<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.



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.



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



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>). 



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



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



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.



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



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. 



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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. 



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.



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.



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



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>. 



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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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...

Imagine a world without pharmacies, where expecting mothers have to find the nutrients they need scattered across the landscape. This is the reality for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-read-the-emotions-and-signs-of-well-being-in-wild-animals/">wild animals</a> like muskoxen, which rely on knowledge of their environment to find the essential minerals crucial for healthy pregnancies.&nbsp;



A recent study by researchers at <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> reveals how these iconic creatures utilize the chemical makeup of the Arctic to thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muskoxen-and-their-significance-nbsp">Muskoxen and their significance&nbsp;</h2>



Muskoxen, with their thick fur and impressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperature-tolerance-has-co-evolved-with-sexual-selection/">horns</a>, are well-known residents of the harsh Arctic environment. They've been around for thousands of years and are perfectly suited to the extreme cold.&nbsp;



These animals play two important roles in the Arctic. First, they consume plants, which helps control the types of plants that grow there and creates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-koala-habitats-face-an-escalating-threat-of-bushfires/">habitats</a> for other animals. Moreover, they are important to the cultures of Indigenous people in the Arctic, who use them for food, clothing, and other purposes.&nbsp;



Unfortunately, muskoxen face several challenges. Climate change is making it harder for them to find food and water. To help muskoxen survive, scientists are studying how things like the minerals in the soil affect their ability to reproduce. This information can be used to create better strategies for protecting these iconic animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trace-elements-in-the-arctic">Trace elements in the Arctic</h2>



The researchers measured the levels of different elements, both helpful and harmful, in the plants that muskoxen eat. They then compared this information to how well muskoxen reproduced in various areas. This allowed the experts to identify which elements had the biggest impact.&nbsp;



“Usually researchers look at the quality of the plants that the animals forage on. They measure major components of the plants such as nitrogen. But we dig a little deeper," explained senior researcher Floris M. van Beest from the Aarhus Department of Ecoscience.



"We look at trace elements such as copper and selenium in the plants, but also if they are present in the ground beneath the plants."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essential-elements-for-muskoxen">Essential elements for muskoxen</h2>



The results showed that certain elements found in plants are essential for healthy muskoxen populations in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-dipole-the-atmospheric-pattern-shaping-our-future-climate/">Arctic</a>. These elements, like nitrogen, copper, selenium, and molybdenum, play important roles in the animals' bodies.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen">Nitrogen</h3>



Nitrogen is needed to build proteins, which are used for muscle development, hormone production, and fighting off disease. If there isn't enough nitrogen in the plants muskoxen eat, they won't be able to grow and reproduce healthily.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-copper-and-muskoxen">Copper and muskoxen</h3>



Copper helps muskoxen produce energy, use iron, and protect their cells from damage. If muskoxen don't get enough copper, they may have problems reproducing, growing, and fighting off illness.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-selenium">Selenium</h3>



Selenium protects muskoxen cells from damage and helps their thyroid glands work properly, which is important for growth and reproduction.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molybdenum">Molybdenum</h3>



Molybdenum helps muskoxen use nitrogen and build certain important molecules. While it's not usually a problem, having the right amount of molybdenum in the environment ensures muskoxen have access to the nutrients they need.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muskoxen-and-non-essential-elements">Muskoxen and non-essential elements</h2>



The researchers also examined the potential harm caused by non-essential elements like arsenic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-appear-to-be-unaffected-by-lead-contaminated-soil/">lead</a>. These elements, although naturally occurring, can also be released into the environment by human activities like mining and industry.&nbsp;



While not crucial for life, non-essential elements can be poisonous in high amounts. For muskoxen, exposure to high levels of these elements in their environment can lead to various health problems, including difficulty reproducing, slower growth, and fewer calves surviving.



"In some areas we found arsenic and lead and we know that it can reduce the reproductive success of the muskoxen. However, we did not find a causal effect here. Normally it would cause the reproductive organs to collapse, but there are still muskoxen present, so somehow they found a way to survive," said Beest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-access-to-food">Reduced access to food</h2>



It is important to note that the measured levels were unlikely to directly harm the muskoxen's reproductive organs. Instead, the observed effects may be caused by other factors, such as limited access to food due to heavy snow.



During winter, deep snow can make it harder for muskoxen to find food, forcing them to search in areas with less desirable food sources, which might have higher concentrations of arsenic and lead.&nbsp;



This increased exposure to these contaminants can harm the health and reproduction of muskoxen, leading to fewer calves being born and surviving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variation-of-muskoxen-over-time">Variation of muskoxen over time</h2>



The experts found that muskoxen don't use the same areas every year, and their choices seem to depend on what's available and what the environment is like that year.&nbsp;



Additionally, muskoxen don't seem to use all the available nutrients equally, suggesting they have preferences or needs for specific ones.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that understanding how muskoxen choose their habitat is more complex than just looking at where nutrients are. Factors such as snow cover, plants, and competition with other animals likely also play a role.



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



The research shows how the environment's chemical makeup can affect the health of wild animal populations. It reminds us that keeping these environments healthy requires considering both living things and the chemicals present.



The study also suggests that climate change might affect the balance of chemicals in the environment, which could harm wildlife. Understanding this connection is important for predicting and reducing the negative effects of climate change on various animal species.



Policies and land management practices should consider the chemicals present in animal habitats. Protecting areas with essential nutrients and limiting exposure to harmful ones could be crucial for protecting wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



This research paves the way for more studies on how the chemical makeup of environments, or "geochemical landscapes," might affect the health of various wild animals.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that this could be important not just for the specific species studied, but also for many different animals living in different types of environments.



“Not every animal needs the same amount of elements. But you can use the approach in other areas," said Dr. Beest. "Now we know a little more about how these elements are spread through the ecosystem and how they affect the animals. Next step would be to use the same approach to map out other areas in Europe."



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166567" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of the Total Environment</a>.



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Minerals in the ground affect reproductive success in muskoxen

Imagine a world without pharmacies, where expecting mothers have to...

Iceland,,Hot,Springs,In,The,Mountains

In the vast tapestry of Earth's ecosystems, a fascinating discovery has emerged from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-soil-boosts-crop-growth-by-over-50/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil beneath our feet</a>, challenging long-held beliefs and uncovering the intricate dance of microbial life and climate.



Nestled within the soil, a realm teeming with microscopic life, researchers at the Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (<a href="https://cmess.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CeMESS</a>) at the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a> have unveiled a surprising truth.



As our planet warms, the diversity of active soil bacteria flourishes. This revelation, marks a pivotal shift in our understanding of the global carbon cycle and the hidden forces that may shape our climate's future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symphony-of-microbial-life">Symphony of microbial life</h2>



Imagine, if you will, a subarctic grassland in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-captures-eruption-of-icelands-svartsengi-volcano-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iceland</a>, a place where geothermal warmth has cradled the soil in an embrace 6°C warmer than its surroundings for over half a century. 



