<p>Last summer felt different across large parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. Temperatures broke local records, forests dried out, and daily life bent under relentless heat.</p>



<p>A new study goes further than asking whether climate change played a role. It quantifies how much specific fossil fuel and cement producers contributed to 213 major heatwaves from 2000 to 2023.</p>



<p>The team examined heatwaves reported by governments and media because they caused serious losses or triggered emergency help.</p>



<p>Researchers analyzed whether human-driven warming made those events more likely or more intense, then linked those changes to emissions from 180 large producers known as “carbon majors.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-real-costs-of-heat">The real costs of heat</h2>



<p>Heatwaves are not just uncomfortable. They threaten health, strain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-vehicles-cant-help-the-planet-without-a-smarter-power-grid/">power grids</a>, and hit farms and factories with real economic pain. </p>



<p>Connecting events to sources provides a clearer picture of responsibility than broad national averages.</p>



<p>The study answers two questions: first, how much has climate change amped up these events, and second, how much did each company’s emissions add to that amplification.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-waves-and-climate-change">Heat waves and climate change</h2>



<p>An attribution study estimates how climate change shifts the odds and severity of an extreme event. Scientists compare the world we live in with a modeled preindustrial baseline to quantify the difference.</p>



<p>They use global mean surface <a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/?intent=121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> as a yardstick for how much the planet has warmed overall. A probability ratio tells you how many times more likely an event became compared with the historical world before major industrial emissions.</p>



<p>Across all 213 heatwaves, climate change increased both the intensity and the likelihood. The median boost in intensity rose from about 1.4 °C (2.5 °F) in 2000 to 2009 to about 2.2 °C (4.0 °F) in 2020 to 2023, which matches the broader warming trend reported over land surfaces.</p>



<p>The odds jumped as well. Heatwaves became about 20 times more likely during 2000 to 2009 and about 200 times more likely during 2010 to 2019 compared with 1850 to 1900.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuel-companies-and-heatwaves">Fossil fuel companies and heatwaves</h2>



<p>The authors traced heatwave contributions from the 180 largest fossil fuel and cement producers. Those emissions account for a major share of historical carbon dioxide and methane released into the atmosphere.</p>



<p>Fourteen entities stand out because their total contribution to warming matches that of the other 166 combined. That pattern shows scale matters, but smaller producers still matter, since even modest shares can push rare events over the edge.</p>



<p>Past research often grouped emissions by country or individual. This work focuses on firms because they extract and sell products with high carbon footprints and have steered business strategies in light of what they knew about climate risks.</p>



<p>The paper highlights that companies have pursued profit within systems that long undervalued climate costs. That context may inform debates about responsibility, insurance, and how to fund adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-extreme-heat-events">Tracing extreme heat events</h2>



<p>First, the team applied an established event attribution protocol maintained by World Weather Attribution. The approach compares observed temperatures during each heatwave to a modeled preindustrial world, tests statistical fit, and combines multiple lines of evidence.</p>



<p>Second, they used an <a href="https://www.gfdl.noaa.gov/earth-system-model/">Earth system model</a> to calculate how each carbon major’s emissions changed global temperature over time. Removing one entity’s emissions from the historical record in a model run shows the temperature difference that producer made.</p>



<p>Take the Pacific Northwest heat dome of June 2021. Analyses found human induced warming increased its intensity by several degrees Celsius (roughly 4-9 °F) and made such an event far more likely than it would have been before industrialization.</p>



<p>The new study used a similar framework consistently across the world’s continents. That consistency allows a fairer comparison among many events rather than a handful of famous ones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corporate-share-of-heat">Corporate share of heat</h2>



<p>The researchers estimate that about half of the increase in heatwave intensity since preindustrial times can be traced to the carbon majors. Median contributions from the top group to the intensity of these events range up to a few tenths of a degree Celsius (about 0.5 °F).</p>



<p>Some heatwaves would have been virtually impossible without the added warming. The authors report that dozens of events cross that threshold when considering the total human effect.</p>



<p>"It just shows that it's not that many actors ... who are responsible for a very strong fraction of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-new-source-of-methane-emissions-discovered-glacial-fracking-arctic/">emissions</a>," said Sonia Seneviratne of ETH Zurich (ETHZ).</p>



<p>That perspective reflects the study’s focus on tracing causal chains from producers to real world impacts. It does not erase individual or national roles, but it sharpens the picture of who profits directly from high emitting activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-and-open-questions">Limitations and open questions</h2>



<p>Reporting gaps in Africa and parts of South America mean some heatwaves did not make it into the dataset. That undercounts risk in regions that are warming rapidly and often have fewer resources to cope.</p>



<p>Attribution can also be harder for very rare events and where observational records are shorter. Still, the paper documents careful checks on model performance and statistical causality to build confidence in the results.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-s-toll-on-society">Heat’s toll on society</h2>



<p>Heat risk scales with age, outdoor work, housing, and access to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-antarctic-waters-are-cooling-in-a-warming-world/">cooling</a>. Better early warning, more shade, and grid upgrades reduce harm now, even as long term solutions tackle emissions.</p>



<p>The legal and policy landscape may shift as attribution strengthens. Courts, regulators, and insurers are already weighing how to assign costs when heat pushes systems beyond design limits, and when losses stack up across sectors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-science-to-action">Connecting science to action</h2>



<p>For students and the public, this study shows how scientific tools connect dots from physics to policy. It uses transparent data, multiple models, and clear statistical tests to answer questions many communities are already asking.</p>



<p>It also shows that choices by concentrated actors can have global effects. Understanding that chain helps people think more clearly about accountability and investment.</p>



<p>Researchers plan to apply the same framework to other extremes, including heavy rain, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/">drought</a>, and wildfires. Each hazard will bring its own statistical wrinkles and data needs.</p>



<p>As methods evolve, expect sharper estimates and more open datasets. That progress will help cities, health systems, and courts make decisions that match the scale of the risk.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09450-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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Worsening global heatwaves linked to the fossil fuel industry

Last summer felt different across large parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. Temperatures broke local records, forests dried out, and daily life bent under relentless heat. A new study goes further than asking whether climate change played a role. It quantifies how much specific fossil fuel and cement producers contributed to 213 major heatwaves from 2000 to 2023. The team examined heatwaves reported by governments and media because they caused serious losses or triggered emergency help. Researchers analyzed whether human-driven warming made those events more likely or...

<p>In an effort to counteract the threats posed by global climate change to endangered and vulnerable species, U.S. officials have announced a significant amendment to federal regulations. </p>



<p>Scientists will now be permitted to relocate endangered species outside their historical habitats. These relocations are done with the hope of protecting them from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sixth-mass-extinction-is-currently-in-progress/">extinction</a>.</p>



<p>Published by the Biden administration, the new legislation facilitates the potential relocation of some of the nation's most at-risk species. All of these species are protected under the Endangered Species Act. </p>



<p>The regulation does not solely apply to plants and animals impacted by climate change. It also covers wildlife endangered by invasive species.</p>



<p>Until now, this measure was considered a desperate last resort, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/">Associated Press</a>. The AP report notes that in Hawaii, efforts are underway to transport threatened seabirds to new islands to safeguard them from the threat of sea level rise.</p>



<p>This summer, officials plan to reintroduce Guam kingfishers to the Palmyra Atoll, located south of Hawaii. These birds are now extinct in the wild after brown tree snakes, which were unintentionally brought to Guam in the 1950, ravaged their population.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-species-relocation">Species relocation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The idea of introducing species to new territories was previously met with resistance. This was largely due to fears of disrupting local ecosystems and overpopulating the local flora and fauna. </p>



<p>However, the looming threat of climate change, which is gradually transforming habitats worldwide, has prompted more widespread acceptance of the practice among scientists and government officials.</p>



<p>Interior Secretary Deb Haaland pointed out in her statement that the full impact of climate change hadn't been recognized when the previous rules against endangered species relocations were instated. </p>



<p>Now, however, "global warming intensifies, habitat changes are forcing some wildlife to new areas to survive, while squeezing other species closer to extinction," she explained. </p>



<p>Haaland further stated that this facilitation of relocations would strengthen conservation efforts and help ensure the protection of species for future generations.</p>



<h2 id="h-potential-consequences">Potential consequences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite this, not everyone is on board with this approach. Republicans in Western states, who still harbor resentment over the contentious reintroduction of gray wolves two decades prior, were among the most vocal opponents. </p>



<p>State officials from Montana, New Mexico, and Arizona expressed apprehension. They warned of the potential for ecological upheaval as "invasive species" are deliberately brought into new habitats.</p>



<p>Montana Governor Greg Gianforte's spokesperson, Jack O’Brien, relayed state officials' intent to scrutinize the changes but voiced disappointment at the federal officials' decision to announce them just before a holiday weekend.</p>



<p>In the past, introducing species to new areas has occasionally resulted in catastrophic consequences. One example of this is the spread of Asian carp throughout U.S. rivers and streams.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, various state wildlife officials and independent scientists endorsed the change. They suggest that certain species, such as the Key deer of southern Florida, desert flowers in Nevada and California, and the St. Croix ground lizard in the Virgin Islands, could benefit from this approach.</p>



<h2 id="h-destruction-of-natural-habitats">Destruction of natural habitats&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, Patrick Donnelly from the <a href="https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/">Center for Biological Diversity</a> expressed concern that the new rule might be misused to make room for developmental projects at the cost of destroying natural habitats. </p>



<p>His group has been actively fighting against plans for a Nevada lithium mine that could threaten an endangered desert wildflower, the Tiehm’s buckwheat.</p>



<p>"The Tiehm’s buckwheat situation has raised the specter of a mining company intentionally destroying an endangered species’ habitat and then attempting to create new habitat elsewhere as compensation," said Donnelly. "It’s troubling that this new rule doesn’t contain an explicit prohibition on such an arrangement.”</p>



<p>The recent introduction of this relocation rule forms part of a series of steps taken by the Biden administration to roll back major modifications made to the endangered species program during the Trump administration. </p>



<p>These prior modifications were primarily advocated for by industry groups but were met with substantial backlash from environmentalists.</p>



