Tiny fragments known as microplastics are finding their way into the Gulf of Mexico, a region teeming with marine life and critical to global seafood supplies. 



New research shows just how much these particles are concentrating in waters where sea turtles, red snapper, and dolphins live.



Scientists used computer models to track the movement of microplastics in the northern Gulf of Mexico over a three-year period. The results not only reveal where these pollutants end up but also explain which sources matter most.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rivers-drive-the-plastic-crisis">Rivers drive the plastic crisis</h2>



The study challenges a long-standing assumption about where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-escaping-from-water-treatment-plants/">microplastics</a> come from. Wastewater treatment plants have often been blamed as major culprits. Instead, the modeling shows rivers are the main pathway carrying plastic particles into the Gulf.



“The Gulf of Mexico, especially its northern part near the southern U.S., is increasingly polluted by tiny plastic particles called microplastics,” noted study co-author Annalisa Bracco, CMCC scientist.



“We used computer models to study how these plastics move over short periods (about a month) across three years. We looked at different sizes and types of plastics and found that most pollution comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-levels-of-microplastics-found-in-every-major-european-river/">rivers</a> and not from wastewater treatment plants.”



The team found that different plastics behave differently once they enter the water. Heavier ones sink and settle on the seafloor. Lighter particles float and resist the pull of waves, traveling longer distances. 



The research also identified a hotspot of microplastic buildup west of the Mississippi River Delta - an area that happens to be vital for many marine species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-critical-habitats">Microplastics in critical habitats</h2>



The study didn’t stop at mapping plastic movements. It overlaid pollution patterns with detailed data on where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/">marine animals</a> live. This step created a clear picture of how microplastics overlap with critical habitats.



Bracco calls this the most important outcome of the work. The overlap highlights risks not only for wildlife but also for people. 



“The fact that plastic impacts regions of intense fishery (which means we’re ingesting some) is often the best way to activate a policy response or gain public interest,” she said.



This connection between pollution and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seafood-is-underestimated-source-of-pfas-exposure-in-humans/">seafood</a> matters. The Gulf of Mexico supports major commercial fisheries. If fish and shellfish in these waters carry microplastics, those particles could reach dinner plates around the world.



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



The research involved not just seasoned scientists but also an undergraduate student from <a href="https://www.gatech.edu/">Georgia Tech</a> who contributed species distribution data. Their combined efforts go beyond documenting the problem. 



By identifying specific pollution sources, the study offers tools for targeting cleanup and prevention.



“It is important to show how state-of-the-art modeling tools can be used to address coastal problems that interest the general public,” said Bracco. 



“It is somewhat easier to raise awareness of the risks associated with plastic pollution (just one of the many anthropogenic threats) when linking it to fish, turtles, and dolphins instead of simply delivering the likely plastic distribution maps.”



In practical terms, this means policymakers can act on evidence of where microplastics enter the Gulf and where they accumulate. Addressing these hotspots could reduce long-term impacts on both ecosystems and the seafood industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-the-gulf">Looking beyond the Gulf</h2>



The modeling framework created for this project has value far beyond the United States. Other coastal regions face similar pollution problems, and the approach could be adapted worldwide. CMCC’s Global Coastal Ocean division is already positioned to take this next step.



“This project is setting a framework for, hopefully, more similar efforts to come,” Bracco said. 



“In other words, it is important to look for ways to make our research relevant to everyday life (in this case the fish we consume) to help put in motion the change that is needed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-their-hidden-costs">Microplastics and their hidden costs</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/">Microplastic pollution</a> is often described as invisible, but its consequences are anything but. These particles threaten species we depend on and disrupt ecosystems we barely understand. 



By showing how plastics move and where they accumulate, the Gulf of Mexico study makes the issue visible in a new way.



It also gives people a reason to care. When pollution is tied to food security, health, and jobs, the problem is no longer abstract. It’s a challenge that affects everyone who relies on the ocean - which is, in one way or another, all of us.



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Microplastics threaten marine life in the Gulf of Mexico

Tiny fragments known as microplastics are finding their way into the Gulf of Mexico, a region teeming with marine life and critical to global seafood supplies. New research shows just how much these particles are concentrating in waters where sea turtles, red snapper, and dolphins live. Scientists used computer models to track the movement of microplastics in the northern Gulf of Mexico over a three-year period. The results not only reveal where these pollutants end up but also explain which sources matter most. Rivers drive the plastic...

We live in a world that is slowly but steadily beginning to realize the toll of climate change. The ticking clock of global warming no longer falls on deaf ears, especially in the realm of aviation, where the carbon footprint of jet fuels is anything but minuscule. 



Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) have potentially found a way to transform agricultural waste into jet fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-revolution-in-aviation-fuel">Green revolution in aviation fuel</h2>



The findings, published in the journal Fuel Processing Technology, reveal the remarkable possibility of of turning plant cell components - more specifically, lignin polymers - into sustainable jet fuel.



It's like hitting two birds with one stone - addressing waste disposal and creating an eco-friendly fuel source simultaneously.



The research team was led by Bin Yang, a renowned professor in WSU's <a href="https://bsyse.wsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Biological Systems Engineering</a>.



“Our achievement takes this technology one step closer to real-world use by providing data that lets us better gauge its feasibility for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flying-has-never-been-safer-and-continues-to-improve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commercial aviation</a>,” said Yang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-jet-fuel">Plant-based jet fuel</h2>



Lignin, in simple terms, is a bunch of structural molecules that make plants sturdy and woody. 



The scientists have figured out how to obtain lignin from corn stover (what remains of the crop after harvest: stalks, leaves, cobs) and other similar agricultural waste. And they are finding very clever ways to repurpose it.



Now, you're probably thinking, how does the transformation occur? The team has developed a method they call “simultaneous depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation." 



This method handles the task of breaking down the lignin polymer and getting rid of the oxygen element simultaneously, eventually resulting in lignin-based jet fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-more-sustainable-fuels">Cleaner, more sustainable fuels</h2>



The pressing question, of course, remains: why is it so crucial? In the year 2019 alone, about 100 billion gallons of aviation fuel were emitted into our skies.



Air travel is not set to slow down anytime soon, so these numbers are bound to climb higher in the coming years. 



"Jet fuel consumption has been hampered significantly in the last three years because of restricted air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, demand is expected to be 32&nbsp;% higher in 2030 and more than double by 2050 of 2019 levels," noted the researchers.



Sustainable aviation fuels, like the one derived from plants, can be a game-changer in reducing our carbon emissions.



Lignin-based jet fuel could pave the way for much cleaner sustainable fuels that efficiently run <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-airplanes-are-worse-for-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jet engines</a>. Hydrocarbons sourced from lignin, given their density and efficiency, could stand in for fossil fuel-derived compounds known as aromatics effectively.



However, this path isn't a cakewalk. Challenges of significant scale lie ahead, particularly in standardizing lignin's composition for efficient yield and determining if it's economically viable for large-scale production. 



But the scientific community is optimistic. The researchers believe that continuous technological advancements will hammer down these hurdles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimizing-waste-and-energy-use">Minimizing waste and energy use</h2>



In the journey towards sustainable aviation fuel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commercialization</a>, the power of partnership cannot be overstated.



Sharing the limelight with university researchers are industries involved in aviation and fuel production, along with policy-makers championing clean energy. 



These strategic collaborations could lead to the development of optimized processing plants and refining methods that minimize waste and energy use.



“The aviation enterprise is looking to generate 100% renewable aviation fuel,” noted Josh Heyne, a fellow researcher and co-director of the <a href="https://wsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WSU</a>-PNNL Bioproducts Institute.



