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...

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that scent cues from women during ovulation may shape how men perceive them. This isn’t about myths or love potions. It’s about biology in action. The team found that certain compounds in female body odor increase during ovulation. 



When these were mixed with armpit odor samples, men rated the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scent-plays-a-powerful-role-in-choosing-friends/">scent</a> as more pleasant. They also viewed associated images of women as more attractive and more feminine. Additionally, these scents appeared to reduce stress, based on lower levels of the biomarker amylase in saliva.



The team emphasized this is not proof of pheromones in humans. But it suggests smell might quietly influence how people relate to each other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-pheromones-still-uncertain">Human pheromones still uncertain</h2>



Pheromones - behavior-altering chemicals shared between organisms - are a popular staple in pop culture, especially romantic comedies. Despite the fun storylines, their existence in humans has not been definitively proven.



However, a new study from the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a> does show something measurable and interesting is happening - something that parallels the idea of pheromones.



“We identified three body odor components that increased during women’s ovulatory periods. When men sniffed a mix of those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-human-nose-perceives-the-scent-that-lingers-after-rain/">compounds</a> and a model armpit odor, they reported those samples as less unpleasant, and accompanying images of women as more attractive and more feminine,” said Professor Kazushige Touhara. 



“Furthermore, those compounds were found to relax the male subjects, compared to a control, and even suppressed the increase in the amount of amylase (a stress biomarker) in their saliva. These results suggest that body odor may in some way contribute to communication between men and women.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ovulation-changes-body-odor">Ovulation changes body odor</h2>



Previous studies by various research groups found that female body odor changes throughout the menstrual cycle. During the ovulatory phase, these changes can be detected by men and are often described as pleasant. However, the exact nature of these odors remained unknown.



To investigate, Touhara and his team used a technique for chemical analysis called gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and identified volatile compounds that fluctuate across menstrual cycle phases.



“The most difficult part of the study was to determine the axillary (armpit) odor profile within a woman's menstrual cycle. Of particular difficulty was scheduling more than 20 women to ensure that axillary odors were collected at key times during their menstrual cycles,” said first author Nozomi Ohgi, a graduate student in Touhara’s lab at the time of the study. 



“We also needed to interview each participant frequently regarding body temperature and other indicators of the menstrual cycle in order to understand and track their status."



According to Ohgi, this required a great deal of time, effort, and careful attention. "It took more than one month per participant to complete the collection within the menstrual cycle, so very time consuming.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-body-odor-tests-were-done-blindly">Body odor tests were done blindly</h2>



Another challenge the researchers faced was to ensure the tests were done “blind,” meaning the participants did not receive any hints about what they were smelling or why, with some participants being given nothing at all as a measure of control. 



This way, psychological factors and expectations can be reduced or eliminated. The team also used fMRI scans to examine how male brains responded to these ovulation-related body odor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-polyester-clothes-stink-more-than-cotton/">compounds</a>. 



The scans showed heightened activity in the orbitofrontal cortex and fusiform gyrus. These regions process reward and facial attractiveness. The effect happened without men consciously noticing the body odor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-still-not-quite-pheromones">Still not quite pheromones</h2>



“We cannot conclusively say at this time that the compounds we found which increase during the ovulation period are human pheromones. The classical definition of pheromones is species-specific chemical substances that induce certain behavioral or physiological responses,” said Touhara. 



“But from this study, we can’t conclude whether the axillary odors are species-specific. We were primarily focused on their behavioral or physiological impacts, in this case, the reduction of stress and change in impression when seeing faces. So, at this moment, we can say they may be pheromonelike compounds.”



That distinction is key. The researchers found behavioral responses, but not enough to call the compounds true pheromones. Further studies will be needed to confirm whether the effects are species-specific or consistent across diverse populations.



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



The team plans to expand their research by including a more diverse group of participants to rule out the influence of specific genetic traits. 



They also aim to conduct more detailed chemical analyses to investigate how ovulatory compounds may impact brain regions involved in emotion and perception.



With more testing, these body odor compounds may offer clues about subconscious human interactions. Body odor might not change behavior dramatically, but it could quietly shape how we feel and connect.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(25)01348-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</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.



-----

Body odor may subconsciously change how people interact

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that scent...

Every year on July 29, International Tiger Day highlights a critical conservation challenge: saving one of the world’s most endangered predators. 



The celebration began in 2010 at the <a href="https://globaltigerforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/st_petersburg_declaration_english.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit</a>, with an ambitious goal - double the number of wild tigers. In 2025, India stands out for turning this vision into reality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-india-s-tigers-are-making-a-comeback">India’s tigers are making a comeback</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indias-wild-tigers-are-thriving-with-smart-conservation-efforts/">India</a> is now home to an estimated 3,700 wild tigers - about 75 percent of the global population. That’s a 30 percent increase in just two decades. 



Unlike regions where tigers continue to vanish, India’s tiger population is growing despite major pressures from rapid development and population growth. 



This recovery didn’t happen by accident. India blended science, policy, and culture. While government programs protected land and wildlife, public support grew from a shared respect for the tiger, which holds deep spiritual meaning across many Indian communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiger-conservation-efforts-across-india">Tiger conservation efforts across India </h2>



India’s approach is unique. Instead of relying solely on national parks and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-tiger-day-worldwide-support-for-tiger-conservation/">wildlife</a> sanctuaries, the country uses a two-pronged strategy: secure reserves for breeding and open landscapes where tigers and humans coexist. These multi-use areas are not just tolerated - they are part of the plan.



Tigers often roam beyond park borders. In India, that’s expected. Protected zones serve as safe spaces, but it’s the surrounding human-inhabited lands that help connect tiger habitats and reduce isolation. This system gives conservation room to work in real-world conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-with-tigers">Living with tigers</h2>



In the United States, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/">wildlife</a> and people tend to live apart. But in India, around 60 million people live in tiger zones. Surprisingly, many accept this risk.



Why? Because it works both ways. Farmers receive government payments if a tiger kills livestock. Communities near reserves benefit from eco-tourism jobs. Schools teach kids about wildlife safety and respect.



These efforts turn potential conflict into shared purpose. Tigers are not just seen as threats. They are part of the neighborhood. This level of public engagement is rare - and it’s working.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tech-and-volunteers-on-the-frontlines">Tech and volunteers on the frontlines</h2>



India uses modern tools like GPS-based monitoring systems to track tiger movement. In areas like Uttar Pradesh, volunteers called “Bagh Mitras” (Tiger Friends) help local authorities respond quickly when tigers wander near villages. 



These efforts aim to ease fear, prevent clashes, and keep communities engaged in tiger conservation.



In regions like Pilibhit and Dudhwa, tracking measures have directly supported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-captive-tigers-help-restore-wild-populations/">population</a> growth. It’s conservation that runs on both high-tech tools and grassroots cooperation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-regions-still-struggle">Some regions still struggle</h2>



Success is not universal. In parts of rural India affected by poverty or civil unrest, tiger numbers remain low. 



Many people rely on forests for firewood, food, and grazing. As land use changes and resources shrink, competition between humans and wildlife increases.



Armed conflict also affects conservation. In areas hit by internal conflict, government presence weakens. This allows poaching and illegal logging to rise. Without stability, conservation falters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-safety-and-protection">Balancing safety and protection</h2>



Despite their fearsome reputation, tigers rarely attack humans. In India, tiger encounters cause around 100 deaths each year, and affected families receive compensation. 



