<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>In a breakthrough study, experts have identified the driving force behind Earth's mightiest lightning strikes, known as “superbolts.” These phenomenally powerful electrical discharges are a thousand times stronger than ordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rotation-sun-lightning-earth/">lightning</a>.</p>



<p>The research, led by physicist Avichay Efraim of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found that superbolts predominantly occur when a storm’s electrical charging zone is situated close to the Earth’s surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This proximity fosters the conditions necessary for generating superbolts, leading to “hotspots” seen above specific ocean areas and towering mountains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnificent-phenomenon-nbsp">Magnificent phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Superbolts are rare, comprising less than one percent of all lightning strikes. Each superbolt carries around 300 billion volts compared to the 300 million volts in a typical lightning strike. The researchers noted that superbolts can cause major damage to infrastructure and ships.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Superbolts, even though they’re only a very, very tiny percentage of all lightning, they’re a magnificent phenomenon,” said Efraim.</p>



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



<p>Previous research showed that superbolts tend to cluster over the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia, which is one of the tallest plateaus on Earth. "We wanted to know what makes these powerful superbolts more likely to form in some places as opposed to others," said Efraim.</p>



<p>The study brings to light the critical role of the charging zone's location. Through analyzing lightning data, including time, location, and energy of selected strikes, the researchers were able to correlate superbolt strength with specific environmental conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Among these, the height of the land or water surface, the altitude of the charging zone, and the temperatures at the cloud top and base were considered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Notably, the study dismissed previously held beliefs from earlier research, revealing that aerosols exert a negligible influence on superbolt strength.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, the shorter distance between the charging zone and the Earth's surface emerged as a pivotal factor. The reduction in electrical resistance offered by this shorter distance enables the formation of higher-energy, and consequently, stronger lightning bolts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superbolt-hotspots">Superbolt hotspots</h2>



<p>Efraim's team pinpointed three regions notorious for superbolt activity: the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These areas share a common characteristic essential for superbolt generation - the minimal distance between the lightning charging zones and the Earth's surface.</p>



<p>“The correlation we saw was very clear and significant, and it was very thrilling to see that it occurs in the three regions,” Efraim said. “This is a major breakthrough for us."</p>



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



<p>The study, which provides the first explanation for the formation and distribution of superbolts worldwide, will help scientists determine how changes in climate could affect the occurrence of superbolt lightning in the future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Efraim noted that warmer temperatures could cause an increase in weaker lightning, but more moisture in the atmosphere could counteract that.</p>



<p>In future research, the team plans to explore other factors that may contribute to superbolt formation, such as the magnetic field or changes in the solar cycle.</p>



<p>“There is much more unknown, but what we’ve found out here is a big piece of the puzzle,” said Efraim. “And we’re not done yet. There’s much more to do.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2022JD038254"><em>Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres</em></a>.</p>



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<p>.</p>

Superbolts: Secrets of supercharged lightning strikes revealed

In a breakthrough study, experts have identified the driving force...

<p>The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has long been a concern for environmentalists. Now, a study from <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/78501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waseda University</a> reveals that the problem extends far beyond solid ground and deep waters. Airborne microplastics (AMPs), which are minute <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/">plastic particles</a> less than 5mm in size, may have now become an integral component of clouds. This can lead to what is known as “plastic rainfall."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-microplastics">Understanding microplastics</h2>



<p>Microplastics form from the degradation of larger plastic waste or are released from industrial effluents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, these tiny particles are known to enter the bodies of humans and animals, with research detecting their presence in several organs including the lung, heart, blood, placenta, and even feces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Approximately ten million tons of microplastics end up in oceans annually. From here, they are released into the atmosphere, potentially influencing the composition of clouds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-troposphere-nbsp">Free troposphere&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"The free troposphere is an important pathway for the long-range transport of air pollutants owing to strong wind speeds; it has been observed that airborne microplastics are also transported in the free troposphere and contribute to global pollution," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In addition, airborne microplastics may act as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nucleus particles during transport in the free troposphere and atmospheric boundary layer, thereby potentially promoting cloud formation."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-airborne-microplastics">Studying airborne microplastics</h2>



<p>The experts investigated the role of airborne microplastics in the biosphere, focusing on their potential impacts on human health and the climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Microplastics in the free troposphere are transported and contribute to global pollution. If the issue of 'plastic air pollution' is not addressed proactively, climate change and ecological risks may become a reality, causing irreversible and serious environmental damage in the future,” said study co-author Hiroshi Okochi.</p>



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



<p>To better understand the influence of airborne microplastics on the atmosphere, Okochi's team collected cloud water from several regions with varying altitudes. The collection sites included the summit of Mount Fuji, its southeastern foothills, and the summit of Mt. Oyama.</p>



