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>.



-----



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



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



-----

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...

Mars is a planet of dramatic contrasts. Roughly one hemisphere of the globe is rugged and ancient, scarred with craters that indicate its age. The other is smoother, having been shaped by lava flows that have covered the underlying rugged surface.



A recent image from the Mars Express spacecraft offers a vivid glimpse of these two faces in a region known as Acheron Fossae. This area lies between two massive volcanoes - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-map-exposes-ancient-structures-and-volcanic-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Olympus Mons</a> to the south and Alba Mons to the northeast. 



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> (ESA) studied the new images to understand better how volcanic and tectonic activity once reshaped the Martian surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-structures-reveal-tectonic-past">Ancient structures reveal tectonic past</h2>



The right side of the image reveals a network of long, trench-like structures known as grabens. These geological features formed on Mars when the planet's crust was pulled apart by tectonic stress.



Huge blocks of land cracked, sank, and created deep troughs that are separated by ridges. The grabens formed nearly four billion years ago and stretch about 800 kilometers (500 miles) - roughly the length of Germany.



The crustal tension responsible for the grabens likely came from the shifting of Mars’s surface during periods of intense volcanic activity. 



The presence of nearby volcanoes, such as Olympus Mons and Alba Mons, suggests a strong link between volcanic activity and surface deformation in this area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glaciers-and-lava-shape-younger-plains">Glaciers and lava shape younger plains</h2>



Just below the center of the image is a smooth region that marks the beginning of younger plains. These plains were likely formed by glacial movement and lava flows. 



Close to the grabens, evidence points to rock glaciers - combinations of ice and rock - that flowed slowly over time. These glaciers appear to have crept away from the cliffs, leaving behind patterns that resemble waves lapping at a shoreline. 



The movement ends in gently sloping piles of debris, known as "debris aprons," that spread away from the cliff bases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-older-features-of-mars">Older features of Mars</h2>



Zoomed-in 3D views highlight the grabens, glacial flow, and areas where lava poured over older features. 



One clear example is a half-visible impact crater, about 28 kilometers (17 miles) wide, that is partially buried beneath a smooth lava field. This suggests the crater existed before the volcanic activity that resurfaced the terrain.



In the upper right of the main image, three cone-shaped peaks rise above the plains. These domes are likely volcanic in origin. 



What’s fascinating is that the grabens slice through some of these features, indicating that the crust continued to stretch and shift even after the volcanic domes formed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-geological-changes-on-mars">Powerful geological changes on Mars</h2>



Since launching in 2003, ESA’s Mars Express has been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photographing Mars in color</a> and 3D with high resolution. For over 20 years, it has offered scientists a window into the Red Planet’s layered history. 



Today, the spacecraft continues to reveal how time, lava, and ice worked together to shape the Martian landscape.



The Acheron Fossae image is just one example of how Mars, though quiet today, was once a planet of powerful geological change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-planetary-evolution">A window into planetary evolution</h2>



Scientists continue to investigate areas such as Acheron Fossae in order to learn more about the forces that sculpted not just Mars, but rocky planets in general. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/odyssey-orbiter-captures-unprecedented-images-of-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Planet</a> offers a special geological record. Mars does not have plate tectonics and has very little wind or water erosion, unlike Earth, so its surface features have been preserved for billions of years. 



These historic landscapes are snapshots of planetary processes locked in time. By examining the cracks, flows, and plains of Mars, scientists can reconstruct how the planet cooled, stretched, and changed. 



The fact that there are ancient grabens, glacial landforms, and volcanic plains indicates a complicated and energetic past, even though today the planet is geologically calm. 



These findings also assist scientists in constructing improved models of the appearance of other planets in the distant past.



With additional missions in the pipeline, including future sample-return missions and eventual crewed missions, Mars will continue to provide new opportunities to study planetary history, climate evolution, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-finds-sulfur-crystals-martian-rock-hints-at-possible-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">possibility of ancient life</a>.



Information for this article was obtained from an European Space Agency <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Martian_rock_on_the_move">press release</a>.



Image Credit: ESA



-----



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



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



-----

Split personality of Mars revealed in its striking features

Mars is a planet of dramatic contrasts. Roughly one hemisphere...

Most people imagine crocodiles as relics from the dinosaur era - unchanged, prehistoric predators lurking in murky waters. But their survival story is much more complex.



New research from the <a href="https://www.uco.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Central Oklahoma</a> and the University of Utah shows that these animals aren’t just fossils with teeth. They’ve made it through two mass extinctions, thanks in part to one big advantage: adaptability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-crocodiles-survived">Why crocodiles survived</h2>



Crocodylians - today’s crocodiles, alligators, and gharials - are the last surviving members of a larger group called crocodylomorphs, which goes back 230 million years.



These ancient creatures included many now-extinct species that once lived in a range of environments.



The research is the first to closely examine the diets of these extinct animals to understand how some survived while others did not.



“Lots of groups closely related to crocodylians were more diverse, more abundant, and exhibited different ecologies, yet they all disappeared except these few generalist crocodylians alive today,” said Keegan Melstrom, lead author and assistant professor at UCO. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-extinction-risk-is-heavily-influenced-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extinction</a> and survivorship are two sides of the same coin. Through all mass extinctions, some groups manage to persist and diversify. What can we learn by studying the deeper evolutionary patterns imparted by these events?”



Today, many scientists believe Earth is entering its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sixth-mass-extinction-is-currently-in-progress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sixth mass extinction</a>, fueled by habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Studying past survivors, like crocodylians, may offer clues on how to protect today’s wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crocodylians-vs-mammals">Crocodylians vs. mammals</h2>



For years, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-ground-dwellers-survived-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammals</a> have been the go-to group for studying extinction and survival. Their flexible diets and ability to live in many habitats seemed to explain their resilience. But crocodylomorphs have long been overlooked in this conversation. This crocodylian study changes that.



“There’s a danger of trying to draw conclusions from millions of years ago and directly apply it to conservation. We have to be cautious,” said co-author Randy Irmis. 



“If people study mammals and reptiles and find the same patterns with respect to extinction survival, then we might predict that species with a generalist diet may do better. That information helps us make predictions, but it’s unlikely we’ll ever be able to pick out which individual species will survive.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-diversity-of-crocodile-ancestors">Shrinking diversity of crocodile ancestors</h2>



Modern crocodylians are known for living in water and eating just about anything that crosses their path - fish, small mammals, even fellow crocodiles. But this lifestyle is only a narrow snapshot of their past.



In the Late Triassic Period, crocodylomorph ancestors lived mostly on land. They were small-to-medium-sized predators feeding on small animals. Other reptile groups were more dominant at the time, showing off a wide range of sizes and shapes. 



But when the end-Triassic extinction struck, these dominant groups vanished. Only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-crocodiles-weighed-1000-pounds-and-walked-on-two-legs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodylomorphs</a>, especially those with flexible diets, pulled through.



“After that, it goes bananas,” said Melstrom. “Aquatic hypercarnivores, terrestrial generalists, terrestrial hypercarnivores, terrestrial herbivores - crocodylomorphs evolved a massive number of ecological roles throughout the time of the dinosaurs.”



For a while, crocodylomorphs thrived in every corner of their ecosystems. But during the Late Cretaceous Period, their diversity began to shrink. By the time a meteor ended the age of dinosaurs 66 million years ago, only a few crocodylian lineages survived - most of them semi-aquatic generalists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-crocodylians">The evolution of crocodylians</h2>



To understand what these animals ate, the researchers studied the shape of fossilized teeth and skulls. 



Sharp, pointed teeth suggested a meat-heavy diet, while flatter, grinding teeth pointed to a plant-based menu. Skull structure also offered clues about how the animals hunted and fed.



The crocodylian study was massive in scope. The researchers traveled to museum collections in seven countries across four continents. 



The experts examined the skulls of 99 extinct crocodylomorph species and 20 living crocodylian species. To compare, they also analyzed dietary traits in 89 mammals and 47 lizards. This fossil record, stretching over 230 million years, revealed how crocodylians evolved into a variety of forms.



