<p>A mountain the size of a major Rocky Mountain peak is sitting under the Pacific Ocean north of Palau, and we finally have a map of it. The top rests about 800 feet below the surface, yet the whole <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-plastic-graveyard-uncovered-in-the-deep-mediterranean-sea/">structure</a> climbs roughly 2.6 miles from the deep seafloor.</p>



<p>The discovery comes from a NOAA Ocean Exploration cruise that focused on a rarely mapped stretch of ocean. The team put time on task, swept the area with high resolution acoustics, and confirmed the feature’s size and shape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-ocean-mountain-discovered">Hidden ocean mountain discovered</h2>



<p>The first public look at this feature appeared in a field <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/expedition-feature/live-from-the-field-updates-from-garret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">log</a> posted on September 2, 2025, which described the mountain about 250 miles north of Palau and noted its summit depth and scale. That early report also set the stage for future dives and sampling.</p>



<p>This account comes from <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/multimedia/garret-odonnell-with-noaa-ship-okeanos-explorer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garret O’Donnell</a> of NOAA Ocean Exploration, a 2025 <a href="https://seagrant.noaa.gov/communities/students/graduate-fellows/knauss-fellowship-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John A. Knauss</a> fellow aboard NOAA Ship <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Okeanos</a> Explorer. He is part of the mapping team that turned raw sonar pings into a usable chart of the seamount.</p>



<p>“It’s funny to me that were we not actively mapping these features, we would have no idea that a mountain half the height of Mount Everest lies directly beneath us," O'Donnell enthused. </p>



<p>"Maybe one day the map we made of this behemoth will be used to navigate the feature with a remotely operated vehicle to get a closer look."</p>



<p>The numbers are straightforward and worth stating clearly. The peak sits about 800 feet down, and the full height from the abyssal plain to the summit is about 2.6 miles.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seamount_ocean-mountain_palau_mapping_NOAA_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seamount_ocean-mountain_palau_mapping_NOAA_1s.webp" alt="A map showing the depth extent of an unnamed seamount that was fully mapped as part of Beyond the Blue: Palau Mapping 2 expedition. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2025 Beyond the Blue" class="wp-image-1986402"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A map showing the depth extent of an unnamed seamount that was fully mapped as part of Beyond the Blue: Palau Mapping 2 expedition. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2025 Beyond the Blue</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-seamounts-matter">Why seamounts matter</h2>



<p>A seamount is an <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/ocean-fact/seamounts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater mountain</a>, most often the remains of an extinct volcano that never broke the surface or later sank below the waves. </p>



<p>Less than one tenth of a percent of the world’s seamounts have been explored, a figure that captures how much frontier still exists in the deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-turtle-day-2025-ancient-creatures-with-modern-challenges/">ocean</a>.</p>



<p>Scientists estimate there are more than 100,000 large seamounts on Earth when you count those taller than about 3,280 feet. That global count was formalized in a 2010 <a href="https://topex.ucsd.edu/sandwell/publications/127.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> that combined satellite and ship data to build a census.</p>



<p>Why do these mountains matter for life in the ocean? Their shape changes currents, concentrates food, and creates habitats that attract fish, corals, and marine mammals.</p>



<p>This point was underscored by NOAA’s national marine sanctuaries team in a 2025 <a href="https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/2025/reasons-seamounts-matter.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explainer</a> on why seamounts matter.</p>



<p>The new map north of Palau gives researchers a fixed target for future biological work. It also gives navigators and managers a better picture of the seafloor in a region where charts can still be sparse.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-new-ocean-mountain">Mapping the new ocean mountain</h2>



<p>The workhorse tool was <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/sonar-multibeam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multibeam sonar</a>, an array that sends out many sound beams and times their echoes to build a detailed picture of the seafloor. </p>



<p>Each pass traces a swath under the ship, and careful overlapping tracks stitch those swaths into a complete map.</p>



<p>Teams call the survey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unprecedented-collapse-panamas-ocean-upwelling-fails-for-the-first-time-in-40-years/">pattern</a> “mowing the lawn,” because it is an even, methodical sweep that favors coverage and consistency. </p>



<p>That approach is slow, but it is the way to find steep slopes, ledges, and summit shapes that single passes can miss.</p>



<p>Precision matters, so crews run regular checks to keep the data within tight error limits. When the seas cooperate, this produces clean coverage that captures the real outline of a feature rather than a guess based on sparse lines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palau-sanctuary-setting">Palau sanctuary setting</h2>



<p>The mountain rises inside waters tied to the <a href="https://marine-conservation.org/blue-sparks/projects/palau-nms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palau National Marine Sanctuary</a>, a <a href="https://picrc.org/work/palau-national-marine-sanctuary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">policy</a> that closed about 80 percent of the nation’s exclusive economic zone to extractive activity on January 1, 2020. </p>



<p>This makes the area a natural lab for documenting geology and life with less pressure from fishing.</p>



<p>Palau’s sanctuary sits near deep water that drops quickly from the island shelf. That geography lets research ships reach study sites in hours rather than days, which helps when a weather window appears.</p>



<p>Protected status also changes the kinds of questions teams can ask. With a baseline in place, future work can track how untouched seamount habitats function over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explaining-the-size">Explaining the size</h2>



<p>The summit at roughly 800 feet makes this feature accessible to surface ship sensors and, with the right systems, to human tended or autonomous vehicles. </p>



<p>The full height of about 2.6 miles shows it is not a small bump, but a major structure that would not look out of place among prominent continental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dolphin-day-2025-honoring-the-oceans-most-playful-minds/">peaks</a>.</p>



<p>For context, that height is in the same league as well known mountains on land. The comparison helps illustrate how much topography is hiding in plain sight beneath open water.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seamount_ocean-mountain_palau_rov-tracks_NOAA_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/seamount_ocean-mountain_palau_rov-tracks_NOAA_1s.webp" alt="The location of the unnamed seamount mapped during the Beyond the Blue: Palau Mapping 2 expedition relative to the ship’s trackline shows the lawn mowing survey pattern and position north of Palau. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2025 Beyond the Blue" class="wp-image-1986404"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The location of the unnamed seamount mapped during the Beyond the Blue: Palau Mapping 2 expedition relative to the ship’s trackline shows the lawn mowing survey pattern and position north of Palau. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2025 Beyond the Blue</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-mountain-maps-matter">Ocean mountain maps matter</h2>



<p>A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) can now be guided to interesting ledges and slopes rather than wandering. </p>



<p>Targeted transects can record sponge and coral communities, fish schools, and any signs of mineral crusts that often coat old volcanic rock.</p>



<p>Water sampling can pair with environmental DNA (<a href="http://edna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eDNA</a>) analysis to list species without seeing them directly. Those data can set a baseline for the site, which is essential for tracking change.</p>



<p>Good <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/bathymetry.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bathymetry</a> improves navigation by reducing the chance of surprise shallows or pinnacles near shipping routes. </p>



<p>It also makes tsunami and circulation models more accurate, since seafloor shape affects how waves and currents move energy.</p>



<p>For research planning, a complete map is the difference between blind searching and directed work. It saves days of ship time and compresses campaigns into focused operations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-seamount-mapping">Future seamount mapping</h2>



<p>The expedition that produced this map connects to a larger push to chart and understand Palau’s deeper waters. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> has outlined a multi-cruise <a href="https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/3-research-cruises-depart-to-improve-understanding-of-atlantic-and-southern-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plan</a> in the region, working with local partners to collect high resolution mapping data across the sanctuary.</p>



<p>Each new map reduces uncertainty and opens the door to more detailed work. It is a steady build toward a fuller view of the Pacific floor near Palau.</p>



<p>The global picture still frames the task. A widely cited census estimated more than 100,000 large seamounts worldwide, which shows how much there is left to find and study.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</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.earth.com/author/eralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Massive underwater mountain discovered that is larger than some peaks in the Rockies

A mountain the size of a major Rocky Mountain peak is sitting under the Pacific Ocean north of Palau, and we finally have a map of it. The top rests about 800 feet below the surface, yet the whole structure climbs roughly 2.6 miles from the deep seafloor. The discovery comes from a NOAA Ocean Exploration cruise that focused on a rarely mapped stretch of ocean. The team put time on task, swept the area with high resolution acoustics, and confirmed the feature’s size and shape. Hidden...

