Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy.



This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-aspens-and-elk">Yellowstone, aspens, and elk</h2>



In the 1920s, people <a href="https://www.yellowstone.org/wolf-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eliminated wolves in Yellowstone</a>. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right thing to do.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-wolves-to-dogs-did-domestication-begin-without-human-help/">Without wolves</a>, elk herds grew very large. Elk love to eat aspen shoots - the tender young growth is highly palatable to them.



For roughly 70 years, elk browsed aspen sprouts down to stub height, and the trees couldn't grow. 



If you had walked through Yellowstone in the 1980s, you would have seen many tiny aspen shoots covering the ground, but almost no young trees gaining height. 



The forest's regeneration was stalled. Old trees died, and no new ones replaced them.



In 1995 and 1996, park managers reintroduced wolves into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/">Yellowstone Park ecosystem</a>. Scientists hoped and wondered whether this would change anything for the trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-aspen-matter-to-yellowstone">Why aspen matter to Yellowstone</h2>



Aspen groves provide habitat for many species. Birds nest in them. Beavers eat the bark and use the wood for dams. Butterflies and moths lay eggs on the leaves. 



Their canopy admits enough light for wildflowers and shrubs to grow beneath. When it rains, aspen groves hold water in the soil better than some other forest types.



In short, when aspen return, dozens of other species benefit. More trees support more insects, which in turn support more birds, enriching the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-checking-the-trees-three-decades-later">Checking the trees three decades later</h2>



<a href="https://fwcs.oregonstate.edu/users/luke-painter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke Painter</a>, an ecologist at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>, sought clear answers. His team returned to 87 aspen stands across Yellowstone that scientists had previously surveyed. 



They measured thousands of young trees, looked for bite marks, and counted how many stems were tall enough that elk could no longer reach the tips.



About a third of these stands now have many tall young aspens pushing toward the canopy. 



"About 26 of the 87 aspen stands we examined had large numbers of tall saplings throughout, a remarkable change from the 1990s when surveys found none at all," Painter said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-wolves-matter-to-yellowstone-aspens">Why wolves matter to Yellowstone aspens</h2>



Breaking it all down, the conclusions of this study are pretty simple. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-move-pups-across-mountains-to-adapt-to-climate-pressure/">Wolves hunt elk</a>. When wolves came back, two things happened. First, elk numbers declined from unusually high levels. Second, elk changed their behavior. They spent less time in the same areas feeding.



With fewer elk and shorter feeding bouts, more aspen shoots survived long enough to exceed the browsing zone - about six to seven feet high. 



Once a sapling reaches that height, elk cannot easily reach the growing tip. The tree continues to grow.



"The reintroduction of large carnivores has initiated a recovery process that had been shut down for decades," Painter explained.



Scientists call this a <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/trophic-cascades-across-diverse-plant-ecosystems-80060347/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trophic cascade</a> - when adding or removing one species causes changes that ripple through the whole system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-places-recover-others-don-t">Some places recover, others don't</h2>



Unfortunately, not every aspen stand has recovered yet. Some valleys still have many short, heavily browsed shoots, because it's not only elk eating them anymore. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-iconic-bison-have-merged-into-a-single-herd/">Bison herds have grown</a>, and bison browse on aspen as well. They are strong enough to break young trees. 



"Increasing numbers of bison may be emerging as a new constraint to aspen in some areas," Painter confirmed.



Additionally, winter snow depth varies; droughts stress trees; bears and mountain lions also hunt elk; and hunting outside the park influences elk distribution. 



All of these factors interact, which is why some sites show strong recovery, others show moderate recovery, and a few have changed very little.



The key pattern is that places with many tall saplings experience little browsing, and aspen groves that remain popular eating grounds today stay short. 



This fact is the strongest indication that tree recovery is linked directly to wolf presence, not solely to weather or soil conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proof-in-the-measurements">Proof in the measurements</h2>



Painter's team did not rely on casual observation. They used the same methods as earlier researchers, measuring the same plots. 



They counted recruitment - when young trees surpass browsing height and begin progressing toward maturity. This measure is crucial. Sprouts are insufficient if they never grow; without recruitment, the forest cannot replace itself.



The results are robust. After being stalled for most of a century, Yellowstone's aspens are increasing in height. In recovering stands today, you will see saplings - six, eight, or ten feet tall - that were not present in the 1990s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-yellowstone-s-aspens">The future of Yellowstone's aspens</h2>



"This is a remarkable case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-may-be-near-the-root-of-all-life-on-earth/">ecological restoration</a>," Painter concluded. "Wolf reintroduction is yielding long-term ecological changes contributing to increased biodiversity and habitat diversity."



Trees grow slowly, so even with wolves restored, it will take decades for these young aspens to form a full-grown forest. 



Some areas might never fully recover if bison numbers continue to rise or if the climate becomes too hot and dry.



Thanks to the work of Painter and his team, scientists are now certain that restoring the Yellowstone predator has restarted aspen forest regeneration. Not everywhere and not perfectly, but enough to be measured, creating hope for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112725004499?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Ecology and Management</a>.



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Yellowstone's aspen trees are growing again thanks to the reintroduction of wolves

Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy. This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns. Yellowstone, aspens, and elk In the 1920s, people eliminated wolves in Yellowstone. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right...

What if the secret to eating less wasn’t portion control or calorie counting, but chili peppers? For centuries, spice has added excitement to meals. Now, it may also offer a simple way to manage how much you eat. 



New research from <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> shows that a small boost in spiciness can lead to reduced calorie intake without affecting how much you enjoy your food.



Eating behaviors are influenced by many things - taste, texture, aroma, and even how fast you chew. Most strategies aimed at reducing food intake focus on controlling portions or changing food composition. But this study highlights a different path: tweaking oral burn. 



That warm, tingly sensation from capsaicin - the compound in chili peppers - might be doing more than just making your tongue tingle.



Researchers conducted three controlled experiments to understand if chili heat could reduce energy intake. Their findings were clear: a little heat slows you down and helps you <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plastic-food-packaging-contains-9936-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eat</a> less.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spicy-food-slows-eating">Spicy food slows eating</h2>



Paige Cunningham, a postdoctoral researcher at Penn State who led the study, said that her team suspected that making a meal spicier might slow people down.



"We thought, let's test, under controlled experimental conditions in the lab, if adding a small amount of spice, but not so much that the meal is inedible, will make people eat slower and therefore eat less,” explained Cunningham.



The research team designed three experiments using two familiar meals: beef chili and chicken tikka masala. Each participant consumed both a mild and a spicy version of the meal across different visits. 



The key manipulation involved adjusting the ratio of hot to sweet paprika while keeping everything else - flavor, texture, macronutrients - constant. Every session was recorded to track bite size, eating rate, meal duration, and more.



They found that adding spice didn’t make the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meal</a> unpleasant. Instead, it changed how people ate. The spicy meals were consumed more slowly. Eating rate dropped, and participants took fewer bites per minute. Interestingly, participants still liked the spicy meals just as much.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spicy-beef-and-tikka-led-to-eating-less-food">Spicy beef and tikka led to eating less food</h2>



In Experiment 1, participants consumed about 46 grams less of the spicy beef chili compared to the mild version. That’s a 13% reduction in intake, which also meant 53 fewer kilocalories. 



The eating rate was 11% slower during the spicy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meal</a>, and the bite rate dropped as well. However, total meal duration and bite size didn’t change significantly. Participants simply took more time between bites, eating more thoughtfully.



“This points to added chilies as a potential strategy for reducing the risk of energy overconsumption,” said John Hayes, professor of food science and co-author on the study. “Next time you're looking to eat a little less, try adding a blast of chilies, as it may slow you down and help you eat less.”



Experiment 2a used chicken tikka masala instead of chili. Here, the manipulation failed - the spicy version was not perceived as much spicier than the mild one. As a result, there was no significant difference in intake or eating behavior. 



This outcome stressed an important point: the effect depends on the perceptible level of heat. Mild differences won’t move the needle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-stronger-spice-yields-stronger-results">A stronger spice yields stronger results</h2>



To address the failed manipulation in Experiment 2a, the researchers revised their approach in Experiment 2b. They increased the paprika content in the chicken tikka and ensured the spicy version delivered a noticeable burn. 



This time, the result mirrored the chili experiment. Participants ate 64 grams less spicy tikka, a reduction of 18%. Eating rate dropped by 17%, and bite frequency also decreased.



The spice didn’t make the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-fusion-turning-food-waste-into-culinary-delights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> less enjoyable. In both chili and tikka trials, liking scores remained stable. Appetite ratings before and after meals also stayed roughly the same. What changed was how people interacted with the food. The spicy versions encouraged slower, more mindful eating.



Notably, water consumption didn’t vary between mild and spicy versions. This ruled out a common assumption: that drinking more water fills people up. “This is why we need to do empirical studies of behavior, because what you might intuitively expect is often not the case,” Hayes remarked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-and-possible-thresholds">Mechanisms and possible thresholds</h2>



So, what’s actually happening here? The likely mechanism is increased oro-sensory exposure. Spicy foods stay in the mouth longer, allowing time for fullness signals to reach the brain. This has been linked with reduced energy intake in earlier studies involving texture changes. 



But here, the change was chemical, not physical. That makes it a novel method for influencing eating behavior.



Interestingly, the data suggests a potential threshold effect. The spicy version in Experiment 2a didn’t yield any change because it wasn’t spicy enough. In contrast, Experiment 2b used a 4% hot paprika blend, producing a spiciness rating around 68 out of 101. 



That version led to real behavior changes. The spicy beef chili in Experiment 1, rated at 54, also caused a measurable reduction. Meals that reached a certain burn intensity consistently led to slower eating and lower intake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-and-tolerance">Individual differences and tolerance</h2>



The study also explored how personal traits affect response to spice. Participants with higher levels of neuroticism and openness were less responsive to spice changes. 



However, traits like age, BMI, and frequency of eating spicy food didn’t seem to affect outcomes. That said, the researchers did recruit only moderate spice consumers. This reduced variability and helped maintain experimental control.



