<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>Why was the Sahara Desert once lush and green? A recent study published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/ncomms/"><em>Nature Communications</em></a> provides new insights into periodic wet phases and greening in the Sahara over the last 800,000 years.</p>



<h2 id="h-earth-s-orbital-precession">Earth’s orbital precession&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The primary driver behind intermittent green periods in the Sahara was identified as changes in Earth’s orbit around the Sun, notably Earth’s orbital precession. This refers to Earth's wobbly motion on its axis, influencing the seasonal contrasts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The wobbles, which occur approximately every 21,000 years, determine the energy Earth receives during different seasons. This ultimately controls the strength of the African monsoon and, by extension, the spread of vegetation across the Sahara.</p>



<h2 id="h-ice-ages">Ice ages</h2>



<p>However, the researchers also found that these humid greening intervals in the Sahara did not occur during ice ages.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Massive glacial ice sheets, blanketing much of the high latitudes, cooled the atmosphere, suppressing the growth of the African monsoon system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts report that the interconnection between these distant areas might have limited species’ movement, including early humans, out of Africa during the glacial periods spanning the past 800,000 years.</p>



<h2 id="h-remarkable-environmental-changes">Remarkable environmental changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study lead author Dr. Edward Armstrong is a climate scientist at the University of Helsinki and <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/">University of Bristol</a>.</p>



<p>“The cyclic transformation of the Sahara Desert into savannah and woodland ecosystems is one of the most remarkable environmental changes on the planet," said Dr. Armstrong.</p>



<p>“Our study is one of the first climate modeling studies to simulate the African Humid Periods with comparable magnitude to what the palaeoclimate observations indicate, revealing why and when these events occurred.”</p>



<h2 id="h-advanced-climate-modeling">Advanced climate modeling&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Many existing climate models have fallen short in simulating the amplitude of these humid periods in the Sahara.</p>



<p>However, the recent study utilized an advanced climate model that not only offers insights into the past shifts but could potentially improve predictions of future changes.</p>



<p>The results confirmed that the African Humid Periods occurred every 21,000 years and were determined by changes in Earth’s orbital precession.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Warmer summers and increased precipitation from the intensified monsoon system drove greening across the desert.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



<p>“We are really excited about the results. Traditionally, climate models have struggled to represent the extent of the ‘greening’ of the Sahara," said study co-author Professor Paul Valdes.</p>



<p>"Our revised model successfully represents past changes and also gives us confidence in their ability to understand future change."</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



<p>There is undeniable evidence that the Sahara was home to sprawling rivers, lakes, and water-dependent animals, such as hippos, in past epochs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such periods of vegetation might have played a pivotal role in creating green corridors for various species, including early humans, to disperse across the globe.</p>



<p>“The Sahara region is kind of a gate controlling the dispersal of species between both North and Sub-Saharan Africa, and in and out of the continent," said study co-author Professor Miikka Tallavaara.</p>



<p>“The gate was open when Sahara was green and closed when deserts prevailed. This alternation of humid and arid phases had major consequences for the dispersal and evolution of species in Africa."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our ability to model North African Humid periods is a major achievement and means we are now also better able to model human distributions and understand the evolution of our genus in Africa.”</p>



<p>The study has the potential to reshape our understanding of early human migrations and the broader implications of global climate shifts.</p>



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Study reveals the driving forces behind greening in the Sahara Desert

Why was the Sahara Desert once lush and green? A...

<p>Researchers have discovered a significant correlation between human-caused aerosol emissions and temperature fluctuations in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. This relationship, uncovered in a new study by the <a href="https://www.earth.miami.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Miami Rosenstiel School</a> of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science, impacts both the rainfall in West Africa's Sahel region and the formation of hurricanes in the Atlantic.</p>



<p>In the midst of a year marked by multiple hurricanes, including the notorious <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hurricane-idalia-roars-toward-florida/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hurricane Idalia</a>, which formed swiftly over the tropical Atlantic, the study offers a fresh perspective. According to Chengfei He, the lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at Rosenstiel School, the discoveries suggest that "the variations in Atlantic ocean temperature, hurricanes, and Sahel rainfall are predominantly influenced by human-induced emissions."</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>By employing a sophisticated grand ensemble simulation technique, which averaged over 400 climate model simulations from global climate centers, the team was able to extract the primary climate change drivers from the 'noise'. </p>



<p>This approach, analogous to how noise-cancelling headphones function, illuminated the impacts stemming from external forcings on the climate system, predominantly from human activities and volcanic eruptions.</p>



<p>Amy Clement, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the Rosenstiel School and co-author of the study, elaborated on the novelty of the findings. While earlier beliefs suggested that the alterations in West African rainfall and Atlantic hurricanes were consequences of natural climatic cycles, such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, this research indicates otherwise. </p>



<p>Clement stated that their model simulations depicting forced climate changes "closely match the real-world observations in the tropical Atlantic."</p>



<h2>Linking aerosol emissions with hurricanes</h2>



<p>A significant revelation from the study is the link between human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-particles-contribute-to-rapid-warming-in-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosol</a> emissions and climatic events post World War II. The ensuing suppressed Atlantic hurricane activity and a drier Sahel can be attributed to these emissions. </p>



<p>The Sahel region, which extends south of the Saharan desert from the Atlantic to the Red Sea, experienced severe drought in the early 1980s, culminating in food shortages, widespread diseases, and the tragic loss of hundreds of thousands of lives from West Africa to Ethiopia.</p>



<p>The research notes a marked shift post the 1980s, as reduced aerosol emissions led to an increase in Atlantic hurricanes and enhanced Sahel rainfall. This pattern in sea surface temperature, hurricane activity, and Sahel rainfall closely mimics the observations in the tropical Atlantic.</p>



<p>While human-induced aerosol emissions undeniably influence hurricane season activity, the researchers caution against oversimplifying. Multiple factors determine the intensity and frequency of hurricanes, and even in low-activity seasons, potent storms can manifest.</p>



<p>Chengfei He warned of future implications, stating that due to the "continuous reduction in human-induced aerosol emissions around the Atlantic, complemented by the ongoing and future warming attributed to greenhouse gases, we might not see a return to the quieter hurricane activity witnessed in the mid-century Atlantic."</p>



<p>This pivotal study, titled “Tropical Atlantic multidecadal variability is dominated by external forcing,” can be found in the September 13 issue of the esteemed journal, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06489-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.</p>



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Human aerosol emissions directly linked to stronger hurricanes in the Atlantic

Researchers have discovered a significant correlation between human-caused aerosol emissions...