<p>In a new study, scientists have unlocked the potential of using insect waste, particularly the discarded carcasses of adult black soldier flies, to produce chemicals essential for manufacturing biodegradable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastics-are-a-hazard-at-every-stage-of-their-life-cycle/">plastics</a>. This eco-friendly venture offers a promising solution to the looming global plastic pollution crisis.</p>



<p>The innovative research, led by Dr. Karen Wooley and her team at Texas A&amp;M University, will be presented at the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) Fall 2023 meeting. This event, held both virtually and in person from August 13 to 17, will host nearly 12,000 presentations covering a plethora of scientific subjects.</p>



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



<p>"For two decades, we've sought ways to turn natural products - like glucose from sugar cane or trees - into degradable polymers that won’t persist in the environment. But these resources have competing demands in food, fuel, construction, and transportation," said Dr. Wooley.</p>



<p>Seeking an alternative, Dr. Wooley collaborated with Dr. Jeffery Tomberlin who proposed utilizing insect waste.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In particular. Dr. Tomberlin focused on the black soldier fly farming industry, a domain he’s been instrumental in advancing.</p>



<h2 id="h-making-garbage-useful">Making garbage useful&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These fly larvae are nutritionally rich, making them invaluable for animal feed and waste consumption. The adults, however, have a fleeting post-breeding life and are typically discarded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Tomberlin’s idea to leverage these otherwise wasted carcasses provided a sustainable raw material source for the research.</p>



<p>“We’re taking something that’s quite literally garbage and making something useful out of it," said Cassidy Tibbetts, a graduate student that works in Dr. Wooley’s lab.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-novel-approach">A novel approach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In her investigations, Tibbetts identified chitin as a primary component in the discarded flies. Chitin, a biodegradable sugar-based polymer, is vital for the hardening of insect exoskeletons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Manufacturers traditionally source it from crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. However, Tibbetts's method of chitin extraction from flies might present a cleaner and allergen-free alternative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Wooley highlighted the novelty of their approach, noting that her team seems to be the first to use chitin from adult flies.</p>



<h2 id="h-superabsorbent-hydrogel">Superabsorbent hydrogel</h2>



<p>In the lab, Hongming Guo has been focusing on converting this chitin into chitosan, a related polymer. The processed chitosan is then fashioned into bioplastics, such as a remarkable superabsorbent hydrogel that was developed by Guo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This hydrogel can absorb 47 times its weight in water in mere minutes. Dr. Wooley envisions it as a solution to Texas’s alternating flood and drought challenges, stating that this hydrogel could aid in moisture retention in soils, simultaneously degrading to nourish crops.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-sustainable-future">A sustainable future</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the team plans to delve into breaking chitin into glucosamines, the fundamental sugar molecules, to produce bioplastics traditionally derived from petrochemicals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, the researchers aim to exploit other compounds found in black soldier flies, like proteins, DNA, and fatty acids, to create sustainable products.</p>



<p>Dr. Wooley envisions a sustainable loop where insects feed on discarded plastics, which are then harvested for components to produce new plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This approach not only aligns with the circular economy concept but also offers a novel way to combat the ongoing plastic pollution issue. With initiatives like these, there's hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future.</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>

Turning insect waste into biodegradable  plastics

In a new study, scientists have unlocked the potential of...

<p>Amidst the growing popularity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/">plant-based</a> alternatives, a notable void has been observed in the mock seafood department, despite unsustainable fishing and aquaculture practices threatening our oceans. However, groundbreaking research from the <a href="https://nus.edu.sg/">National University of Singapore</a> has offered a glimmer of hope: 3D-printed vegan calamari made from microalgae protein and mung bean protein.</p>



<p>The innovative approach aims to provide consumers with a taste that is reminiscent of real fish, while simultaneously achieving the nutritional profile of seafood. The calamari rings created in this study can even be air-fried, revealing their potential as a delightful snack.</p>



<p>Unveiled at the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a>'s Fall 2023 hybrid meeting, the research has received a lot of attention.</p>



<p>“The urgency of diversifying our protein sources cannot be overstated,” said Poornima Vijayan, a graduate student involved in the study. She further emphasized the imminent threat of seafood scarcity, particularly in regions like Singapore where a staggering 90 percent of fish is imported.</p>



<h2 id="h-nutritious-seafood-alternatives">Nutritious seafood alternatives</h2>



<p>Globally, seafood remains a dietary staple for many. Yet, our oceans are far from inexhaustible. The dual crisis of overfishing and environmental concerns such as heavy-metal and microplastic contamination has led consumers on a quest for sustainable seafood alternatives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Though vegan seafood alternatives exist, they often miss the mark in terms of nutritional value, taste, and texture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We sought to craft protein-based products that not only rival real seafood in nutrition but also champion food sustainability," explained Dr. Dejian Huang, the lead researcher on the project.</p>



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



<p>In order to achieve this goal, the team used a delicate blend of science and culinary art. The researchers harnessed the power of 3D printing technology using a protein-based ink, yielding textures ranging from the smoothness of fatty fish to the fibrous chewiness typical of certain seafood. Their successes so far include salmon filets made from red lentil protein and shrimp.</p>



<p>This time, the spotlight was on calamari rings. The choice of microalgae was a strategic one, given its naturally “fishy” taste. Mung bean protein, on the other hand, represents a sustainable and high-protein byproduct from the production of starch noodles.</p>



<h2 id="h-vegan-calamari">Vegan calamari&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Once the team obtained the high-protein vegan paste, resembling the nutritional profile of real calamari, it was 3D printed into rings. Post-printing, these rings underwent a culinary test, with Vijayan air-frying some samples. The initial feedback on taste and texture was promising.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="2A2oI1Oivm-2937034-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>However, Vijayan is keen on refining the mimic further, aspiring to replicate the texture and elasticity of commercial calamari rings. Concerns about potential allergies to the new protein combination are also on the horizon, but Huang believes they remain largely uncharted territories at this stage.</p>



<h2 id="h-future-plans">Future plans</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the team's focus is on scalability and commercial viability. They anticipate that in the coming years, these plant-based calamari alternatives could grace the plates of fine-dining establishments or specialty outlets.</p>



<p>“From a sheer novelty standpoint, our plant-based mimic not only delivers on the seafood taste but is rooted in sustainable plant-based sources," said Vijayan. "I truly believe people will embrace it.”</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-vegan-seafood">More about vegan seafood&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Vegan seafood is a growing trend, catering to vegans, vegetarians, and those looking to reduce their consumption of animal products. Made from plant-based or other non-animal ingredients, vegan seafood attempts to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional seafood.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-popular-vegan-seafood-products">Popular vegan seafood products</h3>



<h4 id="h-vegan-fish-fillets-sticks">Vegan fish fillets &amp; sticks</h4>



<p>Made from: tofu, tempeh, seitan (wheat gluten), or jackfruit.</p>



<p>Seasoned with seaweed (like nori) to give a fishy flavor.</p>



<h4 id="h-vegan-shrimp">Vegan shrimp</h4>



<p>Made from: konjac root (a gelatinous plant substance), potato starch, or textured vegetable protein.</p>



<p>Often colored with natural plant-based dyes to replicate the pinkish hue.</p>



<h4 id="h-vegan-tuna">Vegan tuna</h4>



<p>Made from: watermelon, tomatoes (especially when marinated), chickpeas, or jackfruit.</p>



<p>Seasoned with seaweed for a fishy flavor.</p>



<h4 id="h-vegan-scallops">Vegan scallops</h4>



<p>Made from: king oyster mushroom stems.</p>



<p>Seasoned and cooked to replicate the tender texture and flavor.</p>



<h4 id="h-vegan-crab-cakes">Vegan crab cakes</h4>



<p>Made from: hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, or jackfruit.</p>



<p>Combined with breadcrumbs and seasonings for the desired texture and taste.</p>



<p>In addition to whole foods, there are various brands that produce ready-to-eat vegan seafood products using a combination of plant-based ingredients and seasonings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To achieve the desired flavor, many of these products incorporate seaweed or other sea vegetables, which offer a naturally "fishy" taste. Some also use vegan omega-3 oils derived from algae to mimic the nutritional benefits of seafood.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Poornima Vijayan</p>



<p>Video Credit: American Chemical Society</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>

The future of seafood has arrived with 3D-printed vegan alternatives

Amidst the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives, a notable void...