Here, scientists embarked on a journey, delving into the soil to uncover the mysteries of microbial life. Through their innovative use of isotope probing techniques, they unearthed a vibrant community of bacteria, previously dormant, now awakened by the warmth.



The study's lead, Andreas Richter, likens the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-soil-sequesters-carbon-from-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil</a> to "Earth's largest reservoir of organic carbon," a domain where microorganisms reign supreme, orchestrating the breakdown of organic matter and the release of carbon dioxide. 



This process, vital to the global carbon cycle, has long been thought to accelerate under the influence of rising temperatures -- a harbinger of increased carbon emissions and a catalyst for climate change. Yet, this new research turns such assumptions on their head.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-unexpected-diversity">Tale of unexpected diversity</h2>



The findings reveal a narrative not of doom but of complexity and adaptation. Dennis Metze, a PhD student and primary author, observed that decades of consistent warming have indeed spurred the growth of microbial life in the soil community level. 



However, contrary to expectations, the growth rates of these microbes remained consistent with those in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-soil-plays-a-major-role-in-fighting-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooler soils</a>. The real twist? Warmer soils boasted a significantly richer tapestry of bacterial life.



This diversity is more than a mere curiosity. It represents a fundamental rethinking of how microbial communities respond to climate change. 



Christina Kaiser, associate professor at the CeMESS, emphasizes the challenge of predicting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-dark-earth-could-revolutionize-forest-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil microbiome</a>'s reaction to a warming world.



"Understanding the complexities of the soil microbiome's reaction to climate change has been a considerable challenge, often rendering it a 'black box' in climate modeling," adds Kaiser.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enriching-our-understanding-of-microbial-life-in-soil">Enriching our understanding of microbial life in soil</h2>



For the layperson, gardeners, and farmers alike, understanding the dynamic responses of microbial life in soild to temperature changes is crucial. 



This knowledge can guide sustainable agricultural practices and soil management strategies, ensuring the health and productivity of the land. 



Furthermore, it underscores the importance of preserving our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-salinity-disrupts-the-development-of-wheat-seedlings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soils</a> and diverse ecosystems, which may hold the key to mitigating climate change impacts.



While the study from the University of Vienna stands as a cornerstone, the quest for knowledge continues. Researchers around the globe are urged to explore the multifaceted roles of soil bacteria in different environments, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. 



Each ecosystem offers a unique piece of the puzzle, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of our planet's biological and climatic intricacies.



As we stand at the precipice of potential climate calamity, discoveries like the changing diversity of microbial life in soil invite us to marvel at the resilience and complexity of life on Earth. 



They remind us that even in the face of adversity, life finds a way to adapt, thrive, and surprise us. It's a testament to the wonders hidden in the microscopic world in the soil beneath our feet -- a world that, though small, holds the power to influence the fate of our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://advances.sciencemag.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Diversity of microbial life is increasing as the Earth's soil warms

In the vast tapestry of Earth's ecosystems, a fascinating discovery...

Deep in the desert, where water is rare and plants fight to stay alive, a tiny moss called Syntrichia ruralis holds on. Unlike other plants, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/takakia-has-lived-on-earth-400-million-years-but-it-may-not-survive-climate-change/">moss</a> can survive without water for a long time.&nbsp;



Syntrichia ruralis dries up completely, but when it rains again, it comes back to life. This amazing ability to survive tough conditions made scientists from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> curious to learn about it.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drying-without-dying">Drying without dying</h2>



Plants, especially mosses and some other species, have a remarkable ability to withstand extreme dryness, almost losing all of their water content. This doesn't kill them, but puts them in a kind of dormant state where they barely function.&nbsp;



When water becomes available again, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/">plants</a> wake up and start growing and functioning normally as if nothing ever happened. This ability, called "drying without dying," is not just a quirk but a crucial survival strategy that allows some plants to live in very dry places where water is scarce and unpredictable.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-special-proteins">Two special proteins</h2>



The researchers discovered two crucial sets of genes in the moss Syntrichia ruralis that enable it to adapt to weather dry spells. These genes code for proteins that play a vital role in the moss's survival during dehydration.



LEA proteins, found in many plants, act as cellular protectors against drying. They function by stabilizing essential cellular components like proteins, membranes, and even DNA. This ensures these elements remain operational even when water is limited.



The other group, ELIP proteins, are typically associated with response to bright light. However, in S. ruralis, they offer an additional layer of protection during dry periods. These proteins shield the delicate machinery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/">photosynthesis</a> from damage caused by excessive light, especially under water scarcity conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transcription-factor">Transcription factor</h2>



Joining the moss's defense team in this drought survival strategy is a protein aptly named R2R3 MYB transcription factor. This protein acts like the master conductor, controlling the genes vital for the moss's resilience against dehydration.



Similar to protein supervisors, transcription factors dictate which "instructions" are followed in the cell. They do this by attaching to specific regions of the moss's DNA, essentially turning "on" or "off" the production of proteins encoded by those genes. By orchestrating a response to the stress of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-crisis-un-warns-of-unprecedented-emergency/">drought</a>, the proteins allow S. ruralis to adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-novel-discovery-nbsp">A novel discovery&nbsp;</h2>



The experts discovered a protein named MYB55 in the moss. This protein plays a crucial role in how the moss manages stress, particularly during dry periods. MYB55 acts as a regulator, similar to a brake, on other genes that become active when the moss experiences dryness. This helps the moss maintain a balanced response, effectively dealing with the dry conditions without causing harm to itself.



MYB55 has a fine-tuning mechanism, preventing the moss from overreacting to drought. This ensures the moss doesn't waste energy or damage its cells by attempting an overly aggressive response. Moreover, it helps the moss avoid overreaction to stress. In plants, an excessive stress response can be detrimental, and MYB55 helps ensure the defensive mechanisms are proportionate to the level of stress encountered.



According to Cornell University’s postdoctoral researcher Xiaodan Zhang, the discovery of MYB55 "provides insights into the evolution of plant stress responses and how certain key genes have been preserved and repurposed throughout evolutionary time."



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



Understanding how mosses cope with drought could help us develop crops with similar tolerance, improving food security and sustainability, especially in regions facing increasing drought due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-increased-premature-birth-risk-by-60/">climate change</a>. While the idea of learning from mosses for hardier crops might raise eyebrows,&nbsp;



Dr. Melvin Oliver is a retired USDA researcher and current adjunct professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia who has studied these mosses for 40 years.



