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When we think of climate heroes, fish might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet many of the species we commonly eat are doing more than just swimming around - they’re busy reshaping the ocean floor.



This quiet activity, known as bioturbation, turns out to be a major player in the process of storing carbon beneath the seabed.



In a recent study from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, scientists examined how fish contribute to bioturbation in shallow waters around the U.K.



The research focused on the critical role fish play in mixing ocean sediments and what that means for both the health of marine ecosystems and our changing climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-fish-slow-climate-change">How fish slow climate change </h2>



The researchers found that 185 fish species actively help churn and rework the seabed. Of those, 120 are regularly caught by commercial fisheries. 



Some of the most active species include Atlantic cod, Atlantic hagfish, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eel-trade-is-pushing-another-species-to-the-brink/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European eel</a>, which are all well-known names in fish markets and kitchens. These fish aren’t just food. They’re key to maintaining the seabed's ability to store organic carbon.



“Ocean sediments are the world’s largest reservoir of organic carbon - so what happens on the seabed matters for our climate,” said <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> Ph.D. student Mara Fischer, who led the study.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/burrowing-crabs-bring-beneficial-bacteria-to-mangrove-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bioturbation</a> is very important for how the seabed takes up and stores organic carbon, so the process is vital to our understanding of how the ocean absorbs greenhouse gases to slow the rate of climate change," she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-modify-ecosystems">Fish modify ecosystems</h2>



The process of churning and mixing the seabed sediments results in changes to the physical and chemical characteristics of the substrate. It is essentially a form of modifying the ecosystem through burrowing, feeding, digging and disturbing the deposits on the bottom. 



Bioturbation is important for the wider ocean ecosystems, as well as for the sediments on the sea floor.



“We have a good understanding of how invertebrates contribute to global bioturbation - but until now, we have been missing half the story," explained Fischer. “Our study is the first to attempt to quantify the bioturbation impact of fish, and it shows they play a significant, widespread role.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overfishing-threatens-key-fish-species">Overfishing threatens key fish species</h2>



Many of the fish that do the heaviest lifting on the seabed are facing serious threats because they are popular eating fish.



Professor Callum Roberts is an expert in the Center for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.



“Many of the largest and most powerful diggers and disturbers of seabed sediments, like giant skates, halibut and cod, have been so overfished they have all but vanished from our seas,” said Professor Roberts.



“These losses translate into big, but still uncertain, changes in the way seabed ecosystems work.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-contribution-of-fish">Measuring the contribution of fish</h2>



To measure each fish’s contribution, the team looked at three factors: how the fish rework sediment (called their bioturbation mode), how often they do it, and their body size. This helped them calculate a "bioturbation impact score" for each species.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-european-eel">European eel</h3>



The European eel is a burrower, with a bioturbation score of 100 out of 125. It is listed as critically endangered. It is mainly fished using traps and nets and is considered a delicacy in many places. 



However, it faces several threats, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, habitat loss, diseases, parasites, and climate change.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atlantic-cod">Atlantic cod</h3>



The Atlantic cod, which excavates vertically, also scored 100. It is listed as vulnerable and is caught primarily through trawling and longlining. It is widely consumed in dishes such as fish-and-chips, salted cod, and fresh filets. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-stocks-are-collapsing-globally-as-overfishing-continues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overfishing</a>, climate change, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat degradation</a> have led to significant population declines, especially in the North Sea and West Atlantic.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-skate">Common skate</h3>



The common skate is classified as a lateral excavator and has a bioturbation score of 50. It is critically endangered. Although now protected in some areas, it is often caught accidentally as bycatch. 



Common skate numbers have plummeted due to overfishing. The species is particularly vulnerable because of its large size, slow growth, and low reproductive rate - each female lays about 40 eggs every other year, and it takes 11 years to reach maturity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-seabram">Black seabram</h3>



The black seabream is a nest builder with a bioturbation score of 36. It is listed as a species of least concern. It is primarily caught using bottom trawling, gillnets, and hook-and-line. Fishing during the spawning season in April and May can disrupt nest building and reduce population growth. Bottom trawling at this time can destroy nests and remove both fish and eggs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gurnard-fish-species">Gurnard fish species</h3>



The red gurnard, a sediment sifter, scored 16. It is also listed as being of least concern. While historically not a major target for commercial fisheries, the red gurnard has become more commonly fished in recent years, including in Cornwall. It is mainly caught by trawlers. 



There are currently no fishing regulations for gurnard species in the E.U. - no minimum landing size, no quota - raising concerns about sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-support-seabed-health">Fish support seabed health</h2>



It’s surprising how long this important role of fish has gone unnoticed. "Anyone who has spent time underwater, whether snorkeling or diving, knows that fish are constantly digging up the seabed,” said study co-author Julie Hawkins.



“It’s hard to believe that such an obvious and important activity has been largely overlooked when it comes to understanding ocean carbon burial.”



The research was part of the Convex Seascape Survey, a five-year global project led by the University of Exeter, Blue Marine Foundation, and Convex Group Limited. 



The survey is the largest of its kind aimed at learning how oceans and continental shelves fit into Earth’s carbon puzzle.



Understanding how fish support seabed health could help shape future conservation and fishing policies. As climate change accelerates, every part of the system matters - and fish may be doing more for us than we ever imagined.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113625002156?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Environmental Research</a>.



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Fish are quietly battling climate change on the seabed

When we think of climate heroes, fish might not be...

Humans have reshaped the planet’s green corners into highways, buildings, and sprawling neighborhoods. These developments are now reaching farther into ancient tropical habitats, prompting questions about how wildlife like rats and shrews cope with the shifting environment.



A recent project reveals that small mammals in parts of Borneo’s rainforest are not just adjusting to human-altered landscapes; they may also be exchanging gut bacteria. 



Alessandra Giacomini of <a href="https://www.swansea.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swansea University</a> helped direct this work, shining a spotlight on how native and invasive species can end up sharing microscopic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companions</a> in ways that might surprise people who think of rats and shrews as entirely separate creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rats-and-shrews-are-adaptable">Rats and shrews are adaptable</h2>



Urban boundaries in northern Borneo sit next to aging forests. This zone contains four small mammal species, including three rats and one shrew called <a href="https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Suncus_murinus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Suncus murinus</a>, which is known to dine on insects and scurry through residential corners.



<a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/44575-Rattus-rattus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rattus rattus</a> and <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/44576-Rattus-norvegicus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rattus norvegicus</a> are the best-known invasive rodents worldwide, with the former often seen in <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257670909_The_secret_life_of_the_city_rat_A_review_of_the_ecology_of_urban_Norway_and_black_rats_Rattus_norvegicus_and_Rattus_rattus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">varied settings</a> across Asia. The native Sundamys muelleri appears more comfortable in lush habitats but has somehow found a way to persist near people.



The researchers looked at the <a href="https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/science/microbiome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiomes</a> of these animals across different sections of the urban-rural boundary. Each species has its own natural feeding style and distinct digestion <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-cause-high-anxiety-through-changes-in-gut-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processes</a>, yet certain rodents shared bacterial groups when they occupied similar terrain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rats-and-shrews-share-gut-bacteria">Rats and shrews share gut bacteria</h2>



“Our findings suggest that shared environmental use can drive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-have-an-unexpected-link-to-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome</a> similarity as much or even more than the genetic relatedness of host species,” said Giacomini. This reveals a pattern where animals living in similar conditions may acquire overlapping sets of gut bacteria.



The scientists noticed that Rattus rattus and the native Sundamys muelleri had particularly close microbiome profiles when found in the same suburban zones.



Habitat appears to be a factor that might nudge bacteria to flow between species, especially when they rummage for food in overlapping patches of vegetation or navigate the same drainage areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differences-in-a-changing-habitat">Differences in a changing habitat</h2>



“This raises important questions about the role of gut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-methane-producing-microbe-discovered-in-the-human-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiomes</a> in helping animals adapt to new and changing environments,” stated Dr. Konstans Wells, an expert in Swansea University’s animal health research group.



Environment-driven changes appeared strongest in Norway rats, which showed contrasting microbial patterns between city and suburban locations.



Shrews, on the other hand, have diets heavier in insects and do not share digestive traits with rats. Shrew samples had the lowest variety of bacteria in their guts. They still showed some bacterial strains that popped up in the rodents, but in much smaller numbers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-health-implications">Potential health implications</h2>



Rats are known carriers of certain pathogens linked to human illnesses, such as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leptospirosis</a>. 



When invasive rats and local species like shrews trade bacteria, there might be pathways for zoonotic microbes to shift from wildlife to people. This highlights the delicate balance between animals adapting to city life and the unseen microbes that tag along.



Researchers plan to see whether future shifts in land use could place more species in prolonged contact. Gathering evidence about bacterial transfers could inform decisions on limiting potential disease risks. 



There is growing interest in whether animals like rats and shrews, with flexible appetites or broad tolerance for disturbed spaces, are better at adapting microbiomes to new diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-more-microbial-exchanges">Tracking more microbial exchanges</h2>



Dr. Tamsyn Uren Webster and Dr. Wells are expanding these efforts. They want to examine whether other communities of creatures exhibit a similar overlap of microscopic life.



Borneo’s rainforests remain a frontier for biodiversity, yet people continue to occupy these spaces with shops, farms, and new homes.



It is possible that native wildlife, including certain rodents, will keep settling near people as the push for housing spreads. Researchers wonder if these animals will pick up even more bacteria from one another, creating scenarios where local and foreign species unknowingly blend their gut microbes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-which-rodents-will-thrive">Predicting which rodents will thrive</h2>



Seeing rats and shrews in a city might seem normal, but their exchanges of gut bacteria could have wide-ranging consequences.



These hidden microbes can shape how creatures digest food and defend themselves against infections. They can also carry disease-causing agents that might slip into human populations if left unchecked.



Scientists believe that understanding each animal’s unique gut flora helps predict which species are poised to thrive. Over time, these data might become a key ingredient for policymakers who aim to manage invasive rodents in newly built neighborhoods. 



The hope is to balance development with safeguards against the unforeseen effects of living alongside opportunistic animals.



The study is published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.17782" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Ecology</a>.



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Rats and shrews living close together trade gut bacteria

Humans have reshaped the planet’s green corners into highways, buildings,...

Reservoirs,With,Hydrogen.,Eco,Fuel,Storage,Tanks.,H2,Gas,For

Folschviller, a quiet town in France’s Moselle region, just handed the energy world a surprise it didn’t see coming. Beneath land once dotted with coal pits lies an estimated 46 million tons of natural hydrogen, a cache large enough to stir fresh conversations about how the planet powers itself. 



The figure tops half of today’s yearly gray hydrogen output, yet it carries none of the pollution burden that shadows the industry’s status quo.



The discovery lands at a moment when clean fuels are in high demand, but often too pricey or too dirty to use at scale. Here, nature has done the hard work. 



