<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>



<p>-----</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>A new study led by the <a href="https://uol.de/">University of Oldenburg</a> and published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02078-w"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a><em> </em>has found that some species in seemingly healthy ecosystems with a constant or even increasing number of species may already be on the path to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-quarter-of-earths-species-may-be-extinct-by-2010/">extinction</a>. Due to systematic distortions in temporal trends for species numbers, even in long-term datasets, such negative trends may only become apparent after a significant delay.</p>



<p>“Our results are important in order to understand that the species number alone is not a reliable measure of how stable the biological balance in a given ecosystem is at the local level,” said lead author Lucie Kuczynski, an ecologist at Oldenburg. “Apparently, we have so far underestimated the negative trends for freshwater fish, for example. Species are disappearing faster than expected at the local level.”</p>



<p>“We find it very worrying that a constant or even increasing species number does not necessarily mean that all is well in an ecosystem and that the number of species will remain constant in the long term,” added senior author Helmut Hillebrand, an expert in biodiversity at the same university.</p>



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



<p>Until recently, scientists&nbsp;studying biodiversity have assumed that the number of species in an ecosystem will remain constant in the long term if the environmental conditions neither improve nor deteriorate. According to Kuczynski, the main hypothesis underlying such assumptions is that there is a dynamic equilibrium between colonizations and local extinctions.</p>



<p>To clarify whether a constant species richness is a reliable indicator of a stable ecological balance, the researchers analyzed thousands of datasets documenting the number of species of freshwater fish and breeding birds in Europe and North America, over a period of 24 years for the fish and 37 for the birds. Then, they compared this empirical data with simulation models based on different expectations about immigrations and extinctions of various species.</p>



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



<p>Although the scientists initially observed a general increase in species richness in both fish and birds, a comparison with the simulations revealed that this increase was smaller than what would have been expected - a phenomenon most likely caused by an imbalance between colonizations and local extinctions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“According to our simulations organisms such as freshwater fish which have limited potential for dispersal colonize an ecosystem faster than in neutral models, while their extinction occurs later than expected,” Kuczynski explained.</p>



<p>This means that, after environmental changes, species that are on the brink of extinction may remain present in an ecosystem for some time, while new species gradually move in. "There are transitional phases in ecosystems in which the number of species is higher than expected. Species extinction occurs only after these transition phases – and then usually faster than expected," said Kuczynski.</p>



<p>These findings highlight the need for a reassessment of which methods are most reliable for monitoring the state of ecosystems and a redefinition of nature conservation targets. The model devised in this study could serve as a tool to distinguish between the various mechanisms influencing species richness, while providing valuable information on the extent to which observational data deviates from expected changes.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-local-species-extinctions">More about local species extinctions</h2>



<p>Local species extinctions occur when a particular species ceases to exist in a specific geographic area or habitat. These extinctions can be driven by a variety of factors, including habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Local extinctions can have significant ecological consequences, as they can disrupt the balance of ecosystems and lead to cascading effects on other species.</p>



<p>There have been numerous instances of local species extinctions throughout history. Some well-known examples include:</p>



<h3 id="h-passenger-pigeon-ectopistes-migratorius">Passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius)</h3>



<p>Once the most abundant bird in North America, the passenger pigeon was hunted to extinction in the late 19th century. Its habitat destruction and mass hunting led to the disappearance of this species from its original range.</p>



<h3 id="h-carolina-parakeet-conuropsis-carolinensis">Carolina parakeet (Conuropsis carolinensis)</h3>



<p>&nbsp;Native to the southeastern United States, the Carolina parakeet was the only parrot species native to North America. It was heavily hunted for its feathers and as agricultural pests, leading to its extinction by the early 20th century.</p>



<h3 id="h-the-dodo-raphus-cucullatus">The dodo (Raphus cucullatus)</h3>



<p>The dodo, a flightless bird endemic to the island of Mauritius, became extinct in the late 17th century. Habitat destruction, hunting by humans, and the introduction of invasive species like rats and pigs were major contributors to its extinction.</p>



<h3 id="h-tasmanian-tiger-or-thylacine-thylacinus-cynocephalus">Tasmanian tiger or thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus)&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The thylacine was a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, Australia, and New Guinea. It was hunted and persecuted due to fears of predation on livestock, leading to its extinction in the early 20th century.</p>



<h3 id="h-baiji-dolphin-lipotes-vexillifer">Baiji dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer)</h3>



<p>Also known as the Yangtze River dolphin, the Baiji dolphin was endemic to the Yangtze River in China. Its decline was primarily caused by habitat degradation, pollution, overfishing, and ship traffic. It is believed to have become extinct in the early 2000s.</p>



<p>These examples illustrate the irreversible loss of species within specific regions. Local extinctions highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species and their habitats to prevent further biodiversity loss.</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>

Local species extinctions are often underestimated

A new study led by the University of Oldenburg and...

<p>The Arctic Ocean, a key component of our planet's health and a regulator of global climate patterns, communicates with the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans through various oceanic gateways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The exchange of waters through these channels has significant implications for our climate and marine ecosystems. However, there have been distinct alterations in these exchanges over the past decade, highlighted by unusually high temperatures and exceptionally low salinities.</p>



<p>Researchers are now warning that additional heat will be transferred from the warming waters of the Pacific and Atlantic to the Arctic Ocean as climate change progresses. Models further anticipate an increase in low-salinity water exports from the Arctic to the North Atlantic Ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This influx of warm water and the surge in freshwater exports pose potential risks to marine life and could drive significant changes in our global climate.</p>



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



<p>A group of prominent oceanographers have taken it upon themselves to compile and scrutinize current research aimed at understanding these water exchanges and the potential future shifts in temperature, salinity, and volume at these crucial junctions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We conducted a review of prior observational and modeling studies on Arctic-subarctic ocean linkages and examined their changes and driving mechanisms," stated Qiang Wang, lead author of the review and senior scientist at the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/">Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research</a> (AWI) in Bremerhaven, Germany.</p>



<h2 id="h-much-more-heat-transported-to-the-arctic-ocean">Much more heat transported to the Arctic Ocean</h2>



<p>The studies indicate that there's been a significant increase in heat transported to the Arctic Ocean over the last decade. The warm waters flowing in from the subarctic oceans are believed to be the primary contributor to this increase. In tandem with this heat convergence, the volume of ocean inflows, which ferry warm waters into the Arctic, has also risen.</p>



<p>As the heat influx has escalated, the Arctic has seen a decline in sea ice formation and a boost in freshwater inflows due to increased river runoff and precipitation. A decrease in Arctic salinity is also attributed to the inflow of low-salinity water from the Pacific. These changes all echo the dire warning signs of climate change.</p>



<p>"Both the ocean heat convergence from lower latitudes to the Arctic Ocean and the hydrological cycle connecting the Arctic with subarctic seas were stronger in 2000-2020 than in 1980-2000 and will continue to be intensified in a future warming climate," said Wang.</p>



