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...

Mental illnesses affect one in four people at some point in life. Yet, treatment often remains a guessing game. Traditional drugs target brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, ignoring how the immune system may also affect the brain.



But many patients do not benefit. A new study from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> may explain why. The research links immune system activity to several neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and schizophrenia.



This work, led by Dr. Christina Dardani and Professor Golam Khandaker, suggests we must think beyond the brain. Immune signals in the blood and brain both appear involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental</a> illness. This insight could help develop new, more effective treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-brain-drugs-fail-for-some">Why brain drugs fail for some</h2>



Most mental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-reduces-the-risk-of-brain-diseases-by-up-to-54-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> drugs act on neurotransmitters. But these therapies fail in about one-third of patients. 



That failure points to deeper biological roots. Immune system involvement is one such possibility. Immune-activating drugs, for example, often trigger depression. Infections and autoimmune diseases are also linked with mental illness.



This new study used Mendelian randomization - a method that analyzes genetic data to find causal relationships. The researchers studied 736 immune-related proteins found in human blood and brain. They examined how these proteins relate to seven mental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-proteins-in-the-brain-and-blood">Immune proteins in the brain and blood</h2>



The researchers applied a three-tier system to assess causality. They looked at depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, autism, and anxiety. 



From over 700 proteins, the team identified 29 linked with these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-the-brain-goes-silent-the-complex-reality-of-mind-blanking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disorders</a>. These findings met strict statistical and biological standards.



Among the 29, some were already known drug targets. Twenty of the proteins had drugs either approved or in trials for other diseases. These include ACE, CD40, AGER, TNFRSF17, and SERPING1. Their link with mental illness now opens paths for drug repurposing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-disorders-to-specific-proteins">Linking disorders to specific proteins</h2>



For schizophrenia, the experts identified 57 immune biomarkers. Four met the strictest Tier A standard. Notable ones included AGER, PDIA3, and NAGA. These genes are involved in glycosylation, a process tied to brain function.



Depression had 24 related proteins, including EP300 and FCN1. Bipolar disorder shared some markers with schizophrenia, especially CD40 and DNPH1.



Alzheimer’s disease showed 28 immune-related markers. APOC1 and CR1 were among the strongest candidates. These proteins had already been linked to Alzheimer’s in earlier studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-risk-of-mental-illness">The risk of mental illness </h2>



“Our study demonstrates that inflammation in the brain and the body might influence the risk of mental health conditions,“ noted Golam Khandaker, Professor of Psychiatry and Immunology.



“The findings challenge the centuries-old Cartesian dichotomy between the body and the mind, and suggests that we should consider depression and schizophrenia as conditions affecting the whole person.”



This viewpoint encourages treatment approaches that account for both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-air-pollution-fuels-alzheimers-and-brain-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> and body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-biomarkers-to-medicines">From biomarkers to medicines</h2>



Drug development for mental health has slowed in recent decades. Many trials on anti-inflammatory drugs for depression and schizophrenia failed. 



A reason might be the poor selection of targets. This study narrows the field using strong genetic and molecular data.



ACE plays a role in both schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease and already has approved medications for heart conditions. 



CD40 is implicated in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and its involvement in multiple conditions suggests it could serve as a cross-disorder therapeutic target.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-immune-drugs-on-the-brain">Using immune drugs on the brain</h2>



Some biomarkers affect mental health through both blood and brain. For example, CD40 and ACE act in both tissues. But this could lead to side effects if drugs affect the wrong organs. 



CD40 has low tissue specificity, and ACE is mostly active in the gut. These features must be considered before using these targets in new treatments.



Some biomarkers influence multiple disorders. ACE may contribute to both schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s, perhaps by impairing memory. 



CD40 might increase risk for both bipolar and schizophrenia by promoting psychosis. Shared symptoms suggest overlapping biological roots.



But timing also matters. Schizophrenia begins early, while Alzheimer’s emerges much later. The effects of immune proteins may differ at each stage. Future research must examine this complexity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-for-treating-mental-illness">Hope for treating mental illness</h2>



The researchers plan to test their findings using health records, animal studies, and clinical trials. They also urge caution. Most data come from people of European ancestry. More diverse studies are needed.



The research paves the way for novel therapies. But success will depend on careful trial design, consideration of side effects, and better understanding of immune signaling.



By exploring the full biology of the immune system and brain, this work offers fresh hope for millions of people living with mental illness.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-025-03032-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Psychiatry</a>.



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Mental illness is caused by the whole body - not just the brain

Mental illnesses affect one in four people at some point...

The Chinese strategist Zhuge Liang, better known as Kongming, once tricked an enemy fleet into launching a barrage of arrows at empty boats padded with straw. After the volley, his soldiers collected the arrows and fired them back, winning the day with weapons supplied by the opposition. 



Twenty-one centuries later, microbiologists have uncovered a molecular echo of that famous ploy inside common gut bacteria that can defeat viruses.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> and <a href="https://en.hzau.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huazhong Agricultural University</a> have found that E. coli carries a previously unknown antiviral system they have named “Kongming.” Like its namesake, the defense hijacks a viral enzyme to launch a counterstrike that ultimately destroys the virus.



Their work reveals a completely new immune signaling pathway in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-gut-bacteria-behave-like-vampires-to-target-human-blood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>. It also widens the catalog of phage-resistance strategies and hints at applications ranging from cancer diagnostics to next-generation antibiotic alternatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-viruses-against-themselves">Turning viruses against themselves</h2>



Every virus that infects bacteria, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteriophages-use-selfish-genetic-elements-as-weapons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phage</a>, must replicate its genetic material at breakneck speed to outpace cellular defenses. Many phages therefore inject specialized nucleotide kinases, enzymes that churn out the building blocks of DNA and RNA.



The Kongming system detects that very enzyme and forces it to synthesize a different molecule altogether: a distinctive nucleotide signal known as dITP. Once made, dITP activates a protein complex, triggering a cascade that leads the bacterial cell to self-destruct.



“We’ve discovered a new antiviral signaling pathway in bacteria that, ironically, relies on a viral enzyme to produce the alarm signal that triggers defense - just like the historical Kongming, who used the production of enemy’s own arrows against them,” said Professor Rafael Pinilla-Redondo, co-author of the study.



In short, the phage hands the bacterium the very biochemical arrow that brings about its demise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-die-to-defeat-viruses">Bacteria die to defeat viruses</h2>



Suicide might sound like an odd way to survive infection, but in bacterial colonies it can be remarkably effective. 



“The bacterium sacrifices itself to stop the virus - which may sound dramatic, but it’s an incredibly effective strategy. By dying, it takes the virus down with it, preventing the infection from spreading to other bacteria in the population. It’s a bit like blowing up a bridge to stop an advancing enemy,” Pinilla-Redondo said.



Because phages must complete their replication cycles inside living hosts, the premature death of a single cell prevents the release of hundreds of viral progeny. A few sacrificial cells can protect the community - much like programmed cell death in the human immune system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-can-launch-counter-attacks">Viruses can launch counter attacks</h2>



Phages are not passive targets. The scientists observed that some viruses carry auxiliary enzymes able to degrade dITP before it reaches lethal levels, effectively cutting the alarm wires. 



“Some viruses have figured out how to get around Kongming,” noted first-author Ruiliang Zhao, a doctoral candidate in Pinilla-Redondo’s lab. “They carry special enzymes that break down the molecules needed to trigger the system. It’s their way of cutting off the cables of the alarm before it goes off.”



Such counterintelligence highlights the ongoing evolutionary arms race between microbes and their viral predators, a contest that has spawned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR</a>, toxin–antitoxin modules, and now the Kongming pathway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kongming-beyond-the-gut">Kongming beyond the gut</h2>



Although initially characterized in E. coli, genetic sleuthing revealed dozens of Kongming-like operons in soil and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine bacteria</a> across the globe. This suggests that the mechanism is not a niche curiosity but a broadly distributed archetype for bacteria to defeat viruses.



