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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Space journeys that stretch far beyond home are on the horizon. Crews heading for Mars will face conditions quite different from those on Earth, and researchers have been working to figure out what might happen to the human body during these extended voyages. 



Kidneys have been a big question mark. Recent work reveals that these important organs could face more trouble than previously assumed, including a higher risk of stones and lasting damage.



Several studies have hinted at health concerns for astronauts ever since humans first ventured outside Earth’s protective zone, but the new findings shed light on why such problems arise in the kidneys. 



Dr. Keith Siew from the <a href="https://www.londontubularcentre.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London Tubular Centre</a>, based at the UCL Department of Renal Medicine, and his colleagues have pieced together a detailed picture of what happens when living beings - human and otherwise - experience space-like conditions for weeks to years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-missions-and-human-kidneys">Space missions and human kidneys</h2>



The latest study was conducted under a UCL-led initiative involving over 40 institutions on five continents.



The team considered data from 20 different research cohorts and samples linked to over 40 Low Earth orbit missions to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-says-the-international-space-station-is-too-clean-add-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a>, plus 11 simulations with mice and rats. 



The work is described as the largest analysis of kidney health in spaceflight so far and includes the first health dataset for commercial astronauts. 



It also involved seven simulations in which mice were exposed to radiation that mimicked up to 2.5 years of cosmic travel beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetic field</a>. 



Findings revealed that the structure and function of the kidneys are altered by spaceflight, with galactic radiation causing permanent damage that would jeopardize any long-distance mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kidneys-and-deep-space-radiation">Kidneys and deep space radiation</h2>



Astronauts in Low Earth orbit still benefit from partial shielding by our planet’s magnetic field. 



Only 24 people - the ones who went to the moon - have been exposed to the full brunt of Galactic Cosmic Radiation for short trips of about 6-12 days. 



Nobody has ventured on a years-long mission beyond the Earth’s magnetic boundary, so it was unclear how organs might hold up under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-spacecraft-fighting-survival-cosmic-threats-outside-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more extreme conditions</a>.



As part of the new study, researchers found that certain kidney tubules, which control delicate balances of salts and calcium, shrink after just a month in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microgravity-causes-big-problems-with-human-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a>. 



The kidneys also process salts in a way that increases the likelihood of kidney stone formation. 



This new insight shifts the focus away from an older assumption that stones in space result mainly from bone loss causing elevated calcium in urine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-distance-more-radiation">Longer distance, more radiation</h2>



The research highlighted that cosmic radiation cannot be fully blocked by typical shielding. When mice were given doses of simulated <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/galactic-cosmic-rays" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galactic Cosmic Radiation</a> equal to a mission length of up to 2.5 years, the animals showed irreversible kidney damage. 



Some of the key observations point to changes in how the kidneys manage vital minerals, which impacts long-term health during space travel.



“We know what has happened to astronauts on the relatively short space missions conducted so far, in terms of an increase in health issues such as kidney stones,” explained Dr. Siew. 



“What we don’t know is why these issues occur, nor what is going to happen to astronauts on longer flights such as the proposed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-finds-sulfur-crystals-martian-rock-hints-at-possible-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mission to Mars</a>.”



If scientists don’t develop new ways to protect the kidneys, any astronaut that makes it to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-organic-molecules-ever-found-on-mars-confirm-life-forming-chemistry-is-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> will likely need dialysis on the way home or upon arrival.



"We know that the kidneys are late to show signs of radiation damage; by the time this becomes apparent it’s probably too late to prevent failure, which would be catastrophic for the mission’s chances of success," Dr. Siew concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-kidneys-and-future-space-travel">Human kidneys and future space travel</h2>



Space agencies have been aware since the 1970s that journeys outside our planet’s natural defenses lead to health concerns involving bones, eyes, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular system</a>. 



This new work puts fresh focus on the kidneys. It also highlights the importance of managing both microgravity and radiation, especially with more ambitious missions on the table.



“Our study highlights the fact that if you’re planning a space mission, kidneys really matter. You can’t protect them from galactic radiation using shielding," noted Professor Stephen B. Walsh from the London Tubular Centre, UCL Department of Renal Medicine.



"But as we learn more about renal biology it may be possible to develop technological or pharmaceutical measures to facilitate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-has-unexpected-effects-on-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extended space travel</a>."



Any drugs developed for astronauts may also be beneficial here on Earth. For instance, by enabling cancer patients’ kidneys to tolerate higher doses of radiotherapy, which is currently an impediment to that form of treatment.



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



Though this work only outlines organ changes up to two and a half years, it stands as the most comprehensive data currently available for that timescale. 



Researchers say that pinpointing these risks is a vital first step before reliable solutions can be introduced. 



The study’s international collaboration suggests momentum is building to safeguard astronauts’ kidneys, and future innovations could reach beyond space missions to help patients on Earth.



Experts note that learning how to handle the combined effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation will be key to making ambitious missions safer. 



With evidence pointing to serious kidney challenges, careful planning will be needed to keep crews healthy on journeys that last far longer than any undertaken before.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49212-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Astronauts can survive a trip to Mars, but one critical internal organ will likely fail

Space journeys that stretch far beyond home are on the...

Wind and Earth’s spin keep the ocean’s surface currents constantly moving, and those currents are the main reason floating plastic and other debris travel so far. A prime example of this phenomenon is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.



Two types of currents do most of the work: geostrophic currents, which form from the balance between gravity and Earth’s rotation, and Ekman currents, which wind drives directly. Together, they carry debris across vast stretches of the ocean.



As these currents swirl, they naturally pull trash toward the centers of the world’s five subtropical gyres - massive, slow-moving whirlpools in the ocean. Over time, these zones turn into plastic hotspots, where all kinds of floating junk gathers.



The North Pacific subtropical gyre is the most infamous of the bunch. That’s home to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the biggest and most studied plastic pile-up in the ocean. 



It’s drawn the attention of scientists, environmentalists, and the public alike. And not surprisingly, many of the first large-scale ocean cleanup projects have started right there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch">Understanding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch</h2>



The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of plastic debris, abandoned fishing gear, and other trash that accumulates in the North Pacific Ocean. 



These plastics can take hundreds of years to break down, and even when they do, they become tiny microplastics that enter marine food chains. 



This swirling soup of litter poses a big threat to marine life, seabirds, and even human health when contaminated seafood ends up on our plates.



You might picture the patch as a giant floating island of trash, but in reality, it’s more like a massive zone of scattered debris. 



This makes it difficult to clean up, as much of the garbage is tiny bits of plastic dispersed throughout the water. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-alternative-hiding-in-plain-sight">Smarter alternative hiding in plain sight</h2>



Instead of chasing the trash, scientists now suggest using the ocean’s own natural flow to do the work. A new study has mapped out zones where water tends to converge and pull debris into tight pockets.



“Instead of boats slowly trawling and burning fuel, they can hold their position and keep the nets steady at a location where currents funnel and aggregate drifting objects,” said <a href="https://www.psi.edu/staff/profile/rodrigo-duran/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodrigo Duran</a>, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.psi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Science Institute</a>, and co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-patterns-pull-trash-into-zones">Ocean patterns pull trash into zones</h2>



The team, led by <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luca_Kunz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luca Kunz</a> from the University of Hamburg, used over 20 years of satellite and drifter data to spot high-traffic areas for floating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-currents-may-soon-clean-up-waste-thanks-to-space-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a>. 