<h2 id="h-interaction-between-the-oceans-will-only-get-more-extreme">Interaction between the oceans will only get more extreme</h2>



<p>A model known as CMIP6 suggests that the Arctic Ocean's warming rate is roughly double the global average, and it is likely to continue this way due to the ongoing increase in heat convergence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Barents Sea Opening, a body of water located between Bear Island, south of Svalbard, and the northernmost point of Norway, is projected to be the biggest heat contributor to the Arctic Ocean. This heat input is causing the retreat of Arctic sea ice during the colder seasons and amplifying the warming of the atmosphere.</p>



<p>As the heat inflow intensifies, the Arctic Ocean is also expected to receive an uptick in freshwater through increased precipitation, river runoff, and general sea ice melt. Notably, the export of this freshwater from the Arctic to the Atlantic has far-reaching impacts on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical component of the Earth's climate system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Models predict an increase in this export via the Fram Strait, a channel between Greenland and Svalbard, which could disrupt large-scale ocean circulations and ultimately impact global climate.</p>



<p>But to accurately predict and react to these changes, we need better tools. "Both observation and modeling capabilities need to be further improved to better monitor and predict changes in Arctic-subarctic ocean linkages," said Wang.</p>



<h2 id="h-many-other-factors-at-play">Many other factors at play</h2>



<p>Understanding how forces such as wind, tides, heating, cooling, precipitation, evaporation, and river discharge affect ocean circulation and water properties is of paramount importance. Accurate representation of these effects in models is critical for developing effective mitigation strategies and policies.</p>



<p>However, our current monitoring tools are insufficient for accurately measuring these water exchanges across all Arctic gateways. We need to enhance the quality and quantity of our observational instruments to better understand these changes and their potential implications for global climate.</p>



<h2 id="h-many-mysteries-remain-to-be-deciphered">Many mysteries remain to be deciphered</h2>



<p>It's clear that a comprehensive understanding of climate change requires an in-depth examination of the numerous intricate processes that govern the exchanges between the Arctic and subarctic oceans. For instance, the outflow of freshwater from the Fram Strait can influence the air-sea heat exchange in the Greenland Sea and alter ocean heat flux.</p>



<p>Additionally, an increased freshwater flux through the Davis Strait could potentially decrease the freshwater export in the Fram Strait. Therefore, it's crucial to recognize that the export levels in both straits are intrinsically tied to sea level changes in the subpolar North Atlantic.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Adequately accounting for all these processes in climate modeling will greatly improve our predictions related to ocean behavior and climate change.</p>



<p>In essence, the current state of Arctic Ocean exchanges and their potential future changes call for concerted efforts to advance our observational capabilities, refine our models, and deepen our overall understanding of these complex systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings of this research, published in the June 1 issue of the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.34133/olar.0013"><em>Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research</em></a>, underscore the importance of continuing to observe, study, and interpret the shifts happening in the Arctic Ocean in order to effectively respond to the challenges of climate change.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-climate-change-and-the-arctic-ocean">More about climate change and the Arctic Ocean</h2>



<p>Climate change is having a profound impact on the Arctic Ocean, with several effects that are already visible and others that scientists predict will happen in the future.</p>



<h3 id="h-sea-ice-loss">Sea ice loss&nbsp;</h3>



<p>One of the most recognizable impacts is the dramatic reduction in sea ice. The Arctic is warming at roughly twice the rate of the rest of the globe due to a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. As a result, summer sea ice coverage has shrunk considerably over the past few decades. This reduction in sea ice disrupts Arctic ecosystems, threatens polar species like seals and polar bears, and can alter weather patterns both regionally and globally.</p>



<h3 id="h-ocean-warming">Ocean warming</h3>



<p>The increase in global temperatures is leading to warmer ocean waters, which in turn cause more sea ice to melt in a vicious feedback loop. The loss of reflective ice cover allows more sunlight to be absorbed by the ocean, increasing the water temperature further. This can also influence the ocean currents and weather patterns.</p>



<h3 id="h-ocean-acidification">Ocean acidification&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The Arctic Ocean is absorbing a significant portion of the increased atmospheric CO2, leading to ocean acidification. This is particularly troubling for marine species that depend on carbonate ions to build shells and skeletons, such as clams and corals.</p>



<h3 id="h-changes-in-salinity">Changes in salinity&nbsp;</h3>



<p>With increasing temperatures, there's more melting of glaciers and sea ice, leading to an increase in freshwater input. This change in water composition alters the salinity (salt content) of the Arctic Ocean, potentially disrupting marine life and affecting the global ocean circulation patterns, as saltier water is denser and tends to sink, driving thermohaline circulation.</p>



<h3 id="h-permafrost-thawing">Permafrost thawing</h3>



<p>Permafrost – permanently frozen ground in the Arctic – is starting to thaw due to the warming temperatures. As permafrost thaws, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that further exacerbates global warming.</p>



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



<p>All these changes impact the Arctic marine ecosystems. For instance, the loss of sea ice threatens species that rely on it for hunting and breeding, such as polar bears and seals. Changes in water temperature and salinity can alter the distribution and abundance of fish and other marine species, disrupting the food web.</p>



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



<p>The melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet and other Arctic glaciers contribute to global sea-level rise, which can lead to coastal flooding and erosion, and affect coastal communities around the world.</p>



<p>These changes not only affect the wildlife and people who live in the Arctic, but they also have the potential to significantly alter global weather patterns and climate due to the Arctic's role in regulating the world's climate. For example, changes in sea ice can influence the jet stream, potentially leading to more extreme weather events in mid-latitude regions. It is therefore critical to monitor and mitigate these changes to the Arctic Ocean and the broader Arctic region.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Additional heat is being transferred to the Arctic Ocean as the climate warms

The Arctic Ocean, a key component of our planet's health...

Moon,Or,Lunar,Phases,Poster.,Eight,Steps,Of,The,Lunar

<p>We often find ourselves racing against the clock to squeeze all our tasks into a 24-hour day. However, had we been residents of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potentially-hazardous-asteroid-will-zoom-by-earth-this-week-and-you-can-watch-it/">Earth</a> billions of years ago, the struggle would have been even more pronounced. Surprisingly, our planet's day length wasn't always this long.</p>



<p>A study led by Ross Mitchell, a geophysicist at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>, dives into the deep past when Earth's days were much shorter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Why were the days shorter? It turns out our Moon is a bit of a culprit. "Over time, the Moon has stolen Earth's rotational energy to boost it into a higher orbit farther from Earth," explained Mitchell.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study co-author Uwe Kirscher, now a research fellow at Curtin University in Australia, noted: "Most models of Earth's rotation predict that day length was consistently shorter and shorter going back in time." However, their findings contradict the idea of a consistently dwindling day length.</p>



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



<p>The research, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01202-6"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>, relied on geological records. Scientists used to count the number of sedimentary layers per month from tidal mud flats to determine the number of hours in an ancient day. This method, though, has its limitations due to the rarity of such records and the disputes often arising from their interpretation.</p>