Tigers that pose repeated threats are moved to reserves or zoos. This approach helps protect both people and wildlife, showing how a clear response can build trust and prevent backlash - key to long-term conservation success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-tiger-day-offers-lessons">International Tiger Day offers lessons</h2>



India’s model offers lessons for other countries, including the United States. In places like the Northern Rockies, debates continue about wolves, grizzlies, and ranching. 



The U.S. often draws firm lines between human activity and wildlife protection. India shows that there is another way.



“In the past, foraging in the forest was sustainable. But now, with more people and less space for tigers, conflicts are increasing,” said Professor Ninad Mungi of <a href="https://international.au.dk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>. 



In both India and the West, true success may depend on how well people share space with large carnivores - safely and sustainably.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-conservation-across-india">Celebrating conservation across India</h2>



On International Tiger Day, events take place across India. Reserves host educational programs. Forest workers and wildlife rescuers are honored. 



In states like Jharkhand, new eco-tourism ideas are being tested. Cities like Kolkata and Lucknow run awareness campaigns in schools and parks.



These public celebrations are more than just symbolic. They help build long-term support for conservation - something the US also values in its National Park outreach and wildlife festivals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honoring-international-tiger-day-2025">Honoring International Tiger Day 2025</h2>



International Tiger Day 2025 reminds us that saving predators is possible - even in crowded, complex societies. 



India’s journey shows that coexistence, when planned well, can succeed. Cultural respect, government support, and community involvement form a powerful alliance.



As the world faces climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline, India’s experience offers more than a story of national pride. It offers a model the rest of the world may want to study closely.



-----



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.



-----

International Tiger Day 2025: Coexistence is possible

Every year on July 29, International Tiger Day highlights a critical...

When trees topple into peat bogs or riverbeds, a slow alchemy begins. Hemmed in by mud, deprived of oxygen, and nudged along by microbes, the trunks gradually darken, densify, and mineralize. 



Sometimes, centuries later, they emerge as prized “ancient buried wood” that resists rot and boasts a marble-like sheen.



An international group of materials scientists recently wondered: Could that natural upgrade be coaxed to happen on the lab bench - quickly, cleanly, and at industrial scale?



The answer is BioStrong Wood, a timber strengthened with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-fungi-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/">fungus</a> and heat, whose tensile strength now outmuscles common SAE 304 stainless steel while weighing far less.



The project was a collaboration between the <a href="https://www.ehu.eus/en/en-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Basque Country</a> (EHU), <a href="https://en.whu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wuhan University</a>, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.



The outcome, the experts argue, is not merely a clever composite but a glimpse of circular, sustainable materials which could replace the non‑renewable and highly polluting materials on which our economy is based.



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



Humans have used wood for millennia, yet most high‑performance engineering still defaults to steel, aluminum, or petro‑derived plastics.



Wood’s natural drawbacks - porosity, moisture absorption, and inconsistency - confine its use to beams and boards, not precision-engineered parts.



However, study co-author Professor Erlantz Lizundia sees untapped potential: “Wood is one of the most accessible biological materials, but outside its conventional use, it is barely being explored for high‑performance applications.”&nbsp;



Taming flaws could let designers replace fossil-heavy materials with a climate-friendly, carbon-storing feedstock that grows on trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wood-uses-fungus-and-geology">Wood uses fungus and geology</h2>



Nature already offers a recipe. In ancient buried wood, modest heat and pressure, along with microbial enzymes, partially break down <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/researchers-create-antimicrobial-substances-using-lignin-and-plant-wastes/">lignin</a> - the amorphous polymer that cements cellulose fibers. 



This allows the remaining molecules to repolymerize into a tighter, hydrophobic network. The Basque-Chinese team accelerated that evolution in three deliberate steps:



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Selective fungal digestion - Planks of fast‑growing poplar and radiata pine were inoculated with white‑rot fungi. Over several days the microbes chewed specific ether bonds in lignin, loosening the microstructure while leaving the strong cellulose framework largely intact.</li>



<li>Chemical tuning - A mild alkaline wash halted fungal growth and removed low‑molecular‑weight residues, setting the stage for new crosslinks.</li>



<li>Hot pressing under high pressure - Boards were stacked and compressed at temperatures above 356 °F (180 °C). Cell walls collapsed, voids vanished, and fragmented lignin pieces fused into fresh carbon–carbon bonds, welding the lumber into a dense, horn-like slab.</li>
</ol>



This hybrid bio‑thermo‑mechanical route preserves up to 85 percent of the original mass - far higher than acid‑delignified “super woods” - and requires little solvent or energy beyond the press cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wood-withstands-extreme-stress">Wood withstands extreme stress</h2>



Mechanical trials show why the researchers are excited. BioStrong Wood survives tensile stresses above 530 MPa - edging out stainless steel’s typical 520 MPa - and absorbs over eleven times more energy before fracturing than raw wood.



Flexural tests reveal a threefold jump in bending strength. Thermal cycling from –321 °F (–196 °C) to 248 °F (120 °C) hardly alters its stiffness, and water contact angles near 140° keep moisture at bay. In accelerated weathering chambers, samples showed negligible swelling or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-technology-can-detect-plant-diseases-from-above/">mildew</a>. 



Behind the numbers lies a reengineered microarchitecture. X‑ray diffraction indicates cellulose crystallinity rises during pressing, while scanning electron microscopy shows near‑complete elimination of pores.



Reformed lignin acts like a molecular epoxy, locking cellulose sheets together and sealing pathways for water or oxygen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-capture-in-every-plank">Carbon capture in every plank</h2>



Strength is only half the story; so is sustainability. Using standard life-cycle assessment protocols, the authors calculate that each 2.2 lbs of BioStrong Wood sequesters roughly 2.6 lbs of CO₂ net, even after accounting for energy, chemicals, and fungal cultivation.



The negative footprint contrasts starkly with steel (4.2 lbs CO₂ emitted per 2.2 lbs produced) or glass-fiber composites (~11 lbs CO₂ per 2.2 lbs).



Techno-economic analysis pegs potential production costs near ¥2 CNY (≈ US $0.30) per 2.2 lbs - dramatically cheaper than aerospace polymers and competitive with plywood.



“Our results show that it is possible to obtain materials with a very high mechanical performance and which are, in turn, economically viable and offer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-technology-faces-uncertainty-despite-heavy-investment/">carbon capture</a> capabilities,” noted Professor Lizundia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-uses-for-fungus-wood">Future uses for fungus wood</h2>



Early prototypes hint at diverse uses, from vehicle panels to sports equipment cores and impact-resistant phone cases. 



They could also serve as exposed beams with fossil-wood aesthetics or cryogenic insulation supports due to thermal-shock resistance.



Because the process accepts multiple softwood and hardwood species, regional mills could tap local forestry residues instead of importing steel rebar or petrochemical resin.



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



Scaling will demand continuous‑press technology, rapid fungal bioreactors, and strict quality control to homogenize input lumber. 



Building codes require researchers to characterize fire behavior, often a stumbling block for dense woods.



End‑of‑life recycling pathways, perhaps via controlled pyrolysis to biochar, also need definition. 



