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

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

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

<p>According to neuroscientist Rachel Taylor, who recently collaborated with the outdoor retailer <a href="https://www.tog24.com/">TOG24</a> to promote the benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-living-near-the-seaside-enjoy-better-health/">seaside</a> strolls, exposure to sea air has a variety of health benefits. Sea air improves our brain functioning and helps our body produce the necessary chemicals we need to keep us balanced, well, and healthy.</p>



<p>“When people breathe in sea air, the ions contained in it help boosting&nbsp;the electrical functionality of the brain by 47 percent as well as creating new neural pathways, which - simply put - allows you to think with more clarity,” she explained.</p>



<h2 id="h-oxytocin-boost-from-seaside-strolls">Oxytocin boost from seaside strolls</h2>



<p>Walking by the sea in social groups could also promote the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a significant role in social bonding, trust, and love.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Walking in the fresh air raises oxytocin levels, the in-group hormone,” Taylor said. “If you feel you don’t belong or are not part of something, you don’t produce oxytocin. A family walk by the sea will release oxytocin and make everyone feel they belong.”</p>



<h2 id="h-mental-health-benefits-of-sea-air">Mental health benefits of sea air</h2>



<p>Moreover, a trip to the beach is likely to instill a positive sense of awe and wonder, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with low self-esteem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Looking around and connecting to the vastness of the sea could help people see their own problems and worries from a larger perspective, which can increase their wellbeing, and potentially inspire their creativity too. As Taylor puts it, “the sea air blows the sulks as well as the cobwebs away!”</p>



<p>Finally, science has proven that feeling the sand beneath our feet and between our toes reduces inflammation in the body and brain. In addition, gazing at the sky can make us feel energized by providing a signal from the eyes to the brain to wake up. Thus, seaside strolls can have multiple benefits for both bodily and mental health and well-being.</p>



<h2 id="h-electrical-signals-and-brain-functioning">Electrical signals and brain functioning</h2>



<p>The brain is a complex organ that carries out a vast range of functions using a combination of electrical and chemical processes. Here's a basic overview of how electrical functionality in the brain works:</p>



<h3 id="h-neurons-and-synapses">Neurons and synapses</h3>



<p>Approximately 86 billion neurons make up the brain. Specialized cells known as neurons transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle cells, or gland cells. Synapses connect neurons to each other.</p>



<h3 id="h-electrical-signals-important-for-brain-functioning">Electrical signals important for brain functioning</h3>



<p>A neuron carries information in the form of electrical signals. A sensory input or another neuron generates these electrical signals when they stimulate a neuron.</p>



<p>An electrical charge is created by the flow of ions (charged atoms) across the cell membrane. This is often called an action potential.</p>



<h3 id="h-transmission-of-the-signals">Transmission of the signals</h3>



<p>Once an action potential has been generated, it travels along the axon of the neuron until it reaches the end. Here, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which are chemical signals.</p>



<h3 id="h-communication-between-neurons">Communication between neurons</h3>



<p>The neurotransmitters cross the synapse, the tiny gap between neurons, and bind to receptors on the next neuron. This can either trigger or inhibit a new action potential in that neuron, depending on the type of neurotransmitter and the type of receptor.</p>



<h3 id="h-neural-networks-and-brain-functioning">Neural networks and brain functioning</h3>



<p>Through the process of transmitting signals from neuron to neuron, complex networks of neural pathways are formed. These are the basis for everything our brains do, from basic bodily functions to complex cognition.</p>



<h3 id="h-plasticity">Plasticity</h3>



<p>The connections between neurons aren't fixed. They can be strengthened, weakened, created, or removed over time, a property known as neuroplasticity. This is the fundamental mechanism behind learning and memory.</p>



<h3 id="h-electricity-and-brain-waves">Electricity and brain waves</h3>



<p>The collective electrical activity from millions of neurons contributes to the brain's electric field and can be detected outside the skull. These patterns of activity are what we refer to when we talk about brain waves, which can be measured with an electroencephalogram (EEG).</p>



<p>Overall, the electrical activity of the brain is crucial for its functions, from the simplest reflex to the most complex thoughts.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-benefits-of-seaside-strolls">More about the benefits of seaside strolls&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Seaside strolls or walks along the beach can have numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Here are some of them:</p>



<h3 id="h-improved-cardiovascular-health">Improved cardiovascular health</h3>



<p>Like any form of aerobic exercise, beach walking can help improve heart health by increasing our heart rate and enhancing circulation.</p>



<h3 id="h-vitamin-d-absorption">Vitamin D absorption</h3>



<p>A walk along the beach is an excellent opportunity to get some sun, which promotes the body's production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and it can also enhance the immune system.</p>



<h3 id="h-mental-health-benefits-of-sea-air-1">Mental health benefits of sea air</h3>



<p>The relaxing sounds of waves crashing, the visual appeal of the horizon, and the scent of the sea air can provide a relaxing and stress-relieving experience, which can help reduce anxiety and boost mood.</p>



<h3 id="h-improved-respiratory-health">Improved respiratory health</h3>



<p>Seaside air is often fresher and cleaner with higher levels of oxygen, which can be beneficial for individuals with respiratory issues.</p>



<h3 id="h-strength-training">Strength training</h3>



<p>Walking on sand requires more effort compared to walking on solid ground. This extra effort can help strengthen your muscles, particularly your legs and core.</p>



<h3 id="h-low-impact-exercise">Low-impact exercise</h3>



<p>Walking on sand is softer on the joints compared to walking on concrete or asphalt. This makes beach strolls an excellent exercise option for people with joint conditions or those recovering from injury.</p>



<h3 id="h-improved-sleep-from-seaside-strolls">Improved sleep from seaside strolls</h3>



<p>Regular exercise like beach walking can promote better sleep. Additionally, spending time outdoors and soaking in natural light helps regulate your body's circadian rhythms, contributing to healthier sleep patterns.</p>



<h3 id="h-increased-creativity">Increased creativity</h3>



<p>Being in a natural, relaxing environment can stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.</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>

Seaside strolls have a variety of health benefits and boost brain functioning

According to neuroscientist Rachel Taylor, who recently collaborated with the...

Close,Up,On,A,Sick,Man,Hand,Transmitting,Virus,By

<p>A new study titled "Understanding atmospheric intercontinental dispersal of harmful microorganisms" paints an intriguing and concerning picture of our global atmosphere as a freeway for the international spread of deadly microbes.</p>



<p>Research shows that the atmosphere, particularly a region called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/layers-of-earths-atmosphere_illustration_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free troposphere</a>, serves as an open highway for a myriad of microbes.</p>



<p>This natural phenomenon has serious implications for global health and requires urgent attention, as climate change and human activities such as deforestation are amplifying its impact.</p>



<p>This interesting study is the result of a fusion between microbiology and Earth system dynamics. It highlights the critical role of the intertropical convergence zone in this microbial traffic.</p>



<p>This zone, stretching both above and below the equator, is characterized by powerful warm air updrafts and the convergence of winds from both the northern and southern hemispheres.</p>



<h2 id="h-deadly-microbes-hitching-a-ride">Deadly microbes hitching a ride</h2>



<p>The mechanism at play is quite fascinating. Intense rising winds within this region draw up vast amounts of aerosolized particles, predominantly marine, fire, and desert dust. These particles act as a vehicle for microorganisms that latch onto them and ascend into the free troposphere.</p>



<p>Due to their inherent characteristics and adaptive mechanisms, these microbes can travel thousands of kilometers, scattering across the globe. Their journey is facilitated by constant and long-range air currents that convene in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highly-reactive-chemicals-discovered-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upper air layers</a> and the substantial particle injection that occurs in the intertropical zone.</p>



<p>Climate change and human intervention, such as deforestation and the drying of large wetlands, are exacerbating this phenomenon. Increasing arid areas and desertification result in more dust and, consequently, a rise in airborne microorganisms, including pathogens.</p>



<p>Climate change is also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-is-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altering global air currents</a>. This allows microbes to reach places they previously could not, hence affecting the dynamics of ecosystems worldwide.</p>



<p>The study also offers insights into the type of microorganisms that hitch a ride on these atmospheric particles. These microbes must be able to attach and ascend, as well as endure the harsh conditions of the upper atmosphere.</p>



<h2>What types of microbes use this sky highway?</h2>



<p>DNA analysis reveals that while most are harmless, and some even beneficial for ecosystem dynamics, others are harmful.</p>



