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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

Biofilms - thin, sticky layers made by microorganisms - may hold the key to understanding how microplastics move and settle in the environment and even inside our bodies. 



Predicting where these tiny particles accumulate has proven tricky, influenced by many factors like water flow and sediment texture.



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) have found that biofilms play a bigger role than previously thought. These microbial layers often coat sandy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-linger-in-riverbeds-for-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">riverbeds</a> and seashores, changing how microplastics interact with the ground beneath them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biofilms-and-plastic-pollution">Biofilms and plastic pollution</h2>



Traditionally, experiments on microplastic movement have used bare sand. But as the researchers point out, real environments are full of life. 



Bacteria, fungi, and algae create what are known as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). These sticky materials coat surfaces and change how riverbeds behave.



The team set out to study how EPS affects microplastic buildup. They used a flow tank filled with fine sand. Some experiments had just sand, while others included a biological material simulating natural biofilms. In certain tests, vertical plastic rods stood in for mangrove roots.



For three hours, water mixed with tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-particles-found-in-99-of-tested-seafood-samples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a> flowed through the tank. Afterward, the researchers photographed the sand bed under ultraviolet light. The plastic particles glowed, allowing for precise measurements of their concentrations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-biofilm-more-plastic">Less biofilm, more plastic</h2>



Two major findings emerged from the study. Around the rods - mimicking plant roots - turbulence reduced plastic buildup. But more surprising was what happened with the biofilm-coated sand.



The experiments showed a clear pattern: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upper-ocean-layer-contains-24-trillion-pieces-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> were less likely to settle in sand beds covered with biofilm. This difference pointed to a subtle but important role biofilms play in shaping where plastic pollution builds up.



“These biological films fill the pore spaces between the sediment grains,” noted MIT postdoctoral researcher Hyoungchul Park. “That makes the deposited particles - the particles that land on the bed - more exposed to the forces generated by the flow, which makes it easier for them to be resuspended." 



"What we found was that in a channel with the same flow conditions and the same vegetation and the same sand bed, if one is without EPS and one is with EPS, then the one without EPS has a much higher deposition rate than the one with EPS.”



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



Biofilms could make a big difference in how we monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>. Study co-author Heidi Nepf noted that the biofilm blocks the plastics from accumulating in the bed because they can’t go deep into the bed. 



"They just stay right on the surface, and then they get picked up and moved elsewhere. So, if I spilled a large amount of microplastic in two rivers, and one had a sandy or gravel bottom, and one was muddier with more biofilm, I would expect more of the microplastics to be retained in the sandy or gravelly river,” explained Nepf.



This discovery could change how we plan cleanup and monitoring efforts. While many other factors - like water turbulence and the roughness of the riverbed - still matter, biofilms offer a new “lens” for scientists.



“They’re trying to determine what kinds of habitats these plastics are in, and this gives a framework for how you might categorize those habitats,” said Nepf. “It gives guidance to where you should go to find more plastics versus less.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-vulnerable-hotspots">Identifying vulnerable hotspots </h2>



Mangrove ecosystems offer a good example. Park suggests that the sandy edges of these areas might become <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic hotspots</a>. These outer zones have less biofilm and more open sand, making it easier for plastics to settle.



“The sandy outer regions may be potential hotspots for microplastic accumulation,” said Park, making them key places to prioritize for monitoring and protection.



Identifying these vulnerable zones is crucial for focusing cleanup efforts and reducing environmental risks. 



By knowing where plastics are likely to build up, scientists and policymakers can better target conservation strategies and deploy limited resources more efficiently. Over time, this targeted approach could help slow the spread of microplastics in sensitive ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL115331" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Biofilms could change the way we track plastic pollution

Biofilms - thin, sticky layers made by microorganisms - may...

The deep sea guards secrets of Earth’s past. Its sediment layers silently record carbon cycles, climate shifts, and ecosystem upheavals. Among the vast oceans, the Pacific holds the most heat and carbon. Yet, it remains one of the least explored when it comes to long-term climate data.



“It's easy to forget that two-thirds of our planet is covered with salty ocean water, especially when you don’t live near the coast,” said Professor Elizabeth Griffith from <a href="https://www.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>. “It’s also hard to realize just how much of it we haven’t explored yet.”



Legacy data is thin. Only eight Pacific High sites have been sampled using modern drilling methods. These include Shatsky Rise, Hess Rise, Allison Guyot, Limalok Guyot, Lo-En Guyot, Ontong Java Plateau, Mid-Pacific Mountains,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Magellan Rise. 



Most of our insights still rely on decades-old <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sediment-in-the-great-blue-hole-reveals-an-alarming-storm-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediment</a> cores, many of which are now partly degraded and depleted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-sediment-holds-a-climate-record">Pacific sediment holds a climate record</h2>



Pacific Highs are submerged geological plateaus, rich in carbonate sediments ideal for preserving past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/darkening-oceans-are-shrinking-vital-marine-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> signals. These sites sit above the carbonate compensation depth, where shells of tiny organisms survive long enough to become fossilized.



During warmer epochs, the deep ocean turned acidic, eroding many fossil records. Yet, these Highs remained relatively untouched. Sediment cores from sites like Shatsky Rise have revealed Earth’s ancient greenhouse climates, mass extinctions, oceanic anoxic events, and recovery patterns.



But sediment continuity is not guaranteed. Currents and internal tides sometimes erode layers. That’s why scientists argue for multi-site sampling. More complete and widespread records help piece together zonal and latitudinal ocean changes over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-ancient-climate-clues">Uncovering ancient climate clues</h2>



Technology has transformed ocean drilling. Ships like the JOIDES Resolution enabled long, continuous core recovery from multiple holes per site. This method replaced the earlier “spot-coring” that often missed climate transitions.



Still, many key events - like the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary - are poorly represented in Pacific cores. New proxies now let researchers study microbial communities, biomarkers, and porewaters, but these methods need fresh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-large-water-body-on-earth-does-not-touch-land-known-as-the-sargasso-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediment</a>.



“When you’re extrapolating from such a huge time and spatial scale, you need more than one or two data points to get complete records and ground truth modeling,” said Professor Griffith.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-pacific-sediment-cores">Urgent need for Pacific sediment cores</h2>



Gaps in spatial data limit model accuracy. Researchers stress the importance of gathering new cores to improve climate models, reduce uncertainty, and capture ecological transitions.



Scientific drilling helps reconstruct circulation patterns, biological pump dynamics, and responses to warming and acidification. These insights are crucial for understanding how oceans will absorb excess CO₂ and how marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-secretly-reshape-landscapes-in-powerful-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> will adapt - or collapse.



The 2024 Ohio State workshop emphasized community-led research planning. Experts recommended revisiting sites with excellent preservation, like Hess Rise, and launching new expeditions to still-unexplored Highs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-effort-needed">Global effort needed</h2>



Scientific progress depends on global cooperation. “One of the benefits of the ocean drilling community has always been that it’s a larger effort,” said Professor Griffith.



“Working with legacy core material is a crucial part of my research, but it will never replicate the experience of sailing on a deep-sea scientific drilling expedition and fostering international collaboration at sea,” noted study co-author Batoul Saad.



The loss of the U.S. riserless drillship threatens this effort. Funding cuts and aging infrastructure make it harder to pursue long-term sediment recovery missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-training-the-next-generation">Training the next generation</h2>



Pacific Highs are more than research sites. They are training grounds for the next wave of ocean scientists. Coordinated “expeditions” to core repositories and collaborative drilling missions centered on Pacific sediment cores will allow students and early-career researchers to engage deeply with Earth science.