<p>The Biden administration has announced a major financial push to kickstart the US <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-influences-coastal-carbon-storage-capacity/">carbon</a> removal industry. The Energy Department will award $1.2 billion to direct air capture plants proposed by Occidental and Climeworks.</p>



<p>The initiative marks a massive leap in the battle against global warming and a pivotal step towards curbing the nation’s greenhouse emissions.</p>



<h2 id="h-direct-air-capture-plants">Direct air capture plants</h2>



<p>Direct air capture (DAC) plants have the potential to become the foundation of the future green economy. Direct air capture installations function as colossal vacuum systems, drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and subsequently using chemical processes to sequester this greenhouse gas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The captured CO2 can then either be stored underground or repurposed as an ingredient in industrial materials, notably cement.</p>



<h2 id="h-net-zero-emissions">Net zero emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As of now, DAC operations have not reached a scale or economic viability that makes them globally ubiquitous. Yet, if these hurdles can be surpassed, the technology promises a significant acceleration in our journey to achieving net-zero emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"If we deploy this at scale, this technology can help us make serious headway toward our net zero emissions goals while we are still focused on deploying more clean energy at the same time," said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.</p>



<h2 id="h-two-major-ventures">Two major ventures</h2>



<p>A noteworthy aspect of this announcement is the construction of two major DAC ventures: Project Cypress in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, and the South Texas DAC in Kleberg County.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Project Cypress is run by Battelle, Climeworks Corporation and Heirloom Carbon Technologies. The South Texas DAC Hub was proposed by Occidental Petroleum's subsidiary 1PointFive and partners Carbon Engineering Ltd and Worley.</p>



<p>Both ventures aim to remove an impressive one million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually at their inception. Furthermore, insiders from the Texas project hinted at ambitions to amplify this figure to an astounding 30 million metric tons yearly once the operation reaches its full potential.</p>



<p>Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards highlighted the strategic significance of his state in this initiative. With its rich history in petrochemical manufacturing combined with a dense network of pipelines and suitable geology, Louisiana emerges as a prime candidate for spearheading carbon mitigation projects.</p>



<h2 id="h-major-progress">Major progress</h2>



<p>“It depends on multiple factors, but I would wish to have first capture in 2025/2026,” Jan Wurzbacher, <a href="https://climeworks.com/">Climeworks</a> director and founder, told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.heirloomcarbon.com/">Heirloom</a> CEO Shashank Samala would like to hit a million tons per year by 2029 or 2030. "Just two years ago, we were in a petri dish where we were removing grams of CO2 from the air," said Samala. Soon, the company will aim to remove hundreds and thousands of tons of CO2 per year.</p>



<p>"If we continue this pace of exponential growth every year, I think a billion tons a year is definitely, definitely achievable."</p>



<h2 id="h-no-time-to-waste">No time to waste</h2>



<p>The initiative demonstrates the government’s eagerness to back novel technologies that capture and store carbon dioxide, one of the primary culprits behind global warming.</p>



<p>Claire Nelson, a renowned research scientist from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, emphasized that while transitioning from fossil fuels remains imperative, the sheer magnitude of required change necessitates the integration of direct air capture as an additional weapon in our arsenal against climate change. "In order to have direct air capture ready at the scale we need it by 2050, we need to invest in it today," Nelson stated.</p>



<p>Tim Lieuwen, the executive director at the Strategic Energy Institute at Georgia Institute of Technology, echoed the need for DAC, especially in industries with heavy pollution footprints.</p>



<h2 id="h-ambitious-plans">Ambitious plans</h2>



<p>For a sense of scale, a project in Iceland launched in 2021, previously celebrated as the world's largest, manages to capture the CO2 equivalent emitted by approximately 800 cars daily.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By comparison, the proposed US initiatives are projected to enhance the global DAC capacity by an astounding 400 times, according to Sasha Stashwick, the policy director at <a href="https://carbon180.org/">Carbon180</a>, an independent nonprofit dedicated to carbon removal.</p>



<p>While details about the final destination of the captured carbon remain under wraps, officials from the Department of Energy have confirmed that neither project would deploy the captured CO2 for enhanced oil recovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This decision, as Stashwick noted, is paramount for fostering public trust and ensuring the safe and permanent storage or reuse of the extracted carbon.</p>



<p>"This is really the debut of the direct air capture industry in the US. It’s going to be many people’s first introduction to technological carbon removal," Stashwick told CNN.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-direct-air-capture">More about direct air capture&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a promising and innovative technology designed to combat climate change by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from ambient air. Unlike conventional methods that focus on capturing emissions at their source (such as power plants), DAC can be used to draw CO2 from anywhere in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-how-does-it-work">How does it work?</h3>



<h4 id="h-capture">Capture</h4>



<p>Fans pull ambient air into a DAC system where it passes through a filter or liquid solvent containing chemicals that selectively bind with CO2.</p>



<h4 id="h-isolation">Isolation</h4>



<p>The CO2 is then isolated from the binding agents through heating or other processes, leaving behind a concentrated stream of pure carbon dioxide.</p>



<h4 id="h-storage-or-utilization">Storage or utilization</h4>



<p>Once captured and isolated, the CO2 can be stored underground in geological formations or utilized in various industrial applications such as the creation of synthetic fuels, carbonate minerals, or incorporation into building materials like cement.</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>

Climate control: U.S. will invest $1.2B in direct air capture initiatives

The Biden administration has announced a major financial push to...

<p>The recent surge in solar activity has become a hot topic of discussion among astronomers and scientists, with the latest manifestation being a massive X-class solar flare that struck <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-surpassed-almost-every-safe-limit-to-keep-earth-habitable/">Earth</a> on Monday.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This solar flare, one of the most disruptive of its kind, wreaked havoc on radio and navigation signals across North America, and experts are warning that it's far from the last incident of this magnitude we can expect.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-very-active-sun">A very active Sun&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The flare that struck this week was classified as an X1.5, and it's significant enough to be noteworthy. To understand its magnitude, it's crucial to recognize that X-class solar flares are the largest, most disruptive of flares, and this particular one "likely disrupted high-frequency radio communications on the sunlit side of Earth."</p>



<p>This solar flare didn't occur in isolation; it burst out of the most active sunspot group currently visible on the Sun's disk, according to the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/">Met Office</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Solar flares, these formidable bursts of energy, are not merely awe-inspiring celestial events to observe; they can seriously impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and even pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-flurry-of-solar-flare-activity">A flurry of solar flare activity</h2>



<p>This latest incident falls in line with what appears to be a pattern. According to multiple news retorts, the Sun has seen a flurry of activity on its surface this year, with Nasa astronomers spotting multiple "coronal holes."</p>



<p>These solar outbursts can be partly attributed to the Sun's magnetic field, which completes a "solar cycle" approximately every 11 years. We are presently in Solar Cycle 25, which has proved unexpectedly powerful.</p>



<h2 id="h-exceptionally-strong-solar-cycle">Exceptionally strong solar cycle</h2>



<p>According to experts, this current cycle may be on track to rival some of the stronger cycles of the 20th century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The monthly average sunspot number for June 2023 was 163, a record-high number observed by the Royal Observatory of Belgium's Solar Influences Data Analysis Center. This figure has exceeded any month since September 2022.</p>



<p>Sunspot numbers have not been this high in nearly two decades. The continuous observation of the Sun and our space environment is made possible through <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>'s fleet of spacecraft that diligently study everything from the Sun's activity to the solar atmosphere, particles, and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth.</p>



<p>This recent solar flare serves as a stark reminder of the tumultuous and unpredictable nature of our closest star, as well as a call to action for more vigilant monitoring and preparation.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-solar-flares">More about solar flares</h2>



<p>Solar flares are among the most dramatic events in our solar system. They represent massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields rising from the Sun's corona or outer atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-definition">Definition</h3>



<p>A solar flare is a sudden flash of increased brightness on the Sun, typically observed near its surface. These flares are a result of complex magnetic activity, where energy stored in twisted magnetic fields (usually above sunspots) is suddenly released.</p>



<h3 id="h-classification">Classification</h3>



<p>Solar flares are classified based on their strength. The smallest ones are B-class, followed by C, M, and X, with X being the largest. Each letter represents a ten-fold increase in energy output, so an X-class flare is 10 times stronger than an M-class flare, and 100 times stronger than a C-class flare. Within each class, the flares can also be ranked from 1 to 9 in terms of strength.</p>



<h2 id="h-impacts-on-earth">Impacts on Earth</h2>



<h3 id="h-disrupt-communications">Disrupt communications</h3>



<p>High-frequency radio waves can be affected, making it challenging for pilots, ships, and military personnel to communicate.</p>



<h3 id="h-satellites-and-spacecraft">Satellites and spacecraft</h3>



<p>The increased radiation from a solar flare can interfere with a satellite's electronics, potentially shortening its operational life. Astronauts in space can also be at risk if caught outside the protection of the International Space Station or their spacecraft.</p>



<h3 id="h-power-grid-failures">Power grid failures</h3>



<p>Strong solar flares can induce electric currents in the Earth's surface, potentially damaging power grid equipment.</p>



