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.



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.



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



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.



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.



“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. 



"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."



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.



<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">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</figcaption></figure>



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



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. 



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>.



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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. 



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



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. 



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



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.



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



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. 



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



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.



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.



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



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. 



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>.



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.



<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">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</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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.



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. 



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



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.



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



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



<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.



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.



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.



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

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

According to recent estimates, the past few days have been the hottest in our planet’s modern history, raising alarms that the Earth could be entering a multiyear period of unprecedented warmth. The record heat has even shocked climate scientists, who warn that the warming trend will only get worse. 



Heatwaves have emerged all over the globe, shattering temperature records from North America to Antarctica – with our planet experiencing its warmest June ever recorded.



This astonishing surge in record heat is likely driven by two compounding factors: the continued high-level emissions of greenhouse gases caused by burning oil, coal, and gas, and the return of El Niño, a cyclical weather pattern that re-emerged last month. 



The ongoing El Niño event is expected to drive massive spikes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-heat-is-threatening-wheat-and-the-global-food-supply/">heat</a> and moisture in the years to come, and trigger extreme storms and floods in some areas and massive droughts and fires in others.



<h2 id="h-widespread-impacts">Widespread impacts</h2>



In the previous weeks, weather extremes have affected a variety of regions, including China, where Beijing surpassed 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) for the first time in history, as well as Texas and Mexico, where officials are currently struggling to keep the electricity grid functional due to intensive use of air conditioning devices.&nbsp;



In addition, smoke from the massive Canadian wildfires triggered by abnormal spring heat and unusually dry weather conditions continues to choke parts of the US.&nbsp;



Even in usually cooler regions, such as the Antarctic, sea ice levels have recently plummeted to record laws, while in the North Atlantic, surface temperatures in May were already 1.6 degrees Celsius (2.9 Fahrenheit) higher than typical for that time of year, breaking previous records by unusually large margins.&nbsp;



Finally, on the 4th of July, global average temperatures climbed to 17 degrees Celsius (62.6 Fahrenheit), making it the hottest day the Earth has experienced at least since 1940, when the official record began.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-uncharted-territory">Uncharted territory</h2>



These sharp increases in temperature are unsettling even for scientists who have been tracking climate change for years.&nbsp;



“It’s so far out of line of what’s been observed that it’s hard to wrap your head around. It doesn’t seem real,” said Brian McNoldy, a senior research scientist at the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a>. And while these weather patterns may change in the weeks ahead, “even then we’d probably be going from insanely record-breaking temperatures down to just extremely record-breaking.”



“We have never seen anything like this before,” added Carlo Buontempo, director of Europe’s <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a>. In his opinion, all the charts and graphs on Earth’s climate currently emerging in the scientific community are literally showing that “we are in uncharted territory.”



<h2 id="h-convergence-of-warming-factors">Convergence of warming factors</h2>



Globally, the Earth has already warmed about two degrees Fahrenheit since the industrial revolution and, if humans fail to halt greenhouse emissions and stop deforestation, it will continue to grow hotter in the years and decades to come.&nbsp;



However, this anthropogenic warming is already compounded by other factors such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which causes year-to-year fluctuations by shifting heat in and out of deeper ocean layers. While global ocean temperatures are usually cooler during La Niña years, they tend to be significantly hotter during El Niño years.&nbsp;



“A big reason we’re seeing so many records shattered is that we’re transitioning out of an unusually long three-year La Niña, which suppressed temperatures, and into a strong El Niño,” said Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist at <a href="https://berkeleyearth.org/">Berkeley Earth</a>.



Unfortunately, the current El Niño has just started and many experts do not expect it to peak until December or January, meaning that global temperatures will witness another massive surge next year.



Other factors that are possibly contributing to the record heat include a subtropical high pressure system known as the Azores High, which has weakened the winds blowing over the North Atlantic ocean and limited the amount of dust blowing from Sahara that usually helps cool the ocean, as well as recent efforts to curb sulfur pollution from ships, which may have inadvertently contributed to warming, since sulfur dioxide tends to reflect sunlight and thus cool the planet to a certain degree.



“There does seem to be this unusual convergence of warming factors right now. But this is all happening in a world where we’ve been increasing greenhouse gases for the past 150 years, and that really loads the dice and makes it much more likely that we’re going to get pushed into record-breaking territory,” concluded Gabriel Vecchi, a climate scientist at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/">Princeton University</a>.



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"Insanely" record-breaking heat has even shocked climate scientists

According to recent estimates, the past few days have been...

Because they spend a substantial part of their lives soaring above <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-the-most-remote-oceans-are-polluted-with-microplastics/">remote oceans</a>, seabirds have been under the radar of scientists for many years. Now, a study from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/">University of Washington</a> has revealed a shocking revelation about seabird mortality.&nbsp;



Based on data collected by coastal inhabitants, the research sheds light on the grim impact that marine heatwaves have on seabird populations. The new study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps14330">Marine Ecology Progress Series</a>, reveals how marine heat waves have led to an alarming number of seabird fatalities.



As a sentinel of the nearshore marine environment, seabirds play a critical role in the marine ecosystem. Study co-author Julia Parrish, a renowned professor of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, highlighted the global scope of this research.



"This is truly a global data set that asked a global-sized question: Does a warming world significantly impact marine birds, among the top predators in the nearshore marine environment?” The answer, as the study indicates, is a resounding yes.



<h2 id="h-shocking-discovery">Shocking discovery&nbsp;</h2>



The most startling discovery made by the researchers is the lag effect that the marine heatwaves have on seabird mortality. Parrish explained that “a warmer ocean, and certainly a suddenly warmer ocean as happens during an El Niño or a marine heat wave, will result in the death of hundreds of thousands to millions of marine birds within one to six months of the temperature increase.”&nbsp;



Marine heat waves, such as the notorious “blob” which was observed off the Pacific Northwest between 2014 and 2016, along with prolonged El Niño events and warmer Alaskan waters owing to retreating sea ice, have only recently become a topic of concern among scientists and environmentalists.



This extensive study analyzed data spanning from 1993 to 2021, collected through beach surveys that traced the incidence of dead seabirds washed ashore from central California to Alaska. The research aimed to gauge the severity of these mortality events irrespective of species.&nbsp;



“Rather than track the specific numbers of any one species, this study measures the magnitude of mortality events, regardless of seabird species, above long-term normal,” said Parrish.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-catastrophic-mortality-events">Catastrophic mortality events</h2>



The study showed that catastrophic mortality events, where the death toll crossed a staggering quarter-million birds, occurred approximately once every decade. However, this pattern changed dramatically between 2014 and 2019, during which five such events were recorded.



"This is unprecedented. This type of massive die-off can be compared to a catastrophic storm that we would usually expect once per decade; they happen, causing massive damage, but usually, there is enough time for areas to recover," said study lead author Timothy Jones, a research scientist at the University of Washington.



From 2014 to 2019, the die-offs were not only some of the largest ever documented, but they kept happening year after year — like a catastrophic storm hitting without fail every year."



<h2 id="h-warming-waters">Warming waters&nbsp;</h2>



Statistical analysis presented a glaring link between these mass die-offs and the warmer marine conditions in the Northeast Pacific preceding them. Some seabirds, including murres, puffins, auklets, and shearwaters, were the most severely impacted species.&nbsp;



The data encompassed more than 90,000 surveys of 106 seabird species across more than 1,000 beaches. The data was collected from citizen science projects, including COASST, BeachCOMBERS, Beach Watch, and the British Columbia Beached Bird Survey. These programs, through meticulous training, equipped participants to scout local beaches for avian casualties and report their findings.