"I'd take this dried up little piece of moss and put it in their hand and then squirt a bit of water on it, and thirty seconds later you've got this bright little green plant that's perfectly alive… It's basically, how do plants survive drying?" said Dr. Oliver.



Furthermore, the research also aids in developing strategies to adapt to climate change. It emphasizes the importance of biological research in mitigating the impact of environmental changes.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.19620" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>.



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Drying without dying: Desert moss holds the key to drought tolerance

Deep in the desert, where water is rare and plants...

Vegan,Protein,Source,Top,View.

A popular food guide has undergone a revolutionary change, moving away from traditional food groups, including meat and dairy, to emphasize the significance of plant-based proteins in your diet and how they impact your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-carbon-footprint-urban-farms-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> footprint. 



This shift indicates a new direction in nutritional advice, highlighting a growing awareness of the health and environmental impacts of our food choices. 



However, the broader effects of transitioning from animal to plant proteins in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-dietary-changes-could-offset-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human diets</a> remain a topic of exploration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-diet-impacts-your-carbon-footprint">How diet impacts your carbon footprint</h2>



Recent research conducted by <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a>, in partnership with the <a href="https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine</a>, sheds light on this issue, providing clear evidence that replacing animal proteins with plant-based alternatives can lead to increased life expectancy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. 



This study, and the major shift in <a href="https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada's Food Guide</a>, underscores that the benefits derived from such dietary changes depend on the specific animal proteins being substituted.



Published in Nature Food, the research utilized data from a national nutrition survey to assess the dietary habits of Canadians. 



It focused on the outcomes of replacing 25% and 50% of red and processed meat or dairy with plant proteins such as nuts, seeds, legumes, tofu, and fortified soy beverages. 



These replacements were evaluated based on their impact on nutrition, health, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-seafood-has-one-sixth-the-carbon-footprint-of-red-meat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-diets-and-greenhouse-gas-emissions">Plant-based diets and greenhouse gas emissions</h2>



The study reveals that red and processed meat, along with dairy, are significant contributors to Earth's diet-related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>. 



A striking finding is that by substituting half of the red and processed meat consumption with plant-based proteins, an individual's carbon footprint from their diet could decrease by 25%. 



Dairy substitutions, however, resulted in a lesser impact, showing reductions of up to 5%.



Olivia Auclair, the study's lead author and a recent PhD graduate from <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/animal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill's Department of Animal Science</a>, explains: 



"We show that co-benefits for human and planetary health do not necessarily require wholesale changes to diets, such as adopting restrictive dietary patterns or excluding certain food groups altogether but can be achieved by making simple partial substitutions of red and processed meat, in particular, with plant protein foods."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lowering-your-carbon-footprint-can-extend-your-life">Lowering your carbon footprint can extend your life</h2>



The research also highlights the health implications of such dietary shifts. High consumption of animal products is linked to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. 



The study estimates that replacing half of the red and processed meat in one's diet with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant protein</a> foods could extend life expectancy by nearly nine months, primarily due to a lower risk of chronic diseases. 



Men, in particular, could see greater benefits in terms of life expectancy compared to women. However, replacing dairy with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-based-food-production-would-have-extremely-positive-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant proteins</a> showed smaller increases in life expectancy and posed a potential risk of calcium inadequacy, increasing by up to 14%.



Senior author Sergio Burgos, Associate Professor at McGill's Department of Animal Science, expresses his hope that the study's findings will guide consumers towards healthier and more sustainable food choices and inform future food policies in Canada.



“I hope our findings will help consumers make healthier and more sustainable food choices and inform future food policy in Canada,” says Burgos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-towards-a-sustainable-dietary-future">Towards a sustainable dietary future</h2>



As the pursuit of sustainable and health-conscious diets gains momentum, this study offers valuable insights, empowering individuals to make choices that are beneficial for both their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-significantly-reduce-diabetes-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> and the environment. 



Patricia Eustachio Colombo is the co-author and Honorary Research Fellow at the London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine. He emphasizes, “Increasing the consumption of plant-based foods alongside reductions in red and processed meat would have considerable benefits for health and the environment and would involve relatively small changes in diets for most people.”



In summary, the shift towards plant-based proteins, as evidenced by the latest research from McGill University and the London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine, presents a promising path for enhancing both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-are-great-for-weight-loss-regardless-of-the-type/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health</a> and environmental sustainability. 



By adopting simple dietary substitutions, particularly replacing red and processed meats with plant-based alternatives, people can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and extend their lifespan. 



This study underscores the minimal changes required for substantial benefits in several areas, while serving as a pivotal guide for informed, healthier, and more sustainable food choices. 



This research initiative marks a critical step forward in our collective journey towards a more resilient and eco-conscious society.



This study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-024-00925-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>.



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Small changes in diet can greatly reduce your carbon footprint

A popular food guide has undergone a revolutionary change, moving...

Eastern,Chimpanzee,At,Kibale,Forest,,Uganda

In the heart of Africa's lush landscapes, a climate crisis is unfolding that threatens some of our planet's most majestic inhabitants: the African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-understand-the-gestures-of-other-great-apes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a>. Sharing over 98% of their DNA with humans, these remarkable creatures are facing an unprecedented challenge. 



Recent research spearheaded by Razak Kiribou at <a href="https://www.haramaya.edu.et/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haramaya University</a> in Ethiopia, published in the open-access journal PLOS Climate, reveals a troubling future. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impending-reality-of-great-apes-and-climate-change">Impending reality of great apes and climate change</h2>



The study predicts that within the next thirty years, great apes will frequently face extreme climate events -- from wildfires and heatwaves to flooding -- endangering their very survival.



The serenity of Africa's forests, alive with the calls of wildlife, stands on the brink of disruption. Wildfires, scorching heat, and sudden floods could soon shatter this tranquility, as detailed by the study's thorough investigation. 



This climate scenario is not a mere possibility but an impending reality for the African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/playful-teasing-among-apes-suggests-that-humor-has-ancient-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a>, demanding our immediate attention and action.



Undertaking an ambitious analysis, the researchers examined data from 363 sites across Africa, focusing on temperature and rainfall records from 1981 to 2010. 



By applying two climate change scenarios, they projected future conditions for African great apes from 2021 to 2050 and then from 2071 to 2099. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heatwaves-and-havoc-climate-forecast-for-great-apes">Heatwaves and havoc: Climate forecast for great apes</h2>



The results issued a compelling call to action, revealing that nearly half of the sites have already experienced higher than average temperatures between 2007 and 2016. 



Eastern chimpanzees are a particularly vulnerable species of African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-malaria-impact-wild-african-apes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a>, having faced the most severe heat extremes. 



The study's future projections are even more alarming, with both scenarios predicting soaring temperatures across all sites, leading to widespread wildfires and crop failures. 



