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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

<p>The blistering heat wave sweeping across California has all eyes on the desolate expanse of Death Valley this weekend. With the National Weather Service (NWS) predicting the hottest temperature ever recorded, one that could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/10-hottest-places-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shatter existing records</a>, there is an intense atmosphere of anticipation and concern.</p>



<p>Regardless of the exact temperature, Death Valley will experience deadly heat, with overnight lows that could exceed 100 degrees.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-hottest-june-in-history">Hottest June in history</h2>



<p>Scientists with the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) have already confirmed that last month,<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/june-2023-was-the-hottest-ever-with-more-heat-records-to-come/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> June 2023</a>, was the hottest June ever recorded.</p>



<p>If the current heat trends continue unabated, July is likely to follow suit. As a land notorious for its extreme heat, Death Valley is drawing particular attention.</p>



<h2 id="h-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded">Hottest temperature ever recorded</h2>



<p>Situated in the parched heart of Death Valley, Furnace Creek is the particular location that has meteorologists and climate scientists on edge. The NWS has forecasted temperatures here that could reach a staggering 129 degrees, and possibly peak at 131 degrees Fahrenheit this Sunday. If this becomes reality, it will set a new record for the hottest temperature ever officially recorded on Earth.</p>



<p>However, there is an ongoing debate regarding this potential record-breaking heat. The current official record held by Guinness World Records stands at 134 degrees Fahrenheit. </p>



<p>This scorching benchmark was set in that very same spot of Furnace Creek back in 1913. Some argue that this past record still holds the title for the hottest day ever recorded.</p>



<h2 id="h-alarming-implications-for-the-planet">Alarming implications for the planet</h2>



<p>The implications of this heat wave are alarming. The heat in Death Valley this weekend is symbolic of a far larger issue that continues to shape our collective future.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The extreme weather is a stark reminder of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-in-2023-expected-to-be-among-highest-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing climate</a> and the urgency of global efforts to mitigate these changes. It is a wakeup call to the importance of addressing climate change head-on. This warning is not just for the survival of Death Valley, but for the entire planet.</p>



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



<p>This week, more than a third of Americans are under extreme heat advisories, watches, and warnings. This heat wave has already seared through many states and it continues to spread, currently threatening California with daunting temperatures often venturing into triple digits.</p>



<p>A forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) has cautioned residents in Central and Southern California that the hottest weather of the year is yet to come.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Several days of extreme heat will result in a major concern for life-threatening heat illnesses for anyone outside for an extended period," said NWS. This statement underlines the dire consequences of exposure to these extreme temperatures.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-death-valley">More about Death Valley</h2>



<p>Death Valley is a desert valley located in Eastern California, within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-mojave-desert-in-southern-nevada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mojave Desert</a>. It is one of the hottest places in the world during the summer and is the driest, lowest, and hottest area in North America. </p>



<p>Death Valley's Badwater Basin is the point of the lowest elevation in North America, at 282 feet below sea level. This point is 84.6 miles east-southeast of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-at-high-altitude-leads-to-longer-life-by-changing-metabolism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount Whitney</a>, the highest point in the contiguous United States, with an elevation of 14,505 feet.</p>



<p>The park covers an area of about 3,000 square miles. There are several attractions within the park such as salt flats, sand dunes, badlands, valleys, canyons, and mountains. The diverse geologic features and the extreme weather conditions make it a fascinating place for geologists and tourists.</p>



<p>Despite its inhospitable nature, a variety of plants and animals have adapted to live there. Human history in the area dates back over 9,000 years with Native American groups living in the region. It received its English name in 1849 during the California Gold Rush.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

The hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth is expected to happen in Death Valley today

The blistering heat wave sweeping across California has all eyes...

<p>In an exciting step forward for sustainable construction and biofabrication, a team of scientists has developed a new material called mycocrete. Their system uses a method to create environmentally friendly building materials using knitted molds and the intricate root network of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/fungi-characteristics-and-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>.</p>



<p>This breakthrough, made by researchers at <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newcastle University</a>, could significantly reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry. It will also introduce an entirely new aesthetic to architectural spaces.</p>



<p>Previously, scientists have attempted to exploit fungi's natural structure-forming ability but have faced challenges due to the shape and growth constraints of the organic material. The lack of versatility limited the applicability of these composites in diverse construction scenarios.</p>



<p>However, the research team has now addressed these limitations by using knitted molds as a flexible framework. This approach led to the creation of mycocrete, which is a stronger, more adaptable composite.</p>



<h2 id="h-mycocrete-can-be-molded-into-diverse-forms">Mycocrete can be molded into diverse forms</h2>



<p>The flexibility of the molds allows mycocrete to take diverse forms. This makes it an attractive, lightweight, and eco-friendly option for construction materials.</p>



<p>"Our ambition is to transform the look, feel and wellbeing of architectural spaces using mycelium in combination with biobased materials such as wool, sawdust and cellulose," said Dr Jane Scott of Newcastle University, the corresponding author of the paper.</p>



<p>The Living Textiles Research Group carried out this innovative research. It is part of the <a href="http://bbe.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment</a> at Newcastle University.</p>



<h2>How Mycocrete is made</h2>



<p>In the process of creating mycocrete, the scientists mixed <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/a-beginners-guide-to-mycology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycelium spores</a> - part of the root network of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> - with grains. The team uses the grains as a food source and a substrate for growth.</p>



<p>Researchers then pack this mixture into a mold and place it in a dark, humid, and warm environment to promote mycelium growth.</p>



<p>The mycelium binds the substrate together tightly. Once the composite reaches a specific density, researchers dry it out. This entire process is sustainable and could serve as a potential replacement for foam, timber, and plastic.</p>



<h2>Using mycelium during biofabrication</h2>



<p>One hurdle in using <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/do-fungi-have-cell-walls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycelium</a> composites in construction is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/intro-to-the-fungi-life-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycelium requires oxygen for growth</a>. This requirement has traditionally limited the size and shape of rigid molds.</p>



<p>To tackle this, the team used knitted textiles as oxygen-permeable molds. These molds can transition from flexible to stiff as the mycelium grows, offering a unique solution.</p>



<p>"Knitting is an incredibly versatile 3D manufacturing system," explained Scott. "It is lightweight, flexible, and formable. The major advantage of knitting technology compared to other textile processes is the ability to knit 3D structures and forms with no seams and no waste."</p>



<h2>How to use mycocrete to build structures</h2>



<p>The team tested their innovation by creating samples of traditional mycelium composites and mycocrete.</p>



<p>These samples included additional ingredients like paper powder, paper fiber clumps, water, glycerin, and xanthan gum. To improve packing consistency, researchers delivered the latter into the knitted formwork using an injection gun.</p>



<p>Following this, the researchers knitted tubes from merino yarn for the test structure, sterilized them, and attached them to a rigid structure. The team then filled them with the mycocrete paste.</p>



<p>This method ensured that changes in the fabric's tension did not impact the performance of the mycocrete.</p>



<h2>Building the future with fungi</h2>



<p>Once dry, the researchers subjected these samples to various strength tests. Notably, mycocrete proved stronger than traditional mycelium composites. It even outperformed mycelium composites grown without the knitted formwork.</p>



<p>Also, the porous knitted fabric offered better oxygen availability and reduced shrinkage compared to most mycelium composite materials. This suggests more reliable manufacturing results.</p>



<p>In addition to these successes, the team constructed a larger, freestanding dome prototype known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BioKnit-Mycocrete_vault_1big-scaled.jpg">BioKnit</a>. Thanks to the knitted formwork, the dome was made in a single piece without joints. This process helped them avoid potential weak points.</p>



<p>"The mechanical performance of the mycocrete used in combination with permanent knitted formwork is a significant result, and a step towards the use of mycelium and textile biohybrids within construction," said Scott.</p>



