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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

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

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

Caribou conservation&nbsp;has always been a challenge, along with protecting other endangered species. Conservationists typically focus on genetic diversity and habitat protection, but a new study suggests a more detailed approach. 



Researchers at the University of Calgary have proposed a new way to identify at-risk wildlife populations.



Their method focuses on individual movement patterns rather than broad <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population trends</a>. Caribou, a species facing serious environmental threats, is the focus of this study.



A recent paper in Biological Conservation presents findings from long-term GPS tracking of caribou across Western Canada. The study identifies six behavioral groups, each requiring unique conservation efforts.



“We took the approach of using behavior to try to see if there are differences between individuals and groups that can be clustered into similarities,” said lead author Margaret Hughes, a PhD candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences.



By analyzing movement, the researchers inferred why caribou travel to certain locations. They examined migration patterns, habitat size, and elevation changes to determine behavioral differences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caribou-conservation-beyond-genetics">Caribou conservation beyond genetics</h2>



Conservation efforts often rely on genetic data to define at-risk caribou populations. However, Hughes argues for a broader approach that incorporates behavioral insights.



“It allows conservation managers to recognize ecologically meaningful variation within species, helping to maintain biodiversity and improve management strategies,” noted Hughes.



This method challenges traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-wildlife-conservation-how-ai-will-help-protect-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife management</a>. It provides a more detailed understanding of how caribou interact with their environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-human-activity">Impact of human activity</h2>



Caribou, known as reindeer in Europe, belong to the deer family. Their survival is threatened by habitat destruction from industries like oil, gas, and forestry. Climate change adds further pressure.



“The species is iconic,” said Dr. Marco Musiani, a professor at the <a href="https://www.unibo.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bologna</a> and an adjunct professor at <a href="https://www.ucalgary.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCalgary</a>. “It is the most famous species affected by oil and gas and forestry in Canada and also climate change, and one of the most sensitive worldwide.”



Musiani supervised Hughes’ research and believes this science could have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-leaks-conservation-efforts-may-shift-harm-elsewhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wide-reaching effects</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-strategies-for-caribou-conservation">New strategies for caribou conservation</h2>



The study suggests that this approach could guide conservation beyond caribou.



“Our findings provide a framework that can be applied beyond caribou to other species at risk, helping to guide habitat protection, restoration, and even translocation strategies - areas that are currently the focus of significant investments,” explained Hughes.



She noted that the tracking data could be used to design protected ecological corridors and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> areas. This could help safeguard wildlife movement across landscapes.



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



Technological advancements have made it easier to study wildlife behavior in real-time. 



The GPS collars used in this research provided highly detailed movement data over several years. These tools allow scientists to track animals across large regions, revealing patterns that were previously difficult to detect.



Drones, satellite imaging, and remote sensing can complement GPS tracking. By combining these technologies, researchers can assess changes in habitat conditions, monitor threats, and refine conservation efforts. This approach moves beyond traditional field studies, offering more precise and actionable data.



Understanding movement patterns with this level of accuracy can help conservationists predict how wildlife will respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bonobo-day-a-celebration-of-love-peace-and-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a>. 



This knowledge is crucial in developing&nbsp;caribou conservation&nbsp;strategies that can withstand future threats, including climate shifts and human expansion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-protecting-ecosystems">Importance of protecting ecosystems</h2>



Caribou do not exist in isolation. Their survival depends on the health of entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>. Boreal forests and alpine environments provide the food and shelter they need, but these habitats are increasingly at risk. 



Deforestation, resource extraction, and infrastructure development continue to fragment caribou ranges, making it harder for them to migrate and find suitable conditions.



Protecting ecosystems benefits not just caribou but also other species that share the same habitats. Wolves, bears, and smaller mammals rely on similar landscapes. By safeguarding large areas of intact wilderness, conservationists can preserve biodiversity on a much larger scale.



This research shows that conservation should protect both animals and their habitats. A broad approach helps future generations enjoy nature’s beauty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-effort">A collaborative effort</h2>



The research involved multiple institutions, including the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Faculty of Science. 



Researchers from the University of Bologna, the British Columbia <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/water-land-and-resource-stewardship" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship</a>, and the Canadian Wildlife Service also contributed.



The study covered vast regions of the Rocky Mountains and the boreal forests of Western Canada.



Hughes emphasized the role of First Nations communities in making this research possible.



“We acknowledge that this work took place throughout British Columbia, on the traditional territories of the First Nations where caribou currently exist,” said Hughes.



This collaborative approach highlights the importance of integrating science with Indigenous knowledge to support&nbsp;caribou conservation&nbsp;and protect at-risk species.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724004956?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Tracking caribou movement patterns can transform conservation

Caribou conservation&nbsp;has always been a challenge, along with protecting other...

Two U.S. spacecraft launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral on February 27, 2025, with a major goal. They aim to explore the presence of lunar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-are-searching-for-viable-sources-of-water-on-the-moon/">water</a> near the Moon’s south pole.



Experts believe this resource could pave the way for extended missions and long-term stays on the lunar surface. 



These efforts are supported by new research from <a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/about/people/parvathy-prem" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Parvathy Prem</a>, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. She is not affiliated with either mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-at-the-moon-s-south-pole">Water at the Moon's south pole</h2>



<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/lunar-trailblazer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lunar Trailblazer</a> is designed to chart the distribution of water across wide expanses. This orbiter follows a slower trajectory and should begin mapping in a few months.



Researchers will analyze its data for detailed insights on chemical composition and surface temperature. These observations might identify the best spots for future landings.



Some scientists believe the&nbsp;lunar south pole&nbsp;contains&nbsp;hidden ice deposits&nbsp;buried in craters that have never seen sunlight. These regions remain&nbsp;extremely cold, preserving water in frozen form for&nbsp;millions of years. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-commercial-lander-s-second-try">The commercial lander’s second try</h2>



<a href="https://www.intuitivemachines.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intuitive Machines</a>, based in Houston, Texas, has sent a lander named <a href="https://www.intuitivemachines.com/im-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Athena</a> to the Moon’s south polar region. This is the company’s second attempt after an earlier spacecraft tipped on landing last year.



It is scheduled to arrive on March 6, aiming to land closer to the Moon’s south pole than any previous mission. NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia23874-trident-exploring-the-mysteries-of-triton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRIDENT</a> drill will then dig up to three feet deep to extract material from beneath the surface.



“This ability to drill and analyze simultaneously provides critical data on how lunar soils behave,” said <a href="https://technology.nasa.gov/blog-MEET-THE-INVENTOR-Jackie-Quinn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jackie Quinn</a>, the drill’s project manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida. 



