<p>Hotter summers are not just uncomfortable, they also changing the odds of getting sick from food. A new analysis links warmer air, higher moisture, specific dewpoint ranges, and longer daylight to spikes in Salmonella infections across two European countries. </p>



<p>The team showed that risk climbs when average temperatures rise above about 50°F and days stretch past 12 to 15 hours.</p>



<p>Lead author <a href="https://www.londonntd.org/research/researchers/laura-c-gonzalez-villeta" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Laura C. González Villeta</a> of the University of Surrey’s <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk/school-veterinary-medicine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Veterinary Medicine</a><strong> </strong>led work that tied laboratory confirmed Salmonella cases to local weather conditions using a transparent statistical approach.</p>



<p>The bacteria called Salmonella cause <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15697-salmonella" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food poisoning</a> that often brings diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Common symptoms usually start within hours to a few days and most people recover without treatment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salmonella-and-the-weather">Salmonella and the weather</h2>



<p>Researchers linked daily case counts from the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Health Security Agency</a> to detailed weather from the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Met Office</a>, then checked the model with national surveillance data from the Netherlands. </p>



<p>They examined 14 factors, including temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, sunshine, and dewpoint temperature.</p>



<p>Instead of forcing a complex equation to fit the data, the group calculated a conditional incidence that directly describes how often cases occur when specific combinations of weather are present. </p>



<p>That method lets you see which trio of conditions lines up with higher infection counts without hiding the signal inside a black box.</p>



<p>The approach showed consistency when moved from one country to another after accounting for reporting differences. That matters because public <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/to-get-fit-and-stay-healthy-walk-this-exact-distance-every-day/">health</a> tools work best when they travel across borders without losing accuracy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-model-found">What the model found</h2>



<p>Risk rose when average air temperatures topped roughly 50°F, day length sat between 12 and 15 hours, and dewpoint hovered around the mid 40s to about 50°F. The same pattern appeared regardless of location.</p>



<p>Not every weather knob seemed important. Wind speed, air pressure, and sunshine duration had little or no association with reported cases in this dataset.</p>



<p>Seasonal peaks in late summer were reproduced when the model fed on local weather. That gave officials a way to anticipate risk based on last week’s skies rather than waiting for lab reports to trickle in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-weather-boosts-salmonella">How weather boosts Salmonella</h2>



<p>Broader evidence lines up with these findings. A large <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11530612/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meta-analysis</a> of 23 Salmonella studies found about a 5 percent rise in risk for every 1.8°F increase in temperature.</p>



<p>Europe’s outbreak history shows why this topic matters. In 2018, nearly one in three foodborne outbreaks in the European Union were caused by Salmonella, according to an EFSA <a href="https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/salmonella-most-common-cause-foodborne-outbreaks-european-union" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>.</p>



<p>That baseline risk has not disappeared in recent years. Surveillance summaries still identify Salmonella as a leading cause of foodborne outbreaks across the region, with eggs and mixed foods often involved, as noted in EFSA’s public <a href="https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7666" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">publication</a>.</p>



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



<p>“The study highlights how weather plays a significant role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-overlooked-sources-of-antibiotic-resistant-salmonella/">Salmonella</a> outbreaks and provides a valuable tool for predicting future risks and tailoring interventions, particularly in the context of climate change,” said Dr. Villeta. The work is not just about describing patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Weather aware forecasting can help agencies time inspections, target hygiene messaging, and plan surge capacity when the odds of illness tick up. </p>



<p>Food businesses can also adjust cold chain checks, staff training, and consumer advice when riskier conditions line up.</p>



<p>Individuals are not powerless either. Keep cold foods cold, cook poultry and eggs to safe temperatures, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, and wash hands and surfaces, especially when the air is warm and the day runs long.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-tech-forecasting-tools">High-tech forecasting tools</h2>



<p>Most forecasting tools lean on regression or time series fits that struggle with tangled, non linear interactions. </p>



<p>The conditional incidence approach shows how combinations of temperature, humidity, and daylight align with cases, which is easier to interpret and to explain.</p>



<p>That clarity helps separate what drives risk from noise. It also allows public health teams to identify factor combinations that do not explain much, saving effort where it will not pay off.</p>



<p>Model outputs replicated real world peaks and mapped risk at fine spatial scales. That is the level where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-screen-time-shapes-their-mental-health-as-teens/">health</a> departments and food producers make day to day choices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limits-and-next-steps">Limits and next steps</h2>



<p>The model tracks reported cases, which understate total infections. Even so, de trending and validation across two countries suggest the weather signals are real.</p>



<p>Future tests in different climates and income settings would show how far the method travels. Adding data on livestock density, land use, and consumer behavior could sharpen predictions without losing transparency.</p>



<p>Better early warnings do not replace basic food safety, but they can make those steps more timely. That is useful as warmer summers and longer heat seasons become more common.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(25)00004-0/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Infection</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Warmer weather is impacting global food supply, but not in the way you think

Hotter summers are not just uncomfortable, they also changing the odds of getting sick from food. A new analysis links warmer air, higher moisture, specific dewpoint ranges, and longer daylight to spikes in Salmonella infections across two European countries. The team showed that risk climbs when average temperatures rise above about 50°F and days stretch past 12 to 15 hours. Lead author Dr. Laura C. González Villeta of the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine led work that tied laboratory confirmed Salmonella cases to local weather...

<p>For the first time, researchers have harnessed the power of big data to comprehensively assess the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-airplane-contrail-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate impact</a> of global air travel. The experts meticulously calculated greenhouse gas emissions from aviation for 197 countries, shedding light on previously unreported data. The research is crucial for future environmental policy and planning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unreported-aviation-emissions">Unreported aviation emissions</h2>



<p>The 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) mandated that high-income nations report their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aviation-has-greater-environmental-impact-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aviation</a> emissions. However, many countries, including economic giants like China and India, were not required to report their aviation emissions but could do so voluntarily. </p>



<p>This created a notable gap in global emissions data, which is problematic since the UNFCCC uses these reports to guide emissions reduction negotiations.</p>



<p>Jan Klenner, a PhD candidate at <a href="https://www.ntnu.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NTNU’s Industrial Ecology Programme</a> and the lead researcher of the study, emphasized the importance of this new data. "Our work fills the reporting gaps, so that this can inform policy and hopefully improve future negotiations," he stated. </p>



<p>The findings reveal that countries like China, which did not report its 2019 air travel-related emissions, ranked second only to the United States in total aviation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-up-for-epa-regulating-aircraft-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>, highlighting a critical area of concern.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clarity-in-aviation-emissions">Clarity in aviation emissions</h2>



<p>The study brings to light the per-country aviation emissions, including those previously unreported. This clarity is essential for understanding the global distribution of aviation emissions and strategizing reduction efforts.</p>



<p>"Now we have a much clearer picture of aviation emissions per country, which tells you something about how we can go about reducing them," noted Helene Muri, a research professor and one of Klenner’s supervisors. </p>



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



<p>The study revealed that the United States leads in the total sum of aviation emissions from both international and domestic flights. </p>



<p>Interestingly, the per capita distribution of emissions indicates that economic well-being correlates with increased aviation activity. With a population of just 5.5 million, Norway ranked third (behind the US and Australia) in per capita domestic emissions.</p>



<p>Klenner's 2022 study, using data from Norway, showed that domestic flights between major cities accounted for a significant portion of emissions, contradicting the assumption that geographical challenges are the primary drivers of high aviation emissions in Norway. </p>



<p>"The per person emissions in Norway were incredibly high. With this data set, we can confirm that from a Norwegian perspective we have a lot of work to do," said Muri.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-data-s-role-in-air-travel-regulation">Big data's role in air travel regulation</h2>



