<p>For years, scientists believed they had a decent handle on what was melting the ice in West Antarctica. Warmer oceans and stronger winds blowing in from the west - that was the popular theory.</p>



<p>But now, after running climate simulations using local data, researchers have discovered that we might have been looking the wrong way entirely. It’s not the westerly winds causing the biggest trouble - it’s the northerly winds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-loss-means-rising-seas">Ice loss means rising seas</h2>



<p>Antarctica holds most of the planet’s freshwater, frozen in a massive sheet of ice that covers an area bigger than the U.S. and Mexico combined. </p>



<p>That ice isn’t just sitting still. Some of it flows slowly into the ocean, held back by giant floating extensions called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-melting-ice-shelves-threaten-global-sea-levels/">ice shelves</a>. If the ice sheet in West Antarctica collapses, sea levels around the world could rise by as much as 20 feet.</p>



<p>Even small changes in how fast that ice melts can have huge consequences for coastal cities, global currents, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-prediction-model-is-a-major-breakthrough-in-weather-forecasting/">weather systems</a>. </p>



<p>That’s why scientists have spent decades trying to understand what’s causing the West Antarctic ice sheet to shrink. It’s been getting smaller since at least the 1940s. But not all the pieces of the puzzle were adding up.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-antarctica-s-hidden-winds">Tracking Antarctica’s hidden winds</h2>



<p>The new study was led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW). They weren’t satisfied with the usual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/">climate models</a>, which often rely on global data and struggle with the lack of weather stations in Antarctica. So they decided to build something better.</p>



<p>They pulled in proxy data - long-term records preserved in things like ice cores, tree rings, and coral. These natural sources can give clues about past wind and weather patterns, helping fill in the gaps left by satellite data and on-the-ground observations.</p>



<p>“We thought that we were going to support what the climate models showed, which was that the westerly winds were getting stronger near the coast of Antarctica,” said Gemma O’Connor, lead author and a UW postdoctoral researcher. </p>



<p>“But there was no evidence of westerly winds strengthening in this part of Antarctica.” That finding was odd. If westerly winds weren’t to blame, what was?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northerly-winds-drive-the-ice-melt">Northerly winds drive the ice melt</h2>



<p>The team used high-resolution simulations to test 30 different wind scenarios. Each run of the model applied a different wind pattern to see what happened to the ice over a five-year stretch. They repeated the process again and again.</p>



<p>One pattern kept showing up: when winds came from the north, ice loss accelerated. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-westerly-winds-are-changing-and-the-consequences-are-unknown/">Westerly winds</a> didn’t do much.</p>



<p>Northerly winds shifted sea ice, closing small open areas in the ice cover known as polynyas. These are basically patches where heat can escape from the ocean into the atmosphere. When the winds closed them off, the ocean held onto more of its heat.</p>



<p>“Sea ice is a really good insulator, it keeps the ocean relatively warm compared to the air,” said Kyle Armour, a UW professor. “When northerly winds close the polynyas, it reduces ocean heat loss, which means warmer waters and more melting of ice shelves below the surface.”</p>



<p>This hidden heating creates a chain reaction. As the warmer water melts the ice shelves from below, freshwater enters the salty sea. That mix causes a difference in density, which pulls even more warm ocean water into the region - speeding up the melt further.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-climate-connection-we-didn-t-expect">A climate connection we didn’t expect</h2>



<p>The big question is: what’s making those northerly winds stronger? Early signs point to climate change. </p>



<p>Emissions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gases</a> are likely decreasing air pressure over the Amundsen Sea, a region that shapes many of Antarctica’s weather patterns. Lower pressure strengthens the northerly winds - the same ones that are making the melt worse.</p>



<p>“This mechanism provides a connection between West Antarctic ice loss and human-induced climate change, albeit a different mechanism than we previously suspected,” O’Connor said.</p>



<p>This isn’t just a scientific curiosity. It’s a real link between our actions and the future of the world’s ice. If our emissions are playing a role in these winds, then reducing those emissions could slow the melting.</p>



<p>“We know the Earth is warming up on average, but that alone doesn’t explain ice loss in Antarctica,” said Eric Steig, professor of Earth and space sciences at UW. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northerly-winds-change-the-story">Northerly winds change the story</h2>



<p>For decades, the focus has been on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-westerly-winds-are-changing-and-the-consequences-are-unknown/">westerly winds</a> - the ones that blow from west to east across the Southern Hemisphere. </p>



<p>Scientists thought they were pushing warm ocean water toward Antarctica and driving the ice to melt faster. But they missed something important.</p>



<p>“I think what Gemma has done is going to lead to a complete revolution in the understanding of what drives Antarctic ice loss,” Armour said. “We had all sorts of theories about the winds that blow from west to east, but the northerly winds weren’t even on our radar. We were off by 90 degrees.”</p>



<p>The lesson here is clear. Climate science is constantly evolving, and even long-standing ideas can be turned on their head. In this case, or rather, on their side.</p>



<p>Understanding which way the wind is blowing - literally - might be one of the keys to protecting the future of Earth’s ice.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-025-01757-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a></em>.</p>



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Antarctic ice melt traced to an overlooked source

For years, scientists believed they had a decent handle on what was melting the ice in West Antarctica. Warmer oceans and stronger winds blowing in from the west - that was the popular theory. But now, after running climate simulations using local data, researchers have discovered that we might have been looking the wrong way entirely. It’s not the westerly winds causing the biggest trouble - it’s the northerly winds. Ice loss means rising seas Antarctica holds most of the planet’s freshwater, frozen in a massive sheet...

<p>As bird populations continue to decline worldwide, a new concern has emerged: the impact of renewable energy facilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> analyzed feathers from deceased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/">birds</a> to shed light on this pressing issue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unintended-consequence-nbsp">Unintended consequence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Bird mortality has become an unintended consequence of renewable energy development,” said Professor Hannah Vander Zanden.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If we want to minimize or even offset these fatalities, especially for vulnerable populations, we need to identify the geographic origin of affected birds. In other words, are the dead birds local or are they coming from other parts of North America?”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewable-energy-facilities-and-bird-fatalities-nbsp">Renewable energy facilities and bird fatalities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Renewable energy facilities, while environmentally friendly, pose a significant risk to birds. Wind turbines, solar panels, and concentrating solar power plants have been associated with bird fatalities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Birds often collide with wind turbines, mistake solar panels for water bodies, or get singed by solar power plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although these fatalities are less common than deaths caused by domestic cats or building collisions, the need to address this issue is pressing, according to the researchers.</p>