<p>She further highlighted that while the paper specifies particular yarns, substrates, and mycelium necessary for this goal, there is a vast opportunity to adapt this formulation for different applications.</p>



<p>The future of biofabricated architecture might require new machinery to bring textiles into the construction sector. But with this promising research, it seems we're well on our way to greener construction practices.</p>



<h2>More about biofabricated architecture</h2>



<p>Biofabricated architecture, sometimes also referred to as biodesign or bio-architecture, refers to a rapidly growing area of architecture and construction that incorporates biological systems into the design process. </p>



<p>The goal is to create more sustainable, adaptive, and symbiotic built environments. This field of study exists at the intersection of biology, architecture, and engineering.</p>



<p>Biofabrication involves using biological substances as raw materials for construction. It leverages living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, plants, or even animals, to produce or modify building materials. </p>



<p>This approach to construction has significant potential for sustainability as it often utilizes waste products or renewable resources. In addition, the organisms involved often absorb carbon dioxide. This process contributes to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>There are several key areas of focus within biofabricated architecture:</p>



<h3>Mycelium materials</h3>



<p>Mycelium, the root network of fungi, can be <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-to-start-mushroom-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">encouraged to grow</a> around a composite of organic waste, creating a lightweight, durable material that can be used as an insulating material, or even as a form of brick or board.</p>



<h3>Bio-concrete or Bio-bricks</h3>



<p>Some types of bacteria are used to create bio-concrete or bio-bricks, a process in which the bacteria precipitate calcium carbonate to bind sand or other aggregates together, forming a solid mass similar to concrete. This method can also be used to repair cracks in existing concrete, extending the life of the structure.</p>



<h3>Algae and photosynthetic organisms</h3>



<p>Algae and other photosynthetic organisms can be used in building facades to create a dynamic, living cladding system that can produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and even potentially produce biofuels.</p>



<h3>Bamboo and engineered wood</h3>



<p>Although not a new building material, recent advances in manufacturing technologies have allowed for engineered wood and bamboo to be used in more structurally significant ways, creating a renewable alternative to steel and concrete.</p>



<h3>Genetically modified organisms</h3>



<p>As genetic modification technologies advance, there's potential for custom-designed organisms to be used in construction. This could mean bacteria that glow when a structural fault is developing, or plants engineered to grow into specific structural forms.</p>



<p>Challenges in biofabricated architecture include the control of living organisms, and longevity and durability issues. Also, some have voiced concerns over ethical considerations around the use of genetically modified organisms. </p>



<p>The final hurdle is scaling production to a size useful for significant construction. However, research and experimentation in this field are active and ongoing.</p>



<p>Biofabricated architecture holds promise for a more sustainable future in construction. The concept of designing buildings and other structures that are in harmony with nature and have a positive impact on the environment is at the heart of this exciting field.</p>

Mycocrete: New material made of fungi hopes to replace concrete in construction projects

In an exciting step forward for sustainable construction and biofabrication,...

<p>In a world first, Japan managed to successfully extract cobalt crusts from deep-sea mountains in a pilot test. Their goal was to unearth cobalt, a mineral critical for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries. But researchers have discovered a disturbing side effect of this feat. They found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-have-healthier-lives-when-owners-acknowledge-their-emotions/">animals</a> quickly vacated the areas surrounding deep-sea mining operations.</p>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.032"><em>Current Biology</em></a>, reveals that marine animal populations appear to have plummeted in and around the mining area. </p>



<p>The impacts were not limited to the direct mining zones but also emerged across broader regions. According to the researchers, the broader impacts were linked to sediment plumes stirred up by the mining activities.</p>



<h2 id="h-deep-sea-mining-regulations">Deep-sea mining regulations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Regulations regarding deep-sea mining, which falls under the jurisdiction of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) outside a country's territorial waters, remain a work in progress.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even so, starting July 9, the ISA must either finalize its exploitation regulations or consider mining operations under the umbrella of existing international laws. This looming deadline highlights the urgency for comprehensive research and informed decisions.</p>



<p>"These data are really important to get out," said study lead author Travis Washburn, a benthic ecologist working with the <a href="https://www.gsj.jp/en/">Geological Survey of Japan</a>. "A set of regulations is supposed to be finalized soon, so a lot of these decisions are happening now."</p>



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



<p>The research team embarked on a deep-sea investigation. They conducted surveys at the Takuyo-Daigo seamount site before, a month after, and a year following the initial mining test. Using data collected by a remotely operated vehicle, they scrutinized video footage captured from the ocean floor. There, they found worrying signs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A year after the mining test, they observed a 43 percent decline in fish and shrimp density in areas directly hit by sediment pollution. Surprisingly, the areas surrounding the mining site also showed a significant 56 percent decrease in these marine species. While the team believes the contamination of food sources might be the culprit, they admit that more research is needed to validate this theory.</p>



<p>Less mobile marine species like corals and sponges seemed to be less affected by the short, two-hour mining test. However, the researchers cautioned against jumping to conclusions. They point out that longer-term mining activities might still inflict serious harm on these stationary organisms.</p>



<p>"I had assumed we wouldn't see any changes because the mining test was so small. They drove the machine for two hours, and the sediment plume only traveled a few hundred meters," said Washburn. "But it was actually enough to shift things."</p>



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



<p>With these startling discoveries, the researchers call for more in-depth, repeated studies. Scientists need to ascertain the real ecological impact of deep-sea mining. They emphasize the need for gathering data over several years before the actual mining tests. This will help account for natural fluctuations in marine animal communities.</p>



<p>"We're going to need more data regardless, but this study highlights one area that needs more focus," said Washburn. "We'll have to look at this issue on a wider scale, because these results suggest the impact of deep-sea mining could be even bigger than we think."</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-deep-sea-mining">More about deep-sea mining&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Deep-sea mining is the process of extracting valuable minerals and metals from the ocean floor. This process is largely driven by the demand for these resources, many of which are used in high-technology applications.</p>



<p>There are three types of resources typically targeted by deep-sea mining:</p>



<h3 id="h-polymetallic-nodules">Polymetallic nodules</h3>



<p>These are rounded accretions of minerals, typically manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt, found on the abyssal plains of the deep ocean.</p>



<h3 id="h-polymetallic-sulphides">Polymetallic sulphides</h3>



<p>These are formed by hydrothermal vents on the seafloor, where hot, mineral-rich water spews out from beneath the Earth's crust. These vents can create deposits rich in copper, zinc, lead, and precious metals like gold and silver.</p>



<h3 id="h-cobalt-rich-crusts">Cobalt-rich crusts</h3>



<p>These are found on the flanks of seamounts, and are a potential source of cobalt, manganese, and other trace metals.</p>



<h3 id="h-environmental-concerns-of-deep-sea-mining">Environmental concerns of deep-sea mining</h3>



<p>While deep-sea mining holds the promise of accessing valuable resources, it also presents significant environmental concerns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The deep ocean is a poorly understood and fragile ecosystem, and mining activities could have a significant impact, including the destruction of habitats, loss of species, and disruption of ecosystem functions. Noise and light pollution, as well as the potential release of toxic substances, are also concerns.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the legal and regulatory aspects of deep-sea mining are complex. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) designates the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to regulate mining in international waters, but national laws apply within countries' exclusive economic zones.</p>



<p>Given the environmental risks associated with this practice, it's crucial that any advancement in deep-sea mining is matched with rigorous environmental protections and sustainable practices.</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>

Underwater upheaval: The ecological impact of deep-sea mining

In a world first, Japan managed to successfully extract cobalt...