<p>Using advanced imaging techniques, the team identified the presence of microplastics in the cloud water and further analyzed their physical and chemical properties.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Alarmingly, the team detected nine distinct types of polymers and a form of rubber.</p>



<p>Furthermore, these airborne microplastics were found to play a crucial role in rapid cloud formation, which could have wider implications for the global climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-climate-impacts">Ecological and climate impacts</h2>



<p>The accumulation of airborne microplastics, especially in polar regions, might severely disrupt the planet's ecological balance and lead to a dramatic loss of biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“AMPs are degraded much faster in the upper atmosphere than on the ground due to strong ultraviolet radiation, and this degradation releases greenhouse gases and contributes to global warming," said Okochi.</p>



<p>"As a result, the findings of this study can be used to account for the effects of AMPs in future global warming projections.”</p>



<p>Okochi collaborated with study lead author Yize Wang, also from Waseda University, and Yasuhiro Niida of PerkinElmer Japan Co. Ltd.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01626-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Chemistry Letters</em></a>.</p>



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"Plastic rain" is now a real thing as airborne microplastics are discovered in clouds

The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has...

<p>A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain regions of New York City are either sinking or rising, and it's not just due to modern human intervention - some of the reasons trace back to the last Ice Age.</p>



<p>While the elevation changes are just fractions of inches per year, the experts noted that they can increase or diminish local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-flood-risks-plague-the-us-housing-market/">flood risks</a> associated with sea level rise.</p>



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



<p>The detailed analysis was conducted by experts from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-led-study-pinpoints-areas-of-new-york-city-sinking-rising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in California and Rutgers University in New Jersey.</p>



<p>The researchers used interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data from 2016 to 2023. This advanced remote sensing technique merges multiple 3D observations of an area to expose surface movements or changes in topography.</p>



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



<p>A considerable amount of the movement was detected in areas previously altered by human activity, such as land reclamation or the establishment of landfills.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such activities made the underlying ground more susceptible to compression, especially under the weight of new constructions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-ice-burden">Heavy ice burden</h2>



<p>However, not all of the alterations were recent. The last ice age, which peaked around 24,000 years ago, saw vast parts of New England blanketed in ice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This heavy ice burden impacted the Earth's mantle. Areas like New York City, which were located just outside the ice sheet's periphery, have been undergoing a "rebalancing" of sorts, leading to the current sinking pattern.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vertical-land-motion-nbsp">Vertical land motion&nbsp;</h2>



<p>On average, the metropolitan area saw a decline of approximately 0.06 inches (1.6 millimeters) per year. To put it in perspective, that's roughly the pace at which a toenail grows monthly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But certain landmarks and neighborhoods in New York have been sinking faster than this average. </p>



<p>Brett Buzzanga, the study's lead author, expressed excitement at the granularity of the data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve produced such a detailed map of vertical land motion in the New York City area that there are features popping out that haven’t been noticed before," said Buzzanga.</p>



<p>Understanding these local elevation shifts is pivotal for flood mapping, especially given the global climate crisis and rising sea levels, noted David Bekaert, a JPL scientist.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zones-of-change">Zones of change</h2>



<p>A significant finding from the study highlights two regions in Queens, both associated with landfills, which are subsiding at alarming rates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One such area is runway 13/31 at LaGuardia Airport, descending at approximately 0.15 inches per year. The other notable location is the Arthur Ashe Stadium, sinking about 0.18 inches each year.</p>



<p>Other affected zones include parts of Governors Island, areas near Brooklyn's Coney Island and Queens' Arverne by the Sea built on artificial fill, and parts of New Jersey crisscrossed by Route 440 and Interstate 78.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upward-movement">Upward movement</h2>



<p>Yet, not all areas are on a downward trajectory. Surprisingly, regions in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Woodside, Queens, showed uplift.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Woodside rose a notable 0.27 inches annually between 2016 and 2019.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Study co-author Robert Kopp of Rutgers University said that groundwater pumping and injection wells used to treat polluted water may have played a role, but further investigation is needed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I’m intrigued by the potential of using high-resolution InSAR to measure these kinds of relatively short-lived environmental modifications associated with uplift,” said Kopp.</p>



<p>The scientists noted that cities like New York, which are investing in coastal defenses and infrastructure in the face of sea level rise, can benefit from high-resolution estimates of land motion.</p>



<p>With billions invested in coastal defenses and infrastructural adaptations, understanding and accounting for these subsiding and rising zones might just be the blueprint they need for a more resilient future.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi8259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Parts of New York City are sinking, while others are rising

A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain...