A <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/technology-areas/what-mass-spectrometry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass spectrometer</a> will measure escaped gases for water or other volatiles.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-water-matters-on-the-moon">Why water matters on the Moon</h2>



Scientists have known about lunar water since 2009, when NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/lcross/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LCROSS</a> mission confirmed it. Liquid or frozen water could provide drinking water or fuel components for deeper space travel.



Mastering a local supply means less reliance on cargo from Earth. These new vehicles “are going after really important pieces of that puzzle,” said Dr. Prem.



Harvesting water directly from the Moon could support permanent bases near the south pole. NASA views this region as a key location for future missions. 



It could become a key location for future human exploration on the Moon. With its potential resources, it may also support long-term settlement and sustained missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-eyes-on-the-moon">Global eyes on the Moon</h2>



<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/chandrayaan-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chandrayaan-2</a>, operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (<a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISRO</a>), is currently collecting data about possible ice at the Moon’s poles. A Korean probe known as <a href="https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/kplo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danuri</a> also searches for signs of hidden water on the Moon using a NASA camera designed for shadowed terrain.&nbsp;



Rovers from other nations are considering these icy areas as well. Multiple projects could reveal how ancient collisions and solar particles shaped the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moons-entire-surface-is-covered-with-water-and-hydroxyl-not-just-the-poles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon’s</a> hidden layers.



“Everyone wants to go to the most interesting spots on the Moon,” said <a href="https://www.gps.caltech.edu/people/bethany-l-ehlmann" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bethany Ehlmann</a>, a planetary scientist at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena and the mission’s principal investigator. 



That interest has fueled worldwide collaborations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-presence-on-the-moon">Long-term presence on the Moon</h2>



Last month, two commercial spacecraft launched with rovers and exploration equipment to study the Moon. One spacecraft was developed by Tokyo-based <a href="https://ispace-inc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ispace</a>, while the other was built by <a href="https://fireflyspace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firefly Aerospace</a> in Cedar Park, Texas.



The Firefly Aerospace lander successfully touched down on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-is-the-moons-water-a-nasa-mission-will-soon-find-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a>’s equator on March 2. This region is believed to contain less water than the poles. However, every mission contributes valuable data about the Moon’s environment and resources.



Scientists believe these findings will help future crewed missions by identifying areas rich in ice deposits, which could support long-term human presence. A sustainable Moon base may be possible if astronauts can extract and use lunar water for drinking and fuel production.



The idea of using lunar ice as a resource is becoming more realistic. Experts predict that these ongoing efforts will shape the next generation of both human and robotic exploration on the Moon.



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00597-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Two spacecraft set out to drill for water on the Moon's south pole

Two U.S. spacecraft launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral on February...

Tattoos, revered for their cultural significance, personal meaning, and artistic appeal, have adorned human bodies throughout history. This unique form of art is not just an ancient tribal tradition but a popular contemporary mode of self-expression. 



However, the potential health risks associated with the injected tattoo ink have largely been overlooked.



Scientists are now investigating the long-term effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tattoos-increase-the-risk-of-developing-lymphoma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tattoo</a> ink within the body and whether it could contribute to health issues, including cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tattoo-ink-s-journey-in-the-body">Tattoo ink's journey in the body</h2>



Once the tattoo artist punches the ink into the skin, your body identifies the pigments as foreign substances. 



Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tattoos-and-body-art-found-on-1200-year-old-peruvian-mummies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ink</a> stays in the skin, making the tattoo permanent, but some travels in the blood and collects in the lymph nodes, which help protect the body from illness.



Experts are concerned that tattoo ink in the lymph nodes might cause long-term swelling and possibly lead to cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tattoo-ink-and-health-concerns">Tattoo ink and health concerns</h2>



A study from the University of Southern Denmark (<a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SDU</a>) and the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a> suggests that tattoo ink may compromise the immune system's performance.



As the lymphatic system plays a pivotal role in the immune response, any disruption caused by foreign substances could have long-term consequences.



Henrik Frederiksen is a consultant in haematology at Odense University Hospital (<a href="https://en.ouh.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OUH</a>) and a clinical professor at SDU.



“We can see that ink particles accumulate in the lymph nodes, and we suspect that the body perceives them as foreign substances,“ noted Fredericksen.



“This may mean that the immune system is constantly trying to respond to the ink, and we do not yet know whether this persistent strain could weaken the function of the lymph nodes or have other health <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-cells-collaborate-to-survive-challenging-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a>.”



Scientists worry that if the immune system keeps fighting ink particles, it might cause unusual cell growth, which can lead to cancer. But since cancer develops slowly, it's hard to know the true effect of tattoos on health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connection-between-tattoos-and-cancer">Connection between tattoos and cancer</h2>



Analyzing the long-term effects of tattoos requires extensive data spanning considerable time periods. Scientists at SDU have found a solution by exploiting data from the Danish Twin Tattoo Cohort, encompassing over 5,900 Danish twins.



By observing tattoo patterns and corresponding cancer diagnoses, they concluded that tattooed individuals had higher skin and lymphoma cancer rates.



“This provides us with a stronger method for investigating whether tattoos themselves may influence cancer risk,” said Jacob von Bornemann Hjelmborg, professor of biostatistics at SDU.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-of-tattoo-size">Influence of tattoo size</h2>



The study further unveiled that tattoo size matters. Large tattoos showed a stronger link to cancer risk than smaller ones. Concerning lymphoma, people with large tattoos had a nearly three times higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-lifetime-cancer-risk-may-be-established-before-we-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">occurrence rate</a>.



“This suggests that the bigger the tattoo and the longer it has been there, the more ink accumulates in the lymph nodes,” said Signe Bedsted Clemmensen, assistant professor of biostatistics at SDU.



”The extent of the impact on the immune system should be further investigated so that we can better understand the mechanisms at play.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tattoos-remain-fashionable">Tattoos remain fashionable</h2>



Despite health concerns, the popularity of tattoos continues to rise. The Danish Twin Tattoo Cohort study revealed that nearly 40% of women and 30% of men will have tattoos by age 25.



This trend is a global phenomenon, with increasing social acceptance of tattoos, particularly among youths and women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-tattoo-ink-color-matter">Does tattoo ink color matter?</h2>



The safety of tattoos also hinges on the composition of the ink. Various pigments contain different chemicals, potentially harmful when absorbed into the body. 



While the current research doesn't identify specific ink colors as direct cancer causes, future research may examine this aspect further.



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



Researchers are shifting focus to understand how ink particles interact with the body on a molecular level. They aim to determine whether certain types of lymphoma are more strongly linked to tattoos and how long-term exposure to ink affects immune system function.



“We want to gain a better understanding of the biological mechanisms - what happens in the lymph nodes when they are exposed to ink particles over decades? This can help us assess whether there is a real health risk and what we might do to reduce it,” concluded Clemmensen.