By mapping its genetic hallmarks, scientists can begin to predict which environmental microbes harbor similar systems. This information is critical for biogeochemical modeling and for developing phage therapies that must bypass native immunity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-therapy-blocked-by-bacteria">Therapy blocked by bacteria</h2>



The rise of antibiotic resistance has rekindled interest in treating infections with phages tailored to kill specific pathogens. Yet a therapeutic phage will fail if its target bacterium possesses a potent defense like Kongming.



“To develop effective phage therapies, we need to understand the natural immune systems bacteria use to resist viral attacks,” noted Pinilla-Redondo.



Detailed knowledge of Kongming and its viral countermeasures can guide the selection, or engineering of phages that slip past bacterial alarms, improving clinical success rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biotech-uses-for-kongming">Biotech uses for Kongming</h2>



The study’s significance is not limited to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infectious disease</a> control. Because the Kongming effector complex responds exclusively to dITP, a non-canonical nucleotide implicated in genomic instability and certain cancers, it could serve as a molecular sensor for diagnostic assays.



“Since the Kongming immune effector complex specifically responds to dITP, it could be used to detect this non-canonical nucleotide - opening the door to interesting biotechnological applications,” Zhao said. 



Synthetic biologists may also harness the pathway to build programmable cell-death switches or precision gene-editing safeguards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-bacterial-immunity-revealed">New bacterial immunity revealed</h2>



Over the past decade, comparative genomics has uncovered an astonishing diversity of bacterial antiviral systems, yet many remain poorly understood. Kongming demonstrates how a fresh look can rewrite assumptions. 



Until now, hijacking a viral enzyme to synthesize an immune signal was a trick known only in certain viruses themselves.



The discovery shows that bacteria use viral “enemy arrows” to fight viruses, highlighting a richer immune toolkit in nature than once believed.



By turning a pathogen’s own resource into an executioner, the Kongming system offers an elegant illustration of molecular jiu-jitsu - one that not only deepens our understanding of microbial warfare but also points the way toward innovative therapies and diagnostic technologies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ads6055" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Bacteria recreate an ancient war trick to defeat viruses

The Chinese strategist Zhuge Liang, better known as Kongming, once...

In 2018, a silent threat we encounter daily - plastic chemicals - may have played a role in over 356,000 deaths from heart disease. Unlike dramatic outbreaks or high-profile toxins, this danger came from everyday plastic use.



More specifically, from the chemical di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), used in everything from food containers and IV bags to flooring and plastic wraps. While most people remain unaware of these risks, the scientific community is sounding a loud and urgent alarm.



Recent research led by scientists at <a href="https://nyulangone.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU Langone Health</a> brings global clarity to an issue long debated in toxicology circles. Their analysis, grounded in population-level health data and environmental exposure surveys, shows just how far-reaching the consequences of DEHP exposure really are. 



And in doing so, it transforms an abstract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-normal-plastic-turns-into-dangerous-micro-and-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental worry</a> into a concrete human cost.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-chemicals-quietly-harming-the-heart-nbsp">Plastic chemicals quietly harming the heart&nbsp;</h2>



Phthalates like DEHP are used to make plastic flexible and durable. Over time, these chemicals leak from products and enter our bodies through food, water, and even the air. 



Once inside, they break down into several harmful metabolites: MEHP, MEHHP, MEOHP, and MECPP. These compounds affect hormonal systems, metabolism, and cardiovascular health.



The NYU study found that DEHP exposure was responsible for 13.497% of all cardiovascular deaths among adults aged 55–64 in 2018. This figure represents not just numbers but millions of years of life lost. 



The researchers estimated that globally, DEHP caused over 10.4 million years of life lost that year alone. These numbers offer a new lens through which to view our relationship with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-chewing-gum-may-be-full-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> - not just as a pollution problem, but as a driver of premature death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-linked-heart-deaths-in-asia">Plastic-linked heart deaths in Asia</h2>



One of the study’s most revealing findings is the stark global inequality in exposure. DEHP-related heart disease deaths were not evenly distributed. Nearly three-fourths of all such deaths occurred in Asia. 



India alone accounted for more than 103,000. China followed with over 60,000, and Indonesia ranked third. The researchers linked this concentration to rapid industrial expansion in these regions, combined with weaker environmental protections.



The Middle East and South Asia showed the highest DEHP exposure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-treaty-is-a-historic-opportunity-to-stop-a-human-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">levels</a>, with some areas having six times the exposure seen in European countries. These areas also saw the highest percentage of cardiovascular deaths attributable to DEHP.



“There is a clear disparity in which parts of the world bear the brunt of heightened heart risks from phthalates,” said study senior author Leonardo Trasande.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-chemical-triggers-inflammation">Plastic chemical triggers inflammation</h2>



DEHP doesn’t act alone. It breaks down into metabolites that accumulate in the body and influence cardiovascular processes in several ways. 



They act as anti-androgens, interfere with lipid and glucose metabolism, and trigger inflammation in artery walls. These conditions are well-known drivers of heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.



Studies on human tissues have found microplastics lodged in blood vessels, sometimes near damaged or inflamed areas. This raises concerns that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-linked-to-health-issues-including-cancer-and-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> not only release harmful chemicals but may also act as physical irritants in the cardiovascular system.



To estimate risk, the NYU team analyzed data on DEHP exposure from urine samples collected globally in 2008. They then matched these exposure levels to mortality data from 2018, using established risk models. The result was a detailed map showing how different levels of DEHP exposure correlated with increased cardiovascular deaths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-damages-health-with-trillions-lost">Plastic damages health, with trillions lost</h2>



The toll of DEHP exposure doesn’t stop at lost lives. The study estimates the economic burden to range from $10.2 billion to as high as $3.74 trillion. These numbers include lost productivity, healthcare costs, and the societal value of years of life lost.



Different countries might calculate these costs in various ways. Some use a standard value per lost year of life; others calculate based on income levels. But whichever method is used, the conclusion is the same: phthalate exposure is costing humanity dearly.



“By highlighting the connection between phthalates and a leading cause of death across the world, our findings add to the vast body of evidence that these chemicals present a tremendous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-heart-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">danger</a> to human health,” said lead author Sara Hyman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposure-levels-and-death-risks">Exposure levels and death risks</h2>



Even within a single country, some people face much higher risks from plastic chemicals. The study found wide gaps between those with the lowest and highest levels of DEHP exposure.



In the United States and Africa, individuals in the top 5% exposure group had up to 30% higher DEHP-related cardiovascular mortality than those with lower exposure.



In contrast, countries in South Asia and East Asia saw elevated risks across the board. That means even people with “average” exposure in these regions faced high mortality risks. This suggests that in such areas, phthalates are deeply embedded in everyday life - from packaging to air to water.



The inequality is not just geographic. It’s also environmental, economic, and systemic. Countries with poor waste management, lax regulation, and high plastic consumption suffer more, especially when older adults are more vulnerable to heart disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulatory-gaps-and-delays">Regulatory gaps and delays</h2>



The timeline used in the study - 2008 exposure data and 2018 health outcomes - highlights another issue. Many countries implemented DEHP regulations only after 2018.



The European Union, Canada, Australia, and Japan had early restrictions in food packaging and childcare products. However, many countries had no such rules during the study period.



In recent years, some nations, including China and India, have started tightening controls. Yet even now, global regulation remains inconsistent. Many high-income countries continue to export plastic waste to lower-income nations, increasing exposure risks in already vulnerable regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-lives-from-plastic-chemicals">Protecting lives from plastic chemicals</h2>



The global community has taken some initial steps. In 2022, the UN began negotiations for a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution. But efforts to limit production face strong resistance from petrochemical-producing countries.



This research provides key evidence to support stronger international policies. Reducing DEHP exposure will require more than bans on specific products. It will need coordinated action across supply chains, consumer behavior, waste management, and environmental justice.



Limiting exposure at the highest percentiles - those most affected - could yield the greatest health benefits. And extending bio-monitoring programs to regions without current data could help tailor interventions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-true-cost-of-plastic-comfort">The true cost of plastic comfort</h2>



Plastics have made life easier in many ways. But their hidden costs are now surfacing. This study, the first of its kind to model global plastic chemical DEHP-related heart disease mortality, shows the damage extends beyond pollution and into our arteries.