<p>A more reliable method, cyclostratigraphy, has come to the rescue. This geological method uses the rhythm of sedimentary layering to detect astronomical "Milankovitch" cycles that mirror how Earth's rotation and orbit affect its climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Two Milankovitch cycles, precession and obliquity, are related to the wobble and tilt of Earth's rotation axis in space. The faster rotation of early Earth can therefore be detected in shorter precession and obliquity cycles in the past," said Kirscher.</p>



<p>With an abundance of recently published Milankovitch records, Mitchell and Kirscher set out to test a theory about Earth's paleorotation. "We realized that it was finally time to test a kind of fringe, but completely reasonable, alternative idea about Earth's paleorotation," said Mitchell.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-testing-a-theory">Testing a theory</h2>



<p>This theory speculates that the length of Earth's day might have reached a plateau in the distant past. Besides the lunar tides we're familiar with, Earth also experiences solar tides as the atmosphere heats up during the day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although weaker than lunar tides, the impact of solar tides was significant when the Earth was rotating faster and the Moon's gravitational pull was weaker. Unlike the Moon, which slows down Earth's rotation, the Sun actually speeds it up.</p>



<p>"Because of this, if in the past these two opposite forces were to have become equal to each other, such a tidal resonance would have caused Earth's day length to stop changing and to have remained constant for some time," said Kirscher.</p>



<h2 id="h-theory-confirmed">Theory confirmed</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the data compilation from the study supports this theory. It appears that the lengthening of Earth's day ceased and stabilized at about 19 hours between two to one billion years ago. Mitchell refers to this period as the "boring billion."</p>



<p>This fascinating discovery links the evolution of Earth's rotation to its atmospheric composition. Timothy Lyons of UC Riverside, who did not take part in the study, marveled at this possibility. "It's fascinating to think that the evolution of the Earth's rotation could have affected the evolving composition of the atmosphere," said Lyons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study thereby bolsters the idea that the modern levels of oxygen on Earth emerged due to longer days, allowing photosynthetic bacteria to generate more oxygen each day.&nbsp;</p>



<p>So, while we may still scramble to complete our daily tasks, we can find comfort knowing that we have a few more hours at our disposal than our ancestors billions of years ago.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-how-the-moon-and-earth-interact">More about the how the moon and Earth interact</h2>



<p>The Earth and the Moon share a dynamic relationship, influencing each other in ways that have shaped the evolution of both bodies. Here are a few key aspects of this interaction:</p>



<h3 id="h-gravitational-pull">Gravitational pull</h3>



<p>The Moon's primary interaction with the Earth is through gravity. The Moon's gravitational pull on Earth leads to several observable effects. This pull is the reason for the existence of tides on Earth. When the gravitational forces from the Sun and Moon align, we experience spring tides, which are particularly strong tides. When the Sun and Moon's gravitational forces are perpendicular to each other, we experience neap tides, which are particularly weak.</p>



<h3 id="h-tidal-locking">Tidal locking</h3>



<p>The gravitational pull between the Earth and the Moon has led to a state called tidal locking. This is why we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth. In the past, the Moon rotated at a different speed than it orbited Earth. However, Earth's gravitational pull created a torque that slowed down the Moon's rotation over millions of years until it became synchronous with its orbit.</p>



<h3 id="h-lengthening-of-earth-s-day">Lengthening of Earth's day</h3>



<p>The Moon's gravity pulls on the Earth's equatorial bulge, creating a torque that slows down Earth's rotation. This interaction gradually lengthens the duration of Earth's day. Currently, the Moon is causing our day to lengthen by about 1.7 milliseconds per century.</p>



<h3 id="h-the-moon-is-moving-away">The Moon is moving away</h3>



<p>The energy from the slowing rotation of Earth gets transferred to the Moon, causing it to slowly move away from the Earth. The current rate is about 3.8 centimeters per year.</p>



<h3 id="h-stabilization-of-earth-s-axial-tilt">Stabilization of Earth's axial tilt</h3>



<p>The Moon's presence helps stabilize the tilt of Earth's axis. Without the Moon, Earth's axial tilt could vary more dramatically, causing severe climate changes. The Moon's gravity serves as a stabilizing anchor, keeping our axial tilt relatively steady at about 23.5 degrees, thus giving us stable and predictable seasons.</p>



<h3 id="h-eclipses">Eclipses&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The interaction between the Earth and the Moon also leads to the celestial phenomena of lunar and solar eclipses. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon and casts a shadow on the Moon. During a solar eclipse, the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun and casts a shadow on the Earth.</p>



<p>In summary, the relationship between the Earth and the Moon is complex and significant. The gravitational dance they perform together shapes life on Earth in profound ways, affecting everything from our day-night cycle to the tides and even the stability of our climate.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

One full day on Earth lasted just 19 hours for about one billion years

We often find ourselves racing against the clock to squeeze...

<p>Until now, astrophysicists have only managed to detect gravitational waves from binary systems, such as the mergers of either two black holes, two neutron stars, or one of each. However, a team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/">Northwestern University</a> has recently found a single, non-binary source that could also emit such waves: the turbulent, energetic cocoons of debris surrounding dying massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earth-will-meet-its-demise-astronomers-witness-a-star-devour-a-planet/">stars</a>.</p>



<p>When massive stars collapse into black holes, they often create powerful outflows, or jets, of particles travelling close to the speed of light. As these jets collide into collapsing layers of the dying star, a bubble, or cocoon forms around the jets, consisting of random mixtures of hot gases and debris expanding in all directions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By using state-of-the-art simulations to model the collapses of massive stars, the experts showed that such cocoons could also be a source of gravitational waves. Moreover, unlike gamma-ray burst jets, cocoons’ gravitational waves should be within the frequency band the <a href="http://ligo.caltech.edu">Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory</a> (LIGO) could reliably detect.</p>



<p>“As of today, LIGO has only detected gravitational waves from binary systems, but one day it will detect the first non-binary source of gravitational waves,” said study lead author&nbsp;Ore Gottlieb, a research fellow in Astrophysics at Northwestern. “Cocoons are one of the first places we should look to for this type of source.”</p>



<h2 id="h-the-team-makes-an-unexpected-discovery">The team makes an unexpected discovery</h2>



<p>Initially, Gottlieb and his colleagues wanted to clarify whether the accretion disk which forms around a black hole could emit detectable gravitational waves. However, something unexpected emerged from the simulation.</p>



<p>“When I calculated the gravitational waves from the vicinity of the black hole, I found another source disrupting my calculations - the cocoon. I tried to ignore it. But I found it was impossible to ignore. Then I realized the cocoon was an interesting gravitational wave source,” Gottlieb explained.</p>



<p>Cocoons are highly turbulent places and, as they accelerate from the jet, they perturb the space-time continuum and create a ripple of gravitational waves. “A jet starts deep inside of a star and then drills its way out to escape. It’s like when you drill a hole into a wall. The spinning drill bit hits the wall and debris spills out of the wall. The drill bit gives that material energy. Similarly, the jet punches through the star, causing the star’s material to heat up and spill out. This debris forms the hot layers of a cocoon,” Gottlieb said.</p>