Understanding the potential health risks associated with tattoos is thus paramount for informed decisions regarding tattoos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-efforts">Ongoing research efforts</h2>



The Danish Twin Tattoo Cohort is a research project designed to study whether tattoos could be linked to cancer. Scientists want to understand if tattoos increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-discovery-about-cell-migration-will-help-defeat-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health risks</a>, but it’s tricky because people have different genetics and lifestyles. 



This study compares twins - who share the same genes but may have different tattoo habits. By doing this, researchers can see if tattoos alone have any health effects or if other factors, like family history or environment, play a bigger role.



In 2017, a government agency in Denmark estimated that 14% of the population had tattoos. By 2021, tattoos had become even more popular, with 30-40% of people under 35 having at least one. 



As more people get tattoos, scientists want to learn whether ink inside the body has any long-term health effects.



In short, tattoos are not just designs on the skin. When ink is injected, it stays in the body, and some of it may move to other areas. Scientists are still figuring out if this could lead to serious health problems like cancer. Until more research is done, it’s important to stay informed and understand the potential risks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-21413-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Public Health</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Tattoo ink travels through the body and may cause long-term risks

Tattoos, revered for their cultural significance, personal meaning, and artistic...

When sea otters returned to islands along Southern California and British Columbia, researchers saw kelp forests revive. These forests had been wiped out by unchecked sea urchin populations. However, the speed of recovery varied by location, leaving scientists searching for answers.



A new study from <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a> sheds light on this puzzle. It confirms that sea otters, a keystone species, help kelp forests grow back, but their impact depends on interactions with other marine species. The researchers analyzed decades of data to map changes in ecosystems over time.



“We always thought keystone species control their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> the same way, regardless of where they are or what else is in the ecosystem,” said Ryan Langendorf, lead author of the paper. 



“A more modern view is that they are still very important, but they can have different effects in different places.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-sea-otters-in-forest-health">Role of sea otters in forest health</h2>



Scientists have been studying keystone species - animals that have a big impact on their environment - for a long time. One of these scientists, Jim Estes, spent his career researching sea otters. He discovered that sea otters play a key role in keeping kelp forests healthy.



Otters eat sea urchins, which are animals that feed on kelp. When there aren’t enough otters, sea urchins multiply and eat too much kelp. This destroys kelp <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-more-resilient-to-change-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>, turning them into empty underwater areas with little life. 



But when otters are present, they keep the urchin population under control, allowing kelp forests to grow and support many marine species.



To understand this better, Estes and scientist Jane Watson studied what happened when sea otters were brought back to areas where they had disappeared. 



They focused on two locations: Nicolas Island in California and Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Over 30 years, they collected detailed data to see how sea otters influenced their surroundings. 



Before otters were reintroduced, both locations had too many sea urchins, and the kelp forests had almost disappeared. Their research provided strong evidence that sea otters are crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-rates-of-recovery">Different rates of recovery</h2>



The data showed that while kelp forests recovered in both locations, British Columbia saw much faster regrowth. 



In this region, the return of sea otters triggered a clear chain reaction: otters ate sea urchins, allowing kelp forests to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flourish</a>. However, in California, recovery was slower, revealing gaps in understanding.



To explore these differences, Langendorf developed a new model that visualized species interactions over time. This model functioned like a movie, capturing how different species influenced one another across decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-web-of-interactions">Complex web of interactions</h2>



The model provided a clearer picture of what slowed kelp recovery in Southern California. In this region, species interactions were more complex. 



Unlike in British Columbia, where otters had a strong effect on urchins, California’s ecosystem had additional competition among different species. This weakened the direct influence of sea otters on the system, slowing the pace of recovery.



“Almost all studies of ecological communities assume that these interaction strengths are static – that ‘the rules of the game’ don’t change even as the abundances of species do,” said Dan Doak, a professor of environmental studies at CU Boulder. 



“By developing a way to estimate these changing rules, Ryan has added to our appreciation of this particular system, as well as pioneering a more powerful way to understand other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological systems</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-otters-and-forests">Lessons from otters and forests</h2>



This study introduces a method that can help researchers understand how ecosystems change when species are reintroduced. By analyzing long-term data, scientists can predict how different species interact in shifting environments.



“The dynamic nature of ecosystems has long kept ecologists from understanding what species need and how best to manage them,” Langendorf said. 



“Being able to turn common survey data into a movie of species reacting to changes in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> and each other feels like renewed hope for a field that more than ever needs to offer useful advice about how to help the many complex living systems we live with and cherish.”



This approach could provide insights into conservation efforts worldwide, helping scientists protect and restore fragile ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413360122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Sea otters help kelp forests recover, but there's more to the story

When sea otters returned to islands along Southern California and...

Ancient fish once roamed the waters with features that preceded human elbows and knees. Scientists have revealed that our flexible joints can be traced to the earliest jawed fish, bridging the distant past with our daily movements.



Research on ancient fossils has shown that skeleton flexibility is not a modern trait. Jawless species do not appear to share this structural hallmark, signaling a major shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coelacanth-ngamugawi-wirngarri-new-species-living-fossil-fish-survived-over-400-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vertebrate history</a>.



Neelima Sharma of <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Chicago</a> is part of the team that investigated fossil evidence and living examples to see where these joints first emerged.



Sharma's <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> reveals that these articulated connections, once believed unique to bony species on land, appeared in ancient aquatic creatures long before limbs evolved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-flexible-connections">Exploring flexible connections</h2>



Synovial joints are typically found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-art-discovery-reveals-15800-year-old-fishing-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> that require movement with reduced friction. They appear as spaces, or cavities, between bones or cartilage, lubricated by a thin fluid.



This arrangement provides a blend of strength and range. It is more complex than joints that simply fuse or cartilaginous links that have limited motion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-sets-synovial-joints-apart">What sets synovial joints apart</h2>



Bone surfaces involved in this flexible setup often show specialized cells and proteins. These features help maintain smooth motion and prevent harmful rubbing.



Scientists once thought that this design was mostly found in land vertebrates. That assumption is now questioned by new analyses on certain fish skeletons.



<a href="https://www.glfc.org/sea-lamprey.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea lampreys</a>, which belong to a lineage without jaws, do not display synovial cavities. Their skeletal elements meet in ways that lack the lubricated space.



Bamboo sharks and little skates, both cartilaginous fish, present a different picture. Joints in these species have the layered tissues and proteins that connect to the type of architecture previously linked to synovial structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-scans-reveal-ancient-fish-joints">Fossil scans reveal ancient fish joints</h2>



The team used advanced imaging techniques to study a fossil fish known as Bothriolepis. This specimen exhibited a cavity between skeletal components - a trait places it among the oldest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mayan-civilization-may-have-been-shaped-by-ingenious-fisheries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> with a documented synovial joint.