Instead of relying on factories or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-warnings-fossil-fuels-are-causing-climate-health-and-biodiversity-crises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>, this hydrogen has sat untouched until recent drilling exposed it - and the timing could not be more convenient for a world bent on cutting emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-natural-hydrogen-motherlode">Finding the natural hydrogen motherlode</h2>



A research team hunting for methane struck a different kind of treasure at a depth of 4,101 feet. The drill core showed pockets of colorless gas, soon confirmed as hydrogen. 



Only after that eureka moment did word spread that the deposit belonged to the GeoRessources laboratory and France’s National Center for Scientific Research, or <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a>.



The scientists were looking for clues to ancient hydrocarbons when the readings changed. They realized the reservoir might reshape regional energy plans, prompting fresh tests and economic modeling. 



Early estimates calculate the value of the find at roughly $184 billion, based on a conservative $4.00 per kilogram, or $4,000 per ton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-natural-white-hydrogen-matters">Why natural white hydrogen matters</h2>



Industry labels hydrogen by color to signal how it is produced. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-hydrogen-energy-production-just-got-a-lot-easier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green hydrogen</a> splits water with renewable electricity, a clean method but one that still costs more than most companies can swallow. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shape-shifting-membrane-could-be-the-key-to-cleaner-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gray hydrogen</a> strips the element from natural gas, leaving behind carbon dioxide. White hydrogen skips both paths; it forms naturally underground and carries no direct carbon penalty.



That built‑in advantage tackles two headaches at once. It avoids the power‑hungry electrolysis required for green hydrogen and sidesteps the emissions from gray hydrogen’s fossil‑fuel origin. 



If engineers can lift the gas to the surface without leaks, factories could switch to a cleaner feedstock overnight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-chemistry-at-work">Simple chemistry at work</h2>



White hydrogen begins when water seeps into iron‑rich rocks deep below ground. A chemical reaction splits the water molecules, releasing hydrogen gas that drifts into cracks and traps. 



Over thousands of years, those pockets grow. In some parts of the world - Mali, Russia, and isolated U.S. basins - gas even seeps to the surface, lighting small bush fires or fueling village stoves.



The French deposit likely formed the same way. Because it already sits in a pure state, producers can bypass the energy‑intensive clean‑up steps that plague other hydrogen sources. The gas emerges ready for pipelines, fuel cells, or industrial burners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-counting-dollars-and-emissions">Counting dollars and emissions</h2>



Hydrogen priced at $4.00 per kilogram could make low‑carbon steel, ammonia, and long‑haul trucking far cheaper than current green hydrogen models allow. 



With a price tag of $184 billion, the Moselle reserve reads like an open invitation to investors. Unlike oil or coal, its combustion releases only water vapor, trimming the environmental tab to nearly zero.



Yet money alone does not sway climate math. 



Replacing gray hydrogen with natural hydrogen at this scale would cancel about 130 million tons of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> each year - the amount those gray plants now emit. That single swap could equal the annual emissions of a midsize European country.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-benefits-for-france">Local benefits for France</h2>



Lorraine’s history is steeped in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-coal-ash-holds-tons-of-rare-earth-elements-worth-8-4-billion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coal</a> and steel. Many mines closed decades ago, leaving empty shafts and economic scars. 



Tapping white hydrogen offers a chance to revive the region with new jobs in drilling, pipeline work, and gas processing. Local officials already talk about training programs to shift miners to cleaner tasks.



Energy security matters, too. France imports much of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-gas-isnt-as-clean-as-we-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural gas</a> that feeds its industries. A domestic supply of hydrogen would shield buyers from price swings and geopolitical shocks, giving planners a dependable baseline fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundance-of-natural-hydrogen">Abundance of natural hydrogen</h2>



About midway through the project, lead scientist Dr. Jacques Pironon put the discovery into plain terms for Interesting Engineering.



“Our research suggests that natural hydrogen could be far more abundant than previously thought. If we can find efficient ways to extract and use it, we may have a powerful new tool in the fight against climate change," Dr. Pironon enthused.



“We need to understand the full potential of these hydrogen reservoirs and develop safe, efficient methods to extract them.” 



His caution reflects the field’s youth; few commercial wells exist, and regulators still draft rules to prevent leaks or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-100-million-americans-exposed-to-contaminated-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater problems</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-race-for-natural-hydrogen-begins">Global race for natural hydrogen begins</h2>



Other countries have noticed. Australia’s government earmarked funds to map its iron‑rich crust, while U.S. explorers study gas seeps in Kansas and Nebraska. 



Some researchers even ask whether white hydrogen replenishes continuously, like an underground fountain. If future tests show steady recharge, the fuel could edge closer to the definition of renewable.



Tech startups are also watching. Companies that design hydrogen turbines, storage tanks, and refueling stations see a chance to leapfrog the cost barriers that hold back wider adoption. 



Lower feedstock prices could make hydrogen trucks and ships more attractive than their diesel rivals.



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



France has a long way to go with this jackpot, and the next move is a big one. Pilot wells will test flow rates, pressure behavior, and safety gear. 



Should those numbers hold, commercial extraction could start within a few years, turning Folschviller into a living laboratory for natural hydrogen. 



Success might prompt copycat surveys worldwide, nudging the energy mix toward a gas that arrives carbon‑free straight from the ground.



Learn more about natural hydrogen extraction in this full study by the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55773-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Jackpot! Largest 'natural hydrogen' discovery could help solve Earth's energy crisis

Folschviller, a quiet town in France’s Moselle region, just handed...

We often celebrate social friendship as a pillar of health, longevity, and happiness. Across species, from humans to gorillas and other animals, social bonds appear to enrich lives. Yet, what if these connections don’t always help? What if social behavior sometimes drains more than it gives?



A recent study from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, in collaboration with the universities of Exeter and Zurich, uncovers this hidden complexity. 



By tracking 164 wild mountain gorillas over 21 years in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, researchers revealed a nuanced picture of how friendship and social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gorillas-are-digging-for-a-surprising-food-in-the-jungle-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roles</a> influence survival and reproduction.



This research doesn’t just apply to gorillas. It reflects the deeper currents of our own evolutionary past. It forces us to rethink whether more friendship always means better health or longer life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-bonds-don-t-always-help-gorillas">Social bonds don’t always help gorillas</h2>



In humans, the social environment ranks among the strongest predictors of health and lifespan. Similar patterns emerge in other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-infertility-humans-linked-same-genes-gorilla-small-penises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social mammals</a>, suggesting ancient evolutionary links. 



But even with the known benefits of connection, individuals often vary in how social they are. Some display behaviors that seem, at first glance, to defy evolutionary logic.



The mountain gorillas in this study helped clarify that contradiction. Scientists looked at both individual social traits and broader group characteristics to explore how these elements influence fitness. 



The findings reveal a pattern of highly context-dependent outcomes. The costs and benefits of sociality change with sex, group size, and the nature of relationships.



Despite strong fitness benefits tied to social bonds, not everyone gains equally. A female gorilla’s experience of friendship might be very different from a male’s - and what works in one group may not work in another.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-shifting-equation-of-friendship">The shifting equation of friendship</h2>



The research uncovered a striking set of contrasts. Female gorillas in smaller <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-gorillas-self-aware-new-research-challenges-old-assumptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groups</a> who maintained strong bonds were less likely to fall ill. 



However, these same females had fewer offspring. On the other hand, females in larger groups who had strong ties were more likely to get sick but also had higher birth rates. Health and reproduction pulled in opposite directions.



For males, the trade-offs played out differently. Those with strong, stable bonds had fewer injuries - perhaps because allies provided safety - but experienced higher rates of illness. These findings shake the assumption that sociality always leads to better outcomes.



“Having a lot of strong social relationships is often really good - but sometimes it isn’t,” said Dr. Robin Morrison, lead author and senior researcher at the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-stress-makes-male-gorillas-sick">Social stress makes male gorillas sick</h2>



Why would strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-friendships-social-bonds-evolve-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationships</a> lead to more illness in males? The answer may lie in the costs of bonding itself. 



“It’s possible that males expend more energy by having close social ties, as they have to defend females and offspring, and the stress of this may reduce their immune function,” explained Dr. Morrison.



In other words, it isn’t always the risk of disease transmission that causes illness. The emotional and physical toll of guarding others, staying vigilant, and maintaining dominance might chip away at the immune system. 



This insight links emotional labor with biological consequences - a concept that resonates far beyond the gorilla world.



The gorillas remind us that relationships, while powerful, demand energy. Sometimes, the social load can overwhelm the very systems meant to protect us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-group-traits-shift-the-balance">Group traits shift the balance</h2>



The study didn’t stop at individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pets-increase-life-satisfaction-as-much-as-marriage-or-close-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a>. The researchers looked closely at the traits of entire gorilla groups - size, cohesion, conflict, and stability - and how they altered the effects of personal social styles. 



What they found was a dynamic interaction. Group context shaped whether a gorilla’s social strategies helped or harmed.



In small groups, friendly females enjoyed low illness rates but had fewer babies. In large groups, the same friendly behavior led to more sickness but also higher reproduction. These trends show that social advantages are not fixed - they shift depending on who surrounds you.



“With these forces pushing in different directions, the ‘optimal’ social type will depend on an individual’s sex, age, offspring and wider social group,” said Dr. Sam Ellis from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-social-traits-help-gorillas">Not all social traits help gorillas</h2>



The implications stretch beyond the animal kingdom. In humans and other social mammals, researchers often treat connection as inherently good. But the gorilla study highlights a deeper complexity. In some cases, behaviors once considered maladaptive - like avoiding others - can yield unexpected benefits.



“In some situations social traits that we’ve previously thought of as maladaptive can have important benefits,” said Dr. Ellis.



The paper’s title, “Group traits moderate the relationship between individual social traits and fitness in gorillas,” captures this balance. It shows that both personal and social group characteristics shape the path to survival and reproductive success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-long-term-look-into-gorilla-life">A long-term look into gorilla life</h2>



This research would not have been possible without long-term observation. For over two decades, scientists tracked interactions among gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The study paints a detailed portrait of lives marked by leadership, loyalty, loss, and resilience.



“This paper highlights the incredible value of long-term studies to furthering our understanding of the evolution of sociality and how the benefits or costs of sociality can vary considerably across different environments,” said Dr. Tara Stoinski, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of the <a href="https://gorillafund.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund</a>.



Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.snf.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SNSF</a>) and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the project demonstrates how essential sustained research is in revealing the deeper workings of social evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-gorillas-behind-the-research">The gorillas behind the research</h2>



The study includes unforgettable case studies that bring the numbers to life. Gutangara, a successful mother, lives in one of the park’s largest groups. Though she forms many friendships, Gutangara spends most of her time with her offspring, both young and grown. She holds the record among the observed gorillas with eight surviving children.



