Plastic may not always float where we expect it. The ocean’s surface might look clean in some places, but far beneath the waves, a different story is unfolding. 



In the southeastern Mediterranean, the deep seafloor is turning into a massive storage ground for plastic packaging, especially bags. A new study shows how this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-retailers-are-replacing-plastic-bags-with-eco-friendly-paper-bags/">waste</a> ends up thousands of feet below the surface, and the answer isn’t as simple as trash just “sinking.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-in-the-deep-sea">Plastic in the deep sea</h2>



Plastic debris has entered every corner of the ocean, but previously, most of the research has concentrated on floating plastic or beach trash. That changed with this latest study, which took a closer look at what is occurring on the ocean floor. 



Scientists discovered that the Levant Basin - a deep section of the eastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/two-continents-meet-along-the-mediterranean-coastline/">Mediterranean</a> off the coasts of Israel, Egypt, and Turkey - is among the world's most contaminated deep-sea areas.



“We used trawls to survey the seafloor and we mainly found plastic bags and packaging that dominate the debris,” said Xing-Yu Li from the <a href="https://www.haifa.ac.il/?lang=en">University of Haifa</a>, the study’s lead author.



This raised a question: how does something so light - something meant to float - end up nearly a mile underwater?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forensic-approach-to-trash">A forensic approach to trash</h2>



To answer that, the team decided to treat each plastic item like a crime scene. Every piece of debris was carefully examined using a method called multi-marker analysis. 



This approach looks at everything about the plastic - size, shape, color, material, surface features, and even what kinds of things are stuck to it, like tar or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/">marine organisms</a>.



“In the multi-marker approach anything that is found on a piece of plastic is an evidence,” said Xing-yu. “We extracted as many evidence as possible from every piece of waste, more than many previous studies, to build a fuller, more detailed view of the bottom waste.”



Instead of just counting how much trash was found, this method helped researchers understand how it got there, why it sank, and where it might have come from.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-plastic-doesn-t-sink">Why some plastic doesn’t sink</h2>



Most of the plastics found were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/everyday-kitchen-tool-that-could-be-leaching-toxins-into-your-food-polypropylene-cutting-board/">polyethylene</a> - the same material used in grocery bags. Normally, this kind of plastic floats. But when additives like calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) are mixed in during manufacturing, the plastic becomes heavier. 



Those with CaCO₃ sank closer to the shore. Others, without these additives, drifted farther out before eventually settling on the seafloor.



The study also revealed that the deep basin at over 3,000 feet deep acts like a trap. Pressure and fine sediments help keep the plastic down. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biofilms-could-change-the-way-we-track-plastic-pollution/">Biofilms</a>, which are slimy layers formed by microbes, usually help weigh plastics down too, but they don’t grow well in this part of the sea. Instead, things like tar, sand, and tiny shells helped plastics stay put.



The scientists noted that these plastic films - while thin and lightweight - are ending up where they can do the most long-term damage. 



Even more troubling, the team found that some of this plastic could become buoyant again if disturbed, but because of how the deep sea works, that rarely happens. Once the plastic settles, it stays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-trash-is-coming-from">Where the trash is coming from</h2>



The plastic pollution isn’t only from local beaches. According to the research, land-based sources from Egypt, Israel, and Turkey are a big part of the problem. 



Shipping also plays a role, especially in deeper waters. Surprisingly, fishing was not a major contributor - possibly due to strict Israeli regulations.



For years, scientists noticed high levels of plastic at the seafloor, but they didn’t fully understand why. 



“For years in our monitoring reports we have reported a high concentration of plastic debris in this area. It was an unsolved mystery as we know that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/">plastic debris</a> should remain floating on the sea surface. Now we have a deep understanding of how it happens,” said Dr. Yael Segal from Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR). 



“The Eastern Mediterranean is the most polluted area in the world, and we must take action for the sake of the next generation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-risks-to-marine-life">Long-term risks to marine life</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-could-offer-a-breakthrough-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/">Plastic packaging</a> is cheap, easy to produce, and used globally - but it doesn’t go away. It breaks into smaller pieces and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. 



Deep-sea habitats are already fragile, and adding plastic into the mix could disrupt food webs, introduce toxins, and harm species that haven’t even been fully studied yet.



“As the head of the national monitoring program, I see firsthand how plastic pollution is impacting the entire sea environment: beaches, water, sea bottom, and even local turtle populations,” said Dr. Segal.



Professor Revital Bookman said that the discovery is fascinating in the worst possible way. 



"The eastern Mediterranean is quietly turning into a deep-sea landfill. Plastics that we use for only a few minutes are ending up trapped for centuries, threatening deep marine ecosystems we barely understand," noted Professor Bookman. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-needs-to-happen-next">What needs to happen next</h2>



According to the researchers, this study changes how we should think about ocean pollution. Plastic doesn’t just float around until it hits a beach. It travels far, interacts with other pollutants like tar, and ends up in hidden places. 



“This previously overlooked dynamic necessitates a broader perspective on pollution processes in marine environments,” said Professor Bookman. 



“Without systematic deep-sea accounting, we risk underestimating the true environmental footprint of plastic pollution and misallocating mitigation efforts by neglecting offshore and deep-sea sinks.”



To deal with this, the experts call for coordinated efforts across the region. Countries that share the sea need to work together on monitoring, cleanup, and prevention. 



Without a shared strategy, plastics will continue piling up, silently choking one of the planet’s most mysterious ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X25009671?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Pollution Bulletin</a>.



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Hidden plastic graveyard uncovered in the deep Mediterranean Sea

Plastic may not always float where we expect it. The ocean’s surface might look clean in some places, but far beneath the waves, a different story is unfolding. In the southeastern Mediterranean, the deep seafloor is turning into a massive storage ground for plastic packaging, especially bags. A new study shows how this waste ends up thousands of feet below the surface, and the answer isn’t as simple as trash just “sinking.” Plastic in the deep sea Plastic debris has entered every corner of the ocean, but...

An unusual mix of blazes sparked Alberta's fierce 2023 wildfire season, according to a new report by experts, including researchers at the <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alberta</a>.



The season was unlike anything seen before, with an estimated 2.1 million hectares of land burned. Experts are now investigating the causes and what this could mean for future <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/intense-fire-season-in-mexico-is-part-of-a-worldwide-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire seasons</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusually-severe-wildfire-season">Unusually severe wildfire season</h2>



What made 2023 especially unusual was the occurrence of two different types of fire patterns in the same year. This rare combination resulted in 36 large fires, which accounted for 95% of the area burned. 



The fires were so intense that they have reshaped our understanding of the potential impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. "Last year's wildfire season redefined what is possible under a warming climate," said Jen Beverly, a professor of wildland fire at the University of Alberta and co-author of the study.



Alberta's 2023 fire season was unusually severe, far exceeding all other years in the province's historical record. The amount of land burned was about 63% greater than the previously recorded maximum in 1981.



The study authors noted that while large wildfires in Alberta were similar in severity to past years on an individual basis, there were simply more of them.



In the 20 years prior to 2023, there was an average of two fires per year larger than 10,000 hectares, compared with the total of 36 large fires that burned last year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-wildfire-season-sparked-by-lightning">Early wildfire season sparked by lightning</h2>



The fire season started early in May, with west-central Alberta experiencing 18 wildfires in just two weeks. Thirteen of these were caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-is-the-leading-cause-of-wildfires-in-boreal-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a>, an unusually high number for spring.