Furthermore, data from the remote beaches of northwest Alaska were garnered through community members who reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Alaska Sea Grant. The study unveiled a trend wherein seabird carcasses started appearing ashore a few months after the marine warming initiated and persisted in a roughly three-year cycle.&nbsp;



While the cause behind each seabird mortality event varied, warmer waters emerged as the common thread linking them. Warmer oceans foster harmful algal blooms and heighten the risk of disease outbreaks, which were both implicated in seabird deaths during the study period.&nbsp;



In addition, the prolonged ocean warming altered the diversity, availability, and nutritional content of the prey that seabirds rely on, culminating in widespread starvation.



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



The implications of this study are enormous, as it indicates an irreversible shift in marine ecosystems due to climate change.&nbsp;



“With this intensity of warming, like the looming El Niño in the Pacific or the current marine heatwave in the North Atlantic, we are facing a new ocean. One with fewer birds," said Parrish.



The research is not only a wake-up call for conservationists but also a call to action for humanity to address the escalating challenge of climate change and its far-reaching consequences on our planet’s invaluable biodiversity.



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Marine heatwaves are causing massive seabird mortality events

Because they spend a substantial part of their lives soaring...

A research team from the <a href="https://umd.edu/">University of Maryland</a>, Northern Arizona University, the University of Arizona, and other institutions has demonstrated the critical role of protected forests in climate change mitigation.&nbsp;



According to the study, protected forests store an additional 9.65 billion metric tons of carbon in their aboveground biomass compared to ecologically similar regions that are not protected.



The implications of these findings are staggering. The enormous quantity of carbon stored equates to the total annual emissions produced by burning fossil fuels on a global scale. The research highlights the colossal importance of protected forests in maintaining climate stability.



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



The experts utilized the advanced remote sensing technology provided by NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation. This data, which included precise forest height, structure, and surface elevation information, offered the researchers an unprecedented level of detail in their analysis.



"We have never had these 3D satellite data sets before, so we have never been able to map forest carbon accurately at this scale," said Laura Duncanson, the lead author of the study.



The team focused their efforts on comparing the ability of protected and unprotected areas to prevent emissions from reaching the atmosphere, challenging the long-standing assumption that safeguarded territories provide a disproportionately higher amount of ecosystem services. This includes crucial functions like carbon storage and sequestration.



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



The insights shed new light on the global significance of forest preservation. According to the study, the most pronounced impact in terms of climate positivity originated from the safeguarded broadleaf forest biome located in the Brazilian Amazon. This region alone contributed a remarkable 36 percent of the carbon sequestration by protected forests.&nbsp;



In addition to quantifying the carbon storage capacity of protected forests, the researchers highlighted a new ability to determine the volume of aboveground biomass - the dry mass of vegetation standing above the ground. This aspect of the study revealed that the biomass accumulated in safeguarded areas equals roughly the yearly global emissions from fossil fuels.



Historical efforts to measure biomass content within protected territories have been plagued by high levels of uncertainty and bias.&nbsp;



"This is one of the first demonstrations of how new remote sensing technologies can be used to obtain detailed biomass estimates," said Kendra McLaughlan, a program director in NSF's Division of Environmental Biology. "This study signals a new era in tropical forest ecosystem science."



In the quest for solutions to the impending climate crisis, the research highlights the global importance of forest conservation. The study provides empirical evidence that safeguarding our forests is not just beneficial for preserving biodiversity, but is also a crucial strategy for storing carbon and offsetting global emissions.&nbsp;



The pioneering research was funded collaboratively by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA. The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/ncomms/">Nature Communications</a>.



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



Protected forests are areas of woodland that are specifically preserved to ensure their natural condition remains unspoiled. They are often established to maintain biodiversity, protect endangered species, and combat climate change through carbon sequestration. Protection can mean different things, from strictly limiting human activity to promoting sustainable uses that do not harm the natural ecology.



There are several types of protected forests, including:



<h3 id="h-national-parks">National parks</h3>



These are areas designated by the government to conserve significant or unique ecosystems, wildlife, and natural features. They often provide recreational opportunities for the public.



<h3 id="h-nature-reserves-or-wildlife-refuges">Nature reserves or wildlife refuges</h3>



&nbsp;These are protected areas for specific animals, plants, or types of environment. They are often more restricted than national parks in terms of human activities.



<h3 id="h-wilderness-areas">Wilderness areas</h3>



These areas are usually untouched by human activity and are intended to remain in their natural state.



<h3 id="h-indigenous-protected-areas">Indigenous protected areas</h3>



These are areas where local communities or indigenous people play a significant role in the management and use of the forests. The focus is often on sustainable practices that support livelihoods while protecting biodiversity.



<h3 id="h-world-heritage-sites">World Heritage Sites</h3>



These sites, identified by UNESCO, have significant cultural or natural value. Some of these sites are forests, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the United States or the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra in Indonesia.



The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has developed a categorization system for protected areas, which ranges from I (Strict Nature Reserve, the highest level of protection) to VI (Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources).



Protecting forests is vital for biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change, but it also presents challenges. Balancing conservation with the needs and rights of local communities is often complex.&nbsp;



Effective management requires resources, which can be lacking, especially in developing countries. However, the benefits of forest protection - such as clean air and water, carbon storage, habitat for wildlife, and places for recreation and spiritual solace - are priceless.



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Protected forests offset a year's worth of global fossil fuel emissions

A research team from the University of Maryland, Northern Arizona...

A groundbreaking study published in the journal <a href="https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdfdirect/10.1002/wsb.1444">Wildlife Society Bulletin</a> has revealed that the recovery of bald eagle populations is being significantly impeded by exposure to lead ammunition fragments. These toxic remnants, found in wild game gut piles and carcass parts left behind by hunters, are poisoning bald eagles and increasing their vulnerability to additional threats.



Krysten L. Schuler is an assistant research professor at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/">Cornell University</a> and the principal investigator of the study, which received funding from the Morris Animal Foundation.&nbsp;



"Bald eagles are an iconic American species," stated Professor Schuler. "Despite the apparent population rebound through major conservation efforts, our work showed that environmental lead sickens and kills bald eagles to such a degree that it makes the populations vulnerable to other threats such as avian influenza or wind energy development."



<h2 id="h-reduced-resilience-among-bald-eagles">Reduced resilience among bald eagles</h2>



What sets this study apart from previous research is its innovative methodology developed by mathematician Brenda Hanley, an expert in population demographics.



Hanley's approach utilized data from seven northeastern states to construct a comprehensive picture of the impact of lead poisoning on bald eagles. The findings confirmed that while lead poisoning has not halted the recovery of eagle populations entirely, it has substantially reduced their resilience to other adversities.



The generous support from the <a href="https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/">Morris Animal Foundation</a> played a pivotal role in the execution of the study. This support allowed the research team to bring Hanley onboard and create the new modeling tool that was essential for tackling these intricate issues, particularly with limited data.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-stunted-population-growth">Stunted population growth</h2>



Kevin Hynes, a wildlife biologist for the New York Division of Fish and Wildlife and a researcher involved in the study, pointed out that lead poisoning has long been identified as a prevalent cause of eagle fatalities, accounting for over ten percent of bald eagle deaths.&nbsp;



However, the new modeling approach introduced by Hanley enabled the researchers to recognize that lead poisoning is not just a cause of death, but is also stunting the continued growth of eagle populations.



"This is an environmental problem with a currently available and low-tech solution: A simple switch to non-lead ammunition for hunting will eliminate lead ammunition fragments in gut piles and carcass parts, making them unavailable to eagles and other scavengers," Hynes suggested.



By exposing the pernicious effect of lead ammunition on the survival and resilience of the bald eagle populations, this study highlights the need for a re-evaluation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunting-can-help-stabilize-wildlife-populations/">hunting</a> practices. It ultimately proposes a shift toward non-lead ammunition as an easy yet effective measure to safeguard bald eagles against the deadly threat of lead poisoning.



