<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-could-offer-a-breakthrough-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/">Plastic</a> bags are everywhere, and too many slip into rivers and onto beaches. A new analysis finds that policies that either charge a small fee per bag or prohibit them outright cut the share of bags found during shoreline cleanups by 25 to 47 percent.</p>



<p>The study combed through hundreds of city, county, and state rules passed between 2017 and 2023. It matched those policies to more than 45,000 volunteer cleanups across the United States to see what actually changed on the ground.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-ran-the-study">Who ran the study</h2>



<p>The research was coauthored by <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/smsp/faculty/kimberly-oremus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly L. Oremus</a> of the University of Delaware’s School of Marine Science and Policy (<a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/smsp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UDEL</a>). </p>



<p>Oremus and her collaborator set out to measure litter, not just shopping behavior, so the results speak to what ends up in nature.</p>



<p>The team relied on citizen science, meaning trained volunteers recorded what they collected during beach, river, and lake cleanups. </p>



<p>They drew on <a href="https://www.coastalcleanupdata.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TIDES</a>, a public database that stores those counts in one place so researchers can analyze patterns across time and place.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-plastic-bag-policies">Studying plastic bag policies</h2>



<p>To isolate the effect of bag policies, the authors used a Difference-in-Differences (<a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/research/population-health-methods/difference-difference-estimation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DiD</a>) approach that compares places with and without new laws over the same period. </p>



<p>That design helps rule out unrelated trends that affect everyone, such as national shifts in shopping or packaging.</p>



<p>The headline result is simple. In communities with full bans or fees, the share of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-heart-problems/">plastic</a> bags in the litter mix fell relative to similar places without policies, and the decline grew in the years after a law took effect.</p>



<p>State level rules tended to be more reliable in the data than city or county policies. Effects looked similar along coasts and rivers, with hints of larger gains along lakes where winds and currents spread litter differently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-policy-fees-vs-bans">Plastic policy: Fees vs. bans</h2>



<p>Fees change the default at every checkout and discourage taking a bag when you do not need one, which reduces both thin and thicker bag use.</p>



<p>Other <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carrier-bag-charge-summary-of-data-in-england/single-use-plastic-carrier-bags-charge-data-for-england-2024-to-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> points in the same direction outside the United States. England reports an almost 98 percent drop in single use carrier bags at major retailers since its charge began.</p>



<p>Policies that only restrict thin bags often allow thicker <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-soil-is-now-the-worlds-biggest-plastic-dumping-ground/">plastic</a> labeled as reusable. </p>



<p>Those partial bans showed the smallest and least precise effects in the analysis, which is consistent with shoppers substituting one kind of plastic for another.</p>



<p>Some states also pass preemption <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/environment-and-natural-resources/state-plastic-bag-legislation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laws</a> that block cities and counties from regulating bags at all. When local governments cannot act, the study’s data suggest statewide policies become especially important.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-and-entanglement">Wildlife and entanglement</h2>



<p>The cleanup records include notes on animals found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-99-percent-sea-turtles-organ-tissue-reproductive-system/">entangled in debris</a>. </p>



<p>In areas with bag policies, the presence of entangled animals dropped by roughly 30 to 37 percent, although the authors caution that the estimates are imprecise and more data are needed.</p>



<p>That finding aligns with what we know about <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-use-plastics</a>. Thin bags linger in water and along shorelines, where they can snag, smother, or be eaten by turtles, birds, and fish.</p>



<p>Many studies track what happens at store checkouts, but fewer track what ends up outdoors. Shoreline cleanups offer a window into that last step in the chain from purchase to pollution.</p>



<p>Across the study period, the share of bags among collected items rose overall, but it rose less where bag laws existed. That pattern is exactly what you want to see if policies are slowing the flow of litter into the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-plastic-policy-steps">Global plastic policy steps</h2>



<p>A small, universal fee is a simple tool that nudges behavior without banning choices. Full bans can work too, and the analysis shows both approaches reduce the share of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glass-bottles-contain-more-microplastics-than-plastic-containers/">plastic</a> bags found during cleanups.</p>



<p>The mix of policies should match local conditions. In places with more bag litter to begin with, impacts were largest, so targeting high problem areas with fast action can deliver quick gains.</p>



<p>Plastic bag rules are only one part of the picture. Negotiators from 175 countries are working toward a plastics treaty under <a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP</a> that could standardize action on a wider set of products and chemicals.</p>



<p>The study notes that bottles, caps, and other items did not decline when bag policies passed. That is a signal that targeted rules for other single use products would be needed to curb overall litter.</p>



<p>Adopt a modest fee or a full ban that applies across retail and restaurant settings, and keep the text simple so it is easy to enforce. Pair the policy with clear signs at checkout and with retailer reporting that tracks compliance.</p>



<p>Measure results in the same way the researchers did. Recruit volunteers, log items in TIDES, and watch how the litter mix changes year over year so the policy can be adjusted as needed.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp9274" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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



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Studies confirm that a small tax definitely helps curb plastic pollution

Plastic bags are everywhere, and too many slip into rivers and onto beaches. A new analysis finds that policies that either charge a small fee per bag or prohibit them outright cut the share of bags found during shoreline cleanups by 25 to 47 percent. The study combed through hundreds of city, county, and state rules passed between 2017 and 2023. It matched those policies to more than 45,000 volunteer cleanups across the United States to see what actually changed on the ground. Who ran the study...

Rainbow,Appears,Obove,Rocks,In,The,Aegean,Sea,After,A

<p>A period known as the Carnian Pluvial Event, which occurred about 232 million years ago, marked a dramatic turn in Earth's climate history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In an extraordinary shift, the planet transitioned from arid conditions to a prolonged phase of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/">rainfall</a> that lasted between one and two million years.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-dominated-by-rain">A world dominated by rain</h2>



<p>This significant event was initially identified through the examination of peculiar sediment layers in ancient rocks during the late 20th century, and has since captivated the scientific community.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The evidence, found in diverse geographical locations from the Eastern Alps to the UK, points towards a world that was dominated by wet conditions, fundamentally altering the course of life on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-sediment-layers-nbsp">Unusual sediment layers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The story began to unfold in the 1970s and 80s when geologists stumbled upon unusual sediment layers embedded within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-rock-weathering-is-a-co2-source-comparable-to-volcanoes/">ancient rocks</a>. </p>



<p>In the Eastern Alps, researchers found evidence of siliciclastic sedimentation - a deposit typically associated with water - within carbonate rocks. </p>



<p>Similarly, in the UK, geologist and forensic scientist Alastair Ruffell investigated a layer of gray rock deposited within the region's characteristic red stone.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dawn-of-the-dinosaurs-nbsp">The dawn of the dinosaurs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings indicated a sudden and prolonged increase in precipitation that coincided with the dawn of the age of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/">dinosaurs</a> - a time when these prehistoric giants began to diversify and flourish.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This correlation hinted at the possibility that the wet conditions could have been a catalyst for the evolutionary success of dinosaurs and other terrestrial fauna, marking a pivotal moment in Earth's biological history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-carnian-pluvial-event-nbsp">The Carnian Pluvial Event&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Carnian Pluvial Event, also known as the Carnian crisis, has left its mark in geological records across the globe, suggesting a widespread environmental impact.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The primary driver behind this extraordinary shift in climate appears to be a massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/">volcanic eruption</a> within the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province, stretching from south-central Alaska through the coast of British Columbia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Jacopo Dal Corso, a researcher involved in studying the event, highlighted the eruption's colossal impact on the atmosphere, with the discharge of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide triggering spikes in global warming. </p>



