<p>Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. </p>



<p>But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks.</p>



<p>In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-making-wildfire-smoke-more-deadly/">wildfires</a>, adding to the already mounting risks across the West.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-is-fueling-more-wildfires">Lightning is fueling more wildfires</h2>



<p>Wildfires need a few things to get going: dry fuel, hot temperatures, low humidity, and a spark. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-is-changing-the-atmosphere-in-surprising-ways/">Lightning</a> is one of the most powerful natural igniters.</p>



<p>In the western U.S., lightning already causes more than two-thirds of the area burned by wildfires. And now, new research shows that number is going to rise sharply due to climate change. </p>



<p>Warmer air holds more moisture, which means more unstable weather patterns. Those patterns, in turn, set the stage for more lightning.</p>



<p>A recent study has revealed that virtually all of the western U.S. - 98 percent of the region - will have more days with a greater likelihood of lightning-ignited wildfires starting as early as the 2030s. </p>



<p>For regions already accustomed to such fires, such as Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, the risk is even greater. As early as 2060, those states may have as many as 12 additional lightning-filled days per summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-to-forecast-lightning">A model to forecast lightning</h2>



<p>Traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/">climate models</a> don’t really track lightning. That’s why a team of researchers led by Dmitri Kalashnikov built their own system to fill in the gaps.</p>



<p>“The first step was to project lightning,” said Kalashnikov, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Merced</a>. “The typical climate models don’t directly simulate lightning. It’s too small a process.”</p>



<p>The researchers applied machine learning to forecast where lightning would hit based on variables that we can quantify - such as temperature, humidity, and the level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moisture-in-the-atmosphere-causes-extreme-weather-to-last-longer/">moisture in the air</a>. </p>



<p>The team merged those results with the Fire Weather Index (FWI), a mechanism that was developed back in 1968 to monitor how probable wildfire initiation and spread is from local weather.</p>



<p>The result is a forecast model tailored to the western U.S., designed to project conditions from 2030 to 2060 - decades earlier than most studies, which typically look only to the end of the century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-lightning-in-the-northwest">More lightning in the Northwest</h2>



<p>The northwestern states of Idaho, Oregon, and Montana are projected to experience the greatest growth in lightning days. But strangely, they may not experience the most rapid expansion in wildfires. </p>



<p>Although lightning will grow, the conditions favoring fires (such as extreme heat or dryness) are not expected to worsen as quickly in the Northwest compared to other regions.</p>



<p>That doesn’t mean northwestern states are off the hook. Cloud-to-ground lightning, the kind that hits trees or grass directly, is still expected to rise significantly in those areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-lightning-greater-wildfire-risk">Less lightning, greater wildfire risk</h2>



<p>In contrast, the Southwest - including Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico - won’t see as much of a jump in lightning strikes. But the fire risk will still climb. </p>



<p>This is because even a small spark becomes a big threat when the land is extra dry, the heat is intense, and there’s little rain to cool things off.</p>



<p>The researchers found that these southern states are likely to experience the biggest increases in wildfires caused by lightning, despite the smaller bump in lightning activity. That’s because climate change is pushing up the number of fire-prone days overall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-and-wet-lightning">Dry and wet lightning</h2>



<p>Kalashnikov said the next steps could involve separating the kinds of lightning events. “You can’t help but wonder what the future will look like, especially if you dig in and you realize that there’s actually a lot that we don’t understand,” he said.</p>



<p>One key factor will be figuring out how to distinguish between "dry lightning" and "wet lightning." Dry lightning happens without much rain, making it a fire hazard. </p>



<p>Wet lightning brings <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-poses-extreme-risks-in-the-western-us/">heavy rain</a>, which can reduce fire risk but increase flood danger. Understanding that difference could help emergency services respond more precisely to fire threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-risks-are-rising-fast">Wildfire risks are rising fast</h2>



<p>As climate patterns shift, the West isn’t just getting warmer and drier - it’s getting stormier in a dangerous way. Lightning is expected to spark more fires, and fires are expected to find more dry fuel waiting. It’s a feedback loop that could reshape fire seasons in the U.S.</p>



<p>This isn’t about something that might happen a hundred years from now. The changes are coming within the next few decades - some may already be happening. </p>



<p>And for the people living in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/double-hazard-wildfire-zones-identified-in-the-american-west/">high-risk areas</a>, that means more heat, more smoke, and a greater need for preparation.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025EF006108" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a></em>.</p>



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Lightning will ignite even more wildfires as the climate heats up

Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks. In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for wildfires, adding to the already mounting risks across the West. Lightning is fueling more wildfires Wildfires need a few things to get...

<p>Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels and one of the most catastrophic marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/">extinction events</a> in Earth’s history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research not only illuminates our understanding of past global changes but also issues a stark warning about the current fragility of marine ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triassic-jurassic-mass-extinction">Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction</h2>



<p>The study was focused on the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, which occurred approximately 200 million years ago. This event is among the Earth's major mass extinctions, periods characterized by significant global ecosystem collapses and widespread species extinctions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Historically, these events have been closely associated with global environmental disturbances, frequently resulting in reduced oxygen levels (anoxia) in oceanic waters.</p>



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



<p>A common hypothesis has been that greater extents of ocean deoxygenation would naturally lead to larger scale extinctions. However, the current study challenges this assumption by demonstrating that the level of euxinia (an extreme form of deoxygenation) during the Triassic–Jurassic extinction was similar to what we observe today.</p>



<p>The research team, including experts from Royal Holloway (UK), <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> (Ireland), and Utrecht University (Netherlands), analyzed chemical data extracted from ancient mudstone deposits in Northern Ireland and Germany.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The results of the analysis highlight the role of anoxia in the marine extinctions during this period. The study also reveals a surprising limitation in the global extent of extreme deoxygenation at the time.</p>



<p>The experts found a correlation between increased extinction rates and spikes in deoxygenation across shallow marine environments along European continental margins.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautionary-tale-nbsp">Cautionary tale&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Upon further investigation, the team determined that the global extent of extreme deoxygenation was rather limited, and similar to the present day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research serves as a cautionary tale about the current state of our oceans, suggesting that they may be more vulnerable than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study of past global change events is invaluable in understanding the consequences of modern climate change, as well as in predicting and possibly mitigating future ecosystem tipping points.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-impacts">Cascading impacts</h2>



<p>“Scientists have long suspected that ocean deoxygenation plays an important role in the disturbance of marine ecosystems, which can lead to the extinction of species in marine environments," said study co-author Professor Micha Ruhl.</p>



<p>"The study of past time intervals of extreme environmental change indeed shows this to be the case, which teaches us important lessons about potential tipping points in local, as well as global ecosystems in response to climatic forcing."</p>



<p>“Crucially however, the current findings show that even when the global extent of deoxygenation is similar to the present day, the local development of anoxic conditions and subsequent locally increased extinction rates can cascade in widespread or global ecosystem collapse and extinctions, even in areas where deoxygenation did not occur."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-ecosystem-stability-nbsp">Assessing ecosystem stability&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Ruhl said the research shows that global marine ecosystems become vulnerable, even when only local environments along the edges of the continents are disturbed.</p>



<p>"Understanding such processes is of paramount importance for assessing present day ecosystem stability, and associated food supply, especially in a world where marine deoxygenation is projected to significantly increase in response to global warming and increased nutrient run-off from continents.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01303-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a></p>



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Today's ocean oxygen levels may have cascading impacts

Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels...