<h2 id="h-more-about-lead-ammunition-and-wildlife">More about lead ammunition and wildlife</h2>



The use of lead ammunition in hunting and its subsequent impact on wildlife has been an area of growing concern among scientists and conservationists. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that, once introduced into the environment, can have deleterious effects on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.



When hunters use lead ammunition to hunt game, it often results in lead fragments remaining in the leftover gut piles or discarded carcass parts. Scavengers, including predatory and carrion-eating birds such as bald eagles, vultures, and condors, can ingest these lead fragments while feeding on these remains. This can cause lead poisoning, a serious condition associated with numerous health problems and even death in affected animals.



<h3 id="h-lead-poisoning">Lead poisoning</h3>



Lead poisoning in wildlife typically leads to severe physiological complications, including neurological damage, reproductive failure, and weakened immune systems. It's not just birds that are affected; mammals, too, can experience these effects when they ingest lead particles present in their environment or their prey.



Research has shown that lead poisoning has contributed significantly to the mortality rates of various bird species. For example, a study published in the journal "Wildlife Society Bulletin" found that lead poisoning from ammunition fragments was not only causing sickness and death among bald eagles, but it was also reducing their ability to withstand other threats, impeding the continued growth of their populations.



<h3 id="h-widespread-ecological-impacts">Widespread ecological impacts</h3>



Furthermore, lead ammunition fragments in the environment can dissolve slowly over time in soil and water. This process releases lead into the environment, where it can enter the food chain and potentially affect a wide range of organisms, thus causing a more widespread ecological impact.



Recognizing these threats, some areas have implemented restrictions or bans on the use of lead ammunition for hunting. The alternatives to lead ammunition, such as copper or steel bullets, are just as effective for hunting, and significantly less harmful to the environment and non-target wildlife.



A shift toward non-lead ammunition is not only a viable but a necessary solution to prevent ongoing wildlife loss due to lead poisoning and to ensure healthier ecosystems. This issue highlights the interconnections in nature and emphasizes that the actions taken in one area (like hunting practices) can have wide-reaching impacts on wildlife and the overall health of our environment.



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Lead ammunition is a silent threat to bald eagle recovery

A groundbreaking study published in the journal Wildlife Society Bulletin...

A groundbreaking study is providing fascinating insights into the human body's response to rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-fish-populations-are-altered-by-rising-temperatures/">temperatures</a> and intense heat. Led by Professor Lewis Halsey at the <a href="https://www.roehampton.ac.uk/">University of Roehampton</a>, the research has revealed the existence of an upper critical temperature (UCT) for humans, falling somewhere within the range of 40°C to 50°C.&nbsp;



This revelation indicates a tipping point at which the human body's metabolic energy costs begin to surge in response to intense heat.



Understanding metabolic rates and their reactions to different conditions is an intricate science. The resting metabolic rate, which is the amount of energy that the human body requires to maintain basic, restful functioning, can in fact spike when people are subjected to environments that are hot and humid.&nbsp;



"Quite a lot of work has been done on the range of temperatures that different animal species prefer to live at in terms of their metabolic rates being minimal and thus their energy expenditure being low, but, weirdly, information is much less available for humans when considering the upper limits of our thermal neutral zone," explained Professor Halsey.



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



The implications of this research extend across various sectors. Discerning the temperature thresholds at which human metabolic rates start to increase, and how this fluctuates amongst different individuals, could have a profound impact on areas such as work environments, sports, medical practices, and international travel.&nbsp;



Professor Halsey emphasized the broader relevance of this study, stating that the research "provides fundamental knowledge about how we react to suboptimal environments, and how ‘optimal’ differs between people with different characteristics."



Moreover, the research team is delving into how these extreme temperatures, those above the UCT, impact heart function, and how the effects vary among people with different traits, such as age and physical fitness.&nbsp;



"We found some considerable changes in heart function responses to the heat between categories of people, the most novel being between the sexes," said Professor Halsey. In other words, average men and women display distinctive differences in their cardiovascular responses to high heat levels.



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



To investigate, the team used an advanced echocardiograph, a high-tech device that captures detailed images of heart function. This is not typical research equipment. "It was not easy to operate this kit in the heat! The sort of equipment you'd see in hospitals but rarely in research laboratories."



As this research is ongoing, Professor Halsey will be presenting the most recent findings at the upcoming <a href="https://www.sebiology.org/">Society for Experimental Biology</a> conference. "We are steadily building a picture about how the body responds to heat stress, how adaptable it can be, the limits to those adaptations, and - crucially - how varied responses are between individuals. In a warming world, this knowledge becomes ever more valuable."



Indeed, as global temperatures continue to rise, the relevance and urgency of understanding our body's responses to heat become more critical than ever. Professor Halsey's research is helping to bridge this knowledge gap and shed light on the human body's capabilities and limitations in the face of intense heat.



<h2 id="h-more-about-heat-and-the-human-body">More about heat and the human body</h2>



The human body maintains an internal temperature of approximately 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), a balance known as homeostasis. This balance can be affected by external temperature changes such as heat, which the body responds to in several ways to maintain its optimal temperature.



<h3 id="h-sweating">Sweating</h3>



The body cools itself by sweating, which is water evaporating off the skin surface. The heat required to evaporate the water comes from the body, which thus reduces its temperature. This is why in hot weather, you tend to sweat more.



<h3 id="h-vasodilation">Vasodilation</h3>



In response to heat, the blood vessels near the surface of your skin will dilate, or widen, in a process called vasodilation. This allows more blood to flow near the surface of the skin, which can help to radiate heat away from the body.



<h3 id="h-increasing-heart-rate">Increasing heart rate</h3>



To facilitate the process of heat loss, the heart rate increases to pump more blood through these dilated vessels.



<h3 id="h-behavioral-responses">Behavioral responses</h3>



The body can also signal that it's too hot, leading to behavioral responses like seeking shade, removing clothing, or drinking cool liquids.



However, extreme heat can pose a danger to the body. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, can occur when the body can't cool itself properly. These can be serious conditions that require medical attention. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.



To prevent heat-related illnesses, it's important to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks if you're outside in the heat, and try to stay in cooler areas during the hottest parts of the day. If you or someone else is showing symptoms of a heat-related illness, it's important to seek medical help right away.



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Feeling the heat: Rising temperatures push the limits of the human body

A groundbreaking study is providing fascinating insights into the human...

A study from the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/">United States Geological Survey</a> (USGS) reveals that close to half of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-water-is-the-key-to-a-long-and-healthy-life/">drinking water</a> taps in the U.S. likely contain PFAS, or "forever chemicals," that could lead to severe health implications including certain types of cancer.&nbsp;



The alarming study represents the first nationwide attempt to estimate the presence of PFAS in private as well as regulated water supplies. This is a step beyond the understanding that forever chemicals are present in a range of consumer products from nonstick cookware to water-resistant clothing.



<h2 id="h-future-decisions-regarding-drinking-water">Future decisions regarding drinking water</h2>



The USGS did not issue any policy suggestions based on the findings. However, study lead author Kelly Smalling underscored the importance of the study's results for influencing individual and institutional decisions regarding drinking water. The findings can inform decisions about whether to treat drinking water, test it, or seek additional information about the local situation from the state.



The research is timely, given the current review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a proposal made in March to impose federal drinking water limits on six forms of forever chemicals.&nbsp;



PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated substances, are especially concerning because they linger in the human body for years and persist in the environment without degrading. The EPA is expected to make a final decision on this proposal by late 2023 or 2024.