These zones, called Transient Attracting Profiles (<a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024OcSci..20.1611K/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRAPs</a>), are temporary regions where swirling currents push trash together.



TRAPs form when four eddies - circular currents - spin in just the right pattern. About 60% of the time, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-ocean-current-may-be-more-stable-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pattern</a> pulls debris into a stable zone roughly 60 miles (96 kilometers) wide. Most of these zones stick around for about six days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-changes-cleanup-strategy">Why this changes cleanup strategy</h2>



Instead of moving across hundreds of miles, crews could now wait at known TRAP locations. When positioned right, nets could skim off trash that is funneled in by the current.



That saves fuel, time, and effort - and reduces the environmental cost of sweeping up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-ocean-trash">More than just ocean trash</h2>



While TRAPs are useful for plastic cleanup, Duran says they could also be used for search and rescue, cargo loss, oil spill containment, or tracking volcanic ash and wildfire smoke as it drifts across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-draining-nutrients-from-the-oceans-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> and air.



“This can even be used for atmospheric data,” Duran said, pointing to how the technique can predict movement across multiple systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-past-predictions-fell-short">Why past predictions fell short</h2>



Previous models tried to guess where trash was heading based on <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/030193229090034G" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lagrangian simulations</a>, which track particles drifting on oceans over time. But at the smaller scale - about 1 to 10 miles (1.6 to 16 kilometers) - those methods break down.



TRAPs flip the question. Instead of asking where an object will go, they ask: where will things gather? That shift makes all the difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-patterns">Testing the patterns</h2>



To verify these zones, the team analyzed how drifters (floating sensors that move with surface currents) behaved around TRAPs. Most stayed near a TRAP for an average of six days. A few stuck around for over a month.



Researchers also noticed that drifters weren’t just spinning in circles. They were pulled straight into a TRAP, then funneled along its length - like getting sucked into a current and pushed out the other side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-this-can-change-everything">How this can change everything</h2>



The most effective TRAPs form in clusters of four eddies with alternating spin directions. These structures appear often in areas of high turbulence, like near <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/oceanography-northern-california-current-study-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California’s upwelling zone</a> or around the <a href="https://hilo.hawaii.edu/~kenhon/GEOL205/Chain/default.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawaiian Ridge</a>.



Tracking them in real time could help cleanup crews navigate better and use far fewer resources. Long-lasting TRAPs, in particular, offer a clear target: the longer they exist, the more plastic they tend to gather.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-coming-for-ocean-trash-cleanup">What’s coming for ocean trash cleanup</h2>



This technique isn’t just theory. It’s backed by decades of observations and tested with real ocean data. Cleanup crews could start using TRAP tracking to guide where and when they deploy nets.



As satellite monitoring improves and new missions deliver higher-resolution data, smaller TRAPs near coastlines may also be tracked more easily.



“It’s a very exciting time,” Duran remarked. The scale of the garbage patch is overwhelming, but knowing where and when debris gathers gives crews a fighting chance.&nbsp;



If cleanup systems can act more like filters than drag nets, sitting still while the ocean delivers the trash, then this could mark a shift in how we tackle plastic pollution at sea.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-22939-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Science</a>.



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New ideas on how to cleanup the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch'

Wind and Earth’s spin keep the ocean’s surface currents constantly...

After more than a decade of charting the stars with extraordinary precision, the European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft has completed its mission.&nbsp;



On March 27, mission controllers at <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESOC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA’s European Space Operations Center</a> (ESOC) powered down Gaia for the last time, sending the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gaia-reveals-moons-around-hundreds-of-asteroids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a> into a carefully planned solar orbit that will keep it far from Earth for at least a century.



Though Gaia’s systems are now silent, its scientific impact is just beginning to unfold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-decade-of-galactic-discovery">A decade of galactic discovery</h2>



Launched in 2013, Gaia set out to map the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> with a level of detail never before achieved. Over the years, it recorded the positions, motions, distances, and physical properties of nearly two billion stars.&nbsp;



The resulting data has revolutionized our understanding of galactic structure and evolution, and provided insight into everything from black holes and exoplanets to asteroids, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bouncing-comets-could-deliver-lifes-building-blocks-to-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comets</a>, and distant galaxies.



“Gaia’s extensive data releases are a unique treasure trove for astrophysical research, and influence almost all disciplines in astronomy,” said Gaia Project scientist Johannes Sahlmann.



The mission’s legacy is already profound. It revealed the remnants of ancient galactic mergers, discovered new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-origins-of-young-star-clusters-traced-to-three-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a>, and enabled the most accurate visualisation of the Milky Way’s appearance from the outside.&nbsp;



Even with the spacecraft now decommissioned, its data releases will continue. A fourth major data release is scheduled for 2026, with a final “legacy” catalogue expected after 2030.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-powering-down-spacecraft">Challenge of powering down spacecraft</h2>



Gaia was designed to survive the hazards of space - radiation storms, micrometeoroid impacts, and lost contact with Earth. Redundant systems ensured it could restart itself and resume operation after nearly any disruption. That resilience made powering it down especially delicate.



“Switching off a spacecraft at the end of its mission sounds like a simple enough job,” said Spacecraft Operator Tiago Nogueira. “But spacecraft really don’t want to be switched off.”



To prevent any chance of Gaia reactivating, the team at ESOC developed a precise decommissioning sequence. They carefully disabled its instruments and subsystems, one by one.&nbsp;



The team also deliberately corrupted its software, ensuring that even if Gaia’s solar panels catch sunlight again, it won’t resume transmission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-gaia-at-a-safe-distance">Keeping Gaia at a safe distance</h2>



“I was in charge of corrupting Gaia’s processor modules to make sure that the onboard software will never restart again,” said Spacecraft Operations Engineer Julia Fortuno.&nbsp;



“I have mixed feelings between the excitement for these important end-of-life operations and the sadness of saying goodbye to a spacecraft I have worked on for more than five years.”



Before shutting it down completely, Gaia’s thrusters were fired one last time, nudging it away from the second Lagrange point (L2), its long-time observing post, and into a retirement orbit around the Sun.&nbsp;



That move ensures Gaia will stay at a safe distance from Earth - more than 10 million kilometers - for the next century or more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enduring-legacy-of-gaia">The enduring legacy of Gaia</h2>



Although Gaia’s instruments are now quiet, the spacecraft’s contributions to science will echo for decades. ESA missions already in orbit, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/euclid-captures-26-million-galaxies-in-vivid-deep-field-photos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a>, rely on Gaia’s star maps for accurate orientation.&nbsp;



The upcoming PLATO mission, designed to search for exoplanets, will build on Gaia’s detailed stellar data to target stars that are most likely to host planets.



Gaia also spent its final weeks in service conducting technology tests. Engineers examined how its micropropulsion system had aged after more than ten years in space - data that could prove invaluable for future missions such as ESA’s LISA observatory, which will detect gravitational waves using similar propulsion.