<p>A study from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW) offers new insights into the health risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">air pollution</a> from congested city roadways. The findings reveal the direct impact of traffic pollution on blood pressure.</p>



<p>The experts have found that exposure to unfiltered air during rush-hour traffic not only elevates passengers' blood pressure in the moment, but maintains this increase for up to 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traffic-pollution-nbsp">Traffic pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This research, led by Dr. Joel Kaufman, signifies a critical advancement in understanding the health risks associated with traffic pollution.</p>



<p>“The body has a complex set of systems to try to keep blood pressure to your brain the same all the time. It’s a very complex, tightly regulated system, and it appears that somewhere, in one of those mechanisms, traffic-related air pollution interferes with blood pressure," said Dr. Kaufman.</p>



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



<p>The findings build on Kaufman’s earlier research, which showed that diesel exhaust fumes could raise blood pressure in a controlled environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new study aimed to replicate these findings in a real-world scenario by testing the impact of traffic pollution on healthy individuals.</p>



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



<p>For the investigation, participants between the ages of 22 and 45 were driven through Seattle's rush-hour traffic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their blood pressure was monitored under two different conditions: exposure to unfiltered road air and drives with air filtered through high-quality HEPA filters, reducing particulate pollution by 86%.</p>



<p>The participants were unaware of the type of air they were exposed to during each drive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-on-traffic-pollution">Critical insights on traffic pollution</h2>



<p>The results showed that breathing unfiltered air led to an average increase in blood pressure of more than 4.50 mm Hg compared to filtered air drives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This spike in blood pressure occurred rapidly, within about an hour into the drive, and persisted for at least 24 hours. Notably, the effect of this increase is comparable to that of a high-sodium diet.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Kaufman highlighted the broader implications of these findings. “We know that modest increases in blood pressure like this, on a population level, are associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular disease."&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There is a growing understanding that air pollution contributes to heart problems. The idea that roadway air pollution at relatively low levels can affect blood pressure this much is an important piece of the puzzle we’re trying to solve.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traffic-pollution-creates-ultrafine-particles">Traffic pollution creates ultrafine particles </h2>



<p>Another critical aspect of the study is its focus on ultrafine particles, a type of pollutant less than 100 nanometers in diameter and unregulated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These ultrafine particles, abundant in traffic-related air pollution, were significantly reduced in the filtered air experiments, suggesting their potential role in affecting blood pressure.</p>



<p>"Ultrafine particles are the pollutant that were most effectively filtered in our experiment – in other words, where the levels are most dramatically high on the road and low in the filtered environment,” Kaufman said. “So, the hint is that ultrafines may be especially important [for blood pressure]. To actually prove that requires further research, but this study provides a very strong clue as to what’s going on.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Kaufman notes the need for further research to conclusively establish this link. Nonetheless, the study stands out for its real-world application, moving beyond laboratory settings to replicate actual conditions millions experience daily.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Michael Young, a former UW postdoctoral fellow and lead author of the study, praises the design for isolating the impact of air pollution from other roadway factors like stress and noise.</p>



<p>“This study is exciting because it takes the gold-standard design for laboratory studies and applies it in an on-roadway setting, answering an important question about the health effects of real-world exposures," said Young.</p>



<p>"Studies on this topic often have a challenging time separating the effects of pollution from other roadway exposures like stress and noise, but with our approach the only difference between drive days was air pollution concentration."</p>



<p>"The findings are valuable because they can reproduce situations that millions of people actually experience every day.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institutes of Health.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7326/M23-1309" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Annals of Internal Medicine</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Traffic pollution has an immediate, harmful impact on blood pressure

A study from the University of Washington (UW) offers new...

<p>In a recent development hailed as a conservation success, bluefin tuna have made a remarkable return to Northern European waters. This resurgence, however, is shadowed by concerns over rising sea temperatures in their Mediterranean nursery grounds. </p>



<p>New research led by the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> suggests that this recovery may be fleeting due to the impending climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-rising-temperatures">Impact of rising temperatures</h2>



<p>According to the research, the Mediterranean Sea is expected to reach temperatures that could drive juvenile bluefin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tunas-billfishes-and-sharks-are-sentinels-of-global-ocean-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tuna</a> out within the next 50 years. </p>



<p>Professor Clive Trueman is the lead author and a Geochemical Ecology expert at the University of Southampton. He emphasized the critical temperature threshold, saying, “We have found that anything over 28 degrees Celsius will adversely impact bluefins’ growth.”</p>



<p>The study predicts a potential shift in the tuna's nursery areas to cooler regions like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/desert-dust-over-the-bay-of-biscay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bay of Biscay</a>. This migration poses a new challenge as juvenile tuna might end up in existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-fisheries-threatened-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fisheries</a> for sardines and anchovies. This confluence of events would necessitate a change in fishery management practices.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-use-of-otolith">Innovative use of otolith</h2>



<p>An international team, including the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> and Spain's <a href="https://www.azti.es/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AZTI</a> science and technology centre, used a novel method involving the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/bluefin-tuna-otolith_credit-Clive-Trueman_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">otolith</a> -- a tissue found behind the brains of bony fish. </p>



<p>This method was pioneered by Professor Trueman. It analyzes the otolith's chemistry to measure the tuna’s metabolic rate, offering insights into the ideal living conditions for these fish.</p>



<p>The otolith, or 'ear stone', is crucial for a fish’s ability to hear and balance. Professor Trueman explained its significance, saying, “Our new work uses variations in the levels of natural stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen in the otolith to reveal each tuna’s individual metabolic rate. This can tell us when waters are getting too hot for the fish to handle - it’s like a natural fitness tracker.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bluefin-tuna-value">Bluefin tuna value</h2>



<p>Bluefin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-payment-tuna-ocean-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tuna</a> are among the largest and most powerful fish in the sea. They are capable of impressive speeds, leaping out of the water at 43 miles per hour. These fish are not just ecologically significant but also economically valuable, with their meat being a prized component in sushi and sashimi.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-pinpoint-blue-corridors-for-large-migratory-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> spawns on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, with Eastern Atlantic bluefin spending their first year in the Mediterranean. Upon reaching maturity, they venture into the Atlantic. Bluefin will often cross the ocean in search of prey like sardines and herring, before returning to the Mediterranean to spawn.</p>



<p>In summary, the return of bluefin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mercury-levels-in-bluefin-tuna-reveal-patterns-of-ocean-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tuna</a> to Northern European waters is a testament to successful conservation efforts. However, the looming threat of climate change, specifically the rising temperatures in their Mediterranean nursery grounds, presents new challenges. </p>