<p>Interesting new research from a team of ecologists at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> has highlighted how the physical characteristics of tropical butterflies directly affect their resilience to rising temperatures. Namely, their wing length and color are direct indicators of their risk from climate change.</p>



<p>With climate change presenting an increasing threat to survival for many species, the findings could prove pivotal in identifying those most at risk.</p>



<p>In a world where temperature is steadily increasing due to global warming, certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-butterflies-have-no-trouble-breeding-despite-shortage-of-males/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a> find themselves at a disadvantage. The research discovered that butterflies possessing smaller or lighter-colored wings could be the unfortunate 'losers' in the climate change game.</p>



<p>One example is the Lycaenidae family. This beautiful sect of butterflies consists of over 6,000 species primarily living in the tropics.</p>



<p>On the other hand, the study found that butterflies with larger or darker-colored wings are likely to withstand the rising heat better. Albeit, within limits.</p>



<p>Even these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-solved-when-butterflies-evolved-and-what-plants-they-used-for-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a> could still face substantial declines if they were to encounter sudden heatwaves. They could also be impacted if cool microclimates, which they heavily rely on, disappeared due to deforestation.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-scientists-studied-tropical-butterflies">How scientists studied tropical butterflies</h2>



<p>To reach these conclusions, published in the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.13970" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</a>, the research team carried out extensive fieldwork. They joined forces with the <a href="https://stri.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI)</a> to examine the thermal buffering and thermal tolerance strategies of tropical butterflies across various habitats in Panama.</p>



<p>Thermal buffering refers to a butterfly's ability to maintain a stable body temperature amidst fluctuating air temperatures, often through adaptive behaviors like seeking shade or angling wings away from the sun.</p>



<p>On the other hand, thermal tolerance is a physiological mechanism, involving the production of heat shock proteins, allowing butterflies to endure extreme heat when adaptive behaviors aren't sufficient. Butterflies need both these strategies to cope with climate change.</p>



<h2>Recording the temperatures of 1000 tropical butterflies</h2>



<p>Armed with handheld nets and a small thermometer-like probe, the team recorded the temperatures of over 1,000 butterflies. They compared this to the temperature of the surrounding air or the vegetation the butterfly was resting on, measuring the thermal buffering capacity of each butterfly.</p>



<p>Next, at STRI's Gamboa facilities, the researchers tested the butterflies' thermal tolerance. They captured a subset of butterflies, placing them in glass jars within a water bath and gradually increased the temperature. The temperature at which the butterflies could no longer function provided an assessment of their thermal tolerance.</p>



<h2>What the data revealed about heat extremes</h2>



<p>The data suggested that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boring-tropical-butterflies-have-a-fascinating-family-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a> with larger wings tend to have better thermal buffering abilities, but lesser thermal tolerance, compared to their smaller counterparts. Further reinforcing this, another study conducted by the same research team found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monarch-butterflies-may-not-be-threatened-as-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">butterflies</a> with larger, longer, and narrower wings were superior at thermal buffering.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the study found a trade-off in these cooling strategies. Butterflies that were good at thermal buffering were not as proficient in thermal tolerance and vice versa.</p>



<p>Researchers believe this suggests that over the course of evolution, butterflies have developed to handle temperature changes using one strategy over the other. This is likely due to selective pressures.</p>



<p>Lead author Esme Ashe-Jepson, a PhD student at Cambridge's Department of Zoology, explains, "Butterflies with physical characteristics that may help them to avoid the sun's heat, like having large wings that enable them to fly quickly into shade, rarely experience high temperatures, and so have not evolved to cope with them. On the other hand, species which can cope with higher temperatures physiologically have experienced less selective pressure to evolve heat-avoiding behaviors."</p>



<h2>Adaptation will be very difficult for tropical butterflies</h2>



<p>As Ashe-Jepson warns, with rising temperatures and escalating deforestation, butterflies relying on their surroundings to evade high temperatures might not be able to traverse between dwindling forest fragments or cope with increasingly frequent heatwaves.</p>



<p>The study also suggests that species with large dark wings, adept at thermal buffering, may initially remain unaffected by warming temperatures. They can continue to thermoregulate effectively using behavior and microclimates.</p>



<p>However, their survival could be at risk if sudden heatwaves occur. This could also happen if cool vegetation retreats.</p>



<p>"Butterflies, and all insects globally, are likely to be impacted by climate change," Ashe-Jepson points out. "Adaptation to climate change is complex and can be impacted by other factors such as habitat destruction. We need to address these two global challenges together."</p>



<h2>Research team calls for more research</h2>



<p>Further research is needed to explore how warming climates might affect other life stages of butterflies. For instance, how will it impact them at different life stages, such as caterpillars and eggs. Also, how will it impact other insect groups?</p>



<p>Senior author Greg Lamarre is from the Czech Academy of Science and Research Associate at STRI. He added, "Worldwide, most entomologists are observing drastic declines in insect biodiversity. Understanding the causes and consequences of insect decline has become an important goal in ecology, particularly in the tropics, where most of terrestrial diversity occurs."</p>



<p>This research was supported by the GACR Czech Science Foundation, an ERC Starting Grant, a Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute short-term fellowship, and the Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SENACYT), Panama.</p>



<h2>More about impact of climate change on butterflies</h2>



<p>Climate change, characterized by global warming, erratic weather patterns, and changes in precipitation, has a profound impact on various species, including butterflies. Here are some ways in which climate change affects these delicate insects:</p>



<h3>Shift in geographic range</h3>



<p>As temperatures rise, butterflies that prefer cooler climates may start moving poleward or to higher altitudes to find suitable habitats. Conversely, species that thrive in warmer climates may expand their range.</p>



<p>This change in distribution can result in new interactions with other species (like predators, prey, or competitors). It may also influence ecosystem dynamics.</p>



<h3>Altered lifecycles of tropical butterflies</h3>



<p>Butterflies are ectothermic organisms. This means that their body temperature and metabolic processes are influenced by external temperatures.</p>



<p>Warmer conditions could speed up developmental rates, leading to earlier emergence of adults. This shift might not align with the availability of resources like food plants. It would impact their survival and reproduction.</p>



<h3>Mismatch with food resources</h3>



<p>Many butterflies have evolved to synchronize their lifecycle with specific host plants. If climate change causes the timing of leaf-out or flowering in these plants to shift, it could result in a phenological mismatch. This is where butterflies emerge at times when their food resources are scarce.</p>



<h3>Increased mortality due to extreme weather events</h3>



<p>Extreme weather events such as storms, heavy rainfall, or heatwaves, which are projected to increase due to climate change, can directly cause butterfly mortality.</p>



<p>Drought conditions can also reduce the availability of nectar. This is a primary food source for many adult butterflies.</p>



<h3>Impacts on overwintering populations</h3>



<p>Some butterfly species, like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-forecast-the-future-of-monarch-butterflies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monarch</a>, migrate long distances to overwinter in a more favorable climate. Changes in temperature and precipitation can influence the survival of these overwintering populations. For instance, warmer winters may cause butterflies to emerge from their overwintering state too early.</p>



<h3>Reduced genetic diversity</h3>



<p>As suitable habitats for butterflies shrink or become fragmented due to climate change, some populations may become isolated. This can result in inbreeding and a reduction in genetic diversity.</p>



<p>The outcome would make these populations more vulnerable to other threats. It would also reduce their capacity to adapt to future changes.</p>



<h3>Thermal stress and physiology</h3>



<p>Butterflies require certain temperatures for activities like feeding, mating, and flying. As temperatures rise beyond their optimal range, they can experience thermal stress. This can impact their physiology and behavior.</p>



<p>For instance, increased temperature can cause heat shock proteins to be produced. This might help them survive in the short term but could have negative impacts in the long run.</p>



<h3>Predation and parasitism in smaller-winged butterflies</h3>



<p>Changes in climate can also impact the relationship between butterflies and their predators or parasites. If warming conditions are more favorable for these predators or parasites, it could lead to increased rates of predation or parasitism.</p>



<p>Scientists are working hard to understand the complex interactions between butterflies and changing climates. They are using various tools such as ecological models, long-term monitoring, and experiments.</p>



<p>This research will help in developing effective conservation strategies to protect these beautiful and ecologically important creatures.</p>

Lighter-colored and smaller-winged tropical butterflies are at greater climate change risk

Interesting new research from a team of ecologists at the...