The ultimate goal is to make sustainable aviation fuels fully “drop-in” capable - fit to use in all existing engines, aircraft, and infrastructure just like the conventional fossil-derived jet fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



This research was funded by organizations including the U.S. Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office, the <a href="https://www.pnnl.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific Northwest National Laboratory</a>, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Advanced Refining Technologies LLC. 



The scientists now aim to perfect their process, striving for better efficiency and lower costs.



So, the next time you're soaring in the skies, take a moment to appreciate the scientific progress that's working zealously to make your trip eco-friendly. After all, in the fight against climate change, every step toward sustainability matters.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378382024000997?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fuel Processing Technology</a>.



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Plant-based jet fuel could revolutionize aviation

We live in a world that is slowly but steadily...

The intricate structure of coral reefs creates a vibrant underwater ecosystem, bustling with life. Ironically, this same complexity can hinder coral recovery after disturbances, as researchers studying reefs in Moorea, French Polynesia, have discovered. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-network-of-coral-skeletons-nbsp">Network of coral skeletons&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found that the network of dead coral skeletons left behind by bleaching events disrupts critical processes, ultimately preventing the reefs from regenerating.&nbsp;



These dead structures protect seaweed from herbivores, allowing it to rapidly colonize and outcompete young coral.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcb.17504" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>, highlight how the aftermath of disturbances can alter a reef's recovery trajectory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reef-disturbances">Coral reef disturbances</h2>



Coral reefs are dynamic systems that undergo constant change, and disturbances such as storms, coral predation, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a> events can significantly impact their health. 



Historically, tropical storms and cyclones have caused the most damage to Moorea’s reefs.&nbsp;



“They tend to scrape all the coral off the reef and leave behind a flat surface,” said Kai Kopecky, lead author and a former doctoral student at the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Santa Barbara</a>’s Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology. 



However, more recent disturbances, such as coral bleaching and predation, have become increasingly prevalent. Unlike storms that physically remove coral, bleaching events leave the reef’s skeletons intact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bleaching-and-other-stressors">Bleaching and other stressors</h2>



Bleaching occurs when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-corals-can-help-them-recover-from-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, usually from heat, causes coral to expel the symbiotic algae that supply it with food. 



While coral can sometimes recover if favorable conditions return, more often than not, the colony dies, particularly when other stressors like pollution are present.&nbsp;



For instance, a major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cyclones-impact-coral-reefs-as-far-as-1000-kilometers-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyclone</a> struck Moorea's reefs in 2010, clearing almost all the coral from the fore reef. “But within about five years, it recovered back to the amount of coral it had before the storm had hit,” Kopecky noted. 



However, following a bleaching event in 2019, Kopecky and his team observed a starkly different outcome.&nbsp;



The dead coral structure remained, but instead of recovering, the reef continued to decline, and seaweed (macroalgae) began to proliferate. Kopecky wanted to understand how these different disturbances affected the reef’s recovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-a-reef-system">Modeling a reef system</h2>



To explore this, the researchers conducted an experiment as part of their work at the <a href="https://lternet.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Long Term Ecological Research</a> (LTER) site at Moorea Coral Reef. 



The goal was to analyze the processes that were being disrupted after the bleaching event. In 2023, the scientists developed a mathematical model of the reef system, while their field study focused on examining the underlying mechanisms.



The research team cleared small patches of the reef to create experimental areas. They cemented controlled numbers of dead coral skeletons in these patches and added young, healthy coral that could be periodically removed and measured.&nbsp;



Trays of macroalgae were also placed on the reef to compare how herbivores interacted with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/algae-support-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> in the presence of dead coral skeletons versus open areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-skeletons-limits-new-growth">Coral skeletons limits new growth</h2>



“We found that dead coral skeletons prevent herbivores from being able to remove macroalgae, enabling growth and preventing new corals from being able to settle and survive on the reef,” Kopecky explained.&nbsp;



These skeletons might theoretically offer some protection to young coral recruits if they arrived shortly after a bleaching event.&nbsp;



Unfortunately, coral tends to spawn only once a year, whereas algae reproduce continuously, giving seaweed the upper hand in colonizing newly available spaces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-competition-for-resources">Competition for resources</h2>



Macroalgae directly compete with coral for resources like space and light. Algae grow much faster than coral, so when herbivores are unable to control seaweed growth, the algae can quickly overrun the reef.&nbsp;



This prevents new coral from settling, and even shades out existing colonies, making recovery difficult.&nbsp;



Young coral is particularly vulnerable to this competition, and once a reef flips from coral to algae dominance, it is challenging to reverse the process.&nbsp;



The researchers' previous studies have shown how hard it can be to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restored-coral-reefs-can-bounce-back-in-just-four-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restore</a> coral cover once this shift occurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-differences-in-reef-recovery">Dramatic differences in reef recovery</h2>



By comparing their experimental results with long-term data from Moorea, the researchers noted dramatic differences in reef recovery following different types of disturbances.&nbsp;



“Coral cover shot up on the reefs after the cyclone, while macroalgae cover went down,” Kopecky said. “After the bleaching event, it was just the opposite.”



These findings fit into the broader concept of ecological memory, which examines how past events shape an ecosystem’s response to current challenges.&nbsp;



As the nature of disturbances shifts, the way ecosystems like coral reefs respond also changes.&nbsp;



“As these disturbance regimes change, ecological memory is also changing,” Kopecky said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-coral-skeletons-nbsp">Removing coral skeletons&nbsp;</h2>



Unfortunately, the legacy of dead coral skeletons may not align with what these ecosystems are adapted to handle, which could alter long-standing relationships between coral, algae, and herbivores.



Kopecky is now considering whether removing dead skeletons could help coral recover or at least reduce the negative effects of bleaching.&nbsp;



“In coral reefs, this is a novel idea and strategy. But if you look to other ecosystems - like prescribed burns in forests to remove dead wood - people have been increasingly thinking about manipulating dead stuff in ecosystems for management purposes,” he concluded.



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Dead coral skeletons prevent reefs from recovering

The intricate structure of coral reefs creates a vibrant underwater...

Have you ever sworn under your breath as your flight is delayed or you've been sitting on the runway for ages? Or maybe you have vibrated with unease just thinking about being so high up in the air in a chunk of metal, especially with the thought of a slower flight?



You are not alone, and you may not find comfort in recent research on air travel. Scientists propose that we should all sit a little longer in that seat in the skies for the sake of our planet.



The researchers suggest that aircraft should fly 15% slower to help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-carbon-footprint-of-long-distance-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">curb carbon emissions</a>. This might sound like a recipe for higher anxiety and restless leg syndrome, but, it's for the greater good.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slower-flights-longer-travel-time">Slower flights, longer travel time</h2>



Here's how it works -- flying slower could increase transatlantic flight times by 'about 50 minutes', according to the report from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>.



This reduction in speed can help planes burn about 7% less fuel, and that's a big saving when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-footprints-of-the-wealthy-are-vastly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a>. 



The idea seems to find a nice balance between our nerves, our hectic schedules, and our need to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mother Earth</a>.



This bold plan is part of a report, titled 'Five Years to Chart a New Future for Aviation'. This document lays out three 'bold efficiency measures' designed to reduce the aviation industry's fuel burn. 



Now, let's take a closer look at these three measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bold-measures-for-a-cleaner-future">Bold measures for a cleaner future</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Accelerated replacement: The report suggests increasing aircraft production to cut the average age of the fleet in half. That's one way to have a mid-life crisis.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fly slower: As we've already discussed, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flying-has-never-been-safer-and-continues-to-improve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reducing flight speed</a> can increase our in-flight time.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Match range: More aircraft should operate closer to their design range by introducing new types of aircraft and tweaking purchasing and operating practices.</li>
</ul>



<ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>



These aren't just hot air proposals. The report goes on to explain that conventional measures such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-airplanes-are-worse-for-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new aircraft and engine technologies</a> and operational efficiency can lead to up to a 22% reduction in fuel burn by 2050. 