<p>Anders Hammer Strømman, another co-supervisor of the project, highlighted the transformative role of big data in environmental regulation. "This model allows us to do instant emissions modeling - we can calculate the emissions from global aviation as it happens," he noted. </p>



<p>This capability is particularly valuable as the aviation industry seeks to decarbonize, with big data providing insights into where new fuels and technologies could be most effectively tested.</p>



<p>The model, named AviTeam, is notably the first to provide emissions data for 45 lesser-developed countries that had never before inventoried their greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. </p>



<p>This innovation not only fills crucial data gaps but also equips these countries with vital information that was previously inaccessible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aviation-emissions-and-climate-action">Aviation emissions and climate action</h2>



<p>The research serves as a key example of how big data can revolutionize our approach to understanding and mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feds-airliners-are-contributing-greatly-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. </p>



<p>“Despite national pledges and international agreements, CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from aviation have been increasing, and aviation is estimated to have contributed 2.4 percent to global anthropogenic CO<sub>2</sub> emissions in recent years,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Non-CO<sub>2</sub> emissions from aviation fuel combustion comprise nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, non-volatile particulate matter, and organic carbon. These emissions also affect the climate, increasing aviation's contribution to human-induced global warming to date to about 4 percent.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Non-CO<sub>2</sub> emissions can also affect air pollution and human health, the environment, and contribute to condensation trail formation.”</p>



<p>With a more comprehensive and immediate picture of global aviation emissions, policymakers and members of the aviation industry can coordinate targeted efforts to reduce their environmental impact.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad3a7d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Aviation emissions: Big data analysis sparks new concerns

For the first time, researchers have harnessed the power of...

<p>In the world of science, there's something especially captivating about an anomaly that defies expectations. The sudden appearance of a vast hole in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shelves-melting-faster-due-to-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a> sea ice – the Maud Rise polynya – in 2016 and 2017 was precisely that kind of mystery. </p>



<p>Now, a team of scientists has pieced together the intricate chain of events behind this extraordinary phenomenon. </p>



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



<p>The Antarctic Ocean stretches out like a vast, white expanse, a seemingly unbroken sheet of ice. However, this frozen landscape isn't entirely uniform. Closer inspection reveals occasional cracks and gaps in the ice cover, like tears in a giant white canvas. These openings, known as polynyas, are far less common than the surrounding ice, but they are much larger than the occasional crack. They are essentially sprawling stretches of unfrozen water amidst the vast sea ice.</p>



<p>Some polynyas form near coastlines where winds push ice from the shore. Others emerge in the open ocean, far from land. These open-ocean polynyas are much rarer and pose a bigger scientific mystery. Unlike their coastal counterparts, their formation isn't readily explained by simple wind patterns. Instead, they seem to be triggered by a complex interplay of factors beneath the ocean's surface.</p>



<p>These open water areas act like temporary windows, allowing for a significant exchange of heat and carbon dioxide to occur. Cold, deep ocean water interacts with the atmosphere at the surface, releasing heat and potentially influencing the amount of carbon dioxide the ocean absorbs. This exchange creates hotspots of activity within the icy landscape, potentially impacting regional climate patterns in the area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maud-rise-polynya-the-antarctic-sea-ice-hole">Maud rise polynya: The Antarctic sea ice hole</h2>



<p>In the frigid expanse of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-suffered-extremely-rapid-ice-loss-after-the-last-ice-age-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a> Ocean, a peculiar phenomenon emerged during the winters of 2016 and 2017. A massive hole, named the Maud Rise polynya after the submerged mountain beneath it, appeared in the sea ice. </p>



<p>This anomaly was particularly baffling due to its sheer scale – encompassing an area more than double the size of Wales. Furthermore, unlike most polynyas that come and go seasonally, the Maud Rise polynya persisted for multiple winters, leaving scientists thoroughly perplexed.</p>



<p>A new study has shed light on this icy enigma, meticulously reconstructing the sequence of events that culminated in the formation of this massive polynya. By piecing together the puzzle, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing this rare phenomenon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanic-forces-and-antarctic-sea-ice-hole">Oceanic forces and Antarctic sea ice hole</h2>



<p>The story of the Maud Rise polynya begins with an oceanic change far below the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-levels-in-antarctica-have-reached-an-unprecedented-low/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icy surface</a>. An intensification in the Weddell Sea's large-scale ocean circulation system - imagine a powerful underwater whirlpool - had a significant impact. </p>



<p>This swirling intensification caused a layer of warmer and saltier water to rise from the depths. This upwelling of warm, salty water created conditions that could potentially alter the balance between freezing and melting at the surface.</p>



<p>Maud Rise played a critical role. Turbulent currents, like underwater rapids, churned and interacted with the mountain's slopes. This turbulence effectively transported salt from the surrounding waters towards the summit of the mountain.</p>



<p>The physics of wind-driven ocean currents, known as Ekman transport, became a major player in the polynya's formation. The complex mechanics of this phenomenon result in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-ocean-water-discovery-is-unlocking-secrets-of-earths-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean water</a> being deflected at a right angle to the direction of the blowing wind. This deflection propelled the salt concentrated around Maud Rise towards its northern side. The influx of salt proved to be a crucial factor in creating the opening within the sea ice.</p>



<p>"Ekman transport was the essential missing ingredient that was necessary to increase the balance of salt and sustain the mixing of salt and heat towards the surface water,” explained Professor Alberto Naveira Garabato, a co-author of the study.</p>



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



<p>The story of the Antarctic ice hole Maud Rise polynya doesn't end with the unraveling of its origins. Understanding these events is key to decoding broader changes in the Southern Ocean. Polynyas can leave lasting "footprints" on the ocean, shaping how water moves and distributes heat.</p>



<p>"The dense waters that form here can spread across the global ocean,” noted Professor Sarah Gille. This study serves as a reminder of the complex and far-reaching consequences of even localized phenomena in the context of our planet's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-oceans-hidden-influence-on-global-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate system</a>.</p>



<p>The Maud Rise polynya reminds us that even in the most remote and desolate corners of Earth, dynamic processes are at play. Scientists' relentless pursuit of knowledge sheds light on delicate balances within polar environments and the potential global consequences of change in these icy realms.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj0777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory </p>



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Experts solve the mystery of a giant hole in Antarctic sea ice

In the world of science, there's something especially captivating about...

Aerial,Top,View,Green,Forest,With,Earth,,Green,Planet,In

<p>Earth, our vibrant planet, has witnessed countless climatic shifts throughout its history, each one leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and the life it sustains. At the heart of this intricate dance between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate and life lie plants</a>, the silent architects of Earth's atmosphere and the key to understanding our planet's response to the pressing issue of global warming. </p>



<p>As researchers delve deeper into the field of biogeodynamics, they uncover the fascinating interplay between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-triggers-epic-plant-migration-in-brazils-cerrado/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation and climate</a>, revealing how Earth's flora has not only adapted to changing conditions but also played an active role in shaping the very climate that sustains them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interplay-of-plant-life-and-earth-s-climate">Interplay of plant life and Earth's climate</h2>



<p>Julian Rogger, a researcher at the Institute of Geophysics at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>, is fascinated by the interplay of plant life and climate. </p>



<p>Earth is the only known planet in the universe capable of supporting living organisms, thanks to its climatic conditions that allow for the presence of liquid water. Rogger explains, "We're trying to understand processes relevant to the present using the geological past."</p>



<p>When the planet's climate shifts, it impacts <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant life</a>, forcing ecosystems to evolve and adapt to changing conditions. "I'm interested in the role of life itself in the whole system," Rogger says. "I find it really fascinating to reconstruct the world as it was millions of years ago."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-as-active-participants-in-earth-s-climate-cycle">Plants as active participants in Earth's climate cycle</h2>