The researchers are already testing other fungal strains and shorter incubation times to cut lead time from days to hours.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wood-joins-the-big-leagues">Wood joins the big leagues</h2>



The BioStrong Wood story demonstrates a broader shift. Engineers are revisiting biological feedstocks not just for novelty, but to replace emissions-heavy incumbents at the structural level.



Whether it is mycelium foams, bacterial cellulose films or now fungus toughened wood, the toolkit of renewable high‑performance materials including wood is expanding. 



This study shows that by letting nature handle part of the chemistry, scientists can leapfrog traditional limits of wood. That opens the door to steel‑class strength without the steel‑class carbon bill.



If trials succeed, pallet-bound planks could soon top <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dozens-of-coastal-skyscrapers-in-miami-are-sinking/">skyscrapers</a> or rocket fairings. Even in advanced engineering, well-crafted wood can still compete with metal.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ady0183" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</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.



-----

Scientists invented a process that makes wood stronger than steel

When trees topple into peat bogs or riverbeds, a slow...

Scientists may have discovered a way to reverse aging in human cells without making any gene edits. In a recent breakthrough study, researchers developed six chemical cocktails that restored aged cells to a youthful state in under a week.&nbsp;



Experts consider this a fast, safe, and cost-effective method for reversing the effects of aging. It could open doors to better treatments for age-related diseases and cellular decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-truth-about-aging">The truth about aging</h2>



To understand the latest discovery on reversing aging, it is essential to look at what causes aging at the cellular level.



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-microbes-may-have-given-rise-to-complex-life/">complex organisms</a>, the biological information is stored in two places, the genome and the epigenome. All cells in the body generally share the same genome. 



On the other hand, the epigenome may vary from cell to cell and may also change in response to environmental alterations.



According to the Information Theory of Aging <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38102202/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(ITOA)</a>, the loss of youthful epigenetic information is the primary factor contributing to aging, and age-related deterioration and dysfunction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-that-accumulate-during-aging">Cells that accumulate during aging</h2>



Additionally, studies support the notion that factors such as stress or <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2474726/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA damage</a> accelerate the aging process by causing a greater loss of epigenetic information. 



This progressive loss can cause the cells to enter a state of dysfunction known as senescence.



Cellular senescence is an irreversible state of cell cycle arrest. Senescent cells stop dividing. They also release signaling molecules that promote cell repair. 



So, to an extent, senescence is beneficial in wound healing and the prevention of cancer spread. 



As a result of <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>, senescent cells accumulate in the body, contributing to the development of age-related diseases. The understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-aging-how-some-people-live-past-100-years/">aging process</a> led scientists to seek ways to reverse these age-related changes in cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-alternatives-to-reverse-aging">Chemical alternatives to reverse aging</h2>



Most current anti-aging approaches rely on gene therapy that alters genetic material. These methods aim to reverse the aging process, cure age-related disabilities or diseases, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470443/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heal injuries</a>. 



Scientists typically achieve this using techniques such as adeno-associated viral (AAV) delivery of DNA and lipid nanoparticle-mediated delivery of RNA. Due to the cost and safety concerns, these methods are not widely accepted.



Scientists searched for a chemical alternative that is safe, inexpensive, and yields results more quickly. The approach could perhaps lead to whole-body rejuvenation, not just to the reversal of aging in specific cells. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-cocktails-were-highly-effective">Chemical cocktails were highly effective</h2>



In this study, researchers developed and utilized screening methods, including the NCC (nucleocytoplasmic compartmentalization) assay. NCC distinguishes young, old, and aging or senescent cells.



They then identified new chemical combinations that could reverse cellular aging and rejuvenate the cells. This method was highly effective, since the treated cells regained youthful function and gene expression patterns within days. 



The results confirm the possibility that aging can be reversed in human cells without altering cellular identity or the underlying genetic code.&nbsp;



The study identified six specific chemical cocktails that could help restore a youthful DNA methylation profile. 



A remarkable feature is that these compounds work at a fast rate and show results in under a week. Additionally, the cell's original type and function are retained. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origin-of-the-age-reversal-idea">Origin of the age-reversal idea</h2>



In 2006, Takahashi and Yamanaka demonstrated that four specific genes could be used to reprogram adult cells. These genes were OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC, collectively known as the OSKM genes.



The four specific genes, or Yamanaka factors, erase cellular identity. Scientists sought ways to reverse aging without inducing uncontrolled cell growth or tumor development. 



The Belmonte lab undertook multiple approaches and found that they could achieve this using short bursts of OSKM or just OSK.



Later studies showed that scientists could turn adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The iPSC is a type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-are-stem-cells-2/">stem cell</a> that can be derived from various sources. Scientists achieve this by erasing the cellular identity of the adult cells.



These discoveries paved the way for developing safer, faster, and non-genetic methods that were chemically based.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-towards-a-youthful-life">Towards a youthful life</h2>



The chemical method for reversing aging is a promising discovery. We can now restore cellular health and delay age-related disabilities and diseases without using genetic modifications.



Dr. David A. Sinclair is a professor in the Department of Genetics at&nbsp;Harvard Medical School,&nbsp;and lead scientist on the project.



“Until recently, the best we could do was&nbsp;slow&nbsp;aging. New discoveries suggest we can now reverse it,” said Dr. Sinclair. “This process has previously required gene therapy, limiting its widespread use.”



The discovery opens new doors for the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-brittle-star-tissue-could-transform-regenerative-medicine/">regenerative medicine</a>. Researchers can use the chemical cocktails to restore lost tissue function. 



The method could evolve as an excellent solution for treating degenerative diseases and extending the lifespan.



Unlike epigenetic reprogramming, the chemical method is convenient with fewer hurdles. With further trials, this could progress to a more practical age-reversal therapy.



The full study was published in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37437248/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PubMed</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.



-----

Breakthrough method reverses aging in human cells without modifying DNA

Scientists may have discovered a way to reverse aging in...

Seen through an orbiter’s camera, the flanks of Martian volcanoes and crater walls often look as if thick syrup once oozed down them and then became crusted with rouge‑colored dust. For years, scientists believed those viscous tongues formed from piles of rocky rubble lightly cemented by ice.



But analyses during the past two decades shifted that view, revealing that at least some debris‑mantled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/">glaciers</a> hold far more frozen water than stone.



Now, a new radar survey argues that purity is the rule rather than the exception: glaciers across both hemispheres are more than 80 percent ice.



The findings suggest that much of Mars once endured sustained glaciation and that vast, readily accessible reservoirs of water await future explorers.



Lead author Yuval Steinberg completed the work as a graduate student at Israel’s <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute of Science</a>. 



Steinberg's mentors and co‑authors, Oded Aharonson and Isaac Smith, are affiliated with the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, as well as with Weizmann and <a href="https://www.yorku.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chaos-in-martian-ice-records">Chaos in Martian ice records</h2>



When Steinberg began combing through earlier literature, one pattern stood out - there was no pattern. Researchers had sampled different glaciers with different radar techniques and reported results in unmatched units.



“Different techniques had been applied by researchers to various sites, and the results could not be easily compared,” noted Smith. Some landmarks had never been probed, while others sported only partial analyses.



“One of the sites in our study had never been studied, and at two of the five sites we used, only partial analysis had been completed,” he said.



The team decided to impose order. They chose five debris‑covered glaciers scattered across the planet, including one fresh target, and processed all datasets the same way.



Key to their approach was <a href="https://sharad.psi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SHARAD</a>, the Shallow Radar instrument aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. It beams 20 MHz radio pulses into the crust.



