<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>



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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...

Mountains,And,Permafrost

<p>Scientists are warning of an increasing threat to our environment and potentially human health, due to the emergence of "time-traveling" pathogens released from melting permafrost.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research suggests that ancient viruses and bacteria, long trapped in ice, could break free to wreak havoc on our modern ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study, led by Giovanni Strona of the <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/departments-and-executive-agencies/joint-research-centre_en">European Commission Joint Research Centre</a>, serves as yet another stark reminder of the potentially catastrophic consequences of a warming world.</p>



<h2 id="h-quantifying-the-risks-of-melting-permafrost">Quantifying the risks of melting permafrost</h2>



<p>The concept that these age-old pathogens could re-emerge due to thawing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/">glaciers</a> and permafrost isn't new. However, the actual extent of the threat these microbes could pose to our health and the environment has remained largely speculative until now.</p>



<p>"Permafrost thawing and the potential ‘lab leak’ of ancient microorganisms generate risks of biological invasions for today’s ecological communities, including threats to human health via exposure to emergent pathogens," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"Whether and how such ‘time-traveling’ invaders could establish in modern communities is unclear, and existing data are too scarce to test hypotheses."</p>



<p>The team has attempted to quantify these potential risks, utilizing sophisticated digital simulations to emulate the interactions between ancient microbes and modern bacterial communities.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-time-traveling-pathogens">Studying time-traveling pathogens</h2>



<p>The researchers conducted a series of artificial evolution experiments in which digital constructs, representing virus-like pathogens from epochs past, invaded simulated communities of bacteria-like hosts.</p>



<p>The effects of these invading pathogens on the host bacteria's diversity were then compared against control simulations where no such invasions took place. The findings were both intriguing and alarming.</p>



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



<p>It turns out that in these virtual experiments, many of the ancient pathogens managed to survive and evolve within the modern bacterial communities. Overall, approximately three percent of these invaders survived, evolved, and became dominant within their new environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although the majority of these dominant invaders had negligible effects on the overall composition of the wider community, about one percent of them generated unpredictable and significant outcomes.</p>



<p>Some of these outcomes included causing up to one-third of the host species to die out, while others unexpectedly increased diversity by up to 12 percent compared to the control simulations.</p>



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



<p>Despite the seemingly small percentage of these destructive invaders, the study warns that due to the vast number of ancient microbes being released regularly into modern communities, the potential risks could still be substantial.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What was once confined to the realm of science fiction - the resurgence of time-traveling pathogens - could indeed pose significant threats to human health and act as potent catalysts of ecological change.</p>



<p>Further research is needed to fully comprehend the scale and consequences of this threat. The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011268"><em>PLOS Computational Biology</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-dangers-of-melting-permafrost">More about the dangers of melting permafrost&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The melting of permafrost - permanently frozen ground that covers nearly a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere - presents one of the most significant yet underappreciated threats posed by climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This phenomenon not only stands to release dangerous ancient pathogens, as the study by Giovanni Strona and his team suggests, but also has the potential to instigate a series of ecological and environmental crises.</p>



<h3 id="h-release-of-greenhouse-gases">Release of greenhouse gases</h3>



<p>Perhaps the most alarming threat from melting permafrost is the release of vast amounts of greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide and methane. These gases have been locked in the frozen soil for thousands of years as part of plant and animal matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the permafrost thaws, it provides an environment for bacteria to break down this organic matter, releasing these potent greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This could further accelerate global warming, creating a feedback loop that results in even more permafrost thaw.</p>



<h3 id="h-damage-to-infrastructure">Damage to infrastructure</h3>



<p>Buildings, roads, pipelines, and other infrastructure built on permafrost are in danger of severe structural damage as the ground beneath them thaws and shifts. This presents significant logistical and financial challenges, especially in Arctic regions, where whole communities may have to relocate.</p>



<h3 id="h-impact-on-wildlife">Impact on wildlife</h3>



<p>The thawing permafrost significantly alters the habitats of many wildlife species, leading to disruptions in their feeding, mating, and migration patterns. This could have profound impacts on the biodiversity of these regions and trigger a cascade of changes throughout the ecosystem.</p>



<h3 id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea level rise</h3>



<p>Melting permafrost contributes to rising sea levels. This, in turn, can lead to coastal flooding, erosion, and the displacement of human and wildlife populations. It also has the potential to alter ocean currents and weather patterns, leading to far-reaching climatic effects.</p>



<h3 id="h-release-of-toxic-mercury">Release of toxic mercury</h3>



<p>A study published in 2018 found that permafrost soils are the largest reservoir of mercury, a potent neurotoxin, in the world. As permafrost melts, this mercury can be released into nearby rivers and oceans. From there, it impacts the aquatic ecosystems and enters the food chain, posing a significant risk to human health.</p>



<h2>More about pathogens</h2>



<p>Pathogens, infectious agents capable of causing disease or illness in their host organism, represent a broad group that includes various types of organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. They contribute significantly to human, animal, and plant disease across the globe.</p>



<h3>Classification of Pathogens</h3>



<p>Pathogens divide into four primary classes: viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.</p>



<h4>Viruses</h4>



<p>Viruses represent the smallest form of pathogens, measuring only a few nanometers in size. They cannot reproduce on their own; they require a host cell to replicate. </p>



<p>Viruses consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) encased within a protein shell, or capsid. They cause a range of diseases, such as influenza, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19.</p>



<h4>Bacteria</h4>



<p>Bacteria represent single-celled organisms with a simple cellular organization. They reproduce independently, often through binary fission, which involves splitting into two daughter cells. </p>



<p>Many bacteria perform crucial roles in various ecosystems, but some species cause diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and food poisoning.</p>



<h4>Fungi</h4>



<p>Fungi, another class of pathogens, include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. They have a more complex cellular organization than bacteria. </p>



<p>While most fungi are harmless or beneficial, some species can cause diseases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Examples of fungal diseases include ringworm, athlete's foot, and candidiasis.</p>



<h4>Parasites</h4>



<p>Parasites live off other organisms, called hosts, to survive. They can be microscopic, such as the Plasmodium species that cause malaria, or larger organisms like tapeworms. Parasitic diseases also include toxoplasmosis and schistosomiasis.</p>



<h3>Modes of transmission</h3>



<p>Pathogens spread through various means. Direct contact, such as touching or kissing, can transfer pathogens. Airborne transmission occurs when pathogens are released into the air. This typically occurs through sneezing or coughing, and inhaled by a new host. </p>



<p>Vector-borne transmission involves an intermediary organism, or vector. One example is a mosquito, which carries the pathogen from one host to another. Finally, pathogens can spread through contaminated water or food.</p>



<h3>Pathogenicity and virulence</h3>



<p>Pathogenicity refers to a pathogen's ability to cause disease, while virulence describes the degree of damage it can inflict. Pathogens display a range of virulence, from mild to severe. </p>



<p>Factors affecting virulence include the pathogen's ability to enter the host, evade the host's immune system, and damage the host's cells.</p>



<h3>Pathogens and the immune system</h3>



<p>The immune system is the primary defense mechanism against pathogens. The immune response starts with physical barriers, such as skin and mucus membranes, which prevent pathogen entry. </p>



<p>If a pathogen bypasses these defenses, the innate immune system responds with generalized defenses, including inflammation and fever. If these measures prove insufficient, the adaptive immune system provides a tailored response. This response creates specialized cells to fight the specific pathogen.</p>



<h3>Treatment and prevention</h3>



<p>Treatment of diseases caused by pathogens often involves antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and anti-parasitics. However, the overuse or misuse of these drugs can lead to antimicrobial resistance, a growing global health concern.</p>



<p>Prevention strategies often focus on limiting the spread of pathogens. These measures can include hygiene practices, vaccination, and public health interventions like vector control and safe food handling procedures.</p>



<p>In summary, pathogens, despite their microscopic size, pose significant challenges to global health. Understanding their biology, transmission, and interactions with the immune system is crucial to developing effective treatments and preventative measures. </p>



<p>With the rise of antimicrobial resistance, the need for continued research and innovative solutions is more critical than ever.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Melting permafrost poses multiple environmental dangers with unknown consequences

Scientists are warning of an increasing threat to our environment...

