<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><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> has unveiled the initial data maps from its groundbreaking instrument, the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO), which was sent to space earlier this year and is now actively transmitting crucial information regarding air quality over North America.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-biden-s-climate-agenda">Biden's climate agenda&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This development is highly significant, as it aligns with the belief of President Biden and Vice President Harris that everyone is entitled to breathe clean air.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data derived from the TEMPO mission will be instrumental in assisting decision makers throughout the nation in realizing this objective and in furthering the Biden Administration’s ambitious climate agenda, which is regarded as the most comprehensive in history.</p>



<p>Positioned in orbit approximately 22,000 miles above the equator, TEMPO is a pioneering space-based device engineered to assess air quality above North America at a resolution of just a few square miles.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-long-term-benefits">Long-term benefits</h2>



<p>NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed his optimism about the long-term impact of the data collected by TEMPO: “Neighborhoods and communities across the country will benefit from TEMPO’s game-changing data for decades to come."</p>



<p>"This summer, millions of Americans felt firsthand the effect of smoke from forest fires on our health. NASA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to making it easier for everyday Americans and decisionmakers to access and use TEMPO data to monitor and improve the quality of the air we breathe, benefitting life here on Earth.”</p>



<h2 id="h-improving-pollution-research">Improving pollution research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>TEMPO's observations are expected to significantly enhance research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-electric-vehicle-tires-emit-20-more-pollution/">pollution</a> resulting from rush-hour traffic, the dispersal of smoke and ash from forest fires and volcanoes, and the ramifications of fertilizer use on agricultural land.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data collected by TEMPO will enable scientists to assess the health consequences of pollutants more accurately and will facilitate the development of air pollution maps at a neighborhood level, thereby improving comprehension of disparities in air quality within a community.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-predicting-air-quality">Predicting air quality&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The data will also be distributed to partner organizations responsible for monitoring and predicting air quality, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).</p>



<p>TEMPO was dispatched into space in April aboard a Maxar Intelsat 40e satellite via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It performs hourly daytime scans of the lower atmosphere across North America, spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts and from approximately Mexico City to central Canada.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The principal instrument is a sophisticated spectrometer capable of identifying pollution typically obscured within reflected sunlight.</p>



<p>This scientific mission represents a collaborative effort between NASA and the <a href="https://pweb.cfa.harvard.edu/about/about-smithsonian-astrophysical-observatory">Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory</a> (SAO) located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-first-images-released">First images released</h2>



<p>The first set of pollution maps released by NASA reveals concentrations of nitrogen dioxide gas emanating from pollution in the vicinity of cities and major transportation routes in North America.&nbsp;</p>



<p>TEMPO analyzes sunlight that is reflected and scattered off the Earth's surface, clouds, and atmosphere. Atmospheric gases absorb the sunlight. This reveals the concentrations of several gases in the air, including nitrogen dioxide.</p>



<p>The visualizations depict six scans conducted between 11:12 a.m. and 5:27 p.m. EDT on August 2, with detailed views highlighting the southwestern U.S. from Los Angeles to Las Vegas; from central and eastern Texas to New Orleans; and the Interstate 95 corridor between New York and Washington.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="XXQbf8BBed-2968800-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>This data was collected during TEMPO's "first light" phase from July 31 to August 2, when mission controllers activated the spectrometer to observe the Sun and Earth and initiate a series of tests and solar calibrations.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-tempo">More about TEMPO</h2>



<p>“TEMPO is beginning to measure hourly daytime air pollution over greater North America. It measures ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, aerosols, water vapor, and several trace gases. There are already almost 50 science studies being planned that are based around this new way to collect data," said Kelly Chance, SAO senior physicist and TEMPO principal investigator.</p>



<p>Constructed by Ball Aerospace, the TEMPO instrument was integrated with the Maxar-built Intelsat 40e. Since its launch, teams from NASA, Ball Aerospace, and SAO have been meticulously examining and calibrating the satellite's systems and components.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The instrument is scheduled to commence full operations in October, conducting hourly daytime scans and becoming the first instrument to monitor pollution over North America in this manner.</p>



<h2 id="h-revolutionary-performance">Revolutionary performance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Kevin Daugherty, TEMPO project manager at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, expressed his enthusiasm about the initial data received from the TEMPO instrument and its performance in space.</p>



<p>“We are excited to see the initial data from the TEMPO instrument and that the performance is as good as we could have imagined now that it is operating in space," said Daugherty. "We look forward to completing commissioning of the instrument and then starting science research.”</p>



<p>TEMPO is a component of NASA's Earth Venture Instrument program, which encompasses small, targeted scientific investigations designed to supplement NASA's larger research missions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, TEMPO is part of a virtual constellation of air pollution monitors for the Northern Hemisphere, which also includes South Korea’s Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer and the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-4 satellite.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Kel Elkins, Trent Schindler, and Cindy Starr/NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



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NASA's TEMPO mission will revolutionize air quality monitoring

NASA has unveiled the initial data maps from its groundbreaking...

<p>As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-cycles-show-impacts-of-climate-change/">sea ice</a> in the Arctic continues to melt at an accelerated pace, sunlight is now reaching deeper into the ocean. Since marine zooplankton – tiny organisms that drift with the ocean currents - react to the available light, this phenomenon is also changing their behavior, particularly how they rise and fall within the water column.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to a recent study led by the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/">Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research</a> (AWI), thinning sea ice could soon lead to more frequent food shortages for the zooplankton, as well as negative effects for larger species such as seals or whales.</p>



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



<p>Due to climate change, the extent and thickness of sea ice are currently declining. As the most recent measurements show, the mean sea ice extent is decreasing at a rate of 13 percent per decade and, by 2030, the North Pole could see its first ice-free summer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a result, the physical conditions for a variety of animal species inhabiting the Arctic Ocean are also radically changing. For instance, since due to less and thinner sea ice sunlight can penetrate much farther below the ocean surface, the growth of microalgae in the water and ice can increase substantially.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, how such changing light conditions are impacting higher trophic levels, such as zooplankton (which feed in part on microalgae) remains poorly understood.</p>



<h2 id="h-daily-migration-of-zooplankton">Daily migration of zooplankton&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Every day, the largest-scale mass movement of organisms on our planet takes place in the ocean – the daily migration of the zooplankton, which include tiny copepods and krill," said study study lead author Hauke Flores, a biologist at AWI.</p>



<p>"At night, the zooplankton rise near the water’s surface to feed. When day comes, they migrate back to the deep, keeping them safe from predators."</p>



<p>"Although the individual organisms are minuscule, taken together this constitutes a tremendous daily vertical motion of biomass within the water column."</p>



<p>“But in the polar regions, the migration is different – it’s seasonal; in other words, the zooplankton follow a seasonal cycle."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"During the months-long brightness of the Polar Day in summer, they remain in the deep; during the months-long darkness of the Polar Night in winter, part of the zooplankton rise and remain in the near-surface water just below the ice.”</p>



<h2 id="h-migrations-are-driven-by-sunlight">Migrations are driven by sunlight</h2>



<p>According to the experts, both the daily migration at lower latitudes and the seasonal migration at the poles are mainly driven by sunlight, with zooplankton usually enjoying twilight conditions, and preferring to stay below a certain light intensity (known as critical irradiance).&nbsp;</p>



<p>When the intensity of sunlight changes – either in the course of a day or during seasonal shifts – the zooplankton migrate to places where they can find their preferred light conditions, rising or sinking in the water column.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Particularly when it comes to the topmost 20 meters of the water column, just below the sea ice, there was no available data on the zooplankton,” Flores said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But it’s precisely this hard-to-reach area that’s most interesting, because it’s in and just below the ice where the microalgae that the zooplankton feed on grow.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>To investigate this region, the scientists designed and built an autonomous biophysical observatory, which they then moored below the ice during the <a href="https://mosaic-expedition.org/">MOSAiC expedition</a> with the research icebreaker <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/expedition/research-vessel-and-cutter/polarstern.html">Polarstern</a> in September 2020.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Far from any light pollution caused by human activities, this system succeeded in continually measuring the light intensity below the ice, along with the movements of zooplankton.</p>