By measuring each glacier’s dielectric constant - how fast the radar wave travels through a material - and the loss tangent - how much energy the wave loses en route - they gathered key physical data. These values allowed them to infer the glacier’s subsurface composition.



Visual inspection alone reveals nothing because all debris‑laden glaciers look like drab pieces of soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-is-nearly-pure-everywhere"><a></a>The ice is nearly pure, everywhere</h2>



The surprise came when the radar math finished crunching. Whether perched near the equator or edging the mid‑latitudes, each glacier offered almost the same electrical signature.



That sameness implies a similar makeup: at least four-fifths ice by volume, capped by a veneer of rubble only a few meters thick that insulates the ice against thin, dry air.



“This is important because it tells us that the formation and preservation mechanisms are probably the same everywhere,” Smith said. 



The uniformity hints either at one planet‑wide glaciation or at multiple ice ages that occurred under nearly identical conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowfall-once-shaped-mars">Snowfall once shaped Mars</h2>



Mars today is so arid that water ice can survive near the surface only where temperatures remain low and the atmosphere’s pressure prevents sublimation.



If the new study is correct, the planet must have repeatedly produced enough snow or frost to build thick glaciers, later burying them in dust that has kept them intact for hundreds of millions of years.



Knowing the minimum purity of those glaciers lets climate modelers refine how much water circulated through the past atmosphere. It also helps them track how snowfall patterns shifted with the planet’s tilt and how global dust storms may have armored the ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-for-future-crews">Water for future crews</h2>



Purity also matters for future crews who may mine ice for drinking water, oxygen, and rocket fuel. Extracting liquid from dirty ice takes energy and filtration gear; chopping blocks of almost pure ice simplifies the job.



The five glaciers studied lie in diverse terrains, suggesting many candidate sites for human outposts. 



“We can conclude that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/">Mars</a> experienced either one widespread glaciation or multiple glaciations that had similar properties,” Smith said. 



“By bringing together these sites and techniques for the first time, we were able to unify our understanding of these types of glaciers.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-more-hidden-ice-on-mars">Mapping more hidden ice on Mars</h2>



The researchers plan to extend their standardized survey to additional radar tracks. Each glacier tested refines global data and may reveal microclimates or local volcanic heating.



The method could even guide the <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024EGUGA..2610754A/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Ice Mapper mission concept</a>, which would fly more advanced radar optimized for detecting shallow ice sheets.



The team revealed a planetary frozen archive beneath the dusty veneer - what first appeared to be sluggish, rock-rich flows. It records climate rhythms and beckons as a water source for the next great adventure in human exploration.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0019103525002647?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icarus</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.



-----

Previously believed to be mostly rock, Mars' glaciers shown to be 80% pure ice

Seen through an orbiter’s camera, the flanks of Martian volcanoes...

Scuba diving does more than open a window onto coral gardens and kelp forests. According to the first comprehensive tally of its global economic footprint, the pastime injects between $8.5 billion and $20.4 billion into the world economy each year. It also supports up to 124,000 jobs across 170 countries.



The study gives ocean advocates a new set of hard numbers to argue that healthy seas are not just a moral imperative - they are a lucrative asset.



The new analysis builds on 2021 work that pegged Mexico’s dive tourism at roughly $725 million a year - nearly as much as the entire fishing industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dive-data-goes-global">Dive data goes global</h2>



Backed by the <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Geographic Society</a> and endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade, marine biologist Octavio Aburto-Oropeza of <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> created the Atlas Aquatica project to discover whether similar economic clout exists at the global scale.



The team compiled a database of more than 11,500 dive operators using Google Maps listings and PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) records, then cross-checked entries with local experts. An online survey drew 425 responses from businesses in 81 countries.



Economist Andrés Cisneros-Montemayor from <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/">Simon Fraser University</a> translated those answers into spending estimates: direct outlays on courses, boat charters, and gear rentals, plus indirect spending on hotels, meals, and transportation by the world’s nine to fourteen million recreational divers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dive-tourism-drives-billions">Dive tourism drives billions</h2>



The numbers surprised even seasoned researchers. Direct expenditures came in between $900 million and $3.2 billion a year. 



Add in ancillary spending, and the total swells to a figure of $8.5 billion to $20.4 billion. Eighty percent of dive-shop employees are local residents, a ratio that few mass-tourism sectors match.



“Scuba diving is pretty unique because it makes you spend time underwater,” said Fabio Favoretto, the Atlas Aquatica coordinator and a Scripps postdoctoral fellow.



“You can sail or surf above a dead ocean, but scuba divers notice if there are no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-are-quietly-battling-climate-change-on-the-seabed/">fish</a> - it’s really an activity that is dependent on the health of the system. That’s a positive for conservation because it makes divers allies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-divers-flock-to-protected-waters">Divers flock to protected waters</h2>



Roughly 70 percent of all marine dives happen inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/">marine protected areas</a> (MPAs), a finding that aligns with earlier research showing that operators and clients will pay a premium for richer wildlife encounters.



Prior studies suggest that expanding MPAs could further boost revenue by attracting more visitors willing to pay higher fees for healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-food-webs-are-more-fragile-than-we-thought/">reefs</a>, seagrass meadows, and pelagic drop-offs.



“We show that diving generates a lot of income, and it does this without degrading the environment like extractive industries such as fishing or mining,” Aburto-Oropeza said.



“We hope that showing the scale of the economic impact from this activity will encourage policies that invest in diving by increasing marine protections.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-workforce-watching-reefs-decline"><a></a>A workforce watching reefs decline</h2>



Still, money alone cannot shield ecosystems. Most surveyed operators reported noticeable environmental degradation at their sites over the past decade.



That frontline perspective makes the sector a potential early-warning system for policymakers, provided governments invite dive professionals to the table. 



The authors call for standardized ecological monitoring protocols across the industry and for formal seats for operators in marine management bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eco-friendly-tourism-works">Eco-friendly tourism works</h2>



Dive tourism exemplifies what scholars call the “blue economy,” a vision in which coastal communities prosper by stewarding, not exploiting, marine resources.



“Unlike mass tourism operations that can harm local communities and marine environments, dive tourism, when managed well, can be economically viable, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable,” said Anna Schuhbauer, the study’s lead author and a fisheries scientist at the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/">University of British Columbia</a>.



Because divers fly in small groups, stay longer, and spend heavily on local services, the money sticks close to home. Their physical footprint - anchored moorings, low-speed boats, tanks that are refilled rather than discarded - remains comparatively light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giving-divers-a-voice">Giving divers a voice</h2>



Despite their economic heft, dive operators are often fragmented into tiny businesses with little say in coastal zoning or fisheries regulation. Atlas Aquatica aims to change that by helping shops form cooperatives.



Pilot cooperatives in Mexico and Italy are already pooling funds for reef restoration, lobbying for stricter fishing limits inside MPAs, and negotiating better safety and sustainability standards. 



The study recommends that governments recognize such groups as official stakeholders, giving them standing in decision-making processes that shape the underwater landscapes on which their livelihoods depend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profits-support-protection">Profits support protection</h2>



For decades conservationists have argued that protecting biodiversity can pay for itself. By attaching dollar values to bubbles, buoyancy, and fin kicks, the new report turns that slogan into measurable evidence.