<p>As the climate crisis accelerates, Canada is enduring its most devastating wildfire season to date. The situation paints a grim portrait of the potential impact of uncontrolled forest fires on climate change, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-air-quality-linked-to-cognitive-problems-in-infants/">air quality</a>, and biodiversity.</p>



<p>According to recent reports from the <a href="https://www.ciffc.ca/">Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre</a>, the country has witnessed an astonishing 4,774 fires since the beginning of the year until July 26.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The destruction cuts across more than 121,000 square kilometers, an area larger than South Korea. Notably, this is approximately 7.5 times the total area affected by forest fires in China over a span of two decades from 2000 to 2021.</p>



<h2 id="h-carbon-dioxide-emissions">Carbon dioxide emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>With the widespread fires comes an ominous cloud of carbon emissions. Researchers at the Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE) of the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> estimate that the Canadian fires have released one billion tons of carbon dioxide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The greenhouse gases emitted from these fires, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, have an undeniable impact on global climate warming, which has become a global environmental event," said Dr. LIU Zhihua, a renowned forest fire expert at IAE.</p>



<p>The escalating numbers were calculated using remote sensing technology, an effective approach for gauging carbon emissions from large-scale wildfires. With this method, carbon emission intensity is evaluated in conjunction with the area of land burned, as observed from satellite imagery.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-methane-and-nitrous-oxide">Methane and nitrous oxide</h2>



<p>Factoring in the emissions of methane and nitrous oxide, which have a greenhouse effect equivalent to 110 million tons of carbon dioxide, the total greenhouse gas emissions from the ongoing Canadian fires is equivalent to approximately 1.11 billion tons of CO2.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A fraction of these wildfires, approximately one-eighth, has impacted permafrost areas, leading to the release of methane trapped in the frozen soil.</p>



<h2 id="h-air-quality-impacts-of-canadian-fires">Air quality impacts of Canadian fires </h2>



<p>Beyond the climate implications, the fires are precipitating a cascade of environmental and health repercussions. The flames have released an array of pollutants into the atmosphere, including particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), organic aerosols, and black carbon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The wildfire smoke plumes have also crossed national borders during four periods this year - May 17-26, June 6-19, June 23-30, and July 15-20 - significantly deteriorating air quality in the United States.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, New York City experienced its worst air pollution since 1960 due to the second smoke episode. Meanwhile, Chicago's air quality index during the third episode exceeded standard levels by a staggering 5.6 times on June 27.</p>



<p>The pollutant particulates are also being swept across continents by the westerly winds, impacting regions as far off as Europe, North Africa, and Asia. During one such atmospheric transport event from June 27-30, PM2.5 levels in Europe increased by over 5 μg/m3. The transport also contributed 1-2 μg/m3 to PM2.5 concentrations in western China.</p>



<h2 id="h-forest-destruction">Forest destruction </h2>



<p>Furthermore, the wildfires are wreaking havoc on forest ecosystems. The uncontrolled flames rapidly consume vegetation, destroying habitats, and depleting food sources for wildlife. The aftermath of wildfires often exposes the soil surface, triggering secondary disasters like soil erosion, sediment runoff, and landslides.</p>



<p>These occurrences highlight how wildfires are no longer merely a traditional ecological disturbance but have morphed into an environmental catastrophe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These severe forest fires deplete carbon reserves in the vegetation and soil, disrupt the natural succession of forests, and degrade ecosystems. The result is a shift from forests to shrubland or grassland, with a consequent reduction in the carbon sequestration capacity of the ecosystem.</p>



<p>The worsening wildfire situation is not exclusive to Canada. Recent years have seen the Amazon Rainforest burning over 90,000 square kilometers in just 10 months in 2019, and the Australian bushfires devouring more than 243,000 square kilometers in 2019-2020.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With the wildfire season in Canada typically lasting until October, there is a growing concern that the scale of the disaster could escalate further.</p>



<h2 id="h-china-s-fire-prevention-strategy">China's fire prevention strategy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In the wake of these disastrous events, China, with its extensive forest area of approximately 2.31 million square kilometers (about two-thirds of Canada's forest area), has implemented a comprehensive strategy for forest fire prevention. The Chinese government has adhered to the policy of "Combining prevention and control, with prevention as the primary focus."&nbsp;</p>



<p>These collective efforts have considerably curtailed the occurrence of forest fires, mitigating the disaster losses and notably improving the nation's fire prevention and control capability.</p>



<p>In the past two decades, carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires in China have averaged about 15 million tons per year, constituting only about 0.2% of the CO2 emissions from global wildfires.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Canadian fires have released a billion tons of carbon dioxide

As the climate crisis accelerates, Canada is enduring its most...

<p>In a compelling report recently published by <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/">Simon Fraser University</a> (SFU), researchers have drawn a concerning correlation between delay in the mitigation of methane emissions and the heightened risk of failing to meet the climate goals as set forth in the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement.</p>



<p>The Paris Agreement aims to restrict global temperature rise to well below 2°C, and if possible, to just 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. A critical factor in this ambitious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lighter-colored-and-smaller-winged-tropical-butterflies-are-at-greater-climate-change-risk/">climate change</a> goal is achieving net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by around 2050, alongside considerably reducing methane and other greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h2 id="h-immediate-action-is-needed">Immediate action is needed</h2>



<p>The SFU study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00898-z"><em>Communications Earth &amp; Environment</em></a>, advances an argument for immediate, global-scale methane mitigation efforts to be initiated before the decade ends, if we wish to contain global warming levels below the 2°C benchmark relative to pre-industrial times.</p>



<p>The researchers caution against any postponement of these efforts, warning that any delay in methane mitigation actions beyond 2040 would escalate the risk of global warming levels surging past the 2°C mark - this holds true even if we successfully achieve net-zero CO2 emissions.</p>



<h2 id="h-methane-mitigation">Methane mitigation </h2>



<p>Over the past two centuries, methane has been the second-largest contributor (after CO2) to global temperature increases. Human activities are responsible for over 60% of global methane emissions in the past four decades, largely stemming from fossil fuel exploitation, livestock production, agriculture, and waste disposal.</p>



<p>Study co-author Kirsten Zickfeld is a distinguished professor of climate science and director of SFU’s Climate Research Lab. She stressed the urgency of the matter: "We emphasize that actions associated with the <a href="https://www.globalmethanepledge.org/">Global Methane Pledge</a> should not be delayed, because every year of delayed methane mitigation implies further global warming."</p>



<p>Study lead author Claude-Michel Nzotungicimpaye is a former PhD student at SFU and a researcher on Zickfeld’s team. He emphasized the need for policymakers to prioritize methane mitigation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"While policymakers now accept the need for urgent methane mitigation, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of immediate mitigation to comply with the temperature goal in the Paris Agreement – particularly taking into account potential Earth system feedbacks,” said Nzotungicimpaye.</p>



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



<p>The SFU team adopted a novel approach in their study, employing an Earth system model with an integrated methane cycle to probe the impact of immediate versus delayed methane mitigation in achieving the 2°C threshold.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They explored the role of feedback in carbon and methane cycles and the potential long-term climate impacts of procrastination or failure to tackle methane emissions in the current century - a topic that has remained relatively uncharted territory until now.</p>



<h2 id="h-shocking-results">Shocking results</h2>



<p>What the study uncovers is profound: for every 10-year delay in methane mitigation there is in an increase of about 0.1°C in peak global warming temperature.</p>



<p>The findings of the study bring into sharp focus the necessity for immediate and extensive reductions in anthropogenic methane emissions worldwide. In tandem with stringent CO2 mitigation measures, these concerted efforts could maximize the chances of capping the rise in average global temperatures at well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, thereby fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Agreement.</p>



<h2 id="h-sources-of-methane">Sources of methane</h2>



<p>Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential many times greater than that of carbon dioxide, although it's less abundant in the atmosphere. There are several key sources of methane emissions:</p>



<h3 id="h-agriculture">Agriculture</h3>



<p>Livestock production, especially from ruminants such as cows and sheep, is a significant source of methane. The animals produce methane as part of their digestive process, which is then released into the atmosphere. Rice cultivation is another agricultural source of methane, as the flooded paddy fields provide an ideal environment for methane-producing microbes.</p>



<h3 id="h-fossil-fuels">Fossil fuels</h3>



<p>The extraction, transportation, and use of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, are significant contributors to methane emissions. Methane is the main component of natural gas, and it often leaks from wells, pipelines, and other infrastructure.</p>



<h3 id="h-waste-management">Waste management</h3>



<p>Landfills are sources of methane, as organic waste (like food and yard waste) decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) and produces methane. Wastewater treatment facilities can also release methane.</p>



<h3 id="h-biomass-burning">Biomass burning</h3>



<p>When trees, plants, or other organic matter is burned, methane is released into the atmosphere. This happens frequently in forest fires, agricultural burning, and residential wood burning.</p>



<h3 id="h-wetlands-and-other-natural-sources">Wetlands and other natural sources</h3>



<p>Natural sources contribute a significant portion of global methane emissions. Wetlands are the largest natural source, as the moist, low-oxygen conditions are ideal for methane-producing microbes.</p>



<h3 id="h-permafrost-and-hydrates">Permafrost and hydrates</h3>



<p>Methane can be trapped in permafrost and hydrates (a type of ice that contains methane). As global temperatures rise and these structures melt, the trapped methane can be released into the atmosphere.</p>



<h3 id="h-termites">Termites</h3>



<p>Termites produce methane as a byproduct of their digestion process, similar to livestock.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Methane mitigation is crucial for upholding Paris Agreement

In a compelling report recently published by Simon Fraser University...