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



<p>If cocoons generate gravitational waves, LIGO should be able to detect them much better than it could detect waves emerging from gamma ray bursts or supernovae. While jets, supernovae, and gamma ray bursts are all highly energetic explosions, LIGO can only detect gravitational waves emerging from higher frequency, asymmetrical explosions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since supernovae are rather spherical and symmetrical and gamma ray bursts have a very small frequency, detecting gravitational waves arising from them is much more challenging. Instead, the asymmetrical and highly energetic cocoons could be much more accessible sources for reliably identifying such waves.</p>



<p>“Our study is a call to action to the community to look at cocoons as a source of gravitational waves. We also know cocoons to emit electromagnetic radiation, so they could be multi-messenger events. By studying them, we could learn more about what happens in the innermost part of stars, the properties of jets and their prevalence in stellar explosions,” Gottlieb concluded.</p>



<p>The study was presented on Monday, June 5, 2023, during a virtual press briefing at the&nbsp;<a href="https://aas.org/meetings/aas242">242nd meeting of the American Astronomical Society</a>.</p>



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



<p>Massive stars are stars that have a mass significantly greater than the Sun's. Although there isn't a strict definition, astronomers usually refer to stars with more than about 8 solar masses as "massive stars".</p>



<p>These stars are exceptional in many ways. They have shorter lifetimes, more intense radiation, and more dramatic deaths than lower-mass stars.</p>



<h3 id="h-shorter-lifetimes">Shorter lifetimes</h3>



<p>Stars shine by fusing hydrogen into helium in their cores, which releases energy. The rate of this fusion reaction increases dramatically with the star's mass. So, while the Sun will spend about 10 billion years in the main sequence stage, a 10 solar mass star will exhaust its core hydrogen in just 20 million years.</p>



<h3 id="h-intense-radiation">Intense radiation</h3>



<p>The energy output from a star (its luminosity) also increases dramatically with mass. The most massive stars can have luminosities a million times greater than that of the Sun. This energy is often emitted at ultraviolet or even X-ray wavelengths, producing a "stellar wind" that can blow away substantial amounts of the star's own mass over its lifetime.</p>



<h3 id="h-dramatic-deaths">Dramatic deaths</h3>



<p>When the core hydrogen in a massive star is exhausted, it can begin to fuse heavier elements, all the way up to iron. But fusing elements heavier than iron consumes energy rather than releasing it. Once the core contains a significant amount of iron, the star collapses under its own gravity, leading to a supernova explosion. The core of the star is left behind as a neutron star or black hole.</p>



<p>Massive stars also play a critical role in the evolution of galaxies. Their powerful stellar winds and supernova explosions can trigger the formation of new stars. The supernovae also spread heavy elements throughout the galaxy, contributing to the material that forms new stars and planets.</p>



<p>Despite their importance, massive stars are relatively rare. For example, in a region where there might be a thousand Sun-like stars, there might only be one or two stars with 10 times the mass of the Sun. But because of their high luminosity, these massive stars are often the most visible ones in their host galaxies.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Ore Gottlieb/CIERA/Northwestern University</em></p>



<p>—</p>



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



<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>

Dying stars may be a source of gravitational waves

Until now, astrophysicists have only managed to detect gravitational waves...

Kepler-35

<p>An unprecedented multi-planetary system discovery by an international team of astronomers has ignited new interest in the fascinating field of space science.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This team has announced the discovery of the second multiplanetary circumbinary system ever found. This system, which is not your everyday planetary system, features <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/">planets</a> orbiting not one, but two stars at its core, in stark contrast to the single-star orbit we see in our own Solar System.</p>



<h2 id="h-researchers-name-the-system-bebop-1c">Researchers name the system BEBOP-1c</h2>



<p>Published in today's issue of the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-023-01948-4."><em>Nature Astronomy</em></a>, the discovery is the result of rigorous research by the team at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Birmingham</a>. The researchers have named their new discovery as BEBOP-1c, echoing the project that produced the data, called BEBOP, which stands for Binaries Escorted By Orbiting Planets. The system is also referred to as TOI-1338.</p>



<p>This planetary system is not entirely new to us. It's the same system where, back in 2020, astronomers detected a circumbinary planet, TOI-1338b, using data from NASA’s TESS space telescope. The University of Birmingham team played a part in that discovery, too.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-transit-method-vs-the-doppler-method">Transit method vs. the Doppler method</h2>



<p>The finding was possible through the transit method, which involves observing a planet passing in front of its host star. This particular planet happened to transit the brighter of the two stars in its system multiple times, catching the team's attention.</p>



<p>“The transit method permitted us to measure the size of TOI-1338b, but not its mass which is the planet’s most fundamental parameter," explained study lead author Dr. Matthew Standing, who earned his PhD at the University of Birmingham and is currently a researcher at The Open University.</p>



<p>As it turns out, the BEBOP team was already tracking this system, using a different detection method, known as the Doppler method. This method, which measures the velocity of stars, led to the first-ever detection of an exoplanet.</p>



<h2 id="h-high-tech-equipment-used-in-the-atacama-desert">High-tech equipment used in the Atacama Desert</h2>



<p>Using cutting-edge equipment installed on telescopes located in the Atacama Desert in Chile, the team set out to measure the mass of TOI-1338b. Despite years of hard work and dedication, the team was unable to accomplish this. But instead, they found a second planet, BEBOP-1c, and were able to measure its mass.</p>



<p>David Martin, a Sagan Fellow and astronomer at Ohio State University, points out that “only 12 circumbinary systems are known so far, and this is only the second that hosts more than one planet.”</p>



<p>“BEBOP-1c has an orbital period of 215 days, and a mass 65 times larger than Earth, which is about five times less than Jupiter’s mass," said Dr. Standing.</p>



<p>The detection of this system posed numerous challenges, including a six-month-long interruption due to the COVID pandemic when the Chilean telescopes were forced to close down. The critical part of the planet's orbit only became observable again last year, which allowed the team to finalize their detection.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-planets-may-be-found-in-bebop-1c">More planets may be found in BEBOP-1c</h2>



<p>This multiplanetary circumbinary system, TOI-1338/BEBOP-1, currently known to host two planets, may hold more surprises in the future. The researchers are hopeful that further observations could reveal additional planetary bodies.</p>



<p>Despite their scarcity, circumbinary planets play a significant role in enhancing our understanding of planetary formation. Dr. Lalitha Sairam is a researcher at the University of Birmingham and second author of the study. She noted that planets are born in a disc of matter surrounding a young star, where mass progressively gathers into planets.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-circumbinary-systems-work">How circumbinary systems work</h2>



<p>When it comes to circumbinary systems, the disc of matter encompasses both stars. As the stars orbit each other, their gravitational forces interact with the disc, like a massive paddle stirring up the surrounding matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This disrupts the disc close to the stars, preventing planet formation except in quiet regions that are distant from the binary system. "It is easier to pinpoint the location and conditions of planet formation in circumbinary systems compared to single stars like the Sun," said Dr. Sairam.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-next-phase-of-the-study">The next phase of the study</h2>