But the mission's farewell also carried a deeply human element. As a symbolic gesture, the names of around 1,500 people who worked on Gaia were written into its onboard memory, overwriting parts of the backup software.&nbsp;



Personal farewell messages were also added, allowing the spacecraft to carry a lasting tribute from its team as it drifts silently through the solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saying-goodbye-but-not-letting-go">Saying goodbye, but not letting go</h2>



ESA has long emphasized responsible spacecraft disposal, and Gaia’s deactivation reflects that commitment. Still, for the scientists and engineers who worked on it, the moment was bittersweet.



“We will never forget Gaia, and Gaia will never forget us,” said Gaia Mission Manager Uwe Lammers.



The spacecraft may no longer be gathering data, but its legacy is secured. Gaia has charted a new path for galactic exploration - one that future astronomers will follow for generations.



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Farewell to Gaia, the spacecraft that mapped the Milky Way

After more than a decade of charting the stars with...

The invention of sharp stone tools - known as “knapping” - marked a turning point in early human evolution, allowing our ancestors to access new food resources, from tough plant fibers to animal carcasses.&nbsp;



This technological leap played a critical role in the expansion of brain size and the complex development of human society.&nbsp;



But what led to this moment? How did the very first humans begin making sharp-edged tools in the first place?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-origins-of-stone-tools">Earliest origins of stone tools</h2>



A team of 24 scientists, led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.cmnh.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Museum of Natural History</a>, has proposed a new hypothesis to explain the earliest origins of stone tool <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">production</a>.&nbsp;



Their theory suggests that before hominins intentionally chipped stone to make tools, they likely used sharp rocks already shaped by natural forces.&nbsp;



The study was co-authored by Dr. Emma Finestone, an associate curator at the museum, along with Dr. Michelle R. Bebber and Dr. Metin I. Eren, research associates at the museum and professors at <a href="https://www.kent.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kent State University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-knives-came-first">Nature's knives came first</h2>



“I don’t think it was a ‘Eureka!’ moment whereby hominins first made a sharp stone flake by intention or by accident and then went to look for something to cut,” explained Dr. Eren. “There is no reason to produce sharp stone tools unless the need to cut is already in place.”



Instead, the team argues that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-had-surprising-diets-3-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> began by using what they call “naturaliths” - naturally occurring sharp rocks that formed through geological processes like river erosion or animal trampling. While previous research had suggested these natural cutting tools were rare, the new study challenges that view.



Drawing from global fieldwork and a comprehensive review of scientific literature, the researchers show that these naturally formed sharp <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-microbes-discovered-in-2-billion-year-old-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rocks</a> are surprisingly common. In fact, the production of naturaliths appears to happen continuously in many environments around the world, often in large quantities.



“In some cases, sharp rocks are produced by Mother Nature in the hundreds, thousands, or more,” said Dr. Bebber, who encountered one such site during her work in Oman. “It is quite astonishing…natural knives were likely readily available to our hominin ancestors.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploiting-nature-s-stone-tools">Exploiting nature's stone tools</h2>



Finestone’s own research in Kenya reveals that early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-are-weakening-earths-air-circulation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human activity</a> sites often appear near places where stone is naturally abundant.&nbsp;



“A hominin could have picked up and used a naturally sharp rock to process a carcass or plant material that might have been difficult to access using just their hands and teeth,” she said.



This suggests that early hominins likely began by exploiting natural tools already present in their environment. Only after becoming accustomed to using sharp edges would there have been evolutionary pressure to begin making their own - especially in places where naturaliths were scarce or where finer control over tool shape and sharpness was needed.



In other words, once early humans recognized the usefulness of sharp edges, the challenge became one of supply and customization.&nbsp;



Knapping may have emerged not as a sudden invention, but as a gradual response to practical needs: how to create sharp rocks on demand, in any location, and with particular features suited to specific tasks.



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



“This is the most parsimonious hypothesis for the origin of hominin stone technology to date,” said Dr. Eren. “But parsimony is not necessarily correct - archaeologists now need to test our hypothesis and search for naturalith use by hominins between 3 and 6 million years ago.”&nbsp;



“It is an exciting prospect… if hominins are using naturally sharp rocks as knives, then the archaeological record is going to get a whole lot older.”



If confirmed, the idea could push back the timeline of human technological behavior by hundreds of thousands - or even millions - of years.&nbsp;



Tools made intentionally through knapping have been dated to at least 3.3 million years ago. But if hominins were using naturally sharp stones before they ever struck two rocks together, the behavioral roots of technology may lie deeper in prehistory than previously assumed.



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



The new hypothesis offers a refreshing shift in how we think about the dawn of toolmaking. Rather than a single “light bulb” moment, the origins of stone technology may reflect a gradual process shaped by the resources early humans found in their surroundings.&nbsp;



Recognizing the value of sharp edges likely preceded the skill of making them, and innovation may have begun not with invention, but with observation and adaptation.



As researchers begin searching the archaeological record for evidence of early naturalith use, this theory opens new possibilities for understanding how hominins evolved to shape the world around them - starting with the simple, sharp gift of nature itself.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/arcm.13075" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archaeometry</a>.



Image Credit: Archaeometry (2025)



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From nature to knapping: The surprising origins of stone tools

The invention of sharp stone tools - known as “knapping”...

For the first time, scientists have captured detailed measurements of water vapor high above Greenland’s vast ice sheet, using a custom-built drone to reach the upper atmosphere.&nbsp;



The breakthrough provides a new window into how water moves across and away from the island - and offers an important step toward more accurate models of ice loss in the Arctic’s rapidly changing climate.



The study was led by Kevin Rozmiarek, a doctoral researcher at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/instaar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research</a> (INSTAAR) at the University of Colorado Boulder. The research could reshape how scientists calculate Greenland’s future contributions to global sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-melting-giant-with-global-impacts">A melting giant with global impacts</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-is-approaching-a-critical-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland’s ice sheet</a> is a freshwater giant, containing about 8% of Earth’s total supply. But it’s rapidly shrinking. 



According to the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA), between fall 2023 and fall 2024 alone, Greenland shed around 55 gigatons of ice and snow - enough to fill over 20 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. 



The island has lost ice every year for nearly three decades, with more than 5 trillion tons melted away since 1992.



Most of that loss comes from visible processes: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> calving into the sea and melting ice and snow at the surface. But there’s another, less obvious way ice can vanish - through sublimation, when ice transforms directly into vapor without becoming liquid first. 



Some studies suggest that in parts of Greenland, up to 30% of summer snow might sublimate into the atmosphere. Where that vapor ends up, however, has been a mystery.



According to the experts, it is unclear whether that vapor recondenses and returns to the surface, or if it escapes the system entirely. Understanding the fate of this water is key to calculating Greenland’s long-term water balance - and predicting how much melt will contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-did-sea-levels-rise-after-the-last-ice-age-alarming-new-clues-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flying-into-the-unknown">Flying into the unknown</h2>



Traditionally, studying Arctic water vapor meant mounting costly plane flights into inhospitable environments and hauling air samples back to a lab. But Rozmiarek’s team found a better solution: a drone.&nbsp;



Outfitted with advanced sampling equipment and boasting a wingspan of 10 feet, the drone was launched 104 times during the summer of 2022 from a camp in Greenland’s interior run by the <a href="https://eastgrip.nbi.ku.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen’s East Greenland Ice-Core Project</a>.