<p>This period of heightened volcanic activity coincided with Pangea, a supercontinent that dominated the Earth's landscape. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monsoon-conditions-were-intensified-nbsp">Monsoon conditions were intensified&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The geographical configuration of Pangea was already conducive to monsoon conditions, where moist air from the oceans would be drawn inland, cooling and precipitating as heavy rain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Paul Wignall of the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a> told New Scientist that the seas during this time were extraordinarily warm, comparing them the temperature of "hot soup." </p>



<p>This ocean heat would have exacerbated the conditions for more frequent and intense monsoons, leading to unprecedented rainfall over land.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-climate-changes-nbsp">Drastic climate changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, the Carnian Pluvial Event was not without its detrimental effects on life. Research published in the <a href="https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/full/10.1144/jgs2018-049#sec-6"><em>Journal of the Geological Society</em></a> paints a grim picture of the environmental challenges during this time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The volcanic eruptions that kickstarted this period were responsible for generating acid rain and releasing additional greenhouse gases, leading to rapid climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This "shock warming" had catastrophic effects, including the stripping of vegetation and soils, as well as causing ocean anoxia and acidification. Such harsh conditions resulted in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decaying-tree-roots-may-have-caused-mass-extinctions/">mass extinctions</a>, reshaping the ecological landscape.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the drastic climate changes of the Carnian Pluvial Event paved the way for new forms of life to emerge and diversify, setting the stage for the dominance of dinosaurs and other modern terrestrial fauna. </p>



<p>This event underscores the complex relationship between catastrophic environmental changes and evolutionary processes, offering valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth.</p>



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Earth endured over one million years of rain in the "Carnian Pluvial Event"

A period known as the Carnian Pluvial Event, which occurred...

<p>Coral reefs are vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with life. But they're facing a major threat: coral bleaching, triggered by rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rescue-underway-florida-is-battling-an-unprecedented-coral-bleaching-crisis/">water temperatures</a>. This phenomenon causes corals to expel the algae living within their tissues, leaving them vulnerable to death.</p>



<p>New research from <a href="https://english.gxu.edu.cn/">Guangxi University</a> reveals that microbes living within corals might hold the key to their survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-and-coral-bleaching">Microbes and coral bleaching</h2>



<p>Reefs are ecosystems built by tiny animals called corals. Microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae, live inside coral tissues in a mutually beneficial relationship.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These tiny microbes help the corals obtain nutrients, produce food using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/access-to-sunlight-is-critical-for-the-survival-of-coral-reefs/">sunlight</a>, and resist environmental damage. However, if the water temperature rises excessively, the corals expel the algae, causing them to lose their color and essential nutrients, known as coral bleaching.</p>



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



<p>The researchers studied the microscopic organisms residing within corals found in the South China Sea. The goal of the investigation was to determine how microbes may influence a reef's resistance to coral bleaching.</p>



<p>The team examined 18 different coral species and discovered patterns within the communities of microscopic organisms living inside them. These patterns were linked to the coral's susceptibility to bleaching.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study revealed that corals which are resistant to bleaching often have many heat-resistant Symbiodiniaceae in their tissues. This algae is essential for the coral's survival, as it helps them tolerate warmer water.</p>



<p>On the other hand, corals that are more prone to bleaching were found to have a wider variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-engage-in-more-conversations-after-rainfall/">fungi</a>, including some that might be harmful.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This finding indicates that the health of corals is strongly linked to the makeup of their microscopic companions. Corals with a diverse community of heat-resistant algae are better equipped to handle the challenges of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study highlights the ecological effects of microbiome dynamics and interactions between Symbiodiniaceae and fungi on coral thermal bleaching susceptibility, providing insights into the role of microorganisms and their interaction as drivers of interspecific differences in coral thermal bleaching,” explained study lead author Biao Chen, an assistant professor at Guangxi University.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-impacts-of-coral-bleaching">Far-reaching impacts of coral bleaching</h2>



<p>If coral bleaching becomes more frequent, it could have significant consequences for both the environment and human societies. Coral bleaching poses a threat to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dramatic-increase-in-shipping-traffic-threatens-marine-life/">marine life</a>, jobs, and even the safety of coastal communities.</p>



<p>Bleaching causes coral reefs to lose their richness and variety. This translates to fewer fish and other sea creatures, impacting the livelihoods of fishers and people who depend on the ocean for food.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Tourism, which thrives on the beauty and exploration of these vibrant underwater worlds, would also decline with increased bleaching events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, coral reefs act as natural barriers, protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-impacts-97-percent-of-the-worlds-coastline/">coastlines</a> from powerful waves and storms. Without this protection, beaches could erode, and coastal areas would be more vulnerable to storm damage.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-how-microbes-help-corals">Learning how microbes help corals</h2>



<p>The study emphasizes the importance of coral microbiome - the collective of microorganisms living with corals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The scientists propose creating a global database of coral reef microbial communities and conducting further research across various disciplines, including ecology, marine chemistry, and oceanography. This can provide deeper insights into how microbes can help coral reefs adapt and survive in a warming world.</p>



<p>The research provides a roadmap for developing new ways to save coral reefs, which could involve changing the makeup of the tiny organisms living inside them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.01939-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Applied and Environmental Microbiology</em></a>.</p>



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Microbes have a surprising influence on coral bleaching

Coral reefs are vibrant underwater ecosystems teeming with life. But...

Landscape,Of,Lake,Tahtarjavr,With,Transparent,Water,,Rocky,Bottom,And

<p>As the Arctic experiences unprecedented warming rates -- up to four times faster than the global average -- the repercussions on its environment, particularly in terms of rivers and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-rivers-could-unleash-carbon-equal-to-millions-of-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water flow distribution</a>, have become a focal point of scientific inquiry. </p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> have taken significant strides in demystifying these impacts. The team leveraged satellite data, field observations, and advanced numerical models to predict the Arctic's transformation over the next 80 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-the-arctic-s-transformation">Deciphering the Arctic's transformation</h2>



<p>The study, published in <em>The Cryosphere</em>, anticipates a warmer and wetter Arctic, with projections of up to 25% increase in runoff, a 30% rise in subsurface runoff, and a drier southern Arctic. </p>



<p>This comprehensive analysis offers an insightful glimpse into the future of this critical region's landscape and climate dynamics.</p>



<p>Permafrost, the Arctic's perennially frozen ground, is a key player in this ecological equation. It influences everything from seasonal water flows to the amount of carbon released into oceans. </p>



<p>However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-transforming-arctic-rivers-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accelerated warming</a> of the Arctic threatens to thaw these carbon-rich soils, potentially releasing significant amounts of carbon into rivers and the atmosphere annually. </p>