<p>This research highlights, most importantly, the resilience of bluefin tuna. However, it also underscores the need for adaptive management in fisheries and a deeper understanding of the impact of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-improve-well-being-in-coastal-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>.</p>



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



<p>As discussed previously, bluefin tuna are one of the ocean's most magnificent creatures. They command the attention of environmentalists, fishermen, and seafood connoisseurs alike. Let's now delve into their biology, behavior, and the challenges they face in today's oceans.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biology-and-characteristics">Biology and characteristics</h3>



<p>Impressive Size and Speed -- Bluefin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tuna-contain-toxic-mercury-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tuna</a> stand out for their size and speed. They can grow up to three meters in length and weigh over 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds). Known for their incredible speed, they swim at bursts of up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 miles per hour), as mentioned above.</p>



<p>Unique Physiological Traits -- These fish possess several unique physiological adaptations. Unlike most fish, bluefins can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to thrive in diverse water temperatures. Their streamlined bodies and powerful tails make them highly efficient swimmers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-and-migration-patterns">Habitat and migration patterns</h3>



<p>Diverse Habitats -- Bluefin tuna inhabit various oceanic environments. They primarily roam the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, with distinct populations in the Eastern and Western Atlantic.</p>



<p>Long-Distance Migrations -- These fish are renowned for their long-distance migrations, crossing oceans for feeding and spawning. Western Atlantic bluefins migrate between North American waters and the Gulf of Mexico, while Eastern Atlantic populations travel between European waters and their spawning grounds in the Mediterranean.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bluefin-tuna-diet-and-feeding-habits">Bluefin tuna diet and feeding habits</h3>



<p>Predatory Nature -- Bluefin tuna are apex predators, feeding on a diet rich in fish and cephalopods. Their preferred prey includes herring, mackerel, and squid. They hunt both individually and in schools, showcasing impressive coordination.</p>



<p>Foraging Strategies -- Bluefins employ various foraging strategies, from swift, powerful attacks to cooperative hunting in groups. Their keen eyesight and heightened sense of smell aid in locating prey.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-and-life-cycle">Reproduction and life cycle</h3>



<p>Spawning Rituals -- Bluefin tuna spawn in warm waters, typically in the Mediterranean Sea for the Eastern Atlantic population. Spawning occurs annually, with females releasing millions of eggs, ensuring a higher chance of survival for the offspring.</p>



<p>Growth and Development -- Young bluefins grow rapidly, a necessity for survival in the competitive oceanic environment. They reach sexual maturity at around 3-5 years, embarking on their first spawning migrations.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status-and-threats">Conservation status and threats</h3>



<p>Overfishing and Population Decline -- Bluefin tuna face significant threats from overfishing. Their high market value, particularly for sushi and sashimi, has led to intense fishing pressure, causing a stark decline in their populations.</p>



<p>Environmental Challenges -- As mentioned previously in this article, climate change and pollution also pose grave threats to bluefin tuna. Changes in ocean temperatures affect their spawning grounds and migration patterns, while pollution impacts their health and the ecosystems they inhabit.</p>



<p>In summary, bluefin tuna are not only a seafood delicacy, they are integral to the marine ecosystem. Understanding their biology, behavior, and the challenges they face is crucial for their conservation. </p>



<p>Efforts to manage fisheries sustainably and address environmental issues are vital to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures for future generations.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41930-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Bluefin tuna, a sushi delicacy, will likely be extinct within 50 years

In a recent development hailed as a conservation success, bluefin...

<p>Glacial ice, typically perceived as white with blue tinges to the human eye, takes on a dramatically different appearance in a recent false-color satellite image. Alaska's Malaspina Glacier, in this unique portrayal, appears more akin to a fiery landscape than a frosty one. This intriguing view was captured by the <a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/beb06da1b28849e3b55f5a93c2b1e1eb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Operational Land Imager-2</a> (OLI-2) on the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/landsat-missions/landsat-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landsat 9 satellite</a> on October 27, 2023.</p>



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



<p>The image utilizes a specific band combination (1-5-7) from the satellite's capabilities, encompassing coastal/aerosol, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared bands. This configuration presents watery features in vivid reds, oranges, and yellows, while vegetation is shown in green, and rock formations are depicted in various shades of blue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-malaspina-glacier-a-natural-wonder">Malaspina Glacier: A natural wonder</h2>



<p>Malaspina Glacier, or Sít’ Tlein as known in Tlingit, meaning “big glacier”, is a significant natural wonder located predominantly within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This glacier is the largest piedmont glacier globally, sprawling over approximately 1,680 square miles (4,350 square kilometers), an area exceeding that of Rhode Island. </p>



<p>Primarily fed by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decades-of-change-how-climate-is-affecting-glaciers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seward Glacier</a> from the St. Elias Mountains, it is further bolstered by other glaciers like the Agassiz, spreading across a coastal plain and merging to form the colossal Malaspina.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-features-and-movement">Unique features and movement</h2>



<p>The glacier's distinct appearance is highlighted by dark blueish-purple lines, representing moraines. These are areas where the glacier has accumulated soil, rock, and other debris along its edges. </p>



<p>The intriguing zigzag patterns of these debris are a result of variations in the ice's velocity, highlighting the dynamic nature of the glacier's movement.</p>



<p>Periodic surges, a phenomenon where <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mendenhall-glacier-in-southeast-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> in this region of Alaska suddenly move forward for a duration ranging from one to several years, contribute to the unique textural characteristics seen on Malaspina. These irregular flows lead to the folding, compression, and shearing of the moraines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-the-malaspina-glacier">Climate change and the Malaspina Glacier</h2>



<p>At the glacier's terminus, a slender land strip forms a barrier between the ice and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gulf of Alaska</a>. Satellite imagery over time has unveiled the gradual formation of a lagoon system along this barrier in recent decades. </p>



<p>The small patches of open water visible in the image, depicted in a rusty red color, indicate that some of this water is almost as saline as the ocean. Recent research suggests that this could be due to the contact between relatively warm ocean water and the ice. Such interactions might accelerate large-scale calving, potentially hastening the retreat of the glacier.</p>



<p>In summary, the false-color satellite image of Malaspina Glacier offers more than just a visual spectacle. It provides crucial insights into the glacier's structure, movements, and the potential environmental impacts of its interaction with surrounding waters. As technology continues to evolve, such images become invaluable tools for understanding and monitoring the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-fueling-earthquakes-in-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delicate balance</a> of our planet's natural wonders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-malaspina-glacier-in-depth">Malaspina Glacier in depth</h2>



<p>Nestled in the southeastern region of Alaska, the Malaspina Glacier stands as a testament to the grandeur and dynamic nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-previously-stable-glaciers-are-now-rapidly-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's glacial systems</a>. </p>



<p>As touched upon previously in this article, Malaspina is the world's largest piedmont glacier. It captivates with its immense size and serves as a critical subject for scientific study and environmental monitoring.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-structure-of-malaspina-glacier">Formation and structure of Malaspina Glacier</h3>