The drone ascended to nearly 5,000 feet on each flight, collecting air samples at different altitudes. The goal was to measure the isotopes - unique combinations of hydrogen and oxygen - within water vapor molecules. These isotopic signatures act like a molecular fingerprint, helping scientists trace the vapor’s origin.



“Isotopes are water’s fingerprints,” Rozmiarek said. “By following these fingerprints, we can trace back to the source where the water vapor came from.”



Until now, scientists had good data on where Greenland’s water starts and ends - coming in from tropical air currents and freezing on the surface. But little was known about what happens to that water while it’s moving through the atmosphere. This missing piece was crucial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-future-of-greenland-ice-nbsp">Predicting the future of Greenland ice&nbsp;</h2>



Once the team gathered their isotopic data, they compared it to an existing climate model of the Arctic water cycle.&nbsp;



The results were striking: the model significantly underestimated how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a> Greenland receives. But when the researchers added their new isotopic data into the simulation, the model aligned closely with reality.



“It’s really important to be able to predict what’s going to happen to Greenland in the warming world as accurately as possible,” Rozmiarek said. “We demonstrated how useful water vapor isotope data is by successfully improving an existing model.”



This kind of refinement could lead to better predictions of melt rates, atmospheric circulation, and even how Greenland’s changes affect weather patterns far beyond the Arctic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensitivity-of-greenland-s-ice-nbsp">Sensitivity of Greenland’s ice&nbsp;</h2>



History shows that Greenland’s ice is sensitive to warming. About 125,000 years ago, during a naturally warmer period in Earth’s history, the ice sheet was much smaller, and global sea levels were up to 19 feet higher than today.&nbsp;



Now, with the planet once again heating up, scientists fear we could be heading toward a similar future.



The United Nations estimates that sea level rise already affects one billion people globally, threatening communities and ecosystems. Understanding exactly how - and how quickly - Greenland’s ice sheet might respond to further warming is critical.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-the-arctic">Next steps in the Arctic</h2>



Rozmiarek hopes to return to Greenland for more drone flights and extend this new method to other parts of the Arctic. The research is just beginning, but its implications are vast.



“It’s like we just figured out how to discover fingerprints at a crime scene,” he said. “This is a concrete step forward in understanding where water is going and where it is coming from in this important system at a time when we need it most.”



By combining cutting-edge drone technology with isotope science, researchers are piecing together the invisible flows of water that shape the future of one of Earth’s most vulnerable regions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2024JD042719" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JGR Atmospheres</a>.



Image Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio



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Drones reveal hidden details about Greenland’s melting ice

For the first time, scientists have captured detailed measurements of...

A lightsail might be the key to going farther and faster in space. So far, Voyager 1, which has been NASA’s deep space traveler since 1977, has yet to achieve this. Despite covering over 15 billion miles, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-1-resumes-messages-to-earth-from-15-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager</a> hasn’t even reached 1% of the distance to Alpha Centauri, the nearest star beyond our Sun. 



It's clear that, in order for spacecraft to truly reach the stars, they will need a serious speed boost. One promising solution is the lightsail - a super-thin, reflective sheet that gets pushed by light, much like a sailboat moves with the wind.



Unlike traditional propulsion methods, lightsails don’t rely on fuel. With the right design, they could cut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curvature-propulsion-warp-drive-krasnikov-tube-future-intergalactic-space-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space travel</a> time from thousands of years to just a few decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-leap-forward-in-lightsail-design">A leap forward in lightsail design</h2>



Scientists from <a href="https://www.brown.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a> and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) have worked together to develop a new type of lightsail that’s lighter, thinner, and more reflective than anything that’s come before. 



The new design, described in Nature Communications, uses a material that is just 200 nanometers thick - thousands of times thinner than a human hair - and measures 60 millimeters by 60 millimeters.



Despite its size, this membrane is covered with billions of tiny holes that are carefully patterned to cut weight and reflect more light.



Miguel Bessa is an associate professor in Brown’s School of Engineering. Bessa co-led the research with Richard Norte, an associate professor at TU Delft.



“This work was a joint effort between theorists at Brown University and experimentalists at TU Delft, making it possible to design, fabricate and test a highly reflective lightsail with the largest aspect ratio recorded to date,” explained Bessa.



“The experimental breakthrough of Richard’s team proves their fabrication process is scalable to the dimensions needed for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/faster-than-light-warp-speed-drive-interstellar-travel-now-believed-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interstellar travel</a> and can be done in a cost-effective manner."



"Simultaneously, my team is very enthusiastic to see the essential role of our latest optimization method, guided by machine learning, in solving such an interesting and difficult engineering problem.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-a-lightsail-concept-into-reality">Turning a lightsail concept into reality</h2>



The research brings scientists closer to achieving goals like those of the Starshot Breakthrough Initiative, which is a project founded by Yuri Milner and physicist Stephen Hawking.



The initiative imagines using powerful ground-based lasers to push hundreds of meter-wide sails, each carrying a microchip-sized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-spacecraft-fighting-survival-cosmic-threats-outside-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a>. The new design, the researchers say, could be scaled up to those sizes without breaking the bank.



To make the sail, the team chose silicon nitride. It’s light, strong, and a good match for this type of engineering. They focused on two key goals: make it as reflective as possible and keep the weight down. 



A more reflective sail gets a bigger push from light, while a lighter sail needs less push to get moving. Together, these factors mean faster speeds.



The team used artificial intelligence to figure out how to place billions of holes in the material. The holes are smaller than the wavelength of light and play a key role in tuning how the sail reflects light. 



Bessa’s team, including Ph.D. student Shunyu Yin, used their own machine learning tools to find the best design.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-record-breaking-lightsail">A record-breaking lightsail</h2>



Once the design was set, it was time to build it. That’s where the TU Delft team came in.



“We have developed a new, gas-based etch that allows us to delicately remove the material under the sails, leaving only the sail,” said Norte.



“If the sails break, it’s most likely during manufacturing. Once the sails are suspended, they are actually quite robust. These techniques have been uniquely developed at TU Delft.”



With traditional techniques, making a lightsail like this could take up to 15 years and be extremely costly. But with the new method, fabrication took about a day - and came in at a fraction of the price.



The result is a record-breaking lightsail with a centimeter-wide surface and nanoscale thickness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-in-nanoscale-engineering">Breakthrough in nanoscale engineering </h2>



The team believes this work could lead to more than just faster <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/exploring-new-ideas-for-space-missions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space missions</a>. Their approach opens new doors for nanoscale engineering, using machine learning to solve tricky design problems.



“The new machine learning and optimization techniques we used here are very general,” Bessa said. “We could use them to create lots of different things for different purposes. This is really just the beginning. We might be on the verge of solving engineering problems that have remained unsolvable up to now.”