But, several daring efficiency measures that are currently out of reach could reduce fuel burn by up to 50% by 2050. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-catch">What's the catch?</h2>



Well, the first bold measure involves accelerated fleet replacement, aiming to cut the aircraft retirement age from 30 to 15 years by 2050. 



According to our Cambridge experts, this change alone could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-and-machine-learning-enhance-airplane-performance-and-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cut back on fuel burn</a> by around 14%.



The slower flying speed already discussed could reduce fuel burn by roughly 7%. But here is the kicker -- the scientists understand this might not be so popular among passengers.



"One drawback of reducing speed is the potential negative impact on airline productivity and passenger acceptance, especially for longer flights," they warn. 



Even the smartest minds know that passengers aren't going to be thrilled about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-caused-more-severe-turbulence-on-airplanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longer flights</a>, but they remind us that this change could potentially mean less time spent twiddling thumbs at the airport.



The third measure involves ensuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionizing-aerodynamics-airplane-emissions-ai-deep-learning-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more aircraft</a> are flown close to their designed range, which could knock down fuel burn by another 7%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-passenger-concerns-on-slower-flights">Passenger concerns on slower flights</h2>



While the proposed strategies promise significant environmental benefits, they also invite a host of passenger concerns that must be thoughtfully navigated. 



The potential inconvenience of extended flight durations might be mitigated by enhanced in-flight experiences.



Airlines could invest in diversifying entertainment options or improving seating comfort to ensure passengers enjoy their journeys. 



Regular communication about the environmental impact of these measures could promote a sense of participation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-aircraft-batteries-pushing-the-boundaries-of-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global sustainability efforts</a> among travelers. 



Ultimately, bridging the gap between passenger expectations and sustainable aviation practices requires innovative approaches that prioritize both comfort and conscientiousness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aviations-contribution-to-climate-change-is-expected-to-intensify/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aviation industry</a> stands at a critical juncture to redefine its future. 



The bold measures outlined in the Cambridge report present a compelling case for transformative action within the sector.



However, achieving these goals requires concerted collaboration among aviation stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators. 



Investments in research and development, policy incentives, and public awareness campaigns will be crucial in overcoming technical and societal barriers.



By embracing the potential of these efficiency measures, the aviation industry can lead the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future that aligns with global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/travelers-are-ready-for-more-affordable-eco-friendly-options/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental stewardship goals</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fear-of-flying">Fear of flying</h2>



The idea of slower and longer flights might not sit well with those of us who get anxious about air travel. Known as aerophobia, this fear affects about one in 10 people.



According to <a href="https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anxiety UK</a>, the fear of flying can be linked to a fear of airplanes themselves or could be part of other psychological problems such as panic attacks, claustrophobia, or post-traumatic stress disorder.



The report is published in <a href="https://report.aiazero.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aviation Impact Accelerator</a>.



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Airline flights may be slowed down intentionally to fight climate change

Have you ever sworn under your breath as your flight...

In an unprecedented achievement, experts at Kyushu University have presented an easily understandable numerical target in order to tackle marine plastic pollution around the world.&nbsp;



With ocean current maps that record the flow and fate of plastic litter, the research team quantified the needed prevention of marine ecosystems from future damage: at least a 32% reduction in plastic littering by 2035.



Marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> has attained the status of a global problem, and this situation is likely to deteriorate further in the absence of significant interventions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-ocean-plastic-pollution-nbsp">Monitoring ocean plastic pollution&nbsp;</h2>



For years, Professor Atsuhiko Isobe from Kyushu University’s <a href="https://www.riam.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/index-e.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research Institute for Applied Mechanics</a> has been monitoring and tracking plastic pollution in the ocean. 



In 2022, the team reported that an estimated 25.3 million metric tons of plastic waste had already entered the oceans, and nearly two-thirds of that amount cannot be tracked.



“My research focuses on tracking where plastic waste goes after being released into water sources such as rivers and oceans. We use computer models to track how plastics move and break down over time,” explained lead author Chisa Higuchi, a postdoctoral fellow in Isobe's lab.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-will-continue-to-rise">Microplastics will continue to rise</h2>



Plastic waste remains in the environment for extended periods, gradually breaking down into smaller particles.&nbsp;



While larger plastics can be collected and removed more easily, they eventually degrade into particles smaller than 5 mm, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-infiltrating-the-human-body-even-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, which are far more challenging to retrieve. 



These microplastics are particularly concerning because they are more likely to be ingested by marine life. Even if plastic littering stopped today, the amount of microplastics in the oceans would continue to rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-halting-marine-plastic-pollution-nbsp">Halting marine plastic pollution&nbsp;</h2>



At the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit, global leaders introduced the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision, with the aim of halting the increase in marine plastic pollution by 2050. This initiative focuses on improving waste management strategies through international collaboration.



“We wanted to figure out what would be the ideal scenario for the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision to succeed. So, we utilized computational modeling along with fieldwork studies to understand where and how plastics flow into the oceans,” Higuchi explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projecting-plastic-emission-routes">Projecting plastic emission routes</h2>



The researchers studied how long different types of plastics take to break down and collected data from plastic emission routes, including rivers and other sources that transport waste into the ocean.



“What we came up with are something akin to weather forecast maps, but instead of showing when and where it will rain, these maps show different scenarios on when and where plastics will end up,” Higuchi said.



Their projections suggest that reducing the amount of plastic entering the oceans by 32%, or around 8.1 million tons, by 2035 could lead to more than a 50% reduction in ocean plastic by 2050.&nbsp;



The impact is even more significant in heavily polluted areas such as the Yellow and East China Seas, where plastic waste could be reduced by up to 63% according to their models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stopping-new-waste-from-entering-oceans">Stopping new waste from entering oceans</h2>



“Not only does this give the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision concrete targets, but it also gives governments and businesses metric goals,” said Higuchi. “Naturally, we need to go beyond cleaning existing pollution; we must cut new plastic waste entering our oceans and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>.”



According to Isobe, this target is attainable if we use strategies like improving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-highlights-desperate-need-for-electronic-waste-management/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste management</a>, promoting reusable alternatives to single-use plastics, and enhancing public awareness.



“Many people can be pessimistic when hearing about the ongoing plastic waste problem in our lives. But I remain optimistic that we can find our way out of this predicament,” said Isobe.&nbsp;



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



The researchers noted that plastic emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-oceans-fisheries-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fisheries</a>, which were not included in this study, are also a major concern for marine pollution. 



The experts emphasized that the 32 % reduction scenario is only based on land-based mismanaged plastics, so different reduction scenarios are needed for fisheries.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-ocean-plastic-from-rivers">Reducing ocean plastic from rivers</h2>



“Among all the concerns, plastic waste management should be prioritized. Reducing the emissions of macroplastic waste from rivers into the ocean is the most important solution that humans can manage,” the researchers concluded.&nbsp;



“We must note that ocean plastics have inertia, so microplastics will continue to increase even if we suddenly stop increasing land-based plastic emissions because of the legacy plastics accumulated on land.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Pollution Bulletin</a>.



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Is it still possible to save the ocean from plastic pollution?

In an unprecedented achievement, experts at Kyushu University have presented...

Phytoplankton, the microscopic flora that drive nearly half of the world's primary production, are thriving in an "invisible forest" beneath the surface of our warming oceans.