<p>Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared its intention to revive an old regulation that offers blanket protections for species newly identified as threatened. </p>



<p>This decision signals a significant shift in policy, as officials have also confirmed that economic impacts will no longer be a factor in deciding the need for protection of various plant and animal species.</p>



<p>The restoration of this regulation and the new species relocation rule show the Biden administration's commitment to prioritizing ecological conservation, even as it struggles with the complex and far-reaching effects of climate change.</p>



<h2>More about the Endangered Species Act</h2>



<p>The U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) was established in 1973. It is a crucial piece of federal legislation aimed at protecting species at risk of extinction.</p>



<p>The ESA classifies species as either "endangered" or "threatened." </p>



<p>"Endangered" means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. "Threatened" indicates a species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.</p>



<h3>Endangered Species Act is implemented by FWS and NMFS</h3>



<p>The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implement the Act. The FWS manages terrestrial and freshwater species, while the NMFS handles marine wildlife and anadromous fish.</p>



<p>Under the Act, these agencies must maintain a list of endangered and threatened species. The selection process is strictly biological, setting aside economic, political, or social considerations.</p>



<h3>Creating recovery plans for endangered species</h3>



<p>The ESA also mandates the creation of recovery plans for listed species. These plans detail steps to help the species recover and delist them. They often involve habitat restoration, population surveys, and public education efforts.</p>



<p>The Act prohibits "taking" listed species, where "taking" involves actions like hunting, harassing, or significantly modifying the species' habitat.</p>



<h3>Conservation and international trade</h3>



<p>Moreover, the ESA controls international trade in endangered and threatened species. Importing, exporting, or commercial activity involving listed species is generally prohibited.</p>



<p>The Act also empowers the government to purchase land for conservation. It promotes cooperative agreements with states and provides grants for state and local conservation efforts.</p>



<p>Lastly, the Act allows for citizen involvement. Any person or organization can petition to have a species listed, delisted, or reclassified.</p>



<p>The Endangered Species Act has faced much opposition and and many challenges over the years. Despite these obstacles, the ESA has done its job fairly well. It has played a significant role in preventing the extinction of numerous species and protecting critical habitats in the U.S.</p>



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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US endangered species can now be relocated to escape climate threats

In an effort to counteract the threats posed by global...

Small,Creek,In,Eastern,Sierra,Nevada,Mountains,In,California,,Along

<p>In an era characterized by rising global temperatures, the world is not only witnessing an increase in extreme rainfall and other weather events, we are also observing a shift in the severity of these storms.</p>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab)</a> have discovered that climate change is transforming snowfall into rainfall on mountains across the Northern Hemisphere.</p>



<p>This shift isn't a mere scientific curiosity. This new reality comes with a tangible, and sometimes dangerous, set of outcomes. These include floods, landslides, and increased soil erosion, to name a few.</p>



<h2 id="h-extreme-rainfall-on-mountain-ranges-will-impact-25-of-the-world">Extreme rainfall on mountain ranges will impact 25% of the world</h2>



<p>Scientists cannot overstate the significance of this finding, considering the sheer volume of people this change will directly affect.</p>



<p>"One quarter of the global population lives in or downstream from mountain regions," remarked Mohammed Ombadi. He is the lead author of the paper that got published in the renowned journal, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06092-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. "They are going to be directly affected by this risk."</p>



<p>While experts had anticipated that climate change would result in a surge in the volume of water produced during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme events</a>, this new study marks the first-time researchers have considered whether that water would manifest as rain or snow.</p>



<p>The researcher team has discovered that snow is giving way to extreme rainfall in mountain ranges. This transition exposes mountain areas to the risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-events-in-the-northeast-are-set-to-increase-by-over-50-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavy rainfall</a>.</p>



<h2>What exactly happens when snow turns into extreme rainfall</h2>



<p>Scientists even quantified this phenomenon. For every 1-degree Celsius rise in global temperature, they forecast an average increase of 15% in rain at high elevations.</p>



<p>Ombadi clarified the immediacy of the problem by saying, "This increase in extreme rainfall is not only something that is going to happen from now until the end of the 21st century – we’re already seeing it."</p>



<p>He further stressed that the rate has been consistent in the data from 1950 to 2019. "Extreme rainfall events in mountain ranges have already been increasing and will continue to change with that 15% rate."</p>



<p>Among all the mountain ranges in the Northern Hemisphere, those at the greatest risk of extreme rainfall events are the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-record-snowpack-in-the-west-early-melting-could-lead-to-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North American Pacific mountain ranges</a>.</p>



<p>These include the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and coastal ranges from Canada to Southern California. Also at great risk are the Himalayas and high-latitude regions.</p>



<h2>Why extreme rainfall won’t impact all mountain ranges</h2>



<p>The question as to why these areas are at higher risk compared to other mountain ranges, such as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-rocky-mountains-of-colorado/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rockies</a> or the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps</a>, remains unanswered.</p>



<p>"We think that North American Pacific mountain ranges are more susceptible to the risk of extreme rainfall than other mountain ranges because a significant portion of snowfall in this region typically occurs at temperatures just below zero degrees Celsius," Ombadi explained.</p>



<p>"The slightest change in air temperature will shift this snowfall to rainfall. This is unlike other mountain ranges where snowfall may occur at very low temperatures below zero degrees."</p>



<p>Ombadi's hope is that his fellow climate scientists will integrate this distinction between snowfall and rainfall into their climate models. He also wants civil engineers and planners to use this data to improve their strategies for handling extreme rainfall events.</p>



<p>"We need to factor these results into how we design and build the infrastructure in these mountainous regions, so that they can withstand the negative consequences of increases in rainfall extremes," he asserted.</p>



<h2>Real numbers will result in real consequences</h2>



<p>As nations worldwide continue striving to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as per the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>, Ombadi's research highlights a crucial linear relationship.</p>



<p>Each degree of warming causes a 15% increase in extreme rainfall. This means that a 3-degree rise would lead to a 45% surge in rainfall.</p>



<p>Ombadi concluded, "There are many technologies in progress that could help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how much the planet warms. To me, this study shows the need to invest in those clean solutions, and also start preparing for the consequences of warming now."</p>



<p>This thought-provoking research was generously funded by the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/science/ber/biological-and-environmental-research" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DOE Office of Science Biological and Environmental Research program</a>.</p>



<h2>More about climate change and extreme weather</h2>



<p>Climate change, also referred to as global warming, is a shift in long-term weather patterns around the world. Human activities largely drive climate change, primarily through the emission of greenhouse gases.</p>



<p>The main culprits are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-hit-record-levels-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> (CO2), <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/methane-emissions-are-rising-faster-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> (CH4), and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crop-production-increases-nitrous-oxide-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrous oxide</a> (N2O). These gases trap heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an overall increase in the planet's temperature.</p>



<p>The global temperature rise, even if it seems slight, can have profound impacts on weather patterns. These changes lead to what is often referred to as 'extreme weather events.'</p>



<p>Here are some ways that climate change drives these events:</p>



<h3>Heatwaves</h3>



<p>As average global temperatures rise, heatwaves become more frequent and severe. This is one of the most direct impacts of climate change on weather. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spring-heatwaves-deplete-the-water-supply-in-the-western-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme heat</a> can exacerbate drought conditions and increase the risk of wildfires.</p>



<h3>Extreme Rainfall and Floods</h3>



<p>Warmer air holds more moisture. For each degree rise in temperature, the air's capacity to hold water vapor increases by about 7%. This can result in extreme rainfall, leading to an increased risk of flooding.</p>



<h3>Storms and Hurricanes</h3>



<p>As mentioned above, warmer air can hold more moisture, providing more fuel for storms and hurricanes. Additionally, hurricanes draw their energy from warm ocean waters, so as ocean temperatures rise due to climate change, we could see more intense and possibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-to-plan-for-climate-change-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more frequent hurricanes</a>.</p>



<h3>Droughts</h3>



<p>Changes in precipitation patterns combined with increased evaporation due to higher temperatures can lead to more frequent and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-droughts-are-increasing-around-the-world-due-to-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe droughts</a> in some regions. While some areas may see more rainfall, others may see less, leading to drought conditions.</p>



<h3>Snow and Cold Extreme</h3>



<p>Warmer temperatures can cause more precipitation to fall as extreme rainfall rather than snow, reducing snowpack. This can impact freshwater resources and winter sports industries. </p>



<p>Additionally, while it might seem counterintuitive, global warming can also cause spikes in very cold weather. Melting Arctic ice can disrupt the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-will-cause-extreme-cooling-elsewhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar vortex</a>, causing frigid Arctic air to spill into lower latitudes.</p>



<h3>Sea-Level Rise</h3>



<p>Global warming causes glaciers and ice sheets to melt, which raises sea levels. Warmer water also expands, which is another factor contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-sea-level-rise-found-along-u-s-coasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a>. This can lead to more frequent and severe coastal flooding.</p>



<h3>Changes in Wind Patterns</h3>



<p>Climate change can alter large-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-developed-to-measure-the-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wind patterns</a>, which can change weather patterns and potentially lead to more extreme events.</p>



<h3>Wildfires</h3>



<p>Higher temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and an increase in lightning events due to climate change can all contribute to an increased frequency and intensity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-will-increase-by-50-percent-by-the-end-of-the-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>.</p>



<p>It's important to note that individual weather events can't be directly attributed to climate change. However, scientists can estimate the extent to which climate change has made certain types of extreme weather events more likely or more severe.</p>



<p>Climate change exacerbates the intensity and frequency of some types of extreme weather, leading to greater instability and unpredictability in our climate systems. This is why it is crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change through both international cooperation and individual action.</p>

Extreme rainfall will wreak havoc on mountain ranges as warming climate turns snow to rain

In an era characterized by rising global temperatures, the world...