No participants reported discomfort, and the spice levels used fell well below extreme intensity. 



This suggests there’s a “sweet spot” for oral burn - strong enough to affect eating, but not so strong that it reduces meal enjoyment or causes distress. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meals</a> rated around 50–70 on the spice scale seem to hit that balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-spice-can-change-eating-habits">Adding spice can change eating habits</h2>



The broader implications of this research are promising. Spicy food is widely used around the world, and the ingredients - like chili pepper and paprika - are affordable and accessible. 



As capsaicin gains attention for its potential health benefits, including improved metabolism and satiety, these findings add another layer: it can reshape how we eat.



In daily life, eating occurs in varied environments. While this study happened in a lab, it still shows a robust effect across different dishes. The results also challenge the idea that we must alter what we eat to eat less. Instead, we may just need to adjust how we experience it.



“This reduction in intake occurred without negatively impacting how much participants liked the food,” said Hayes. That’s a significant point. No one wants to sacrifice enjoyment for control. Here, you don’t have to.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-chili-to-your-plate">Adding chili to your plate</h2>



From chili con carne to tikka masala, a little extra heat might be a gentle nudge toward eating less. The key lies in slowing down the eating process. That pause between bites, triggered by oral burn, gives your body time to say, “I’m full.”



These findings invite more exploration. Can this strategy help long-term? Will it work in more diverse populations or in social eating situations? And what is the best spice level to use at home? 



While those questions remain, one thing is clear - adding a little chili might do more than wake up your taste buds. It might just help you regain control over your plate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950329325001417?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Quality and Preference</a>.



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Spicy foods can slow down eating and cut calorie intake

What if the secret to eating less wasn’t portion control...

When we think of Antarctica, we picture vast white deserts, towering glaciers, and resilient creatures like penguins surviving in the cold. But beyond the majestic icebergs and snow-covered expanses lies a much more complex picture. 



Climate change is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> the region faster than most other parts of the planet. Sea ice is retreating. Weather patterns are shifting. And species like the Adelie penguin are under severe threat.



At first glance, penguins seem like helpless bystanders in this planetary crisis. But what if they were doing more than surviving? What if their biology and behavior - specifically their droppings - had the power to affect clouds, air chemistry, and even climate? 



New research suggests exactly that. Penguin guano, often seen as just a smelly by-product of seabird life, may play a much larger role in Antarctica’s climate than anyone expected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penguin-poop-helps-clouds-form">Penguin poop helps clouds form</h2>



The study, led by Matthew Boyer, Mikko Sipilä, and colleagues from <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-bachelors-and-masters-programmes?mtm_campaign=Brand-All_target_countries-Helsingin_yliopisto&amp;mtm_kwd=university%20of%20helsinki&amp;mtm_source=google&amp;mtm_medium=cpc&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1381187276&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw3MXBBhAzEiwA0vLXQT600ZXuQaYCZ0OrUzMBj1GpUFJwXxvC-WScvFbmHIvEZv6E2nLGihoCF48QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a>, investigates how ammonia from penguin guano contributes to atmospheric processes in Antarctica.



The team measured ammonia concentrations at a coastal site near Marambio Base during the austral summer of 2023. They found that penguin colonies - particularly one containing around 60,000 Adelie penguins - acted as massive sources of gaseous ammonia.



Ammonia in the atmosphere is a key ingredient in forming aerosols. These particles are essential for creating cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), which allow water vapor to condense and form clouds. 



More clouds can reflect sunlight and reduce surface temperatures, making this process highly relevant for sea ice retention and climate regulation in the polar environment. But ammonia has long been underrepresented in climate models, especially in remote areas like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-lasting-ammonia-emissions">Long-lasting ammonia emissions</h2>



The study recorded ammonia levels between January 10 and March 20, 2023. When the wind blew from the penguin colony, ammonia concentrations surged to as high as 13.5 parts per billion - more than 1,000 times the background levels. 



Even after the penguins migrated at the end of February, the ornithogenic soil - enriched with guano - kept emitting ammonia for weeks.



This long-lasting emission surprised the researchers. Their data confirmed that these penguin hotspots around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-may-fully-recover-by-2066/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a> coast could release ammonia levels comparable to those found in agricultural fields during summer. 



The emissions are not evenly spread but come in strong bursts, especially when the wind shifts direction toward nearby colonies. This means penguin guano can create regional plumes of cloud-forming particles even after the birds have left.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ammonia-triggers-cloud-forming-particles">Ammonia triggers cloud-forming particles</h2>



To assess the impact on particle formation, the researchers recorded detailed chemical data. 



On days when winds came from penguin colonies, the team observed sharp increases in both the number and size of aerosol particles. These particles eventually grew to the size needed for cloud condensation - above 30 nanometers - within a matter of hours.



On February 1, 2023, a major event occurred. A strong new particle formation (NPF) event was followed by fog at the measurement site. The researchers found that the fog formed from the same air mass rich in ammonia and sulfuric acid. 



Analysis of the cloud droplet composition revealed ammonium sulfate - a direct signature of the penguin-driven chemical processes.



The persistence of particle formation before and after the fog confirmed that this wasn’t a one-off incident. The authors believe that their work emphasizes the importance, and benefits, of protecting seabirds and their habitats from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-gases-also-boost-particle-growth">Other gases also boost particle growth</h2>



Ammonia wasn’t acting alone. Dimethylamine (DMA), another nitrogen-rich gas, was also detected in the cluster formation process. 



Although present at lower levels, DMA greatly enhances the rate at which sulfuric acid forms aerosols. Laboratory studies have shown that even tiny amounts of DMA can accelerate particle formation by factors of up to 10,000.



Interestingly, the researchers noted that sulfuric acid and ammonia dominated the cluster composition. DMA appeared only in trace quantities - just enough to stabilize clusters during early formation stages. This suggests a multicomponent mechanism, with both ammonia and DMA contributing in different ways.



Iodine oxoacids like HIO₂ and HIO₃ also played supporting roles. These compounds, sourced from ocean life and sea-ice chemistry, have been known to influence particle formation during spring and autumn. But in this summer study, ammonia and sulfur dominated the process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-formation-and-regional-impacts">Cloud formation and regional impacts</h2>



New particle formation events like these are not just chemical curiosities. They affect the formation of CCN and cloud droplets.



Clouds, in turn, control how much sunlight reaches the surface and how much heat escapes into space. In the polar climate system, these clouds can mean the difference between melting ice and stable conditions.



The study’s measurements showed that penguin-driven ammonia emissions initiated a cascade of chemical events. These culminated in visible cloud formations, including fog. T



he resulting particles could last for days and travel inland or over the ocean, influencing weather patterns far beyond the colony’s location.



Cloud brightness, lifetime, and height all depend on the number of available CCN. In areas like Antarctica, where background particle levels are low, even small increases can make a noticeable difference. 



By emitting ammonia at such high levels, penguins effectively modulate local cloud properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fewer-penguins-mean-fewer-clouds">Fewer penguins mean fewer clouds</h2>



There’s a dark twist to this story. If penguin populations decline due to shrinking sea ice or food scarcity, their contribution to ammonia emissions will also drop. That means fewer particles, fewer clouds, and possibly faster warming.



The researchers warn that declining penguin populations could create a feedback loop. Less ice leads to fewer penguins. Fewer penguins mean less ammonia and cloud cover. That leads to even more ice loss. 



This idea is supported by earlier modeling work in the Arctic, where seabird emissions were shown to affect regional temperatures. The Antarctic case now adds real-world measurements to support similar conclusions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penguins-quietly-shape-the-climate">Penguins quietly shape the climate</h2>



These findings reveal a remarkable complexity in the Antarctic climate system. Tiny molecules from penguin droppings can influence clouds and temperature. It’s a reminder that the Earth’s systems are interconnected in ways we’re only beginning to understand.



In places like Antarctica, where human emissions are minimal, biological processes take center stage. Penguins are not just part of the scenery. They shape the air we breathe and the clouds we see.



If we want to protect the poles - and slow global warming - we may need to start with something as simple as protecting the penguins.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02312-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Penguin poop helps form clouds that could slow Antarctic warming

When we think of Antarctica, we picture vast white deserts,...

For centuries, botanists have pondered the oddities of reproduction in plants. Among them, Charles Darwin expressed a clear distrust for species that relied solely on self-fertilization. “It is hardly an exaggeration to say that Nature tells us, in the most emphatic manner, that she abhors perpetual self-fertilization,” he wrote. 



Darwin’s concerns were rooted in the belief that such a strategy would lead to genetic stagnation and eventually, extinction. Yet deep in Japan's Ryukyu Islands, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orchid-parents-nurture-seedlings-through-fungal-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> seems to have bent this rule.



A pair of orchid species, Gastrodia takeshimensis and Gastrodia kuroshimensis, have evolved to reproduce in complete isolation. Their flowers never open, and their genes carry the quiet imprint of an evolutionary gamble: total reproductive independence. 



This floral silence is more than just a botanical oddity. It challenges long-held ideas about survival, isolation, and how plants persist in the absence of genetic mixing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-survive-without-blooming">Orchids survive without blooming</h2>



These orchids live on the islands of Kuroshima, Takeshima, and Yakushima. Botanist Suetsugu Kenji of <a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a>, who led a ten-year investigation into their lives, found these orchid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-orchids-have-fingers-to-pollinate-themselves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> both elusive and revolutionary.



“I’ve long been captivated by Darwin’s skepticism about plants that rely entirely on self-pollination,” he said. “When I found those non-blooming orchids, I felt this was a perfect chance to directly revisit this issue.” Suetsugu and his colleagues spent a decade observing more than a hundred individuals. None of them ever opened their flowers. 



The team’s observations, supported by partnerships with local plant lovers, confirmed what no one had confidently documented in the wild before: complete cleistogamy, or self-pollination without any floral opening.



These flowers don’t just avoid blooming. Their very structure is built to bypass it. Genetic tests, including SSR marker analysis and MIG-seq SNP profiling, revealed that these plants show extreme genetic uniformity. 