Moreover, scuba divers’ preference for MPAs is supported by data showing that about 70 percent of all marine dives currently occur within MPAs. 



Policymakers weighing the short-term gains of mining or unregulated fishing against the steady flow of dive tourism dollars now have a clearer ledger.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scuba-diving-s-future-outlook">Scuba diving’s future outlook</h2>



The researchers acknowledge gaps - their operator list, though vast, is not exhaustive; informal or unlicensed outfits are harder to track; and the pandemic temporarily suppressed travel numbers used in the analysis.



Even so, the conservative tone of their models suggests that the true economic contribution may be higher. Future studies will refine regional estimates, examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-carbon-footprint-urban-farms-and-agriculture/">carbon footprints</a>, and test whether higher protection leads directly to higher earnings over time.



For now, the takeaway is straightforward: oceans brimming with life are a magnet for recreational divers, and divers, in turn, pump billions into coastal economies without extracting a single fish.



Recognizing that virtuous cycle could help steer global recovery funds, tourism strategies, and climate-finance projects toward smarter policies. These would support colorful reefs and dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-forests-in-crisis-how-toxic-turf-algae-are-taking-over/">kelp forests</a> - a win for local jobs, national coffers, and, above all, the sea itself..



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-sustainability/fulltext/S2949-7906(25)00131-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2949790625001314%3Fshowall%3Dtrue">Cell Reports Sustainability</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.



-----

Scuba diving boosts conservation - and brings in billions

Scuba diving does more than open a window onto coral...

City life has always had a reputation for being fast. A new study shows just how much faster it's become. The researchers found that from 1980 to 2010, the average walking speed in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia rose by 15 percent. 



Meanwhile, the number of people lingering in public spaces dropped by 14 percent. Fewer people are slowing down to talk, relax, or meet others.



The research comes from scientists at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT), Yale University, the University of Hong Kong, Michigan State University, and Harvard University. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-decades-of-data-reveal">What decades of data reveal</h2>



The team used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-used-to-locate-sources-of-heavy-pollution/">machine learning</a> to analyze how public spaces are used differently today than they were 40 years ago.



The researchers worked with old footage captured by William Whyte, a well-known urbanist who spent the late 1970s and early 1980s studying public spaces in major cities. 



Whyte filmed four key spots: Boston's Downtown Crossing, New York’s Bryant Park, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Philadelphia’s Chestnut Street. 



In 2010, researchers went back to those same locations at the same times of day to shoot updated footage for comparison.



“Something has changed over the past 40 years,” said MIT professor of the practice Carlo Ratti. “How fast we walk, how people meet in public space - what we’re seeing here is that public spaces are working in somewhat different ways, more as a thoroughfare and less a space of encounter.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fewer-interactions-in-city-spaces">Fewer interactions in city spaces</h2>



The study used AI and computer vision to identify patterns in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distracted-walking-texting-puts-pedestrians-at-risk/">pedestrian</a> behavior. One surprising constant: the number of people walking alone didn’t really change - from 67% in 1980 to 68% in 2010. 



At the same time, the percentage of individuals who entered a space and then joined a group dropped from 5.5% to just 2 percent. “Perhaps there’s a more transactional nature to public space today,” said Ratti.



That shift reflects how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-digital-technology-influence-our-sense-of-self/">technology</a> has changed the way we navigate social life. Plans are often made ahead of time, and people tend to move with more purpose through public spaces.



“When you look at the footage from William Whyte, the people in public spaces were looking at each other more,” said Ratti. 



“It was a place you could start a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brief-conversations-with-strangers-boost-life-satisfaction/">conversation</a> or run into a friend. You couldn’t do things online then. Today, behavior is more predicated on texting first, to meet in public space.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meeting-spaces-for-city-people">Meeting spaces for city people </h2>



Another possible reason for the shift? Starbucks - and places like it. Meeting up in an air-conditioned café is now the go-to move, far more appealing than hanging out on a hot or windy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-environments-and-sidewalks-improve-heart-health/">sidewalk</a>.



According to the study authors, the proliferation of coffee shops and other indoor venues may be pulling people away from lingering in outdoor public areas.



That’s a major change from 1980, when large coffee chains were rare or nonexistent. Now, those third spaces are everywhere - and they’re often designed specifically to draw people in and keep them there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-better-city-spaces">Designing better city spaces </h2>



The research doesn’t just document a shift - it could shape how cities are designed in the future. Planners might use these insights to rethink how public spaces are built and how people move through them.



“Public space is such an important element of civic life, and today partly because it counteracts the polarization of digital space,” said Arianna Salazar-Miranda of Yale University. “The more we can keep improving public space, the more we can make our cities suited for convening.”



The team hopes this is just the beginning. Building on this study, researchers aim to broaden their understanding of how people interact with public environments.



“We are collecting footage from 40 squares in Europe,” said Fabio Duarte of MIT. “The question is: How can we learn at a larger scale? This is in part what we’re doing.”



The future of public space may depend on learning from its past - and adjusting to how people use it today.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2424662122">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</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.



-----

Fewer people are stopping to talk in city spaces

City life has always had a reputation for being fast....

The deep sea holds mysteries we’ve barely begun to understand. It’s vast, dark, cold, and alive with astonishing biodiversity. Beneath its crushing pressures lie mineral-rich fields containing metals that are vital to emerging technologies. 



These include cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese, which are crucial for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and advanced electronics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targets-for-deep-sea-mining">Targets for deep-sea mining</h2>



Now, international companies are eyeing this remote frontier for large-scale mining. Their target is polymetallic nodules, potato-sized lumps that are scattered across the ocean floor, especially in the central Pacific. These nodules formed over millions of years. 



Some businesses claim they can harvest the nodules with little environmental damage. Scientists, however, are sounding the alarm. 



At a recent meeting of the International Seabed Authority (<a href="https://www.isa.org.jm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISA</a>) in Kingston, Jamaica, researchers presented troubling data. They questioned whether deep-sea ecosystems could ever recover from mining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jadarite-described-as-earths-kryptonite-twin-has-potential-to-replace-fossil-fuels/">disruption</a>. 



This conversation arrives as nations push forward to finalize rules for commercial seabed extraction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-may-cause-deep-sea-damage">Mining may cause deep sea damage</h2>



The DEEP REST project, led by European scientists, has spent years examining seafloor restoration. “If we remove nodules from the seabed, we do not know what we lose, only that it's lost forever,” the researchers concluded.



Jozee Sarrazin, a researcher at the French Institute for Ocean Science (<a href="http://eulacfoundation.org/en/french-institute-ocean-science-ifremer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ifremer</a>), explained the scope of the problem. 



“So far, all the restoration operations we have attempted within our DEEP REST project have been short-term. And what we observed is that, in the given time, that is to say a few years, the ecosystems do not recover,” she said.



The DEEP REST team emphasized that the long-term prospects remain uncertain. “If restoration is possible, it will take a very long time, and at the moment we don't have the data to be able to say if that will be 100 years or 1000 years,” Sarrazin said.



These findings question the very foundation of the seabed mining industry's environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-investing-in-asteroid-mining-make-you-a-billionaire/">claims</a>. The damage may not just last centuries. It might never heal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-life-depends-on-nodules">Ocean life depends on nodules</h2>



Though hostile in appearance, the deep sea teems with life. Far from being barren, the abyss is likely home to millions of unknown species. Creatures survive without sunlight, relying instead on chemical reactions, organic matter from above, and symbiotic relationships.