<p>Among the most detected harmful microorganisms are those that damage plants, followed by those that afflict fish, amphibians, and other animals. Last but not least, some can cause human diseases.</p>



<p>Allergens and antibiotic-resistant microbes have also been found among these atmospheric travelers, stressing the need for a global and systemic approach to mitigate the spread of diseases and preserve ecosystem health.</p>



<p>The lead author of the article, researcher Emilio O. Casamayor from the <a href="https://www.csic.es/en/investigation/institutes-centres-units/centre-advanced-studies-blanes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blanes Centre for Advanced Studies (CEAB-CSIC)</a>, underscores the necessity for a global approach in his statement:</p>



<p>"Situations that are occurring in remote places have effects in any corner of the planet. Especially these areas in the south of the Sahara, which are judged to be of little floristic and faunal interest, should be taken care of, for the common good, because they are areas of high aerosol emission that have effects on different ecosystems that are far away”.</p>



<h2>Three step process used by the research team</h2>



<p>The research involved a three-step process. First, scientists collected microorganism samples from the upper layers of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-uncover-new-way-that-earth-cleans-its-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a> over seven years. </p>



<p>Next, they analyzed the DNA of the deadly microbes. Finally, they examined data provided by NASA satellites on the movement of large air masses and aerosols.</p>



<p>All the gathered data was then processed through biocomputation. This is a cutting-edge technological process that allows scientists to identify patterns and draw the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0958166923000551?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study's conclusions</a>.</p>



<p>The AEROSMIC project, funded by the State Research Agency (AEI) and the long-term ecological monitoring network (LTER), supported this study. The project synergizes various disciplines, such as microbiology, physics, and meteorology, aiming to deepen our understanding of the long-range dispersal mechanisms of microorganisms.</p>



<h2>More about the troposphere</h2>



<p>The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere and contains approximately 75-80% of the atmosphere's mass and 99% of its water vapor. It extends from the Earth's surface to an altitude of about 8 to 15 kilometers, although this height varies with latitude and season. In general, the troposphere is higher at the equator and lower at the poles.</p>



<p>The word "troposphere" is derived from the Greek word "tropos," meaning "turning" or "change." This is apt, as it reflects the fact that this layer of the atmosphere is a dynamic and active region, experiencing a lot of turbulent mixing and weather phenomena.</p>



<p>The weather conditions we experience daily occur in the troposphere. This includes the movement of air masses, the formation and dissipation of clouds, and various weather events such as rain, snow, storms, and tornadoes. This layer is also where the majority of the Earth's biological life is found.</p>



<h3>Conditions in the troposphere</h3>



<p>Temperature in the troposphere decreases with altitude, with the warmest temperatures found at ground level and cooling as you ascend. This trend is due to the heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun, which in turn warms the air close to the surface. </p>



<p>This decrease in temperature with height is known as the environmental lapse rate, which averages about 6.5°C per kilometer (about 3.6°F per 1,000 feet) of altitude.</p>



<p>The troposphere is bounded above by the tropopause, a boundary marked by the cessation of decreasing temperature with increasing height. Above the tropopause lies the stratosphere, the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere.</p>



<p>While the troposphere is generally a well-mixed region due to turbulent air currents, it can still harbor pollution, such as smog near the ground. Also, as we learned above, it transports deadly microbes around the world.</p>



<p>Also, it is within the troposphere that we see the effects of climate change, including global warming, which is driven by the increased concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.</p>



<p>Conclusively, while it's the thinnest of all the atmospheric layers, the troposphere is vitally important to life on Earth. It's where weather happens, where planes fly, and it provides the air we breathe. Understanding it is key to understanding many aspects of Earth's climate system.</p>

How do deadly microbes travel around the world so quickly?

A new study titled "Understanding atmospheric intercontinental dispersal of harmful...

<p>In a world gripped by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underground-climate-change-silent-hazard-is-destroying-our-buildings-from-beneath/">climate change</a>, one of the most vivid illustrations of its devastating impact has been the widespread bleaching of coral reefs.&nbsp;With oceans warming at an unprecedented pace, the delicate symbiotic relationship between corals and their resident algae is disrupted, which often leads to mortality.</p>



<p>These tragic events have led scientists to assume a tradeoff scenario - for corals to withstand warmer waters, they might need to ally with more heat-tolerant algal symbionts, but at the cost of their own growth and vitality.</p>



<h2 id="h-new-hope-for-corals">New hope for corals</h2>



<p>Contradicting this widely held belief, a breakthrough study from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/">Penn State</a> offers a glimmer of hope. The research suggests that certain corals can, in fact, weather the storm of climate change without significant metabolic cost. The results challenge the established notion of an unavoidable tradeoff.</p>



<p>"Contrary to the widespread perception that reef-building corals with heat-resistant algal partners suffer from stunted growth, our research shows these heat-adapted symbioses can better withstand severe marine heatwaves. As a result, they might become more prevalent in future reef ecosystems," said Professor Todd LaJeunesse.</p>



<p>Coral reefs, as Professor LaJeunesse explained, are built by colonies of tiny, individual polyps akin to sea anemones. The tissues of these polyps house numerous photosynthetic algae, or "dinoflagellates," in a symbiotic relationship.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the ability of these dinoflagellates to tolerate high temperatures varies widely, and when the ocean becomes excessively warm, many symbiont species die, leading to the collapse of their coral hosts.</p>



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



<p>The team's investigation began with the first documented instance of a variance in coral mortality based on the species of their resident symbionts. This occurred in the Eastern Pacific Ocean following the 1997-1998 El Niño Southern Oscillation event, during which water temperatures soared 2-4°C above the historical average.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Corals playing host to the symbiont Durusdinium glynnii survived the thermal upheaval, while those with Cladocopium latusorum symbionts perished.</p>



<p>The durability of D. glynnii under high heat conditions prompted the question of whether their presence incurred a metabolic cost to the corals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Past studies suggested that thermal tolerance comes with reduced nutrient transfer from symbiont to host, triggering negative physiological tradeoffs such as diminished growth and reproductive success," said study co-author Professor Mark Warner of the University of Delaware.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our aim was to determine whether a similar tradeoff existed within these corals and how it might affect the future of coral reef ecosystems."</p>



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



<p>To answer these questions, the research team, led by Kira Turnham, compared the growth and reproduction of Pocillopora corals hosting both D. glynnii, the heat-tolerant symbiont, and the more temperature-sensitive C. latusorum symbiont. They are prevalent throughout the Indian and Pacific oceans, representing co-evolved and ecologically successful symbiotic relationships.</p>



<p>The scientists monitored several metrics, including skeletal growth, total mass increase, and calcification rates, to measure the coral's growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team also assessed reproductive output and response to thermal stress to gauge the performance of these symbiotic pairings.</p>



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



<p>"Our findings suggest that the association with D. glynnii doesn't lead to noticeable tradeoffs," said Turnham. "This pairing grows and reproduces just as efficiently as the more temperature-sensitive relationships."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, the variance in performance between the two symbioses was only visible during experimental heating, underscoring the higher thermal tolerance of D. glynnii and its ability to confer heat resilience to the host corals.</p>



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



<p>Even as coral reefs face an uncertain future under climate change, this study provides a valuable perspective on the resilience of these ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research emphasizes the need to delve deeper into the symbiotic dynamics between corals and their algal partners, the understanding of which could potentially help predict the survival trajectory of these magnificent underwater cities.</p>



<p>"This study sheds light on the incredible biology of coral symbioses," concluded Turnham. "By exploring their co-evolutionary history and employing advanced symbiont species recognition, we can make more nuanced predictions about the persistence of corals in an era of escalating climate change."</p>



<p>The results are published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/journal/rspb"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Coral symbiosis, an intriguing biological relationship, is a crucial element in the formation and sustainability of coral reefs. This symbiotic relationship primarily occurs between coral polyps, the animals that build coral reefs, and microscopic algae known as zooxanthellae, a type of dinoflagellate.</p>



<p>In a mutualistic symbiosis, both organisms benefit from their partnership. Here's how it works:</p>



<p>Coral polyps provide a protected environment and compounds required by the algae for photosynthesis.</p>



<p>Zooxanthellae, in turn, produce oxygen, help remove wastes, and supply the coral polyps with organic products of photosynthesis. These compounds, including glucose, glycerol, and amino acids, are used by the coral for energy, growth, and reproduction.</p>



<p>Moreover, it's the photosynthetic pigments in the zooxanthellae that give coral their striking array of colors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When corals are subjected to environmental stress, such as unusually high water temperatures, they may expel their symbiotic algae. This phenomenon results in coral bleaching, where the corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white. If the stress persists and the symbiosis isn't reestablished, the coral can die, having lost a significant source of its food.</p>



<p>Coral-algal symbiosis is a very complex interaction and can vary among coral and algal species. Some symbionts are more heat-tolerant and enable the coral to withstand higher temperatures, which can be a significant advantage in a warming ocean due to climate change.</p>



<p>The research into different types of symbioses is ongoing and scientists are particularly interested in the potential resilience some symbiotic combinations could offer in the face of environmental change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ability of corals to switch symbionts, known as symbiont shuffling, could potentially provide a mechanism for corals to adapt to changing conditions, although our understanding of this process is still limited.</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>

Symbiosis will help some corals survive in a warming world

In a world gripped by climate change, one of the...