These tiny organisms, responsible for converting sunlight into living cells through photosynthesis, are now revealing crucial insights into some of today’s most pressing environmental concerns, such as ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, and disruptions to the global carbon cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-s-response-to-climate-variability">Phytoplankton’s response to climate variability</h2>



Researchers from the University of Exeter have explored the behavior of phytoplankton within the ocean's surface and the unique subsurface layer, while investigating the potential impacts of climate variability on these lifeforms.



According to the study, recently published in the journal Nature Climate Change, phytoplankton in surface and subsurface communities are responding to environmental variations in different ways.



Dr. Johannes Viljoen from Exeter's <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/about/cornwall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penryn Campus</a> in Cornwall emphasized the importance of understanding these trends.



"Phytoplankton are the foundation of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-restructures-marine-food-webs-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine food web</a>, and play a key role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/removing-carbon-dioxide-from-seawater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">removing carbon dioxide</a> from the atmosphere," said Dr. Viljoen.



"Deep-living phytoplankton, which thrive in low-light conditions, respond differently to ocean warming and climate variability compared to surface phytoplankton."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subsurface-phytoplankton-growth">Subsurface phytoplankton growth</h2>



Significant increases in the total "biomass" of subsurface phytoplankton have been observed over the past decade, an adjustment believed to be a response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-threatens-the-oceans-most-diverse-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceanic warming</a>. 



In contrast, the surface phytoplankton's chlorophyll concentration (responsible for their green hue) has decreased, though the total biomass remains steady.



The analysis of 33 years of data from the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) in the Sargasso Sea reveals a notable trend: the depth of the "surface mixed-layer" has become shallower due to rapid ocean warming.



"Our study highlights the limitations of satellite observations and underscores the urgent need for improved global monitoring of phytoplankton below what satellites can see," said Dr. Viljoen.



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



Dr. Bob Brewin, a co-author of the study, explained the broader implications of the research.



"Changes at the base of the food web can have cascading effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>, from tiny zooplankton to large fish and marine mammals. So the future of phytoplankton will have major implications for biodiversity, as well as climate change."



According to Dr. Viljoen, continued monitoring of these deep-living phytoplankton will help scientists better understand ongoing changes in the ocean that might otherwise go unnoticed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-the-distribution-of-phytoplankton">Changes in the distribution of phytoplankton </h2>



While satellite observations regularly provide valuable information about surface phytoplankton, they cannot detect the hidden subsurface community. 



This revelation stresses the limitations of current monitoring technologies and calls for enhanced global tracking of underwater phytoplankton.



"Marine phytoplankton are photosynthetic, single-celled microscopic organisms that form the base of the marine food-web," wrote the researchers. "They are essential in the regulation of global ocean biogeochemical cycles and climate."



"Physical and chemical changes in the ocean are modifying the distribution, phenology, abundance and composition of phytoplankton, impacting higher trophic levels and biological carbon export."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-for-marine-ecosystems">Future implications for marine ecosystems </h2>



As ocean temperatures continue to rise, understanding how different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton communities</a> adapt will be crucial for predicting shifts in the marine food web.



"Considering the relevance of subsurface communities, it is essential to improve our understanding of how phytoplankton vertical structure may be impacted by upper-ocean warming and stratification as a result of climate variability," noted the study authors. 



Changes at the base of the food chain can trigger cascading effects, influencing everything from the smallest zooplankton to larger marine mammals and fish populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-mitigation-efforts">Climate mitigation efforts</h2>



Moreover, the ability of phytoplankton to absorb and sequester carbon dioxide has significant consequences for future climate change mitigation efforts. 



If phytoplankton communities are disrupted by warming seas, the ocean’s capacity to act as a carbon sink may diminish, exacerbating atmospheric carbon levels.



To address these challenges, scientists are calling for enhanced monitoring systems that go beyond surface-level observations, using more sophisticated technologies to track subsurface phytoplankton populations. 



This approach will provide deeper insights into how these organisms are responding to rapid environmental changes, offering valuable data for future conservation and climate strategies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-02136-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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'Invisible forest' of phytoplankton thrives in a warming climate

Phytoplankton, the microscopic flora that drive nearly half of the...

Air pollution from fossil fuel burning reaches the remote Arctic in amounts large enough to alter its atmospheric chemistry, according to a study from Dartmouth College.&nbsp;



The findings highlight the far-reaching effects of fossil fuel emissions and emphasize the importance of clean-air regulations, which, the study shows, can reverse these effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-footprint-of-arctic-pollution">Environmental footprint of Arctic pollution</h2>



The research points out that the impact of pollution on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-does-plastic-debris-in-the-arctic-come-from/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> began as soon as the industrial era saw widespread fossil fuel use.&nbsp;



The team discovered this pollution footprint in an unexpected place. The experts measured declines in methanesulfonic acid (MSA), an airborne byproduct of marine phytoplankton activity, which was trapped in Arctic ice cores when fossil fuel-related air pollution increased.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-levels-of-methanesulfonic-acid">Levels of methanesulfonic acid</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-resilient-nutrient-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytoplankton</a> are vital to ocean food webs and carbon cycles, and methanesulfonic acid has been used as an indicator of their productivity. A drop in MSA is often interpreted as a sign of an ocean ecosystem in decline. 



However, the Dartmouth-led team found that methanesulfonic acid levels also plummet in environments with high emissions from fossil fuel combustion, even if phytoplankton populations remain stable.&nbsp;



The models showed that air pollution causes dimethyl sulfide - initially produced by phytoplankton - to transform into sulfate instead of methanesulfonic acid, leading to a misleading decline in MSA levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-pollution-from-distant-sources">Arctic pollution from distant sources</h2>



The researchers observed sharp drops in MSA levels coinciding with the onset of industrialization. As Europe and North America began to burn large amounts of fossil fuels in the mid-1800s, MSA levels in Greenland ice cores began to fall.&nbsp;



Similarly, nearly a century later, MSA levels in Alaskan ice cores plummeted when East Asia experienced large-scale industrialization.



Study first author Jacob Chalif is a graduate student in the lab of senior author Erich Osterberg, an associate professor of earth sciences at Dartmouth.



“Our study is a stark example of how air pollution can substantially alter atmospheric chemistry thousands of miles away. The pollution emitted in Asia or Europe was not contained there,” said Chalif.&nbsp;



“By releasing all this pollution into the world, we're fundamentally altering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric processes</a>. The fact that these remote areas of the Arctic see these undeniable human imprints shows that there's literally no corner of this planet we haven't touched.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-millennium-s-worth-of-climate-data-nbsp">A millennium’s worth of climate data&nbsp;</h2>



This study resolves a longstanding marine mystery related to the significance of MSA, said Osterberg, who led the extraction of a 700-foot ice core from Denali National Park.&nbsp;



Osterberg and his colleagues, including professors Cameron Wake at the <a href="https://www.une.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of New England</a> and Karl Kreutz at the <a href="https://umaine.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maine</a>, as well as Dartmouth alumnus Dominic Winski, had collected the core in 2013. 



The ice core contained a millennium’s worth of climate data, including gas bubbles, particulates, and compounds like MSA.



“For centuries, MSA in the Denali core underwent minor fluctuations - until the mid-20th century when it falls off a table,” said Osterberg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-change-in-atmospheric-chemistry-nbsp">Mysterious change in atmospheric chemistry&nbsp;</h2>



Initially, researchers suspected that the decline in MSA levels indicated a collapse in marine phytoplankton productivity. However, nothing fit the expected patterns.&nbsp;



Chalif and co-author Ursula Jongebloed, a Dartmouth alumna, connected while discussing these anomalies at a conference in 2022.&nbsp;



“We rethought all of our prior assumptions,” Chalif explained. “We knew that the declining MSA at Denali wasn't due to marine productivity, so we knew some kind of change in atmospheric chemistry must be involved.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrate-pollution-in-the-arctic">Nitrate pollution in the Arctic</h2>



The investigation eventually pointed to nitrate pollution, commonly emitted from burning fossil fuels, as the key factor.&nbsp;



“Pretty much to the year, when MSA declines at Denali, nitrate skyrockets. A very similar thing happened in Greenland,” Chalif said.&nbsp;



“At Denali, MSA is relatively flat for 500 years, no notable trend. Then in 1962 it plummets. Nitrate was similar, but in the opposite direction - it's basically flat for centuries then it spikes upward. When I saw that I had a eureka moment.”