<p>The capacity for individual innovation is often seen as a marker of intelligence across species, with elephants being a focal point of such studies due to their nuanced problem-solving skills.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study led by the <a href="http://www.cuny.edu/">City University of New York</a> (CUNY) has reported the findings of a six-month investigation, shedding light on the capabilities of individual wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-asian-elephants-shrinking-habitats-will-increase-conflicts/">Asian elephants</a> in securing food by solving puzzles that unlock storage boxes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capacity-to-adapt">Capacity to adapt</h2>



<p>“An animal’s capacity for innovation or solving novel problems likely has important implications for how quickly they can adapt to environmental change. Asian elephants,&nbsp;<em>Elephas maximus</em>, living in zoos have previously demonstrated a capacity to innovate, but problem solving has never been studied experimentally in a wild elephant population,” the authors explained.</p>



<p>“This is the first research study to show that individual wild elephants have different willingness and abilities to problem solve in order to get food,” said lead author Sarah Jacobson, a doctoral student in Animal Cognition at CUNY.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This is important knowledge, because how animals think and innovate may influence their ability to survive in environments that are rapidly changing due to human presence.”</p>



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



<p>This study was carried out at the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, utilizing motion-activated cameras to monitor 77 wild Asian elephants as they decided whether to engage with puzzle boxes containing aromatic jackfruit within three uniquely configured compartments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The methods of access varied: elephants could pull on a chain, push a door, or slide a door open, each method requiring a different approach. The elephants were left to interact with the puzzle boxes autonomously to learn the unlocking mechanisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Out of the elephants observed, 44 decided to engage with the boxes, showing varying levels of innovative interactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that elephants which engaged more frequently and persistently with the boxes had higher success rates in accessing food from all the differently configured compartments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the end, 11 elephants managed to solve one type of compartment, eight cracked two types, and five elephants showcased the highest level of innovation by solving all three.</p>



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



<p>“Conflict involving humans and elephants is increasing due to loss of natural habitat and agricultural encroachment into what is left of it,” said senior author Joshua Plotnik, a professor of Psychology at CUNY.</p>



<p>“Investigating innovation and problem solving in elephants can inform our understanding of wild elephant cognitive flexibility and its potential impact on conservation management and human-elephant conflict mitigation,” he concluded.</p>



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



<p>Elephants are remarkable animals, known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. As mentioned by the CUNY team, their "innovations" are more about adapting and evolving to their environment over time, rather than inventing or creating new tools or technologies.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-structures">Social structures</h3>



<p>Elephants have intricate social structures, which they use to manage group dynamics, support each other, and protect young members.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication">Communication</h3>



<p>They use a variety of vocalizations and even subsonic rumbles that can travel long distances to communicate with one another.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory">Memory</h3>



<p>Known for their excellent memory, elephants can remember the locations of water sources over vast distances and recall these during dry seasons.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-solving-abilities">Problem-solving abilities</h3>



<p>Elephants are known to work together to solve problems. For example, they might coordinate efforts to move obstacles or assist a member in distress.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empathy-and-mourning-nbsp">Empathy and mourning&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Elephants display empathetic behaviors and even engage in rituals that resemble mourning when a member of their group dies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-of-tools">Use of tools</h3>



<p>While not as advanced as some species, elephants do use basic tools. They might use branches to swat flies, or utilize their trunks in sophisticated ways to gather food, drink water, or give themselves dust or mud baths for skin protection.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-and-imitation">Learning and imitation</h3>



<p>They have the ability to learn new behaviors, both from other elephants and through direct experience. They can also imitate sounds and behaviors.</p>



<p>While these may not be "innovations" in the human sense, these adaptations and evolved behaviors highlight the intelligence and complexity of elephants as a species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.08.019"><em>Animal Behavior</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Wild Asian elephants exhibit strong capacity for innovation

The capacity for individual innovation is often seen as a...

The,Harvest,Moon,And,Japanese,Pampas,Grass.

<p>The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as the final supermoon of 2023, wrapping up a summer marked by big, radiant full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-beyond-moon/">moons</a>.</p>



<p>According to Space.com, this special supermoon will be joined by a parade of planets, including the largest worlds in our solar system -&nbsp; Jupiter and Saturn - as well as Mercury, which is the smallest.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-supermoon">What is a supermoon?</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-weeks-blue-supermoon-will-be-the-biggest-and-brightest-of-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermoon</a> is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest approach to Earth in its orbit. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter in the night sky compared to other periods in its cycle.</p>



<p>This year's last supermoon will hit its peak brilliance at approximately 6 a.m. ET on Friday after making its grand appearance on Thursday night, according to the <a href="https://www.almanac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer's Almanac</a>. The illumination will still be visible on Friday evening.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-corn-moon">The Corn Moon</h2>



<p>This week's full moon is known as the "Harvest Moon," which is due to its proximity to the autumnal equinox which took place on September 23.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Traditionally, September's full moon has also been known as the Corn Moon, a tribute to the end-of-summer harvests.</p>



<p>While the Harvest Moon typically graces us in September, every three years it shifts to October. This means that not all Corn Moons earn the title of Harvest Moon.</p>