<p>A new study led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/">University of Oxford</a> has found a surprising connection between the temperature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-value-of-elephants/">elephants</a>’ testicles and the evolution of cancer resistance from potent anti-cancer genes. </p>



<p>The research suggests that the absence of testicular descent in this species may have driven the development of the genes responsible for safeguarding their temperature-sensitive sperm production.</p>



<p>This intriguing hypothesis could open exciting avenues for cancer researchers, potentially providing major insights into understanding the cellular response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-provides-new-insight-into-why-we-need-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA damage</a> in humans.</p>



<h2 id="h-peto-s-paradox">Peto’s Paradox</h2>



<p>Regardless of their large size and higher number of somatic cell divisions, which usually increases cancer risks, elephants defy conventional expectations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This phenomenon, currently known as Peto’s Paradox, was initially observed by Richard Peto, an epidemiologist at Oxford, who discovered that, despite their enormous size, elephants and whales tend to be surprisingly resistant to cancer.</p>



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



<p>In the current study, Fritz Vollrath – a biologist at Oxford and chairman of the organization <a href="https://www.savetheelephants.org/">Save the Elephants</a> – has argued that the reason for this may be a link between a genetic marker, the TP53 gene, and its protein product p53. </p>



<p>This identifies and neutralizes damaged DNA during cell divisions and consequently impedes the spread of mutations. </p>



<p>While all animal species – including humans – possess only a single copy of the TP53 gene, elephants stand out by hosting no less than 20 copies of this critical gene. But why have they evolved this nearly magical defense mechanisms against cancer when other animals have not?</p>



<p>According to Vollrath, selection on somatic cells – which make up tissues, organs, and bodies – is usually slow and weak due to the complex mix of healthy and potentially harmful cells. </p>



<p>Moreover, when limited to developments occurring in older age, after most offspring have already been produced, evolution tends to proceed at a gradual pace. However, selection on germ cells, such as sperm and eggs, is much faster and stronger, since it directly impacts the survival of each individual cell.</p>



<h2 id="h-elephant-testicle-temperature">Elephant testicle temperature</h2>



<p>In elephants, this phenomenon is closely related to testicle temperature. While in other mammals, healthy sperm production relies on the testes being several degrees cooler than the core body temperature. </p>



<p>Thus the descent of testicles into the scrotum plays a critical role in cooling them as sexual maturity approaches, elephants lack the genes responsible for this descent. </p>



<p>This results in elephant testicles remaining inside their bodies even during maturity, which subjects them to high temperatures. </p>



<p>Moreover, due to their bulk, thick skin, unfavorable surface ratio, and heat exchange mechanisms centered on blood flow through their ear flaps, elephants’ body temperature can often rise to levels that are detrimental to mammalian metabolism and healthy sperm production.</p>



<p>Thus, the proliferation of TP53 genes has likely evolved to support DNA stabilization in the spermatogonia and ensure the production of robust spermatozoa to safeguard the germ line, rather than for directly combating cancer. </p>



<p>However, as a side effect, the diversification of p53 proteins also provides significant protection against DNA damage and mutations in the somatic cell lines. This offers collateral advantages of cancer resistance and other harmful processes occurring during aging.</p>



<p>“Elephants provide us with a unique system to study the evolution of a robust defense mechanism against DNA damage and explore the intricate details of the p53 complex in our own battle against cancer and ailments like aging. Novel insights in this field are always important, but especially now that overheating is becoming ever more of an issue also for us humans,” Vollrath concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2023.05.011"><em>Trends in Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2>More about elephants</h2>



<p>Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, known for their impressive size and distinct features. They belong to the family Elephantidae and are characterized by their long trunks, large ears, and tusks. </p>



<p>Here's everything we can tell you about elephants:</p>



<h3>Elephants possess remarkable physical attributes</h3>



<p>They have a thick, gray skin that is wrinkled and can be up to 2.5 centimeters thick. They have a strong skeletal structure, with large leg bones and pillar-like legs that support their massive bodies.</p>



<p>Their trunks are a versatile adaptation, serving as a combination of a nose and an upper lip. Elephants use their trunks to breathe, drink water, grab food, and communicate through various gestures.</p>



<p>The tusks of an elephant are elongated incisor teeth, which can be found in both male and female individuals. They primarily serve for defense, digging, lifting objects, and stripping bark from trees. Unfortunately, ivory tusks have made elephants targets for illegal poaching.</p>



<p>Elephant testicles remain inside their bodies even during maturity, which subjects them to high temperatures. This has been directly linked to cancer resistance.</p>



<h3>Diet</h3>



<p>Elephants are herbivorous mammals, consuming vast amounts of vegetation. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, bark, fruits, and roots. Due to their large size, elephants can consume up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of food in a single day.</p>



<h3>Social structure</h3>



<p>These majestic creatures have an intricate social structure. They live in cohesive groups called herds, typically led by a matriarch—a wise and experienced female elephant. The herd also includes female relatives and their offspring, while adult males often live solitary lives or form temporary bachelor groups.</p>



<p>Communication among elephants is multifaceted. They produce a variety of vocalizations, such as trumpet-like calls, rumbles, and roars, which can carry over long distances. In addition, elephants communicate through visual signals, body language, and the use of their trunks.</p>



<h3>Intelligence</h3>



<p>Elephants are highly intelligent and exhibit advanced cognitive abilities. They possess excellent memory, problem-solving skills, self-awareness, and empathy. Their brain size and structure are comparable to that of humans and other intelligent mammals.</p>



<h3>Importance to ecosystems</h3>



<p>These animals play a crucial role in their ecosystems. As they move through their habitats, elephants disperse seeds through their feces, promoting the growth of new vegetation. They also create water holes by digging in dry riverbeds, providing drinking sources for other animals during droughts.</p>



<p>African and Asian elephants are the two main species of elephants. African elephants are larger, with both savanna and forest subspecies. Asian elephants are slightly smaller and have distinct features, including smaller ears and two humps on their foreheads.</p>



<h3>Elephant conservation and cancer resistance</h3>



<p>Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of elephants. They face numerous threats, such as habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict. Organizations and governments around the world work to protect elephants and their habitats, raise awareness, and combat illegal wildlife trade.</p>



<p>Overall, elephants are magnificent creatures, possessing unique physical characteristics, complex social structures, and remarkable intelligence. Their conservation is essential to ensure their continued presence on our planet.</p>



<p>—</p>



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



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

Surprising link between elephant testicle temperature and cancer resistance

A new study led by the University of Oxford has...

Cute,Little,Girl,Playing,In,Peaceful,Green,Park

<p>There's a universal childhood joy in nature play. Climbing trees, making mud pies, and the simple act of playing outside allows children to unleash their creativity and imagination.</p>



<p>Parents and educators alike understand that interacting with nature is a crucial part of a child's upbringing. Nature play can benefit children by improving their emotional regulation, physical skills, and learning outcomes.</p>



<p>However, recent <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0286468" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> from the <a href="https://www.unisa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Australia</a> shows a different narrative when it comes to the 'messy' or 'risky' aspects of outdoor play.</p>



<h2 id="h-strict-rules-from-adults-often-inhibit-substantive-nature-play">Strict rules from adults often inhibit substantive nature play</h2>



<p>The research conducted at the university involved in-depth conversations with parents and early childhood educators. The findings revealed a surprising tendency.</p>



<p>Adults are more than willing to let children engage in 'safe' or 'clean' nature play. However, they exhibit hesitation when it comes to activities that are 'messy' or could be seen as 'risky'.</p>



<p>Kylie Dankiw, a researcher and PhD candidate at <a href="https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UniSA</a>, explains that adults act as significant gatekeepers in a child's exposure to nature play.</p>



<p>Dankiw emphasizes, "Nature play is well known for its positive effects on children’s health, development, and wellbeing. This was a common theme when interviewing parents and carers alike."</p>



<p>She also notes, "Parents and educators also identified that nature play can help children form a connection with the natural world and learn about sustainable practices."</p>



<h2>Getting "dirty" keeps parents from joining their kids</h2>



<p>One of the major insights gathered from the interviews is that adults see nature play as a valuable counterbalance to screen time, like TV and electronic devices. Yet, the research also uncovered a significant obstacle.</p>



<p>The issue, Dankiw explains, is that "parents and caregivers can find it difficult when it comes to engaging children in nature play. This is especially true if activities are messy or dirty (such as water or mud play) or are thought of as being risky (such as climbing)."</p>



<p>For educators, safety regulations and time constraints can often limit the outdoor activities they offer. After all, managing post-mud-play wardrobe changes, or ensuring a child returns home clean from childcare, can be demanding tasks.</p>



<p>Dankiw describes this as "a conflict between encouraging children to experience nature, and what adults need to deal with in the so-called aftermath.”</p>



<p>This issue is particularly relevant in Australia. There, nearly half of the children between ages 0 and 12 (about two million) attend either formal or informal early childhood education care. Long day care is the most common type of care for children between the ages of 0 and 4.</p>



<p>Given the significant number of children in these programs, Dr Margarita Tsiros, a pediatric expert at UniSA, believes additional education and training for both early childhood educators and parents could mitigate the challenges linked with nature play.</p>



<p>"Our research highlights that opportunities for young children to engage in nature play is influenced by other people in their lives,” Dr Tsiros says.</p>



<h2>Adults often struggle with the risks of being in nature</h2>



<p>Despite acknowledging the benefits of nature play, parents and educators sometimes grapple with the inherent risks of being in nature.</p>



<p>Dr Tsiros argues that understanding these barriers could inform strategies that promote nature play for different age groups. It could also help shape policies and practices that enable these experiences.</p>



<p>In her concluding remarks, Dr. Tsiros states, "A key move will be to boost educators’ knowledge about nature-based learning, what constitutes nature play, and how they can use natural resources to facilitate nature play experiences. In a time where screens threaten to consume children’s interest, it’s vital that we present opportunities for them to engage in nature play, and to achieve this, we need to have parents and educators on board.”</p>



<p>Overall, the value of nature play is clear. However, we must address the challenges associated with it. The key lies in equipping the parents and educators with the right knowledge and strategies.</p>



<p>This will ensure that future generations learn to appreciate nature and the environment. Children will then carry that knowledge with them into adulthood, and hopefully do a better job of caring for the Earth than the generations that came before them.</p>