Some were fast-moving land predators. Others grazed like herbivores. Many returned to the water. Today, that wide-ranging history is mostly hidden behind the toothy grin of a croc.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-crocodiles-survive-future-changes">Will crocodiles survive future changes?</h2>



While modern crocodylians continue to thrive in rivers and swamps, many face serious threats. The gharial of the Himalayan foothills and the Cuban crocodile in the Zapata Swamp are critically endangered. Their survival may still hinge on one of their oldest traits - a flexible diet.



“When we see living crocodiles and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alligators-birds-hearing-dinosaur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alligators</a>, rather than thinking of ferocious beasts or expensive handbags, I hope people appreciate their amazing 200+ million years of evolution, and how they’ve survived so many tumultuous events in Earth history,” said Irmis. 



“Crocodylians are equipped to survive many future changes - if we’re willing to help preserve their habitats.”



The full crocodylian study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pala.70005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeontology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

How crocodiles survived Earth's biggest mass extinctions

Most people imagine crocodiles as relics from the dinosaur era...

Comets streak in from the outer solar system, shed streams of dust, and sometimes trigger brief meteor storms on Earth. For years, astronomers blamed the random tug of the planets for the way these meteoroid streams gradually drift in and out of Earth’s path.



However, a new study led by <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a> scientists Stuart Pilorz and Peter Jenniskens argues that the real architect is more subtle. The research points to the Sun’s own motion around the solar‑system barycenter, the shared center of mass for all planets and the Sun.



“Contrary to popular conception, everything in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiral-structure-discovered-at-the-edge-of-our-solar-system-oort-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> does not orbit the Sun,” explained Pilorz. “Rather, the Sun and planets all orbit their common center of mass, known to scientists as the solar system barycenter.”



That off‑center dance gives long‑period comets - and the dust grains they release - a tiny gravitational nudge each time they dive toward the inner solar system. Over centuries, those nudges unravel a needle‑thin meteoroid ribbon into a broad, wandering sheet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-position-and-velocity-of-the-sun">Position and velocity of the Sun</h2>



Most orbital models anchor the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/see-the-sun-in-exquisite-detail-in-rare-solar-orbiter-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a> at the exact center, a convenient simplification because it holds more than 99 percent of the solar system’s mass. But the new work shows that the simplification hides the critical mechanism that disperses long‑period comet streams.



“Long‑period comets spend most of their lives so far away from the solar system that they feel the tug from the barycenter,” Pilorz said. “But every few hundred years they swoop inside Jupiter’s orbit and come under the Sun’s influence.”



During that brief inner‑system swing, solar heating triggers jets of gas that eject dust grains. The grains initially follow the comet’s path, forming a ribbon so narrow that Earth almost never encounters it. 



Yet when each grain nears the Sun again, it experiences a gravitational boost or braking because the Sun has shifted slightly in both position and velocity. This shift is relative to the barycenter since the previous visit.



“That kick is exactly in the same way that we use planetary encounters to speed or slow down spacecraft,” Pilorz stated. If you imagine bouncing a tennis ball off the front or back of a moving train, the analogy fits: the ball’s speed changes only because the train itself is moving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteor-showers-and-the-sun-s-wobble">Meteor showers and the Sun's wobble </h2>



Jenniskens first suspected the Sun’s wobble was important in 1995, when he noticed that certain ephemeral meteor showers - sometimes lasting less than an hour - seemed to recur on a 60‑year rhythm. 



That period matched the combined gravitational influence of Jupiter’s 12‑year orbit and Saturn’s 30‑year orbit, which together dictate the Sun’s main oscillation around the barycenter.



“We traveled to Spain in an attempt to record one of these showers and saw what was described in the past as ‘stars fall at midnight.' The whole shower lasted only 40 minutes, but there was a bright meteor every minute at the peak," noted Jenniskens.



The observation validated his prediction method: track where Jupiter and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-energy-imbalance-discovered-on-saturn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn</a> will push the Sun, then forecast when a dust stream - nudged by that same motion - will intersect Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-jumps-reshape-meteoroid-path">Subtle jumps reshape meteoroid path</h2>



Inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter</a>’s orbit, a meteoroid abandons the barycenter frame and orbits the Sun directly. When it retreats beyond Jupiter, it switches back to barycentric motion.



“We found that the two jumps in the plane of motion, when the Sun takes control as the comet approaches and then again when it hands control back to the barycenter as the comet heads away, kicked the inclination and node of the orbit by a small amount,” said Pilorz.



Grains at different points in the stream meet the Sun at different barycentric phases, so each accrues a slightly different orbital tweak. 



Over centuries the narrow ribbon diffuses, weaving above and below Earth’s path - sometimes delivering a brief meteor outburst, other times leaving the night sky empty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reframing-the-random-comet-streams">Reframing the random comet streams</h2>



“We’re used to telling ourselves that a comet’s motion changes randomly due to a series of complex perturbations from the planets,” said Pilorz. “That isn’t wrong, but if we recall that the Sun also orbits the barycenter, the explanation becomes much simpler.”



Planetary tugs still matter: between Jupiter and Saturn, their combined <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-pulls-earth-closer-to-the-sun-warming-our-climate-scientists-say/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a> exerts a steady torque that slowly precesses a meteoroid stream’s orbit. 



Yet the study shows that the dominant driver of the short‑term, seemingly erratic spreading is the Sun’s own wander.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteor-forecasts-and-lost-comets">Meteor forecasts and lost comets</h2>



Understanding how quickly a meteoroid stream disperses helps astronomers trace the dusty breadcrumb trail. Trails are traced back to a parent comet, even if the comet itself has grown faint or disappeared. 



The new framework gives modelers a cleaner way to predict when Earth will next plow through a dense filament - information useful for both sky watchers and satellite operators wary of high‑speed dust impacts.



By recognizing that our star is a fellow traveler around the solar system’s barycenter, astronomers can now see the graceful mechanism behind what once looked like cosmic caprice. 



The Sun’s gentle sway sets the rhythm for meteor showers that occasionally turn the night sky into a fleeting storm of falling stars.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001910352500106X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icarus</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

How the wobbling Sun can help us predict meteor showers

Comets streak in from the outer solar system, shed streams...

Recent research points to protein-rich food choices as powerful drivers of health. Many people are now asking whether a meat-heavy approach to protein is truly the best strategy when it comes to living longer.



The recent findings show that countries with higher levels of animal-based protein see lower mortality rates among children under five, yet plant-based protein is linked with longer lifespans for adults.



The study was conducted out by PhD candidate Caitlin Andrews and her team, led by Dr. Alistair Senior at the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-plants-to-meat-protein">From plants to meat protein</h2>



Populations worldwide seem to be trading vegetables for meat. Researchers have observed that animal-based protein consumption has climbed across various regions over the past several decades. More societies are gravitating toward protein-dense foods derived from cattle, poultry, and pigs.



These shifts are not uniform, though. In several corners of the globe, chickpeas, beans, and other legumes are still mainstays, along with certain dairy and egg products. In resource-constrained nations, individuals often rely on whatever is the most affordable form of protein.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-protein-lowers-child-death-rates">Meat protein lowers child death rates</h2>



“For the <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/child-mortality-under-5-years" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">under-fives</a>, a food system that supplies large amounts of animal-based proteins and fats lowered rates of infant mortality,” said Andrews.



In places where young children miss out on ample nutrition, extra amounts of animal-based protein can be tied to better early survival rates.&nbsp;



One explanation involves the nutrients found in eggs, dairy, and meat. These foods contain essential amino acids, iron, zinc, and vitamins that help children grow. They also provide energy-dense fat, which supports early development.



Families who live in impoverished settings, however, often struggle to access such staples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-protein-helps-adults-live-longer">Plant protein helps adults live longer</h2>



“For adults, plant-based proteins increased overall life expectancy,” said Andrews.



Higher plant-based protein intake appears to bring key advantages. Diets built around legumes, peas, lentils, and nuts are linked with fewer chronic conditions, including <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.924977" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>.