“As individuals, much of the work of supporting science involves just being curious about the planet that we live on and that sustains us," said Professor Griffith.



"Once you become curious, realizing how much you impact your surroundings leads to better decisions and new scientific discoveries.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sampling-for-future-climate-models">Sampling for future climate models</h2>



Future reconstructions of Earth’s climate will depend on how well we sample the past. New drilling, combined with legacy data and emerging tools, will help clarify what the Pacific has to tell us.



As climate models evolve, grounding them in physical evidence becomes critical. The Pacific’s buried layers might just hold the clues to predicting tomorrow’s Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025PA005133" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology</a>.



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Pacific sediment cores unlock millions of years of climate history

The deep sea guards secrets of Earth’s past. Its sediment...

Giant viruses were once mysterious. Now, they appear essential to the ocean's balance. These viruses infect protists - single-celled marine life like algae, amoebas, and flagellates. 



Protists sit at the base of the food web. When giant viruses infect them, the effects ripple through the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-based-viruses-discovered-that-trap-carbon-and-combat-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>. Sometimes, these infections even trigger harmful algal blooms. These blooms can hurt marine animals and affect public health.



Researchers now want to know more. If we understand these viruses better, we might predict when and where blooms will occur. That would help protect coastal communities. A team at the <a href="https://www.earth.miami.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science</a> has taken a big step forward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-giant-viruses-influence-marine-life">How giant viruses influence marine life</h2>



The research team analyzed vast sets of publicly available environmental DNA sequences collected from marine waters around the world. 



By applying their specialized tool to this massive data pool, they were able to recover 230 previously unknown, high-quality giant virus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a>.



The genomes originated from samples collected across a diverse range of oceanic regions, stretching from the frozen Arctic Ocean in the north to the remote reaches of the South Pacific.



Among the sampling locations, the Baltic Sea stood out. This brackish body of water, known for its unique ecological conditions, yielded the highest number of discoveries - 108 high-quality viral genomes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-of-giant-viruses">Diversity of giant viruses</h2>



In addition to these complete sequences, the team also identified 398 partial giant virus genomes, expanding the known diversity even further.



The recovered viruses spanned several well-known taxonomic orders. Most belonged to Imitervirales and Algavirales, two dominant groups in marine viral ecology. Remarkably, the researchers also detected members of the rare Mirusviricota order. 



This group is particularly significant because it shows evolutionary links between giant viruses and herpesviruses, suggesting a much deeper history than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-virus-dna-and-protein-makeup">Giant virus DNA and protein makeup</h2>



Many of the new viral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-may-be-near-the-root-of-all-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a> were large - some over 1.3 million base pairs long. Genomes in the Algavirales group were among the biggest. Pandoravirales showed the highest GC content, which affects how the DNA behaves and is processed.



The researchers didn’t just stop at sequencing. They studied proteins inside these viruses and calculated nitrogen and sulfur in each protein chain. 



These values offer clues about virus-host dynamics. A high nitrogen content might drain host resources during infection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-genes-control-how-hosts-make-energy">Virus genes control how hosts make energy</h2>



The team found genes for photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. These include genes involved in glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and even chlorophyll-binding proteins. 



“We discovered that giant viruses possess genes involved in cellular functions such as carbon metabolism and photosynthesis - traditionally found only in cellular organisms," said Benjamin Minch, the lead author of the study.



Imitervirales carried many of these genes. Algavirales carried fewer, despite larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-recreate-an-ancient-war-trick-to-defeat-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> sizes. This hints at two different infection strategies. Imitervirales might rely more on hijacking and augmenting host metabolism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-hotspot-for-viral-diversity">A hotspot for viral diversity </h2>



The Baltic Sea turned out to be a hotspot for viral diversity. Researchers found many new proteins there, including 88% of the novel proteins identified in this study. 



Salinity, depth, and bacterial production played major roles in shaping these viral communities.



“This study allowed us to create a framework to improve existing tools for detecting novel viruses that could aid in our ability to monitor pollution and pathogens in our waterways,” Minch added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-a-hijacked-process">Photosynthesis: A hijacked process</h2>



Newly discovered viral proteins linked to photosystems I and II, cytochrome b6f, and ATP synthase suggest that giant viruses can tweak their host’s photosynthetic machinery. That helps the virus maintain the host's energy production during infection.



“Giant viruses are often the main cause of death for many phytoplankton, which serve as the base of the food web supporting ocean ecosystems and food sources,” said Mohammad Moniruzzaman, co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-and-open-access-data">Tools and open access data</h2>



All this was made possible by <a href="https://gitlab.com/benminch1/BEREN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BEREN</a> - a new tool that spots giant viruses in public DNA libraries. The team avoided re-analyzing datasets already mined, like Tara Oceans, and focused on untapped sources.



Giant viruses remain one of biology’s great surprises. With just 1,800 marine genomes recovered to date, there’s much more to find. The new genomes add weight to the idea that viruses shape entire ecosystems.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44298-025-00122-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Viruses</a>.



The full dataset, genomes, and code are open-access on <a href="https://figshare.com/projects/Expansion_of_the_genomic_and_functional_diversity_of_global_ocean_giant_viruses/214120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Figshare</a> and <a href="https://zenodo.org/records/14782687" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zenodo</a>. 



Image Credit: Grieg Steward, Ph.D., <a href="https://manoa.hawaii.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa</a>.



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Giant viruses hijack ocean plants to control marine food webs

Giant viruses were once mysterious. Now, they appear essential to...

Where do fish go for a deep clean? Coral reefs. These underwater hubs host bustling stations where small fish perform hygiene services for their larger neighbors. 



Cleaner fish dart around bigger "clients," even entering mouths to remove parasites and bacteria. Some even offer what looks like a massage.



But are these fish spas just about grooming? Or could they affect the entire microbial network of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-reef-awareness-day-2025-bringing-corals-back-to-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef</a>?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-fish-help-microbes-travel">Cleaner fish help microbes travel</h2>



A study published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series explores this hidden layer of reef life. The research was led by experts at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a> and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>).



The team set out to investigate whether cleaner stations help spread harmful pathogens or helpful microbes. 



If microbes move easily around a reef, they may influence coral bleaching or disease resistance. Understanding these interactions could inform coral restoration strategies.



“How pathogens or microbes are moving around a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-fish-populations-are-boosted-by-ocean-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef</a> could be critically important to understanding how individuals will be affected,” said lead author Anya Brown, an assistant professor with the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory and a National Geographic Explorer. 



“We know microbes play a role in coral bleaching, for example. This study really lays a foundation for using cleaner fish stations as a way to study movement of microbes around the reef environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-gobies-and-fish-visits">Cleaner gobies and fish visits </h2>



The scientists chose to study the cleaning goby, a tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-jaws-twist-to-feed-more-effectively-on-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> known for its services on Caribbean reefs. Despite its small size, the goby plays a key role in reef life. It has a striped body and is about the size of a human pinky finger.



In June 2021, the researchers removed these gobies from some cleaning stations on reefs in Puerto Rico and St. Croix. They wanted to see what would happen when these little cleaners were taken out of the picture. 



The team analyzed changes in water quality, shifts in the kinds of microbes in the water, and how other fish, especially damselfish, responded. Damselfish often visit gobies to get cleaned.



The results were revealing. Places that still had gobies attracted more fish. These active cleaning spots seemed to influence the tiny life forms in the water too. But each reef reacted differently, showing that microbial shifts depend on local reef conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-beyond-parasite-removal">Impacts beyond parasite removal</h2>



Cleaner fish do more than just remove parasites from other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-cant-survive-rising-sea-urchin-numbers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>. Their cleaning activity may also change the types and amounts of microbes in the reef.