The research demonstrated that air pollution from fossil fuel combustion disperses across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, inhibiting the production of MSA in the Arctic.&nbsp;



This rules out the idea of a widespread marine ecosystem collapse as the cause of the MSA decline, and instead shows that pollution plays a direct role in preventing MSA formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-impacts-of-air-pollution">Understanding the impacts of air pollution</h2>



The findings open new possibilities for using MSA levels as a measure of atmospheric pollution, particularly in regions with no obvious emission sources.



“Marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-loss-can-lead-to-total-ecosystem-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem collapse</a> just wasn't working as an explanation for these MSA declines, and these young scientists figured out what was really going on,” Osterberg said. 



“For me, it's a new way of understanding how pollution affects our atmosphere. The good news is that we are not seeing the collapse of marine ecosystems we thought we were. The bad news is that air pollution is causing this.”



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



However, the study also provided some hopeful news. Data from the Greenland ice core showed that when European and American air pollution became regulated, local atmospheric conditions began to stabilize.&nbsp;



MSA levels started to recover in the 1990s as nitrogen pollution decreased. Unlike carbon dioxide, which persists in the atmosphere for centuries, nitrogen oxides - the pollutants affecting MSA - dissipate within days.



“These data show the power of regulations to reduce air pollution, that they can have an immediate effect once you turn off the spigot," said Osterberg. 



"I worry about younger people resigning to an environmental crisis because all we hear about is bad news. I think it's important to acknowledge good news when we get it. Here, we see that regulations can work."



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01543-w">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Air pollution alters the atmosphere in the remote Arctic 

Air pollution from fossil fuel burning reaches the remote Arctic...

An abrupt alteration in a river's course, known as a river avulsion, is a natural phenomenon that often leads to catastrophic flooding. These events upset the delicate balance of ecosystems and human settlements.



Sudden shifts in the paths of rivers have shaped landscapes and human history, leaving communities vulnerable to devastating impacts.



To address this global issue, a dedicated team of researchers has worked to decode the enigma of river avulsions. The study has potential implications for millions of people around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-framework-for-predicting-river-avulsions">Framework for predicting river avulsions</h2>



The research was led by Led by James "Jake" Gearon, a PhD candidate in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at <a href="https://bloomington.iu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indiana University Bloomington</a>.



"Measuring topography around a river is difficult and time-consuming because of the dense vegetation," explained Gearon. "We took advantage of a new satellite that uses lasers to measure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-mantle-shapes-surface-topography/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">topography</a>."



The advanced lidar technology allowed the team to gauge bare-earth elevations, thus mapping the landscape features around rivers with increased accuracy.



This feat in technology has allowed the research team to create a unique framework for predicting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earthquake-changed-the-course-of-the-ganges-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> avulsions - a problem humanity has grappled with for centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-avulsions-threaten-millions">River avulsions threaten millions </h2>



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cause-catastrophic-river-avulsions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Avulsions</a>, which are possibly the inspirations for ancient flood myths, have created the largest floods in human history and continue to threaten millions of people today,” noted Professor Douglas Edmonds.



Given the rise in climate change and human expansion into disaster-prone areas, understanding river avulsions is more crucial than ever.



River avulsions, often birthed from a combination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising water levels</a> and sediment buildup, can wreak havoc on nearby communities. They often cause <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-and-severe-flooding-will-continue-to-intensify/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe flooding</a> as the river carves a new path across the floodplain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-river-avulsions">Factors influencing river avulsions</h2>



Previous assumptions suggested that avulsions were a result of either an elevated riverbed or a more alluring path offered by the adjacent land.



However, the researchers determined that both factors work together and play different roles depending on the river's location.



“We can now actually test these two 80-year-old ideas with the topography data we have collected from space,” noted Professor Edmonds. “We were surprised to find that both factors work collaboratively.”



The experts found that near coasts, rivers avulse when the slope away from the channel is steeper - not because they are perched. 



"The opposite is true near mountain fronts; on fans, the alternative paths are similarly steep to the downstream path, so rivers avulse when they are perched above the surrounding landscape," noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-avulsion-corridors">Mapping avulsion corridors</h2>



The team analyzed data from 174 river avulsions across the globe, using satellite imagery to track river movements over the past several decades.&nbsp;



Avulsions are frequently found near mountain ranges and coastal areas, where sediment buildup is rapid. Seventy-four percent of the studied avulsions occurred in these regions, where rivers are more prone to sudden shifts.



Utilizing this knowledge, the team has developed a model to map "avulsion corridors" - potential paths that rivers might take during an avulsion.



This tool will help governments and planners identify high flood-risk areas and allocate resources accordingly.



“Traditional flood models focus on rising water levels from heavy rains, but avulsions can occur without warning, even in areas where rainfall isn’t a major concern. This makes them particularly dangerous and difficult to predict, much like earthquakes,” said Gearon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guarding-the-south-against-river-avulsions">Guarding the south against river avulsions</h2>



The value of these findings multiplies in the Global South, where geological factors and infrastructure challenges make communities particularly vulnerable to avulsions. 



In many regions, a combination of natural conditions and underdeveloped infrastructure intensifies the impact of river shifts.



“The 2008 Kosi River avulsion in Northern India directly affected over 30 million people, killing hundreds and causing over $1 billion in damage,” said Professor Edmonds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



The newly developed model could help countries prepare for disasters, potentially saving lives and cutting down economic damage.



As we march into a future where climate change continues to disrupt weather patterns and escalate flood hazards, river avulsions are expected to become more common. This is because climate change accelerates the factors that contribute to avulsions.



For example, rising sea levels can impact coastal rivers and deltas by reducing the slope of river channels, slowing water flow, and increasing sediment deposition. This buildup of sediment can encourage avulsions as rivers seek new, steeper courses.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07964-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Shifting rivers threaten millions of people worldwide

An abrupt alteration in a river's course, known as a...

The vast, captivating expanses of the Pacific Ocean are dotted with small but vibrant island nations like Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji. Over the next 30 years, these Pacific islands will confront no less than 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) of sea level rise, warn scientists from NASA's sea level change science team.



Alarmingly, this level of rise appears to be inevitable and irreversible, even if our greenhouse gas emissions fluctuate in the coming years.



These tropical paradises, home to millions of people, are rapidly being reshaped by the relentless tide of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-sea-levels-are-rising-faster-than-anywhere-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-caused climate change</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outsmarting-the-tides">Outsmarting the tides</h2>



This sobering analysis of Pacific island sea level rise wasn't undertaken on a whim. It's a direct response from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s sea level change team working hand in hand with the U.S. Department of State at the behest of several Pacific Island nations, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-sea-levels-tuvalu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tuvalu</a> and Kiribati.



And the result? High-resolution maps that depict the potentially devastating high-tide flooding -- or 'nuisance flooding' as it's often called -- that these islands could be grappling with by the 2050s.



Launched on Sept. 23, these maps present a chilling glimpse of what the future could look like under different emissions scenarios, ranging from the best-case scenario, to business-as-usual, right up to worst-case.



“Sea level will continue to rise for centuries, causing more frequent flooding,” said Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, who directs ocean physics programs for NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth Science Division</a>. 