<p>This thawing not only impacts carbon release but also intensifies the water cycle, affecting precipitation, runoff, and evaporation patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-scenes-modeling-the-arctic-s-water-balance">Behind the Scenes: Modeling the Arctic's water balance</h2>



<p><a href="https://websites.umass.edu/mrawlins/research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Rawlins</a>, the lead author of the study and an associate professor at UMass Amherst, has dedicated two decades to developing the Permafrost Water Balance Model. </p>



<p>This model examines how the thawing permafrost and a thickening active layer -- a result of increased temperatures -- affect the region's hydrology. </p>



<p>Rawlins, alongside colleagues and collaborators, including <a href="https://web.uri.edu/geo/meet/ambarish-karmalkar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ambarish Karmalkar</a>, now at the <a href="https://www.uri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rhode Island</a>, used climate models to explore future scenarios ranging from moderate to high emissions.</p>



<p>The findings are revealing. A thicker active layer acts as a larger "bucket," storing more water and altering when and how water is released into the Arctic's rivers and streams. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-rivers-will-never-be-the-same">Arctic rivers will never be the same</h2>



<p>Specifically, the research predicts that the ground will not freeze as early in the year, leading to increased runoff to rivers in the fall and a significant rise in subsurface runoff by 2100. </p>



<p>“Our work shows that as precipitation intensifies, the water will be stored longer in thawed soils and released at a later time via subsurface pathways, instead of running off immediately into rivers and streams, as much of it does now," Rawlins explained.</p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-amplification-is-destabilizing-the-delicate-balance-of-the-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomenon</a> will predominantly affect northern parts of the Arctic, where evaporating water from an increasingly ice-free Arctic Ocean will also contribute to the changes.</p>



<p>Southern Arctic regions, on the other hand, are expected to dry out due to enhanced evaporation and plant transpiration. These shifts have profound implications for the Arctic's ecology and hydrology.  </p>



<p>Northern rivers, particularly the Ob, Yenisey, Lena, and Mackenzie, will carry more water from their northern stretches, potentially mobilizing ancient soil carbon into the Arctic Ocean. </p>



<p>This increased discharge could influence sea ice dynamics, the ecology of Arctic lagoons, and even the global climate by impacting ocean freshwater storage and the Atlantic meridional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/additional-heat-is-being-transferred-to-the-arctic-ocean-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overturning circulation</a>, crucial for Europe's temperate climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-and-conserving-arctic-rivers">Understanding and conserving Arctic rivers</h2>



<p>Rawlins underscores the need for further research to refine these predictions, saying, “More field observations are needed from the small- and medium-sized rivers near the Arctic coast to better understand how warming will alter the land-to-ocean transport of freshwater and, in turn, impact Arctic environments and the flora, fauna and Indigenous populations that call the region their home.”</p>



<p>This alarming study underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and highlights the interconnectedness of global systems. As the Arctic continues to warm, the effects will resonate beyond its borders, affecting global weather patterns, sea levels, and climate. </p>



<p>The work of Rawlins and his team is a clarion call to deepen our understanding of these processes and to mitigate the impacts of our changing world.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://tc.copernicus.org/articles/18/1033/2024/">The Cryosphere</a></em>.</p>



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Arctic rivers are undergoing dramatic change from thawing permafrost

As the Arctic experiences unprecedented warming rates -- up to...

<p>Imagine waking up from a winter nap to find that it's already spring. This has become the reality for many bats thanks to rising temperatures and climate change. </p>



<p>A study from the <a href="https://web.ub.edu/en/web/ub/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Barcelona</a> shows how bats are adjusting to shorter winters. This affects their sleep patterns, where they travel, and their job as nature's pest control.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-bat-hibernation">Climate change and bat hibernation</h2>



<p>Many bat species living in areas with moderate climates use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hibernation-may-be-key-to-extraordinary-longevity-in-bats/">hibernation</a> as a way to survive the winter. This is a difficult time for bats because their usual food source, insects, are not readily available. To deal with this, bats enter a state called torpor.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the state of torpor, the bats' body functions slow down significantly. Their body temperature drops, and they use much less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-power-has-won-the-prize-to-become-earths-main-source-of-energy/">energy</a> than usual. This allows the bats to live off the fat they stored up before winter and survive the cold months without needing to find food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schreiber-s-bent-winged-bats">Schreiber's bent-winged bats</h2>



<p>The Barcelona team studied Schreiber's bent-winged bats for 20 years to see how they cope with rising temperatures. They tracked the bats' weight and fat content throughout their hibernation cycle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers observed that these bats entered and exited hibernation weighing less over time, even though winter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a> became warmer during the study period. Interestingly, despite this weight loss, the bats didn't lose a significant amount of fat reserves.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earlier-spring-activity">Earlier spring activity</h2>



<p>As the Earth's temperature rises, winters are becoming milder and springs are starting earlier. This has led bats to wake up from their winter sleep sooner than usual. While this change might seem like a good thing at first, allowing them to be active for a longer period, it also comes with risks.</p>



<p>“The fat reserves they accumulate should be large enough to survive the whole winter without eating. However, due to shorter winters and higher temperatures, bats are not fattening up in autumn as they used to do years ago, because they do not need that much fat to get through the winter," explained Professor Jordi Serra-Cobo.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bats-are-hibernating-in-warmer-caves">Bats are hibernating in warmer caves</h2>



<p>In the past, bats preferred the cooler, deeper parts of caves to hibernate during winter. However, due to rising global temperatures, these areas are losing their coolness. As a result, bats are being forced to find cooler spots closer to cave entrances for their hibernation. </p>



<p>The shift in location exposes them to greater danger from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/butterflies-use-visual-and-behavioral-mimicry-to-avoid-predators/">predators</a>, like genets, who can more easily access these areas near the cave opening. This new challenge makes it even harder for bats to survive the winter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-on-pest-control">Potential impact on pest control</h2>



<p>As previously mentioned, bats are very important for keeping insect populations, including harmful pests and insects that spread diseases, under control.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Waking up early in spring could have a big impact on the life cycle of the insects they eat. If both the bats and the insects wake up earlier at the same time due to warmer weather, it might not affect how well the bats control pest populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This suggests that there is a complex balance in nature where changes in one animal's behavior due to climate change can affect other things in the environment, like pest control. However, unpredictable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/">weather</a> - especially an unexpected cold snap in the spring - could be dangerous for bats that wake up early because they won't have enough stored fat to survive.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varying-impacts-across-all-bat-species">Varying impacts across all bat species</h2>



<p>The experts found that different bat species are affected by climate change in different ways. Bats that live in areas like the Mediterranean, which are already warm, seem to be better able to handle climate change than bats in colder regions. This shows that climate change can have complicated effects on wildlife, with some animals being able to adapt to new conditions more easily than others.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching effects of climate change, even on resilient creatures like bats. As the world warms, understanding and addressing the complex challenges they face will be crucial to ensure their survival in a rapidly changing environment.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52459-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Climate change is waking bats up from hibernation too early

Imagine waking up from a winter nap to find that...