The government has yet to prohibit companies from discharging these hazardous chemicals into public wastewater systems. According to Scott Faber, a senior vice president of the <a href="https://www.ewg.org/">Environmental Working Group</a> (EWG), the government should prioritize addressing the issue at its source. Faber stresses the importance of obliging polluters to treat their waste, likening the current approach to installing a stoplight after an accident has already occurred.



The potential health impacts of forever chemicals have been under investigation for some time. Studies involving lab animals have found potential links between PFAS and various health conditions, including cancers of the kidney and testes, high blood pressure, and low birth weight.



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



The USGS study used samples that were directly obtained from taps in 716 different locations, instead of relying on measurements from water treatment plants or groundwater wells supplying them, as is the norm with federal and state programs. The samples, collected between 2016 and 2021, included 447 locations relying on public supplies and 269 utilizing private wells.&nbsp;



A diverse range of sites was examined, including national parks, residential and rural areas with no identified PFAS sources, and urban centers with industry or waste sites known to generate PFAS.



Smalling and her team tested for 32 detectable PFAS compounds, although thousands more are believed to exist but remain undetectable with current technology. The most frequently detected types were PFBS, PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS. Most samples contained two types, though some had as many as nine, with a median concentration of about seven parts per trillion for all PFAS types.



<h2 id="h-exposure-to-forever-chemicals">Exposure to forever chemicals </h2>



The analysis revealed that the most significant exposures are in cities and near potential sources of PFAS, particularly in areas such as the Eastern Seaboard, Great Lakes and Great Plains urban centers, and Central and Southern California. Still, it's noteworthy that many of the tests, predominantly in rural areas, detected no PFAS at all.



Based on this comprehensive data, researchers estimate that at least one form of forever chemicals could be found in approximately 45 percent of tap water samples nationwide. This discovery highlights the need for private well users to test their water for PFAS and contemplate installing filters. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis membrane filters can effectively remove these compounds, said Faber.



He emphasized the crucial need for those using private wells to have their water tested for PFAS and to consider the installation of filters, which can contain activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes, as effective measures to remove these harmful compounds



Faber interprets the USGS study as irrefutable evidence of the pervasive nature of PFAS, noting that individuals who rely on private wells are particularly susceptible to the damage these chemicals can inflict. He states, "The USGS study is further evidence that PFAS is incredibly pervasive and folks who rely on private wells are particularly vulnerable to the harms caused by these chemicals.”



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Nearly half of US drinking water taps likely contain forever chemicals

A study from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reveals...

Researchers may be one step closer to answering the question of how the ancestors of today's birds managed to survive the cataclysmic event that killed off the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The study suggests that the survival of avian ancestors may be linked to their unique molting patterns.



A bird's molt, as seemingly insignificant as it may appear, is a vital process linked to numerous important functions, explained Jingmai O’Connor, an associate curator of fossil reptiles at Chicago’s <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/">Field Museum</a>.



Every bird is a living remnant of an era of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/">dinosaurs</a>. A bird's plumage, comprised of complex structures of keratin protein (similar to our hair and nails), plays an essential role in flight, camouflage, thermoregulation, mate attraction, and protection against harmful UV rays. However, these sophisticated structures are incapable of repair, which means they must be frequently replaced in a process known as molting.&nbsp;



"Molt is something that I don't think a lot of people think about, but it is fundamentally such an important process to birds," said O’Connor. Her most recent research was focused on a 99-million-year-old cluster of juvenile bird feathers trapped in amber, providing the first definitive fossil evidence of juvenile molting.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-simultaneous-molting">Simultaneous molting</h2>



The specimen presented a unique combination of traits not seen in any extant bird species, demonstrating a simultaneous growth of all body feathers. This pattern is most typical in altricial bird species, which hatch naked and rely heavily on their parents for warmth and nourishment. However, O'Connor's previous research suggested that this extinct bird belonged to the Enantiornithines, a group known for its precocial nature, meaning they were born with feathers and were fairly self-reliant from a young age.



Simultaneous molting, as observed in this juvenile bird, may have had severe implications for the Enantiornithines during the devastating asteroid impact that caused the mass extinction event. This extinction event would have resulted in a drastic plummet in global temperatures and a scarcity of resources.&nbsp;



As a precocial bird undergoing a rapid molt, the energy demands to stay warm would have been steep. However, with limited resources, these demands would be difficult to meet, potentially contributing to their eventual extinction.



<h2 id="h-evolution-of-molting">Evolution of molting&nbsp;</h2>



In addition to this groundbreaking discovery, O’Connor, along with postdoctoral researcher Yosef Kiat, undertook another study that delved into understanding the evolution of molting in birds by examining its patterns in extant species.&nbsp;



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/commsbio/">Communications Biology</a>, revealed that most modern adult birds undergo sequential molting, replacing a few feathers at a time over several weeks. This method allows the bird to maintain flight capabilities during the molting period. Simultaneous molts, which involve shedding and regrowing all flight feathers at once, were less common and typically seen in aquatic species like ducks, who don't depend heavily on flight for survival.



Interestingly, molting evidence in fossil birds and other feathered dinosaurs is a rare find. "We had this hypothesis that birds with simultaneous molts, which occur in a shorter duration of time, will be less represented in the fossil record," explained O’Connor. This theory suggests that a shorter molting period equated to fewer opportunities for a bird to die and thus become fossilized during molting, preserving evidence of this crucial process.



“We tested more than 600 skins of modern birds stored in the ornithology collection of the Field Museum to look for evidence of active molting,” said Kiat. “Among the sequentially molting birds, we found dozens of specimens in an active molt, but among the simultaneous molters, we found hardly any.”



The findings appeared to align with their hypothesis, hinting at the possibility that the lack of molting evidence in the fossil record may be due to fewer instances of simultaneous molting in ancient birds.



<h2 id="h-valuable-insights">Valuable insights&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the fact that their study was based on modern birds, the scientists believe that these findings could provide valuable insights into the molting patterns of prehistoric birds. “In paleontology, we have to get creative, since we don’t have complete data sets," said O'Connor. "Here, we used statistical analysis of a random sample to infer what the absence of something is actually telling us."



In this context, the noticeable lack of molting fossil birds, despite the prevalence of active molting in modern bird specimens, indicates that fossil birds likely did not molt as frequently as today's birds. It is plausible that they underwent a simultaneous molt, or they might not have followed the yearly molt schedule typical of most current bird species.



These groundbreaking studies on molting unveil a recurring theme: the molting habits of prehistoric birds and feathered dinosaurs, especially those from groups that did not survive the mass extinction, were distinctly different from today’s avian species.



"All the differences that you can find between crown birds and stem birds, essentially, become hypotheses about why one group survived and the rest didn’t," said O'Connor. She proposed that the differential survival could be attributed to a multitude of factors, one of which could very well be the molting process.&nbsp;



"I don't think there's any one particular reason why the crown birds, the group that includes modern birds, survived. I think it's a combination of characteristics. But I think it's becoming clear that molt may have been a significant factor in which dinosaurs were able to survive,” concluded O'Connor.&nbsp;



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Unique molting patterns may have saved birds during dinosaur extinction

Researchers may be one step closer to answering the question...

Polar,Bear,On,Melting,Ice,Floe,In,Arctic,Sea

In the face of the warming Arctic, melting glaciers are revealing groundwater springs that bubble with potent and powerful methane emissions.



This surprising source could have a significant and overlooked impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-transforming-arctic-rivers-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, according to new research. A study published today in Nature Geoscience shares these startling findings.



The scientists, from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> and the <a href="https://www.unis.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Centre in Svalbard, Norway</a>, discovered extensive methane gas leaks. These leaks come from groundwater springs that are becoming visible as glaciers melt.