Blooming,Saguaros,In,Sonoran,Desert,,Arizona.

<p>The saguaro cacti of Arizona, iconic symbols of the American West, are succumbing to a relentless barrage of extreme heat, as summer temperatures in the state continue to shatter records. Observations from scientists reveal alarming signs: the towering cacti are leaning, shedding their arms, and in certain instances, entirely collapsing.</p>



<p>Tania Hernandez, a research scientist at Phoenix's expansive 140-acre <a href="https://dbg.org/">Desert Botanical Garden</a>, home to over two-thirds of all cactus species, expressed concern on Tuesday. Hernandez pointed out that the indispensable summer monsoon rains, a vital lifeline for the desert's vegetation, have disappointingly failed to make their annual appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This has resulted in an unprecedented survival test for the cacti, not just in the wild expanses of the Arizona desert, but also in the bustling cities like Phoenix.</p>



<p>"These plants are adapted to this heat, but at some point the heat needs to cool down and the water needs to come," explained Hernandez.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-extreme-heat-continues">Extreme heat continues</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> has persisted at a blistering 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) for a 25-day stretch in Phoenix, raising serious concerns about the future of the saguaro cacti. These magnificent giants can reach heights of over 40 feet (12 meters) and are a testament to nature's resilience in one of the harshest climates on earth.</p>



<p>At the Desert Botanical Garden, a team of plant physiologists has been diligently studying the heat tolerance of these cacti. It was previously believed that these desert sentinels were ideally equipped to endure high temperatures and severe drought conditions. However, the current heatwave in Arizona is challenging this long-standing assumption.</p>



<h2 id="h-full-impact-on-saguaro-cacti-is-unclear">Full impact on saguaro cacti is unclear</h2>



<p>Cacti are uniquely adapted to desert conditions, but even they have their limits. These plants rely on cooler night temperatures and the occasional rain and mist for a break from the scorching heat. Without this essential reprieve, the cacti suffer internal damage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Plants now suffering from prolonged, excessive heat may take months or years to die," warned Hernandez. This means that the full impact of this relentless heatwave may not be evident immediately, posing an insidious threat to the local ecology.</p>



<h2 id="h-living-laboratory">Living laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In the heart of the city, Phoenix's urban cacti are under close observation. This metropolis acts as a heat island, with its concrete and asphalt surfaces absorbing and radiating heat, creating conditions hotter than the surrounding rural areas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Hernandez, this makes Phoenix an ideal place for studying the potential effects of future climate change on desert flora. The saguaros and other cacti species here serve as a living laboratory, mirroring the higher temperatures that plants in the wild are anticipated to face with the continued progression of climate change.</p>



<p>The plight of the saguaro cacti underscores the far-reaching impact of climate change, and the urgent need for comprehensive actions to mitigate its effects. This issue goes beyond the loss of a species; it signifies a disturbing disruption in the harmony of an ecosystem that evolved over thousands of years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The future survival of the saguaro cacti, like many other species around the world, is precariously balanced on the frontline of the global climate crisis.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-saguaro-cacti">More about saguaro cacti&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) stand as the emblematic plant of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonoran Desert</a>, a symbol of the American Southwest. Known for their large size and distinctive silhouette, they thrive in the arid desert conditions of Arizona, the Mexican state of Sonora, and the Whipple Mountains and Imperial County areas of California.</p>



<h3>Characteristics of saguaro cacti</h3>



<p>The saguaro is an impressive specimen, capable of growing upwards of 40 feet (12.19 meters), and in exceptional cases, reaching 60 feet (18.29 meters). The average lifespan of a saguaro cactus is between 150 and 200 years, although some individuals have been documented living over 250 years.</p>



<p>Saguaros possess a thick, waxy skin designed to retain moisture, a crucial adaptation to their desert environment. They boast an extensive root system, primarily composed of shallow roots spread out to absorb rainfall quickly, along with a deep taproot for anchoring the heavy plant and accessing deeper water reserves.</p>



<p>The cactus exhibits a pleated structure, which enables it to expand when it absorbs water and contract during periods of drought. A fully hydrated saguaro can weigh between 3200-4800 pounds (1450-2170 kilograms).</p>



<h3>Growth and reproduction</h3>



<p>Saguaros are slow-growing plants. In the initial ten years, a saguaro might only grow 1 to 1.5 inches in height. After approximately 75 years, saguaros start to develop their characteristic branches or "arms". The number and pattern of these arms vary widely among individuals, adding to their uniqueness.</p>



<p>Reproduction occurs through the blossoming of white flowers, which serve as the official state flower of Arizona. The flowers bloom at night during late spring to early summer and close by mid-afternoon. Bats, birds, and insects, particularly the lesser long-nosed bat, play significant roles in the pollination of these flowers.</p>



<p>Fruit develops following successful pollination, maturing as a bright red and pulpy mass. This fruit contains thousands of tiny black seeds, a characteristic feature of the Cactaceae family. The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona traditionally harvests this fruit.</p>



<h3>Ecological role</h3>



<p>Saguaro cacti provide an essential contribution to their ecosystem. They act as host plants and supply food to a variety of desert wildlife. Birds such as gila woodpeckers and purple martins often create nests in the cacti, while the fruit and flowers serve as food for numerous animal species.</p>



<h3>Conservation and threats</h3>



<p>Despite their resilience, saguaro cacti face several threats, including habitat destruction, illegal harvesting, and climate change. Prolonged drought, higher temperatures, and wildfires linked to climate change have significantly impacted the saguaro population.</p>



<p>Saguaros receive protection under the Arizona Native Plant Law. The Saguaro National Park, located in Pima County, Arizona, is a significant reserve dedicated to the preservation of these majestic cacti.</p>



<h3>Cultural significance</h3>



<p>Saguaros hold a significant place in the culture and lore of the indigenous peoples of the region, including the Tohono O'odham and the Pima. Their towering presence on the landscape also makes them popular in photographs and artwork, embodying the spirit of the American Southwest.</p>



<p>In summary, saguaro cacti, with their towering height, distinctive form, and ability to endure the harsh desert environment, are a testament to the tenacity of life. They not only play a vital role in their ecosystem but also represent a significant cultural symbol, making their conservation all the more critical.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Wilting giants: Arizona's saguaro cacti are collapsing amid record heat

The saguaro cacti of Arizona, iconic symbols of the American...

<p>In a breakthrough discovery that could revolutionize the world of materials, scientists have found a way to engineer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sequestering-carbon-in-soil-is-dependent-upon-microbes/">microbes</a> to produce ingredients needed for recyclable plastics. This technology has the potential to replace environmentally damaging petrochemicals with sustainable alternatives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This research, published today in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41893-023-01160-2"><em>Nature Sustainability</em></a>, may drastically change the way we handle plastic waste.</p>



<p>This novel research was conducted through a collaboration among experts from three facilities at the Department of Energy's <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/">Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory</a> (Berkeley Lab): the Molecular Foundry, the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), and the Advanced Light Source.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-recyclable-plastics">Recyclable plastics</h2>



<p>The experts aimed to develop biological alternatives to the basic ingredients in an infinitely recyclable plastic known as poly(diketoenamine), or PDK.</p>



<p>Brett Helms, a staff scientist at the Molecular Foundry and the project leader, noted: “This is the first time that bioproducts have been integrated to make a PDK that is predominantly bio-based."</p>



<p>“And it’s the first time that you see a bio-advantage over using petrochemicals, both with respect to the material’s properties and the cost of producing it at scale.”</p>



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



<p>Unlike traditional plastics, PDK can be deconstructed and remolded into new products repeatedly without losing any of its quality. While PDKs were initially developed using building blocks derived from petrochemicals, the team has discovered a way to produce these ingredients using microbes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Four years of research and experimentation allowed them to successfully manipulate E. coli bacteria to convert plant sugars into one of the necessary starting materials, a molecule known as triacetic acid lactone (bioTAL). As a result, they were able to produce a PDK with a bio-content of around 80 percent.</p>



<p>Jeremy Demarteau, a project scientist on the team who contributed to biopolymer development, stated with confidence that they are moving toward a completely sustainable solution. “We’ve demonstrated that the pathway to 100% bio-content in recyclable plastics is feasible. You’ll see that from us in the future.”</p>