<p>Global carbon dioxide emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/">fossil fuels</a> reached an unprecedented level in 2023, according to an international team of experts. The researchers said the continued rise in emissions from the burning of oil, coal, and natural gas is impeding progress to limit global warming.</p>



<p>The Global Carbon Budget assessment serves as an annual health check for Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-are-disrupting-earths-largest-carbon-storage-source/">carbon cycle</a>. The analysis quantifies the carbon added to the atmosphere through fossil fuel combustion and land-use changes, alongside the carbon sequestered by terrestrial and marine ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-carbon-dioxide-from-fossil-fuels-nbsp">Global carbon dioxide from fossil fuels&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The preliminary analysis for 2023 unveiled a 1.1 percent increase in fossil fuel emissions over 2022, totaling 36.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When accounting for additional sources like deforestation and the severe wildfire season in Canada, the total emissions for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/">2023</a> were estimated at 40.9 billion metric tons. According to the analysis, both 2022 and 2023 saw record increases in carbon dioxide from fossil fuels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-concentration-of-carbon-dioxide-nbsp">Atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Ben Poulter, a co-author of the report and a scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, expressed concern over the trajectory of emissions, emphasizing that they are moving in the opposite direction needed to mitigate global warming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since the dawn of the industrial era in 1750, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has surged from approximately 278 parts per million to 420 parts per million in 2023, fueling a significant increase in Earth's surface temperature.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-year-on-record">Hottest year on record</h2>



<p>The year 2023 set a new record as the hottest year, with average temperatures reaching 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.1 degrees Fahrenheit) above the mid-20th-century baseline, predominantly due to the accumulation of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.</p>



<p>The team utilized NASA’s Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) to create visualizations that map carbon emissions and absorption across the globe, integrating data on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegetation-impacts-energy-movement-in-the-arctic/">vegetation</a>, human population density, and various infrastructural elements. </p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="y3PgqY2vL7-3448891-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-carbon-sinks">Natural carbon sinks</h2>



<p>“Amazingly, the ocean and land continue to absorb about half of the carbon we emit,” said Poulter. “Only about 44 percent of emissions stay in the atmosphere each year, slowing the rate of climate change, but causing ocean acidification and altering how land ecosystems function.”</p>



<p>Concerns are mounting over the enduring capacity of natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-can-flip-forests-from-carbon-sinks-to-carbon-sources/">carbon sinks</a>. A study led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2023 uncovered signs that the ocean's carbon storage capability is waning, potentially due to its prolonged role in absorbing carbon dioxide, along with alterations in global ocean circulation affecting deep-sea carbon sequestration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-carbon-budget-nbsp">The Global Carbon Budget&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Global Carbon Budget incorporates diverse data sources, including government and energy agency emissions inventories and satellite data from NASA’s OCO-2 instrument, to construct an exhaustive overview of the global carbon cycle.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While emissions have shown signs of decline in regions such as Europe and the United States, a global perspective reveals an overall rise, with significant increases noted in India and China.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-paris-agreement-nbsp">The Paris Agreement&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The implications of this trend are stark in the context of the Paris Agreement, established in December 2015. The goal of this international treaty is to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At the current rate of emissions, the analysis suggests a 50 percent chance of surpassing the 1.5°C threshold within approximately seven years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data">Greenhouse gas emissions data</h2>



<p>In response to these challenges, NASA and other U.S. federal agencies continue to collect and disseminate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ponds-release-more-greenhouse-gases-than-they-store/">greenhouse gas</a> emissions data, contributing to the establishment of the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This multi-agency initiative aims to consolidate observational and model-based information, providing a comprehensive resource for policymakers and decision-makers to navigate the complexities of climate change mitigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transitioning-away-from-fossil-fuels-nbsp">Transitioning away from fossil fuels&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Glen Peters is an expert in the Centre for International Climate Research (CICERO) in Norway. Just before the Global Carbon Budget report was released in December, Peters commented on the lack of significant progress in transitioning to clean energy. He recalled that scientists were optimistic in 2015, hoping that emission levels might peak.</p>



<p>“Yet, here we are again, with a new peak in 2022, and yet another peak expected again in 2023,” said Peters. “My concern is that we are doing half the job, growing clean energy, and not doing the other half of the job, transitioning away from fossil fuels.”</p>



<p>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Global carbon dioxide emissions hit a record high in 2023

Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels reached an unprecedented...

<p>In a new study from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, researchers have discovered that invasive plant species can lie dormant for extended periods - spanning decades to centuries - before abruptly proliferating and causing significant ecological damage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts scrutinized over 5,700 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">invasive plant species</a> across nine global regions, marking it as the most exhaustive study of its kind, according to senior author Mohsen Mesgaran, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-time-bombs-nbsp">Invasive time bombs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Mesgaran highlighted the deceptive nature of these dormant phases: “The longer it is dormant, we’re more likely to ignore it. This latency allows them to be overlooked, contributing to their eventual emergence as a serious invasive threat. They’re like invasive time bombs.”</p>



<p>The study's findings reveal that about one-third of the analyzed invasive plants underwent a significant lag between their introduction and sudden expansion, with an average dormancy period of 40 years.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dormant-invasive-plants">Dormant invasive plants</h2>



<p>The record for the longest dormancy was held by sycamore maples in the United Kingdom, clocking in at 320 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the United States, the common lawn weed <em>Plantago lanceolata</em>, also known as ribwort or buckhorn plantain, boasts the longest dormancy period. Introduced in 1822, this plant, detrimental to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/">livestock</a> and native flora, is now widespread across the country.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Another plant, velvetleaf, introduced as a potential fiber crop, can remain dormant for 50 years before spreading and threatening vital <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-corn-crops-could-have-higher-drought-tolerance/">crops</a> like corn and soybeans by depleting water and nutrients.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-problems-ahead">More problems ahead</h2>



<p>The experts argue that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-native-species-can-have-unexpected-benefits/">non-native species</a> introductions occur either accidentally or through deliberate importation for uses such as medicinal, ornamental, or agricultural purposes. In California alone, approximately 65% of invasive plants were introduced intentionally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This lag phase may have played a role,” Mesgaran said. “They didn’t know. With an increase in trade and transportation and tourism we’re going to have more problems.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waiting-for-favorable-conditions-nbsp">Waiting for favorable conditions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To compile their data, the researchers drew from global herbarium records, which are digitized and publicly accessible, to track the occurrence and timeline of these invasive species across various regions, including Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing these records and comparing climate conditions during dormant versus expansion phases, the team discovered that many species waited for or adapted to favorable conditions before spreading, indicating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/managing-invasive-species-can-improve-climate-resilience/">climate</a> plays a significant role in these invasions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dormancy-and-risk-assessment">Dormancy and risk assessment </h2>



<p>This knowledge is crucial for future pest management and invasion prevention strategies, suggesting that existing risk assessment models, which typically overlook dormant phases, need updating.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The problem is most of the models that we have for risk assessment to see if the species are going to be invasive and a pest problem in the future don’t account for this lag phase or this dormant phase,” Mesgaran said. “It’s not that they’re not going to be a problem, it’s just the calm before the storm.”</p>



<p>As the research progresses, the team plans to investigate how the native climates of these invasive species compare to their new environments, shedding further light on the mechanisms behind their spread and dormancy.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02313-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Time bombs: Invasive plants can lie dormant for centuries

In a new study from UC Davis, researchers have discovered...