"Normally, lightning doesn't start to become a factor in spring wildfires until late May, and more into June, July, and August," said Beverly. However, the 2023 fire season revealed early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-tropical-forests-lightning-strikes-the-most-resilient-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning strikes</a> as a previously unrecognized threat.



"If we hadn't had that outbreak in early May from lightning fires, the season would still have been severe, but it would not have been off the charts," added Beverly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-fires-add-to-the-crisis">Northern fires add to the crisis</h2>



As the season progressed, another 18 large fires broke out in northern Alberta. This second wave of fires further compounded the damage, making 2023 one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-fire-risk-has-grown-exponentially-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme fire</a> seasons in Alberta's history.



"Either one of those alone wouldn't have produced the extraordinary amplification in area burned that we saw," said Beverly.



The combination of climate warming, dry conditions, and limited firefighting resources allowed these fires to grow out of control, especially in isolated areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-the-future">Preparing for the future</h2>



The 2023 fire season serves as a stark reminder of how unpredictable nature can be, especially in the context of climate change. 



"We can't rely on past data to anticipate what's coming," noted Beverly. "There was nothing in the 40 years before 2023 that would lead us to expect and plan for a burst of lightning activity in the first week of May."



To better respond to future wildfires, the experts are calling for more research, improved data tools, and better methods for triaging fires and allocating resources.



"We've got to get better at triaging those fires and knowing which ones to devote resources to quickly," Beverly said.



The unforgettable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 fire season</a> is a warning that such extreme conditions could happen again, even if not for many years. 



"We may not see another burst of early lightning activity for 30 more years, but what 2023 shows us is that we are extremely vulnerable," Beverly concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-impacts-on-alberta-s-communities">Long-term impacts on Alberta's communities </h2>



The 2023 wildfire season not only set new records for the amount of land burned but also left lasting impacts on Alberta's ecosystems and communities. 



The fires devastated vast stretches of forests, grasslands, and wildlife habitats, disrupting the natural balance and leaving the landscape scarred. 



The loss of vegetation also increased the risk of soil erosion and flooding, which could have further implications for local agriculture and water quality in the coming years.



In addition to the environmental damage, the fires forced numerous communities to evacuate, displacing thousands of residents and causing widespread property damage. 



The emotional toll on those affected cannot be overstated, as many people lost their homes and livelihoods in the wake of the fires. 



Recovery efforts are ongoing, but the rebuilding process will take time, and the memories of the 2023 fire season will linger for years to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/cjfr-2024-0099" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian Journal of Forest Research</a>.



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Wildfire season of 2023 redefined what is possible

An unusual mix of blazes sparked Alberta's fierce 2023 wildfire...

Tree mortality in the Amazon rainforest is a critical issue with significant ecological, climatic, and economic implications. The Amazon, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," plays a vital role in sequestering carbon dioxide, thereby regulating global climate. However, various factors are contributing to an alarming rate of tree mortality in this vast rainforest.



Amazon tree mortality is driven by increasing droughts, extreme weather events, and deforestation. The dying trees, which absorb carbon through photosynthesis when they are living, release carbon into the atmosphere during their decay. Rising tree mortality may turn the rainforest from a carbon sink to a carbon source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragile-carbon-and-biodiversity-reserves-nbsp">Fragile carbon and biodiversity reserves&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon rainforest</a> is home to an enormous variety of plants and animals, and plays a crucial role in managing the effects of climate change by storing massive amounts of carbon, while helping regulate temperatures and rainfall regionally as well as globally.



By employing models which predict <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-identify-the-cause-of-tree-mortality-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree mortality</a> and the subsequent changes in carbon balance, a new study published in the journal Earth's Future has found that some regions of the Amazon rainforest might pass a tipping point by the middle of this century.



“The Amazon rainforest biome is a crucial concern due to its vast yet fragile carbon and biodiversity reserves. Intact Amazon forests hold more than 20% of terrestrial species, house 100 billion tons of carbon, absorb atmospheric CO2, and regulate regional and continental climates by recycling moisture,” the authors wrote.&nbsp;



“Despite these critical functions, the stability and spatial continuity of the forest are threatened by climate extreme events such as droughts and storms, widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coordinated-efforts-needed-to-slow-deforestation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> in the South, East, and South-West regions, as well as forest degradation in adjacent areas.”



According to the researchers, these factors increase the risk of reaching a tipping point, where intact forests may transition to carbon sources and even collapse within a few decades.&nbsp;



“As a result, it is crucial to reduce uncertainties and better understand the likelihood of such a tipping point, and take mitigative actions to preserve the health and resilience of the Amazon rainforest.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-tree-mortality-in-the-amazon">Simulating tree mortality in the Amazon</h2>



The experts used ORCHIDEE-CAN-NHA, a groundbreaking land surface model, to simulate Amazon tree death and regrowth in the face of droughts. This model was calibrated and assessed using historical data from previous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-fires-diminish-forests-carbon-storage-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> events.



The scientists combined the use of this land surface model with four climate scenarios to project future changes in carbon movement and tree loss until the end of the century.&nbsp;



Although the climate models provided different specific outcomes - such as variations in wetting and drying - they all identified a warming trend over the next decades, particularly throughout the northeastern Amazon rainforest.



“These climate models display diverse patterns of climate change across the Amazon region. The simulation conducted with the HadGEM climate model reveals the most significant drying trend, suggesting that the Guiana Shield and East-central Amazon are approaching a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-still-prevent-critical-climate-tipping-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping point</a>,” noted the researchers.



“These two regions are projected to transition from carbon sinks to carbon sources by the mid-21st century, with the Brazilian Shield following suit around 2060. This transition is attributed to heightened drought-induced carbon loss in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-hotspots-of-amazon-tree-mortality-nbsp">Pinpointing hotspots of Amazon tree mortality&nbsp;</h2>



Better understanding which areas of the Amazon rainforest are most at risk for drying out and dying will help inform scientists about the carbon balance in the region and provide invaluable information about how to protect this ecosystem from the effects of a rapidly changing climate.



“This study makes an important step forward by providing a spatial image of the likelihood of drought risks and predicting the evolution of future Amazon rainforest net carbon balance, by resorting to a well-calibrated model that incorporates hydraulic failure induced tree mortality, and subsequent recovery from demographic processes, including recruitment and growth of survivor trees,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“The predicted possible vulnerability state of the Amazon rainforest required further investigation and concerns on mitigation policies.”



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Tree mortality is pushing the Amazon to a tipping point

Tree mortality in the Amazon rainforest is a critical issue...

Did you ever pause to ponder upon the conceivable role of our minuscule, unseen allies, the microbes, in the climate change <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">battleground</a>? Surprisingly, these tiny life forms prove to be critical forces in this global combat.



The study was led by Lisa Stein, a distinguished scientist from the <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alberta</a>, who's committed her life’s work to understanding these miniature climate combatants. She holds the pivotal position of the Canada Research Chair in Climate Change Microbiology.