Maggie, once the top-ranking female in the Bwenge group, was both fierce and nurturing. She often initiated grooming but could also be aggressive. After the dominant male’s sudden death, she led the group. However, after merging with a neighboring group, she could not adjust and chose to leave. She vanished into Congo, her fate unknown.



Titus, a silverback male, lost his parents early to poaching. Despite this, he became the dominant male at just 15. Known for his gentleness, he had deep bonds with the females in his group. 



They often stayed in physical contact with him - an unusual trait among gorillas. His soft leadership helped him maintain dominance for 20 years.



Cantsbee, another silverback, ruled his group for 22 years and fathered at least 28 children. Known for his peaceful authority, he rarely fought but always protected others. He shared a deep bond with his son Gicurasi, who took over as leader later. When Cantsbee grew ill, he left the group, returning only once before passing away in solitude.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-in-social-strategies">Diversity in social strategies </h2>



What this study reveals is the delicate, ever-shifting calculus of social behavior. Fitness doesn’t rely solely on closeness. It emerges from how an individual fits into their specific group, under particular conditions, during specific life stages.



By revealing how personal and group traits interact, this research offers a new view of evolution. It suggests that diversity in social strategies isn’t just tolerated - it may be necessary. In gorillas, as in humans, there is no one right way to connect. 



Sometimes, stepping back is just as important as reaching out.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421539122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Some gorillas get sick from being 'too social'

We often celebrate social friendship as a pillar of health,...

Modern life keeps most of us moving fast but exercising less. While we hustle between screens, meetings, and chores, our bodies slow down - and our brains might be doing the same. 



In recent years, researchers have explored how small changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily movement</a> could produce large shifts in overall health. And now, evidence is building that even modest physical activity might shield our most important organ: the brain.



The idea that fitness and cognitive well-being are deeply connected is not new. But how little effort it takes to unlock those benefits might surprise you.



In Norway, this concept has sparked national interest thanks to a team of researchers who made headlines with a fresh approach to exercise - and now, a powerful case for its brain-boosting potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-workouts-boost-body-and-brain">Tiny workouts boost body and brain</h2>



Earlier this year, Ulrik Wisløff and Atefe R. Tari of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu">NTNU</a>) published a book titled Microtraining – 7 weeks to boost fitness and strength. 



Its release drew attention to a simple, research-backed idea: even small bursts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-reduces-the-risk-of-brain-diseases-by-up-to-54-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> can create substantial gains in strength and endurance.



The same researchers, collaborating with the <a href="https://qbi.uq.edu.au">Queensland Brain Institute</a> in Australia, have now expanded their scope. Their new study, published in The Lancet, focuses on brain health. It asks a compelling question - how does being physically active affect the aging brain?



The answer is promising: it doesn’t take much movement to help your brain age more gracefully.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-exercises-improve-brain-health">Intense exercises improve brain health</h2>



The study reveals that even short bouts of high-intensity exercise can influence brain health positively. These findings support growing calls for public health policies that place more emphasis on movement, regardless of duration.



“Exercise is not only important for the heart, but also for the brain. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-significantly-lowers-heart-disease-risk-by-reducing-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical activity</a> appears to be one of the most promising measures we have to prevent cognitive decline and dementia,” Tari said.



The review highlights how fitness, especially endurance training, may delay or reduce the risk of dementia. For an aging population with rising rates of cognitive disease, this insight is not just useful - it’s urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-exercise-affects-the-brain">How exercise affects the brain</h2>



The team reviewed data from both animal and human studies to uncover how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-doses-of-exercise-can-greatly-reduce-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a> influences biological processes in the brain. 



As we age, inflammation increases, blood flow slows, immune functions weaken, and brain plasticity declines. These changes make the brain more vulnerable to neurodegenerative conditions like dementia.



“These are mechanisms that play an important role in the development of dementia and cognitive decline,” Tari explained.



The good news? Exercise seems to slow or even reverse many of these age-related changes. 



The body releases protective molecules during physical activity that enhance brain repair and communication. This is particularly important as aging cells lose their natural ability to maintain cognitive function.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microtraining-as-a-health-strategy">Microtraining as a health strategy</h2>



Wisløff and Tari belong to the Cardiac Exercise Research Group (<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/cerg">CERG</a>) at NTNU. They have long advocated for microtraining, a practice that involves brief but intense periods of movement. 



Instead of long sessions at the gym, microtraining weaves exercise into daily life. For example, walking briskly up stairs or doing short sprints at home.



This approach could make fitness more accessible. Current public <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fitness-focused-medicine-physical-activity-reduces-chronic-disease-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> guidelines suggest at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity effort each week. But many people struggle to meet those targets.



“Fully 50 to 70 percent of the population does not manage today’s activity recommendations,” Wisløff said.



The researchers argue that it’s time to rethink these benchmarks. The real barrier may not be ability or awareness - it’s how the message is framed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-time-more-intensity">Less time, more intensity</h2>



The review makes it clear: the key lies not in how long you move, but how hard. Even small doses of high-intensity movement offer measurable brain benefits.



“We believe it’s time for health authorities to provide clearer advice on how important exercise is for the brain. Our review shows that even small doses of high-intensity activity - equivalent to brisk walking where you can’t sing - can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 40 percent,” Wisløff said.



This redefinition of what counts as exercise could transform the way individuals and policymakers think about fitness. It doesn’t require a gym membership or hours of free time. Just commitment - and perhaps a bit of breathlessness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exercise-and-brain-health">Exercise and brain health</h2>



The Norwegian findings are not alone. In a January commentary in Nature Medicine, American researchers echoed the call for updated guidelines. 



They, too, emphasized the value of even brief, intense activities. Together, these voices challenge the idea that fitness must be time-consuming to be worthwhile.



“Today’s recommendations emphasize total activity, but we show that even small amounts of high intensity exercise have an effect on the brain. This should be communicated more clearly - it may be what motivates people to get started. A little is better than nothing - and it’s never too late to start,” said Tari.



Public messaging around health often focuses on long-term, high-effort goals. But this research suggests that the road to better brain health might begin with much smaller steps.



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



As populations live longer, dementia and cognitive decline are becoming some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. With no effective cure yet available, prevention stands as the strongest defense. That’s where movement comes in.



“Exercise is cheap, accessible and has no side effects. It should be considered a first-line measure to preserve brain health,” Tari said.



The simplicity of this solution makes it powerful. By replacing inactivity with brief but regular bursts of movement, individuals can protect not just their bodies - but their minds.



And in doing so, they embrace a form of healthcare that begins with the smallest of steps.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00184-9/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet</a>.



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Small bursts of intense exercise can slow brain aging

Modern life keeps most of us moving fast but exercising...

Mental health issues like insomnia, depression, and anxiety affect millions, yet their causes remain unclear. These conditions deeply impact sleep, mood, and thinking - and they often occur together.



Someone may face insomnia in youth, anxiety later, and depression afterward. Others experience all three at once. Treatments often offer only temporary relief. Symptoms return, and responses to medication vary. This shows a deeper problem in how we approach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/put-the-phone-down-screen-use-in-bed-linked-to-insomnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlapping-mental-health-disorders">Overlapping mental health disorders </h2>



Scientists now believe that brain function, not just behavior, holds the key. A new study by experts at the <a href="https://nin.nl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience</a> explores this idea. The analysis was focused on the brain’s role in these overlapping mental health disorders.



"Insomnia disorder, major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions, often co-occurring and sharing genetic risk factors, suggesting possible common brain mechanisms," noted the researchers.



Siemon de Lange, Elleke Tissink, and Eus van Someren worked with experts at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.



The team analyzed brain scans from over 40,000 people in the UK Biobank. Instead of studying genes, they used imaging to find both shared and unique brain patterns.



“In our lab, we explore the similarities and differences between insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Everyone looks at this from a different perspective: some mainly look at genetics and in this study, we look at brain scans,” explained Tissink.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insomnia-depression-and-anxiety">Insomnia, depression, and anxiety </h2>



The research team examined several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strength-training-may-be-the-best-exercise-for-insomnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> features, such as tissue structure and connectivity. 



Their findings show that people with any of these three disorders commonly exhibit reduced surface area in the cerebral cortex, smaller thalamic volumes, and weaker connections between different brain regions.



This is significant because these brain characteristics could reflect how symptoms develop and persist. 



The shared features support the idea that these disorders might stem from related underlying problems in brain function and development. Recognizing these links is crucial for future treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-each-disorder-shows-distinct-brain-patterns">Each disorder shows distinct brain patterns</h2>



Despite the overlap, each disorder shows distinct brain patterns. In insomnia, reduced volume in brain regions tied to reward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processing</a> is more evident. This might explain why people with insomnia often lose interest or motivation.



For depression, a thinner cerebral cortex - especially in areas linked to language and emotion - plays a stronger role. This may contribute to the emotional numbness or difficulty in expression often experienced by those with depression.



Anxiety stands out through reduced reactivity in the amygdala and weakened functional connectivity in regions rich in dopamine, glutamate, and histamine. These chemical messengers help regulate mood, attention, and stress response, making their disruption crucial in understanding anxiety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-disorders-share-a-circuit">Mental health disorders share a circuit</h2>



“The regions seem separate from each other, but when you map them out together, they all turn out to be part of the same circuit (amygdala–hippocampus–medial prefrontal cortex circuit). So, even though they are distinct areas, they all appear to represent different pieces of vulnerability within the same puzzle,” said Tissink.



This insight points to a shared vulnerability <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-sleep-patterns-affect-your-health-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circuit</a>. Understanding this interconnected network could change how treatment is approached. 



Instead of addressing each disorder in isolation, therapies could target this broader brain circuit, potentially easing multiple symptoms at once.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underestimated-role-of-insomnia">Underestimated role of insomnia</h2>



Tissink noted that insomnia is often left out of discussions around mental health overlap.



“A lot of research has been done on the overlap between anxiety and depression, but insomnia is often forgotten. This is the first time that we have investigated all three disorders at the same time, on such a big scale," explained Tissink.



The study emphasizes how often people experience these disorders together - sometimes one after another, sometimes all at once. 



Understanding how they connect and interact might explain why treatment for one often helps with another. For example, treating insomnia can also lessen depressive symptoms, but the reason behind this is still unclear.



By focusing on the brain’s structure and function, this research opens new paths. It may lead to better, more holistic treatments and prompt more studies that look at mental health from a whole-brain perspective, rather than dividing it by symptoms.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-025-00412-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Mental Health</a>.



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Three common mental health disorders share a single brain circuit

Mental health issues like insomnia, depression, and anxiety affect millions,...

In a world filled with advice about how to stay sharp, a large-scale study has highlighted ways to protect your brain health, reducing the likelihood of suffering a stroke, dementia, and depression. 