<p>In a recent paper published in the journal <em>Science Advances</em>, Rogger and colleagues from ETH and the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> argue that plants are not just passive participants in Earth's climate cycle, but can play an important role in shaping it. </p>



<p>"We could assume life is just reacting to changes, but it's also possible it's interacting with the system and regulates it," Rogger says.</p>



<p>Using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-sleap-creating-new-plants-that-help-fight-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">computer models</a> that simulate the interplay between climate change, continental movement, and plant life in the deep past, Rogger and his team have shown that plants likely help regulate the Earth's atmosphere by trapping carbon and emitting oxygen, thus controlling CO2 levels. </p>



<p>They also accelerate the process of mineral weathering in soils, which consumes CO2. The models suggest that the planet's climate and atmosphere are part of a feedback loop, with life itself playing a role in regulating or accelerating climatic changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-of-climatic-change-is-a-critical-factor">Speed of climatic change is a critical factor</h2>



<p>The speed of climatic change is a critical factor in determining the impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beneficial-plant-bacteria-likely-to-decline-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant life</a>. When change is slow enough for plants to evolve or spread to new niches over millions of years, plant activity can act as a buffer, preventing temperatures from shifting too rapidly. </p>



<p>However, the geological record and fossil evidence show that there have been changes that occurred too quickly, resulting in major disruptions of vegetation and even mass extinctions.</p>



<p>"What we want to know is how fast vegetation is able to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-a-way-of-telling-us-what-climate-they-can-survive-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">change its characteristics</a> when the world suddenly gets 5 or 6 degrees warmer," Rogger says. "The overall goal is to understand the co-evolution of climate, vegetation and tectonics."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-the-past-to-understand-the-present">Modeling the past to understand the present</h2>



<p>Rogger and his interdisciplinary team of geologists, computer scientists, and earth scientists created a computer model of the last 390 million years, taking into account the shifting of continents, climate, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation's response</a> to these changes. </p>



<p>Running simulations on powerful supercomputers can take up to a month due to the complexity of the problem and the length of time they represent.</p>



<p>The team uses geological data, such as chemical analysis of sediments and fossils, to make the models as realistic as possible. </p>



<p>The models show that long periods of stability allow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-power-plants-impact-climate-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation to flourish</a>, absorbing CO2 and stabilizing the Earth's climate over time. Plants were able to evolve fast enough to adjust to gradual shifts in climate and landscapes due to continental drift.</p>



<p>However, when the climate system is disrupted and changes too rapidly for vegetation to adapt, plants are wiped out and can't act as a buffer to slow down shifts in climate. </p>



<p>"It's like a feedback effect," Rogger explains. "Because regulation falls away, you could have a stronger increase in CO2 and more climate change than was previously expected."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-earth-s-ecosystems">Resilience of Earth's ecosystems</h2>



<p>At a time when the Earth's climate is changing faster than ever before, Rogger's research has practical implications. Information from the past can help us understand how resilient the Earth's interlocking systems are. </p>



<p>"How fast are ecosystems able to respond to changes in the climate and landscape? That's one of the major unknowns," he says. "It's an acute question – how resilient is the Earth?"</p>



<p>In summary, as we face the unprecedented pace of climate change today, Rogger's research serves as a vital reminder of the intricate dance between life, plants and Earth's climate.</p>



<p>By studying the past, we gain invaluable insights into the resilience of Earth's ecosystems and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-pass-down-memories-to-help-offspring-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ability to adapt</a> to changing conditions. This knowledge arms us with the tools to better understand and respond to the challenges we face in the present and future. </p>



<p>As we work to protect and preserve our planet's delicate balance, we must remember that we are not mere spectators in Earth's climate dance, but active participants with the power to shape its rhythm for generations to come.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj4408" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>.</p>



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How plants actively shaped Earth's climate cycle throughout history

Earth, our vibrant planet, has witnessed countless climatic shifts throughout...

<p>The latest negotiations on a global treaty to address plastic pollution concluded in Canada early Tuesday, advancing the dialogue despite significant debates, particularly over the prospect of setting global limits on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a>. </p>



<p>This session marked a pivotal shift as negotiators for the first time discussed the draft text of the treaty, moving from conceptual discussions to concrete treaty language.</p>



<p>The session in Ottawa, which is the fourth of five planned meetings, saw negotiators grappling with one of the most contentious issues: the potential limitation of plastic production.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highly-complex-issue">Highly complex issue</h2>



<p>Despite strong objections from countries and industries reliant on plastic production, this issue remained in the treaty draft. Since most plastic is manufactured using fossil fuels and chemicals, reducing production is a highly complex issue.</p>



<p>As the meeting wrapped up, the committee resolved to continue refining the treaty's terms before reconvening for the final session in South Korea later this year.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-with-the-plastics-treaty">Moving forward with the plastics treaty</h2>



<p>The next session will focus on key issues such as financing mechanisms for the treaty's implementation, assessing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> of concern in plastics, and examining product design. </p>



<p>However, Rwanda's representative expressed concern that by not directly addressing the volume of plastic production, negotiators were avoiding a critical issue.</p>



<p>“In the end, this is not just about the text, it’s not just about the process,” said Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, the executive secretary of the committee. “It is quite simply about providing a better future for generations and for our loved ones.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-on-circularity-nbsp">Focus on circularity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Industry representatives, however, have different priorities. Stewart Harris from the <a href="https://icca-chem.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Council of Chemical Associations</a> emphasized the industry's focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recycling-is-not-enough-to-address-the-plastic-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling</a> and reusing plastics, a concept often referred to as “circularity.” </p>



<p>Thus, the Council does not want a cap on plastic production, and considers that chemicals should not be regulated through this agreement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Harris also expressed satisfaction with the progress made in discussions, particularly around additional work on financing and plastic product design.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-issue-of-microplastics-nbsp">Addressing the issue of microplastics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The negotiations were also informed by scientific input aimed at dispelling myths about plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I heard yesterday that there’s no data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-migrate-from-the-gut-to-other-organs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a>, which is verifiably false: 21,000 articles on micro and nanoplastics have been published,” said Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor and co-leader of the <a href="https://ikhapp.org/scientistscoalition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty</a>. She also mentioned challenges faced by scientists, including harassment by industry lobbyists.</p>



<p>In a news conference on Saturday, members of an Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus said that microplastics are contaminating their food supply and threatening their communities and ways of life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We have bigger stakes. These are our ancestral lands that are being polluted with plastic,” said Juressa Lee of New Zealand. “We’re rights holders, not stakeholders. We should have more space to speak and make decisions than the people causing the problem.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-goal-to-move-forward-with-plastics-treaty">Common goal to move forward with plastics treaty</h2>



<p>Despite these challenges, the diverse group of countries shared a common goal to progress with the treaty.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Because at the end of the day, we’re talking about the survival of the future of life, not only of human life but all sorts of life on this planet,” argued Ecuador’s chief negotiator, Walter Schuldt.</p>



<p>However, the discussions, initiated by a resolution proposed by Rwanda and Peru, have been marked by slow progress and intense debate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We took a major step forward after two years of lots of discussion. Now we have text to negotiate,” said Björn Beeler, the international coordinator for the <a href="https://www.ipen.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Pollutants Elimination Network</a>. “Unfortunately, much more political will is needed to address the out of control escalating plastic production.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastics-treaty-negotiations-continue">Plastics treaty negotiations continue</h2>



<p>As the plastics treaty negotiation process continues, the involvement of affected communities and advocacy groups underscores the urgent need for change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>From Louisiana to New Zealand, individuals and groups are calling for actions that go beyond government discussions to address the tangible impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a> on communities and natural environments. </p>



<p>This collective effort highlights a global recognition of the need for significant and effective measures to combat plastic pollution, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.</p>



<p>“We are working toward a world where we won’t have plastic litter everywhere in our ecosystems,” said Mathur-Filipp. “The energy is there, the will is there and I know we will get an instrument by the end of the year.”</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Plastics treaty talks: Slow progress, yet restored hope

The latest negotiations on a global treaty to address plastic...