An estimated 84% of sites could experience frequent heatwaves, and 78% could face devastating flooding over the next 30 years. 



The situation for our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apes-recognize-long-lost-friends-after-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great ape</a> cousins could deteriorate further should global temperatures rise by 3°C, intensifying the severity and frequency of these climate events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-as-a-human-imperative">Conservation as a human imperative</h2>



This pioneering study is the first to concretely illustrate the climate change impacts currently affecting African apes and to forecast the increased frequency of extreme weather events they will endure. 



The stark implications highlight the urgent need for swift conservation actions to bolster the resilience of ape populations, without which we may see profound biodiversity and ecosystem health losses.



The authors emphasize the critical necessity of integrating climate change adaptation strategies into conservation planning for African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apes-may-have-begun-walking-upright-to-eat-leaves-not-fruits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a>. 



This directive extends beyond conservationists to all of humanity, reflecting the interconnected fate of these apes and our shared environmental challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-strategy-for-great-ape-survival">Climate strategy for great ape survival</h2>



In summary, this study illuminates the immediate threats African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apes-evolved-shoulders-as-brakes-to-safely-climb-down-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great apes</a> face from climate change, including an uptick in extreme climate events. 



The scientists outline the projected climate impacts under two scenarios, forecasting a rise in temperatures, wildfires, and crop failures, alongside significant variability in heatwaves and flooding. 



These findings underscore the critical need for conservation strategies that protect apes while adapting to the evolving climate landscape.



As observers of these changes, the urgency to act is undeniable. We are called upon to engage in a concerted effort to protect our closest living relatives from the looming threats of climate change. 



Through education, conservation, and global cooperation, we have the opportunity to forge a resilient future for African great apes and the rich ecosystems they call home. Their important research serves as a warning and a guide for transformative action, urging us to respond before it's too late.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000345" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a>.



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Great apes will suffer through frequent and extreme climate events

In the heart of Africa's lush landscapes, a climate crisis...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-plants-can-quickly-remove-dangerous-toxins-from-air/">Plants</a> are surprisingly adaptable. They can adjust to various challenging environments, including areas with high levels of salt and warm temperatures.&nbsp;



This has been a mystery to scientists for a long time, but a recent study from <a href="https://www.wur.nl/en/wageningen-university.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wageningen University</a> has revealed some of the remarkable ways that plants change their root structure to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lateral-roots">Lateral roots</h2>



Plants rely heavily on their side roots, or lateral roots, to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-leaves-send-signals-to-their-roots-on-dry-days-telling-them-to-keep-digging-deeper-for-water/">roots</a> branch out, expanding the reach of the root system and allowing the plant to access resources from different areas and depths.&nbsp;



This flexibility is crucial for plants to adapt to changing conditions in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-erosion-rates-have-exploded-in-the-midwestern-us/">soil</a>, such as changes in water availability or nutrient levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-salinity">High salinity</h2>



The researchers examined how plants adapt their root systems in salty soil. They focused on a gene called LBD16 and how it gets activated without the usual plant hormone, auxin.&nbsp;



"Plants need lateral roots to absorb water and nutrients. The hormone that regulates the growth of lateral roots is called auxin. Salt hampers the plant's ability to recognize the signals this hormone emits, causing the development of lateral roots to fall short. And fewer lateral roots means the plant's general health suffers," explained study co-author Dr. Christa Testerink.



The team used a small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-that-90-of-flowering-plant-species-rely-on-animal-pollinators/">flowering plant</a> called Arabidopsis thaliana for the study. They altered the plant's genes to see how the changes affected the roots in salty conditions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-manage-stress">How plants manage stress</h2>



The researchers found that LBD16 plays a vital role in the growth of side roots. This is especially important when the plant is facing high levels of salt in its environment. LBD16 helps the plant adjust the way its roots grow, allowing it to take in water and nutrients more effectively under these stressful conditions.



Interestingly, under high salinity, LBD16 activates through a different pathway that does not involve auxin. This shows that plants have alternative ways to manage stress, independent of the usual hormone signaling methods.



The experts found a molecule called ZAT6 that plays a crucial role in how plants respond to salt stress, independent of the usual method involving auxin. ZAT6 acts like a switch, turning on the gene LBD16. This, in turn, triggers changes in the plant's cell walls, allowing roots to continue growing even in salty conditions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growth-under-stress">Growth under stress</h2>



In a related study, the researchers also explored how warm temperatures and slightly limited water availability (mild water stress) cause roots of Arabidopsis thaliana to grow longer. They conducted experiments where they grew plants under different combinations of water and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/">temperature</a> conditions to see how root growth changed.&nbsp;



The experts specifically looked at how certain genes and proteins, called SnRK2.2, SnRK2.3, and COP1, affect a molecule called HY5 in root cells, and how this impacts the stability of HY5.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-response-nbsp">Stress response&nbsp;</h2>



The findings revealed that Arabidopsis thaliana grows longer roots under warm conditions with slightly limited water availability. The scientists discovered that SnRK2s and COP1 are involved in how plants respond to these conditions.&nbsp;



SnRK2s are important for a stress response pathway, while COP1 helps regulate the stability of another molecule called HY5. Interestingly, COP1 and SnRK2s have opposite effects on HY5 stability, depending on the presence of mild water stress.



When it's warm and slightly dry, COP1 levels decrease, allowing HY5 to remain stable. This stable HY5 is then crucial for the extra root growth observed under these conditions. The study suggests that the combination of warm temperature and mild water stress works together to reduce COP1, leading to HY5 stabilization and ultimately promoting root elongation.&nbsp;



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



"This protein (LBD16) takes over auxin's role as regulator. This discovery provides a critical basis for further studies into similar local molecular networks in lateral roots that help plants function in stressful situations. Not just under saline conditions but also in times of drought or heat. This could help plant breeders to alter the plants' root growth to create more resilient varieties," said Dr. Testerink.



Ultimately, the research has the potential to address <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carolina-azolla-plant-could-help-reduce-global-food-insecurity/">global food security</a> concerns by creating crops that can grow in difficult conditions, such as salty, dry, or hot soil. This is especially important as climate change, rising sea levels, and land degradation pose increasing threats to our food supply.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-directions">Future directions</h2>



The team is working with other organizations in the field of agriculture to find practical solutions to the challenges that climate change poses to farming.



"We uncovered several molecular factors that play a role. But, in order to predict how plants handle this combination of stress factors, a more extensive study is required. In the first five years of the CropXR project, we will focus on Arabidopsis," said Dr. Testerink.



"During the next five years, we will apply the knowledge gained to food crops. We hope this will enable us to develop practicable solutions in collaboration with partners in the field."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koad317" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plant Cell</a>.



