nature of New Caledonian crows, compared to the territorial Eurasian jays, might explain their differing strategies. As Dr. Miller notes, the reliance of jays on hiding food for survival could be a key reason for their altered strategy in the presence of competitors, opting for immediate, less preferred food to avoid losing out.</p>



<p>In summary, this study not only enhances our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-dim-witted-pigeons-have-their-own-version-of-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian intelligence</a> but also opens up new avenues for exploring self-control mechanisms across different species in varying social settings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-eurasian-jays">More about Eurasian jays</h2>



<p>Garrulus glandarius, commonly known as the Eurasian Jay, is a species of bird found predominantly across Europe and parts of North Asia. This bird is notable for its striking plumage, with a mix of pinkish-brown, black, white, and blue. Its size is comparable to that of a typical crow, but with a distinctive rounded tail and a slightly smaller build.</p>



<p>Eurasian Jays primarily inhabit woodlands, showing a preference for oak forests due to their reliance on acorns as a food source. Their diet, however, is omnivorous and varied, including insects, seeds, fruits, and occasionally small rodents or reptiles.</p>



<p>These birds demonstrate remarkable intelligence and self-control, a trait common in the corvid family. They are known for their ability to store food in numerous locations for later retrieval, showcasing an impressive memory. This caching behavior is crucial for their survival, especially in harsh winter conditions.</p>



<p>The Eurasian Jay is also famous for its vocal abilities, capable of mimicking the calls of other bird species and even human-made sounds. This skill plays a vital role in their social interactions and territorial behaviors.</p>



<p>In terms of reproduction, Eurasian Jays are monogamous, with pairs often forming long-term bonds. They build nests in trees, where the female typically lays between 4 to 6 eggs. Both parents participate in raising the young, which are ready to leave the nest within a few weeks.</p>



<p>Overall, the Eurasian Jay stands out as a resilient and adaptable species, thriving across various environments and exhibiting behaviors that reflect a high level of cognitive ability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-new-caledonian-crows">More about New Caledonian crows</h2>



<p>Corvus moneduloides, commonly known as the New Caledonian Crow, is a remarkably intelligent bird species endemic to New Caledonia in the South Pacific. This bird is medium-sized, predominantly black, and identifiable by its straight and relatively slim bill, which distinguishes it from other crow species.</p>



<p>The New Caledonian Crow inhabits various habitats on the islands, including dense forests and open areas. These birds have adapted well to human-altered environments, and are well-known for their impressive self-control instinct. </p>



<p>One of the most striking aspects of this crow is its advanced tool-making ability. These birds are famous for crafting and using tools, such as twigs and leaves, to extract insects and other food from hard-to-reach places. This behavior is not only rare among birds but showcases an exceptional level of problem-solving skills and cognitive complexity.</p>



<p>New Caledonian Crows are omnivorous, feeding on a range of insects, fruits, and small animals. Its tool use is primarily associated with foraging for larvae and insects. They are known to live in loose family groups and exhibit a range of complex social behaviors.</p>



<p>Reproduction in New Caledonian Crows involves nest-building, usually in trees. The female typically lays around three eggs, and both parents are involved in nurturing the young. The juvenile crows stay with the parents for extended periods, learning vital survival and tool-use skills.</p>



<p>In summary, the New Caledonian Crow is a species of significant interest due to its sophisticated tool-using abilities, indicating a level of intelligence and adaptability that is remarkable in the avian world.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0289197" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a></em>.</p>



<p>---</p>



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



<p>---</p>



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

Crows exhibit more self-control than other bird species

Animals use self-control to plan and achieve long-term goals. Birds,...

<p>After more than three and a half decades of diligent observation, researchers at <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a> (MSU) are unraveling some of the enigmatic behaviors of a unique type of mob – those comprised of spotted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spotted-hyenas-change-their-foraging-behavior-to-adapt/">hyenas</a>.</p>



<p>The findings of this research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.1390" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B</em></a>, shed light on the intricate relationships and social interactions among hyenas, which influence their decisions to join forces and confront lions cooperatively, a behavior known as mobbing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mobbing-behavior-nbsp">Mobbing behavior&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lead author Tracy Montgomery initiated this project during her doctoral studies under the mentorship of Kay Holekamp at MSU. Her research was bolstered by support from the Dr. Marvin Hensley Endowed Scholarship Fund in Zoology.</p>