Despite their invisible nature, microbes are surprisingly the most plentiful organisms on our planet. They wields a significant influence in shaping our environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-response-of-microbes-to-climate-change">Response of microbes to climate change </h2>



Stein has voiced an intriguing discovery in her recent publication in the journal Science. Her research shows that as we strive to curb methane emissions, microbial communities appear to respond by producing an alternative heat-snarling gas, nitrous oxide.



This microbial reaction becomes pivotal in the agricultural realm. When farmers utilize urea or ammonia-based fertilizers, microbes regard it as a feast. As they consume these substances, they release nitrous oxide, giving rise to greenhouse gas emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-offenders-greenhouse-gases">Invisible offenders: Greenhouse gases</h2>



The notorious trio of greenhouse gases are methane, nitrous oxide, and CO2. Methane and nitrous oxide have a greater ability to trap heat compared to CO2, thus strengthening their status as formidable opponents in the global warming combat.



Before we hastily accuse microbes, let's remember they aren't entirely evil. For every methane-producing microbe, there's another ready to consume it, thus maintaining a natural equilibrium.



Stein proposes innovative tactics to foster these methane-consuming microbes. Increasing oxygen in certain environments and deploying soil amendments could prove beneficial.



"When we talk about the greenhouse effect, we mean that these gases we're emitting into the atmosphere through our human activities are acting as a blanket," says Stein.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-riot-control">Carbon riot control</h2>



Apart from greenhouse gas reduction, microbes play another crucial role - carbon capture. Certain soil-dwelling bacteria and fungi transform organic matter into stable carbon forms, thereby reducing CO2 levels.



Think about integrating microbial insights into climate mitigation strategies. The creation of bioinoculants containing advantageous microbes could revolutionize agriculture, making it more sustainable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-in-microbes-vs-climate-change">Diversity in microbes vs. climate change</h2>



The rich tapestry of microbial diversity presents a fascinating paradox in the climate change dialogue. While a vast array of microorganisms contributes to ecological resilience and function, some species may exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions under certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. 



Understanding this duality is essential for harnessing microbes as allies in the fight against climate change. 



Researchers like Lisa Stein are delving deep into the interactions within these complex communities, seeking to identify key players that can be manipulated to enhance positive climate outcomes while suppressing harmful emissions.



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



As we unravel the intricate relationship between microbes and climate change, there emerges a pressing need for informed policy-making. The incorporation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-have-become-immune-to-radiation-and-live-in-microwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial science</a> into environmental policy can pave the way for innovative strategies that mitigate climate impacts. 



Furthermore, engaging the public in these discussions is vital; fostering an appreciation for the unseen microbial world can inspire collective action towards sustainable practices. 



By advocating for education and awareness campaigns, we can transform how society perceives and interacts with these microscopic champions in the climate change arena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-players-microbial-marketplace">Diverse players: Microbial marketplace</h2>



Microbial diversity is akin to the uncelebrated hero of our ecosystems. This diversity is vital in maintaining ecosystem health and resilience, especially under the pressures of climate change.



Greater microbial diversity strengthens the soil, boosts disease resistance, and aids nutrient cycling. These benefits extend also to the flora and fauna, forging a vibrant interaction network.



As our scientific understanding of microbes evolves, involving the public through citizen science programs gains importance. Through data collection, community members can augment scientific research and raise awareness on environmental challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiology-an-unsung-climate-change-ally">Microbiology: An unsung climate change ally</h2>



Stein, in collaboration with Mary Lidstrom, advocates the inclusion of microbiology in the climate solution discourse. The microscopic microbial world, despite its invisibility, holds immense potential in devising our climate mitigation strategies.



Thus, the next time we ruminate on the climate change challenge, let's remember the tiny titans - the microbes. In the face of the climate crisis, these microorganisms may turn out to be the heroes we need.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi0503" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Microbes have a surprising impact on climate change

Did you ever pause to ponder upon the conceivable role...

Today, August 19th, is a special date is that is reserved to honor one of the most charismatic yet critically underappreciated animals in the diverse expanse of our planet. International Orangutan Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of orangutans, who are critically endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. 



This occasion also highlights the importance of protecting the rainforests of Southeast Asia, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-unlock-the-mysteries-of-orangutan-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orangutans</a> primarily live, as their survival is closely tied to the health of these ecosystems.



Orangutans, sharing an astounding 97% of their DNA with humans, are truly the forest's beacon-bearers. Their survival is intricately intertwined with ours, and thus, it is our duty to protect them.&nbsp;



Orangutans are often referred to as "people of the forest." The name comes from the Malay and Indonesian words "orang" (person) and "hutan" (forest), literally meaning "person of the forest."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-international-orangutan-day">Significance of International Orangutan Day</h2>



International Orangutan Day isn't merely a day of wonderment at these amazing creatures. It serves as a wake-up call for action and commitment to the conservation of orangutans and the lush, verdant landscapes they call home.



These fascinating animals play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their forest homes, acting as seed dispersers, and nurturing the growth of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-orangutan-treats-his-facial-wound-with-a-healing-plant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a>.



However, a rather somber reality lurks behind this celebratory occasion. Orangutans are threatened by the dire possibility of extinction, largely driven by deforestation, illicit pet trade, and hunting.&nbsp;



Their rainforest homes in Borneo and Sumatra are rapidly devoured by palm oil plantations, drastically shrinking their habitats.&nbsp;



Moreover, given their slow reproduction rate, the regeneration of orangutan populations is an agonizingly slow process. Without substantial aid, we might witness the unfortunate disappearance of orangutans from their wild homes in a mere 50 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-orangutans-so-loveable">What makes orangutans so loveable?</h2>



Orangutans are not just fascinating, but also deeply endearing animals that evoke empathy and admiration from those who encounter them. Orangutans have many characteristics that resonate with humans on an emotional level.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expressive-faces">Expressive faces</h3>



Orangutans have highly expressive faces, capable of displaying a range of emotions that are easily recognizable to humans, such as curiosity, contentment, and even sadness. This helps people feel a connection with them, as their facial expressions are relatable.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gentle-nature">Gentle nature</h3>



Unlike some other primates, orangutans are generally gentle and peaceful creatures. Their calm and slow-moving demeanor makes them appear thoughtful and kind.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maternal-bond">Maternal bond</h3>



Orangutans are known for their strong maternal bonds. Orangutan mothers are incredibly dedicated to their offspring, often caring for them for up to eight years. This long, nurturing relationship is something many humans find deeply touching.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playful-behavior">Playful behavior</h3>



Young orangutans, in particular, are playful and curious, much like human children. They enjoy swinging from branches, playing with objects, and interacting with their environment, which can be very endearing to watch.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability">Vulnerability</h3>



The fact that orangutans are critically endangered adds to their lovability. Knowing that these gentle, intelligent creatures are at risk of extinction creates a protective instinct in many people, who want to help preserve them and their habitats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-affectionate-interactions-nbsp">Affectionate interactions&nbsp;</h3>



In captivity or rehabilitation centers, orangutans have been known to form close bonds with their human caretakers, showing affection in ways that are reminiscent of human interactions, such as holding hands or giving hugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-orangutan-day">Celebrating Orangutan Day</h2>



So, who sparked this initiative, and who's driving the charge? Enter:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.worldorangutanevents.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Orangutan Events</a>&nbsp;and Orangutan Outreach. These global organizations and their relentless commitment form the soul of this event. They have made it their mission to ensure the survival of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-availability-influences-social-learning-among-orangutans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intriguing creatures</a> in their natural habitats.