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



<p>PDKs can be utilized in a wide range of products, from adhesives and flexible items like computer cables or watch bands, to construction materials and rigid plastics known as "tough thermosets."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the research team found that the integration of bioTAL into the material enhanced its working temperature range by up to 60 degrees Celsius when compared with the petrochemical version.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This expanded temperature range could make PDKs suitable for use in applications that require specific operating temperatures, including sports gear and automobile parts such as bumpers and dashboards.</p>



<h2 id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study</h2>



<p>The implications of this research are significant when considering the global plastic waste problem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The United Nations Environment Program estimates that approximately 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced globally each year, a figure predicted to exceed 1 billion tons by 2050.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The vast majority of the 7 billion tons of plastic waste already in existence remains unrecycled and is discarded into landfills or incinerated.</p>



<p>Jay Keasling, a professor at UC Berkeley, senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab's Biosciences Area, and the CEO of JBEI, highlighted the urgency of finding sustainable solutions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We can’t keep using our dwindling supply of fossil fuels to feed this insatiable desire for plastics,” said Professor Keasling. “We want to help solve the plastic waste problem by creating materials that are both biorenewable and circular – and providing an incentive for companies to use them. Then people could have the products they need for the time they need them, before those items are transformed into something new.”</p>



<h2 id="h-encouraging-results">Encouraging results</h2>



<p>The findings from this study also draw on a 2021 environmental and technological analysis, which proposed that PDK plastic could be commercially competitive with traditional plastics if produced on a large scale.</p>



<p>Corinne Scown, a staff scientist in Berkeley Lab's Energy Technologies Area and a vice president at JBEI, is optimistic about the future of PDK plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our new results are extremely encouraging,” said Scown. “We found that with even modest improvements to the production process, we could soon be making bio-based PDK plastics that are both cheaper and emit less CO2 than those made with fossil fuels.”</p>



<p>In order to make these leaps in production, advancements would include improving the speed at which microbes convert sugars to bioTAL, utilizing bacteria capable of transforming a broader variety of plant-derived sugars and other compounds, and powering production facilities with renewable energy sources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With these enhancements, the future of infinitely recyclable plastics could be within our grasp, promising a cleaner and more sustainable world.</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>

Infinitely recyclable plastics may soon become a reality

In a breakthrough discovery that could revolutionize the world of...

<p>Yellowstone’s famous Steamboat Geyser is the world’s tallest active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geysers-do-not-forecast-explosive-volcanic-activity-in-yellowstone/">geyser</a> which can spray water up to 115 meters (377 feet) in the air for periods as long as 90 minutes. A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/">United States Geological Survey</a> (USGS) has found that Steamboat Geyser has experienced decades-long dry spells caused by recurrent droughts during its history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since droughts are now becoming more frequent due to climate change, this geyser’s eruptions could slow down, and even halt completely in the future.</p>



<p>“Even small changes in precipitation could affect the interval between eruptions,” said study lead author Shaul Hurwitz, a hydrologist at USGS. “So more water means more frequent eruptions, while less water means less frequent eruptions.”</p>



<p>To form and erupt, geysers need very specific conditions, including a water source, sufficient heat supply, and the right geological “plumbing.” Environmental extremes such as droughts can change that balance, and cause geysers to become dormant.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-steamboat-is-highly-unpredictable">Steamboat is highly unpredictable&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Unlike Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts on a predictable schedule, Steamboat’s activity is highly unpredictable, with eruption intervals varying from just three days to half a century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When this geyser erupts, its heated water spray covers nearby trees in silica, a mineral which protects against bacteria and fungi and can prevent tree decomposition. As a result, these trees can be preserved for much longer than usual – sometimes even a few centuries – making them a useful tool for investigating the geyser’s history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In Yellowstone, you rarely find any wood, even dead wood, that’s more than 300 years old because the fungi and other bacteria decompose it. The silica essentially protects the tree from the fungi. For us, this is an advantage because if they weren’t silicified we wouldn’t have any trees to date,” Hurwitz explained.</p>



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



<p>Yellowstone’s forests consist almost entirely of lodgepole pines, which have an average lifespan of only 150 to 200 years. However, the researchers took advantage of the preservation process caused by eruptions and collected silicate wood samples from within 14 meters (46 feet) of the geyser vent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By using radiocarbon dating, they discovered that the tree samples belonged to three time periods – the late 15<sup>th</sup> century, mid-17<sup>th</sup> century, and late 18<sup>th</sup> century.</p>



<p>“Water that is erupting from the geyser is silica-rich, and when silica precipitates it clogs pathways that allow the trees to respire, photosynthesize and grow. For us, this indicates that when trees grow right near the mound there are no eruptions,” Hurwitz said.</p>



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



<p>By matching the three main periods of tree growth around the geyser to regional climate records, the experts found that droughts occurred during the same time that the trees grew, reducing the local water supply and preventing the geyser from erupting. However, the analysis revealed that Steamboat did not remain dormant for extended periods of time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“In the case of Steamboat, we did not find any tree remnant of silicified wood that had more than 10 or 20 annual rings, which suggests to us that trees never grew big around that area. So, there wasn’t an extended period of many decades or centuries with continuous growth,” Hurwitz explained.</p>



<p>Yet, with global temperatures currently on the rise due to climate change, extended periods of droughts in the American West could decrease Steamboat’s activity even further. Even geysers such as the Old Faithful could soon become less “faithful” to their eruption schedule as their water supplies diminish.</p>



<p>“As we’re headed toward what’s predicted to be a warmer and drier climate in the 21st century, we might expect to see the geysers go to totally different behavior in terms of the interval between their eruptions — erupting less frequently, and some of them might even go extinct,” Hurwitz concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GC010988"><em>Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>—</p>



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



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Yellowstone’s Steamboat Geyser battled with droughts for centuries

Yellowstone’s famous Steamboat Geyser is the world’s tallest active geyser...

<p>As the global threat of climate change escalates, an alarming new study from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/">Pennsylvania State University</a> has revealed a lack of preparation for its impact on endangered plant and lichen species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, led by Amy Casandra Wrobleski and her team, is a stark reminder that while our attention is often focused on the larger, more charismatic species under threat, the planet's smaller and less obvious life forms are also at severe risk.</p>



<h2 id="h-endangered-plant-and-lichen-species">Endangered plant and lichen species</h2>



<p>The researchers investigated the future of 771 endangered plant and lichen species, all listed under the Endangered Species Act. Astonishingly, every single one of them is found to be susceptible to the ramifications of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, despite this profound vulnerability, there is a noticeable absence of strategies designed to counteract this looming danger.</p>



<p>Endangered species, already in a precarious position due to their rarity, are anticipated to suffer most from the negative effects of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A substantial proportion of the organisms recognized under the Endangered Species Act are plants and lichens, a fact that somehow has failed to prompt any significant, systematic evaluation of the risks they face from climate change for more than a decade.</p>



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



<p>To investigate, Wrobleski's team repurposed tools initially created to evaluate the threat of climate change to wild animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This novel approach allowed the researchers to assess the sensitivity of the 771 listed plant species to climate change, determine if climate change was officially acknowledged as a threat to each species, and if any measures were in progress to confront this challenge.</p>



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



<p>The results of the analysis showed that climate change, at least to some degree, threatens all of the listed plant and lichen species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While a large portion of the formal documentation for these species did identify climate change as a threat, initiatives designed to protect the species were found to be greatly lacking.</p>



<h2 id="h-targeted-strategies-are-needed">Targeted strategies are needed</h2>



<p>The authors of the study, while emphasizing the urgency of acknowledging climate change as a clear and present danger to these plant species, stress that this recognition alone is not enough.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They call for proactive steps to be undertaken immediately to assure the survival and recovery of many of these species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As climate conditions continue to evolve over the next century, establishing explicit and targeted strategies will be crucial for successful species recovery.</p>



<p>Wrobleski and her team hope that their findings will be employed in future conservation planning for endangered plants and lichens. They also propose that their research be taken into account when deciding on listings of new species and planning their recovery efforts.</p>



<p>"We evaluated the conservation plans for all endangered plant and lichen species listed in the Endangered Species Act and found that while climate change is recognized as a threat to the species, few conservation plans include actions to address climate change directly," said the researchers.</p>



<p>"Climate change will not only impact the lives of people, but also rare and endangered species and the ecosystems we interact with every day."</p>



<p>The research is published in the open-access journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pclm.0000225"><em>PLOS Climate</em></a>,</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-endangered-lichen-species">More about endangered lichen species</h2>