This new research identified 17 factors, ranging from social connections to blood pressure, that can make a meaningful difference.



<a href="https://researchers.mgh.harvard.edu/profile/17341069/Sanjula-Singh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Sanjula Singh</a>, a principal investigator at the <a href="https://www.cerebrovascularhealth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brain Care Labs</a> at Massachusetts General Hospital, and the lead author of the study, said the conditions are often linked by changes in small blood vessels. 



Addressing the right elements helps to prevent multiple problems from arising at once, or at least slow their course.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-three-conditions-overlap">Why these three conditions overlap</h2>



Researchers note that at least 60 percent of strokes, 40 percent of dementia cases, and 35 percent of late-life depression could be prevented or slowed by controlling certain factors. 



These include high blood pressure, high body mass index, high blood sugar, high total cholesterol, and several lifestyle patterns. Experts suggest that being proactive may keep the mind and body on steadier ground.



“Those are striking numbers. If you can really optimize the lifestyle pieces or the modifiable pieces, then you’re at such a higher likelihood of living life without disability,” said <a href="https://www.mcleanhospital.org/profile/stephanie-collier" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Stephanie Collier</a>, director of education in the division of geriatric psychiatry at <a href="https://www.mcleanhospital.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McLean Hospital</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seventeen-protective-and-harmful-factors">Seventeen protective and harmful factors</h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01391-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The study outlined protective elements</a>, including cognitive activity, moderate or high physical activity, a sense of purpose, low to moderate alcohol intake, a large social network, and a diet with more vegetables and fish. 



It also identified harmful factors, such as pain that disrupts daily life, kidney disease, hearing loss, loneliness, stress, long or poor sleep, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quitting-smoking-at-any-age-brings-big-and-immediate-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoking history</a>. Additional concerns are dietary choices like excess sugar and red meat.



“If you’re starting to work on one of them, very often you’re actually improving multiple at the same time,” Dr. Singh said. 



Researchers emphasize that this list is more like a set of options rather than a rigid plan. Focusing on just one or two aspects is a good strategy when you need to gain momentum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-sleep-and-pain">What about sleep and pain?</h2>



Two factors that often get overlooked are chronic pain and sleep disturbances. Both have strong links to brain health and can quietly chip away at resilience over time.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-prepares-the-brain-for-the-future-while-protecting-memories-of-the-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleep issues</a> like insomnia or sleeping <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/oversleeping-bad-for-your-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more than eight hours</a> a night were tied to a higher risk for all three brain conditions. 



Persistent pain, especially when it limits daily activity, can have a compounding effect on mental and emotional well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-steps-with-big-returns">Small steps with big returns</h2>



Among the group of risk factors, high blood pressure stands out. One <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7005583/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found that bringing blood pressure down significantly lowered dementia risk. 



Specialists suggest trimming salt, fitting in activity like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walk-20-minutes-daily-to-boost-your-brain-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brisk walks</a>, and managing weight to improve readings. Medications can also be helpful when aging arteries make lifestyle shifts less effective.



Physical activity carries strong benefits, and reduces both stroke and dementia risks. Mental challenges such as doing puzzles or learning new skills also help. 



A bustling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-activity-may-delay-the-onset-of-dementia-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social life</a> is beneficial for similar reasons, and combining these actions can give you more advantages in a shorter time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advice-from-experts">Advice from experts</h2>



Dr. Collier recommends building habits early. She said the right moment to begin changes is generally not during older age - it’s while a person is still middle aged. 



Clinicians also stress that it’s never too late to take action if you missed that window. Even simple efforts, like lowering intake of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-average-american-consumes-80-pounds-of-sugar-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sugar-sweetened</a> drinks or getting consistent bedtime routines, might head off trouble down the road.



Some people with a genetic predisposition to health issues assume there’s not much they can do. Researchers caution against that view. 



Keeping track of blood pressure, nurturing friendships, and limiting stress show promise at any point in life, even for those with a family history of brain concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



This study underlines a crucial message: many aspects of everyday life can influence the future of our minds. By tackling one or two changes at a time, you might reduce the threat of serious conditions and maintain a healthier outlook.



The study is published in the <a href="https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2025/03/21/jnnp-2024-334925" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery &amp; Psychiatry</a>.



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The 17 best strategies to protect your brain from stroke, dementia, and depression, according to science

In a world filled with advice about how to stay...

Coral,Ocean,Conservation,-,Growing,Corals,On,Shallow,Reef,Nursery

The ocean is in trouble. Two-thirds of our coastal regions have already been altered or damaged. Fishing methods that drag gear across the ocean floor, known as bottom-contact fisheries, disturb nearly 5 million square kilometers of marine habitat every year requiring eventual restoration. 



And that's just one piece of the puzzle. Marine litter and chemical pollutants are adding more pressure. These intrusions interfere with natural processes that sustain life in the ocean, and biodiversity is paying the price.



Oil and gas drilling is typically limited in space, but when something goes wrong - like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ghosts-of-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-still-haunt-the-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deepwater Horizon spill</a> in 2010 - the consequences ripple across the deep sea for years. Now, seabed mining is poised to enter the scene. The Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone is one of many deep-sea regions that could be affected as this industry grows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-protection-isn-t-enough">Ocean protection isn’t enough</h2>



The UN Agenda 2030 sets a bold goal: protect 30% of the ocean by the end of the decade. Scientists from the University of Naples and the <a href="https://www.univpm.it/Entra/Universita_Politecnica_delle_Marche_Home/L/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polytechnic University of Marche</a>, working through EU-funded projects like CLIMAREST and REDRESS, are developing strategies to support this goal. 



However, the researchers noted that protection alone won’t be enough. “This target may be insufficient to reverse current declines in specific habitats and overall ecosystem functionality,” said Roberto Danovaro, project coordinator of REDRESS.



To truly help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> recover, we need more than just protected zones. Restoration must be part of the solution. That means actively reintroducing the very organisms that build marine habitats - such as seagrasses, mangroves, kelp, corals, and cold-water animal forests.



“Several coastal habitats need to be restored for their crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and sustaining ecosystem processes in the ocean,” said Professor Simonetta Fraschetti. Letting nature recover on its own - called passive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoration-of-underwater-seaweed-forests-offers-hope-for-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration</a> - can work, but it’s a slow road. In some cases, full recovery could take up to 200 years.



That’s especially true for habitats where the key species take decades to establish themselves. “Active restoration measures, such as stabilizing the seafloor and planting organisms, can significantly accelerate recovery,” said Cristina Gambi, project manager for REDRESS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-restoration-works">Ocean restoration works </h2>



The idea of marine restoration might seem new, but it’s already been tested many times. In a study published in the journal Nature, researchers reviewed 764 marine restoration projects around the world.



The results? A 64% average success rate. Restoration efforts have succeeded across many environments, from shallow coastal areas to the deep sea, with especially strong results for coral reefs and habitats built by foundation species like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-marshes-are-enormously-valuable-for-coastal-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saltmarshes</a>.



“In this work, we show that the development of new approaches to marine ecosystem restoration enables expansion of efforts over larger spatial scales and even within impacted areas, as demonstrated by an increasing number of success stories showing the effective recovery of diverse habitat types,” said Fraschetti.



These stories matter. They prove that ocean floor restoration isn’t just possible - ecosystems and the vast marine life can thrive again. 



“Success stories from marine ecosystem restoration are crucial to motivate society and private enterprises to invest. We need to show that these efforts can meet the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration targets,” noted Danovaro.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-ocean-restoration">Rethinking ocean restoration </h2>



Another major takeaway from the research: you don’t have to wait for perfect conditions to begin restoration. In fact, restoring even the most degraded sites can still produce meaningful results.



According to Danovaro, this changes how we should think about restoration. Rather than postponing action until threats are reduced, we should begin work immediately. Early ocean floor restoration can give us faster returns and buy time for long-term solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-a-project-succeed">What makes a project succeed?</h2>



To figure out what drives restoration success, the researchers studied 618 case studies. They identified four main factors that made the biggest difference.



First, the specific methods used for restoration had the strongest impact on whether a project succeeded. How the restoration was carried out mattered more than any other single factor.



Second, ongoing maintenance after the restoration began played a crucial role. Continued care and support for the restored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a> - often in partnership with local fishers and dive centers - significantly improved outcomes.



Third, careful selection of the restoration site was essential. Projects fared better when located in areas with strong ecological connectivity, natural protection from physical disturbances like storms and wave action, and environments that offered refuge to species sensitive to climate change.



Finally, the creation of buffer zones around the restored area helped reduce human pressure. Establishing marine protected areas or fishery-restricted zones near the project sites often contributed to higher success rates.



But restoration doesn’t always go to plan. When conditions were unsuitable, extreme weather struck, or the wrong methods or species were used, some projects failed entirely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-restoration-three-types-of-support">Ocean restoration: Three types of support </h2>



Success in the water depends on strong support on land. According to the team, every restoration project relies on three essential types of support.



First, policy support is critical. This includes the creation and enforcement of laws and regulations that prioritize the restoration of damaged habitats. International efforts like the UN's ecosystem restoration targets and regional initiatives such as the EU’s Nature Restoration Law play a central role in setting the direction.



Second, economic support is necessary to fund restoration efforts. While governments currently provide the bulk of this funding, private companies are beginning to recognize the value of investing in ecosystem repair. These investments not only benefit the environment but also create new job opportunities and encourage eco-friendly innovation.



Third, technology support is vital. Advances in tools and scalable restoration methods are making it more practical to restore a wider range of marine habitats across different regions of the world.



“All these types of support are crucial for successful marine ecosystem restoration and really needed considering present degradation state of our marine ecosystems,” concluded Fraschetti.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57254-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Ocean floor restoration could make or break 2030 goals

The ocean is in trouble. Two-thirds of our coastal regions...

Roses have long been treasured for their elegance and symbolic meaning. Rose petals, admired in gardens worldwide, have fascinated people with their striking formation patterns.



Recent findings suggest that geometric frustration in tissue growth and cell orientation contributes to the formation of sharp tips in rose petals.



According to new research led by Yafei Zhang from the University of Central Florida, the flower’s pointed edges arise through a mechanism different from commonly known <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2015JMP....56h2202H/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gauss incompatibility</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pointed-petals-of-roses">The pointed petals of roses</h2>



Botanists have often assumed that most curling leaves and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-get-their-shape-and-scent-from-a-single-gene/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petals</a> share the same principles of shape formation. Those principles involve internal growth stresses that produce wavelike edges in many plants.



Roses, however, do not follow that broad trend. They showcase crisp margins that hint at a different structural phenomenon.