Wondering how to contribute? There are many ways to get hands-on and show your support for International Orangutan Day.&nbsp;



Generating awareness, reducing palm oil consumption, and even virtually "adopting" an orangutan through a conservation program are just a few ideas.



You could also leverage your artistic skills to create and share orangutan-inspired artwork, or even use your knack for music to create a fun-filled playlist about the wild and orangutans.&nbsp;



Why not host a movie night featuring films and documentaries about orangutans and their rainforest homes? Or even engage in a dialogue about the challenges facing orangutans and encourage others to join the fight?



Education stands as a fundamental pillar in contemporary conservation efforts. By imparting a deeper understanding of orangutans and their habitats, we arm individuals and communities with the knowledge to make informed decisions that favor preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-on-orangutan-day">Conservation efforts on Orangutan Day</h2>



Conservation groups such as the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme and <a href="https://orangutan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orangutan Conservancy</a> support rehabilitation centers and research projects to protect critical habitats.



Eco-tourism can promote sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local economies. By involving communities, we can strengthen conservation efforts and create lasting change. Together, we can help protect orangutans and their homes.



At its heart, International Orangutan Day goes beyond a celebration of these unique animals. It is a reflection on us, as our actions have pushed orangutans to the edges of survival.&nbsp;



Every action makes a difference. By uniting our efforts and raising awareness, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for the "people of the forest" while preserving their rich culture and environment.



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International Orangutan Day 2024: Protecting the 'people of the forest'

Today, August 19th, is a special date is that is...

The world has a significant plastic problem, that much is obvious. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste pollute our oceans and landscapes, posing serious threats to wildlife and ecosystems. What if we could turn the environmental hazard of microplastics into something truly valuable, like graphene?



Well, oddly enough, that's what we're here to talk about. Some innovative and forward-thinking scientists at <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cook University</a> have found a way to convert microplastics into graphene.



Graphene is a remarkable material known for its exceptional strength, conductivity, and versatility. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-in-graphene-exhibit-very-strange-fractional-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">revolutionary substance</a> is making waves across multiple industries, from electronics to energy storage, paving the way for new technological advancements.



Behind this important study, we find Professor Mohan Jacob, an acclaimed expert in plastic degradation, and Dr. Adeel Zafar, a scholar with intricate knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contamination-crisis-microplastics-found-in-88-of-protein-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic behavior</a>.



Together, they are tackling one of the biggest environmental concerns of modern times - microplastics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-converting-microplastics-into-graphene">Converting microplastics into graphene</h2>



Microplastics, which are no larger than your average sesame seed, are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-antarctica-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">causing significant harm</a> to marine life, wildlife, and indirectly to human beings.



"These microplastics are notorious for their non-degradable and insoluble nature in water and are an evolving threat to fish and animals and humans," said Professor Jacob.



They break into smaller pieces and infiltrate food chains, potentially landing up on our dinner plates. To make matters worse, they have a knack for absorbing harmful organic pollutants.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/microplastic-conversion-graphene_APMP-system_graphic_credit-Small-Science_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/microplastic-conversion-graphene_APMP-system_graphic_credit-Small-Science_1s.webp" alt="Schematic representation of APMP system for the synthesis of graphene from PE microplastics. Credit: From Small Science (2024)" class="wp-image-1941876"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schematic representation of APMP system for the synthesis of graphene from PE microplastics. Credit: From Small Science (2024)</figcaption></figure>



Dr. Zafar expands on this, explaining that once in water, microplastics are taken up by marine life, and over time, also end up in our food.



"Once they are in water, they are ultimately integrated into both marine and human food chains. Disturbingly, microplastics disrupt&nbsp;<a href="https://phys.org/tags/marine+life/">marine life</a>&nbsp;and coral reproduction," said Dr. Zafar.



The process of recycling microplastics has always been a daunting task due to the significant labor and resources required to separate these tiny particles from other materials.



"Upcycling, which involves transforming plastic waste into higher-value materials rather than simply breaking it down, has a high demand," said Dr. Zafar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-graphene-revolutionary-child-of-microplastics">Graphene: Revolutionary child of microplastics</h2>



Through a cutting-edge technology called Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma synthesis, the team at James Cook University has discovered a method that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/destroying-microplastics-tap-water-surprisingly-simple-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transforms microplastics</a>, sourced from plastic bottles, into graphene.



This extraordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graphene-new-wonder-material-earth-technology-found-moon-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one-atom-thick carbon material</a> is stronger than steel, harder than diamond, and lighter than aluminum.



"Approximately 30 mg of microplastics produced nearly 5 mg of graphene in 1 minute. This production rate is remarkably higher than achieved previously, and offers a simpler, more environmentally friendly alternative to current techniques," said Dr. Zafar.



This technique not only efficiently converts microplastics into graphene, but it also offers a simpler, more environmentally friendly alternative to current recycling methods.



Graphene, frequently referred to as a "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanotech-material-graphene-passes-human-safety-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wonder material</a>," is distinguished by its extraordinary properties. As mentioned above, it boasts remarkable strength while remaining astonishingly lightweight. It also conducts electricity more efficiently than copper.



With its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graphene-superhighway-allows-electronic-devices-to-use-much-less-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique structure</a> -- merely one atom thick -- graphene exhibits flexibility and near transparency.



These exceptional qualities pave the way for a myriad of possibilities, from transforming electronics to improving water purification processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-huge-step-for-the-environment">Huge step for the environment</h2>



This research's implications are vast. As Professor Jacob notes, this is a significant milestone for environmental science.



"The research not only pioneers a novel approach to graphene synthesis but also contributes to the broader goal of mitigating the adverse effects of&nbsp;microplastic&nbsp;pollution on our ecosystems," Professor Jacob concluded.



While these findings bring a wave of optimism, we must remember that our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fight against plastic pollution</a> is far from over. The methods developed by Professor Jacob and Dr. Zafar are significant, but there's a long road ahead.



The work done at James Cook University offers a glimmer of hope. With continued research and development, the transformation of waste into valuable resources could soon be a common reality, propelling us towards a greener planet.



Imagine a world where waste is not a problem but a resource—an exciting prospect, isn't it? Well, this might not be too far from reality. Time will tell. But for now, let's celebrate this giant leap towards a cleaner, greener future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smsc.202400176">Small Science</a>.



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Microplastics converted into valuable graphene 'wonder material' with new tech

The world has a significant plastic problem, that much is...

Did you realize that clean, safe drinking water is more than a luxury; it's a fundamental human right? It's a jarring fact, but a whopping 4.4 billion individuals, mainly in low- and middle-income countries, suffer from inadequate access to this bare necessity.



Yes, more than half of our global family is flirting with the dire risks of ingesting dangerously tainted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-raises-your-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a>. This is what the latest geospatial analysis throws light on - highlighting how fecal contamination is now jeopardizing almost half of these populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-torchbearers-of-transformation">Torchbearers of transformation</h2>



These alarming statistics aren't just hollow numbers but the result of diligent efforts of a dedicated group of researchers, including Esther Greenwood from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (<a href="https://www.aaas.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AAAS</a>).