“NASA’s new flood tool tells you what the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-sea-levels-are-rising-faster-than-anywhere-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential increase in flooding frequency and severity</a> look like in the next decades for the coastal communities of the Pacific Island nations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-sea-level-rise-in-pacific">Mapping sea level rise in Pacific</h2>



The mapping project, spearheaded by researchers at the University of Hawaii and in partnership with scientists at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado</a> and <a href="https://www.vt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>, initially focused on Kiribati, Tuvalu, Fiji, Nauru, and Niue. 



These maps should aid Pacific Island nations in deciding where to channel their mitigation efforts.



Grace Malie, a youth leader from Tuvalu and part of the <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/rising-nations-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rising Nations Initiative</a> -- a United Nations-backed program -- emphasized the role of scientific data in effectively communicating accurate sea level rise projections.



This information, she stated, could also bolster early warning systems, a primary focus for their country at present.



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



In an unsettling revelation, the sea level change team noted that nearly all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific</a> Island nations will witness an increase in the number of high-tide flooding days each year by the 2050s. 



For example, areas of Tuvalu that currently experience less than five high-tide flood days a year could see a staggering average of 25 flood days annually by the 2050s. 



Similarly, regions of Kiribati currently seeing fewer than five flood days a year today, could be facing an average of 65 flood days annually by the same timeline.



“Everyone (in Tuvalu) lives by the coast or along the coastline, so everyone gets heavily affected by this,” said Malie, stating emphatically, “I am living the reality of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-pacific-sea-level-rise">Deciphering Pacific sea level rise</h2>



Despite sharing the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-oxygen-discovery-deep-ocean-no-photosynthesis-baffles-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>, sea level rise doesn't impact all regions in the same way. 



The myriad factors at play here, like the coastline topography or how glacial meltwater disperses in the ocean, dictate the extent of sea level rise in a particular region.



“We’re always focused on the differences in sea level rise from one region to another, but in the Pacific, the numbers are surprisingly consistent,” said Ben Hamlington, a sea level researcher at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California and the agency’s sea level change science team lead.



The consequences of an 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) sea level rise wouldn't be uniform for all nations. 



While for some, this could mean sporadic nuisance flooding at their airport, others might find their neighborhoods submerged for nearly half the year. Hamlington further highlighted the need for more comprehensive data. 



A combination of satellite data on ocean levels, ground-based measurements of sea levels at specific points, and improved land elevation information could yield more precise sea level rise projections.



But, as Hamlington pointed out, there is a “real lack of on-the-ground data in these countries.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-islands-sea-level-rise-and-climate-change">Pacific islands, sea level rise and climate change</h2>



“The future of the young people of Tuvalu is already at stake,” declared Malie, mirroring the urgency and apprehension of millions who call these Pacific Island nations home. She stressed that climate change was not just an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/us-added-over-one-million-square-kilometers-to-its-territory-ecs-unclos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental crisis</a>. 



It's a matter of justice, survival, and global responsibility. The future, it appears, has indeed arrived at the shores of these Pacific Island nations. But the question is, are we ready to face it?



These maps are available on the NASA's <a href="https://sealevel.nasa.gov/flooding-analysis-tool-pacific-islands/projected-flooding?units=meters">Sea Level Change</a> website.



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NASA warning: Sea level rise for Pacific Island nations is irreversible

The vast, captivating expanses of the Pacific Ocean are dotted...

The ocean, one of Earth's greatest mysteries, is a vast, deep and untapped reservoir of complexity. But there's one part of it that's shrouded in more secrecy and darkness than the rest - the ocean's twilight zone. 



Recent research has revealed some new details about this unknown territory. It turns out, the twilight zone is running on an iron deficiency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-s-twilight-zone">Ocean's twilight zone</h2>



The twilight zone lies dwarfed in darkness 200 to 1,000 meters below the sea surface. This is an area where no sunlight dares to penetrate, and a place that is grappling with an iron famine.



Why is this important? Because iron is a key micronutrient, the absence of which hampers bacterial growth. So, what do these bacteria do when the iron is so sparse? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-microbes-eat-a-different-diet-that-affects-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">They adapt, of course</a>. 



In response to the iron shortage, bacteria produce molecules known as siderophores, which help them snatch every iota of iron they can from the surrounding seawater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iron-deficiency-in-the-twilight-zone">Iron deficiency in the twilight zone</h2>



The study findings could usher in a dramatic change in the way we perceive microbial processes in the deep ocean. Moreover, the research could open up new avenues of understanding about the ocean's ability to absorb carbon.



Study co-author Tim Conway is an associate professor of chemical oceanography at the USF College of Marine Science.



“Understanding the organisms that facilitate carbon uptake in the ocean is important for understanding the impacts of climate change,” said Conway.



“When organic matter from the surface ocean descends to the deep ocean, it acts as a biological pump that removes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in seawater and sediments."



"Measuring the rates and processes that influence this pump gives us insight into how and where the ocean stores carbon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-twilight-zone-water-samples">Twilight zone water samples</h2>



The researchers collected water samples from the top 1,000 meters of the water column across the eastern Pacific Ocean from Alaska to Tahiti. The samples revealed something unexpected.



Concentrations of siderophores were not just high in the surface waters, where an iron deficiency would make sense, but also in waters between 200 and 400 meters deep. This was a perplexing discovery as it was believed that nutrient and iron levels at these depths would not affect bacterial growth.



“Unlike in surface waters, we did not expect to find siderophores in the ocean’s twilight zone,” said Conway. 



“Our study shows that iron-deficiency is high for bacteria living in this region throughout much of the east Pacific Ocean, and that the bacteria use siderophores to increase their uptake of iron."



"This has a knock-on effect on the biological carbon pump, because these bacteria are responsible for the breakdown of organic matter as it sinks through the twilight zone.”



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



The research was part of an international effort known as GEOTRACES, aimed at understanding climate-driven changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean biogeochemistry</a>. Despite these discoveries, we're just scratching the surface when it comes to understanding siderophores.



“For a full picture of how nutrients shape marine biogeochemical cycles, future studies will need to take these findings into account,” said study co-author Daniel Repeta, senior scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.



“In other words, experiments near the surface must expand to include the twilight zone.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-siderophores">Role of siderophores</h2>



While the discovery of siderophores in the twilight zone might seem like esoteric scientific trivia, it carries significant implications for marine ecology. 



These biochemical agents showcase an incredible adaptability within microbial life forms that are key players in oceanic nutrient cycles. By enhancing iron acquisition, siderophores not only support bacterial survival but also enable more efficient organic matter decomposition. 



This process is crucial as it influences the sequestration of carbon in the ocean depths, thereby playing an essential role in regulating the global climate. 



As we unearth more about the twilight zone's unique conditions, it becomes clear that its invisible operations are instrumental in sustaining the balance of marine ecosystems and Earth's climate.



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



The findings from the study are not just pivotal for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ringwoodite-mineral-confirms-vast-ocean-exists-400-miles-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceanography and marine biology</a>, but they also resonate across the broader context of environmental science. 



The ocean's twilight zone, previously overlooked, emerges as a vital frontier for research into carbon sequestration processes. By continuing to investigate these enigmatic oceanic layers, scientists could unlock new strategies for mitigating climate anomalies.



Furthermore, this enhanced understanding raises awareness of the intricate link between human activities, marine health, and climate stability, pushing for more informed and sustainable strategies in global environmental policies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-search-in-ocean-s-twilight-zone">Future search in ocean's twilight zone</h2>



In the midst of a climate crisis, understanding intricate processes in the ocean's twilight zone becomes crucial.



The revelations about siderophores and their role in managing iron deficiency is just one stride towards that goal. As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-twilight-zone-stabilizes-the-marine-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploration of the twilight zone</a> continues, who knows what other secrets will rise from the depths. 