<p>“Based on our readings, we identified an extremely low critical irradiance for the zooplankton: 0.00024 watts per square meter,”&nbsp;Flores reported. “We then fed this parameter into our computer models for simulating the sea-ice system."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This allowed us to project, for a range of climate scenarios, how the depth of this irradiance level would change by the middle of this century if the sea ice grew thinner and thinner due to climate change.”</p>



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



<p>The investigation revealed that, due to steady declines in ice thickness, the critical irradiance level would drop to greater depths earlier in the year, and would take a longer time to return to the surface layer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since the zooplankton typically remain in waters below this critical level, their movements would mirror such changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, in the future, these tiny creatures will likely remain at greater depths for longer periods of time, with the time spent near the surface below the ice in winter considerably decreasing.</p>



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



<p>“In warmer future climates, the ice will form later in the autumn, resulting in reduced ice-algae production. This, in combination with their delayed rise to the surface, could lead to more frequent food shortages for the zooplankton in winter," said Flores.</p>



<p>"At the same time, if the zooplankton rise earlier in the spring, it could endanger the larvae of ecologically important zooplankton species living at deeper levels, more of which could then be eaten by the adults."</p>



<p>“Altogether, our study points to a previously overlooked mechanism that could further reduce Arctic zooplankton’s chances of survival in the near future. If that comes to pass, it will have fatal consequences for the entire ecosystem, including seals, whales and polar bears."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"But our simulations also show that the impact on vertical migration will be much less pronounced if the 1.5-degree target can be reached than if greenhouse-gas emissions rise unchecked. Accordingly, every tenth of a degree of anthropogenic warming that can be avoided is critical for the Arctic ecosystem."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01779-1"><em>Nature Climate Change</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Sea ice decline changes the behavior of zooplankton

As sea ice in the Arctic continues to melt at...

<p>Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size, have become a ubiquitous environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-air-pollutants-linked-to-asthma-attacks-in-urban-children/">pollutant</a>, infiltrating air, water, and food chains globally. While the pervasive nature of microplastics and their detrimental effects on marine organisms are well-documented, there has been limited research on the health impacts of microplastic exposure in mammals. </p>



<p>A team of experts led by Professor Jaime Ross at the <a href="https://www.uri.edu/">University of Rhode Island</a> set out to investigate the potential health consequences of microplastic exposure on mammals.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study specifically focused on neurobehavioral effects, inflammatory responses, and tissue accumulation. </p>



<p>The results suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> exposure in mammals, including humans, is a serious health concern. Among other complications, the researchers found a potential link to Alzheimer's disease.</p>



<p>Ross and her research team exposed both young and old mice to varying levels of microplastics in their drinking water over a three-week period.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The experts found that exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> led to both behavioral changes and alterations in immune markers in the liver and brain tissues of the test subjects. Strikingly, the study mice began to exhibit behaviors akin to dementia in humans, with the effects being more profound in older animals.</p>



<p>“Current research suggests that these microplastics are transported throughout the environment and can accumulate in human tissues; however, research on the health effects of microplastics, especially in mammals, is still very limited,” said Professor Ross.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This has led our group to explore the biological and cognitive consequences of exposure to microplastics.”</p>



<h2 id="h-behavioral-changes">Behavioral changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study showed that the infiltration of microplastics was as widespread in the body as it is in the environment. Surprisingly, this linked directly to behavioral changes, particularly in older test subjects.</p>



<p>“To us, this was striking. These were not high doses of microplastics, but in only a short period of time, we saw these changes,” said Ross.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Nobody really understands the life cycle of these microplastics in the body, so part of what we want to address is the question of what happens as you get older. Are you more susceptible to systemic inflammation from these microplastics as you age? Can your body get rid of them as easily? Do your cells respond differently to these toxins?”</p>



<h2 id="h-microplastics-found-in-every-organ">Microplastics found in every organ</h2>



<p>To answer these questions and understand the physiological systems contributed to the observed behavioral changes, the researchers dissected several major tissues. They included the brain, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, heart, spleen, and lungs. </p>



<p>Alarmingly, the team found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic</a> particles had begun to bioaccumulate in every organ, as well as in bodily waste.</p>



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



<p>The implications of this study are significant, as they suggest that microplastic exposure may induce behavioral changes and immune system alterations. These changes possibly contribute to the development of conditions like Alzheimer's disease. </p>



<p>Researchers need to conduct more research to fully understand the long-term effects of microplastic exposure and their lifecycle within the body. This study highlights the urgent need for further investigation into the potential health impacts of microplastics on humans and other mammals.</p>



<h2 id="h-crossing-the-blood-brain-barrier">Crossing the blood brain barrier&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Given that in this study the microplastics were delivered orally via drinking water, detection in tissues such as the gastrointestinal tract, which is a major part of the digestive system, or in the liver and kidneys was always probable,” said Ross.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The detection of microplastics in tissues such as the heart and lungs, however, suggests that the microplastics are going beyond the digestive system and likely undergoing systemic circulation."</p>



<p>"The brain blood barrier is supposed to be very difficult to permeate. It is a protective mechanism against viruses and bacteria, yet these particles were able to get in there. It was actually deep in the brain tissue.”</p>



<h2 id="h-future-research">Future research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Brain infiltration also may cause a decrease in glial fibrillary acidic protein (called “GFAP”), a protein that supports many cell processes in the brain, results have shown.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A decrease in GFAP has been associated with early stages of some neurodegenerative diseases, including mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as depression,” Ross said. “We were very surprised to see that the microplastics could induce altered GFAP signaling.”</p>



<p>Ross said that in future research, her team wants to understand how plastics may change the ability for the brain to maintain its homeostasis or how exposure may lead to neurological disorders and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512308"><em>International Journal of Molecular Science</em></a>. </p>



<h2>More about microplastic exposure</h2>



<p>Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become a growing concern due to their widespread presence in the environment and potential health impacts on humans and animals. They can originate from various sources. These include the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers shed from clothing during washing.</p>



<p>Researchers are still actively studying the health impact of microplastic exposure, and they have yet to make definitive conclusions. However, we outline some potential health impacts and areas of concern below.</p>



<h3>Physical impact</h3>



<p>Once ingested, microplastics can accumulate and possibly lead to physical harm. For example, in marine organisms, there is evidence that microplastics can block digestive tracts or alter feeding behavior by creating a false sense of fullness.</p>



<h3>Chemical impact</h3>



<p>Microplastics can absorb and carry organic pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). If ingested by humans or animals, there's a potential for these toxic chemicals to be released and cause harm.</p>



<h3>Biochemical impact</h3>



<p>Some studies suggest that microplastics can cause inflammation, stress, and alter physiological processes in marine animals. The degree to which this translates to human health is still under investigation.</p>



<h3>Endocrine disruption</h3>



<p>Plastics often contain additives like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). When ingested, these can act as endocrine disruptors. These are chemicals that interfere with the body's endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects.</p>



<h3>Vector for pathogens</h3>



<p>Microplastics can serve as vectors for pathogenic bacteria. While the significance of this in terms of human health impact is not yet clear, there's a potential concern about the spread of harmful bacteria in environments where microplastics are prevalent.</p>



<h3>Impact on food chain</h3>



<p>A wide range of marine life, from small zooplankton to larger fish, ingests microplastics. Humans consume these organisms directly or indirectly. This leads to a potential for bioaccumulation of microplastics and associated pollutants in the food chain.</p>



<h3>Uncertain long-term effects</h3>



<p>The long-term effects of chronic exposure to microplastics, especially at low levels, are still unknown. Research on this topic is ongoing.</p>



<p>It's important to note that we find microplastics almost everywhere, including in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. However, the actual concentration and exposure levels vary. Additionally, the human body might excrete many of the microplastics ingested. However, the efficiency and implications of this process are still under study.</p>



<p>Given the potential risks, many countries have taken steps to reduce microplastic pollution, such as banning microbeads in personal care products. Nonetheless, given the ubiquity of plastic in modern life, microplastic pollution is a complex issue that requires multidimensional solutions.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Microplastic exposure linked to changes in behavior and brain alteration

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than 5mm in size,...