<p>Lichens, an often-overlooked member of the world's biodiversity, are an incredible life form. They are composite organisms that arise from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and one or more photosynthetic partners, usually algae or cyanobacteria.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This unique partnership allows lichens to colonize habitats from deserts to polar ice caps, making them one of the most resilient life forms on Earth</p>



<p>Despite their resilience, lichens are not immune to the threats posed by human activity, particularly climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-sensitivity">Sensitivity</h3>



<p>Given their unique life history and habitat requirements, lichens can be extremely sensitive to changes in their environment. Temperature shifts, alterations in rainfall patterns, pollution, and habitat destruction can all negatively impact lichen populations.</p>



<h3 id="h-ecological-importance">Ecological importance&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Lichens play a crucial role in ecosystems around the world. They contribute to the cycling of nutrients in the environment, serve as food and habitat for a variety of organisms, and play a significant role in soil formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, lichens are known to be bioindicators - their presence, absence, or abundance can provide valuable information about the health of an ecosystem.</p>



<h3 id="h-lack-of-public-awareness">Lack of public awareness</h3>



<p>Despite their ecological importance, lichens are often neglected in conservation planning. This is partially due to a lack of public awareness and understanding, and also because they can be challenging to study due to their slow growth rates and complex life cycles.</p>



<p>However, the research by Amy Casandra Wrobleski and her team at Penn State highlights the urgent need for further research and conservation efforts focused on these unique and ecologically vital organisms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study shows that all lichens listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act are at least slightly threatened by climate change, yet few plans are in place to address this threat. The research is a call to action for scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to increase their efforts to understand and protect these unique organisms.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Hundreds of plant and lichen species are overlooked victims of climate change 

As the global threat of climate change escalates, an alarming...

<p>The common aphid, a diminutive pest that frequently wreaks havoc in gardens, has been identified as a significant threat to the life cycle of the cherished monarch butterfly. This disturbing connection was recently discovered in a study carried out by scientists from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a>.</p>



<p>These small pests, specifically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-the-smell-of-fear-to-control-garden-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oleander aphids</a>, were observed in this new research to interfere with the development of monarch butterflies on tropical milkweed. This non-native milkweed species is extensively used across the southern U.S., stretching from California to Florida. </p>



<p>Monarch butterflies rely heavily on milkweed and similar plants to complete their life cycle, which is now being compromised due to aphid infestation.</p>



<p>"When aphids attack tropical milkweed, they compromise this monarch resource," says the study. These findings paint a concerning picture for efforts to sustain monarch butterfly populations across the country. Many initiatives are focusing on planting milkweed in urban areas to support monarchs. But aphids and similar pests often reach high densities on plants, including milkweed, particularly in these urban environments.</p>



<p>"Efforts are underway to plant milkweed in urban areas to support monarch populations. Our study helps us better understand how such pest outbreaks may affect monarch survival on the most common ornamental milkweed species produced and planted in the South," Adam Dale, senior author of the study and an associate professor in the UF/IFAS entomology and nematology department, elaborated on the implications of their findings.</p>



<h2>Aphids, tropical milkweed, and monarch butterflies</h2>



<p>Tropical milkweed is widely used in the southern U.S. to both attract and sustain monarchs, and as an ornamental plant. Yet, it often becomes a hub for oleander aphids that target both oleander and milkweed plants. These pests drain the sap from the plants, resulting in stunted growth and leaving behind a moldy residue.</p>



<p>Bernie Mach, first author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher in the UF/IFAS entomology and nematology department, expressed, "It’s long been known that oleander aphids flock to milkweed, especially in nurseries and urban areas, and that led us to wonder if and how that affected the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-are-officially-listed-as-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monarchs</a> who used these plants."</p>



<p>The scientists did not identify precisely why aphid-infested plants prove less accommodating for monarchs. Nevertheless, they suggested that the combination of past research on aphids' effects on tropical milkweed and their current findings offers some valuable insights.</p>



<p>"Tropical milkweed has particularly high levels of cardenolides that ramp up even more when it is attacked by large infestations of oleander aphids. We think that these ramped-up levels may deter monarchs from laying eggs on these plants and also affect their caterpillars," Mach further explained.</p>



<h2>What the researchers learned</h2>



<p>However, a critical discovery from the study was clear - monarch butterflies have a higher chance of survival on aphid-free tropical milkweed. When the researchers cultivated tropical milkweed in a nursery setting, they found that the butterflies laid three times as many eggs on aphid-free plants. </p>



<p>The resulting caterpillars on the aphid-free plants also ate twice as much leaf material and reached their full size, unlike those on the aphid-infested plants, many of whom fell behind in growth or died.</p>



<p>For gardeners in the southern U.S. looking to support monarch butterflies through their landscaping efforts, the researchers recommend considering native milkweed species like swamp milkweed. These species have lower cardenolide levels, and other studies have shown that monarchs thrive on these plants even in high aphid densities.</p>



<p>For those keen on using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-may-not-be-threatened-as-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical milkweed</a> as a monarch aid, an effective way to control oleander aphids is suggested by the researchers: insecticidal soap. Bernie Mach clarified, "Spraying the aphids directly with insecticidal soap — while avoiding monarch caterpillars and butterflies — is an effective way to keep oleander aphids down and help tropical milkweed stay in better shape."</p>



<p>Nonetheless, implementing this solution on a larger scale, such as in nurseries where there are hundreds or thousands of plants, isn't always feasible. As a response to this challenge, in the next phase of their research, Dale and Mach plan to explore pest management options that maintain low aphid levels and pose no harm to monarch butterflies.</p>



<h3>More about aphids</h3>



<p>Aphids are a type of insect belonging to the superfamily Aphidoidea, known for their small size and extensive damage they can cause to plant life. These tiny, soft-bodied insects, also called plant lice, greenflies, or blackflies, are among the most destructive pests to both cultivated and wild plants in temperate regions.</p>



<h3>Identification</h3>



<p>Aphids vary greatly in color, from green and black to yellow, red, or brown, depending on their species and diet. Adult aphids generally measure between one and ten millimeters long, and their body shape is pear-like. They possess two compound eyes, a pair of antennae, and two tubes, known as cornicles, protruding from their hind end, which is a unique feature among aphids.</p>



<h3>Aphids life cycle</h3>



<p>Aphids exhibit a fascinating and complex life cycle which includes both sexual and asexual reproduction. In spring, female aphids hatch from overwintering eggs and begin to reproduce asexually, giving birth to live young through a process called parthenogenesis. These offspring, called nymphs, mature in about a week and then start producing their own offspring. This rapid, asexual reproduction leads to quick population growth, often leading to infestations.</p>



<p>As summer turns to fall, aphids switch to sexual reproduction. The females produce eggs which overwinter and hatch the following spring, starting the cycle anew. This pattern allows aphids to adapt to changing environmental conditions.</p>



<h3>Diet and damage to plants</h3>



<p>Aphids are sap-sucking insects that feed on the juices of plants, specifically the phloem sap, which is rich in sugars. The feeding of aphids can lead to the yellowing and curling of leaves, stunted growth, and in severe infestations, the death of the plant.</p>



<p>In addition, aphids secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold, further damaging the plant and reducing photosynthesis.</p>



<h3>Role in disease transmission</h3>



<p>Apart from the direct damage, aphids are notorious for transmitting plant viruses, acting as vectors. There are hundreds of plant diseases known to be spread by aphids, causing significant agricultural losses every year.</p>



<h3>Natural enemies and control</h3>



<p>Aphids have many natural enemies, including ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which help keep aphid populations in check. Aphids also fall prey to birds and other insects.</p>



<p>In agriculture and gardening, aphids can be controlled using various methods. Biological control measures involve introducing natural predators. Chemical control includes using insecticidal soap or synthetic insecticides, although care must be taken due to the potential impact on non-target species. A combination of these methods often provides the most effective control of aphid populations.</p>



<h3>Relationship with ants</h3>



<p>Aphids have a unique symbiotic relationship with ants, in which ants protect aphids from predators and parasites in return for honeydew. This association, although beneficial for aphids and ants, further contributes to the harmful impact of aphids on plants.</p>



<p>In summary, aphids, while small in size, can have a major impact on plant health due to their feeding habits and ability to transmit diseases. Understanding their life cycle and behavior can aid in the development of effective strategies to control their populations, benefiting both agricultural and natural environments.</p>



<h2>More about monarch butterflies</h2>



<p>The monarch butterfly, scientifically known as Danaus plexippus, is one of the most recognized and studied butterflies worldwide, renowned for its vibrant orange and black wings, as well as its extraordinary migration pattern.</p>