By exposing this connection, researchers have given the world a chance to act. Whether governments respond with decisive regulation or continue business as usual remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the cost of ignoring plastic's effects on health is far too high.



Trasande and his team plan to investigate how reducing DEHP exposure might change mortality outcomes in the future. Their work lays the groundwork for safer, healthier policies around plastics. 



It is now up to global leaders to decide whether they will listen to the science - or continue to pay the price in lives lost.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(25)00174-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EBioMedicine</a>.



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Hidden chemical in plastic may be taking years off your life

In 2018, a silent threat we encounter daily - plastic...

Sebecid fossils are changing everything we thought we knew about the ancient Caribbean. Imagine a crocodile built like a greyhound - tall, fast, and fully land-dwelling. These agile predators, some stretching up to 20 feet long, once ruled South American landscapes after the extinction of the dinosaurs.



Scientists believed they vanished around 11 million years ago. But a surprising discovery in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-salt-affects-global-climate-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caribbean</a> tells a different story - one that begins with a few unusual fossilized teeth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fossil-discovery-changed-the-story">A fossil discovery changed the story</h2>



Back in the 1990s, scientists discovered a pair of fossilized teeth in Cuba. The teeth, about 18 million years old, were serrated and sharp - built for tearing meat.



Then came another one in Puerto Rico, dated to 29 million years ago. The shape of these fossils clearly pointed to a large predator. 



But researchers were baffled. Until then, they thought the Caribbean had no land predators of that size. Without more bones to go on, the mystery sat unsolved.



Then in early 2023, something changed. A new fossil tooth turned up in the Dominican Republic, but this time it came with two vertebrae. It was a small clue, but it changed everything. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-predators-in-the-caribbean">Large predators in the Caribbean </h2>



The fossils confirmed the presence of a sebecid. That meant the Caribbean had been a safe haven for these large, land-based predators. They were still roaming these islands five million years after disappearing everywhere else.



This new discovery comes from a research team led by scientists from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>. 



“That emotion of finding the fossil and realizing what it is, it’s indescribable,” said Lazaro Viñola Lopez, the study's lead author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodiles-that-ran-like-dinosaurs">Crocodiles that ran like dinosaurs</h2>



Sebecids were part of a long-extinct family of crocodile relatives called notosuchians. Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-amphibians-swam-like-modern-crocodiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern crocodiles</a> that lurk in rivers and swamps, sebecids were fully land-dwelling. 



They ran on strong limbs and hunted like the carnivorous dinosaurs that came before them. Some were enormous. 



Sebecids had armored bodies with tough bony plates beneath their skin. Their teeth were made for slashing meat, not catching fish.



When the mass extinction 66 million years ago wiped out most life, only the sebecids from the notosuchian line managed to survive in South America. With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> gone, they rose to dominate the food chain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sebecids-may-have-crossed-the-sea">Sebecids may have crossed the sea</h2>



How did a sebecid get to the Caribbean? The ocean has always been a serious barrier for land animals. That’s where the GAARlandia hypothesis comes in. 



The theory suggests there was once a chain of temporary land bridges or stepping-stone islands between South America and the Caribbean. 



These paths may have allowed animals like sebecids to migrate and settle. If the other teeth found across the Caribbean also belonged to sebecids, it means these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-climate-change-drove-the-rapid-evolution-of-reptiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a> weren’t just visitors. They were long-term residents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-bridges-reshaped-ecosystems">Land bridges reshaped ecosystems </h2>



The land bridges may have shaped island ecosystems for millions of years. Now that they’re gone, smaller animals like birds, snakes, and native crocodiles have taken their place.



“You wouldn’t have been able to predict this looking at the modern ecosystem,” said a paleontologist from the Florida Museum of Natural History. 



“The presence of a large predator is really different than we imagined before, and it’s exciting to think about what might be discovered next in the Caribbean fossil record as we explore back further in time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-secrets-of-the-caribbean">Fossil secrets of the Caribbean </h2>



Scientists often describe islands as natural museums. Their isolation makes them safe places for rare plants and animals to hang on after they’ve vanished elsewhere. But the Caribbean still holds many sebecid secrets - especially from deep in the past.



Until now, most Caribbean fossils have been found in caves and water-filled sinkholes called blue holes. Caves protect bones from the elements, while blue holes prevent decay by cutting off oxygen. 



These places have been valuable but only give a narrow view into recent biodiversity. They don’t tell us much about ancient species like sebecids.



Today, researchers are switching tactics. Instead of relying on caves and sinkholes, they’re going after older fossils in harder-to-reach spots.



“This is like a renaissance,” said Viñola-Lopez, describing the new wave of excitement in Caribbean paleontology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vanishing-fossil-sites">Vanishing fossil sites </h2>



In the Caribbean, fossil sites vanish quickly. Rain, wind, and forests erase rocky outcrops fast. When workers cut new roads or dig into hills, researchers have to act fast. 



That’s how the sebecid fossils were found. Road work in the Dominican Republic exposed the fossil bed just in time.



A graduate student from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez was studying the rocks in the area and spotted the site. He notified his colleagues, and soon after, the team from the University of Florida arrived to excavate the bones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-surprises-to-come">More surprises to come</h2>



The sebecid fossils are only one piece of a much larger puzzle. In recent years, researchers have also found the first signs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosasaurs-had-fierce-survival-strategies-including-cannibalism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosasaurs</a> - massive sea reptiles - in the Caribbean. 



The experts have identified the region’s oldest ground sloth fossils. And new work is hinting that early human arrival may have led to the extinction of native rodents.



It’s clear there’s more to uncover. “The sebecid is only the tip of the iceberg,” said Viñola-Lopez. And with more eyes now turned to the Caribbean, who knows what ancient giants might turn up next?



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.2891" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



Image Credit: Illustration by Jorge Machuky



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Giant crocodile in the Caribbean? Fossils reveal a lost apex predator

Sebecid fossils are changing everything we thought we knew about...

You grab a pre-made sandwich from the fridge, tear off the clear wrap, and toss the wrapper without a second thought. Yet that throwaway plastic film contains thousands of chemicals that can move into your lunch, enter your gut, and settle into your bloodstream.



Scientists have known for years that additives such as bisphenol A (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plastic-items-pose-a-hidden-risk-to-childrens-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BPA</a>) and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/airborne-plastic-chemicals-have-reached-shocking-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phthalates</a> leach from containers, but recent studies show the list of migrating chemicals is far longer. 



The longer food rests against plastic, the more time those molecules have to move, and a microwave zap or a sun-soaked picnic only speeds the process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangled-mix-of-chemicals-in-plastics">Tangled mix of chemicals in plastics</h2>



Plastics start as long <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polymer chains</a>, but manufacturers tweak them with colorants, softeners, heat stabilizers, and other agents so the material bends, flexes, or shines on command. 



Impurities, leftovers from production, and by-products that form as the plastic ages or cracks add to the list, creating a mixture even chemists struggle to map.



None of these extra molecules are firmly locked in place. Heat, grease, ultraviolet light, and mechanical stress let them slip out.



This is why food-contact articles like bags, trays, squeeze bottles, and bottle liners top the list of concern. The warm interior of a delivery truck or the jet of steam from a dishwasher can do the job.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thousands-of-chemicals-one-sandwich-bag">Thousands of chemicals, one sandwich bag</h2>



“We found as many as 9936 different chemicals in a single plastic product used as food packaging,” noted Martin Wagner, a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTNU’s</a>) Department of Biology. 



His team examined 36 everyday items sold in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, and Norway, running high-resolution mass spectrometry screens to identify additives and breakdown products.



The researchers also exposed cultured human cells to extracts from those items. 



“In most of these plastic products, we found chemicals that can affect the secretion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-hormones-rise-during-sleep-to-prepare-your-body-for-the-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hormones</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-metabolism-has-evolved-to-become-energetically-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>,” Wagner explained. 