<p>In the spring of 2020, a significant red tide event off the coast of Southern California captured global attention with its stunning displays of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/three-new-species-of-glowing-sea-worms-found-in-japan/">bioluminescence</a>. </p>



<p>This phenomenon was caused by exceptionally high densities of Lingulodinium polyedra (L. polyedra), a plankton species known for its ability to emit a neon blue glow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite the awe-inspiring visuals, the red tide event also marked a harmful algal bloom, with toxins detected at peak bloom levels that could potentially harm marine life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the decomposition of the extreme biomass from the red tide led to near-zero dissolved oxygen levels, resulting in fish die-offs and other detrimental impacts on local ecosystems.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-caused-the-red-tide-event">What caused the red tide event?</h2>



<p>Scientists from UC San Diego’s <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> and Jacobs School of Engineering have conducted a study that sheds light on how this particular dinoflagellate species managed to create such an exceptionally dense bloom.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The key lies in the dinoflagellates' extraordinary swimming ability, which gives them a competitive edge over other phytoplankton species and enables them to form dense, including bioluminescent, blooms.</p>



<p>“The idea that vertical swimming gives dinoflagellates a competitive advantage actually goes back more than half a century, but only now do we have the technology to conclusively prove it in the field," explained study senior author Drew Lucas, an associate professor at Scripps Oceanography and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego.</p>



<h2 id="h-highly-mobile-dinoflagellates">Highly mobile dinoflagellates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Lucas, along with former graduate student Bofu Zheng and several colleagues, seized the opportunity to deploy sophisticated ocean instruments off the San Diego coast during the red tide event in April and May 2020.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This effort was supported by funding from the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS) through an award by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).</p>



<p>The study revealed that L. polyedra dinoflagellates are highly mobile, swimming upward during the day to photosynthesize and downward at night to access deep nutrient pools. This movement intensified the water's ruddy coloration at the surface, leading to the term "red tide," most prominently observed in the afternoon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers documented a significant population of dinoflagellates making the downward journey at night. However, some remained near the surface, resulting in nighttime displays of bioluminescence. </p>



<p>The authors concluded that this vertical migration enabled the dinoflagellates to outgrow their non-mobile competitors, including other phytoplankton species.</p>



<h2 id="h-50-year-old-theory-confirmed">50-year-old theory confirmed&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This study validates a 50-year-old hypothesis by Scripps Oceanography biological oceanographer Richard "Dick" Eppley, who suggested that the vertical migration of dinoflagellates was associated with harmful algal blooms, a phenomenon documented off Southern California for at least 120 years. </p>



<p>Although extensive lab research supported this idea, researchers had not field-tested it until the 2020 event.</p>



<p>L. polyedra, like many dinoflagellate species, possesses a pair of flagella, whip-like appendages that propel the single-celled organism through water. Besides its swimming ability, L. polyedra exhibits remarkable speed, reaching up to 10 body lengths per second for almost 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In the plankton world, they are Michael Phelps,” said Lucas. “For comparison, fast-burst swimming in species like bluefin tuna or shortfin mako is around 9-10 body lengths per second, but only for very short periods." </p>



<p>"Their exceptional swimming allows L. polyedra to dive to cold depths where they can take up nutrients, allowing these organisms to really bloom and explode in population.”</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-red-tide-events">Studying red tide events</h2>



<p>The researchers used the Wirewalker, an autonomous, ocean-wave-powered vertical profiling system developed at Scripps Oceanography, to continuously measure physical and biochemical conditions from the sea surface to the seafloor, reaching a depth of 100 meters (300 feet).&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team also captured near-surface images of the bloom using an Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB), a robotic microscope installed on an offshore mooring, now part of a larger IFCB network managed by SCCOOS.</p>



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



<p>Data and images collected by these instruments confirmed Eppley's original theory, showing that L. polyedra descended at dusk, reaching a maximum depth of about 30-40 meters (100-130 feet) after 18 to 24 hours of swimming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the deep, the dinoflagellates would take up nitrate, a growth nutrient for plankton, before returning to the surface around noon to photosynthesize during maximum sunlight.</p>



<p>“These single-celled organisms, namely L. polyedra, are so functionally complex and amazing,” said Zheng. </p>



<p>“In addition to their swimming speed, which is far beyond human limits, they can coordinate their behavior according to the day-night cycle by migrating down at night and coming back to the ocean surface during the day; they can produce spectacular bioluminescence; they can photosynthesize; they can even prey on organisms that are smaller than them.”</p>



<h2 id="h-potential-consequences-of-the-bloom">Potential consequences of the bloom</h2>



<p>The researchers also analyzed long-term ocean monitoring data from the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) and long-term mooring data maintained by the Ocean Time-Series Group at Scripps Oceanography to assess other consequences of the bloom.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Based on over 70 years of climate data, the results indicated that the bloom created physical and chemical conditions in the water column that deviated from the norm, highlighting the potential for massive blooms to alter coastal ocean characteristics.</p>



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



<p>Study co-author and biological oceanographer Clarissa Anderson said this research stands out for its use of novel ocean technologies, which allowed for unparalleled measurements of how phytoplankton respond to small-scale changes in the coastal ocean, as well as calculations of nutrient uptake by dinoflagellates at such fine scales.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Anderson also noted the importance of long-term observations as being key to any future efforts to better understand harmful algal blooms.</p>



<p>“The more we understand complex mechanisms that allow a particular species or population of plankton to thrive and persist, the better we can predict runaway events like the 2020 red tide that lasted much longer than theory might dictate,” said Anderson.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“With longer time series of rapid change in coastal nutrient delivery, circulation, light regimes, and algal toxins, we could build more accurate dynamical models for predicting plankton blooms, including those that turn harmful.”</p>



<h2>More about red tide events</h2>



<p>"Red tide" refers to a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that can turn coastal waters a reddish color. Large concentrations of microscopic marine plants known as phytoplankton cause these events.</p>



<p>The most common type of phytoplankton associated with red tides in the Gulf of Mexico and along the east coast of the US is the dinoflagellate called <em>Karenia brevis</em>. Here's a detailed overview.</p>



<h3>Origins and causes</h3>



<p>Natural phenomena: Red tide events are natural phenomena that have occurred for centuries. Historical records of fish kills and human respiratory irritation from areas around the Gulf of Mexico suggest the occurrence of red tide events for centuries.</p>



<p>Nutrient enrichment: While red tides are naturally occurring, human activities can exacerbate or influence their frequency and intensity. Runoff from agriculture, untreated sewage, and other sources of pollution can introduce excess nutrients into coastal waters. This promotes the growth of algae.</p>



<h3>Effects</h3>



<p>Marine life: <em>K. brevis</em> produces toxins known as brevetoxins. These toxins can kill fish and can accumulate in shellfish, making them unsafe to eat.</p>



<p>Humans: Humans can be affected by red tide events in two main ways. Consuming contaminated shellfish can lead to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), which can cause neurological symptoms. Additionally, when waves break and cause the algal cells to rupture, the toxins can become airborne and lead to respiratory irritation. This is especially true in those with respiratory conditions like asthma.</p>



<p>Economic: Red tide events can have significant economic consequences, particularly for communities that rely on tourism and fisheries. Beach closures, fish kills, and seafood harvesting bans can deter tourists and result in financial losses for local businesses.</p>



<h3>Detection and monitoring</h3>



<p>Satellites: Remote sensing from satellites can detect chlorophyll concentrations in coastal waters, providing an indication of algal bloom activity.</p>



<p>Water sampling: By collecting water samples, scientists can detect and measure the concentration of <em>K. brevis</em> cells and the presence of associated toxins.</p>



<h3>Mitigation and management</h3>



<p>Reducing nutrient pollution: By managing and reducing sources of nutrient pollution, the risk of intense and prolonged red tide events can be lessened.</p>



<p>Early warning systems: Monitoring networks can provide early warnings to local communities and fisheries, allowing them to take precautionary measures.</p>



<p>Research: Continued research into the ecology and behavior of harmful algal blooms can provide insights into predicting and managing red tide events.</p>



<h3>Global distribution</h3>



<p>The term "red tide" commonly refers to K. brevis blooms in the Gulf of Mexico, but harmful algal blooms happen worldwide. Different species of algae, producing different toxins, can be responsible for these events in various parts of the world. For instance, in the Pacific Northwest, another dinoflagellate, <em>Alexandrium</em>, can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).</p>



<h3>Climate change and red tides</h3>



<p>The link between climate change and red tide events is an area of active research. Warming waters, sea level rise, and increased stormwater runoff can potentially influence the frequency, duration, and intensity of these blooms.</p>



<h3>Misconception</h3>



<p>Not all algal blooms are toxic, and not all turn the water red. The term "red tide" can be misleading. Many harmful algal blooms do not change the color of the water. In addition, not all discolorations of the water are harmful.</p>



<p>Research and monitoring of red tide events continue, as scientists and policymakers seek to better understand these phenomena and develop strategies to minimize their impact on the environment and human health.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Plankton super swimmers fueled the red tide event of 2020

In the spring of 2020, a significant red tide event...