Female,Robot,Holding,A,Globe,In,Her,Hands,3d,Render

<p>The environmental toll of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is a growing concern, as the increasing demand for computing power generates a variety of environmental consequences.</p>



<p>The burgeoning requirement for AI processing power not only leads to the heightened consumption of freshwater to cool expansive data centers but also aggravates air pollution due to the reliance on coal-fired power plants for electricity.</p>



<p>These findings, outlined in a <a href="https://escholarship.org/uc/item/79c880vf">recent paper</a> by researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu">University of California, Riverside</a>, reveal that major technology firms are not adequately addressing the equitable distribution of these environmental impacts.</p>



<p>This perspective is echoed by international entities like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which are also advocating for efforts to mitigate AI's environmental inequity.</p>



<p>The research paper offers potential solutions. The UCR team provides models that companies, such as Google and Microsoft, could adopt to distribute their computing power and processing loads equitably across the globe.</p>



<p>The flexibility inherent to the tech industry provides opportunities to prevent regional environmental injustices. This, according to Shaolei Ren, an associate professor at UCR's Bourns College of Engineering and the corresponding author of the paper titled "Towards Environmentally Equitable AI via Geographical Load Balancing."</p>



<h2 id="h-using-too-much-water-for-computing-power">Using too much water for computing power</h2>



<p>Professor Ren emphasizes that tech firms have the freedom to direct computing power to different locations instantaneously. However, instead of utilizing this flexibility to account for the environmental cost of AI, tech giants often use it to minimize capital and operational costs.</p>



<p>Ren expressed his concern over the issue. He stated, "It just does not feel right. We are exploiting the cheaper prices and amplifying the environmental impacts."</p>



<p>A clear example of this dilemma is the plans by several tech companies to establish large-scale data centers in the Phoenix, Arizona region. These centers are projected to consume between 1 to 5 million gallons of water daily, even though this desert region is grappling with water scarcity due to the dwindling flows of the Colorado River.</p>



<p>Ren proposed alternatives to this practice. He suggests that firms could divert their computing power workloads from water-scarce regions like Arizona to other areas.</p>



<h2>Enormous amounts of electricity</h2>



<p>In addition to water consumption, these data centers consume copious amounts of electricity produced at power plants. The resulting emissions include not just carbon, contributing to global warming, but also other harmful pollutants like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. These elements can form lung-irritating ozone.</p>



<p>The pollutants generated by data centers pose significant health risks. These include increased chances of cancer, heart disease, shortened lifespans, and other health detriments. Consequently, residents living near these power plants bear the brunt of these environmental and health impacts.</p>



<p>This research was led by UCR doctoral candidates Pengfei Li and Jianyi Yang, with co-authorship from Cal Tech professor Adam Wierman and correspondence from Professor Ren. Their work is currently available as a preprint at eScholarship Publishing.</p>



<p>"AI will have some negative environmental impacts," Ren concludes, "But, what's more concerning for me is that the environmental cost is not equitably distributed across all data centers. We should reduce the environmental inequity to make AI truly responsible.”</p>



<h2>More about energy use and data centers</h2>



<p>Data centers, the critical nerve centers of the modern digital economy, require a significant amount of energy resources to operate. These large-scale operations run non-stop to support Internet services, business applications, and cloud computing platforms. </p>



<p>Let's dive deeper into the various energy resources that data centers use to function. These include electricity, renewable energy sources, and novel solutions being developed to increase energy efficiency.</p>



<h3>Computing power guzzles electricity</h3>



<p>Traditional data centers primarily rely on electricity to power their operations. This power is needed not only for servers and storage systems but also for cooling systems, power backups, and peripheral devices. </p>



<p>Data centers globally use about 300 terawatt hours (TWh) each year, approximately 2% of the world's electricity use, as of 2022.</p>



<h3>Cooling systems required</h3>



<p>Cooling systems are a major part of data centers' energy consumption. They use electricity to reduce the heat generated by servers and other equipment. </p>



<p>Traditional air conditioning systems or more advanced solutions like liquid cooling are common. In some instances, companies use creative cooling solutions. Google's data center in Finland, for instance, uses cold seawater from the Gulf of Finland for cooling.</p>



<h3>Easing the environmental cost of AI with renewable energy</h3>



<p>Many data center operators are increasingly shifting towards renewable energy sources to power their operations. This is in response to global sustainability trends. </p>



<p>These renewable sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. For instance, Apple's data center in North Carolina uses a 100-acre solar farm, providing a significant portion of the center's power needs.</p>



<h3>Energy efficiency and novel technologies</h3>



<p>In recent years, there has been an increased focus on improving energy efficiency in data centers. Virtualization technologies can significantly reduce the number of physical servers required, thereby reducing energy needs. More efficient cooling technologies, such as liquid cooling, are also becoming more popular.</p>



<p>Some data centers are located in colder climates to take advantage of natural cooling, reducing the need for traditional cooling systems. For example, Facebook's data center in Luleå, Sweden, uses the cold Nordic air to cool its servers.</p>



<p>Moreover, AI and machine learning are being used to optimize energy use in data centers. Google's DeepMind AI, for instance, has reduced the energy used for cooling by up to 40% in their data centers.</p>



<h3>Power backup systems are necessary</h3>



<p>Data centers often have power backup systems to ensure they stay operational in case of a power outage. These systems usually consist of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), generators, and batteries. The most common energy resources for these backup systems include diesel generators and lithium-ion batteries.</p>



<h3>Future solutions for meeting computing power demand</h3>



<p>As energy demands continue to rise, data centers are exploring innovative solutions to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Future directions include the expanded use of renewable energy, the development of more efficient cooling techniques, and harnessing AI to further optimize energy use.</p>



<p>As the digital economy and demands for computing power continue to grow, so will the importance of finding innovative and environmentally friendly energy resources for data centers.</p>

Artificial intelligence is consuming an enormous amount of humanity's resources

The environmental toll of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is...

<p><a href="https://worldchimpanzeeday.org/">World Chimpanzee Day</a> is dedicated to raising awareness about our closest living relatives in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-animal-conflicts-large-weapons-may-be-designed-for-deception/">animal</a> kingdom, with whom we share about 98 percent of our DNA. It is held on the 14th of July each year and was established by the <a href="https://janegoodall.org/">Jane Goodall Institute</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Jane Goodall is a world-renowned primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist, known for her long-term research on wild chimpanzees in Tanzania.</p>



<p>World Chimpanzee Day is an opportunity to celebrate the profound scientific and cultural significance of chimpanzees. It is also a day to advocate for worldwide participation in their care, protection, and conservation in the wild and in captivity.</p>



<p>On World Chimpanzee Day, people around the globe engage in activities that raise awareness about the threats to the survival of chimpanzees, such as habitat loss, disease, and illegal wildlife trafficking. They may also learn more about these remarkable animals, participate in conservation efforts, and share information to help inspire others to take action.</p>



<h2 id="h-remarkable-creatures">Remarkable creatures</h2>



<p>"Through the groundbreaking research of Dr. Jane Goodall and the scientists who followed her, we now know so much more about the many behaviors, traits, and ecologies that make chimpanzees one-of-a-kind," says World Chimpanzee Day's official <a href="https://worldchimpanzeeday.org/">website</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Dr. Goodall was one of the first to share her observations that chimpanzees make and use tools, have a complex communication system and social structures, and can be altruistic. The more we learn, the more we realize how important it is that we celebrate our connection to these complex and intelligent beings."</p>



<h2 id="h-highly-endangered-animals">Highly endangered animals</h2>



<p>"Chimpanzees are highly endangered. One hundred years ago, there were an estimated 1-2 million chimpanzees across twenty-five countries in Africa. Today, there are as few as 350,000 wild (high estimate) chimpanzees across the continent of Africa."</p>