While reaching the stars may still be a long way off, this lightsail design shows that we're getting closer - one thin sheet at a time.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57749-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



Image Credit: Norte lab, TU Delft/Bessa lab, Brown University



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Ultra-thin lightsail created for faster space travel

A lightsail might be the key to going farther and...

Fruits and plant extracts have long been valued for their medicinal properties. Scientists are now working to better understand how these natural compounds might help prevent or treat disease, especially in the face of growing antibiotic resistance.



Recent research shows that certain plant extracts and fruit fibers may boost the immune system and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.lmu.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Munich</a> and the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) are teaming up to explore the power of medicinal plants in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). 



At a lecture during FAPESP Week Germany at the Free University of Berlin, the team shared that they are building infection models to investigate how plant compounds affect bladder cells and immune response.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medicinal-plants-may-block-infections">Medicinal plants may block infections</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/narrowing-the-search-for-new-medicinal-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medicinal plants</a> contain phytochemicals that may help block infections and support the body’s defenses.



Some of these compounds may reduce inflammation, fever, or pain, but researchers are especially interested in how they might block infections.



“Although their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/anti-inflammatory-foods-lower-the-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-inflammatory</a>, antipyretic and analgesic effects are well known, the active compounds of these plants - such as flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids - and their mechanisms of action on pathogen cells have yet to be characterized. Some are antibacterial, but many don’t have this effect,” said Ulrich Dobrindt, a professor at the University of Munich.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-extracts-and-bladder-cells">Plant extracts and bladder cells</h2>



To dig deeper, the scientists created infection models to observe how these extracts influence gene activity in bladder cells.



The experts are especially focused on plants listed in the German pharmacopoeia that have traditional use in treating urological issues.



Working with scientists at UFMG, the team tested extracts from plants like Solidago gigantea and Equiseti herba. 



They discovered that certain water-based extracts drastically reduced how well Escherichia coli, the main cause of UTIs, could stick to and survive in human bladder cells.



“We observed a drastic reduction in the adhesion and proliferation of this bacterium in bladder cells,” Ulrich said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruit-fibers-and-digestive-health">Fruit fibers and digestive health</h2>



While their German colleagues focused on infection, researchers in Brazil are exploring how fruit fibers may support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-coffee-promotes-digestive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive health</a> and prevent disease. 



A team from the University of São Paulo’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, working with the Food Research Center (FoRC), is studying special polysaccharides - complex sugars that can’t be digested but may have powerful biological effects.



These sugars, especially pectins, are found in papaya, passion fruit, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citrus-fruits-where-did-they-come-from-and-how-would-we-live-without-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citrus fruits</a>. They are believed to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 



But extracting them can be tricky. Fruits like papaya ripen quickly, which changes the structure of the pectins and reduces their health benefits.



“During fruit ripening, enzymes are expressed that modify the structure of the pectins, reducing their beneficial biological effects. Passion fruit and citrus pectins, on the other hand, must be chemically modified in order to present beneficial activities in the intestine,” explained João Paulo Fabi, professor at the University of São Paulo and project coordinator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-the-effectiveness-of-fruits">Boosting the effectiveness of fruits</h2>



To address these challenges, the Brazilian team created new methods to extract and alter pectin from the usually discarded white parts of oranges and passion fruit. 



By reducing their molecular complexity in the lab, the researchers were able to boost the pectins' effectiveness.



This led to one patent for extracting pectin from soft fruits like papaya and chayote. Another patent is being filed for a method to modify pectin from passion fruit leftovers.



“We already have a prototype for extracting and modifying these pectins on a laboratory scale. The idea is to obtain a product, such as a flour rich in modified pectin, that could be consumed as a supplement or food ingredient,” Fabi explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-and-fruits-the-future-of-medicine">Plants and fruits: The future of medicine</h2>



With their modified pectins, the team conducted animal studies in collaboration with other groups. These preclinical trials showed promising links between the altered pectins and improved biological activity in the body.



“These preclinical studies can serve as a basis for the development of clinical trials [with modified pectins] as adjuvants to chemotherapy treatment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-linked-to-younger-colon-cancer-patients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colon cancer</a> or even as beneficial modulators of the intestinal microbiota,” said Fabi.



Together, these complementary projects from Brazil and Germany highlight the potential of natural substances in improving health - from preventing infections to supporting the gut.



As science continues to explore the benefits of what we eat, it’s becoming clearer that the healing power of plants may be more than just folklore - it might be the future of functional food and medicine.



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Fruits and plants are powerful allies for disease prevention

Fruits and plant extracts have long been valued for their...

Hearing is one of our most vital senses. It helps us stay alert, connect with others, and make sense of the world. But not everyone hears the same way. While most people know hearing tends to decline with age, new research shows that sex and environment play an even bigger role.



Scientists have now confirmed that women generally have more sensitive hearing than men. The study, published in Scientific Reports, also uncovers how local surroundings - forests, cities, mountains - shape the way we hear.



These findings reshape how we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/useless-ear-muscles-may-actually-serve-a-purpose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understand hearing</a> across different human populations and could improve how we approach hearing loss.



This global investigation, led by Dr. Patricia Balaresque from the&nbsp;Center for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (<a href="https://www.cbiolab.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRBE</a>)&nbsp;in France and Professor Turi King from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a>, brought together researchers from multiple countries.



Their work is the first to explore how biology, geography, and culture intersect to shape human hearing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-varies-by-global-environment">Hearing varies by global environment</h2>



The team tested hearing in 450 individuals across 13 populations. Participants came from diverse settings, including Ecuador, England, Gabon, South Africa, and Uzbekistan. 



These locations were selected for their rich variety in ecology and culture. The goal was to go beyond urban, Western groups often overrepresented in medical research.



By choosing people from rural villages, high-altitude settlements, forests, and cities, the study captured how different environments might <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drugs-may-be-available-to-prevent-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a> how we hear. 



For the tests, the researchers used a technique called Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE). This method measures the cochlea’s response to sound and tracks how the ear sends signals to the brain.



This approach allowed scientists to understand not just how loudly someone hears but how their hearing responds across different sound frequencies. Until now, very little work had examined how sex or geographic setting affects these biological reactions. The results were striking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-has-the-strongest-impact">Sex has the strongest impact</h2>



It’s long been accepted that hearing sensitivity drops as people age. However, this study revealed that sex plays an even greater role than age. Across every population tested, women had an average of two decibels more sensitive hearing than men. This trend held true regardless of location, language, or lifestyle.



The differences also extended beyond basic sensitivity. Women performed better in other hearing tests, including those involving speech <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-mind-when-the-inner-voice-fades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception</a>. This suggests not only greater auditory sensitivity but also superior brain processing of sound.



"We were surprised to find that women had two decibels more sensitive hearing across all the populations we measured, and this accounted for most of the variations between individuals," said Professor King.



"This could be due to different exposure to hormones during development in the womb, due to men and women having slight structural differences in cochlear anatomy."



Professor King noted that, in addition to having higher hearing sensitivity, women also perform better in other hearing tests and speech perception, indicating that their brains are also better at processing the information.



"We don't really know why this might be, but given the detrimental effect of noise on overall health such as sleep quality and increased cardiovascular disease, having more sensitive hearing in noisy environments may not always be a good thing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environment-changes-how-we-hear">Environment changes how we hear</h2>



Next to sex, the most important factor influencing hearing was the environment. 