<h2>What is the solar cycle?</h2>



<p>The solar cycle plays a pivotal role in shaping our Sun's behavior. To understand its intricacies and implications, let's delve deep into its nature and effects.</p>



<h3>What is the Solar Cycle?</h3>



<p>At its core, the solar cycle refers to the Sun's roughly 11-year periodic change in solar activity. This activity encompasses variations in the number and size of sunspots, flares, and other solar phenomena. </p>



<p>The cycle begins when sunspot numbers are low, known as a solar minimum, and peaks when sunspot numbers are high, termed a solar maximum.</p>



<h3>Why does it happen?</h3>



<p>The Sun's internal dynamo drives the solar cycle. This dynamo is a result of the Sun's rotation and the convective motion of its plasma. In essence, the magnetic fields get tangled and twisted as the Sun rotates. Over time, these fields reorganize, leading to varying solar activity levels.</p>



<h3>Sunspots and their significance</h3>



<p>Sunspots are dark patches on the Sun's surface. They appear dark because they are cooler than surrounding areas. When sunspots grow in number, we know that the Sun's activity is increasing. These sunspots are the surface manifestations of intense magnetic activities within the Sun.</p>



<h3>The effects on Earth</h3>



<p>The solar cycle impacts Earth in several ways:</p>



<h4>Space weather</h4>



<p>Solar flares and coronal mass ejections, more common during solar maximum, can disrupt satellite operations, radio communications, and power grids.</p>



<h4>Auroras</h4>



<p>The beautiful northern and southern lights become more frequent and expansive during periods of heightened solar activity.</p>



<h4>Climate impact</h4>



<p>While the solar cycle's direct influence on Earth's climate is minimal compared to other factors, there's ongoing research on its role in short-term climate variations.</p>



<h3>Monitoring the solar cycle</h3>



<p>Scientists keep a close watch on the Sun. They use telescopes equipped with special filters to count sunspots and track solar activity. By monitoring the solar cycle, scientists can better predict space weather events and their potential impacts on Earth.</p>



<p>The solar cycle is a testament to the dynamic nature of our star. It's a cycle that not only influences the behavior of the Sun but also has tangible effects on our planet. As we continue to study and understand it, we gain valuable insights into the workings of the Sun and its relationship with Earth.</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>

Enormous solar flare struck Earth this week, but what does this mean?

The recent surge in solar activity has become a hot...

Elephant,In,The,Wild,In,Afria

World Elephant Day: Understanding, celebrating, and protecting Earth’s gentle giants

World Elephant Day is an international annual event celebrated on...

Sad,Woman,Fanning,And,Sweating,Suffering,A,Heat,Stroke,On

<p>In a revelation that highlights the grave consequences of climate change, research indicates that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-in-2023-expected-to-be-among-highest-on-record/">temperature</a> threshold at which the human body cannot survive may be significantly lower than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This alarming discovery sheds light on the stark reality that thousands face across the globe as extreme heat events become more frequent, intensifying under the unrelenting progression of human-induced global warming.</p>



<h2 id="h-wet-bulb-temperature">Wet bulb temperature&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A healthy young individual might endure six hours at 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) coupled with 100 percent humidity before succumbing to heat-related fatalities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beyond this critical point, referred to as the "wet bulb temperature," the body's primary cooling mechanism - sweat - fails to evaporate, causing heatstroke, organ failure, and eventual death.</p>



<p>The occurrence of this wet bulb temperature, at 35 degrees Celsius, has been extremely rare in human history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It has only been breached around a dozen times, mostly in South Asia and the Persian Gulf," Colin Raymond of NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> told <a href="https://www.afp.com/en">AFP</a>. During these incidents, none lasted more than two hours, sparing populations from "mass mortality events" linked to this survival limit, according to Raymond.</p>



<h2 id="h-temperature-thresholds-vary">Temperature thresholds vary&nbsp;</h2>



<p>But it's not just this extreme level that poses a risk to human life. As experts warn, individual thresholds vary widely depending on factors such as age, health, and socioeconomic status.</p>



<p>The terrifying reality of heat-related mortality became evident last summer when more than 61,000 people died in Europe due to heat, where humidity rarely reaches the dangerous levels of wet bulb temperatures. As global temperatures surge, hitting record highs, scientists predict that perilous wet bulb events will multiply.</p>



<h2 id="h-serious-hazard">Serious hazard&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Raymond explained that the frequency of these events has at least doubled over the past 40 years, labeling this increase a "serious hazard of human-caused climate change."&nbsp;</p>



<p>His study projects that if the world continues on its current trajectory, warming 2.5C degrees above preindustrial levels, wet bulb temperatures exceeding 35C will become a regular occurrence in several regions in the upcoming decades.</p>



<h2 id="h-human-survival-limit">Human survival limit&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The term "wet bulb temperature" might sound abstract to some, but its measurement is grounded in the very fundamentals of human physiology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Initially gauged by covering a thermometer with a wet cloth, it simulates how quickly water - or sweat - evaporates off the skin. This temperature threshold of 35C wet bulb temperature corresponds to 35C of dry heat with 100 percent humidity, or 46C at 50 percent humidity.</p>



<p>Recent experiments at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/">Pennsylvania State University</a> in the United States have shed light on this human survival limit.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers measured the core temperatures of healthy subjects inside a heat chamber, finding that the "environmental limit" was reached at 30.6C wet bulb temperature, alarmingly below the previously theorized 35C.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts estimated that "really, really dangerous core temperatures" would manifest between five to seven hours under such conditions, stated Daniel Vecellio, who contributed to the research.</p>



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



<p>The impact of these findings resonates deeply across diverse populations. Joy Monteiro, a researcher in India, noted that most deadly heat waves in South Asia occurred well below the 35C wet bulb temperature threshold. Vulnerabilities are "wildly different for different people," he told AFP.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Small children, with their reduced ability to regulate body temperature, and older individuals, who have fewer sweat glands, face the greatest risks. A staggering 90 percent of the heat-related deaths in Europe last summer were among those aged over 65.</p>



<p>Those who work outside in sweltering temperatures, or lack access to cooling spaces, are also at heightened risk. Monteiro pointed to other factors like limited access to toilets, leading to dehydration.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>"Like a lot of impacts of climate change, it is the people who are least able to insulate themselves from these extremes who will be suffering the most," said Raymond.&nbsp;</p>



<p>His research also highlighted the link between wet bulb temperatures and other climate events, such as El Niño events and ocean surface temperatures, both of which have seen concerning trends recently.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In fact, the world's oceans recorded an all-time high temperature last month, surpassing the previous 2016 record, according to the European Union's climate observatory.</p>



<p>This study's revelations are more than a warning; they are a chilling testament to the immediate and dire need for global action to mitigate the advancing peril of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>More about heat and the human body</h2>



<p>High temperatures can have a significant impact on the human body, affecting its physiological processes and overall functioning as we surpass our built-in temperature threshold. Here's a brief overview:</p>



<h3>Impaired heat regulation</h3>



<p>The human body constantly tries to maintain an internal temperature of around 37°C (98.6°F). In high temperatures, the body uses processes like sweating and increased blood flow to the skin (vasodilation) to help cool down. However, in extreme heat, these processes might not be sufficient, leading to overheating.</p>



<h3>Dehydration</h3>



<p>Sweating is the body's primary means of cooling down, but it also results in fluid loss. Without adequate fluid intake, this can lead to dehydration, which further impairs the body's ability to regulate temperature and affects bodily functions.</p>



<h3>Heat-related illnesses - surpassing the temperature threshold</h3>



<h4>Heat cramps</h4>



<p>Muscle cramps due to loss of salt and water from sweating.</p>



<h4>Heat exhaustion</h4>



<p>Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cold or clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, nausea, and fainting.</p>



<h4>Heat stroke</h4>



<p>A life-threatening condition where the body's temperature regulation fails. Symptoms include hot and dry skin, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and even unconsciousness.</p>



<h3>Cardiovascular strain</h3>



<p>The heart works harder in high temperatures. As the body sends more blood to the skin to cool down, it can strain the cardiovascular system.</p>



<h3>Respiratory challenges</h3>



<p>Hot temperatures, particularly when combined with humidity, can make breathing more difficult and may exacerbate conditions like asthma or COPD.</p>



<h3>Cognitive impairments</h3>



<p>Extreme heat can affect the brain's functioning, leading to symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and reduced ability to concentrate or perform tasks.</p>



<h3>Kidney stress</h3>



<p>The kidneys play a key role in regulating body fluids. In hot conditions, they work harder to maintain balance, and without adequate hydration, they might be stressed, potentially leading to kidney problems.</p>



<h3>Electrolyte imbalance</h3>



<p>Sweating not only leads to fluid loss but also to the loss of essential salts and minerals. This can lead to an electrolyte imbalance which affects muscle function and other bodily processes.</p>



<h3>Skin irritations</h3>



<p>Excessive sweating can lead to skin problems, including heat rashes, which are characterized by small blisters or red lumps.</p>



<h3>Vulnerability in certain populations</h3>



<p>Some groups, such as infants, older people, and people with certain medical conditions or on medications that affect temperature regulation, may be more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures and have lower temperature thresholds.</p>



<p>Given these potential impacts, it's crucial to take precautions in extreme heat, including staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, seeking shade or air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.</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>

How hot is too hot? The temperature threshold that the human body can handle

In a revelation that highlights the grave consequences of climate...