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



<p>Professor Vander Zanden and her team analyzed stable hydrogen isotope data from the feathers of 871 individual birds across 24 species found dead at California's solar and wind energy facilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This analysis, based on the natural markers in feathers linked to the water the birds consumed, allowed the researchers to trace the birds' geographic origins.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"With these markers, we could determine whether the bird was local or if it was migrating from somewhere else," explained Vander Zanden, the principal investigator of UF’s Animal Migration and Ecology Lab.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study revealed that birds killed at these facilities came from a wide geographic area across the continent, with both local and nonlocal birds represented.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At solar facilities, most of the deceased birds were nonlocal, with a peak in fatalities during migratory periods in April, and from September through October.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The percentage of migratory birds found at wind facilities nearly matched that of local birds, at 51%, noted Vander Zanden.</p>



<p>“This kind of data can help inform us about best strategies to use to minimize or mitigate the fatalities. For example, facilities management could work with conservationists to improve the local habitat to help protect local birds or improve other parts of the species’ range where the migratory birds originate.”</p>



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



<p>The study not only highlights the challenges renewable energy poses to bird populations but also underscores the value of stable isotope data in understanding and predicting future trends in bird populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This noninvasive method of studying animal remains provides crucial information for conservation efforts.</p>



<p>“Studying the remains of animals is a noninvasive approach to get information that is otherwise hard to track and apply to conservation,” said Professor Vander Zanden. “It’s a great way to understand the mysteries about animals.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-declining-bird-populations">More about declining bird populations</h2>



<p>The decline in bird populations globally is an increasingly urgent environmental issue. Several factors contribute to this decline, including habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and human activities.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-loss">Habitat loss</h3>



<p>The most significant cause of bird population decline is the loss and fragmentation of habitat. Urban development, agriculture, deforestation, and other land-use changes directly remove the natural habitats birds need to survive and reproduce.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



<p>Shifts in climate patterns affect bird migration, breeding, and food availability. Changes in temperature and weather patterns can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, making it difficult for birds to adapt quickly enough.</p>



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



<p>Pesticides, heavy metals, and plastic pollution harm birds directly and indirectly. Pesticides can be toxic, and birds often ingest plastics or get entangled in them. Also, oil spills and other contaminants severely impact bird populations, particularly in coastal and marine environments.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities">Human activities</h3>



<p>Wind turbines, high-rise buildings, and other structures pose significant threats to birds, mainly through collisions. Additionally, domestic cats are known to be significant predators of birds in many regions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diseases">Diseases</h3>



<p>Emerging diseases can rapidly decimate bird populations. For instance, avian malaria and West Nile virus have had significant impacts on some bird species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species">Invasive species</h3>



<p>The introduction of non-native species can disrupt local ecosystems. These invasive species often compete with native birds for food and nesting sites or may even prey upon them.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14191" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Conservation Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Renewable energy is the latest threat to bird populations

As bird populations continue to decline worldwide, a new concern...

Multicolored,Fungi,On,A,Log,With,Moss

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA Forest Service</a> has revealed a significant shift in the Arctic and boreal ecosystems. </p>



<p>As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-are-releasing-methane-from-melting-permafrost/">permafrost</a> thaws in high-latitude regions like Alaska, a microbial awakening is restructuring food webs, pushing fungi to the forefront as a primary energy source for local fauna. </p>



<p>This shift highlights the profound impacts of warming climates on terrestrial ecosystems.</p>



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



<p>Alaska, known for its sprawling 113 million-acre interior, is witnessing some of the world's most rapid warming. The thawing of permafrost in this region is not just releasing vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming, but is also kickstarting a significant decay process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This decay infuses both above- and below-ground food webs with carbon, dramatically altering the energy flow and affecting the species reliant on these systems.</p>



<p>Philip Manlick, a research wildlife biologist with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, along with his team from the University of New Mexico and the University of Texas at Austin, explored this phenomenon. The focus was on four Arctic and boreal forest animals, including the tundra vole.</p>



<p>The core of the study involved a novel technique: analyzing carbon isotope "fingerprints" in essential amino acids produced only by plants, bacteria, and fungi. These biomarkers allowed researchers to trace how carbon moved between "green" plant-supported and "brown" microbe-driven food webs.</p>



<p>“Understanding how energy moves through food webs helps us understand how ecosystems function and how animals might respond to stressors like climate change,” said Manlick. </p>



<p>“In Arctic and boreal ecosystems, it’s well known that the climate is warming, permafrost is melting, and microbes are flourishing. But we know very little about the impacts of this process on terrestrial food webs and the animals they support.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-observations">Long-term observations</h2>



<p>The study's analysis included bone collagen from museum specimens of tundra and red-backed voles and masked shrews, as well as Arctic wolf spiders from different warming scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Scientists often argue about the importance of animals to ecosystem processes like carbon cycling, but when they eat resources from different food webs, they move carbon between storage pools,” said Manlick. </p>



<p>“In the future, we think this tool can be used to trace the fate of carbon through food webs to understand the functional roles of animals in ecosystem functions, like nutrient cycling.”</p>



<p>The team observed a significant shift from plant-based to fungal-based food webs. For example, shrews assimilated up to 90 percent of their carbon intake from fungal sources, marking a more than 40-percent increase compared to historical specimens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-a-shifting-diet">Implications of a shifting diet</h2>



<p>The shift to fungal-based food sources among these animals is believed to stem from increased decomposition, fueled by warming climates. </p>



<p>This decomposition feeds fungi, which are then consumed by various small animals, transferring brown carbon up the food web.</p>



<p>Arctic wolf spiders were also found to shift from plant-based to fungal-based food webs as the main source of their energy, assimilating more than 50 percent brown carbon under warming conditions, compared to 26 percent at control sites.</p>



<p>“Our study presents clear evidence that climate warming alters carbon flow and food web dynamics among aboveground consumers in Arctic tundra and boreal forest ecosystems - across species, ecosystems, and long- and short-term warming scenarios,” explained Manlick. </p>



<p>“And we show that these changes are the consequence of a change from predominantly green, plant-based food webs to brown, microbe-based food webs.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trophic-pathways-nbsp">Trophic pathways&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The scientists suspect brown carbon is being transferred to aboveground consumers, like the mammals and spiders, in a series of predation events known as trophic pathways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Increased warming results in increased decomposition in both permafrost on the tundra and in boreal forests. </p>



<p>Fungi feed on this decomposing plant matter and are, in turn, consumed by arthropods, mites, and earthworms that transfer the fungal carbon upward in the food web where they are consumed by the voles, shrews, and spiders, noted the researchers.</p>