These relentless professionals have made it their mission to awaken, motivate, and revolutionize our comprehension of crucial global matters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-reality-check-on-safe-drinking-water">A reality check on safe drinking water</h2>



The breakthrough research unveils that merely one in three individuals residing in these nations had access to safely managed drinking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strict-pfas-limits-will-make-drinking-water-safer-for-100-million-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> in 2020. Adding salt to the wound, this number is almost double the previous estimates.



Contrary to this, the <a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> and United Nations Children’s Fund <a href="https://washdata.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joint Monitoring Programme</a> revealed a much lesser number - only 2 billion individuals were estimated to be dealing with a lack of access to safe water in 2020. 



This glaring discrepancy implies the need for improvement in how we monitor and address the issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ticking-time-bomb-e-coli">Ticking time bomb - E.Coli</h2>



Taking you further into the rabbit hole, let's talk about E. coli. This notorious bacteria, usually found nesting in human and animal intestines, are more than often an uninvited guest in the primary drinking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-source-water-exceeds-safe-drinking-limits-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> source of many inhabitants of low- and middle-income countries.



This unfortunate occurrence is a mirror held up to the deplorable sanitation conditions prevalent in these areas, hinting towards widespread fecal contamination. 



The chances of ingesting such harmful pathogens from tainted water are truly worrisome, bearing significant public health hazards and acting as a significant contributor to global child mortality rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intervention-for-safe-drinking-water">Intervention for safe drinking water</h2>



This revelation rings a loud bell for the entire world, emphasizing the dire need for strategic investments bent towards enhancing water quality monitoring and infrastructure in the most vulnerable areas. 



The United Nations has penned down a clear goal - universal access to clean water by 2030. 



But going by the data on our hands, we seem to be missing our target by a substantial margin. Resources need redirecting, and determined efforts need mobilizing, to tackle the water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-safe-for-dogs-to-drink-from-public-water-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crisis</a> head-on.



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



Addressing the stark realities of water access requires a concerted global effort, where collaboration becomes paramount. Engaging local communities in both the planning and implementation of clean water initiatives fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. 



Recent studies advocate for innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting and decentralized water treatment systems, which can be tailored to the unique contexts of these regions. 



Moreover, partnerships among governments, NGOs, and private sectors can amplify financial resources and technical expertise, enabling the scaling of successful water management practices. 



By fostering a culture of cooperation and leveraging diverse capabilities, we can create a resilient infrastructure that not only provides immediate relief but also ensures sustainable access to safe drinking water for generations to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-amidst-hopelessness">Hope amidst hopelessness</h2>



Despite the grim scenario, there is still room for optimism. Rob Hope, a renowned water expert, who has meticulously inspected this study and its findings, believes that with heightened awareness, planned action, and persistent research, we stand a chance to bridge this gap and ensure everyone's right to safe drinking water.



In essence, the road lies long and winding, and the stakes are sky-high. But remember, water is the fountainhead of our existence, and every individual holds an irrefutable right to drink clean, safe water. 



By putting this issue under the limelight and unifying our collective efforts, we have the potential to bring about a meaningful change. 



It's time we ask ourselves: What can each one of us do to help? What collective actions can we, as a one world community, take to ensure safe water for all our brothers and sisters? 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh9578" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Over 4.4 billion people lack access to safe drinking water

Did you realize that clean, safe drinking water is more...

Picture a world where summer afternoons commonly register 95 degrees Fahrenheit, where the once coveted sunny weather now carries a grim undertone of extreme heat, and where the robust laughter of children at play has given way to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lethargy and discomfort</a>. That's where we've unfortunately wound up - thanks to climate change. Brought to light by a recent United Nations (<a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN</a>) report, this escalating threat has put nearly half a billion children worldwide against double, sometimes triple, the number of extreme heat days their grandparents once endured.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unwelcome-guest-extreme-heat">Unwelcome guest: Extreme heat</h2>



UNICEF, the child welfare wing of the UN, reports that one in every five children - totaling an alarming 466 million kids worldwide - live in areas that register "at least double the number of extremely hot days every year" compared to statistics from six decades ago.



This is pinning our little ones under a scorching spotlight, over twice as often as their predecessors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-children-to-extreme-heat">Vulnerability of children to extreme heat</h2>



The news, as shared by UNICEF advocacy chief Lily Caprani, gets more heart-wrenching. Children, unlike adults, are much more prone to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-endured-an-extra-month-of-extreme-heat-in-the-past-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perils</a> of extreme heat, and this leaves pregnant women and the future generations they carry equally at risk. "The bodies of young children are not like little adults," said Caprani.



Did you know, extreme temperatures can lead to schools shutting down, depriving kids of their right to education? In 2024 alone, at least 80 million children faced this setback.



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



To quantify this phenomenon, UNICEF compared the number of days with temperatures reaching or exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the 2020-2024 period with data from the 1960s. The results are nothing short of alarming.



Children in West and Central Africa bear the brunt of the blistering heat, with 123 million children or 39 percent of the kids in the region experiencing a third of the year under 95-degree or higher temperature.



And then there's Mali, where, with limited access to air conditioning and recurring blackouts affecting the use of fans, over 200 days per year are recorded with temperatures of 95 degrees or higher.



Latin American children are not far behind, with 48 million children facing double the number of extreme heat days as compared to 60 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-extreme-heat-for-children">Consequences of extreme heat for children</h2>



The rising temperature carries more than mere discomfort. "Children are fragile and they breathe very quickly. They can't even sweat like an adult does. They are much more vulnerable to heat stress and it can be literally deadly," said Caprani. 



High temperatures can lead to child malnutrition, making kids more susceptible to diseases like malaria and dengue that thrive in warm climates. There are also adverse effects on neurodevelopment and mental health to consider.



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



The ramifications of rising temperatures extend beyond immediate health concerns, intertwining with existing societal issues such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare. 



In regions where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> exacerbates the heat, families face increased economic difficulties as agricultural yields decline and food prices soar. 



Children from disadvantaged backgrounds bear the brunt, finding themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty where education becomes a luxury rather than a right. 



Schools, often lacking adequate heat mitigation solutions, may face interruptions, further derailing a child's educational journey and perpetuating a grim cycle that can take generations to unravel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activism-and-adaptation-strategies">Activism and adaptation strategies</h2>



Despite the daunting outlook, grassroots activism and community-led initiatives are emerging to combat the impacts of heatwaves on children. 



Innovative approaches such as constructing heat-reflective roofs, improving access to shaded areas in schools, and educating families about heat safety can make a critical difference. 



Furthermore, integrating climate education into school curriculums helps empower children and communities with the knowledge to advocate for change. 



Organizations around the globe are uniting to not only raise awareness but to push for systemic changes that prioritise the well-being of our youth in the face of climate-induced challenges. In this battle, each small step taken can contribute to a larger wave of change, emphasising the vital role children can play as stewards of a more sustainable future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turn-down-the-heat">Turn down the heat</h2>



While UNICEF calls for increased parental education on recognizing heat stroke symptoms, enhanced training of medical personnel, and investment in air conditioning in schools, the real solution lies in controlling climate change caused by humanity's use of fossil fuels.



"As governments are currently drafting their national climate action plans, they can do so with the ambition and knowledge that today's children and future generations will have to live in the world they leave behind," stated Catherine Russell, UNICEF's chief.