Adults who rely on beans, lentils, or tofu may also get more dietary fiber. That <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/fiber/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiber</a> supports normal digestion and can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, too much red or processed meat is often linked with harmful effects that might shorten lifespan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-fats-early-less-later">Good fats early, less later</h2>



Another interesting aspect involves fat. Research suggests that in infancy and early childhood, certain animal fats might help reduce malnutrition. 



Later in life, though, cutting back on high-fat products can aid weight management, possibly easing issues like <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a> and <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4314-hypertension-high-blood-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertension</a>.



Foods loaded with saturated fat may disrupt the balance if combined with processed sugars and a sedentary lifestyle. Such combinations might trigger an inflammatory state and higher vulnerability to illnesses. 



This pattern emphasizes how dietary composition can be more important than any single <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-are-suffering-from-declining-plant-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-higher-cost-for-the-planet">A higher cost for the planet</h2>



“Protein is a crucial part of the human diet, but as eating habits change and developed countries look to decarbonize, where we get our protein from has come under greater scrutiny,” noted the research team.



Meat production draws attention for environmental reasons. Livestock farming typically requires more land and water compared to growing legumes or grains.



Those aiming to reduce <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a> often look to pea or chickpea farming as lower-impact methods. This is sparking interest in alternative proteins, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-promote-weight-loss-regardless-of-processing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> meat.



But these shifts need to be carefully approached, given how vital animal-sourced protein appears to be for child development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-protein-needs">Shifting protein needs</h2>



What each person puts on the plate can differ by budget and culture. For families with small children, variety may be the safest bet. Adults seeking to improve their longevity might gain from swapping out meat for beans, peas, or other plant-based sources.



Some individuals find plant protein more economical, while others view meat as a valued tradition. Experts advise that local resources and medical concerns shape the ideal balance. 



The best approach might be a mixed plan, adjusting as people move from childhood into later stages of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-protein-for-global-well-being">Rethinking protein for global well-being </h2>



These results highlight a pattern: keep an eye on total protein intake first, then prioritize more plant-based sources past childhood. 



Future innovations may focus on improving vegetarian options for children at risk of malnutrition. Researchers also stress the need for more accessible programs, especially in areas with low food security.



Shifting the global menu can pose challenges. It involves policy support, agricultural reforms, and nutrition education. The end goal is to see infants thrive and older people enjoy extra years, while also safeguarding natural resources.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58475-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Meat protein boosts survival, but plants boost longevity

Recent research points to protein-rich food choices as powerful drivers...

California’s Sierra Nevada range is known for its rugged peaks, vast wilderness, and iconic trees. For centuries, botanists and hikers alike have climbed these mountains, encountering the same types of conifers as they ascend in elevation - lodgepole, foxtail, and limber pines staking their claim in the uppermost zones of tree life.



But sometimes, nature throws a curveball. In the fall of last year, a routine hike in Sequoia National Park turned into a rare discovery. Professor Hugh Safford of <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> was not searching for scientific revelations. 



He was simply out for a walk in the mountains. Yet what Professor Safford found has rewritten the elevation record books and raised urgent questions about how trees are responding to climate change.



His discovery, now published in Madroño, a journal of the California Botanical Society, is a glimpse into the High Sierra’s changing face - and a reminder of the power of simply being present in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tree-where-it-should-not-exist">A tree where it should not exist</h2>



Safford, a forest ecologist in the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy, had paused during his hike along the timberline on the south slopes of Mount Kaweah. 



He admired a foxtail pine, then a lodgepole pine - both expected residents of the subalpine zone. But then, something unexpected caught his eye.



“Then I thought, ‘What’s that?’” said Safford. “I walk over, and it’s a Jeffrey pine! It made no sense. What is a Jeffrey pine doing above 11,500 feet?”



Jeffrey pines typically dominate the upper montane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> of the Sierra Nevada. They’re the common backdrop around Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes. 



But they are not known for living among the rugged, wind-battered zones of traditional subalpine species. What Safford found was extraordinary: a healthy Jeffrey pine growing far above its expected range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jeffrey-trees-break-mountain-height-records">Jeffrey trees break mountain height records</h2>



After that first encounter, Professor Safford began looking more closely. Over the course of his hike, he identified 14 Jeffrey pine trees thriving above 11,800 feet. Some were over 20 years old. The highest of them stood at 12,657 feet. That shattered the previous known elevation record for the species by 1,860 feet.



Even more surprising, these pines were growing higher than any of California’s traditional subalpine species, including the foxtail, limber, and lodgepole pines. Until now, none of those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-might-be-misleading-us-about-climate-change-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> had been documented above 12,034 feet.



Safford’s field observations suggest that our existing databases, satellite data, and models may be significantly underestimating where certain tree species are managing to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-grow-higher-up-mountain-slopes">Trees grow higher up mountain slopes</h2>



Why are Jeffrey pines now taking root at elevations once deemed too extreme for their survival? 



The answer, Safford suspects, lies in the warming climate. Rising air temperatures and earlier snowmelts are reshaping the ecological dynamics of the High Sierra.



The high mountain soils, once locked under snow for months, are thawing earlier. This opens short windows of opportunity for seeds to germinate and grow. In this altered climate rhythm, some species are seizing the chance to move upward.



The Jeffrey pine’s tolerance to both cold and drought may be key to its success in these harsh new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a>. But trees don’t move on their own. Something - or someone - has helped them get there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-trees-and-mountain-heights">Birds, trees, and mountain heights</h2>



Safford suspects that the Clark’s nutcracker, a high alpine bird with an excellent memory, may be playing an unexpected role in this ecological shift. 



Known for its relationship with the whitebark pine, the bird collects seeds and stores them in high mountain “caches” for future meals. For Jeffrey pines, the bird might be acting as an unintentional gardener.



“Much as this nutcracker does for whitebark pine trees, preliminary evidence suggests the bird carries fleshy Jeffrey pine seeds up the mountain from thousands of feet below, storing them in the High Sierra’s ‘refrigerator’ for an early summer snack.”



Some of those snacks never get eaten. And when the conditions are right - less snow, warmer soil - those seeds take root and start a new population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-aren-t-migrating-slowly">Trees aren’t migrating slowly</h2>



Trees generally move slowly in response to climate change. Their range shifts inch upward over decades. But Safford’s discovery hints at a more chaotic process, influenced by outside forces like birds and sudden environmental windows.



“I’m looking at trees surviving in habitats where they couldn’t before, but they’re also dying in places they used to live before,” Safford said. 



“They’re not just holding hands and walking uphill. This crazy leapfrogging of species challenges what we think we know about these systems reacting as the climate warms.”



This leapfrogging defies the gentle, predictable march that many models assume. It reveals a more fragmented and opportunistic reality, where chance encounters between birds and seeds create new ecological frontiers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-trees-reaching-new-heights">Mountain trees reaching new heights</h2>



Perhaps one of the most telling aspects of Safford’s discovery is how it happened. Not through satellite imagery. Not through remote sensors or AI-driven models. But by someone walking in the mountains and paying attention.



“People aren’t marching to the tops of the mountains to see where the trees really are,” Safford said. "Instead, they are relying on satellite imagery, which can’t see most small trees. What science does is help us understand how the world functions."



”In this case, where you see the impacts of climate change most dramatically are at high elevations and high latitudes. If we want our finger on the pulse of how the climate is warming and what the impacts are, that’s where it will be happening first. We just need to get people out there.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-story-of-resilience">A story of resilience </h2>



Safford and his team of students will return this summer to the southern Sierra Nevada. They’ll hike Mount Kaweah, Mount Whitney, and nearby parks, searching for more of these high-altitude outliers. 



Their work will include identifying seedlings, measuring mountain tree heights, and refining elevation models based on actual ground conditions.



The mission is simple: understand what’s happening before more changes go unnoticed. The Jeffrey pine may not remain the state’s highest tree forever, but for now, it tells a story of change, resilience, and the surprising ways life finds new ground.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/madro%c3%b1o/volume-72/issue-1/0024-9637-72.1.a7/NEW-ELEVATION-RECORDS-FOR-JEFFREY-PINE-PINUS-JEFFREYI-AMURRAY-BIS/10.3120/0024-9637-72.1.a7.short" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madroño</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Why trees are reaching new heights in the mountains

California’s Sierra Nevada range is known for its rugged peaks,...