<p>“Climate warming significantly alters the flow of energy through food webs, such that animals who were historically supported by plant-based food webs are now supported by fungal-based food webs derived from belowground decomposition,” said Manlick.</p>



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



<p>The findings not only highlight the crucial role animals play in linking green and brown food webs, but also how climate change is modifying these links. </p>



<p>These alterations could have far-reaching implications for nutrient cycling and ecosystem functionality.</p>



<p>For instance, the dietary shift in voles towards more subterranean sources may result in reduced plant consumption, potentially increasing carbon storage in aboveground ecosystems. </p>



<p>This challenges the prevailing notion of "Arctic greening" and suggests a trend towards "browning" of food webs.</p>



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



<p>With these insights, Manlick and his team plan to delve deeper into the contrasting patterns observed in plants and animals and their implications for the future of these rapidly evolving ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study not only opens a new window into understanding the complex dynamics of high-latitude food webs but also underscores the urgent need to comprehend and mitigate the impacts of climate change.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01893-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Climate Change</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Microbial awakening: Arctic food webs are transforming from green to brown

A new study led by the USDA Forest Service has...

<p>In a study from <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a>, researchers have uncovered a significant correlation between the proximity of older adults to green and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-and-green-spaces-are-beneficial-in-all-stages-of-life/">blue spaces</a> and their mental and physical well-being. </p>



<p>The study offers compelling evidence that even small increases in access to nature can markedly improve the health outcomes of older adults.</p>



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



<p>A mere 10% increase in forest space within a person’s ZIP code is linked to a noticeable decrease in serious psychological distress. This type of distress encompasses mental health challenges that necessitate treatment and hinder normal social, occupational, or educational functioning.</p>



<p>Similarly, enhancing green spaces, tree coverage, water bodies, or trail lengths by 10% appears to lower the likelihood of older individuals reporting their overall health as poor or fair.</p>



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



<p>The researchers analyzed health survey data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and above residing in urban areas of Washington state, spanning the years 2011 to 2019.</p>



<p>The experts related the health outcomes of these individuals to various measures quantifying their access to nature within their residential areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-analysis-nbsp">Comprehensive analysis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Initially presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in April 2023, the research focused solely on the link between psychological distress and proximity to natural spaces.</p>



<p>The final study expanded to include additional metrics such as green space percentage and trail length, also taking into account demographic variables like race and education.</p>



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



<p>“Our findings suggest that loss of our urban green and blue spaces due to rapid urbanization may not just have an environmental impact but could have a public health impact as well,” said study first study author Adithya Vegaraju, a medical student in the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.</p>



<p>Vegaraju said this research is among the first in the U.S. to specifically investigate the relationship between access to nature and health in the older population.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-prescriptions-nbsp">Nature prescriptions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Older adults with depression, anxiety or mental health issues are known to be more resistant to medical interventions or talk therapy, which are the go-to treatments for these conditions,” said Vegaraju.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If exposure to green or blue spaces could help prevent, delay or even treat poor mental health in older adults, we need to look at that more closely as a way to improve mental health outcomes in this population.”</p>



<p>According to Vegaraju, one potential solution could involve "nature prescriptions," a growing trend that involves healthcare providers giving patients written recommendations to spend time outdoors.</p>



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



<p>Senior study author Solmaz Amiri, a research assistant professor in the WSU College of Medicine, said further studies are needed to know exactly how exposure to green and blue spaces may lead to better mental and general health. She plans to study the possible link between nature exposure and cognitive decline, which can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.</p>



<p>“It is thought that exposure to green and blue spaces could help slow cognitive decline,” said Amiri. “What we would like to know is if green and blue space exposure can influence dementia directly or whether it can do so by reducing mental health issues that may lead to cognitive decline.”</p>



<p>Amiri hopes this research will help resolve health inequities among older adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, which may be tied to unequal access to green and blue spaces in the urban areas where they live.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103148" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Health &amp; Place</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Access to nature improves the mental health of older adults

In a study from Washington State University, researchers have uncovered...

<p>Honey production in the United States has experienced a noticeable decline since the 1990s, a trend that has puzzled both honey producers and scientists.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a> has shed light on this mystery, revealing key insights drawn from an extensive analysis of data spanning five decades.</p>



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



<p>The researchers used a wealth of data sources, including those maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service and USDA Farm Service Agency.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team meticulously examined a range of variables, such as average honey yield per colony, land use patterns, herbicide application, climatic conditions, weather anomalies, and soil productivity across the continental U.S.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-contributing-factors">Multiple contributing factors</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed a complex interplay of factors impacting honey yields. Notably, the study highlighted the significant influence of land use changes, including the reduction of land conservation programs that are crucial for pollinators, and the widespread application of herbicides. These factors, along with varying annual weather patterns, were linked to fluctuations in honey production.</p>



<p>The role of soil productivity emerged as a particularly important factor. The study found that both warmer and cooler regions in the U.S. reported higher honey yields when their soils were more productive. This underscores the significance of soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties in supporting not only crop growth but also the floral resources vital for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-are-very-loyal-to-their-flower-patches/">honey bees</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-impact-of-climate">Growing impact of climate</h2>



<p>Study lead author Gabriela Quinlan, an NSF postdoctoral fellow at Penn State’s Department of Entomology and Center for Pollinator Research, said she was inspired to conduct the study after attending beekeeper meetings and conferences and repeatedly hearing the same comment: "You just can’t make honey like you used to."</p>



<p>Quinlan's analysis revealed an increasing correlation between climate and honey yields post-1992, indicating the growing impact of climate change on honey production.</p>



<p>“It’s unclear how climate change will continue to affect honey production, but our findings may help to predict these changes,” said Quinlan. “For example, pollinator resources may decline in the Great Plains as the climate warms and becomes more moderate, while resources may increase in the mid-Atlantic as conditions become hotter.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-data-analysis-nbsp">Extensive data analysis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Professor Christina Grozinger said that while scientists previously knew that many factors influence flowering plant abundance and flower production, prior studies were conducted in only one region of the U.S.</p>



<p>“What’s really unique about this study is that we were able to take advantage of 50 years of data from across the continental U.S.,” said Professor Grozinger. “This allowed us to really investigate the role of soil, eco-regional climate conditions, annual weather variation, land use and land management practices on the availability of nectar for honey bees and other pollinators.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-availability">Flower availability</h2>