In short, they are genetically identical clones. The absence of variation confirmed that they have been self-pollinating for generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchid-flowers-that-self-pollinate">Orchid flowers that self-pollinate</h2>



The genomic findings added another layer to the mystery. Despite the high mutation rates of the genetic markers used, G. takeshimensis and G. kuroshimensis had near-identical genotypes across individuals. This suggested that the evolutionary shift to selfing happened recently, within the last 100 to 200 generations.



Considering that each orchid generation spans about five to ten years, this puts the origin of these lineages within the past 2,000 years. Suetsugu’s team believes that this timing is more than a coincidence. 



The analysis showed that the ancestors of these orchids, although once insect-pollinated, already had low genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solenangis-impraedicta-new-orchid-species-sets-world-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>. This means that even when cross-pollination occurred, the genetic mixing was minimal.



Their pollinators, primarily drosophilid flies, do not travel far. The flies often move from one orchid flower to another on the same plant or to a nearby one, limiting true genetic exchange.



As a result, self-pollination, though theoretically limiting, offered little additional cost and instead delivered a reliable method of reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-survival-strategy">A survival strategy</h2>



The benefits of this approach are clear in harsh or isolated environments. Reproductive assurance, the ability to reproduce without relying on pollinators, is a strong evolutionary advantage. This is particularly relevant for plants living on islands where populations are small and pollinators are often scarce or unreliable.



The research showed that even the chasmogamous relatives, G. foetida and G. fontinalis, exhibit signs of selfing. Their genomes, while more diverse than their cleistogamous cousins, still bear the marks of inbreeding. 



These include low heterozygosity and a buildup of deleterious mutations. This discovery points to a broader trend: selfing may be more common and more tolerated among island orchids than previously thought.



Interestingly, the genomic selfing syndrome, characterized by high loads of harmful mutations and low genetic variation, was not significantly different between cleistogamous and chasmogamous species. 



This suggests that the genetic load already existed before the shift to full selfing. In effect, the orchids were already halfway down the selfing path before they sealed their flowers shut.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchid-flowers-block-hybrids">Orchid flowers block hybrids</h2>



One of the most significant outcomes of cleistogamy is its role in maintaining species identity. In the wild, these selfing orchids often grow near their relatives. 



Yet, no hybrids have ever been observed. “Darwin’s statement was motivated by the idea that a purely self-pollinating lineage would accumulate harmful mutations and eventually face an evolutionary dead end,” Suetsugu said.



In this context, cleistogamy acts as a strict genetic gatekeeper. It eliminates gene flow entirely. Even in sympatric habitats where two related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asparagus-and-orchids-share-surprising-similarities-in-their-cell-walls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> coexist, the orchids show no signs of introgression. 



The research team confirmed this through rigorous genomic testing. Each orchid species has remained genetically distinct, suggesting that flower closure serves not just reproduction but also isolation.



This separation may help explain how such species can coexist without eroding their genetic identities. Autonomous selfing ensures that reproductive interference, such as competition for pollinators or accidental hybridization, is completely avoided.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clones-in-island-isolation">Clones in island isolation</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-migrations-to-the-ryukyu-islands-were-led-by-explorers-not-drifters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryukyu Islands</a> offer a natural laboratory for these patterns. Many island populations show traits of founder effects: reduced diversity, small sizes, and limited gene flow.



These islands are home not just to G. takeshimensis and G. kuroshimensis, but also to other cleistogamous Gastrodia species. The repeated emergence of self-pollination across this genus hints at a broader ecological pattern.



In these remote environments, reproduction through selfing allows plants to persist even when conditions are poor. 



The capacity to establish a population from a single seed without waiting for mates or pollinators gives selfing species a crucial edge. It explains why G. takeshimensis and G. kuroshimensis are found on islands with and without their sister species.



However, this strategy comes at a cost. “The fact that these orchids truly never outcross raises intriguing questions about their long-term viability, especially under pressures like habitat fragmentation and climate change,” noted Suetsugu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-shortcut-with-consequences">Evolutionary shortcut with consequences</h2>



Suetsugu’s findings reinforce the idea that cleistogamy might be more of a temporary fix than a long-term solution. 



With no way to introduce new genetic material, these orchids may be vulnerable to sudden environmental changes. Once a lineage becomes genetically uniform and cut off from outcrossing, it risks extinction from even minor disturbances.



Despite these risks, cleistogamy has evolved multiple times in Gastrodia. Its repeated emergence suggests that for short periods, it offers enough benefits to persist. 



The study proposes that the low mobility of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-have-a-new-weapon-to-defend-against-parasitic-wasps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit fly</a> pollinators, reduced genetic diversity from past events, and the need for reproductive assurance all combined to push some species toward complete floral closure.



While it remains unclear how long such lineages can survive, their existence helps clarify the evolutionary pressures at play. These orchids aren’t evolutionary failures. They are snapshots of strategy under constraint.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchid-flowers-rewrite-the-rules">Orchid flowers rewrite the rules</h2>



Though Darwin doubted the long-term success of selfing plants, he also recognized nature’s capacity for surprises. 



The Gastrodia orchids of Japan have shown that even evolutionary warnings can be skirted, if only briefly. Their quiet, unblooming lives challenge what we know about survival, isolation, and the bounds of genetic resilience.



Suetsugu Kenji and his collaborators continue to unravel these mysteries. “Each new data point, each newly described species, brings me closer to grasping the full spectrum of evolutionary possibilities,” said Suetsugu.



As the orchids remain sealed in silence, their genetics speak loudly. They remind us that in the margins of biology, life often writes its own rules.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2025.0574" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Some orchids can reproduce without ever opening their flowers

For centuries, botanists have pondered the oddities of reproduction in...

Lake Alakol has a way of catching you off guard. One moment the eastern Kazakh steppe looks endless and austere; the next, a glassy inland sea flashes jade and indigo against pale desert grass. 



The water smells faintly briny, the wind pushes hard from the northwest, and swallows write quick loops over the breakers. Even without postcard fame, the lake feels unforgettable.



Locals have long trusted these salty swells to soothe eczema, achy knees, and winter-rough hands. Doctors in nearby Koktuma see a steady stream of visitors every June hoping the minerals can do what ointments never quite manage. 



Science is still sorting out those claims, yet the setting alone - dry air, sun, and the hush of open land - works a kind of quiet magic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salt-silence-and-healing-water">Salt, silence, and healing water</h2>



Lake Alakol lies in a closed basin about 1,000 square miles wide, fed by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urzhar_(river)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Urzhar</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_(river)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emil rivers</a> and cut off from every ocean. Whatever pours in stays until the sun lifts it back out; salt and other minerals remain behind. 



Over centuries that constant loop raised salinity to roughly half that of the Atlantic, enough to keep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-freshwater-fish-toward-the-poles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater fish</a> away but gentle enough for bold swimmers. 



The lake usually skins over for about two months at winter’s end, then cracks apart in early spring, leaving floating shards that sparkle like broken bottles.



Its surface size changes from year to year. A rainy spring can push the shoreline several hundred yards outward; three dry summers in a row pull it back. 



Those swings tinker with salt levels and with the algae that tint the water turquoise or rust red. People used to call that chameleon quality “the water’s mood.” 



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>, peering down with Sentinel-1 radar, now see the same shifts as color bands on monthly composites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-alakol-captured-by-satellites">Lake Alakol captured by satellites</h2>



ESA analysts stacked three passes from March, April, and May 2025 and assigned them blue, green, and red. 



Where the images overlap, the ground shows up charcoal or silver; where things change - ice breaking, soil drying, crops greening - new hues flare. 



Alakol itself glowed mostly blue, proof that March ice still gripped much of the lake during the first scan. To the south, Aibi Lake in China’s Xinjiang region blushed pink where retreating water exposed salt flats in May.



The radar picture also picked out a fan-shaped burst of fields west of Alakol. Meltwater racing off the Dzungarian Alatau drops sand and silt as soon as it hits the plain, building fertile triangles perfect for wheat, onions, and apricots. 



Farmers here work narrow plots, each stage of growth marking the fan with another shade. What looks abstract from orbit translates on the ground to young rows, shoulder-high stalks, and the buzz of irrigation pumps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-also-love-lake-alakol">Birds also love Lake Alakol</h2>



Every spring, a sheet of feathers sweeps in from the south. Dalmatian pelicans cruise in first, their bills bright as fresh pumpkins. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/youll-never-guess-what-flamingos-are-doing-with-their-feet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greater flamingos</a> follow, legs stilted, shoulders hunched like old men in pink coats. 



For rare relict gulls - slate-gray wings, white eye crescents - Lake Alakol is one of the few safe nesting spots left on Earth. The birds crowd onto Ul’kun-Aral-Tyube Island, bickering over pebbly ground and guarding nests from sly foxes that swim across at night.



<a href="https://www.unesco.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO</a> folded the lake system into its <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/mab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Man and the Biosphere Programme</a> back in 2013, noting its slot on the Central Asian Flyway. 



Ramsar added a wetland designation as well, which nudged Kazakhstan to fence off breeding zones and limit boat traffic near the islands each breeding season. 



Success shows up not in spreadsheets but in sound: a dull roar at dawn when thousands of wings clap the air at once.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-on-the-shore">People on the shore</h2>



Traders riding Silk Road spurs once skirted these banks, swapping Sogdian silver coins for Chinese silk bolts beneath flapping yurt doors. 



Now tourists roll in on overnight trains from Almaty, step onto the platform at Koktuma, and blink at the sudden blue horizon. They rent bikes, buy salted perch for lunch, and post sunset shots that make the water look liquid copper.



Development remains modest - guesthouses, cedar-scented saunas, a scattering of cafés - but every new pier cuts habitat a little finer. Regional officials talk of zoning rules, stronger waste controls, perhaps a cap on shoreline construction. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-alakol-is-at-a-crossroads">Lake Alakol is at a crossroads</h2>



Hot summers already push evaporation higher, and climate forecasts warn that snowpack in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dzungarian_Alatau" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dzungarian Alatau</a> could shrink by mid-century. 