<p>By the end of this century, many coastal communities will face "100-year floods" on a yearly basis, according to a study published by the <a href="https://www.agu.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Geophysical Union</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts suggest that this forecast may be inevitable, reporting that even if carbon dioxide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-rivers-in-the-andes-are-hotspots-for-emissions/">emissions</a> peak by 2040, extreme floods will likely become an annual event.</p>



<h2 id="h-100-year-flood">100-year flood&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The term "100-year flood" refers to a severe flooding event that historically had a one percent likelihood of occurring each year. The terminology may be misleading because these floods can happen in consecutive years or might not occur at all within a century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Regardless, the new study indicates that these historical patterns may no longer be useful for predicting future flood events. The research was led by Hamed Moftakhari, a civil engineer and professor at the <a href="https://www.ua.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alabama</a>.</p>



<p>“The threshold that we expect to be exceeded once every hundred years on average is going to be exceeded much more frequently in a warmer climate until they are no longer considered 100-year events," said Moftakhari.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>Storms and waves cause severe flooding in coastal communities, but the researchers focused their study on the longer term impacts of sea-level rise.</p>



<p>"The gradual increase of global mean sea level (MSL), known as sea-level rise (SLR), is one of the biggest climate change-related concerns of the 21st century. SLR poses a threat to seaside communities and can lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of coastal flooding. Thus, evaluating the future expected number of extreme sea-level events and their magnitudes is critical for sustainable coastal flood risk management," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>The experts set out to estimate future extreme sea levels under two carbon emission scenarios: if carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise through the end of the century, or if carbon dioxide emissions reach their peak by 2040 and then decline.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-proactive-planning-is-needed">Proactive planning is needed</h2>



<p>The researchers analyzed trends based on data from 375 tide gauges located all over the globe. The results showed that in both carbon emission scenarios, sea level rise will lead to an increase in 100-year flood events in most of the locations that were examined.</p>



<p>Moftakhari said that a proactive approach to land planning, urban development and coastal protective measures could help communities reduce flooding and avoid disaster, and that starts with realistic forecasts of future coastal conditions.</p>



<p>“What makes it so challenging is that the majority of tools, design guidelines, manuals of practice and more are all based on the assumption of stationarity,” said Moftakhari. “They need to be updated to enable us to keep pace with the rate of change.”</p>



<h2 id="h-unique-solutions">Unique solutions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to a study published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0118571"><em>PLOS ONE</em></a>, more than 600 million people live in low-lying coastal regions, and that number is expected to rise. In order for coastal communities to withstand extreme flooding, well-designed coastal defense structures are critically important.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Moftakhari, coastal communities will require unique solutions based on local information to match their needs. Some areas are experiencing much faster rates of sea level rise. This is the case in parts of Texas and Louisiana on the Gulf coast where the land is gradually sinking.</p>



<h2 id="h-enhancing-the-resilience-of-coastal-communities">Enhancing the resilience of coastal communities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We know that mean sea level is rising, the question is: how are we going to deal with it?” said Moftakhari. “We’ve already seen that many portions of the coast are permanently inundated and losing land, and many coastal cities and islands are experiencing flooding much more frequently than in the past - it’s time to learn how to deal with non-stationarity.”</p>



<p>Moftakhari is determined to remain optimistic, noting that disasters are the outcome of human decision-making, not hazards alone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Don’t forget that this is all about the level of water that we expect to experience without mitigation measures. There will be technological advancements that could enhance the resilience of communities.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the AGU journal <em>Earth's Future</em>.      </p>



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100-year floods will be annual events by the end of the century

By the end of this century, many coastal communities will...

<p>Spring break often signals an ideal period for skiing, with extended daylight and milder <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/">temperatures</a>. However, if one is planning their skiing adventures during the preceding fall, anticipating the best snow conditions for spring becomes challenging. </p>



<p>Water resource scientists, too, are keen on determining seasonal snow volumes. Insights into total snowpack levels enables them to assess the subsequent water availability for hydropower, agricultural irrigation, and consumption later in the year.</p>



<h2 id="h-predicting-snow-accumulation">Predicting snow accumulation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Now, a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW) has found that, for certain western states, the snow accumulated by the end of December can be an accurate indicator of the entire season’s snowpack. </p>



<p>This predictive model is quite precise for northern states such as Alaska, Oregon, Washington, as well as some areas of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. However, states such as California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona were found to offer less predictability, either due to their erratic weather fluctuations or the fact that significant precipitation occurs post-December.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>“The main thing water managers are asking for - aside from making it snow more, which is usually everyone’s first request - is longer lead-time forecasts,” said Jessica Lundquist, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UW.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These are hard predictions to make. We’re fairly good at long-term average forecasts: what will happen 50 years from now. And we can do short-term forecasts: what will happen less than a week from now. But as for what’s going to happen in the next three to four months, that’s been kind of a no-go zone. It was really interesting to find that the amount of snow on the ground by the end of December ended up being a good predictor of peak spring snow.”</p>



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



<p>The researchers collected data from an extensive snow sensor grid spanning the western U.S., including Alaska.&nbsp;</p>



<p>After examining air temperature and precipitation metrics from 2001-2022 for 873 sites, they compared snow accumulation by the end of December (fall snow) with the entire winter-spring snow accumulation (peak season snow).</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



<p>Several factors drove the correlation between early and peak snow. For instance, in regions like Alaska, a majority of the snow falls before January, making the early snow almost identical with peak season snow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In other places, such as Interior Alaska, northeast Utah, and southwestern Wyoming, meteorological trends indicate that an above-average early snowfall reliably predicts an above-average late-season snowfall.</p>



<h2 id="h-air-temperatures">Air temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, cooler air temperatures can also be a reliable predictor of snow levels. For instance, in northern states such as Alaska, Washington, and Oregon, or in places at higher elevation, snow on the ground in the fall was less likely to melt between storms due to the fact that the air remained cool, meaning that this snow usually sticks around, adding to the total snowpack.</p>



<p>“Another really interesting pattern happens in Oregon and Washington. We get mixed rain and snow all along the west slope of the Cascades. This ‘wintry mix’ is so close to freezing that it could freeze or melt when it hits the ground. If you have above-average snowpack early in the year, then the wintry mix will stick to that snowpack and add to it. But if you have a below-average snowpack, that wintry mix is more likely to melt that snowpack and actually decrease it,” Lundquist explained.</p>



<h2 id="h-climate-change">Climate change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Discussing the potential impact of climate change on snow predictability, Lundquist argued that it may have mixed results.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While northern or higher-altitude regions might remain relatively unchanged, shifting weather patterns could render areas like northern Oregon as unpredictable as California.</p>



<h2 id="h-evolving-patterns">Evolving patterns&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lundquist concluded by emphasizing the importance of monitoring these evolving patterns. “These snow sensors are in long-term stations, so it’s easy to get the most recent data every year,” she said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“And then it’s just a simple analysis to predict which areas will likely have the largest snowpack. Though, as my family reminds me, it unfortunately does not let me predict powder days.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL103802" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Geophysical Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Fall snow levels can help predict a year’s total snowpack

Spring break often signals an ideal period for skiing, with...