High,Detailed,Fiction,Red,Surface,Planet,With,Atmosphere,Near,Moon

<p>Forget everything you thought you knew about how life evolved on Earth. New research is challenging the longstanding belief that an uptick in oxygen levels during the Avalon explosion fueled the emergence of complex life hundreds of millions of years ago.</p>



<p>Between 685 and 800 million years ago, our planet underwent a significant shift in its biological inhabitants. </p>



<p>During <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-been-kickstarted-by-a-stormy-and-active-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this period</a>, known as the Avalon explosion, our oceans, previously dominated by single-celled organisms like amoebas, algae, and bacteria, began to teem with more intricate multicellular life forms. </p>



<p>These included unusual sea sponges and relatives of modern mollusks. This transformative era was a prequel to the more renowned Cambrian explosion.</p>



<p>For nearly seven decades, scientists attributed this evolutionary leap to increased oxygen levels in the oceans. But a <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gbi.12557" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent study</a> led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>, in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/who-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute</a>, the <a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a>, and <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lund University</a>, is upending this theory.</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-early-oxygen-levels-on-earth">Studying early oxygen levels on Earth</h2>



<p>The research team examined the chemical makeup of ancient rock samples hailing from a mountain range in Oman, using these relics as a kind of time capsule to gauge oceanic oxygen levels dating back to the Avalon explosion.</p>



<p>In a stunning revelation, the data showed that oxygen levels at the time of the biological shift were actually 5-10 times lower than they are today. To put that in perspective, it's equivalent to the oxygen concentrations found at twice the height of Mount Everest.</p>



<p>Associate Professor Christian J. Bjerrum has dedicated two decades to studying the conditions that surrounded the origin of life. She was quoted as saying: </p>



<p>"Our measurements provide a good picture of what average oxygen concentrations were in the world's oceans at the time. And it's apparent to us that there was no major increase in the amount of oxygen when more advanced fauna began to evolve and dominate Earth. In fact, there was somewhat of a slight decrease."</p>



<h2>Turning common knowledge upside down</h2>



<p>This fascinating discovery rewrites a 70-year narrative that positioned higher oxygen concentrations as a crucial factor in the development of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more advanced life forms</a>. </p>



<p>Bjerrum stated, "The fact that we now know, with a high degree of certainty, that oxygen didn't control the development of life on Earth provides us with an entirely new story about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form-inside-of-water-droplets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how life arose</a> and what factors controlled this success."</p>



<p>This shift in understanding may require reevaluating our foundational teachings and updating educational textbooks. Additionally, it opens new areas of exploration and encourages scientists worldwide to reinterpret their data and previous findings.</p>



<p>Bjerrum hopes this will stimulate research worldwide. "There are many research sections around the world, including in the United States and China, that have done lots of research on this topic, whose earlier results may shed important new details if interpreted on the basis that oxygen didn’t drive the development of life," he said.</p>



<h2>If it wasn't oxygen levels, what was it?</h2>



<p>This begs the question: if not oxygen, then what caused the proliferation of complex life during the Avalon explosion? Perhaps the answer lies not in an abundance of oxygen but rather its scarcity. According to Bjerrum, it's possible that these early organisms benefited from the low oxygen levels, as the water chemistry would naturally protect their stem cells.</p>



<p>This hypothesis draws parallels to modern-day cancer research and the study of human and animal stem cells. "We know that animals and humans must be able to maintain low concentrations of oxygen in order to control their stem cells, and in so doing, develop slowly and sustainably. With too much oxygen, the cells will develop, and in the worst case, mutate wildly and perish. It is far from inconceivable that this mechanism applied back then," Bjerrum concluded.</p>



<p>The researchers' findings were corroborated by fossil evidence from three different mountain ranges across the globe: the Oman Mountains in Oman, the Mackenzie Mountains in northwest Canada, and the Yangtze Gorges area of South China. The team employed Thallium and Uranium isotopes found in these ancient mountains to calculate oxygen levels from the time of the Avalon explosion.</p>



<p>As we delve deeper into our planet's distant past, we continue to refine and reshape our understanding of life's fascinating journey on Earth.</p>



<h2>More about primordial Earth and early oxygen levels</h2>



<p>Primordial Earth, or the early Earth, refers to the period of our planet's history that stretches from its formation about 4.54 billion years ago to the beginning of the Cambrian Period, around 541 million years ago. </p>



<p>This vast expanse of time, known as the Precambrian eon, is subdivided into the Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic eons.</p>



<h3>Hadean Eon (4.6 - 4.0 billion years ago)</h3>



<p>The Earth began to form in the Hadean eon, around 4.54 billion years ago, in the dust and gas disk (protoplanetary disk) surrounding the young Sun. The process involved collisions and coalescence of cosmic debris, eventually forming the Earth.</p>



<p>During the Hadean eon, the young planet was extremely volatile and inhospitable. It was likely covered in molten rock due to the constant bombardment from other celestial bodies and intense heat from radioactive decay. This period saw the formation of the Earth's initial crust and the earliest oceans (of magma).</p>



<p>The Moon was also formed during this period, likely as a result of a massive collision between Earth and a Mars-sized object, often referred to as Theia.</p>



<h3>Archean Eon (4.0 - 2.5 billion years ago)</h3>



<p>The Archean eon is characterized by the formation of the Earth's continental crust. The molten surface cooled down to form a solid crust, and water started to condense and form the first oceans. Life began to appear during this period.</p>



<p>The atmosphere of the Archean Earth was vastly different from what we have today. It was mainly composed of methane, ammonia, water vapor, and carbon dioxide, with very little to no free oxygen.</p>



<p>Around 3.5 billion years ago, simple life forms, such as prokaryotes (cells without a nucleus) began to appear. This includes cyanobacteria, formerly known as blue-green algae. These organisms were significant as they used sunlight to make food—a process known as photosynthesis—and started producing oxygen as a waste product.</p>



<h3>Proterozoic Eon (2.5 billion - 541 million years ago)</h3>



<p>Until this recent study, it was widely believed that the Proterozoic eon saw a dramatic increase in oxygen levels in Earth's atmosphere. This event was known as the Great Oxygenation Event. This happened due to the continuous oxygen production by cyanobacteria.</p>



<p>Oxygen levels were believed to have played a critical role in shaping life on Earth. It led to the formation of the ozone layer, which shields the planet's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation, allowing life forms to inhabit land. It also allowed for more complex, multicellular organisms to evolve.</p>



<p>This era also witnessed the formation of supercontinents, which later broke apart and began to resemble the modern configuration of our continents.</p>



<p>Towards the end of the Proterozoic eon, around 800 million to 600 million years ago, Earth experienced extreme glaciation events known as "Snowball Earth," where the entire planet was possibly engulfed in ice.</p>



<h3>Emergence of complex life during the Avalon explosion</h3>



<p>The Precambrian eon ended with the start of the Cambrian Period, marked by the "Cambrian Explosion" of life. This period, starting around 541 million years ago, saw a rapid increase in the complexity of life forms and the emergence of most of the major groups of animals that we know today.</p>



<p>Despite covering nearly 90% of Earth's history, the Precambrian era is less understood than the periods that follow it. This is largely because the geological record from that time has been heavily metamorphosed, and fossils from that era are scarce. However, what we do know paints a fascinating picture of a world that was vastly different from the Earth we inhabit today.</p>



<h2>More about the Avalon explosion</h2>



<p>The Avalon explosion, which took place approximately 575 to 565 million years ago, is notable for the emergence of a wide range of large, complex organisms, collectively known as the Ediacaran biota. </p>



<p>These life forms were incredibly diverse, differing significantly from the life forms that exist today, and they do not fit neatly into our current categories of animals, plants, or fungi.</p>