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Plants change their roots to survive harsh conditions 

Plants are surprisingly adaptable. They can adjust to various challenging...

A recent study paints a chilling picture of West Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, the so-called "Doomsday Glacier." Research by Julia Wellner, an associate professor of geology at the <a href="https://www.uh.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Houston</a>, and James Smith, marine geologist at the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, reveals disturbing changes in the glacier's history.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The study highlights the urgent need to understand climate change and the looming threat of catastrophic sea level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doomsday-glacier">Doomsday Glacier</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-causing-the-rapid-retreat-of-the-thwaites-glacier/">Thwaites Glacier</a>, a massive glacier covering an area similar to Florida, is located in West Antarctica. The Doomsday nickname reflects the potential for catastrophic flooding if the glacier were to completely collapse.



Thwaites acts as a crucial barrier, preventing the flow of ice from the Antarctic interior towards the ocean. The glacier already contributes significantly to sea level rise, accounting for about 4%, and its melting rate has been accelerating in recent decades.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings">Key findings</h2>



Scientists discovered that a major retreat of the glacier began in the 1940s. This timeframe is interesting because it aligns with a powerful El Niño event, a natural occurrence that causes warming.&nbsp;



The research suggests that El Niño may have played a part in starting the glacier's retreat. The glacier was already vulnerable at that time, and El Niño might have pushed it to a point where it began losing ice much faster.



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasters-warn-of-weather-chaos-as-el-nino-arrives-early/">El Niño</a> may have sparked the melting, other factors such as climate change are now causing the glacier to melt continuously and lose ice at an even faster pace.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-signs-of-recovery">No signs of recovery</h2>



Researchers are concerned that Thwaites Glacier isn't bouncing back from its retreat, unlike most glaciers that naturally grow and shrink over time. In the past, these changes were caused by things like snowfall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperature-fluctuations-have-reshaped-earths-water-cycle/">temperature fluctuations</a>.&nbsp;



However, Thwaites seems to be stuck in a shrinking phase, suggesting something has significantly changed. This inability to recover points towards a long-term shift in how the glacier interacts with its environment.



The situation is likely to get worse because of global warming. Human activity is causing the Earth's atmosphere and oceans to heat up, melting ice worldwide and upsetting the natural balance that allows glaciers to recover. 



This warming is melting Thwaites from both the top and bottom, making it even harder for the glacier to regrow.



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



Every year, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/">melting glaciers</a> add massive amounts of water to the oceans, but scientists are most worried about the possibility of the entire glacier collapsing. 



This collapse could raise sea levels by over two feet, which would have devastating consequences. In addition to flooding coastal areas and harming economies, it would also make storm surges more dangerous.



Thwaites Glacier plays a crucial role by acting like a dam, holding back a much larger ice sheet that would lead to a significant sea level rise if it melted.&nbsp;



If Thwaites collapses, it could trigger a domino effect. Other glaciers in the region would become unstable and melt even faster, creating a chain reaction that could cause a much bigger impact on sea level rise. This scenario would have catastrophic consequences for the entire world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synchronized-retreat-of-the-doomsday-glacier">Synchronized retreat of the Doomsday Glacier</h2>



The Pine Island Glacier is a giant among West Antarctica's glaciers. Together with the Thwaites Glacier, it contributes significantly to rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/">sea levels</a>. Both glaciers are retreating at the same time, suggesting a common cause rather than independent events.&nbsp;



“If both glaciers are retreating at the same time, that’s further evidence that they’re actually being forced by something,” Dr. Wellner said in a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/26/climate/doomsday-glacier-antarctic-ice-melt-climate-intl/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a>.



This synchronized retreat is likely driven by broader environmental factors, such as warmer ocean water or changing sea currents. These changes might be connected to global climate events like El Niño. 



The evidence suggests that the melting is not limited to these specific glaciers, but rather driven by larger climate shifts throughout West Antarctica.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doomsday-glacier-and-the-west-antarctic-ice-sheet">Doomsday Glacier and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet</h2>



The West Antarctic Ice Sheet, a giant sheet of ice covering part of Antarctica, is crucial for its potential impact on global sea levels. This sheet relies heavily on the Doomsday Glacier for its stability.



The size and location of Thwaites are critical because its health directly affects the rest of the ice sheet. Similar to a keystone in an arch, if Thwaites melts or retreats, it could destabilize the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet. 



The glacier currently acts like a barrier, preventing ice from the continent's interior from flowing freely into the ocean. As Thwaites weakens, more ice flows outward, accelerating sea-level rise.



The potential collapse of Thwaites and the destabilization of the ice sheet are concerning due to the massive amount of ice involved. 



If the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet melted, it could raise sea levels by over 10 feet, submerging low-lying areas like coastal cities and entire countries, leading to widespread displacement and economic damage.



While this scenario is not an immediate threat, it represents a long-term risk that grows with ongoing global warming and ice sheet deterioration.&nbsp;



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



The findings warn the world about the urgent threat of climate change, focusing on the rapid changes in Antarctica. This specific example shows how even the most stable and remote parts of Earth are being affected by rising temperatures. 



The dramatic retreat and potential collapse of the Doomsday Glacier highlight the need for stronger scientific research and international cooperation to understand and address climate change.&nbsp;



“Humans are changing the climate and this study shows that small continuous changes in climate can lead to step changes in glacier state,” said Martin Truffer, a physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, who was not involved in the research.



Furthermore, changes in Antarctica can impact global weather and sea levels, affecting people worldwide. This emphasizes the need for a united global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, shift towards sustainable energy sources, and implement effective climate policies.&nbsp;



The planet's destiny depends on whether we heed its warning and collaborate as a united force. Will we rise to the challenge, or succumb to the rising tides?



The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 



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Doomsday Glacier seems to have lost its ability to recover

A recent study paints a chilling picture of West Antarctica's...

Fresh,Green,And,Urban,Buildings

In an enlightening study by Texas A&amp;M University's School of Public Health, researchers have uncovered a pivotal connection between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-in-greener-areas-slows-the-cellular-aging-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban green</a> spaces and the mental well-being of city residents. 



Spearheaded by <a href="https://sph.tamu.edu/directory/maddock.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jay Maddock</a>, Regents Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, and his team from the <a href="https://centerforhealthandnature.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Health and Nature</a>, the findings reveal that individuals with greater access to urban greenery exhibit a reduced need for mental health services.



This important research, detailed in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, utilizes a novel approach to assess urban greenness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-green-space-in-cities-to-mental-health">Linking green space in cities to mental health</h2>



The study employs <a href="https://www.naturequant.com/naturescore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NatureScore</a>, an innovative tool that amalgamates data on air, noise, and light pollution, along with the presence of parks and tree canopies, to evaluate the natural environment of any given address in the United States and beyond. 