By interacting closely with many fish, cleaner fish might help spread certain microbes or reduce harmful ones. This can affect not only the health of individual fish but also the balance of microscopic life across the reef. So, their impact extends beyond visible cleaning - it reaches the invisible microbial world that supports the whole ecosystem.



Study co-author Paul Sikkel is a research professor at the Rosenstiel School’s Department of Marine Biology and Ecology.



“While larger organisms on coral reefs attract the most attention, the study underscores the huge impact tiny organisms such as these fish can have and how important they are to helping healthy reef ecosystems function,” said Sikkel.



“While cleaner fish are well-known for their role in consuming parasites and reducing stress in other fish, this is the first field study to quantify their effects on microbes of other fish and the surrounding coral reef environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-collaboration-and-next-steps">Global collaboration and next steps</h2>



Scientists from several institutions collaborated on the research, including Amy Apprill and Jeanne Bloomberg from WHOI, and Gina Hendrick and Matthew Nicholson from the <a href="https://www.miami.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Miami</a>. Marta Soares and Raquel Xavier joined from the <a href="https://www.up.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Porto</a> in Portugal. 



The study was supported by major science organizations. Funding came from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, WHOI, and <a href="https://www.fct.pt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology</a>. 



Even though cleaner fish are tiny, they can influence entire ecosystems. Researchers are just beginning to understand how these fish help control the movement of microbes and maintain reef balance. The study opens new questions about the deeper connections shaping ocean life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v761/meps14851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Ecology Progress Series</a>.



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Cleaner fish may spread helpful microbes across coral reefs

Where do fish go for a deep clean? Coral reefs....

Most people know hurricanes as destructive giants. On land, they tear through cities, uproot trees, and flood entire regions. But when these storms pass over the ocean, something else happens that is more subtle, but not less important. 



The violent winds stir the sea, pulling up cold, nutrient-rich water from the depths and setting off a chain reaction of biological changes.



In 2018, a group of researchers led by Professor Michael Beman from <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=GoogleLocalListing&amp;utm_medium=organic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Merced</a> found themselves in the midst of this transformation.



While studying oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific, they encountered Hurricane Bud. Instead of halting their expedition, they took a chance.



The team was presented with a rare scientific opportunity: observing how a powerful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hurricane-activity-will-change-over-the-next-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> could rapidly change the ocean’s chemistry and biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-leads-to-rare-ocean-sampling">Hurricane leads to rare ocean sampling</h2>



The team launched their expedition from Mazatlán, Mexico, and set a course toward San Diego. The goal was to study naturally occurring OMZs, which are regions in the mid-depth ocean that contain very little oxygen.



As Hurricane Bud intensified into a Category 4 cyclone, the researchers monitored weather forecasts closely. “We were very careful, and we had plans A, B, C and D in place,” Beman said. “The forecasting was extremely accurate, and we knew the storm rapidly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-predict-the-weather-but-what-about-extreme-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intensified</a>.”



Rather than retreat, the team navigated between research sites and found shelter behind islands. Once the storm passed, they sailed directly into the region it had just churned. 



“There was some skill involved, but definitely some luck, too, and we ended up adding a sampling location right where the storm was at maximum power," said Bernan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-sparks-massive-ocean-changes">Hurricane sparks massive ocean changes</h2>



The ocean’s surface was bright green, stained with chlorophyll from a massive phytoplankton bloom. These microscopic plants thrive when nutrients are abundant - and the hurricane had delivered exactly that. 



Cold water from the depths had risen, carrying nitrogen, phosphate, and other essential elements to the surface.



“When we got there, you could actually see and smell the difference in the ocean,” said Beman. “It was green from all the chlorophyll being produced. There were totally different organisms there, and they were going nuts in the wake of the storm.”



These blooms feed entire marine food webs. Bacteria, zooplankton, shellfish, fish, and even whales take advantage of the sudden buffet. 



"We were doing this at a time of year when there’s not a lot going on biologically in these areas of the ocean, so these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-amplified-hurricane-strength/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a>-generated blooms are like oases for ocean organisms," said Bernan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-with-low-oxygen-levels">Water with low oxygen levels</h2>



Unfortunately, the same deep waters that delivered nutrients also carried low oxygen levels. These oxygen minimum zones, usually found over 100 meters below the surface, rose rapidly.



At one site, Station 3.5, the OMZ had shoaled to just 41 meters deep. At other points, the oxygen-deficient zone (ODZ) reached as shallow as 50 meters. This shoaling poses a threat to fish and invertebrates that cannot survive in such conditions. 



For Beman, the data was a revelation. “I’ve never seen measurements like that in those areas of the ocean, ever,” he said. The change was not just physical. The hurricane altered the ocean’s chemistry and biology as well.



Anaerobic processes - those that do not rely on oxygen - were suddenly active closer to the surface. The researchers observed signs of nitrogen cycling and sulfate reduction, both of which affect global nutrient balances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storm-leaves-chemical-traces">Storm leaves chemical traces</h2>



The researchers gathered water samples from just below the surface. These revealed high levels of nitrate, phosphate, and ammonium at around 11 meters depth. These nutrients are essential for phytoplankton growth. 



Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels were unusually low, likely due to the introduction of deep ocean water. In contrast, particulate organic carbon (POC) was high, supporting the idea that a bloom was in full swing.



Further chemical analysis uncovered more than 1,600 distinct compounds. Many were known phytoplankton markers like fucoxanthin and MGDG lipids. Others, such as lumichrome and tryptophan, are believed to mediate communication between microbes and algae. 



These chemical fingerprints offered a detailed look into the biological activity that followed the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-helene-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-natural-disasters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-respond-with-adaptation">Microbes respond with adaptation</h2>



RNA and DNA analysis showed microbial shifts. Flavobacteria dominated near the surface, breaking down phytoplankton. Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria thrived too. Deeper in the ODZ, low-oxygen specialists like Desulfobacteria and Nitrospina took over.



“Margot noticed the subsurface changes from the hurricane when she was preparing her thesis chapters, especially the fact that the oxygen minimum zone had rapidly shoaled,” Beman said. 



“Irina searched her unique organic matter data to look for changes driven by the hurricane, which turned out to be very clear and dramatic.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricanes-trigger-similar-ocean-changes">Hurricanes trigger similar ocean changes</h2>



Twenty years of satellite data showed storms near Station 3.5 often triggered phytoplankton blooms. Bud was part of a recurring pattern.



According to the study, these storms account for 7 to 15 percent of the region’s total annual carbon export. While short-lived, the impact of each storm lingers as carbon-rich material sinks into the deep sea. These events contribute meaningfully to oceanic carbon cycling.



The Eastern Tropical North Pacific is already one of the planet’s major sites for fixed nitrogen loss. Beman and his colleagues will continue to analyze the samples and share their data with others.



“We’ve met many, many times to analyze the data and figure out what effects the hurricane had and why,” he said. The team believes there is still much to uncover.



“We are just scratching the surface of what these storms do,” Beman added. “It was a rough few days at sea. I hope we continue to learn as much as we can about what actually happens during and after hurricanes.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/sciadv.ado8335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Hurricanes stir up dramatic changes in the deep ocean

Most people know hurricanes as destructive giants. On land, they...

When we think about the threats of climate change, antibiotic resistance isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. 



We imagine rising seas, stronger storms, or scorching heatwaves. But there’s a quieter, more hidden danger unfolding beneath our feet - one that could reshape public health as we know it.



A new international study reveals that climate change is not just warming our planet; it’s accelerating the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soils. 