<p>Researchers have discovered that certain radio waves can disrupt the magnetic compass of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/">migratory birds</a>. Other types of radio waves - particularly those used in mobile communication networks - do not affect the birds' sense of orientation due to their high frequencies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This critical finding supports the researchers' theory that the magnetic compass sense in these birds is based on a quantum-mechanical effect. The radical pair mechanism, located in their eyes, is what they know as this.</p>



<h2 id="h-disruption-from-radio-waves">Disruption from radio waves</h2>



<p>The study, led by Professor Dr. Henrik Mouritsen of the <a href="https://uol.de/en/">University of Oldenburg</a> and Professor Dr. Peter Hore of the University of Oxford, combined behavioral experiments with complex quantum-mechanical calculations on a supercomputer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The goal was to delve deeper into the connection between the quantum-mechanical mechanism, suspected to underpin the birds' magnetic sense, and the disruption of this mechanism by radio waves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our experiments, together with detailed theoretical predictions, provide strong evidence that the compass magnetoreceptor in migratory birds is based on a flavin-containing radical pair and not a completely different sort of receptor, for example one based on magnetic nanoparticles," explained Professor Mouritsen.</p>



<h2 id="h-magnetoreception">Magnetoreception&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Magnetoreception refers to the ability of migratory birds and some other animals to use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previously, in 2014, Mouritsen, Hore, and their colleagues demonstrated that electrosmog, the human-made electromagnetic noise generated by household electrical appliances in the AM radio waveband, impairs magnetoreception in migratory birds.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-electromagnetic-noise">Electromagnetic noise&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts proposed that this weak electrosmog, which is harmless to humans, affects the complex quantum-physical processes in certain cells in the retinas of migratory birds. These cells enable them to navigate using the Earth's relatively weak magnetic field. </p>



<p>However, it remained unclear whether electrosmog also affects free-flying birds, such as long-distance migratory birds, whose numbers have been declining for unknown reasons.</p>



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



<p>In the current study, the researchers set out to investigate the cut-off frequency of radio waves above which the navigation of migratory birds remains unaffected.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Determining this value would let us draw conclusions about the properties of the actual magnetic sensor in the birds. This sensor is theorized to be a light-sensitive protein called cryptochrome 4, which possesses the necessary magnetic properties. </p>



<p>The initial theoretical prediction was that the cut-off frequency would lie somewhere between 120 and 220 megahertz in the Very High Frequency (VHF) range. To test this, the team conducted behavioral experiments with Eurasian blackcaps using different frequency bands within this range.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A study published in 2022 had already demonstrated that radio waves of a frequency between 75 and 85 megahertz interfere with the magnetic compass sense of these small songbirds The interference causes their magnetic compass to stop working when exposed to these radio frequencies. Conversely, they function properly without exposure.</p>



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



<p>In the current study, experiments conducted with frequencies between 140 and 150 megahertz and between 235 and 245 megahertz revealed that the radio waves in both these frequency bands did not affect the birds' magnetic compass sense, confirming the scientists' predictions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Model calculations simulating the quantum-mechanical processes inside the cryptochrome protein enabled the researchers to narrow down the cut-off frequency even further, to 116 megahertz.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the simulations, radio waves above this frequency would only have a weak effect on the birds' magnetic orientation. This prediction was confirmed by the results of the experiments.</p>



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



<p>Understanding magnetoreception is crucial for improving the protection of migratory birds. Increasing our knowledge will provide insights into the kind of electromagnetic radiation that drives birds off course. From there, we can take precautions to avoid using these forms of radiation in areas like nature reserves where migratory birds stop to rest.</p>



<p>Professor Mouritsen noted that while the radio waves used in radio and television broadcasting or CB radio play a decisive role in disrupting magnetoreception, mobile communications networks do not impair the birds' magnetic sense. "The frequencies used here are all above the relevant threshold."</p>



<p>This study marks a significant step forward in understanding the mysterious world of bird migration and the factors that influence their navigational abilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With the continued expansion of human-made electromagnetic fields, it is more important than ever to understand the impacts on wildlife and take necessary measures to mitigate any harmful effects.</p>



<h2>More about radio waves</h2>



<p>Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation, much like visible light, X-rays, or ultraviolet light, but with a much longer wavelength. Here's a detailed overview.</p>



<h3>Basics</h3>



<ul>
<li>Wavelength and Frequency: Radio waves have wavelengths ranging from less than a centimeter to more than 100 kilometers. Their frequency, which is the number of wave cycles per second, is inversely proportional to the wavelength. Radio frequencies are typically between 3 kHz and 300 GHz.<br></li>



<li>Speed: Like all electromagnetic waves, radio waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792,458 meters per second (about 186,282 miles per second).</li>
</ul>



<h3>Generation and detection</h3>



<ul>
<li>Generation: Radio waves are typically generated by electronic devices that have oscillating electric currents, such as transistors and diodes.<br></li>



<li>Detection: When radio waves strike a conductor, they induce a tiny oscillating voltage which can be amplified and detected.</li>
</ul>



<h3>Uses</h3>



<ul>
<li>Communication: Most of the radio waves we encounter are used for communication, whether that's AM or FM radio broadcasting, TV signals, cell phones, Wi-Fi, or satellite communication.<br></li>



<li>Navigation: Systems like GPS (Global Positioning System) use radio waves to help determine location.<br></li>



<li>Radar: Radar uses radio waves to detect objects and their movement.<br></li>



<li>Medicine: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses radio waves in conjunction with strong magnetic fields to generate images of the inside of the body.</li>
</ul>



<h3>Radio spectrum</h3>



<p>The radio spectrum is divided into bands based on frequency:</p>



<ul>
<li>Very Low Frequency (VLF): 3–30 kHz<br></li>



<li>Low Frequency (LF): 30–300 kHz<br></li>



<li>Medium Frequency (MF): 300 kHz–3 MHz (Includes AM radio)<br></li>



<li>High Frequency (HF): 3–30 MHz (Shortwave radio)<br></li>



<li>Very High Frequency (VHF): 30–300 MHz (Includes FM radio and TV broadcasts)<br></li>



<li>Ultra High Frequency (UHF): 300 MHz–3 GHz (Used for TV broadcasts, cell phones, Wi-Fi)<br></li>



<li>Super High Frequency (SHF): 3–30 GHz (Used for satellite communication and radar)<br></li>



<li>Extremely High Frequency (EHF): 30–300 GHz</li>
</ul>



<h3>Propagation</h3>



<ul>
<li>Ground Waves: Travel along the surface of the Earth and are used for local AM radio transmission.<br></li>



<li>Skywaves: Bounced off the ionosphere, allowing for long-distance communication, especially in the HF band (shortwave radio).<br></li>



<li>Line of Sight: VHF and UHF signals generally travel in straight lines and are good for local communications, like TV and FM radio broadcasting.</li>
</ul>



<h3>Safety and health</h3>



<p>There has been much debate and research about the potential health risks of radio waves, especially given the ubiquity of devices like cell phones. As of my last training cut-off in September 2021, the consensus among health organizations is that low-level exposure to radio frequencies does not cause adverse health effects.</p>



<h3>History</h3>



<p>Radio waves were first predicted by James Clerk Maxwell and later confirmed by Heinrich Hertz in the late 19th century. Their discoveries laid the foundation for the development of modern radio communication.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2301153120"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a> (PNAS).</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Some radio waves disrupt the magnetic compass of migratory birds

Researchers have discovered that certain radio waves can disrupt the...