The researchers warn that as the Arctic glaciers continue to shrink, these methane emissions will likely rise. The methane not only comes from the springs but also from other melting ice and frozen ground in the Arctic. This could accelerate global warming.



Gabrielle Kleber, the lead author of the study from Cambridge's Department of Earth Sciences, spoke about the research.



"These springs are a considerable, and potentially growing, source of methane emissions. One that has been missing from our estimations of the global methane budget until now," she said.



<h2 id="h-methane-gas-emissions-will-speed-up-global-warming">Methane gas emissions will speed up global warming</h2>



The concern among scientists is that the extra methane emissions released by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thawing-arctic-hillsides-are-contributing-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic thaw</a> could speed up global warming caused by humans. The researchers believe these springs, previously unrecognized, could be a source of methane emissions.



For almost three years, Kleber has been keeping a close watch on the water chemistry of more than a hundred springs across Svalbard. This region has <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-arctic-taller-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air temperatures rising</a> two times faster than the average for the Arctic.



Kleber likens Svalbard to the canary in the coal mine of global warming, stating, "Since it is warming faster than the rest of the Arctic, we can get a preview of the potential methane release that could happen at a larger scale across this region."



Professor Andrew Hodson from the University Centre in Svalbard, a study co-author, commented, "Living in Svalbard exposes you to the front-line of Arctic climate change. I can't think of anything more stark than the sight of methane outgassing in the immediate forefield of a retreating glacier."



Past research mainly focused on methane release from thawing permafrost (frozen ground). But co-author Professor Alexandra Turchyn from Cambridge's Department of Earth Sciences said, "While the focus is often on permafrost, this new finding tells us that there are other pathways for methane emissions which could be even more significant in the global methane budget."



<h2>Methane gas springs found under melting Arctic glaciers</h2>



The team identified methane-delivering springs fed by a hidden plumbing system beneath most glaciers. This system taps into extensive groundwater reserves in the underlying sediments and surrounding bedrock. Once the g<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-lakes-are-vanishing-due-to-permafrost-thaw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laciers melt and recede</a>, springs appear where this groundwater network breaks through to the surface.



In Svalbard, the team found methane emissions from glacial groundwater springs could exceed 2,000 tonnes over a year. This is around 10% of the methane emissions from Norway’s annual oil and gas energy industry.



"If global warming continues unchecked then methane release from glacial groundwater springs will probably become more extensive," Kleber warned.



To find these springs, Kleber trained her eye to spot them on satellite images. She studied the lands revealed by the retreat of 78 glaciers across Svalbard. Kleber then looked for blue streaks of ice where groundwater leaked to the surface and froze.



She then traveled by snowmobile to each site. There, she took samples from places where the ice had blistered due to pressurized water and gas buildup.



<h2>What the research team learned</h2>



The team found that almost all of the spring sites contained water highly concentrated with dissolved methane. This means when spring water reaches the surface, plenty of excess methane can escape to the atmosphere.



The researchers also found that methane emissions hotspots were related to the type of rock from which the groundwater emerged. Some rocks like shale and coal, which contain natural gases including methane, contributed to the groundwater.



Kleber noted, "In Svalbard we are beginning to understand the complex and cascading feedbacks triggered by glacier melt. It seems likely that there are more outcomes like this which we have yet to uncover."



Professor Hodson expressed a dire warning about the volume of trapped gas below these glaciers.



"The amount of methane leaking from the springs we measured will likely be dwarfed by the total volume of trapped gas lying below these glaciers, waiting to escape," he said. "That means we urgently need to establish the risk of a sudden increase in methane leakage, because glaciers will only continue to retreat whilst we struggle to curb climate change."



In conclusion, this research shows that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-permafrost-is-releasing-even-more-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming Arctic</a> is revealing hidden springs that are a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The continual shrinking of these glaciers will expose more springs and release more methane.



This finding reveals that methane emissions from the Arctic may be more significant than previously believed, posing a greater challenge to global warming efforts.



<h2>More about methane</h2>



Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas.One carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms make up methane, forming a chemical structure known as CH4. It is colorless and odorless, and you can find it both on Earth and in outer space.



Methane is a primary component of natural gas. It's used as a fuel for heating and electricity generation. It's also a raw material in chemical industries, where it's transformed into a variety of products, from plastics to antifreeze.



Methane is produced by both natural and human activities. Natural sources include wetlands, volcanoes, and wildfires. In contrast, human activities such as fossil fuel extraction, agriculture (especially livestock farming), and waste treatment generate significant amounts of methane.



<h3>Potent greenhouse gas</h3>



Methane is potent in trapping heat in the atmosphere. While it's less abundant than carbon dioxide (CO2), it's 25 times more effective at trapping heat over a 100-year period. This makes it a significant contributor to global warming.



Methane doesn't stay in the atmosphere as long as CO2, typically lasting about 12 years. However, when it breaks down, it turns into CO2 and water vapor, both of which are greenhouse gases.



Methane is also a potential health hazard. In large quantities, it can displace oxygen, leading to suffocation. It's also highly flammable and can cause explosions.



Controlling methane emissions is a key part of tackling climate change. Strategies include improving the efficiency of fossil fuel extraction and distribution, reducing emissions from livestock and rice cultivation, and capturing methane emissions from landfills.



In recent years, researchers have also been exploring the use of methane-consuming bacteria and innovative technologies to mitigate methane emissions and convert them into useful products.

Melting Arctic glaciers are releasing a new source of potent methane emissions

In the face of the warming Arctic, melting glaciers are...

HUMAN FOOTPRINT, a groundbreaking six-part science documentary exploring the complex ways in which humans are currently transforming our planet, premiered yesterday on PBS,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pbs.org/">PBS.org</a>,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/pbs-video-app/">PBS App.</a>



Produced by <a href="http://www.daysedge.com/">Day’s Edge Productions</a> and hosted by Shane Campbell-Staton, an evolutionary biologist at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/">Princeton University</a>, this stunning series takes viewers on a fascinating journey around the world to dissect the myriad ways in which the Earth’s most invasive species is currently leaving its footprint all over the natural world, giving rise to an unprecedented cascade of physiological and behavioral changes in a variety of animal and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-pass-down-memories-to-help-offspring-survive/">plant</a> species.&nbsp;



Yet, instead of being a “doom and gloom” story of human villainy, the series aims to provide an honest reckoning with our species’ intricate connections to nature and singular history of fundamentally changing the Earth’s ecosystems, while also highlighting non-human life’s amazing resilience to anthropogenic stressors.



“We’re thrilled to share&nbsp;HUMAN FOOTPRINT&nbsp;and Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton with audiences around the world,” said Neil Losin, owner and senior producer at Day’s Edge. “Now is the time to ask the big questions about humanity’s past, present, and future, and Shane’s knowledge, curiosity, and humility make him the perfect guide for this unforgettable journey.”