Scientists at <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a>, in collaboration with experts across the globe, have linked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-food-crops-are-threatened-by-rising-temperatures-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising temperatures</a> to an alarming increase in antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors in soil microbial communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-link-to-antibiotic-resistance">Climate link to antibiotic resistance</h2>



The research shows that as global temperatures climb, they trigger a surge in the genetic material that makes bacteria harder to treat. 



These antibiotic resistance genes allow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-rivers-are-highly-saturated-with-human-antibiotics-helping-bacteria-develop-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> to survive common treatments, raising the chances of infections that traditional antibiotics can no longer cure.



The team combined field data, metagenomic analysis, and lab experiments to build a detailed picture. 



The findings reveal that warmer conditions not only help resistant bacteria survive but also encourage the evolution of even tougher strains - bacteria that often start in natural environments before finding their way into humans.



Professor David W. Graham is a water engineer at Durham University specializing in antibiotic resistance. “The study exemplifies how closely connected human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-could-cause-a-health-crisis-globally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> is with environmental change,” said Graham.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-an-environmental-crisis">More than just an environmental crisis</h2>



Climate change is typically framed as an environmental issue, but the study makes it clear that it’s also playing a growing role in fueling antibiotic resistance in soils worldwide. 



The research adds to a growing body of evidence that global warming impacts human health in complex and sometimes hidden ways.



The experts emphasize the importance of a "One Health" approach, acknowledging that human, animal, and environmental health are deeply interconnected.



“Most people do not realize that most of the pathogens that cause infectious disease humans actually originate from the environment,” said Professor Graham.



“Therefore, increasing resistance in soils will almost certainly translate into increased levels of untreatable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-that-love-to-kill-bacteria-could-help-fight-deadly-infections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infections</a> in human and veterinary practice. This is why One Health solutions are important."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colder-regions-aren-t-a-safe-haven">Colder regions aren't a safe haven</h2>



Interestingly, the experts found that colder regions, which historically saw bacteria die off due to freezing temperatures, are now becoming more hospitable to dangerous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-possible-to-smell-pathogens-and-fight-them-before-an-infection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogens</a>.



As temperatures rise, these bacteria survive longer. They may evolve more rapidly, creating entirely new pathogens that our antibiotics can’t touch.



“The relationship between climate and antibiotic resistance was predicted in the 2023 United Nations report: Bracing for Superbugs: Strengthening environmental action in the One Health response to antimicrobial resistance, and the new work here provides concrete evidence for that prediction,” noted Professor Graham.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-future-could-look-like">What the future could look like</h2>



Even modest increases in temperature appear to spark major changes. The study’s lab experiments on Escherichia coli showed that warmer conditions led to increased expression of key antibiotic resistance genes. 



These genes include those involved in efflux pumps and stress response proteins - both vital tools that bacteria use to defend themselves.



Machine learning models used in the study paint an unsettling picture. Under high-emission scenarios, global soil levels of ARGs could rise by up to 23 percent by the end of this century.



Bacterial groups such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes - known carriers of resistance and virulence genes - are especially likely to thrive as the planet warms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibiotic-resistance-in-our-soils">Antibiotic resistance in our soils</h2>



Climate-driven changes in microbial communities could undermine ongoing efforts to curb antibiotic resistance. The researchers warn that if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soils</a> continue to nurture resistant bacteria, it may become even easier for these traits to pass into human pathogens.



This risk isn’t theoretical. Past pandemics, like COVID-19, have shown how easily pathogens can leap from the environment to humans. The same pathways could allow antibiotic-resistant bacteria to do the same, posing a new and urgent threat to public health.



The silent transformation happening in our soils reminds us that the impacts of climate change extend well beyond what we can see. They’re also reshaping the invisible world around us, with consequences that could touch every part of our lives.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02740-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Climate change is fueling antibiotic resistance in our soils

When we think about the threats of climate change, antibiotic...

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Flyeye telescope has captured its “first light” over Matera, Italy, signaling the start of nightly, automated hunts for hazardous asteroids.



Within the decade, a global swarm of up to four of these compound-eyed sentinels will scan the skies from both hemispheres.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-telescope-thinks-like-a-fly">Telescope thinks like a fly</h2>



We all know how impossible it is to swat a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flies-like-to-play-and-have-fun-like-other-animals-according-to-a-fascinating-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fly</a>: its bulging compound eyes spot motion almost anywhere. ESA engineers borrowed that same principle when they designed the Flyeye telescope.



A three foot (one meter) primary mirror funnels starlight onto a 16-faceted, pyramid-shaped splitter. Each facet feeds a separate camera, delivering a 45 square degree field of view. That's more than 200 times the area of the full Moon in a single exposure.



“The unique optical design of the Flyeye telescope is optimized for conducting large sky surveys while maintaining high image quality throughout the wide field of view,” said Roberto Aceti, the managing director at <a href="https://www.ohb-italia.it/">OHB It</a><a href="https://www.ohb-italia.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a</a><a href="https://www.ohb-italia.it/">lia</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flyeye-spots-hazards-faster">Flyeye spots hazards faster</h2>



Every few minutes the telescope photographs a fresh patch of sky, then moves on. Specialized software compares consecutive images, flagging any faint, fast-moving dots that could be undiscovered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-chaos-how-an-asteroid-strike-would-change-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a>.



The next morning, staff at <a href="https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Planetary_Defence/Near-Earth_Object_Coordination_Centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Center</a> (NEOCC) verify the detections. The data is then sent to the Minor Planet Center for follow-up observations with larger, narrower-field telescopes.



“The extremely wide field of view of the Flyeye telescopes will enable us to scan the night sky for interesting or hazardous objects much quicker than we could before,” said Richard Moissl, the head of planetary defense at ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flyeye-s-first-light">Flyeye's first light</h2>



In late 2024, the prototype Flyeye, built by OHB Italia, achieved “first light” at the <a href="https://www.asi.it/en/the-agency/the-space-centers/giuseppe-colombo-center-for-space-geodesy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italian Space Agency’s Space Geodesy Center</a> near Matera. Test images confirmed that all 16 optical channels are aligned, and the software pipeline is operational.



“The earlier we spot potentially hazardous asteroids, the more time we have to assess them and, if necessary, prepare a response,” Moissl said. “ESA’s Flyeye telescopes will be an early-warning system, and their discoveries will be shared with the global planetary defence community.”



The milestone ends the development phase that began in 2016 when ESA signed a contract with a European consortium led by OHB. Next, the over 8,800 pound (4,000 kilogram) instrument will be disassembled, packed, and hauled 559 miles (900 kilometers) south to Sicily.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-new-home-base">The new home base</h2>



Perched at over 6,100 feet (1,865 meters) in Sicily’s Madonie Natural Park, Monte Mufara offers dark skies, dry air, and a symbolic pedigree. Just a few kilometers away, Giuseppe Piazzi discovered the first asteroid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceres-largest-asteroid-in-our-solar-system-used-to-be-an-ancient-ocean-planet/">Ceres</a> in 1801.



In 2024 ESA tasked Italy’s <a href="https://www.eie.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EIE Group</a> with constructing an observatory able to withstand seismic tremors, fierce winter winds, and strict environmental rules. 



Foundation work began in June 2024; completion is slated for late 2025, precisely when Flyeye-1 is expected to arrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-telescope-swarm">Building a telescope swarm</h2>



“In the future, a network of up to four Flyeye <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-giant-magellan-telescope-ushers-in-a-new-era-of-astronomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">telescopes</a> spread across the northern and southern hemispheres will work together to further improve the speed and completeness of these automatic sky surveys,” said ESA’s Ernesto Doelling, the Flyeye project manager.