Hand,Of,Young,Man,Hold,World,Globe,With,Burn,Hot

<p>In July 2023, as relentless heatwaves and record heat scorched parts of the US, China, and southern Europe, scientists across the globe have been racing to uncover the underlying factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While climate change and El Nino are known as primary culprits behind rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>, new data has prompted researchers to question if there might be other accomplices in the recent outbreaks of record heat.</p>



<h2 id="h-root-causes-of-heatwaves">Root causes of heatwaves</h2>



<p>As global temperatures continue to rise, breaking records and causing widespread distress, scientists are working to understand the root causes behind these alarming trends.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the usual culprits of climate change and El Niño are well-known, experts are investigating whether additional elements may be contributing to the unprecedented heat.</p>



<h2 id="h-record-breaking-heat">Record breaking heat</h2>



<p>According to a recent report by the European climate agency <a href="http://www.copernicus.eu/en/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copernicus</a>, July saw temperatures rise by an astonishing one-third of a degree Celsius above the previous record.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, this increase is particularly evident in our oceans, especially the North Atlantic, prompting some to question if other forces are at play.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-an-unknown-accomplice">An unknown accomplice?</h2>



<p>While the majority of scientists attribute the vast portion of this warming to human-induced climate change – primarily from burning fossil fuels – the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-detects-early-warning-signs-of-an-el-nino-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural phenomenon</a> El Niño adds a slight push to the soaring temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, as Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo suggests, “What we are seeing is more than just El Niño on top of climate change."</p>



<p>Among the surprising hypotheses being investigated are the effects of cleaner air resulting from new shipping regulations and the influence of 165 million tons (150 million metric tons) of water spewed into the atmosphere by a volcano.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Both could potentially be accelerating the Earth's warming. These ideas, while unconventional, are now under serious consideration.</p>



<h2 id="h-alarming-heatwave-trends">Alarming heatwave trends</h2>



<p>This July has been nothing short of extraordinary, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/july-was-earths-hottest-month-in-120000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature records</a> toppling in many parts of the northern hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>China experienced an all-time high of 52.2°C, and the US saw nearly one-third of its population under heat warnings as temperatures soared past 100°F. </p>



<p>Europe wasn't spared either, with the "Cerberus" and "Charon" heatwaves wreaking havoc, pushing temperatures in many regions up to 10°C above average.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-role-of-climate-change">The role of climate change</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Weather Attribution</a> service, a consortium of global scientists, has issued warnings regarding these developments. Their studies suggest that such intense heatwaves in the US and Europe would have been nearly impossible without the influence of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, they assert that the scorching heat experienced in China was made at least 50 times more probable because of it.</p>



<h2 id="h-record-heat-events">Record heat events</h2>



<p>According to Carbon Brief, record heat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/june-2023-was-the-hottest-ever-with-more-heat-records-to-come/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events have become major news, making headlines in 84 newspapers across 32 countries.</p>



<p>Illustrating the severity, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Death Valley</a> in California, known as the hottest place on Earth, recorded a staggering 53.3°C this July. Simultaneously, European cities like Rome registered record highs, and China's Sanbao township broke national records with a reading of 52.2°C.</p>



<h2 id="h-vulnerable-communities-and-ecosystems">Vulnerable communities and ecosystems</h2>



<p>Dr. Frederieke Otto is a senior lecturer in climate science at the <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/">Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment</a> at Imperial College London. He noted that the findings are "absolutely not a surprise," considering the long-standing predictions of climate scientists.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Dr. Otto added a sobering perspective. He emphasized that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-detects-early-warning-signs-of-an-el-nino-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">societies</a> and ecosystems are "much more vulnerable" to temperature changes than previously recognized.</p>



<p>These extreme heat events highlight the importance of global awareness and preparedness. As Julie Arrighi from the <a href="https://www.climatecentre.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre</a> pointed out, heatwaves are "amongst the deadliest natural hazards that we face each year."&nbsp;</p>



<p>The need for comprehensive health action plans and proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of high temperatures has never been more urgent.</p>



<h2>More about El Niño</h2>



<p>El Niño, which means "The Child" in Spanish, refers to the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. But what causes El Niño, and how does it influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasters-warn-of-weather-chaos-as-el-nino-arrives-early/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global weather patterns</a>?</p>



<h3>Origins of El Niño</h3>



<p>At its core, El Niño starts when warm water from the western Pacific Ocean moves eastward. Typically, trade winds blow strongly from east to west, piling up warm surface water in the western Pacific. </p>



<p>However, when these winds weaken or reverse direction, the warm water surges back to the eastern Pacific. This shift disrupts the typical oceanic and atmospheric patterns.</p>



<h3>The impact on global weather</h3>



<p>El Niño does not merely warm the waters; it causes heatwaves and changes weather patterns around the world. It boosts rainfall in the southern U.S., often causing flooding, while Australia and Indonesia often experience droughts. Coastal regions in South America witness heavier-than-normal rainfall, leading to devastating floods in some years.</p>



<p>Coral reefs suffer during El Niño events. The warmer waters stress the coral, causing coral bleaching and even killing vast areas of reefs. Furthermore, fisheries in the eastern Pacific take a hit as warmer waters drive away the nutrient-rich cold currents that fish thrive on.</p>



<h3>The economic and social impacts</h3>



<p>El Niño has significant economic consequences. As it disrupts normal weather patterns, agriculture bears the brunt of its impact. Countries dependent on agriculture for their GDP and employment feel the effects the most. Crop yields drop, food prices rise, and the risk of wildfires increases in some regions.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the fluctuating weather patterns can lead to infrastructure damage. Excessive rainfall causes flooding and landslides, damaging homes, roads, and bridges. On the other end, prolonged droughts place stress on water resources, affecting both agriculture and urban areas.</p>



<h3>Predicting and mitigating the effects</h3>



<p>Scientists use a combination of satellite observations and ocean buoys to monitor sea surface temperatures and predict El Niño events. Advanced forecasting allows countries to prepare and mitigate some of the adverse effects. For instance, farmers can switch to drought-resistant crops if they expect less rainfall.</p>



<p>However, the unpredictability and scale of El Niño's impacts still pose challenges. Even with the best preparations, nature's power often surpasses human anticipation.</p>



<p>El Niño serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of global climate systems. While it originates in the Pacific, its reach spans continents, influencing weather patterns worldwide. As we advance our understanding of this phenomenon, the hope is to better prepare and adapt to its inevitable return.</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>

Record breaking heat may have an underlying cause besides climate change

In July 2023, as relentless heatwaves and record heat scorched...