Among these residents are sponges, soft corals, sea anemones, and countless microorganisms. They depend on the hard surface of polymetallic nodules to anchor themselves in soft <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gold-mining-causes-long-lasting-damage-in-the-amazon-rainforest/">sediment</a>. Without these nodules, many species cannot survive.



Matthias Haeckel, from the German research center GEOMAR, highlighted this critical dependency. “The fauna only exists in these areas because they need the hard substrate of the nodule to attach,” Haeckel said during his presentation of the MiningImpact project in Jamaica.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-causes-damage-to-sea-life">Mining causes damage to sea life</h2>



Mining techniques involve vacuuming up nodules while releasing plumes of sediment. These activities disturb a wide radius around each site. 



The MiningImpact study found that this approach decreases population densities and biodiversity while impairing ecosystem <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-impacts-marine-life-for-decades/">function</a>.



The nodules themselves are not replaceable within any human timeframe. “To make the story short, in the end, we're talking about recovery times of thousands of years,” said Haeckel. These timescales stretch far beyond any meaningful conservation plan.



The process does more than displace marine life. It affects how nutrients cycle, how species interact, and how habitats maintain balance. With no way to predict full outcomes, many researchers urge restraint.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-damage-remains-despite-mining-trials">Damage remains despite mining trials</h2>



Some scientists are testing whether restoration can be engineered. “We designed artificial nodules made of deep-sea clay and we placed them at different sites,” noted Sabine Gollner, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands</a> Institute for Sea Research.



These nodules mimic the natural substrates that marine organisms need. But results take time. 



“When you take into account the slow growth rates in the deep sea, the slow processes, it will take quite some more years to find out if restoration is effective and to what degree,” Gollner noted.



Even with creative ideas and dedicated research, restoration remains hypothetical. No one can yet claim success at bringing back lost deep-sea ecosystems. And until long-term data become available, every mining operation risks doing irreversible damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-areas-should-remain-untouched">Some areas should remain untouched</h2>



One type of deep-sea habitat holds particular value: hydrothermal vents. These underwater geysers release heated, mineral-rich water through cracks in the seafloor. The ecosystems built around them are among the most unique on Earth.



Massive sulfide deposits near these vents are rich in metals, making them tempting targets for mining. But scientists caution that damage here would be catastrophic. 



“If we extract massive sulfides near active vents, we know what we lose, and we must prevent loss,” the DEEP REST study concluded.



These sites support specialized creatures found nowhere else. Their removal would erase entire evolutionary pathways. The vents also play a role in regulating global chemistry and microbial activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-rules-ignore-long-term-damage">Mining rules ignore long-term damage</h2>



The ISA continues negotiating the international mining code. Scientists urge that these rules must include restoration principles, but also acknowledge a hard truth. 



“It's good to include it but with a clear statement that at this moment in time, it cannot be taken into account to reach agreed environmental goals,” said Gollner. “For example, a contractor shouldn't be allowed to use that argument to mine a larger area.”



Until the world better understands the deep sea, calls for caution continue to grow. The rush for critical minerals may lead us to destroy what we do not yet comprehend. 



Mining the seafloor risks losing lifeforms and systems shaped over eons, all for short-term technological gain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-ahead-for-the-deep">What lies ahead for the deep</h2>



The deep ocean holds scientific wonder, ecological value, and untapped biodiversity. Once disrupted, it may never return to its natural state. With mining rules still under negotiation, the time to ask hard questions is now.



Can we afford to treat the seafloor as a resource deposit? Or should we recognize it as a living system, still largely uncharted, and protect it accordingly? The world must decide before the damage becomes permanent.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08921-3">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.



-----

Deep-sea ecosystems may never heal from mining damage

The deep sea holds mysteries we’ve barely begun to understand....

Climate change often appears gradual, but abrupt shifts may occur with little warning. Recent research reveals that sensitive subsystems - such as sea ice, permafrost, and rainforests - can suddenly tip into new states. 



These changes pose serious risks to ecosystems, water resources, and human populations.



"Abrupt shifts" refer to rapid, large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-winters-are-starting-to-look-more-like-spring/">changes</a> within a decade or less. These include sudden snow loss on the Tibetan Plateau, permafrost thaw, or sea ice collapse. Once triggered, these events may unfold faster than society can adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-scientists-found-fast-changes">How scientists found fast changes</h2>



To detect these changes, the researchers applied Canny edge detection, a method from computer vision, to climate model data. The team scanned 82 environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-winters-are-no-longer-frozen-and-thats-a-problem/">variables</a> across 57 CMIP6 climate models.



The goal was to identify sharp changes in variables like sea surface salinity, snow cover, and carbon storage. 



Each model simulated a future where carbon dioxide rose by one percent per year for 140 years, reaching four times the pre-industrial level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-models-show-sudden-changes">Many models show sudden changes</h2>



The study from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> found that vulnerable regions included the Arctic, the Tibetan Plateau, and the North Atlantic subpolar gyre. In contrast, the Indian, West African, and South American monsoons remained relatively stable across most models. 



Subsystems showing more consistent abrupt changes included Arctic summer and winter sea ice, Antarctic sea ice, the North Atlantic subpolar gyre, land permafrost, and snow cover over the Tibetan Plateau.



Even systems not officially recognized as tipping elements experienced abrupt changes in several models, suggesting wider potential for sudden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-climate-will-permanently-change-by-2050-scientists-warn/">climate shifts</a> than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-cooling-in-the-north-atlantic">Fast cooling in the North Atlantic </h2>



Multiple climate models are detecting early signs of abrupt shifts in major Earth systems. In the North Atlantic subpolar gyre, surface waters are freshening and cooling, weakening ocean convection and disrupting currents like the AMOC. 



Twenty-four models showed abrupt temperature or salinity changes here - sometimes at just 0.5°C above preindustrial levels.



Over the Tibetan Plateau, 12 models showed rapid changes in snow-related variables. Upwelling shortwave radiation - a stand-in for albedo - shifted in 11 models, alongside sharp declines in snow depth and coverage. 



These changes could foreshadow glacier retreat, though most models don’t fully simulate glaciers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-and-forest-changes">Permafrost and forest changes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-becoming-a-source-of-global-warming/">Permafrost</a> in northern Asia may also thaw faster than expected. Nineteen models showed abrupt losses of frozen soil moisture across areas totaling over one million square kilometers (386,000 square miles), suggesting thawing could happen regionally even if localized shifts appear minor.



Even forests may not be immune. While slow to respond and harder to model, the Amazon and boreal forests showed sudden changes in vegetation indicators like leaf area index and carbon fluxes in up to five models, hinting at potential tipping points in these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abrupt-sea-ice-changes">Abrupt sea ice changes</h2>



Sea ice showed some of the clearest abrupt shifts. Arctic summer ice, often seen as stable, experienced large abrupt shifts in 17 models. Winter sea ice showed abrupt losses in 21 models. 



Antarctic sea ice had fewer shifts, but 11 models showed area losses greater than 0.5 million square kilometers (193,000 square miles).