Cartilaginous fish from modern times share some of these patterns with the fossil. Researchers see this as a sign that their common ancestor had joints that could bend with less wear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexible-joints-helped-fish-move-better">Flexible joints helped fish move better</h2>



Changing from rigid junctions to more mobile connections offered new avenues in feeding and locomotion. Evolving jaws was one major step, but flexible joints around those jaws opened even more possibilities.



Joint evolution also affected survival. Fish that could maneuver more freely had advantages in escaping predators or capturing prey.



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



“The origin of mobile joints in our fish ancestors enabled them to move about and feed in new ways. This study shows that the developmental processes that are responsible for these joints arose deep within the fish evolutionary tree,” said Sharma.



There is ongoing interest in how other fossil groups fit into the timeline. Scientists aim to look at additional specimens, hoping to see exactly when these structural traits appeared in different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiktaalik-fossil-discovery-sheds-light-on-how-fish-walked-onto-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish branches</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-embryonic-development">Clues from embryonic development</h2>



Developing embryos often hold secrets about evolutionary history. The researchers found that the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05868-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">little skate embryo</a> forms joints in a way similar to tetrapods. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC21740/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Specific proteins</a> appear during development, signaling joint formation in ways that match land vertebrates.



Muscle activity also plays a crucial role. When scientists temporarily paralyzed developing little skates, their joints failed to form properly. This suggests that movement itself is key in shaping these structures, much like in zebrafish and tetrapods.



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



Understanding where our synovial joints originated could help scientists explore joint disorders. Conditions like <a href="https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">osteoarthritis</a> involve the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness. 



Studying how these joints evolved may offer insights into preventing or treating such diseases.



The research also has implications for regenerative medicine. If scientists understand how these joints first formed, they may uncover ways to encourage cartilage repair.



Future studies could look at whether some of the ancient joint-forming proteins could be used in therapies for joint damage.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Ancient fish had flexible joints like humans

Ancient fish once roamed the waters with features that preceded...

Eilat is the southernmost city of Israel, located on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea. It is known for its warm climate, coral reefs, and vibrant tourism industry.



Each year in March and April, visitors to Eilat can witness a stunning spectacle. The shores turn pink due to millions of tiny crustaceans with large eyes. These organisms, identified as amphipods, belong to the order Amphipoda.



A recent study provides new insight into this unusual phenomenon. The research was led by Professor Tamar Guy-Haim from Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (<a href="https://www.ocean.org.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IOLR</a>), in collaboration with Dr. Bracha Farstey from the <a href="https://iui-eilat.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences</a> in Eilat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pink-shores-on-the-red-sea">Pink shores on the Red Sea</h2>



The pink color of amphipods comes from carotenoid pigments that they obtain through their diet.



The researchers used an integrative taxonomy approach, combining genetic analysis with morphological identification, to classify these creatures. 



The team also examined environmental factors contributing to their mass mortality, which happens yearly during the same months.



"Like in a detective mystery, we tested several hypotheses," explained Professor Guy-Haim. "Many amphipods exhibit a unique reproductive strategy known as semelparity, where reproduction occurs only once in their lifetime, after which the females die, often simultaneously."



"However, our analyses showed an almost equal ratio of males to females, along with individuals of different sizes, allowing us to rule out semelparity as the root cause."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-stressors-and-amphipod-mortality">Environmental stressors and amphipod mortality</h2>



Climate change and marine heat waves have caused mass die-offs in the past. In the summer of 2017, sea temperatures in Eilat rose by over 4°C in just two and a half days, leading to mass coral reef fish deaths. 



However, the researchers found no unusual temperature spikes during the amphipod mortality events.



"Sometimes, environmental stressors increase susceptibility to parasites and pathogens," noted Professor Guy-Haim. "This has been observed in reef fish and the long-spined sea urchin in Eilat. However, we found no supporting evidence for this hypothesis either."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-possible-natural-cycle">A possible natural cycle</h2>



To dig deeper, the researchers reviewed scientific literature and discovered a similar event from March 1977. Back then, amphipods covered the shores of Aqaba in large numbers, suggesting this phenomenon might be part of a natural cycle.



Previous studies in the Gulf of Aqaba have documented ocean currents known as eddies. These circular currents can either bring deep, nutrient-rich waters to the surface (upwelling) or push surface water downward (downwelling).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amphipods-in-strong-ocean-currents">Amphipods in strong ocean currents</h2>



In the Northern Hemisphere, cyclonic eddies rotate counterclockwise, pulling deep waters to the surface. In the northern Gulf of Aqaba, these currents strengthen between November and April, becoming up to ten times faster than normal surface currents.



"We hypothesize that the amphipods were trapped in a cyclonic eddy in the northern Gulf and transported by the currents toward the shore," explained Professor Guy-Haim.



"In Hawaii, a mass mortality event of the same amphipod species was documented following the formation of a cyclonic eddy." 



"This is currently our leading hypothesis, but further research is needed to better understand the relationship between current dynamics and such phenomena in the Gulf of Aqaba and other marine systems worldwide."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amphipods-role-in-marine-ecosystems">Amphipods' role in marine ecosystems</h2>



Amphipods hold an essential place in marine food webs. They serve as a food source for fish, seabirds, and even whales. Understanding their life cycle and movement patterns helps researchers study larger ecological processes in marine environments.



This ongoing research could reveal more about the natural forces shaping marine life. Future studies may offer deeper insight into how ocean currents influence marine species worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts-on-marine-biodiversity">Potential impacts on marine biodiversity</h2>



When large numbers of amphipods die, it can affect the ocean ecosystem in different ways.



If too many amphipods disappear, animals that eat them - like fish and seabirds - might struggle to find enough food. This could change how these animals feed and survive.



Scientists are studying whether these deaths harm local marine life or if animals have adapted to this cycle over time. If this happens regularly, some species might rely on these seasonal die-offs as a food source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-on-amphipods">Further research on amphipods</h2>



Understanding amphipod population dynamics in the Red Sea can help scientists monitor broader ecological trends. 



Researchers plan to continue tracking amphipod movements and mortality patterns in the Gulf of Aqaba. They aim to determine whether these events are purely natural or if human activities and climate shifts play a role.



Future studies could focus on how amphipods respond to environmental stress and whether their deaths influence marine food webs. With better data, scientists can predict changes in marine ecosystems and protect species affected by shifting ocean conditions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.70949" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



Image Credit: Omri Amosi, Israel Nature and Parks Authority



-----



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



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



-----

Why the shores of the Red Sea turn pink every year

Eilat is the southernmost city of Israel, located on the...

Scientists have long suspected that unusually rapid changes in our DNA might hold the key to brain evolution.



Researchers have now <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08622-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">found</a> that certain stretches of our <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Chromosome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chromosomes</a> changed more rapidly over time than seen during typical evolution, which may have influenced how our brain’s nerve cells form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/subtle-dna-changes-shaped-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex connections</a>. 