If the inflow weakens, the lake’s salt will climb, and the delicate dance of microbes, brine shrimp, and birds could stumble.



Lake Alakol’s story reads like a lesson in balance. Mineral water glints under a hard sun, birds rest on speckled islets, farmers coax green rows from fan-shaped soils, and visitors float in water dense enough to lift them like corks. 



None of those pieces can be pulled free without tugging the others loose. Stand on the shingle at dusk, feel a cool spray on your face, and the message is plain: salt and silence can endure only if we let them.



Zoom in and see more <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/05/Earth_from_Space_Alakol_the_multicoloured_lake" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">details of this magnificent lake by clicking here...</a>



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The most colorful lake in the world also has special healing powers

Lake Alakol has a way of catching you off guard....

Every year on May 23, World Turtle Day serves not only as a celebration but also as an important reminder. It's a call to reflect on the lives of turtles and tortoises, whether they glide silently through the seas or wander slowly across the forest.



Founded in 2000 by American Tortoise Rescue, this day honors the calm, enduring creatures that have existed for more than 200 million years. Their ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-turtles-use-earths-magnetic-field-like-an-invisible-map/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legacy</a> offers a living glimpse into Earth’s prehistoric past.



Yet, despite their resilience, turtles now face mounting threats. From oceans filled with plastic to disappearing nesting sites, their survival hangs in the balance. World Turtle Day encourages people to reflect, learn, and act. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-world-turtle-day">Significance of World Turtle Day </h2>



Turtles don’t draw attention with loud sounds or flashy movements. They don’t need to. Their quiet actions keep ecosystems alive. They simply do what they’ve always done, year after year, century after century.



Sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turtles-have-genomes-unlike-any-other-animal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a> graze on seagrass, keeping it short and healthy. That allows entire marine communities to thrive. They also eat jellyfish, helping balance populations in the ocean. Without them, jellyfish would overwhelm the seas.



Freshwater turtles act like cleanup crews. They feed on decaying plants and dead fish, keeping ponds and rivers clean. Their presence makes the water healthier for other species too.



In deserts and dry regions, tortoises dig into the earth to escape the heat. Their burrows don’t just serve them. Dozens of animals - rabbits, insects, reptiles - take shelter there.



Every turtle action holds weight. And when turtles disappear, their role disappears with them. Plants grow unchecked. Polluted waters stay dirty. Heat becomes deadly without cool hiding places.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-turtles-show-signs-of-recovery-but-conservation-issues-remain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Turtles</a> may move slowly, but their impact moves through entire food chains. Losing them doesn’t just mean losing a species. It means losing a balance, a rhythm, a piece of life that helps other life survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-faced-by-turtles-every-day">Dangers faced by turtles every day</h2>



The danger isn’t always loud. Turtles don’t scream when they get tangled in nets. They don’t protest when beaches vanish under buildings. But these things are killing them.



Some turtles travel thousands of miles and return to the exact beach where they were born. But now those beaches are crowded, polluted, or gone.



Tortoises get hit by cars while crossing roads they don’t understand. Some are taken from the wild and sold as pets. Some are eaten, while other just disappear.



Plastic, though, is the sneakiest killer. Floating bags look like jellyfish. Turtles eat them and starve with full bellies. They float when they should dive. They die without anyone noticing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-slowing-down-helps-us-see-turtles">How slowing down helps us see turtles</h2>



World Turtle Day isn’t only about admiring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leatherback-sea-turtles-where-the-worlds-largest-turtles-go-to-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a>. It’s about noticing them in a world that often doesn’t. Turtles live quietly, without noise or speed. But their stillness carries wisdom. They ask nothing from us except attention.



We move too fast. We scroll, swipe, skip ahead. In doing so, we miss small lives like theirs. Turtles don’t rush. They don’t need to. They’ve been around for over <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/13/1/17?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">200 million years</a> and their survival comes not from force, but from persistence.



When we stop and look, we begin to understand. That’s where education comes in. A school trip to a wetland, a short film about sea turtle migration, or seeing a baby turtle crawl to the ocean. Those simple experiences can shift perspectives forever.



Seeing a turtle struggle to move around a discarded bottle teaches more than a textbook. Watching one bask in sunlight teaches patience. These moments stay with us.



World Turtle Day reminds us to see better, not just do more. And once we truly see turtles, not just as animals but as ancient, vital beings, we start to care in deeper, lasting ways. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-ways-to-help-on-world-turtle-day">Simple ways to help on World Turtle Day</h2>



Helping turtles doesn’t require a badge or a biology degree. It just takes awareness. You don’t need to work for a wildlife agency to make a difference. You simply need to notice what’s happening around you.



Turtles often cross roads slowly and quietly. Many don’t make it. If you’re driving and see one, slow down. If you can safely stop, help the turtle cross in the same direction it was heading. Don’t carry it the other way. Don’t take it home thinking you’ve rescued it. Wild turtles belong in the wild.



Trash is another silent threat. It clutters their habitats, traps their limbs, and poisons their food. Picking up litter near ponds, rivers, or beaches helps more than you think. Every wrapper removed is one less risk.



People sometimes buy turtles as pets, not knowing it’s harmful. If you hear someone planning to do this, say something. Turtles are not decorations. They’re living creatures with complex needs that glass tanks can’t meet.



Helping turtles doesn’t need fancy solutions. It needs people who act with care. The rules are simple. They only work when people follow them with kindness and consistency. Turtles thrive when we notice, when we care, and when we step in quietly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-acts-make-a-big-difference">Small acts make a big difference</h2>



World Turtle Day isn’t about making noise or hosting grand celebrations. It’s about caring. It’s about showing up with small, thoughtful actions that carry meaning.



Some people wear green to spark curiosity. Others draw turtles on sidewalks to make people smile. A few post stories and facts online to spread awareness. 



Teachers sometimes decorate classrooms with turtle themes, bringing books, crafts, and stories to young minds. These simple gestures invite attention, spark conversations, and make turtles visible.



We live in a fast, crowded world. Quiet creatures like turtles often go unnoticed. That’s why these small acts matter so much. They shine a light on animals that don’t ask for it, but need it more than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facts-to-explore-on-world-turtle-day">Facts to explore on World Turtle Day</h2>



Turtles have been around for more than 200 million years. That means they shared the Earth with dinosaurs and survived events that wiped out most life. Their design has barely changed over time, proving that nature got it right the first time.



Not all turtles live in water. Some prefer land. Tortoises, for example, can’t swim and live mostly in dry areas. Sea turtles, on the other hand, rarely leave the ocean except to lay eggs.



A turtle’s shell isn’t just protection. It’s part of its skeleton. It includes over 50 bones and is connected to the spine and ribs. A turtle can’t crawl out of its shell - it’s part of its body.



Sea turtles use Earth’s magnetic field to navigate. They can travel thousands of miles across oceans and still return to the same beach where they were born.



Turtles don’t have teeth, but they have strong beaks. Some can bite with surprising force. And turtles can live a long time. Some tortoises have reached 150 years or more. That’s a lot of birthdays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turtles-carry-the-past-with-them">Turtles carry the past with them</h2>



Turtles aren’t stuck in the past, but they carry it with them. Their bodies are like living fossils, shaped by time. They’ve survived volcanic eruptions, moving continents, and mass extinctions.



Long before humans walked the Earth, turtles were already here. And they’re still here, slowly crossing beaches and rivers, carrying stories in their shells.



They’ve witnessed every chapter of Earth’s history. But even the most ancient creatures can’t keep going without support. Nature doesn’t always protect its oldest members. Sometimes, it forgets them. Sometimes, people do too.



That’s why World Turtle Day matters. It’s not a tribute to the past. It’s a promise to the present. It’s our chance to say we see them, we value them, and we won’t let them fade.



Turtles deserve clean oceans, safe nesting grounds, and freedom from harm. They deserve a world that doesn’t just let them live, but lets them live well.



Our actions today decide their future. If we care now, turtles will still be here long after us, carrying the story forward.



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World Turtle Day 2025: Ancient creatures with modern challenges

Every year on May 23, World Turtle Day serves not...

Science has long know that the trillions of bacteria in the gut help digest food and ward off infections.



A comprehensive review now shows the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiome</a> does far more: it orchestrates immune balance throughout the body, helps keep our DNA in good repair, and may act as a brake - or an accelerator - on the aging process itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-balance-vs-imbalance">Gut balance vs. imbalance</h2>



In eubiosis, a balanced gut microbiome keeps the intestinal lining tight, blocks harmful invaders, and prevents <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/">immune system</a> inflammation.



But when that balance is lost - because of antibiotics, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-protein-packed-diets-are-really-doing-to-your-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor diet</a>, chronic stress, or illness - the intestinal barrier becomes “leaky.” This dysbiosis allows bacterial fragments and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune alarms far from the gut.



Toll-like receptors on immune cells detect those microbial signals. If they fire too often, the body shifts into a simmering inflammatory state.



The review describes how that cascade reaches the lungs via the gut–lung axis. It also affects the brain via nerves, hormones, and SCFAs - anti-inflammatory molecules made when gut bacteria digest dietary fiber.



Case studies link an unhealthy microbiome to worse outcomes in COVID-19, asthma, autoimmune diseases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-health-may-be-the-key-to-anxiety-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mood disorders</a>, and zoonotic infections. The message is clear: what happens in the gut seldom stays in the gut.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-help-or-harm-dna">Microbes help or harm DNA</h2>



Gut residents also manufacture chemicals that contact the cells lining the colon. Some compounds, such as the SCFAs butyrate and propionate, promote accurate DNA repair.



Others do the opposite. Certain strains of Escherichia coli, Shigella, and Salmonella produce toxins - colibactin, typhoid toxin, and cytolethal distending toxin - that slice through DNA’s double helix or sabotage the p53 protein, a key tumor suppressor.