<p>Named after the Italian explorer Alessandro Malaspina, the Malaspina Glacier originates primarily from the ice flows of the Seward Glacier, as mentioned previously. These flows, descending from the rugged terrain of the St. Elias Mountains, converge with other glaciers like the Agassiz and Hayden to form Malaspina's vast expanse. </p>



<p>This convergence occurs on a coastal plain, where the glacier spreads out like a fan, covering an area of approximately 1,680 square miles (4,350 square kilometers) - larger than the state of Rhode Island.</p>



<p>What sets Malaspina apart is its classification as a piedmont glacier. This type of glacier occurs when steep valley glaciers spill into relatively flat plains, where they spread out extensively. As a result, Malaspina presents a remarkable juxtaposition of rugged mountain ice flows and a sprawling ice plateau.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-moraines-in-shaping-malaspina">Role of moraines in shaping Malaspina</h3>



<p>As Malaspina Glacier advances, it carries with it an assortment of rocks, soil, and other debris. These materials accumulate along the glacier's edges and internal flow lines, forming prominent features known as moraines. The moraines of Malaspina are particularly noticeable, marked by dark, zigzag patterns that are visible from aerial and satellite imagery.</p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simulation-reveals-the-evolution-of-alpine-ice-over-120000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moraines</a> play a significant role in the glacier's dynamics. They indicate areas of different ice velocities and provide clues about the glacier's past movements and surge events. These surge events, characterized by rapid forward movements of the glacier, dramatically reshape the moraines, adding to the glacier's complex texture.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-significance">Environmental significance</h3>



<p>Malaspina Glacier is a focal point for glaciologists and climate scientists. Due to its size and sensitivity to climate variations, the glacier acts as an indicator of environmental changes. Scientists study Malaspina to understand glacial dynamics, ice-ocean interactions, and the broader implications of climate change on glacial systems.</p>



<p>Recent observations have shown signs of thinning and retreating in parts of Malaspina Glacier. This retreat is particularly concerning as it contributes to sea-level rise and affects the regional ecosystem. The glacier's interaction with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/dust-streams-over-the-gulf-of-alaska/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gulf of Alaska</a> is also of interest, as warming ocean temperatures could accelerate its melting.</p>



<p>In summary, the Malaspina Glacier, with its vast size and dynamic nature, is a crucial component of Earth's cryosphere, acting as both a subject for scientific inquiry and a barometer for environmental changes. As we continue to witness the impacts of climate change, understanding and monitoring glaciers like Malaspina becomes increasingly important in our global effort to comprehend and mitigate these changes.</p>



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Breathtaking NASA photo of the Malaspina Glacier resembles an abstract painting

Glacial ice, typically perceived as white with blue tinges to...

Hair,Spray.,Female,Beauty,Routine.,Hair,Care,Concept.,Beautiful,Brunette

<p>Recent research from <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a> highlights a concerning aspect of many Americans' daily routines: the inhalation of potentially harmful chemicals during hair care. The study led by Assistant Professor Nusrat Jung from the <a href="https://engineering.purdue.edu/CE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lyles School of Civil Engineering</a> sheds light on the significant emissions of volatile chemical mixtures from everyday hair care products.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-exposure-in-daily-routines">Chemical exposure in daily routines</h2>



<p>Jung's team discovered that during a single hair care session, an individual could inhale between 1 and 17 milligrams of harmful chemicals. The primary concern centers around cyclic volatile methyl siloxanes, commonly found in hair care products. </p>



<p>“We found the results to be extremely alarming,” Jung said. “We did not expect to see such significant emissions of volatile chemical mixtures from off-the-shelf hair care products during typical hair care routines that many people perform each and every day.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-d5-siloxane-chemicals-in-hair-products">D5 siloxane chemicals in hair products</h2>



<p>The study particularly highlights the dangers of D5 siloxane, an organosilicon compound prevalent in many hair <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-products-expose-people-to-dangerous-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">care products</a>. According to Jung, this compound, already restricted in the European Union, poses risks to the respiratory tract, liver, and nervous system based on animal studies. </p>



<p>“D5 siloxane has been found to lead to adverse effects on the respiratory tract, liver and nervous system of laboratory animals,” Jung said. “The use of the chemical in wash-off cosmetic products has already been restricted in the European Union because of this. Many of these products are scented, too, and some of the chemicals used to make these fragrances are potentially dangerous to inhale as well.”</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.echa.europa.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Chemicals Agency</a> classifies it as "very persistent, very bioaccumulative," raising concerns about its long-term human impact.</p>



<p>“There has not been much in-depth research into this, so we really have no idea to what extent the threat these chemicals pose when inhaled over a long period of time,” Jung said. “There have been tests into ‘wash-off’ products like shampoos, but almost none for ‘leave-on’ products like hair gels, oils, creams, waxes and sprays.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-and-hair-care-chemicals">Heat and hair care chemicals</h2>



<p>Applying heat to hair <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personal-care-products-injure-child/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">care products</a>, such as with curling irons and hair straighteners, significantly increases chemical emissions. The research found that at 210 degrees Celsius, emissions increased by 50% to 310%.</p>



<p>Jung's research also indicates that these chemicals don't remain confined to a single room but can spread through urban environments via home ventilation systems. This widespread dispersion affects even those who don't use such products.</p>



<p>“Home ventilation is likely a major pathway of indoor-to-outdoor siloxane transport,” Jung said. “In urban environments, this is especially significant as you will have hundreds -- even thousands -- of homes ventilating out potentially harmful chemicals into the urban atmosphere all in a short span of time as people get ready for work and school in the morning. These chemicals are then collectively piped back into buildings through ventilation systems once more. So even if using products with harmful chemicals is not part of your hair care routine, you will still be impacted due to your surroundings in an urban environment.”</p>



<p>The study also reports that 16% to 70% of surveyed individuals use leave-on hair care products. Based on average usage patterns, the estimated annual emission of D5 in the U.S. could range from 0.4 to 6 metric tons.</p>



<p>“There’s a good reason why these chemicals are restricted from being used in wash-off hair care products in certain parts of the world,” Jung said. “The effects on people and the planet need to be studied further and regulatory action needs to be taken.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-and-precautions">Recommendations and precautions</h2>



<p>Jung advises the best protection is to avoid these products altogether. If usage is necessary, Purdue civil engineering PhD student Jinglin Jiang suggests using exhaust fans to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-cleaning-products-release-hundreds-of-toxic-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inhalation exposures</a>, which can be effective but also contributes to environmental impact.</p>



<p>“Ventilation can be an effective way to reduce siloxane exposures during indoor hair care routines,” Jiang said. “Our model shows that turning on the bathroom exhaust fan can reduce D5 inhalation exposures by over 90%.”</p>



<p>Jung further emphasizes the need for more in-depth research and regulatory action, considering the potential effects on human health and the environment.</p>



<p>“The best solution is to simply not use these products,” Jung said. “I used to use similar products myself to straighten my hair, but after we analyzed the data, it became immediately clear that the best thing I could do to protect my own health was to stop using them.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-hair-care-chemicals">Studying hair care chemicals</h2>



<p>The experiments were conducted in the Purdue zero Energy Design Guidance for Engineers (<a href="https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/stories/2020/Stories%20at%20Purdue/new-purdue-lab-provides-tiny-home-for-sustainability-education.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zEDGE</a>) Tiny House, a mechanically ventilated, single-zone residential building. Using a high-end proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer, the team measured volatile chemicals in real-time.</p>



<p>The study included three types of experiments: realistic hair care routines, hot plate emission tests, and surface area emission studies. Participants used their own products and tools, replicating their routines in the zEDGE environment. The focus was on indoor volatile organic compound concentrations and emissions during and after the hair care activities.</p>



<p>In summary, the Purdue University study highlights a critical yet overlooked aspect of daily life: the potential health risks associated with common hair care products. The findings call for increased awareness, further research, and regulatory measures to mitigate these hidden dangers.</p>



<p>The full study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c05156" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a></em>.</p>



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Chemicals in hair care products cause surprising amount of health issues

Recent research from Purdue University highlights a concerning aspect of...