<p>Millions of years ago, the end-Triassic period was marked by a cataclysmic mass extinction event during which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-volcanic-eruptions-led-to-the-rise-of-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive volcanoes</a> reshaped Earth’s climate and its life forms. A recent study from an international team of researchers highlights how ancient volcanoes and climate change caused lasting impacts on ecosystems and ferns.</p>



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



<p>The researchers examined sediments from Germany and uncovered a wealth of fossilized pollen and spores from ancient plants. Shockingly, they found a large number of fern spores with unusual deformities. These weren't minor imperfections; the spores were distorted in strange ways, suggesting major problems during their growth.</p>



<p>"The sheer number and variety of malformations were astounding," said Remco Bos, a PhD candidate at <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> and lead author of the study. "It's a clear sign that these ferns were under immense stress."</p>



<p>And this wasn't an isolated event. Similar patterns of deformed fern spores have been discovered in Denmark and Sweden. This suggests that vast regions across Europe were once filled with these struggling ferns.</p>



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



<p>Ferns are remarkably resilient plants. They are known to quickly take root in areas ravaged by natural disasters like fires or volcanic eruptions. The end-Triassic extinction, caused by massive volcanic activity, would have destroyed huge portions of forests. In this devastated landscape, ferns seized their chance and flourished, replacing trees in a significant change to the ecosystem.</p>



<p>However, while ferns managed to survive the immediate extinction event, their challenges were far from over. The lack of forests had a negative impact on ferns, exposing them to new dangers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanos-and-fern-deformities">Volcanos and fern deformities</h2>



<p>Volcanoes release numerous harmful substances, including mercury, a highly toxic element. Mercury is particularly dangerous because it can transform into a gas and be carried by winds over vast distances, contaminating areas far from the eruption site.</p>



<p>The research team carefully analyzed the sediment layers and discovered surges in mercury levels that directly matched the periods when deformed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-had-complex-leaf-vein-networks-200-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ferns</a> spores were most abundant. This strong correlation provides compelling evidence that mercury poisoning was responsible for the ferns' abnormalities.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, the damage wasn't limited to the immediate aftermath of the volcanic eruptions. Scientists discovered four additional periods of elevated mercury levels and fern deformities spanning an astonishing 1.3 to 2 million years after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/its-too-late-the-6th-mass-extinction-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> event. This reveals a much longer and more complex environmental crisis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-cycle-due-to-volcanoes-and-ferns">Climate cycle due to volcanoes and ferns</h2>



<p>The presence of repeated mercury spikes long after the volcanic activity subsided raises the question: what was the ongoing source of this toxic pollution? The answer involves a long-term astronomical cycle. Every 405,000 years, subtle changes in Earth's orbit cause it to move slightly closer to the sun. This results in a periodic increase in the amount of solar radiation reaching Earth.</p>



<p>In the aftermath of the extinction, the planet was already experiencing abnormally high temperatures. This cyclical boost in sunlight likely caused recurring episodes of forest death. Forests that decayed or burned released the mercury they had absorbed during the volcanic era back into the environment. Rain and erosion then carried this mercury, along with mercury trapped in the soil, into waterways and surrounding landscapes.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-ferns-in-panama-turn-their-dead-leaves-into-new-roots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ferns</a>, with their ability to thrive in disturbed environments, were able to recolonize these devastated areas. However, their resilience couldn't protect them from the renewed waves of mercury poisoning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-volcano-eruptions-and-fern-mass-extinction">Significance of volcano eruptions and fern mass extinction</h2>



<p>"This echoes what we see with present-day mercury pollution," said Dr. Tomas Navratil, a co-author on the study. "Forest soils can act as long-term reservoirs for mercury, which can be remobilized during hotter periods, poisoning ecosystems long after the initial contamination."</p>



<p>The end-Triassic extinction serves as a powerful reminder of how climate change and pollution can become intertwined, creating devastating environmental crises. Mass extinction events, often portrayed as sudden catastrophes, are far more complex. They trigger long and unpredictable environmental disruptions that play out over extended periods.</p>



<p>In the case of the end-Triassic extinction, the initial volcanic eruptions caused a dramatic shift in the planet's climate. However, the environmental consequences unfolded over millions of years. Mercury contamination from the eruptions lingered in the environment, poisoning ecosystems long after the immediate extinction event. Furthermore, natural climate cycles interacted with this pollution, creating repeated waves of ecological damage.</p>



<p>Earth's resilience eventually allowed it to recover from this mass extinction. Life, however, took millions of years to return to a semblance of normality. This extended period of environmental instability highlights the profound impact that mass extinction events can have on the trajectory of life on our planet.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-47922-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Ancient volcanoes poisoned ferns for millions of years

Millions of years ago, the end-Triassic period was marked by...

<p>A recent study led by <a href="https://www.deakin.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deakin University</a> in Australia has highlighted the significant negative effects of moderate levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-noise-increases-the-risk-of-hypertension/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic noise</a> on eggs and nesting baby birds, demonstrating that such noise exposure can have lasting detrimental impacts on their development and fitness. </p>



<p>The study adds to growing concern about noise pollution, which is now recognized as a pervasive environmental problem affecting even the most remote areas of the Earth.</p>



<p>“Human-produced noise has become a part of the world’s environment, and traffic noise in particular is incessant and present globally. Such noise has been shown to alter behavior in a variety of animals, including birds,” noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noise-pollution-and-developing-birds-nbsp">Noise pollution and developing birds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The scientists focused on the developmental impacts of noise pollution on wild zebra finch birds. The findings indicate that exposure to traffic noise - common in urban settings - directly affects the growth and fitness of birds, starting from when they are just embryos in the egg. </p>



<p>In their experiment, the researchers exposed zebra finch eggs and baby birds to recordings of typical traffic noise, songs of their species, or silence.</p>



<p>“Noise pollution is expanding at an unprecedented rate and is increasingly associated with impaired reproduction and development across taxa. However, whether noise sound waves are intrinsically harmful for developing young - or merely disturb parents - and the fitness consequences of early exposure remain unknown,” wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-traffic-noise-on-baby-birds">Impacts of traffic noise on baby birds</h2>



<p>The results showed that birds exposed to traffic noise from the egg stage suffered from stunted growth, shorter telomeres, and reduced fitness in adulthood. This suggests that the noise does more than just alter the behaviors of adult birds; it has direct biological effects on developing young.</p>



<p>“Here, by only manipulating the offspring, we show that sole exposure to noise in early life in zebra finches has fitness consequences and causes embryonic death during exposure,” noted the researchers.</p>



<p>“Exposure to pre- and postnatal traffic noise cumulatively impaired nestling growth and physiology and aggravated telomere shortening across life stages until adulthood.”</p>



<p>“Consistent with a long-term somatic impact, early life noise exposure, especially prenatally, decreased individual offspring production throughout adulthood. Our findings suggest that the effects of noise pollution are more pervasive than previously realized.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-study-implications-nbsp">Broader study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a related Perspective article, Hans Slabbekoorn, an expert in acoustic ecology and behavior has emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The study of Meillère et al. on zebra finches reinforces the notion of negative noise impact on chicks as they develop in the egg, an effect that extends to prenatal exposure to noise in other species, including humans,” explained Slabbekoorn.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The findings suggest that the acoustic environment of breeding birds in cities and along highways should be better managed, and that the acoustic comfort in hospital environments for pregnant mothers and babies warrants special attention.”</p>