Researchers discovered that these pointed rims result from Mainardi-Codazzi-Peterson (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002250962100226X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MCP</a>) incompatibility, which focuses stress into narrow zones. This focus leads to the petal’s signature pointed form without the soft ripples found in other blossoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-internal-stress-directs-growth">How internal stress directs growth</h2>



Stress in plant tissue often emerges when natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-the-gene-that-gives-a-flower-its-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expansion</a> meets physical limits. Instead of spreading the strain throughout the entire petal, roses concentrate it into small pockets along the rim.



That high-pressure concentration brings about clearly defined tips. Over time, this process creates a feedback loop in which the tissue continues to shape itself around those focused areas of stress.



Once those pointed regions appear, the petal’s growth follows a new path. This pattern sets roses apart from leaves or flowers that display wave-like edges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rose-petals-and-pressure-zones">Rose petals and pressure zones</h2>



In typical leaf development, Gauss incompatibility describes how mismatched growth rates cause edges to bend or ripple. Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-tracks-changes-in-seasonal-flower-cycles-and-migration-patterns-from-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> rely on that effect, ending up with gentle curves that flutter in the breeze.



Roses tap into an alternative method for shaping themselves. Their petals emphasize localized pressure zones, almost like a carefully placed fold that defines the final outline.



Scientists have long used geometry to explain how thin sheets buckle and curl. Roses provide a vivid example of how nature experiments with more than one geometric strategy to achieve a unique aesthetic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petals-that-are-sharply-sculpted">Petals that are sharply sculpted </h2>



Zhang’s group took a practical approach to confirm that MCP incompatibility drives rose petal formation. They created synthetic petals that mimicked rose tissue growth and tested how those models behaved.



By adjusting parameters in the laboratory, they witnessed the same kind of stress concentration that nature uses. When the tension peaked along certain zones, the synthetic petals sprouted the same crisp tips seen on real <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-bees-choose-the-same-flowers-again-and-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roses</a>.



The team combined theoretical analyses, computer simulations, and hands-on fabrication. Each part of their work reinforced the idea that focusing stress can sculpt petals more sharply than traditional wavy patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rose-petal-mechanics-inspire-engineers">Rose petal mechanics inspire engineers</h2>



Insights from plant development often inspire new products. Engineers are intrigued by the way delicate biological structures can fold themselves into complex shapes without external force.



Rose petals might serve as a model for materials that need precise curves. By copying the stress-targeting method, researchers could craft surfaces that transform shape when stimulated.



“Identifying Mainardi-Codazzi-Peterson incompatibility as a shaping mechanism is not only an important milestone in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/morphogenesis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">morphogenesis</a> research but also an inspiration for new designs of shape-morphing materials and structures,” wrote Lishuai Jin from the <a href="https://www.cityu.edu.hk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City University of Hong Kong</a>, who authored a related perspective.



Devices that curl or crease on demand could lead to innovations in soft robotics or smart textiles. Observing how roses manage tension might help inventors design structures that cleverly change their form.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broader-view-of-nature-s-tricks">A broader view of nature’s tricks</h2>



Gauss-based effects remain familiar territory for botanists studying rippled leaves or wavy petals. Those undulating edges show how differential growth alone can create attractive curvatures in plant organs.



Roses prove there is more than one path to sculpting a petal. Their localized tips reveal that living organisms have multiple strategies for shaping themselves over time.



Scientists suspect that other species might also depend on lesser-known mechanical processes for leaf or petal design. Exploring such adaptations could shed light on previously overlooked nuances in plant development.



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



Zhang and colleagues have opened fresh perspectives on how pointed petals form in nature. Their focus on stress localization offers a direct explanation for the neat edges that give roses their distinct charm.



Biologists now wonder if combining Gauss and MCP effects might generate exotic forms yet to be documented in plants or artificial models. This approach could allow horticulturists to encourage new petal varieties and shapes by tuning growth conditions.



Unraveling these geometric strategies not only expands our understanding of plant morphology but might also influence fields that rely on thin-sheet mechanics. From flexible electronics to architectural design, such phenomena hold potential for creative solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-physics-of-rose-petals">Subtle physics of rose petals</h2>



Roses stand out in a garden for their elegant appearance and alluring fragrance. Yet behind that pleasant exterior lies a fine-tuned interplay of expansion and stress that channels shape in unusual ways.



Scientists see this as a reminder that nature’s aesthetics often result from subtle physics. Roses simply turn these principles into an iconic display admired around the world.



Petals shaped by MCP incompatibility demonstrate just how varied growth processes can be. They signal that nature, in its variety, sometimes uses a different blueprint to craft recognizable forms.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt0672" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Scientists finally understand why rose petals have pointed tips

Roses have long been treasured for their elegance and symbolic...

Science has been chasing a single rulebook for nature ever since people realized the same laws that guide apples also steer planets. Three of the four known forces - electromagnetism, the strong force, and the weak force - comfortably share pages in that quantum physics manual. 



Gravity, though vital to everything from tides to timekeeping, insists on speaking a different dialect inspired by Einstein’s theory of general relativity.



That mismatch keeps physicists up at night. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-form-of-quantum-entanglement-discovered-will-transform-next-gen-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum ideas</a> describe particles and fields in tiny, jumpy packages, while general relativity paints gravity as smooth curves in space‑time. 



Fit those viewpoints together, and the math usually blows up into useless infinities. A fresh effort now claims to tame those infinities without bending the facts we already trust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-gravity-and-quantum-forces">Bridging gravity and quantum forces</h2>



Researchers Mikko Partanen and Jukka Tulkki at <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a> believe they have found common ground. They place gravity inside a type of gauge theory, the same broad framework that lets photons mediate light and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atomic-nucleus-made-of-quarks-and-gluons-reproduced-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gluons glue quarks</a>. 



“If this turns out to lead to a complete quantum field theory of gravity, then eventually it will give answers to the very difficult problems of understanding singularities in black holes and the Big Bang,” he says. 



The pair argue that the payoff could stretch far beyond pure curiosity; without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-glitch-in-gravity-expands-the-theory-of-general-relativity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Einstein’s gravity</a>, for instance, GPS satellites would drift miles off course in a day.



Their proposal, published in Reports on Progress in Physics, introduces an eight‑dimensional mathematical space that hosts gravity alongside the other forces. 



In everyday life we move through three dimensions plus time, yet the extra four directions allow the equations to behave properly. 



By choosing a symmetry that mirrors the Standard Model, they avoid clashing with proven particle physics. The plan looks daring, but the researchers are convinced it keeps both feet on solid ground.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spinors-and-symmetry">Spinors and symmetry</h2>



Inside the eight‑dimensional arena, spinors - exotic objects that keep track of how particles twist - carry gravity’s information. 



“The main idea is to have a gravity gauge theory with a symmetry that is similar to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-spooky-action-at-a-distance-persists-between-top-quarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Standard Model</a> symmetries, instead of basing the theory on the very different kind of spacetime symmetry of general relativity,” says Partanen, the study’s lead author. 



Using a shared symmetry lets gravity slot into the same style of equations that already explain how electrons interact with light.



That symmetry also dictates a new kind of gravitational field. 



“The most familiar gauge field is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invisible-electric-field-discovered-surrounding-earth-nasa-says-its-as-crucial-as-gravity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic field</a>. When electrically charged particles interact with each other, they interact through the electromagnetic field, which is the pertinent gauge field,” explains Tulkki. 



“So when we have particles which have energy, the interactions they have just because they have energy would happen through the gravitational field.” 



In short, energy - not mass alone - becomes the charge that gravity responds to in this setup.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-time-dimension-field">Space‑time dimension field</h2>



Extra dimensions sound abstract, yet the theory never asks anyone to live in them. Instead it builds a “space‑time dimension field” that quietly translates eight‑dimensional math into the four‑dimensional universe people occupy. 



That bridge preserves the equivalence principle, the observation that a feather and a hammer fall together in a vacuum, even though the calculations chug away behind the curtain in higher‑dimensional space.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gravity-quantum-field_theory-of-everything_illustration_credit-Aalto-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gravity-quantum-field_theory-of-everything_illustration_credit-Aalto-University_1s.webp" alt="The gravity quantum field is calculated in flat spacetime. The curved classical metric is calculated using the expectation value of the gravity quantum field. Credit: Aalto University" class="wp-image-1968436"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The gravity quantum field is calculated in flat spacetime. The curved classical metric is calculated using the expectation value of the gravity quantum field. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Aalto University</figcaption></figure>



Because the field emerges from strict symmetry rules, the resulting gravity still pulls objects along the familiar paths predicted by Einstein, at least in calm conditions like those near Earth. 



Where things heat up - think black‑hole edges or the newborn universe - the new math starts to reveal effects that classical relativity misses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-gravity-and-renormalization">Quantum gravity and renormalization</h2>



Previous attempts to quantize gravity ran aground when higher‑order calculations spiraled into infinite answers. The Aalto approach leans on a tool called renormalization, which systematically sweeps those infinities into measurable constants. 



“If renormalization doesn’t work for higher order terms, you’ll get infinite results. So it’s vital to show that this renormalization continues to work,” explains Tulkki. So far, first‑order checks look solid; the team is pushing deeper to prove the pattern holds.



Keeping infinities in line would let physicists compute reliable probabilities for violent cosmic events. It also means gravity can be treated with the same respect as the other forces - in short, no more special exemptions that break the rules when the math gets messy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-big-bangs-quantum-gravity">Black holes, big bangs, quantum gravity</h2>



“A quantum theory of gravity is needed to understand what kind of phenomena there are in cases where there’s a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-gravity-quantum-nature-entanglement-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravitational field</a> and high energies,” says Partanen. 



Such conditions prevail near the edges of black holes and during the first instants after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-big-bang-may-explain-cosmic-expansion-without-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, places where current theories shrug. 



A working quantum gravity model could clarify whether singularities truly exist or whether new physics softens the infinities predicted by Einstein’s equations.



Deeper still, the theory might speak to nagging puzzles about why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/higgs-boson-god-particle-still-remains-quantum-mystery-after-12-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">matter outnumbers antimatter</a>. 



“A theory that coherently describes all fundamental forces of nature is often called the Theory of Everything,” says Partanen, although he doesn’t like to use the term himself. 



“Some fundamental questions of physics still remain unanswered. For example, the present theories do not yet explain why there is more matter than antimatter in the observable universe.” Unifying gravity could offer fresh angles on that imbalance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



Partanen and Tulkki openly admit the work is not finished. They must prove the renormalization machinery survives every level of the calculation and make sure no hidden contradictions lurk in the symmetry choices. 



Independent teams will also test whether the new gravity predicts subtle deviations - tiny shifts in particle behavior or cosmic signals - that future experiments can check.



For now, the duo have invited the wider community to kick the tires. 



“Like quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity before it, we hope our theory will open countless avenues for scientists to explore,” Partanen concludes. 



Success would finally let gravity pull its weight in the quantum club, tightening the threads that tie the universe together.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6633/adc82e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reports on Progress in Physics</a>.