<p>As people all over the globe face growing climate-related challenges, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.monash.edu/">Monash University</a> has found that the terminology used to address the health impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate change</a> is currently inadequate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts highlighted an urgent need to capture real-time data on the impact of climate change-related events on human health, healthcare workforces, and healthcare systems by systematically integrating concepts related to natural disasters – such as heatwave or drought – in standardized medical terminology.</p>



<p>“Climate change, a critical risk driver of natural disasters, is rapidly jeopardizing global environmental sustainability, planetary health, population health, and sustainable development goals," said study lead author Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins, an associate professor of Nursing and Midwifery at Monash.</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-the-impact-of-climate-on-health">Studying the impact of climate on health</h2>



<p>"Our research indicates that current clinical terminologies lack the necessary depth to capture the full range of hazards associated with climate change, particularly those linked to environmental and meteorological factors."</p>



<p>“This gap hinders our ability to genuinely understand the extent of the impact of climate-related natural disasters on human health, but also how we plan to deliver effective healthcare during disasters, and plan interventions to support healthcare systems in times of crisis.”</p>



<p>By mapping the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction-International Science Council (UNDRR-ISC)’s <a href="https://www.undrr.org/publication/hazard-information-profiles-hips">Hazard Information Profiles</a> (HIP) to <a href="https://www.snomed.org/">SNOMED CT International</a>, a widely used clinical terminology database for electronic health records, Lokmic-Tomkins and her colleagues identified critical gaps in the terminology related to the health impact of the climate crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-terms-dealing-with-extreme-heat-and-drought">Terms dealing with extreme heat and drought</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that chemical and biological disaster hazard concepts had better representation than meteorological, hydrological, geohazard, extraterrestrial, environmental, technological, and societal factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In Lokmic-Tomkins’ view, one of the most concerning findings was the absence of terms dealing with hazards such as heatwaves and droughts in SNOMED CT International.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These phenomena have intensified due to climate change and have significant impacts on human health, migration patterns, and armed conflict situations globally,” she said. “Correcting this deficit in SNOMED CT is crucial to capturing these events as causative factors of health-related issues.”</p>



<h2 id="h-global-cooperation-is-needed">Global cooperation is needed</h2>



<p>In addition, the researchers also called for global cooperation to expand this database to include unique geographical and regional hazard contexts disproportionally experienced in countries most affected by the climate crisis.</p>



<p>“By including diverse perspectives and contributions globally, the clinical terminology can better reflect global health needs and improve disaster preparedness and response efforts. This means capturing hazards linked to meteorological clusters, such as heatwaves and droughts, which have significant impact on human health across the lifespan,” Lokmic-Tomkins said.</p>



<p>“Enhancing globally agreed terminology would enable clinicians, public health officials, and health informaticians to manage vast volumes of clinical data, and retrieve, analyze, and contextualize it to specific climate-related situations."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This data can be utilized to develop evidence-based interventions, predict future impacts more precisely, and support informed decision-making by policymakers and government leaders for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.”</p>



<h2 id="h-resource-limited-settings">Resource-limited settings&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Finally, this study highlights inequities in global health information systems infrastructure, especially in areas where health systems lack the capacity to use standardized terminologies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These gaps further exacerbate challenges in providing basic healthcare for vulnerable communities in resource-limited settings.</p>



<p>“Our work is just beginning. By addressing these challenges and expanding clinical terminologies, we can help develop resilient healthcare and community systems that can effectively cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate change-related disasters,” Lokmic-Tomkins concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocad153"><em>Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-climate-related-health-impacts">More about climate-related health impacts</h2>



<p>Climate change has a variety of health impacts on individuals and communities. Here are some of the major health consequences associated with the changing climate:</p>



<h3 id="h-heat-related-illnesses-and-mortality">Heat-related illnesses and mortality</h3>



<p>As global temperatures rise, heatwaves have become more frequent and intense. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, dehydration, and even death. This is especially true among vulnerable populations like older people, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.</p>



<h3 id="h-air-quality-and-respiratory-diseases">Air quality and respiratory diseases</h3>



<p>Rising temperatures can exacerbate air pollution by increasing ground-level ozone. This can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.</p>



<h3 id="h-vector-borne-diseases">Vector-borne diseases</h3>



<p>Changes in climate can alter the distribution of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. This can lead to the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue, Lyme disease, and Zika to areas where they were previously uncommon.</p>



<h3 id="h-water-related-illnesses">Water-related illnesses</h3>



<p>Altered precipitation patterns can lead to both droughts and flooding. Floods can contaminate freshwater supplies, increase the risk of waterborne diseases, and create breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects. Droughts can reduce the availability of clean drinking water and contribute to food scarcity.</p>



<h3 id="h-food-security-and-nutrition">Food security and nutrition</h3>



<p>Changes in temperature and precipitation, along with increasing frequency of extreme events, can impact crop yields and reduce food availability and quality, leading to malnutrition and food-borne illnesses.</p>



<h3 id="h-mental-health">Mental health</h3>



<p>Extreme weather events, displacement, and the general stress of adapting to a changing climate can have profound effects on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues.</p>



<h3 id="h-displacement-and-conflict">Displacement and conflict</h3>



<p>Rising sea levels and extreme weather events can lead to displacement of populations. Competition for diminishing resources can also trigger conflicts, further endangering communities.</p>



<h3 id="h-allergies">Allergies</h3>



<p>Increasing carbon dioxide levels can stimulate plants to produce more pollen, exacerbating allergic reactions and respiratory problems.</p>



<h3 id="h-vulnerable-populations">Vulnerable populations</h3>



<p>Climate-related health impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, older people, low-income communities, and those with pre-existing health conditions.</p>



<h3 id="h-emergence-of-new-diseases">Emergence of new diseases</h3>



<p>Melting permafrost and changes in ecosystems can potentially release and spread ancient pathogens or foster the development of new ones.</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>

Current clinical terminology fails to represent climate-related health impacts

As people all over the globe face growing climate-related challenges,...

Operating,Oil,Well,Profiled,On,Dramatic,Cloudy,Sky

<p>In a recent study, scientists have discovered a connection between the controversial practice of fracking and a previously unidentified type of seismic activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While fracking is widely known for its potential to induce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-1000-shallow-earthquakes-detected-in-california/">earthquakes</a>, this new research suggests it can also cause small, slow tremors, that have often gone unnoticed.</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-impact-of-co2-fracking">Studying impact of CO2 fracking</h2>



<p>Fracking, formally referred to as hydraulic fracturing, involves the high-pressure injection of fluids into the Earth's subsurface to extract valuable oil and natural gas reserves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The standard fluid used for this process has traditionally been wastewater. But the researchers specifically analyzed the impacts of fracking with liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) - a method that serves a dual purpose.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-environmental-advantages">Environmental advantages</h2>



<p>Not only does this method extract gas, but it also sequesters carbon dioxide underground, preventing it from contributing to the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere.</p>



<p>The potential environmental advantage of this fracking method is nothing short of remarkable. As some studies suggest, CO2 fracking could offset carbon emissions equivalent to the annual production of one billion solar panels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Because this study examines a process that sequesters carbon underground, there may be positive implications for sustainability, and for climate science,” said Abhijit Ghosh, an associate professor of geophysics at <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/">UC Riverside</a>.</p>



<p>Professor Ghosh explained that because the carbon dioxide is liquid, the results of this study almost certainly apply to fracking with water. Both are likely to cause tremors.</p>



<h2 id="h-silent-tremors">Silent tremors</h2>



<p>The intriguing detail about these tremors is their appearance on seismographs, which starkly contrasts with typical earthquakes. While powerful quakes produce sharp, high-amplitude signals, these tremors are more subdued.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They rise gently above the background noise and then diminish gradually. However, the distinction doesn't necessarily mean that fracking with wastewater is any safer.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-unraveling-the-mystery">Unraveling the mystery</h2>



<p>For years, there was significant contention among seismologists about the true origins of these tremors. Some theories attributed the seismic signals to distant, large-scale earthquakes, while others believed they were the result of local human activity, such as passing trains or industrial operations.</p>



<p>“Seismometers are not smart. You could drive a truck nearby, or kick one with your foot, and it would record that vibration,” said Ghosh, emphasizing the initial challenges in deciphering the data.</p>



<p>To demystify this puzzle, the team set up seismometers around a fracking site located in Wellington, Kansas. This monitoring extended over an extensive period, capturing data before, during, and after the fracking operations.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The conclusive evidence emerged when signals generated underground were found exclusively during the fluid injection phase. “We did not detect the tremors before or after the injections, which suggests the tremors are related to them,” said Professor Ghosh.</p>



<p>Fracking's capacity to cause more significant seismic events has been an acknowledged concern for years. Yet, completely halting the process appears improbable, making ongoing monitoring of these tremors vital.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Understanding the deformation of rocks due to fracking and tracking the post-injection fluid movement is essential for safety.</p>



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



<p>While modeling experiments offer guidelines on safe fluid injection pressures to minimize potential earthquakes, Professor Ghosh offered a word of caution. The reality is that not all geological faults are mapped, making it challenging to predict all potential outcomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We can only model this type of experiment when we know there is an existing fault. It is possible there are faults we do not know of, and in those cases, we cannot forecast what will happen,” he said.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Fracking is a technique used to extract oil and natural gas from deep underground. Fracking is a topic of significant debate, balancing its economic benefits against environmental and health concerns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The discussion is further complicated by geopolitical considerations, technological advancements, and the global urgency to transition to cleaner energy sources.</p>



<h3 id="h-process">Process</h3>



<p>Fracking involves drilling a well deep into the Earth, then injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals under high pressure. This injection fractures the surrounding rock, allowing trapped oil or natural gas to flow freely so it can be pumped to the surface.</p>