NatureScore classifies areas on a scale from "Nature Deficient" (0-19 points) to "Nature Utopia" (80-100 points), providing a comprehensive measure of urban greenery.



The study's methodology involved analyzing mental health visit data from the <a href="https://www.dshs.texas.gov/texas-health-care-information-collection/health-data-researcher-information/texas-outpatient-public-use#:~:text=The%20Texas%20Outpatient%20Public%20Use,released%20through%20fourth%20quarter%202022." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas Hospital Outpatient Public Use Data Files</a>, spanning 2014 to mid-2019. 



This data, aggregated by ZIP code, included a range of demographic information but ensured patient anonymity. 



Focusing on adult outpatient encounters for conditions such as depression, emotional disorders, stress, and anxiety, the study encompassed over 61 million records from urban areas across Texas.



“The association between exposure to nature and better mental health is&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32571202/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well established</a>&nbsp;in the United States and elsewhere, but most studies use just one or two measurements of this exposure,” Maddock said. 



“Our study was the first to use NatureScore, which provides more complex data, to study the correlation between urban&nbsp;<a href="https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/new-state-wide-health-and-nature-collaborative-aims-to-get-texans-outdoors-for-their-healths-sake/">nature exposure and mental health</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-threshold-naturescore-and-mental-health">Green threshold: NatureScore and mental health</h2>



The results were telling, with a median NatureScore of 85.8 across the sampled ZIP codes, and a notable finding that neighborhoods with higher NatureScores reported significantly lower rates of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/park-improves-mood-boosts-happiness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> encounters.



The analysis highlighted a stark contrast: areas with NatureScores above 60 experienced approximately 50% fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/access-to-nature-improves-the-mental-health-of-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> visits than those with lower scores. 



Moreover, residents in the highest scoring categories of NatureScore benefited from substantially lower rates of mental health issues, underscoring the protective effect of ample green spaces.



Dr. Maddock further elucidates, "A NatureScore above 40, which we consider 'Nature Adequate,' appears to be a critical threshold for maintaining good mental health. Individuals in these areas have notably lower risks of depression and emotional disorders."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-urban-planning-with-mental-health-in-mind">Bridging urban planning with mental health in mind</h2>



Omar M. Makram, the study's lead author, points to the broader implications of their findings for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-shape-bird-characteristics-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban development</a>. 



“Increasing green space in cities could promote well-being and mental health, which is critically important given that&nbsp;more than 22 percent&nbsp;of the adult population in the United States with a mental health disorder,” he said.



In summary, the Texas A&amp;M University study compellingly demonstrates the critical role <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parks-play-an-integral-role-in-the-fight-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban green</a> spaces play in enhancing mental health among city dwellers. 



By leveraging the innovative NatureScore tool, researchers have established a quantifiable link between access to natural environments and reduced dependence on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-decline-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> services. 



This revelation sheds light on the protective benefits of greenery against mental health issues while pointing out the necessity for urban planners to integrate nature into the heart of city designs. 



With over 22% of the U.S. adult population grappling with mental health disorders, the study's findings advocate for a greener, more sustainable approach to urban development, highlighting the profound impact of green spaces on public health and well-being.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/2/168" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health</a>.



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City residents have better mental health with access to green space

In an enlightening study by Texas A&amp;M University's School of...

Walleye, a prized catch for freshwater sportfishing enthusiasts and a staple in Midwestern cuisine, also play a vital role in the cultural traditions of many Indigenous communities.&nbsp;



However, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin-Madison</a>, walleye populations are now facing challenges due to the increasing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-struggling-to-maintain-oxygen-as-temperatures-rise/">temperatures</a> in the waters of the Midwest United States and Canada.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inability-of-walleye-to-adapt">Inability of walleye to adapt</h2>



The experts shed light on one important aspect of the problem: walleye's inability to adapt to rapidly changing seasonal conditions, especially the shift in winter's timing.&nbsp;



According to lead author Martha Barta, a research technician at the UW-Madison, the timing of walleye <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-light-pollution-from-coastal-cities-is-damaging-coral-reefs/">spawning</a> (when the fish mate and lay their eggs) has historically been tied to the thawing of frozen lakes each spring.&nbsp; Recently, due to climate change, walleye have been “unable to keep up with increasingly early and more variable ice-off dates."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupted-spawning-season">Disrupted spawning season</h2>



The study reveals that the crucial period following the melting of a lake's ice, which signals the start of the walleye spawning season, is being disrupted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-communities-cooperate-to-survive-climate-change/">climate change</a>.&nbsp;



"Climate change is interrupting the historical pairing of ice-off and walleye spawning, and that threatens the persistence of walleye populations across the Upper Midwest," Barta said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-mismatches">Universal mismatches</h2>



To understand the impact of these changes, Barta and her team analyzed data on walleye populations from 194 lakes across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.&nbsp;



The researchers discovered almost universal "mismatches" between the timing of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-melting-earlier/">ice melt</a> and spawning, with the rate of change in ice-off dates outpacing the slight adjustments in spawning times three times faster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-delicate-balance-nbsp">A delicate balance&nbsp;</h2>



Zach Feiner, a fisheries scientist affiliated with both the UW–Madison Center for Limnology and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, explained the delicate balance that normally exists.&nbsp;



"In an average ice-off year, you have this nice progression of events," said Feiner. "The ice goes off, you get light and warmer water that creates a bloom of small plant life called phytoplankton."&nbsp;



"And then tiny animals called zooplankton emerge and eat the phytoplankton, and usually, the walleye spawning is timed for them to hatch when zooplankton are around in high abundance and can serve as fish food for the baby walleye."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasingly-unpredictable-timing">Increasingly unpredictable timing</h2>



However, the study found that the timing of these ecological events is becoming increasingly unpredictable, often leaving newly hatched walleye without the necessary zooplankton food sources.&nbsp;



Feiner noted the "weird" nature of recent yearly thaws, with lakes thawing earlier on average but also experiencing an increase in late-thawing winters.



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



The implications of this research are significant not only for walleye but also for the broader ecosystem and human communities that rely on them.&nbsp;



Feiner highlighted the importance of identifying lakes that can act as refuges during challenging years and the potential for management strategies to bolster walleye resilience in the face of climate change.



“There is a need now to find places where, through management of things we can control - like land use, fish harvest and invasive species - we can buffer or boost their resiliency to be able to handle stuff we can’t control, like climate change,” he explained.



Furthermore, the study prompts questions about the effects of changing winter patterns on other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-quarter-of-freshwater-fish-species-face-extinction/">fish species</a> that spawn in the spring, underscoring the need for expanded research to understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change on freshwater ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/lol2.10383" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Limnology and Oceanography Lessons</a>.