Cigarette,Butts,At,Street,Side,On,Sun,Light.

<p>The environmental and economic impacts of tobacco and cigarette product plastic waste have been largely overlooked in the global fight against pollution. A recent study has shed light on this critical issue, revealing staggering costs associated with the disposal and environmental damage caused by plastics in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cigarette</a> butts and packaging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scale-of-the-cigarette-plastic-problem">Scale of the cigarette plastic problem</h2>



<p>The study reveals that the costs of environmental pollution caused by plastics in cigarette butts and packaging amount to an estimated $26 billion every year. That amounts to $186 billion every 10 years, adjusted for inflation.</p>



<p>This astronomical figure includes $5 billion in waste management and $20.7 billion in marine ecosystem damage worldwide. This significant figure underscores the need for urgent action to address this form of pollution.</p>



<p>These figures are alarming for many reasons, but especially when considering that they do not fully account for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-butts-leak-thousands-of-deadly-toxins-into-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic metals</a> and chemicals in cigarette butts that accumulate over time.</p>



<p>Despite the global initiatives to curb or ban single-use plastics, tobacco plastics have been largely ignored. This is concerning given that cigarette filters, which are made of single-use plastic, are the most common item of rubbish collected globally. The research draws attention to the urgent need to incorporate tobacco plastic into these global environmental policies.</p>



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



<p>To quantify the global economic toll of tobacco products’ toxic waste, the research team utilized public data sources from organizations like the <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Bank</a>, <a href="https://www.oecd.org/unitedstates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OECD</a>, <a href="https://tobaccoatlas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tobacco Atlas</a>, and the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>. </p>



<p>The study included the average weight of plastic filters and packaging in its calculations, leading to an estimation of the annual and 10-year projections of the environmental and economic costs.</p>



<p>The research points out that countries with the highest number of cigarette butts are mostly low and middle-income countries. These are the same countries where the 'leakage' rate for plastics into the environment is likely higher, exacerbating the problem.</p>



<p>The researcher acknowledges that the figures are likely conservative estimates. They do not fully consider the long-term environmental impacts of the toxic chemicals leached from cigarette butts, which may be more harmful than general plastic waste.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tobacco-plastic-responsibility">Tobacco plastic responsibility</h2>



<p>The study suggests that these estimates could be used as fiscal evidence to mitigate tobacco plastic waste pollution. In addition, the research can directly assign industry responsibility for these losses, including that of the tobacco industry.</p>



<p>Countries like France, the UK, the European Union, and the USA are considering policies to shift the responsibility for the clean-up costs to the tobacco industry. Such policies could play a crucial role in addressing this overlooked environmental issue.</p>



<p>In summary, this disturbing research emphasizes that while the environmental costs of tobacco product plastic may seem small compared to the overall economic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-tobacco-leads-to-over-1-3-million-cancer-deaths-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human toll of tobacco</a>, they are cumulative and preventable. </p>



<p>This study serves as a call to action for policymakers, environmental agencies, and the tobacco industry to recognize and address the significant environmental and economic burden of tobacco product plastic waste.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2023/11/07/tc-2022-057795" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tobacco Control</a></em>.</p>



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Plastic pollution from cigarettes costs taxpayers over $26 billion every year

The environmental and economic impacts of tobacco and cigarette product...

<p>Scientists are raising alarms about the rapid and unpredictable behavior of Antarctic glaciers, with a focus on the Cadman Glacier, which has exhibited alarming changes in recent years. </p>



<p>A group of scientists headed by Benjamin Wallis, a glaciologist from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>, released a report that underscores the significance of their findings for comprehending the behavior of glaciers and the potential impact on worldwide sea levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-cadman-glacier-melt">Studying the Cadman Glacier melt</h2>



<p>The team utilized satellite data to monitor the Cadman Glacier, which flows into Beascochea Bay on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/west-antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-will-accelerate-regardless-of-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">west Antarctic peninsula</a>. Between November 2018 and May 2021, they observed an alarming eight-kilometer retreat of the glacier. </p>



<p>This was precipitated by the collapse of the ice shelf at the glacier's end, which had previously acted as a buttress, slowing the glacier's seaward movement. The loss of this ice shelf, attributed to warmer ocean waters, led to a dramatic acceleration in the glacier's flow, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cadman-glacier_ice-loss-diagram_European-commission_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doubling its speed</a> and increasing ice discharge through iceberg calving.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-state-of-the-cadman-glacier">State of the Cadman Glacier</h2>



<p>Benjamin Wallis expressed his team's surprise at the rapid transition of the Cadman Glacier from a state of apparent stability to one of significant deterioration and ice loss. He noted the unique response of this glacier compared to its neighbors, underscoring the complexity of predicting climate change impacts in polar regions. </p>



<p>Wallis said: “We were surprised to see the speed at which Cadman went from being an apparently stable&nbsp;glacier to one where we see sudden deterioration and significant ice loss.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What was also curious was that the neighboring glaciers on this part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">west Antarctic Peninsula</a> did not react in the same way, which may hold important lessons for the way we can better project how climate change will continue to affect this important and sensitive polar region.   </p>



<p>“Our study brought together data from three decades, nine different satellite missions, and in-situ oceanographic measurements to understand the changes happening in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-west-antarctic-ice-sheet-will-drive-more-sea-level-rise-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>. This demonstrates how important it is to have long term monitoring of the Earth’s polar regions with a range of sensors which all tell us a different piece of the story.”  </p>



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



<p>Their research, integrating data from multiple satellite missions and oceanographic measurements, stresses the importance of long-term, diverse monitoring of Earth's polar regions.</p>



<p>Currently, the Cadman Glacier is in a state of "substantial dynamic imbalance." The glacier is thinning at a rate of about 20 meters per year, equivalent to the height of a five-story building, and is shedding approximately 2.16 billion tons of ice annually into the ocean. </p>



<p>This rapid change was triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cadman-glacier_ice-loss-diagram_temperature-anomaly_European-commission_3medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusually high ocean temperatures</a> around the west Antarctic peninsula in early 2018/19, believed to have been impacting the glacier since the early 2000s or possibly even the 1970s.</p>