<h3>Identifying monarch butterflies</h3>



<p>Monarch butterflies are easily distinguishable by their wing color and pattern. Adults exhibit bright orange wings, with black veins and a black border dotted with white spots. Monarchs typically have a wingspan of 3.5-4 inches, and males can be differentiated from females by the two black spots on their hindwings, which are scent glands used during mating.</p>



<h3>Life cycle</h3>



<p>The life cycle of a monarch butterfly consists of four distinct stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Female monarchs lay their eggs on the underside of milkweed plants, which upon hatching, serve as the sole food source for the caterpillars. After two weeks, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis, within which it metamorphoses into a butterfly over a period of about two weeks. Adult monarchs live for 2-6 weeks, except for the generation that migrates, which can live up to 8 months.</p>



<h3>Migration</h3>



<p>One of the most remarkable characteristics of the monarch butterfly is its long-distance migration. Each fall, millions of monarchs travel up to 3,000 miles from North America to specific sites in central Mexico (or coastal California for a smaller population) to overwinter. In spring, they return north. This migratory generation goes through a unique state of reproductive diapause, delaying reproduction until the journey back.</p>



<h3>Diet</h3>



<p>As adults, monarch butterflies primarily feed on the nectar from flowers, providing them with sugars for energy and other nutrients necessary for reproduction. As larvae, they feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed plants, which contain toxic compounds known as cardenolides. This diet renders monarchs unpalatable to predators, providing them with a potent defense mechanism.</p>



<h3 id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



<p>Monarch butterflies are currently facing several conservation challenges. The primary threats include habitat loss, both in their summer breeding grounds due to the decline of milkweed and in their overwintering sites due to deforestation. Other threats include climate change, pesticides, and disease. Despite these challenges, monarchs are not currently listed as endangered, though conservation efforts are ongoing.</p>



<p>In summary, monarch butterflies, with their striking appearance and phenomenal migration, play a significant role in pollination and serve as indicators of environmental health. Their survival hinges on the conservation of their habitats and the milkweed plants they rely on throughout their life cycle. Understanding and appreciating these fascinating creatures can aid in their conservation and ensure they continue to be a cherished part of our natural world.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Monarch butterflies don’t like aphids any more than humans do

The common aphid, a diminutive pest that frequently wreaks havoc...

<p>As climate change poses a far-reaching threat to wildlife, a compelling new study indicates that Arctic terns - known for undertaking the Earth's longest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whales-face-increasing-dangers-along-their-migration-routes/">migration</a> journey - might have the adaptive capabilities to withstand the challenges brought about by our evolving climate.</p>



<p>Arctic terns lead lives in near-constant daylight, embarking on an astonishing bi-annual journey from their breeding grounds in the far north to Antarctica during the southern hemisphere's summer season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Throughout their lifespan, these extraordinary birds cover distances so vast that they equate to traveling to the moon three times.</p>



<p>A collaborative research team led by the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/">University of Exeter</a> and the Met Office took on the challenge of investigating the potential impacts of climate change on these birds outside of their breeding season.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study delved into factors such as shifts in prevailing winds, variations in primary productivity that influence food availability at critical sites frequented by the terns, and the conditions of Antarctic sea ice.</p>



<p>Despite the fact that a likely decrease in foraging success in the North Atlantic could pose a future threat to the Arctic terns, the research team concluded that the overall repercussions of climate change for migrating terns are expected to be minor. This resilience is attributed to the bird's lifestyle, which plays out over expansive geographical areas.</p>



<p>However, the researchers underscore that even a combination of minor impacts may still pose a significant threat to this long-lived species, which can survive up to three decades. Other species that are less adaptable may not be as fortunate, and could struggle to escape the local and regional shifts induced by climate change.</p>



<p>Dr. Joanne Morten, from the University of Exeter, a key member of the research team, explained, “Arctic terns rely on productive oceans for food, sea ice for rest and foraging, and prevailing winds during flight.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-all-seabirds-are-at-risk">All seabirds are at risk</h2>



<p>Despite the Arctic tern being classified as a species of "least concern" on the IUCN Red List, Dr. Morten warns that breeding numbers are in decline and monitoring them can be a complex task.</p>



<p>“Climate change is a massive threat to all seabirds. Our study looked at specific aspects of this," said Dr. Morten. "So, while our findings suggest this species may be resilient, this is only part of a bigger picture for Arctic terns and many other species. Meeting carbon emissions targets is vital to slow these projected end-of-century climatic changes and minimise extinction risk for all species.”</p>



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



<p>The researchers utilized multiple climate and Earth System Models to predict alterations up to the year 2100, building on current observations of ongoing climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team evaluated the impacts of two emissions scenarios: a "middle-of-the-road" scenario and a more severe "fossil-fuelled development" scenario.</p>



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



<p>Under the latter scenario, a notable decline in primary productivity, which is the foundational level of all food chains, was projected for the North Atlantic, an important feeding ground for a myriad of seabirds and marine animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the study projected only minimal changes to primary productivity at three other pivotal sites for Arctic terns: the Benguela Upwelling, the Subantarctic Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean.</p>



<h2 id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study</h2>



<p>While the consequences of an anticipated decline in Antarctic sea ice for terns remains uncertain, the study proposed that the projected minor changes to prevailing winds would have minimal impacts on tern migration – with the notable exception of the Southern Ocean, where strengthening winds could necessitate a shift in the birds' flight routes.</p>



<p>Initiated with a virtual Climate Data Challenge "hackathon," the interdisciplinary approach offered an opportunity for ecologists and climate scientists to converge. The research team encompassed members from multiple universities, including those in Liverpool, Bristol, Washington, Oxford and Iceland.</p>



<p>The study findings, which contribute significantly to our understanding of the interaction between climate change and wildlife, have been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb.16891"><em>Global Change Biology</em></a>.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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How Arctic terns may navigate the challenges of climate change

As climate change poses a far-reaching threat to wildlife, a...

Horseshoe,Bend

<p>The&nbsp;Colorado River Basin – the area drained by the Colorado River and its tributaries – covers approximately 647,500 square kilometers (250,000 square miles) in seven states across western United States, supplying water to about 40 million people while supporting agriculture and natural ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to a new study conducted by the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/">University of California, Los Angeles</a> (UCLA), from 2000 to 2021, climate change caused the loss of over 40 trillion liters (10 trillion gallons) of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-changes-ahead-for-the-colorado-river-basin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water in this basin</a>. </p>



<p>This is equal to the full storage capacity of Lake Mead, the largest reservoir on the Colorado River. The massive loss of water prompted supply cuts under the first federally declared water shortage in 2021.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The southwestern North American megadrought is an ongoing drought that began in 2000. This is the driest multi-decade period the region has seen in at least 1,200 years. It has significantly reduced river flow and shrunk reservoirs, leading to widespread concerns about water scarcity as the climate continues to warm.</p>



<h2 id="h-sensitivity-of-the-colorado-river-basin">Sensitivity of the Colorado River Basin&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“While we knew warming was having an impact on the Colorado Basin’s water availability, we were surprised to find how sensitive the basin is to warming compared to other major basins across the western U.S., and how high this sensitivity is in the relatively small area of the basin’s crucial snowpack regions,” said lead author Benjamin Bass, a hydrological modeler at UCLA.</p>



<p>“The fact that warming removed as much water from the basin as the size of Lake Mead itself during the recent megadrought is a wakeup call to the climate change impacts we are living today.”</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-the-colorado-river">Studying the Colorado River</h2>



<p>While previous investigations of water resources in this region have largely focused on the effects of climate change, the current study also took into account the impact of plants’ complex responses to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, by comparing historical warming in the Colorado River Basin’s snowpack regions with that in the non-snowpack regions, the experts calculated the quantity of runoff changes per degree of warming. This helped them assess how anthropogenic climate change has dried out traditional snowpack regions and quickly reduced the runoff feeding the Colorado River.</p>



<p>The researchers used a land surface model capable of analyzing water, changes in vegetation, and vegetation’s response to rises in atmospheric CO2 to examine how the basin’s hydrology changed between 1880 and 2021. </p>



<p>They employed standard data sets to represent atmospheric conditions, streamflow gauges, and other records capturing the regional hydrology. They also used ground and satellite data to assess actual changes in vegetation.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The analysis revealed that from 1880 to 2021, the temperature in the Colorado River Basin increased by nearly 1.5 degrees Celsius due to climate change. This resulted in a 10.3 percent reduction in runoff. </p>



<p>However, without including the effects of plants, current water loss would be closer to 13 percent. This discovery highlights the importance of including vegetation processes in water modeling.</p>



<p>In addition, the researchers discovered that the typically snow-covered parts of the basin are losing water twice as fast as the regions without snow. This finding suggests that the Rocky Mountain West is transitioning to a more arid climate rather than just undergoing periodic droughts. </p>