<p>"We must each do our part to turn those numbers around. Together, by providing holistic solutions to end habitat loss, illegal wildlife crime, and disease transmission, we can give chimpanzees a fighting chance."</p>



<h2 id="h-variety-of-threats">Variety of threats</h2>



<h3 id="h-habitat-loss-and-fragmentation">Habitat loss and fragmentation</h3>



<p>Much of the chimpanzee's natural habitat in Africa has been destroyed due to human activities such as logging, mining, and agriculture. As forests shrink, chimps are forced into smaller and smaller areas. Habitat fragmentation can also lead to isolated populations that may struggle to maintain genetic diversity.</p>



<h3 id="h-poaching-and-bushmeat-trade">Poaching and bushmeat trade</h3>



<p>In some regions, chimps are hunted for their meat, which is sold on the black market as "bushmeat." Infants are also sometimes captured and sold into the illegal pet trade, often after their mothers are killed.</p>



<h3 id="h-disease">Disease</h3>



<p>Chimpanzees share about 98% of their DNA with humans, which makes them susceptible to many of the same diseases we are. Diseases can spread rapidly and have devastating effects on chimp populations. The transmission of diseases is facilitated by increased contact with humans as their habitats shrink.</p>



<h3 id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



<p>Changes in climate patterns can affect the availability and distribution of food resources, causing further strain on populations.</p>



<p>Efforts are ongoing worldwide to protect and conserve chimpanzees, through habitat preservation, legal protection, and educating people about the plight of these intelligent and complex creatures.</p>



<h2 id="h-key-characteristics">Key characteristics&nbsp;</h2>



<h3 id="h-tool-use-and-culture">Tool use and culture</h3>



<p>Chimpanzees are known for their sophisticated use of tools, which is a behavior previously thought to be exclusive to humans. They use sticks to "fish" for termites, rocks to crack open nuts, and leaves as sponges or spoons to drink water. Furthermore, different groups of chimpanzees have different tool use behaviors and social practices, which is considered a form of culture.</p>



<h3 id="h-complex-social-structures">Complex social structures</h3>



<p>Chimpanzees live in communities of 20 to 150 individuals. Their social structure is a fission-fusion society where sub-groups change in composition, splitting and recombining based on factors like food availability and social interactions.</p>



<h3 id="h-communication-skills">Communication skills&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Chimpanzees have a rich array of communication methods. They use a wide variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, postures, and gestures to communicate with each other. Some chimpanzees have also been taught to use human sign language.</p>



<h3 id="h-emotional-depth">Emotional depth</h3>



<p>Chimpanzees show a wide range of emotions that are similar to human emotions, including joy, anger, grief, and empathy. They are capable of strong bonds between family members and friends, and they comfort and reassure each other in times of stress.</p>



<h3 id="h-problem-solving">Problem solving</h3>



<p>Chimpanzees exhibit a remarkable ability to solve problems. This is often demonstrated in their foraging strategies and their use of tools to obtain</p>



<p>Use the hashtag #WorldChimpanzeeDay on social media to tell the world why you are passionate about chimpanzees.</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>

World Chimpanzee Day: Celebrating our closest cousins

World Chimpanzee Day is dedicated to raising awareness about our...

<p>Although nearly three million tons of agricultural pesticides are used across the globe each year, little is known about where these chemicals end up after their initial application.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, a team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/">University of Sydney</a> has analyzed the geographical distribution of 92 of the most widely used agricultural pesticides, and discovered that about 70,000 tons of these potentially harmful chemicals leach into aquifers, rivers, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-color-has-changed-significantly-over-the-past-20-years/">oceans</a>, and soils each year, impacting a variety of ecosystems and freshwater resources.</p>



<p>“Our study has revealed that pesticides wander far from their original source. In many cases these chemicals end up a long way downstream and often, though in much smaller amounts, all the way to the ocean,” said lead author Federico Maggi, an associate professor of Environmental Engineering at Sydney.</p>



<h2 id="h-daughter-molecules">Daughter molecules&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Maggi and his colleagues found that nearly 80 percent of applied pesticides degrade into by-products known as “daughter molecules” that leach into the soil surrounding crops.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This degradation of pesticides often occurs as a ‘cascade’ of molecules into the surrounding environment, which can persist in the environment for a long time and can be just as harmful as the parent molecule or applied pesticide. One such example is glyphosate. Although it is highly degradable, it breaks down into a molecule known as AMPA that is both highly persistent and toxic,” Maggi explained.</p>



<h2 id="h-river-systems">River systems</h2>



<p>While only a small fraction of pesticides was found to enter river systems after field application, once in the water, most of their active ingredients end up in the ocean. This negatively impacts marine wildlife and coral reefs, and often puts the very basis of marine and freshwater food chains at risk.</p>



<p>As Maggi explained, “on paper, 0.1 percent leaching into fresh waterways might not sound like much. But it only takes a tiny amount of pesticides to have a negative impact on the environment.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the researchers, 730 tons of pesticides enter rivers each year, causing about 13,000 kilometers of rivers to reach chemical concentrations above safety limits for a variety of aquatic plants and invertebrates.</p>



<h2 id="h-conservative-estimate">Conservative estimate</h2>



<p>Although the scientists used a large collection of publicly accessible geospatial data, the results are a conservative estimate, since some pesticides – such as legacy pesticides and those used in aquaculture, public spaces, and private dwellings - were not included in the analysis.</p>



<p>To mitigate the negative impact of pesticides leaching into the environment, officials “should urgently adopt sustainable management strategies to promote reductions in field applications of harmful pesticides and set in place systems to effectively monitor their use under the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda,” concluded co-author Francesco Tubiello, a senior environmental statistician at the United Nations’ <a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en">Food and Agriculture Organization</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06296-x"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-pesticides-and-the-environment">Pesticides and the environment&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pesticides are substances used to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest ranging from insects, animals, and weeds to microorganisms such as fungi, molds, bacteria, and viruses.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While they play a significant role in controlling pests that damage or hinder agricultural productivity, they can have negative impacts on the environment when not used appropriately or managed effectively.</p>



<h3 id="h-contamination-of-water-bodies">Contamination of water bodies</h3>



<p>Pesticides can reach water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and even oceans through run-off from agricultural fields or through leaching into groundwater. This contamination can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, harming or killing off certain species and leading to an imbalance.</p>



<h3 id="h-impact-on-non-target-species">Impact on non-target species</h3>



<p>Pesticides are not always specific to the target pests. They can also impact non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and mammals. For instance, pesticides like neonicotinoids have been linked to the decline in bee populations, a serious issue given the critical role bees play in pollination.</p>



<h3 id="h-biodiversity-loss">Biodiversity loss</h3>



<p>Through the above-mentioned mechanisms, pesticides can lead to a loss of biodiversity. By eliminating certain species or disrupting ecosystems, they can negatively impact the overall health of the environment.</p>



<h3 id="h-bioaccumulation-and-biomagnification">Bioaccumulation and biomagnification</h3>



<p>Some pesticides do not break down quickly and can accumulate in the environment or within organisms. They can also biomagnify, meaning they become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. This can lead to high levels of the chemicals in top predators, posing serious health risks.</p>



<h3 id="h-resistance">Resistance</h3>



<p>Pests can develop resistance to pesticides, requiring increasing amounts of the chemicals to achieve the same level of control. This can result in a vicious cycle of ever-increasing pesticide use, known as the 'pesticide treadmill'.</p>



<h3 id="h-soil-health-impact">Soil health impact</h3>



<p>Pesticides can alter the balance of fungi and bacteria in the soil, reducing its fertility and leading to a reduction in crop yields over time.</p>



<p>Given these environmental concerns, many are advocating for more sustainable pest management strategies, such as integrated pest management (IPM) which relies on a combination of biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices. Further research into alternative, less harmful pest control methods and stricter regulation of pesticide use is also part of the solution.</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>

Pesticides travel far and wide, endangering aquatic ecosystems

Although nearly three million tons of agricultural pesticides are used...