One thing, however, is clear - the ocean continues to surprise and mesmerize us, with its resilience, its adaptation, and its silent struggle beneath the surface.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07905-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Unexpected discovery sheds light on life in the ocean's twilight zone

The ocean, one of Earth's greatest mysteries, is a vast,...

Coral reefs are expected to continue facing severe heat stress as rising temperatures cause the oceans to warm excessively. However, new research suggests that modifying coral feeding habits could help local populations avoid complete extinction.



A study focusing on two coral species native to Hawaii revealed that warmer waters, a result of climate change, are a major factor in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral bleaching</a> - a process that leads to a loss of color in coral, significantly harming their health and growth.&nbsp;



The researchers also examined the effects of ocean acidification on heat-stressed corals. Ocean acidification occurs when seawater absorbs excess carbon dioxide and becomes more acidic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-exposure-to-heat-stress">Coral exposure to heat stress</h2>



Over the last decade, mass coral bleaching events have increased in both frequency and severity, leading to higher mortality rates among coral populations worldwide.&nbsp;



Study lead author Kerri Dobson completed the research as a graduate student in earth sciences at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>. She noted that this study offers hope by suggesting that some coral species may be more resilient to these extreme environmental changes.



“Each coral species responds differently to stress and employs different methods to recover from that stress. Now we know that those responses depend on several factors,” said Dobson, who is now a marine biology instructor at the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-boosts-heat-stress-recovery">Food boosts heat stress recovery</h2>



The study revealed that one of the most critical factors determining whether coral can recover from a stressful event is access to food.



Typically, corals get their nutrients from two sources: photosynthetic symbiotic algae and tiny aquatic organisms called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-are-rapidly-escalating-the-threat-of-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a>. The algae also provide the coral with their vibrant colors. 



However, during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corals-can-be-trained-to-endure-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat stress</a>, corals lose these algae, leaving them bleached and without a key food source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-the-impact-of-coral-heat-stress">Capturing the impact of coral heat stress</h2>



The researchers collected coral branch samples from bleached and unbleached parent colonies following two major heat-stress events in 2014 and 2015.&nbsp;



The samples were placed in special tanks where the researchers varied the amount of food provided and simulated ocean acidification rates to assess their impact on coral recovery.



“This is one of the first studies, to our knowledge, that has been able to capture the impact of natural thermal stress on coral in two consecutive years,” Dobson said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-the-resilience-of-corals">Improving the resilience of corals</h2>



Thanks to this unique long-term data, the team found that feeding corals zooplankton after a bleaching event improved their resilience to warming temperatures, reducing mortality, promoting growth, and enhancing recovery.



Surprisingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-acidification-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean acidification</a> had little impact on the corals' recovery, suggesting that some coral species may be capable of surviving in more acidic waters. Unfortunately, this also underscores that heat stress poses the greatest threat to coral reefs, Dobson noted.



“Heat stress affected the corals’ health much more than the simulated ocean acidification,” she said. “These heat-stress events function as selection forces, leaving only the more thermally tolerant coral that might be able to survive the stresses that we’re subjecting them to.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-corals-survive-over-time">Helping corals survive over time</h2>



The study highlights the importance of understanding the conditions and evolutionary strategies that enable coral to survive over the long term, said Dobson.&nbsp;



Additionally, the findings offer guidance for scientists and conservation groups seeking to tailor coral reef management and restoration efforts based on species and location.



“This paper adds to our body of knowledge about coral resilience,” said Andrea Grottoli, senior author of the study and a professor in earth sciences at Ohio State. “It gives us more leverage in following up on evaluating how we can protect corals and manage bleaching events by manipulating the environment to their favor.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-induced-climate-change-nbsp">Human-induced climate change&nbsp;</h2>



While there is some hope for coral survival in the face of human-induced climate change, these positive assumptions depend on adhering to current climate mitigation goals, as Grottoli pointed out.



For instance, corals might be able to adapt to a two-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures. However, if Earth continues its current trajectory toward four degrees of warming by the end of the century, coral reefs could face complete eradication.



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



With the next few decades being critical in determining the fate of coral reefs, Dobson plans to continue studying the impact of thermal stress on coral ecology in other regions.



“When you do experiments with living animals in a natural setting, there’s always some degree of unpredictability, as we saw with the unexpected second heat-stress event we studied,” said Grottoli.



“Ultimately, you have to roll with it because the work matters, and sometimes the things you didn’t plan to learn are the parts that are the most interesting.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01672-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>,&nbsp;



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Feeding corals can help them recover from heat stress

Coral reefs are expected to continue facing severe heat stress...

A new report warns that six of Earth's nine planetary boundaries have already been breached, with a seventh approaching its limit. The trend is clear: we are heading towards further boundary transgressions. 



While crossing these thresholds may not cause sudden changes overnight, they signal a growing risk of destabilizing our planet’s life-support functions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-planetary-health-check-nbsp">The Planetary Health Check&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/institute/departments/earth-system-analysis/research/pbscience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Boundaries Science</a> (PBScience) initiative, led by Johan Rockström, director of the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a> (PIK), has recently introduced the Planetary Health Check (PHC). 



This scientific report and tool assess the health of Earth's vital systems that function as humanity's life support.&nbsp;



Combining cutting-edge Earth science, Earth observation data, and interdisciplinary research, the Planetary Health Check aims to quantify the planet's health and propose solutions to mitigate the damage caused by human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-update-on-the-health-of-our-planet">Crucial update on the health of our planet</h2>



The Planetary Health Check is part of the first-ever <a href="https://www.planetaryhealthcheck.org/storyblok-cdn/f/301438/x/03be75c484/planetaryhealthcheck2024_report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Health Check Report</a>, marking a pivotal step in global efforts to safeguard Earth's stability and resilience. This report, set to be published annually, serves as a crucial update on the health of the planet, offering valuable insights for stakeholders worldwide.



Environmental issues such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, biodiversity loss, and pollution are often treated separately, but these problems are interconnected and collectively impact both planetary and human health. 



The PHC report compiles the latest scientific data on the Planetary Boundary processes, pinpoints the root causes of these issues, and highlights how these processes are interrelated. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic, “whole Earth” approach, to safeguard humanity’s future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-planetary-boundaries-nbsp">What are planetary boundaries?&nbsp;</h2>



Planetary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-exceeded-six-of-nine-planetary-boundaries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boundaries</a> refer to nine essential Earth system processes - including climate change, biosphere integrity, and ocean acidification - that regulate the planet's life support systems. 



These boundaries define a “safe operating space” within which humanity can thrive while maintaining a stable and resilient Earth.&nbsp;



When a boundary is crossed, the risk of permanently damaging Earth’s critical functions rises, along with the possibility of reaching tipping points that could trigger irreversible changes.&nbsp;



“Our updated diagnosis shows that vital organs of the Earth system are weakening, leading to a loss of resilience and rising risks of crossing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-still-prevent-critical-climate-tipping-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping points</a>,” said Levke Caesar, PIK Scientist, Co-Lead of PBScience, and one of the report’s lead authors.



“Six of the nine planetary boundaries are transgressed, put into context in the report by high-resolution spatial maps of local and regional trends for all nine boundaries.”&nbsp;



“The message is clear: local actions impact the planet, and a planet under pressure can impact everyone, everywhere. Securing human wellbeing, economic development, and stable societies requires a holistic approach where the protection of the planet takes center stage.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-health-of-our-planet">Protecting the health of our planet</h2>



The Planetary Health Check represents a major step forward in translating scientific understanding into actionable measures to guide global development.&nbsp;



Rockström noted that we have known for some time that we are weakening the planet’s resilience. 