<p>“Social relationships can overcome barriers to mobbing and let hyenas achieve cooperation,” Montgomery said, further adding that greetings among hyenas and the strength of their social bonds play pivotal roles in determining their likelihood to engage in mobbing behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-social-structures-nbsp">Complex social structures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Spotted hyenas are intriguing social animals characterized by complex social structures similar to those found in baboons and other primates. Researchers study hyenas not only to comprehend cooperative behaviors in wildlife but also to gain insights into such behaviors in humans.</p>



<p>Kenna Lehmann, another lead author who was part of Holekamp’s team during her doctoral studies and is now an assistant professor at MSU, emphasizes the significance of long-term relationships built among hyenas. She notes that their interactions go beyond mere transactional arrangements. “It’s not just, ‘I’ll give you a zebra leg if you help,’” as she puts it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics-nbsp">Unique characteristics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Holekamp, who has dedicated 35 years to studying hyenas in Kenya, expresses her fascination with these creatures. “I went to Kenya in 1988 thinking I’d do a dissertation-length project - three or four years - with hyenas, then I'd move on to study dolphins or monkeys or some other animals.” However, the unique characteristics of hyenas kept her captivated.</p>



<p>For example, female spotted hyenas possess pseudo-penises, a biological anomaly that challenges conventional understanding. Although this particular aspect doesn’t directly relate to the current study, it highlights the hyenas’ propensity to defy established biological norms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Spotted hyenas appear to violate many of the basic rules of mammalian biology,” Holekamp said, thus making them intriguing subjects for scientific investigation.</p>



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



<p>Both Tracy Montgomery and Kenna Lehmann, under the guidance of Kay Holekamp, became intrigued by the rules governing hyenas’ behavior when mobbing lions. They sought to understand why hyenas engage in this risky behavior and what motivates them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, their research revealed that lions were responsible for the deaths of hyenas in over 25 percent of cases where the cause of death could be ascertained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangible-benefits-of-mobbing-nbsp">Tangible benefits of mobbing&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lions and hyenas often share territories, prompting Lehmann and Montgomery to initially examine mobbing behavior through the lens of its tangible benefits, such as protecting food resources from lions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In a previous report in 2017, the team demonstrated that mobbing was not limited to scenarios with immediate benefits but also occurred without any apparent advantages.</p>



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



<p>In their recent study, the researchers delved deeper into mobbing behavior to explore other underlying motivations. During this exploration, they discovered that mobbing was more prevalent when the risk of harm or death to hyenas was lower, even in situations devoid of immediate benefits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, hyenas were more likely to engage in mobbing when there were no male lions present, as male lions are larger and more hazardous to hyenas. Conversely, among spotted hyenas, where females are larger than males, females were more inclined to participate in mobbing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meticulous-observation-nbsp">Meticulous observation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, the most noteworthy aspect of mobbing behavior was its social dimension, a discovery made possible by the meticulous observation of hyenas spanning several generations within the same habitat over 35 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Throughout this extended period, the research team maintained a continuous presence at their research camp in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, with multiple collaborators contributing to the project.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-commitment-nbsp">Long-term commitment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The significance of the long-term commitment to this research became evident as mobbing events are relatively infrequent. Over the course of three decades, the team witnessed approximately 1,000 interactions involving hyenas and lions, with only a fraction of those interactions providing the comprehensive data required for detailed analysis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These interactions are typically fast-paced, involve numerous hyenas and lions, and are characterized by rapid movement, making precise data recording a significant challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-data">Valuable data</h2>



<p>Out of the roughly 1,000 interactions observed, only 325 yielded sufficiently robust data for Montgomery and Lehmann to conduct their analyses and make their discoveries. They credit the dedication and efforts of students, research assistants, and other collaborators over the past 30 years for their ability to standardize and organize field observations into usable datasets.</p>



<p>The researchers continue to explore the wealth of insights that these datasets may hold. “Finding these results was really exciting, but I feel like the fun part of science is you answer a question and you immediately have 50 more. There are so many more things that we need to do with this data,” Montgomery concluded.</p>



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



<p>—-</p>



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

"Friendly" hyenas more likely to engage in mobbing behavior

After more than three and a half decades of diligent...