In a chilling world of rising temperatures, the responsibility falls on all of us to ensure that our children can live, learn, and prosper. The time to turn down the heat is now.



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Extreme heat is now the reality for nearly half a billion children

Picture a world where summer afternoons commonly register 95 degrees...

Who says autumn has to be mellow? This time around, it seems as though the warm summer will extend its stay, as almost all 50 US states are expected to witness a hotter than usual fall. Not happy news if you were expecting a relief from the sweltering summer.



Our understanding of this heated predicament comes from the brilliant minds of our scientific community. Experts indicate that the periodic cooling of sea-surface temperatures across the east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean, known as La Niña, may be driving this abnormally warm forecast.&nbsp;



At the same time, let's not forget the significant part played by global climate change as average temperatures continue their relentless ascent year after year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-temperatures-of-fall">Warm temperatures of fall</h2>



The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>) released their seasonal outlook for September to November, painting a rather warm picture across the nation when regions typically take a cool breather.&nbsp;



Four Corner states (Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico) and New England are expected to be warm, with a 60 to 70 percent chance of above-average temperatures.



On the West Coast, however, parts of Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho and Alaska are not expected to have a higher likelihood of warmer than average fall temperatures.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perspective-on-warm-fall">Perspective on warm fall</h2>



As we journey across the country, our next stop is the Midwest region, which is gearing up to embrace above-normal temperatures. This shift in weather presents an exciting opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those who hate to say goodbye to summer.



Northern states, including North and South Dakota, as well as some of the Great Lake states, are leaning towards above-average temperatures, setting the stage for a delightful extended summer vacation. 



Residents and visitors alike can take advantage of this warm spell by engaging in a variety of activities such as hiking, picnicking, and exploring local festivals that celebrate the vibrant culture of the Midwest. With the sun shining bright, it's the perfect time to enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer.



Stepping down from the temperature teeter-totter, it's time to throw some light on the rain forecast for our fellow Americans. Several states throughout the central US can expect a drier-than-average fall. New Mexico and southwest Texas, we're talking about you!



The East Coast and parts of Oregon, Washington and Alaska, however, are likely to see above-average rainfall. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soaring-temperatures-of-summer">Soaring temperatures of summer</h2>



Our current weather situation didn't pop up overnight. Remember El Niño, which was caused by a shift in the distribution of warm water in the Pacific Ocean around the equator? 



Yes, the one that typically ushers in drier and warmer air to the northern US. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> had already made its mark by June, and the majority of the US had already experienced at least one major heat wave.



July proved to be an unforgiving month, with average temperatures reaching alarming highs across both the western and eastern United States. In a fitting turn of events, July also marked the day that became the hottest in recorded history. 



This extreme heat not only challenges our comfort but raises critical questions about climate change and its impacts. As we reflect on these soaring temperatures, it’s essential to acknowledge the importance of sustainable practices to combat rising global temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-we-setting-a-new-normal">Are we setting a new normal?</h2>



This year is already on track to dethrone 2023 as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hottest year</a> ever recorded in Earth's history, according to a report from Copernicus, the European Union's climate change service. The question then arises: Is this the new "normal" we're setting for ourselves and our future generations?



There's food for thought. The answer, perhaps, lies in how we respond to this challenge. Remember, the world around us is a reflection of our actions. 



As the great American author Edward Abbey once remarked, "“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” It's high time we rethink our actions and their impacts. Are we ready to take the leap before autumn loses its magic spell, and each season blends into a monotonous heatwave?



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Fall will be unusually warm across most US states

Who says autumn has to be mellow? This time around,...

A mystery has been unfolding in the region encompassing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colorado-river-basin-has-lost-enough-water-to-fill-lake-mead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado River Basin</a>. For years, scientists have been scratching their heads, trying to understand why the water from Colorado's snowpack isn't making its way to the Colorado River as expected.



This conundrum has had significant implications for the seven U.S. states and Mexico that rely on the river for vital resources such as hydropower, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-irrigation-could-feed-feed-1-4-billion-more-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irrigation</a>, and drinking water.



Traditionally, the winter snowpack accumulated over the cold months melts in spring, feeding into the river system. 



Water managers have used the snowpack's size in early April to predict the annual water supply. However, since the early 2000s, these forecasts have been consistently overestimating the actual streamflow, leaving us with one burning question: Where is the water going?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-puzzle-piece-hotter-spring-seasons">A puzzle piece: Hotter spring seasons </h2>



A recent research endeavor from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> offers a crucial insight. 



According to the findings, the discrepancy in predicted and actual water flow in the Colorado River could be largely attributed to recent warmer, drier springs. This climatic alteration is believed to account for almost 70% of the discrepancy.



The fundamental reason? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-will-become-harder-to-predict-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Less rainfall</a> in spring spells less water making its way into the streams.



Study lead author Daniel Hogan is a UW doctoral student in the civil and environmental engineering department.



"The period of time when we were wondering, 'Oh no, where's our water going?' started around the same time when we saw this drop in spring precipitation - the beginning of the 'millennium drought,' which started in 2000 and has been ongoing to the current day," noted Hogan. 



This change in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-influences-us-weather-patterns-ai-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather pattern</a> has caused local vegetation to rely more on snowmelt for water, absorbing a significant portion that would have otherwise fed into the river system. 



Decreased rainfall also translates into sunnier skies, promoting plant growth and increasing water evaporation from the soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-water-in-colorado-river">Missing water in Colorado River </h2>



Hogan and senior author Professor Jessica Lundquist studied this phenomenon as part of a broader project to solve the big "whodunit" of where the water is going.



Initially, the research team hypothesized that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-record-snowpack-in-the-west-early-melting-could-lead-to-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decreasing snowpack</a> might be due to the snow directly transforming into water vapor, a process known as sublimation. 



However, subsequent investigations revealed that sublimation was responsible for a mere 10% of the missing water, indicating another factor was predominantly responsible.



"There are only so many possible culprits, so I started to compare things that might be important. And we saw that springtime changes are a lot more exaggerated than they are in other seasons," said Hogan.



"It's this really dramatic shift where you're going from feet of snowpack to wildflowers blooming over a very short amount of time, relatively speaking. And without spring rains, the plants - from wildflowers to trees - are like giant straws, all drawing on the snowpack."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-of-the-colorado-river-basin">Water of the Colorado River Basin</h2>



Further analysis pointed towards a marked shift in springtime environmental changes. This period witnesses a rapid transition from thick snowpack to blooming wildflowers, all relying heavily on the melting snow for their hydration needs.



The research team conducted their study in 26 headwater basins at varying elevations in the Upper Colorado River Basin, incorporating diverse datasets, including streamflow and precipitation measurements dating back to 1964. The goal was to paint a comprehensive picture of each basin's changes over time.



"We make an important assumption in the paper," Hogan said. "We assume that the plants have an unlimited amount of water even with less-than-average precipitation, because they have access to snowmelt."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spring-rainfall-in-the-colorado-river">Spring rainfall in the Colorado River</h2>



The outcomes of this research show that a lack of spring rainfall can lead to reduced streamflow in all basins. However, lower elevation basins witness a more significant deficit. This is because the snow in these basins melts earlier, providing plants with more growth time and hence, more snowmelt consumption.