<p>The research team still has work to do with BEBOP-1c. While they have determined its mass, the size of the planet remains a mystery. In an effort to solve this, the researchers are planning to use the transit method to measure its dimensions.</p>



<p>During their attempts to detect the inner planet, TOI-1338b, the team managed to place a stringent upper limit on its mass. This boundary has revealed that the planet has a lower density than a Victoria Sponge cake, a trait that sets it apart as a particularly unique celestial body.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As such, it becomes an ideal candidate for further investigation with the James Webb space telescope. Future observations may shed light on the chemical environment in which this rare circumbinary planet formed.</p>



<p>This exciting find marks yet another leap forward in our understanding of the cosmos. It challenges us to broaden our conceptions of planetary systems and offers invaluable insights into the processes that shape them. The ongoing study of circumbinary planets may well hold the key to unlocking more of the universe's many secrets.</p>



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



<p>Circumbinary systems, as the name suggests, are astronomical systems featuring two stars at the center with planets orbiting both stars. The term "circumbinary" is derived from Latin, with "circum" meaning around and "binary" referring to a system of two stars.</p>



<p>The concept of a planet in a stable orbit around two stars, also known as a binary star system, challenges our traditional perspective of a solar system like ours, where planets orbit a single star.</p>



<p>The existence of circumbinary planets was purely theoretical until the first such planet was detected in 1993. This planet, called PSR B1620-26 b, was discovered orbiting a pair of stars: a pulsar and a white dwarf. However, this discovery was an unusual case because the planet is thought to have originally formed around the pulsar before it became a neutron star.</p>



<h3 id="h-kepler-spacecraft-found-the-first-one">Kepler spacecraft found the first one</h3>



<p>The first detection of a circumbinary planet formed in a protoplanetary disc, like how planets form in our Solar System, occurred in 2011 with the discovery of Kepler-16b by NASA's Kepler spacecraft. The planet, located about 200 light-years away, orbits two stars that are also orbiting each other.</p>



<p>Observing and studying circumbinary systems can be more challenging than single-star systems. For instance, the gravitational dynamics in these systems are more complex due to the interaction of the two stars and their planets. Additionally, these planets follow a more complicated path, and the gravitational forces they experience can vary significantly as the distance between the two stars changes.</p>



<h3 id="h-many-questions-remain-about-circumbinary-systems">Many questions remain about circumbinary systems</h3>



<p>The discovery of circumbinary systems has significant implications for our understanding of planetary formation. For example, the existence of circumbinary planets challenges the classical model of planet formation, suggesting that planet formation processes are more flexible and diverse than previously assumed.</p>



<p>There are roughly a dozen known circumbinary systems. However, scientists anticipate discovering more as observational technology and techniques continue to improve. Despite their rarity, these systems are of considerable interest to scientists, as they provide a unique perspective on the processes of star and planet formation.</p>



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



<p>—-</p>



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

Astronomers discover planetary system that resembles Tatooine from Star Wars

An unprecedented multi-planetary system discovery by an international team of...

<p>New research led by the <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au/">University of Technology Sydney</a> (UTS) in collaboration with the leading Australian plantscaping solutions company <a href="https://www.ambius.com/">Ambius</a> has found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-remove-toxic-metals-from-soil/">plants</a> can efficiently remove toxic gasoline fumes – including cancer-causing compounds such as benzene – from indoor air.</p>



<p>Offices and residential buildings often connect directly to parking garages by doors or elevator shafts, making it challenging to avoid harmful gasoline-related compounds seeping into these indoor spaces. Moreover, many buildings are also exposed to gasoline fumes from nearby roads and highways.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Breathing such fumes can cause lung irritation, headaches, and nausea and, over time, lead to an increased risk of cancer, asthma, and other chronic diseases, contributing to decreased life expectancy.</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.who.int/">World Health Organization</a> (WHO), poor indoor air quality is responsible for 6.7 million premature deaths globally and, since most people spend over 90 percent of their time indoors (for instance at home, school, or the workplace), developing new strategies to improve air quality is crucial.</p>



<p>Now, the experts discovered that the Ambius small green wall, which contains a mix of indoor plants, is highly effective at removing harmful pollutants, with 97 percent of the most common toxic compounds being removed from the surrounding air in as fast as eight hours.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While previous research has shown that indoor plants can remove a broad range of indoor air contaminants, this is the first study to examine the ability of plants to clean up gasoline vapors.</p>



<p>“This is the first time plants have been tested for their ability to remove gasoline-related compounds, and the results are astounding,” said study lead author Fraser Torpy, an expert in indoor environmental quality at UTS.</p>



<p>“Not only can plants remove the majority of pollutants from the air in a matter of hours, they remove the most harmful gasoline-related pollutants from the air most efficiently, for example, known carcinogen benzene is digested at a faster rate than less harmful substances, like alcohols. We also found that the more concentrated the toxins in the air, the faster and more effective the plants became at removing the toxins, showing that plants adapt to the conditions they’re growing in.”</p>



<p>According to Ambius General Manager Johan Hodgson, this study provides new evidence for the critical role indoor plants and green walls plays in cleaning the air quickly and sustainably. “We know that indoor air quality is often significantly more polluted than outdoor air, which in turn impacts mental and physical health. But the great news is this study has shown that something as simple as having plants indoors can make a huge difference,” he explained.</p>



<p>“At Ambius, we see over and over again the effects plants have in improving health, wellbeing, productivity, and office attendance for the thousands of businesses we work with. This new research proves that plants should not just be seen as ‘nice to have’, but rather a crucial part of every workplace wellness plan. The bottom line is that the best, most cost effective and most sustainable way to combat harmful indoor air contaminants in your workplace and home is to introduce plants.”</p>



<p>More details about these findings – including an extended bibliography – can be found <a href="https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/indoor_plant_brochure_2014.pdf">here</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-indoor-plants-that-clean-the-air">Indoor plants that clean the air</h2>



<p>Many indoor plants can help clean the air by removing toxins and improving indoor air quality. Here are some of them:</p>



<h3 id="h-snake-plant-sansevieria-trifasciata">Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, this plant is effective at removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air. It's also incredibly hardy and requires very little maintenance.</p>



<h3 id="h-peace-lily-spathiphyllum">Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)</h3>



<p>This plant removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air. It also produces beautiful white flowers. However, it's important to note that Peace Lilies are toxic to cats and dogs.</p>



<h3 id="h-spider-plant-chlorophytum-comosum">Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)</h3>



<p>This is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, making it a great choice for beginners. It's known for its ability to remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air.</p>



<h3 id="h-aloe-vera">Aloe Vera</h3>



<p>Besides being known for its healing properties, Aloe Vera can also purify the air of formaldehyde and benzene, which are byproducts of certain cleaners, paints, and other household products.</p>



<h3 id="h-boston-fern-nephrolepis-exaltata">Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)&nbsp;</h3>