Over time, repeated hits can seed mutations and foster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medicinal-plant-has-great-potential-to-fight-colorectal-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colorectal cancer</a>. Epigenetic changes, in which chemical tags are added to DNA or histone proteins, further tilt the balance either toward stability or genomic chaos, depending on which microbes dominate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-meets-microbial-imbalance">Aging meets microbial imbalance</h2>



As people grow older, the immune system naturally loses vigor - a process known as immunosenescence. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue shrinks, the supply of naïve T cells that respond to new infections dwindles; dendritic cells and regulatory T cells lose finesse.



If dysbiosis is present, these losses accelerate. Helpful dendritic cells flip into a pro-inflammatory mode, and the resulting chronic inflammation - popularly called “inflammaging” - feeds back to damage the microbiome, forming a vicious circle. 



SCFAs again show their value: adequate levels tighten the gut barrier, calm overactive immune cells, and keep inflammation in check.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaky-gut-leaky-brain">Leaky gut, leaky brain</h2>



Barrier breakdown is not just an intestinal problem. Heightened permeability allows microbial products and inflammatory molecules to reach the liver, joints, blood vessels, and brain.



Research reviewed in the article links depleted SCFAs and elevated endotoxins to the neuroinflammation seen in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/targeting-the-gut-might-be-key-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer’s disease</a> and other neurodegenerative disorders.



The brain’s immune cells, called microglia, respond to gut-derived signals by releasing cytokines. This damages neurons and accelerates cognitive decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-damage-and-inflammation">DNA damage and inflammation</h2>



Inflammation generates reactive oxygen species - damaging molecules that nick DNA and hamper repair enzymes. 



DNA damage, in turn, activates cellular alarm systems such as NF-κB, which pump out more inflammatory cytokines. The review calls this reciprocal relationship a “DNA-damage–inflammation loop.”



Breaking that loop might slow both cancer development and functional decline with age. SCFAs once more appear helpful: they loosen tight chromatin, allowing repair machinery access to broken strands, and they influence DNA methylation patterns that govern gene activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiome-gaps-remain">Microbiome gaps remain</h2>



Despite many associations, the authors note most studies are snapshots, making it difficult to prove cause and effect.



Microbiomes vary widely among individuals, shaped by genetics, diet, geography, and lifestyle. That diversity complicates the search for universal “good” or “bad” bacteria. 



Emerging instead is the idea of functional signatures - chemical outputs like high butyrate or low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxin-from-toilet-paper-production-found-in-killer-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxin</a> levels that indicate a healthy ecosystem.



Multi-omics tools now allow researchers to catalog bacterial genes (metagenomics), the molecules they release (metabolomics), and the host’s own responses (transcriptomics and epigenomics) in the same samples. 



Combining these layers promises to reveal markers that flag dangerous dysbiosis early and guide personalized interventions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeted-gut-treatments-ahead">Targeted gut treatments ahead</h2>



Future treatments may involve designer probiotics that crank up SCFA output, fiber-rich diets tailored to an individual’s microbial gaps, or small-molecule drugs that block microbial toxins.



Fecal microbiota transplantation - still experimental - has already shown success against recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections and may one day be refined for cancer prevention or healthy aging.



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



The review portrays the gut microbiome as a central hub linking immunity, DNA integrity, and the pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-protein-that-reverses-cellular-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>.



A thriving microbial community helps maintain a strong barrier, trains the immune system to react appropriately, and keeps genetic caretakers on duty.



Disturb that community, and the consequences ripple outward. Chronic inflammation rises, DNA repairs falter, and age-related diseases gain momentum. 



Because every degree of microbial balance matters, the authors conclude, preserving or restoring that balance should join exercise, diet, and sleep as pillars of a long and healthy life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2472-0712/ERHM-2024-00046" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine</a>.



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Balanced gut bacteria can boost immunity and slow aging

Science has long know that the trillions of bacteria in...

Flooded,Mountain,Muddy,River,Valley

Until now, tracking the speed and height of dangerous river flood waves was something scientists could only do from the ground. 



A new study shows that this is changing. For the first time, satellite technology is giving researchers a better view of these powerful waves as they travel down U.S. rivers and move across the country.



Scientists from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> used satellite data to measure the movement of flood waves traveling down rivers across Montana, Texas, and Georgia. 



These waves, which stretched between 47 and 166 miles (76 and 267 kilometers), were triggered by heavy rainfall and a broken ice jam.



While there's no central database for river flood wave data from space, this study shows how useful satellite observations could be - especially for communities without flood control systems like levees and gates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-river-waves">Understanding river waves</h2>



Unlike ocean waves, which move steadily to shore and are shaped by wind and tides, river waves are temporary. Also called flood or flow waves, they move in sudden surges and can stretch for hundreds of miles along a water course.



These waves help transport nutrients and wildlife downstream, but they can also turn dangerous during extreme weather or dam breaks.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-waves-can-get-much-bigger-taller-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean</a> waves are well known from surfing and sailing, but rivers are the arteries of the planet. We want to understand their dynamics,” said Cedric David, a hydrologist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-river-flood-waves-from-space">Tracking river flood waves from space</h2>



To track these river waves, doctoral researcher Hana Thurman at Virginia Tech used data from the SWOT satellite. 



Short for Surface Water and Ocean Topography, <a href="https://swot.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SWOT</a> was launched in 2022 through a collaboration between NASA and the French space agency <a href="https://cnes.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNES</a>. 



It surveys almost all of Earth’s surface water using a special radar instrument called Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn).



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SWOT-satellite_river-flooding_monitoring_illustration_credit-CNES_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SWOT-satellite_river-flooding_monitoring_illustration_credit-CNES_1s.webp" alt="SWOT is depicted in orbit in this artist’s concept, with sunlight glinting off one of its solar panels and both antennas of its key instrument — the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) — extended. The antennas collect data along a swath 30 miles (50 kilometers) wide on either side of the satellite. Credit: CNES" class="wp-image-1970872"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">SWOT is depicted in orbit in this artist’s concept, with sunlight glinting off one of its solar panels and both antennas of its key instrument — the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) — extended. The antennas collect data along a swath 30 miles (50 kilometers) wide on either side of the satellite. Click image to enlarge. Credit: CNES</figcaption></figure>



This technology measures the height and width of water bodies by bouncing microwave signals off the surface and timing how long they take to return.



“In addition to monitoring total storage of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-when-rivers-jump-their-banks/">waters</a> in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and rivers, we zoom in on dynamics and impacts of water movement and change,” explained Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, SWOT program scientist at NASA Headquarters.



Thurman wanted to know if SWOT could also detect the changes in river height that signal a wave. The answer was yes. She identified three clear examples of river waves captured from orbit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-yellowstone-crest">The Yellowstone crest</h2>



The first wave occurred on the Yellowstone River in Montana in April 2023. SWOT recorded a dramatic 9.1-foot-tall (2.8-meter-tall) crest racing toward the Missouri River. 



The crest itself peaked for about 6.8 miles (11 kilometers), and was followed by a long, trailing tail. According to Thurman, these details were only visible thanks to KaRIn’s high spatial resolution.



She also used satellite images from Sentinel-2 to investigate the cause. Her research suggests the wave was triggered by a broken ice jam that suddenly released built-up water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-rain-triggers-massive-river-waves">Heavy rain triggers massive river waves</h2>



The other two river waves were caused by runoff from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-poses-extreme-risks-in-the-western-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavy rains</a>. One appeared on January 25, 2024, on the Colorado River near Austin, Texas. 



This wave was linked to the area’s largest flood of the year. It measured over 30 feet (9 meters) tall and stretched 166 miles (267 kilometers). It traveled about 3.5 feet (1.1 meter) per second for 250 miles (402 kilometers) before reaching Matagorda Bay.



The third wave was spotted in March 2024 on the Ocmulgee River near Macon, Georgia. 



It stood more than 20 feet (6 meters) high and extended over 100 miles (160 kilometers). It moved at about one foot (0.3 meters) per second for 124 miles (200 kilometers).



“We’re learning more about the shape and speed of flow waves, and how they change along long stretches of river,” Thurman said. “That could help us answer questions like, how fast could a flood get here and is infrastructure at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-rivers-always-recover-from-floods/">risk</a>?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-data-enhances-monitoring">Satellite data enhances monitoring</h2>



Until now, engineers and water managers have mainly used stream gauges to track river waves. These devices measure water height and discharge at fixed spots. 



The U.S. Geological Survey maintains most of them across the country. But many parts of the world don’t have this kind of coverage.



“Satellite data is complementary because it can help fill in the gaps,” said study supervisor George Allen, a hydrologist and remote sensing expert at Virginia Tech.



If a stream gauge is like a toll booth counting passing cars, SWOT is like a traffic helicopter watching the whole highway. And it works. 



The speeds measured by SWOT matched those from ground-based stream gauges, proving the satellite’s accuracy.



This technology is especially useful in river basins with little to no gauge coverage. It can help researchers understand where and why flood waves form, and how they travel.



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



SWOT orbits Earth multiple times a day. It’s expected to catch more than half of all major floods at some point in their life cycle. And that can make a real difference.



“If we see something in the data, we can say something,” David said of SWOT’s potential to flag dangerous floods in the making. “For a long time, we’ve stood on the banks of our rivers, but we’ve never seen them like we are now.”



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New SWOT satellite can measure height and speed of river waves and flooding

Until now, tracking the speed and height of dangerous river...

Water,Shortage,And,Heat,In,Germany

Global temperatures for April 2025, and all of 2025 thus far, have alarmed scientists and observers around the world. New analyses show that last month ranked as the second warmest April on record, but that's only a small part of the story.



Some forecasters had anticipated a relative dip this year, but those expectations are fading fast. Earth is now on track to surpass the 1.5°C (2.7°F) threshold, laid out in the Paris Agreement, for the second year in a row.



“The recently ended <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/winter-of-extremes-how-will-la-nina-affect-weather-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Niña event</a> has not provided as much cooling as would typically have been expected,” clarified Robert Rohde, lead scientist at <a href="https://berkeleyearth.org/april-2025-temperature-update/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Earth</a>. 