<p>In a remarkable discovery, a team of cave explorers in China has stumbled upon a colossal sinkhole that is home to a pristinely preserved ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-carbon-credits-are-not-tied-to-forest-preservation-as-claimed/">forest</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>George Veni is the Executive Director of the <a href="https://nckri.org/">National Cave and Karst Research Institute</a>. He said the forest likely contains a variety of species of small animals that are unknown to science.</p>



<h2 id="h-heavenly-pit">Heavenly pit</h2>



<p>The sinkhole, or "<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/china-sinkhole_2big_credit-xinhua.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiankeng</a>" as referred to in Chinese, translates to "heavenly pit." It is situated in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region's Leye County. This discovery brings the tally of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/china_sinkhole_forest_above_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant sinkholes</a> in the county to 30.</p>



<p>The dimensions of this enormous sinkhole are staggering. According to a press release from <a href="https://english.news.cn/">Xinhua</a>, the Chinese government's state-owned news agency, the sinkhole stretches over 1,000 feet in length. It is almost 500 feet wide, and plunges to a depth of 630 feet. All told, the tiankeng encompasses a volume exceeding 176 million cubic feet.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-ancient-forest">Ancient forest</h2>



<p>Zhang Yuanhai is a senior engineer at the Institute of Karst Geology of the <a href="https://en.cgs.gov.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China Geological Survey</a>. He also told Xinhua that the site had a well-preserved ancient forest at the bottom and three caves in it's walls.</p>



<p>The exploration team, led by Chen Lixin, descended more than 320 feet and hiked for several hours to reach the bottom. There, they encountered undergrowth reaching up to their shoulders and trees soaring over 100 feet high.</p>



<h2 id="h-karst-topography">Karst topography&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While this discovery is astounding, it aligns with the expectations of geologists, given the karst topography prevalent in southern China.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Karst topography is defined by the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Park Service</a> as a type of landscape where the dissolving of the bedrock has created sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, springs, and other characteristic features. It typically involves common rock types such as limestone, marble, and gypsum.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-formation-of-karst">Formation of karst&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Veni, who is affiliated with a sister agency of the organization that conducted the exploration, explained to Live Science that the formation of karst occurs when rainwater, after absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, transforms into carbonic acid (H2CO3).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This mildly acidic water permeates the ground, dissolving calcite, a mineral found in limestone, marble, and dolostone. This ultimately forms the characteristic sinkholes, caves, and streamways of karst regions.</p>



<p>Karst terrains are highly conducive for groundwater storage due to the rapid flow of water through the porous rock. However, they are also exceedingly susceptible to contamination.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Accuweather’s Marianne Mizera reports that around 700 million people globally depend on karst aquifers as their primary water source.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-south-china-karst">South China Karst</h2>



<p>“Because of local differences in geology, climate and other factors, the way karst appears at the surface can be dramatically different,” Veni told Live Science.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“So in China you have this incredibly visually spectacular karst with enormous sinkholes and giant cave entrances and so forth."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In other parts of the world you walk out on the karst and you really don’t notice anything. Sinkholes might be quite subdued, only a meter or two in diameter.”</p>



<p>The South China Karst, due to its distinct karst features and landscapes, has been designated as a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unesco World Heritage Site</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The property contains the most spectacular, scientifically significant and representative series of karst landforms and landscapes of South China from interior high plateau to lowland plains and constitutes the world’s premier example of humid tropical to subtropical karst: one of our planet’s great landscapes,” stated Unesco.</p>



<h2>More about sinkholes</h2>



<p>Sinkholes are depressions or holes in the ground caused by the collapse of a surface layer. They can range in size from just a few feet in diameter to hundreds of acres, and can be shallow or more than 100 feet deep. Here's a comprehensive overview of sinkholes:</p>



<h3>Formation</h3>



<p>Sinkholes are primarily formed by the dissolution of soluble bedrock (a process called chemical weathering) and by the subsequent removal of the loosened material, creating voids underground. Over time, these voids can cause the ground above to collapse, forming a sinkhole.</p>



<h3>Types of sinkholes</h3>



<p>Solution sinkholes: These form where rainwater, which is slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide, reacts with the soluble bedrock, such as limestone or gypsum, leading to its gradual dissolution.</p>



<p>Collapse sinkholes: These occur suddenly when the ground above an underground void collapses, forming a hole. They are often triggered by changes in groundwater levels or heavy surface loading.</p>



<p>Subsidence sinkholes: These form slowly and gradually when loose, unconsolidated material is washed into cracks in the bedrock. This creates a depression on the surface.</p>



<h3>What causes sinkholes</h3>



<p>Natural processes: Most sinkholes form due to natural processes. These can include the dissolution of soluble rocks, changes in groundwater levels, and the natural erosion of the ground beneath the surface.</p>



<p>Human activities: Over-extraction of groundwater, construction activities, drilling, mining, leaking sewerage or stormwater pipes, and the collapse of underground mines can also trigger sinkholes.</p>



<h3>Sinkhole locations </h3>



<p>While sinkholes can be found worldwide, they are especially common in areas with large amounts of limestone, gypsum, or salt beds. Notable regions with a history of sinkholes include Florida, Kentucky, and other parts of the U.S., the Dead Sea area, parts of China, and the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.</p>



<h3>Impact and dangers </h3>



<p>Sinkholes can pose significant risks to infrastructure, properties, and human safety. A sudden collapse sinkhole can swallow cars, homes, or even larger structures. They can also disrupt transportation, contaminate water supplies, or lead to other environmental problems.</p>



<h3>Detection and mitigation </h3>



<p>Detecting potential sinkholes before they collapse can reduce the associated risks. Techniques such as ground-penetrating radar, electrical resistivity testing, and microgravity surveys can be used to detect underground voids. If an area is identified as high-risk for sinkhole formation, certain mitigation techniques can be used to stabilize the ground. These include grouting or underpinning.</p>



<h3>Famous sinkholes </h3>



<p>Some notable sinkholes around the world include the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/inside-belizes-great-blue-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Blue Hole</a> in Belize, the Sima Humboldt in Venezuela, and the Xiaozhai Heavenly Pit in China.</p>



<h3>Karst landscapes </h3>



<p>Areas with a high frequency of sinkholes are often referred to as "karst landscapes." These regions display other features like caves, springs, and underground drainage systems due to the dissolution of soluble rocks.</p>



<p>Understanding sinkholes and the processes leading to their formation is crucial, especially in regions prone to their occurrence. Proper urban planning, construction practices, and water resource management can help minimize the risks associated with sinkholes.</p>



<p>—-</p>



<p>Credit for images: Xinhua News Agency</p>



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Untouched ancient forest discovered inside colossal sinkhole in China

In a remarkable discovery, a team of cave explorers in...

<p>Wastewater has been identified as a potential climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-gain-a-stronger-connection-with-nature/">nature</a> solution, despite its growing threat to health and the environment, according to&nbsp; a recent report from the <a href="https://www.unep.org/node">UN Environment Programme</a> (UNEP) and GRID-Arendal.</p>



<p>The report highlights the potential of wastewater as an alternative energy source for half a billion people, a means to supply over 10 times the water currently provided by global desalination capacity, and a way to offset over 10 percent of global fertilizer use.</p>



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



<p>Wastewater, originating from kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, industrial and agricultural effluents, stormwater, and urban run-off, contributes to the degradation of ecosystems, including soil, freshwater sources, and oceans, which in turn exacerbates food insecurity and other social issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the release of potent greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide from wastewater accounts for about 1.57 percent of global emissions, just below the climate harm caused by the global aviation industry.</p>



<h2 id="h-huge-potential">Huge potential</h2>



<p>The report reveals that with proper policies and management, wastewater can be transformed from a problem into a circular economy opportunity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This could create new jobs and revenue streams, reducing water insecurity, supporting climate change adaptation efforts, and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the experts, only 11 percent of the world's treated wastewater is currently reused, and around half of the world's untreated wastewater still enters rivers, lakes, and seas.</p>



<p>“Globally, wastewater is full of potential, yet it is currently allowed instead to contaminate the ecosystems we rely on," said Leticia Carvalho, principal coordinator of the Marine and Freshwater Branch of UNEP.</p>



<p>"We must not let the opportunity simply disappear down the drain: it’s time to realize the promise of wastewater as an alternative source of clean water, energy, and important nutrients.”</p>



<h2 id="h-multiple-opportunities">Multiple opportunities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The report calls for a reduction in the volume of wastewater produced, prevention and reduction of contamination, and management of wastewater to capture resources that can be safely reused.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts also emphasize that by generating biogas, heat, and electricity, wastewater can produce about five times more energy than is required for its treatment, which could provide electricity for around half a billion people per year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, reusing nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium from wastewater would help offset 13.4 percent of the global agricultural nutrient demand.</p>