<p>The warmer ocean waters, present deep in the water column, may have reached and melted the ice shelf from the bottom up. In 2018/19, this melting was so extensive that the ice shelf broke free from its grounding zone, allowing the glacier to drain more ice into the sea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unanswered-questions-remain">Unanswered questions remain</h2>



<p>The research team is still investigating why the Cadman Glacier collapsed while neighboring glaciers like Funk and Lever remained relatively stable. They speculate that subsea rock structures, acting as barriers, might be deflecting warmer water away from these glaciers. However, increasing ocean temperatures could eventually overcome these natural defenses.</p>



<p>Professor Michael Meredith from the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, a co-author of the study, emphasized the rapid warming of the ocean around Antarctica and its threat to glaciers and ice sheets. He highlighted the need for comprehensive ocean monitoring, especially near hard-to-reach glaciers.</p>



<p>Meredith said, “We have known for some time that the ocean around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-was-more-dynamic-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a> is heating up rapidly, and that this poses a significant threat to glaciers and the ice sheet, with consequences for sea level rise globally.  </p>



<p>“What this new research shows is that apparently stable glaciers can switch very rapidly, becoming unstable almost without warning, and then thinning and retreating very strongly. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive ocean observing network around Antarctica, especially in regions close to glaciers that are especially hard to make measurements.”   </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-cadman-glacier-melt">Implications of Cadman Glacier melt</h2>



<p>The researchers describe the Cadman Glacier's transformation as a "glaciological tipping point," a concept where a stable system can become unstable due to a change in environmental conditions. In this case, the arrival of warm ocean water caused the glacier's ice shelf to unground, leading to a 28% increase in ice discharge in just 13 months.</p>



<p>This study suggests that other glaciers on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-has-lost-3000-billion-tons-of-ice-in-25-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Peninsula</a> might also be vulnerable to rapid changes due to subsea geology and environmental factors. These findings underscore the urgency of understanding and monitoring glacial dynamics to better predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change on global sea levels.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42970-4">Nature</a>.</p>



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Cadman Glacier is losing 2.1 billion tons of ice melting into the ocean each year

Scientists are raising alarms about the rapid and unpredictable behavior...

<p>Low-intensity fires can significantly mitigate the risk of devastating wildfires, according to new research from <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health</a> and Stanford University. </p>



<p>The study reveals that practices like controlled burns, managed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/">wildfires</a>, and tribal cultural burning can decrease the risk of catastrophic fires by 60 percent.</p>



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



<p>The analysis was focused on over 100,000 square kilometers of California forests. This research is particularly relevant, as it comes five years after California's deadliest wildfire, the Camp Fire.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also aligns with Congress's reassessment of the U.S. Forest Service's wildfire strategy during the reauthorization of the Farm Bill.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goal-of-the-research">Goal of the research</h2>



<p>"The goal of this paper is to provide a unified analysis of fire dynamics across California’s forests, based on 20 years of continuous, satellite-based monitoring of wildfires. We consider data from all fires detected by satellite monitoring in California’s conifer and hardwood forests during our study period," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Using these data, we seek to measure whether areas that burn at low intensity are less likely to experience high-intensity wildfire in the future - and how long any such protective effect lasts."</p>



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



<p>“It’s no secret that wildfire-prone regions need to shift from a single-minded focus on suppression to one that includes much more controlled burning and forest resilience,” said study lead author Xaio Wu.</p>



<p>“However, until now, studies assessing the beneficial effects of prescribed and low-intensity fires have been limited to relatively small areas, such as a single wilderness area or watershed.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-approach-nbsp">Unique approach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To measure the protective effect of low-intensity fires, the team used a method that assembled unburned areas into a synthetic landscape closely resembling the burned landscapes’ attributes - such as weather patterns, elevation, vegetation type, and disturbance history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the experts, this approach allowed them to assess how these burned landscapes might have evolved had they not burned in that same year.</p>



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



<p>The experts found that low-intensity fire in mixed conifer forests in California initially provides a 60 percent reduction in risk of catastrophic fire. This reduced risk lasts at least six years but diminishes over time.</p>



<p>A significant discovery was that low-intensity fire in mixed conifer forests in California offers a substantial reduction in the risk of catastrophic fire. While the effect is smaller in oak-dominated forests, it remains significant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-useful-results">Useful results</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, policymakers could use the study’s results as a foundation for future evaluation of wildland fuel treatments by comparing the quantified benefits to potential costs and risks associated with its implementation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The U.S. Forest Service has proposed treating nearly 200,000 square kilometers over the next decade, and California plans to increase its land treatment for wildfires to 2,000 square kilometers annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildland-fuel-treatments-nbsp">Wildland fuel treatments&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study emphasizes that for wildland fuel treatments to be effective, they must be ongoing and periodic, especially for forests near communities or critical infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The purpose of fuel treatments is not to exclude all future fires, but rather to increase the likelihood that, upon the inception of a fire within a designated area, the fire remains low to moderate intensity and exhibits a reduced rate of spread," explained the researchers.</p>



<p>"This mitigation strategy provides windows of opportunity for control through the allocation of additional suppression resources and reduces the potential for the fire to develop into a high-intensity fire."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-solutions">Practical solutions</h2>



<p>The risk mitigation benefit of low-intensity burning depends on careful selection and targeting of the intervention to maximize protection for people, communities, and ecosystems.</p>



<p>“This study exemplifies how data science can contribute to climate mitigation through a highly multidisciplinary collaboration,” said Wu. “Wildfires present substantial threats to both our ecosystems and human well-being. As scientists, our constant goal is to find practical solutions.”</p>



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



<p>“I’m hopeful that policymakers will rely on this work as motivation and support for the scale-up of beneficial fire as a key strategy in preventing wildfire catastrophes,” said study co-author Michael Wara, director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Beneficial fire is not without its own risks – but what our study shows is just how large and long-lasting the benefits are of this crucial risk reduction strategy."</p>



<p>The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and Stanford Data Science.<br></p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi4123" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Low-intensity fires reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by 60 percent 

Low-intensity fires can significantly mitigate the risk of devastating wildfires,...