Funny,Mouse,And,Its,Reflection,In,Mirror

<p>Researchers have made significant strides in understanding self-recognition in animals, specifically in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-genetic-diversity-of-the-wild-house-mouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a>, with the help of the mirror test. This research opens new avenues in neurobehavioral studies while also providing insights into the neural mechanisms behind self-recognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-and-the-mirror-test">Mice and the mirror test</h2>



<p>The researchers conducted a mirror test to determine if mice could recognize changes in their appearance, specifically a dollop of ink on their foreheads. To assess the role of tactile stimulus, they applied both black and white ink on the black-furred mice. </p>



<p>While the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-new-evidence-that-dogs-have-self-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mirror test</a> traditionally aims to evaluate consciousness across species, the researchers clarify that their findings only demonstrate the mice's ability to perceive changes in their appearance, not necessarily indicating self-awareness.</p>



<p>The results showed that mice indeed noticed changes in their appearance, but certain conditions were necessary. Mice accustomed to mirrors dedicated more time to grooming their heads in front of the mirror if they had large white ink marks (0.6 cm2 or 2 cm2) on them. </p>



<p>Conversely, they did not increase head grooming for small marks (0.2 cm2) or black ink, matching their fur color. Additionally, mice not previously exposed to mirrors did not show increased grooming behavior in these tests, regardless of the ink's color or size.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-mechanisms-of-self-recognition">Neural mechanisms of self-recognition</h2>



<p>The team pinpointed a subset of neurons in the hippocampus responsible for developing and storing this visual self-image. Senior author Takashi Kitamura from the <a href="https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center</a> emphasized the novelty of this discovery, as the encoding of self-information in the brain has been largely unexplored.</p>



<p>“To form episodic memory, for example, of events in our daily life, brains form and store information about where, what, when, and who, and the most important component is self-information or status,” says Kitamura. “Researchers usually examine how the brain encodes or recognizes others, but the self-information aspect is unclear.”</p>



<p>Further investigation through gene expression mapping revealed that when these hippocampal neurons were deactivated, the mice ceased to exhibit the grooming behavior in response to their mirror image. These neurons also responded when the mice observed other mice of the same strain, indicating a link between self-recognition and social familiarity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mice-and-self-recognition">Mice and self-recognition</h2>



<p>The study also underscored the importance of social experience in developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/roosters-can-recognize-themselves-in-the-mirror-demonstrating-self-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-recognition</a> capabilities. Mice that were socially isolated or raised with mice of a different fur color did not show increased grooming behavior in response to the mirror test. This finding aligns with previous research on chimpanzees, suggesting a universal aspect of social experience in self-recognition across species.</p>



<p>The research team, including first author Jun Yokose, is planning to delve deeper into the roles of visual and tactile stimuli in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-can-recognize-themselves-in-the-mirror/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-recognition</a>. They aim to discern whether mice can recognize changes in their reflection without a tactile stimulus, potentially using technology similar to social media filters.</p>



<p>“The mice required significant external sensory cues to pass the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/penguins-may-have-a-degree-of-self-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mirror test</a> -- we have to put a lot of ink on their heads, and then the tactile stimulus coming from the ink somehow enables the animal to detect the ink on their heads via a mirror reflection,” says Yokose. “Chimps and humans don't need any of that extra sensory stimulus.”</p>



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



<p>The mouse model established in this study offers a unique opportunity to manipulate and monitor neural activity. This will enable a more thorough investigation of the neural circuit mechanisms behind self-recognition-like behavior in mice.</p>



<p>“Now that we have this mouse model, we can manipulate or monitor neural activity to comprehensively investigate the neural circuit mechanisms behind how self-recognition-like behavior is induced in mice,” says Yokose.</p>



<p>In summary, this research represents a significant milestone in understanding the neural basis of self-recognition. It not only sheds light on the cognitive abilities of mice but also provides a valuable model for exploring complex neural processes in higher mammals, including humans. As the study progresses, it could unravel many mysteries of the brain related to self-awareness and consciousness.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, mice demonstrate a remarkable level of intelligence, often surprising researchers with their cognitive abilities. These small rodents possess a keen ability to learn and adapt to new environments, making them invaluable in scientific research.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-and-problem-solving-skills">Learning and problem-solving skills</h3>



<p>Mice excel in learning tasks, especially those involving mazes and spatial navigation. They quickly memorize routes and can find efficient paths to reach food or avoid perceived threats. This skill indicates not just memory strength but also spatial awareness and problem-solving capabilities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-intelligence">Social intelligence</h3>