The research was led by Professor Yin Shen from the <a href="https://weill.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences</a> and the UCSF Institute for Human Genetics. Her team performed experiments on artificial brain cells from humans and chimpanzees to see which genetic features set us apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-evolving-dna-and-brain-development">Fast-evolving DNA and brain development</h2>



Fast-changing chromosomal regions, known as human accelerated regions (<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abm1696" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HARs</a>), differ significantly between people and chimpanzees. Experts believe these areas might have helped shape the advanced thinking and language skills that define our species.



Some of these regions appear to influence how neurons send and receive signals. Shen’s group used cutting-edge genetic approaches to find out why these DNA stretches, HARs, had such a strong effect on <a href="https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/what-neuron" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neuron</a> function.



The team noted that small edits within these regions might have caused a big jump in brain complexity, which could explain the advent of human creativity and problem-solving. It also raises questions about whether these gains come with possible trade-offs in mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurite-connections-and-complexity">Neurite connections and complexity</h2>



The researchers noticed that human nerve cells grow multiple <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/neurite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurites</a>, which are tiny branches that help with communication between cells. Chimpanzee neurons in the same setting grew fewer branches, which suggests a more streamlined network.



“More neurites during development could mean more complexity in our neural networks. These networks facilitate the transmission of signals in the nervous system and support our higher cognitive functions,” explained Shen.



The investigations revealed that tweaking chimp cells to include human HARs triggered more <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2023.0265" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">branching</a>. The differences hint that our ancestors’ DNA picked up precise mutations that amped up the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07558-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neuronal wiring</a> of the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-and-risks-of-rapid-brain-evolution">Benefits and risks of rapid brain evolution</h2>



Researchers point out that advanced wiring may come at a cost. Some HARs appear to link with genes that show up in certain mental conditions, suggesting that our unique cognitive edge might also come paired with vulnerability to certain mental illnesses. 



Genes like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16172381/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NPAS3</a> have been tied to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-time-and-space-interact-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain development</a> and mental health conditions. Subtle changes in HARs near NPAS3 could shift how much of the gene gets turned on or off in early stages of neuron growth.



The group also examined regions that influence <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12368809/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOCS2</a>, which is connected to neurite outgrowth. Variations in these areas might change how nerve cells shape themselves, possibly swinging the balance between boosting intelligence and elevating the odds of neurological disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-1-difference">Beyond the 1% difference</h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08622-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> have estimated that humans and chimpanzees share about 98-99% of their DNA. That small gap includes HARs, which set the stage for distinctive thought processes, social behavior, and more advanced language skills.



This shift in our <a href="https://www.genome.gov/human-genome-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomic blueprint</a> is believed to have unfolded relatively fast in evolutionary time. Slight tweaks in just a few spots can have outsized impacts on neuron structure and brain wiring.



Shen’s experiments used modern genetic engineering to introduce human HARs into chimp cells. Watching those <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/1912/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lab-grown neurons</a> form new branches helped confirm how these DNA elements shape connectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-dna-and-brain-function">Future research on DNA and brain function</h2>



The scientists are excited about exploring whether changes in these regions hold clues to unexplored cognitive abilities. They want to see whether specific HAR variants spread more quickly than others among early humans.



The researchers are also investigating whether certain DNA shifts might drive differences in brain development across various populations. This could reveal why some communities have increased or decreased risks of suffering brain-related conditions.



Further work will likely look at how HAR-based alterations influence gene interactions in living brains. That might help scientists pinpoint when these genetic quirks first appeared and how they spread in human ancestors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research">Broader implications of the research </h2>



This laboratory approach offers a peek at how subtle DNA changes can rewrite the instructions for assembling our brains. By comparing the DNA in human and chimpanzee cells, scientists can help map our evolutionary path.



The researchers hope that these findings may guide therapies for disorders linked to abnormal neuron connections. Understanding which DNA sites boost or hamper neurite growth might open opportunities to target them in conditions like autism and related syndromes.



The real excitement lies in how these studies bridge the gap between basic biology and the possibility of medical advances. If scientists can pinpoint how these fast-evolving regions shape neurons, they might uncover ways to preserve healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain networks</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-research-may-shape-brain-health">DNA research may shape brain health</h2>



Researchers envision a time when analyzing HARs becomes routine in identifying early risk markers for certain developmental issues. A single genetic misstep in these areas might cause a ripple effect on how brain cells wire to each other.



The next steps may include testing potential treatments that regulate the expression of crucial genes tied to neuron branching. That might reduce the impact of disruptions that hamper normal growth or communication in the brain.



The research also encourages us to consider our species' rapid rise in intelligence. Speedy edits in a small stretch of code may have set us on a path to become the tool-making, idea-sharing beings we are today.



The study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health, is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08622-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

DNA changes supercharged the human brain - but at a cost

Scientists have long suspected that unusually rapid changes in our...

The past century has witnessed a dramatic increase in wildfires, particularly in the western regions of the United States, where once-seasonal blazes have escalated into year-round occurrences.



Just within the past decade, raging flames have devoured millions of acres, destroyed communities, and released staggering amounts of carbon into the atmosphere - exacerbating the very conditions that fuel more fires.



The increasing number of wildfires is not just an act of nature. The fires are the result of a lethal cocktail of factors including global warming, drought, and well-intentioned but deficient fire suppression efforts.



These factors have collectively spawned a real-life monster - a "fire deficit." This is brought on by an alarming imbalance in which excess dead wood and dry vegetation build up over time and create dangerously combustible conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-approach-to-wildfire-prevention">Scientific approach to wildfire prevention</h2>



Well-regarded for its advanced research initiatives, <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> has taken on this growing problem. 



A team of scientists at the institution has been exploring how the strategic removal of dead wood - one of the primary fuels driving intense wildfires - can not only mitigate fire risk but also enhance carbon storage, creating a win-win scenario for both forest health and climate resilience.



The research looks into the intricate balance between reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-wildfires-have-doubled-in-the-last-20-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire hazards</a> and maintaining ecological integrity, as they search for interventions that are both effective and sustainable.



The study focuses particularly on the Sierra Nevada region, a biodiversity hotspot where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-persistent-droughts-will-impact-wildlife-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonged droughts</a> and rising temperatures have exacerbated fire risks. In this region, both natural ecosystems and nearby communities are threatened.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-inspired-forest-management">Indigenous-inspired forest management</h2>



The scientists found inspiration in the practices of the Indigenous Peoples of the Western U.S. For thousands of years, these communities have ingeniously <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-forests-prevent-15-million-yearly-cases-of-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">managed forests</a>, using methods such as controlled, low-severity burns and harvesting non-timber forest products.



This rich heritage of forest management has shaped ecosystems and has provided a solid basis for modern techniques that the team at Florida Atlantic University have been exploring.



The researchers tested the efficacy of several different forest management strategies. Eight different treatments were tested for their potential effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-risks-not-commonly-disclosed-by-u-s-companies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire risks</a>. They were juxtaposed with a "control" scenario that included only wildfire.