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Walleye are struggling to adapt to rapid seasonal changes

Walleye, a prized catch for freshwater sportfishing enthusiasts and a...

In an eye-opening study from <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a>, researchers have discovered that cooking on a gas stove emits more nano-sized particles into the air than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-pollution-impairs-brain-network-connectivity/">exhaust</a> from gas or diesel vehicles, potentially elevating the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory illnesses. 



This revelation underscores a significant source of indoor air pollution that might have been underappreciated until now. Based on their findings, the researchers recommend turning on a kitchen exhaust fan while cooking on a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-gas-stoves-in-homes-is-worse-for-your-health-than-secondhand-smoke/">gas stove</a>.&nbsp;



The study was led by Brandon Boor, an associate professor in Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil Engineering.



“Combustion remains a source of air pollution across the world, both indoors and outdoors. We found that cooking on your gas stove produces large amounts of small nanoparticles that get into your respiratory system and deposit efficiently,” said Professor Boor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-amounts-of-tiny-nanoparticles">Large amounts of tiny nanoparticles</h2>



The study was focused on tiny airborne nanoparticles that are only 1-3 nanometers in diameter. These particles are perfectly sized to reach deep into the respiratory system and potentially spread to other organs, posing significant health risks.



The researchers noted that children living in homes with gas stoves have a higher likelihood of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-air-pollutants-linked-to-asthma-attacks-in-urban-children/">asthma</a>, a concern that has been echoed in previous studies. However, the focus on particles smaller than 3 nanometers, known as nanocluster aerosol, is relatively new due to the challenges in measuring such minuscule particles.



“These super tiny nanoparticles are so small that you’re not able to see them. They’re not like dust particles that you would see floating in the air,” said Professor Boor. “After observing such high concentrations of nanocluster aerosol during gas cooking, we can’t ignore these nano-sized particles anymore.”



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



Utilizing advanced air quality instrumentation from the German company GRIMM AEROSOL TECHNIK, the researchers conducted experiments in a "tiny house" lab, known as the Purdue zero Energy Design Guidance for Engineers (zEDGE) lab.&nbsp;



This lab, equipped with sensors to monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/">air quality</a> impacts from everyday activities, allowed for the precise measurement of these tiny particles during realistic cooking scenarios. Collaborating with Gerhard Steiner, a senior scientist and product manager for nano measurement at GRIMM AEROSOL, the team managed to collect extensive data on the presence of nanocluster aerosol particles in indoor air during cooking.



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



The findings were startling. The researchers estimated that up to 10 quadrillion nanocluster aerosol particles could be emitted per kilogram of cooking fuel, a figure that matches or even exceeds the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/">particle emissions</a> from vehicle exhausts.&nbsp;



This comparison suggests that individuals could be inhaling 10-100 times more nanocluster aerosol from indoor cooking on a gas stove than from car exhaust on a busy street.



“You would not use a diesel engine exhaust pipe as an air supply to your kitchen,” said study co-lead author Nusrat Jung, a professor of Civil Engineering who designed the tiny house lab with her students.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-billions-of-particles-ingested">Billions of particles ingested</h2>



The study also highlights the persistence of these particles, with models showing significant emissions within 20 minutes of cooking activities like boiling water or making grilled cheese sandwiches.&nbsp;



Many of the particles rapidly diffused to other surfaces, but the models indicated that approximately 10 billion to 1 trillion particles could deposit into an adult’s head airways and tracheobronchial region of the lungs. Among children, these doses would be even more concentrated.&nbsp;



“Since most people don’t turn on their exhaust fan while cooking, having kitchen hoods that activate automatically would be a logical solution,” said Professor Boor.&nbsp;



“Moving forward, we need to think about how to reduce our exposure to all types of indoor air pollutants. Based on our new data, we’d advise that nanocluster aerosol be considered as a distinct air pollutant category.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae044" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.&nbsp;



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Gas stoves release more harmful nanoparticles than vehicle exhaust

In an eye-opening study from Purdue University, researchers have discovered...

A preliminary study has established a significant link between pesticide exposure and the incidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-plays-an-unexpected-role-in-movement-and-parkinsons-disease/">Parkinson’s disease</a> in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions of the United States. 



The research was led by Dr. Brittany Krzyzanowski of the <a href="https://www.barrowneuro.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barrow Neurological Institute</a> in Phoenix, Arizona. The results highlight the complex interplay between environmental factors and neurological health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-levels-of-pesticide-use">Regional levels of pesticide use</h2>



“We used geographic methods to examine the rates of Parkinson’s disease across the United States and compared those rates to regional levels of pesticide and herbicide use,” said Dr. Krzyzanowski.



“Our methods enabled us to identify parts of the nation where there was a relationship between most pesticides and Parkinson’s disease and subsequently pinpoint where the relationship was strongest so we could explore specific pesticides in that region."&nbsp;



"In the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains region, we identified 14 pesticides associated with Parkinson’s disease.”



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



Dr. Krzyzanowski said the most affected region includes parts of Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. This part of the country emerged as a focal point due to its alarming association with Parkinson’s disease.



For the investigation, Dr. Krzyzanowski and her team analyzed the health records of 21.5 million individuals enrolled in Medicare in 2009. The goal was to compare the regional Parkinson’s disease rates with the use of 65 different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-travel-far-and-wide-endangering-aquatic-ecosystems/">pesticides</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clear-and-concerning-trend">Clear and concerning trend</h2>



The findings are alarming: pesticides and herbicides such as simazine, atrazine, and lindane were strongly linked to increased rates of Parkinson’s disease.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simazine">Simazine</h3>



In particular, the study revealed that residents in counties with the highest levels of simazine application were 36% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease compared to those in areas with minimal exposure.&nbsp;



According to the results, in the counties with the highest exposure to simazine, 411 new Parkinson’s disease cases developed per every 100,000 people. This is significantly higher than the rate of 380 cases in the counties with the lowest exposure.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atrazine">Atrazine</h3>



The results also showed that individuals exposed to the highest amount of the herbicide atrazine were 31% more likely to have Parkinson’s disease compared to those with the lowest exposure.&nbsp;



In the counties with the highest exposure to atrazine, 475 new Parkinson’s disease cases developed per every 100,000 people compared to 398 cases in the counties with the lowest exposure.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lindane">Lindane</h3>



Furthermore, individuals with the greatest exposure to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insecticide-responsible-for-major-crayfish-kill-in-australia/">insecticide</a> lindane were 25% more likely to develop the disease. 



Across counties with the highest exposure to lindane, 386 new Parkinson’s disease cases developed per every 100,000 people compared to 349 cases in the counties with the lowest exposure.



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



The researchers said that even after they adjusted for other factors that could affect the risk of Parkinson’s disease, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-increases-the-risk-of-non-lung-cancers-too/">air pollution</a> exposure, the results remained the same.