When country music legend Glen Campbell took the stage during his final tour, his memory was fading fast due to Alzheimer’s disease. 



Yet somehow, despite not recognizing his closest loved ones or remembering what day it was, he could still play his guitar and sing every lyric of his greatest hits thanks to the science behind the connection of music and the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-music">The power of music </h2>



Rhonda Winegar is a nurse practitioner in neurology and assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. She found Campbell's uncanny ability to be more than just touching - it sparked her scientific curiosity.



“He kept wandering off, and they’d have to push him back on stage,” noted Winegar. “Yet he could still play all those difficult chords and remember the lyrics to his songs.”



This striking example of music’s resilience in the face of neurodegeneration became the foundation for Winegar’s research into the profound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-therapy-key-features-of-healing-music-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapeutic power</a> of music. 



Her findings, recently published with co-author Dustin Hixenbaugh in <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1555415525000327" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal for Nurse Practitioners</a>, reinforce what many have intuitively known for centuries: music isn’t just entertainment - it’s medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemistry-of-the-musical-experience">Chemistry of the musical experience</h2>



“Music delays neurodegeneration in conditions such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-can-track-the-progression-of-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s</a>,” Winegar explained. “Sometimes, patients with memory issues get anxious and upset, which can start affecting their speech and ability to communicate. But if they’re able to sing, they can express their feelings, which helps reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.”



While Winegar’s work highlights music’s ability to soothe and strengthen neurological function, a recent imaging study from the Turku PET Center in Finland delves even deeper. The study dives into the molecular chemistry of the musical experience. 



Published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00259-025-07232-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Nuclear Medicine</a>, the research has found that listening to favorite music activates the brain’s opioid system, the same reward system that governs pleasure from food, social bonding, and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-as-a-pain-reliever-the-power-of-your-playlist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain relief</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pleasure-pathways-in-the-brain">Pleasure pathways in the brain</h2>



“These results show for the first time directly that listening to music activates the brain’s opioid system,” said Vesa Putkinen from the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Turku</a>. 



“The release of opioids explains why music can produce such strong feelings of pleasure, even though it is not a primary reward necessary for survival or reproduction, like food or sexual pleasure.”



Using positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the Finnish research team measured the release of natural opioids in the brain as participants listened to music that gave them chills. 



The more opioid receptors a person had, the stronger their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-triggers-unique-prediction-zones-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> responded to the music - suggesting a biological basis for why some people are deeply moved by a favorite song while others remain unmoved.



“The brain’s opioid system is also involved in pain relief. Based on our findings, the previously observed pain-relieving effects of music may be due to music-induced opioid responses in the brain,” noted Lauri Nummenmaa, a professor at the University of Turku.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-therapy-heals-the-brain">Music therapy heals the brain</h2>



Back in Texas, Winegar describes the ways in which this pleasurable response to music can be practically applied in medicine and caregiving. Active music therapy - where patients sing or play instruments - can help stroke survivors regain language skills.



Music therapy can also be beneficial for people with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-movement-and-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson’s</a>, as it may improve walking rhythm and motor control. Passive listening also shows benefits, such as reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and seizure activity.



“In neurology, music has been shown to decrease seizure activity by calming abnormal electrical impulses in the brain,” she said. “Research also shows that music can regulate heart rate and blood pressure by reducing over excitation in the nervous system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-right-song-right-person">Right song, right person</h2>



The power of music therapy isn’t restricted to one genre, either. Winegar’s own research was presented through the lens of country music, which she describes as “a support group in song.” 



However, the emotional and physiological effects vary widely depending on personal preference. Whether someone finds peace in heavy metal or motivation in gospel, the brain’s response is most powerful when the music resonates personally.



“We focused on how country music can be used in a clinical setting,” Winegar said. “It often tells the stories of struggle - my wife left me, I’m an alcoholic, my truck won’t start. We framed our presentation around the idea that music can serve as a support group, helping people connect with others facing similar struggles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-music-to-heal-the-brain">Using music to heal the brain</h2>



With neuroscience revealing the biological underpinnings of music’s effects and clinicians harnessing its healing potential, the implications for health care are enormous. 



From managing chronic pain and regulating mood to enhancing mobility and preserving memory, music offers an accessible way to heal the brain and treat mental health conditions.



“The most important takeaway from this research is that music has always been there for us. It doesn’t cost anything to turn on the radio, and it can be there for you during rough patches - whether you’re feeling anxious, depressed or in pain. It can motivate you, help you exercise or provide comfort,” said Winegar.



As science continues to explore the symphony between mind and music, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this universal human experience is more than just background noise. It’s a form of therapy written into our biology - a healing harmony available to all.



-----



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



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



-----

Experts reveal how music can heal the brain

When country music legend Glen Campbell took the stage during...

Magnetars are ultra-dense remnants of massive stars, known for possessing the strongest magnetic fields in the universe - trillions of times more powerful than Earth's magnetic field. A magnetar named SGR 0501+4516 is challenging what scientists thought they knew about how these bizarre stars come into being.



In a new study, researchers from Radboud University and the <a href="https://warwick.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Warwick</a> used the Hubble Space Telescope to track the magnetar SGR 0501+4516 as it moves across our galaxy. The findings suggest that this object might not have been formed in a traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a>, as previously believed.



Instead, the mysterious magnetar could have originated from a much rarer and less understood process - one that may even hold answers to the mystery of fast radio bursts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-magnetars-so-unique">What makes magnetars so unique?</h2>



“Magnetars are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neutron-stars-may-hold-the-key-to-understanding-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron stars</a> - the dead remnants of stars - composed entirely of neutrons. What makes magnetars unique is their extreme magnetic fields,” said Ashley Chrimes, lead author of the study. 



If a magnetar came within half the distance to the Moon, its magnetism could erase every credit card on Earth. A human within 600 miles would be physically torn apart by the force.



The magnetar in question, SGR 0501+4516, was first spotted in 2008 by NASA’s Swift Observatory, which detected its brief and intense gamma-ray flashes. At the time, scientists assumed it had formed in a supernova explosion. 



After all, it was located near the remnants of a supernova known as HB9. But new data from Hubble and the European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft is telling a different story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetar-with-mysterious-origins">Magnetar with mysterious origins</h2>



With data collected in 2010, 2012, and 2020, the researchers used Hubble’s steady view and infrared imaging to measure the magnetar’s movement over time.



The experts compared its position to a precise stellar map provided by Gaia, which allowed them to trace the magnetar’s slow drift across the sky.



“All of this movement we measure is smaller than a single pixel of a Hubble image,” said co-investigator Joe Lyman. “Being able to robustly perform such measurements really is a testament to the long-term stability of Hubble.”



The results were surprising. The direction and speed of SGR 0501+4516’s journey showed that it likely didn’t originate from the nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova remnant</a>. When scientists traced its path back thousands of years, they found no sign of any known supernova remnants or star clusters that could explain the birth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explaining-the-magnetar-s-origins">Explaining the magnetar’s origins</h2>



If it wasn’t born from a supernova, what could explain the magnetar’s existence? The researchers suggest it may have formed in a different way entirely - either from the collision of two smaller neutron stars or through something called accretion-induced collapse.



“Normally, this scenario leads to the ignition of nuclear reactions, and the white dwarf exploding, leaving nothing behind. But it has been theorized that under certain conditions, the white dwarf can instead collapse into a neutron star. We think this might be how SGR 0501 was born,” noted study co-author Andrew Levan.



This theory involves a white dwarf in a binary system pulling in too much gas from its companion. If it gets heavy enough, it can collapse under its own weight - not explode - and possibly become a magnetar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-to-fast-radio-bursts">Clues to fast radio bursts</h2>



This discovery might also help explain one of the biggest puzzles in astrophysics: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-radio-bursts-are-even-more-mysterious-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fast radio bursts</a> (FRBs). These are brief but powerful bursts of radio waves that have been detected across the universe.



SGR 0501+4516 is now the top candidate in our galaxy for a magnetar that may have formed through an accretion-induced collapse or merger — both of which are scenarios that could generate FRBs. That’s especially significant for bursts that appear in old star populations where no new massive stars (and thus no new supernovae) are expected.