<h2>More about the benefits of raising children in nature</h2>



<p>Nature play holds an array of benefits for children across different aspects of their development:</p>



<h3>Physical Health and Development</h3>



<p>Outdoor activities, like climbing trees and running, help children develop strength, coordination, and motor skills. Regular exposure to sunlight provides Vitamin D, crucial for bone health.</p>



<h3>Cognitive Skills</h3>



<p>When children play in nature, they engage in exploratory and imaginative play that stimulates problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation. For instance, a simple stick can become a sword, a magic wand, or a tool, stimulating their creative thinking.</p>



<h3>Emotional Wellbeing</h3>



<p>Nature play can help children develop better emotional regulation. The calm and serenity found in nature can lower stress levels and improve mood. It also allows children to learn about risk and develop resilience by overcoming small challenges.</p>



<h3>Social Skills</h3>



<p>Outdoor play often involves interaction with peers, helping children develop essential social skills such as sharing, collaboration, and negotiation. It can also instill a sense of independence and autonomy.</p>



<h3>Connection to Nature</h3>



<p>Children who spend time outdoors are more likely to develop a lifelong appreciation for nature. They learn to understand the importance of sustainability, and adopt environmentally-friendly practices.</p>



<h3>Learning Outcomes</h3>



<p>Studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors are often more focused and attentive when they are in the classroom. This leads to improved academic performance.</p>



<h3>Balance to Screen Time</h3>



<p>In today's digital age, children are spending more time on screens than ever before. Outdoor play provides a necessary balance to this trend, promoting physical activity and imaginative play over passive entertainment.</p>



<p>Despite these numerous benefits, nature play can sometimes be overlooked due to concerns about safety and cleanliness. Overcoming these concerns and promoting nature play in a safe and structured way can ensure that children get the myriad benefits from interacting with the natural world.</p>

Nature play is a vital part of a child’s upbringing, and parents play a critical role

There's a universal childhood joy in nature play. Climbing trees,...

Climate,Change,Heat,Dryness,Withered,Earth

<p>Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate</a> is moving closer to a dangerous threshold and a point of no return. Both land and sea are posting record temperatures around the world. </p>



<p>The alarming rise in temperatures comes amid international hesitation to set more robust climate goals. This, despite months of searing heat across the globe.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, the target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is becoming increasingly unattainable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the EU-funded <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a> (C3S), as climate representatives assembled in Bonn this June for preparatory discussions leading up to the pivotal climate talks scheduled in November, average global surface air temperatures soared past 1.5C above pre-industrial levels for several consecutive days.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Though this threshold has been exceeded before, it marked the first instance during the Northern Hemisphere summer, which begins June 1st. Prior to this, ocean temperatures hit record highs in April and May.</p>



<p>Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a renowned climatologist at Australia's University of New South Wales, issued a stark warning. He stated, "We've run out of time because change takes time." </p>



<h2 id="h-real-world-consequences-from-record-temperatures">Real-world consequences from record temperatures</h2>



<p>The real-world consequences of climate change are clearly evident across the globe. In China, which is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world, the capital city of Beijing experienced record-breaking temperatures in June. Meanwhile, the United States, another significant emitter, was grappling with extreme heat waves.</p>



<p>North America experienced temperatures that were an alarming 10C above the seasonal average. Forest fires raged, blanketing regions across Canada and the U.S. East Coast in hazardous haze. Astonishingly, carbon emissions from these fires are estimated to have reached a record 160 million metric tons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The impacts also reached beyond North America. Across India, a region highly vulnerable to climate change, persistent high temperatures have been associated with a spike in deaths. Furthermore, extreme heat was recorded in Spain, Iran, and Vietnam, instilling fears that deadly summers could become the new norm.</p>



<h2 id="h-temperatures-will-exceed-the-1-5c-limit">Temperatures will exceed the 1.5C limit</h2>



<p>Back in 2015, countries rallied around an agreement in Paris to strive to maintain long-term average temperature increases within the 1.5C limit. However, the World Meteorological Organization released a disheartening prediction in May. They stated with a 66% probability that the annual mean temperature will cross this threshold for at least one full year within the next four years.</p>



<p>Alarmingly, the surge in land temperatures has been paralleled by record-breaking temperatures in the ocean. Piers Forster, a professor of Climate Physics at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a>, attributes this to global warming, the El Nino phenomenon, the reduction in Saharan dust blowing over the ocean, and the utilization of low-sulphur shipping fuels. "So in all, oceans are being hit by a quadruple whammy," he remarked, “It’s a sign of things to come."</p>



<h2 id="h-ocean-impacts-from-record-temperatures">Ocean impacts from record temperatures</h2>



<p>Record heat has wreaked havoc on marine ecosystems. Thousands of dead fish washing up on Texan shores and heat-induced algal blooms are implicated in the deaths of sea lions and dolphins in California. </p>



<p>Annalisa Bracco, a climatologist at the Georgia Institute of Technology, cautioned that warmer seas could result in diminished winds and rainfall. This would create a vicious cycle that further escalates heat. </p>



<p>“Though this year's high sea temperatures are caused by a ‘perfect combination’ of circumstances, the ecological impact could endure,” said Bracco. “The ocean is going to have a very slow response as it accumulates (heat) slowly but also keeps it for very long.”</p>



<h2 id="h-lack-of-momentum">Lack of momentum</h2>



<p>Have we reached the point of no return? In the midst of this grim scenario, the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai seems to be filled with challenges. The Worldwide Fund for Nature expressed concerns regarding the “worrying lack of momentum" during the preliminary climate discussions in Bonn. </p>



<p>Little progress was achieved on essential issues such as fossil fuels and finance. This impasse poses serious impediments to the success of the forthcoming COP28 climate talks in Dubai.</p>



<p>Li Shuo, Greenpeace's senior climate advisor based in Beijing, voiced his disappointment in the progress of the talks. He argued that they seemed detached from the grave climate realities unfolding outside the confines of the conference building.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We are really getting to the moment of truth ... I am hoping that the sheer reality will help us change people's moves and change the politics," said Shuo.</p>



<h2 id="h-opportunities-for-progress">Opportunities for progress</h2>



<p>Despite the current circumstances, potential opportunities for progress do exist. Climate talks between the United States and China could recommence next week. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry is expected to visit Beijing. Nevertheless, expectations remain modest regarding these discussions and their potential to catalyze momentum in climate negotiations.</p>



<p>"This is more a trust-building exercise. I don't think either side will be able to push the other side to say much more than they are willing to do - the politics won't allow that," said Shuo.</p>



<p>As nations prepare for the critical climate talks in Dubai, the urgency of the climate crisis and the sobering reality of its impacts must take center stage. Bold action is more urgent than ever to protect Earth's climate from reaching a point of no return.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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

Shocking record temperatures: Have we reached a point of no return?

Earth's climate is moving closer to a dangerous threshold and...

<p>Wild pigs and macaque monkeys in Southeast Asia are growing in alarming numbers. This places a dangerous burden on the region's native forests and poses a risk to human health.</p>



<p>These species are known carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to people. This could potentially lead to outbreaks of diseases among livestock and people, spreading quickly around the world, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-reveals-how-to-prevent-covid-19-from-ever-returning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19</a>.</p>



<p>This disturbing news comes from new research by <a href="https://www.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Queensland</a>.</p>



<p>The study was led by Dr. Matthew Luskin from the university’s <a href="https://environment.uq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of the Environment</a>. He and his team collected and scrutinized data from across Southeast Asia.</p>



<p>Their team was tracking animal populations. The researchers used a network of cameras, set up in various locations, to monitor the species more closely.</p>



<p>"Macaques and wild pigs are taking over Southeast Asia's disturbed forests," declared Dr. Luskin.</p>



<p>He blamed human activities for this concerning trend. Our interference with nature, through practices such as logging and establishing palm oil farms, is creating ideal conditions for these animals to thrive.</p>



<h2 id="h-wild-pig-and-macaque-monkey-populations-up-400">Wild pig and macaque monkey populations up 400%</h2>



<p>The researchers discovered that wild boar and macaque populations were a staggering 400% higher in forests near plantations than in unspoiled environments.</p>



<p>"These animals take full advantage of the farmland, raiding crops and thriving on calorie‐rich foods,” Dr. Luskin said. The cameras set up by Dr. Luskin and his team provided a firsthand view of the skyrocketing animal populations. </p>



<p>He recounted his experience with unnerving troops of macaques in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Luskin described how they were everywhere at the forest edges and constantly interfering with their equipment.</p>



<h2>Wild pigs and macaque monkeys pose human health risk</h2>



<p>The booming populations of wild pigs and macaque monkeys also pose a significant risk to human health. Dr. Luskin referenced the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated from wildlife, as a warning sign of the potential risks.</p>



<p>"Both pigs and macaques are recognized as carriers of diseases that can be transmitted to people and they’re the most common species in a region considered to be the global zoonotic disease hotspot,” he explained.</p>



<p>This sentiment was echoed by Professor Carlos Peres from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> in the UK, who collaborated on the research.</p>



<p>Peres said that abnormally high populations of disease-carrying wildlife species often emerge in human-modified tropical forests. “This study again shows that densely settled rural areas in Southeast Asia may be a source of future human epidemics,” he said.</p>



<h2>Impact of wild pigs and macaque monkeys on native plants</h2>



<p>Jonathan Moore, a PhD candidate at the University of East Anglia and the Southern University of Science and Technology in China, focused on the immediate effects of these population explosions on the native plants in the affected areas.</p>



<p>Moore observed that pigs and macaques were having a disastrous impact on the local ecosystems. They were destroying seeds and seedlings of native plants. </p>



<p>They were also found to be eating eggs of birds and reptiles. In one striking example, Malaysian pigs alone were found to have reduced rainforest tree regeneration by 62%.</p>



<p>Dr. Luskin argued that swift action was needed to limit the population growth of wild pigs and macaques. Previous efforts to manage the populations have failed due to the animals' rapid reproductive capacity and public opposition.</p>



<p>"Nobody favors needless killing of wildlife but the negative social and ecological impacts from hyperabundant pest species do demand ethical and urgent management solutions,” Dr. Luskin said, outlining the urgent need for action to curb this ecological crisis.</p>