<p>The study also sheds light on the critical issue of floral resource availability. Different regions support diverse flowering plants based on their unique climate and soil characteristics. Identifying areas with abundant flowers is becoming increasingly important for creating bee-friendly landscapes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A lot of factors affect honey production, but a main one is the availability of flowers,” said Quinlan. “Honey bees are really good foragers, collecting nectar from a variety of flowering plants and turning that nectar into honey. I was curious that if beekeepers are seeing less honey, does that mean there are fewer floral resources available to pollinators overall? And if so, what environmental factors were causing this change?”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-new-insights-nbsp">Valuable new insights&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The investigation into the decline of honey production led to an exciting discovery about the importance of soil productivity, a relatively underexplored factor in determining the suitability of landscapes for pollinators.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the researchers found that changes in land use, such as decreases in soybean land and increases in Conservation Reserve Program land, positively impacted honey yields. The application rates of herbicides also played a crucial role, as eliminating flowering weeds can deprive bees of essential nutritional sources.</p>



<p>“Our findings provide valuable insights that can be applied to improve models and design experiments to enable beekeepers to predict honey yields, growers to understand pollination services, and land managers to support plant–pollinator communities and ecosystem services,” concluded Quinlan.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/acff0c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Bees are making less honey, and five decades of data reveals why

Honey production in the United States has experienced a noticeable...

<p>In a world where the climate is increasingly unpredictable, understanding how plants adapt and survive becomes crucial.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> sheds light on how tomato plants use their roots to ration water during drought conditions, marking a significant advancement in agricultural research and potential crop resilience strategies.</p>



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



<p>Central to this discovery is a substance called suberin, a water-repellent polymer. Suberin plays a critical role in how plants manage water resources under stress.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Typically, during a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-droughts-are-becoming-the-new-normal/">drought</a>, plant roots produce suberin to block water from flowing upwards towards the leaves. This mechanism is vital since water reaching the leaves would quickly evaporate. Comparing this to an open tap, without suberin, plants would suffer significant water loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-adaptation">Unique adaptation</h2>



<p>While suberin is not new to botanists, its production in tomato plants presents a unique case. In most plants, suberin is produced by endodermal cells within the root's inner vessels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, in tomato plants, researchers found that suberin is produced in exodermal cells, situated just beneath the root's skin. This distinction was previously not well understood.</p>



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



<p>The research illuminates the role of exodermal suberin in tomato plants. Led by Siobhan Brady, a professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Biology and Genome Center, and postdoctoral scholar Alex Cantó-Pastor, the team demonstrated that exodermal suberin serves a similar function to endodermal suberin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study revealed that without this protective layer, tomato plants show decreased resilience to water stress.</p>



<p>“This adds exodermal suberin to our toolbox of ways to help plants survive for longer and cope with drought,” said Professor Brady.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It’s almost like a jigsaw puzzle - if you can figure out which cells have modifications that protect the plant during difficult environmental conditions, you can start to ask questions like, if you build those defenses up one upon the other, does it make the plant stronger?”</p>



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



<p>The team began by identifying active genes in the root exodermal cells of tomato plants. Following this, gene editing was used to create mutant strains which lacked certain genes believed to be involved in suberin production. This led to the identification of seven essential genes for suberin deposition.</p>



<p>Focusing on two genes, SIASFT and SlMYB92, the researchers conducted drought experiments. These genes, one an enzyme and the other a transcription factor, are critical in suberin production.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Mutant plants, deficient in the genes needed for suberin production, exhibited increased wilting and stress under drought conditions compared to normal, well-watered plants.</p>



<p>“In both of those cases where you have mutations in those genes, the plants are more stressed and they're not able to respond to drought conditions,” said Brady.</p>



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



<p>Having established suberin's effectiveness in a controlled environment, the next step involves field testing. Professor Brady and her team aim to apply this knowledge to improve drought tolerance in tomatoes, a move that could revolutionize agricultural practices.</p>



<p>“We’ve been working on taking this finding and putting it into the field to try and make tomatoes more drought tolerant,” said Brady.</p>



<p>The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01567-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Plants</em></a>. </p>



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Tomato plants use their roots to ration water during drought

In a world where the climate is increasingly unpredictable, understanding...

<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://umaine.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maine</a> presents a surprising new theory. The experts propose that the very aspects of human evolution which led to our dominance on Earth might now be the obstacles preventing us from addressing global environmental challenges like climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We propose that the global environmental crises of the Anthropocene are the outcome of a ratcheting process in long-term human evolution which has favored groups of increased size and greater environmental exploitation," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-adaptation-to-the-environment">Cultural adaptation to the environment</h2>



<p>Over the last 100,000 years, human societies have significantly expanded their ecological footprint. Humans have come to dominate the planet with tools and systems to exploit natural resources that were refined over thousands of years through the process of cultural adaptation to the environment, noted the researchers.</p>



<p>Study lead author and evolutionary biologist Professor Tim Waring wanted to know how this process of cultural adaptation to the environment might influence the goal of solving global environmental problems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-expansion-and-cultural-evolution-nbsp">Human expansion and cultural evolution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team examined how humans have increasingly exploited various natural resources with greater intensity, leading to profound environmental impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Human evolution is mostly driven by cultural change, which is faster than genetic evolution. That greater speed of adaptation has made it possible for humans to colonize all habitable land worldwide,” said Waring.</p>



<p>Cultural evolution, characterized by the development of sophisticated social systems and technologies like agricultural practices and energy technology, has facilitated human expansion across the globe. However, this expansion has come at a cost, particularly with the industrial use of fossil fuels contributing to severe environmental issues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangerous-environmental-problems-nbsp">Dangerous environmental problems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts pointed out that humans have reached the physical limits of the biosphere and laid claim to most of the resources it has to offer, and this is catching up with us.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Our cultural adaptations, particularly the industrial use of fossil fuels, have created dangerous global environmental problems that jeopardize our safety and access to future resources, noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-limits-and-sustainability">Global limits and sustainability</h2>



<p>The team investigated historical instances of sustainable practices, revealing two patterns. First, sustainable systems often emerge only after significant resource depletion or environmental degradation, as seen with the regulation of industrial emissions in the U.S. post-acid rain crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Second, effective environmental protection typically occurs within, not between, societies. This presents a significant challenge in addressing global issues like climate change, which require unprecedented levels of international cooperation and systemic change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-wrong-problems-nbsp">Solving the wrong problems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“One problem is that we don’t have a coordinated global society which could implement these systems,” said Waring, “We only have sub-global groups, which probably won’t suffice. But you can imagine cooperative treaties to address these shared challenges. So, that’s the easy problem.”</p>