Those cellular changes line up with national biomonitoring surveys showing BPA and phthalates in more than 90 percent of Americans, a prevalence mirrored in Europe and Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormones-and-plastic-chemicals">Hormones and plastic chemicals</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hormones-may-slow-skin-aging-and-reduce-wrinkles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hormones</a> carry instructions between glands and organs. When those instructions are garbled, essential cellular functions such as growth, reproduction, and energy use can falter. 



In a second experiment, the NTNU group tested mixtures of plastic chemicals against 82 G-protein-coupled receptors - molecules that handle many of the body’s incoming signals. 



“We identified 11 chemical combinations from plastic products that affect these signal receptors,” said Associate Professor Wagner.



Even small tweaks to those pathways can ripple outward. A lab analysis linked phthalate exposure to about 350,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-worsens-cardiovascular-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular-related</a> deaths worldwide in 2018, with middle-aged adults carrying the heaviest burden. 



The authors warned that phthalates may increase risks tied to obesity and high blood pressure, suggesting the true health toll could be higher.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-bpa-and-phthalates">Beyond BPA and phthalates</h2>



When BPA drew fire, manufacturers shifted to related chemicals such as bisphenol S and bisphenol F. 



A 2024 study found these replacements cause the same cellular disruptions linked to obesity and diabetes, challenging the comfort offered by “BPA-free” labels on water bottles and baby cups.



With more than 13,000 known plastic chemicals - and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many still unlisted</a> - scientists say a substance-by-substance approach cannot keep up. 



“These and previous findings show that plastic exposes us to toxic chemicals. They support the theory that we need to redesign plastic to make it safer,” Wagner continued.



Research teams are now testing plant-based polymers that break down quickly yet still block oxygen and moisture, two qualities valued by food producers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-momentum-for-safer-plastics">Global momentum for safer plastics</h2>



Negotiators from 175 countries met in Ottawa last year to shape a <a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations treaty</a> aimed at ending plastic pollution “from source to sea.” 



Talks focused on additive databases and phase-outs for the most hazardous compounds, recognizing that pollution begins long before a bottle reaches the ocean. 



Delegates hope to finalize text at a fifth session later this year, setting the stage for formal adoption in 2026.



While the treaty inches ahead, some regulators are moving on their own. The <a href="https://echa.europa.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Chemicals Agency</a> has listed dozens of plasticizers as substances of very high concern, and several U.S. states now ban BPA in food-contact materials. 



Industry trade groups, meanwhile, are building open registries of additives to anticipate stricter disclosure rules, signaling that even manufacturers see change on the horizon.



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



Researchers are racing to map the many unknown plastic chemicals that standard tests miss. 



High-resolution mass spectrometry, machine-learning models that predict biological activity, and expanding open databases are shrinking that blind spot, but laws often trail the lab work by years.



In the meantime, practical steps can trim exposure: choosing fresh or frozen foods over canned, microwaving leftovers in glass, swapping scratched non-stick pans for stainless steel, and airing out that new-car smell before long drives. 



Small moves matter, because evidence suggests risk rises with every sip from a soft plastic bottle and every bite that rides down a plastic-lined conveyor. The wrapper may be tossed in seconds, but its chemistry can linger in the body for years.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c08250" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science and Technology</a>.



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Common plastic food packaging found to contain 9,936 harmful chemicals

You grab a pre-made sandwich from the fridge, tear off...

The personality possessed by a spider is distinct and may be similar to humans. But a group of African social spiders - often nicknamed ‘hippie spiders’ for their peaceful and cooperative lifestyles - might not fit that personality mold at all, according to recent observations by researchers.



Instead of having fixed traits or roles, these spiders seem to change their behavior from week to week. It’s as if individuality, at least in their case, is a moving target. 



In a new study, scientists from the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> took a close look at the behavior of Stegodyphus dumicola, a species known for living in cooperative groups.



Over a four-month period, they carefully tracked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-can-protect-tomatoes-from-invasive-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spider colonies</a> to see how their behavior held up over time, across different conditions and situations. What they found challenges what we think we know about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-personalities-can-shape-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal personalities</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spider-personalities-keep-us-guessing">Spider personalities keep us guessing</h2>



Traditionally, personality in animals is defined by behavior that stays the same across time and different situations. But these spiders don’t follow that rule.



The researchers observed 28 colonies, measuring how the spiders behaved when startled, how bold or timid they were, and how quickly they helped capture prey as a team. These checks were repeated every two weeks.



At first, spiders did show some consistency in personality. But over time, that consistency fell apart. An individual that acted brave in one moment might seem shy in the next. Even hunger and environmental changes may have played a role in these shifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprising-breeding-behaviors-of-giant-sea-spiders-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a>.



Dr Lena Grinsted is a senior lecturer of zoology in the School of the Environment and Life Sciences at the University of Portsmouth.



"Our study raises the question of whether these spiders truly have personalities at all. We found that their behavior fluctuates so much that it’s misleading to classify individuals as having stable personality traits," noted Dr. Grinsted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-spider-society">Rethinking spider society</h2>



Previous studies suggested these spiders had set roles - some being foragers, others acting as babysitters. It made sense at the time. These spiders live in tight-knit colonies, share food, and even sacrifice themselves to protect their young. 



The idea that each spider might serve a particular purpose seemed logical. But the new findings paint a different picture. Rather than playing specific roles, spiders appear to change jobs depending on the situation. Their behavior is more flexible than fixed.



“It’s tempting to assume that these cooperative spiders have defined roles within their societies, just as we see in some other social animals, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-ants-live-on-earth-at-any-point-in-time-total-number-is-astounding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a>,” said Dr Grinsted. 



“However, our findings suggest they may instead live in an even more equal society than expected, where individuals participate in tasks as needed rather than being locked into specific behavioral roles.”



This kind of flexibility could mean that the way we’ve been studying animal personality - especially in social spiders - needs to change. Short-term tests and one-off observations may not be enough to tell the full story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-we-learned-from-hippie-spiders">What we learned from hippie spiders</h2>



If we want to understand how behavior influences evolution or ecology, we’ll need to rethink how we measure it. The researchers urge scientists to watch <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-tool-superanimal-can-accurately-analyze-animal-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal behavior</a> for longer periods and to question the methods used in past personality studies.



Quick snapshots of behavior might capture a moment, but they miss the bigger picture. Long-term patterns can reveal the subtle shifts that short-term tests often overlook.



“This challenges the idea that individual personalities drive evolutionary and ecological outcomes in this species - at least based on using traditional methods to assess personality in spiders,” said Dr Grinsted. 



She noted that the study really highlights the importance of understanding how behavior changes over the course of an animal’s lifetime.



“Our humble ‘hippie’ spiders have demonstrated how categorizing individuals into ‘bold’, ‘shy’ or ‘aggressive’ based on a few observations is not just inaccurate, it may lead to wrong conclusions about evolutionary outcomes. So, much like people, you can’t judge a spider on first impressions and they’re not a fan of labels either!”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0003347225000946" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animal Behaviour</a>.



Image Credit: Dr Virginia Settepani



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Do spiders have personalities? What new research reveals

The personality possessed by a spider is distinct and may...

High in the Dolomites of northern Italy, a quiet forest of spruce trees witnessed a cosmic event. As the moon began its slow passage across the face of the sun, these trees did something extraordinary. They didn’t just react to the solar eclipse - they prepared for it. 



Hours before the eclipse unfolded, the inner signals of the trees began to shift in synchrony, echoing across the forest like an invisible wave.



What if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> could think? What if they didn’t just survive but sensed, remembered, and collectively adapted? These questions are no longer the domain of poetic speculation. A new international study has brought scientific weight to these ideas, revealing a forest’s capacity for anticipation and communication.



Led by Professor Alessandro Chiolerio of the Italian Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.iit.it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IIT</a>) and the University of the West of England (<a href="https://www.uwe.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UWE</a>), and Professor Monica Gagliano of <a href="https://www.scu.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Cross University</a>, the research shows how spruce trees behave not just as individuals but as members of a responsive, interconnected ecosystem.