<p>A study led by <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> PhD student Paige Van de Vuurst has recently shed light on the alarming prospect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vampire-bats-deadly-bacteria/">vampire bats </a>extending their habitat into the United States, potentially bringing with them an ancient and deadly pathogen - rabies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This migration, driven by climate change, poses a significant threat to both public health and the agricultural sector, particularly the cattle industry.</p>



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



<p>The research points to a direct correlation between climate-induced shifts in vampire bat distribution and rising rabies cases across Latin America.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What we found was that the distribution of vampire bats has moved northward across time due to past climate change, which has corresponded with an increase in rabies cases in many Latin American countries,” she explained, highlighting the urgency of the situation.</p>



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



<p>The research team, including both undergraduate and graduate students, embarked on a comprehensive field study in Colombia, collaborating with local universities such as the <a href="https://www.lasalle.edu.co/">University of La Salle</a>, <a href="https://www.udistrital.edu.co/inicio">Universidad Distrital</a>, and <a href="http://www.ut.edu.co/">Universidad del Tolima</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The journey took the researchers across diverse landscapes, from the humid jungles to the cooler regions of the Andes Mountains, accessible only by cable car. This allowed them to gather a wide array of bat samples, observing firsthand how climate variations influence disease dynamics in these mammals.</p>



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



<p>The significance of Colombia as a research site was underscored by Luis Escobar, assistant professor at Virginia Tech and a co-author in the study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Colombia is a mega-diverse country, making it a perfect natural laboratory,” said Escobar. The country has a large number of hummingbirds and bats, due to its tropical climate and proximity to the equator.</p>



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



<p>The research aimed to bridge knowledge gaps regarding rabies transmission and its spillover from wildlife to humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts set out to determine habitat and virus mutation roles in rabies spillover, identify the effects of changes in biodiversity on the virus, and investigate factors influencing the spread of bat-borne diseases.</p>



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



<p>One of the most notable aspects of this research was the involvement of undergraduate students, a rarity in international field work.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Van de Vuurst expressed concern about the current state of wildlife research, where students often bear the cost of gaining field experience. She emphasized the importance of providing fully funded opportunities for students.</p>



<p>“There is a sad reality in wildlife research at the moment that often mandates a ‘pay to play’ mentality, where students must pay for the experience of doing field work, especially international field work.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-experience-nbsp">Transformative experience&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Julia Alexander, an undergraduate participant, reflected on her experience, sharing the profound impact it had on her both professionally and personally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I not only learned valuable field skills for my career, but also important life lessons from every challenge faced,” she said. The experience was transformative, marking her first field research, plane journey, and international travel.</p>



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



<p>The study’s findings are crucial in understanding the spread of vampire bats and the associated rabies risk. As these bats extend their range due to changing climates, it becomes imperative to monitor and prepare for their potential arrival in the United States.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research not only provides vital data on bat migration patterns and disease transmission but also highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing global health and environmental challenges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We all have one goal: generating samples, new data, and new knowledge,” concluded Escobar, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving this significant research endeavor.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ecog.06714" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ecography</em></a>.</p>



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Rabies-infected vampire bats may extend their habitat into the U.S.

A study led by Virginia Tech PhD student Paige Van...

<p>A study conducted by a collaborative team from Lancaster University, <a href="https://www.bangor.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bangor University</a>, and the University of British Columbia sheds new light on the extensive benefits of secondary forests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Naturally regrown forests, also known as secondary forests, play a critical role in the connectivity of old-growth forest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-koala-habitats-face-an-escalating-threat-of-bushfires/">habitats</a>. They can also help to shield other plants and wildlife from the harsh effects of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-restoration-nbsp">Forest restoration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Restoration of forests across the globe would make a crucial contribution to achieving global climate change mitigation, with the growth of secondary forests on deforested land in the moist tropics fundamental to success," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Although tropical secondary forests (defined here as forest growing on previously cleared land) store less carbon than old-growth forests, they rapidly remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-fragmentation-nbsp">Forest fragmentation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research emphasizes the significant impact of secondary forests in mitigating the effects of forest fragmentation in the Amazon, an area crucial for global biodiversity conservation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Secondary forests cover just 190,000 km2 of the Amazon but connect more than 2 million isolated fragments of old-growth forest, prominent amongst the world’s most important habitats for biodiversity conservation," said study co-author Professor John Healey.</p>



<p>"The secondary forests are helping maintain connectivity for patches of old-growth forest that are too small to support long-term viable populations of rare species.”</p>



<p>These connections are vital for the survival of rare species that rely on extensive, undisturbed habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-buffering-nbsp">Climate buffering&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Secondary forests are buffering as much as 41% of old-growth forest edges, potentially shielding them from negative edge effects such as hotter temperatures and wind," said study lead author Charlotte Smith.</p>



<p>"Proximity to old-growth forests can also help the rate of biodiversity and biomass recovery in secondary forests. It is positive that 94% of secondary forests were connected to old-growth forest. However, may old-growth forest remnants are small and degraded patches, so only 57% of secondary forest was connected to an area of extensive, structurally-intact old-growth.”</p>



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



<p>Professor Healey says the research provides powerful new evidence of the importance of managing forests at the landscape scale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Promoting forest restoration through secondary forests located next to old-growth forest remnants can play a vital role in both conserving biodiversity in these remnants and the rate of biodiversity recovery in the secondary forests themselves.”</p>



<p>The team notes that more research is needed to improve our understanding of the mechanisms driving variation in forest recovery and the potential benefits of secondary forest as buffers so that we can refine current estimates of forest carbon stocks and habitat provision.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-un-decade-on-ecosystem-restoration-nbsp">UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study underscores the importance of secondary forests in the broader context of the climate crisis and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This global initiative, spanning from 2021 to 2030, aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems and restore them to achieve global environmental goals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration calls for a collective effort from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.</p>



<p>The primary objective is to revitalize millions of hectares of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The restoration efforts encompass a wide range of ecosystems, including forests, farmlands, cities, wetlands, and oceans. These endeavors are crucial for combating climate change, enhancing food security, providing clean water, and halting biodiversity loss.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad039e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Secondary forests reconnect fragmented habitats

A study conducted by a collaborative team from Lancaster University,...

<p>Scientists from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA) are calling for a project to map the biodiversity of Earth's polar regions. The study would map all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity</a> in these regions - from the atmosphere to the deep sea.</p>



<p>Polar ecosystems, deemed the most sensitive to global warming, are disappearing rapidly, taking with them a vast array of biological life essential for ecosystem services and climate regulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-biodiversity-projections">Polar biodiversity projections</h2>



<p>Professor Thomas Mock, who co-authored the report with Professor Melody Clark from the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, emphasized what is needed for the accurate mapping of biodiversity in polar regions.</p>



<p>“Biodiversity projections for the polar regions can only be reliably constructed if we have a sufficiently profound understanding of the diversity, ecological functions, and interrelations of polar organisms, as well as their resilience to climate change," said Professor Mock.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These remote regions play substantial, often underappreciated, roles in the carbon cycle and drive global nutrient and dissolved organic matter fluxes. Consequently, polar environmental and ecological processes are intimately connected with our everyday life and our planet’s health, much of which is underpinned by the endemic biota, from viruses to large animals."&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There is strong evidence that climate-induced changes in the polar regions are already altering species distributions on land and in the sea, with major impacts on ecosystem function.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Species are shifting towards the poles, affecting food chains and the life dependent on the polar climates, including microbes, seals, whales, and polar bears.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-in-polar-regions">Warming in polar regions</h2>



<p>The Arctic is warming at least four times faster than other regions of the world. As temperature changes alter the Arctic jet stream, this can lead to extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, and flooding in temperate zones.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Meanwhile, melting permafrost and collapsing Arctic coastlines are releasing ancient carbon stores, nutrients, and potentially dormant viruses and pathogenic bacteria - significantly altering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-biodiversity-will-get-a-boost-from-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological interactions</a> and biogeochemistry.</p>