Where a person lived not only affected their response to sound volume but also altered how they processed different sound frequencies. People living in forests had the best hearing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-gamers-may-be-at-risk-of-irreversible-hearing-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sensitivity</a> overall, while those in high-altitude regions showed the weakest.



The researchers believe this may be due to environmental adaptation. Forests are full of non-human sounds - bird calls, rustling leaves, distant movements - that demand attention.



In such settings, sharper hearing may have offered survival advantages. In contrast, high-altitude environments offer less auditory stimulation and involve other stressors like low oxygen and air pressure, which might dull hearing over time.



"Our findings challenge existing assumptions and highlight the need to consider both biological and environmental factors when studying hearing. Identifying drivers behind natural hearing variation will improve our understanding of hearing loss and individual differences in noise tolerance," said Dr. Balaresque.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-noise-alters-frequency-perception">City noise alters frequency perception</h2>



Urban life presented a different kind of challenge. People from city areas showed a distinct shift in sensitivity toward higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spatial-hearing-how-humans-know-where-sounds-come-from/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frequencies</a>. 



The researchers suggest this may be the result of needing to filter out low-frequency noise from traffic and construction. Over time, the brain might adapt by tuning in more sharply to higher-pitched sounds.



This kind of adjustment could represent a modern form of sensory adaptation. Just as vision can change in response to light conditions, hearing might shift to suit the surrounding noise environment. While this ability may help urban residents focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spatial-hearing-how-humans-know-where-sounds-come-from/">speech</a> in noisy areas, it could also limit their range of auditory perception over time.



Professor King collected samples from the UK participants while at the <a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>. 



"We wanted to investigate in more detail what factors shape our hearing and the diversity of hearing sensitivities and see how our hearing has adapted to our local environment," she added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sound-pollution-and-human-health">Sound, pollution, and human health</h2>



Another theory links hearing sensitivity to pollution. People living in quieter, less polluted regions - like forests - might retain better hearing due to lower exposure to environmental toxins.



In contrast, city dwellers may be constantly exposed to noise, smoke, and chemicals that harm ear structures over time.



Hearing loss is not just a matter of inconvenience. Studies have connected poor hearing to cognitive decline, disturbed sleep, and even heart disease. These findings suggest that understanding how hearing works in different settings could help protect public health in more targeted ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hearing-and-human-evolution">Hearing and human evolution</h2>



This research also adds to the ongoing conversation about human evolution. Our hearing is not static - it reflects both our biology and the world we live in. As soundscapes change, so too might our ability to perceive them.



"We know that humans are continuing to evolve, so the next question is whether our hearing is able to change in response to different environments generally or whether there are genetic adaptations involved," said Professor King.



This study opens the door to further research on how our senses respond to change. It invites us to rethink hearing not just as a fixed ability, but as something deeply shaped by sex, biology, and the places we call home.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-92763-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Women hear better than men across all environments

Hearing is one of our most vital senses. It helps...

Evolution drives all biological change. It shapes every lifeform we know, including birds. Charles Darwin laid its foundation with natural selection, explaining how organisms adapt and survive through generations.



Recent advances in genetics and bioinformatics have pushed our understanding far beyond Darwin’s notebooks. One question still haunts the scientific world: What really drives <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-itself-found-to-be-evolving-as-life-constantly-learns-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">novelty</a> in evolution? 



A new study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> offers a fresh approach and some surprising answers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-evolution-tick">What makes evolution tick</h2>



DNA changes lie at the center of evolution. These changes fuel the dazzling variety of life around us. Sometimes, they produce traits that surprise us. Other times, they lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mutations</a> behind deadly viruses.



That’s why understanding DNA’s shifting patterns isn’t just scientific curiosity. It matters for protecting ecosystems. It matters for predicting health threats.



"Basically, we showcase a method to extract information from genomes and reveal the forces driving biological novelty with unprecedented detail," said David Duchene, a professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Copenhagen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-as-evolution-s-case-study">Birds as evolution’s case study</h2>



The team used birds as their main study group. Why birds? They’re the most diverse group of vertebrates - 10,000 species strong.



"We used birds as our study subject. With 10,000 known species, they are the most diverse class of vertebrates and uniquely suited for exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chapter-in-human-evolution-revealed-through-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary phenomena</a>. With our method, we were able to identify key factors that influence how these bird lineages and their thousands of genes evolve," explained Duchene.



Their method identified four key evolutionary factors: clutch size, gene biochemistry, chromosome size, and leg length. Duchene says these results break the idea that one trait, like flying or singing, steers a group’s evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-evolution-depends-on-many-traits">Bird evolution depends on many traits</h2>



"Our study tells us that you will find much nuance as to the drivers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutions-many-solutions-nature-finds-multiple-paths-to-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">novelty</a> once you look at multiple lineages and genes in detail. The biochemistry, chromosomes, and various aspects of lifestyle all play distinct roles in bringing about novelty," said Duchene.



It’s not one factor but many. The research shows how each piece, from gene makeup to physical traits, helps shape the tree of life. This view gives experts a better toolkit for tracking changes across different organisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-to-the-next-pandemic">Clues to the next pandemic</h2>



The findings stretch beyond birds, offering deeper insight into evolution across many forms of life.



The method could help scientists track how diseases evolve. It could help understand how plants respond to climate change. And it could point to what we risk losing in our current biodiversity crisis.



According to Duchene, the findings can be applied to a variety of contexts, such as understanding how diseases adapt to human demographics or climate conditions.



"The same principles that help us decode the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-model-esm3-creates-new-protein-that-simulates-500-million-years-of-biological-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a> of birds could also be used to investigate the genetic changes driving everything from pandemics to species adaptation in shifting ecosystems," said Duchene.



"This method could tell us: What is special about what we are losing in the current biodiversity crisis? What exactly made those animals so novel and unique, and what have they taught us about evolution such that we might want to preserve them?" 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-evolution-and-the-study-of-life">Bird evolution and the study of life</h2>



Every extinct species takes with it a chapter of evolution’s story. Understanding why those species were unique helps us grasp the full scale of what’s being lost. 



It also shows us what we must protect - not just for the sake of nature, but for future discoveries about life itself.



With this new approach, scientists can now map the drivers of evolution more clearly than ever before. The tools used to decode bird diversity may soon help us understand the rise of new diseases or the disappearance of key species. 



The study invites a shift in thinking - from seeing evolution as a slow and distant process to recognizing it as something dynamic and ongoing.



Nature still holds many secrets. But thanks to this work from the University of Copenhagen, we are one step closer to understanding how life continues to surprise, survive, and evolve.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08777-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Decoding evolution: How birds can help us prevent pandemics

Evolution drives all biological change. It shapes every lifeform we...

It’s not much of a stretch to say that Earth’s inner structure, especially the innermost spherical core, has stupefied scientists for generations. It sits over 3,000 miles below the surface, smaller than the Moon yet massive enough to play a big part in Earth’s magnetic field. 