<p>Since snowpack makes an outsized contribution to the basin’s water supply – accounting for two-thirds of the basin’s total runoff – these changes should be of immediate concern to water managers.</p>



<h2 id="h-implications-of-the-study">Implications of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to Bass, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/pao/pdfiles/crcompct.pdf">1922 Colorado River Compact</a> governs the use of river water by the seven western U.S. states the Colorado River flows through. It was written with the assumption that the regional climate was stable. </p>



<p>When the representatives of these states signed the contract, “they expected 15 million acre-feet of water (about 18.5 trillion liters) would be provided from the basin, on average, each year.”</p>



<p>“If they were outlining the compact now, they would need to adjust that value due to the impact of warming. Going into the future, we may get some natural variability, wet or dry swings, but this study highlights that there’s been a decreasing trend in runoff. In the long run, that’s likely to continue if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced,” he concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2022WR033454"><em>Water Resources Research</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2>More about the Colorado River Basin</h2>



<p>The Colorado River Basin is a vast, geographically diverse region in the western United States and northern Mexico. The basin encompasses the drainage areas of the Colorado River and its tributaries. </p>



<p>Covering approximately 246,000 square miles, it spreads across seven U.S. states (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and California) and two Mexican states (Baja California and Sonora).</p>



<h2>Geography and geology</h2>



<p>Originating from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, the river flows over 1,450 miles, descending through a series of plateaus and gorges before emptying into the Gulf of California. </p>



<p>Notable geological features in the basin include the Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, and Hoover Dam. The basin's topography varies, featuring snow-capped peaks, arid desert land, and lush river valleys.</p>



<p>The Colorado River Basin displays a complex geological history, with rock layers revealing hundreds of millions of years of Earth's evolution. Sedimentary rocks dominate the landscape, bearing testament to past periods of marine, lacustrine, and terrestrial deposition.</p>



<h3>Climate in the Colorado River Basin</h3>



<p>The climate in the Colorado River Basin ranges from cold alpine conditions in the headwaters to arid desert in the lower reaches. </p>



<p>The upper basin, particularly in the Rocky Mountains, heavily concentrates precipitation, largely in the form of snow. This causes significant seasonal flow variation, with peak river flows occurring during spring and early summer due to snowmelt.</p>



<h3>Flora and fauna</h3>



<p>The Colorado River Basin supports diverse ecosystems and a variety of wildlife. High mountain areas feature coniferous forests, while desert regions host species adapted to arid conditions, such as cacti and yucca. </p>



<p>The river itself and its riparian zones provide habitat for aquatic and semi-aquatic species. These include numerous types of fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals.</p>



<h3>Human use and impact</h3>



<p>Human activities profoundly affect the Colorado River Basin. It supplies water to approximately 40 million people and irrigates 5.5 million acres of land. Major cities, including Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, rely on the Colorado River for their water supply.</p>



<p>Numerous dams and reservoirs heavily manage the basin's water, providing hydroelectric power, water storage, and flood control. The construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s formed Lake Mead, the largest of these reservoirs.</p>



<p>Water demands in the basin often exceed supply, leading to overallocation and environmental stress. The river frequently runs dry before reaching its delta, resulting in the loss of wetlands and riparian habitats. Climate change is exacerbating these issues, with reduced snowpack and increased evaporation diminishing water availability.</p>



<p>In summary, the Colorado River Basin is an integral component of the western United States and northern Mexico. It provides crucial water resources for humans and a diverse array of habitats for wildlife. Its geography and geology are incredibly varied, offering a snapshot into the planet's geological past. </p>



<p>Despite its importance, the basin faces significant challenges due to climate change and human overuse. It has become crucial that scientists initiate sustainable management strategies to safeguard its future.</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>

Colorado River Basin has lost enough water to fill Lake Mead

The&nbsp;Colorado River Basin – the area drained by the Colorado...

<p>In the sweltering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeling-the-heat-rising-temperatures-push-the-limits-of-the-human-body/">summer heat</a>, an unprecedented and critical situation has emerged in Florida. The ocean temperatures have soared to a record-breaking 100 degrees Fahrenheit, instigating a mass coral bleaching event in the Florida Keys. </p>



<p>As the underwater heatwave continues, a desperate rescue operation is underway to prevent Florida's coral species from slipping into extinction.</p>



<p>In just two weeks, bleaching has completely affected multiple coral reefs in the vicinity of the Florida Keys. Even worse, many have perished entirely, according to marine biologists. The rapid escalation of this calamity has shocked even the most seasoned experts. </p>



<h2 id="h-grim-forecast">Grim forecast</h2>



<p>The grim forecast for the near future predicts total extinction of the bleached reefs in a week if this oceanic inferno continues. The concerns extend even further to deeper reefs that could face a similar catastrophe if the ocean temperature continues to rise.</p>



<p>Excessive heat, compounded by an absence of rain and wind, has pushed the water temperatures around Florida to some of the most extreme levels ever recorded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A buoy located in the Florida Bay recently registered a staggering 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit at a depth of 5 feet. Although the area is known for its scant coral presence, researchers at other stations in the region have documented temperatures exceeding 96 degrees. One station even clocked a scorching 99 degrees, according to the <a href="https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/">National Data Buoy Center</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-corals-are-highly-sensitive">Corals are highly sensitive&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The severity of this heatwave is particularly destructive to coral reefs. Corals, by nature, are highly sensitive to temperature changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>An environment that remains excessively hot for an extended period can trigger a reaction in coral known as "bleaching." Under such conditions, corals expel their algal food source, turn white, and gradually starve to death.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This bleaching process is currently unfolding in the Florida Keys where the water temperatures have exceeded 90 degrees, far beyond the usual mid-80s that these marine ecosystems are accustomed to.</p>



<h2 id="h-florida-coral-bleaching-and-mortality">Florida coral bleaching and mortality</h2>



<p>A striking illustration of this catastrophe is evident in a reef managed by <a href="https://www.flaquarium.org/">The Florida Aquarium</a>. On July 6, researchers recorded the water temperature at 91 degrees, and the coral was in perfect health. </p>



<p>A mere 13 days later, when the team returned, they found the coral entirely bleached, with an estimated 80% already dead.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.coralrestoration.org/">Coral Restoration Foundation</a> reported a similar grim finding - "100% coral mortality" at Sombrero Reef off the coast of Marathon in the Florida Keys.</p>



<p>Keri O'Neal, the director and senior scientist at the Florida Aquarium told CNN: "This is akin to all of the trees in the rainforest dying. Corals serve that same fundamental role. Where do all of the other animals that rely on the rainforest go to live? This is the underwater version of the trees in the rainforest disappearing."</p>



<h2 id="h-shocking-images">Shocking images</h2>



<p><br>Andrew Ibarra, a NOAA monitoring specialist at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, corroborated the extent of the destruction. Upon examining his "favorite reef," Cheeca Rocks, he found the entire reef bleached. </p>



<p>"Every single coral colony was exhibiting some form of paling, partial bleaching or full-out bleaching. Including recent mortality for some corals that have already died,” said Ibarra. CNN reports that Ibarra’s photos and videos "show a ghastly graveyard of corals."</p>



<p>Katie Lesneski is the monitoring coordinator for NOAA's Mission: Iconic Reefs. She told CNN: "The pictures are frankly horrifying. It's hard for me to put into words how I’m feeling right now.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite the grim picture, Lesneski said there is still a "little hope spot" in a deeper reef where only 5 percent of the coral has begun to bleach due to slightly cooler water temperatures. However, even these corals are at risk if there’s no break from the relentless heat.</p>



<h2 id="h-florida-coral-bleaching-is-an-escalating-crisis">Florida coral bleaching is an escalating crisis </h2>



<p>The escalating crisis has sparked a desperate rescue mission. Reef restoration experts are now engaged in a delicate operation, extracting genetically significant species from their nurseries and moving them to land where they can escape the extreme ocean heat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These include corals like the Staghorn and Elkhorn, listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. Florida has already lost 90% of its Elkhorn coral, a species vital for reducing destructive waves from hurricanes.</p>



<p>The evacuated corals are now housed in water-filled, climate-controlled tables at facilities such as the Florida Institute of Oceanography’s Keys Marine Laboratory (KML). Thus far, KML has taken in at least 1,500 corals. They anticipate that the number will grow to 5,000 or more as the rescue mission unfolds.</p>



<h2 id="h-keeping-species-alive">Keeping species alive</h2>



<p>“At this point we’re in emergency triage mode. Some of these corals that came in last week were looking very bad, and we may lose them," Cynthia Lewis, director of KML, told CNN.</p>