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Quantum gravity discovery brings us one step closer to a unified 'Theory of Everything'

Science has been chasing a single rulebook for nature ever...

A new study shows that essays drafted by ChatGPT read smoothly, yet feel distant. AI essays lack the subtle devices that pull readers in. 



This gap may help teachers separate genuine coursework from machine writing. The finding urges stronger critical literacy in an age of rapid text generation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-ai-write-better-than-a-student">Can AI write better than a student?</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a>, with a collaborator from <a href="https://www.jlu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jilin University</a>, worked on the comparison. They judged 145 student essays and the same number created by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chatgpts-carbon-footprint-is-astronomical-and-not-sustainable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChatGPT</a>, scanning each for cues that invite a reader to engage.



The scientists hope the results will aid teachers and exam boards worldwide in flagging suspicious assignments. Software detectors still generate false positives, so human judgment remains vital.



By learning the discourse habits most students use, markers can notice when a script drops the personal edge that usually colors undergraduate prose. This knowledge supports fair grading and helps preserve academic integrity in classrooms already flooded with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">generative tools</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-students-and-the-rise-of-ai">Students and the rise of AI</h2>



Professor Ken Hyland of UEA’s School of Education and Lifelong Learning voiced the worry driving the project. 



“Since its public release, ChatGPT has created considerable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-have-an-unexpected-link-to-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> among teachers worried that students will use it to write their assignments,” said Hyland, who warned of wider harm. 



“The fear is that ChatGPT and other AI writing tools potentially facilitate cheating and may weaken core <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/handwriting-practice-leads-to-better-literacy-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">literacy</a> and critical thinking skills. This is especially the case as we don't yet have tools to reliably detect AI-created texts.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-writing-is-less-engaging">AI writing is less engaging </h2>



The researchers searched for questions, personal asides, direct appeals, and other “engagement markers.” 



“We were particularly interested in looking at what we called 'engagement markers' like questions and personal commentary,” Hyland said.



“We found that the essays written by real students consistently featured a rich array of engagement strategies, making them more interactive and persuasive.” 



Human writers sprinkled their work with moments that addressed the reader, building a sense of dialogue.



“They were full of rhetorical questions, personal asides, and direct appeals to the reader - all techniques that enhance clarity, connection, and produce a strong argument.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-lacks-the-personal-touch">AI lacks the personal touch</h2>



“The ChatGPT essays, on the other hand, while linguistically fluent, were more impersonal. The AI essays mimicked academic writing conventions but they were unable to inject text with a personal touch or to demonstrate a clear stance,” Hayland explained. 



Without questions or vivid commentary, the machine output felt flat. “They tended to avoid questions and limited personal commentary. Overall, they were less engaging, less persuasive, and there was no strong perspective on a topic.”



“This reflects the nature of its training data and statistical learning methods, which prioritize coherence over conversational nuance,” noted Hyland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classroom-uses-not-shortcuts">Classroom uses, not shortcuts</h2>



Even so, the authors do not reject AI tools. They see them as potential tutors when used openly. 



“When students come to school, college or university, we're not just teaching them how to write, we're teaching them how to think - and that's something no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-algorithms-can-increase-ocean-plastic-cleanup-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algorithm</a> can replicate,” said Hyland.



The researchers urge teachers to design process‑based tasks that require drafts and reflection - steps no chatbot can provide. Training students to spot engagement markers, they add, will sharpen both writing and detection skills.



The study lands as detection software races to catch up with generative models. Commercial tools still stumble on hybrid texts that mix human and machine sentences. 



For now, stylistic clues give teachers a slim but useful edge, though the target may shift as AI absorbs more conversational cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-honest-student-voices">Preserving honest student voices</h2>



Coursework must remain proof of independent thought. If essays lose that role to AI, qualification systems wobble. 



By showing where AI still falters, the study offers data to shape new safeguards while keeping space for honest, imaginative student voices.



The authors place the project within a wider push for digital literacy. Students meet machine text in news feeds, search results, and chat apps long before they step into lecture halls. 



Teaching them to ask who wrote a sentence and why it was written is now central to education. Writing with a visible stance trains that habit. It also makes learners less willing to accept anonymous prose at face value.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/97952/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Written Communication</a>.



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Man vs. machine: Why students still write better than AI

A new study shows that essays drafted by ChatGPT read smoothly,...

Close,Up,View,Of,A,Sea,Otter,(enhydra,Lutris),Who

When ochre sea stars began dissolving along the Pacific coast in 2013, marine biologists feared a domino effect in the rocky intertidal zone. The orange-and-purple Pisaster ochraceus is a classic “keystone” predator - remove it, and the tightly knit ecological web can unravel. 



What no one predicted was that the die-off would reverberate far beyond the tide pools, ultimately reshaping the menu - and the numbers - of sea otters hunting in adjacent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-kelp-forests-existed-32-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp forests</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-falling-sea-stars-and-rising-mussels">Falling sea stars and rising mussels</h2>



Sea-star wasting syndrome swept from Alaska to Baja California with unprecedented speed, leaving many local Pisaster populations functionally extinct in a matter of months. 



On the Monterey Peninsula, field teams led by the <a href="https://marine.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network</a> (MARINe) watched decades-old monitoring plots lose nearly every visible star by late 2013.



Without those relentless predators to keep them in check, California <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-mussels-are-ideal-for-ecosystem-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mussels</a> began carpeting the rocks. Within three years, mussel cover tripled, climbing from roughly five percent of available surface to more than eighteen percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fewer-sea-stars-more-otters">Fewer sea stars, more otters</h2>



That population explosion did not go unnoticed by the region’s most charismatic marine mammal. <a href="https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monterey Bay Aquarium</a> scientists had already logged tens of thousands of hours observing southern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-help-kelp-forests-recover-but-theres-more-to-the-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a> as they surfaced with prey.



Before 2013, mussels represented a minor side dish - less than seven percent of the typical otter diet. By 2016, the proportion had leapt to nearly eighteen percent, effectively pushing mussels into staple territory. 



“Our research shows that the loss of a predator in one ecosystem can send shockwaves into another,” said lead author Joshua Smith, a research scientist at Monterey Bay Aquarium. 



Mussel abundance appears to have acted like an all-you-can-eat buffet. The local otter census, which had hovered around 373 animals through 2012, rose to an average of 535 between 2014 and 2024. 



Because otters consume prey at the surface, scientists could verify that many of those extra calories were coming directly from the burgeoning mussel beds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-tide-pools-and-kelp-forests">Linking tide pools and kelp forests</h2>



The experts coined the term “keystone interdependence” to describe the phenomenon: the fate of a key predator in one habitat alters food webs - and potentially population dynamics - in an adjoining habitat. In this case, a tide pool predator’s collapse reshaped the foraging landscape of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-kelp-forests-existed-32-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp forest</a> hunter.



“It’s an example of how ecosystems are connected through keystone predation in ways that we haven't understood before,” Smith noted. Long-term MARINe records were crucial for pinning down that connection. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/otters_sea-stars_Pisaster-ochraceus_linked_credit-MBA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/otters_sea-stars_Pisaster-ochraceus_linked_credit-MBA_1s.webp" alt="Monterey Bay Aquarium led reserach published in the journal Science Advances shows that a mass die-off of ochre sea stars (often called Pisaster ochraceus) due to a sea star wasting event created a mussel boom – offering sea otters an unexpected prey buffet. Click image to enlarge. Credit: MBA" class="wp-image-1968424"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Monterey Bay Aquarium led reserach published in the journal Science Advances shows that a mass die-off of ochre sea stars (often called Pisaster ochraceus) due to a sea star wasting event created a mussel boom – offering sea otters an unexpected prey buffet. Click image to enlarge. Credit: MBA</figcaption></figure>



Four intertidal sites around the peninsula have been surveyed regularly for decades, yielding counts of Pisaster, estimates of mussel coverage, and precise measurements of bed expansion toward the sea. 



When those data were matched with the aquarium’s otter-foraging database, the correlation between star loss, mussel gain, and otter diet shift became unmistakable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-lived-reward-for-otters">Short-lived reward for otters</h2>



While the loss of sea stars- and subsequent mussel windfall - has helped otters, researchers caution that the benefit may be short-lived. 



With no predators to prune them, mussels are now reaching sizes that recovering sea stars cannot easily handle.



Even if sea stars populations rebound, it may take years for size structures - and the prior equilibrium - to return. Scientists suspect the otters will eventually pivot again, either as mussels dwindle or as other prey become more profitable.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-of-2024-triggered-a-surge-in-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate</a> variability complicates the forecast. The sea-star collapse overlapped with the northeast Pacific’s record-breaking 2014-2016 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-warn-of-an-alarming-rise-in-marine-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine heatwave</a>.



Warmer water stressed kelp forests, sea-urchin numbers exploded, and otters temporarily targeted urchins to protect their kelp refuge. 



Once the mussel bonanza emerged, the mammals switched menus again, underscoring their role as flexible generalists in a rapidly changing ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predators-and-resilient-ecosystems">Predators and resilient ecosystems</h2>



“Predators like sea stars and sea otters are essential to maintaining resilient ecosystems. When these predators are removed, everything crumbles,” Smith said. 



Study co-author April Ridlon, director of U.S. and California science at the aquarium, noted that the findings challenge conventional single-habitat conservation planning.



“The findings of this study show that predators are important for enabling ecological resilience, and that when predators decline in one ecosystem, the consequences may be manifest in another,” she explained.



Senior sea otter biologist Leilani Konrad added that protecting predators in one realm can inadvertently bolster resilience in the next. 



“Our findings of keystone interdependence reveal that conservation of predators in one ecosystem can enhance resilience that transcends ecosystems and protects biodiversity," said Konrad.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragile-ecosystems-with-missing-links">Fragile ecosystems with missing links</h2>



As marine heatwaves and disease outbreaks become more frequent under climate change, scientists expect further surprises in how coastal food webs respond. 



The Monterey Bay team is now using drone surveys, time-series photography, and genetic tools to track whether young sea stars can gain a foothold amid shells too large to crack.



The researchers are also watching for the day when otters - having trimmed the largest mussels - adjust their diet yet again, perhaps returning their focus to urchins if kelp forests rebound. 



For now, the study offers a rare silver lining: one group’s misfortune has provided temporary relief to another threatened species.



Yet it also sounds a cautionary note about the fragility of such balances. The intertwined stories of stars, mussels, and otters illustrate that in nature, no ecosystem stands alone - and that losing a single link can tug on threads stretching far beyond our initial field of view.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adu1028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Sea otter populations thrive when sea stars vanish from an area, but why?

When ochre sea stars began dissolving along the Pacific coast...

A rarely seen shark that spends its life in the darkest waters has been thrust into the spotlight by a surprising new predator. Recent reports indicate that killer whales have been captured on camera going after a prickly shark nearly 3,600 feet down, marking the first documented attack of its kind.