<p>This research is published in the journal <a href="https://app4.vision6.com.au/ch/50178/4x6pf/2907458/wkLORLdF3Yp7n3PR4gjUNBz6rE5ZcAjcZE08BLcs.html">Biological Reviews</a>. It highlights the urgent need for better management of wildlife populations in the wake of human-led changes to their environments.</p>



<h2>More about zoonotic diseases</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-u-s-is-alarmingly-unprepared-for-zoonotic-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zoonotic diseases</a>, or zoonoses, are illnesses that animals can transmit to humans. They play a critical role in public health, making up approximately 60% of all infectious diseases in humans.</p>



<p>Notably, some of the most severe disease outbreaks in recent human history, including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19, are zoonotic in origin.</p>



<h3>Causes of zoonotic diseases</h3>



<p>Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi can all cause zoonotic diseases. The hosts of these pathogens are often vertebrates such as birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. </p>



<p>More specifically, related to this article, wild pigs and macaque monkeys.</p>



<p>People can contract these diseases through several ways. These include direct contact with animals, consuming contaminated food or water, inhaling airborne pathogens, or getting bitten by an infected vector like a tick or a mosquito.</p>



<p>Farmers, veterinarians, and others who work closely with animals are at higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases. This is due to their regular close contact with animals.</p>



<p>However, anyone can get a zoonotic disease. The impact can range from mild symptoms to severe illness and even death.</p>



<h3>Common zoonotic diseases</h3>



<p>Some of the best-known zoonotic diseases include Lyme disease, rabies, salmonella, and West Nile virus. Rabies, for instance, spreads to humans through the bite of an infected animal. These are usually wild mammals like a raccoon, bat, skunk, or fox.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-lyme-disease-risk-in-a-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lyme disease</a>, on the other hand, is carried by ticks. These awful pests transmit the bacterium to humans during a bite.</p>



<p>Emerging zoonotic diseases pose a particularly significant threat. These diseases are newly identified or have recently begun to cause problems in certain areas or specific populations.</p>



<p>The most recent and impactful example of an emerging zoonotic disease is COVID-19. It was caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, believed to have originated in bats.</p>



<h3>Prevention methods</h3>



<p>Preventing zoonotic diseases requires a coordinated effort in both human and veterinary medicine. The One Health approach, for example, emphasizes this interdisciplinary collaboration. It recognizes that the health of people, animals, and our environment is deeply interconnected.</p>



<p>For individuals, good hygiene practices can reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases. This includes washing hands after handling animals, cooking meat thoroughly, and avoiding direct contact with wild animals.</p>



<p>Zoonotic diseases represent a significant part of our disease burden. They emerge from our interactions with animals and the environment. We must use a comprehensive approach to manage and prevent them effectively.</p>

Exploding population of macaque monkeys and wild pigs poses risk of another global pandemic

Wild pigs and macaque monkeys in Southeast Asia are growing...

<p>Researchers have discovered a drug-resistant super fungus in one of the most remote corners of the Earth. This finding from a disturbing new study raises fears of a widespread disease outbreak capable of making millions sick.</p>



<p>The researchers hail from <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McMaster University</a> and have published their findings in the scientific journal, <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msphere.00071-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mSphere</a>.</p>



<p>Researchers collected the disease-causing super fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, from the Three Parallel Rivers region in Yunnan, China. A staggeringly beautiful yet remote part of the world, this region perches 6,000 meters above sea level. It is cloaked by the towering, icy peaks of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-describe-how-rainfall-can-literally-move-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eastern Himalayas</a>.</p>



<p>Few people live here, and there's minimal development. Yet this is where the research team discovered the drug-resistant super fungus strains. Seven percent of the Aspergillus fumigatus samples collected there were drug resistant. </p>



<p>Intrigued, Jianping Xu, the leader of the study, decided to investigate further. "Seven per cent may seem like only a small number, but these drug-resistant strains are capable of propagating very quickly and taking over local and regional populations of this species," explained Xu.</p>



<h2 id="h-trilogy-of-studies-focused-on-super-fungus">Trilogy of studies focused on super fungus</h2>



<p>Jianping Xu is a biology professor at McMaster University, and a member of the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research. Xu's words emphasize the need for thorough monitoring of drug resistance across varying geographic locations.</p>



<p>This latest study is the final part of a trilogy of related research pieces led by Xu and his team. In the first study, they found that about 80 per cent of Aspergillus fumigatus samples collected from greenhouses in Yunnan resisted common antifungal drugs.</p>



<p>The second study revealed a similar resistance in around 15 per cent of samples taken from Yunnan's agricultural fields, lake sediments, and forests.</p>



<p>Xu, who also contributes to the <a href="https://globalnexus.mcmaster.ca/our-ambition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Nexus School for Pandemic Prevention &amp; Response</a>, suggested evidence is mounting for natural development of resistance in the environment.</p>



<h2>Agricultural fungicides found to create super fungus</h2>



<p>Interestingly, he also points out that these resistant Himalayan strains of Aspergillus fumigatus likely originated from the spores of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/intro-to-the-fungi-life-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>. Different settings had overexposed these spores to agricultural fungicides.</p>



<p>The fact that these resistant spores can potentially migrate to such remote areas and reproduce there is a global concern.</p>



<p>"This fungus is highly ubiquitous — it's around us all the time," Xu explained. He added, "We all inhale hundreds of spores of this species every day. While it doesn't always cause noticeable health problems, three to four million people experience disease symptoms caused by Aspergillus fumigatus each year. It can be very dangerous. It can lead to lung removal or even death. Now, increasingly, many of these infections will be impacted by drug resistance."</p>



<h2>Fungi spread globally through the air using spores</h2>



<p>Xu's research has already discovered similar mechanisms of resistance in <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/fungi-characteristics-and-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi strains</a> located in the Northwest Territories and India. These locations are a vast 10,000 kilometers apart, another concerning revelation.</p>



<p>"Unlike viruses like COVID-19, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-engage-in-more-conversations-after-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> don’t need a host to spread," Xu explained. "They can travel on humans, through trade, and even on strong winds."</p>



<p>With this in mind, Xu plans to return to the mountainous regions of China to collect air samples for fungal spores. He hopes to shed more light on how these resistant strains are reaching and flourishing in such remote regions.</p>



<h2>More about Aspergillus fumigatus</h2>



<p>Aspergillus fumigatus is a species of fungus that is widespread in the environment. It is one of the most common Aspergillus species to cause disease in individuals with an immunodeficiency. Here's what we know:</p>



<h3>Aspergillus fumigatus Habitat</h3>



<p>Aspergillus fumigatus is found in various environments worldwide. These locations include soil, plant debris, and indoor environments. It thrives in areas with high organic content. </p>



<p>This species of super fungus produces large amounts of airborne conidia (spores). They are easily inhaled by humans and animals due to their small size.</p>



<h3>Health Impact</h3>



<p>Most people inhale Aspergillus fumigatus spores every day without getting sick. However, in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with leukemia, organ transplant recipients, or those with AIDS, this fungus can cause a variety of diseases.</p>



<h3>Diseases Caused by Aspergillus fumigatus</h3>



<p>Invasive aspergillosis is the most severe disease caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. This is a rapidly progressive, often fatal disease affecting primarily the lungs. However, it can also spread to other parts of the body.</p>



<p>Other diseases caused by this super fungus include allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). This is a hypersensitivity reaction in individuals with asthma or cystic fibrosis. It also causes aspergilloma.  This is a 'fungus ball' that can form in pre-existing lung cavities caused by conditions such as tuberculosis.</p>



<h3>Antifungal Resistance Results in Super Fungus</h3>



<p>Resistance to antifungal drugs is an emerging problem with Aspergillus fumigatus. The primary mechanism of resistance is via mutations in the cyp51A gene. Worldwide agricultural use of azole fungicides often leads to exposure that associates with this gene.</p>



<h3>Diagnosis and Treatment</h3>



<p>Diagnosis can be challenging and often involves a combination of imaging studies. These are a combination of direct detection of the fungus in clinical samples (microscopy, culture), and indirect detection (e.g., serology, PCR).</p>



<p>Treatment often involves antifungal drugs, notably the azoles. However, alternatives like amphotericin B and echinocandins are used in cases of azole resistance.</p>



<p>Scientists continue to study Aspergillus fumigatus to better understand its biology. They are seeking to learn more about the diseases it causes and how to best treat those diseases.</p>



<h2>More about fungi</h2>



<p>Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and decomposition in ecosystems. However, some species can also cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans. Here's what you need to know:</p>



<h3>Classification and Characteristics</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fungi</a> are classified into their own kingdom, separate from plants and animals. They are eukaryotes, meaning their cells have a nucleus and other organelles. Fungi can exist as yeasts, molds, or a combination of both. They reproduce through spores, which can be asexual or sexual.</p>



<h3>Habitat</h3>



<p>Fungi can survive in a wide range of environments, from deserts to the deepest parts of the oceans. They are particularly abundant in moist, warm environments.</p>



<p>Many are decomposers, breaking down dead organic material. Others are mutualists, forming beneficial relationships with other organisms like plants and animals. However, some are parasites, causing harm to their host.</p>



<h3>Spread and Reproduction</h3>



<p>Fungi reproduce and spread primarily through spores. Fungi spores are often produced in very large quantities. The spores are tiny and lightweight, so they can travel long distances through the air or water. They can also be transported by animals or humans.</p>



<p>Some fungi also spread through vegetative growth. They accomplish this by extending their hyphae (the branching filaments that make up the body of the fungus) into new areas.</p>



<h3>Infection and Disease from Super Fungus</h3>



<p>Some fungi can cause diseases, known as mycoses, in humans and other animals. These can range from superficial infections affecting the skin or nails (like athlete's foot or ringworm), to deeper infections affecting internal organs (like histoplasmosis or aspergillosis).</p>



<p>Many fungi are opportunistic pathogens. They <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fungus-has-become-more-deadly-thanks-to-jumping-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cause disease</a> primarily in individuals with weakened immune systems.</p>



<p>Fungi also cause many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungus-renders-corn-plants-defenseless-with-surgical-precision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant diseases</a>. This can have significant impacts on agriculture and natural ecosystems. These plant diseases include rusts, smuts, and mildews, as well as rots of roots, stems, leaves, and fruits.</p>



<h3>Prevention and Control</h3>



<p>Preventing fungal infections often involves maintaining a healthy immune system and good hygiene practices. For plant pathogens, strategies can include the use of resistant varieties, crop rotation, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/retail-milkweed-exposes-monarch-caterpillars-to-pesticides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungicides</a>.</p>



<p>However, the widespread use of fungicides, especially in agriculture, has led to increasing concerns about the development of antifungal resistance. This is similar to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. As a result, researchers are actively seeking new strategies for fungal disease control.</p>



<h3>Significance</h3>



<p>Despite their potential for causing disease, fungi also have many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microscopic-fungi-help-forests-fight-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beneficial uses</a>. They are used in baking and brewing. Fungi are also an important part of the production of antibiotics and other drugs. </p>



<p>Finally, they are key components used in biotechnology for the production of enzymes, proteins, and biofuels. <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/plant-cells-and-fungus-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Some fungi also form beneficial relationships with plants</a>, aiding in nutrient uptake.</p>

Super fungus is among us, and that's definitely not a good thing

Researchers have discovered a drug-resistant super fungus in one of...