<p>Have you ever thought of rivers as being living things? They gurgle, flow, and teem with life, but did you know they also "breathe"? Scientists at the <a href="https://www.pnnl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pacific Northwest National Laboratory</a> (PNNL) are delving into the process of river respiration. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, just like we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, rivers do the same through tiny organisms and organic matter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiration-process-in-rivers">Respiration process in rivers</h2>



<p>Rivers "breathe" through a complex series of chemical reactions carried out by tiny organisms like bacteria and algae. They absorb dissolved oxygen from the water, similar to how we breathe air.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-less-oxygen-could-extend-your-lifespan-by-50-or-more/">oxygen</a> fuels a process called decomposition, where they break down dead plants, algae, and animal waste in the river. This breakdown releases energy, which these organisms need to survive and grow, just like we get energy from food.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Rivers also release carbon dioxide back into the water, like humans do when we exhale. Importantly, this process releases essential nutrients - like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-farms-could-help-clean-up-coastal-nitrogen-pollution/">nitrogen</a> and phosphorus -&nbsp; that are vital for the growth of other organisms in the river.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The entire cycle, from oxygen absorption to nutrient release, is essential for maintaining healthy oxygen levels in the river and supporting a diverse range of life underwater.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-matter-as-fuel">Organic matter as fuel</h2>



<p>As previously mentioned, rivers contain tiny pieces of dead plants and animals, which is called organic matter. This organic matter acts as food for organisms in the water and helps keep the water clean and healthy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The type of organic matter present depends on various factors like how the land around the river is used, if there is any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-pollution-has-an-immediate-impact-on-blood-pressure/">pollution</a>, and if there have been any disturbances in the environment, both natural and human-caused.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the speed of breakdown depends on the type of matter. Some things, like wood and leaves, take longer to “digest." Knowing how fast things break down is important for keeping rivers healthy and usable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-does-river-respiration-occur">Where does river respiration occur?</h2>



<p>The location of the respiration can vary greatly. For instance, in the wide Columbia River, most of the river’s respiration happens in the water itself. The vast amount of water provides a large space for this process to take place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In smaller streams, however, the bottom sediment becomes the key location for microbial respiration. This is because the sediment is in direct contact with organic matter that sinks to the bottom, providing a rich food source for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-found-that-can-digest-plastic-in-freezing-temperatures/">microbes</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluctuations-in-river-respiration-nbsp">Fluctuations in river respiration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The size of the sediment particles also plays a role in how quickly respiration occurs. Larger rocks in the sediment create more space and surfaces for microbes to live and work on, potentially making respiration more efficient. The increased activity not only helps break down organic matter but also helps the river clean itself by breaking down pollutants.</p>



<p>Therefore, where and how much respiration happens in a river system is constantly changing and depends on both the physical features of the river, like the amount of water and the size of the sediment particles, and where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-management-can-save-corn-production-climate-change/">organic matter</a> is located.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-quality-management-nbsp">Water quality management&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research on the breakdown of organic matter in rivers has important implications for several areas. For example, it can help improve water quality management.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By understanding what factors influence how quickly organic matter decomposes, scientists and policymakers can develop better strategies for cleaning up rivers. They can identify the pollutants that break down the slowest and focus on removing those first.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-conservation-nbsp">River conservation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, the study can inform conservation efforts. If we know how rivers function, we can take better care of them. Healthy rivers provide clean water, habitat for fish and other wildlife, and help regulate nutrients.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Understanding what principles regulate processes and how they work across systems is a key goal of our work," explained PNNL Earth scientist Allison Myers-Pigg.</p>



<p>"This knowledge provides a foundation for building models that can predict the future health of streams and rivers, including how they might be impacted by big disturbances. Without this knowledge, we cannot make accurate predictions."&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2023.1169701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Water</em></a>.</p>



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River respiration is a lot like breathing in humans

Have you ever thought of rivers as being living things?...

<p>Deep in the Arctic, beluga whales gather in vibrant groups and rely heavily on their social bonds for survival.</p>



<p>In a new study published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2024.1359429"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a>, experts reveal that rising ocean temperatures are disrupting the vital social structures of beluga whales.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-lives-of-beluga-whales">Social lives of beluga whales</h2>



<p>Beluga whales are medium-sized, white whales that live in the cold waters of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-soil-plays-a-major-role-in-fighting-climate-change/">Arctic</a> and sub-Arctic regions. They are known for the distinctive bulges on their foreheads called melons and their diverse vocalizations, which earned them the nickname "canaries of the sea."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beluga whales live in groups called pods, which can be small or large, with hundreds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-whales-contribute-to-carbon-capture/">whales</a> gathering during migrations or when food is plentiful. Belugas communicate with each other using a wide variety of sounds to help them navigate, hunt, and stay together in the dark waters of their habitat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-in-groups-nbsp">Living in groups&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Living in groups is essential for the whales. It protects them from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coyotes-move-into-towns-to-avoid-predators-only-to-be-killed-by-humans/">predators</a>, helps them find food more efficiently, and allows them to raise their young together.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Young whales learn important skills like hunting and navigation by watching and copying other whales in their group. These strong social bonds and cooperative behaviors show how important it is to protect the beluga whales' habitat.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-studying-beluga-whales">Challenges in studying beluga whales</h2>



<p>Studying beluga whales in the Arctic is difficult because of their remote location and harsh environment. Traditional research methods are expensive, require a lot of work, and only cover small areas, which means scientists might not get all the information they need.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research introduces a new way to study beluga whales using deep learning, a type of artificial intelligence. Scientists trained computers to analyze high-resolution satellite images using a specific technique called Deep Convolutional Neural Networks. This allowed them to identify groups of beluga whales directly from space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the researchers also acknowledge the limitation of the model. "Unfortunately, in areas where icebergs of similar size to beluga whales were present, the accuracy of the models was not good (less than 50% accuracy), and the images were photo-interpreted to detect beluga whales manually," explain the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-temperature-and-changing-social-habits">Ocean temperature and changing social habits</h2>



<p>During the summer, beluga whales gather in large groups for feeding and socializing. The researchers observed that these groups became smaller as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-hit-a-record-high-this-week-with-the-worst-heat-still-to-come/">ocean temperature</a> increased. This pattern was consistent across all 11 beluga whale populations studied, suggesting a widespread trend.</p>



<p>The researchers also analyzed the data statistically and confirmed a negative relationship between water temperature and group size. They measured the minimum distance between individual whales within the groups and found that this distance increased as the water temperature became warmer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-predictions">Alarming predictions</h2>



<p>The study predicts that rising ocean temperatures due to climate change will pose significant challenges for beluga whales. The research suggests that the ocean temperatures in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions could rise by up to 3°C by the end of the century.</p>



<p>"This could, in turn, push their distribution patterns towards cooler southern areas, overlapping with northward distribution shifts of other marine mammal species, increasing habitat and resource competition or even leading to drastic population depletion, depending on species ability to adapt to new climate scenarios," the team noted.</p>



<p>The study highlights the need to understand how beluga whales will adapt to these changes. Whether they can find new habitats, adjust their migration patterns, or even change their diet will be crucial for their survival. If they are unable to adapt, the study warns of drastic population declines.</p>



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



<p>"Under this scenario, we recommend a prompt and global reduction of gas emissions and the protection of beluga whale territories from marine traffic if we wish to preserve this vulnerable species," said the researchers.</p>



<p>The experts suggest a comprehensive strategy to help beluga whales survive. It is vital to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ponds-release-more-greenhouse-gases-than-they-store/">greenhouse gases</a> to slow global warming. We must also limit our impact on the marine environment, boost research, promote global cooperation, and engage local communities to safeguard belugas.</p>



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Beluga whales are losing their social bonds as temperatures rise

Deep in the Arctic, beluga whales gather in vibrant groups...