“Magnetar birth rates and formation scenarios are among the most pressing questions in high-energy astrophysics, with implications for many of the universe’s most powerful transient events, such as gamma-ray bursts, super-luminous supernovae, and fast radio bursts,” said study co-author Nanda Rea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-to-discover-across-our-galaxy">More to discover across our galaxy</h2>



The research team plans to continue using Hubble to study other magnetars across the Milky Way. With new findings, researchers gain more knowledge about the mysterious origins of magnetars like SGR 0501+4516.



Each new observation could bring us closer to understanding how these powerful magnetic stars are born - and what role they might play in some of the universe’s strangest phenomena.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2025/04/aa53479-24/aa53479-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Mysterious magnetar has unknown origins

Magnetars are ultra-dense remnants of massive stars, known for possessing...

Plastic waste has a habit of sneaking into every corner of our lives. It’s in packaging, containers, housewares, and even hidden in places we don’t expect. 



Despite growing awareness and recycling efforts, less than ten percent of all plastic manufactured around the world last year was made from previously used materials.



That startling figure comes from an in-depth analysis led by Quanyin Tan from the <a href="https://www.the-ies.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institution of Environmental Sciences</a>, an international organization with member countries all over the world. 



This research team aimed to crunch fresh data on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-normal-plastic-turns-into-dangerous-micro-and-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> is produced, consumed, and disposed of.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-use-is-outpacing-recycling">Plastic use is outpacing recycling</h2>



Worldwide, manufacturing of plastic goods has exploded, hitting 400 million tons in 2022. That is part of a decades-long rise tied to easy availability of <a href="https://chandra-asri.com/en/blog/what-is-petrochemical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petrochemicals</a> and a growing demand for convenience goods.



Most feedstocks, or basic materials used to make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a>, still come from oil and coal. This reliance continues to cause <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-petrochemicals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concern</a> for policymakers who worry about pollution and greenhouse emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-plastic-is-burned-or-dumped">Most plastic is burned or dumped</h2>



Even though new plastic goods keep rolling off the conveyor belts, billions of pounds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-levels-of-microplastics-found-in-every-major-european-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste</a> pile up in landfills. 



Many communities are trying to move away from tossing items into the ground, so incineration - high-temperature burning of trash - has become normal practice in several regions.



Recycling has not caught up. Only a small slice of global plastic waste heads for proper sorting, and an even tinier portion makes it into fresh products.



Burning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-may-dump-1-3b-pounds-plastic-into-oceans-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> can reduce landfill buildup. Yet it creates questions about whether harmful byproducts make their way into the environment.



In some places, waste-to-energy plants harness the heat from incineration to generate electricity. But critics argue that this discourages efforts to lower production of throwaway items or boost recycling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-recycling-trends-differ-worldwide">Plastic recycling trends differ worldwide</h2>



In the United States, people use more plastic per person than anywhere else, averaging 216 kilograms annually. Not all of that waste is dealt with locally, as a portion still travels overseas in search of processing facilities.



China, with the biggest overall use, faces a different set of obstacles. The country has seen a shift toward incineration, in an attempt to cut the amount of trash going into dumps.



Consumers often assume throwing a plastic cup in the blue bin solves the problem. The reality is more complicated, because <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2008.0311">mechanical recycling facilities</a> struggle with contaminated or hard-to-sort materials.



“This study provides important data for devising future policies and regulations,” said Tan. The authors highlight another bottleneck: even after plastics are collected for recycling, about half end up in the incinerator anyway. 



One approach relies on boosting demand for items made of reused plastic. When manufacturers see value in secondhand resin, they are more likely to invest in the technology needed to process it.



Governments can step in by drafting standards that require products to contain a certain percent of reclaimed materials. These rules help build a reliable market for suppliers who repurpose waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-it-matters-for-everyone">Why it matters for everyone</h2>



Plastics offer convenience and durability. That same toughness means <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-treaty-is-a-historic-opportunity-to-stop-a-human-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> debris persists for a very long time, often escaping into waterways and farmland as it slowly degrades into smaller fragments.



Tiny particles known as microplastics turn up in soil and even inside living organisms. Such discoveries raise questions about health impacts, and fuel a push to fix <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the plastic loop</a> once and for all.



It starts with cutting back on disposable items. Simple decisions like opting for long-lasting goods or switching to refillable containers will reduce overall usage.



Proper sorting is also key. If more families rinse and separate their plastics, it takes less effort at the recycling facility, creating a cleaner stream of usable material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-recycling-must-improve">Plastic recycling must improve</h2>



Tracking plastic flows helps scientists pinpoint the most serious leaks in the system. They can see which nations and industries are cleaning up their act and which ones still need help.



That big-picture view allows leaders to craft better laws. These regulations might prioritize cutting single-use packaging, boosting recycling plants, or funding incineration upgrades to handle toxic fumes.



As production inches toward 800 million tons per year by 2050, extra plastic could swamp the planet if we keep using the same playbook. 



Cutting reliance on virgin feedstocks can slow the tide, especially if more recycled content edges its way into new manufacturing.



Those shifts demand cooperation across borders and industries. Otherwise, next-generation efforts might fail to tackle a problem that grows bigger and more threatening each year.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02169-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Disturbingly small amount of plastic is recycled around the world

Plastic waste has a habit of sneaking into every corner...

When the Webb telescope launched, astronomers expected new surprises. But few predicted the discovery of something as striking as Zhúlóng - a massive, elegant spiral galaxy that had already formed just one billion years after the Big Bang.



In a cosmos that should still have been chaotic and unstructured at that time, this galaxy stands out as an anomaly. Not only is it huge and distant, but it also resembles modern spirals like our own Milky Way, which were long believed to be latecomers in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-galaxies-discovery-would-upend-current-understanding-of-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic history</a>.



The discovery, detailed in a new study from the PANORAMIC Survey team, is shaking up long-held ideas about how galaxies grow and evolve. Using <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>’s cutting-edge imaging, astronomers spotted Zhúlóng nestled in the ancient Universe. 



At a redshift of z ∼ 5.2, meaning that the light has been travelling from this galaxy for 12.5 billion years, Zhúlóng is now the most distant spiral galaxy known - a record-breaker and a puzzle rolled into one.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zhulong-the-torch-dragon">Zhúlóng: The "Torch Dragon"</h2>



‘‘We named this galaxy Zhúlóng, meaning ‘Torch Dragon’ in Chinese mythology," explained Dr. Mengyuan Xiao, postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Astronomy at the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>, and lead author of the study. 



"In the myth, Zhúlóng is a powerful red solar dragon that creates day and night by opening and closing its eyes, symbolizing light and cosmic time.’’ 



Zhúlóng is massive, red, and shockingly mature considering that it formed at a very early time in cosmic history. It sports a well-defined classical bulge and a sweeping disk with spiral arms that stretch across 62,000 light-years.



This structure is not common among galaxies formed in the early universe, which usually appear clumpy and irregular in deep space images.



<a href="https://www.unige.ch/sciences/astro/cosmicdawn/jwst-surveys/panoramic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The PANORAMIC Survey</a> that uncovered Zhúlóng used JWST’s “pure parallel mode,” a method that allows one camera to collect additional images while another conducts its primary task. This clever approach captured extra slices of the early universe, increasing the chances of turning up rare finds.



“Wide-area surveys are necessary to discover rare, massive galaxies. We were hoping to discover massive and bright galaxies across the earliest epochs of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-signals-from-the-center-of-our-galaxy-hint-at-a-new-kind-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> to understand how massive galaxies form and evolve, which helps to interpret the later epochs of their evolution that will be observed with the LSST,” noted Christina Williams, co-leader of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zhulong-looks-like-a-modern-galaxy">Zhúlóng looks like a modern galaxy</h2>



Zhúlóng looks nothing like the galaxies typically found at this redshift. Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-found-in-the-early-universe-that-shouldnt-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> formed in early epochs are distorted, compact, or undergoing chaotic starbursts. Instead, this one features a calm, balanced structure - a red, quiescent core surrounded by a vast disk filled with young stars.