<p>According to data released by multiple agencies – including <a href="https://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/graphs_v4/">NASA’s Global Institute for Space Studies</a>, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Berkeley Earth,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) – June 2023 was the hottest June on record, topping the previous record from 2020 by 0.13 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;</p>



<p>June’s global average (16.55 degrees Celsius) was 1.05 degrees Celsius above the 20<sup>th</sup> century average, marking the first time that a summer month was more than a degree above the normal range, and leading experts worldwide to predict that 2023 will most likely be the hottest year on record. </p>



<p>This worrisome situation is mainly caused by a combination of rapid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate change</a> and the emergence of El Niño, a recurrent phenomenon occurring in the Pacific Ocean and characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial region.</p>



<p>“The recent record temperatures, as well as extreme fires, pollution, and flooding we are seeing this year are what we expect to see in a&nbsp;warmer climate,” said Natalie Mahowald, a climate scientist at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/">Cornell University</a>. “We are just getting a small taste for the types of impacts that we expect to worsen under&nbsp;climate change.”</p>



<h2 id="h-multiple-factors">Multiple factors</h2>



<p>While anthropogenic climate change undoubtedly played a major role in this unprecedented rise in temperatures over both land and oceans, the intensifying El Niño pattern has clearly started to contribute to widespread warming too, although its full impact will probably be seen only next year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, another major factor leading to record-breaking heat was the exceptional, widespread warming of the eastern and tropical North Atlantic Ocean, caused by weaker than usual subtropical high pressure that led to lighter trade winds which did not allow the cooler water to move up to the surface of the tropical North Atlantic Basin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, there was less airborne dust from the Sahara Desert moving westward over the tropical Atlantic in June. Since dust usually reflects part of the Sun’s energy, June’s anomalously low amount of dust-laden air has likely contributed to warmer than average water in the tropical North Atlantic.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-global-warming-impacts">Global warming impacts</h2>



<p>However, as Berkeley Earth climate scientist Zeke Hausfather&nbsp;argues, while El Niño and its cooling counterpart La Niña, along other non-anthropogenic factors, “have a big impact on year-to-year temperatures, their effects are much smaller over the long run than human-caused warming.”</p>



<p>“Back in 1998, the world had a super El Niño event with record global temperatures; today the temperatures of 1998 would be an unusually cool year. Human-driven climate change adds a permanent super El Niño worth of heat to the atmosphere every decade.”</p>



<p>“Until we stop burning fossil fuels, this will only get worse. Heat records will keep getting broken, people and ecosystems are already in many cases beyond what they are able to deal with,” concluded Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at the <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/">Imperial College London</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-climate-change">More about climate change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Climate change is a natural process, but in recent years, there's strong consensus among scientists that human activities are exacerbating it at an alarming rate.</p>



<h3 id="h-anthropogenic-factors">Anthropogenic factors</h3>



<p>Industrial activities and deforestation have rapidly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which trap heat from the sun and cause global warming. This human-caused acceleration of greenhouse gas emissions is often referred to as the enhanced greenhouse effect.</p>



<h3 id="h-global-warming">Global warming</h3>



<p>This refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature. While weather can vary greatly in different regions and during different seasons, global warming shows a trend of increasing temperatures over decades or more. The past five years have been the warmest on record since the late 19th century.</p>



<h3 id="h-impacts">Impacts</h3>



<p>The impacts of climate change are vast and potentially catastrophic. These include increased frequency and severity of weather events such as floods, droughts, and storms; sea-level rise; shifts in ecosystems and wildlife populations; increased heat-related illnesses and diseases; and economic consequences.</p>



<h3 id="h-mitigation-and-adaptation">Mitigation and adaptation</h3>



<p>Mitigation strategies are efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or enhance the sinks that absorb these gases. This could involve switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, or protecting and restoring forests.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Adaptation refers to adjustments in systems in response to climate change and its effects, which could include building flood defenses, developing drought-tolerant crops, or improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather.</p>



<h3 id="h-international-cooperation">International cooperation</h3>



<p>Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. Efforts to address climate change require international cooperation, as seen in agreements like the Paris Agreement, where nations pledge to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and aim for 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.</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>

June 2023 was the hottest ever, with more heat records to come

According to data released by multiple agencies – including NASA’s...

<p><a href="https://www.worldorcaday.org/">World Orca Day</a> is a globally recognized event dedicated to honoring orcas, highlighting their significance in marine ecosystems, and advocating for their protection. Celebrated annually on July 14, this day provides an opportunity for scientists, conservationists, and the general public to unite in their shared interest and appreciation for these incredible creatures.</p>



<p>The central aim of World Orca Day is to raise awareness about the essential role that orcas play in the marine environment and why their conservation matters. These distinctive black and white dolphins hold an essential position as apex predators in the vast expanse of our world's oceans.</p>



<h2 id="h-keystone-species">Keystone species</h2>



<p>Orcas are known as a "keystone" species, which means they are critically important for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Their existence has a profound and pervasive impact on the balance and functioning of the ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Adding to their ecological significance, orcas are classified as an "indicator" species. This means that their well-being can provide insightful information about the overall health of the ocean and its biodiversity.</p>



<h2 id="h-umbrella-species">Umbrella species&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Intriguingly, orcas also bear the tag of "umbrella species," which signifies that conservation efforts aimed at protecting them will indirectly shield a multitude of species and habitats that are intertwined with the life of orcas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In other words, ensuring the survival and prosperity of orcas can inadvertently set up a protective barrier for the environment and its inhabitants. Therefore, a targeted, effective strategy to safeguard orcas can ripple out to envelop the broader marine life.</p>



<p>The fascinating diversity of orca habitats cannot be overstated. Orcas, belonging to the family of cetaceans - which includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises - are found inhabiting waters from the icy edges of the poles to the warm tropics across both hemispheres.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-orcinus-orca">Orcinus orca</h2>



<p>Orcas are known by many names across cultures and languages, such as killer whale, asesina ballenas, and kasatka. They are universally recognized in the scientific community by their Latin name - Orcinus orca, which roughly translates to "god of the underworld" or "demon dolphin."</p>



<p>Despite being known as "killer whales," orcas are actually the largest member of the dolphin family, classified under the category of Odontocetes, meaning "toothed cetacean."&nbsp;</p>



<p>This classification acknowledges their unique characteristics, including the shape of their teeth. These giant dolphins bear a distinctive appearance with their robust bodies, striking black and white pattern, and a towering dorsal fin.</p>



<h2 id="h-ecotypes">Ecotypes</h2>



<p>An interesting aspect of orca biology is the existence of various "ecotypes," essentially distinct populations within the species. These ecotypes are typically characterized by differences in body shape, size, behavior, hunting strategies, and even social structure. Unique dialects of vocalizations are also observed among different ecotype populations.</p>



<p>While it's challenging to accurately number the existing ecotypes due to a lack of comprehensive knowledge and recognition, some scientists have suggested as many as 22. However, there's consensus that numerous others remain unexplored or unidentified.</p>



<h2 id="h-diverse-diet">Diverse diet</h2>



<p>Another captivating facet of orcas is their diverse diet. Documented evidence shows that orcas feed on more than 100 different prey species. But in an intriguing display of specialization, each ecotype tends to have a particular dietary preference, feeding in a defined way on a select group of prey species. This habit makes them susceptible and sensitive to changes in their habitat, such as shifts in prey populations or alterations in the ecosystem structure.</p>



<p>Regardless of their diversity in habitat, diet, and behavior, one point remains undisputed – orcas are indeed remarkable animals, deserving of our respect and protection. Their importance in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems and their vulnerable status to habitat changes underline the pressing need for concerted conservation efforts.</p>



<p>To help fulfill the Mission of World Orca Day, you are encouraged to <a href="https://www.worldorcaday.org/take-action/">take action</a>. </p>



<p>—-</p>



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

World Orca Day: The crucial role of the ocean's apex predator

World Orca Day is a globally recognized event dedicated to...