"April is when everybody wants to know how much water is in the snowpack each year. But the problem with doing these calculations in April is that obviously spring hasn't occurred yet," explained Professor Lundquist.



"Now that we know spring rain is actually more important than rain any other times of the year, we're going to have to get better at predicting what's going to happen rainwise to make these April predictions more accurate."



Efforts are now focused on refining our understanding of springtime changes and their impact on water availability. For instance, investigations are underway to determine whether residual snow patches can act as mini-reservoirs, providing a sustained water supply to surrounding plants.



The study's findings also hint that the water calculations done each April will need to account for these changes, especially as the millennium drought continues. As the role of spring rain becomes more critical, its prediction will have to be factored into future forecasts for more accurate results.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL109826">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Where is the Colorado River water going?

A mystery has been unfolding in the region encompassing the...

Famous,White,Horse,Rapids,On,Yukon,River,In,Miles,Canyon,

The Yukon River, winding its way westward across Alaska toward the Bering Sea, carves through Arctic permafrost along its banks, carrying sediment downstream. Hidden within this sediment is an abundance of toxic mercury, which experts are now referring to as a potential “mercury bomb.”&nbsp;



As the Arctic continues to warm due to climate change - at rates up to four times faster than global average - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibians-threatened-by-mercury-with-unknown-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mercury</a> that has been locked in permafrost for millennia is being eroded by rivers and released into the environment.



In a study published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad536e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>, researchers from <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Dornsife College of Letters Arts and Sciences</a> have developed a more accurate method to measure the amount of mercury released from <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost</a> by rivers and estimate the total mercury still awaiting release.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EoHrHo7dZN-3798610-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ticking-mercury-bomb-nbsp">Ticking mercury bomb&nbsp;</h2>



This toxic metal poses a significant environmental and health risk to roughly five million people living in the Arctic region, more than three million of whom reside in areas where permafrost is expected to completely disappear by 2050.



“There could be this giant mercury bomb in the Arctic waiting to explode,” warned study co-author Josh West, a professor of earth sciences and environmental studies at USC Dornsife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-accumulation-in-the-arctic">Mercury accumulation in the Arctic</h2>



The planet's natural atmospheric circulation tends to funnel pollutants toward high latitudes, leading to mercury accumulation in the Arctic.&nbsp;



“Because of the way it behaves chemically, a lot of mercury pollution ends up in the Arctic. Permafrost has accumulated so much mercury that it could dwarf the amount in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-not-the-primary-source-of-mercury-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceans</a>, soils, atmosphere, and biosphere combined,” said West.



In the Arctic, plants absorb mercury, which eventually becomes part of the soil as the plants die and decay. Over thousands of years, this mercury-laden soil freezes into permafrost, where mercury concentrations build up. As climate change accelerates the thawing of permafrost, more of this mercury is being released into the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers focused their study on two northern villages in Alaska's Yukon River Basin: Beaver, located about 100 miles north of Fairbanks, and Huslia, 250 miles west of Beaver.



Previous methods for estimating mercury levels relied on core samples taken from the top three meters (about 10 feet) of permafrost. However, these estimates varied significantly - by up to fourfold - due to the shallow sampling depth.



To improve accuracy, the experts analyzed mercury in sediments from riverbanks and sandbars, which allowed them to access deeper soil layers.&nbsp;



“The river can quickly mobilize large amounts of sediment containing mercury,” explained Isabel Smith, a doctoral candidate at USC Dornsife and the study's corresponding author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirming-the-mercury-bomb-nbsp">Confirming the mercury bomb&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers found that mercury levels in these sediments were consistent with the higher estimates from previous studies, confirming that sediment samples are a reliable measure of mercury content. This method also provided deeper insight into the hidden dangers within permafrost.



Additionally, the team used satellite-based remote sensing data to monitor the changing course of the Yukon River over time. Such natural shifts in the river's path are crucial, since they influence how much mercury-laden sediment is eroded from riverbanks and deposited along sandbars. Understanding these dynamic changes is essential for predicting the movement of mercury in the environment.



Interestingly, the study revealed that finer-grained sediments contained more mercury than coarser ones, indicating that certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-mercury-arctic-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil</a> types may pose greater risks.



“Taking into account all of these factors should give us a more accurate estimate of the total mercury that could be released as permafrost continues to melt over the next few decades,” Smith said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-exposure-to-mercury-nbsp">Human exposure to mercury&nbsp;</h2>



While the mercury released from melting permafrost does not currently pose an immediate toxic threat, its effects accumulate over time, particularly as mercury builds up in the food chain through fish and game that humans consume.



West points out that the risk of mercury contamination through drinking water is minimal. “We're not facing a situation like Flint, Michigan,” he said. “Most human exposure to mercury comes through diet.”



The researchers also highlighted that while the river erodes banks and mobilizes mercury-laden sediments, it also redeposits some of these sediments on sandbars and beaches along the banks.



“There's another layer of complexity here,” West added. “The rivers are reburying a considerable amount of the mercury. To really get a handle on how much of a threat the mercury poses, we have to understand both the erosion and reburial processes.”



Despite these complexities, the long-term effects could be severe, especially for Arctic communities that rely heavily on hunting and fishing for their sustenance.



“Decades of exposure, especially with increasing levels as more mercury is released, could take a huge toll on the environment and the health of those living in these areas,” Smith warned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-the-impact-of-the-mercury-bomb-nbsp">Mitigating the impact of the mercury bomb&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers hope that the tools and methods they've developed will enable a more precise assessment of this “mercury bomb,” with the ultimate goal of mitigating its potential impact.



“Since the magnitude of calculated fluxes are significant at the scale of the Yukon river bank, our findings suggest that accounting for river migration rates, at least on shorter time scales, is critical for assessing changes to mercury transport in Arctic rivers,” the authors concluded.



Video Credit: USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences



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'Mercury bomb' close to exploding, threatens millions of lives

The Yukon River, winding its way westward across Alaska toward...

Ever thought about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-adopt-regenerative-agriculture-better-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil</a> health would sound if we could hear its heartbeat? It's a world teeming with life, vibrant and pulsating with energy, not too far from a boisterous underground rave. 



However, unlike the blaring bass and synthesizers that dominate raves, the soundtrack of the underbelly is a chaotic mix of subtle bubble pops, clicks, and rustles.



In the Frontiers of Restoration Ecology Lab in the College of Science and Engineering at <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a>, Dr. Jake Robinson and his team are tuning into the symphony of the underground. 



As a microbial ecologist, Dr. Robinson seeks to explore the diverse living species hidden beneath our feet, comprising an astounding 60% of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounds-of-the-underground">Sounds of the underground </h2>



A grave concern around the globe, about 75% of the world's soils are currently degraded. The treasure trove of living species under the ground stands in the face of a bleak future unless substantial restoration efforts are made.



"Restoring and monitoring soil biodiversity has never been more important," said Dr. Robinson.



By employing "eco-acoustics," a budding research area, scientists are exploring new ways to detect and monitor soil biodiversity. This innovative technique has already found application in Australian bushland and various ecosystems in the UK. 



Echoing Sherlock Holmes, they're listening for the "sounds of the underground" for clues about soil health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-health-of-soil">Discovering the health of soil</h2>



This auditory exploration involves comparing live recordings from pristine vegetation with those from degraded plots and land that was revegetated 15 years ago. 