<p>Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiders-turn-to-cannibalism-when-food-sources-are-limited/">spiders</a> near water bodies feed on insects like dragonflies. But when these insects inhabit mercury-contaminated waters, they might transfer this hazardous metal to spider species that feed on them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/centers/upper-midwest-water-science-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Water Science Center</a>, spiders with habitats close to the shoreline can move mercury contamination from riverbeds up the food chain to land animals.</p>



<h2 id="h-contaminant-transfer">Contaminant transfer</h2>



<p>Adult aquatic insects provide subsidies to linked terrestrial ecosystems, supporting consumers such as birds, bats, amphibians, and spiders.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, contaminants that are accumulated by aquatic insect larvae and retained through metamorphosis can result in insect-mediated contaminant transfer (i.e., flux) to terrestrial biota.</p>



<p>"The transfer of contaminants from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems represents an often overlooked exposure pathway that can elevate health risks to wildlife, highlighting the need for monitoring recipient terrestrial animals that eat aquatic insects emerging from contaminated waters,” the authors explained.</p>



<h2 id="h-methylmercury">Methylmercury</h2>



<p>A significant proportion of the mercury present in aquatic environments comes from industrial waste and other human-related activities (although there are natural sources of mercury too).&nbsp;</p>



<p>When this mercury reaches the water, microorganisms transform it into methylmercury, a more toxic form that biomagnifies and increases in animals up the food chain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a result, researchers have increasingly recognized spiders living on lakeshores and riverbeds as a potential link between aquatic contamination and predominantly terrestrial creatures such as birds, amphibians, and bats.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



<p>To better understand this phenomenon, the experts assessed whether shoreline spiders’ tissue contained mercury from adjacent aquatic sources and examined how these animals connect mercury pollution in water and land animals.</p>



<p>The scientists collected long-jawed spiders found near two tributaries of Lake Superior, and gathered samples of sediments, dragonfly larvae, and yellow perch fish from these locations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Afterwards, they identified and measured the various sources of mercury contamination, including direct industrial discharge, rainwater, and land runoff.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that the origin of mercury in the sediments was identical up the aquatic food chain in wetlands, reservoir shorelines, and urban shorelines.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, when sediment contained a higher level of industrial mercury, so did the dragonfly larvae, spider, and yellow perch tissues that they examined. According to this data, long-jawed spiders could indicate how mercury pollution moves from aquatic environments to land-based wildlife.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, such spiders could shed new light on the sources of mercury pollution and inform management decisions by providing a novel tool for the monitoring of remediation activities.</p>



<p>The researchers also collected and analyzed tissue samples from two additional types of arachnids from certain locations: the fishing spider and the orb-weaver spider.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The data indicated variability in mercury sources across these different taxa. Such variability can be attributed to their distinctive feeding patterns: while fishing spiders predominantly hunt on land near water, orb-weavers consume both water and land-based insects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The long-jawed variety, however, mainly preys on adult water insects. Thus, these findings suggest that, although long-jawed spiders are reliable indicators of aquatic pollution, not every species living near the shoreline can be considered an effective mercury pollution sentinel.</p>



<h2 id="h-mercury-contamination">Mercury contamination&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Mercury contamination is a serious environmental issue caused by the release of mercury into ecosystems. It can occur through industrial processes, mining, and natural sources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Mercury is toxic to humans and wildlife, and it can accumulate in organisms, leading to health problems, including harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems.</p>



<p>Efforts to reduce mercury contamination include stricter regulations on emissions and responsible disposal of mercury-containing products.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00450" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Sciences &amp; Technology Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Spiders transfer mercury contamination from water to land animals

Many spiders near water bodies feed on insects like dragonflies....

<p>Experts have identified a link between prenatal exposure to air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-electric-vehicle-tires-emit-20-more-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> and detrimental effects on the cell processes of newborn babies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings were presented at the <a href="https://www.ersnet.org/congress-and-events/congress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Respiratory Society International Congress</a> by Dr. Olga Gorlanova, a research physician at the University Children’s Hospital, University of Basel, Switzerland.</p>



<p>According to Dr. Gorlanova, there are visible alterations in proteins of babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution during pregnancy. This could shed light on the mysterious autophagy process, where cells “self-eat” in response to stress.</p>



<h2 id="h-varying-responses">Varying responses</h2>



<p>Dr. Gorlanova highlighted that even among healthy newborns, the responses to maternal exposure to air pollution during pregnancy varied.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This suggests that the susceptibility levels among babies differ, making some more vulnerable than others, even in areas characterized by relatively low pollution levels.</p>



<h2 id="h-prenatal-air-pollution">Prenatal air pollution</h2>



<p>Previously, Dr. Gorlanova and her team had explored the adverse effects of prenatal air pollution exposure on newborns' lung functions and immune systems. Their latest research investigated the impact on proteins crucial for autophagy, aging, and cell remodeling.</p>



<p>The experts analyzed data from the Bern Basel Infant Lung Development (BILD) cohort study, which began in 1999 and aims to recruit 1,000 babies by 2025.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study aims to analyze the role of genetics and the environment, particularly air pollution, in the lung development of babies.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The research focused on pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10) - tiny particles less than 10 microns in diameter. PM10 usually originates from sources like vehicle emissions, tire and brake wear, and smoke. </p>



<p>The team measured 11 different proteins in the cord blood of 449 healthy newborns.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered</h2>



<p>The researchers discovered a profound association between NO2 and PM10 exposure and changes in proteins crucial for autophagy.</p>



<p>“Our results indicate that NO2, a pollutant formed mainly from traffic emissions, is associated with increased levels of Beclin-1 protein, which is central to initiating autophagy," explained Dr Gorlanova.</p>



<p>"Exposure to higher NO2 was also linked to decreased levels of SIRT1, which is a protein that plays a protective role in stress resistance, inflammation and aging. IL-8 is a protein active in certain inflammatory cells."</p>



<h2 id="h-varying-effects">Varying effects</h2>



<p>“We grouped the babies into four distinct clusters according to the levels of air pollution they were exposed to while in the womb. The four clusters all had similar concentrations of the proteins being studied but had differences their exposure to NO2 and PM10 air pollution."</p>