The trees began altering their bioelectrical rhythms well before the eclipse. This wasn’t passive reaction - it was a coordinated prelude.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-older-trees-sense-eclipse-first">Older trees sense eclipse first</h2>



The researchers placed specialized sensors on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-new-trees-brings-hope-for-healthier-babies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> ranging from decades-old elders to young saplings. The trees’ bioelectrical signals - minute voltage changes across their tissues - began shifting as early as 14 hours before the solar eclipse occurred.



Remarkably, older trees were the first to display these changes. They exhibited increased entropy and bioelectrical complexity long before the event, suggesting deep memory rooted in past experiences. 



These ancient trees acted as environmental archives, holding clues from previous eclipses and perhaps other rare events that have repeated over their long lives.



“The fact that older trees respond first - potentially guiding the collective response of the forest - speaks volumes about their role as memory banks of past environmental events,” said Professor Gagliano.



This age-based hierarchy of response shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-trees-are-reaching-new-heights-in-the-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> are not just passive organisms. Instead, they may actively use memory to shape real-time responses to future events. The old trees don’t simply endure - they teach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-signals-sync-before-an-eclipse">Tree signals sync before an eclipse</h2>



Custom-built CyberTree sensors recorded data from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> at four distinct forest sites. Trees of different ages and light exposure were included. Some trees were healthy and tall, others young and shaded, and several were even stumps from felled trees.



In one 20-year-old tree, researchers noticed sharp, square-wave-like bioelectrical spikes hours before the eclipse. These signals vanished immediately after the event, creating a clear boundary in the data. 



Older trees showed broader but more persistent fluctuations. During the eclipse itself, bioelectrical activity became less chaotic and more ordered.



“This study illustrates the anticipatory and synchronized responses we observed are key to understanding how forests communicate and adapt, revealing a new layer of complexity in plant behavior,” explained Professor Gagliano.



This coordination wasn’t superficial. It ran deep through the trees’ vascular systems - through xylem and phloem - recorded using electrodes both within trunks and around their circumference. The result was a living, electrical map of the forest’s inner state.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-forest-acts-as-one-system">Whole forest acts as one system</h2>



The synchrony wasn’t limited to isolated trees. Researchers applied cross-correlation analysis to examine relationships among signals from different trees. What they found was striking. As the eclipse approached, trees didn’t just change individually. They aligned with each other.



Compared to normal days, during the eclipse the trees exhibited larger deviations in signal symmetry. This meant the forest wasn’t operating randomly. Each tree’s electrical behavior influenced - and was influenced by - others. These shifts showed signs of communication and responsiveness beyond traditional ecological models.



“We now see the forest not as a mere collection of individuals, but as an orchestra of phase correlated plants,” said Professor Chiolerio.



Especially strong synchrony occurred between the oldest trees, suggesting that longevity also brings a central role in networked behaviors. Their signals moved together like synchronized swimmers, responding as one to the cosmic shift overhead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-trees-align-their-behavior">How trees align their behavior</h2>



To make sense of this synchrony, the team turned to an unlikely ally - quantum field theory (QFT). Trees, they argued, are open, dissipative systems. They constantly exchange energy with their environment, and classical physics falls short in describing their complex coordination.



By using thermal QFT models, the researchers could describe the trees' behavior at both molecular and systemic levels. They showed how microscopic structures like ion channels and water molecules aligned their activity, giving rise to coherent macroscopic behavior.



In this framework, the forest’s response becomes a form of spontaneous symmetry breaking. That is, a small environmental trigger - in this case, the eclipse - produces a large-scale shift in system organization.



During the eclipse, the system’s entropy dropped, coherence increased, and the forest appeared to enter a new state - like an orchestra locking into tempo after tuning their instruments. The forest was not only alive. It was aware.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-may-cue-the-response">Gravity may cue the response</h2>



A mystery remained: how could trees begin responding before the eclipse even started? The usual suspects - light, temperature, and humidity - couldn’t explain it. Trees began shifting their signals when it was still daylight and warm, and the Moon was far from their sky.



The authors propose another trigger: gravimetric tides. These are subtle shifts in Earth’s gravitational field caused by the alignment of the Moon and Sun. During a solar eclipse, especially one aligned with a Saros cycle, these tides peak.



Such gravimetric cues are hard for humans to detect, but not for trees. Their deep-rooted structure and fluid dynamics make them excellent sensors. Older trees, which have lived through several Saros cycles, may recognize this pattern and respond early.



“This discovery underscores the critical importance of protecting older forests, which serve as pillars of ecosystem resilience by preserving and transmitting invaluable ecological knowledge,” said Professor Gagliano.



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



This research expands our understanding of what a forest is. No longer can we see it as a collection of competing individuals. The trees synchronize their internal processes, align responses to stimuli, and likely share information across time and space.



This makes old-growth forests irreplaceable. Logging them erases not just biomass, but knowledge - decades or centuries of stored information that newer trees have not yet acquired.



From the lens of ecological stability, these forests act like community elders. They modulate, anticipate, and respond, ensuring the forest survives sudden changes. Protecting them becomes not only an act of conservation, but an act of safeguarding planetary memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hidden-intelligence-of-forests">The hidden intelligence of forests</h2>



To share this finding with a wider audience, the research team collaborated on a documentary. Il Codice del Bosco (The Forest Code) is scheduled for release in Italy in May 2025. It brings the forest’s hidden world to life, showing trees as responsive and intelligent beings.



“Basically, we are watching the famous ‘wood wide web’ in action!” said Professor Gagliano.



The documentary will visualize the forest’s electrical signals, offering viewers a glimpse into a world usually invisible. It represents a step toward redefining how we relate to nature - not as masters, but as fellow participants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-remember-eclipses-and-adapt">Trees remember eclipses and adapt</h2>



The study of spruce trees during a solar eclipse has revealed something profound. Trees do not simply endure. They anticipate, adapt, and align with each other through non-verbal, bioelectrical communication. They exhibit behaviors long thought reserved for animals - coordination, memory, and possibly a form of decision-making.



As we understand this hidden intelligence, our approach to ecology must evolve. Forests are not just lungs of the planet. They are its silent minds - thinking slowly, speaking in signals, and remembering events we cannot see.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241786" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Trees sync up their communication signals before a solar eclipse

High in the Dolomites of northern Italy, a quiet forest...

Quantum experiments keep stirring up surprises. The latest involves an unusual property inside thin layers of molybdenum ditelluride crystals, twisted slightly to form a patterned lattice. Scientists have discovered more than a dozen new quantum states in these twisted layers.



The research was led by Xiaoyang Zhu at <a href="https://www.columbia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>, whose recent experiments hint at possible paths toward sturdier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-form-of-quantum-entanglement-discovered-will-transform-next-gen-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> computers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-new-quantum-states">Discovery of new quantum states</h2>



The <a href="https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1998/9580-practice-and-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hall effect</a> was first observed in 1879, when Edwin Hall noticed how electrons drift to one side of a metal strip under a magnetic field. It seemed straightforward until researchers spotted a related behavior at frigid temperatures, known as the <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/2369245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fractional quantum Hall effect.</a>&nbsp;



“It implies that many electrons, acting in concert, can create new particles having a charge smaller than the charge of any individual electron,” explained Horst Stormer, Columbia Professor Emeritus at the end of the 20th century.



Those fractional charges baffled many scientists. Before long, entire families of quantum states were predicted. Over the past few decades, teams around the world searched for them in different materials, adding to what some call a growing zoo of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gates-teleported-a-leap-toward-scalable-computing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">possibilities</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-quantum-behavior-in-crystal-layers">New quantum behavior in crystal layers</h2>



Scientists found that twisting ultrathin layers of certain crystals rearranges their electrons. This pattern is called a <a href="https://opg.optica.org/josa/abstract.cfm?uri=josa-64-10-1287" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moiré configuration</a>, and it sets the stage for unusual effects. One result is a hidden internal magnet-like field, which emerges even when no external magnet is used.