This footage offers new insight into the behavior of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orcas-rely-only-on-one-breath-between-dives-to-conserve-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apex hunters</a> and the quiet giants lurking along the ocean floor. 



Researchers find the event both curious and concerning, given how little is known about the slow-moving prickly shark, the status of which is officially given as “data deficient.”



“The sighting of the rare prickly shark aggregating on Panama’s seamounts is a momentous find,” said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stefanie-Kaiser-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stefanie Kaiser</a> from the <a href="https://www.senckenberg.de/en/institutes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senckenberg Research Institute</a> and Natural History Museum. She highlighted the importance of these sightings. 



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



Prickly sharks (<a href="https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/prickly-shark-echinorhinus-cookei-pietschmann-1928/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Echinorhinus cookei</a>) spend much of their lives away from human view, tucked below 100 feet (30 meters) and down as deep as 3,600 feet (1,097 meters) in tropical and temperate waters. 



They have a bulky form and multiple, thorn-like denticles along their skin, which act as a tough shield.



Each shark can grow to about 13 feet (4 meters) in length. They move slowly, which may make them vulnerable if a skilled hunter manages to get close enough for a strike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-orcas-matter-here">Why orcas matter here</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-orca-day-the-crucial-role-of-the-oceans-apex-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Killer whales</a>, also known as orcas (Orcinus orca), are considered apex predators. They are highly social mammals with strong group coordination, and they can weigh anything between 8 and 11 short tons.



In many regions, their prey includes seals, rays, and sometimes large sharks. 



A prickly shark poses a challenge because of its spiny hide, yet the event captured in the Gulf of California suggests orcas can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sign-of-the-times-solitary-orcas-are-hunting-great-whites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapt to unexpected prey</a> when the situation calls for it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-sightings-and-research">Collaborative sightings and research</h2>



Local fishers, tourist operators, and scientists joined forces to share observations that shed light on this under-studied shark species. 



In one notable discovery, a camera positioned about 50 feet (15 meters) away recorded a group of orcas closing in on a solitary prickly shark, while employing coordinated tail slaps and strategic teamwork.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/killer-whale_attacks_spiny-shark_first-time_credit-Frontiers-in-Science_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/killer-whale_attacks_spiny-shark_first-time_credit-Frontiers-in-Science_1s.webp" alt="(A) A prickly shark with a bite from orcas; (B) Orcas swimming near a prickly shark; (C) Orca tearing a prickly shark apart. Photos from Frontiers in Fish Science" class="wp-image-1968418"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(A) A prickly shark with a bite from orcas; (B) Orcas swimming near a prickly shark; (C) Orca tearing a prickly shark apart. Click image to enlarge. Photos from Frontiers in Fish Science</figcaption></figure>



“These images, along with personal accounts, confirm unusual feeding behavior in a deep-sea environment,” reported the team behind this finding. 



They consider this coordinated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orcas-have-hunting-and-eating-habits-that-we-never-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orca strategy</a> a sign of how flexible these whales can be when scouring for scarce food sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-links-to-human-activity">Links to human activity</h2>



Some observers believe industrial fishing may be leaving an ecological vacuum. <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev.energy.31.020105.100235" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overexploitation</a> of top predators in many coastal zones pressures orcas to roam different waters in search of sustenance. They appear ready to exploit new feeding options, including bottom-dwelling species.



Although official records remain sparse, fishers near the southwestern Gulf of California say the prickly shark is occasionally brought up as bycatch on deep-set gear. 



Such reports highlight the urgency of learning more about its life cycle and movement patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prickly-shark-conservation">Prickly shark conservation</h2>



Management plans for deep-sea creatures face an uphill battle when so little data exist. Conservationists seek more thorough tracking of fishing activities, and enforcement in protected zones.



“Some of the best ways to reinforce the protection of the Marine Protected Area is by keeping the satellite monitoring program of fishing vessels in the area operational 24/7,” said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stefanie-Kaiser-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaiser</a>. 



She and others want to detect unlawful practices that may jeopardize seldom-seen marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seamounts-as-hidden-havens">Seamounts as hidden havens</h2>



Certain rocky structures under the sea - often called seamounts - are teeming with exotic species that gather there for food or mating. 



Sharks rely on these areas for improved feeding opportunities and cooler waters, whether cruising just a few hundred feet below the surface or descending thousands of feet.



Prickly sharks spotted in these locales reinforce the idea that seamounts act like underwater oases for biodiversity. 



Since orcas can be flexible, they might turn their attention to these zones, heightening the need for stricter oversight of fishing vessels around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-science-goes-next">Where science goes next</h2>



Researchers want to learn whether prickly sharks rely on these depths for most of their life stages or whether they only make seasonal journeys. 



They also hope to reveal how often killer whales target them. Updates to industrial fishing policies may arise if these predatory interactions influence shark populations across the eastern Pacific.



More advanced tagging, underwater surveys, and ongoing input from local communities will help paint a clearer picture. 



Experts consider each fresh glimpse into the life of spiny sharks a critical step toward protecting a creature whose future remains uncertain.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/fish-science/articles/10.3389/frish.2025.1437507/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Fish Science</a>.



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Deep-sea photos capture killer whales attacking a rare prickly shark for the first time ever

A rarely seen shark that spends its life in the...

In January 2022, the underwater Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano erupted with astonishing force. Unlike many well-known eruptions on land, this one happened underwater. That single difference led many scientists to underestimate its impact initially.



But new research has revealed a startling truth: submarine volcanoes, like Hunga, can unleash forces powerful enough to cool hemispheres and reshape the upper atmosphere.



Led by researchers from the <a href="https://international.auckland.ac.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Auckland</a> and Tonga, a recent study shows that Hunga’s eruption had far-reaching effects. It injected vast amounts of steam into the sky and reshaped what we know about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-orbit-may-trigger-massive-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic</a> climate influence.



Submarine eruptions were once seen as secondary players in climate dynamics. Now, Hunga is changing that narrative entirely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunga-s-impact-was-underestimated">Hunga’s impact was underestimated</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volcanoes</a> influence the climate by injecting gases and particles into the atmosphere. Until now, sulfur dioxide was considered the major player in determining the cooling effects of volcanic eruptions.



Land-based eruptions, like Mount Pinatubo in 1991, released large amounts of it, forming reflective aerosols that reduced sunlight and lowered global temperatures.



But the underwater Hunga volcano didn’t behave like those eruptions. It released far less sulfur dioxide than expected. That led some to believe its climate influence would be minor. Yet the opposite has turned out to be true.



This underwater volcano's impact has now been linked to measurable cooling across the Southern Hemisphere as well as other unusual atmospheric changes.



"Submarine volcanism has previously been overlooked in global climate studies, because there is typically not much atmospheric sulfur dioxide released," said Professor Shane Cronin, co-lead author of the study.



Alongside postdoctoral fellow Dr. Jie Wu, Cronin’s work challenges the traditional view that sulfur dioxide is the sole metric for climate risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-billion-tons-of-water-vapor">Three billion tons of water vapor </h2>



Instead of relying on sulfur alone, Hunga took a different path. It injected up to 3 billion tons of water vapor into the sky in just one hour. 



That vapor didn’t just stay in the lower atmosphere. It rose all the way to the stratosphere and mesosphere - layers of the atmosphere that are rarely touched by earthly forces.



Water vapor in these upper layers can trap heat and affect weather patterns in complex ways. This eruption showed that submarine volcanoes can influence the climate not just by what they emit, but by how high they can push that material.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tonga-Hunga_eruption-model_credit-Nature-Geoscience_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tonga-Hunga_eruption-model_credit-Nature-Geoscience_1s.webp" alt="Conceptual Hunga eruption model and S and H2O budget. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Nature Geoscience (2025)" class="wp-image-1968413"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Conceptual Hunga eruption model and S and H2O budget. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Nature Geoscience (2025)</figcaption></figure>



"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-next-big-volcano-eruption-will-cause-global-chaos-climate-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> has been shown by several recently published studies to have cooled the Southern Hemisphere and caused a range of other atmospheric and climate impacts that we are still discovering," noted Cronin.



These ongoing discoveries are forcing a re-evaluation of the role underwater eruptions play in Earth’s climate balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-did-the-sulfur-go">Where did the sulfur go?</h2>



While the eruption had the potential to unleash a large amount of sulfur dioxide, satellite data initially reported only modest levels. That seemed odd for an eruption of Hunga’s scale. Further investigation, however, revealed a hidden story.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-connection-unites-the-largest-volcanoes-in-the-pacific/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volcanic</a> ash samples collected from the eruption helped solve the mystery. Researchers found that the magma stored deep below the ocean surface - between 2.1 and over 5.6 kilometers down - was rich in sulfur.



But when it exploded, the eruption happened between 400 and 1,000 meters below sea level. At those depths, over 93% of the sulfur never reached the air. It dissolved straight into the ocean waters.



The team estimated a total release of 9.4 teragrams of sulfur. Yet almost all of it bypassed the sky entirely. This means that traditional monitoring tools, like satellite sulfur tracking and even polar ice-core analysis, missed the true extent of the event. The sulfur was there - it just took a different path.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underwater-volcano-s-magma-rose-rapidly">Underwater volcano’s magma rose rapidly</h2>



The eruption wasn’t just powerful; it was also incredibly fast. Magma surged upward from the deep reservoir to the ocean floor in under three minutes. 



That rapid ascent preserved microscopic chemical features. Researchers discovered magmatic mingling with sharp contrasts - about 1% differences - in water content between magma types. This revealed that complex storage and mixing processes occurred just before the blast.



The eruption lasted 11 hours in total. During that time, it released 319 teragrams of magmatic water. But even that number paled in comparison to the water that was created through the interaction between magma and seawater.



Less than 10% of the total water vapor came from the magma itself. The vast majority resulted from seawater flashing into steam - enough to transform the sky above.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-but-influential">Invisible but influential</h2>



Because most of the sulfur entered the ocean, the eruption left only a faint trace in the atmosphere. This poses a major challenge for climate science. 



Many global records of past eruptions rely on atmospheric sulfur data, especially from satellite sensors or ice cores. If eruptions like Hunga leave no clear signal in these tools, how many have been missed?



These findings raise serious concerns. Submarine eruptions may be more common - and more climate-relevant - than previously believed. Yet, without visible sulfur clouds, they go uncounted in climate histories and models.



This could mean that volcanic influence has been underestimated in past centuries or misjudged in terms of future risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underwater-volcano-poses-wider-risks">Underwater volcano poses wider risks</h2>



Beyond climate, the eruption highlighted other dangers. Submarine explosions can trigger massive tsunamis, damage undersea communication cables, and reshape coastal environments. 