<p>Those who might miss out on this week's event need to mark their calendars for summer 2024, when the next supermoon will be visible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-origin-of-the-harvest-moon-nbsp">The origin of the Harvest Moon&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The term Harvest Moon is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions. "In the days before tractors with headlights, having moonlight to work by was crucial to getting the harvest in quickly before rain caused it to rot," explained Alan MacRobert, an editor at <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/">Sky &amp; Telescope</a> magazine.</p>



<p>The timeline of the Harvest Moon aligns with the ripening of numerous crops in late summer and early autumn.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In those days, farmers, burdened with the immense workload, had no choice but to extend their labor hours past sunset. Moonlight was their guiding light.</p>



<p>NASA, citing the Oxford English Dictionary, notes that the term "Harvest Moon" made its first printed appearance in 1706.</p>



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



<p>Beyond its agricultural significance, the Harvest Moon is also known for its unique characteristics.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightness-and-timing">Brightness and timing</h3>



<p>One of the main reasons the Harvest Moon is special is due to its path across the sky. It rises during twilight for several nights in a row, which means there's no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This results in several evenings of bright moonlight early in the evening, which was traditionally helpful to farmers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color">Color</h3>



<p>The Harvest Moon often appears orange in color as it rises. This is due to the angle at which it rises - making it seem larger on the horizon and its light having to pass through a larger portion of the Earth’s atmosphere. This scattering of light results in the orange hue.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals">Festivals</h3>



<p>Many cultures have harvest festivals around the time of the Harvest Moon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, in East Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated around this time. It's a time of family gatherings, moon gazing, and the consumption of mooncakes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-in-folklore">Cultural significance in folklore</h3>



<p>The Harvest Moon is a prominent fixture in various cultures' folklore and traditions. It has been associated with both romance and mysticism in various legends.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-abundance-nbsp">Symbol of abundance&nbsp;</h4>



<p>Given its association with the time of harvest, this moon symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and preparation for the winter months.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superstitions">Superstitions</h4>



<p>Some believed that the Harvest Moon could bring out certain behaviors in people and animals, often attributing heightened restlessness or craziness to its appearance.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertility-and-romance">Fertility and romance</h4>



<p>In some cultures, the Harvest Moon is seen as a symbol of fertility, with some believing that its light has special properties. Couples might try to conceive under its light.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-end-of-cycle">End of cycle</h4>



<p>As the Harvest Moon signifies the ending of the harvest and the impending approach of winter, some myths might focus on themes of death, rebirth, or the cyclical nature of life.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Beautiful "Super Harvest Moon" reaches its peak tonight

The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as...

Wildlife,Conservation,Day,Wild,Animals,To,The,Home.,Or,Wildlife

<p>A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in preserving biodiversity, especially for vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. </p>



<p>The research, led by the <a href="https://serc.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Environmental Research Center</a> (SERC) and <a href="https://www.conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation International</a>, sheds light on the critical role of effective governance and supports the United Nations’ "30 by 30" initiative. </p>



<p>The findings also emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to conservation that goes beyond protected areas alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-protected-lands">Conservation and protected lands</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human activities</a> have dramatically escalated the natural extinction rate of vertebrates, increasing it by 22 times. This rapid loss of biodiversity destabilizes food webs and endangers essential ecological services such as crop pollination, healthy diets, and disease control. </p>



<p>"Humans are inextricably dependent on biodiversity for survival,” says Justin Nowakowski, SERC conservation biologist and lead author of the study. “It provides food, fuel, fiber and other ecosystem services that we depend on for life.”</p>



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



<p>The study involved meticulous data collection for over 1,000 species from every continent, excluding Antarctica, leveraging data from the Living Planet and BioTIME databases. </p>



<p>Nowakowski’s team studied 2,239 vertebrate populations, comparing the states of species within and outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-parks-enrich-mammal-diversity-beyond-the-boundaries-of-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>. The research revealed that vertebrates inside protected areas are declining at a rate of 0.4% per year, nearly five times more slowly than those in unprotected areas (1.8% per year).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-protected-lands">The significance of protected lands</h2>



<p>Protected areas offer a refuge where biodiversity is closer to stability. “They buy us much-needed time to figure out how to reverse the biodiversity crisis,” stated Luke Frishkoff, coauthor and assistant professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. </p>



<p>Frishkoff further noted that populations outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-provide-a-thermal-buffer-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> could halve in 40 years, while those inside would take 170 years to face a similar fate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-different-species">Impact on different species</h2>



<p>The study found that certain vertebrate classes, notably amphibians and birds, benefitted more within protected lands. This is likely due to the severe threats they face outside, including habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like the chytrid fungus affecting amphibians. </p>