<p>Despite these losses, every piece of coral saved can provide valuable insights into the survival of corals in warmer oceans. This will serve as a foundation for rebuilding Florida’s reefs post-bleaching event.</p>



<p>"If anything our work is more important than ever because we’re really depending on aquarium facilities to keep these species from going extinct in Florida,” said O'Neal. </p>



<h2>More about coral bleaching</h2>



<p>Coral bleaching refers to the loss of color in corals. This occurs when stressors such as changes in light, nutrients, or temperature lead to the expulsion of symbiotic microorganisms from the coral's tissues.</p>



<p>The phenomenon has serious implications for the health and survival of coral reefs. It often results in decreased growth and reproduction rates, increased susceptibility to disease, and, in severe cases, large-scale coral mortality.</p>



<h3>Causes</h3>



<h4>Temperature</h4>



<p>Coral bleaching is primarily driven by changes in sea surface temperatures. Corals are sensitive to temperature changes, and even small increases can cause bleaching. </p>



<p>Warming ocean temperatures, attributed to climate change, are regarded as the most significant cause of recent and widespread coral bleaching events.</p>



<h4>Light</h4>



<p>High-intensity light or changes in light spectrum can also induce coral bleaching, especially when combined with elevated sea temperatures. </p>



<p>Photosynthetic symbiotic organisms within the coral, called zooxanthellae, produce reactive oxygen species under intense light conditions. This can damage both the zooxanthellae and the coral tissues.</p>



<h4>Other stressors</h4>



<p>In addition to temperature and light, other environmental stressors can contribute to coral bleaching. </p>



<p>These include changes in salinity, nutrient availability, and water quality, as well as the presence of pollutants and diseases. Each of these factors can lead to physiological stress in corals, triggering bleaching.</p>



<h3>Impact</h3>



<h4>Ecological</h4>



<p>Coral bleaching has significant ecological impacts. Coral reefs, often dubbed the "rainforests of the sea," are biodiversity hotspots. They provide habitat and food for a myriad of marine species. </p>



<p>When coral bleaching occurs, as with the current Florida coral bleaching event, the loss of live coral cover can lead to the decline of these species and disrupt the intricate food web within the reef ecosystem.</p>



<h4>Economic</h4>



<p>The bleaching of coral reefs also has profound economic consequences. Many coastal communities rely on coral reefs for their livelihood, particularly through fisheries and tourism.</p>



<p>A loss of live coral cover can lead to a decline in fish stocks and a reduction in the appeal of diving and snorkeling sites. This significantly impacts local economies.</p>



<h3>Mitigation and Conservation Efforts</h3>



<h4>Monitoring and research</h4>



<p>Monitoring and research play a crucial role in mitigating coral bleaching. Scientists use various techniques, including remote sensing, to track changes in sea surface temperature and predict potential bleaching events.</p>



<p>Research is also underway to understand the genetic and physiological attributes that make some corals more resilient to bleaching than others.</p>



<h4>Reducing local stressors</h4>



<p>Management strategies aim to reduce local stressors on coral reefs. These include managing pollution, overfishing, and physical damage to reefs, all of which can make corals more susceptible to bleaching.</p>



<h4>Coral restoration and assisted evolution</h4>



<p>Coral restoration efforts involve the cultivation of corals in nurseries and their subsequent transplantation to degraded reefs. </p>



<p>More innovative techniques include "assisted evolution," where corals are selectively bred or genetically modified to enhance their resilience to bleaching.</p>



<h4>Mitigating climate change</h4>



<p>As the primary cause of coral bleaching is warming ocean temperatures, reducing global greenhouse gas emissions is vital to mitigate coral bleaching. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global warming. This, in turn, would protect coral reefs from severe bleaching events.</p>



<p>In summary, coral bleaching is a significant global environmental issue that threatens the biodiversity, ecological function, and economic value of coral reefs.</p>



<p>While mitigation and conservation efforts are underway, the success of these strategies will depend largely on the extent to which global greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced to limit warming ocean temperatures.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Ocean temperatures of 100 degrees has Florida battling a massive coral bleaching crisis

In the sweltering summer heat, an unprecedented and critical situation...

<p>As urban habitats continue to expand, a new study suggests that these human-influenced landscapes may serve as an unexpected sanctuary for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">invasive species</a>. The research, led by Dr. Monica Mowery and her team at <a href="https://in.bgu.ac.il/en/Pages/default.aspx">Ben-Gurion University of the Negev</a>, has found that invasive brown widow spiders flourish in the urban environment, largely thanks to a lack of predators and a significant decrease in parasitism.</p>



<p>Published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00442-023-05378-x"><em>Oecologia</em></a>, the study sheds light on the intriguing behavior of the brown widow spider, or Latrodectus geometricus, a species that is increasingly making its presence felt in warm urban climates across the globe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our results suggest that habitat plays a key role in changing interactions with predators and parasites, and in particular that urban species may benefit from a lower abundance of predators in their habitat,” explained Dr. Mowery.</p>



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



<p>To understand the variations in host and parasitoid densities, the researchers embarked on a year-long investigation in the Negev desert, comparing the egg sac parasitism of the urban invasive brown widow spider with the desert-dwelling white widow spider, or L. pallidus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers discovered that brown widow spider populations thrived at remarkably high densities in urban environments - with web distances as close as 10 centimeters apart - while experiencing astoundingly low rates of parasitism from their common foe, a parasitoid wasp that specifically targets spider egg sacs.</p>



<p>By contrast, the white widow spiders, despite populating dense communities in the Negev Desert, were heavily infested with parasites. The stark differences observed in parasitism rates suggest that urban environments provide a protective shield of sorts to the invasive spiders.</p>



<h2 id="h-bold-field-experiment">Bold field experiment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To investigate further into the effects of habitat on these species, the researchers initiated a field experiment, transplanting spider webs containing egg sacs from both species between urban and natural desert habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The outcomes were fascinating: not only did the egg sacs in the natural habitats experience higher parasitism, but predation on the white widow spider egg sacs was also significantly more pronounced in the desert ecosystem, possibly due to birds, other spiders, or ants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Intriguingly, none of the invasive brown widow's egg sacs in the transplant experiment fell prey to any predators, indicating that local desert predators may not recognize this newcomer as a viable food source.</p>



<h2 id="h-advantages-in-urban-habitats">Advantages in urban habitats&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This study raises crucial questions about the advantages invasive species gain when they colonize urban, fragmented habitats. These environments seemingly offer a suite of benefits, including reduced predator presence, which could contribute to invasive species thriving and persisting in unfamiliar territories.</p>



<p>Dr. Mowery's research was a collaborative effort, involving researchers Valeria Arabesky, Tamir Rozenberg, Prof. Yael Lubin, and Dr. Michal Segoli from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The study was supported by a Zuckerman STEM Postdoctoral fellowship granted to Dr. Monica Mowery.</p>



<p>This research demonstrates the critical role that urbanization plays in shaping biological interactions. It also highlights the urgent need for continued research on the impacts of urban environments on our natural world.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-brown-widow-spider">More about the brown widow spider</h2>



<p>The brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) is a venomous spider species belonging to the widow family (Theridiidae). It is closely related to the more well-known black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) and is found in various parts of the world, including the southern United States, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of Asia.</p>



<h3 id="h-key-characteristics">Key characteristics</h3>



<h4 id="h-appearance">Appearance</h4>



<p>The brown widow spider is typically light to medium brown in color, with an orange or yellow hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of the abdomen. This hourglass marking is a characteristic feature shared with other widow spiders, although the coloration may vary.</p>



<h4 id="h-web-structure">Web structure</h4>



<p>Brown widow spiders create tangled, irregular, and messy webs, which are often built in sheltered areas like under rocks, eaves, outdoor furniture, and other human-made structures.</p>



<h4 id="h-venom">Venom</h4>



<p>Like other widow spiders, the brown widow possesses venom that is neurotoxic to its prey. While its venom is not as potent as that of the black widow, it can still cause painful reactions in humans. However, bites from brown widow spiders are rarely serious and usually only cause mild to moderate symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling around the bite area.</p>



<h4 id="h-behavior">Behavior</h4>



<p>Brown widow spiders are generally shy and non-aggressive towards humans. They will usually only bite if they feel threatened or disturbed. The majority of bites occur when people accidentally come into contact with the spider, such as reaching into a dark space where the spider has constructed its web.</p>



<h4 id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h4>



<p>Female brown widow spiders are larger than males. After mating, the female produces egg sacs that contain hundreds of eggs. The egg sacs are typically white to tan and are suspended within the web. The female guards the eggs until they hatch.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Invasive brown widow spiders thrive in city landscapes

As urban habitats continue to expand, a new study suggests...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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