Cronin and his team, including researchers now based at the <a href="https://www.otago.ac.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Otago</a>, continue to work with Tongan partners to understand the long-term effects.



"We are striving to understand the broader hazards of submarine volcanism, including tsunami and damage to shorelines and internet data cables, as well as how these eruptions affect our environment and climate," explained Cronin.



This collaboration is helping Pacific nations prepare for future eruptions. It’s also drawing attention to gaps in global monitoring systems. If a submarine eruption can impact the climate and infrastructure without much warning, scientists and policymakers will need to rethink how they track and respond to these events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-the-way-we-read-the-earth">Changing the way we read the Earth</h2>



The Hunga eruption has done more than shake the ocean floor - it has shaken the assumptions of climate science.



It showed that water vapor can drive climate shifts. It proved that sulfur can vanish into the sea, where it can remain hidden from satellites and ice. And it confirmed that submarine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-in-antarctica-could-wake-sleeping-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> deserve far more attention than they’ve received.



As researchers continue to explore Hunga’s aftermath, one thing becomes clear: the deep sea holds more than secrets. It holds the power to shape the air above us, shift global temperatures, and quietly rewrite Earth’s climate story.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-025-01691-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Tonga volcanic eruption had a much more devastating impact than we knew

In January 2022, the underwater Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano erupted...

Invisible industrial pollutants called PFAS are chemicals steadily building up in polar bears, seals, seabirds, and in humans who depend on Arctic wildlife for food. 



A new investigation reports concentrations high enough to endanger hormone balance, immunity, and long‑term survival across the Far North.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-chemical-spread-in-the-arctic">Tracking chemical spread in the Arctic</h2>



The work follows per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-microbes-discovered-destroys-pfas-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a>) as they ride winds and currents from distant factories to the polar ice. 



Researchers from the United States, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Denmark, Canada, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates combined field data with computer models to trace the chemicals’ spread.



“The research highlights how PFAS can affect reproduction, immune systems, and even increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-in-tap-water-increase-cancer-risk-by-up-to-33/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer risk</a> in both humans and animals,” said co‑author Khaled Abass, an associate professor at the <a href="https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sharjah</a>.



“Alarmingly, people living in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-alters-the-atmosphere-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> who rely on traditional foods such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/these-marine-mammals-killer-whales-dolphins-permanently-lost-ability-to-ever-walk-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine mammals</a> are also exposed to these chemicals,” Abass said.



Hunters who prize seal, whale, or walrus now face a dilemma between cultural practice and safety. Because PFAS accumulate in fatty tissue as they climb the food web, a single meal can deliver a substantial dose.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-arctic-chemicals-affect-humans">How Arctic chemicals affect humans</h2>



“The long‑range transport of PFAS reminds us that environmental problems don’t respect borders - what we release in one part of the world eventually ends up in another,” said co‑author  Elsie M. Sunderland, a professor of environmental chemistry at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>.



Once dissolved in seawater or attached to airborne dust, the molecules drift northward year after year, freezing into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-is-losing-its-cooling-power-making-the-earth-even-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> or settling in snow. 



“Physiological, endocrine, and reproductive effects linked to PFAS exposure were largely similar among humans, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-are-suffering-from-an-energy-deficit-due-to-lack-of-food-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bears</a>, and Arctic seabirds,” wrote the study authors.



“For most polar bear subpopulations across the Arctic, modeled serum concentrations exceeded PFOS levels in human populations, several of which already exceeded the established immunotoxic thresholds for the most severe risk category.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-health-risks-across-species"><a></a>Shared health risks across species</h2>



“The similarities in health effects across species - humans, animals, and birds - are deeply concerning and underscore the interconnectedness of environmental and human health,” said lead author Rainer Lohmann of the <a href="https://www.uri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rhode Island</a>.



“The Arctic acts like a mirror - what we find here reflects the global scale and persistence of PFAS pollution. It’s a warning signal we cannot ignore,” noted study senior author Pál Weihe of the <a href="https://www.setur.fo/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Faroe Islands</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerable-humans-and-animals">Vulnerable humans and animals</h2>



Even the remote pack ice cannot block the spread. “Even in the most remote corners of our planet, industrial pollution finds its way into the bodies of animals and people. PFAS are persistent, mobile, and harmful - we need a global solution,”  Abass said.



Field surveys back his concern. “The Arctic is uniquely vulnerable, and both legacy (old) and emerging PFAS continue to be detected at concerning levels,” he noted.



“For most polar bear subpopulations across the Arctic, modeled serum concentrations exceeded PFOS levels in human populations, several of which already exceeded the established immunotoxic thresholds for the most severe risk category.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-variants-keep-appearing">New variants keep appearing</h2>



Rules have removed some early PFAS from commerce, yet factories keep releasing substitutes. “Increasing trends of certain long‑chain PFCAs (C9–C20), including PFNA, are observed in the Arctic, highlighting the persistence and ongoing threat of these contaminants,” the authors explained.



“Communities that rely on traditional diets face significantly higher PFAS concentrations than those relying more on market foods. In fact, similar results can even be found in industrialized countries, showing that Arctic Indigenous communities involuntarily serve as sentinels of contamination concerns.



“PFAS contamination poses challenges to food security and sovereignty as well as to multiple species’ health across the Arctic.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-action-needed-to-protect-the-arctic">Action needed to protect the Arctic</h2>



The project grew from the <a href="https://www.amap.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program</a> and has already reached ministries in Denmark, Canada, and elsewhere.



“While specific industry engagement is not highlighted, the work directly informs global policy discussions and regulations affecting chemical manufacturers and environmental health bodies,” Abass said.



The team urges tougher international standards, faster phase‑outs, and investment in safer substitutes. Only global cooperation, they argue, can prevent “forever chemicals” from undermining Arctic ecosystems - and the communities that depend on them - for generations to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724064301?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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Forever chemicals threaten Arctic wildlife and human health

Invisible industrial pollutants called PFAS are chemicals steadily building up...

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Grow-A-Note Tree Cards Box Set - 4 Cards

Grow-A-Note greeting cards are handmade from recycled paper and wildflower...

Plant a colorful flower garden of wishes. Includes six different types of flower seeds, each with their own special meaning. Read more Overview This kit pairs six varieties of flowers with the sentiment tied to its beauty. Plant outdoors in a garden or in containers. Before long you will have an exquisite flower garden with all your wishes in bloom. Sweet Pea - Friendship Lavender - Happiness Forget-me-not - Love Daisy - Clarity Pinks - Strength Baby's Breath - Joy Kit Includes: Six varieties of flower seeds, garden markers, pencil, directions, and recycled steel case. Case size: 5.5" wide x 3.5" deep.

Growing Wishes Flower Garden

Plant a colorful flower garden of wishes. Includes six different...

Herbs are a colorful and fragrant addition to any kitchen or garden. This easy-to-grow herb kit will let you grow organic dill, oregano, sage, thyme, basil and garlic chives in your kitchen, adding fresh and exciting flavors to your cooking! Read more Overview Each of the six organic herbs in this easy-to-use kit can be grown in individual pots, in container gardens or with vegetables. Herbs are not only valued for their fragrance and taste, but for their symbolism: Dill - Cheer Oregano - Peace Sage - Gratitude Thyme - Health Basil - Harmony Garlic Chives - Laughter Kit Includes: Six varieties of organic herb seeds, garden markers, pencil, instructions, and recycled steel case. Size: 5.5" x 3.5".

Growing Wishes Organic Herb Garden

Herbs are a colorful and fragrant addition to any kitchen...

Happy Lamb Wool Mattress Topper features soft wool woven into an organic cotton backing. It creates a natural sleeping surface, breathable for your body, and may offer significant pressure point relief. Read more Overview This mattress topper is made up of two fabrics that create a natural alternative to sheepskin without the chemical treatment of a tanned hide. Premium Eco-Wool is woven into a backing of organic cotton knit yarns, creating a fleece without the actual sheep-skin. This creates a stable fabric for the wool to stand vertically, supported by the woven cotton backing. Unmatched in softness, the wool fibers stand about 1 inch high. Features & Benefits: Natural fleece: Soft wool woven into smooth organic cotton backing Faux sheepskin: most similar to a sheep fleece, yet without the skin Premium Eco-Wool batting from sustainable USA wool Backing made of 100% organic cotton grown in India, woven in the USA Fleece fabric is 33 ounces per square yard Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certified Handmade in the USA Size Options: Bassinet: 18" x 33" Crib: 28" x 52" Twin: 38" x 75" Twin XL: 38" x 81" Full: 54" x 75" Queen: 60" x 80" King/California King: 72" x 84" Benefits of Wool Wool mattress toppers are healing, breathable, and good for circulation. The Happy Lamb Fleece Topper can offer significant pressure point relief. It is therapeutic for those who are in bed for long periods of time, or who are prone to bed sores. This topper may also be helpful for those with fibromyalgia. The Happy Lamb Fleece Topper is used to create a natural sleeping surface, and for softening a bed. Studies have shown that your heart rate is lowered when you sleep on a natural surface, resulting in a deeper sleep.

Happy Lamb Fleece Wool Topper

Happy Lamb Wool Mattress Topper features soft wool woven into...

A classic styled, full-size apron perfect for the kitchen, garden, or workshop. Hemp denim is made from a blend of organic cotton and hemp, a durable renewable material. Read more Overview A classic styled, full-size apron handcrafted from organic cotton and hemp, a durable renewable material that softens nicely with age. Designed with an adjustable neck strap and large front pockets to hold tools and accessories. Hemp is one of the strongest natural fibers. It is naturally mildew resistant and antimicrobial, making it an excellent fiber for the kitchen. Features & Benefits: Classic full-size apron with adjustable neck strap Perfect apron for the kitchen, garden or studio Large front pockets to hold all your tools Material: 60% Hemp, 40% Certified Organic Cotton Machine washable Hemp looks and feels similar to linen. It has 8x the tensile strength and 4x the durability of other natural fibers. No pesticides are needed to grow hemp due to the plant's natural properties.

Hemp Denim Apron

A classic styled, full-size apron perfect for the kitchen, garden,...

Our Hemp Denim makes for a wonderful bib for baby. Soft, durable and machine washable. Read more This hemp denim baby bib is made from a blend of hemp and certified organic cotton. Accented with cotton piping to make it comfortable for a baby. It is designed to be reversible too! The front of the bib is embroidered with a family of bees. Proceeds from this baby bib support the Honeybee Research Lab at Oregon State University. Honeybees are critical to our food supply and a vital part of healthy ecosystems. Honeybee Research Lab works to promote safe environments for honeybees. Hemp denim textile is produced in an environmentally friendly, vertically integrated facility using EU approved dyes, and controlled water management. Machine wash in cold, gentle cycle Tumble dry low Low iron

Hemp Denim Baby Bib

Our Hemp Denim makes for a wonderful bib for baby....