<h2 id="h-proper-wastewater-management">Proper wastewater management&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The report states that proper wastewater management can irrigate around 40 million hectares, nearly the size of Paraguay.</p>



<p>It can recover additional resources such as raw materials for producing paper, polymers, pesticides, rubber, paint, biodiesel, food preservatives and flavors, fireproofing and waterproofing fabrics, medical products, jewelry, and packaging of food, hygiene, and other products.</p>



<p>Improving water management and reuse is a complex challenge, but the experts have identified successful wastewater management examples from both high- and low-income countries, including the Caribbean, China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Namibia, Senegal, Sweden, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, and Tunisia.</p>



<p>"We need to keep the pressure up to improve some critical underlying conditions if these actions are to succeed. For that to happen, we need more effective governance, investment, supporting innovation, strengthening data, improving capacity to implement and – critically shifting our behavior – all of us as individuals and institutions," said Peter Harris, director of GRID-Arendal.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/water/what-we-do/global-wastewater-initiative-gwwi">Global Wastewater Initiative</a> (GWWI) is a unique global platform that brings together various United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, development banks, and other stakeholders to implement and scale up efforts to protect freshwater and marine ecosystems from wastewater pollution worldwide.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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UN report: Wastewater is a hidden solution to the climate crisis 

Wastewater has been identified as a potential climate and nature...

<p>In a new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38191-w"><em>Nature Scientific Reports</em></a>, researchers have successfully extracted ancient DNA from a 2,900-year-old clay brick, uncovering a wealth of information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-have-humans-impacted-the-worlds-plant-life/">plant life</a> cultivated during that era.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While offering an invaluable look into the past, this monumental research also opens the door for similar studies on clay material from various sites and time periods.</p>



<h2 id="h-king-of-assyria">King of Assyria</h2>



<p>The clay brick analyzed for the study is currently housed at the National Museum of Denmark. It originates from the palace of Neo-Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II, in the ancient city of Kalhu, now known as the North-West palace in Nimrud, modern-day northern Iraq.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The construction of this palace commenced around 879 BCE. Remarkably, the brick carries a cuneiform inscription in the extinct Semitic language Akkadian, declaring it as "The property of the palace of Ashurnasirpal, king of Assyria."</p>



<p>This inscription enables researchers to date the brick with remarkable precision, to within a decade (879 BCE to 869 BCE).</p>



<h2 id="h-dna-sequencing">DNA sequencing&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The extraction of DNA from the brick's inner core was conducted during a digitalization project at the Museum in 2020, minimizing the risk of DNA contamination since the creation of the brick.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research team adapted a protocol previously used for other porous materials, such as bone, to extract the DNA. The sequencing of the extracted DNA led to the identification of 34 distinct taxonomic groups of plants.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-botanical-records">Botanical records&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Notably, the most abundant sequences belonged to the Brassicaceae (cabbage) and Ericaceae (heather) families. Other identified families included Betulaceae (birch), Lauraceae (laurels), Selineae (umbellifers), and Triticeae (cultivated grasses).</p>



<p>The interdisciplinary research team, which included assyriologists, archaeologists, biologists, and geneticists, compared their findings with modern-day botanical records from Iraq and ancient Assyrian plant descriptions.</p>



<h2 id="h-protected-mass-of-clay">Protected mass of clay&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The brick was primarily made of mud collected from the nearby Tigris river, mixed with materials like chaff, straw, or animal dung, then shaped in a mold, inscribed with cuneiform script, and left to dry naturally in the sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The absence of burning in the brick-making process contributed to the preservation of genetic material within the clay.</p>



<p>Dr. Sophie Lund Rasmussen is the joint first author of the paper and a member of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit at the University of Oxford.</p>



<p>‘We were absolutely thrilled to discover that ancient DNA, effectively protected from contamination inside a mass of clay, can successfully be extracted from a 2,900-year-old clay brick," said Dr. Rasmussen.</p>



<p>"This research project is a perfect example of the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in science, as the diverse expertise included in this study provided a holistic approach to the investigation of this material and the results it yielded.’</p>



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



<p>Beyond the insight provided by this individual brick, the research serves as a proof of concept and method that could be applied to various archaeological sources of clay from different places and time periods worldwide to identify plants and animals of the past.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Clay materials can be found in archaeological sites worldwide, and their context often allows for highly precise dating.</p>



<p>While this study focused on plant DNA, as these specimens were the most prevalent and well-preserved, the method has the potential to identify all taxa, including vertebrates and invertebrates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ability to accurately describe ancient biodiversity is a valuable tool for understanding and quantifying present-day biodiversity loss and gaining deeper insights into ancient and lost civilizations.</p>



<p>Dr. Troels Arbøll is the joint first author of the paper and was a junior research fellow at Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford when the study was conducted.</p>



<p>"Because of the inscription on the brick, we can allocate the clay to a relatively specific period of time in a particular region, which means the brick serves as a biodiversity time-capsule of information regarding a single site and its surroundings," said Dr. Arbøll. "In this case, it provides researchers with a unique access to the ancient Assyrians."</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Arnold Mikkelsen og Jens Lauridsen</em></p>



<p>—-</p>



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Time capsule of plant life extracted from 2,900-year-old clay brick

In a new study published in the journal Nature Scientific...

<p>A team of experts from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> has recently spotted a <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/sunspot_mars-perseverence-rover_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colossal sunspot</a>, predicted to expand and shift until it directly faces Earth in the coming week.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The scientists cautioned that this darker, cooler region of the sun might unleash powerful eruptions such as solar flares (intense bursts of high-frequency radiation) and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-solar-outburst-detected-simultaneously-at-earth-the-moon-and-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections</a> (CMEs; vast solar plasma eruptions).</p>



<p>These types of eruptions have the potential to intersect with the Earth and interfere with satellite navigation and even trigger power outages, making sunspot monitoring far more crucial than mere scientific curiosity.</p>



<h2 id="h-sunspot-captured-by-nasa-s-perseverance-rover">Sunspot captured by NASA’s Perseverance rover</h2>



<p>While the exact dimensions of the sunspot remain uncertain, it was NASA’s <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/">Perseverance rover</a> that <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/sunspot_mars-perseverence-rover_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">captured its imagery</a> from a staggering distance of over 152 million miles away from the sun. Between August 17 and August 20, the rover documented the sunspot while navigating the Jezero Crater on Mars.</p>



<p>“Because Mars is orbiting over the far side of the sun, Perseverance can see approaching sunspots more than a week before we do. Consider this your one-week warning: a big sunspot is coming,” experts from <a href="https://spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&amp;day=20&amp;month=08&amp;year=2023">Spaceweather</a> reported.</p>



<p>These captured images have been converted into an animation, presenting a faint sun against the void of space, with a notable shadowy mass sweeping across its facade. And as scientists stressed, to show up in such low-resolution images, the sunspot must be considerably big.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-do-sunspots-form">How do sunspots form?</h2>



<p>The formation of sunspots is attributed to the sun’s magnetic field, which is approximately 2,500 times stronger than that of Earth. Due to this intense magnetic field, the magnetism’s pressure heightens, causing the adjacent atmospheric pressure to drop.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Consequently, this reduces the temperature in comparison to its neighboring regions because the dense magnetic field restricts the influx of warm gas from the Sun’s core to its exterior.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thus, sunspots appear darker, as they are around 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit less warm than the surrounding regions. By contrast, the sun’s external atmosphere can soar beyond a million degrees.</p>



<h2 id="h-decoding-mysteries-of-the-sun">Decoding mysteries of the sun</h2>



<p>Back in February, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> showcased breathtaking images of our mammoth star, delineating its diverse temperature zones. Utilizing the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/nuclear-spectroscopic-telescope-array-nustar">Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array</a> (NuSTAR), the U.S. space agency traced varying X-rays discharged by the hottest substances in the sun’s aura. Areas emitting high-energy X-rays were few, while regions radiating low-energy X-rays and ultraviolet light spanned the entire gaseous orb.</p>



<p>Through these insights, scientists aspire to decode one of the sun’s profound enigmas: the reason behind its external atmosphere being over a million degrees - a temperature at least 100 times hotter than its surface.</p>