<p>"One cluster had low concentrations of nine proteins, while another cluster, consisting of seven percent of all the babies, had higher levels of proteins that are involved in inflammatory and remodeling processes: IL-8 and IL-1B."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Both these groups of newborns had been exposed to lower, although differing, levels of prenatal air pollution than the other two groups."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Gorlanova said the findings suggest that healthy newborns have an individual response pattern to air pollution. "We think that this may be an indication that some babies are more vulnerable to it than others."</p>



<h2 id="h-impacts-on-human-cells">Impacts on human cells</h2>



<p>“Additionally, our work adds to the growing body of evidence that autophagy-related mechanisms may be involved in how human cells react to air pollution. The findings are consistent with evidence from tissue and animal research. Further exploration of these mechanisms may help to better understand the deleterious effects of pollution on infants.”</p>



<p>Next, the researchers plan to examine whether babies with distinct protein response patterns to air pollution will suffer from more breathing problems during infancy and childhood compared to those that do not show the same protein responses.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



<p>Professor Marielle Pijnenburg, who was not involved with this research, is an associate professor of Pediatric Pulmonology and head of the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine and Allergology at Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.</p>



<p>“This study adds to the growing body of evidence that air pollution can affect the health of children before and after they are born. It contributes to other research showing that autophagy-related mechanisms may be involved in how human cells react to air pollution," said Professor Pijnenburg.</p>



<p>"We need to know more about how these mechanisms can affect the health of lungs, and we need to understand why some new-borns seem to be more susceptible to air pollution than others."</p>



<h2 id="h-clear-message-for-policymakers">Clear message for policymakers</h2>



<p>“However, we already have enough evidence from this and other studies, to be sending a message loud and clear to governments and policymakers: air pollution damages people’s health, and the effects can be seen from before birth."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We should all be re-doubling our efforts to reduce air pollution as quickly and as far as possible. This will not only improve the health of populations and reduce costs associated with treating diseases caused by air pollution, but will also help the environment at a time when the climate emergency is becoming more and more apparent as every day passes.”</p>



<p>---</p>



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Air pollution exposure during pregnancy is a silent threat to newborns

Experts have identified a link between prenatal exposure to air...

<p>Climate change and extreme weather events are damaging water quality in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> worldwide, according to a comprehensive review of almost 1,000 studies. The scale of the problem, and the urgent need for better water management strategies, are matters that can no longer be ignored.</p>



<p>An international team of researchers, including experts from the <a href="https://www.adelaide.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Adelaide</a>, analyzed 965 studies that were conducted over a span of 22 years from 2000 to 2022. </p>



<h2 id="h-ecological-impacts">Ecological impacts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the most alarming findings was that climate change had increased water temperatures and algae levels in 56 percent of studies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This phenomenon is contributing to a decline in dissolved oxygen concentrations in river water. Algae, particularly at excessive levels, can consume vast amounts of oxygen. This deprives other aquatic life and affecting the ecosystem's balance.</p>



<h2 id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h2>



<p>The analysis also revealed that droughts and heatwaves led to increased salinity and higher concentrations of pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals.</p>



<p>“The severe effects climate change is already having on water quality globally are very concerning. Previous climate change predictions flagged this, but unfortunately, we are now seeing these extreme events play out across the world,” said study co-author Professor Luke Mosley.</p>



<p>“Rivers are intrinsically important ecosystems but also provide key water sources for drinking water and agriculture. Poor quality water can result in the river water being unsuitable for these uses.”</p>



<h2 id="h-poor-water-quality">Poor water quality</h2>



<p>Some of the studies in Australia, led by Professor Mosley during the Millennium Drought spanning 2007 to 2020, revealed that water bodies like the River Murray and Lower Lakes experienced shockingly low water levels. These rivers also had poor water quality, notably extreme salinisation and acidification.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The extreme ecological impacts, such as the tragic Lower Darling River fish kills in 2019, were direct outcomes of deteriorated water quality.</p>



<h2 id="h-gaps-in-our-knowledge">Gaps in our knowledge&nbsp;</h2>



<p>But while the study offers extensive insights, it also highlights gaps in our knowledge. Dr. Michelle van Vliet of <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en/home-en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a>, who led the research, wants to see more data on water quality collected in non-Western countries to improve our understanding of the implications of climate change on water quality.</p>



<p>“Most water quality studies now focus on rivers and streams in North America and Europe. We need a better monitoring of water quality in Africa and Asia,” said Dr. van Vliet.</p>



<h2 id="h-complex-factors">Complex factors</h2>



<p>Furthermore, it is not just climate change that's impacting our rivers. Land use, human activities like wastewater treatment, and other anthropogenic factors are contributing to the damage in our waterways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Understanding the complex interplay between climate, land use and human drivers, which together influence the sources and transport of pollutants is crucial,” said Dr. van Vliet.</p>



<h2 id="h-water-management-systems">Water management systems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natrevearthenviron/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Reviews Earth and Environment</em></a>, paints a bleak portrait of climate change's effects on global waterways, but there is hope. </p>



<p>Professor Mosley believes that the research will act as a catalyst for the development of innovative water management systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our findings stress the need to improve understanding of the complex hydroclimatic–geographic–human driver feedbacks and to develop technologies and water quality frameworks that support the design of robust water quality management strategies under increasing hydroclimatic extremes,” Professor Mosley said.</p>



<p>“It is hoped this research will spur increasing additional effort and collaboration globally to understand extreme water quality effects."</p>



<p>“Governments and other policy makers should take note of the findings and consider contingency plans and strategies to try to minimize water quality risks.”</p>



<h2 id="h-weather-extremes">Weather extremes</h2>



<p>The results of the study highlight an urgent need for a better understanding of water quality changes during extreme weather events, and the mechanisms underlying this.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Only then will we be able to develop effective water management strategies that can safeguard our access to clean water and ensure ecosystem health under climate change and increasing weather extremes," said Dr. van Vliet.</p>



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Rivers at risk: Climate change is diminishing global water quality

Climate change and extreme weather events are damaging water quality...