<h3>Dickinsonia</h3>



<p>One of the most famous life forms from the Ediacaran Period is Dickinsonia. These were oval-shaped organisms that could reach up to a meter in length. They appeared to have segments or units running longitudinally down their bodies. Whether Dickinsonia was an animal, a type of fungus, or a completely separate group of life forms is still a topic of debate among scientists.</p>



<h3>Charnia</h3>



<p>Charnia is another iconic Ediacaran life form. It had a frond-like appearance, with branches coming off a central stem. This creature was anchored to the sea floor and likely absorbed nutrients directly from the water around it. Like Dickinsonia, the exact classification of Charnia is uncertain.</p>



<h3>Spriggina</h3>



<p>Spriggina was a small, bilaterally symmetrical organism that may have been an early arthropod. It had a segmented body, and it is speculated that it might have been one of the first predators.</p>



<h3>Fractal organisms</h3>



<p>There were also many Ediacaran organisms that showed a fractal pattern in their body structure, meaning they had repeated patterns at different scales. These include rangeomorphs, such as Charniodiscus and Rangea, and erniettomorphs, such as Ernietta.</p>



<h3>Other Ediacaran organisms</h3>



<p>Many other organisms from this period are difficult to categorize. Some, like Tribrachidium, were radially symmetrical with three arms, while others, like Kimberella, show possible similarities to modern mollusks.</p>



<p>Most Ediacaran life forms were soft-bodied, which makes their preservation in the fossil record quite remarkable. The exact relationships of these organisms to modern groups are still uncertain. </p>



<p>Research into these enigmatic life forms continues. They represent an important phase in the evolution of life on Earth, filling the seas with diverse, multicellular organisms for the first time in Earth's history.</p>

Rewrite the textbooks: Life on Earth did not arise due to increased oxygen levels

Forget everything you thought you knew about how life evolved...

Aerial,Top,View,Green,Forest,With,Earth,,Green,Planet,In

<p>In a pivotal collaboration, CABI joined forces with a global team of researchers from 57 different institutions to examine the urgent necessity of safeguarding Earth's forests. Their study emphasizes the critical need to shield these natural sanctuaries from non-native pests, particularly in the context of ongoing climate change.</p>



<p>Leading the study was Dr. Iva Franić, at the time a PhD student working under the guidance of CABI's Dr. René Eschen. The research, published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-36795-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Scientific Reports</a>, voices a pressing need to curb tree pests and bolster the resilience of forest ecosystems amid the surge of rising temperatures.</p>



<p>Contributing to this significant study were CABI's own Dr. Marc Kenis and Dr. Hongmei Li. The scientists advocated for the understanding of the complex interplay between climate, host species, and geography. This understanding, they argue, is key to crafting strategies for preserving the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-around-the-world-are-turning-brown-during-summer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's forests</a> and the priceless benefits they offer.</p>



<h2>How the researchers studied Earth's forests</h2>



<p>The study's methodology involved an exhaustive survey of insects and fungi linked with dormant twigs of 155 tree species. The data was collected from 51 botanical gardens or arboreta in 32 countries, spanning six continents. The researchers were keen to identify the key factors influencing the differences within tree-associated communities.</p>



<p>Upon examination of the results, it became apparent that mean annual temperature, phylogenetic distance between hosts, and geographic distance between locations were primary factors in the observed dissimilarities. </p>



<p>Worryingly, the findings suggest that rising temperatures due to climate change could directly and indirectly affect tree-associated organisms by causing shifts in host ranges.</p>



<p>The researchers noted that insect and fungal communities displayed a higher degree of similarity when associated with closely related host species. This implies that shifts in host range could pave the way for the emergence of new pests. </p>



<p>They also found that variations among tree-associated communities increased with geographic distance, a clear sign that human-facilitated transport could aid the introduction of new pests into a forest.</p>



<h2>What they learned about non-native pests</h2>



<p>Dr. Franić, now part of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research WSL, explained the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-forests-are-more-resilient-and-productive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact of climate</a> on the findings. </p>



<p>She stated, "The study's findings demonstrated that climatic factors played a crucial role in shaping the composition of fungi, particularly saprotrophic and plant pathogenic fungi, as well as herbivorous insects associated with trees."</p>



<p>She further emphasized the influence of host-related factors, like phylogenetic distance and wood density, in defining these communities. The study found that closely related host species shared more species of insects and fungi, hinting at a co-evolutionary relationship.</p>



<p>Geographic factors also had a pronounced effect. The research revealed a distinct geographic structure within continents for both plant pathogenic fungi and herbivorous insects, indicative of limited dispersal between locations. However, the movement of plant material across continents could facilitate the introduction of new pests and pathogens.</p>



<p>Commenting on the research findings, Dr. Eschen said, “The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of tree-associated communities and emphasize the importance of proactive measures to safeguard forest health in the face of environmental challenges."</p>



<p>He went on to highlight that as climate change and global trade continually reshape our world, understanding and predicting these changes is crucial for the long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/northern-forests-are-being-transformed-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainability of our forests</a>.</p>



<p>In conclusion, the researchers stressed that ensuring the environmental and societal benefits derived from trees heavily depends on curtailing the establishment of new forest pests and improving the resilience of trees and forest ecosystems to climate change.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-non-native-pests">More about non-native pests</h2>



<p>Non-native pests, also known as invasive species, are organisms that are not indigenous to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Non-native pests can include plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.</p>



<p>Invasive species typically have several common characteristics:</p>



<h3>Fast reproduction and growth</h3>



<p>Non-native pests often reproduce and spread rapidly in environments where they have no natural predators or competitors. This allows them to establish themselves and displace native species quickly.</p>



<h3>Aggressiveness</h3>



<p>Non-native pests can be very aggressive, outcompeting native species for resources like food and habitat.</p>



<h3>Adaptability</h3>



<p>These pests often have high adaptability, meaning they can thrive in a variety of environmental conditions. This makes them particularly hard to control once they're established in a new area.</p>



<p>Resistance to local pests and diseases: In their new environment, invasive species are often resistant to local pests and diseases that would normally help control their populations.</p>



<p>When it comes to impacts, non-native pests can cause extensive damage. They can out-compete native species for resources, alter habitats, disrupt ecosystems, and even drive native species to extinction. </p>



<p>Economically, they can cause significant damage to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. For instance, invasive insects and plant diseases can destroy crops, while invasive aquatic species can disrupt fisheries.</p>



<p>Non-native pests can also pose a risk to human health. For instance, they can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans or livestock.</p>



<h3>Managing and protecting Earth's forests</h3>



<p>Managing non-native pests is often a challenging task, as complete eradication is rarely possible once a pest has become established. However, various control strategies can help manage their populations and mitigate the damage they cause. </p>



<p>These strategies include mechanical methods (such as physical removal), chemical methods (such as pesticides), and biological control (where other organisms, like insects, birds, or diseases, are used to control the invasive species).</p>



<p>Prevention is generally the most effective method of managing non-native pests. This includes measures like inspecting imported goods, controlling the movement of potentially infested materials, and public education about the risks and impacts of invasive species.</p>



<p>Efforts to manage non-native pests are ongoing globally. This involves collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and local communities.</p>



<p>The specifics of these efforts can vary depending on the pest and the environment it has invaded. For the most current information, it's best to consult relevant governmental or scientific sources.</p>

Urgent need to protect Earth’s forests from non-native pests

In a pivotal collaboration, CABI joined forces with a global...

Wooden,Bench,Facing,The,Beach,,Costa,Do,Sauipe,,Bahia,,Brazil.