Using JWST’s deep infrared data, astronomers revealed a stellar mass of about 10¹¹ solar masses. That places it on par with the Milky Way. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Zhulong_torch-galaxy_JWST_NoirLab_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Zhulong_torch-galaxy_JWST_NoirLab_1s.webp" alt="This image of Zhúlóng, the most distant spiral galaxy discovered to date, shows its remarkably well-defined spiral arms, a central old bulge, and a large star-forming disk, resembling the structure of the Milky Way. Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/NASA/CSA/ESA" class="wp-image-1966137"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image of Zhúlóng, the most distant spiral galaxy discovered to date, shows its remarkably well-defined spiral arms, a central old bulge, and a large star-forming disk, resembling the structure of the Milky Way. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/NASA/CSA/ESA</figcaption></figure>



The galaxy has already transitioned its core into a quiet state that no longer forms stars. Surrounding this core, however, the disk still supports some ongoing star formation, albeit at a relatively modest rate of around 66 solar masses per year.



Zhúlóng’s specific star formation rate is surprisingly low for a galaxy formed so early in the history of the universe. 



This suggests the galaxy is entering a transitional phase - moving from active formation into cosmic retirement, long before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-found-something-strange-at-core-of-milky-way-galaxy-webb-meerkat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most galaxies</a> of its kind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mature-spiral-born-in-chaos">Mature spiral born in chaos</h2>



The elegance of Zhúlóng’s spiral arms has drawn intense attention. These arms are not faint or broken but stretch cleanly from the central bulge outward, resembling the structure of well-formed spirals like the Milky Way.



For decades, theorists believed such arms required many billions of years to develop, as they rely on organized disk dynamics and stable conditions.



Yet Zhúlóng contradicts this. 



“It is really exciting that this galaxy resembles a grand-design spiral galaxy like our Milky Way,” says Williams. 



“It is generally thought that it takes billions of years for this structure to form in galaxies, but Zhúlóng shows that this could also happen in only one billion years.”



What’s more, the arms appear in residual maps after subtracting the galaxy’s main light components, which confirms their reality. The spiral pattern extends across an unusually large face-on disk that is nearly 20 kiloparsecs wide.



Its half-light radius reaches up to 3.9 kiloparsecs, and when using a non-parametric method, 80% of its stellar light spreads out to nearly 10 kiloparsecs. This is immense by any standard, let alone for a galaxy so early in cosmic history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-find-or-tip-of-the-iceberg">Rare find or tip of the iceberg?</h2>



Could Zhúlóng be unique, or is it the first of many such ancient spirals? The answer may lie in future wide-area JWST surveys and improved models of galaxy formation. 



So far, only a handful of spiral-like galaxies have been identified at redshift z &gt; 3. Zhúlóng stands as the most distant example.



Its large disk, mature bulge, and red spiral arms all point to a level of organization that is rarely expected in the early cosmos. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://storage.noirlab.edu/media/archives/images/publicationjpg/noirlab2516a.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Zhulong_torch-galaxy_PANORAMIC-survey_JWST_NoirLab_1s.webp" alt="Zhúlóng was discovered as part of the PANORAMIC Survey — a wide-area imaging survey being conducted with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). . Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/NASA/CSA/ESA" class="wp-image-1966138"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zhúlóng was discovered as part of the PANORAMIC Survey — a wide-area imaging survey being conducted with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Click image to enlarge. Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/NASA/CSA/ESA</figcaption></figure>



The galaxy also avoids heavy dust obscuration, unlike some other massive galaxies discovered with submillimeter telescopes. Instead, it offers a clear view into the dynamics of early disk galaxies.



The rarity of spiral arms in early epochs could mean they are short-lived. In the high-density, merger-rich universe of that time, such delicate structures might often be destroyed before reaching our telescopes. Zhúlóng may represent a fleeting moment of cosmic symmetry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-zhulong-matter">Why does Zhúlóng matter?</h2>



Zhúlóng challenges the narrative of slow galaxy growth. It suggests that some massive galaxies, perhaps under specific conditions, can grow their bulges and disks rapidly. 



It also reinforces that the classic Hubble sequence - with spirals, ellipticals, and bulge-disk galaxies - may have begun forming far earlier than once thought.



In comparing Zhúlóng to the Milky Way, the similarities become startling. The size, mass, and structure closely match our home galaxy, but Zhúlóng achieved this structure in only a tenth of the time. 



This forces a reevaluation of the timing and mechanics behind spiral galaxy formation.



Despite the turbulent environment of the early universe, some galaxies found a path to order and elegance. Zhúlóng is one such case - not just a cosmic oddity but a glimpse into what the first billion years could produce when conditions aligned.



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



Zhúlóng’s discovery opens the door to a new class of early galaxies. 



As the Webb telescope continues scanning the deep universe and surveys like COSMOS-Web expand, more such spirals may emerge. If they do, astronomers will need to refine their theories about when - and how - galaxies become mature.



This galaxy is a striking example of cosmic maturity arriving far earlier than theory allows. Its red bulge, youthful arms, low star formation rate, and ultra-massive profile defy expectations. 



But it is only one data point. Future spectroscopy and deep imaging from JWST and <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/alma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ALMA</a> will help decode its origin story.



For now, Zhúlóng stands as a dragon in the deep, carrying light, time, and mystery from an age we are only just beginning to understand.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.aanda.org/component/article?access=doi&amp;doi=10.1051/0004-6361/202453487" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.



Image Credit: <a href="https://noirlab.edu/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOIRLab</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aura-astronomy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AURA</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSA</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, M. Xiao (<a href="https://www.unige.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>), G. Brammer (<a href="https://nbi.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Niels Bohr Institute</a>), D. de Martin &amp; M. Zamani (<a href="https://noirlab.edu/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF NOIRLab</a>)



-----



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



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



-----

Meet Zhúlóng: The oldest known spiral galaxy in the universe

When the Webb telescope launched, astronomers expected new surprises. But...

Cancer can turn life upside down for many people. The physical struggle is often matched by emotional burdens that seem to show up when least expected. 



A recent study led by Ryan Castle from the <a href="https://wholehealthoncology.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whole Health Oncology Institute</a> is shedding new light on the role of cannabis to treat cancer symptoms. 



Castle's team joined forces with <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250416912635/en/Cancer-Playbook-Powered-by-Whole-Health-Oncology-Institute-Launches-the-Largest-Meta-Analysis-to-Date-on-Medical-Cannabis-and-Cancer-Symptoms">Cancer Playbook</a> to explore whether cannabis can help with typical cancer complaints like pain, appetite loss, and sleeplessness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-ease-cancer-symptoms">Cannabis may ease cancer symptoms</h2>



Cancer Playbook is known for bridging research with the experiences of real people. The platform gathers observations from individuals going through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment</a>, then combines that data with findings from peer-reviewed publications.



This provides a more complete view of how cannabis interacts with the body, while also revealing what has worked for others.



“We expected controversy. What we found was overwhelming scientific consensus,” said Castle. 



Many studies now suggest that, when properly used, cannabis can be of significant help in addressing cancer symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-stories-shape-cannabis-research">Real stories shape cannabis research</h2>



Technology in healthcare is moving fast, but personal stories can be just as powerful. Cancer Playbook uses <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/patient-reported-outcome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patient Reported Outcomes</a> to shift the spotlight onto people’s actual experiences. 



Those outcomes transform observations about fatigue and aches into reliable data that clinicians can apply.



Healthcare professionals have started to give these accounts more attention, since large <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trials</a> don't always capture the day-to-day hurdles that real individuals face. 



Focusing on each person’s comfort level, mood, and energy can create a more complete cancer care plan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-reduce-cancer-related-pain">Cannabis may reduce cancer-related pain</h2>



Pain can influence every aspect of life for cancer patients. Opioids have been a traditional go-to, but some find limited relief or tough side effects. 



Data from various research efforts suggest that cannabis may ease <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7140/5/1/7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lingering pain</a> for some patients while posing fewer complications.



Users who turn to cannabis for treating cancer symptoms often report fewer problems than they had feared. 