Flyeye-2 is already on the drawing board. Scheduled for the southern hemisphere in 2028, the upgraded model will keep its wide view but detect dimmer asteroids sooner. Together, the northern- and southern-hemisphere telescopes will give Europe 24-hour, all-sky coverage.



“We are working to ensure that Europe has the capability to detect hazardous asteroids larger than roughly 40 m a few weeks before a potential impact,” said Holger Krag, the head of ESA’s Space Safety program.



Scientists point out such lead time is critical. An object 131 feet (40 meters) wide is on the scale of the Chelyabinsk meteor. It exploded over Russia in 2013, shattering windows and injuring 1,500 people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flyeye-s-nightly-operations">Flyeye's nightly operations</h2>



Every night, Flyeye’s scheduler will weigh Moon phase, weather forecasts, and the coverage provided by other surveys - <a href="https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/data/instruments/atlas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA-funded ATLAS</a>, the <a href="https://www.ztf.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zwicky Transient Facility</a>, and, soon, the Vera Rubin Observatory.



The goal is to maximize sky coverage while minimizing duplication. Any suspicious speck recorded by Flyeye prompts an automated alert; human astronomers then refine its orbit.



If subsequent data suggest even a slim possibility of impact, the object moves onto international risk lists, and mitigation planning can begin.



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



The Flyeye concept does more than give Europe autonomous sky-watching capability; it plugs straight into a global safety net. 



Once NEOCC confirms a discovery, the data flow to the Minor Planet Center and out to observatories worldwide. Within hours, astronomers on several continents can arc a slew of powerful telescopes toward the newcomer.



“Insect-style” telescopes cannot replace deep, narrow-field giants, but they excel at first detection - seeing the forest before the trees. By spotting a faint, distant rock, Flyeye buys time to calculate odds, plan missions, or issue warnings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-watching-the-skies-protecting-the-earth"><a></a>Watching the skies, protecting the Earth</h2>



From Matera to Sicily - and soon globally - ESA’s Flyeye telescopes aim to revolutionize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-test-simulation-shows-earth-not-prepared-prevent-large-asteroid-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary defense.</a>



The technology merges biological inspiration with cutting-edge optics and embraces automation without losing the critical human touch. The ultimate goal is to spot city-killer asteroids long before they enter Earth’s neighborhood.



“The unique optical design of the Flyeye telescope is optimized for conducting large sky surveys while maintaining high image quality throughout the wide field of view,” Aceti said.



In the coming years that design will be humanity’s compound eye: a vigilant, sleepless gaze ensuring that our planet’s next close encounter is a well-predicted one.



Image Credit: ESA/Pietro Moliterni



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Flyeye telescope will spot asteroids faster than ever before

The European Space Agency's (ESA) Flyeye telescope has captured its...

Long believed to be confined to the lab, the bizarre and cooperative behavior of "worm towers” has now been documented in nature.



An international team of researchers has recorded the first direct evidence of nematodes forming vertical, living structures in decaying fruit in German orchards. It's a phenomenon once thought to be mythical. 



These living towers, built from worm bodies, act as a collective vehicle to reach new environments and improve survival under stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worm-towers-step-into-nature">Worm towers step into nature</h2>



For years, scientists suspected that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nematodes-use-chemistry-to-survive-and-communicate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nematodes</a> might build these structures in the wild, but evidence was lacking.



Although seen in labs and chambers, no one had documented them in the wild - until now. Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ab.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior</a> (MPI-AB) and the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Konstanz</a> have changed that.



“I was ecstatic when I saw these natural towers for the first time,” said Serena Ding, senior author and group leader at MPI-AB, recalling the moment a colleague shared video footage from the field.



“For so long natural worm towers existed only in our imaginations. But with the right equipment and lots of curiosity, we found them hiding in plain sight.”



Ryan Greenway, a technical assistant at MPI-AB, spent months scouring rotting apples and pears with a digital microscope in local orchards near the University of Konstanz. His patience paid off.



In several cases, he observed the worms forming elaborate, upright clusters. When the team brought some into the lab for study, they made a surprising discovery. Despite many nematode species, the towers were made only from one kind, in a tough, immobile “dauer” larval state.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-a-pile-of-worms"><a></a>More than a pile of worms</h2>



“A nematode tower is not just a pile of worms,” said first author Daniela Perez, a postdoctoral researcher at MPI-AB. “It’s a coordinated structure, a superorganism in motion.”



In the wild, individual dauer-stage nematodes stand on their tails to latch onto passing animals, hitching rides to new environments. But this study revealed that entire towers - dozens of worms high - can perform the same trick collectively.



The towers responded to touch, detached from surfaces, and even managed to cling en masse to insects like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-can-help-us-understand-cocaine-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit flies</a>. It’s group movement on a microscopic scale.



To test the behavior under controlled conditions, Perez created worm towers in the lab. She used Caenorhabditis elegans, a commonly studied nematode species.



By placing starved worms on food-free agar with a bristle, she saw them build towers within two hours. These structures remained stable for over 12 hours, sometimes forming exploratory “arms” that extended into the surrounding space or bridged gaps to reach new surfaces.



“The towers are actively sensing and growing,” Perez said. “When we touched them, they responded immediately, growing toward the stimulus and attaching to it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climbing-together-as-one">Climbing together as one</h2>



In the wild, only dauer-stage worms built towers, but in the lab, Perez saw adults and other larval stages also built them. This suggests the behavior may be more common and versatile than previously believed. 



Despite their impressive structure, the towers showed no evidence of specialization. Worms at the base were just as mobile and fertile as those at the top.



“C. elegans is a clonal culture and so it makes sense there is no differentiation within the tower,” the authors explained. “In natural towers, we might see separate genetic compositions and roles, which prompts fascinating questions about who cooperates and who cheats.”



This kind of egalitarian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-single-cells-to-complex-life-was-cooperation-the-first-step/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooperation</a> - where no individual appears to dominate or be sacrificed - raises new questions about how group behaviors evolve and how individual actions contribute to collective success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worm-towers-inspire-models">Worm towers inspire models </h2>



These findings place nematodes in a very exclusive group. Until now, only a few animals - like slime molds, fire ants, and spider mites - were known to use body-linking for collective motion.



The discovery that nematodes, Earth’s most abundant animals, do the same in nature opens vast research possibilities.



“Our study opens up a whole new system for exploring how and why animals move together,” Ding said. “By harnessing the genetic tools available for C. elegans, we now have a powerful model to study the evolution of collective dispersal.”



As scientists continue to explore how cooperative behaviors arise in everything from insect colonies to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-may-be-using-quantum-physics-for-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migrating birds</a>, the humble worm tower may now rise - literally and figuratively - as a new cornerstone in the study of group movement.



What was once a lab oddity has become a natural wonder, twisting upward in decaying fruit, silently revealing how animals - even the tiniest - can work together to reach for better places.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00601-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982225006013%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Worm towers: Nematodes build living structures that puzzle scientists

Long believed to be confined to the lab, the bizarre...

The EarthCARE satellite is helping scientists unlock the mysteries of clouds and aerosols that have long puzzled our understanding of Earth's energy balance.



EarthCARE (Earth Cloud, Aerosol, and Radiation Explorer) is a joint project by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> and the <a href="https://global.jaxa.jp/">Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency</a>. Nicknamed Hakuryu, meaning “White Dragon,” this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthcare-satellite-will-reveal-the-climate-effects-of-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite</a> was over two decades in the making.