A recent study in Nature Geoscience points to changes that started around 2010, suggesting Earth's inner core’s spin was slowing. 



In effect, it was found to be to be reversing and backtracking relative to the planet’s surface. This discovery has sparked fresh conversations about how the planet’s interior behaves over time.



Geophysicists have used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-detect-major-earthquakes-months-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquake signals</a> from nearly every continent to probe the inner core, which is surrounded by a swirling layer of liquid metal. Findings point to structural shifts in the iron sphere that raise new questions. 



After two decades of debate, investigators feel more confident linking these signals to an actual slowdown rather than an imagined event. 



<a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/profile/john-vidale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Vidale</a>, Dean’s Professor of Earth Sciences at the <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Dornsife College</a> of Letters, Arts and Sciences, worked on the project with Wei Wang of the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innermost-layers-of-earth-s-interior">Innermost layers of Earth's interior</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/continent-sized-islands-llsvp-found-inside-earth-are-100-times-taller-than-mount-everest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s interior</a> can be divided into several layers: the crust, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunken-worlds-discovered-under-the-pacific-ocean-in-earths-mantle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the mantle</a>, the liquid outer core, and the solid inner core at the center. Many scientists have studied how the inner core moves relative to the mantle and crust. 



Some found evidence that the core once rotated faster than the rest of Earth. Others noticed it might be easing up. 



The latest data points to “unambiguous evidence” of a slower pace starting around 2010, landing it at a speed slightly below that of Earth’s surface.



“When I first saw the seismograms that hinted at this change, I was stumped. But when we found two dozen more observations signaling the same pattern, the result was inescapable," Vidale explained. 



"The inner core had slowed down for the first time in many decades. Other scientists have recently argued for similar and different models, but our latest study provides the most convincing resolution.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-records-from-earthquakes-and-nukes">Records from earthquakes and nukes</h2>



Researchers rely on waves generated by earthquakes to examine the farthest corners of our planet. These waves pass through the inner core, reflecting minute details about its movement and shape. 



For their analysis, the team gathered readings from 121 repeating earthquakes originating near the South Sandwich Islands between 1991 and 2023. 



They also tapped into data from Soviet nuclear tests conducted between 1971 and 1974, as well as repeated French and American nuclear tests.



Vidale attributes the pace shift to the “churning of the liquid iron outer core that surrounds it, which generates <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetic field</a>, as well as gravitational tugs from the dense regions of the overlying rocky mantle.” 



Investigators think these forces may slightly affect day length. “It’s very hard to notice, on the order of a thousandth of a second, almost lost in the noise of the churning oceans and atmosphere.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-inner-core-is-backtracking">Earth's inner core is "backtracking"</h2>



Some prior research indicated that the inner core might be reversing itself. The new results add weight to that possibility by suggesting the core’s rotation has slowed and even begun shifting direction compared to Earth’s outer layers. 



Vidale “didn’t set out to define the physical nature of the inner core.” Yet the project unexpectedly uncovered more than just a slowdown in rotation. 



“What we ended up discovering is evidence that the near surface of Earth’s inner core undergoes structural change,” Vidale said.



Shifting layers deep underground might explain certain fluctuations in day length, but these effects are so slight that most people never detect them. 



The team believes dynamic interactions between the liquid outer core and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dense mantle zones</a> drive these shifts, making the inner core’s movement appear to switch course from time to time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-clues-from-seismograms">Surprising clues from seismograms</h2>



“But as I was analyzing multiple decades’ worth of seismograms, one dataset of seismic waves curiously stood out from the rest,” Vidale said. 



He and his colleagues analyzed waveforms picked up by monitoring stations in places like Fairbanks, Alaska, and Yellowknife, Canada. 



“At first the dataset confounded me,” Vidale said. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/earth-inner-core_less-solid_USC_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/earth-inner-core_less-solid_USC_1s.webp" alt="Diagram showing the Earth's inner core, once thought to be solid. Credit: USC" class="wp-image-1963609"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diagram showing the Earth's inner core, once thought to be solid. Click to enlarge. Credit: USC</figcaption></figure>



Modern techniques have since sharpened the picture, indicating that the inner core’s boundary may go through slow changes in shape caused by viscous deformation.



“What we’re observing in this study for the first time is likely the outer core disturbing the inner core,” Vidale said. 



Rather than acting like a rigid ball locked in place, the inner core seems to adapt over intervals that current seismic devices are finally able to capture. 



Scientists suspect this iron center may shift in ways that influence the planet’s magnetic field, given how much of that field is generated by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-mantle-shapes-surface-topography/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid outer region</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-earth-s-inner-core-matter">Why does Earth's inner core matter?</h2>



Experts at USC aim to track the core’s patterns more precisely in the years ahead. They plan to zero in on subtle signals that show how the inner core’s shape evolves. 



They hope this effort might offer a clearer picture of the underlying forces behind any reversing motion, including interactions that appear to adjust the core’s boundaries.



While Earth's inner core is often portrayed as static and solid, these fresh observations add nuance. Repeating earthquakes provide a valuable peek at what’s happening in an environment most people can only imagine. 



The research team believes that following waveforms from future quakes could unlock details about how Earth’s center changes over time. 



Vidale said the focus is on mapping these movements in ways that help scientists see what triggers the shifts in speed and form.



The new waveforms expand the broader conversation on Earth’s mechanics. Certain aspects, like magnetic fluctuations and temperature gradients, may link back to the inner core’s pace. 



Though the planet’s center remains out of reach, these findings reveal a place that is much more active than once believed.



The full study from 2024 was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07536-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



The full study from February 2025 was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-025-01642-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Earth's inner core is rapidly changing and now "rotating backwards"

It’s not much of a stretch to say that Earth’s...

When it comes to spending time outdoors, parks are meant to offer a break from city life - a place for kids to play, dogs to run, and people to relax.



But new research suggests that the very entrances to these green spaces may hold an invisible health risk.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> have found that entrances are the most contaminated areas within public parks when it comes to the presence of infective roundworm eggs.



The study focused on Toxocara, a genus of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-spreading-the-deadly-tropical-disease-leishmaniasis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasitic</a> roundworms commonly found in dogs and cats.



The eggs, which are passed into the environment through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-feces-can-harm-the-environment-and-disrupt-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal feces</a>, can be accidentally ingested by humans. While many people infected with Toxocara show no symptoms, others may develop serious health issues, including eye infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-park-hotspots-for-parasite-exposure">Park hotspots for parasite exposure</h2>



Previous studies have shown that park soils can be contaminated with Toxocara eggs, but few have looked at how contamination differs from one part of a park to another.



To investigate, the researchers collected soil samples from twelve parks across Dublin. They tested specific areas including entrances, playgrounds, the edges of sports fields, and grassy spots that are popular for sitting.



The results pointed to a clear pattern. Park entrances were the most contaminated, followed by playgrounds. 



Upon closer inspection, most of the detected eggs were found to be potentially infectious. The majority belonged to the species Toxocara canis, which is a roundworm species typically associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parasites-make-dogs-smell-enticing-to-infectious-sand-flies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-contamination-across-parks">Monitoring contamination across parks</h2>



The findings have clear implications for public health. According to the researchers, more preventive measures are needed - especially near park entrances and playgrounds.