<p>Older adults aged 65 years and up, who live in warmer temperatures, could be at greater risk of suffering from severe vision impairment. These older individuals had more vision problems than their counterparts residing in cooler climates.</p>



<p>This research was reported in a recent publication in the scientific journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09286586.2023.2221727">Ophthalmic Epidemiology</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-link-between-warmer-temperatures-and-vision-impairment">Link between warmer temperatures and vision impairment</h2>



<p>The scientists compared vision impairment across different temperature ranges. They found that older adults living in regions with an average temperature below 50°F had the lowest rates.</p>



<p>In comparison, there was a 14% increase in severe vision impairment for those in areas with an average temperature between 50-54.99°F.</p>



<p>This likelihood rose by 24% for older adults in regions averaging 55-59.99°F. It further increased by a significant 44% in areas where the average temperature was 60°F or above.</p>



<h2>Results of the vision impairment study are deeply concerning</h2>



<p>"The connection we've found between average county temperature and vision impairment is deeply concerning, especially if future research shows this association is causal," says Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson, the lead author of the study.</p>



<p>Fuller-Thomson is the Director of the <a href="https://aging.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Life Course and Aging</a> at the University of Toronto. She also teaches in the Department of Family and Community Medicine.</p>



<p>She added, "As global temperatures rise due to climate change, it's crucial to see whether the prevalence of vision impairment among older adults also increases."</p>



<p>Her co-author, ZhiDi Deng, is a recent pharmacy graduate from the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>. Deng emphasized that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-can-reduce-or-prevent-vision-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision problems</a> are a significant cause of disabilities and functional limitations among older adults.</p>



<p>"Serious vision impairment can lead to increased risk of falls and fractures, and negatively affect an older adult's quality of life," says Deng.</p>



<p>"The financial implications are also considerable, with vision impairments costing the US economy tens of billions each year. Therefore, the correlation between temperature and vision impairment is very worrying."</p>



<h2>Consistency of vision impairment across diverse groups</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the team discovered that the relationship between average temperature and severe vision impairment was consistent across various demographic factors. These include age, sex, income, and education.</p>



<p>Elysia Fuller-Thomson, a graduate student at the University of Toronto, was struck by the strength of this correlation.</p>



<p>"It's striking that the link between temperature and vision impairment remains steady across diverse income groups," she observes.</p>



<p>The researchers also noted that the correlation between higher temperatures and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-carrots-and-colorful-veggies-really-can-improve-your-eyesight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision</a> impairment was more prominent in individuals aged 65 to 79. For those aged 80 and above, the condition was not as noticeable.</p>



<p>This phenomenon was also more prevalent among males than females. Finally, researchers found the condition more pronounced in White Americans compared to Black Americans.</p>



<h2>Why do warmer temperatures cause vision impairment?</h2>



<p>The scientists acknowledge that the underlying cause for the link between temperature and vision impairment is not yet understood.</p>



<p>The study proposed several potential reasons. These include increased exposure to ultraviolet light, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vehicle-exhaust-exposure-eye-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heightened air pollution</a>, and a rise in infections.</p>



<p>They also considered the degradation of folic acid due to higher temperatures. However, this study's design does not offer a clear understanding of how temperature impacts vision.</p>



<p>The research utilized data from six consecutive waves of the <a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Community Survey</a> (2012-2017). They surveyed a nationally representative sample of American respondents aged 65 and older annually.</p>



<p>The final sample analyzed consisted of 1.7 million older adults living in the US. They all resided in their birth states.</p>



<p>The study asked about vision impairment in terms of blindness or serious difficulties in seeing, even with glasses. For average temperature data, the researchers combined data from the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)</a> with that from the American Community Survey.</p>



<p>"We were quite taken aback by the strong correlation between temperature and vision impairment," confesses Esme Fuller-Thomson.</p>



<p>"This new discovery raises more questions than it answers, including the nature of the connection between average county temperature and vision impairment. In future, we plan to explore if county temperature also correlates with other disabilities in older adults, such as hearing problems and limitations in daily activities."</p>



<h2>More about the impact of climate change on human health</h2>



<p>Climate change is affecting human health in many profound ways. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-temperatures-will-soon-set-new-records-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rising temperatures</a> are causing more heat-related illnesses. Heat waves can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even deadly heat strokes.</p>



<p>Increased air pollution from wildfires and dust storms, intensified by climate change, can harm the lungs. It can lead to respiratory issues like asthma and other chronic pulmonary diseases.</p>



<h3>Environmental toxins</h3>



<p>Warmer climates promote the growth of harmful algae in the water we use for swimming or drinking. These algae can produce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-butts-leak-thousands-of-deadly-toxins-into-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxins</a> that cause sickness when people drink the water or when it contacts skin.</p>



<h3>Widespread diseases</h3>



<p>Climate change also increases the range of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes. As a result, diseases like Zika, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemists-take-a-new-approach-to-developing-insect-repellents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Nile virus</a>, dengue, and malaria are reaching people in areas where these diseases were previously unknown.</p>



<h3>Weather</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme weather events</a>, such as floods and hurricanes, are becoming more common due to climate change. These events can cause injuries and deaths. They can also disrupt essential services, like electricity and healthcare, leading to indirect health effects.</p>



<h3>Food insecurity</h3>



<p>Changes in climate can lead to food insecurity too. Droughts, floods, warming temperatures, and changing rainfall patterns make it harder to grow crops in many regions. This scarcity can lead to malnutrition and starvation.</p>



<h3>Sea level rise</h3>



<p>Rising sea levels, another consequence of climate change, can force people to leave their homes. This displacement can lead to mental health problems, like anxiety and depression.</p>



<h3>Longer allergy seasons</h3>



<p>Climate change is also causing longer pollen seasons, leading to prolonged allergic reactions. These can cause discomfort and serious health complications in some individuals.</p>



<p>In conclusion, climate change is not just an environmental issue. It is a significant public health threat. Addressing climate change could help improve the health and well-being of people all over the world.</p>

Warmer temperatures directly linked to severe vision impairment in older adults

Older adults aged 65 years and up, who live in...

<p>In a time where news about climate change is often gloom-and-doom, an international study led by <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/">Rutgers University</a> provides an unexpected silver lining. The scientists have found evidence that ongoing oxygen depletion in the world's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-the-most-remote-oceans-are-polluted-with-microplastics/">oceans</a> could potentially reverse in the future.</p>



<p>A disturbing decline in ocean oxygen levels has been witnessed in recent decades. This phenomenon threatens to create vast, oxygen-deficient zones in key parts of our oceans. </p>



<p>Scientists have linked this alarming trend to rising global temperatures. This trend has a direct impact on the oceans' capacity to absorb oxygen from the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 id="h-looking-to-the-past-to-learn-about-current-ocean-oxygen">Looking to the past to learn about current ocean oxygen</h2>



<p>The current research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06104-6"><em>Nature</em></a>, delves into Earth's past climates to offer a glimmer of hope for the future. </p>



<p>Using ocean sediment data, the scientists found that during the Miocene epoch approximately 16 million years ago - a period when the Earth's temperature was significantly higher than present day - oxygen levels in the ocean were higher in a key area.</p>



<p>"Our study shows that the eastern equatorial Pacific, which today is home to the largest oxygen-deficient zone in the oceans, was well oxygenated during the Miocene warm period, despite the fact that global temperatures at that time were higher than at present," said study lead author Anya Hess, a doctoral student at Rutgers working with Professor Yair Rosenthal.</p>



<p>The research introduces an optimistic perspective on the current situation. This suggests that current oxygen loss may ultimately reverse. </p>



<p>The potential recovery of ocean oxygen levels could help alleviate the burden faced by marine life. Many species of marine life are currently threatened by the expanding and shallowing oxygen-deficient zones that constrict their habitat.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-ocean-oxygen-study-was-conducted">How the ocean oxygen study was conducted </h2>



<p>With current climate models diverging on their predictions regarding the future response of these oxygen-deficient zones post-2100, the researchers decided to study Earth's past to better understand the potential outcomes. They focused on the mid-Miocene period. In terms of climatic conditions, this period bore similarities to the predictions for the upcoming centuries in our ongoing era of climate change.</p>



<p>The team examined ocean sediments from the mid-Miocene period. They were collected from the eastern equatorial Pacific by scientists aboard the JOIDES Resolution. This is a research vessel funded by the National Science Foundation. The vessel was part of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). The IODP is an international marine research collaboration that explores Earth's history and dynamics.</p>



<p>From these sediments, the researchers were able to extract and analyze the fossilized remains of minute water-dwelling microorganisms known as foraminifera. Their chemical composition mirrors that of the ancient ocean. This fact allows the scientists to discern oxygen levels of the seas millions of years ago.</p>