<p>The Southern Ocean and Antarctic continent face similar challenges. The Southern Ocean, responsible for absorbing a large portion of anthropogenic heat and CO2, is crucial in carbon sequestration, serving as a natural buffer against climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sequencing-technologies">Sequencing technologies</h2>



<p>The study highlights the importance of sequencing technologies in understanding how organisms function in these extreme environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Sequencing technologies have massively changed our abilities to decipher how organisms work. However, the uptake in polar biology has been relatively low, especially when considering the tens of thousands of species that reside at the poles and are at threat in our warming world," said Professor Clark.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Understanding how lots of very strange organisms living in extreme cold can help answer globally questions and provide real benefits for society. Failure to act now will result in a substantial loss of knowledge regarding evolutionary adaptation to the cold.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Genomic screening is not just crucial for identifying stressed populations, but also for monitoring invasive species, thus enabling timely interventions.</p>



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



<p>“With the cold regions of our planet diminishing, there is a real imperative to obtain full genome sequences for diverse organisms inhabiting polar ecosystems, from the deep oceans to the permafrost on land, for both the Arctic and Antarctic," said Professor Mock.</p>



<p>"This will enable the wider application of omics technologies to polar species, which will revolutionize our understanding of evolution in the cold and adaptive responses to a warming world.”&nbsp;</p>



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



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Earth's polar regions cannot be protected without first mapping biodiversity 

Scientists from the University of East Anglia (UEA) are calling...

Dolphin,Underwater,On,Reef,Background,Looking,At,You

<p>A recent study conducted by scientists from the <a href="https://www.marinemammal.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Mammal Foundation</a>, the RMIT University, and the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Melbourne</a> has revealed alarming concentrations of PFAS chemicals in Victoria’s critically endangered Burrunan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-have-accents-that-vary-by-region/">dolphins</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These chemicals, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence, are commonly found in products like food packaging, firefighting foam, and non-stick cookware.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-insights">Shocking insights</h2>



<p>The study analyzed samples from 38 dolphins of various species found stranded along Victoria’s coastline, with a particular focus on the Burrunan dolphin populations in Port Phillip Bay and Gippsland Lakes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings showed that some chemicals’ average concentrations in these dolphins were over ten times higher than levels believed to cause liver toxicity and other health issues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highest-pfas-levels-recorded">Highest PFAS levels recorded</h2>



<p>One juvenile Burrunan dolphin from Port Phillip Bay exhibited a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invention-turns-toxic-forever-chemicals-pfas-into-harmless-molecules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> liver concentration of 19,500 nanograms per gram, marking the highest level recorded in an individual dolphin globally.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Not only did we find the highest levels of these human-made toxicants in a species that’s already critically endangered – including in newborn and juveniles – we also found one dolphin from Port Phillip Bay with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-an-underestimated-source-of-water-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS concentrations</a> almost 30 percent higher than any other individual dolphin reported globally,” said lead author Chantel Foord, a PhD student at RMIT’s Ecotoxicology Research Group and the Marine Mammal Foundation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-implications-for-dolphins">PFAS implications for dolphins&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Foord reassured that these results do not necessarily imply a risk to humans in Victorian waters, as dolphins ingest whole fish including organs that accumulate pollutants, unlike human consumption which typically involves only fish muscle tissue.</p>



<p>The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168438"><em>Science of the Total Environment</em></a> journal, raises questions about the source of this pollution, especially as no PFAS manufacturing occurs in Australia. Foord emphasized the importance of identifying the sources of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-us-drinking-water-taps-are-likely-to-contain-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> and understanding their behavior in the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-status">Critical status</h2>



<p>Dr. Kate Robb, Director of the Marine Mammal Foundation and co-author of the study, highlighted the critical status of the Burrunan dolphin. “With only 250 individuals across these populations, increasing our understanding of threatening processes is absolutely crucial for the conservation and protection of the Burrunan dolphin, and in the management and mitigation of those threats,” she said.</p>



<p>The experts also discovered emerging contaminants, indicating that newer replacement chemicals are already bioaccumulating in the marine ecosystem. This finding underscores the need for continued research and conservation efforts to protect these endangered marine mammals and their habitat.</p>



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



<p>PFAS, which stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been in production since the 1940s. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-so-green-hidden-chemicals-found-in-paper-straws/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> are used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial applications because of their ability to resist heat, water, and oil.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-sources">PFAS sources</h3>



<p>Common products that contain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> include non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, and products that use firefighting foams.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns">Concerns</h3>



<p>One of the primary concerns with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-iss-is-contaminated-with-a-disturbing-amount-of-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> is their persistence in the environment and in the human body, which is why they are often referred to as "forever chemicals." They do not break down and can accumulate over time. This persistence can lead to contamination of drinking water, soil, and air.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-from-pfas">Health risks from PFAS</h3>



<p>Exposure to certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> has been linked to a range of health problems. Studies indicate that PFAS may affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children, lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant, interfere with the body’s natural hormones, increase cholesterol levels, affect the immune system, and increase the risk of cancer.</p>



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



<p>Efforts to manage and mitigate PFAS contamination include regulating their use, developing alternative materials, and cleaning up contaminated sites.</p>



<p>However, the widespread use and persistence of these chemicals make this a challenging task. Additionally, the scientific understanding of the health effects of many PFAS is still evolving, making regulation and remediation a complex issue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pfas-and-wildlife">PFAS and wildlife</h2>



<p>The impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-are-accumulating-high-levels-of-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS on wildlife</a> varies depending on the species and the level of exposure, but it generally includes a range of adverse health effects:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproductive-issues">Reproductive issues</h3>



<p>PFAS can cause reproductive problems in wildlife, leading to reduced fertility, developmental delays, and changes in reproductive behaviors.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developmental-effects">Developmental effects</h3>



<p>Young animals exposed to PFAS may experience developmental delays or defects, impacting their survival and growth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-system-disruption">Immune system disruption</h3>



<p>These chemicals can disrupt the immune systems of animals, making them more susceptible to diseases. For example, studies have shown that PFAS exposure can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines in animals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-changes">Behavioral changes</h3>



<p>Exposure to PFAS can lead to changes in animal behavior, which can affect their ability to forage, mate, and avoid predators.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-life">Marine life</h3>



<p>Aquatic creatures, such as fish and amphibians, are particularly vulnerable to PFAS contamination due to the runoff of these chemicals into water bodies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Birds, especially those that consume fish or live in aquatic environments, are also at significant risk. Terrestrial animals can be exposed through contaminated water sources, soil, or through the food chain.</p>



<p>Efforts to protect wildlife from PFAS involve reducing and eventually eliminating the use of these chemicals in products and industrial processes, as well as cleaning up contaminated environments. However, given the persistence and ubiquity of PFAS, protecting wildlife from these substances is a complex and ongoing challenge.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Marine Mammal Foundation</p>



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Endangered dolphins suffer from highest levels of PFAS "forever chemicals"

A recent study conducted by scientists from the Marine Mammal...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
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<p>A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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<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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