<p>“Amphibians typically have fairly small home ranges, and they’re also really sensitive to small changes in the environment,” said Jessica Deichmann, coauthor and ecologist with the Liz Claiborne &amp; Art Ortenberg Foundation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-external-factors">Challenges and external factors</h2>



<p>However, the conversion of nearby land for agriculture and development along with climate change continue to undermine the efficacy of protected areas. The research team made sure to highlight the urgent need for interconnected protected zones and adaptive strategies that align with the ecological fluidity, as species are constantly moving.</p>



<p>The findings also reaffirm the UN’s commitment made last December, where nearly 200 nations pledged to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water by 2030. This ambitious roadmap is called the <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2021/07/a-new-global-framework-for-managing-nature-through-2030-1st-detailed-draft-agreement-debuts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"30 by 30" initiative</a>. </p>



<p>While this commitment has fueled a surge in establishing protected lands, the study cautions against mere compliance through ‘paper parks’ and emphasizes actual biodiversity conservation within these regions.</p>



<p>In addition, effective governance emerged as a crucial factor in successful conservation efforts. Nations with transparent and corruption-free governments are often more efficient in enforcing environmental laws, managing conservation funds and involving local communities in conservation laws.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-protected-lands">Beyond protected lands</h2>



<p>Conservation experts are advocating for diverse strategies to conserve biodiversity. Examples include “payment for ecosystem services” programs, such as the one in Costa Rica, which incentivizes landowners to preserve forests. These innovative models, along with biological corridors and Indigenous-led protected areas, offer flexible and effective alternatives to traditional conservation approaches.</p>



<p>In summary, the study by SERC and Conservation International illustrates the pivotal role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, but also emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive strategies that encompass effective governance, community involvement, and innovative conservation models. </p>



<p>By adopting such holistic approaches, humanity can hope to curb the ongoing biodiversity crisis and ensure the survival and thriving of myriad species on Earth.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06562-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Nature</a>.</p>



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Loss of wildlife happens five times slower in protected lands

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in...

Walrus,Cow,On,Ice,Floe

Atlantic walrus are at high risk of extinction

The Atlantic walrus faces unprecedented threats due to the relentless...

<p>Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution could significantly increase the risk of stroke.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation comes from a comprehensive meta-analysis published by the <a href="https://www.aan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Neurology</a>.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study defines "short-term exposure" as any exposure occurring within five days prior to the stroke event.</p>



<p>“Previous research has established a connection between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke. However, the correlation between short-term exposure to air pollution and stroke had been less clear," said study lead author Dr. Ahmad Toubasi from the <a href="https://www.ju.edu.jo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jordan</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"For our study, instead of looking at weeks or months of exposure, we looked at just five days and found a link between short-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke.”</p>



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



<p>The experts reviewed 110 distinct studies, which collectively involved more than 18 million stroke cases. Key <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-air-pollutants-linked-to-asthma-attacks-in-urban-children/">pollutants</a> such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide were the primary focus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the researchers investigated the different sizes of particulate matter present in the air. This included PM1, particles that are less than 1 micron (μm) in diameter; PM2.5, minute inhalable particles emanating from vehicle exhaust, industrial fuel burning, and natural fires; and PM10, which captures dust from roads and construction sites.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-stroke-risks">Increased stroke risks</h2>



<p>The results of the study showed that exposure to elevated concentrations of these pollutants was directly associated with an increased stroke risk.</p>



<ul>
<li>Nitrogen dioxide: 28% increased risk</li>



<li>Ozone: 5% increased risk</li>



<li>Carbon monoxide: 26% increased risk</li>



<li>Sulfur dioxide: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM1: 9% increased risk</li>



<li>PM2.5: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM10: 14% increased risk</li>
</ul>



<p>These pollutants were also associated with a higher risk of death from stroke, with nitrogen dioxide leading to a 33% increased risk and sulfur dioxide resulting in a 60% increase.</p>



<p>“There is a strong and significant association between air pollution and the occurrence of stroke as well as death from stroke within five days of exposure," said Dr. Toubasi.</p>



<p>"This highlights the importance of global efforts to create policies that reduce air pollution. Doing so may reduce the number of strokes and their consequences.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-cardiovascular-health">Air pollution and cardiovascular health</h2>



<p>Air pollution is known to have extremely detrimental impacts on health, particularly the cardiovascular system.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-attacks">Heart attacks</h3>



<p>Air pollution is associated with a higher incidence of heart attacks. Particulate matter and toxic gases in polluted air can accelerate the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attacks.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stroke">Stroke</h3>



<p>As found in the meta-analysis published in Neurology®, short-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of strokes. The pollutants can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to changes in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hypertension">Hypertension</h3>



<p>Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can result in elevated blood pressure levels. Pollutants may cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-failure">Heart failure</h3>