<p>Mice exhibit complex social behaviors. They communicate through high-pitched sounds, some of which are inaudible to humans, and use scent marking to convey information. </p>



<p>Mice recognize and bond with their kin, showing preferences for social interaction with familiar mice over strangers. This social intelligence is critical for their survival in the wild, as it aids in forming social hierarchies and cooperative networks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptability">Adaptability</h3>



<p>Mice are highly adaptable creatures. They thrive in a wide range of environments, from urban areas to rural fields. This adaptability extends to their learning; they can adjust their strategies based on changes in their environment, showcasing flexibility in their cognitive processes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-in-research">Use in research</h3>



<p>Scientists frequently use mice in research due to their intelligence and physiological similarities to humans. Mice are capable of performing complex tasks, making them suitable for studies in genetics, neuroscience, and psychology. Their ability to learn and adapt makes them ideal subjects for experiments involving memory, learning, and behavior.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-intelligence">Emotional intelligence</h3>



<p>Mice are not just mechanically reacting to stimuli; they exhibit signs of emotional intelligence. They show fear, pleasure, and stress responses, and can even empathize with other mice. Studies have shown that mice are affected by the emotional state of their peers, indicating a level of emotional awareness.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-disease-and-brain-function">Understanding disease and brain function</h3>



<p>Mice's cognitive abilities make them particularly useful in studying human diseases, especially those affecting the brain. By observing how mice learn, remember, and interact, researchers gain insights into the workings of the human brain, including the development of neurological diseases.</p>



<p>In summary, mice are intelligent creatures with sophisticated learning abilities, social structures, and emotional capacities. Their intelligence, coupled with their physiological resemblance to humans, makes them invaluable in scientific research, particularly in understanding the human brain and behavior. By passing the mirror test, mice may even prove to be self-aware, cognizant beings.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(23)00803-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuron</a></em>.</p>



<p>---</p>



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



<p>---</p>



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

Mice pass the mirror test. Does that mean they are self-aware?

Researchers have made significant strides in understanding self-recognition in animals,...

Urban,Landscape,And,Trees

<p>Urban areas are increasingly recognizing the importance of trees in mitigating the effects of climate change and enhancing the quality of life for city dwellers. Recent research from the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a> has provided valuable insights into how urban trees contribute to cooler air temperatures and the conditions they need to thrive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-trees-in-urban-climate">Role of trees in urban climate</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/us-cities-are-about-to-get-a-lot-greener-with-1-billion-for-tree-planting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trees</a> have a well-established role in urban environments, particularly in the context of climate change. As global temperatures rise, urban trees offer much-needed shade and contribute to lowering air temperatures. </p>



<p>However, the research team, led by Janina Konarska, emphasizes that the benefits of trees are maximized when they are given suitable conditions to grow. A crucial factor in the efficacy of urban trees is the extent of paved surfaces surrounding them. </p>



<p>The study highlights that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-york-city-greenery-absorbs-vast-amounts-of-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> need adequate space, free from asphalt, to maximize their growth and cooling effects. “Our research shows that an important factor is how much of the area around the tree is paved,” says Konarska.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-trees-with-less-asphalt">Urban trees with less asphalt</h2>



<p>The study found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forests-benefit-from-diverse-native-tree-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> with additional grassy areas around their trunks, especially those aged 20–30 years, showed significantly better growth and cooling effects. </p>



<p>“We found in our study that 20–30-year-old trees surrounded by grass were on average 2.6 meters taller and the crown was 1.3 meters wider than nearby trees growing with paving close to the trunk. The trees also had a crown that was 61 percent denser and provided twice as much cooling,” says Janina Konarska.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surface-cover-and-tree-health">Surface cover and tree health</h2>



<p>The research assessed the impact of surface cover around tree trunks on species like pin oak, horse chestnut, and common lime. It considered various factors such as crown density, tree growth, and transpiration rates. </p>



<p>The findings indicate that the type of surface cover significantly influences these parameters and, consequently, the tree's ability to impact the microclimate through shading and cooling.</p>



<p>Asphalt surfaces near <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-majority-of-urban-trees-are-threatened-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> lead to several challenges. "The air above an asphalt surface will be warmer than the air above grass or soil. A hardened surface also prevents rainwater from reaching the roots, impacting the growth of the tree," Konarska adds. This effect varies across tree species, with some like the horse chestnut being less affected by hardened surfaces.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-tree-planting-best-practices">Urban tree planting best practices</h2>