<h2 id="h-shane-campbell-staton-a-biologist-mapping-the-anthropocene">Shane Campbell-Staton: A biologist mapping the Anthropocene&nbsp;</h2>



Shane Campbell-Staton is an assistant professor of Evolutionary Biology at Princeton investigating human-driven evolution in our current geological epoch, frequently referred to as the “Anthropocene,” and defined as a period in which human activities have a significant and lasting impact on Earth’s geology, climate, and ecosystems.&nbsp;



By integrating a diversity of experimental and methodological techniques, Shane and his team at the <a href="https://www.campbellstaton.com/">Campbell-Staton Group</a> explore the effects of urbanization, invasive species, climate change, and other human-related changes on wildlife in order to better understand the future of biodiversity in a human-dominated world.&nbsp;



Since human modifications to the natural world present extreme and novel environments for a variety of species around the world, they offer unique opportunities to study the process of evolution in real-time and shed new light on nature’s extraordinary capacity to rapidly adapt and evolve in response to human-induced stressors.&nbsp;



Shane’s research highlights non-human life’s extraordinary ability to rapidly evolve traits for protecting it against ever increasing human encroachment. Some examples of this phenomenon include anole lizards living in sprawling South American metropolises increasing their heat tolerance to adapt to urban heat islands, and grey wolves from Chernobyl evolving an amazing capacity to withstand massive amounts of radiation in just a few generations. In Mozambique, a rising number of elephants are born tuskless to gain better protection against ivory trade,&nbsp;



In HUMAN FOOTPRINT, Shane draws upon his groundbreaking research to map humanity’s massive impact on other species, while stressing the latter’s incredible resilience against human domination. “Hosting&nbsp;HUMAN FOOTPRINT&nbsp;has been one of the greatest adventures of my life. I study how animals adapt to the changes we are making to planet, but this journey really helped me to better understand the depth and breadth of our impact,” he said. “We are so intricately connected to the world around us in so many ways. I hope this series helps others to see and think about those connections in new ways.”&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-pilot-what-makes-a-species-invasive">Pilot: What makes a species invasive?</h2>



In the series’ first episode, which just aired on PBS on Wednesday July 5, 2023 at 9 p.m ET, Shane takes his viewers on a trek from South Florida and Illinois to the American West and Hawaii to explore a diversity of so-called “invasive species” – ranging from pythons in Florida and Asian carps in Illinois to wild horses in the West and virtually all animal and plant species currently inhabiting Hawaii.&nbsp;



Biologists define invasive species as organisms (plants, animals, or microorganisms) that are non-native to a particular ecosystem and have the potential to cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. These species are introduced either intentionally or accidentally to new habitats, where they can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and alter ecological processes.



Although this definition looks rather straightforward, Shane is careful to emphasize the inherent difficulties in classifying a particular species as invasive, and embarks upon an in-depth discussion of concepts such as “nativeness” and “belonging,” while highlighting the intricate relationship between biology and culture when trying to understand invasive species.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-humans-the-most-invasive-species-of-all">Humans: The most invasive species of all</h2>



While acknowledging the unmistakable negative impacts species deemed as invasive have on their current ecosystems, he nevertheless argues that the situation is much more complex than usually thought. He notes&nbsp; that humans often play a disproportionate role not only in classifying a species as invasive or not, but also in the relocation of such species to new habitats in which they could potentially cause significant harm.



“Humans are a cosmopolitan species, one of the few. And wherever we go, we bring other species with us, sometimes on purpose, sometimes without even knowing it. When the conditions are ripe, it’s a bonanza for these alien species. They multiply, spread, and wreak havoc in their new environment. These biological invasions cost the global economy 1.4 trillion dollars a year and, after habitat destruction, they’re the leading cause of species extinctions,” explained Shane.



“But are invasive species really the villains? After all, when an arsonist starts a fire, no one blames the match. So, instead of vilifying the species that succeed where they don’t belong, we should take a closer look at why they are there in the first place and how our species is handling the fallout.”



For instance, the large number of pythons currently roaming through a wide range of South Florida’s natural areas and causing significant harm to local ecosystems would not have ended up there without major increases in inter-continental wildlife trade over the past decades and the subsequent careless discarding of pythons initially bought as pets into the wilderness.&nbsp;



Similarly, the several species of Asian carp originally imported in the 1980s and released in US rivers and lakes to help cleansing the massive amounts of human waste reaching these waters have since multiplied exponentially, endangering local aquatic species, and – in a culture still hesitant to consume them as food – incurring massive costs to devise various technologies to control their spread.&nbsp;



Such examples highlight the huge impact human actions can have on the relocation of animal species, and the unforeseeable consequences such actions often entail. But while the negative impact of species like pythons or carp may be straightforward, other cases such as the horses introduced by the Spanish on the American continent at the end of the 15th century raise an entirely different set of questions.&nbsp;



Although these horses are clearly non-native to the Americas, in the centuries since they had been introduced, they have nevertheless become close to a national emblem, being widely used and praised by both Native Americans and the newly established immigrants arriving from other parts of the world. And if American people now try through a variety of methods to get rid of pythons and carp, their deeply rooted attitude towards wild horses is highly different, regardless of the fact that horse populations are doubling every few years and are currently ten times larger than the land can sustain.&nbsp;



As Shane puts it, while our desire to keep wild horses in the West might be rooted in our culture, its outcome remains biological. “But is our love for a species enough to make it belong, and at some point, as an invader, deserve amnesty?” he wonders.&nbsp;



Finally, by taking a close look at the exuberant flora and fauna of Hawaii and their centuries-long relation to local people, he further stresses the difficulties in classifying certain species – including humans - as being native to a specific place or not, and the disproportionate role of cultural attitudes in framing the answer to this question. “Our perspectives about nativeness are shaped by our own sense of belonging as much as anything biological, whether we are talking about our own species or another,” he argued.



These musings converge towards a rather grim outlook on our own species, which can easily be considered as the most invasive species of all. “Maybe the reason we have such strong feelings about invasive species is that we see part of ourselves in them. Because invasions start with us. They get out of control when we’re slow to take responsibility. And they highlight the uncomfortable truth that humans are quite capable of doing things we can’t undo,” Shane said.



Yet, a certain degree of optimism resurfaces at the end of this first episode. “Even if somehow we could get rid of the invasive species, we wouldn’t end up with the ecosystems we had at the start. We can’t turn back the clock. But what makes our species special is that we can see what lies ahead, and we can protect the things we care about. We just have to decide what we value, and, in the world we want to live in, what belongs,” he concluded.



<h2 id="h-what-to-expect-next">What to expect next</h2>



In the following five episodes, airing each Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET until August 9, Shane will further expand not only upon how human activities impact the natural world and what this tells us about human nature, but also – and perhaps even more importantly - upon how nature itself can often fight back through complex strategies and successfully withstand human invasions.&nbsp;



While humans have traditionally been praised as guardians of nature, increasing evidence now mounts that we could just as well be seen as nature’s top predator, using our biology, culture, technology, and economy to wreak havoc on non-human life forms for our own benefit. Yet, as the series proceeds, it will become clear that non-human animals and plants can be extremely resilient to human predation, and are able to use a dazzling variety of strategies to deal with our merciless raids on nature.&nbsp;



Whether by forging affective bonds with humans as wolves did in their journey towards becoming domestic dogs, or by cunningly adapting to human-made habitats such as sprawling cities, as rats are doing in the back alleys of New York, the species with which we share this planet do not fail to prove to us, again and again, that our dreams of control and dominion are more fragile than we would like them to be. Instead of being separate from nature, we are just a small, vulnerable part of it. In a complex world hosting an enormous variety of highly intelligent and adaptable life-forms, rather than being indelible, our human footprint could easily vanish from the sands of time.&nbsp;



As Shane brilliantly puts it at the beginning of the first episode, “this isn’t a story about starlings or any of the other invasive species spreading across the planet. It’s a story about one species that moves others around the globe like pieces on a chessboard. The problem is, depending on where they land, sometimes those pieces start playing their own game.”



Further information about the series and related topics can be found in Shane’s recent <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/shane_campbell_staton_how_life_on_earth_adapts_to_you_and_me">TED talk</a> and <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/07/04/1185955953/new-pbs-series-tracks-effects-of-humanity-on-the-planet">NPR interview</a>.



—



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



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>.

New PBS documentary explores humanity’s footprint on nature

HUMAN FOOTPRINT, a groundbreaking six-part science documentary exploring the complex...