“This scientific update shows that, irrespective of what scale we operate on, all actions need to consider impacts at the planetary scale. Stewardship of the planet is necessary in all sectors of the economy and in societies, for security, prosperity, and equity,” said Rockström.&nbsp;



“The overall diagnosis is that the patient, Planet Earth, is in critical condition. Six of nine Planetary Boundaries are transgressed. Seven PB processes show a trend of increasing pressure so that we will soon see the majority of the Planetary Health Check parameters in the high-risk zone.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immediate-action-is-needed">Immediate action is needed</h2>



Boris Sakschewski, co-lead of PBScience and the lead author of the report, emphasized the need for immediate action.



“When we look at the trends of Earth’s health indicators, we see that soon the majority of them will be in the high-risk zone. We need to reverse this trend,” said Sakschewski.



“By gaining a deeper understanding of the system, we will identify those actions that most effectively reduce or counteract humanity’s impacts as we urgently need to return to the safe operating space.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-knowledge-can-guide-earth-s-recovery">Indigenous knowledge can guide Earth's recovery</h2>



An essential future goal of PBScience is to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into the Planetary Health Check.&nbsp;



Indigenous Peoples have lived in close connection with the planet for millennia, developing methods to sustainably manage natural resources and live in harmony with the environment. Their expertise is critical to crafting holistic solutions to address humanity’s impact on Earth’s health.



“As industry has accelerated, Indigenous Peoples have seen their homes degraded and destroyed. It is imperative that this decline is reversed,” said Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, Chair of the Planetary Guardians and expert in Indigenous adaptation to climate change.



“With the Planetary Health Check, we can begin to illuminate this path while also sharing the deep knowledge of Indigenous Peoples when it comes to identifying solutions. We can live a legacy of an even better world for future generations to thrive in partnership with Earth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-comprehensive-assessment-of-planetary-health">A comprehensive assessment of planetary health</h2>



The Planetary Health Check provides a comprehensive and holistic assessment of the planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unbearable-heat-could-make-some-parts-of-the-world-uninhabitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a>, serving as a guiding framework for decision-makers, whether they are governments, corporations, multilateral organizations, or individuals. 



With the support of diverse partners, the PHC will evolve into a “mission-control center” for Earth, utilizing the latest satellite data, artificial intelligence, Indigenous knowledge, and modern science.&nbsp;



Ultimately, the Planetary Health Check will help guide urgent global actions and support the development of long-term plans to bring humanity back into the safe operating space for a thriving future.



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Most of Earth's 'safe' planetary boundaries have been breached

A new report warns that six of Earth's nine planetary...

In a world continuously shaped by rapid technological advancements, the demand for specific metals, known as rare earth elements, is skyrocketing. Industries are racing to keep up with the growing need for high-performance materials.



These elements, integral to modern life, are used in smartphones, flat-screen TVs, and powerful magnets. Rare earth metals also play a critical role in the production of electric vehicles, cutting-edge medical devices, and renewable energy technologies like wind turbines.



A new study reveals that these crucial elements might be hiding in places we least expected, buried deep within Earth's geological past.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-treasures-in-unlikely-places">Hidden treasures in unlikely places</h2>



Unlocking hidden reserves of rare earth metals could revolutionize the way we source the materials essential to a greener and more sustainable future.



Ironically, the answer lies not in our future but in our geological past – within the heart of extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanoes-stabilize-temperatures-at-earths-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a>.



According to research from <a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/">The Australian National University (ANU)</a> and the <a href="https://english.ucas.ac.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>, extinct volcanoes are likely to be an abundant source of rare earth elements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-untapped-resources-of-rare-earth-metals">Untapped resources of rare earth metals</h2>



The concentrated presence of these metals in ancient volcanic rocks could simplify the extraction process, making it more efficient and less environmentally damaging.



This discovery could also lead to the identification of other untapped sources of these crucial materials around the world.



Dr. Michael Anenburg from ANU emphasized that the iron-rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crystals-from-earths-magma-ocean-found-in-greenland-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma</a> within extinct volcanoes is far more efficient at concentrating rare earth elements.



"The iron-rich magma that solidified to form some extinct volcanoes is up to a hundred times more efficient at concentrating rare earth metals than the magmas that commonly erupt from <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/mount-aso-the-largest-active-volcano-in-japan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">active volcanoes</a>," said Dr. Anenburg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-puzzle-of-iron-rich-magma">The puzzle of iron-rich magma</h2>



Unlike active volcanoes, the iron-rich magma stored in extinct volcanoes has never been observed erupting.



“We have never seen an iron-rich magma erupt from an active volcano, but we know some extinct volcanoes, which are millions of years old, had this enigmatic type of eruption,” noted Dr. Anenburg.



The team’s findings suggest that global sites like El Laco in Chile may harbor these rare earth elements, offering new avenues for exploration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-environments-with-rare-earth-metals">Volcanic environments with rare earth metals </h2>



The research provides crucial insights into how certain volcanic environments promote the concentration of these metals, which could have been missed in previous geological surveys.



The research also raises the possibility that extinct volcanoes worldwide may hold similarly rich deposits.



To validate their theory, the researchers simulated volcanic eruptions in the lab. Using rocks similar to those found in extinct volcanoes, the experts subjected the samples to extreme heat and pressure.



The simulations revealed an abundance of rare earth elements embedded in iron-rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adding-crushed-volcanic-rocks-to-the-soil-on-farms-can-help-sequester-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic rocks</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greener-future-with-rare-earth-metals">Greener future with rare earth metals</h2>



With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> technologies booming, the demand for rare earth elements is projected to more than quadruple by 2030. This increasing demand is driven by the growing need for electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure.



As the global shift toward cleaner energy intensifies, rare earth elements will play an even more vital role in the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other sustainable technologies. 



Despite the potential abundance of rare earth elements, efficient extraction remains a significant obstacle.



“Rare earth elements aren’t that rare. They are similar in abundance to lead and copper. But breaking down and extracting these metals from the minerals they reside in is challenging and expensive,” explained Dr. Anenburg. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capitalizing-on-earth-s-natural-resources">Capitalizing on Earth's natural resources </h2>



Regions like China, Sweden, and Australia possess large deposits of these metals. Australia, with its vast resources at Mount Weld and sites near Dubbo and Alice Springs, has the potential to play a key role in supplying these metals to meet growing demand.



“Australia has an opportunity to become a major player in the clean energy space by capitalizing on its abundance of rare earth resources," said Dr. Anenburg.



This extensive research was led by Shengchao Yan from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.



The study is published in the journal here.&nbsp;<a href="https://doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet.2436" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geochemical Perspectives Letters</a>.



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Extinct volcanoes may hold rare earth metals to power our future

In a world continuously shaped by rapid technological advancements, the...

<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=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge">Disturbing connections emerge</h2>



Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.



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



The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns">Genetic vulnerability patterns</h2>



Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications">Public health implications</h2>



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.



As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<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=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.



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



Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.



Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.



Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<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=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.



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



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.



The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.



The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.



The full study was recently published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<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=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.



Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.



Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents". In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively. MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.



MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization. The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.



Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.



A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.



This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.



PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.



In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.



As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.



The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.



For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.



The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.



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MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a>



Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<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=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.



The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.



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



The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

<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.



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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...

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

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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 <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. 



"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."



"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.



"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;



"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.



"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;



According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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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



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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 <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.



Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.



From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;



"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" 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> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.



In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.



Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.



Video 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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Saturn,-,High,Resolution,3d,Images,Presents,Planets,Of,The

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. 



According to NASA, both the cause of the spokes and their seasonal variability have yet to be fully explained by planetary scientists.



"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.



"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."



Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;



"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.



The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.



"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.



"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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