Barents sea ice, above Scandinavia and Russia, showed abrupt shifts in 43 models. Eighteen of them had large-area losses, beginning as early as 0.5°C above preindustrial levels. Two models had losses over 0.5 million square kilometers (193,000 square miles).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-heat-means-more-arctic-sea-ice-shifts">More heat means more Arctic sea ice shifts</h2>



The more a model simulated warming, the more abrupt shifts it showed. At 1.5°C, matching the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-withdraws-from-the-paris-treaty-as-trump-declares-energy-emergency/">Paris Agreement</a> limit, six of ten subsystems already showed sudden changes. This included the Arctic, North Atlantic, and Tibetan Plateau.



Models with higher climate sensitivity reached tipping conditions sooner. Shifts often happened between 0.5°C and 5°C, depending on the system.



Barents sea ice showed changes at lower warming than Antarctic sea ice or Arctic winter sea ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-abrupt-changes-may-be-missed">Some abrupt changes may be missed</h2>



Edge detection works well for fast transitions but misses slow-moving collapses. The models used do not simulate all systems fully, such as Greenland’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glacier-in-antarctica-that-could-drown-cities-is-breaking-apart/">ice sheet</a>. So actual risks may be higher.



Also, fast warming in the models may mask slower but real-world patterns. The current CO₂ increase is slower than in the simulation, so future studies must adjust for that.



Even at 1.5°C of warming, many systems show abrupt shifts in multiple models. Monsoon systems may resist change, but polar and high-altitude regions respond fast.



This study does not predict precise tipping points, but it reveals just how close we might be. The next big change in our climate might not come gradually. It may hit all at once.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025AV001698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGU Advances</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.



-----

Abrupt collapse of Arctic sea ice may come with little warning

Climate change often appears gradual, but abrupt shifts may occur...

People with dementia often wait too long for a diagnosis. A new global study by UCL found that the average time from the first symptoms to diagnosis is 3.5 years. 



For early-onset dementia, the delay stretches to 4.1 years. These delays worsen access to care and lead to missed opportunities for support.



Researchers analyzed 13 studies from Europe, the US, Australia, and China, covering over 30,000 participants. They tracked the time from when symptoms first appeared - noticed by families or patients - to the formal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-confirmed-as-a-major-risk-factor-for-dementia/">diagnosis</a> by clinicians.



This is the first comprehensive review to measure this diagnostic gap across countries and dementia types.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-dementia-goes-undiagnosed">Why dementia goes undiagnosed</h2>



“Timely diagnosis of dementia remains a major global challenge, shaped by a complex set of factors, and specific healthcare strategies are urgently needed to improve it,” said lead author Dr. Vasiliki Orgeta from the <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/psychiatry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Division of Psychiatry</a>.



Though early symptoms may appear subtle, many families delay action. People often mistake the signs for normal aging. In several countries, general practitioners refer patients to memory clinics, but often only after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-particular-sleep-stage-slow-wave-deep-is-most-important-for-preventing-dementia/">symptoms</a> become severe.



The diagnostic process itself is slow. Even in countries with established memory clinics, delays persist. On average, patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) waited 4.2 years. 



Those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) faced a 3.6-year delay. The longest delays occurred in younger people with FTD, who waited 4.7 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-people-wait-longer">Young people wait longer</h2>



Younger patients face unique challenges. Their symptoms are unexpected and often misdiagnosed as stress or mental health issues. 



Two studies linked younger age directly to longer delays. Several others found that people with young-onset dementia saw multiple doctors before receiving a diagnosis.



Specialist services helped. In one Australian study, people who accessed a dedicated young-onset dementia clinic got diagnosed faster.



“Our work highlights the need for a clear conceptual framework on time to diagnosis in dementia, developed in collaboration with people with dementia, their caregivers, and supporters,” Dr. Orgeta added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waiting-for-dementia-diagnosis">Waiting for dementia diagnosis</h2>



Race, income, and education also played a role. One study from the US found that Black participants experienced longer delays compared to white participants.



This difference was partly due to income and education levels. Lower educational attainment and lack of insurance contributed to these diagnostic gaps.



Female patients, in some studies, were also more likely to wait longer. People without functional impairments tended to get delayed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/risk-of-dementia-is-much-higher-than-previously-thought/">diagnoses</a> too. This shows that visible symptoms often trigger action - but subtle or early signs may not.



“Symptoms of dementia are often mistaken for normal aging, while fear, stigma, and low public awareness can discourage people from seeking help,” said study co-author Dr. Phuong Leung.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-type-of-dementia-often-missed">One type of dementia often missed</h2>



Frontotemporal dementia is harder to detect. It may present as behavioral or language issues rather than memory loss. In some studies, FTD patients were younger and had fewer memory symptoms than those with AD. This complexity caused doctors to misread symptoms or delay referrals.



“Within healthcare systems, inconsistent referral pathways, limited access to specialists, and under-resourced memory clinics can create further delays," said Professor Rafael Del-Pino-Casado from the University of Jaén in Spain.



"For some, language differences or a lack of culturally appropriate assessment tools can make access to timely diagnosis even harder.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speeding-up-detection">Speeding up detection</h2>



The review recommends setting up specialist services for young-onset dementia. These centers can reduce diagnostic delays and improve access to support. 



It also urges global efforts to improve training for doctors, awareness campaigns for the public, and policy frameworks to define acceptable diagnostic timelines.



“To speed up dementia diagnosis, we need action on multiple fronts," said Dr. Orgeta. "Public awareness campaigns can help improve understanding of early symptoms and reduce stigma, encouraging people to seek help sooner."



"Clinician training is critical to improve early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dementia-is-a-growing-global-health-crisis-with-a-staggering-cost/">recognition</a> and referral, along with access to early intervention and individualized support so that people with dementia and their families can get the help they need."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-undiagnosed-dementia">Reducing undiagnosed dementia</h2>



Many people still believe dementia only affects older adults, a misconception that leaves younger patients undiagnosed and delays treatment, reducing quality of life.



The report calls for more large-scale studies and standard definitions of diagnostic intervals. Without accurate timelines, policy and planning efforts will fall short.



The authors argue for immediate investment in research, inclusive care systems, and better diagnostics. With the right steps, future generations could receive dementia diagnoses faster - and live better for longer.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/gps.70129" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry</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.



-----

Dementia is going undiagnosed for years, especially in young patients

People with dementia often wait too long for a diagnosis....

Environmental concerns can sometimes feel especially urgent - and World Nature Conservation Day is one of those times. 



Observed each year on July 28, this occasion serves as a reminder of the vital role nature plays in our lives and how fragile that support has become.



Forests purify the air we breathe. Rivers nourish ecosystems and communities alike. But the balance is shifting. Temperatures are rising, habitats are shrinking, and pollution is spreading. These changes signal an urgent need for action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-conservation-nbsp-around-the-world">Nature conservation&nbsp;around the world</h2>



Though people have protected nature for centuries, the official celebration of this day began in the late 1900s. It arose in response to rapid environmental loss.



Since then, the initiative has grown worldwide. <a href="https://wildlifeday.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communities</a> hold awareness campaigns and workshops. People plant trees and attend talks. The core message stays the same. A healthy planet means a healthy future for all.



Nature’s health determines our survival. We depend on clean air, fertile soil, and fresh water. Nature gives us food, medicine, and mental peace. 



If ecosystems collapse, everyone suffers. World Nature Conservation Day is not about charity or good intentions. It is about preserving what keeps us alive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-tools-for-wildlife-protection">Smart tools for wildlife protection</h2>



Nature is under threat, and illegal hunting remains one of the most serious dangers. Species like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-wildlife-conservation-how-ai-will-help-protect-elephants/">elephants</a> are often targeted for their tusks - putting entire populations at risk of extinction.