Springtime conditions across continents reveal only modest relief, and that has drawn wide attention to persistent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> patterns. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2025-global-temperature-increases">2025 global temperature increases</h2>



Studies show that April 2025 was about 1.49°C (2.68°F) warmer than the 1850–1900 average, making it nearly as hot as the record set in April 2024. 



Experts also note that 21 of the last 22 months have stayed at or above 1.5°C (2.7°F) above pre-industrial levels, a threshold that has been widely seen as a critical limit.



Analysts have identified that nearly 4% of the planet’s surface experienced its highest April temperature on record this year. 



While these scorching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-confirmed-as-earths-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> varied by region, they point toward a shared warming trend that is unlikely to taper off soon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-patterns-around-the-globe">Warming patterns around the globe</h2>



Land areas posted the warmest average for April since at least 1850, marking an extremely early spike in temperature. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean surfaces</a> were not far behind, coming in as the third hottest April and offering little sign of cooling.



Some regions, such as parts of the Middle East, soared to unprecedented highs, illustrating how local warming can easily tip routine weather patterns into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-increases-as-a-direct-result-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record territory</a>. 



Experts attribute these anomalies to a long-term rise in temperatures that amplifies even moderate heat events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2025-on-track-to-be-the-hottest-year-ever">2025 on track to be the hottest year ever</h2>



Scientists watch the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/mhx/ensowhat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ENSO</a>, which stands for El Niño–Southern Oscillation, because it strongly influences short-term climate trends. 



Current forecasts suggest neutral conditions may stick around through summer, though a late-year shift cannot be ruled out.



La Niña events typically bring cooler global conditions, but the most recent episode failed to deliver much relief. Many observers are now eyeing the potential for an <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ninonina.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> phase to emerge, which could nudge global averages even higher.



Based on current trends in data, there is an 18% chance that 2025 could become the hottest year ever recorded. 



Probabilities also suggest a 53% chance that it will secure second place, with a 52% likelihood of exceeding 1.5°C (2.7°F) for the annual average.



These odds highlight how little breathing space remains in the push to keep global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-predicts-global-warmings-impact-on-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> below a 1.5°C (2.7°F) increase limit set by the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a> in 2015. Many fear that continued highs will make it harder to reverse the momentum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-temperatures-setting-records">Global temperatures setting records</h2>



Seasonal shifts usually pull temperatures closer to a 30-year <a href="https://parisagreementtemperatureindex.com/improved-smoothing-function-loess/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LOESS</a> running average, but the latest findings still hover near uncomfortably warm levels.



“Globally, April 2025 was the second-hottest April on record, continuing the long sequence of months over 1.5°C (2.7°F) above pre-industrial," said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at <a href="https://www.ecmwf.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECMWF</a> (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts).



"Continuous climate monitoring is an essential tool for understanding and responding to the ongoing changes of our climate system,” she emphasized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperatures-also-warming-in-europe">Temperatures also warming in Europe</h2>



Europe’s average temperature in April reached about 9.38°C (48.88ºF), making it the sixth warmest April in records that extend back decades. 



Much of the continent saw above-normal readings, except for cooler patches in parts of Turkey and northeastern stretches.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-piracy-antarctic-glacier-discovered-stealing-ice-from-its-neighbor-and-thats-not-a-good-thing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Antarctica</a> followed a warming trend as well, while places in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Antarctica</a> logged lower-than-usual values. 



These contrasts highlight the planet’s complexity, where certain zones can register unseasonable chill even during a period of overall warming.



Iran also recorded its hottest April ever, breaking its previous record. This rise is linked to long-term local warming, which has increased by more than 2 °C (3.6 °F) since 1960.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arctic-is-suffering">The Arctic is suffering</h2>



Arctic sea ice extent fell about 3% below average in April, placing it sixth lowest for the month in satellite records. This decline followed an unusual streak of record-low monthly extents earlier this year.



Antarctic sea ice sat around 10% below average, aligning with the tenth lowest extent for April. Patchy coverage around key coastal areas may influence marine ecosystems that are already under stress.



Heavy precipitation brought flooding and landslides to parts of Europe, while areas like central North America reported drier outcomes. 



Local deviations in rainfall can complicate resource management, hinting at the varied impacts tied to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-apathy-people-are-adjusting-to-global-warming-too-quickly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wider global warming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-temperatures-are-out-of-control">Global temperatures are out of control</h2>



Experts continue to stress <a href="https://www.epa.gov/climateleadership/ghg-reduction-programs-strategies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions reductions</a> as the most direct way to contain global temperature increases. 



They also emphasize adaptive strategies like <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/forest-management/vegetation-management/reforestation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a> and coastal fortification to lessen the impacts of intensifying heat waves and shifting precipitation.



Global collaboration remains pivotal, yet each region faces its own vulnerabilities. While international agreements aim to keep warming in check, the data suggests that time is running short.



Some advocates call for accelerated funding to equip communities with clean energy and sustainable infrastructure. 



If these measures do not gain momentum soon, recent temperature milestones could become recurring markers of an ever-warming environment. 



The data was published in the journal <a href="https://berkeleyearth.org/april-2025-temperature-update/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Earth</a>.



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Earth is on pace to surpass 1.5°C temp increase for the second year in a row, passing the point of no return

Global temperatures for April 2025, and all of 2025 thus...

Yellowstone National Park (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/">YNP</a>) holds plenty of surprises, from dramatic geysers to bubbling hot springs. Few suspected that a hidden geologic structure might be one of the biggest factors helping to keep its massive volcanic system calm.



Scientists recently uncovered a hidden magma cap about 2.4 miles (4 kilometers) below the surface, that is composed of a porous mixture that allows gases to escape. One of the researchers, <a href="https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/brandon-schmandt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brandon Schmandt</a>, is a professor of earth, environmental and planetary sciences at Rice University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-s-fascinating-volcano">Yellowstone's fascinating volcano</h2>



Yellowstone’s volcanic system has fascinated geologists for decades. They have long suspected molten rock lurks close to the surface.



In <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade0347" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022</a>, another group of experts found that the supervolcano contains more magma than once believed. That raised concerns about how much pressure could be building under the ground.



The latest seismic imaging campaign used a 53,000-pound vibroseis truck to send low-frequency vibrations into the earth. Reflective signals from those vibrations helped pinpoint unusual features at depths that few had ever probed before.



There was a moment when reflections showed “something physically happening” at that depth, said Schmandt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beneath-the-surface">Beneath the surface</h2>



The cap itself appears to be a mix of molten silicate materials, <a href="https://www.powereng.com/library/harnessing-supercritical-fluids-transforming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supercritical water</a>, and rock with openings that allow gas to flow. Supercritical water is water that is heated beyond 700oF (371oC), and is transitioning into a dense, fluid-like phase.



This combination forms a barrier that traps deep heat yet still permits venting of volatiles, which are gaseous substances released by rising magma. 



Volatiles like water vapor and carbon dioxide often determine whether magma stays underground or forces an eruption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stabilizing-the-yellowstone-volcano">Stabilizing the Yellowstone volcano</h2>



Yellowstone is famous for its <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/hydrothermal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal</a> features that release gas from underground. That might be an important factor in keeping large eruptions at bay.



“Although we detected a volatile-rich layer, its bubble and melt contents are below the levels typically associated with imminent eruption,” noted Schmandt.



Geologists think the system is steadily relieving pressure through cracks and channels. This allows bubbles to emerge and vent rather than staying trapped and building up pressure inside the magma reservoir.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-noisy-yellowstone-data">Challenge of noisy Yellowstone data</h2>



Collecting seismic data in a place like Yellowstone is anything but easy. Rocks of different ages and compositions scatter signals in all directions.



“When you see noisy, challenging data, don’t give up,” said researcher Chenlong Duan, who helped develop advanced techniques to clarify those signals. The imaging process initially looked chaotic. 



Fieldwork conditions were also demanding. Crews had limited road access and worked at night to avoid interfering with park visitors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-seismic-imaging-to-new-limits">Pushing seismic imaging to new limits</h2>



Getting clearer images of what lies beneath Yellowstone required more than just brute-force equipment. Duan developed a custom <a href="https://library.seg.org/doi/10.1190/geo2015-0117.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wave-equation imaging</a> technique during his Ph.D. to make sense of irregular, scattered signals.



This method allowed the team to process vibrations in a way that standard tools couldn’t handle. 



By adapting this approach and combining it with the <a href="https://wiki.kmi.com/wiki/images/4/4a/Appnote41.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">STA/LTA function</a> - typically used to detect earthquakes - the researchers managed to sharpen the blurry data into a coherent picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-deeper-volcanic-processes">A glimpse into deeper volcanic processes</h2>



Scientists believe the cap has about 14% porosity, meaning tiny spaces in the rock are filled with pockets of melt and supercritical water. This leftover space allows for gas flow that releases pressure instead of forcing a catastrophic eruption.



Once the results made sense, they hinted at how the volcanic system “breathes” in a steady pattern. Gas keeps rising and escaping, making it less likely to build up dangerous levels of pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-beyond-the-yellowstone-volcano">Significance beyond the Yellowstone volcano </h2>



Understanding the conditions underground is key for monitoring volcanic hazards. Similar imaging techniques could help track changes in the upper boundary of other active systems as well.



Volcano experts will now watch for any shifts in that cap’s melt or gas content. If future surveys detect a sudden increase in trapped fluid, that might signal a riskier condition.



These insights also support broader research on carbon capture and geothermal exploration. Subsurface gas flow is a shared theme across different fields, so Yellowstone offers a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-may-be-near-the-root-of-all-life-on-earth/">real-world lab</a> to test new ideas about how fluids move in the crust.



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



Each new puzzle piece brings us closer to understanding Yellowstone’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-are-1-5-billion-years-old/">volcanic system</a>. More detailed modeling might reveal subtle changes in gas release over time.



Researchers aim to use advanced seismic methods, better data coverage, and more robust computer simulations in future. These efforts could give clearer pictures of structures that help contain magma in other large volcanic areas.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08775-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Magma layer keeps the Yellowstone supervolcano dormant

Yellowstone National Park (YNP) holds plenty of surprises, from dramatic...