<p>The other problem is much worse, said Waring. In a world filled with sub-global groups, cultural evolution among these groups will tend to solve the wrong problems, benefitting the interests of nations and corporations and delaying action on shared priorities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-environmental-crises-nbsp">Global environmental crises&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A concerning finding of the study is the potential for human evolution to exacerbate global environmental crises. According to Waring, cultural evolution among groups would tend to exacerbate resource competition and could lead to direct conflict between groups and even global human dieback. </p>



<p>“This means global challenges like climate change are much harder to solve than previously considered,” said Waring. “It’s not just that they are the hardest thing our species has ever done. They absolutely are. The bigger problem is that central features in human evolution are likely working against our ability to solve them. To solve global collective challenges we have to swim upstream.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-cooperation-nbsp">International cooperation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the daunting implications, the study also offers avenues for hope and further research. Waring suggests that understanding the drivers of cultural evolution could be key in developing strategies to mitigate global environmental competition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Examples like the Montreal Protocol and the global moratorium on commercial whaling demonstrate the potential for international cooperation in environmental policy.</p>



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



<p>However, Waring cautions that the scale and urgency required for addressing climate change are unprecedented. “There is hope, of course, that humans may solve climate change. We have built cooperative governance before, although never like this: in a rush at a global scale."</p>



<p>As for whether humans can continue to survive on a limited planet, Waring said we don’t have any solutions for this idea of a long-term evolutionary trap, as we barely understand the problem. “If our conclusions are even close to being correct, we need to study this much more carefully."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2022.0259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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Human evolution may be the biggest roadblock to solving climate change

A recent study led by the University of Maine presents...

<p>A recent study highlights a concerning environmental issue facing the U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/high-tide-flooding-is-increasing-along-the-u-s-east-coast/">East Coast</a>. In this region, land subsidence poses a severe risk to infrastructure, populations, and properties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research team, led by Leonard O. Ohenhen, used radar satellite data to assess vertical land movement and its potential impacts.</p>



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



<p>"Coastal regions, where most megacities are located, are on the front lines of climate change impacts and associated uncertainties," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The coincidence of population migration toward low-elevation coastal areas and continued accelerating sea-level rise (SLR) will increase the future vulnerability of coastal communities worldwide."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The impact of SLR-amplified hazards on coastal communities, such as flooding and erosion, dominates in global climate change discussions, with other coastal hazards, such as land subsidence (the lowering of land elevation) relegated to the background."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Land subsidence, however, is a pernicious and growing problem on a global scale with more immediate hazards to coastal areas and often presents more pressing and localized challenges."</p>



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



<p>The study revealed that a vast area of the U.S. East Coast is experiencing subsidence, with a smaller region of about 3,700 km2 sinking at an alarming rate of over 5 mm per year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The downward movement of land can lead to various hazards, such as damage to building foundations, roadways, and utility lines. It can also result in building collapses and intensify coastal flooding, particularly when combined with climate change-induced sea level rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-populations-and-properties-at-risk">Populations and properties at risk</h2>



<p>Land subsidence rates of 2 mm per year are already impacting up to 2.1 million people and 867,000 properties along the East Coast. Several communities, including Norfolk and Virginia Beach in Virginia, Baltimore in Maryland, and areas within New York City like Queens, the Bronx, and Long Island, have over 60% of their land area subsiding.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This phenomenon is not just a natural hazard but also a significant infrastructural challenge, affecting roads, railways, airports, and levees. Notably, New York's JFK and LaGuardia airports have parts, including runways, sinking at more than 2 mm per year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-and-varied-impacts">Causes and varied impacts</h2>



<p>The causes of subsidence are primarily attributed to groundwater extraction and sediment compaction. However, the situation is complex, as some areas are actually rising due to the continent's gradual rebound from the last glacial period.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Around the Chesapeake Bay, this results in a patchy mix of rising and falling land, leading to medium–high risks of differential subsidence. This particular form of land subsidence can cause angular distortion, leading to structural damage over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policy-implications-and-future-concerns">Policy implications and future concerns</h2>



<p>The study authors emphasize that while there's no universally agreed-upon subsidence threshold that triggers policy action, the ongoing and unmitigated subsidence on the East Coast is alarming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is especially true given the high density of population and properties, coupled with a general complacency towards infrastructure maintenance. The study highlights the need for immediate and strategic responses to mitigate risks and protect the affected communities.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/1/pgad426/7504900?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PNAS Nexus</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Rising seas, sinking cities: Land subsidence on the East Coast

A recent study highlights a concerning environmental issue facing the...

<p>Although fog is a common weather phenomenon, it is also quite mysterious. Fog has long been a subject of intrigue and concern, particularly in areas of complex terrain like mountainous regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is a major hazard to transportation, yet meteorologists struggle to predict fog formation with the accuracy they've achieved for other weather events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study from the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>, led by Professor Zhaoxia Pu, is shedding new light on this issue. This research, part of the Cold Fog Amongst Complex Terrain (CFACT) project, aims to deepen our understanding of fog formation, with the goal of improving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/">forecasting</a> methods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-challenge-of-predicting-fog">The challenge of predicting fog</h2>



<p>Fog forms close to the ground, influenced by air temperature, humidity, and the terrain itself. Yet, its prediction remains a challenge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The physical processes that result in fog are complex, making it harder to forecast than precipitation, wind, and other stormy events.</p>



<p>“Our understanding is limited. In order to accurately forecast fog we should better understand the process that controls fog formation,” said Professor Pu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cfact-project">The CFACT project</h2>



<p>The CFACT project, funded by a $1.17 million grant from the National Science Foundation, involves a team from the University of Utah's Department of Atmospheric Sciences, including Gannet Hallar and Sebastian Hoch, Eric Pardyjak from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, scientists from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and Dr. Ismail Gultepe from Ontario Tech University, Canada.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The project's primary objective is to investigate the life cycle of cold fog in mountain valleys, particularly in the Heber Valley, located about 50 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.</p>



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



<p>Improving fog forecasting is particularly important for public safety. Fog significantly reduces visibility, posing dangers to all forms of transportation. </p>



<p>It is the second leading cause of aircraft accidents after high winds and is responsible for numerous automobile crashes and disruptions in ferry operations.&nbsp;Between 1995 and 2004, fog-related accidents in the United States resulted in 13,720 deaths. </p>



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



<p>The researchers used the Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model, which processes meteorological observations for weather predictions.</p>