To stop this, experts have created a smart tool called PoachNet. It’s a digital system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and GPS location data.



PoachNet studies patterns and predicts where poachers are most likely to strike next. The system then alerts local conservation teams, so they can act quickly and protect the animals.



This approach demonstrates how technology can protect wildlife before harm occurs. PoachNet isn’t just reactive - it’s proactive, working to stop threats before they happen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-nature-conservation">A new era of nature conservation </h2>



Protecting animals isn't only about keeping them safe from harm. It also means learning how they live, move, and interact with their environment. Recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-caribou-movement-patterns-can-transform-conservation/">caribou research</a> is a good example of this idea in action.



Scientists are using GPS tracking devices to study individual caribou. These trackers show where each animal travels over time. 



What the experts discovered is that not all caribou move the same way. Each group has its own pattern, and that means each group needs a different kind of protection.



This research helps conservationists design special paths, called migration corridors, so caribou can move safely across the land. It also helps keep them away from busy roads and industrial areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guarding-the-oceans">Guarding the oceans </h2>



Protecting the ocean is difficult, especially because it's so large and hard to monitor. Marine conservation often struggles with enforcing rules, like fishing bans, in remote areas. Many people believe it’s too hard to stop illegal activity in such vast waters.



But <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-marine-protected-areas-working-satellites-reveal-the-truth/">recent research</a> shows that ocean protection is possible. Scientists studied over 1,000 marine protected areas using satellites and artificial intelligence (AI). These tools helped them track ship movements, even those trying to hide.



The researchers discovered that in places with strict fishing bans, illegal activity dropped. The radar technology detected hidden ships, and this allowed for better enforcement. The results prove that smart tools can make a big difference



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tagging-rays-to-help-save-them">Tagging rays to help save them</h2>



Conservation sometimes means learning about animals we rarely see. Rays are one such example. They move in ways that make them hard to track. 



For a long time, scientists couldn't follow rays closely because old tracking devices would fall off too soon.



That problem changed with the creation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-endangered-rays-a-new-chapter-in-marine-conservation/">new biologging tags</a>. These tags are advanced tools that include cameras, sensors, and machine learning. They stay attached longer and collect detailed information.



With these tools, scientists now know where rays swim, how they find food, and how they interact with other rays. This information helps create better marine protection plans, such as safe zones where rays can live without threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-world-nature-conservation-day">Significance of World Nature Conservation Day </h2>



Every action taken to protect nature - whether it involves tracking the hidden journeys of rays or studying the migration of caribou - plays an important role. No effort is too small when it comes to preserving the delicate balance that supports all life on Earth.



World Nature Conservation Day 2025 serves as a powerful reminder that protecting nature is not just about preserving beauty or wildlife. It is directly connected to our own future, health, and stability. When we care for nature, we care for ourselves.



The latest conservation research - from animal protection to smart ocean monitoring - shows how compassion and innovation can go hand in hand. We’re entering an era where conservation is no longer passive but dynamic, creative, and action-driven.



-----



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.



-----

World Nature Conservation Day 2025: A healthy future for all

Environmental concerns can sometimes feel especially urgent - and World...

About half of the dogs in the United States are overweight. That might not surprise you if your pup constantly begs for treats. But the reasons behind canine obesity go deeper than a dog’s appetite.



A recent study by scientists at <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M University</a>, in collaboration with the Dog Aging Project, points to a more complicated picture.



The study suggests that dog obesity is shaped by a complex mix of factors including breed, living environment, food motivation, and whether it’s the owner or the veterinarian who recognizes the issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breed-influences-dog-obesity-risk">Breed influences dog obesity risk</h2>



The researchers looked at data from dog owners and veterinarians, using survey responses and medical records to track patterns in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canine-personality-traits-are-not-strongly-influenced-by-breed/">canine</a> weight. One major takeaway: breed groups matter.



Dogs from active breed groups - like retrievers, spaniels, and setters - were about 10% more likely to have a strong drive for food than other dogs.



“Our study confirmed that dogs in the sporting group - which in our study group were largely Labrador retrievers and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golden-retrievers-and-all-dog-breeds-will-live-longer-lives-thanks-to-science/">Golden retrievers</a> - have a greater likelihood to have high food motivation,” said Dr. Kate Creevy, Dog Aging Project chief veterinary officer. 



“Given that these are two of the most common breeds in the U.S., it is vital that both veterinarians and dog owners understand the diet management strategies necessary for achieving a healthy weight.”



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



The study didn’t just stop at breed. Where a dog lives - and who it lives with - matters too. Dogs in urban areas and those in multi-dog homes were also more likely to have higher food motivation.



“It’s likely that these factors influence the amount of exercise that dogs get in addition to their access to food,” Creevy said. “Some dogs may seek food out of boredom, which may increase in environments where exercise and enrichment are less available." 



"Additionally, owners with multiple dogs may choose certain feeding practices - including free feeding - out of convenience, which can lead to more food being available.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-and-managing-a-dog-s-weight">Tracking and managing a dog's weight</h2>



Interestingly, the team also found that owners were more likely to watch their dog’s weight if they personally believed their dog was overweight. But if a vet noticed the weight issue and the owner didn’t, the owner was less likely to take action.



This disconnect might come down to a lack of familiarity with body condition scores (BCS) - a common tool vets use to assess fat accumulation in dogs.



“A BCS plays a key role in helping veterinarians communicate with owners about their dog’s weight, which is why we need to continue increasing use of these scores,” Creevy said. 



“Studies have shown that owners of dogs that are active in sports are more likely to know how to assess BCS, which suggests that owner motivation may play a role in learning how to apply BCS to help their dogs maintain a healthy weight.”



Even though it is standard practice, the study found that about a third of vet records didn’t include a BCS in the past year. That missing data can make it harder to track and manage a dog’s weight effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-losing-weight-is-hard-even-for-dogs">Losing weight is hard - even for dogs</h2>



Knowing a dog is overweight is one thing. Helping them slim down is another. According to Creevy, previous research has shown that weight loss interventions for dogs are not always successful, especially if they’re not followed consistently.



“Sometimes there are issues in communication between the veterinarian and the owner, and given what we learned from this study, it’s also possible that some breeds require even stricter feeding practices," noted Creevy.



Weight loss plans that aren’t tailored or consistently followed can easily fall apart. That’s why expert guidance - and a plan that works for both the dog and the owner - is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-obese-dogs">Protecting obese dogs</h2>



If you think your dog may be overweight, the best step is to talk to an expert. A veterinarian can assess your dog’s body condition, suggest feeding guidelines, and help you create an exercise routine that makes sense for your pet.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/probiotics-help-overweight-dogs-shed-pounds/">Overweight dogs</a> are prone to numerous health problems, including skin disease, diabetes, and arthritis,” Creevy said. 



“It is imperative that veterinarians develop a better understanding of canine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-dogs-share-genes-linked-to-obesity/">obesity</a> and whether it may be linked to social, environmental, or demographic factors so that we can give every dog the best possible quality of life.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/86/5/ajvr.24.11.0358.xml">American Journal of Veterinary Research</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.



-----

Why are so many dogs obese? A new study reveals the truth

About half of the dogs in the United States are...

<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

News coming your way