<p>Climate change is striking with a vengeance along the Brazilian coastline, particularly in the South and Southeast regions, resulting in extreme temperature events. </p>



<p>The escalating severity of surface air temperatures and erratic switches from blistering heat to chilling cold are tangible evidence of this shift, as detailed in a recent study published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-32722-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Scientific Reports</a>.</p>



<p>A marked upswing in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-countries-most-at-risk-from-extreme-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature extremes and heatwaves</a> (defined as multiple consecutive days of intense heat) over the past 40 years is distinctly evident along the coasts of Espírito Santo, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo states. The uptick in these meteorological occurrences has skyrocketed by 188%, 100%, and 84% respectively across these states.</p>



<p>The coastal region of Espírito Santo has weathered temperature extremes, with the highest temperature soaring to 37.2°C in March 2013 from a more comfortable 28.6°C in July 1987. Meanwhile, the coldest temperature dipped from 20.7°C in January 2016, a stark contrast to the more moderate 11.2°C in June 1993.</p>



<p>Moreover, temperatures surpassing a scorching 35°C were recorded eight times in Espírito Santo until 1999, but that number has more than doubled to 19 times in the past decade. The coastline of Rio Grande do Sul exhibits a unique trend; the daytime temperatures are showing a warming trend as the lower limits are less severe.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-scientists-studied-the-extreme-temperature-events">How scientists studied the extreme temperature events</h2>



<p>Scientists from the Institute of Marine Sciences at the Federal University of São Paulo (IMAR-UNIFESP) conducted this comprehensive study, analyzing temperature extremes of various intensities and frequencies along the Brazilian coast.</p>



<p>"The dataset and method used here seem to be a reliable approach for studies of climate extremes, with clear indicators of intensity, frequency, and duration,” the scientists noted in their conclusions. The methodology used could also be implemented in studying other regions of the globe, they add.</p>



<p>"The Southeast and South are already experiencing temperatures that could affect both biodiversity and the economy. The coast of Espírito Santo was the most affected out of the five regions analyzed because it was the only one where the frequency of both extreme cold events and heatwaves increased,” said <a href="https://bv.fapesp.br/en/pesquisador/84163/fabio-henrique-carretero-sanches" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fábio Henrique Carretero Sanches</a>, the study’s lead author, who received postdoctoral scholarship support from <a href="https://bv.fapesp.br/en/auxilios/97626" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAPESP</a>.</p>



<h2>Impact of extreme temperatures on biodiversity</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-are-increasingly-threatened-by-heatwaves-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on biodiversity</a> is profound. With extreme temperatures comes physiological alterations and behavioral changes in various species, leading to increased mortality rates among both terrestrial and aquatic animals.</p>



<p>For Ronaldo Christofoletti, a fellow researcher at IMAR-UNIFESP and the article's final author, these findings hold significant implications for public health.</p>



<p>“Extremes of heat and cold affect society in several ways, from thermal discomfort to forest fires, diseases, and deaths among animals, plants, and humans, especially older people and people in situations of vulnerability,” he warned. Christofoletti’s research was also supported by FAPESP.</p>



<p>The broader implications of these findings are alarming. According to a UNICEF report, heatwaves currently expose around 559 million children globally. If the global average temperature climbs by 1.7°C compared with pre-industrial times, this number could swell to an astronomical 1.6 billion by 2050.</p>



<p>Furthermore, heatwaves were responsible for at least 15,000 deaths in Europe just last year, with Spain and Germany being hit hardest, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).</p>



<p>"The changes in patterns of extreme weather on the coast are an important warning sign of Brazil's overall climate vulnerability. Our study confirmed that the climate emergency isn't futurology but part of a reality we have to deal with by combating its causes with concrete actions to mitigate its impacts and effective public policies for adaptation,” said Ana Toni, national secretary for climate change at the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, in a statement relayed through her press office.</p>



<p>A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued in March affirmed that human activities have categorically escalated greenhouse gas emissions to unprecedented levels.</p>



<p>Humans are quickly driving global temperatures 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels before 2030. This warming leads to worldwide alterations, including rising sea levels and severe weather, causing extensive harm to life, livelihoods, and natural ecosystems.</p>



<h2>Study used 40 years of hourly data</h2>



<p>This extensive research utilized mathematical models and data spanning four decades of hourly surface air temperatures, recorded daily across five coastal areas - São Luís (Maranhão), Natal (Rio Grande do Norte), São Mateus (Espírito Santo), Iguape (São Paulo), and Rio Grande (Rio Grande do Sul).</p>



<p>The scientists took into account regional and seasonal differences when defining extreme temperatures for each area and month. Notably, no changes in patterns of temperature extremes were discovered for São Luís and Natal (both in Northeast Brazil) throughout the year.</p>



<p>"Climate change studies require historical data and continuous monitoring data. To understand the current pattern of extreme events and project future scenarios that contribute to coastal resilience plans, we must urgently increase the number of weather stations on the Brazilian coast,” Sanches emphasized.</p>



<p>This call to action underscores the urgency and scale of the climate crisis we're currently grappling with and the importance of continuously monitoring and understanding this global issue.</p>



<h2>More about extreme temperature events</h2>



<p>Extreme temperature events refer to periods of exceptionally hot or cold weather. They are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change and pose significant risks to human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. </p>



<p>Here is everything you need to know about these events:</p>



<h3>Definition</h3>



<p>An extreme temperature event, depending on the context, can refer to an unusually hot or cold period relative to the local climate and time of year. It includes heatwaves (extremely hot weather over a period), cold snaps (sudden drops in temperature), and instances of unseasonal warmth or chill.</p>



<h3>Causes</h3>



<p>Extreme temperature events can be caused by various factors, including atmospheric pressure systems, ocean currents, and broader climatic patterns. They can also be influenced by local factors such as topography and urban heat islands. Human-driven climate change is making these events more frequent and intense.</p>



<h3>Impact on human health</h3>



<p>Heatwaves can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and exacerbate existing health conditions, particularly in vulnerable populations, like older people and those with chronic illnesses. Cold snaps can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, and also worsen existing conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.</p>



<h3>Environmental impacts</h3>



<p>Extreme heat can lead to drought, wildfires, and heat stress in plants and animals, while extreme cold can cause freeze-thaw damage to plants and stress to wildlife not adapted for such conditions. These events can significantly disrupt ecosystems and lead to loss of biodiversity.</p>



<h3>Economic impact</h3>



<p>Extreme temperature events can lead to economic losses due to factors such as crop failure, reduced labor productivity, increased energy demand, and health costs. They can also damage infrastructure, from roads buckling in heat to pipes freezing in cold.</p>



<h3>Mitigation and adaptation</h3>



<p>Communities can mitigate the impact of extreme temperature events through early warning systems, public health interventions, infrastructure adaptation, and community preparedness. Climate change mitigation, to prevent further increases in extreme temperature events, is also crucial.</p>



<h3>Climate change and extreme temperature events</h3>



<p>Climate change is making extreme temperature events more common and severe. Rising global temperatures increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, while changes in atmospheric circulation patterns can lead to more frequent and intense cold snaps in certain regions.</p>



<h3>Historical events</h3>



<p>There have been many notable extreme temperature events throughout history. For instance, the European heatwave of 2003 caused over 70,000 deaths. The 2010 heatwave in Russia led to widespread wildfires and approximately 50,000 deaths. The US "Polar Vortex" of 2019 saw temperatures drop as low as -40°F (-40°C) in the Midwest.</p>



<h3>Future projections</h3>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)</a>, extreme temperature events will become more frequent and severe in the future due to ongoing global warming. This will increase the risk to human health, agriculture, and ecosystems, and make adaptation efforts increasingly important.</p>



<p>In summary, extreme temperature events are a major aspect of climate change and pose significant challenges for society and ecosystems. Monitoring, understanding, and preparing for these events is crucial for human health and the environment.</p>

Brazilian coast has warmed significantly and experiences many extreme temperature events

Climate change is striking with a vengeance along the Brazilian...

<p>In an extraordinary leap forward in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), scientists have innovated a new method to discern and authenticate potential radio signals from other civilizations in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-a-galaxy-12-billion-light-years-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a>. </p>



<p>This significant breakthrough could drastically improve our ability to validate future detections of extraterrestrial life.</p>



<h2 id="h-radio-interference">Radio interference&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As of now, SETI searches primarily employ Earth-based radio telescopes, but these are susceptible to a myriad of ground and satellite radio interferences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>From Starlink satellites to everyday domestic appliances such as cellphones and microwaves, to larger machinery like car engines, all can generate a radio blip which bears resemblance to the signature of an extraterrestrial civilization.&nbsp;</p>



<p>False positives of this nature have led to countless disappointments since the inauguration of the first dedicated SETI program in 1960.</p>



<p>To confirm these signals, the existing practice involves shifting the telescope's gaze to a different part of the sky and then returning multiple times to the original location of the signal detection. However, even this method does not entirely exclude the possibility of the signal being an unusual terrestrial occurrence.</p>



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



<p>Now, researchers at the Breakthrough Listen project at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/">University of California, Berkeley</a> have developed a revolutionary technique. This method aims to determine whether the signal has truly traversed through interstellar space. This action eliminates any chance of Earth-based radio interference.</p>



<p>Breakthrough Listen holds the reputation for being the most comprehensive SETI search. The project extensively surveying the northern and southern skies for technosignatures. </p>