<p>There is evidence that air pollution can exacerbate heart failure, where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. The pollutants can lead to inflammation, affecting the heart’s functionality and worsening pre-existing conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arrhythmias">Arrhythmias</h3>



<p>Exposure to air pollution has been linked with irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Particulates and other pollutants can affect the heart's electrical activity, leading to arrhythmias, which can be dangerous if not managed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-vein-thrombosis">Deep vein thrombosis</h3>



<p>Research has found correlations between exposure to high levels of air pollution and an increased risk of developing DVT, a condition where blood clots form in veins deep in the body, usually in the legs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-effects">Long-term effects</h3>



<p>Chronic exposure to air pollution over the years can lead to persistent inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system, resulting in long-term damage and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.</p>



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Short-term exposure to air pollution increases stroke risk

Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution...

<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> has revealed a new kind of earthquake threat to the Pacific Northwest. The examination of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-reveal-the-shocking-extent-of-arctic-air-pollution/">tree rings</a> helped the researchers pinpoint a significant seismic event in the Puget Lowlands in western Washington around late A.D. 923 or early 924.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-seismic-activity">Devastating seismic activity</h2>



<p>The team discovered that similar shallow faults, located less than 18 miles beneath the surface, ruptured approximately 1,000 years ago, mirroring the recent earthquakes that devastated the Turkey-Syria border.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria was followed by one nearly as large nine hours later. Shallow faults less than 18 miles beneath the surface buckled. The violent earthquakes leveled thousands of buildings and killed more than 50,000 people.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthquake-threat">Earthquake threat</h2>



<p>The new earthquake threat that has been uncovered by the Arizona team poses a significant risk to over 4 million residents across the Pacific Northwest, including major cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers noted that the ancient quake in this region could have either been a solitary event with an estimated magnitude of 7.8 or a sequence of twin quakes occurring consecutively, with magnitudes of about 7.5 and 7.3.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linked-faulting">Linked faulting</h2>



<p>One of the striking revelations of the study was the interconnectedness of the shallow faults. According to study first author Professor Bryan Black, these events on shallow faults are intricately linked, either through subterranean connections or through the transference of stress from one fault to another.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Regional hazard models, used to develop engineering design and policies, don't currently reflect the possibility of this earthquake threat - but should, said Professor Black.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shallow-faults">Shallow faults</h2>



<p>Scientists have been finding shallow faults in the region since the 1960s, when the Seattle Fault was first discovered, followed by the Saddle Mountain Fault, which runs along the eastern foothills of the Olympic Mountains, and the Tacoma and Olympia faults.</p>



<p>"These are four shallow faults that had shown evidence of having ruptured roughly 1,000 years ago in a cluster of earthquakes called the millennial cluster," Black said. "A 25-foot cliff was thrusted into the air from west Seattle out to Puget Sound. It also triggered a local tsunami and landslides that stripped mountainsides of whole forests and discarded them into nearby lakes Washington and Sammamish."</p>



<p>Prior to this study, it was not known when and how these faults last gave out. "These quakes could have ruptured at the same time, hours apart or centuries apart," said Black. "We weren't sure."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synchronous-timing-of-death">Synchronous timing of death</h2>



<p>To investigate, the researchers explored the Pacific Northwest’s rugged terrain, collecting samples from tree stumps that perished during previous seismic activities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team utilized underwater chainsaws, powered by generators placed on makeshift barges, to extract samples from trees that died during the millennial cluster of earthquakes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts compared the growth patterns of these ancient trees with those still living, discovering a synchronicity in the time of death across trees situated along different fault lines.</p>



<p>The tree deaths, occurring during their dormant season, provided crucial insight into the timing of the ancient seismic events, narrowed down to late fall through early spring of late 923 to early 924.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazardous-conditions-nbsp">Hazardous conditions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Combined, the evidence showed us that these trees from across the region died together, and this was in fact a linked event," said Black.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We've taken uncertainties around these two faults that used to span decades or centuries and narrowed it down to within one season. It's a much different scenario if we have earthquakes on these two faults separated by 100 years versus 100 hours."</p>



<p>"Demonstrating that these faults can rupture synchronously or in very rapid succession has really changed what we understand about the hazard in the region."</p>



<p>However, current hazard models don't currently recognize that linked faulting is possible, he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-succession-nbsp">Rapid succession&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"If Saddle Mountain and Seattle faults went together it would be on par with the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco," Black said. "Or, like the quakes in Turkey, they can also go at rapid succession."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"If that were the case, the infrastructure and landforms already weakened by one quake are then going to get the knockout punch with a second quake. It will still be quite destructive: thrusting up water mains, severing roads, triggering landslides and local tsunamis."</p>



<p>Luckily, he said, the bigger and more severe the quake, the less frequent it is. Earthquakes of this size are relatively uncommon.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh4973"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Violent earthquake threat in the Pacific Northwest revealed in tree rings

A recent study led by the University of Arizona has...