A handful of these studies show promise in helping with neuropathic pain, which is a tricky discomfort that standard drugs can’t always contain.



Not everyone responds in the same way, but many see cannabis as a welcome option for exploring additional approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-appetite-and-nausea">Cannabis, appetite, and nausea</h2>



Nausea is a serious drain on quality of life for people undergoing harsh treatments. Traditional anti-nausea medications help but might not cover the full scope of how patients feel. That’s where medical cannabis steps in, offering another strategy for those dealing with this challenge.



Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11409765/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> indicates that cannabis may support better eating patterns by triggering chemical receptors tied to hunger. 



Even modest success can make a difference by preserving energy and mood. It’s not a magic fix, but it could be an added tool in an often-complicated toolbox.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-help-reduce-inflammation">Cannabis may help reduce inflammation</h2>



Inflammation can worsen cancer’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> and lead to other serious problems. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915323000021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> studying <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/neurotoxin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a> and immune triggers have noticed that cannabinoids might reduce harmful responses at the cellular level. This suggests a targeted benefit that goes beyond just pain or nausea management.



Experts caution that these biological processes are not fully understood, and it’s unclear how inflammation shifts from minor to long-term danger. 



Early patterns, though, point to cannabis as having a role in controlling swelling in tissues, which might be helpful if standard therapies fall short.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patients-need-informed-choices">Patients need informed choices</h2>



“Too often, people turn to cannabis as a last resort. We believe it should be part of the conversation from day one,” said Jim Gerencser, the founder of Cancer Playbook.



By logging real-life feedback and comparing it with existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aspirin-may-prevent-cancer-from-moving-to-other-parts-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>, Cancer Playbook informs patients on treatment approaches that doctors might not always have time to discuss in detail. 



This helps remove guesswork and promotes shared decision-making, which can reduce anxiety when facing critical choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-studies-support-cannabis-use">Large studies support cannabis use</h2>



Interest in cannabis has been sparked by large reviews that merge thousands of peer-reviewed articles. 



Researchers pool results to look for patterns that might be overlooked if only a handful of academic papers is scanned. This approach shapes a big-picture view of what may help many people who are facing cancer diagnoses.



Recent findings suggest that several cannabinoids appear safer and more effective than older assumptions indicated. 



However, some questions remain about recommended doses and timing. Clinical trials still need to define the exact parameters for optimal results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-advice-and-safe-cannabis-use">Medical advice and safe cannabis use</h2>



Although the enthusiasm for cannabis is growing, it’s wise to proceed with medical advice. Certain interactions with prescription drugs haven’t been fully studied. There's also the complexity of the plant itself - hemp, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/endocannabinoid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endocannabinoids</a>, and oils vary in chemical content.



Some oncologists suggest choosing formulations that have been tested for purity, which can reduce the risk of additives or inconsistent potency. Safety checks matter. 



Cancer treatment demands careful collaboration between patients and healthcare teams, so speaking openly about cannabis use is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-research-across-cancer-fields">Cannabis research across cancer fields </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-could-accelerate-discoveries-in-cancer-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> on cannabis continues to shift. Some of it focuses on how different strains interact with radiation or immunotherapy. Other work tracks its <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/anticarcinogenic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anticarcinogenic</a> capabilities, although that part is still being investigated in labs and patient trials.



Discussions about cannabis today look different from earlier times, when legal barriers limited the scope of studies. The current environment encourages deeper investigations. That leads to a broader acceptance of cannabis as a therapy that is worth exploring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-cancer-care">The future of cancer care</h2>



Many updates in oncology come from labs, but the patient perspective is equally valuable. When data from countless personal experiences gets analyzed, fresh patterns can emerge. 



Information about how people handle their side effects or combine treatments can shed new light on possible ways to get results.



Well-designed platforms like Cancer Playbook aim to make sense of these experiences without trivializing the science behind it all. It’s a blend of real-world accounts and measured research, which gives patients a more active role in shaping their own care path.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1490621/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Oncology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Overwhelming evidence that cannabis significantly helps cancer patients

Cancer can turn life upside down for many people. The...

As the planet heats up, the challenges of climate change reach into every part of life - including our hospitals. The global blood supply is among the systems under increasing stress. For decades, health services have relied on a stable network of volunteer donors, rigorous testing, temperature-sensitive storage, and timely transport.



But as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change drives more extreme weather, alters disease patterns, and affects public health on multiple fronts, researchers are warning that blood safety and availability may no longer be assured.



A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health offers the most comprehensive analysis yet.



Conducted by experts at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usc.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Sunshine Coast</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lifeblood.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Red Cross Lifeblood</a>, the research lays out the many ways climate instability could disrupt the blood supply chain - from donor health and logistics to storage and distribution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-disrupts-the-blood-supply-chain">Climate disrupts the blood supply chain</h2>



The blood supply system is complex. It depends on a series of tightly coordinated steps: identifying eligible donors, collecting blood, transporting it for processing, screening it for diseases, and finally distributing it to clinics and hospitals. 



Each step requires infrastructure, reliable energy, and human effort. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate</a> change threatens all of these.



“Warmer temperatures and natural disasters such as heatwaves, floods, cyclones, and bushfires are expected to become more frequent and severe,” noted Dr. Elvina Viennet, Lifeblood researcher and UniSC Adjunct Research Fellow.



“As well as limiting the mobility of large numbers of people, these events disrupt the storage, safety, and transportation of blood, which has a short shelf life."



“We experienced this recently with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Australia, when an extreme weather event drastically reduced national blood supplies for the first time."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-diseases-old-fears">New diseases, old fears</h2>



One of the most alarming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> is the rise of infectious diseases that can spread through blood. As the climate shifts, mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus are moving into new territories. These diseases not only raise demand for transfusions but also disqualify many donors.



Study lead author Dr. Helen Faddy, an associate professor at UniSC, elaborated on the focus of the research.



“While many studies have explored the broader health effects of climate change, we sought to fill gaps in understanding the full extent of the risks – from donor health and collection logistics to the processing, storage and distribution of products,” said Dr. Faddy.



“For example, predictions of increased rainfall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthier-nations-set-bold-climate-targets-but-citizens-give-less/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer temperatures</a> in certain regions including Australia, could intensify mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue Fever, West Nile virus and malaria, and potentially see them spread to new areas."



At the same time, shifts in disease prevalence and natural disaster frequency could increase the demand for blood transfusions.



Dr. Faddy also pointed out that rising sea levels could increase migration, making it harder to find compatible blood types for patients. To address this, it's important to recruit more donors from diverse ethnic backgrounds and expand overall donor participation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-obvious-dangers-to-donation">Less obvious dangers to donation</h2>



Beyond infections and infrastructure, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-constantly-reshuffling-earths-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change also brings subtler problems. Heat-related illnesses, for instance, can disqualify otherwise healthy donors. 



Extreme temperatures can affect blood pressure and hydration levels. This may reduce the number of people who qualify to give blood on donation days.



Psychological stress linked to climate anxiety or natural disaster trauma also plays a role. Some may avoid public spaces or delay medical appointments, including blood donation. Displacement due to rising seas or wildfires could create so-called "blood deserts" - areas where donors and clinics are few and far between.



Nutritional changes may also matter. As more people shift to plant-based diets, iron levels may drop. Low ferritin disqualifies donors and can affect donation frequency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-disasters-disrupt-blood-testing">Climate disasters disrupt blood testing</h2>



Once blood is collected, it must be processed, tested, and delivered. Each of these steps depends on power supply, refrigeration, and reliable roads or air travel. These systems are vulnerable.



During floods or fires, transport can break down. Testing labs may lose power. Temperature-sensitive equipment may malfunction. Blood, plasma, and platelets must be stored within specific ranges. Even short delays or minor faults can spoil these precious supplies.



Samples for nucleic acid testing, used to screen for transfusion-transmissible infections, must be kept at 2–8°C and processed within 24–48 hours. Missed timelines due to climate-related disruption can result in unusable samples and wasted resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-affects-the-workforce">Climate change affects the workforce</h2>



The people who run the blood supply system are also at risk. Health workers, volunteers, and lab technicians may suffer from heat stress, illness, or burnout. In some areas, up to 70% of healthcare workers are women, many of whom juggle additional caregiving roles.