<p>“Fog involves a lot of physics processes so it requires a computer model that can better represent all these processes,” explained Professor Pu.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Because fog is clouds near the ground, it requires a high-resolution model to resolve it, so we need models at a very fine scale, which are computationally very expensive. The current models (relatively coarser in resolution) are not capable of resolving the fog processes, and we need to improve the models for better fog prediction.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-heber-valley-nbsp">The Heber Valley&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Heber Valley, with its typical mountain valley topography, served as the ideal location for this research. Over seven weeks in the winter of 2022, the team collected data from two major stations equipped with 100-foot towers and various instruments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These stations, located near Deer Creek Reservoir and along the Provo River, gathered data on humidity, wind, visibility, temperature, snow depths, and soil moisture. Multiple satellite sites also contributed to the data collection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensive-observation-periods-nbsp">Intensive observation periods&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team conducted nine intensive observation periods (IOPs) over 24-hour periods. These IOPs included high-frequency radiosonde profiles, tethered balloon profiles, remotely sensed thermodynamic and wind profiles, surface meteorological observations, and microphysical and aerosol measurements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The variety of non-fog IOPs provided insights into near-surface inversion, ice crystal formation, moisture advection and transportation, and stable boundary layers over complex terrain.</p>



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



<p>This comprehensive study is ongoing, but it has already begun to unravel the complexities of fog formation in mountain valleys. By understanding the meteorological conditions and physical processes involved, the researchers hope to improve fog prediction models.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such advancements would not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also significantly enhance public safety by reducing the risks associated with this elusive weather phenomenon.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-dangers-of-fog">More about the dangers of fog</h2>



<p>Fog, although a natural and often visually striking phenomenon, poses several significant dangers, particularly in the context of transportation and outdoor activities. Here are some of the key risks associated with fog:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-visibility">Reduced visibility</h3>



<p>The most immediate danger of fog is the significant reduction in visibility. This can be especially hazardous for drivers, pilots, and mariners, as it becomes difficult to see other vehicles, obstacles, or navigational markers. Reduced visibility increases the risk of accidents and collisions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transportation-accidents">Transportation accidents</h3>



<p>Due to decreased visibility, fog is a major factor in transportation accidents. It can lead to multi-vehicle pile-ups on roads and highways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In aviation, fog can disrupt airport operations, leading to flight delays, diversions, or accidents during takeoff and landing. In maritime contexts, fog can cause collisions between ships or with shore installations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disorientation-and-confusion">Disorientation and confusion</h3>



<p>In outdoor settings, especially in unfamiliar terrain, fog can cause disorientation. Hikers, for instance, might lose their sense of direction.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-issues">Health issues</h3>



<p>Fog may exacerbate health issues, especially in urban areas where it traps pollutants and reduces air quality. This is particularly risky for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-impact">Economic impact</h3>



<p>Dense fog may have a significant economic impact due to delayed transportation services. It can disrupt supply chains, lead to flight and shipping cancellations or delays, and affect businesses dependent on timely transportation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agricultural-impact">Agricultural impact</h3>



<p>In some cases, fog impacts agriculture. Persistent fog can deprive plants of sunlight, affecting their growth. It can also contribute to the spread of fungal diseases in certain crops.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-22-0030.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society</em></a>. </p>



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Scientists are unraveling the mysteries of fog formation

Although fog is a common weather phenomenon, it is also...

Angel,Oak,Tree,In,John’s,Island,South,Carolina

<p>At the forefront of environmental discussions at Michigan State University, <a href="https://directory.natsci.msu.edu/Directory/Profiles/Person/100427" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Sharkey</a>, a University Distinguished Professor at the <a href="https://plantresilience.msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Resilience Institute</a>, posed a provocative question: </p>



<p>“Should we cut down all the oak trees?” </p>



<p>While he wasn't advocating for a literal deforestation of oak trees, this theoretical question emerges from his team’s recent discoveries about the role of trees, especially oaks and poplars, in air pollution dynamics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isoprene-and-oak-trees-the-conundrum">Isoprene and oak trees: The conundrum</h2>



<p>Sharkey’s research delves into the intricacies of isoprene -- a compound released by certain plants, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-oak-tree-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oaks</a> and poplars. </p>



<p>This research reveals a paradox. On one hand, with global temperatures rising, these trees emit more isoprene. </p>



<p>This, in turn, interacts with pollutants like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen oxide</a>, exacerbating poor air quality by contributing to particulate matter and low-atmosphere <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ozone-hole-is-now-one-of-the-largest-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a>.</p>



<p>On the other hand, isoprene bolsters the plants' resistance against environmental stressors such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oak-trees-use-carbohydrate-reserves-to-survive-insect-invasions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect attacks</a> and high temperatures.</p>



<p>This double-edged sword leads Sharkey to ask, “Do we want plants to make more isoprene so they’re more resilient, or do we want them making less so it’s not making air pollution worse? What’s the right balance?”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-villain-behind-the-scenes">The villain behind-the-scenes</h2>



<p>Despite isoprene from oak trees being the second-largest emitted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-uncover-new-way-that-earth-cleans-its-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrocarbon</a> on Earth -- trailing only behind <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> emissions from human activities -- its significant impact on the environment remains relatively unknown to the general public. </p>



<p>Sharkey, who has studied isoprene since his doctoral days at <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State</a> in the 1970s, sheds light on its importance and the challenges it presents.</p>



<p>Interestingly, this isn't the first time trees have been implicated in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> discussions. </p>



<p>In the 1980s, then-president Ronald Reagan controversially claimed that trees produced more air pollution than cars. This statement, although exaggerated, contained a nugget of truth regarding the role of isoprene. </p>



<p>As Sharkey explains, “There’s this interesting phenomenon where you have air moving across a city landscape, picking up nitrogen oxides, then moving over a forest to give you this toxic brew.”</p>



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



<p>Backed by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, Sharkey's team delves deeper into the mysteries of isoprene production. </p>



<p>Prior to their research, it was known that isoprene production was affected by photosynthesis and that global changes were causing contrasting effects on its emission. </p>



<p>While increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> reduced isoprene production, higher temperatures accelerated it. The recent study, however, has finally unveiled the specifics of this dynamic. </p>



<p>Lead author Abira Sahu stated, “We were looking for a regulation point in the isoprene’s biosynthesis pathway under high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-becomes-a-more-potent-greenhouse-gas-as-climate-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a>... And, finally, we have the answer.” </p>



<p>The team's findings suggest that the effect of rising temperatures vastly overshadows that of carbon dioxide. </p>