The treatments ranged from thinning vegetation to physical removal of surface fuel and prescribed burning, either alone or in combination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dead-wood-removal-and-forest-resilience">Dead wood removal and forest resilience </h2>



The results of the study are quite promising. They suggest that combining physical removal of dead wood with thinning of vegetation can reduce risks like tree mortality and crown fires significantly.



This proactive approach could, in theory, decrease carbon emissions and aid in carbon storage through the creation of biochar, a charcoal produced from organic material in a low-oxygen environment.



"In our increasingly warming world with frequent dangerous fire weather, more people and structures at risk in the wildland-urban interface, health risks from exposure to smoke, and need to enhance carbon sequestration to mitigate global warming, scientists need to examine effective alternative management actions," said study co-author Dr. Scott H. Markwith.



"By combining physical harvesting with thinning – removing smaller or fire-vulnerable trees – evidence from this research suggests we can help restore healthy, resilient forests."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-prevention-and-carbon-storage">Fire prevention and carbon storage</h2>



The team at Florida Atlantic University emphasized the potential advantages of this approach which, apart from reducing smoke and wildfire severity, could also generate carbon credits.



"Over time, repeated fuel reduction treatments, such as prescribed burns, can emit more carbon than a single wildfire in an untreated forest. However, by harvesting dead wood and converting it into biochar – a stable form of carbon – emissions can be reduced," noted study lead author Dr. Rabindra Parajuli.



The researchers agree on the necessity of continued, long-term research, including simulation modeling and field experiments, to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach across various forest types and over time.



These efforts represent a strategic investment in our planet's future - a route towards restoring historic wildfire regimes and enhancing the health and resilience of forests in the western United States and beyond.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479725005110?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Environmental Management</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Dead wood removal can save forests from future wildfires

The past century has witnessed a dramatic increase in wildfires,...

A cutting-edge artificial intelligence system promises to help protect elephants in Malaysia from illegal hunting. 



By blending predictive analytics with insights into elephant behavior, the technology aims to shield these animals from escalating threats that have long jeopardized their survival.



Developed through a collaborative effort at <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff University</a>, PoachNet combines <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-learning-can-help-track-changes-in-forest-cover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep learning</a>, GPS-based data, and ecological insights to gauge and mitigate poaching hazards.&nbsp;



The tool has been designed specifically to forecast where elephants are most likely to be found and then assess each location’s risk level, offering a proactive approach that goes beyond routine surveillance.



Scientists from the School of Computer Science and Informatics and the School of Biosciences worked together to construct a platform capable of learning from historical elephant movement patterns and detecting threats in near-real time.&nbsp;



By applying advanced machine-learning techniques, the research team can predict where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-elephants-have-drastically-declined-in-the-last-50-years/">elephants</a> are headed, identify hazardous zones, and assist on-the-ground teams in allocating resources effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-better-way-to-protect-elephants-nbsp">A better way to protect elephants&nbsp;</h2>



Central to PoachNet’s operation is a knowledge graph that compiles diverse information about elephant movements and known risk factors. This structured repository is linked to a specialized machine-learning model that interprets data from elephant GPS trackers.&nbsp;



“Elephant GPS data is analyzed with a special type of AI - a sequential neural network - to predict their movements," explained study lead author Naeima Hamed, a PhD student at Cardiff.



"These predictions are added to the knowledge graph in a meaningful way - then PoachNet uses a rule-based system to apply poaching rules and detect hidden patterns in the data." 



The platform’s predictive ability sets it apart from more conventional methods of wildlife protection.&nbsp;



“We found that, when tested, PoachNet was more accurate than other leading methods, consistently performing better. By handling the complexity of time and space data and turning predictions into practical rules, PoachNet offers a big improvement in tracking and protecting elephants,” said Hamed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-poaching-before-it-happens">Predicting poaching before it happens</h2>



Before PoachNet, strategies to curb poaching often relied on single approaches - such as analyzing ranger patrol logs or examining evidence captured by camera traps.&nbsp;



However, these methods do not always account for the dynamic ways elephants move or the full spectrum of human impacts on their habitats. 



PoachNet integrates broader knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-lockdowns-had-unexpected-impacts-on-wildlife-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife behavior</a>, enabling the system to recognize emergent patterns that may indicate an imminent poaching threat.



The project’s designers hope that by identifying where elephants are most at risk, authorities in Sabah can mobilize anti-poaching patrols and camera traps in the most vulnerable areas.&nbsp;



This targeted response could lead to more efficient use of conservation resources, focusing on regions where illegal activity is statistically more likely to occur.



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



Study co-author Omer Rana from Cardiff’s School of Computer Science and Informatics highlighted the system’s potential to extend beyond elephant conservation in Malaysia.&nbsp;



“PoachNet is a unique software tool that integrates semantically modeled regional data sources with emerging machine learning algorithms and semantic reasoning. PoachNet addresses a challenge that continues to affect communities supporting endangered species,” said Rana.



“Both climate change and economics are leading to significant impact across this interface between human activity and natural habitats. The data-driven approach adopted in PoachNet can also be generalized to support other similar localities and national parks - enabling more efficient use of law enforcement and government resources.”



While PoachNet is currently attuned to Bornean elephants, the underlying architecture could be adapted to protect various endangered species worldwide, as each instance might require only modest adjustments in the knowledge graph and relevant predictive models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-to-protect-elephants">Urgent need to protect elephants</h2>



Efforts to shield Bornean elephants from poaching have never been more critical. As habitat areas shrink and the illegal ivory trade persists, these animals face a grim reality.&nbsp;



According to co-author Benoit Goossens, a scientist at Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences and director of the <a href="https://www.danaugirang.com.my/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danau Girang Field Center</a>, “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-face-critical-threats-from-disease-and-habitat-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a>, human-elephant conflict, and poaching threaten Bornean elephants.&nbsp;



“Despite global anti-poaching efforts, the illegal ivory trade continues to drive poaching, reducing the population to fewer than 1500. We hope that PoachNet can assist in poaching prevention methods, therefore helping to ensure the safety of the elephant population in Sabah for the future.”



Given that traditional mechanisms to combat poaching must constantly evolve, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions like PoachNet that incorporate modern technologies and up-to-date ecological knowledge.&nbsp;



By matching predictive models with ground-level patrolling and international regulatory measures, the system could help reverse some of the most destructive trends endangering these elephants.



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



In the long term, the research team plans to enhance PoachNet by introducing additional data sources. 



This could involve tapping into acoustic sensors that detect gunshots or vehicle noises, as well as using satellite imagery to keep track of land-use changes and growing human activities. 



Such expansions would feed the system with even more contextual information, improving its predictive power and enabling faster, more decisive responses.