<p>The evidence from this study calls for a critical reassessment of the risks posed by anthropogenic noise and highlights the urgent need for effective noise mitigation strategies to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-wildlife-threats-can-be-identified-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> and human health. </p>



<p>The disruption caused by noise pollution to physiology, development, and reproduction can lead to a lifelong reduction in fitness, underscoring the need for policymakers and conservationists to address this environmental issue more proactively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-impacts-of-noise-pollution-on-wildlife">More about the impacts of noise pollution on wildlife</h2>



<p>Noise pollution significantly affects animals, influencing their behavior, physiology, and even survival across diverse ecosystems. For instance, in marine environments, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ship-noise-threatens-the-survival-of-beluga-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noise from ships</a> and industrial activities can interfere with the communication and navigation of species like whales and dolphins, which rely on echolocation to find food, mate, and migrate. This disruption can lead to reduced mating success and sometimes fatal ship strikes.</p>



<p>Even beyond the immediate impacts on communication and stress, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-can-be-fatal-to-marine-invertebrates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noise</a> pollution alters predator-prey dynamics. For example, noise can mask the sounds of predators approaching, leading to higher predation rates in noisy areas. Conversely, some predators exploit this, using human-made noise to sneak up on unsuspecting prey.</p>



<p>On land, birds are particularly vulnerable; noise pollution can mask their songs, which are critical for attracting mates and defending territories. Studies have shown that areas with high noise levels often see changes in bird species composition, with noise-sensitive species declining in numbers. </p>



<p>Additionally, chronic noise can induce stress responses in wildlife, leading to elevated heart rates and impaired immune systems, which diminish their overall fitness.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade5868" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Exposure to traffic noise disrupts bird development

A recent study led by Deakin University in Australia has...

<p>Geologists have uncovered ancient rocks in Greenland that bear the oldest remnants of Earth's early <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a>. These exceptionally pristine rocks, preserved for billions of years, provide a glimpse into the planet's early conditions that may have helped life take hold.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extending-the-age-of-earth-s-magnetic-field">Extending the age of Earth's magnetic field</h2>



<p>Claire Nichols, a former <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> postdoc and now an associate professor of the geology of planetary processes at <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford University</a>, along with her colleagues, determined that the rocks are about 3.7 billion years old. </p>



<p>More importantly, they retain signatures of a magnetic field with a strength of at least 15 microtesla, similar in magnitude to the Earth's magnetic field today. </p>



<p>The findings, appearing in the <em>Journal of Geophysical Research</em>, potentially extend the age of the Earth's magnetic field by hundreds of millions of years.</p>



<p>"The magnetic field is, in theory, one of the reasons we think Earth is really unique as a habitable planet," says Nichols. "It's thought our magnetic field protects us from harmful radiation from space, and also helps us to have oceans and atmospheres that can be stable for long periods of time."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-life-s-emergence">Implications for life's emergence</h2>



<p>The discovery of a magnetic field dating back to 3.7 billion years ago has significant implications for the emergence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-ocean-water-shaped-early-life-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life on Earth</a>. </p>



<p>“That’s important because that’s the time when we think life was emerging,” says Benjamin Weiss, the Robert R. Shrock Professor of Planetary Sciences in MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (<a href="https://eaps.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EAPS</a>). </p>



<p>“If the Earth’s magnetic field was around a few hundred million years earlier, it could have played a critical role in making the planet habitable," Weiss continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-isua-supracrustal-belt">Exploring the Isua Supracrustal Belt</h2>



<p>In 2018, Nichols and her team embarked on an expedition to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isua_Greenstone_Belt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isua Supracrustal Belt</a> in southwest Greenland, a remote location accessible only by helicopter. </p>



<p>The area is known for having the oldest preserved rocks on Earth, which have been extensively studied to answer scientific questions about Earth's ancient conditions.</p>



<p>"It's about 150 kilometers away from the capital city, and you get helicoptered in, right up against the ice sheet," Nichols says. "Here, you have the world's oldest rocks essentially, surrounded by this dramatic expression of the ice age. It's a really spectacular place."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-banded-iron-formations">Analyzing banded iron formations</h2>



<p>The team collected <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/earth-magnetic-field_oldest-rock_Isua-Supracrustal-Belt_MIT_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">samples of banded iron formations</a>, rocks that appear as stripes of iron-rich and silica-rich rock. The iron-oxide minerals found in these rocks can act as tiny magnets that orient with any external magnetic field. </p>



<p>The researchers suspect that these rocks were originally formed in primordial oceans prior to the rise in atmospheric oxygen around 2.5 billion years ago.</p>



<p>"Back when there wasn't oxygen in the atmosphere, iron didn't oxidize so easily, so it was in solution in the oceans until it reached a critical concentration, when it precipitated out," Nichols explains. "So, it's basically a result of iron raining out of the oceans and depositing on the seafloor."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-determining-the-strength-of-the-ancient-magnetic-field">Determining the strength of the ancient magnetic field</h2>



<p>Through a careful process of remagnetization, the team concluded that the rocks likely harbored an ancient, 3.7-billion-year-old <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mesopotamian-bricks-reveal-anomaly-in-earths-magnetic-field-3000-years-ago/">ma</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mesopotamian-bricks-reveal-anomaly-in-earths-magnetic-field-3000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">g</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mesopotamian-bricks-reveal-anomaly-in-earths-magnetic-field-3000-years-ago/">netic field</a>, with a magnitude of at least 15 microtesla, half the strength of today's field but of the same order of magnitude.</p>



<p>"The fact that it's similar in strength as today's field implies whatever is driving Earth's magnetic field has not changed massively in power over billions of years," Nichols says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-earth-s-evolution-and-habitability">Implications for Earth's evolution and habitability</h2>



<p>The results raise questions about how the ancient Earth could have powered such a robust magnetic field, as it's thought that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solid-metal-ball-discovered-within-earths-inner-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inner core</a>, which powers today's field, had not yet formed so early in the planet's evolution.</p>



<p>"It seems like evidence for whatever was generating a magnetic field back then was a different power source from what we have today," Weiss says. </p>



<p>"And we care about Earth because there's life here, but it's also a touchstone for understanding other terrestrial planets. It suggests planets throughout the galaxy probably have lots of ways of powering a magnetic field, which is important for the question of habitability elsewhere," he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-the-history-of-earth-s-magnetic-field">New chapter in the history of Earth’s magnetic field</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of 3.7 billion-year-old rocks in Greenland bearing signatures of Earth's ancient magnetic field opens a new chapter in our understanding of the planet's evolution and habitability. </p>



<p>This find challenges our current knowledge of Earth's magnetic field and its role in supporting life. As geologists continue to unravel the secrets hidden within these ancient rocks, we move closer to comprehending the complex interplay between Earth's magnetic field, its early conditions, and the emergence of life on our planet. </p>



<p>This research reshapes our understanding of Earth's history and provides valuable insights into the potential habitability of other terrestrial planets throughout the galaxy.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JB027706" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth</a></em>.</p>



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Earth’s magnetic field is much older than previously believed

Geologists have uncovered ancient rocks in Greenland that bear the...