<h2>More about sunspots</h2>



<p>Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the Sun's photosphere that appear visibly as dark spots compared to surrounding regions. They are caused by the Sun's magnetic field's intense activity, which inhibits convection by an effect known as magnetic confinement. </p>



<p>As a result, sunspots are cooler areas on the Sun's surface, though "cooler" is relative. While the surrounding photosphere may be around 5,500°C (9,932°F), sunspots are about 3,000-4,500°C (5,432-8,132°F).</p>



<p>Here are some key points about sunspots:</p>



<h3>Magnetic fields</h3>



<p>The Sun's magnetic fields can become twisted and distorted as the Sun rotates, due to differential rotation. When these twisted magnetic fields poke through the Sun's surface, they can create sunspots.</p>



<h3>Solar cycle</h3>



<p>Sunspots follow an approximately 11-year cycle, known as the solar cycle, during which the number of sunspots increases to a maximum and then decreases to a minimum. The solar cycle affects various space and Earth-bound phenomena.</p>



<p>Structure: Sunspots usually have two parts:</p>



<p>Umbra: The central, darkest part where the magnetic field is strongest.</p>



<p>Penumbra: The outer region, which is lighter than the umbra and has a more complex structure.</p>



<h3>Effects</h3>



<p>The presence and number of sunspots can influence space weather and solar radiation. They are associated with solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which can have significant effects on Earth's magnetosphere and can potentially disrupt communication and power systems. </p>



<p>Additionally, high sunspot activity can influence the Earth's climate. However, the relationship is complex and not fully understood.</p>



<h3>Observation</h3>



<p>Sunspots have been observed for centuries. The invention of the telescope in the early 17th century allowed for more systematic observations, with astronomers like Galileo Galilei and Christoph Scheiner among the first to document them.</p>



<h3>Sunspot number</h3>



<p>Astronomers track sunspot activity by calculating the sunspot number, which is a measure of the total sunspot activity on the sun. The number is a combination of the individual spots and their groupings.</p>



<h3>Maunder minimum</h3>



<p>Between 1645 and 1715, there was a period with very few sunspots observed, coinciding with a period of cooler temperatures in Europe known as the "Little Ice Age." This period of low sunspot activity is referred to as the Maunder Minimum.</p>



<p>If you ever wish to observe sunspots, it is crucial to use the proper equipment and precautions to protect your eyes. Never look directly at the Sun without specialized solar viewing equipment.</p>



<p>The study of sunspots and solar activity is crucial in understanding the Sun's processes and its effects on Earth's space environment, climate, and technological systems.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-sun-eruptions">More about sun eruptions</h2>



<p>Sun eruptions, often referred to as solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are massive bursts of energy and matter from the Sun's surface and its outer atmosphere. Here's a brief overview:</p>



<h3 id="h-solar-flares">Solar flares</h3>



<p>These are sudden, intense variations in brightness. They are our sun's version of earthquakes, caused by the interaction of magnetic fields. Solar flares release a lot of energy, including radiations across virtually the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to x-rays and gamma rays.</p>



<h3 id="h-coronal-mass-ejections-cmes">Coronal mass ejections (CMEs)</h3>



<p>CMEs are massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields rising above the solar corona or being released into space. CMEs often accompany solar flare outbreaks but can occur independently as well. These are huge bubbles of gas threaded with magnetic field lines.</p>



<h3 id="h-impacts-of-sun-eruptions">Impacts of sun eruptions</h3>



<h4 id="h-space-weather">Space weather</h4>



<p>Solar flares and CMEs can produce strong x-rays that can affect Earth's upper atmosphere and potentially disrupt radio signals. If directed at Earth, the charged particles from a CME can also disturb our planet's magnetosphere, leading to geomagnetic storms.</p>



<h4 id="h-satellite-operations">Satellite operations</h4>



<p>Strong geomagnetic storms can interfere with satellite electronics and even reduce their operational lifespans.</p>



<h4 id="h-astronaut-safety">Astronaut safety</h4>



<p>High doses of the solar energetic particles from CMEs can pose a threat to astronauts outside of Earth's protective magnetosphere.</p>



<h4 id="h-power-grids">Power grids</h4>



<p>In extreme cases, geomagnetic storms can induce electric currents in power lines, potentially damaging transformers and other components of a power grid.</p>



<h4 id="h-auroras">Auroras</h4>



<p>On a positive note, the interaction of charged particles from the Sun with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere leads to the creation of beautiful auroras (Northern and Southern Lights).</p>



<p>Understanding solar flares and CMEs is essential not just for our technological infrastructure but also for future deep space missions, as they can impact the safety of astronauts traveling beyond Earth's protective magnetic field.</p>



<p>—-</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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Massive sunspot seen by Mars rover may disrupt satellites and cover Earth with auroras

A team of experts from NASA has recently spotted a...

<p>In the wake of the worldwide lockdowns initiated in 2020 due to the rapid spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/china-faces-another-massive-covid-19-wave/">COVID-19</a>, an unforeseen consequence emerged – a major shift in the behavior of wild animals globally.</p>



<p>The phenomenon was recorded through GPS trackers on 43 distinct species, spread across the world during lockdowns. This venture was the result of collaborative international research led by <a href="https://international.au.dk/">Aarhus University</a>.</p>



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



<p>With the world at a standstill and streets abandoned, animals gained more freedom to roam. The extent of lockdowns varied from country to country.</p>



<p>Places like China witnessed an almost total confinement of their civilian population, whereas Spain introduced weeks-long curfews, only allowing residents to venture out for essential tasks like grocery shopping.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This resulted in a stark decrease in traffic and human presence in typically frequented areas like forests and parks.</p>



<h2 id="h-animal-movement-during-lockdowns">Animal movement during lockdowns</h2>



<p>Now, with access to a year's worth of GPS data from various terrestrial mammals, scientists have been able to contrast animal behavior during this unique window with their typical patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, Denmark's contribution to this global project focused on data from four stags from Oustrup Hede, situated just north of Herning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Professor Peter Sunde of the Aarhus Department of Ecoscience, this tracking made it feasible to discern differences in the stags' behavior before and after the lockdowns.</p>



<h2 id="h-an-unparalleled-experiment-during-lockdowns">An unparalleled experiment&nbsp;during lockdowns</h2>



<p>Professor Sunde described this unanticipated period as an unparalleled experiment, shedding light on how human activity influences wildlife behavior.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it is no secret that most mammals live in close proximity to human settlements and are impacted by our daily activities, the newfound data underscores the extent of this impact.</p>



<p>Sunde said: "The results reveal that our presence hinders animals' ability to move around. All mammals need to find resources to sustain themselves every day, but the data shows that the presence of cars and humans stresses the animals and limits their movements to small empty areas."</p>



<p>"However, during the lockdowns, we saw that the animals roamed closer to roads and cities. This gave them a bigger area to move around in. However, this only applied to areas that were already heavily impacted by humans." </p>



<p>"The lockdowns had the opposite effect on areas with low human activity. Probably because natural areas were visited by more people than usual."</p>



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



<p>Although the primary trend seemed to be that animals ventured out more, they also displayed contradictory patterns of movement in some places.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The figures show that animals generally reacted differently during different types of lockdown. Probably because the disturbance factor decreased in areas with hard lockdowns, while people in countries with soft lockdowns, such as Denmark, spent more time outdoors than before the lockdown," explained Sunde.</p>



<p>When analyzing animal movement, the research team relied on a parameter known as the 95th percentile, which represents the five percent longest journeys based on GPS positions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The general movement was found to be 12% lower in spring 2020 compared to the previous year, suggesting animals took fewer or shorter "long journeys." However, when observed over a ten-day span, animals in hard lockdown zones traveled greater distances.</p>



<h2 id="h-strategic-choices">Strategic choices&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Whereas the hour-to-hour movements of the animals are tactical responses to what’s happening in their immediate vicinity, their patterns of movement over a ten-day period reflect more strategic choices. The animals go where they assess there’s more food and less danger,” said Sunde.</p>



<p>“The study clearly shows that, on a ten-day basis, the animals travelled longer distances in areas where human activity had decreased. The absence of humans gave them a larger area to roam and better opportunities to optimize their own situation - and they took advantage of this. Conversely, their roaming area decreased in areas with soft lockdowns because humans flocked into natural areas.”</p>



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



<p>Now, as human activity surges, the implications of these findings become ever more significant. Sunde advocates for a more informed approach towards planning human activities in nature.</p>



<p>"We can use this new knowledge to become better at planning our activities in nature. We now know that our mere presence dampens the activity of many species. This can ultimately have an impact on where different mammal species can live and in what numbers," said Sunde.</p>



<p>"We should bear this in mind when planning new constructions, roads or even small forest paths. Human activity puts a strain on many animals."</p>



<p>"But that doesn't mean we shouldn’t spend time in forests. However, the people who organize public access to nature need to know that this has consequences for wild animals. For many years, Danish policy has centred on getting people to use nature as much as possible."</p>



<p>Around Denmark, many new shelters and mountain-bike tracks have been constructed in recent years, which places a greater strain on wild animals.</p>



<p>“We still know very little about how increased human activity in nature, such as overnight stays and cycling, impacts the prevalence and population of animals. But I can well imagine that increased recreational use of nature might lower the population densities of disturbance-sensitive species such as deer," said Sunde.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abo6499"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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Covid lockdowns had unexpected impacts on wildlife behavior

In the wake of the worldwide lockdowns initiated in 2020...