The May 29th launch was nerve-wracking, but when EarthCARE soared into orbit, it marked a new chapter for one of ESA’s most sophisticated Earth Explorer satellites.



<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/-I_OD5KerH8?si=SrXZa3w1PCTgiX4R
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">EarthCARE lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 29, 2025. Video Credit: ESA/SpaceX</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-instruments-one-mission">Four instruments, one mission</h2>



Launching four instruments on one satellite is no small feat. First up was the Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR), developed by JAXA, which allows scientists to see inside clouds and understand their internal dynamics for the first time from space.



The Broadband Radiometer (BBR), designed to provide insights into Earth's energy budget, soon followed. Then came the Multispectral Imager (MSI), offering cloud context, and the Atmospheric Lidar (ATLID), which traces particles from sea spray to cloud tops.



Within a few months, all of the instruments were working in harmony. Together, they measure how clouds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> heat or cool the atmosphere - vital information for refining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bridging-the-gap-the-quest-for-accurate-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather forecasts</a> and climate models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-collaboration-for-success">International collaboration for success</h2>



The satellite's success depended not just on technology but on international collaboration. ESA and JAXA partnered with 16 organizations across nine countries. 



The EarthCARE Data, Innovation, and Science Cluster (DISC) processes data to create useful products for scientists and forecasters.



Hundreds of researchers also participated in the calibration and validation efforts, traveling from the Arctic to Cabo Verde and even sailing the Atlantic to ensure data accuracy.



At the second In-Orbit ESA-JAXA Calibration and Validation Workshop in March 2025, researchers shared promising early results, confirming the hard work had paid off.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthcare-s-first-year-in-space">EarthCARE's first year in space</h2>



EarthCARE orbits at around 400 km above Earth. That low altitude comes at a cost - the satellite will slowly spiral down due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a>, atmospheric drag, and gravity. 



Although the initial mission was planned for three years, there’s hope that it could last longer depending on solar activity and approval.



Even within the first year, EarthCARE made a real impact. In January 2025, Level 1 data became public. By spring, Level 2 data were released, making 26 out of 33 products available to scientists within 10 months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-data-transforms-weather-forecasting">Data transforms weather forecasting</h2>



Forecasters quickly began incorporating EarthCARE data into weather models. The goal: reduce biases and improve forecasts. According to DISC partner ECMWF, early results are encouraging. 



EarthCARE has improved predictions of cloud positions, mid-level convection, cloud amounts, and occluded front locations across several case studies.



Scientists also found that EarthCARE data enhanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire smoke</a> tracking and offered the most precise air quality forecasts yet. ECMWF aims to integrate EarthCARE data into operational forecasts, following the success of the Aeolus satellite, which carried a similar lidar instrument.



Meanwhile, researchers around the world are gaining new insights into atmospheric processes, using EarthCARE’s unique measurements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthcare-captures-polar-clouds">EarthCARE captures polar clouds</h2>



As soon as EarthCARE’s Level 1 data became available, scientists were drawn to its stunning observations of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs).



These high-altitude clouds are rare and beautiful, displaying iridescent colors in polar skies. EarthCARE captured a rare band of “type II” PSCs stretching about 3,000 kilometers from Latvia to Greenland, floating between 20 and 30 km high. 



While such clouds are more common over Antarctica, this event allowed researchers to compare cloud behaviors between the poles.



Excitement grew at the second Calibration and Validation Workshop as EarthCARE also captured sulfate aerosols in the stratosphere after a volcanic eruption. These observations are key to better understanding how such particles impact climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shining-a-light-on-earth-s-energy">Shining a light on Earth's energy</h2>



Earth’s energy imbalance is now growing twice as fast as predicted, according to a recent AGU Advances article. Satellites like EarthCARE are crucial for monitoring this alarming trend.



The Broadband Radiometer (BBR) plays a vital role. It measures reflected sunlight and emitted heat with exceptional precision, using three angles - forward, backward, and downward. This setup provides accurate estimates of how much energy Earth reflects and emits.



BBR’s measurements help evaluate radiative transfer models - tools that track how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-sparks-the-discovery-of-a-new-electromagnetic-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic energy</a> moves through the atmosphere. So far, BBR’s thermal radiation readings agree within 10 W/m² of model predictions, an impressive level of accuracy.



One striking example came after a month of heavy rain on the Iberian Peninsula. On March 11, 2025, EarthCARE’s DISC team used BBR and MSI data to capture a major thunderstorm system. 



These detailed observations help scientists connect radiation data to the underlying cloud and aerosol structures, providing a clearer picture of how they influence Earth's energy balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthcare-detects-insects-from-space">EarthCARE detects insects from space</h2>



EarthCARE was designed to study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clouds-have-become-less-reflective-making-global-warming-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a> and aerosols, but it turns out it can do much more. In March 2025, the satellite detected a 500-km-long swarm of insects over northern India. 



Initially classified as drizzle by the CPR, further analysis with ATLID and MSI confirmed otherwise - there were no clouds present.



CPR’s radar is sensitive to objects about the size of raindrops, but scientists discovered that it can also detect large swarms of insects lofted high into the atmosphere. Unlike cloud droplets, these insects don’t reflect ATLID’s lidar signals, providing a way to distinguish them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-seen-from-orbit">Phytoplankton seen from orbit</h2>



Ground-based radars have seen insects and birds before, but EarthCARE is among the first space-based missions to detect insect swarms regularly. Experts are eager to learn more about what species are being observed and how their patterns change with the seasons.



EarthCARE’s lidar is also showing promise in studying ocean phytoplankton. Its Rayleigh channel detects backscattered light below the ocean surface. 



Chlorophyll-a, a pigment in phytoplankton, absorbs ultraviolet light at the same wavelength EarthCARE uses, reducing the Rayleigh signal. Regions rich in phytoplankton show lower signals, offering a potential new way to monitor marine ecosystems from space.



EarthCARE’s first year shows how much can be achieved in a short time. With its eyes on the clouds and beyond, the mission is just getting started.



Image Credit: ESA



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EarthCARE's first year: Surprising climate clues unveiled from space

The EarthCARE satellite is helping scientists unlock the mysteries of...

Marine ecosystems supply an enormous variety of fish that meet the nutritional needs of communities across the globe. Overfishing has put intense strain on these resources, prompting urgent questions about sustainable seafood choices.



Biodiversity is more than just a word; it is the foundation of a balanced and flexible approach to using marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> for human nourishment. This principle has taken center stage in a recent study led by Cornell University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-fish-provide-more-nutrition">Small fish provide more nutrition</h2>



Sustainability <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9804230/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> around the world have long highlighted the value of smaller fish <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-are-quietly-battling-climate-change-on-the-seabed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> that grow quickly and reproduce at higher rates. 



This concept gained new momentum thanks to the efforts of Sebastian Heilpern, a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>, who recently explored how diverse fish portfolios can boost nutrition while easing harvest pressure.



Heilpern's team examined how varying species can provide up to 60 percent more nutrients than relying on a single fish. They tapped into existing databases to determine which fish thrive in different regions, seeking an optimal selection that meets dietary needs with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40196308/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">minimal biomass</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-species-help-ecosystems-recover">Small species help ecosystems recover</h2>



Many smaller species have an advantage because they occupy lower levels on the food chain. Their swift reproduction rates allow them to replenish <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-thought-extinct-for-85-years-reappears-in-himalayan-river-chel-snakehead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> more rapidly than bigger species.