<p>The team used innovative methodologies, including nitrogen isotopes as detectors sensitive to denitrification. This is a process that occurs only at very low oxygen levels. They also used a comparative analysis of iodine and calcium levels. </p>



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



<p>The study revealed that during the peak of Miocene warmth, the analyzed area of the ocean was well oxygenated. The oxygen levels approaching those found in today's open-ocean South Pacific.</p>



<p>"These results were unexpected and suggest that the solubility-driven loss of oxygen that has occurred in recent decades is not the end of the story for oxygen’s response to climate change," said Rosenthal.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-ocean-oxygen-loss">More about ocean oxygen loss</h2>



<p>Ocean deoxygenation is the decrease in the level of oxygen in the oceans, which is primarily caused by human activities. The main drivers are global warming and nutrient pollution.</p>



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



<p>Warmer waters hold less oxygen. Additionally, increased ocean temperatures stratify the water column, with warm water on top and cooler water below. This decreases the amount of vertical mixing and inhibits the transfer of oxygen from the atmosphere to deep waters.</p>



<h3 id="h-nutrient-pollution">Nutrient pollution</h3>



<p>Nutrient runoff from agricultural fertilizers, sewage, and industrial pollutants can lead to the excessive growth of marine plants and algae. This process is known as eutrophication. When these plants and algae die and decompose, eutrophication consumes oxygen. This leads to areas of low oxygen known as "dead zones."</p>



<h2 id="h-effects-of-ocean-deoxygenation">Effects of ocean deoxygenation</h2>



<p>The effects of ocean deoxygenation are severe. It can lead to the death of marine animals that can't escape these low oxygen zones, including fish, crabs, and other important species. Many of these are economically important and their loss could impact people who rely on them for food and jobs.</p>



<p>There's also a negative feedback loop involved: as the ocean loses oxygen, its ability to absorb CO2 decreases. This can lead to a further acceleration of global warming.</p>



<p>To mitigate the effects of ocean deoxygenation, it's necessary to reduce global warming by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. We must also limit nutrient pollution through better agricultural practices, waste management, and industrial controls.</p>



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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

Good news: Ocean oxygen loss may ultimately reverse, saving marine life species

In a time where news about climate change is often...

<p>In an unprecedented research project from the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a>, researchers have investigated how increasingly frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-and-the-looming-threat-of-drought/">drought</a> conditions may affect the survival and gender distribution of painted turtles, a native species found in the freshwater bodies of Nebraska. The study was based on a vast amount of data collected over 11 years by more than 50 undergraduates.</p>



<p>The analysis, published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/climate-change-ecology"><em>Climate Change Ecology</em></a>, revealed that drought conditions significantly reduce the survival chances of painted turtles and slow down their growth rates. Drought also disrupts the female-to-male ratio of these aquatic reptiles. Interestingly, these effects were apparent even when the water levels in the studied southwestern Nebraska pond remained relatively constant throughout the drought periods.</p>



<p>“I have to admit: When the students launched into it, I wasn’t sure that we were going to find drought impacts. I think it’s interesting that we found the drought impacts that we did, just given the fact that this is not a pond that completely dried up," said Professor Larkin Powell, who supervised the studies.</p>



<h2 id="h-drought-and-sex-determination">Drought and sex determination&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Painted turtles, like many other reptile and fish species, have temperature-dependent sex determination. Cooler incubation temperatures typically yield male turtles, while higher temperatures tend to produce females. As drought is often associated with higher temperatures, more frequent and intense droughts could potentially distort the female-to-male ratio in painted turtles.</p>



<p>In an intriguing turn of events, researchers Ellen Dolph and Charrissa Neil found that male painted turtles made up 60-85 percent of the sample in the absence of drought. However, the proportion significantly shifted during periods of drought with nearly 60 percent of the sample being female. This shift was apparent when temperature, groundwater conditions, and other factors indicated a strong influence of drought.</p>



<h2 id="h-survival-rates">Survival rates</h2>



<p>Past research has indicated that a drastic shift towards a female-dominated ecosystem could pose a significant threat to turtles and other reptile species. This scenario becomes increasingly probable under the warmer, drier conditions expected due to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although the painted turtle, which is widely distributed across North America, faces no immediate risk of extinction, Powell warns that other more vulnerable species could bear the brunt of these changes.</p>



<p>“There’s nothing crazily unique about a painted turtle compared to the other turtles - Blanding’s turtles, mud turtles, map turtles - that live in rivers and lakes,” said Powell.</p>



<p>The study also provided the first evidence that drought can decrease survival rates in an intact pond, with a decrease of approximately seven percent in female painted turtles and 10 percent in males. One model suggested that each 10 percent increase in the probability of drought could result in a drop in the annual survival rate.</p>



<h2 id="h-slowed-growth-rates">Slowed growth rates</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the research showed that painted turtles, particularly females, grew slower during years of drought. Dolph and Neil established this by noting changes in shell length. The slowed growth rate is a concern because a turtle's size can limit its reproductive capacity, explained Powell.</p>



<p>“Females grow faster than males, and one of the reasons that they are selected to grow faster is that they can’t reproduce until they have enough space inside their shell to hold the eggs.”</p>



<p>Although the specific drought-related factors contributing to the decreased survival rate remain uncertain, Powell suggests that the concurrent slowing of growth may be indicative of increased competition for limited food resources, primarily insects.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-perfect-study-animals">The perfect study animals</h2>



<p>Powell, an ecologist primarily known for his work with avian species, found himself delving into the realm of herpetology when he took over a wildlife management techniques course at Cedar Point Biological Station in 2005. There, instead of capturing birds for population studies, he turned to the slow-moving, easy-to-capture painted turtles.</p>



<p>Thanks to their slow pace, painted turtles were deemed "perfect study animals." With the assistance of a local landowner, Powell discovered a pond near Keystone, Nebraska, teeming with these shelled creatures.</p>



<p>Ever since that fateful encounter, Powell has been delving into the world of herpetology, a stark departure from his previous ornithology-focused career. His studies with painted turtles have not only brought attention to the potential effects of climate change on these creatures, but have also provided invaluable experience to numerous students over the years.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) are a species of turtle native to North America. They are known for their strikingly colorful markings and are the most widespread native turtle of North America. Painted turtles are part of the family Emydidae, which also includes other well-known species like the box turtle and the diamondback terrapin.</p>



<h3 id="h-interesting-facts">Interesting facts:</h3>



<h4 id="h-coloration-and-appearance">Coloration and appearance</h4>



<p>They are called 'painted' because of their vividly colored markings. The skin of the painted turtle is dark and smooth, with red, orange, or yellow stripes on the neck, legs, and tail. The bottom shell, or plastron, is usually yellow with some red or black.</p>



<h4 id="h-size">Size</h4>



<p>Depending on the subspecies, adult painted turtles can range from 4 to 10 inches in shell length. Females tend to be larger than males.</p>



<h4 id="h-subspecies">Subspecies</h4>



<p>There are four subspecies of painted turtles, each with slightly different coloration and size. These include the eastern, midland, southern, and western painted turtles.</p>



<h4 id="h-habitat">Habitat</h4>



<p>Painted turtles live in a variety of aquatic environments, including ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers. They prefer areas with soft bottoms, aquatic vegetation, and plenty of places to bask in the sun.</p>



<h4 id="h-diet">Diet</h4>



<p>They are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of aquatic vegetation, small fish, insects, and even carrion. The younger turtles tend to be more carnivorous, transitioning to a more herbivorous diet as they mature.</p>



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



<p>Painted turtles are known for their basking behavior. They can often be seen lined up on logs or rocks, soaking up the sun. This behavior is crucial for their thermoregulation and metabolism.</p>



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



<p>Mating usually occurs in spring. The female digs a hole in a sunny location and lays between 2 to 20 eggs. The eggs are left to incubate, and the hatchlings emerge after 72-80 days. The sex of the hatchlings is temperature-dependent: higher temperatures result in females, and lower temperatures result in males.</p>



<p>In many areas, painted turtles can often be found in close proximity to human activity, making them a familiar sight to many people. Despite their widespread presence, they play an important role in their ecosystems and contribute to the biodiversity of their habitats.</p>



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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

Droughts threaten the delicate balance of painted turtle populations

In an unprecedented research project from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,...

<p>The intense public discourse surrounding a contentious energy technology, BECCS, is the focus of a recent study. Advocates label this technology as a pivotal tool in the fight against climate change. On the other side, detractors argue it could be even more harmful than coal.</p>



<p>Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, or BECCS, is a significant part of the UK government's strategy to achieve a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/residual-emissions-must-be-addressed-to-reach-net-zero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net-zero econom</a>y by 2050.</p>



<p>The technology functions by burning plant matter for energy. It then stores the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions underground.</p>



<p>However, it has generated a dichotomy of opinions among scientists, politicians, and media outlets. This is due to its potential environmental implications and low public awareness.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-study-to-understand-what-the-public-thinks-about-beccs">A study to understand what the public thinks about BECCS</h2>



<p>In an effort to better understand how BECCS is perceived, the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> has conducted a comprehensive study of 166 newspaper articles discussing the technology.</p>



<p>"With public understanding of BECCS so limited, the media has a crucial role in shaping debate and opinion on the technology," Caspar Donnison, Research Fellow in Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton and lead author of the research, remarks.</p>



<p>Donnison mentions the relevance of this process by drawing parallels to the discourse surrounding fracking. In that debate, "competing storylines are used to influence social acceptance of a new technology."</p>



<h2>What the BECCS study learned</h2>



<p>Published in Energy Research &amp; Social Science, the study identified eight main storylines in the media about BECCS. These narratives were divided into two categories: Pro-BECCS and Anti-BECCS.</p>



<p>Pro-BECCS narratives include: Necessary mitigation tool, Keeping the lights on, Anchor for transition, and Revolutionary technology.</p>



<p>Anti-BECCS narratives, on the other hand, consist of Worse than coal, Environmental disaster, No silver bullet, and Distraction.</p>