“It’s concerning that previous studies have identified other pesticides and herbicides as potential risk factors for Parkinson’s, and there are hundreds of pesticides that have not yet been studied for any relationship to the disease,” said Dr. Krzyzanowski.&nbsp;



“Much more research is needed to determine these relationships and hopefully to inspire others to take steps to lower the risk of disease by reducing the levels of these pesticides.”



The study was supported by Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The results will be presented at the 76th Annual Meeting of the <a href="https://www.aan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Neurology</a>, scheduled from April 13–18, 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parkinson-s-disease">Parkinson's disease</h2>



Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, leading to symptoms that worsen over time.&nbsp;



The disease is caused by the degeneration and loss of neurons in the brain, particularly in an area called the substantia nigra, which is crucial for controlling movements. These neurons produce dopamine, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-helps-us-learn-from-positive-and-negative-experiences/">neurotransmitter</a> that plays a key role in sending messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. 



As Parkinson's disease progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement normally.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symptoms">Symptoms</h3>



The symptoms of Parkinson's disease are varied and can include tremors (shaking), bradykinesia (slowness of movement), limb rigidity, and problems with balance and coordination. These symptoms can lead to difficulty with walking, talking, and completing simple tasks.&nbsp;



Parkinson's can also cause non-motor symptoms, including sleep disturbances, mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and autonomic dysfunction, which can affect blood pressure, bowel and bladder function, and sexual performance.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-causes">Possible causes</h3>



The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.&nbsp;



Exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides, has been linked to an increased risk of developing the disease, and some genetic mutations have been identified that contribute to its development, though these are less common.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatments">Treatments</h3>



There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but treatments are available to help manage its symptoms. Medication therapy, most notably levodopa combined with carbidopa, is used to increase dopamine levels in the brain or mimic its actions, helping to control motor symptoms.&nbsp;



Other treatments can include deep brain stimulation (DBS), physical therapy, and occupational therapy, aimed at improving quality of life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research-nbsp">Ongoing research&nbsp;</h3>



Research into Parkinson's disease is ongoing, with scientists looking for better ways to treat the disease, manage its symptoms more effectively, and ultimately find a cure.&nbsp;



Experts like Dr. Krzyzanowski are studying the potential links between pesticide exposure and other environmental factors and the development of Parkinson's disease. This may ultimately lead to the development of new treatment options that target the underlying causes of the disease rather than just its symptoms.



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Pesticide exposure increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease 

A preliminary study has established a significant link between pesticide...

Scientists from <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Edinburgh</a> have made a worrying discovery about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-slow-antarctica-ice-melt-with-sunlight-reflecting-particles/">Antarctica</a>. The huge platforms of ice that surround the continent are getting thinner much faster than ever before. This accelerated melting increases the planet's vulnerability to the effects of climate change.



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



In Antarctica, massive sheets of ice called ice shelves stretch out from the land, covering the ocean. These impressive formations start as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/">glaciers</a>, which are slow-moving rivers of ice flowing from the center of the continent towards the coast. When they reach the coast, instead of stopping, the glaciers keep spreading out over the water, eventually forming these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-much-thinner-than-previously-estimated/">ice shelves</a>.



Ice shelves play a critical role in the environment of Antarctica, serving as natural barriers that slow down the flow of ice from land into the ocean. This process is essential for maintaining the stability of the entire ice sheet and keeping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-last-ice-age-shows-how-rising-sea-levels-will-transform-coastal-habitats/">sea levels</a> stable around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinning-points">Pinning points</h2>



For nearly 50 years, scientists have been analyzing satellite images of Antarctica. They were particularly interested in tracking the fate of "pinning points," underwater mountains that act like anchors, keeping the ice shelves stable.&nbsp;



By carefully examining the images, they observed changes in these pinning points over time. The findings were alarming: the crucial anchors are disappearing, suggesting that the ice shelves are thinning and becoming less stable.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-data-of-ice-shelves">Historical data of ice shelves</h2>



The study revealed a concerning trend of ice shelves melting over time.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1973-1989">1973-1989</h3>



The thinning of ice shelves was limited to small, localized areas, primarily concentrated in the Amundsen Sea Embayment and the Wilkes Land coastline. 



During this period, only 15% of pinning points showed a reduction in size. This initial phase suggested a period of relative stability for Antarctic ice shelves, with minimal loss of their ability to hold back ice flow (buttressing potential).



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1989-and-2000">1989 and 2000</h3>



The picture changed significantly during this time. Thinning became more widespread, indicating an acceleration in the deterioration of ice shelves. This period also saw a jump in the proportion of pinning points losing size, with the number rising to 25%. 



The rapid increase in thinning suggested the ice shelves were becoming more vulnerable to climate change, potentially leading to faster movement of ice into the ocean.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2000-to-2022">2000 to 2022</h3>



The most recent period continued the worrying trend. Thinning remained widespread, affecting even larger areas of ice shelves. Notably, the percentage of pinning points showing a decrease in size further increased to a concerning 37%.&nbsp;



This significant loss highlights an accelerated degradation of ice shelf stability. The weakening of pinning points directly impacts the ice shelves' ability to hold back ice, potentially leading to increased ice discharge and, consequently, a greater contribution to rising sea levels.



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



Rising temperatures due to climate change are having a significant negative impact on Antarctica's ice shelves. These massive platforms of ice are being attacked from multiple angles.



Hotter air temperatures directly melt the surface of the ice shelves. This melting from above thins the ice, further reducing its ability to act as a barrier against the land ice flowing into the ocean.



Warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-were-a-driving-force-behind-2023s-record-heat/">ocean temperatures</a> are causing the water surrounding and beneath the ice shelves to become warmer. The warmer water melts the ice from the bottom, weakening its structure and making it easier to break apart.



Moreover, climate change is also altering snowfall patterns over Antarctica. While increased snowfall might seem helpful initially, it can add too much weight and cause the shelves to collapse. Conversely, decreased snowfall can reduce the overall mass of the ice shelves, making them less effective as barriers.



These combined effects highlight how climate change poses a major threat to the stability of Antarctica's ice shelves.



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



“What we are seeing around Antarctica is a sustained attack by climate warming to the buttresses, that slow the conversion of ice melting, into global sea-level rise. This reinforces the need for us to take action where we can to reduce global carbon emissions," said study co-author Professor Robert Bingham.



Potential strategies include switching to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and choosing sustainable transportation options. Additionally, supporting ongoing research is vital to predict future changes and to inform crucial policy decisions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07049-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.&nbsp;



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Antarctica's protective ice barriers are melting at double the pace

Scientists from The University of Edinburgh have made a worrying...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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