<p>The 1986 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chernobyl-wolves-have-evolved-resistance-to-cancer/">Chernobyl</a> nuclear disaster indelibly marked the region as the most radioactive environment on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-discovered-a-massive-planet-too-big-for-its-sun/">planet</a>, leading to the mass evacuation of humans. Despite the high radiation levels that persist nearly four decades later, a diverse array of flora and fauna continues to inhabit the area.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NYU</a> has shed light on the remarkable genetic resilience of microscopic worms in the Chernobyl zone. While it does not indicate that the area is safe, this finding underscores the extraordinary adaptability of these organisms to extreme conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chernobyl-radiation-and-wildlife">Chernobyl radiation and wildlife</h2>



<p>The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, encompassing an area within an 18.6-mile radius of the power plant in northern Ukraine, has become a living laboratory for scientists studying the impacts of prolonged radiation exposure on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/">wildlife</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observations have revealed that animals within the zone exhibit distinct physical and genetic characteristics compared to those living in less contaminated environments. This has propelled scientific inquiry into how chronic radiation exposure influences DNA.</p>



<p>“Chernobyl was a tragedy of incomprehensible scale, but we still don't have a great grasp on the effects of the disaster on local populations. Did the sudden environmental shift select for species, or even individuals within a species, that are naturally more resistant to ionizing radiation?” said lead author Sophia Tintori, a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Biology at NYU.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-worms-that-live-fast">Tiny worms that live fast</h2>



<p>The research team, seeking answers, focused their efforts on nematodes - tiny worms noted for their simplistic genomes and rapid life cycles, which render them particularly valuable for fundamental biological research.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These worms live everywhere, and they live quickly, so they go through dozens of generations of evolution while a typical vertebrate is still putting on its shoes,” explained senior author Matthew Rockman, a professor of biology at NYU.</p>



<p>“I had seen footage of the exclusion zone and was surprised by how lush and overgrown it looked - I'd never thought of it as teeming with life,” Tintori added. “If I want to find worms that are particularly tolerant to radiation exposure, this is a landscape that might have already been selected for that.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-tolerance-to-radiation">Enhanced tolerance to radiation</h2>



<p>This prompted Tintori to consider the possibility that the area might have naturally selected for organisms with an enhanced tolerance to radiation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To explore this hypothesis, the research team, including collaborators from Ukraine and the United States such as biologist Timothy Mousseau of the <a href="https://sc.edu/">University of South Carolina</a>, embarked on a field expedition to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in 2019.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Equipped with Geiger counters and protective gear, they meticulously collected worm samples from various locations, encountering radiation levels ranging from minimal to extremely high.</p>



<p>Upon collecting the samples, the researchers transported them to Mousseau’s field lab in Chernobyl for initial analysis. They then continued their examinations in a hotel in Kyiv, isolating and cultivating nematodes using travel microscopes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Back at NYU, the team leveraged cryopreservation techniques to halt the worms' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/">evolution</a>, allowing for a comparative analysis of specimens that had experienced different evolutionary histories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-resilience-of-chernobyl-worms">Genetic resilience of Chernobyl worms</h2>



<p>The investigation centered on 15 worms of the species <em>Oscheius tipulae</em>, known for its relevance in genetic and evolutionary research. </p>



<p>By sequencing the genomes of these Chernobyl worms and comparing them to those of <em>O. tipulae</em> from other regions, the researchers anticipated uncovering radiation-induced genetic alterations. However, their findings did not support this hypothesis.</p>



<p>“This doesn't mean that Chornobyl is safe - it more likely means that nematodes are really resilient animals and can withstand extreme conditions,” said Tintori. “We also don’t know how long each of the worms we collected was in the Zone, so we can't be sure exactly what level of exposure each worm and its ancestors received over the past four decades.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chernobyl-worms-were-not-phased-by-radiation">Chernobyl worms were not phased by radiation</h2>



<p>Intrigued by the absence of a genetic signature from radiation, the team devised an experiment to assess the worms' growth rates and sensitivity to various types of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sexual-competition-drives-male-beetles-to-neglect-dna-repair/">DNA damage</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite observing differences in DNA damage tolerance among the worm lineages, these variations did not align with the radiation levels at their collection sites, suggesting that the Chernobyl nematodes had not evolved a specific resistance to radiation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-repair-mechanisms-nbsp">DNA repair mechanisms&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This groundbreaking research not only highlights the nematodes' resilience but also paves the way for future studies into DNA repair mechanisms across different organisms, including humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Now that we know which strains of <em>O. tipulae</em> are more sensitive or more tolerant to DNA damage, we can use these strains to study why different individuals are more likely than others to suffer the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-seeds-toxic-carcinogen/">carcinogens</a>,” Tintori explained.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>As Tintori points out, contemplating individual variability in response to environmental DNA-damaging agents enriches our understanding of personal cancer risk factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study - published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2314793121"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a> - not only contributes to the field of evolutionary biology and genetics but also offers insights into human health, emphasizing the significance of genetic research in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities to environmental carcinogens.</p>



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Chernobyl is teeming with worms resistant to radiation

The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster indelibly marked the region as...