Lightning,Storm,Over,City,In,Purple,Light

The <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> (ESA) and <a href="https://www.eumetsat.int/">Eumetsat</a> have activated Lightning Imager -- the first ever satellite instrument capable of detecting lightning and severe storm activity in a continuous manner across Europe and Africa. 



The inaugural Meteosat Third Generation satellite, carrying the innovative device known as the Lightning Imager, launched into the skies on December 13, 2022.



The first animations from the Imager will revolutionize the detection and prediction of severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-have-different-strategies-to-survive-storms/">storms</a>.



The Lightning Imager, situated a staggering 36,000 km from Earth, boasts an extraordinary capacity to detect swift flashes of lightning in Earth's atmosphere. It works equally well regardless of whether it is day or night.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-powerful-technology-with-a-sophisticated-design">Powerful technology with a sophisticated design&nbsp;</h2>



Leonardo, the company responsible for the creation of the Lightning Imager, has designed the instrument with four cameras. Each camera monitors lightning activity in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and certain regions of South America.



The instrument's ability to capture up to 1,000 images per second presents the opportunity to perpetually observe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-strike-creates-a-material-seen-for-the-first-time-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning activity</a> from the confines of space.



The novelty of the Lightning Imager lies not only in its sophisticated design, but also in the data processing and presentation techniques. 



Each animation rendered by the Imager is the product of a sequence of images. The system generates these images by aggregating a minute's worth of lightning measurements and overlaying them on a single image of Earth.



<h2 id="h-reliable-data-helps-forecast-severe-storms">Reliable data helps forecast severe storms</h2>



The introduction of the Lightning Imager into the sphere of meteorological observation holds significant promise for the enhancement of storm prediction capabilities. 



Particularly for remote regions and vast oceanic expanses, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/in-tropical-forests-lightning-strikes-the-most-resilient-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning detection</a> facilities are limited, the Imager can provide meteorologists with more accurate and reliable data for storm forecasting.



“The animations show the instrument’s ability to accurately and effectively detect lightning activity over the whole area of the cameras’ field of view, which covers 84% of the Earth disc," said Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA.&nbsp;



She further emphasized the shared endeavor of ESA, Eumetsat, and their European industrial partners in ensuring that the groundbreaking technology positively impacts communities and various sectors of the economy, extending its benefits well beyond the boundaries of Europe.



<h2 id="h-valuable-insights-for-storm-prediction">Valuable insights for storm prediction&nbsp;</h2>



The Lightning Imager's value extends beyond mere storm detection and prediction. Scientists project the device to provide valuable insights for the study of short-term weather forecasts. This amazing device will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-strikes-set-to-increase-by-100-percent-in-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact of such phenomena on climate change</a>.&nbsp;



Furthermore, given the significant threat posed by lightning to aircraft instrumentation, the Imager will serve a pivotal role in the realm of air traffic safety.



“Severe storms are often preceded by abrupt changes in lightning activity. By observing these changes in activity, Lightning Imager data will give weather forecasters additional confidence in their forecasts of severe storms," said Eumetsat Director General Phil Evans.



“When these data are used in conjunction with the high-resolution data from the Flexible Combined Imager, weather forecasters will be better able to track the development of severe storms and have a longer lead-in time to warn authorities and communities.”



<h2>Unique capabilities of Lightning Imager</h2>



Guia Pastorini, Leonardo's project engineering manager for the Lightning Imager, discussed the unique capabilities of the instrument. 



Pastorini said, “The Lightning Imager has four cameras and each one can capture 1000 images per second, day and night, detecting even a single <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/was-life-on-earth-literally-sparked-by-lightning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning bolt</a> faster than the blink of an eye."&nbsp;



“Thanks to specific algorithms, data is processed on board to send only useful information to Earth, supporting the development of more accurate weather forecasts, as well as contributing to the study of weather phenomena and air transport safety.



“Together with ESA and Eumetsat, and coordinating an international industrial team, Leonardo has been working on this outstanding technology for 10 years, and today we are very proud to present the images of the first European lightning hunter, the only in the world with these unique performances.”



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="cVhOBQuwHl-2843310-12187" type="single"]</div>



While the animations generated by the Lightning Imager provide an initial glimpse into its capabilities, the instrument is still in its infancy. It is a component of the <a href="https://www.eumetsat.int/meteosat-third-generation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meteosat Third Generation Imager</a>, which is currently in its commissioning phase. 



This important stage involves the calibration of the instruments and validation of the data produced, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information the satellite will provide in the future.



<h2>What's next for the Imager project?</h2>



Scientists expect to have data from the new Imager available for operational use in early 2024. The team expects to complete the commissioning phase by then. It will offer an increased sensitivity and thus significantly advancing our ability to detect, analyze, and predict weather patterns.&nbsp;



The Lightning Imager and its host, the Meteosat Third Generation Imager, are the outcome of a collaborative endeavor involving a wide consortium of European industries. The project is helmed by Thales Alenia Space in partnership with OHB.



The development of the Lightning Imager took place under the expertise of Leonardo, based in Italy, whereas Telespazio has been responsible for providing Eumetsat with essential launch and in-orbit services. 



This joint effort and the innovative technologies they've deployed signal a transformative leap forward for meteorological science - one that holds immense promise for a better understanding of Earth's weather.



You can access all the MTG Lightning Imager animations <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Sets/MTG_Lightning_Imager_animations">here</a>.



—-



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Beautiful first videos from ESA's Lightning Imager, built to detect global severe storms

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Eumetsat have activated Lightning...

An interesting study from the <a href="https://www.ualberta.ca/index.html">University of Alberta</a> is providing new insight into the impact of sunscreen on aquatic ecosystems. 



The experts have found that sunscreens may be much less toxic to small aquatic creatures than what has been assumed in the past. The research paves the way for a better understanding of how chemicals interact in marine environments.



Sunscreen, an indispensable shield against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, contains ultraviolet filters (UVFs) which are meant to protect our skin. These filters have been under scrutiny for the potential harm they can inflict on marine ecosystems.&nbsp;



There is evidence suggesting that some UVFs are detrimental to corals, and as a result, places like Hawaii and Palau have implemented bans on certain types of sunscreen.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-massive-knowledge-gap-surrounding-sunscreens">Massive knowledge gap surrounding sunscreens</h2>



PhD candidate Aaron Boyd set out to examine the effects of these chemicals. Rather than solely focusing on individual chemicals, Boyd analyzed the interactions of the “chemical cocktail” in sunscreens.



“Researchers overwhelmingly perform studies testing the toxicity of UVFs in isolation by exposing test organisms to one chemical at a time,” said Boyd. He noted that only three percent of aquatic toxicology studies have actually investigated whole sunscreen mixtures, which he says leaves a “massive knowledge gap to be addressed.”



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted-on-aquatic-ecosystems">How the study was conducted on aquatic ecosystems</h2>



The study was focused on Daphnia water fleas, small invertebrates that are omnipresent in freshwater lakes around the globe. Daphnia serves as an indicator species that can be studied to learn how pollution may impact marine life.



Boyd compared the long-term toxicity of five different sunscreen mixtures as well as their individual UVFs on Daphnia.



<h2 id="h-surprising-results-about-impact-of-sunscreens">Surprising results about impact of sunscreens</h2>



“We were very surprised to find that sunscreen mixtures are much less toxic to Daphnia than what would be expected based on the quantity of each UV filter present within the mixtures,” said Boyd.&nbsp;



According to the study, the Daphnia could withstand long-term exposure to sunscreens containing octocrylene at concentrations over 50 times higher than what would be entirely lethal if exposed to the UVF alone.



Boyd noted that the rate of new chemical development and release is alarmingly faster than scientific investigation into the consequences of such contamination. He emphasized the importance of utilizing limited research resources judiciously by identifying which contaminants are truly harmful.