Disasters increase workloads, heighten stress, and often leave staff dealing with crises on both professional and personal fronts. Maintaining a full workforce during extended climate emergencies may become one of the hardest challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-emergencies-drive-blood-demand-nbsp">Climate emergencies drive blood demand&nbsp;</h2>



Blood isn’t just needed during disasters. Chronic illness, surgery, childbirth, and cancer treatments all depend on a regular supply. But climate change may worsen many of these conditions.



Bushfires and storms raise respiratory risks. Cardiovascular conditions can spike during heatwaves. Mental health disorders linked to climate disasters can raise the risk of self-harm and trauma, leading to more transfusions.



In disaster zones, the need for blood may surge just as clinics are flooded or roads are blocked. Hospitals need to keep up with these unpredictable spikes, often with limited resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-new-paths-forward">Finding new paths forward</h2>



While the threats are serious, solutions are emerging. Some innovations - like drone deliveries and walking blood banks - are already in use. In Rwanda, drones carry blood to remote clinics. In Australia, new emergency protocols allow blood to be collected at crisis sites.



Cell salvage, which recycles a patient’s own blood during surgery, reduces reliance on donors. Hospitals can prepare for climate-driven shortages by planning for alternative blood sources and developing flexible emergency protocols.



“As our environment evolves, we need to reduce reliance on traditional blood supply chains and have adaptable strategies that offer rapid responses to climate-related challenges," said Dr. Faddy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-services-and-climate-challenges">Blood services and climate challenges</h2>



Health systems must now plan for multiple types of disruption. Not only must they monitor vector-borne diseases, but they must also prepare for floods, fires, and energy outages. Emergency planning should include stock monitoring, route adjustments, and backup systems for storage and testing.



Public messaging and communication during emergencies will also be crucial. Ensuring the public understands when and where to donate - even when the usual centers are closed - could help maintain supplies in a crisis.



Experts also call for stronger international collaboration. Some countries have already helped others during disasters by sharing blood supplies or technologies. These partnerships may become essential as climate stress becomes more widespread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-resilience-and-equity">Research, resilience, and equity</h2>



This study highlights a major research gap. Very few studies have addressed the full impact of climate change on the global blood supply. Most focus on transfusion-transmissible infections, but the threats extend far beyond that.



Further research must explore how extreme weather, migration, dietary shifts, and mental health all interact with blood systems. Understanding these factors will help governments create more resilient and equitable health networks.



If left unaddressed, climate change could shift blood from a reliable resource to a vulnerable one. But with the right tools - early warning systems, flexible protocols, and community engagement - this vital lifeline can be protected.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(25)00051-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Climate extremes could lead to critical blood supply shortages

As the planet heats up, the challenges of climate change...

Industrial fishing has been a huge food source for decades. It pulls enormous amounts of marine organisms - and their stored nutrients - out of the water every year. Scientists say these activities are tied to the loss of important nutrients that help keep aquatic systems alive.



This observation gained traction when experts found that modern fishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habits</a> remove a significant share of these valuable elements from coastal and open-water habitats.



This research was led by Adrian Gonzalez Ortiz, who carried out this work while completing his master’s degree at <a href="https://www.usu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a>. 



Gonzalez Ortiz teamed up with collaborators from the <a href="https://www.seaaroundus.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea Around Us</a> initiative and other institutions to analyze the chemicals stored in the bodies of commonly fished species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fishing-shifts-ocean-nutrient-balance">Fishing shifts ocean nutrient balance</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-consequences-of-catch-and-release-sport-fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fisheries</a> focus on certain species based on demand and convenience. A targeted approach can shift the balance of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which are vital for marine food webs.



The researchers looked at landings across hundreds of locations worldwide. They uncovered patterns of nutrient removal that coincide with shifts in fish population structures in those regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-loss-weakens-nutrient-circulation">Fish loss weakens nutrient circulation</h2>



Estimates suggest more than 400 million tons of carbon alone were taken out through industrial catches over a span of many years. Even trace losses matter because fish play a part in passing these elements around the oceans.



“Fish and other marine organisms contain specific nutrients in their bodies,” said Gonzalez Ortiz. Capturing species that hold a lot of these elements may lower the supply that keeps ecosystems resilient.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mid-sized-fish-hold-more-nutrients">Mid-sized fish hold more nutrients</h2>



Medium-sized fish - often called <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/What-is-a-mesopredator-In-this-hypothetical-ecosystem-wolves-are-the-apex-or-top_fig1_40738157" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mesopredators</a> - have been singled out in the data. They act as hunters and prey, forming a key link for energy and nutrient movement across food webs.



“They store higher proportions of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, compared to other trophic groups,” said Dr. Trisha B. Atwood, associate professor at Utah State University.



These fish supply nutrient-rich prey to top-level predators, so removing them weakens both ecosystem function and future fishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-vessels-most-industrial-fishing-activity-is-not-publicly-tracked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prospects</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-different-regions">Impacts on different regions</h2>



The study tracked major changes in coastal zones and the open sea. Some coastal waters, such as parts of Southeast Asia, recorded striking extraction rates of nutrients over the past few decades.



In other areas, catches dipped after an initial boom, leading to fewer nutrients being taken out of those spots. This pattern sometimes pushed fishing fleets to head for new territories, where harvesting rose and nutrient removal climbed as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-removal-changes-ocean-productivity">Fish removal changes ocean productivity</h2>



Nutrient extraction is not just about the fish that people eat. By removing organisms with crucial roles in cycling phosphorus and nitrogen, fisheries can change local productivity in ways that might be overlooked.



“This not only negatively impacts the ecosystem but also fisheries,” said Dr. Atwood. Fish often bring vital substances to shallower waters, and taking them out removes those chemical supplies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-possible-solutions">Looking at possible solutions</h2>



Experts are <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/faf.12233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying</a> how fisheries management might adapt to curb nutrient losses. Reducing overfishing and giving depleted stocks time to bounce back could help shore up the element flow in some regions.



Stricter catch limits or seasonal bans might lessen the strain on the most affected species. A balanced approach could keep vital trophic levels healthy and ensure that fishing can continue to support global demand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-effects-in-the-ocean">Cascading effects in the ocean</h2>



Some officials believe that new guidelines could protect fish populations and ocean nutrients. Others say that improved data collection on the basic chemistry of these creatures might spark better policies.



Changes in the nutrient makeup of the ocean can ripple through entire systems. That may impact everything from coral reefs to large migratory predators that need nutrient-packed meals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-can-guide-better-fish-policies">Research can guide better fish policies</h2>



Researchers are calling for more local studies that look at the fish in their habitats. That includes examining the full dietary range of predators and how smaller fish pass crucial chemicals around.



Most management rules focus on tonnage alone. Adding information about nutrient composition could paint a clearer picture and keep fisheries more sustainable over the long term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-success-in-fisheries">Measuring success in fisheries</h2>



Many governments are revisiting how they measure success in fisheries. Some are exploring integrated methods that consider not only the biomass of fish but also the distribution of chemical elements needed to keep the waters productive.



The research team hopes that updated approaches will spur better evaluations of ocean health. “Such a decrease in catches resulted in fisheries expanding to other ocean areas,” said Dr. Maria ‘Deng’ Palomares, manager of the Sea Around Us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrients-and-long-term-ocean-health">Nutrients and long-term ocean health</h2>



Overlooking the chemical side of fishing could lead to unrecognized risks for marine environments. Solutions will likely require precise data, careful planning, and perhaps more restraint in how we exploit aquatic resources.



Stakeholders from the fishing industry and environmental groups acknowledge that balancing needs of people and nature is tricky. This evidence hints that a closer look at key nutrients may give leaders a sharper tool for preserving fish populations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02218-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Fishing removes key nutrients from marine ecosystems

Industrial fishing has been a huge food source for decades....

<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.



—–



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



—–



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



—–

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.



-----



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



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



-----

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.



-----



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



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



-----

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>



-----



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



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



-----

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

News coming your way