<p>Cavum clouds, often referred to as hole-punch or fallstreak holes, present a compelling and mysterious spectacle in the sky, drawing the gaze of onlookers below.</p>



<p>These atmospheric phenomena, characterized by large, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cavum-clouds_hole-punch-clouds_resemble-ufo_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circular openings in the clouds</a>, with delicate, feathery trails within, have sparked imaginations and fueled speculation about their origins, including theories of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cavum-clouds_hole-punch-clouds_resemble-ufo_closeup_nasa_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UFOs and extraterrestrial activity</a>.</p>



<p>However, the true explanation behind these mesmerizing cloud holes is both terrestrial and thoroughly scientific.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-holes-the-cavum-cloud-phenomenon">Cloud holes: The cavum cloud phenomenon</h2>



<p>An impressive example of cavum clouds was observed over the Gulf of Mexico near Florida's west coast on January 30, 2024. </p>



<p>Captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (<a href="https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MODIS</a>) aboard NASA's Terra satellite, this image provides a stunning view from above, showcasing the natural beauty and complexity of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-have-been-found-in-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud</a> formations.</p>



<p>The intrigue surrounding cavum clouds has been a topic of scientific discourse since the 1940s, with various hypotheses proposed over the decades. </p>



<p>However, it wasn't until a comprehensive study conducted by scientists from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (<a href="https://www.ucar.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCAR</a>) and their colleagues, including those from NASA’s Langley Research Center, that a definitive explanation was provided. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-spectacle">Science behind the spectacle</h2>



<p>Published in 2010 and 2011, their research demonstrated that these cloud formations are caused by aircraft, dispelling more fantastical theories.</p>



<p>Altocumulus clouds are mid-level <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a> consisting of supercooled liquid water droplets. Supercooling occurs when water droplets remain liquid even at temperatures below water's typical freezing point, due to their purity and absence of particles like dust or pollen that would normally initiate ice formation. </p>



<p>This phenomenon is relatively common in the Earth's atmosphere, particularly within altocumulus clouds, which cover approximately 8% of the Earth's surface at any given time and are mostly composed of droplets supercooled to around -15°C.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-airplanes-influence-cloud-formations">How airplanes influence cloud formations</h2>



<p>The formation of cavum clouds is initiated when airplanes disrupt these delicate atmospheric conditions. As aircraft move through these clouds, the air around their wings and propellers undergoes adiabatic expansion, cooling the water droplets further, sometimes by more than 20°C. </p>



<p>This cooling can prompt the supercooled droplets to freeze, starting a chain reaction where ice crystals form and grow, eventually becoming heavy enough to fall. </p>



<p>This process leaves behind a void in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-co2-levels-stratus-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud layer</a>, with the falling ice crystals creating the wispy trails known as virga visible in the center of the cavum.</p>



<p>The UCAR-led research, utilizing aircraft flight data, satellite observations, and weather models, revealed the dynamics of how these cloud holes form and their duration. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-factors-that-cause-cloud-holes">Environmental factors that cause cloud holes</h2>



<p>The study found that the shape and size of the cavum depend on the angle at which planes intersect the cloud layer -- sharp angles produce small, circular cavum, while shallow angles result in elongated "canal clouds" adorned with virga trails.</p>



<p>Factors such as the cloud layer's thickness, air temperature, and the degree of horizontal wind shear also play roles in creating these cloud holes. </p>



<p>The researchers' analysis indicated that aircraft of various types, from large passenger jets to turboprops, are capable of creating cavum and canal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-shards-in-antarctic-clouds-heat-up-the-southern-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a>. </p>



<p>With over a thousand flights arriving daily at airports like Miami International, the skies are ripe with opportunities for the formation of these fascinating cloud structures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-nature-and-technology-collide">When nature and technology collide</h2>



<p>In summary, the captivating spectacle of cavum clouds, once shrouded in mystery and speculation, now stands as a testament to the fascinating interplay between natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-pollen-may-help-clouds-form-impacting-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric conditions</a> and human aviation activities. </p>



<p>Through the diligent efforts of scientists and researchers, we've unraveled the secrets behind these ethereal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-clouds-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud formations</a>, revealing the intricate processes that give rise to their beauty. </p>



<p>This exploration not only demystifies the phenomenon but also enriches our appreciation for the delicate balance between our technological endeavors and the natural world, inviting us to look up and marvel at the unexpected artistry unfolding in the sky above.</p>



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



<p>NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/gallery/modis-moderate-resolution-imaging-spectroradiometer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MODIS</a>, stands as a pivotal instrument in the realm of Earth observation. Mounted aboard two of NASA's satellites, Terra and Aqua, MODIS provides an unparalleled vantage point for monitoring our planet's atmosphere, oceans, and land. </p>



<p>Since its first launch in 1999 on Terra and subsequently on Aqua in 2002, MODIS has been capturing the Earth's dynamic beauty and the subtle interplays within its ecosystems, offering invaluable data to scientists and researchers around the globe.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-modis">Science behind MODIS</h3>



<p>MODIS operates with a precision that allows it to capture data in 36 spectral bands, ranging from visible to thermal infrared wavelengths. This wide spectrum enables the detection of various indicators, such as chlorophyll levels in oceans, atmospheric water vapor, and land cover changes. </p>



<p>By providing comprehensive coverage of the Earth's surface every one to two days, MODIS plays a crucial role in tracking environmental changes over time, aiding in the understanding of global dynamics and environmental processes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributions-to-science-and-humanity">Contributions to science and humanity</h3>



<p>The impact of MODIS extends far beyond mere observation. Its data has been instrumental in enhancing our understanding of climate change, detecting and monitoring wildfires, assessing the health of agricultural lands, and tracking the spread of harmful algal blooms. </p>



<p>Furthermore, MODIS's ability to observe phytoplankton in the ocean contributes to our understanding of the oceanic carbon cycle, crucial for assessing the health of marine ecosystems. </p>



<p>Its versatility and breadth of vision make MODIS an essential tool for environmental management and disaster response, providing actionable insights to policymakers and emergency responders alike.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-modis">The legacy of MODIS</h3>



<p>As we continue to face environmental challenges, the importance of instruments like MODIS cannot be overstated. Through its lens, we gain a broader perspective of our planet's beauty and intricacies while gathering the critical data needed to protect and preserve our home.</p>



<p>The legacy of MODIS, therefore, lies not just in the data it has collected over the years, but in its contribution to fostering a deeper connection and understanding between humanity and the Earth we inhabit. </p>



<p>NASA’s MODIS (or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) is a key instrument aboard the&nbsp;<a href="http://terra.nasa.gov/">Terra</a>&nbsp;(originally known as EOS AM-1) and&nbsp;<a href="http://aqua.nasa.gov/">Aqua</a>&nbsp;(originally known as EOS PM-1) satellites.</p>



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NASA captures mysterious holes in cloud formations that resemble UFOs

Cavum clouds, often referred to as hole-punch or fallstreak holes,...

Arctic,Summer

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a> alerts us to the possibility of experiencing virtually ice-free summers in the Arctic within just a few years. </p>



<p>The research indicates that the Arctic may witness its first day without significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/less-ice-and-more-sunlight-may-drastically-alter-the-arctic-ocean/">ice</a> much sooner than past models, which estimated ice-free periods of a month or longer, had predicted. </p>



<p>This shift could happen over a decade earlier than previously thought, and this pattern holds true across all potential future emissions scenarios.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-free-months-in-the-arctic-nbsp">Ice-free months in the Arctic&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By the 2050s, it's expected that the Arctic will endure a whole month each September, the time of lowest sea ice, without its characteristic floating ice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By the century's close, depending on the trajectory of global emissions, the region could see several months each year without ice, with a high-emission scenario possibly leading to a consistently ice-free state even during some winter months.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-reduction-in-sea-ice">Drastic reduction in sea ice</h2>



<p>However, "ice-free" in scientific terms doesn't imply a complete absence of ice. The term is used when sea ice extent falls below one million square kilometers -- a drastic reduction from the seasonal minimum coverage of the 1980s, which was less than 20% of its former extent. Recently, September sea ice levels have hovered around 3.3 million square kilometers.</p>