<p>It also targets thousands of individual stars situated in the Milky Way galaxy's plane, the most plausible direction from which a civilization would transmit a signal, with a particular emphasis on the galaxy's center.</p>



<p>Andrew Siemion, principal investigator for Breakthrough Listen and director of the Berkeley SETI Research Center (BSRC), lauded the advancement, saying, "I think it's one of the biggest advances in radio SETI in a long time."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-the-wow-signal">The Wow! signal</h2>



<p>Siemion highlighted that this is the first technique capable of differentiating a single signal from radio frequency interference, a considerable feat, especially considering one-off signals like the famous Wow! signal.</p>



<p>The Wow! signal refers to a 72-second narrowband signal discovered in 1977 by an Ohio radio telescope, which appeared to differ significantly from any signal produced by normal astrophysical processes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So baffled by the discovery, the astronomer scribbled "Wow!" in red ink on the data printout. Despite intense scrutiny, observers have not detected the elusive signal since.</p>



<p>"The first ET detection may very well be a one-off, where we only see one signal," said Siemion. He noted that without repetition, it's challenging to draw any conclusions about a signal, with radio frequency interference being the most plausible explanation for such occurrences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Having this new technique and the instrumentation capable of recording data at sufficient fidelity such that you could see the effect of the interstellar medium, or ISM, is incredibly powerful."</p>



<p>The research has been detailed in a study published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X"><em>The Astrophysical Journal</em></a>, authored by UC Berkeley graduate student Bryan Brzycki, Siemion, Brzycki's thesis adviser Imke de Pater, UC Berkeley professor emeritus of astronomy, and colleagues at Cornell University and the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California.</p>



<h2 id="h-genuine-et-signals">Genuine ET signals</h2>



<p>The team discovered that genuine signals from extraterrestrial civilizations should demonstrate attributes influenced by the ISM, which could help discriminate between Earth-based and space-based radio signals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The basis of this understanding comes from prior research describing how the ISM's cold plasma, composed primarily of free electrons, affects signals from radio sources like pulsars.</p>



<p>Narrowband radio signals tend to rise and fall in amplitude over time — a phenomenon known as scintillation — due to refraction, or bending, caused by the intervening cold plasma. When these radio waves finally reach Earth via different paths, the waves interfere both positively and negatively.</p>



<h2 id="h-new-computer-algorithm">New computer algorithm</h2>



<p>Brzycki developed a computer algorithm that can analyze this scintillation and detect signals that dim and brighten over periods shorter than a minute, an indicator that they have passed through the ISM.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This implies that we could use a suitably tuned pipeline to unambiguously identify artificial emission from distant sources vis-a-vis terrestrial interference," said Imke de Pater.</p>



<p>However, the technique is not without limitations. It will be useful only for signals that originate more than about 10,000 light years from Earth, as a signal must traverse through enough of the ISM to exhibit detectable scintillation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Any signal originating nearby would not exhibit this effect. Despite this, the development provides a robust new tool in our ongoing quest for contact with extraterrestrial life.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Finding ET: New technique will narrow the search

In an extraordinary leap forward in the search for extraterrestrial...

<p>Coral reefs, known as the rainforests of the sea, play a pivotal role in the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/">ecosystems</a>. The elkhorn coral, a species of branching coral that has dramatically declined over the last few decades due to numerous environmental challenges, has found a surprising lifeline in the waters of Florida.</p>



<p>A groundbreaking study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">The Ohio State University</a> reveals the key ingredients for restoring the critically endangered elkhorn coral. The revival of this particular coral depends heavily on its location, the surrounding environmental conditions, and the intricacies of its microbiome.</p>



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



<p>The researchers discovered a beacon of hope for the elkhorn coral in Florida’s Dry Tortugas National Park. This area's unique oceanographic conditions have resulted in an environment where corals can prosper.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings showed a direct correlation between these conditions and the growth and survival of elkhorn coral, including an observable positive impact on the coral's microbiome – the diverse array of microbes that naturally associate with them.</p>



<p>Speaking about the study, senior author Professor Andréa Grottoli explained that elkhorn coral is now "functionally extinct" in Florida, despite being once a major architect of the reef ecosystem in the Caribbean.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Professor Grottoli explained that the coral is highly sensitive and has suffered from environmental stressors such as marine disease and climate change, resulting in drastic population decline. Even though there are still some colonies, "there aren’t enough of them to effectively reproduce,” she said.</p>



<p>The survival and revival of the coral population is of utmost importance, particularly for regions like the Florida Keys. Coral reefs in this region provide protection against coastal erosion and significantly contribute to the local economy through tourism and federally managed fisheries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The decline of such an integral species can be a major blow to the ecosystem and economic stability, hence necessitating the study to determine the best strategies for its restoration.</p>



<h2 id="h-previous-research">Previous research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In 2018, the researchers collaborated with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and placed replicated elkhorn colonies in five different locations along Florida’s offshore coral reef.&nbsp;</p>



<p>After two years of observation, the team was ready to sample the coral’s physiology and compare the fate of the colonies. They looked at a range of physiological traits vital to the coral's survival, such as biomass, fat content, and indicators for coral feeding.</p>



<p>What they found was striking. Of the five sites, only the samples from Dry Tortugas National Park showed significant signs of thriving. As Grottoli noted, "certain biological traits indicated that the Dry Tortugas corals were eating more zooplankton," a critical nutrient source for the corals, playing a crucial role in tissue building and repair.</p>



<p>This observed abundance of food can be credited to the phenomenon of periodic upwellings that frequently occur in Dry Tortugas. These are wind-driven events that cause nutrient-rich water from the colder, deeper parts of the ocean to surge to the surface. This process stimulates zooplankton production and brings ample food for the elkhorn coral, creating a true oasis for the endangered species.</p>



<h2 id="h-potential-restoration-site">Potential restoration site</h2>



<p>The study makes a strong case for the Dry Tortugas as a potential location for elkhorn coral restoration, adding to the increasing body of evidence advocating for this. Grottoli notes that the restored corals here could potentially provide a source population for new coral recruits throughout the Florida Keys. However, she also cautions that more research is needed to ascertain if other at-risk species could flourish in the same location.</p>



<p>Despite the optimistic outlook of their findings, Grottoli is clear that the study is not a panacea for all problems facing endangered coral populations. It's about making smart decisions, she says, but the core issues of climate change and local stressors like overfishing and pollution need to be addressed.</p>



<p>“We’re trying to make smart conservation and restoration decisions, but at the core of this work is that coral reefs are declining because of climate change and local stressors like overfishing and pollution,” said Grottoli. “Until we address those two things, no matter how smart we are about coral restoration and conservation, we’re always just putting a band-aid on it.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00888-1"><em>Nature Communications Earth and Environment</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>—-</p>



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Favorable conditions offer hope for endangered elkhorn coral

Coral reefs, known as the rainforests of the sea, play...

<p>It's not uncommon to think of certain animals as creatures of habit, returning to their birthplace to mate or nesting in the same locations each year. However, a recent study reveals an unexpected level of continuity in the dining habits of green sea turtles, underscoring the need for habitat protection amidst a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">climate crisis</a>.</p>



<p>For approximately 3,000 years, generations of green sea turtles have returned to the same seagrass meadows for meals. This fascinating discovery was made by Willemien de Kock, a historical ecologist at the <a href="https://www.rug.nl/?lang=en">University of Groningen</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>De Kock's research opens up a new understanding of the endurance of sea turtles' behavioral patterns, which extend well beyond previously known timeframes.</p>



<h2 id="h-multi-generational-consistency">Multi-generational consistency&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The migratory patterns of sea turtles, from specific breeding locations to distinct feeding areas, are not a new revelation for the scientific community. But the multi-generational consistency in feeding locations underscores the necessity of safeguarding the seagrass meadows along the North African coastlines.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Sea turtles begin life under challenging circumstances. When their parents embark on a long journey after hatching, these young sea turtles clumsily venture from the beach into the ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the initial years of their lives, these turtles aren't particularly discerning eaters and sustain themselves on an omnivorous diet. However, around the age of five, green sea turtles instinctively navigate toward the seagrass meadows that their parents used to frequent, adopting a more herbivorous dietary routine.</p>