<p>According to researchers from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and the <a href="https://nsidc.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Snow and Ice Data Center</a> (NSIDC), 2023 marked the sixth-lowest year for Arctic sea ice since satellite measurements began, likely hitting its annual minimum extent on September 19. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, Antarctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-levels-in-antarctica-have-reached-an-unprecedented-low/">sea ice</a> reached a record-breaking minimum, hitting its lowest maximum extent on September 10, a time when the ice cover is usually expanding rapidly during the coldest and darkest months.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-changes">Seasonal changes</h2>



<p>Understanding the seasonal and yearly changes in sea ice is essential since this ice plays a pivotal role in shaping Earth’s polar ecosystems and influencing the global climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists from NASA and NSIDC employ satellites to gauge sea ice during its melting and freezing cycles, focusing on sea ice extent, which represents the total ocean area with at least 15 percent ice cover.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-ice-cover-nbsp">Arctic ice cover&nbsp;</h2>



<p>From March to September 2023, Arctic ice cover diminished from a peak area of 14.62 million square kilometers to 4.23 million square kilometers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This is approximately 1.99 million square kilometers below the average minimum from 1981–2010, representing a loss enough to cover the entire continental United States.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-low-ice-extent-in-antarctica-nbsp">Record low ice extent in Antarctica&nbsp;</h2>



<p>At the same time, Antarctic sea ice reached a record low winter maximum extent of 16.96 million square kilometers, about 1.03 million square kilometers below the former record-low set in 1986.</p>



<p>“It’s a record-smashing sea ice low in the Antarctic,” said Walt Meier, a sea ice scientist at NSIDC. “Sea ice growth appears low around nearly the whole continent as opposed to any one region.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-nbsp">Rising temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This year, the Northwest Passage in the Arctic also saw notably low ice levels, indicating more open areas and a higher presence of loose, lower concentration ice.</p>



<p>The sea ice modifications are a result of warming temperatures over the decades. “It is more open there than it used to be. There also seems to be a lot more loose, lower concentration ice – even toward the North Pole – and areas that used to be pretty compact, solid sheets of ice through the summer. That’s been happening more frequently in recent years,” Meier reported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-amplification-nbsp">Arctic amplification&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Nathan Kurtz, the director of NASA’s Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory, the growing thinness of the ice is due to the Arctic warming about four times faster than the rest of the planet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Thickness at the end of the growth season largely determines the survivability of sea ice. New research is using satellites like NASA’s ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2) to monitor how thick the ice is year-round,” he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-driving-forces">Understanding the driving forces</h2>



<p>As Kurtz stresses, connecting current measurements to historical records is essential for understanding the driving forces behind these changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“At NASA we’re interested in taking cutting-edge measurements, but we’re also trying to connect them to the historical record to better understand what’s driving some of these changes that we’re seeing,” he said.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-various-factors">Various factors</h3>



<p>The scientists are delving deeper to decipher the causes behind the scant growth of Antarctic sea ice. Various factors such as El Nino, alterations in wind patterns, and rising ocean temperatures are currently being investigated.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-heat-nbsp">Ocean heat&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Recent research indicates that ocean heat is likely a significant factor in delaying ice growth and enhancing melting during the warm season.</p>



<p>This year’s record-low extent is part of a continuing downward trend in Antarctic sea ice that began after 2014, reversing a slight increase of about one percent per decade before 2014.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The diminishing sea ice at both poles enhances warming through the “ice-albedo feedback” cycle, which leads to more solar energy absorption by the ocean, warming the ocean waters and further impeding sea ice growth.</p>



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Antarctic sea ice extent hit a record low this month

According to researchers from NASA and the National Snow and...

<p>In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas as a potential solution to the global water crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research suggests that these tiny creatures might be the key to cleaning persistent chemical pollutants from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-wastewater-is-a-hidden-solution-to-the-climate-crisis/">wastewater</a>, making it safer for industrial, agricultural, and domestic use.</p>



<p>“This novel nature-inspired technology provides a potentially revolutionary process for sustainably removing persistent chemical pollutants from wastewater," said study lead author Muhammad Abdullahi of the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Birmingham</a>. "By preventing these chemicals from being discharged, we can protect our environment and biodiversity.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-water-crisis">Global water crisis</h2>



<p>The world is currently facing a severe water crisis, which can be attributed to rapid urbanization, booming populations, unsound food production practices, and climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Due to these conditions, sustainable water management is urgently needed for the well-being of society, economy, and environment.</p>