<p>With the surging global concerns over climate change and rapid deforestation, an important new study suggests a potential remedy that lies in our diets. According to recent research published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-40899-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>, swapping half of our meat and milk consumption with plant-based alternatives by 2050 could drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31% and stall the degradation of forests and natural terrains.</p>



<p>Going a step further, the research suggests that additional environmental advantages could come from the reforestation of areas previously dedicated to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meat-industry-is-not-threatened-by-plant-based-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock production</a>. This action could amplify the climate benefits, cutting down the prospective degradation of ecosystems by 50% by mid-century. </p>



<p>Impressively, such efforts in reforestation could address up to a quarter of the global land restoration targets set for 2030 under <a href="https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets/2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Target 2</a> of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.</p>



<h2 id="h-global-study-of-plant-based-foods">Global study of plant-based foods</h2>



<p>This monumental study is the inaugural exploration into the environmental and food security ramifications of large-scale adoption of plant-based meat and milk alternatives. A truly global undertaking, the study was conducted independently by the <a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis</a> (IIASA) in collaboration with the <a href="https://alliancebioversityciat.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT</a>, <a href="https://www.usaid.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USAID</a>. The group also sought insights from <a href="https://impossiblefoods.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Impossible Foods</a>, a pioneering entity in the plant-based meat substitute industry.</p>



<p>It’s pertinent to mention that the research remained autonomous, even with inputs from Impossible Foods. "The data are, however, not specific to Impossible Foods and the science team had complete control over decision making," the release stated.</p>



<p>Marta Kozicka is the study's lead author from IIASA's Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program. She emphasized the significance of the research, stating that “Understanding the impacts of dietary shifts expands our options for reducing GHG emissions. Shifting diets could also yield huge improvements for biodiversity.”</p>



<p>Furthermore, Eva Wollenberg, a study co-author, and researcher from Alliance of Bioversity International, CIAT, and the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/gund" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gund Institute at the University of Vermont</a>, added, “Plant-based meats are not just a novel food product, but a critical opportunity for achieving food security and climate goals while also achieving health and biodiversity objectives worldwide.”</p>



<h2>What the research team learned</h2>



<p>The research paints an optimistic picture. In scenarios where 50% of meat and milk products are replaced with plant-based alternatives, significant environmental benefits could be observed by 2050.</p>



<ul>
<li>A 12% reduction in global agricultural area.<br></li>



<li>A near-total halt in the decline of forest and natural lands.<br></li>



<li>Nitrogen inputs to farmlands could be halved.<br></li>



<li>A 10% drop in water usage.<br></li>



<li>A 31% reduction in GHG emissions (2.1 Gt CO2eq year-1) by 2050.<br></li>



<li>A decline in global undernourishment to 3.6%.</li>
</ul>



<p>Moreover, if lands saved from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cowspiracy-film-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock production</a> were to undergo "biodiversity-minded afforestation", the benefits in terms of reduced emissions could double. In a more ambitious 90% <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/plant-based-food-substitution_infographic_Credit-Kozicka.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substitution scenario</a>, GHG emission reductions could reach a staggering 11.1 Gt CO2eq year-1 by 2050.</p>



<p>Petr Havlík, who directed the study at IIASA, pointed out the essential balance between dietary changes and production side policies. He cautioned, “Otherwise, these benefits will be partly lost due to production extensification and resulting GHG and land-use efficiency losses.”</p>



<h2>Plant-based dietary shifts would vary</h2>



<p>Yet, the study also emphasized that shifts in diets would not uniformly affect all regions. They cited disparities in population, diets, agricultural productivity, and trade.</p>



<p>The most noticeable effects on agricultural input are likely in China, while environmental outcomes would be more pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Kozicka added, “A global introduction of all novel alternatives has additional benefits compared to the scenarios with limited product or geographical scope.”</p>



<p>It's essential, however, to recognize the multifaceted role of livestock in diverse cultures and economies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Livestock play a vital role in the livelihoods, nutrition, and culture of many communities.</p>



<p>In conclusion, while plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat alternatives</a> are promising, ensuring a just and sustainable transition for all stakeholders, particularly smallholder farmers facing the brunt of climate change, is of paramount importance. The world's food security hangs in the balance, and the time for decisive action is now.</p>



<h2>More about the impact of livestock production</h2>



<p>Livestock production, one of the fastest-growing sectors in agriculture, leaves an indelible mark on our environment. Here, we delve into the main environmental consequences linked to raising animals for food.</p>



<h3>Greenhouse gas emissions</h3>



<p>Livestock production emits a significant amount of greenhouse gases. Cattle, for instance, produce methane—a greenhouse gas over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide—during digestion. In total, livestock account for around 14.5% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h3>Deforestation</h3>



<p>Farmers often clear forests to create pasture or grow feed crops for livestock. In places like the Amazon, livestock farming has been a major driver of deforestation, threatening biodiversity and further contributing to climate change.</p>



<h3>Less water usage with plant-based diets</h3>



<p>Producing meat requires vast amounts of water. For example, producing one kilogram of beef consumes approximately 15,000 liters of water. This usage strains already limited freshwater resources, especially in water-scarce regions.</p>



<h3>Land degradation</h3>



<p>Overgrazing by livestock can strip lands of their vegetation, leading to soil erosion and desertification. This not only reduces the productivity of the land but also impacts local ecosystems and reduces biodiversity.</p>



<h3>Water pollution</h3>



<p>Runoff from farms, laden with manure and livestock-produced waste, contaminates rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. This pollution can lead to algal blooms that produce toxins harmful to aquatic life and humans.</p>



<h3>Loss of biodiversity</h3>



<p>The expansion of livestock farming disrupts local ecosystems, often pushing out native species. Moreover, the increased use of antibiotics in farming has cascading effects on microorganisms in soils and waters, further disturbing the natural balance.</p>



<h3>Resource inefficiency</h3>



<p>Livestock, especially cattle, consume more protein from plants than they provide in the form of edible meat. This makes livestock an inefficient method of converting plant protein into food for human consumption, especially when considering the environmental costs.</p>



<h3>Less air pollution with plant-based foods</h3>



<p>Livestock farms release ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other harmful gases into the atmosphere. These gases not only contribute to global warming but can also harm human health, leading to respiratory problems and other ailments.</p>



<p>In summary, while livestock farming plays a crucial role in the global food system, its environmental consequences are profound. Addressing these impacts requires a multi-pronged approach, including sustainable farming practices, dietary shifts, and policy interventions.</p>



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Increasing plant-based food production would have extremely positive impact

With the surging global concerns over climate change and rapid...