<p>A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.pcom.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine</a> (PCOM) has recently described a remarkable species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinct-giant-salmon-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a>, known as <em>Oncorhynchus rastrosus</em>, which lived in the North American Pacific Northwest millions of years ago and boasted an unusual pair of protruding front teeth resembling tusks.</p>



<p>“In the Pacific Northwest, <em>Oncorhynchus</em> is the most celebrated and species-rich salmonine subclade, yet the twelve living species represent only a portion of their clade’s historical diversity,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spike-toothed-salmon">Spike-toothed salmon</h2>



<p>Previously, researchers believed that the large front teeth of <em>O. rastrosus</em>, which earned it the nickname "saber-toothed salmon," pointed backward into its mouth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, recent CT scans and thorough analyses of various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> have found that these teeth extended sideways out of the mouth, akin to the tusks of a warthog. Based on these findings, the researchers suggested renaming the species to "spike-toothed salmon."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-purpose-of-tusk-like-salmon-teeth-nbsp">Purpose of tusk-like salmon teeth&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While the actual function of these distinctive teeth remains a matter of debate, the researchers argued that they could have been used for combat with other members of their species or for defense against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-ocean-predators-thrived/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a>. </p>



<p>Another possibility is that the teeth served a practical purpose in nest-building during the spawning season. It is unlikely that the teeth were used for capturing prey, as <em>O. rastrosus</em> is believed to have been a filter-feeder, primarily consuming plankton.</p>



<p>“The discoveries like ours show they probably weren't gentle giants,” said lead author Kerin Claeson, a paleontologist at the PCOM. “These massive spikes at the tip of their snouts would have been useful to defend against predators, compete against other salmon, and ultimately build the nests where they would incubate their eggs.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-both-males-and-females-had-protruding-teeth">Both males and females had protruding teeth</h2>



<p>Senior author Edward Davis, an associate professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Oregon and director of the <a href="https://mnch.uoregon.edu/collections-galleries/condon-collection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Condon Collection</a> at the UO’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, expressed enthusiasm about the new insights: “I’m delighted that we have been able to put a new face on the giant spike-toothed salmon, bringing knowledge from the field in Oregon to the world.”</p>



<p>“We also stress that females and males alike possessed enormous, tusk-like teeth. Therefore, the sexes were equally fearsome,” added co-author Brian Sidlauskas, an expert in ichthyology <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>. This feature highlights the potentially aggressive and competitive nature of both male and female spike-toothed salmon.</p>



<p>“Because male and females possess hypertrophied premaxillae and lateral premaxillary spikes, the former common name “Sabertoothed Salmon” no longer reflects our understanding of the species’ morphology. Accordingly, we redub <em>O. rastrosus</em> the Spike-Toothed Salmon and postulate that its spikes were multifunctional, serving as defense against predators, in agonism against conspecifics, and as a practical aid to nest construction,” the authors concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-salmon-teeth">More about salmon teeth</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decline-in-atlantic-salmon-linked-to-humans-and-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmon</a> have a set of teeth that are well-adapted to their diet and lifestyle, primarily suited for grabbing and holding onto prey. These teeth are small but sharp, lining the jaws, and in some species, they can also be found on the roof of the mouth. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-function-of-salmon-teeth">Function of salmon teeth</h3>



<p>The primary function of these teeth is not for chewing but for ensnaring slippery prey like fish and insects, which is crucial since <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-unpredictable-effects-on-salmon-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a> are predominantly carnivorous.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure">Structure</h3>



<p>Interestingly, the structure and robustness of salmon teeth can vary among species and even change throughout the life stages of the fish. For example, when young salmon (smolts) transition from freshwater to the ocean, their diet changes, and this can be reflected in the development of their teeth to better suit their new food sources.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spawning">Spawning</h3>



<p>Additionally, during the spawning phase, some male salmon develop what's called a "kype," which is a pronounced curvature of the jaws and teeth. This feature helps them in fights for dominance and the right to mate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Overall, the teeth of salmon are integral to their survival and reproductive strategies, emphasizing their role as effective predators within their aquatic environments.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300252" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLoS ONE</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Giant prehistoric salmon had fearsome, tusk-like teeth

A team of researchers led by the Philadelphia College of...

<p>A recent study provides compelling evidence that conservation efforts are both effective and essential for reversing the concerning trend of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity loss</a>. </p>



<p>Published on April 25 in the scientific journal <em>Science</em>, this pivotal research analyzed data from 186 studies involving 665 trials worldwide, marking a significant milestone in conservation science.</p>



<p>The research is particularly crucial as it addresses the survival of over 44,000 species currently at risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-native-species-extinctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a>. Moreover, these species are integral to ecosystems that stabilize the climate and provide essential resources to billions of people globally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-actions-to-deliver-biodiversity-results">Conservation actions to deliver biodiversity results</h2>



<p>Led by Penny Langhammer, Executive Vice President of <a href="https://www.rewild.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Re:wild</a>, the study showcases that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-goals-protect-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation actions</a> are indeed making a difference. </p>



<p>"If you look only at the trend of species declines, it would be easy to think that we’re failing to protect biodiversity, but you would not be looking at the full picture," Langhammer explained. She emphasized the success of these efforts and the need for enhanced global support and resources to continue these positive trends.</p>



<p>The meta-analysis examined a range of conservation interventions, including the management of protected areas and the control of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-species-could-cause-dramatic-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive species</a>. It found significant positive outcomes in 66% of the cases studied, indicating that these actions have either improved or slowed the decline of biodiversity. </p>



<p>For instance, effective management on Florida’s barrier islands markedly increased the nesting success of loggerhead turtles and least terns. Similarly, in the Congo Basin, areas under managed logging experienced a 74% reduction in deforestation rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-failures-is-key">Learning from failures is key</h2>



<p>"Our study shows that when conservation actions work, they really work," highlighted Jake Bicknell, a co-author and conservation scientist. Additionally, the study presents numerous instances where conservation measures led to substantial improvements in species population sizes.</p>



<p>Despite these successes, the study also acknowledges instances where conservation efforts did not yield the desired biodiversity results. In India, for instance, the physical removal of invasive algae inadvertently led to its spread. Such outcomes have provided valuable lessons, prompting the refinement of conservation strategies.</p>



<p>The analysis showed a positive correlation between recent conservation efforts and successful outcomes, likely due to increased funding and targeted interventions. Interestingly, even when targeted biodiversity didn't directly benefit, other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forests-benefit-from-diverse-native-tree-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">native species</a> often did, highlighting the complex nature of ecological interventions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-biodiversity-trends-and-economic-benefits">Conservation, biodiversity trends and economic benefits</h2>



<p>The financial implications of biodiversity conservation are staggering. With more than half of the world's GDP, nearly $44 trillion, dependent on nature, the study underscores the economic rationality of investing in conservation. </p>



<p>Comparatively, the annual investment required for effective global conservation is minuscule against the backdrop of global expenditures, such as the $7 trillion in fossil fuel subsidies noted in 2022.</p>



<p>"Conservation action works—this is what the science clearly shows us," explained Claude Gascon, co-author and director at the Global Environment Facility. He stressed the need for continued investment to maintain the positive outcomes of conservation efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-conservation-research-for-a-sustainable-future">Advancing conservation research for a sustainable future</h2>



<p>As the global community sets ambitious biodiversity targets, the study calls for more comprehensive and rigorous research into various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pronghorn-lessons-conservation-crucial-preventing-species-extinctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation interventions</a> across more geographic locations. </p>



<p>"This paper has analyzed conservation outcomes at a level as rigorous as in applied disciplines like medicine and engineering—showing genuine impact and thus guiding the transformative change needed to safeguard nature at scale around the world," stated Grethel Aguilar, <a href="https://www.iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a> Director General.</p>



<p>This study not only confirms the efficacy of current conservation strategies but also emphasizes the need for well-resourced and effectively managed protected areas. </p>



<p>As the evidence mounts, it is clear that nature conservation must be prioritized, adequately funded, and vigorously pursued to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.</p>



<p>The full study is published in the journal <em>Science</em>.</p>



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Effective conservation efforts are key to saving biodiversity

A recent study provides compelling evidence that conservation efforts are...