<p>Many efforts have been made to safeguard the nests of endangered green sea turtles along the eastern Mediterranean coasts. The seagrass meadows, however, are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. "We currently spend a lot of effort protecting the babies but not the place where they spend most of their time: the seagrass meadows," said De Kock.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>To investigate, De Kock delved into boxes of sea turtle remains from archaeological sites across the Mediterranean, housed in the attic of the Groningen Institute of Archaeology. With her supervisor Dr. Canan Çakırlar having previously conducted the excavations, De Kock's task was to sift through these remains.</p>



<p>The meticulous examination of the sea turtle bones led De Kock to distinguish two species - the green sea turtle and the loggerhead turtle - and understand their diets. The key to this was bone collagen, a substance that preserves evidence of the creature's diet. Using a mass spectrometer to examine the bone collagen, De Kock was able to identify the types of plants the turtles consumed.</p>



<p>"For instance one plant might contain more of the lighter carbon-12 than another plant, which contains more of the heavier carbon-13," explained De Kock. "Because carbon does not change when it is digested, we can detect what ratio of carbon is present in the bones and infer the diet from that."</p>



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



<p>Collaborating with researchers at the University of Exeter, De Kock incorporated modern satellite tracking data that provided information about the present-day traveling routes and destinations of sea turtles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team at Exeter had also been collecting tiny samples of sea turtle skin, which revealed dietary insights similar to what De Kock had discovered from the ancient bones.</p>



<p>Based on this data, De Kock managed to link the dietary preferences of green sea turtles from millennia ago to specific geographical locations. She discovered that for around 3,000 years, green sea turtle generations have been feeding on seagrass meadows along Egypt and West Libya's coasts. The loggerhead turtles' results were less specific, attributable to their more varied diet.</p>



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



<p>Understanding the historical eating habits of a species over generations carries significant implications. It helps combat the "shifting baseline syndrome" - a phenomenon where slow changes in a larger system go unnoticed as each generation of researchers redefines the natural state based on their initial observations.</p>



<p>"Even long-term data goes back only about 100 years," said De Kock. "But tracing back further in time using archaeological data allows us to better see human-induced effects on the environment. And it allows us to predict, a bit."</p>



<p>Recent models project a concerning future, with high risks of widespread seagrass loss in the very regions that green sea turtles have frequented for thousands of years. Such a change could be devastating for these creatures, given their longstanding loyalty to these particular feeding locations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2220747120"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Green sea turtles have returned to the same place to eat for 3,000 years

It's not uncommon to think of certain animals as creatures...

<p>The overexploitation of a variety of animal and plant species is currently a significant threat to nature. International pledges to halt species extinctions and ensure the sustainable harvest, use, and trade in wild species – such as the <a href="https://cites.org/eng">Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora</a> (CITES) - have recently been developed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, according to a new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02115-8"><em>Nature</em></a>, 904 (two-fifths) of species identified as likely threatened by the international wildlife trade are not covered by such global agreements, including 370 species that are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iucn.org/">International Union for Conservation of Nature</a>&nbsp;(IUCN).</p>



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



<p>International <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-sunscreens-lose-effectiveness-and-become-harmful/">wildlife trade</a> protections set by CITES periodically decide on trade controls for thousands of animal and plant species. Yet, although over <a href="https://cites.org/eng/disc/species.php">40,000 species</a> are currently protected through this framework, in the absence of a reliable, repeatable methodology to inform the listing process, it is likely that many species threatened by international trade could be missing out on necessary global protections.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To identify such species and develop a robust methodology that could be employed by other scientists and conservationists in future studies, the researchers gathered data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/">IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species</a> – the world’s most authoritative database on at-risk animal and plant species – and compared it with CITES-listed species.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The analysis revealed that 904 species - including fish, flowering plants, birds, reptiles, and amphibians - are likely threatened by international trade, but are currently overlooked by CITES.</p>



<p>Among these species, 370 are listed by IUCN as Endangered or Critically Endangered, including 31 species of sharks and rays traded for their meat and fins, 23 species of palm intensively traded for horticulture, as well as other rare, notable species such as Owston’s Civer (used for wild meat and traditional medicine) and the Greater Green Leafbird (a major figure in the songbird trade).</p>



<p>Moreover, the scientists also identified 1,307 species which, although are currently CITES-listed, are still threatened by international trade, suggesting that they may require additional scrutiny to determine whether there are sustainability issues deserving tighter controls through CITES provisions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finally, this study’s findings are not limited to identifying species in need of greater trade regulation, but could also inform the relaxation of trade controls for species which have improved in status and can potentially be traded sustainably.</p>



<h2 id="h-hundreds-of-unprotected-species">Hundreds of unprotected species</h2>



<p>“CITES listings should respond to the best available information on a species’ status and be adopted where they will be likely to benefit the species. While our research shows CITES performs moderately well at identifying species in need of trade regulation, it also suggests that hundreds of species are overlooked,” said study lead author Daniel Challender, a conservation scientist at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/">University of Oxford</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Cross-referencing data from the Red List with CITES listing information brings these potential protection gaps to light, and I hope that Parties to the Convention will use our methodology to inform their decisions in the run-up to and during the next CITES CoP, currently scheduled to take place in 2025.”</p>



<p>“To achieve the aims of both CITES and the new <a href="https://www.cbd.int/gbf/">Global Biodiversity Framework</a> on tackling nature loss, it is vital that the international trade in animal and plant species is both sustainable and does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild,” added co-author Kelly Malsch, the Head of Nature Conserved at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unep-wcmc.org/en">UN Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Center</a>&nbsp;(UNEP-WCMC).</p>



<p>“Our work identifies hundreds of species – including 370 Critically Endangered and Endangered species – in need of protections, and we also know data gaps mean the true figure could be much higher. We hope that CITES Parties will be able to use our new methodology in future to ensure that CITES listings are based on the best available science.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-species-overlooked-by-cites">Species overlooked by CITES</h2>



<p>The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement that aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It includes a wide variety of species, but due to the sheer number of species worldwide, some are inevitably overlooked.</p>



<p>The list of overlooked animals will change over time due to ongoing research, conservation efforts, and fluctuations in populations and habitats, as well as new threats like climate change and habitat loss.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The following are examples of animal groups that may be overlooked by CITES:</p>



<h3 id="h-invertebrates">Invertebrates</h3>



<p>Many species of invertebrates are often overlooked, including various types of insects, mollusks, and arachnids. These creatures often have vital roles in their ecosystems, yet are not as often the focus of conservation efforts.</p>



<h3 id="h-freshwater-fish">Freshwater fish</h3>



<p>Many freshwater fish species are under threat from habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution. Although some are included in CITES appendices, many are not.</p>



<h3 id="h-amphibians">Amphibians</h3>



<p>Amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of animals in the world, yet many species are not included in CITES appendices. Reasons include lack of data on their population status and the challenges of regulating trade in these animals.</p>



<h3 id="h-reptiles">Reptiles</h3>



<p>Despite the large number of reptile species that are traded internationally for the pet market, many species are not covered under CITES. Reptiles can be difficult to track due to their secretive nature and the large number of unreported or illegal transactions.</p>



<h3 id="h-birds">Birds</h3>



<p>While many birds are covered by CITES, certain species might be overlooked due to lack of data or due to the focus being on more charismatic species.</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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Over 900 threatened species are not protected by international trade agreements

The overexploitation of a variety of animal and plant species...

<p>In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have been praised as a sustainable solution to the environmental issues posed by traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, new research shows that EVs may carry a hidden environmental cost: their tires.</p>



<p>Specialists have issued warnings that tires, often overlooked in discussions about pollution, release a significant amount of chemicals and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/">microplastics</a> into the environment. Electric vehicle tires, in particular, have been found to produce up to 20% more pollution compared to those on gasoline vehicles.</p>



<h2 id="h-electric-vehicles-are-heavier">Electric vehicles are heavier&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One key factor contributing to the higher pollution levels is the overall weight of EVs. Typically, electric cars are heavier and accelerate faster than their gas-powered counterparts, leading to an increased shedding of tiny particles into the air as the tires wear down.</p>



<p>Research company <a href="https://www.emissionsanalytics.com/">Emissions Analytics</a> conducted road tests and found that under normal driving conditions, a gasoline car sheds around 73 milligrams per kilometer from four new tires. In contrast, a similar electric vehicle sheds an additional 15 milligrams per kilometer – a pollution increase of approximately 20 percent.</p>



<p>"The increased pollution is due to a combination of the vehicle's weight and the torque, which refers to how aggressively the car can accelerate," Nick Molden, founder and CEO of Emissions Analytics, explained to DailyMail.com. "Electric motors are known for their ability to accelerate very quickly. Combined with the heavy weight of the vehicle, this leads to more wear and tear on the tires."</p>