Green,Comet,In,Dark,Space.,Elements,Of,This,Image,Furnished

<p>In the vastness of our universe, objects constantly move and change. However, Comet Nishimura stands out as more than just an ordinary space rock. This ghostly green comet, with its mysterious origins, is now making its closest approach to Earth and visible to the naked eye.</p>



<p>Nishimura won't grace our skies again until 2317, making this viewing truly a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.</p>



<p>Only a month ago, the astronomical community was taken by surprise when <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/introducing-comet-nishimura" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Comet Nishimura was discovered</a>. The comet isn't just dawdling through space - it's racing at a speed of 240,000 miles per hour as it catapults around the Sun.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-close-encounter-with-the-green-comet">Close encounter with the green comet</h2>



<p>The comet is expected to make its closest approach to our planet on the morning of September 12 at a distance of 78 million miles. The ideal times to catch a glimpse will be the hour after sunset or the hour before dawn, looking in the direction of east-north-east.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq4PArccK1U" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASASpaceNews</a>, Nishimura is currently between the constellations of Cancer and Leo. Around 4 am, the comet is visible slightly higher and to the left of the “morning star."</p>



<h2 id="h-dirty-snowball">Dirty snowball&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To the naked eye, Comet Nishimura - also known as Comet C/2023 P1 - appears as a star-like blob with a thin green tail.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Comets are often referred to as the visual representation of a “dirty snowball.” The terminology arises from the nature of comets, which are essentially aggregates of ice, dust, and rocky material.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-released-boulders-with-the-explosive-capacity-of-an-atomic-bomb/">asteroids</a> that are primarily composed of metals and rocks, comets undergo a unique transformation when they draw near to the Sun.</p>



<p>As they approach the star, the icy and dusty components begin to vaporize, a process called sublimation. This results in the formation of a distinctive tail and a cloudy halo, a feature known as a coma.</p>



<h2 id="h-interstellar-origins">Interstellar origins</h2>



<p>What makes Comet Nishimura truly captivating is its potential interstellar origin. This speculation arises from its trajectory and the fact that it was discovered at a great distance from the sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The discovery of the comet is credited to Hideo Nishimura of Japan. He managed to spot the celestial object using a telephoto lens mounted on a Canon camera on August 12, 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Around this time, the comet also appeared in an image snapped by a photographer at June Lake, California. In the image, the ghostly green comet presented itself as a vivid green blob with a brilliant tail.</p>



<h2 id="h-slingshot-around-the-sun">Slingshot around the Sun&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Another intriguing aspect of this green comet’s journey is its impending “slingshot” around the Sun. This is a dramatic maneuver orchestrated by our star’s immense gravitational pull. This will send the comet hurtling back into the darkness of space, away from our sight.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"People only get the chance to see a naked eye comet like Nishimura about once a decade," said Professor Brad Gibson, director of the <a href="https://www.milne.hull.ac.uk/">E A Milne Centre for Astrophysics</a> at the University of Hull.</p>



<p>"The comet takes 500 years to orbit the solar system, Earth takes one year, and the outer planets can take many decades. Halley's Comet, which caused much interest during its last nearby visit to Earth in 1986, takes 76 years to orbit the solar system. So, to say this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Nishimura isn't an exaggeration."</p>



<h2 id="h-close-solar-approach">Close solar approach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Professor Gibson highlighted that Nishimura's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/comet-nishimura-may-approach-earth-so-closely-that-it-will-be-visible-to-the-naked-eye/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closest rendezvous</a> with the sun on September 17, at a proximity of just 27 million miles, could be perilous for the green comet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>There's a possibility that it may not withstand this close solar approach. The comet’s nucleus - a solid core made of rock, dust, and frozen gases - might disintegrate.</p>



<p>However, Professor Gibson assured that Earth is not in danger, as the comet's orbit and speed have been meticulously mapped out. He noted that Comet Nishimura might play a role in the annual meteor shower named the Sigma-Hydrids. This shower graces our skies every December.</p>



<h2 id="h-interstellar-objects">Interstellar objects&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Interstellar objects offer an intriguing look into far-off solar systems. They present an opportunity to study celestial bodies untouched by our Sun’s influence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To date, only three interstellar objects have been identified. This includes a meteor that struck Earth in 2014, only to be confirmed as interstellar by the US Space Command eight years later. This was followed by Oumuamua in 2017 and Comet Borisov in 2019.</p>



<p>Interestingly, while Oumuamua was first labeled a comet, it was later reclassified as an asteroid due to its absence of a coma. On the other hand, 2I/Borisov holds the distinction of being one of the most “pristine comets” ever observed, as announced by scientists in 2021.</p>



<p>For now, the mystery of Comet Nishimura’s true origins persists. Further orbital calculations may shed more light on its journey.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For an enhanced view of Comet Nishimura, experts recommend using binoculars or a telescope. Additionally, tools like SkyView, Sky Guide, and Night Sky apps allow users to pinpoint exact celestial objects, constellations, and planets.</p>



<h2>More about comets</h2>



<p>Comets, often described as "dirty snowballs" or "icy dirtballs", are some of the most captivating objects in our solar system. These celestial wanderers, composed primarily of ice, dust, and rocks, offer invaluable insights into the early days of our solar system.</p>



<h3>Origins and composition</h3>



<p>Comets originate from the frigid outskirts of our solar system, primarily from two regions: the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. The<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Kuiper Belt</a>, lying just beyond Neptune, houses short-period comets -- those that complete their orbits in less than 200 years. </p>



<p>Meanwhile, the distant Oort Cloud, almost a light-year away from the Sun, is the birthplace of long-period comets that can take thousands or even millions of years to orbit the Sun.</p>



<p>A comet has several distinct parts. The nucleus, its solid and central part, contains ices -- like water, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and methane -- mixed with dust. When a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sungrazing-comet-may-have-caused-dinosaur-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comet</a> approaches the Sun, this ice begins to vaporize, forming a glowing envelope of gas around the nucleus called the coma. </p>



<p>Solar radiation and solar winds push this gas and dust into two distinct tails. These are called the dust tail and the ion tail. It's worth noting that the tails of a comet always point away from the Sun, regardless of the comet's direction.</p>



<h3>Historical significance</h3>



<p>Throughout history, various cultures have regarded comets as omens or harbingers of change. Their sudden appearance and brilliant displays often evoked fear, awe, or wonder. </p>



<p>Today, we understand that comets aren't omens, but rather remnants from the early solar system. They serve as cosmic time capsules, preserving ancient materials in their pristine state.</p>



<h3>Recent discoveries and missions</h3>



<p>Space missions to comets have vastly expanded our understanding of these icy bodies. In 2014, the European Space Agency's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Rosetta/The_Rosetta_lander" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rosetta mission</a> made history by deploying the Philae lander on the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. </p>



<p>This mission provided an unprecedented close-up view of a comet's surface and analyzed its composition. The little Philae lander shed light on the possible origins of Earth's water and organic molecules.</p>



<p>In summary, comets, with their ethereal beauty, are not just spectacular sights in the night sky. They are scientifically intriguing objects that carry the ancient history of our solar system. Studying them doesn't just satisfy our curiosity but also helps answer fundamental questions about the origins of life and the nature of our cosmic neighborhood.</p>



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Last chance to see "ghostly green" Comet Nishimura until it returns in 2317

In the vastness of our universe, objects constantly move and...