King,Vulture,-,Sarcoramphus,Papa,Big,Bird,Of,Prey,,New

<p>Often associated with death and decay, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/believe-it-or-not-scavengers-are-picky-eaters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scavengers</a> – animals that consume carrion (dead animal matter) – play an unexpectedly vital role in maintaining the health and balance of wetland ecosystems. While they may not be the most charismatic of creatures, their ecological contributions are undeniable.</p>



<p>A study by researchers from the Ecology area of the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (<a href="https://www.umh.es/?lang=EN" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMH</a>) and the Ecology department of the University of Alicante (<a href="https://www.ua.es/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UA</a>) reveals the fundamental importance of scavengers and carrion in wetlands.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Scavengers encompass a diverse range of species, including:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vultures">Vultures</h3>



<p>These large birds possess a keen sense of smell and excellent eyesight, enabling them to locate carcasses from great distances. Their powerful digestive systems allow them to safely consume decomposing flesh, preventing the spread of bacteria and pathogens.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invertebrates">Invertebrates</h3>



<p>Insects such as flies, beetles, and their larvae play a critical role in the initial decomposition of organic matter. They lay eggs within carrion, and their larvae consume the decaying flesh, breaking it down into smaller components and releasing nutrients into the environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aquatic-scavengers">Aquatic scavengers</h3>



<p>Crayfish, certain fish species, and some crocodilians, like the gharial, opportunistically consume dead animal matter found in aquatic habitats. This contributes to the breakdown of organic material, prevents the buildup of harmful substances, and recycles nutrients within the aquatic ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essential-functions-of-scavengers-in-wetlands">Essential functions of scavengers in wetlands</h2>



<p>The recently published study underscores the numerous benefits <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scavengers-protect-livestock-from-infectious-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scavengers</a> provide to wetland ecosystems:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-cycling-in-wetlands-by-scavengers">Nutrient cycling in wetlands by scavengers</h3>



<p>When scavengers feed on dead animals, they break down complex organic compounds into simpler nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients are then released back into the soil and water, where they can be absorbed by plants and algae. This process supports the growth of these primary producers, which form the base of the wetland food chain.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulation-of-water-quality">Regulation of water quality</h3>



<p>By consuming decaying organic matter, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-help-scavengers-take-over-the-alpine-habitats-of-arctic-foxes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scavengers</a> help prevent its excessive accumulation within the wetland. If left unchecked, this buildup can lead to reduced oxygen levels (which harms fish and other aquatic life), increased water pollution, and the potential for harmful bacterial growth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scavenger-s-ecosystem">Scavenger's ecosystem</h3>



<p>Certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/opportunistic-scavengers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scavenging</a> species, like crayfish, actively modify their wetland environment as they forage and create burrows. These disturbances increase the physical complexity of the habitat, creating niches for a wider variety of plants and animals. This, in turn, contributes to greater biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowledge-gaps-in-scavengers-and-wetland-ecosystems">Knowledge gaps in scavengers and wetland ecosystems</h2>



<p>While the general ecological functions of scavengers are understood, their specific roles and contributions within wetland ecosystems require further investigation. </p>



<p>There is a significant gap in knowledge compared to the extensive research on scavengers in terrestrial (land-based) environments. This targeted understanding is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies for wetlands.</p>



<p>Wetlands provide a multitude of benefits for both humans and wildlife. They naturally filter and purify water, help mitigate the impacts of floods, store carbon (helping combat climate change), and provide essential habitats for countless species. </p>



<p>The alarming loss of over 60% of the world's wetlands in the last century underscores the critical need for research and action to conserve these remaining precious ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-action-for-wetland-health-beyond-scavengers">Taking action for wetland health beyond scavengers</h2>



<p>Here's how you can contribute to the protection of wetlands and their often-overlooked inhabitants:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Support wetland conservation initiatives</h3>



<p>To support wetland conservation initiatives effectively, you can start by understanding the various threats these ecosystems face, such as urban development, pollution, and climate change. Advocating for the protection and restoration of wetlands involves:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Educating yourself and others about the importance of wetlands</strong>: Learn how wetlands are not only biodiversity hotspots but also crucial for climate regulation and flood control.</li>



<li><strong>Participating in local conservation projects</strong>: Look for opportunities to get involved with organizations that are working to restore wetland areas. This might include planting native species, cleaning up waterways, or monitoring wildlife.</li>



<li><strong>Promoting and supporting policies that protect wetlands</strong>: Engage with policymakers and support legislation that aims to protect these ecosystems. This could involve writing to local representatives or supporting environmental NGOs that lobby for stronger environmental protections.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Minimize pollution</h3>



<p>Minimizing pollution to protect wetland ecosystems and their inhabitants involves several key actions:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Be mindful of household chemicals</strong>: Choose environmentally friendly products for cleaning and gardening, which are less likely to harm the waterways if they run off into nearby drains or soils.</li>



<li><strong>Proper disposal of waste</strong>: Dispose of hazardous wastes like paints, oils, and batteries at designated disposal facilities instead of dumping them down household drains or in the trash where they can leach into groundwater and surface water.</li>



<li><strong>Reduce plastic usage</strong>: Plastics often end up in water bodies, harming aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife. Opting for reusable products over single-use plastics can significantly reduce this impact.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Raise awareness</h3>



<p>Raising awareness about the importance of scavengers and wetlands can lead to greater community involvement and support for conservation measures. You can raise awareness by:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Creating informative content</strong>: Use platforms like blogs, YouTube, or social media to share facts and information about wetlands and their role in the ecosystem. Include information about scavengers and how they contribute to environmental health.</li>



<li><strong>Hosting educational events</strong>: Organize talks, webinars, or walks in local wetland areas with a focus on teaching community members about the ecological roles these environments play.</li>



<li><strong>Engaging with schools</strong>: Work with local schools to include wetland conservation in their curriculum. This could involve field trips to wetlands or guest lectures from wildlife experts.</li>
</ul>



<p>By undertaking these actions, you help ensure the health of wetland ecosystems and support the diverse life forms that rely on them for survival.</p>



<p>The next time you encounter a scavenger in its natural habitat, remember that it's not just performing a mundane task – it's fulfilling a crucial ecological role. By recognizing the often-overlooked value of scavengers, we can better appreciate the intricate balance of wetland ecosystems and the vital importance of their conservation.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<em><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/brv.13075" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Reviews</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Scavengers clean up wetlands and boost their health

Often associated with death and decay, scavengers – animals that...