<p>Molden also pointed out that a typical electric car weighs about 1,000 pounds more than its gasoline counterpart.</p>



<h2 id="h-pros-and-cons">Pros and cons</h2>



<p>Comparative studies between popular electric and hybrid vehicles further underscore this concern. In March, Emissions Analytics released a study that compared the Tesla Model Y, the top-selling EV in the US, with the similarly-sized hybrid Kia Niro. The experts found that the Tesla produced 26 percent more tire emissions than the Kia.</p>



<p>"From a CO2 perspective, the Tesla is better, but not significantly so. You have to weigh the extra CO2 reduction against the increased tire emissions," said Molden.</p>



<p>According to a 2017 study, the average American produces approximately 10 pounds of tire emissions per year, while the global average is under two pounds. Notably, the <a href="https://www.iucn.org/">International Union for Conservation of Nature</a> has identified tires as the second leading source of microplastic pollution in oceans, with textiles taking the lead.</p>



<p>Molden suggested that instead of investing in larger, heavier vehicles, consumers should consider smaller, lighter, and more economical vehicles to genuinely address environmental concerns.</p>



<h2 id="h-record-sales">Record sales</h2>



<p>These revelations come amid a surge in the electric vehicle market, driven by record sales from companies like Tesla, co-founded by billionaire Elon Musk. The company recently reported a record-breaking second quarter, delivering 446,140 cars worldwide, surpassing its own prediction of 445,000.</p>



<p>This rise in electric vehicle adoption has been boosted by federal tax credits in the US. However, experts caution that the initial cost premium of an electric vehicle could take up to a decade to pay off, considering that the average electric car costs nearly $20,000 more upfront than a gas-powered one.</p>



<p>Yet, not all automakers are onboard with the electric vehicle push. Last week, leading automakers criticized President Joe Biden's plan, which aims for two-thirds of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2032, calling it "overly optimistic." The criticism focused on the inadequate charging infrastructure and the high cost of EVs to consumers.</p>



<p>Tire emissions are not the only environmental concern tied to electric vehicles. Critics also point to the eco-impact of lithium-ion batteries, which require rare metals and significant energy to manufacture.</p>



<h2 id="h-hybrids-have-great-potential">Hybrids have great potential&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite these challenges, Molden remains optimistic about the potential of hybrid vehicles, which he describes as a "no-brainer" in addressing environmental problems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Hybrids are hardly heavier than normal vehicles and they deliver a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. If we genuinely want to address the environmental problem, the intuitive way of doing it is to make smaller, lighter vehicles, rather than bigger and heavier ones."</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Hidden costs: Electric vehicle tires emit 20% more pollution

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have been praised as...

<p>In a stark revelation that highlights the polluted state of U.S. coastlines, a recent report by <a href="https://environmentamerica.org/">Environment America</a> states that over half of the country's beaches contained alarming levels of fecal contamination last year. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/">pollution</a> could put millions of beachgoers at risk every year.</p>



<p>Environment America, a Colorado-based environmental advocacy organization, has released their annual "Safe for Swimming?" report. The experts found that, in 2022, an astonishing 55 percent of tested US beaches contained waters deemed unsafe for swimming on at least one day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The unsettling statistic is comparable to the team's findings from previous years - 53 percent in 2020 and 56 percent in 2019. The results indicate that fecal contamination is a persistent problem that is not seeing significant improvement.</p>



<h2 id="h-worst-offenders">Worst offenders</h2>



<p>The Southern states, namely Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, proved to be the worst offenders. Up to 84 percent of their beaches experienced at least one day in 2022 where the water was contaminated with fecal matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On the West Coast, California, Oregon, and Washington had 70 percent of their beaches polluted at least once last year. Not far behind were beaches surrounding the Great Lakes, with 63 percent reporting fecal contamination at least once in 2022.</p>



<h2 id="h-bold-action-is-needed">Bold action is needed</h2>



<p>John Rumpler, clean water program director at Environment America and leader of the report, voiced concern over the situation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"What we CAN say is that several factors all mean that this beach pollution is likely to continue and perhaps get worse unless bold action is taken to address it," said Rumpler.</p>



<p>"While the data do not allow us to say whether beach pollution is worse now than in some prior years, there are several troubling trends that increase the likelihood of beach pollution."</p>



<h2 id="h-potential-health-issues">Potential health issues</h2>



<p>With Americans making around 400 million visits to the beach each year, according to The United States Lifesaving Association, the issue could lead to an array of health problems. Individuals who swim in sewage-contaminated water are at risk of illness ranging from gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, to more serious infections.</p>



<p>The fecal matter that leads to this pollution generally enters the sea either through rainwater, causing drains and sewage systems to overflow, or via rivers that pick up manure from industrial farms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-issue-remains-unaddressed">Issue remains unaddressed&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite Congress allocating $11.7 billion for repairs to sewage systems and construction of new stormwater drainage systems in 2021, the issue remains as yet largely unaddressed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately $271 billion is required to adequately address the problem.</p>



<p>Alarmingly, the report also stated that Oregon had the most polluted beaches in the country, with half of its counties - three of six - having beaches that were too dirty for swimming for up to a year. The environmental advocacy groups place the blame squarely on the state's farming practices, which have been under the EPA's scrutiny for years.</p>



<p>By contrast, Alaska and Hawaii reported the least pollution, with only 24 percent of their beaches reporting unsafe levels of pollution at least once a year.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-crisis-mitigation">Crisis mitigation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To mitigate this looming crisis, Environment America suggests bolstering investment in systems designed to prevent or reduce urban runoff. This may involve introducing features like permeable pavements, adding more green spaces, and installing "green roofs" in neighborhoods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, it is crucial to repair and modernize sewage systems to prevent them from overflowing and polluting waterways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The report also highlighted the importance of safeguarding wetlands, which can help reduce contamination by absorbing flood waters and filtering out pollutants.</p>



<p>Overall, this report has shed light on an increasingly pressing issue, one that calls for immediate action to protect not only the environment but also public health. If left unaddressed, these troubling trends could pose increasingly severe challenges for the nation's beachgoers and aquatic wildlife.</p>



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



<p>Beach pollution refers to the contamination or degradation of the coastal environment, including the water, sand, and air. This pollution can come from a variety of sources and can seriously affect both human health and the health of coastal and marine ecosystems. Here are some of the major types of beach pollution:</p>



<h3 id="h-litter-and-marine-debris">Litter and marine debris</h3>



<p>This includes items such as plastic bags, bottles, cans, balloons, straws, and fishing nets. These items can be harmful or even fatal to wildlife if they are ingested or if animals become entangled in them. They can also make the beach environment unpleasant for people. Over time, plastics break down into smaller pieces known as microplastics, which can be ingested by marine animals and can enter the food chain.</p>



<h3 id="h-oil-spills">Oil spills</h3>



<p>Oil spills can have devastating effects on the environment. They coat the feathers of birds and the fur of marine mammals, reducing their ability to maintain body temperature and often leading to death. Oil also smothers fish and shellfish and can contaminate their habitats and food sources.</p>



<h3 id="h-sewage-and-wastewater-discharge">Sewage and wastewater discharge</h3>



<p>If improperly treated sewage or runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides enters coastal waters, it can lead to harmful algal blooms and areas of low oxygen known as dead zones. This type of pollution can also make the water unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities.</p>



<h3 id="h-chemical-pollution">Chemical pollution</h3>



<p>This includes things like heavy metals, PCBs, and other toxic substances that can accumulate in the bodies of marine animals, with harmful effects.</p>



<h3 id="h-erosion-and-sedimentation">Erosion and sedimentation</h3>



<p>Construction, deforestation, and other land-use changes can lead to increased erosion and the deposition of sediment on beaches, which can harm marine habitats and alter beach profiles.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-is-fecal-contamination">What is fecal contamination?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Fecal contamination refers to the presence of microorganisms in the environment due to fecal matter from humans or animals. It is a major health concern because feces can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause diseases.</p>



<p>For instance, E. coli and Salmonella, two common bacteria found in fecal matter, can cause serious gastrointestinal diseases if ingested.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Fecal contamination can occur in various settings, such as water bodies, soil, food, and surfaces that come in contact with fecal matter. Contaminated water and food are common sources of gastrointestinal diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Half of America's beaches contain alarming levels of fecal contamination

In a stark revelation that highlights the polluted state of...

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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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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>



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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