<p>As Sharkey notes, “By the time you’re at 95 degrees Fahrenheit -- 35 degrees Celsius -- there’s basically no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-may-flip-plankton-into-carbon-emitters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> suppression. Isoprene is pouring out like wild.”</p>



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



<p>The discoveries of Sharkey's team have significant implications for future climate predictions and planning. </p>



<p>Understanding the volume of isoprene emissions is crucial for anticipating air quality and designing appropriate mitigation strategies. </p>



<p>Mohammad Mostofa, another contributor to the study, emphasized this, saying, “We could be doing a better job.”</p>



<p>For institutions like MSU, with a vast expanse of over <a href="https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2022/the-science-stewardship-and-stories-behind-msus-trees-2022-update" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">20,000 trees</a>, the findings could influence decisions about future plantings to potentially reduce isoprene emissions. </p>



<p>However, Sharkey offers a more immediate solution that doesn't involve cutting down trees. He suggests improved control of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-nitrogen-oxide-pollution-could-boost-crop-yields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen oxide</a> pollution as a key countermeasure.</p>



<p>In summary, this comprehensive research, with contributions from experts like Sarathi Weraduwage, an assistant professor at <a href="https://www.ubishops.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bishop’s University</a> in Quebec, provides crucial insights into the balance between environmental quality and plant resilience. It underscores the importance of informed choices in the face of a warming planet.</p>



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



<p>As discussed above, Oak trees are a diverse and widespread group of trees belonging to the genus Quercus. </p>



<p>Found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, these trees are known for their strength, longevity, and distinctive wood. </p>



<p>With over 600 species, oak trees display a vast range of sizes, shapes, and habitats, making them an important part of many ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-oak-trees">Key characteristics of oak trees</h3>



<ul>
<li>Leaves and Acorns: Oak leaves are generally lobed and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The trees are also known for producing acorns, their fruit, which play a crucial role in wildlife sustenance and forest ecology.<br></li>



<li>Wood Quality: Oak wood is highly valued for its density, strength, and durability. It's widely used in furniture, flooring, and barrel-making, particularly for wine and whiskey, as it imparts a unique flavor.<br></li>



<li>Longevity: Many oak species can live for several centuries, with some individual trees surpassing a thousand years.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance">Ecological importance</h3>



<ul>
<li>Habitat and Food Source: Oaks provide habitat and food for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. Their acorns are especially important for species like squirrels, jays, and deer.<br></li>



<li>Carbon Sequestration: As long-lived trees, oaks are significant in carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change impacts.<br></li>



<li>Biodiversity: Oaks support a higher level of biodiversity than many other tree species, hosting various forms of plant and animal life.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-oak-trees">Cultural significance of oak trees</h3>



<ul>
<li>Symbolism: Oaks have been symbols of strength, endurance, and longevity in many cultures. They're often associated with historic events and legends.<br></li>



<li>Landscaping and Urban Planning: Due to their majestic appearance and robust nature, oaks are popular in landscaping and urban greening projects.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oak-tree-conservation-and-challenges">Oak tree conservation and challenges</h3>



<ul>
<li>Climate Change and Pests: Oaks face threats from climate change, pests, and diseases like oak wilt and the emerald ash borer. These challenges affect their health and survival.<br></li>



<li>Conservation Efforts: Efforts to conserve oak species include habitat protection, research on disease and pest resistance, and reforestation projects.</li>
</ul>



<p>In summary, oak trees are a key component of many forests and landscapes, while also possessing significant ecological, economic, and cultural value. Their conservation is vital for maintaining the health and diversity of forest ecosystems worldwide.</p>



<p>The full paper was published in the renowned journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309536120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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Some plants can actually increase air pollution and make climate change worse

At the forefront of environmental discussions at Michigan State University,...

<p>Researchers have uncovered alarming vulnerabilities in coastal communities, stemming from accelerating sea level rise. This phenomenon, primarily driven by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-global-warming-affecting-the-human-brain/">global warming</a>, poses a significant risk to these regions, with minority and disadvantaged populations facing the brunt of its impact.</p>



<p>The study, led by Professor Kelsea Best of <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>, sheds light on a critical aspect often overlooked in climate change assessments: the threat of isolation due to rising sea levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts report that as flooding intensifies, disadvantaged populations will be the ones to experience some of the most severe burdens of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disproportionate-risk">Disproportionate risk</h2>



<p>A key finding of the research is the disproportionate risk faced by minority populations when sea levels rise above 4 feet. These groups are more likely to experience isolation, with their access to essential services like emergency care, schools, and grocery stores being severely disrupted.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This risk is further compounded for renters and older adults, highlighting the intersection between historical social inequalities and climate change vulnerabilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-community-risk-assessment-nbsp">Rethinking community risk assessment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Professor Best, the first step in better characterizing these threats is changing how researchers assess community risk, as most studies measure this by exclusively determining impacts via direct flooding. But concentrating on this sole measurement neglects more complex aftereffects of sea level rise, such as isolation, and reinforces inequality in coastal areas, said Best.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We need to re-conceptualize how we measure who is burdened by sea level rise because there are so many ways that people might be burdened before their home is flooded."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-and-cascading-burdens-nbsp">Multiple and cascading burdens&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"An estimated 20 million coastal residents in the U.S. will be at risk of inundation due to sea level rise (SLR) and/or storm surges by 2030, yet there is less evidence of how multiple and cascading burdens of SLR that are beyond direct inundation will affect disadvantaged populations," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, because people need access to essential places like grocery stores, public schools, hospitals and fire stations, the researchers argue that an inability to reach these places impacts individuals just as negatively as if they were living in inundated homes themselves, and should be documented as such.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-of-isolation-nbsp">Risk of isolation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers overlayed OpenStreetMap road network data with NOAA's mean higher high water scenarios and recent census data. The analysis revealed that a group's risk of isolation is intricately linked to the specific layout of road networks and the location of vital services in relation to where at-risk individuals live.</p>



<p>The research team found that Hispanic populations are often overrepresented in those at risk of isolation, beginning at 4 feet of sea level rise, while Black populations face similar risks after 6 feet. In contrast, white populations are underrepresented in these risk assessments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Best emphasized the need for targeted adaptation resources and policies to support those historically marginalized, emphasizing that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach is insufficient and exacerbates existing inequities.</p>



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



<p>The study presents a sobering timeline for the onset of isolation risks in coastal communities. Through a comparison of two long-term sea level rise scenarios, the researchers found that the isolating effects could manifest as early as 2090. This timeline underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing adaptive measures.</p>



<p>“This timeline matters from a planning and adaptation perspective,” said Professor Best. “Part of why we included the temporal piece is to say this issue would not be as much of a problem if we had urgent, aggressive mitigation." </p>



<p>“The effects of climate change are going to be further reaching and more cascading than might be directly obvious, and those effects are not going to be felt equitably. So we need to be thinking about those populations most at risk from the beginning and develop policies to support them.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43835-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Burdens of climate change: Sea level rise and the risk of isolation 

Researchers have uncovered alarming vulnerabilities in coastal communities, stemming from...