<p>However, one of the significant challenges in wastewater management is the inability to effectively remove persistent chemical pollutants from domestic and industrial processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wastewater-treatment-nbsp">Wastewater treatment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Current wastewater treatment methods often fall short, allowing these pollutants to seep into rivers, reservoirs, irrigation systems, and aquifers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This results in the harmful entry of chemicals into the human food chain and water supply, endangering the health of approximately 92 million people annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-daphnia">The potential of Daphnia</h2>



<p>Daphnia, commonly known as water fleas, may provide us with a remarkable new clean water solution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the Birmingham study, the researchers have found a way to use water fleas to remove pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals from wastewater without producing the harmful byproducts associated with present-day technologies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our profound understanding of water flea biology enabled us to pioneer a nature-inspired tertiary wastewater treatment technology. This refines municipal wastewater effluent and safeguards the ecological health of our rivers," said study senior author Professor Luisa Orsini.</p>



<p>“The water flea's remarkable ability to remain dormant for centuries allows scientists to revive dormant populations that endured varying historical pollution pressures. Leveraging this trait, researchers sourced strains with diverse tolerances to chemical pollutants, incorporating them into the technology.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resurrecting-water-fleas">Resurrecting water fleas</h2>



<p>Using specialized technology, the team has successfully integrated populations of water fleas into wastewater treatment plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The uniqueness lies in the strain selection – by "resurrecting" water fleas from past environments, the experts have identified strains that have been historically resilient to different pollution pressures.</p>



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



<p>The study reveals the efficiency of four distinct water flea strains in removing a variety of pollutants, such as diclofenac, atrazine, arsenic, and PFOS (industrial chemicals).</p>



<p>“Our technology could improve the quality of wastewater effluent - meeting current and upcoming regulatory requirements to produce reusable water suitable for irrigation, industrial applications, and household use," said study co-author Dr. Mohamed Abdallah.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"By preventing persistent chemicals from entering waterways, we can also prevent environmental pollution.”</p>



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Water fleas may be the solution to our global water crisis

In a surprising new study, scientists have identified water fleas...

<p>Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact on the prevalence of viruses, according to a study led by the <a href="https://www.izw-berlin.de/en/home.html">Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research</a>.</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.66550"><em>eLife</em></a>, the research demonstrates that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">rainforest</a> destruction leads to reduced diversity in mosquito species. This paves the way for more resilient mosquito species - and the viruses they carry - to become dominant.</p>



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



<p>The researchers set out to investigate how environmental changes, biodiversity loss, and the spread of pathogens may be connected.</p>



<p>The study was led by Professor Sandra Junglen, leader of the Ecology and Evolution of Arboviruses research group at <a href="https://virologie-ccm.charite.de/en/">Charité's Institute of Virology</a>.</p>



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



<p>The research team executed their study in and around Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire, encompassing a diverse array of land uses, from untouched rainforests to human settlements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We identified the species of mosquitoes we had caught and tested them for viral infections,” explained study first author Kyra Hermanns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Then we looked at how the composition of mosquito species differs across the different land use types, where certain viruses are present, and how prevalent they are.”</p>



<p>In a healthy ecosystem such as a rainforest, many different viruses are present due to the wide variety of animal species - which act as hosts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Junglen, the team identified 49 virus species, with the majority found in undisturbed habitats. However, certain mosquito species adapted efficiently to cleared areas, bringing along their respective viruses.</p>



<p>"Most of the 49 different virus species were relatively rare in the areas studied. However, nine of them were commonly found in multiple habitats, with the prevalence of five virus species increasing in habitats that had been disturbed and reaching the highest figures in human settlements," said Junglen.</p>



<p>“This means that the clearing of tropical rainforests causes a decrease in the diversity of mosquito species, which changes the composition of host types. Some resilient mosquito species have multiplied very successfully in the cleared areas, bringing their viruses with them," explained the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevalence-of-viruses-nbsp">Prevalence of viruses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The composition of a given community of species has a direct effect on the prevalence of viruses: “If one host species is very abundant, it is easier for viruses to spread,” said Junglen.</p>



<p>“All of the viruses we found to be more common were demonstrated to be present in a certain mosquito species."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The viruses belong to different families and have different properties. That means we were able to show for the first time that the spread of the viruses is attributable not to a close genetic relationship, but to the characteristics of their hosts – especially those mosquito species that adapt well to changing environmental conditions in habitats that have been disturbed.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Although the discovered viruses currently pose no threat to humans, the study sheds light on the dynamics of infectious diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study makes clear just how important biodiversity is, and that decreasing biodiversity makes it easier for certain viruses to thrive because it causes their hosts to become more abundant,” said Junglen.</p>



<p>“Previously, these kinds of processes were studied almost exclusively using individual pathogens and individual hosts. Now we have a more complete picture that we can use for further research."</p>



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Biodiversity loss promotes the spread of viruses

Decreasing biodiversity, particularly in tropical rainforests, has a direct impact...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<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>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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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>



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



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

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>



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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