<p>Over half of the analyzed articles mentioned the Necessary mitigation tool narrative. This emphasizes the perceived importance of BECCS in combating climate change.</p>



<p>Among its proponents is the <a href="https://www.drax.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drax Group</a>. They plan to operate the world's largest BECCS facility at its power station in Yorkshire. Drax CEO Will Gardiner is a notable advocate of this storyline, along with government spokespeople, the UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC), and Microsoft.</p>



<h2>Some link BECCS to geopolitical issues</h2>



<p>Other narratives were tied to geopolitical or regional issues. For instance, the Keeping the lights on narrative gained ground after Russia invaded Ukraine. Yorkshire's local media, in particular, focused on the Anchor for transition and Revolutionary technology narratives.</p>



<p>Rishi Sunak MP, before becoming Prime Minister, referred to the Drax project as "transformative for the region’s economy." He associated BECCS with economic development and bridging regional disparities.</p>



<p>Professor Gail Taylor, co-author of the study, commented, "Drax’s proposals in Yorkshire have had a major influence on the UK debate, driving more articles from three regional newspapers than all the national coverage combined. The pro-BECCS coalition enjoyed greater dominance in local news media, where the necessity framing was complemented with the promise of socioeconomic benefits to the region."</p>



<h2>The “BECCS is worse than coal” narrative has gained traction</h2>



<p>However, not all narratives about BECCS are positive. The Worse than coal narrative gained traction after a BBC Panorama documentary critiqued Drax's supply chain.</p>



<p>Environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and others alleged that biomass combustion could result in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-plans-to-eliminate-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-power-plants-by-2040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">similar CO2 emissions to coal</a>. Furthermore, these groups expressed concern that the carbon may not be re-absorbed by replanting trees. Also, the supply-chain emissions could increase the overall carbon cost.</p>



<p>The study also identified narratives framing BECCS as an Environmental disaster and a Distraction. The former suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-causes-biomass-loss-beyond-directly-affected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land required for biomass</a> could threaten wildlife and food production. The latter suggests BECCS could serve as an excuse to continue emitting CO2.</p>



<p>Some articles also suggest BECCS is No silver bullet, questioning the feasibility of implementing the technology on a large scale.</p>



<p>In light of these varied perceptions, Donnison cautions, "The UK government is relying on BECCS to help deliver their net-zero strategy but the battle for public opinion is far from won."</p>



<p>He suggests that to gain wider acceptance, BECCS should be sustainably sourced and deployed in a targeted, limited manner. "But if public concerns aren’t addressed, the government will have to look to a fast-diminishing list of alternative technological and policy options."</p>



<h2>More about Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)</h2>



<p>Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is a greenhouse gas mitigation technology which produces negative carbon dioxide emissions by combining bioenergy (energy from biomass) use with geologic carbon capture and storage.</p>



<p>The concept of BECCS is drawn from the integration of trees and crops, which extract carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere as they grow, the use of this biomass in power plants or industrial facilities to generate electricity or produce other forms of energy, and the application of carbon capture and storage technologies to sequester the CO2 produced in these processes.</p>



<p>Here's a more detailed breakdown of how it works:</p>



<h3>Biomass Growth</h3>



<p>Biomass (e.g., trees, crops) absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.</p>



<h3>Energy Production</h3>



<p>This biomass is harvested and converted into energy through processes such as combustion or gasification. These processes produce CO2.</p>



<h3>Carbon Capture</h3>



<p>The CO2 produced in step 2 is captured at the point of emission (e.g., at the power plant where the biomass is burned). The captured CO2 is typically compressed into a liquid-like state.</p>



<h3>Carbon Storage</h3>



<p>The captured and compressed CO2 is transported (usually through pipelines) and then injected deep underground into geologic formations where it is permanently stored. This storage process is often referred to as sequestration.</p>



<p>The concept of BECCS has been gaining attention because it's one of the few climate change solutions that could result in negative emissions. This would effectively remove existing CO2 from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>BECCS could play a critical role in efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius, targets outlined in the Paris Agreement.</p>



<p>However, there are significant challenges and controversies associated with BECCS:</p>



<h3>Land Use</h3>



<p>BECCS requires large amounts of land to grow the biomass. This could lead to land-use changes, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. It could also compete with agricultural land, potentially impacting food security.</p>



<h3>Water Use</h3>



<p>Biomass crops require water, potentially increasing competition for water resources.</p>



<h3>Energy Use</h3>



<p>The process of capturing, compressing, transporting, and storing CO2 uses energy, which must be factored into calculations of the net energy and emissions produced by BECCS.</p>



<h3>Scale</h3>



<p>It's uncertain whether BECCS can be scaled up quickly enough to meet emissions reduction targets.</p>



<h3>Carbon Neutrality Assumption</h3>



<p>BECCS is based on the premise that biomass is carbon-neutral because the CO2 released when it is burned was originally absorbed from the atmosphere.</p>



<p>However, this assumption doesn't take into account that CO2 absorbed by trees and crops would have been absorbed by natural vegetation anyway. It also doesn't account for the fact that CO2 is released immediately upon combustion, while it takes years for trees and crops to re-absorb it.</p>



<h3>Long-term Storage</h3>



<p>There are concerns about the safety and permanence of underground CO2 storage, including the potential for leaks.</p>



<p>Given these challenges, while BECCS is seen as a potentially powerful tool in the fight against climate change, it is not viewed as a silver bullet and must be pursued in combination with a broad array of other mitigation measures.</p>

BECCS: A divisive energy technology hailed as a "climate solution" by some, and "worse than coal" by others

The intense public discourse surrounding a contentious energy technology, BECCS,...

<p>An asteroid larger than ten buses aligned end to end is currently on an interstellar journey, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-ancient-ocean-floor-surrounds-the-earths-core/">Earth</a> being its next point of interest. This gigantic space rock, known as 2013 WV44, is set to have a close encounter with our planet, according to information provided by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>The asteroid is estimated to boast a colossal diameter of up to 524 feet (160 meters). This surpasses the heights of iconic structures such as the London Eye, which stands at 394 feet, and Big Ben, at 310 feet. </p>



<p>This enormous rock is expected to grace our sky, in close astronomical terms, on Wednesday at approximately 9am BST.</p>



<p>According to experts, 2013 WV44 is speeding along at an impressive 11.8 km per second. That's over 26,000 miles per hour – a staggering 34 times the speed of sound!</p>



<h2 id="h-no-cause-for-alarm-from-2013-wv44">No cause for alarm from 2013 WV44</h2>



<p>Despite its rapid pace and considerable size, there is no cause for alarm. Even at its closest approach, asteroid 2013 WV44 is projected to remain at a safe distance of approximately 2.1 million miles from our planet. </p>



<p>Although this distance is around nine times farther than our Moon, it still earns the asteroid the classification of a near-Earth object (NEO).</p>



<p>NEOs, which can be comets or asteroids, are celestial bodies that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that bring them into the Earth's neighborhood. They mainly consist of water ice with embedded dust particles. Most of them are the remnants from the solar system formation process about 4.6 billion years ago.</p>



<p>"The scientific interest in comets and asteroids is due largely to their status as the relatively unchanged remnant debris from the solar system formation process some 4.6 billion years ago," said a representative from NASA.</p>



<h2 id="h-near-earth-objects-neos">Near-Earth objects (NEOs)</h2>



<p>The fascinating cosmic designation of a NEO is applied when a celestial object comes within 1.3 astronomical units (AU) (120.8 million miles) of the sun. Thus, within 0.3 AU (27.8 million miles) of Earth's orbit. </p>



<p>Given its projected distance of 2.1 million miles from Earth, asteroid 2013 WV44 comfortably fits into this category.</p>



<p>While the asteroid has grabbed attention due to its size and relative proximity, it does not meet the criteria for a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA). That status is determined by an asteroid's potential to make threateningly close approaches to Earth, and also its size. </p>



<p>Specifically, to be labeled a PHA, an asteroid needs to come within 0.05 astronomical units (4.65 million miles) of Earth. It also needs to be larger than 459 feet (140 meters) in diameter.</p>



<p>NASA's diligent tracking of NEOs is indeed crucial. According to their records, there are 32,254 known near-Earth asteroids in our solar system as of now. The list has grown since last October, when only 30,000 were documented.&nbsp;</p>



<p>More than 10,000 of these are estimated to be larger than 460 feet (140 meters) in diameter. Another 1,000 are larger than 3,280 feet (1km) in diameter. These figures underscore the importance of keeping a close eye on these celestial travelers.</p>



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



<p>Asteroids are rocky, airless remnants left over from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. They are primarily located in the asteroid belt. This is a region of space located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. However, asteroids can be found throughout the solar system including near Earth.</p>



<p>Asteroids can vary greatly in size, ranging from small boulders to objects that are hundreds of kilometers in diameter. The largest asteroid in the asteroid belt is Ceres, which is also classified as a dwarf planet. It has a diameter of about 940 kilometers.</p>



<p>Asteroids are made up of different types of rock and metal, and many have craters or grooves. They can be categorized into different types based on their composition:</p>



<h3 id="h-c-type-carbonaceous-asteroids">C-type (carbonaceous) asteroids</h3>



<p>These are the most common type, making up about 75% of known asteroids. They are very dark in appearance and are composed of clay and silicate rocks.</p>



<h3 id="h-s-type-silicate-based-asteroids">S-type (silicate-based) asteroids</h3>



<p>These are the second most common type and are composed primarily of stony materials and nickel-iron.</p>



<h3 id="h-m-type-metallic-asteroids">M-type (metallic) asteroids</h3>



<p>These are composed mainly of metallic iron and are less common.</p>



<p>Asteroids can have significant scientific and economic value. Scientifically, they offer clues about the early solar system, the origin of life and the origin of water. Economically, asteroids could potentially be mined for precious metals and other resources in the future.</p>



<p>It's also important to track asteroids because they can pose a threat to Earth. While large impacts are rare, the potential damage is enormous, so astronomers continually monitor Near-Earth Objects (NEOs).</p>



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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Asteroid 2013 WV44 is bigger than ten buses, and it's headed our way

An asteroid larger than ten buses aligned end to end...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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