<p>A groundbreaking study has brought new insights into the factors impacting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/summertime-fireflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">firefly</a> populations across North America. By leveraging extensive citizen science data and advanced analytics, the experts unpacked the environmental and human influences on these beloved insects.</p>



<p>The study was conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.uky.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kentucky</a>, <a href="https://www.bucknell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bucknell University</a>, the <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a>, and the <a href="https://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Department of Agriculture</a> (USDA).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-threats-to-firefly-populations-nbsp">Identifying threats to firefly populations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“As insect populations decline in many regions, conservation biologists are increasingly tasked with identifying factors that threaten insect species and developing effective strategies for their conservation. One insect group of global conservation concern are fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae),” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Although quantitative data on firefly populations are lacking for most species, anecdotal reports suggest that some firefly populations have declined in recent decades.”</p>



<p>“Researchers have hypothesized that North American firefly populations are most threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution, but the importance of these factors in shaping firefly populations has not been rigorously examined at broad spatial scales.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integrating-large-scale-data-sets-nbsp">Integrating large scale data sets&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research, utilizing over 24,000 surveys from the <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs-events/community-science/firefly-watch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Firefly Watch</a> citizen science initiative, represents the first comprehensive effort to apply a data-driven approach to understand firefly population dynamics across a vast geographic scale. </p>



<p>“Subtle changes in climate patterns, especially related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-temperatures-are-revealed-by-the-size-of-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a>, are significantly impacting firefly breeding cycles and habitat quality,” said study lead author Darin McNeil, an assistant professor of wildlife ecology and management at the University of Kentucky.</p>



<p>“In this study, we integrated large scale data sets on species abundance, land use, soil type, weather and climate using machine learning models to precisely model and predict firefly abundance patterns at the local scale across the eastern U.S. We were very fortunate to have a multi-year citizen science data set that spanned more than 24,000 observations,” noted study senior author Christina Grozinger, a professor of entomology at Penn State.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-light-pollution-and-agriculture-nbsp">Climate change, light pollution, and agriculture&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings highlight the vulnerability of fireflies to climatic variables such as temperature and precipitation. Since fireflies thrive in temperate conditions, with wet and warm summers providing ideal breeding environments and cold winters supporting the survival of immature stages, climate changes are likely to be highly challenging.</p>



<p>Moreover, the scientists found that urban growth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-pollution-disrupts-entire-ecological-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> can negatively impact this species. “Artificial lights at night could disrupt firefly populations, possibly affecting both adult and larval stages,” McNeil said. “Firefly larvae, which live in the soil, are particularly vulnerable to changes in light exposure and artificial light could alter their developmental cycles and survival rates.”</p>



<p>The researchers also investigated the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/developing-climate-smart-agricultural-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agricultural practices</a>. While they did not find a direct pesticide effect, they discovered that certain agricultural areas supported some of the highest firefly densities, possibly due to practices like livestock grazing that create favorable meadow-like conditions. However, the scientists cautioned against the intensification of agriculture that could diminish the organic debris and moist environments essential for firefly larvae.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-trends-in-firefly-populations-nbsp">Long-term trends in firefly populations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“As the study concludes, further research is encouraged, particularly in exploring the long-term trends of firefly populations and the efficacy of various conservation strategies. Moving forward, focused studies that survey particular firefly species, rather than the firefly community as a whole, will be important,” McNeil said.</p>



<p>“Each individual species has its own habitat requirement and things it needs to succeed. With the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-rare-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citizen science</a> data in this study, we’re looking at fireflies in the aggregate, but we would like people in citizen science getting more training in species identification. If we can get species-level information, we can provide more specifics on species living in a particular area and how best to protect them,” added co-author Sarah Lower, an assistant professor of biology at Bucknell University.</p>



<p>To gather comparable data for different firefly species, the research team is utilizing technology and artificial intelligence to establish automated monitoring systems. This initiative is part of an NSF-funded <a href="https://insectnet.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INSECT NET</a> graduate training program designed to enhance the precision and reach of ecological studies.</p>



<p>For individuals keen on understanding the land use, weather, and climate specifics of their areas, Penn State offers the <a href="https://pollinators.psu.edu/bee-health/beescape" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beescape tool</a>. This online resource delivers tailored habitat quality scores for pollinators, helping users assess and improve local conditions for these vital creatures.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172329" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science of the Total Environment</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



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Firefly populations face multiple threats across North America

A groundbreaking study has brought new insights into the factors...

<p>Ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have reached an agreement to close all their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coal-use-is-not-declining-fast-enough-to-slow-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coal</a> plants by 2035, as announced by a UK minister on Monday. This decision marks a major climate policy breakthrough that could potentially encourage other countries to follow suit. </p>



<p>The commitment to set a definitive end date for coal usage, which is the most climate-polluting fossil fuel, was a significant point of contention in past international climate discussions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-agreement-on-coal-plants">Historic agreement on coal plants</h2>



<p>“We do have an agreement to phase out coal in the first half of the 2030s,” said Andrew Bowie, a UK minister at the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-energy-security-and-net-zero" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department for Energy Security and Net Zero</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is, by the way, a historic agreement, something that we weren’t able to achieve at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cop28-agreement-marks-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-fossil-fuels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28</a> in Dubai last year. So, to have the G7 nations come around the table to send that signal to the world - that we, the advanced economies of the world are committed to phasing out coal by the early 2030s - is quite incredible.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coal-is-on-its-way-out-in-the-u-s">Coal is on its way out in the U.S.</h2>



<p>This agreement is particularly important as it aligns with recent regulatory actions by the <a href="http://v/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a>, which require coal-fired power plants to significantly reduce their climate pollution or shut down by 2039.</p>



<p>“Coming just days after the EPA released proposed new rules that will essentially lead to an accelerated phaseout schedule for most coal plants, this G7 commitment is a further confirmation from the US that coal is on its way out sooner rather than later,” said Katrine Petersen, a senior policy advisor at climate think tank <a href="https://www.e3g.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E3G</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-journey-to-phase-out-coal-plants">Long journey to phase out coal plants</h2>



<p>The commitment also represents a major step for Japan, which was the only G7 country without a clear commitment to transition away from coal, and where coal constituted 32% of its electricity generation in 2023. Many of the other G7 nations have already put plans in place to phase out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-in-five-premature-deaths-tied-to-fossil-fuel-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a>, with coal accounting for about 16% of the G7’s electricity.</p>



<p>“This is another nail in the coffin for coal,” said Dave Jones, the <a href="https://ember-climate.org/insights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ember’s Global Insights</a> program director. “The journey to phase out coal power has been long: it’s been over seven years since the UK, France, Italy, and Canada committed to phase out coal power, so it’s good to see the United States and especially Japan at last be more explicit on their intentions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-failure-to-establish-an-end-date">Failure to establish an end date</h2>



<p>Despite the international agreement achieved at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai to transition away from fossil fuels, the failure to establish a specific end date for coal usage was viewed as a significant oversight. The ongoing meetings in Turin, involving energy, environment, and climate ministers, are expected to conclude on Tuesday.</p>



<p>The G7, which consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with the European Union having a special status, often sets the tone for global climate policy. Their decisions not only impact the broader G20, which includes major emitters like China and India and major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a> producers such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, but also set precedents that influence global environmental strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-coal-fired-power-plants">Impacts of coal-fired power plants</h2>



<p>Coal plants are considered harmful for several reasons, primarily due to their significant impact on the environment and human health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution">Air pollution</h3>



<p>Coal plants emit a variety of harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> into the air, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and mercury. These pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and other serious health issues in humans. They also contribute to the formation of acid rain and smog.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions">Greenhouse gas emissions</h3>



<p>Coal plants are major sources of carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. Coal-burning power plants are one of the largest sources of carbon emissions worldwide.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-pollution">Water pollution</h3>



<p>The process of burning coal and disposing of coal ash (the residue left after coal is burned) can lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-water-resources-are-becoming-increasingly-polluted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water pollution</a>. Contaminants such as heavy metals can leach into groundwater and surface water, affecting both aquatic life and human populations who rely on these water sources.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-degradation">Land degradation</h3>



<p>Coal mining, which supplies the coal plants, often results in significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction. The disposal of coal ash can also contaminate landscapes and ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impact-on-communities">Health impact on communities</h3>



<p>Communities near coal plants and coal mines often experience disproportionate health problems due to their exposure to pollutants and toxic substances. This can lead to increased rates of lung diseases, heart conditions, and other health issues.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Climate breakthrough: G7 commits to close coal plants by 2035

Ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have reached...

<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"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, 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.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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%.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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>.</p>



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



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



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

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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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>



<p>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?</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>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.</em></p>



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



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> 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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> 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></p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

<p>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. </p>



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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;</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



<p>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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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<p>Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



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



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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