<p>A recent Europe-wide study has investigated the prevalence of protozoans, bacteria, and viruses in birds and bats that are potentially pathogenic to humans and domestic animals. The experts compiled the results of over 700 scientific articles and nearly half a million observations in varying climate conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers identified specific climatic factors that can significantly alter the risk of succumbing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-heightens-risk-of-most-infectious-diseases/">infectious diseases</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-pathogen-occurrence">Pathogen occurrence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>By combining data on the occurrence of more than 75 pathogenic microbes across Europe from almost 400 bird and 40 bat species with climatic factors, the scientists discovered that the occurrence of most pathogens is associated with temperature and rainfall.</p>



<p>“In general, the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria increased in areas with a warm and dry climate. On the other hand, pathogenic viruses prefer moist climate,” said lead author&nbsp;Yanjie Xu, a postdoctoral fellow in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the <a href="https://www.luomus.fi/en/natural-history-museum">Finnish Museum of Natural History</a> from the University of Helsinki.</p>



<h2 id="h-climatic-factors">Climatic factors&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The link between climatic factors and pathogens could be reliably assessed on the 17 pathogen taxa with most data. According to the researchers, the observed associations significantly varied.</p>



<h3 id="h-temperature">Temperature</h3>



<p>“Temperature was positively associated with occurrence of avian flu virus, malaria-parasite, and bacteria that cause chlamydia, salmonella, Q-fever, and typhus in birds and bats,” explained co-author&nbsp;Arto Pulliainen, an expert in Biomedicine at the <a href="https://www.utu.fi/en">University of Turku</a>.</p>



<h3 id="h-rainfall">Rainfall</h3>



<p>Rainfall had both positive and negative associations with the occurrence of different pathogens. For example, rises in rainfall increased the probability for the occurrence of Usutu-, Sindbis- and avian flu viruses and salmonella bacteria.</p>



<p>“Usutu- and Sindbis-viruses are vectored by mosquitoes, and rainfall can increase the occurrence of wetlands favored by mosquitoes. Similarly, avian flu and salmonella are prevalent particularly in waterfowl, for whom wetlands are also of importance,” said co-author<strong> </strong>Thomas Lilley, a professor of Ecophysiology&nbsp;at the Finnish Museum of Natural History.</p>



<h2 id="h-distribution-ranges">Distribution ranges&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the scientists, climate change modifies the distribution ranges of both the pathogens and their hosts. For instance, the distribution ranges of birds have already been observed to shift northwards by more than a kilometer per year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There is a possibility that for instance thermophilic pathogens become more common in northern Europe as a cause of climate change,” said senior author Aleksi Lehikoinen, a curator at the Finnish Museum of Natural History.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Our results suggest that rising temperature and increasing precipitation will accelerate the threat of bird- and bat-associated bacterial and viral pathogens to wildlife, domesticated animals and humans, respectively," said the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"However, the idiosyncratic relationships with climatic conditions among pathogenic taxa highlight the need for pathogen-specific predictive models to understand future pathogen distributions."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ecog.06783"><em>Ecography</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-bat-and-bird-viruses">More about bat and bird viruses</h2>



<p>Bats and birds are known to be reservoirs for various viruses that can sometimes spillover and infect other animals, including humans.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-bat-viruses">Bat viruses</h3>



<h4 id="h-coronaviruses">Coronaviruses</h4>



<p>The most well-known of these is SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Bats are believed to be the natural reservoir for various coronaviruses, including the ones responsible for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).</p>



<h4 id="h-ebola-and-marburg-viruses">Ebola and marburg viruses</h4>



<p>These are hemorrhagic fever viruses with bats serving as a potential reservoir. They can be transmitted to humans and non-human primates leading to severe outbreaks.</p>



<h4 id="h-rabies-and-other-lyssaviruses">Rabies and other lyssaviruses</h4>



<p>Bats can be reservoirs for rabies virus and other related viruses. Transmission to humans is rare but can be fatal without treatment.</p>



<h4 id="h-nipah-and-hendra-viruses">Nipah and hendra viruses</h4>



<p>These viruses are found in fruit bats and can spill over to other animals and humans, causing severe respiratory and neurological disease.</p>



<h3 id="h-bird-viruses">Bird viruses</h3>



<h4 id="h-avian-influenza">Avian influenza</h4>



<p>Often referred to as "bird flu," various strains of avian influenza virus can infect birds. Some of these strains, like H5N1 and H7N9, have caused severe illnesses in humans.</p>



<h4 id="h-west-nile">West Nile&nbsp;</h4>



<p>While this is primarily a mosquito-borne virus, birds are the main reservoir. Mosquitoes transmit the virus after biting infected birds and can then infect mammals, including humans.</p>



<p>The existence of these viruses in natural reservoirs emphasizes the importance of surveillance, understanding wildlife ecology, and the interactions between wildlife, livestock, and humans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Reducing the interface between wild animals and humans, like by limiting the wildlife trade or encroachment into natural habitats, can help minimize the risk of future outbreaks.</p>



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Which climatic factors promote the spread of zoonotic diseases?

A recent Europe-wide study has investigated the prevalence of protozoans,...

<p>Recent findings by scientists at the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/">National Institutes of Health</a> (NIH) have raised concerns about the potential impacts of particulate air pollution on breast cancer rates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djad170"><em>Journal of the National Cancer Institute</em></a>, is one of the most extensive examinations to date on how outdoor air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter, might influence breast cancer incidence.</p>



<p>The study was led by a team of researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), both prominent divisions of NIH.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The focus of the research was on particulate matter of 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller (PM2.5).&nbsp;</p>



<p>These minute particles are known to originate from several sources, including vehicle emissions, combustion of materials like oil and coal, industrial releases, and even the burning of wood and vegetation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Given their size, these particles can easily penetrate the deeper parts of our respiratory system when inhaled.</p>



<h2 id="h-significant-findings">Significant findings</h2>



<p>“We observed an 8% increase in breast cancer incidence for living in areas with higher PM2.5 exposure. Although this is a relatively modest increase, these findings are significant given that air pollution is a ubiquitous exposure that impacts almost everyone,” said Alexandra White, Ph.D., lead author and head of the Environment and Cancer Epidemiology Group at NIEHS.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These findings add to a growing body of literature suggesting that air pollution is related to breast cancer.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>To obtain a comprehensive dataset, the team used information from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. This exhaustive research had enrolled over half a million men and women from six states and two metropolitan areas between 1995 and 1996.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The primary demographic in focus was women, with an average age of 62, predominantly non-Hispanic white. Over a span of two decades, a total of 15,870 breast cancer cases emerged within this cohort.</p>