<p>This plant is very good at removing formaldehyde and xylene from the air. They prefer cooler temperatures and high humidity, so they might require a bit more care than some of the others on this list.</p>



<h3 id="h-rubber-plant-ficus-elastica">Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)</h3>



<p>This plant is a powerful toxin eliminator and air purifier. It removes formaldehyde from the air.</p>



<h3 id="h-philodendron">Philodendron</h3>



<p>Both heartleaf and selloum philodendrons are known for their ability to cleanse the air of formaldehyde.</p>



<h3 id="h-english-ivy-hedera-helix">English Ivy (Hedera helix)</h3>



<p>This plant is great for removing toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene.</p>



<h3 id="h-dracaena">Dracaena</h3>



<p>There are many types of dracaena plants, and they are effective at removing trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene from the air.</p>



<h3 id="h-pothos-epipremnum-aureum">Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)</h3>



<p>Also known as Devil's Ivy, this plant is known for removing benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.</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>

Indoor plants can quickly remove dangerous toxins from air

New research led by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)...

<p>On October 9, 2022, astronomers detected what is considered to be the brightest and most energetic gamma-ray burst ever observed. </p>



<p>As most gamma-ray bursts, the so-called GRB 221009A occurred when the core of a massive star collapsed, becoming a black hole – a type of event which regularly releases as much energy in just a few minutes as our Sun will release during its entire lifetime.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, analyses revealed that GRB 221009A was 70 times brighter than the previous record holder, for reasons not yet clearly understood. Now, observations from NASA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/nuclear-spectroscopic-telescope-array-nustar">NuSTAR</a>&nbsp;(Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array) observatory have shed new light on this mystery.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="NOWtvVLz9p-2792442-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 id="h-unique-characteristics-of-grb-221009a">Unique characteristics of GRB 221009A</h2>



<p>By using NuSTAR observations, an international team of scientists has shown how the collapsing star ejected a jet of material not previously seen among gamma-ray bursts, along with other unique characteristics. Researchers believe that the origin of these differences may be related to the progenitor star, whose physical properties could influence the features of the jet.</p>



<p>“This event was so much brighter and more energetic than any gamma-ray burst we’ve seen before, it’s not even close,” said lead author Brendan O’Connor, an astronomer at <a href="https://www.gwu.edu/">George Washington University</a>. “Then, when we analyzed the NuSTAR data, we realized that it also has this unique jet structure. And that was really exciting, because we have no way of studying the star that produced this event; it’s gone now. But we now have some data giving us clues about how it exploded.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>Gamma rays are the most energetic form of light in the universe, yet they are invisible to the human eye. Although all known gamma-ray bursts were detected outside our galaxy, they are bright enough to be spotted from distances of billions of light-years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While some of these cosmic explosions are very brief, lasting less than two seconds, so-called long gamma-ray bursts usually radiate gamma rays for a minute or more, and other wavelengths even for weeks.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-exceptional-properties-of-the-gamma-ray-burst">More exceptional properties of the gamma-ray burst</h2>



<p>GRB 221009A was a long, extremely bright burst that has blinded most gamma-ray instruments in space. To determine its actual brightness, scientists reconstructed the event with data from NASA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/fermi-gamma-ray-space-telescope">Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope</a>. As other previously detected gamma-ray bursts, GRB 221009A had a jet which erupted from the collapsing star as if shot into space by a fire hose, with gamma rays violently radiating from the hot gas and particles at the jet’s core.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, while in other bursts, the jet remained remarkably compact and there was very little stray light or other materials outside its narrow beam, in GRB 221009A the jet had a narrow core with wider, sloping sides.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although some of the most energetic gamma-ray jets have exhibited similar properties, in this case, the energy of the material also varied. Thus, instead of all the material in the jet having the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-recover-energy-from-discarded-batteries/">energy</a>, like a single bullet from a shot, the energy of the material appeared to change with distance from the jet’s core – a phenomenon never observed before in a long gamma-ray burst jet.</p>



<p>“The only way to produce a different jet structure and vary the energy is to vary some property of the star that exploded, like its size, mass, density, or magnetic field,” said co-author Eleonora Troja, a professor of Physics at the University of Rome, who led NuSTAR’s observations of the event. “That’s because the jet has to basically force its way out of the star. So, for example, the amount of resistance it meets would potentially influence the features of the jet.”</p>



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



<p>By observing this burst with a variety of X-ray telescopes - including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2022/nasa-s-swift-fermi-missions-detect-exceptional-cosmic-blast">NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/nicer">Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer</a>&nbsp;(NICER), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/">ESA</a>’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/XMM-Newton_overview">XMM-Newton telescope</a> – the scientists have also found that, as the jet traveled into space, it collided with the interstellar medium (the sparse collection of atoms and particles that fills the space between stars), creating X-rays, or particles of slightly less energetic potential than gamma rays.</p>



<p>However, further research is needed to clarify the differences between this gamma-ray burst and previous ones and better understand the complex factors behind such extraordinary astronomical occurrences. Fortunately, the necessary technology for observing and interpreting such events is already well developed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There are multiple X-ray telescopes operating in space, each with different strengths that can help astronomers understand these cosmic objects better,” concluded Daniel Stern, a NuSTAR project scientist.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi1405"><em>Science Advances</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p><em>Image credit: NASA / Swift / Cruz deWilde</em></p>



<p>—</p>



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



<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>

Recent gamma-ray burst was 70 times brighter than any cosmic explosion

On October 9, 2022, astronomers detected what is considered to...

Seaweed,Farming,In,The,Clear,Coastal,Waters,Of,Zanzibar,Island

<p>A new study led by <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/">Tufts University</a> has found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-farming-could-boost-food-security-yet-preserve-nature/">seaweed</a> farming could help mitigate hunger and malnutrition while also slowing climate change. Furthermore, the experts report that producing and selling seaweed could boost incomes for farmers in low- and middle-income countries, particularly across coastal regions in Africa and Southeast Asia.</p>



<p>Since seaweed farming requires no land, freshwater, or chemical fertilizers, it is a much more sustainable alternative for raising livestock and could become highly profitable as demands for nutrient-rich seaweed products grows around the globe. Such profits would increase the buying power for the households and communities who produce, process, package, and export it, which in turn could lead to healthier diets worldwide.</p>



<p>“One of the biggest problems of food insecurity in LMICs is the unaffordability of healthy diets,” said study lead author Patrick Webb, a professor of Nutrition Science at Tufts. “There are roughly 3.5 billion people in the world who can’t afford a healthy diet even if they choose local foods at local prices. For many of those people, cultivating and selling seaweed would lead to higher incomes and improved nutrition through purchases on the market.”</p>



<h2 id="h-simple-techniques">Simple techniques&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, seaweed has been grown in parts of Asia for centuries, using simple techniques. For instance, farmers attach long lines of rope to the roots of the algae, which help nourish the plant by absorbing nutrients from the water. About two months later, they gather the seaweed by hand and let it dry in the sun.</p>