<a href="https://blog.sintef.com/ocean/why-low-trophic-marine-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lower trophic positions</a> also translate to fewer accumulated contaminants, making some smaller fish safer for consumption. These factors combine to place sardines and anchovies near the top of the list of ecologically resilient choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-mix-of-species">Best mix of species</h2>



The researchers fed nutrient data and biomass information into sophisticated models to pinpoint the best mix of species for each region. They evaluated fish populations across continents, weaving together data from hundreds of sources.



“We can then ask, out of all these combinations of potential options of species, which ones could we select and how much of each, in a way that would provide us with sufficient nutrition to meet a person’s diet needs with the lowest amount of fish biomass,” said Heilpern. 



This approach underscores how strategic variety can supply enough protein, vitamins, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-removes-key-nutrients-from-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">minerals</a> for communities without exhausting the oceans.



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



<a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity</a> involves preserving different forms of life so species can complement each other. This interplay can help address multiple nutritional gaps with smaller portions.



The new findings hint that a few carefully chosen fish can bring more vitamins, minerals, and proteins than a single nutrient-dense but larger species. 



This synergy also promotes an adaptable fishery system that remains steady if one species declines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-patterns-of-eating-fish">Global patterns of eating fish</h2>



Tropical coastal regions tend to exhibit abundant fish life, which could offer people a broader menu. Countries along the <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/explorations/10index/background/biodiversity/biodiversity.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coral Triangle</a>, as well as areas in the Amazon, stand out for their high variety of fish species.



Meanwhile, the United States has a reasonable degree of diversity yet consistently consumes only a narrow <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/foss/f?p=215:25:16158701237164:::::" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">selection</a>. 



Around 10 species make up the bulk of what Americans eat, pointing to untapped potential in local waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-fish-are-resilient">Small fish are resilient</h2>



Water temperature fluctuations have less impact on some small fish, making them more resistant to severe weather events. They cope with changing conditions by reproducing quickly and requiring fewer resources.



This resilience helps maintain a stable seafood supply even as the environment shifts. It also offers a safety net to communities that rely on fish for essential nutrition.



Harvesting smaller fish can also lessen the burden on heavily fished species higher up the food chain. This strategy balances human needs with ecological considerations, easing overexploitation.



Individuals can enjoy adequate nutrition from smaller portions if they choose fish wisely. This concept assists in lowering overall fishing pressure while still delivering vital nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-and-moral-responsibility">Biodiversity and moral responsibility</h2>



“This research hopefully highlights the importance of biodiversity, not just because of a moral quandary that we’re causing a mass extinction on Earth, but also because biodiversity can lead to better outcomes for fishery sustainability,” said Heilpern. 



Ensuring fish variety grants communities the chance to preserve ecological balance. It also speaks to our sense of stewardship over aquatic habitats.



Policymakers may wish to broaden guidance on recommended fish consumption to highlight small species that flourish under sustainable management. Such adjustments could align public health goals with ecological realities.



Governments might also rethink catch limits to give small, prolific species more room to thrive. Making small changes in fish market preferences could spark larger shifts in how resources are used.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selectively-harvesting-small-fish-species">Selectively harvesting small fish species</h2>



Coastal communities are often the first to see the impact of overfishing. Their experiences can offer lessons in how to adapt and explore a wider range of local species.



Collaborative efforts between fishers and scientists can spark ideas for selective harvesting. In some regions, these partnerships already guide more balanced approaches to keep fish populations healthy.



Small fish pack a punch when it comes to proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This advantage lessens the need for huge quantities, ensuring that diets remain balanced and nutritious.



Eating a mix of nutrient-dense fish also reduces dependency on processed supplements for addressing deficiencies. It builds a more direct path between natural resources and good health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-efficient-use-of-fish-diversity">Efficient use of fish diversity </h2>



Scientists continue to investigate how climate patterns and fishing methods intersect with species composition. They aim to refine models for even more accurate predictions of fisheries outcomes in changing environments.



More data on specific vitamins or micronutrients could further fine-tune dietary guidelines based on local fish availability. Such progress would help ensure that communities have reliable access to essential nutrients.



Efficient use of fish diversity can support robust marine systems and lasting sources of food. By spreading demand across multiple species, we reduce the pressure on vulnerable stocks.



Consumers can also play a role by exploring varieties beyond the usual favorites. This step can support fishers who harvest responsibly and seek to maintain healthy waters.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-025-01577-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Sustainability</a>.



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Small fish provide climate-resilient nutrition for a warming world

Marine ecosystems supply an enormous variety of fish that meet...

Researchers have found that some birds may ingest traces of ethanol through everyday foods. This behavior has fascinated ecologists who are keen to see if it affects flight or general health - especially when birds consume nectar, fruits, or even insects that have fed on fermenting plants.



The research was led by Dr. Robert Dudley and colleagues from the <a href="https://vcresearch.berkeley.edu/research-unit/museum-vertebrate-zoology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of Vertebrate Zoology</a> at the University of California, Berkeley. 



The team studied the presence of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in feathers to investigate which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/big-brains-and-wide-ranges-cant-save-birds-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> might be getting a dose of ethanol from their usual meals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-might-be-consuming-alcohol">Birds might be consuming alcohol </h2>



Many people assume that only fruit-eating animals face the risk of consuming fermented sugars. Yet the scientists discovered traces of EtG in the feathers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-are-struggling-to-keep-pace-with-a-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> with diets as varied as seeds, insects, and other animals.



The researchers focused on birds from different regions because diet and environment can influence the amount of alcohol in foods like fallen fruit or sugar water.



“Artificial nectar feeders might be a source of ethanol if the sugar water ferments,” noted Cynthia Wang-Claypool, the study's lead author. 



One surprising clue came from hummingbirds. They rely heavily on nectar, which can ferment in nature or in backyard feeders. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-feathers-reveal-their-alcohol-exposure">Bird feathers reveal their alcohol exposure</h2>



EtG is a small molecule made when ethanol breaks down in the body. Tests on <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31096163/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human hair</a> link higher EtG levels to heavy alcohol consumption. This marker offers a long-term look at someone’s drinking habits.



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-may-be-using-quantum-physics-for-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, feathers have a growth cycle that might capture EtG at certain stages. Once the feather stops growing, blood flow in the shaft fades. 



Any EtG embedded during growth can remain, giving a partial snapshot of whether a bird encountered ethanol-rich items.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-diets-and-hidden-sources">Bird diets and hidden sources</h2>



Birds categorized as <a href="https://www2.nau.edu/~gaud/bio300b/nectariv.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nectarivores</a> or <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/frugivore" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frugivores</a> might seem most likely to ingest alcohol. Some, however, tested negative for EtG in this study. That might mean the sugary food they ate did not ferment enough, or that their feathers had grown when they had no exposure to ethanol.



Meanwhile, certain seed and insect eaters showed the marker. One possibility is that prey items or seeds could ferment or contain ethanol-producing microbes. 



Another hypothesis involves <a href="https://australian.museum/learn/animals/what-are-arthropods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a> that feast on sweet fruit or nectar, indirectly passing along traces of alcohol to the birds that consume them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-unplanned-drinks">Potential for unplanned drinks</h2>



Some hummingbird feeders have been <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.230306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">known</a> to form low levels of ethanol. People who leave sugar water out for too long might inadvertently offer these tiny flyers more than just a sugary treat. 



The researchers found that Anna’s hummingbirds frequently tested positive for EtG, suggesting they might encounter small amounts of fermented sugar on a regular basis.



“Exposure of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> to ethanol could be much more widespread than has been previously recognized,” said Dudley. He noted that birds could be consuming more ethanol than we realize. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-records-of-alcohol-consumption">Records of alcohol consumption </h2>



The team measured EtG in bird livers as well, though the short-term nature of organ tissue might explain why fewer samples tested positive. 