“Some of these states have never been seen before,” said Xiaoyang Zhu. The researchers hope some of these new discoveries will bolster topological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baffling-quantum-entanglement-statistics-puzzle-finally-solved-advanced-technologies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> computing, an approach that could avoid many of the errors seen in present devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-particles-carry-electron-pieces">Strange particles carry electron pieces</h2>



Another set of curious particles found in this material might be <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/0707.1889" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-Abelian anyons</a>, which carry fractional charges. 



Experts have suggested these unusual entities could store information better than standard bits, thanks to topological properties. They have been difficult to verify in actual experiments, so spotting fresh hints of them fires up new discussions.



Many prior attempts relied on strong magnets to prod electrons. The trouble was that superconducting materials, often used in quantum computing, get thrown off by magnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-speed-is-measured-first-time-too-fast-for-humans-minds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fields</a>. Twisted molybdenum ditelluride appears to solve that conflict by generating internal fields on its own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-laser-pulses-reveal-quantum-states">Laser pulses reveal quantum states</h2>



Zhu’s team used a pump-probe method. One powerful laser pulse “melts” the electronic arrangement, while a second pulse measures subtle changes in the <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/dielectric-constant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dielectric constant</a>, which indicates how charges interact. 



This approach is sensitive enough to catch a long list of fractional energy states that remain hidden under static measurements.



“This discovery also establishes pump-probe spectroscopy as hitherto the most sensitive technique in detecting quantum states of matter,” said Zhu. The quick laser flashes reveal short-lived details that are otherwise missed.&nbsp;



“They just keep surprising us, especially when we push them out of equilibrium,” said Yiping Wang, a postdoctoral researcher involved in the experiments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connections-to-quantum-computers">Connections to quantum computers</h2>



Researchers have long chased designs for <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.48.1559" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">topological quantum computers</a> that might avoid many forms of noise. 



The idea is that braided groups of non-Abelian anyons could lock data into robust states. Finding ways to generate those states without magnets is a big deal, because it clears away a major engineering hurdle.



It’s still unknown which of these newly observed states will prove the most useful. But there is hope that a fraction of them might become the missing pieces needed to assemble next-level quantum machines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-quantum-states-react-to-rapid-changes">How quantum states react to rapid changes</h2>



Pump-probe methods also show how these states respond to small disturbances over billionths of a second. Researchers observed that some states scramble quickly, while others respond more slowly. 



These separate timescales may tell us something about how electrons and crystal vibrations pass information back and forth.



Extended data from these results will keep theorists busy. Shining rapid lasers on twisted bilayers adds a time dimension to the usual mix of charge and spin. Lab tests that focus on these sub-picosecond signals give a deeper look at electron interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-quantum-states-may-emerge">More quantum states may emerge</h2>



What happens when other moiré materials are twisted at different angles? Scientists anticipate more quantum discoveries as they fine-tune the spacing between atoms. The group that studied molybdenum ditelluride thinks similar approaches could reveal additional hidden states in other layered systems.



This research also opens the door to exotic states on both the electron-doped side and the hole-doped side of these structures. If patterns continue, there may be more undiscovered phases lurking in corners of the moiré lattice. The quest is still unfolding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-variety-of-quantum-states">A growing variety of quantum states</h2>



Quantum science is a rapidly expanding field. Teams worldwide are racing to characterize new materials and see if these phases lead to better electronics or advanced sensors. A single crystal can support many unique charges that lock together in unexpected ways.



There is a sense that this exploration is nowhere near complete. New tools, including ultrafast lasers, keep shining light on subtle effects that traditional instruments can’t detect. The results might be far greater than what we can predict.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08954-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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New quantum states found in crystal layers could boost computing

Quantum experiments keep stirring up surprises. The latest involves an...

Humans have long accepted that we get one replacement set of teeth after our baby ones. The idea of sprouting another tooth by simply taking a pill has sounded like pure science fiction in everyday life.



<a href="https://www.dentinova.co.uk/2025/02/26/dr-katsu-takahashi-a-visionary-in-teeth-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Katsu Takahashi</a> and his team at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka, Japan, have been exploring the possibility of helping people grow new teeth. The clinical trial began in July 2024 in hopes of making the treatment publicly available by 2030.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-teeth-and-protein">Missing teeth and protein</h2>



An estimated <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24168-anodontia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anodontia</a> rate of around <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0528.2004.00158.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1%</a> of the general population presents a problem for those who cannot develop a complete set of permanent teeth. 



This condition can affect speech and eating from an early age. Traditional treatments often involve dentures or dental implants, but these approaches can carry inconveniences for young children.



Researchers believe the new therapy could help children aged 2 to 6 who lack adult teeth. They are examining a way to block a protein linked with limiting tooth growth in mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-blocking-breakthrough">Protein blocking breakthrough</h2>



Years ago, scientists discovered that the <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abf1798" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USAG-1 protein</a> plays a direct role in regulating the development of new teeth. When this protein is active, it can prevent additional teeth from forming. 



By crafting a medication to neutralize it, Takahashi’s team encouraged animals to grow teeth beyond their normal sets.



The researchers tested their medication on mice with missing teeth. They observed tooth development in those mice where none had grown before.



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



Most people are born with two sets of teeth. Yet some animals - like sharks - regrow many sets as needed. Scientists once believed humans did not have any spare tooth buds beyond baby and adult teeth, but evidence now suggests we have a latent third set.



“The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream. I’ve been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I’d be able to make it happen,” said Takahashi. 



Some individuals show a tendency toward <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/hyperdontia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hyperdontia</a>, which means they form extra teeth. One in three such cases involves growth of a third set.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-on-protein-and-teeth">Animal research on protein and teeth</h2>



Trials on <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32922570/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mice</a> paved the way for studies in ferrets. The medication spurred the growth of an extra front tooth, suggesting that ferrets - like mice - possess the capacity for additional sets. It showed that what was once dormant could be nudged into action with the right approach.



Researchers emphasize the potential impact for those with tooth agenesis, another term for missing teeth. Many with missing teeth struggle from an early age due to problems with speech and chewing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-human-benefits">Potential human benefits</h2>



Clinical trials in humans will aim to confirm the therapy’s safety. Takahashi believes an added set of teeth might someday become a realistic option for those who have lost teeth or never formed them in the first place. 



“In any case, we’re hoping to see a time when tooth-regrowth medicine is a third choice alongside dentures and implants,” said Takahashi.



Dentists typically turn to implants or dentures, which require maintenance and can be uncomfortable. The proposed medication seeks to offer a biological alternative.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-on-the-road-ahead">Challenges on the road ahead</h2>



Safe human testing remains a key goal. Regulatory reviews will be crucial to confirm there are no adverse effects. The team hopes that in six years, regrowing teeth for therapeutic purposes will be a common procedure.



Research in genetics has opened possibilities for medicine that once seemed too ambitious. Understanding how to spur a new set of teeth is a major step in combining genetics and dentistry for practical solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-the-future-of-dentistry">Shaping the future of dentistry</h2>



Scientists around the world have been intrigued by similar regenerative procedures. Some labs study <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/154405910408300703" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stem cells</a>, while others explore chemical triggers for tooth development. The search for a viable therapy has been active for decades.



Takahashi’s approach hinges on a well-defined protein target. If successful, it might also encourage the development of treatments for other dental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-works">How it works</h2>



The medication contains an antibody designed to block USAG-1. When that happens, tooth buds have fewer barriers stopping them from maturing. 



By directing the body’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-to-our-teeth-as-we-age-new-details-have-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural growth process</a>, researchers aim to produce strong and fully formed teeth.



The hope is that those who never had a complete set can finally grow a replacement. Many doctors see it as a potential game-changer in oral health.



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



In many cases, missing teeth lead to lifelong issues. Families handle multiple rounds of dental visits for children in need of prosthetics or implants. 



If these trials confirm the safety and effectiveness of the therapy, the days of coping with artificial replacements might become less common.



Though the journey from mouse studies to human trials can be long, Takahashi’s team is excited about the milestone. They view their discovery as a chance to rewrite what is possible for tooth restoration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead">Looking ahead</h2>



The research community will watch these clinical trials in Japan to see if the technique can be reliably repeated in people. 



If it works, it may shape a future where anyone could regrow a natural tooth. That prospect alone has generated plenty of curiosity and interest.