The ultimate objective is to give conservation authorities an advanced tool capable of anticipating illegal activities, thereby reducing the risk to Bornean elephants and potentially other species in peril.&nbsp;



By blending scientific rigor, state-of-the-art AI, and on-the-ground intelligence, PoachNet represents a considerable step forward in wildlife protection strategies.



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



As poaching incidents continue to imperil elephant populations, the hope is that this novel system will allow for data-driven vigilance, pinpointing threats before they escalate into irreversible harm.&nbsp;



With more accurate forecasts and the flexibility to adapt to new conditions, PoachNet may well serve as a blueprint for conservation efforts aimed at preserving some of Earth’s most iconic and vulnerable animals.



Details of this system appear in the research paper, “PoachNet: Predicting Poaching Using an Ontology-Based Knowledge Graph,” published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/24/8142" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sensors</a>.&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

New era in wildlife conservation: How AI will help protect elephants

A cutting-edge artificial intelligence system promises to help protect elephants...

The ocean isn’t just a vast expanse of blue - it’s alive, constantly shifting, breathing, churning, and now weakening in critical ways. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a colossal conveyor belt of warm and cold water, keeps weather patterns in check, stabilizes temperatures, and even dictates rainfall in distant corners of the world.



But now, this large system of currents in the Atlantic Ocean is weakening and slowing down. And that could spell disaster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-delicate-balancing-act">A delicate balancing act</h2>



Think of the AMOC as Earth’s natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-ocean-current-may-be-more-stable-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate regulator</a>. It moves warm water from the tropics up toward Europe, keeping winters there milder than they otherwise would be. 



Meanwhile, colder water flows back south, helping maintain equilibrium. This system is ancient, powerful, and - until recently -remarkably reliable. Now, something is shifting. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsettling-signs-of-weakening-ocean-currents">Unsettling signs of weakening ocean currents </h2>



Scientists have observed an unusual cooling area in the North Atlantic, often called a "cold blob." This is unexpected because, as the planet warms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> temperatures should generally rise, not drop.



This cold patch suggests a deeper problem linked to the Gulf Stream, which is a key part of the AMOC. The Gulf Stream normally carries warm water northward, but if it slows down or weakens, less warm water reaches the region, causing unexpected cooling.



The effects of this disruption go beyond the ocean. It can change wind patterns, shift where and how much rain falls, and make extreme weather - like storms, droughts, and heatwaves - more frequent and severe. 



These changes can impact agriculture, infrastructure, and daily life worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-price-of-a-weakening-amoc">Price of a weakening AMOC</h2>



A team of researchers from the University of Hamburg's Cluster of Excellence for Climate Research (<a href="https://www.cliccs.uni-hamburg.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLICCS</a>) and the <a href="https://mpimet.mpg.de/en/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Meteorology</a> has taken a closer look at the potential consequences. 



Their conclusion? The economic toll of a weakened AMOC could run into trillions of euros by the end of the century.



This isn’t just about changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-current-system-may-collapse-by-2037/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperature</a>. A sluggish AMOC means more heatwaves, longer droughts, fiercer storms. Infrastructure will buckle, food systems will strain, and insurance costs will skyrocket.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-ocean-current-weakening">Science behind ocean current weakening</h2>



The AMOC relies on the sinking of dense, salty water in the North Atlantic to keep its cycle going. 



But as Arctic ice melts, massive amounts of freshwater pour into the ocean. This dilutes the salt levels, making the water less dense. When that happens, the sinking slows, and so does the AMOC.



And it’s not just about the ocean’s movement. With less water being pulled into the depths, more carbon dioxide lingers in the atmosphere. That means more heat trapped leading to more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-and-arctic-mixing-is-crucial-for-earths-climate-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate chaos</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flawed-assumptions-costly-mistakes">Flawed assumptions, costly mistakes</h2>



For years, some economic models suggested that a weaker AMOC might actually help cool the Northern Hemisphere, acting as a counterweight to global warming. That assumption no longer holds.



"Our findings indicate that previous studies on AMOC weakening most likely underestimated the economic impacts," noted Felix Schaumann, a climate economist and co-author of the study.



In other words, what seemed like a potential silver lining is, in reality, another storm cloud forming on the horizon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-future">Predicting the future</h2>



To understand what’s coming, the researchers used climate and economic models to simulate different scenarios. They compared a world where the AMOC stays strong to one where it weakens at various rates.



The results weren’t encouraging. The weaker the AMOC, the less carbon the ocean absorbs, and the faster climate change accelerates. The cost of inaction? Staggering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chain-reaction-of-consequences">Chain reaction of consequences</h2>



A weakened AMOC doesn’t just affect temperatures. It throws entire ecosystems off balance.



Fisheries that rely on predictable ocean currents could collapse. Crops accustomed to steady rainfall patterns may wither under unexpected droughts. Coastal communities will face rising sea levels, while storms become more violent and erratic.



Each of these effects compounds the next. The economy, already under pressure from rising global temperatures, will strain even further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-crossroads-for-policy">A crossroads for policy</h2>



There’s no easy fix. But there are choices to be made.



Slowing carbon emissions is the most immediate step. Investing in renewable energy, strengthening coastal defenses, and improving climate resilience in vulnerable regions are no longer optional - they’re essential.



The AMOC has existed for thousands of years, shaping life as we know it. If it falters, the world will feel the consequences. The question now is whether we act before it's too late.



The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation isn’t just another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate variable</a>. It’s the backbone of the planet’s climate system. If AMOC weakens, the effects will be widespread, costly, and potentially irreversible.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2419543122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Image Credit: CEN Climate Visualization Laboratory



-----



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



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



-----

Weakening ocean currents could cost trillions of dollars

The ocean isn’t just a vast expanse of blue -...

Flowers do more than brighten gardens and decorate tables. Their scent - sweet, musky, or sometimes citrusy - isn’t just for human enjoyment. It’s a luring message, a chemical whisper meant for pollinators.



For years, scientists have tried to crack the genetic code behind floral fragrance, and now, a research team has found a crucial piece of the puzzle.



Led by Professor Alexander Vainstein at <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hebrew University</a> of Jerusalem, the study reveals that a single gene, PhDEF, pulls double duty. It doesn’t just shape the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-as-food-how-ultrasound-makes-it-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petals</a>; it also controls the flower’s scent. 



This discovery could reshape agriculture, horticulture, and even biotechnology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-petal-shape-and-scent-in-flowers">Linking petal shape and scent in flowers</h2>



The study flips the script on what we thought PhDEF did. This gene was always known for defining petal identity, but researchers discovered another, unexpected function - it helps flowers <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corpse-flowers-amorphophallus-titanum-smell-like-death-but-thousands-rush-to-see-them-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">produce scent</a>.



And not just at any time. PhDEF kicks in later in flower development, orchestrating the release of compounds that attract pollinators.