<p>Given the expenses involved in planting and nurturing trees in urban areas, it's crucial to optimize their growth environment. The study underscores the importance of not only the choice of tree species but also the management of the area surrounding the tree trunk.</p>



<p>“You have to do the best you can when planting trees in urban areas. If it is difficult to create open spaces around the trees, it is a good idea to invest in better soil and preferably to water the tree,” says Lasse Tarvainen, an environmental scientist at the University of Gothenburg.</p>



<p>In summary, the research from the University of Gothenburg serves as a call to action for city planners, environmentalists, and the public. It highlights the need for thoughtful planting and maintenance of urban trees to harness their full potential in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arbor-day-a-celebration-of-trees-and-their-unrivaled-importance-to-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooling and beautifying our cities</a>. </p>



<p>As Tarvainen notes, "It is important that we take care of the trees, they are valuable in many ways." This study lays the groundwork for more sustainable urban planning, where trees play a central role in creating healthier, more livable urban spaces.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204623001913?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landscape and Urban Planning</a></em>.</p>



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



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



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



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

Urban trees surrounded by less asphalt grow taller and stronger

Urban areas are increasingly recognizing the importance of trees in...

<p>Research from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> has revealed a startling link between plant nurseries and the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">invasive species</a>, particularly in a warming climate.</p>



<p>The research, which consists of two papers, offers the most comprehensive mapping to date of how 144 common invasive plant species are expected to respond to climate change in the eastern United States.</p>



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



<p>Led by Bethany Bradley, a professor of Environmental Conservation, the UMass Amherst team meticulously analyzed data from 14 invasive species databases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Bradley noted that managers have very few resources to control invasions, so there isn't time to waste focusing on species unlikely to become invasive in a given area. "But the question of what will become invasive and where has been surprisingly tricky to answer.”</p>



<p>“If we can proactively identify these species and the regions they are most likely to become abundant in as the climate warms, then we can head-off a major ecological threat before it’s too late,” said study co-author Annette Evans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotspots-of-invasive-species-nbsp">Hotspots of invasive species&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Concentrating on the eastern United States, the team identified current "hotspots" of invasive species abundance. These hotspots, notably around the Great Lakes, mid-Atlantic, and the northeastern coasts of Florida and Georgia, are fertile grounds for over 30 different invasive plants.</p>



<p>Using advanced modeling, the researchers projected the future spread of these species with 2°C of warming.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The team discovered that most species would likely shift their ranges northeastward by an average of 213 kilometers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In some areas, this shift could lead to the proliferation of up to 21 new plant species, exacerbating the effects of 40 currently abundant invasives. However, 62% of these species might see a decrease in suitable habitats in the eastern United States.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-primary-pathway-nbsp">Primary pathway&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The second part of the study, led by Evelyn M. Beaury, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton, highlights the significant role of commercial nurseries in the spread of invasive species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study found that nurseries are the primary pathway for introducing invasive plants, with over 80% of the species studied being sold in nurseries.</p>



<p>“When people think of how invasive plant species spread, they might assume species are moving because of birds or the wind dispersing seeds,” said Beaury. “But commercial nurseries that sell hundreds of different invasives are actually the primary pathway of invasive plant introduction.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-data">Valuable data</h2>



<p>The research also revealed a concerning proximity of nursery sales to invasion sites. Approximately 55% of invasive species were sold within 21 kilometers of an observed invasion, implying that local gardening practices might inadvertently contribute to the spread of these species.</p>



<p>“But there’s good news here,” said Beaury. “This is the first time that we have real numbers to show the connection between plant nursery sales and the spread of invasive species - including invasions that occur down the street from nurseries, as well as across state borders."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Now that we have the data, we have an incredible opportunity to be proactive, to work with the industry, consumers and plant managers to think more critically about how our gardens impact U.S. ecosystems.”</p>



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



<p>The study provides a list of 24 commonly sold invasive plants that are likely to become more problematic with climate change in the northeast, suggesting native alternatives to these species.</p>



<p>“These two papers together make it pretty clear that not only are we facilitating current invasions through the ornamental plant trade, but we are also facilitating future climate-driven invasion,” said Bradley, “But with these papers, maps and watchlists, we can pinpoint which species are most worrisome where, both now and in the coming decades. These are important new tools in invasive plant managers’ toolboxes.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13787" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Diversity and Distributions</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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



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



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

Plant nurseries are the primary pathway for introducing invasive species

Research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst has revealed a...