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Scientists successfully grow human teeth in a laboratory for the first time

Humans have long accepted that we get one replacement set...

In the global climate crisis, some effects shout louder than others - rising sea levels, scorched forests, and lost biodiversity dominate headlines. Yet beneath these urgent visuals lies a quieter devastation: education disrupted by tropical cyclones. 



For many children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the storm does not end when the winds die down.



A new Stanford-led study reveals that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate events</a> are quietly but deeply damaging schooling, especially for young girls.



Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study investigates the connection between exposure to tropical cyclones and decreased likelihood of attending school. 



The researchers examined over 5.4 million individual schooling records across 13 LMICs, covering five decades of data. The conclusions are alarming: children who face tropical cyclones at an early age are significantly less likely to start school at all.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-cyclone-exposure-alters-lifelong-outcomes">Early cyclone exposure alters lifelong outcomes</h2>



Tropical cyclones - storms known for violent winds and torrential rain - bring more than temporary ruin. They destroy homes and schools, block roads, and force families into survival mode.



In this environment, schooling is often pushed aside, particularly for children at the most critical stages of education. The study found that exposure at preschool age - around 5 or 6 years old - leads to a 2.5% increased risk of never attending school. After strong storms, this risk rises to as much as 8.8 percent.



“There’s a sweet spot - or maybe I should say a sour spot - where cyclones are intense enough but also rare enough to wreak havoc that causes children to lose out on the opportunity to attend school,” said study senior author Eran Bendavid, a professor of medicine and health policy at Stanford.



While some communities have learned to prepare for such disasters, others remain vulnerable due to infrequent exposure. These communities often lack the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-our-power-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resources</a> or infrastructure to recover quickly. 



Children, especially girls, are pulled from school to support household needs or because school buildings no longer exist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-girls-face-greater-educational-losses">Girls face greater educational losses</h2>



The impact of cyclones is not evenly distributed. Girls bear a disproportionate burden. 



When disasters strike, cultural and economic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-what-were-really-fighting-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">norms</a> often require girls to stay home, care for younger siblings, or help rebuild. The study reveals that girls experience a 0.6 percentage point increase in the likelihood of never attending school, compared to 0.3 for boys.



These findings reflect deeply embedded gender inequalities, especially in communities where education is already undervalued. In places with low baseline schooling rates, the losses are more severe. This creates a layered crisis: natural disasters compound existing disparities, making it even harder for girls to access education.



“Education is key to personal development, but tropical cyclones are depriving vulnerable populations of the opportunity to go to school,” said study lead author Renzhi Jing, a postdoctoral scholar at <a href="https://med.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford School of Medicine</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-communities-suffer-most">Which communities suffer most?</h2>



Interestingly, the research highlights that areas regularly hit by cyclones often experience fewer educational disruptions. 



Communities exposed to frequent storms may have adapted through stronger infrastructure or improved social resilience. They may rebuild schools faster or have systems to support displaced students. In contrast, areas with little past exposure suffer more because they have no such defenses.



The study classified exposure by frequency using “return periods.” Communities with a return period greater than 20 years - meaning storms happen rarely - were the most affected.



In these regions, cyclones increased the likelihood of no schooling by 0.7 percentage points. Communities with frequent exposure showed little or no impact, suggesting adaptation helps reduce educational loss.



In practical terms, this means that storms hurt the most where people least expect or prepare for them. As climate change alters weather <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-climate-change-is-impacting-infant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a>, more regions may move into this dangerous “sour spot” of infrequent but severe cyclone exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cyclones-and-lost-years-of-education">Cyclones and lost years of education</h2>



The setbacks are not limited to whether a child starts school. The study examined long-term educational outcomes and found cascading consequences. 



Children exposed to tropical cyclones at preschool age were less likely to complete primary school or begin secondary education. Even among those who did enroll, storm exposure led to lower total years of schooling.



These trends show that even when families manage to get children back into school, the learning journey remains hindered. The effects do not fade with time. 



This has lifelong implications, not just for individual development but also for economic and health outcomes. Communities where education falters tend to remain trapped in poverty, reinforcing a cycle that’s difficult to break.



From 2000 to 2020, the researchers estimated that in the 13 study countries, cyclones prevented 79,000 children from starting school. The total loss amounted to 1.1 million years of education. If expanded to all LMICs, that loss could exceed 1.5 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regions-with-the-greatest-losses">Regions with the greatest losses</h2>



The greatest absolute losses occurred in countries with large populations and high cyclone exposure. India, Bangladesh, and Madagascar topped the list. 



India alone accounted for about 22,000 children missing school, followed by 17,000 in Bangladesh and 14,000 in Madagascar. These countries also saw the highest total years of schooling lost.



Girls in these regions were particularly vulnerable. The researchers found that in most countries, more girls were affected than boys, by a factor of 0.9 to 6.2. These gendered outcomes suggest that any education-focused disaster response must address existing inequalities to be effective.



Interestingly, countries like the Philippines, despite frequent storms, showed smaller educational losses. High baseline enrollment and better adaptation may explain this resilience. Frequent exposure, when met with proper response strategies, may reduce long-term harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-start-of-school-matters-most">Why the start of school matters most</h2>



The preschool years, the researchers argue, are a pivotal window. Disruptions during this phase can set a child back permanently. 



Once behind, children rarely catch up. Even if they later enroll, they face challenges in attendance, performance, and grade completion. The data show no clear evidence that children eventually recover the lost schooling, even in adulthood.



In addition to school buildings and materials, children’s emotional readiness and family stability are often impacted by storms. The study speculates that without long-term social and financial help, children never regain the momentum needed to succeed academically.



The authors also noted that tropical cyclones have both direct and indirect effects. Immediate physical destruction is only part of the story. Displacement, increased domestic work, and household financial stress all contribute to reduced schooling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-cyclones">Preparing for future cyclones</h2>



This research signals a critical need for targeted interventions. Disaster preparedness should go beyond food and shelter. It must include plans to maintain or restore access to education quickly. Girls need special attention, with policies that protect their right to return to school and thrive there.



The researchers argue that schools must be built to withstand storms, and communities must be educated on the importance of keeping children - especially girls - in school after disasters.



Government and international agencies need to invest in early recovery programs that prioritize education alongside physical reconstruction.



As climate change continues to increase the strength of tropical cyclones, the problem will grow. Without a shift in priorities, we risk raising a generation denied the right to learn - not by choice, but by storm.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413962122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Tropical cyclones are preventing children from starting school

In the global climate crisis, some effects shout louder than...

Ancient farmers left traces of their lives in items that might look mundane at first glance. The discovery of black henbane hallucinogenic seeds inside a hollowed-out animal bone at a Roman-era site in the Netherlands, though, has generated lively conversation among historians and scientists alike.



Curiosity ran high when experts determined the seeds belonged to a toxic plant known for its mind-altering properties. 



The excitement around the find only grew when the team established that the seeds were placed inside the bone on purpose, not by accident.



Soon after the news broke, zooarchaeologist <a href="https://www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/en/e/praehist/mitarbeiter/wimi/Groot.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maaike Groot</a> from the <a href="https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free University</a> of Berlin provided more context on how communities in that era might have gathered and stored such potent plants. 



This specialized knowledge underscored the importance of carefully examining unusual plant remains to better understand Roman life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpacking-the-poisonous-plant">Unpacking the poisonous plant</h2>



Black henbane has a notorious reputation as a dangerous herb that contains compounds like hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which can affect the nervous system. 



Ancient texts mention how its leaves and seeds held both curative and hazardous qualities, leaving physicians wary of its dosage.



Its presence on disturbed land near rivers and settlements gave communities easy access to it. However, deciding whether the plant was simply a wild nuisance or intentionally collected has been a long-standing challenge for researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlikely-container-for-hallucinogenic-seeds">Unlikely container for hallucinogenic seeds</h2>



One of the most intriguing artifacts is the hollowed-out bone sealed at one end with birch-bark tar. The object’s shape suggests it was carefully modified to store more than a thousand hallucinogenic henbane seeds found inside.