<p>“A lot of what we’re looking at on the farming side is not about finding new crops or different kinds of crops. It’s about what’s already being grown that could be scaled up cost-effectively,” Webb explained.</p>



<h2 id="h-low-carbon-footprint">Low carbon footprint&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Besides being relatively easy to grow, seaweed has a very low carbon footprint, and could even help decrease the ocean’s carbon levels. Although little is yet known about how much carbon dioxide seaweed releases during harvest, perennial brown algae farms were found to absorb up to ten tons of CO2 per hectare of sea surface each year. Moreover, when added to livestock feed, seaweed could help substantially reduce methane emissions.</p>



<p>“Unless we get significant warming of the oceans, cultivating seaweed offers a way that is not just climate friendly, but climate proof,” said Webb. “We don’t know how soon the industry will start to experience the negative effects of climate change, but the potential looks good. By farming seaweed, it’s not going to accelerate those negative effects. Whereas cutting down trees and adding more livestock certainly would.”</p>



<h2 id="h-challenges-of-seaweed-farming">Challenges of seaweed farming&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Unfortunately, there are several challenges for producing and processing seaweed. Since ocean waters are becoming increasingly acidic due to climate change, growing healthy, edible seaweed in such conditions is not easy. Moreover, seaweed’s main value as an export lies in some of its extracts as ingredients for other products, rather than as a vegetable to be eaten whole, and many LMICs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; do not yet have a proper infrastructure to effectively process, test, and regulate what will eventually land on consumers’ plates.</p>



<p>“The steps taken between the farm and the fork, that’s what we need to focus on,” Webb argued. “We need to work more closely with governments and the private sector to figure out where the bottlenecks are and how to overcome them.”</p>



<h2 id="h-unlimited-opportunities">Unlimited opportunities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, if these obstacles are successfully addressed, the opportunities of seaweed farming are boundless. The industry has already flourished in countries such as Indonesia, where seasonal labor is always available and farms have managed to achieve industrial-level economies of scale. The country is now a key exporter of two seaweed species from which carrageenan – a thickener found in meats and nut milks – is extracted.</p>



<p>“There are many different types of seaweed, and they all require somewhat of a different environment in which to grow. The vast coasts of Africa and Asia, not all of it will be prime real estate. But much of it will be,” Webb said.</p>



<p>In order for seaweed farming to expand and flourish in these regions, government should create food safety regulations and help attract local and international investment. “The Ministry of Agriculture, or even the Ministry of Fisheries in these countries probably never discusses seaweed. What if they did? They might discover a goldmine,” Webb concluded. The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2023.100686"><em>Global Food Security</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>Seaweed farming is the practice of cultivating and harvesting seaweed. In many parts of the world, it's a significant industry that can be a vital source of income and food.</p>



<h3 id="h-cultivating-seaweed">Cultivating seaweed</h3>



<p>There are various methods for cultivating seaweed, depending on the species and environmental conditions. Most methods involve using a substrate like ropes or nets, which the seaweed can attach to and grow from. The substrate is then anchored to the seabed using weights or floats to maintain its position in the water. For some species, such as kelp, farmers use horizontal long-lines near the water's surface, to which juvenile kelp is attached. The seaweed then grows hanging downwards.</p>



<h3 id="h-harvesting-seaweed">Harvesting seaweed</h3>



<p>Once the seaweed has grown sufficiently, it is harvested. The method of harvest again depends on the type of seaweed and its growth. Some seaweeds can be harvested by hand or using simple tools, while others may require more complex machinery. After the seaweed is harvested, it can be dried, processed, or sold fresh, depending on the market.</p>



<h3 id="h-applications-of-seaweed">Applications of seaweed</h3>



<p>Seaweed has a wide variety of uses, including food, fertilizer, and various industrial uses. It's a popular food item in many Asian countries, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China, where it's used in soups, salads, snacks, and sushi. Seaweed is also a source of carrageenan and agar, which are used as thickening and gelling agents in the food industry. Seaweed is also being researched for its potential uses in biofuel production, carbon sequestration, and as a source of valuable compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.</p>



<h3 id="h-sustainability">Sustainability</h3>



<p>Seaweed farming is considered a sustainable practice as it doesn't require fresh water, arable land, or fertilizers, which are resources commonly used in traditional agriculture. It can also help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, and some types of seaweed can even absorb carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.</p>



<p><em>—-</em></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>

Seaweed farming could boost food security, slow climate change

A new study led by Tufts University has found that...

<p>Tens of thousands of aircrafts face severe turbulence each year, with an estimated cost to the global aviation sector of up to $1 billion from structural damage to airplanes, flight delays, and costs of injuries. Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/">University of Reading</a> in the UK has found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate change</a> could be the main culprit behind this phenomenon, leading to more turbulence during flights, which drive up maintenance costs and increase the risks for both passengers and crews.</p>



<p>While some aircraft turbulence occurs in well-defined places, such as within the vicinity of convection storms or over mountain ranges, a particular type called “clear-air turbulence” (CAT) is caused when bodies of air moving at different speeds meet. Unlike the other types of turbulence, CAT is highly difficult to observe and forecast.</p>



<p>“The main problem [with CAT] is that you can’t see it,” said Ramalingam Saravanan, a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tamu.edu/">Texas A&amp;M University</a>, who was not involved in the current study.</p>



<p>“The best way I think pilots know about it is when some other pilot has flown through it and radios back, letting them know its location. You can try to predict it statistically, but you can’t predict it by individual case because it is a random process, and the air looks clear and harmless – hence the name.”</p>



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



<p>The experts analyzed clear-air turbulence trends globally during 1979 and 2020 by using a dataset called <a href="https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu/cdsapp#!/dataset/reanalysis-era5-single-levels">ERA5</a>. “This dataset contains information about the past atmosphere – e.g. temperature, wind speed – that we have used as the basis for this study,” said lead author Mark Prosser, a doctoral student in Meteorology at Reading. “Although information automatically recorded from aircraft do go into this dataset, other observations – such as those from satellites and weather balloons – do so too.”</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that the skies aircrafts fly through have becoming increasingly “bumpier” during the past four decades in various regions of the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, over the North Atlantic – one of the busiest flight routes in the world – the total annual duration of severe turbulence has increased by 55 percent, from 17.7 hours in 1979 to 27.4 hours in 2020, while moderate turbulence has risen by 37 percent (from 70 to 96.1 hours) and light turbulence by 17 percent (from 466.5 to 546.8 hours).</p>



<h2 id="h-global-warming-is-to-blame">Global warming is to blame</h2>



<p>The experts argue that these increases are consistent with the effects of climate change, with warmer air caused by rises in greenhouse gas emissions increasing windshear in the jet streams - the narrow currents of fast-moving air that planes fly along to get a speed boost - and consequently strengthening clear-air turbulence in the North Atlantic and other busy flight routes over the US, Europe, the Middle East, and the South Atlantic.</p>