<p>Biological invasions, a prominent threat to natural ecosystems, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a>, and human health, are known for wreaking havoc on the environment. Invasive species lead to ecosystem degradation and incur substantial economic costs, often measured in multi-trillions of euros globally. </p>



<p>Now, a study led by <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/">McGill University</a> is highlighting the severe economic burden these biological invasions are likely to place on the European Union (EU) if left unchecked.</p>



<h2 id="h-thousands-of-invasive-species">Thousands of invasive species</h2>



<p>The EU is at an increased risk of invasions by alien species - harmful species that are introduced by humans from outside their natural habitats. Thousands of such invasive alien species pose a constant threat to the EU.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The risk is further amplified due to the region’s high volume of economic activities such as trade and transportation of goods, which inadvertently increase the opportunities for biological invasions. This pivotal finding comes from the study, which was recently published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12302-023-00750-3"><em>Environmental Sciences Europe</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-costs-are-underestimated">Costs are underestimated&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A key issue identified by the researchers is that most of these invasive alien species are not sufficiently evaluated for their actual and potential economic impacts. Consequently, the resulting cost estimates are often substantially underestimated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To investigate, the researchers set out to quantify the economic fallout of biological invasions in the European Union. Utilizing predictive models, they estimated the future costs of these invasions.</p>



<h2 id="h-alarming-results">Alarming results</h2>



<p>The experts found that out of approximately 13,000 invasive alien species known to have established populations in the EU, reported costs exist for a mere 259 species, a small fraction constituting around one percent. This highlights the substantial knowledge gap in regional cost assessments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers’ predictive models projected unreported costs to be potentially 501 percent higher than the currently recorded costs, amounting to a staggering €26.64 billion (US$28.0 billion). The burden of these costs appears to be heaviest on countries such as Lithuania, Malta, and the Czech Republic.</p>



<p>Even more concerning are the study's future cost projections. The research predicts a significant surge in costs, with estimates potentially soaring to more than €142.73 billion (US$150 billion) by 2040 in the absence of effective management measures.</p>



<p>“Our study reveals a shocking underestimation of the economic costs of biological invasions in the European Union. These costs are not only a huge burden for the European Union’s economy but also jeopardize the ecological balance and well-being of societies,” said study lead author Morgane Henry, a PhD student under the guidance of Professor Brian Leung at McGill University.</p>



<h2 id="h-action-is-urgently-needed">Action is urgently needed</h2>



<p>Henry further emphasizes the urgent need for action: “It is imperative that we take immediate action to enhance cost reporting, identify the most concerning economic impacts, and work together on a global scale to address the threat posed by invasive alien species.”</p>



<p>The research sounds a strong warning to policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders alike, urging them to recognize the implications of their findings. The experts stress that without collaborative efforts to protect ecosystems, preserve biodiversity, and secure the well-being of communities, biological invasions could potentially create an overwhelming financial burden. To prevent the devastating ecological impacts, the EU and its governments must take swift action.</p>



<p>“The costs are potentially huge, but in most cases we just don’t know. Notably, our fivefold increase in cost estimates included only 1% of species with existing data, by extrapolating to other countries where they are known to have invaded, but where costs have not been estimated yet. We don’t know about the other 99% of the species,” said Professor Leung, emphasizing the vast unknown associated with these invasive species.</p>



<h2 id="h-invasive-species-in-the-eu">Invasive species in the EU</h2>



<p>The European Union (EU) has had its share of invasive species, which have established themselves in new environments, often to the detriment of native ecosystems. Here are a few examples:</p>



<h3 id="h-american-mink">American mink</h3>



<p>Introduced for fur farming, escapees quickly established wild populations across Europe. They have had a profound impact on local fauna, contributing to the decline of the European mink and certain bird species.</p>



<h3 id="h-grey-squirrel">Grey squirrel&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Introduced to the United Kingdom and Italy from North America, the grey squirrel has been displacing the native red squirrel due in part to competition for food resources and the spread of the deadly squirrel pox virus.</p>



<h3 id="h-zebra-mussel">Zebra mussel&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Originally from Eastern Europe, zebra mussels have spread across Europe's freshwater bodies, attaching themselves in large numbers to hard surfaces. They significantly alter the ecosystems they invade by outcompeting native species for food and habitat.</p>



<h3 id="h-signal-crayfish">Signal crayfish</h3>



<p>This North American species was introduced to Europe for aquaculture in the 1960s. It has been spreading rapidly and outcompeting native crayfish, additionally spreading the crayfish plague, a disease deadly to native crayfish.</p>



<h3 id="h-giant-hogweed">Giant hogweed&nbsp;</h3>



<p>This plant, native to Central Asia, is now found across Europe. It grows rapidly and outcompetes native vegetation. Its sap can cause severe burns on human skin.</p>



<h3 id="h-harlequin-ladybird">Harlequin ladybird&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Originally from Asia, this ladybird has become one of the most invasive species in Europe, outcompeting native ladybirds and influencing the whole ecosystem by altering the distribution of resources.</p>



<h3 id="h-asian-hornet">Asian hornet</h3>



<p>This invasive species from Asia preys on honeybees, causing significant damage to bee populations and potentially impacting pollination.</p>



<h3 id="h-water-hyacinth">Water hyacinth&nbsp;</h3>



<p>This fast-growing plant from South America can completely cover waterways, blocking light and oxygen and causing declines in fish and other aquatic species.</p>



<h3 id="h-eastern-grey-squirrel">Eastern grey squirrel&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Imported from North America, this squirrel has displaced the native red squirrel in many parts of the United Kingdom and Italy.</p>



<h3 id="h-coypu">Coypu</h3>



<p>Originally from South America and brought to Europe for fur farming, this rodent damages aquatic ecosystems and contributes to soil erosion by burrowing.</p>



<p>These are just a few examples; unfortunately, the list of invasive species in the EU is much longer and continues to grow. Each of these species poses unique challenges to ecosystems and often requires unique strategies for management and control.</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>

Economic time bomb: Costs of invasive species are greatly underestimated

Biological invasions, a prominent threat to natural ecosystems, biodiversity, and...

<p>In a recent study, experts at <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/water-research-institute">Cardiff University's Water Research Institute</a> quantified the carbon footprint and environmental impact of pet fish. The study revealed that tropical fish aquariums contribute to a significant proportion of annual household CO2 emissions and water usage.</p>



<p>There are approximately four million households in the UK alone with pet fish. Of these, it is estimated that a staggering 70 percent maintain tropical freshwater aquariums, according to Dr. William Perry, a research associate at the Institute.</p>



<h2 id="h-carbon-footprint-of-pet-fish">Carbon footprint of pet fish</h2>



<p>Traditionally, environmental studies have focused on the ecological footprint of domestic mammals, such as cats and dogs. However, this latest research shifts the spotlight to the previously overlooked tropical fish pet industry.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The carbon footprint of owning pets such as dogs and cats has been previously calculated, but we have provided the first estimates of carbon dioxide emissions produced from running a tropical aquarium, as well as estimated water consumption," Dr. Perry explained.</p>



<p>Dr. Perry's groundbreaking research examined the environmental implications of fish keeping in several Northern European countries, including France, Poland, and the UK. He analyzed both freshwater and marine aquariums, with aquarium sizes varying from 50, 200, to 400 liters.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-results-of-the-study">Results of the study</h2>



<p>Based on the UK data, Dr. Perry's research suggests that a tropical aquarium could produce a significant 85.3 to 635.2 kg of CO2 per year, depending on size and operational conditions. This equates to a considerable 1.6 to 12.4 percent of the UK annual average household CO2 emissions.</p>