<p>As the world experiences increasingly frequent and deadly heatwaves, researchers are shedding light on the alarming reality of this pressing issue. The 2003 European heatwave, which led to an unprecedented 45,000 to 70,000 fatalities, may be a foreshadowing of the new normal for the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A team from the Institute for Environmental Decisions at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html">ETH Zurich</a>, partnering with international epidemiologists, has collected heat-related mortality data from 748 cities (spanning 47 countries, from Europe to Southeast Asia) since 2013.</p>



<h2 id="h-ideal-temperatures">Ideal temperatures</h2>



<p>Samuel Lüthi, the study's lead author, elaborated on the team's innovative approach. The researchers combined daily temperature data with mortality rates to identify each location's "ideal temperature" - a point at which excess mortality is minimized.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, while Bangkok's ideal temperature stands at 30 degrees Celsius, Paris is most comfortable at 21 degrees. Every tenth of a degree above this ideal value increases excess mortality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Not all heat is the same,” said Lüthi. “The same temperature has a completely different impact on heat-​related excess mortality in the populations of Athens and Zurich.”</p>



<p>Factors such as acclimatization, urban planning, population demographics, and local healthcare play pivotal roles in ideal temperature and heat-related mortality.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-team-studied-heatwaves">How the team studied heatwaves</h2>



<p>To analyze future heatwave scenarios, the researchers turned to five powerful climate models known as SMILEs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We ran the same model up to 84 times, with slightly different weather conditions each round. That gave us a multitude of possible weather systems that are likely to occur if there is a certain amount of CO2 in the atmosphere,” explained Lüthi.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers combined this data with an epidemiological model to calculate the corresponding heat mortality.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By comparison, previous projections of heat-​related mortality were typically based on calculations that used one climate model over a specific period of time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our method allows us to quantify extremes in the climate system much more effectively and reduce uncertainties that arise from the idiosyncrasies of certain models," said Lüthi.</p>



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



<p>The results were startling. The researchers found that the once-in-a-century excess mortality rate from the hot summer of 2003 is now anticipated to recur every 10 to 20 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Should global temperatures rise by 2 degrees, such deadly heatwaves could occur every other year or even more frequently.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Worst-case scenarios suggest that regions like the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the U.S., Southeast Asia, and southern Europe might see up to 10% of their deaths linked to heat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The excess mortality of a hot summer like 2003 used to be considered an extreme, once-​in-a-century event. We now expect it to occur once every 10 to 20 years, or, in a world that is 2 degrees warmer, every two to five years in many places," said Lüthi.</p>



<p>Europe, particularly its southern belt, is doubly vulnerable. Not only are temperatures here ascending at double the global rate, but an aging population compounds the risk.</p>



<h2 id="h-frightening-results">Frightening results</h2>



<p>“The results frightened me,” said Lüthi. “While I was working on the study, I always tried to look behind the figures and see the real lives of people who are affected by the changes. It’s worrying.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Particularly, as he points out, because the assumptions underlying the modeling are actually on the conservative side.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results are based on the assumption that the global average temperature is on track to increase by a maximum of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius. However, with greenhouse gas emissions at their current levels, the more likely figure is 2.6 degrees.</p>



<h2 id="h-urgent-need-for-action">Urgent need for action</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, the results highlight the urgent need for action. In order to at least curb increasing heat waves, the most important step is to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible, said Lüthi.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts say that society can partly adapt to higher temperatures to reduce the impact of future heat waves. “We should now prepare and manage the unavoidable, while avoiding the unmanageable at all costs," said Lüthi.</p>



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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

Once-​in-a-century heatwave may soon happen every other year

As the world experiences increasingly frequent and deadly heatwaves, researchers...

<p>In the rainforests of Costa Rica, a unique habitat forms high up in the trees. These "canopy soils" are an often overlooked aspect of forest ecology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study from <a href="https://www.usu.edu/">Utah State University</a> and <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/">Imperial College London</a> not only exposes the wealth of biodiversity contained in canopy soils but also emphasizes their vulnerability in the face of climate change and deforestation.</p>



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



<p>Canopy soils are essentially pockets of soil that accumulate along tree branches, creating a thriving ecosystem for various plant and animal species. But understanding how these soils form and the kind of biodiversity they nurture has been a challenge for ecologists.</p>



<p>"We found canopy soils most often form in cool, foggy areas in these tropical forests where there are large, old trees," said study first author Jessica Murray. "Unfortunately, this describes some of the most at-risk forest types, which are threatened by changing climate and deforestation.”</p>



<p>The significance of these findings is further emphasized by Dr. Bonnie Waring, Murray's PhD supervisor at Imperial.</p>



<p>“Canopy soils in tropical cloud forests are rich in life and nutrients and could be large carbon stores. The fact it’s taken until now to even start to recognise their importance is amazing – not least because we may be destroying them faster than we can study them," said Dr. Waring.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-world-above-our-heads">A world above our heads</h2>



<p>Murray climbed trees across six primary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">rainforest</a> sites in Costa Rica, including some of the last continuous swaths of primary rainforest in South America.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These varied landscapes, with altitudes spanning from 67 to 2,700 meters above sea level and temperatures ranging between 10-24 ◦C, offered diverse conditions ranging from varying rainfall patterns to dense fog.</p>



<p>Scaling trees as tall as 30 meters, Murray discovered that each soil mat - a combination of soil, moss, and plants - was a distinct microhabitat, akin to “its own little forest."</p>



<p>Within these mats, a thriving community of plants and animals existed. Birds fed on abundant invertebrates. Epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants, flourished due to the nitrogen-rich environment created by mosses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, trees themselves appeared to be aware of this nutrient abundance, as evidenced by roots growing into the canopy soils to extract their share of nourishment.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-fragile-balance">A fragile balance</h2>



<p>The research indicates that the most abundant canopy soils are found in higher, cooler zones with a consistent fog presence and elder trees. The longevity of these soils remains uncertain, but estimates suggest that some might take over a century to fully mature, making their potential loss even more devastating.</p>



<p>With rising global temperatures, these cloud forests are experiencing shifting fog levels, potentially leading to the demise of many canopy soils. The towering trees that currently support them might soon be inadequate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Adding to the issue, significant portions of these forests face the impacts of deforestation. And in areas where recovery efforts are underway, the time might still be insufficient for the full restoration of these mature canopy soils.</p>



<p>“Determining the contribution of canopy soils to forest carbon budgets is important for assessing their role in mitigating climate change," said Murray.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It could also be an important marker for recovery: if these soils are crucial for the forest to be an optimum carbon sink, then their formation should be a final marker of a truly recovered forest.”</p>



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



<p>Dr. Waring noted that the research demonstrates the value of intact forest ecosystems: restoration of logged forests is important, but some features can’t be put back. "We need some policies that focus on preserving landscapes that are ecologically diverse and carbon-rich.”</p>



<p>In an era where forest conservation is increasingly urgent, these findings shed light on an overlooked aspect of forest ecology and underscore the fragile nature of the relationships within these habitats.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2023.116609"><em>Geoderma</em></a>.</p>



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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

High in the treetops, canopy soils protect the forest below

In the rainforests of Costa Rica, a unique habitat forms...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>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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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



<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>



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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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>



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



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

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

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