"Park entrances had the most Toxocara eggs, and most of these eggs likely came from dogs. By providing signage, bins and a means to clean up after your dog in these locations, we could reduce the level of contamination. That’s the next step in the research," noted the experts.



The team also emphasized the importance of monitoring. They designed their testing method to be both affordable and simple, so it can be easily repeated. This allows for ongoing tracking of roundworm contamination across different parks and over time.



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



Although most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-overlooked-sources-of-antibiotic-resistant-salmonella/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infections in humans</a> remain undetected, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-parks-may-be-fueling-parasite-outbreaks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">parasites</a> have the potential to create serious illness in some cases. Children are particularly susceptible because they tend to play on the ground and have a tendency to put dirty hands in their mouths. 



Toxocara larvae may travel through the body in a small number of cases, giving rise to visceral larva migrans, or even eye injury that can cause loss of sight.



The presence of infective eggs in clusters at park entrances and playgrounds suggests that the risk of infection is greatest where families and pet owners congregate. These are also areas where children and pets are most likely to come into close contact with the soil.



Public information campaigns may serve to emphasize the need for good hygiene following a visit to the park, particularly among young children.



Also, urban planners and park officials can employ this study to redesign and maintain public parks.



By positioning additional trash cans closer to entrances, enhancing signs, or even changing landscaping in areas of high risk, cities can assist in curtailing parasite dissemination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-infection-risks-at-parks">Reducing infection risks at parks</h2>



Toxocara contamination isn’t just a city issue - it’s something that pet owners and visitors can help prevent. Picking up after dogs is a simple but powerful way to reduce the number of roundworm eggs entering the soil. 



Even if dog feces aren’t left near park entrances, rain and foot traffic can carry the contamination across the park.



If you're a regular park user, wash your hands after your visit, especially before eating or touching your face. If you have children, make sure they do the same. 



It's also a good idea to discourage digging or rolling in the grass in areas close to park entrances and playgrounds, where the risk of infection is higher.



Community involvement, from responsible pet ownership to smarter park design, plays a big role in keeping these shared spaces safe and healthy for everyone.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0012917" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases</a>.



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Public parks may be hotspots for parasitic infections

When it comes to spending time outdoors, parks are meant...

Young,Woman,Drinking,Water,Outdoors,,Promoting,Healthy,Hydration,And,An

Plastic containers and packaging are everywhere, as many people rely on them for food storage, convenience, and hydration. Plastics have improved modern life in countless ways, but the ultimate price of this convenience is only now coming clearly into focus.



We have reached the point as a society where researchers have begun looking beyond the environmental hazards of plastic pollution to uncover hidden connections between plastic exposure and human well-being. 



Questions are emerging about how microplastics might be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-chewing-gum-may-be-full-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affecting our bodies</a> and whether this is something we should address.



Some everyday items, such as water bottles, may contribute far more than trash. They could be releasing tiny plastic particles that slip into our bodies. 



Early studies suggest that plastic particles are influencing human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-over-2000-genetic-markers-that-affect-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood pressure</a>, a condition linked to serious cardiovascular problems. 



According to Dr. Johanna Fischer from the Department of Medicine at <a href="https://www.dp-uni.ac.at/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danube Private University</a> in Austria, a few recent findings have sparked new debates about what happens when microplastics flow through our bloodstream.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-pieces-of-plastic-wreaking-havoc">Tiny pieces of plastic wreaking havoc</h2>



Microplastics measure less than 5 mm, arising from the breakdown of larger plastics or from everyday sources like car tires and synthetic clothing. 



They have been detected in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food, water, and the air</a>. Scientists have identified them in the placenta, in certain organs, and even in the bloodstream. 



Their presence has raised concerns because they might trigger inflammation or hormonal imbalances. By entering daily routines unnoticed, these microscopic bits could pose health hazards that are still under investigation.



Recent work has pointed to an unexpected culprit for high blood pressure. Their investigations indicate that common water bottles can release particles into the liquid we drink. 



According to preliminary insights, microplastics can migrate into our system, with potential effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-smell-control-your-blood-pressure-new-research-says-yes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood pressure measurements</a>. 



Investigators also discovered these minute fragments in glass containers, which complicates efforts to avoid them altogether. 



This points to a wider issue that stretches beyond visible waste and calls for innovative approaches to monitoring exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-linked-to-blood-pressure">Plastics linked to blood pressure</h2>



Eight healthy adults took part in a project aimed at exploring any links between plastics and blood pressure. 



They were asked to rely on tap water instead of bottled drinks for about a month. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-gold-the-vitamin-packed-fruit-that-regulates-blood-sugar-and-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blood pressure</a> readings were collected at the outset, after two weeks, and at the end of four weeks. 



The findings indicated that women showed a noticeable dip in blood pressure levels, particularly in diastolic readings, while men did not exhibit the same changes.



One explanation might be that only three men participated. That small number makes it difficult to form broad conclusions. 



Still, the overall data hint that cutting back on plastics could influence cardiovascular health by reducing the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-widespread-in-the-seafood-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a> present in the bloodstream. 



The research group emphasizes that larger trials are needed. They aim to measure the actual concentration of microplastics in the blood, providing a clearer picture of how plastic exposure might relate to changes in blood pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-pressure-and-plastics-the-results">Blood pressure and plastics - the results</h2>



“We concluded, after extensive research, that beverages packaged in plastic bottles should be avoided,” the research team warned. 



The changes observed in blood pressure suggest that reducing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intake of plastic particles</a> could lower cardiovascular risk, emphasizing how these findings may fit into the bigger picture. 



For these scientists, a lower exposure to plastics seems to correlate with improvements in some blood pressure markers.



By stating that “plastic particles <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">present in the bloodstream</a> could contribute to increased blood pressure,” the team highlighted a potential link between microplastics and cardiovascular concerns. 



Although their study involved only a small group, they view the results as a motivation to investigate these interactions further. 



While the precise pathways remain unclear, the prospect that tiny plastic fragments might affect blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health should encourage us all to rethink these common habits.



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



Because hypertension is a leading cause of heart complications, any factor that might raise blood pressure deserves scrutiny. 



Humans already face multiple risks for cardiovascular disease, so identifying one that might be avoidable is compelling. 



Limiting bottled beverages or opting for tap water in reusable non-plastic containers will definitely help reduce exposure, though additional verification is needed to confirm the long-term impacts.



Reviewing many different studies, it's very clear that microplastics have infiltrated every nook and cranny of our bodies, natural environments, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sounding-the-alarm-microplastics-are-disrupting-photosynthesis-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global ecosystems at large</a>. 



On top of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular health issues that arise from the consumption of microplastics, scientists and physicians are concerned about inflammation, endocrine problems, and oxidative stress, all of which can harm overall health. 



Though the convenience of disposable products is tempting, making a personal choice of removing single-use plastics from our everyday lives will undoubtedly yield benefits - both for our health and the global environment. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8929/3/3/26" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microplastics</a>.



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Drinking from plastic bottles directly linked to high blood pressure and heart problems

Plastic containers and packaging are everywhere, as many people rely...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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