Etosha National Park in Namibia is home to one of Africa’s most iconic animals, the lion. These big cats roam the open grasslands and woodlands, thriving in what should be a sanctuary. Yet, beyond the park’s protective boundaries, the landscape turns deadly. 



A recent long-term study from the <a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> reveals the extent and complexity of human-lion conflict in this region. Between 1980 and 2018, 698 lions were killed due to interactions with people in the areas surrounding Etosha.



This number likely doesn’t reflect the full picture. Many deaths go unreported, making the crisis even graver than it seems. Why are lions dying in such large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honoring-the-king-of-the-jungle-on-world-lion-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">numbers</a>? What makes Etosha’s borders so perilous? 



The study uncovers the layers of environmental change, historical injustice, and social tension that now shape the future of one of Africa’s top predators.



“It was environmental. It was cultural. It was climatic," said Dipanjan Naha of the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lions-in-an-ecological-trap">Lions in an ecological trap</h2>



Etosha National Park serves as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steller-sea-lions-threatened-by-rising-mercury-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a> source for lions. But the areas beyond its perimeter, farmlands, conservancies, and village lands, act like population sinks. 



These surrounding zones draw lions with the promise of prey and water, only to deliver lethal encounters with people. The study identifies this as an ecological trap, a place that appears rich in resources but is ultimately dangerous.



Lions often cross Etosha’s perimeter fence during the cold dry season, which runs from May to August. Water sources inside the park shrink. Prey becomes scarce. Lions, driven by hunger, head into neighboring farmlands where livestock and game animals graze.



“As soon as the lions get out of the park, they are in trouble with the farmers," noted Naha.



Conflict flares as lions attack livestock, and farmers respond with deadly force. With no system to compensate livestock loss, shooting becomes a survival strategy for many landowners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflict-related-lion-deaths">Conflict-related lion deaths</h2>



The roots of this conflict go deep. Prior to the establishment of Etosha, the Greater Etosha Landscape (GEL) was inhabited by indigenous Hai//om and !Xun San communities. 



These hunter-gatherers had long coexisted with lions. But by the early 20th century, European settlers displaced these communities. They introduced firearms and private farms, viewing predators as threats to be eliminated.



Land once used communally turned into private holdings. Over time, tolerance for carnivores eroded. The cultural shift from cohabitation to confrontation hardened the region’s approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-and-female-lions-have-different-social-strategies-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>. 



This legacy continues today, as conflict-related lion deaths remain concentrated in private freehold farms owned by descendants of those settlers.



Seventy-seven percent of conflict-related lion deaths between 2001 and 2018 occurred on farms. Another 13 percent occurred in conservancies, and only 7 percent in private game reserves. 



Most lions didn’t die in deep wilderness but on the edges, where the wild and human worlds meet uncomfortably.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farmers-lethal-response-to-lions">Farmers' lethal response to lions</h2>



From 1980 to 2000, rainfall in the GEL region declined. Droughts became frequent, forcing a shift in farming practices. Many farmers transitioned from raising livestock to managing game farms. These new farms needed less water but had even less tolerance for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lion-numbers-have-reached-a-critical-low-in-uganda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a>.



Game animals are valuable. Losing one to a lion is costlier than losing livestock. With this economic pressure, farmers responded quickly and lethally to any lion sighting. As lions continued to roam outside Etosha in search of prey, the frequency of fatal encounters grew.



The study revealed that lion deaths were highest during the cold dry season, the same time that lions most often left the park. It also found a troubling increase in lion deaths over the decades, peaking in 2017 with 67 deaths. 



Younger male lions were especially vulnerable. These lions leave their natal territories in search of new ones and often end up in risky, unfamiliar zones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-male-lions-died-more-often">Male lions died more often</h2>



Sixty percent of reported lion deaths were males. This reflects the natural behavior of male dispersal. Males travel widely, often through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-ants-have-a-big-impact-on-the-hunting-behavior-of-lions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farmlands</a> and conservancies. They face increased danger during this journey, especially in human-dominated areas.



The loss of males isn’t just a numbers issue. It disrupts social structures within lion populations. Without stable coalitions, prides become vulnerable. Infanticide may rise. Cubs are left unprotected. 



Entire prides may even abandon safer areas to escape aggressive newcomers, increasing their chances of conflict with humans.



These effects ripple across generations, weakening the lion population over time. Removing even a few males can trigger cascading damage to pride stability and reproductive success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-danger-zones-exist-around-etosha-s-borders">Danger zones exist around Etosha’s borders</h2>



Using spatial modeling, researchers identified hotspots of lion mortality around the park. These included parts of the eastern, southern, western, and north-western edges of ENP. 



Many of these danger zones overlap with wildlife corridors that lions use to move between Etosha and regions like the Skeleton Coast and Kunene.



Interestingly, areas with more vegetation such as dense woodlands and shrubs had fewer lion deaths. Woody cover provides concealment, allowing lions to move undetected. But most farmlands lacked this vegetation. This made it easier for humans to spot and shoot lions.



The study also found that ecological traps often formed in areas that contained both livestock and wild prey. To a lion, this looks like prime habitat. But it comes with an invisible cost, human hostility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fences-and-a-fractured-future">Fences and a fractured future</h2>



Etosha’s perimeter fence, built to stop disease, added another layer of complexity. It cut off migration routes for herbivores, concentrating prey within the park. 



At the same time, it left the surrounding lands exposed to hungry predators. "Areas around the park are kind of an ecological trap for them.” Dipanjan Naha



The fence also intersects with the Veterinary Cordon Fence, locally known as the Red Line. This line divides commercial farms from communal areas and restricts meat trade across it. 



The economic divide fuels further intolerance. Farmers south of the line, under more trade pressure, are more likely to resort to lethal action.



High livestock density, low vegetation, and poor compensation schemes all increase the chances of lions getting killed. Combined with colonial land policies and climate change, these factors make conservation intensely difficult.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farmers-sharing-spaces-with-lions">Farmers sharing spaces with lions</h2>



“There has to be more integrated conservation where humans and wildlife can share spaces," said Naha. 



Fencing alone will not save Etosha’s lions. In fact, it may increase their risk. Lethal control methods are also proving ineffective. Instead, the study suggests a blend of land sparing, protected reserves, and land sharing, sustainable cohabitation with humans.



Local communities should be included in monitoring, ecotourism, and conservation efforts. Lions bring potential income through wildlife tourism. Creating incentives for people to protect rather than kill lions is key.



With better planning, compensation schemes, and education, it's possible to reduce human-lion conflict. Spatial risk maps from the study can help direct conservation action to the most affected areas.



This research, published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989425001155?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Conservation</a>, paints a sobering picture. Yet, it also offers a path forward. If we can understand the intersecting forces of ecology, culture, and economy, we might yet build a future where lions and people both thrive on the edges of Etosha.



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Can lions and farmers coexist? Experts are cautiously optimistic

Etosha National Park in Namibia is home to one of...

In terms of pollination, much of the spotlight shines on the color and scent of flowers. These features attract insects, especially bees, who help transfer pollen and ensure plant reproduction. But beneath this visual and olfactory spectacle, another sense may quietly shape this relationship: sound.



Scientists have long studied how flowers use color and scent to communicate with their pollinators. But could they also be listening?



For years, researchers overlooked the possibility that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-bacteria-makes-flowers-more-attractive-to-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> might respond to the sounds of visiting pollinators. The low-volume acoustic signals created by insects during flight and foraging were simply too subtle, they thought.



However, a growing body of evidence suggests that these floral visitors generate more than just physical contact. They bring with them a unique sound signature. And now, thanks to a recent international collaboration, the science community is finally beginning to hear what the flowers may already know.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-respond-to-pollinator-sounds">Flowers respond to pollinator sounds</h2>



Francesca Barbero, a professor of zoology at the <a href="https://en.unito.it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turin</a>, is leading a new wave of research into how flowers detect and respond to vibroacoustic signals. 



Her work brings together an unusual alliance: entomologists, plant physiologists, and sound engineers from Spain and Australia. Their shared mission is to understand how the faint buzzes and wing flaps of pollinators influence plant biology.



This novel approach centers on using sound recordings instead of intrusive instruments. By capturing the natural buzz of pollinators and replaying them near flowers, the team can observe how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-new-window-into-the-early-evolution-of-flowering-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> react without physically disturbing them. 



The results offer a new method for monitoring pollinator activity. They also suggest that the link between plants and insects is more complex than previously imagined.



Barbero and her team will present their findings at the joint 188th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the 25th International Congress on Acoustics, taking place May 18 to 23.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-change-nectar-and-sugar-levels">Flowers change nectar and sugar levels</h2>



To study how flowers respond to sound, the researchers focused on a specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flower</a>-pollinator pairing: snapdragons and Rhodanthidium sticticum, a bee species also known as the snail shell bee.



This insect is a known pollinator of snapdragons, making it an ideal subject for testing acoustic communication between these species.



The researchers recorded the buzzing of this bee and played the audio back in the vicinity of blooming snapdragons. What happened next surprised even the seasoned scientists.



The flowers responded to the buzzing by increasing the amount of sugar in their nectar. They also boosted overall nectar volume. On a molecular level, the plants even altered their gene expression, particularly the genes involved in sugar transport and nectar production.



This reaction suggests that flowers can perceive and act on sound cues, adjusting their internal processes to match the identity of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator</a> they anticipate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-use-sound-to-boost-pollination">Flowers use sound to boost pollination </h2>



“Plant-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator</a> coevolution has been studied primarily by assessing the production and perception of visual and olfactory cues, even though there is growing evidence that both insects and plants can sense and produce, or transmit, vibroacoustic signals,” Barbero explained.



This shift toward understanding acoustic signals opens a new chapter in coevolution. It proposes that plants are not just responding passively to insects but actively modifying themselves based on the specific visitor. 



If a plant recognizes a pollinator by its buzz, it may enhance its attractiveness by adjusting nectar rewards. In doing so, it may increase the time that pollinators spend within its flowers and build pollinator loyalty.