<h3 id="h-benefits">Benefits</h3>



<p>Fracking has significantly increased the U.S.'s oil and natural gas production, reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil and leading to lower energy prices.</p>



<p>The fracking boom has also created numerous jobs in drilling, transport, and infrastructure.</p>



<h3 id="h-environmental-concerns-of-fracking">Environmental Concerns of Fracking</h3>



<h4 id="h-water-contamination">Water contamination</h4>



<p>There are concerns that the chemicals used in fracking fluid might contaminate drinking water supplies.</p>



<h4 id="h-air-quality">Air quality</h4>



<p>Equipment used in the fracking process can release harmful pollutants.</p>



<h4 id="h-seismic-activity-from-fracking">Seismic activity from fracking</h4>



<p>As mentioned in the study, fracking can induce seismic activity, leading to earthquakes in areas that might not typically experience them.</p>



<h4 id="h-water-usage">Water usage</h4>



<p>Large amounts of water are required for fracking, which can strain local water supplies.</p>



<h4 id="h-health-concerns">Health concerns</h4>



<p>Direct exposure to pollutants from the fracking process can impact health. There are concerns about respiratory problems, endocrine disruption, and other health issues, though research in this area is ongoing.</p>



<h4 id="h-alternative-methods">Alternative methods</h4>



<p>As mentioned in the UCR study, there is ongoing research into alternative methods like CO2 fracking. The advantage is the sequestration of CO2, a greenhouse gas, but the method also comes with its own set of challenges and concerns.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/"><em>Science</em></a>.</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>

CO2 fracking linked to mysterious unidentified seismic activity

In a recent study, scientists have discovered a connection between...

<p>Could dimming the sun's intensity be a potential solution to halting the melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet? A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.unibe.ch/index_eng.html">University of Bern</a> has recently explored this question.</p>



<p>Geoengineering is an intentional and large-scale intervention in the Earth's climate system which has been a controversial topic in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate</a> discussions. Some scientists hope to artificially manipulate the climate in order to cool it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the concept of geoengineering is met with enormous skepticism among experts who believe that the unpredictable outcomes are far too risky.</p>



<p>The latest research was led by Johannes Sutter from the Climate and Environmental Physics Division (KUP) at the University of Bern. The results are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01738-w"><em>Nature Climate Change</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-manipulating-solar-radiation">Manipulating solar radiation</h2>



<p>In particular, the researchers explored the possibility of counteracting West Antarctica's ice melt by manipulating solar radiation. The results of this inquiry, however, confirm that the unpredictable consequences of geoengineering could be monumental.</p>



<p>"The window of opportunity to limit the global temperature increase to below 2 degrees is closing fast," said Johannes Sutter, an expert in ice modeling. He suggests that in light of this, humanity might soon resort to such technical interventions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means that understanding the implications of "solar radiation management" (SRM) - techniques aimed at blocking solar rays to cool Earth - becomes paramount.</p>



<h2 id="h-climate-tipping-points">Climate tipping points</h2>



<p>The urgency surrounding geoengineering arises from a looming threat: climate tipping points. These are critical junctures beyond which the climate might undergo irrevocable shifts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, the melting of the West Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets could result in catastrophic sea-level rises.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Observations of ice flows in West Antarctica indicate that we are very close to a so-called tipping point or have already passed it," said Sutter. His team's study was a quest to determine whether solar radiation management could theoretically halt the ice sheet's collapse.</p>



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



<p>The researchers evaluated the potential of using aerosols, or suspended particles in a gas, introduced into the stratosphere to block sunlight, thus creating an artificial dimming effect.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While previous inquiries delved into SRM's global implications, this study stands out as the first to use ice model simulations to gauge the impact of solar radiation management on the Antarctic ice sheet.</p>



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



<p>The findings were mixed. If we persist in our current greenhouse gas emissions trajectory and implement SRM mid-century, we might delay but not avert the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's demise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, in a scenario of moderated emissions, solar radiation management could be a potent weapon against ice sheet degradation. The researchers concluded that the blend of early SRM application and aggressive climate mitigation strategies yields the best results.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, the experts noted: "Rapid decarbonization remains the most effective path to preserving the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in the long run."</p>



<h2 id="h-is-geoengineering-practical">Is geoengineering practical?</h2>



<p>When it comes to sun dimming, Sutter describes an almost futuristic scene – fleets of high-altitude planes dispersing millions of tons of aerosols into the stratosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But this endeavor isn't a one-time fix; it demands continuous upkeep for centuries. Halting it prematurely, given the prevailing high greenhouse gas concentrations, would cause Earth's temperature to spike dramatically.</p>



<h2 id="h-termination-shock">Termination shock&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Sutter emphasized the dangers of what he terms a "termination shock," stressing that it's but one of many potential hazards associated with solar radiation management.&nbsp;</p>



<p>From unsettling the monsoon patterns to altering oceanic and atmospheric circulations, the side effects of this grand experiment remain largely unknown.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, there's apprehension about the societal repercussions, as such endeavors might detract from genuine climate mitigation efforts.</p>



<h2 id="h-radical-interventions">Radical interventions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Geoengineering would be another global experiment and a potentially dangerous human intervention in the climate system," said study co-author Professor Thomas Stocker. He references the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, urging caution in undertaking such radical interventions.</p>



<p>Overall, the research suggests that while sun dimming poses an intriguing possibility in the fight against climate change, it comes along with profound uncertainties and risks.</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>

Geoengineering: Can we dim the sun to avoid climate tipping points?

Could dimming the sun's intensity be a potential solution to...

<p>Last year, the Hubble Space Telescope made headlines by detecting the most distant star ever seen, a luminary from the universe's first billion years named "Earendel." Now, <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/">NASA's James Webb Space Telescope</a> has uncovered mesmerizing details about this intriguing star.</p>



<p>"The Hubble provided us a glimpse of Earendel, but the James Webb Space Telescope is now offering us a deep dive," said NASA. "These observations not only enlighten us about the star's nature but also about its host galaxy, the Sunrise Arc, and possibly about the early universe itself."</p>



<h2 id="h-a-chance-discovery">A chance discovery</h2>



<p>Earendel is no ordinary star. Webb's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) instrument paints a portrait of a massive B-type star, sizzling at temperatures twice as scorching as our Sun and radiating with a luminosity a million times more intense.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Situated in the Sunrise Arc galaxy, Earendel's detection was made possible by a combination of human innovation and cosmic alignment. A serendipitous effect called gravitational lensing, caused by the immense galaxy cluster WHL0137-08, acted like a magnifying glass, bringing Earendel into our view.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-most-distant-star-ever-detected">The most distant star ever detected</h2>



<p>But why do we see Earendel as just a solitary point of brilliance? Even the advanced infrared imaging of the Webb shows it as a lone dot.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Astronomers infer that Earendel is magnified by a staggering factor of 4,000, positioning it as the universe's most distant star, existing just a billion years post the big bang. This record outshines the previous distant star champion, spotted by Hubble 4 billion years after the universe's inception.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-possible-companion-star">A possible companion star</h2>



<p>Massive stars, like Earendel, often come paired. While it was assumed that any companion of Earendel would be hidden in its brilliance, the colors of the star suggest otherwise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Astronomers speculate the presence of a cooler, redder companion, detectable only by Webb, as the universe's expansion has elongated its light to wavelengths beyond Hubble's reach.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-sunrise-arc-galaxy">The Sunrise Arc galaxy</h2>



<p>The Sunrise Arc has its own stories. Webb's NIRCam depicts a vibrant tapestry of young star-forming regions and ancient star clusters, some as tiny as 10 light-years in diameter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Like a cosmic mirror, the gravitational lensing effect reflects these celestial features, giving us a peek into the past, possibly resembling how the Milky Way's globular clusters appeared 13 billion years ago.</p>



<p>Astronomers are eagerly awaiting data from Webb’s NIRSpec, which is expected to provide detailed insights into the composition and distance of both Earendel and the Sunrise Arc galaxy.</p>



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



<p>Distant stars are celestial objects that are located many light-years away from Earth. Observing these stars gives us a glimpse into the history of the universe, as the light from distant stars can take billions of years to reach us.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Studying their properties, such as luminosity, color, and movement, helps scientists understand the nature of stars and galaxies, as well as the overall structure and evolution of the universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Technologies like telescopes and space observatories, including the Hubble Space Telescope, have greatly enhanced our ability to observe and analyze these distant stars.</p>



<p>Every point of light you see in the night sky is a star, many of which are potentially like our Sun, hosting their own family of planets and with their own unique stories to tell.</p>