“We found that the other components of the sunscreen mixtures reduced the toxicity to such a large extent that perhaps these chemicals are not a contamination concern in most environments,” explained Boyd. This finding is significant as it suggests that previous studies may have been overestimating the toxicity of individual UV filters in aquatic environments.



“Regardless of any potential environmental toxicity of sunscreens, always wear sunscreen when going outside for an extended period of time," said Boyd. "The threat of cancer is much more severe than the potential effects that sunscreen contamination may cause!”



<h2 id="h-sunscreen-and-corals">Sunscreen and corals</h2>



Sunscreen and its potential impact on coral reefs have been a significant topic of concern in recent years. Many sunscreens <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/sunscreen-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contain chemicals</a>, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are known to be harmful to coral reefs. 



These chemicals are found in many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-sunscreens-lose-effectiveness-and-become-harmful-during-use/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">popular sunscreens</a> as they effectively protect our skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. However, once they wash off in the ocean, they can cause damage to marine life.



When people wearing sunscreen go swimming in the ocean, some of the sunscreen washes off and remains in the water. As a result, these chemicals can reach high concentrations, particularly in popular swimming and snorkeling spots.



<h3 id="h-coral-bleaching">Coral bleaching</h3>



Research has shown that these chemicals can exacerbate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-sunscreen-impacting-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral bleaching</a>, a phenomenon that occurs when corals under stress expel the algae living within their tissues, causing them to turn white. 



Coral bleaching is primarily caused by rising sea temperatures due to climate change. Still, the presence of harmful chemicals such as those found in sunscreen can make corals more susceptible to bleaching and disease.



<h3 id="h-stunted-development">Stunted development&nbsp;</h3>



Moreover, sunscreen chemicals can have a detrimental impact on the early developmental stages of corals.&nbsp;



Studies have shown that these chemicals can deform and kill coral larvae, reducing the ability of coral reefs to recover from other threats such as climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction.



<h3 id="h-legislative-action">Legislative action&nbsp;</h3>



These discoveries have led to legislative action in several parts of the world. For instance, in 2018, Hawaii became the first US state to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, with the law taking effect in 2021. Palau, a Pacific Island nation, has also banned sunscreens containing these harmful chemicals.



To mitigate these harmful effects, researchers and companies are exploring alternatives to traditional sunscreens, such as "reef-safe" sunscreens, which do not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. However, it's crucial to understand that the term "reef-safe" is not regulated, and the effectiveness and safety of these alternatives are still under scrutiny.



While this issue is complex and multi-faceted, reducing the use of harmful sunscreen chemicals is one way that individuals can help protect our oceans and the diverse life they support. Nonetheless, it's still crucial for us to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays, so finding a balance is key.



—-



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Sunscreens may be less harmful to aquatic ecosystems than expected

An interesting study from the University of Alberta is providing...

Grape,Harvest

According to a recent study&nbsp; presented at the <a href="https://www.sebiology.org/events/seb-centenary-conference-2023.html">Society for Experimental Biology (SEB) Centenary Conference</a>, wild birds living in vineyards are highly susceptible to contamination by triazole fungicides,. This is a group of substances widely used to control fungal diseases in various crops, plants, and other agricultural settings.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that exposure to such fungicides at a field-realistic level can disrupt birds’ hormones and metabolism and thus impact their reproduction and survival.



“We found that birds can be highly contaminated by triazoles in vineyards,” said study leader Frédéric Angelier, a senior researcher at the <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en/cnrs">French National Center for Scientific Research</a>. 



“This contamination was much higher in vineyards relative to other crops, emphasizing that contaminants may especially put birds at risk in these specific agroecosystems.”



Although many previous studies of wildlife declines have already assessed the impact of various agricultural industries, until now the role of vineyards has largely been overlooked.&nbsp;



“However, vineyards cover a large proportion of lands in some European countries and, importantly, they are associated with a massive use of fungicides (up to 5-7 times more than in other crops). Therefore, vineyards are very relevant agroecosystems to assess the impacts of fungicides on wild birds,” Angelier explained.



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



To examine the effects of such fungicides on specific aspects of bird health, the scientists combined field experiments designed to measure real-world fungicide levels with controlled laboratory experiments.&nbsp;



While laboratory investigations of the impact of pesticides on wildlife frequently use higher concentrations of pesticides than those used in real-world settings to elicit stronger reactions, this study measured the real contamination of fungicides in birds living in vineyards and other ecosystems such as crop fields, forests, or cities.



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



By accurately replicating the fungicide concentrations measured in vineyards in laboratory conditions, the researchers shed new light on how wild birds are genuinely affected by pesticides in realistic settings.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that, by disrupting their metabolism and hormon levels, exposure to triazole fungicides can have major impacts on wild birds’ reproduction and survival and thus potentially lead to a loss of biodiversity and ecological services (such as birds eating other pests).



These findings highlight the urgent need to consider the detrimental effects of triazole fungicides on bird populations living in vineyards and to develop more sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate these risks and safeguard biodiversity.



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



Fungicides are a type of pesticide used to control fungal diseases by inhibiting or killing the fungus causing the disease. They are widely used in agriculture to control fungal diseases in crops, which can cause significant yield loss and affect the quality of produce. In some cases, these substances are also used to control fungal diseases in humans and animals.



<h3 id="h-two-main-types">Two main types&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-contact-fungicides">Contact fungicides</h4>



These fungicides are not absorbed by the plant tissue and only protect the plant where the spray is deposited. They are typically used to control surface fungi.



<h4 id="h-systemic-fungicides">Systemic fungicides</h4>



These are absorbed and redistributed through the plant tissues, providing more comprehensive protection. Systemic fungicides are typically used for diseases that affect areas of the plant that are difficult to reach with contact fungicides, such as the roots or the inside of the plant.



Fungicides work in various ways, with most targeting specific biological processes in the fungi that they inhibit or kill. For example, some of these substances disrupt the process of cell division in fungi, while others inhibit the production of essential fungal proteins.



While fungicides can be very effective, their use must be managed carefully to avoid the development of resistance, which can occur when a fungus evolves to be less sensitive to a particular fungicide. This is often managed by rotating between fungicides with different modes of action.



While fungicides are generally safe when used properly, some can be harmful to humans or the environment. For this reason, it's important to use them responsibly and follow all safety instructions. There is an ongoing effort in research and development to create more environmentally friendly fungicides.



—-



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



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>.

Wild birds are significantly threatened by vineyard fungicides

According to a recent study&nbsp; presented at the Society for...

<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">Invisible threat in urban air</h2>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



These findings, published in <a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a>, 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.



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.



—–



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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>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



"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.



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



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.



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



—–



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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>



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.



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



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.



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."



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



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.



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.



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



Published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>, 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.



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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>



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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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>



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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



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.



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%.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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>.



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



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

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>



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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">Nature Communications</a>.



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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?



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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.



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



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



Sources: 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.



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



1. Is acid rain completely gone? 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.



2. How long did solving take? 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.



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



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



5. Could acid rain return? 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.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? 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>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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. 



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. 



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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. 



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



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



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



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. 



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).



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



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.



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.



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>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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. 



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.



“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;



“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.”



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



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.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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Today's Video of the Day 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. 



"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."



"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.



"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.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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."



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;



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. 



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.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day 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;



"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.



"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;



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.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



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



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.



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.



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.



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.



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. 



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.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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;



"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.



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day 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;



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.



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;



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. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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.”



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.



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.



“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.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



"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.



"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."



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



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.



"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."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



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.



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.



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.



Video Credit: ESA



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



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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

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Today's Video of the Day 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. 



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



"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.



"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."



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;



"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.



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.



"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.



"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."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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