The acoustic complexity and diversity are significantly higher in the latter, showing that these soil symphonies can be clear indicators of soil biodiversity.



"The acoustic complexity and diversity are also significantly associated with soil invertebrate abundance and richness," noted Dr. Robinson. The rustles, pops, and clicks are the languages of earthworms, beetles, ants, spiders, and more, each contributing to the unique soundtrack of the soil.



"All living organisms produce sounds, and our preliminary results suggest different soil organisms make different sound profiles depending on their activity, shape, appendages, and size," said Dr. Robinson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-health-and-ecosystem-functioning">Soil health and ecosystem functioning</h2>



Healthy soil is so much more than just dirt; it's the foundation of life on Earth. It supports a rich variety of organisms like bacteria, fungi, and insects, creating a vibrant community that helps recycle nutrients, filter water, and lock away carbon.



When our soil degrades, these vital functions suffer, which affects plant growth and can lead to lower agricultural yields, putting our food security at risk. 



Dr. Robinson and her team believe that by restoring soil biodiversity, we can breathe new life into these processes, helping ecosystems thrive even in tough conditions.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restoring the vibrant life</a> of the soil requires collaborative efforts that extend from scientific research to community engagement. 



Dr. Robinson advocates for a multi-faceted approach that encompasses both advanced eco-acoustic techniques and grassroots initiatives aimed at educating local populations about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-can-store-the-most-soil-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil</a> health. 



By promoting practices such as reforestation, organic agriculture, and reduced chemical use in farming, communities can play a pivotal role in rejuvenating degraded lands.



Moreover, citizen scientists can participate in monitoring projects, contributing to the collection of acoustic data and fostering a deeper connection with the environment. 



"It is imperative for us to recognise that healthy soils are not just the responsibility of scientists, but a vital concern for everyone who inhabits this planet," said Dr. Robinson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-future-of-eco-acoustics">Promising future of eco-acoustics</h2>



The unlocking of this underground cacophony of life through eco-acoustics holds immense promise for the future. By capturing the sounds of soil organisms, we can gain unprecedented insights into biodiversity and ecosystem health. 



This innovative approach can revolutionize soil biodiversity monitoring methods, providing a non-invasive way to assess the richness of life beneath our feet. Moreover, it acts as a vital tool in the global initiative to protect the Earth's most diverse ecosystems. 



Understanding the interactions and dynamics of underground species can inform conservation strategies and sustainable land management practices, ultimately leading to healthier ecosystems that can thrive amid changing environmental conditions.



The next time you step on soil, remember there's an entire world beneath your feet, chattering away in its unique language. We're just now beginning to listen and understand these voices. 



As we move towards a more sustainable future, attending to these underground rhythms could be our key to preserving the rich tapestry of life hidden beneath the world's surface.



The study is published in the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.14738" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Ecology</a>.



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Healthy soils produce a symphony of sounds

Ever thought about how soil health would sound if we...

Ever taken a moment to consider the plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predicament</a> our planet seems to be wrapped in? The presence of plastic is everywhere - in our parks, our oceans, even in the air we inhale and water we gulp down. It has managed to sneak into the crannies of our world, causing severe damage to our ecosystem. But what if the antidote to this monstrous issue was right beneath where we stand, growing in the form of plants?



Leading the charge on this groundbreaking research is Dr. Yuyi Yang from the <a href="https://www.nies.org/ywz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences</a>, MEE. Along with a dedicated group of individuals from the Hubei Key Laboratory of Wetland Evolution &amp; Ecological Restoration, Dr. Yang has unearthed a unique approach to handle the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fashion-industrys-plastic-waste-is-a-major-environmental-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution crisis</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-plants-to-combat-plastic-pollution">Power of plants to combat plastic pollution</h2>



So, what is phytoremediation? As it turns out, particular plants are capable of more than just soaking up sunlight. 



They have mastered the art of absorbing, neutralizing and converting harmful pollutants - including microplastics - from our surroundings. 



In combination with the conventional waste management measures, these "green warriors" might just be the key to a healthier, plastic-free planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detoxification-power-of-plants">Detoxification power of plants</h2>



The concept of phytoremediation isn’t exactly a new kid on the block. Indigenous communities from different corners of the world have been leveraging the power of plants to detoxify their environment for eons. 



The focus has now shifted towards understanding how these green heroes can assist us in winning the war against plastic pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-to-the-rescue-from-plastic-pollution">Plants to the rescue from plastic pollution</h2>



Certain plants, fondly referred to as hyperaccumulators, have the unique ability to capture, confine and filter minute plastic particles. By doing this, they can remarkably decrease the amount of plastic contamination our environment is subjected to.



What if plants could turn plastic waste into something harmless or potentially useful? Through processes like phytoaccumulation, phytostabilization, and phytofiltration, these quiet warriors can recycle waste, completely transforming our relationship with plastic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-is-key">Community is key</h2>



Tackling plastic pollution is not a solo gig - it's a community-driven initiative. By actively involving local communities in phytoremediation efforts, not only can we foster a sense of environmental responsibility at the grassroots level but also create aesthetically pleasing spaces.



Your neighbourhood park could double as a green lab and a pollution-free haven, illustrating the potential of phytoremediation in beautifying urban landscapes.



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



Though the initial results seem promising, there is still a long journey ahead. More research is needed to discover new hyperaccumulating species and optimize their growing conditions.



Studying the long-term impact of these processes on soil health and biodiversity is important to strengthen the case for phytoremediation. 



An integrative approach combining ecology, waste management, and community development can drive us further down this green path.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-perspective-on-plants-and-plastic-pollution">Global perspective on plants and plastic pollution</h2>



As we examine the vast potential of phytoremediation, it's essential to appreciate its implementation on a global scale. Various countries have embraced this innovative approach, integrating local flora into their environmental remediation strategies. 



For instance, in the Netherlands, researchers have successfully employed specific plant species to remediate heavy metal contamination, showcasing how tailored plant selections can play a pivotal role in restoring polluted sites. 



Meanwhile, nations like India and Brazil are pioneering projects that utilize native plants to combat both plastic waste and ecological degradation. Such international efforts highlight the collaborative spirit needed to tackle plastic pollution and reinforce the notion that we are all stewards of our environment.



By fostering global partnerships and exchanging knowledge across borders, we can cultivate a robust shield against the encroaching threats of plastic waste, ultimately nurturing a healthier planet for future generations.



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



In a world strangled by the issue of plastic pollution, plants might be our ray of hope. "Phytoremediation isn't merely a technique; it's a sustainable revolution in our battle against plastic pollution," said Dr. Yuyi Yang.



"By harnessing plant-based solutions, we are able to lessen the environmental burden of plastics, turning waste into valuable resources and fostering a healthier planet."



So, the next time you quench the thirst of your indoor plant, remember, it isn’t just an ornamental piece in your living room. It has a larger role to play, possibly paving the way to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lasers-may-completely-transform-the-future-of-plastic-recycling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthier planet</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985024000292?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eco-Environment &amp; Health</a>.



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Some plants can absorb and neutralize plastic pollution

Ever taken a moment to consider the plastic predicament our...

<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.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from <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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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