<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/root-bacteria-protects-plants/">Bacteria</a> that benefit plants are thought to be a critical contributor to crops and ecosystems, but climate change may reduce their numbers, according to a new study by an international team of researchers published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-023-00869-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Food</em></a>.</p>



<p>The collaboration, including Francisco Dini-Andreote, professor of plant science at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a>, characterized the abundances and distributions of plant beneficial bacteria (PBB) from soils collected across the globe. The researchers then modeled how these microbial communities may be impacted by fossil-fuel dependent climate change in the next century.</p>



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



<p>Leveraging existing data from the <a href="https://earthmicrobiome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth Microbiome Project</a>, the researchers identified microbes that may provide services to plants such as biocontrol or limiting impacts of pathogens, plant growth promotion, and stress resistance. Such services implicate these bacteria as key components of productive agroecosystems, which primarily yield food.</p>



<p>“Plants are colonized by a diverse set of microbes on and in their roots, leaves and stems,” Dini-Andreote said. “These plant-associated microbiomes represent an extension of the plant metabolic capacity - often termed ‘the second genome of plants.’”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-community-patterns">Microbial community patterns</h2>



<p>This notion echoes the hologenome concept, which considers the total set of genes contained by an organism and its associated microbiome to make inferences about organismal health and evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the researchers, characterizing the biogeography of PBB sets the stage for understanding the variables that govern global microbial community patterns and predicting their future in a rapidly shifting world.</p>



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



<p>The analysis revealed several trends in PBB diversity, including higher levels of diversity and richness in lower latitudes, with the highest concentration in North America and Africa. A total of 396 genera, the taxonomic rank above species level, were identified.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that local environmental variables - climate, in particular - were strong predictors of PBB community composition, likely exerting strong influences on PBB distribution. This suggests that climate influences what bacteria are found where and in what proportion.</p>



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



<p>To investigate how PBB abundances and distributions may change over the next century, the researchers modeled several climate scenarios based on projections from the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>. </p>



<p>Under the fossil-fueled development scenario, which assumes tripled greenhouse gas emissions by 2075, the model predicted that PBB associated with biocontrol and stress resistance would decline by 0.60 percent in 80 percent of global regions, as opposed to 0.07 percent under a Sustainability scenario.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Under all scenarios, middle-latitude regions are projected to experience steady declines, whereas increases in PBB are anticipated in polar and equatorial regions.</p>



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



<p>Dini-Andreote noted that predictive studies such as this are broadly impactful but cautioned that models are limited and must be experimentally validated. For instance, in controlled settings, plant-soil systems can be exposed to warming or drought conditions, after which researchers can evaluate shifts based on the impact and adaptation of PBB communities relative to controls.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In other words, experimentation is required to know how PBB will be affected under climate-related stress, and what levels of PBB decline will have a critical impact on plant health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-food-insecurity-nbsp">Addressing food insecurity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In addition to informing community ecology research, the researchers said they hope to spark agricultural innovation and applications for increased food security. But those innovations are unlikely to include soil probiotics to restore diminished PBB.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dini-Andreote said that such bioinoculants can often have several shortcomings such as requiring continual application. Additionally, only a small fraction, about 5 to 10 percent, of soil microbes can be cultured, which limits the development of full-spectrum probiotics.</p>



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



<p>However, Dini-Andreote offered an alternative. “By advancing our understanding of how these distinct PBB survive in association with plants, for instance in the plant rhizosphere, we can develop strategies to engineer crops to produce compounds that feed these beneficial microbes.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through this approach, the researchers suggested, plants could recruit beneficial bacteria with no need for the external input of probiotics. The potential impacts of applications like this are untold, Dini-Andreote said, but underscore the importance of exploring the rapidly advancing frontier of microbiomes.</p>



<p>“This high-profile research is a testament to Dr. Dini-Andreote’s impactful and original research on plant-microbe interactions in a One Health context, spanning soil, plant and human health," Seth Bordenstein, director of the <a href="https://www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-and-centers/microbiome-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Health Microbiome Center</a> at Penn State. “His vision for plant hologenome studies and integration with global environmental and geographic data is not only driving textbook-level knowledge, but it also raises the alarm on evidence-backed sustainability challenges,” he concluded.</p>



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Beneficial plant bacteria likely to decline due to climate change

Bacteria that benefit plants are thought to be a critical...