“The ability to discriminate approaching pollinators based on their distinctive vibroacoustic signals could be an adaptive strategy for plants,” Barbero added.



“By replying to their proper vibroacoustic signal, for instance, an efficient pollinator’s, plants could improve their reproductive success if their responses drive modifications in pollinator behavior.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-flowers-call-pollinators-using-sound">Can flowers call pollinators using sound?</h2>



While the evidence for plants detecting and responding to pollinator sound is growing, the reverse question now arises. Can plants themselves use sound to influence insects?



The answer is not yet clear, but the implications are compelling. “If this response from insects is confirmed, sounds could be used to treat economically relevant plants and crops, and increase their pollinators’ attraction,” Barbero noted.



In agricultural settings, this idea could revolutionize how we manage crops. If scientists can learn to replicate the right buzzing sounds, they might coax more pollinators to visit key crops without needing chemical attractants. 



It opens the possibility of acoustic farming, where soundscapes become tools for boosting yields and biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-pollinators-to-nectar-robbers">From pollinators to nectar robbers</h2>



The team’s work does not stop with one type of bee. They are now examining how snapdragons react to other visitors, including nectar robbers. These insects take nectar without providing any pollination service. 



The comparisons may reveal whether plants can distinguish helpful insects from freeloaders using sound alone.



“The multitude of ways plants can perceive both biotic factors, such as beneficial and harmful insects, [and] other neighboring plants, and abiotic cues, like temperature, drought, and wind in their surroundings, is truly astonishing,” Barbero said.



This line of inquiry reveals that plants are far more perceptive than we assumed. They do not simply react to light and water. They sense their environment in complex, dynamic ways, including listening to the sounds of insects that surround them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-listen-and-adapt-to-insect-sounds">Flowers listen and adapt to insect sounds</h2>



This innovative research is part of a larger project titled “Good Vibes: How do plants recognise and respond to pollinator vibroacoustic signals,” and it is supported by the Human Frontier Science Program.



It involves multiple international partners: the&nbsp;University of Turin,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.i2sysbio.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">I²SysBio in Valencia</a>, and the&nbsp;Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration at the <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Technology</a>, Sydney.



Their work highlights how sound can be a bridge between species. In a world filled with pesticides, habitat loss, and climate stress, understanding how flowers communicate through vibrations may offer new tools for protecting pollinators and the plants they serve.



Through these discoveries, sound is being given its rightful place in the story of pollination. Flowers, it turns out, are not just beautiful - they are also listeners. And what they hear may shape their survival.



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Flowers 'hear' bee sounds and make sweeter nectar in response

In terms of pollination, much of the spotlight shines on...

Earth’s surface tells a complex story, shaped not only by visible forces like tectonics and erosion but also by hidden mantle processes deep beneath our feet. One of the most important yet elusive of these is the movement and transformation of carbon in the planet’s mantle.



A recent study led by researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry (<a href="http://english.gig.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GIG-CAS</a>), shines new light on how subducted carbonates reshape the mantle’s chemistry and structure.



This work reveals how carbon, under extreme pressure and temperature, controls the formation of sublithospheric diamonds and influences the long-term fate of ancient continental cores called cratons.



While carbon’s surface roles - like atmospheric CO₂ levels or ocean chemistry - are widely studied, its deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/science-reveals-how-to-bring-gold-to-the-surface-from-earths-mantle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a> behavior remains less understood. The new research provides compelling evidence that carbonates carried into the mantle by subducted oceanic plates do not simply vanish. 



Instead, they alter the redox state of surrounding rocks, producing contrasting geological outcomes based on the mantle’s thermal regime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mantle-temperature-and-subducted-carbon">Mantle temperature and subducted carbon </h2>



The experiments replicated conditions found at depths between 250 and 660 kilometers using carbonatite melts and peridotite rocks containing metallic iron. These setups recreated environments in which subducted carbon-rich melts encounter different mantle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-mantle-shapes-surface-topography/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">settings</a>. 



In cooler, nonplume conditions, carbonatite melts gradually reduce. This process leads to the crystallization of immobile diamonds and iron-rich metallic phases, which then attach to the base of cratons. Over time, these structures add stability to the lithosphere.



In contrast, under hotter, plume-affected conditions, the melts remain mobile and act as oxidizing agents. These oxidized melts infiltrate the mantle, dissolving elements like silicon, magnesium, and iron. 



The resulting chemical transformation weakens the lithosphere and allows the ascent of silico-carbonatite melts. These in turn oxidize the surrounding mantle, promote metasomatism, and can drive large-scale geological processes like lithosphere delamination, surface uplift, and volcanism.



"The redox state of the deep mantle is a critical factor controlling how volatiles, such as carbon, cycle between Earth's surface and its interior," said Professor YU Wang, lead author of the study. 



"Our experiments show that the fate of subducted carbon is heavily influenced by mantle temperature and redox conditions, shaping continent evolution over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-american-continent-is-dripping-away-in-giant-blobs-of-rock-earth-mantle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geological</a> time."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mantle-carbon-effects-on-continents">Mantle carbon effects on continents</h2>



To validate their findings, researchers compared experimental mineral products to natural inclusions from diamonds found in the Amazonia (Juína) and Kaapvaal cratons. 



These two regions provide a natural laboratory for understanding deep Earth processes due to their contrasting geological features and preserved sublithospheric diamonds.



Diamonds from Juína formed in a predominantly reduced mantle, unaffected by mantle plumes. These diamonds contain inclusions like ferropericlase with magnesium numbers (Mg#) ranging from 44 to 78 and low nickel content. 



This matches the experimental results where carbonatite melts froze entirely into diamond and iron-carbon alloys under reducing conditions. These materials, once accreted to the base of the cratonic keel, created a stable and long-lived lithosphere.



In contrast, diamonds from Kaapvaal, such as those from the Jagersfontein and Monastery mines, show inclusions that reflect formation in a fully oxidized plume environment. These diamonds contain majorite garnets with high MgO and FeO but lower calcium and sodium <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mantle-heat-shaped-earths-crust-3-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contents</a>. 



The study demonstrated that under oxidized conditions, melts penetrate and metasomatize the cratonic keel, causing eventual weakening and destabilization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minerals-reveal-deep-carbon-conditions">Minerals reveal deep carbon conditions</h2>



Majorite and ferropericlase inclusions serve as redox fingerprints. The team’s experiments revealed distinct chemical signatures in these minerals, based on the redox conditions under which they formed. 



In reduced environments, majorites showed higher sodium and lower calcium contents with increasing pressure. This reflects the progressive incorporation of sodium into the garnet structure as carbon was locked away as diamond.



In the Kaapvaal Craton, majorite inclusions follow different trends. Here, compositions indicate strong interaction between oxidized melts and the mantle, consistent with the presence of mantle plumes. These melts retain carbon in mobile forms and lead to the redistribution of iron and other elements throughout the lithosphere.



Ferropericlase compositions also differ sharply. In the Amazonia Craton, low-Mg# ferropericlases appear to form at lower pressures under reduced conditions. 



Some are associated with native iron or cohenite, providing further evidence of their deep and reduced origin. In plume regions, ferropericlase occurs only under very high pressures and as a minor phase, showing the dominance of silicate minerals in oxidized settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cool-mantle-protects-hot-mantle-changes">Cool mantle protects, hot mantle changes</h2>



In regions where mantle temperatures remain moderate, subducted carbonatite melts gradually freeze as they ascend. Initially, the melt reacts with metallic iron, forming oxidized zones. 



However, as it continues to move, the redox capacity of the surrounding mantle overwhelms the melt, which then freezes into diamond. This prevents widespread oxidation and results in the buildup of reduced, carbon-rich materials beneath the craton.



Plume regions behave very differently. Here, temperatures rise significantly, and the melt does not freeze immediately. Instead, it reacts with the mantle, leading to reactive melting and the generation of oxidized, silico-carbonatite melts. 



These melts migrate upward and oxidize the lithosphere, making it chemically fertile and gravitationally unstable. This instability often leads to lithosphere delamination and volcanism.



The schematic on page 7 of the study vividly contrasts these two scenarios. In the Amazonia Craton, melt is consumed and locked in place, preserving the craton. In Kaapvaal, melt infiltration reshapes the lithosphere, triggering uplift and widespread Mesozoic magmatism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diamonds-hold-clues-to-earth-s-past">Diamonds hold clues to Earth’s past</h2>



The geological histories of Amazonia and Kaapvaal cratons reinforce the experimental findings. The Amazonia Craton remains a low-elevation, intact landmass. Its Juína diamonds formed 450 to 610 million years ago and were retained in the keel for over 300 million years. 



These diamonds show signs of having been stored deep in the lithosphere, untouched by plume activity. They represent a preserved record of early mantle processes and carbon sequestration.



In contrast, the Kaapvaal Craton has high plateaus and evidence of lithosphere removal. Diamonds here likely formed during the Mesozoic when the region sat near the edge of the Africa Large Low Shear Velocity Province (LLSVP). 



Carbonatite melts released during slab subduction interacted with mantle plumes, leading to metasomatism, delamination, and the eruption of kimberlites. These events contributed to the breakup of Gondwana and significantly altered the landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-mantle-carbon-shapes-continents">Deep mantle carbon shapes continents </h2>



This study offers powerful evidence that subducted carbon does more than disappear into the depths - it determines whether continents remain stable or are reshaped by internal forces. 



The mantle’s temperature and redox state control whether carbon forms diamonds or fuels geological upheaval. By linking lab-based experiments with real-world diamond inclusions, the researchers build a clearer picture of how Earth’s deep interior operates across geological time.



Understanding these deep processes is not just academic. It sheds light on continental evolution, the dynamics of mantle convection, and the movement of carbon through Earth’s interior. 



As the study shows, carbon may be invisible underground, but its effects stretch from the deepest mantle to the highest continental peaks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adu4985" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Carbon in Earth's mantle determines if continents remain stable or shift

Earth’s surface tells a complex story, shaped not only by...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



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



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



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-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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