<p>Moreover, the study revealed that tropical aquariums could consume anywhere from 156 to 31,200 liters of water per year. This consumption level translates to between 0.2 and 30.1 percent of the UK annual average household water usage, hinging heavily on the size of the aquarium and the maintenance routines employed.</p>



<p>The study identified two primary factors contributing to these environmental impacts: the energy required to heat the water - particularly in larger aquariums - and the varying levels of decarbonization in the electricity grids of different countries.</p>



<h2 id="h-environmentally-conscious-choices">Environmentally conscious choices&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, Dr. Perry stated, "Ornamental fish keeping can be a more environmentally conscious pet choice than owning an average-sized dog or cat, which are likely to produce considerably more emissions through their consumption of meat."</p>



<p>At the same time, he cautioned that the environmental impacts of fish keeping could be substantial, varying with the aquarium size, operational methods, and even the country it's housed in. "There are still improvements that can be made to ensure the environmental sustainability of the hobby."</p>



<p>According to Dr. Perry, as national energy grids start to decarbonize, the environmental impact from the energy needs of keeping fish will improve. However, he warned that mitigating the environmental impact of high water consumption is a formidable challenge that requires individual-level ingenuity.</p>



<p>Dr. Perry's research sounds an important environmental alarm, calling for greater awareness of our pet choices' ecological consequences. "These are important considerations as we face a climate emergency linked with our demands for energy, as well as water insecurity linked with our demands for water," he concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10958649"><em>Journal of Fish Biology</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>Fish have been a popular choice of pet for centuries. They offer companionship and a sense of tranquility, and their diverse colors, shapes, and behaviors can be mesmerizing. Fishkeeping can also provide a fascinating insight into aquatic life, and maintaining a balanced, healthy aquarium can be a rewarding hobby.</p>



<p>There are many types of pet fish, but they are typically divided into two categories: freshwater and saltwater fish. Freshwater fish are often seen as a good choice for beginners as they tend to be more adaptable and require less complex equipment than their saltwater counterparts. Common types of freshwater fish include bettas, guppies, goldfish, tetras, and cichlids.</p>



<p>Saltwater fish, while generally more demanding to keep, offer a unique range of species, many of which are brightly colored and known for their interesting behaviors. Some popular saltwater fish species include clownfish, angelfish, butterfly fish, and tangs.</p>



<p>Fish come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny neon tetra to the considerably larger Oscar fish. Their lifespan can also vary significantly. While some species like goldfish can live for decades under the right conditions, others may only have a lifespan of a few years.</p>



<p>Fishkeeping involves more than just feeding your fish and changing the water occasionally. It requires understanding the specific needs of the species you're keeping. Factors such as diet, water temperature, pH levels, and compatible species for cohabitation must all be considered.</p>



<p>As evidenced by Dr. William Perry's research, fishkeeping is linked to environmental impacts such as high water consumption. Making conscious choices about the size of the aquarium, the number and species of fish, and maintenance routines can make a difference in mitigating these environmental effects.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

The hidden environmental impacts of tropical fish aquariums

In a recent study, experts at Cardiff University's Water Research...

<p>Abandoned telephone cables, a legacy of tech giants such as Verizon and AT&amp;T, are potentially leaching toxic lead into American soil and waterways, according to a comprehensive report by <a href="https://www.wsj.com/">The Wall Street Journal</a> (WSJ). </p>



<p>Highlighting an alarming issue that is hidden in plain sight, the report calls attention to the environmental hazards linked to technological advancements, and how they continue to pose a threat even when their lifetimes have ended.</p>



<h2 id="h-thousands-of-discarded-telephone-cables">Thousands of discarded telephone cables</h2>



<p>The WSJ's investigation found thousands of these discarded telephone cables throughout the United States, their toxic content infiltrating major rivers such as the Mississippi in Louisiana, the Detroit in Michigan, the Willamette in Oregon, and the Passaic in New Jersey. </p>



<p>The presence of lead from these remnants of telecommunication history is now disturbingly evident in various settings - from children's playgrounds to backyard bayous.</p>



<p>Documents reviewed by WSJ, and interviews conducted with former employees, reveal that companies were acutely aware that the lead in the cables not only threatened the health of their workers, but also risked poisoning the surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dryers-are-detrimental-to-the-environment-and-human-health/">environment</a> over time. In the face of this grave risk, however, they appear to have made no significant moves to mitigate the health dangers posed.</p>



<p>The study, shockingly, has not been addressed by environmental regulators yet. Linda Birnbaum is a former EPA official and director of the <a href="https://www.niehs.nih.gov/">National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences</a>. She told WSJ that the findings "suggest there is a significant problem from these buried lead cables everywhere."</p>



<p>According to Birnbaum, what's even more troubling is that "it's going to be everywhere and you're not even going to know where it is in a lot of places."</p>



<h2 id="h-dangers-of-lead-exposure">Dangers of lead exposure</h2>



<p>The dangers of lead exposure have been well-documented. This highly toxic metal has been linked to various health issues, including reproductive difficulties, and damage to the brain, kidneys, and liver. Children, due to their developing brains, are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can cause developmental problems ranging from behavioral disorders to learning disabilities.</p>



<p>Despite efforts by US regulators and other government bodies to reduce lead's environmental prevalence, exposure remains alarmingly widespread, particularly among young children. According to a Quest Diagnostics study from 2021, half of all American children under six have detectable levels of lead in their blood.</p>



<p>Jack Caravanos, an environmental public-health professor at New York University who assisted with the WSJ report, commented on this worrying statistic. "A new, uncontrolled source of lead like old telephone cables may partly explain" this prevalence of lead in children, said Caravanos. "We never knew about it so we never acted on it, unlike lead in paint and pipes."</p>



<h2 id="h-alarming-discoveries">Alarming discoveries</h2>



<p>In a journey that led them through a sprawling network of more than 1,750 underwater lead-covered cables and around 250 aerial lead-covered cables, the WSJ reporters made a startling discovery. Many of these cables were found to be situated close to schools and bus stops, and were laid by American Telephone &amp; Telegraph - AT&amp;T's predecessor - from the late 1800s through to the 1960s.</p>



<p>Lead levels in the environment around these cables were found to be staggering. A sample taken from California's Lake Tahoe exceeded the EPA limit for drinking water by over 2,533 times, posing a risk not just to swimmers but also to marine life. Water from New Iberia, Louisiana's Bayou Teche showed 7.4 lead parts per billion, a level that dangerously exceeds EPA guidelines. In both sites, eroding underwater cables were identified as the culprits.</p>



<h2 id="h-conflicting-reports-about-telephone-cables">Conflicting reports about telephone cables</h2>



<p>Telecommunications companies, however, have contested the findings of the report. USTelecom, an industry group representing US phone companies, stated that there is no evidence to suggest that these legacy cables are a leading cause of lead exposure or pose a public health issue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Verizon stated that it took the concerns about lead-sheathed cables "very seriously," acknowledging the presence of many such cables in its network, which are still in use for providing critical voice and data services. AT&amp;T, in contrast, was more confrontational, arguing that the report's findings contradict the consensus of independent experts and their own testing.</p>



<p>However, a 2010 AT&amp;T internal document reviewed by the WSJ revealed a different narrative. The document highlighted a concern about the exposure of workers removing the underground cables and acknowledged that some older metropolitan areas may still have over 50 percent lead cable.</p>



<p>The investigative report raises deep concerns about the lingering harm caused by discarded technological infrastructure. It serves as a sobering reminder of the unaddressed environmental problems we face and the consequences of neglecting them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Jack Caravanos points out that even seemingly small actions, such as getting "a little dirt on your fingers to put into your mouth and ingest," can lead to dangerous lead exposure levels.&nbsp;</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>

Abandoned telephone cables may be poisoning America's soil and waterways

Abandoned telephone cables, a legacy of tech giants such as...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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



<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

News coming your way