There were no marks of burning in this container, so the idea of it being a pipe seems less likely. Experts propose that it served as a handy capsule, safe from moisture and pests, ensuring the seeds stayed intact for future use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-use-a-bone-instead-of-pottery">Why use a bone instead of pottery?</h2>



Most containers from the Roman period were ceramic, but this bone tube stands out for its portability and durability. Its small size and natural hollow made it ideal for carrying high-potency materials that needed to stay dry.



Using birch-bark tar to seal one end shows deliberate craftsmanship. The material has waterproofing and adhesive qualities, making it a reliable choice when protecting the contents from the elements or pests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hallucinogenic-seeds-as-medicine">Hallucinogenic seeds as medicine</h2>



References from antiquity detail a host of medical uses for black henbane in controlled amounts. 



<a href="https://www.loc.gov/item/2021666851/">Dioscorides</a> wrote that it could soothe pain and reduce fevers, but he warned that its black variety was more potent and risky.



Pliny the Elder stated that henbane was “both a poison and a remedy” at once, but he noted it caused “insanity and giddiness” when misused, said <a href="https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Plin.+Nat.+toc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pliny the Elder</a>. Their combined observations paint a picture of a plant that demanded both respect and fear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connections-to-other-healing-herbs">Connections to other healing herbs</h2>



Earlier work at a Roman fortress hospital in Neuss pointed to black henbane seeds alongside herbs such as dill and coriander. 



This combination hinted that some communities treated black henbane like a legitimate medical supply rather than a mere weed.



At other sites in northwestern Europe, researchers noted the plant appearing with species known for healing properties, further suggesting that ancient healers carefully controlled its use. Such cases offer a broader view of how the seeds might have been prepared to address certain ailments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ritual-practices-and-hallucinogenic-seeds">Ritual practices and hallucinogenic seeds</h2>



Another twist to the story lies in how these seeds sometimes appear in abandonment offerings or special deposits. 



The bone container in the Netherlands turned up in a water pit, grouped with animal remains that might have had symbolic significance.



Some of these findings raise questions about whether the seeds served ceremonial or spiritual functions. Researchers emphasize that context is key, since a plant with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-nigerian-food-plants-have-cancer-fighting-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain-relieving qualities</a> might also feature in a cultural ritual.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expert-perspectives">Expert perspectives</h2>



“We argue that future discoveries of henbane should be studied in the context of the find and its relationship to other medicinal plants,” explains Groot. 



That view supports the idea that archaeology should look beyond isolated seeds and, instead, examine where and how they appear with other objects.



Even at hospitals, cult sites, or ordinary settlements, the surrounding items provide clues about why these powerful seeds were stashed away. This method helps separate accidental occurrences from genuine examples of thoughtful collection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-uses-for-an-ancient-drug">Modern uses for an ancient drug</h2>



Black henbane’s active compounds still find use in <a href="https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=2189&amp;sectionid=165936845" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">p</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americans-have-a-shocking-dependency-on-prescription-drugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rescription medications</a> for conditions like motion sickness, under strict professional supervision. 



Though the plant might be less common now, it serves as a reminder of how ancient pharmacopeias shaped today’s medical research.



The legacy of these seeds is both cautionary and enlightening. It shows how small things hidden in old bones can transform our view of the past one remarkable discovery at a time.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/evidence-of-the-intentional-use-of-black-henbane-hyoscyamus-niger-in-the-roman-netherlands/A06E000B17E1642C878E469157D5131C" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antiquity</a>.



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Archaeologists find hallucinogenic seeds in ancient bones

Ancient farmers left traces of their lives in items that...

Birds have always impressed people with beaks that come in every imaginable shape and form. This variety is striking, yet researchers discovered that nearly all follow a single mathematical guide.



One scientist who participated in this study is Dr. Kathleen L.S. Garland of <a href="https://www.monash.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University</a>. Her group investigated extinct dinosaurs alongside modern birds to see how a hidden formula <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influences</a> different beak shapes over millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-bird-beaks-follow-one-pattern">Most bird beaks follow one pattern</h2>



Beaks may appear random, but many share the same geometric growth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-adapt-their-survival-strategies-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pattern</a>. This special pattern is known as the power cascade, which looks at how a beak’s width increases from the tip to the base.



“We call this rule the 'power cascade,'” noted Dr. Garland. Scientists found that 95% of bird beaks observed fit that shape.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-evolution">What this means for evolution</h2>



Finding a shared growth rule like this helps explain how such different-looking beaks evolved from a common base. It shows that birds didn’t need a new rule every time a new beak type appeared - just small tweaks to the same basic process.



This kind of pattern gives scientists a new tool to track how features evolve across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-birds-are-at-great-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>. It could also help in studying how extinct animals adapted to their environments when direct evidence, like diet or behavior, is hard to find.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaurs-with-toothless-beaks">Dinosaurs with toothless beaks</h2>



Many dinosaurs like <a href="https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/factsheets/tyrannosaurus-rex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus rex</a> had bony snouts and teeth. Others, however, evolved toothless beaks more than once in a group of meat-eating dinosaurs called <a href="https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/diapsids/saurischia/theropoda.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theropods</a>.



Over 66 million years ago, only one line of beaked theropods survived a massive extinction. Those animals carried on and gradually turned into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-americas-birds-scientists-declare-a-full-on-emergency-in-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> we know today.



Most bird beaks, from the eagle’s slicing tip to the ostrich’s hefty bill, fit the shape pattern. A large dataset of 127 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-brains-and-wide-ranges-cant-save-birds-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> showed beaks that precisely match the geometry in question.



“We are excited to share our findings, now published in the journal iScience,” wrote Dr. Garland. According to the researchers, this growth guide is deeply rooted in developmental processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-beak-shape-links-to-diet">How beak shape links to diet</h2>



Birds don’t just grow random beaks - those shapes often match what they eat. Scientists found that birds with thin, sharp beaks tend to eat meat, while birds with thicker, more robust beaks are more likely to eat plants or a mix of foods.



Even more interesting, the shape of a beak changes faster in birds that eat both plants and animals. 



This mixed diet might push beaks to evolve more quickly, sometimes bending the usual rules as species adapt to different food sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-few-birds-evolved-unusual-beaks-nbsp">A few birds evolved unusual beaks&nbsp;</h2>



Certain birds break the pattern by showcasing very unusual beaks. One odd example is the <a href="https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/eurasian-spoonbill-platalea-leucorodia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eurasian spoonbill</a>, which has a flat and spoon-like tool that helps it sift for aquatic meals.



Those few exceptions confirm that most needs are met by following the power cascade, but special cases can force beaks to develop in different ways. Researchers welcome these outliers because they reveal how flexible evolution can be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-birds-need-extreme-beaks">Some birds need extreme beaks</h2>



Some birds not only broke the rule but did it in very dramatic ways. The brown pelican and the ruby-throated hummingbird, for example, have beaks so specialized that they no longer fit the power cascade model..



Scientists think that when birds evolve for extreme lifestyles - like diving from the sky to catch fish or hovering while sipping nectar - normal growth patterns get thrown out the window in favor of unique designs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-birds">Looking beyond birds</h2>



Early results indicate that this rule may extend to other animals with elongated jaws or snouts. More studies on bird chicks could show exactly how beak tissues grow in stages that match or deviate from the pattern.



Scientists think this model might be found in the rostrum of fish, reptiles, and even mammals. They hope to uncover other growth secrets that trace back hundreds of millions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beak-rule-could-shape-future-research">Beak rule could shape future research</h2>



Knowing that the power cascade shows up in so many places opens new doors for evolutionary biology. Researchers could use it to predict what extinct animals might have looked like, even when fossils are missing parts of their faces.



It could also help spot when and why certain groups, like early birds or marine reptiles, broke from expected growth patterns. Tracking those moments might tell us even more about how life adapts when the usual rules no longer apply.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(25)00507-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Bird beaks aren't random - they follow a hidden pattern

Birds have always impressed people with beaks that come in...

<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.

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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.

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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.



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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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



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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.

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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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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"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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.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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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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

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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