<h3 id="h-classification">Classification</h3>



<p>Stars are classified based on their spectral characteristics, from hottest to coolest: O, B, A, F, G, K, M. Our Sun, for instance, is a G-type star.</p>



<h3 id="h-distances">Distances</h3>



<p>The distance to stars is often measured in light-years (ly) or parsecs (pc). One light-year is the distance light travels in one year, which is roughly 9.461 trillion kilometers.</p>



<h3 id="h-observation">Observation</h3>



<p>Due to their distance, many stars appear as point sources even in powerful telescopes. To study them, astronomers rely on their emitted light, which can provide insights into their temperature, composition, motion, and more.</p>



<h3 id="h-life-cycle">Life cycle</h3>



<p>All stars go through a life cycle, starting as a molecular cloud and progressing through stages like main sequence, red giant, and depending on their initial mass, may end as a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole.</p>



<h3 id="h-redshift">Redshift</h3>



<p>Distant stars and galaxies exhibit a phenomenon called redshift, where the emitted light is stretched towards the red end of the spectrum. This phenomenon provides evidence for the expansion of the universe.</p>



<h3 id="h-exoplanets">Exoplanets</h3>



<p>Many distant stars have been found to have planets orbiting them. These are called exoplanets. The study of these exoplanets can help scientists understand the potential for life elsewhere in the universe.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI</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>

Webb sheds light on Earendel, the most distant star in the universe

Last year, the Hubble Space Telescope made headlines by detecting...

Primitive,Man,Walks,Through,The,Winter,Landscape,.,3d,Render

<p>Recent findings have shed new light on the early human occupation of Europe. A study spearheaded by UCL researchers reveals that a significant climate shift, resulting in extreme cooling conditions, occurred around 1.1 million years ago. This dramatic climate change possibly led to the extinction of early humans inhabiting southern Europe.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the earliest known human remains in Europe, dating back 1.4 million years ago, have been excavated from Iberia. These remnants suggest that our ancient ancestors migrated from southwest Asia to settle in regions that enjoyed a warm, wet climate interspersed with mild cold spells.</p>



<p>The dominant theory till date posited that these early inhabitants managed to endure various climate cycles and adapted to the progressively severe conditions post the 900,000-year mark.</p>



<p>However, Professor Chronis Tzedakis of <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/geography/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Geography</a> remarks, “Our discovery of an extreme glacial cooling event around 1.1 million years ago challenges the idea of continuous early human occupation of Europe.”</p>



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



<p>To reach this revelation, paleoclimate experts from several institutions joined forces. Researchers from UCL, the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, and <a href="https://www.csic.es/en/csic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSIC Barcelona</a> delved into marine micro-organisms' chemical composition and studied pollen in deep-sea sediment cores sourced off Portugal's coast.</p>



<p>Their investigations exposed the occurrence of sudden climatic shifts leading to severe glacial cooling. These changes were so drastic that ocean surface temperatures near Lisbon plummeted below 6°C. This lead to the spread of semi-deserts on nearby land.</p>



<p>Reflecting on the findings, Dr. Vasiliki Margari, the study’s lead author from UCL Geography, expressed, “To our surprise, we found that this extreme cooling at 1.1 million years ago was comparable to some of the most severe events of recent ice ages.”</p>



<h2>Early humans would have really struggled</h2>



<p>Such intense cooling would have presented immense challenges for small bands of hunter-gatherers. Professor Nick Ashton of the British Museum commented on this. He observed that early humans perhaps lacked the adaptive traits needed to survive in such hostile conditions.</p>



<p>Ashton noted, “Early humans may have lacked adaptations such as sufficient fat insulation and also the means to make fire, effective clothing or shelters.”</p>



<p>To understand the climate's direct impact on these early populations, Professor Axel Timmermann and his team from the <a href="https://ibsclimate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBS Center for Climate Physics</a> employed their supercomputer, Aleph, to simulate the extreme conditions of the period.</p>



<p>Merging this data with fossil and archaeological evidence, the team crafted a human habitat model to evaluate how conducive the environment was for early human habitation.</p>



<p>Timmermann explained the startling outcome. He said, “The results showed that 1.1 million years ago climate around the Mediterranean became too hostile for archaic humans.”</p>



<h2>Absence of remains and tools from fossil record</h2>



<p>This data convergence indicates that during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-orbit-drives-global-ice-age-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Early Pleistocene</a>, areas such as Iberia and larger regions of southern Europe saw a decline in human population. The conspicuous absence of human remains and stone tools over the subsequent 200,000 years hints at a potential extended gap in European habitation.</p>



<p>Adding another layer to the evolving narrative, Professor Chris Stringer from the Natural History Museum in London proposes, “According to this scenario, Europe may have been recolonized around 900,000 years ago by more resilient humans with evolutionary or behavioral changes that allowed survival in the increasing intensity of glacial conditions.”</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf4445">study</a> saw collaboration between UCL Geography, the IBS Center for Climate Physics at Pusan National University, and researchers from several esteemed institutions such as Cambridge University, CSIC Barcelona, and museums in London.</p>



<h2>More about extreme cooling</h2>



<p>Extreme cooling, while seemingly counter-intuitive in our present age of global warming, has occurred numerous times throughout Earth's history. These events have transformed landscapes, influenced evolutionary paths, and even played roles in mass extinctions.</p>



<h3>What is Extreme Cooling?</h3>



<p>Extreme cooling refers to rapid, significant decreases in global or regional temperatures over relatively short geological timespans. These events can be triggered by various factors. Eventually, they lead to the formation of ice sheets, sea level drops, and massive ecosystem shifts.</p>



<h3>Causes of extreme cooling</h3>



<h4>Volcanic activity</h4>



<p>Massive volcanic eruptions can spew millions of tons of ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. These particles reflect sunlight, causing a reduction in global temperatures. The 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia led to the "Year Without a Summer" in 1816.</p>



<h4>Asteroid impacts</h4>



<p>Large asteroid or comet impacts can throw enormous amounts of dust into the atmosphere. This dust, by blocking sunlight, can lead to cooling. The impact that wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago is believed to have caused such a cooling event.</p>



<h4>Changes in Earth's orbit</h4>



<p>The Milankovitch cycles, which are variations in Earth's orbital parameters, can lead to significant cooling periods, advancing the onset of ice ages.</p>



<h4>Ocean current changes</h4>



<p>Shifts in ocean currents can redistribute warm and cold water across the globe, significantly affecting global climates. For instance, a shutdown of the Gulf Stream could lead to cooling in Europe.</p>



<h4>Solar dimming</h4>



<p>Decreases in solar radiation, due to factors like sunspot activity, can influence Earth's temperatures. Prolonged periods of low sunspot activity, such as the Maunder Minimum, coincide with cooler epochs like the Little Ice Age.</p>



<h4>Consequences of extreme cooling</h4>



<h4>Formation of ice sheets</h4>



<p>Extended cooling can result in the spread of glaciers and the formation of vast ice sheets, which occurred during the last Ice Age.</p>



<h4>Sea level drops</h4>



<p>As water gets trapped in ice sheets and glaciers, sea levels can drop, exposing large areas of continental shelves.</p>



<h4>Shifts in ecosystems</h4>



<p>Cold temperatures can force species to migrate, adapt, or face extinction. During the last Ice Age, mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant ground sloths roamed the Earth.</p>



<h4>Economic and social impact</h4>



<p>Extreme cooling can affect agriculture, leading to food shortages. The "Year Without a Summer" caused widespread crop failures and food scarcity in the Northern Hemisphere.</p>



<h3>Historical Instances of Extreme Cooling</h3>



<h4>The Snowball Earth</h4>



<p>Occurring over 700 million years ago, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snowball-earth-may-not-have-been-frozen-solid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowball Earth</a> hypothesis proposes that the planet was entirely or nearly entirely covered in ice.</p>



<h4>The Last Glacial Maximum</h4>



<p>Around 20,000 years ago, vast ice sheets covered much of North America, Northern Europe, and Asia.</p>



<h4>The Little Ice Age</h4>



<p>Spanning from the 14th to the 19th century, this period saw cooler temperatures worldwide, with particularly cold spells in Europe.</p>



<p>In summary, while the world today grapples with global warming, history reminds us of the Earth's ever-changing climate. Extreme cooling events, with their profound impacts, underscore the planet's climatic dynamism and the need for societies to be resilient and adaptable in the face of environmental changes.</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>

Extreme cooling event caused extinction of first early humans in Europe

Recent findings have shed new light on the early human...

<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>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<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>



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p id="block-43e218f4-0391-477c-8396-eb777c8c80a3">Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



<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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

News coming your way