<p>Leading the study, Alexandra Jahn, an associate professor at CU Boulder, delved into sea ice projections and utilized climate models to evaluate future daily changes in Arctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/">sea ice</a> coverage. The findings suggest the Arctic could experience days with less than one square kilometer of sea ice much earlier than indicated by monthly averages - up to 18 years sooner in some projections.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-arctic-s-ice-free-days">Predicting the Arctic's ice-free days</h2>



<p>Jahn emphasizes the importance of predicting these first ice-free days, which will be evident in daily satellite data, to understand the changes occurring in the Arctic. She projects that, under every emissions scenario, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-ocean-was-filled-with-freshwater-at-least-twice-in-history/">Arctic Ocean</a> might face its first ice-free day between the late 2020s and the 2030s, likely in late August or early September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-shrinking-sea-ice">Consequences of shrinking sea ice</h2>



<p>The decline in sea ice, largely driven by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, not only accelerates the Arctic's warming by reducing the reflective snow and ice cover but also threatens Arctic wildlife dependent on sea ice, like seals and polar bears.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The potential invasion of non-native fish species into the warming Arctic waters and their impact on local ecosystems is a growing concern too. Furthermore, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-improve-well-being-in-coastal-communities/">coastal communities</a> face increased risks from larger ocean waves and coastal erosion as sea ice recedes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fate-of-the-arctic-depends-on-emissions">Fate of the Arctic depends on emissions</h2>



<p>Jahn points out that while an ice-free Arctic seems inevitable, the frequency of such conditions will depend on future emission levels. An intermediate emissions pathway, which mirrors our current course, might limit ice-free periods to late summer and early fall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the highest emissions scenario could result in the Arctic being ice-free for as long as nine months by the end of the century, marking a significant transformation of the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aggressive-climate-action-is-needed">Aggressive climate action is needed</h2>



<p>Despite these daunting projections, there's a silver lining: Arctic sea ice has the capacity to recover quickly with atmospheric cooling.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Unlike the ice sheet in Greenland that took thousands of years to build, even if we melt all the Arctic sea ice, if we can then figure out how to take CO2 back out of the atmosphere in the future to reverse warming, sea ice will come back within a decade,” Jahn said. </p>



<p>This resilience highlights the critical need for aggressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ipcc-climate-action-urgently-needed-to-end-human-suffering/">climate action</a> to mitigate and potentially reverse these changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-and-conservation-efforts">Future implications and conservation efforts</h2>



<p>In summary, the University of Colorado Boulder's recent study forecasts the alarming possibility of experiencing ice-free summers in the Arctic within the next few years, marking a significant acceleration in the loss of sea ice compared to previous projections. </p>



<p>Highlighting the dire implications of this trend across all future emission scenarios, the research underscores the crucial role of greenhouse gas emissions in exacerbating sea ice melt and the subsequent wide-ranging effects on Arctic wildlife, local communities, and global ecosystems. </p>



<p>Despite the grim outlook, the study offers a glimmer of hope, noting the resilience of Arctic sea ice and its potential for recovery if effective measures to reduce atmospheric CO2 are implemented. </p>



<p>This pivotal research advances our understanding of climate dynamics in the Arctic and emphasizes the urgent need for sustained environmental stewardship to mitigate the impacts of climate change.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natrevearthenviron/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Reviews: Earth &amp; Environment</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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The Arctic will be ice-free in only a few more years, much sooner than once thought

A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder...

<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.monash.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University</a> have unveiled startling data concerning the global impact of short-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/">air pollution</a>. The study has revealed that a shocking number of premature deaths can be attributed to short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that breathing in PM2.5 for even a few hours, and up to a few days, results in more than a million premature deaths worldwide every year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-the-focus-to-short-term-pollution">Shifting the focus to short-term pollution</h2>



<p>The study, led by Professor Yuming Guo, underscores the lethal consequences of brief episodes of high air pollution.</p>



<p>This revelation shifts the focus from the long-term effects of persistent air pollution, which have been extensively studied, to the equally deadly but less understood short-term spikes in PM2.5 levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-pollution-exposure">Short-term pollution exposure</h2>



<p>The experts analyzed mortality and PM2.5 pollution levels across more than 13,000 cities and towns globally over two decades, up until 2019. </p>



<p>The results highlight the urgent need for addressing air pollution not just as a chronic urban challenge but as an acute threat that can arise suddenly and with devastating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oil-and-gas-production-linked-to-77-billion-in-annual-health-care-costs/">health impacts</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers found that over 50% of the deaths attributable to short-term PM2.5 exposure occur in Eastern Asia, presenting a significant public health challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-greatest-mortality-burden-nbsp">The greatest mortality burden&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Asia, as the study indicates, bears the brunt of the mortality burden, with approximately 65.2% of global deaths due to short-term PM2.5 exposure. Africa follows with 17.0%, Europe with 12.1%, the Americas with 5.6%, and Oceania with a minimal 0.1%.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These statistics underscore a disproportionate impact on Asia and Africa, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in these regions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-interventions-needed-in-urban-areas">Public health interventions needed in urban areas</h2>



<p>The experts also determined that more than one fifth (22.74%) of the short-term exposure-related deaths occurred in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-nature-affect-human-health-in-urban-areas/">urban areas</a>. This underscores the lethal synergy of high population densities and air pollution spikes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cities and towns, often scenes of dramatic pollution episodes due to landscape fires, dust storms, or industrial emissions, emerge as critical areas for public health interventions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-related-air-pollution">Fire-related air pollution</h2>



<p>The team also pinpointed the specific challenges that are faced by different regions. For example, while most areas in Australia experienced a slight decrease in the number of deaths attributable to short-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fine-particle-pollution-may-cause-children-to-develop-asthma/">PM2.5 exposure</a>, the fraction of deaths attributable to such exposure has actually increased.</p>



<p>This is potentially due to the rising frequency and intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/">bushfire events</a>, like those experienced during the "Black Summer" of 2019-20.</p>



<p>Professor Guo said these megafires were estimated to have led to 429 smoke-related premature deaths and 3,230 hospital admissions as a result of acute and persistent exposure to extremely high levels of bushfire-related air pollution. </p>



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



<p>To mitigate the acute health damages of high PM2.5 concentrations, there is a need for targeted interventions. These could include air-pollution warning systems, community evacuation plans, and public health initiatives designed to minimize exposure during pollution spikes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such strategies not only acknowledge the immediate dangers posed by high pollution levels but also represent a critical step toward safeguarding public health in the face of environmental challenges.</p>



<p>“Understanding the mortality burden associated with short-term exposure toPM2.5 in such areas is crucial for mitigating the negative effects of air pollution on the urban population," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(24)00003-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Lancet Planetary Health</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Short-term pollution claims more than one million lives per year

Researchers from Monash University have unveiled startling data concerning the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



<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>



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



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



<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 id="block-1f9a227a-ec37-4140-81b8-ffa4a7cc6689">-----</p>



<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>



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<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



<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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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
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<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"

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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>



<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>

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

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

<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>



<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>

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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