<p>A new study led by geoscientist Rebecca Hamilton at the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> is challenging long-held views on the ecological history of South East Asia. </p>



<p>Contrary to the previous belief that dry savannahs dominated the region during the Last Glacial Maximum more than 19,000 years ago, the team discovered a varied landscape of closed and open forest types.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-tropical-forests">Resilience of tropical forests</h2>



<p>The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2311280120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>, has significant implications for understanding the resilience of tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-biodiversity-found-in-ancient-asian-rainforest/">forests</a> to climate change.</p>



<p>Dr. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of this discovery in the context of accelerating climate change. She notes that maintaining a diversity of forest types is key to conserving the region’s ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformation-of-forested-areas-nbsp">Transformation of forested areas&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our work suggests that prioritizing protection of forests above 1,000 meters (‘montane forest’) alongside seasonally dry forest types could be important for preventing future ‘savannization’ of Asia’s rainforests,” she said.</p>



<p>Savannization refers to the transformation of forested areas into savannah ecosystems, characterized by open wooded plains. This process can be triggered by climate changes, human activities, or natural ecological shifts.</p>



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



<p>"The dominant paradigm is that large tracts of Southeast Asia’s lowland rainforests were replaced with a 'savanna corridor' during the cooler, more seasonal climates of the Last Glacial Maximum," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This interpretation has implications for understanding the resilience of Asia’s tropical forests to projected climate change, implying a vulnerability to savannization."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"A savanna corridor is also an important foundation for archaeological interpretations of how humans moved through and settled insular Southeast Asia and Australia. Yet an up-to-date, multiproxy, and empirical examination of the palaeoecological evidence for this corridor is lacking."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paleoenvironmental-sites-nbsp">Paleoenvironmental sites&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To investigate, the researchers analyzed records from 59 paleoenvironmental sites across tropical South East Asia. The team challenged the savannah model, which postulated a vast, uniform grassland expansion during the Last Glacial Maximum.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, their analysis of pollen grains from lakes and other biochemical indicators revealed a coexistence of forests and expanding grasslands during this period.</p>



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



<p>“We put forward the idea that these seeming discrepancies can be reconciled if, during the cool and seasonal climate of the Last Glacial Maximum, montane forests (above 1,000m) persisted and expanded in high-elevation regions, while lowlands experienced a shift to seasonally dry forests, which have a naturally grassy understory,” Hamilton explained.</p>



<p>The research not only offers a revised perspective on the ecological past of South East Asia but also provides valuable insights into the potential resilience of the region’s tropical forests in the face of ongoing climate change. It highlights the critical need for preserving a diversity of forest landscapes to safeguard these ecosystems for the future.</p>



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Forests of South East Asia are more resilient than previously thought

A new study led by geoscientist Rebecca Hamilton at the...

<p>A recent study from <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Dornsife</a> has unveiled startling new insights into one of Earth's most devastating mass extinction events. </p>



<p>The research not only deepens our understanding of the catastrophic end-Triassic mass extinction but also offers vital lessons for addressing today's environmental challenges.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-end-triassic-catastrophe">The end-Triassic catastrophe</h2>



<p>Approximately 200 million years ago, the Earth underwent its fourth major mass extinction event, marking the end of the Triassic period and the dawn of the Jurassic era.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This catastrophic event, triggered by a dramatic surge in greenhouse gases from volcanic activity, led to rapid global warming and a profound transformation of the planet's biosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today, as scientists grapple with the potential of a current mass extinction driven by similar climate changes, this historical event becomes increasingly significant.</p>



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



<p>The USC Dornsife team adopted an innovative "ecospace framework" method to analyze the impact of this extinction on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. This approach categorizes animals beyond mere species classification, considering their ecological roles and behaviors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study senior author Professor David Bottjer emphasized the importance of understanding how different species' roles in the ecosystem evolved through this catastrophic period.</p>



<p>“We wanted to understand not just who survived and who didn’t, but how the roles that different species played in the ecosystem changed,” said Professor Bottjer. “This approach helps us see the broader, interconnected ecological picture.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-impacts">Diverse impacts</h2>



<p>The study revealed a stark contrast in the impacts on marine versus terrestrial ecosystems. While ocean life experienced a significant loss, with nearly 71% of genera vanishing, the marine ecosystem structure displayed remarkable resilience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Land ecosystems faced a bleaker scenario, with a staggering 96% of terrestrial genera going extinct, reshaping Earth's landscape dramatically.</p>



<p>“This contrast between land and sea tells us about the different ways ecosystems respond to catastrophic events,” said co-lead author Alison Cribb. “It also raises important questions about the interplay of biodiversity and ecological resilience.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-ancient-climate-change">Learning from ancient climate change</h2>



<p>“Understanding past mass extinctions helps us to predict and possibly soften the impacts of current and future environmental crises,” said co-lead author Kiersten Formoso.</p>



<p>The parallels between the rapid global warming of the end-Triassic and today's climate changes are striking.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’re seeing similar patterns now - rapid climate change, loss of biodiversity. Learning how ecosystems responded in the past can inform our conservation efforts today,” said Professor Bottjer.</p>



<p>The research also provides a rare window into the world as it existed over 200 million years ago, he added. “It’s like a time machine, giving us a glimpse of life during a period of profound change.”</p>



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



<p>The study’s ecospace framework, with its focus on functional roles, offers a fresh perspective on ancient life, said Professor Frank Corsetti.</p>



<p>“It’s not just about identifying fossils. It’s about piecing together the puzzle of ancient ecosystems and how they functioned.”</p>



<p>Future research</p>



<p>The team plans to expand this research to explore species recovery post-extinction and the parallels with current biodiversity loss due to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve just scratched the surface,” said Cribb. “There’s so much more to learn about how life on Earth responds to extreme changes, and this new ecospace framework offers great potential for helping us do that.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.2232" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: Courtesy of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County</p>



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Mass extinction event shows how life responds to extreme changes

A recent study from USC Dornsife has unveiled startling new...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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