<h2 id="h-historic-pollution-levels">Historic pollution levels&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A unique aspect of this study was the researchers’ method to estimate PM2.5 exposure. Instead of just considering the pollution levels at the time of enrollment, they also factored in historical pollution levels from the past 10-15 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The ability to consider historic air pollution levels is an important strength of this research,” said Rena Jones, Ph.D., senior author and principal investigator of the study at NCI. “It can take many years for breast cancer to develop and, in the past, air pollution levels tended to be higher, which may make previous exposure levels particularly relevant for cancer development.”</p>



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



<p>Furthermore, the experts delved deeper into the connection between air pollution and specific types of breast cancer. They found a higher incidence of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer linked with PM2.5 exposure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, no such correlation was observed with estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) tumors. This intriguing discovery points towards the possibility that PM2.5 might be influencing breast cancer through endocrine disruption pathways. Notably, ER+ tumors are the predominant type diagnosed in U.S. women.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-limitations">Study limitations</h2>



<p>The researchers acknowledged that the study did not account for regional variances in the relationship between breast cancer and air pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They recommend that future research should factor in regional pollution differences, especially the various PM2.5 types women encounter, to fully understand their potential risk.</p>



<p>For those curious about the air quality in their region, the Environmental Protection Agency has a handy tool: the Air Now website. This platform allows residents to quickly gauge air quality by simply entering their zip code, providing real-time data, including PM2.5 levels.</p>



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Breast cancer incidence linked to high particulate air pollution

Recent findings by scientists at the National Institutes of Health...

<p>A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mec.17118"><em>Molecular Ecology</em></a> has confirmed that two species of sea stars are crossbreeding in the North Atlantic Ocean.</p>



<p>The study reveals genomic evidence of hybridization between two closely related sea star species: Asterias rubens, or the common starfish, and Asterias forbesi, known as Forbes’ sea star.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, hybrid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-protect-corals-by-feeding-on-crown-of-thorns-starfish/">starfish</a> are now thriving from the shores of New England to the Canadian Maritimes.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-genomic-evidence">First genomic evidence&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“It is the first genome-wide evidence of extensive hybridization in an ecologically important coastal species,” said study co-author Melina Giakoumis, a PhD candidate with the <a href="https://www.gc.cuny.edu/">CUNY Graduate Center</a>’s Biology program and associate director of the Institute for Comparative Genomics at the American Museum of Natural History.</p>



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



<p>In this investigation, the experts set out to answer a twofold question. First, were these sea stars engaging in crossbreeding in their natural habitats? And what environmental conditions might be driving this phenomenon?&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The team obtained DNA samples from both starfish species at 33 sites in the North Atlantic for an in-depth DNA sequencing process.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers also incorporated samples from Asterias amurensis, a sea star native to the Northern Pacific, serving as a control group.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The genomic analysis revealed undeniable hybridization between the two sea star species stretching from Cape Cod to Nova Scotia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, what is even more fascinating is how the environmental preferences of each species, mirrored in their genomes, played a pivotal role.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A. forbesi, with its limited geographic span, has evolved to suit local environments, whereas A. rubens boasts a broader stretch reaching as far as western Europe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers have pinpointed the Gulf of Maine as a hotspot for hybridization, primarily where the habitats of these two species intersect.</p>



<h2 id="h-new-questions-arise">New questions arise</h2>



<p>Michael Hickerson is a biology professor with the CUNY Graduate Center and City College of New York.</p>



<p>“Two questions arise from this study,” said Hickerson. “Will the hybrids’ move to follow the changes in sea surface temperatures accelerate to the point of one species replacing the other?"&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Or will they rescue the two species by being a source of gene combinations that allow greater resilience to climatic changes due to increased adaptive variation."</p>



<p>“Since sea stars preferentially eat dominant competitors, they provide stability to the ecosystem. These species are therefore crucial to study for marine conservation, as they have rippling effects throughout the rest of the community.”</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As "keystone species," these sea stars play a vital role in sustaining marine ecosystems. Their absence from intertidal communities - the regions between high and low tide - can have catastrophic consequences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Giakoumis noted that the Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the global ocean. “Our results imply that the distribution of genomic variation in North Atlantic sea stars is influenced by the environment, which will be crucial to consider as the climate changes."</p>



<p>The results of the study have far-reaching implications, potentially guiding conservation strategies and the protection of the North Atlantic's intertidal zones.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-sea-stars">More about sea stars</h2>



<p>Sea stars, commonly known as starfish, are iconic marine animals recognized worldwide. Here are some fascinating insights about these sea creatures:</p>



<h3 id="h-anatomy">Anatomy</h3>



<p>Despite the name "starfish," sea stars aren't fish. They belong to the class Asteroidea in the phylum Echinodermata. Unlike fish, they don't have gills, fins, or scales. Instead, they have a hard, calcified outer skeleton and a unique water vascular system that powers their tube feet, aiding in movement and feeding.</p>



<h3 id="h-regeneration">Regeneration</h3>



<p>One of the most astounding abilities of sea stars is regeneration. If they lose an arm, they can grow it back. Some species can even regenerate a whole new sea star from just a fragment of a lost limb.</p>



<h3 id="h-diversity">Diversity</h3>



<p>There are about 2,000 known species of sea stars worldwide. They come in various colors, sizes, and shapes. Some have more than the typical five arms. For instance, the sun star can have up to 40 arms.</p>



<h3 id="h-feeding">Feeding</h3>



<p>Sea stars are carnivorous and primarily feed on bivalves like clams and mussels. They have an interesting feeding mechanism where they can eject their stomach out of their body to envelop and digest their prey, after which the stomach is retracted back into the body.</p>



<h3 id="h-habitat">Habitat</h3>



<p>While many sea stars live in shallow tidal waters, some species can be found in deep-sea habitats. They are commonly found on rocky shores, in the sand, and amidst seagrass beds.</p>



<h3 id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h3>



<p>Many sea stars release eggs and sperm into the water, where fertilization occurs. Some species also practice brooding, where the eggs are kept with the parent until they hatch.</p>



<h3 id="h-threats">Threats</h3>



<p>Starfish face several threats, primarily from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. A notable example is the sea star wasting disease that has affected multiple sea star species, causing lesions and eventual disintegration.</p>



<h3 id="h-ecological-role">Ecological role</h3>



<p>Sea stars play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. They're considered keystone species, meaning they have a disproportionately large impact on their environment. By feeding on mussels and other creatures, they maintain the balance of marine ecosystems, ensuring biodiversity.</p>



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North Atlantic sea stars are crossbreeding, and it may help them survive

A new study published in the journal Molecular Ecology has...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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