Using genetic analysis and viral-induced gene silencing, the research team tested what would happen if PhDEF was turned off.



The result? A dramatic drop in floral fragrance. Petunias that once filled the air with their scent suddenly became undetectable, their chemical signals lost.



"Our findings show that PhDEF is not just responsible for defining petal identity but also for coordinating the production of scent compounds critical for pollination," said Professor Vainstein. 



"This dual functionality suggests that petunia flowers have evolved an integrated regulatory mechanism to optimize their attraction to pollinators."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-production-in-flowers">Scent production in flowers</h2>



PhDEF does not act alone in controlling floral scent. The experts identified it as a key regulator that activates two other important genetic regulators, EOBI and EOBII. These regulators then control a set of genes responsible for producing and releasing floral scent compounds.



Think of PhDEF as a master switch. When it is active, it triggers a chain reaction. First, it turns on EOBI and EOBII, which then activate other genes involved in scent production. This process leads to the creation and emission of molecules like methyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol - compounds that give flowers their characteristic fragrance.



To test PhDEF’s role, the scientists silenced it in petunias. The result was striking: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bees-value-quality-over-quantity-in-flower-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> lost most of their scent, but their petal shape remained unchanged. This proved that scent production and petal formation, though both controlled by PhDEF, are separate processes.



The discovery suggests that floral fragrance can be modified through genetic changes without altering the flower’s physical appearance.



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



Imagine flowers bred for beauty but stripped of their fragrance, such as roses that look stunning but smell like nothing.



Many commercial varieties have suffered this fate. But now, with PhDEF in the spotlight, scientists might be able to bring scent back to flowers bred for aesthetics.



The implications extend beyond ornamental plants. Many crops depend on pollinators, and enhancing floral scent could increase their attractiveness to bees and other essential pollinators. Stronger scents might mean better yields, more reliable pollination, and greater stability for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>.



The fragrance industry, too, could benefit. By tweaking PhDEF and its related pathways, bioengineers could craft flowers with specific scent profiles, creating natural perfumes tailored to human preferences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-fine-tuned-balance">Nature’s fine-tuned balance</h2>



This discovery adds another layer to our understanding of plant biology. It shows how nature optimizes every detail, ensuring that flowers not only look appealing but also produce the right chemical signals at the right time. 



The genetic link between petal formation and scent production reveals a carefully balanced system - one that could have applications far beyond what we see today.



"This discovery advances our knowledge of plant biology and offers potential applications for breeding more resilient and pollinator-friendly crops," said Professor Vainstein.



Science continues to pull back the curtain on nature’s secrets. With every breakthrough, we move closer to harnessing these intricate systems - whether to create more fragrant flowers, improve pollination, or develop new scents for industry.



The more we learn, the more we realize that nothing in nature is accidental. It’s all part of a finely tuned symphony, playing out in every garden, field, and greenhouse.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/plcell/article/37/2/koaf027/8003630" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plant Cell</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Flowers get their shape and scent from a single gene

Flowers do more than brighten gardens and decorate tables. Their...

Plastic pollution has long been a concern in oceans, rivers, and soil, but a new study reveals its presence in an unexpected place - the lungs of birds.



Tiny plastic particles drifting through the air are making their way into the respiratory systems of birds, raising concerns about how deeply plastic contamination has infiltrated ecosystems.



The study, conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.uta.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas</a> at Arlington, highlights how widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastics-linked-to-disability-risks-for-coastal-residents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> have become in the environment. 



Scientists have been increasingly worried about the impact of these pollutants, not just on wildlife but also on human health.



The air people breathe and the food they consume may contain more plastic than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-as-living-environmental-sensors">Birds as living environmental sensors</h2>



Shane DuBay, an assistant professor of biology at UTA and co-author of the study, explained why birds were chosen for the research. 



"Birds serve as important indicators of environmental conditions," said Professor DuBay. "They help us understand the state of the environment and make informed decisions about conservation and pollution control."



Birds live everywhere, from busy cities to quiet forests, so they are useful for studying pollution. Since they travel long distances, scientists can see how pollution spreads across different areas.



Birds share many spaces with humans, which means that their exposure to airborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-treaty-is-a-historic-opportunity-to-stop-a-human-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> may indicate similar risks for people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-contamination-in-bird-lungs">Plastic contamination in bird lungs</h2>



To understand the extent of plastic contamination in bird lungs, the researchers examined 56 wild birds from 51 different species.



All specimens came from the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in western China. The location provided a controlled setting where birds from various backgrounds interacted with human-made environments.



Scientists extracted lung samples and performed chemical tests to detect microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics. One method, laser direct infrared technology, helped count microplastic particles lodged in the lung tissue. 



Another method, pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, identified nanoplastics that could enter the bloodstream through inhalation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-levels-of-plastic-detected">Shocking levels of plastic detected</h2>



The results of the study were alarming. Scientists found large amounts of tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a>, known as microplastics, inside the lungs of birds.



On average, each bird species had about 221 plastic particles in their lungs. When measured by weight, the researchers found 416 plastic particles per gram of lung tissue. The most common types of plastic were chlorinated polyethylene, used for coating wires and pipes, and butadiene rubber, which is found in car tires.



This means plastic is not just polluting water and soil - it is also floating in the air. If birds are breathing in these tiny plastic pieces, it raises concerns about what might be happening to humans.



People live in the same environments as birds, especially in cities. If birds are inhaling plastic, humans likely are too - without even knowing it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-of-airborne-plastic-in-birds">Risks of airborne plastic in birds</h2>



There is no set rule for how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> in the lungs is considered safe. However, past research has shown that breathing in tiny plastic particles may cause serious health problems.



Scientists think inhaling plastic could lead to lung diseases, heart problems, and even cancer. Persistent exposure to plastic might also affect fertility and weaken the immune system.



Once plastic gets inside the body, it can build up in tissues, possibly causing long-term damage or inflammation. Some plastics also contain harmful chemicals that could interfere with how the body works.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-plastic-crisis">Growing plastic crisis</h2>



Professor DuBay emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution before it causes irreversible damage.



"Our research highlights an urgent need to address plastic pollution in our environments, as these contaminants can have far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health, as well as human health," he said.



The study makes one thing clear - plastic waste isn’t just piling up in landfills or floating in the ocean. It’s in the air, drifting unseen, finding its way into the lungs of both birds and humans. Cutting back on plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental goal - it’s an urgent necessity.



Scientists need more research, more funding, more answers. How much plastic is truly in the air? What long-term damage does it cause? Until these questions are answered, the best step forward is simple: stop the spread before it gets worse.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389425001864?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Hazardous Materials</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Birds are breathing in plastic - what does that mean for us?

Plastic pollution has long been a concern in oceans, rivers,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



—–



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



—–



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



—–

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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



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



-----

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



---



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



---



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

News coming your way