Feathers, on the other hand, can retain markers over a longer interval. Still, differences in molt timing or feather wear could influence how much EtG gets stored or later eroded.



In humans, alcohol studies typically use hair or blood analysis. That method provides clues about a person’s intake over several weeks or months. 



For birds, flight feathers might develop at specific times of year, which leads to gaps in our understanding of their exposure outside of molt season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-alcohol-affects-birds">Studying how alcohol affects birds</h2>



The discovery of EtG in avian feathers will spark questions about how often birds face fermented foods in the wild. 



More testing on their feeding choices might reveal whether certain species are partial to overripe fruit or sugar-based liquids that can ferment in warm weather.



Future projects may examine whether ethanol affects bird behavior, flight, and daily activities. If small-bodied birds process ethanol differently than larger species, a few sips could have effects that are not yet fully known. 



Studies might also check how seasonal shifts or migration patterns influence exposure to fermenting nectar or fruits.



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



These findings might change how people maintain backyard feeders. Some might refresh the sugar water more often to reduce fermentation. 



Others could keep an eye on local fruit crops that drop to the ground, especially in warmer months when yeasts flourish.



The biology behind alcohol metabolism is familiar in human medicine but less so in birds. The presence of EtG in feathers opens the door for more analyses of avian life, particularly in species that rely on sugar-laden meals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/735669" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecological and Evolutionary Physiology</a>.



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Birds are consuming alcohol more often than we realized

Researchers have found that some birds may ingest traces of...

Tiny crustaceans living on coral reefs have intrigued people for decades. Many folks think crabs often scuttle along the sandy bottom, far from bright coral structures, but that picture doesn’t apply to certain crab species.



Gall crabs carve out shelters in coral as they develop, forming snug spots that keep them tucked away from roaming predators. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022098116301228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Symbiotic crabs</a>, like gall crabs, exist in tandem with living coral, often relying on coral mucus for nutrients while staying in place for much of their adult lives.&nbsp;



The presence of <a href="https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/techniques/fluorescence/fluorescenceintro.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fluorescence</a>, or the ability to absorb one wavelength of light and re-emit it at another, remains a curious adaptation in these little crustaceans. A recent study on these crabs has opened new questions about camouflage on coral reefs, and the conversation is getting livelier each day.



Susanne Bähr from <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KAUST</a> has worked closely with gall crabs for years, and her observations shed new light on how these creatures manage to blend into coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-reef-awareness-day-2025-bringing-corals-back-to-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structures</a> in ways that most people would never suspect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-crab-hiding-spots">Coral crab hiding spots</h2>



<a href="https://okinawanaturephotography.com/gall-crabs-coral-inhabiting-micro-crabs-of-okinawa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gall crabs</a> have tiny frames and spend their days hidden in concealed spots in tropical waters. Some individuals inhabit more open dwellings, while others live in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-coral-collapse-may-help-save-the-great-barrier-reef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> pockets or enclosed domes.



That difference in habitat can guide how visible they are, which might influence whether they glow under certain light conditions.&nbsp;



The researchers carried out a morphological analysis on 286 gall crabs from 14 different genera. They documented various color patterns and fluorescence areas on the carapace and limbs. 



Those patterns, often orange-red under blue excitation, can be tough to spot without specific lighting tools.



“It disguises the outline of the crab, so you really can’t see a crab shape,” said Bähr, noting that the unique markings sometimes obscure the crab’s outline. 



Scientists categorize gall crab fluorescence into specific forms that show how each species might blend with coral branches or openings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-glowing-traits-evolved-in-crabs">How glowing traits evolved in crabs</h2>



Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11896703/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> use advanced gene-sequencing methods to figure out relationships among gall crab species. By reconstructing an evolutionary tree, scientists can track where the fluorescence trait first appeared and where it may have faded.



It is believed that gall crabs in the genus <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00338-021-02163-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opecarcinus</a> were the first to show strong fluorescent patterns. Those patterns can show up on the claws, abdomen, and even along the carapace. In certain lineages, that glow partially vanished.



Crabs lacking fluorescence might rely on coral growth habits to camouflage themselves. Species living in fully enclosed coral galls appear to have fewer luminous patches, suggesting they need fewer bright markings when less of their body is exposed.



The dynamic interplay of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-cant-survive-rising-sea-urchin-numbers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> shape and crab coloration continues to fascinate those who study life in reefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-crabs-glow">Why crabs glow</h2>



Biologists remain curious about why these crustaceans glow in the first place. Fluorescence in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24421880/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> can help with camouflage or communication. In crustaceans, the research is still new.



Some decapods rely on colorful signals for attracting mates, warding off rivals, or avoiding predators that lurk around reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breaks-in-ancient-coral-growth-reveal-earths-climate-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structures</a>.&nbsp;



Even with uncertain explanations, a few gall crab lineages reveal more intense fluorescence than others. That leads some researchers to suspect that at least part of the glow disrupts the crab’s outline against the coral.



Placing fluorescent patches on the claws or abdomen may be important for the few seconds of contact these crabs have with potential mates or rivals. 



<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10263385/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> on other crab families hint that unique colors on claws can function as signals. Whether gall crabs also read these signs or whether the effect is purely for disguise still needs more investigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-need-crabs">Coral reefs need crabs</h2>



Tropical coral reefs are home to countless creatures that often go unnoticed. Gall crabs, though tiny, maintain a key part of these ecosystems.



Like many coral-dependent critters, they feed on mucus or trapped particles and sometimes alter the coral’s growth patterns. They might not devour large amounts of coral tissue, but their presence can affect local diversity.



“This is one of the many types of invertebrates living in association with corals on tropical reefs,” said Francesca Benzoni from KAUST, who supervised part of the work. 



Benxoni noted that more studies on these hidden animals can reveal overlooked parts of coral reef biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-the-crabs-adjust-their-glow">Can the crabs adjust their glow?</h2>



Marine scientists still have much to learn about gall crab vision. It is unknown whether these crustaceans can see their own luminous patterns.



Many <a href="https://www.britannica.com/animal/decapod" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decapods</a> have compound eyes that work differently than fish eyes, so they may or may not perceive certain wavelengths.&nbsp;



Researchers also wonder if the fluorescent glow is more noticeable to would-be predators, or if it merges seamlessly with the coral’s background. Considering how red wavelengths fade quickly deeper than about 33 ft, these bright red or orange patterns might stand out more than one expects.



Further work is needed to confirm if gall crabs might adjust fluorescence depending on depth or coral color. Bähr hopes that future efforts will define how these simple but striking patterns fit into the broader puzzle of coral reef ecosystems.



Another big question is whether gall crab fluorescence changes over their lifespan, or if it remains fixed once their shells harden in place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture-for-reef-life">The bigger picture for reef life</h2>



Gall crabs are not alone in displaying these subtle lights. A range of invertebrates along coral reefs show some form of fluorescence, including certain shrimp and sea anemones. Most remain poorly studied. 



Humans often miss these signals without special filters or lights designed to pick up emitted wavelengths. Still, the existence of these hidden visuals reminds us that reef environments rely on many cryptic, cooperative relationships.



Understanding how symbiotic crabs thrive may give reef scientists a clue about what helps corals survive. 



Environmental shifts can disrupt fragile invertebrate relationships, and the more we learn about these glow-in-the-dark dwellers, the more we realize each species brings its own piece to the reef puzzle.



The study is published in <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.2403">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>.



Image Credit: KAUST Habitat and Benthic Biodiversity Laboratory



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Some reef crabs absorb light to glow and hide in plain sight

Tiny crustaceans living on coral reefs have intrigued people for...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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...

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