<p>A recent study conducted in Japan has unveiled an intriguing dimension to sushi beyond its well-known combination of fish and seaweed. Researchers from <a href="https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tohoku University</a> have discovered that wasabi, that zesty green condiment traditionally paired with sushi, can significantly enhance both short-term and long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/">memory</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-change">Dramatic change</h2>



<p>According to Rui Nouchi, the study’s lead researcher and an associate professor at the university’s Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, the outcomes, though derived from a relatively small sample of subjects devoid of preexisting health issues, exceeded their initial expectations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We knew from earlier animal studies that wasabi conferred health benefits,” Nouchi said during an interview conducted in northeastern Japan. “But what really surprised us was the dramatic change. The improvement was really substantial.”</p>



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



<p>The principal active constituent within Japanese wasabi is a biochemical compound named 6-MSITC, recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, a rarity in the plant kingdom, as noted by Nouchi.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, executed as a double-blind, randomized study, featured 72 healthy participants aged between 60 and 80. Half of the participants were administered 100 milligrams of wasabi extract at bedtime, while the remaining half received a placebo.</p>



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



<p>After three months, the group treated with wasabi extract demonstrated significant enhancements in two aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive function</a>: working (short-term) memory and the more enduring episodic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flavanols-a-key-to-slowing-age-related-memory-loss-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>. These improvements were gauged through standardized assessments of language skills, concentration, and the ability to perform simple tasks. </p>



<p>However, there was no observable improvement in other cognitive domains, including inhibitory control (the capacity to maintain focus), executive function, or processing speed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-plasticity-nbsp">Neural plasticity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The subjects who received the wasabi treatment exhibited an average 18 percent surge in their episodic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-improves-memory-formation-and-recall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> scores, with an overall average score 14 percent higher than the placebo group.</p>



<p>The researchers postulated that 6-MSITC may contribute to a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress levels within the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-connection-between-scent-and-memory-may-help-combat-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory functions</a>, thereby promoting neural plasticity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-verbal-episodic-memory">Verbal episodic memory</h2>



<p>In comparison to the control group, the study reported that individuals who were administered wasabi “showed improved verbal episodic memory performance as well as better performance in associating faces and names, which is often the major memory-related problem in older adults.”</p>



<p>Wasabi belongs to the mustard family of plants, and the piquant paste derived from it garnered esteem in Japan centuries ago due to its antimicrobial properties, making it effective in combating foodborne pathogens such as E-coli and staphylococcus. Furthermore, its distinctive flavor and aroma make it an ideal complement to seafood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wasabi-as-a-daily-supplement">Wasabi as a daily supplement </h2>



<p>Rui Nouchi, a specialist in dementia prevention, turned to wasabi as a treatment option after experiencing high dropout rates with conventional methods for preserving cognitive health, such as the Mediterranean diet, exercise regimens, and music therapy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nouchi reasoned that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taking-a-daily-multivitamin-improves-memory-and-slows-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily supplement</a> would be more sustainable, particularly for older adults, while delivering greater benefits than other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spices like ginger and turmeric.</p>



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



<p>The Tohoku University research team now has plans to extend their investigations to include individuals from various age groups and explore whether wasabi could potentially slow down cognitive decline in dementia patients.</p>



<p>However, there is a significant caveat to these findings: the piquant paste served at nearly all sushi establishments, even in Japan, is almost certainly an imposter. What is far more prevalent is a convincing imitation, typically composed of ordinary white horseradish dyed green.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-authentic-wasabi-nbsp">Authentic wasabi&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Authentic wasabi, indigenous to Japan, is notoriously challenging to cultivate. The plant necessitates nearly two years to mature and demands precise conditions involving temperature, shade, gravel composition, and water quality. Astonishingly, its production cost per pound can even surpass that of the finest-grade tuna it often accompanies.</p>



<p>Genuine wasabi must be consumed fresh, with the rough rhizome or stem of the plant grated tableside just before consumption. On a positive note, even a small serving of genuine wasabi offers equivalent benefits to the capsule supplements employed in the Tohoku study, delivering 0.8 milligrams of 6-MSITC.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/21/4608" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nutrients</em></a>. </p>



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



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



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



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

Wasabi significantly enhances both short-term and long-term memory

A recent study conducted in Japan has unveiled an intriguing...

species in Vandiemeniaceae