<p>“Turbulence makes flights bumpy and can&nbsp;occasionally&nbsp;be dangerous.&nbsp;Airlines will need to&nbsp;start thinking&nbsp;about how they will manage&nbsp;the increased&nbsp;turbulence,&nbsp;as&nbsp;it&nbsp;costs&nbsp;the industry&nbsp;$150–500m&nbsp;annually in the USA alone. Every&nbsp;additional&nbsp;minute spent travelling through&nbsp;turbulence&nbsp;increases&nbsp;wear-and-tear on the&nbsp;aircraft,&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;the&nbsp;risk of&nbsp;injuries&nbsp;to passengers and flight attendants,” Prosser said.</p>



<p>&nbsp;“Following a decade of research showing that climate change will increase&nbsp;clear-air&nbsp;turbulence in&nbsp;the&nbsp;future, we now&nbsp;have evidence&nbsp;suggesting&nbsp;that the increase has already begun.&nbsp;We should be investing&nbsp;in&nbsp;improved&nbsp;turbulence&nbsp;forecasting and detection systems,&nbsp;to prevent&nbsp;the rougher air&nbsp;from&nbsp;translating&nbsp;into bumpier flights&nbsp;in&nbsp;the coming decades,” concluded co-author Paul Williams, a professor of Atmospheric Science at Reading.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023GL103814"><em>Geophysical Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em>&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Airplane turbulence refers to irregular motion of an aircraft, caused by changes in air pressure or air currents, particularly when the plane is flying through a weather system. It's one of the common situations that can occur during a flight, and while it might feel unsettling or uncomfortable, it's usually not a cause for concern. There are several types of turbulence:</p>



<h3 id="h-clear-air-turbulence-cat">Clear air turbulence (CAT)</h3>



<p>This is the most common type of turbulence. It's caused by fast moving air near the jet stream (usually at high altitudes) and is often not detectable by weather radar, which can make it difficult to avoid. Despite the abrupt jolts, CAT is generally not dangerous, though passengers are still advised to keep their seatbelts fastened when seated.</p>



<h3 id="h-thermal-turbulence">Thermal turbulence</h3>



<p>This is caused by hot air rising and cold air descending. This often happens on sunny days when the sun heats the earth's surface, causing pockets of warm air to rise. This is most common during the summer and in tropical areas.</p>



<h3 id="h-mechanical-turbulence">Mechanical turbulence</h3>



<p>This type of turbulence is caused by the wind blowing over rough terrain or buildings, creating eddies in the air. These eddies can cause turbulence when an aircraft flies through them.</p>



<h3 id="h-wake-turbulence">Wake turbulence</h3>



<p>This is caused by the spinning vortices that form at the tips of an aircraft's wings. These vortices can persist in the air and cause turbulence for aircraft flying behind. Air traffic control keeps aircraft separated by specific distances to prevent encounters with wake turbulence.</p>



<p>Although turbulence can be uncomfortable, modern aircraft are built to withstand even severe turbulence. The main danger with turbulence is not to the aircraft itself, but to unsecured objects and people inside the cabin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pilots and air traffic control use weather radar and other information to try and avoid turbulent areas when possible. Despite these efforts, turbulence is sometimes unavoidable, but again, it's usually not a threat to the safety of the flight.</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>

Climate change has caused more severe turbulence on airplanes

Tens of thousands of aircrafts face severe turbulence each year,...

<p>El Niño has arrived. The last month has seen an atmospheric shift in response to the unusually warm surface of the tropical Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) forecasts that these conditions will extend into the winter season. The likelihood of this developing into a potent event stands at a solid 56%, with an 84% chance for at least a moderate event.</p>



<p>El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-La Niña climate oscillation. This meteorological phenomenon alters global atmospheric circulation in predictable ways, helping us anticipate potential future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-extreme-weather-events/">weather</a> and climate patterns. As El Niño strengthens, its impact on global temperature, precipitation, and other patterns become increasingly evident.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-to-expect-from-the-weather">What to expect from the weather</h2>



<p>Take the monthly Niño-3.4 index, for example. This measures the temperature of the tropical Pacific Ocean's surface. It has been observed to be 0.5 °Celsius (0.9 ˚Fahrenheit) higher than the long-term average (1991–2020), according to the OISSTv2.1 monthly dataset.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A 0.5 °C anomaly signifies the arrival of El Niño, marking a remarkable transition from the recent La Niña phase. The NOAA recorded a temperature anomaly of 0.8°C over the last week, further signifying an upward trend.</p>



<p>These conditions, in line with climate model predictions and current tropical Pacific conditions, are expected to remain above the El Niño threshold for the next several months. This marks the fulfillment of the first two criteria of El Niño.</p>



<h2 id="h-disrupting-normal-atmospheric-patterns-and-trade-winds">Disrupting normal atmospheric patterns and trade winds</h2>



<p>The third criterion involves the indication of a weaker Walker circulation, which refers to the typical atmospheric pattern over the equatorial Pacific. Under normal conditions, warm western Pacific waters fuel rising air and storms, with winds blowing from the west to east high in the atmosphere. These give rise to surface winds known as trade winds that blow from east to west, maintaining the concentration of warm water in the western Pacific.</p>



<p>El Niño disrupts this system. Its warm surface waters shift rainfall and convection towards the central and eastern Pacific, which weakens the trade winds, allows further warming, and results in a backflow of warmer water to the east, reinforcing the El Niño sea surface temperature pattern. This feedback loop is a crucial sign of El Niño.</p>



<p>Recent evidence of this disrupted Walker circulation includes weaker trade winds over the western Pacific and increased cloud cover and rainfall over the equatorial Pacific. Reduced convection over Indonesia is another characteristic indicative of a weaker Walker circulation.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-el-nino-is-measured">How El Niño is measured</h2>



<p>To measure the atmospheric component of El Niño, the NOAA employs the Equatorial Southern Oscillation Index (EQSOI) and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). Both of these indexes compare the surface atmospheric pressure in the western Pacific to that in the eastern Pacific.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In May, they measured -1.0 standard deviations, meaning these indexes were lower than about two-thirds of all measurements. This implies a significant indication of the weaker Walker circulation and evidence that the ocean-atmosphere system has coupled, marking the development of El Niño conditions.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-forecasters-sound-the-alarms-for-el-nino">Why forecasters sound the alarms for El Niño</h2>



<p>Why all this focus on El Niño (and La Niña)? Their impact on atmospheric circulation has global implications. Warm air rising near the equator moves towards the poles high in the atmosphere, descending near 30 °N and 30 °S, in a pattern known as the Hadley circulation. This process affects jet streams over the middle to high latitudes, which guide storms worldwide and separate cold and warm air masses.</p>



<p>As El Niño warms the atmosphere over the central and eastern tropical Pacific, it strengthens the Hadley circulation and alters the jet streams. For instance, an El Niño winter tends to bring more storms across the southern US and warmer air to the northern half of North America.</p>



<p>Given that El Niño can usually be predicted months in advance, the NOAA can anticipate these changes and their potential impacts. When this weather pattern intensifies, warming the sea surface temperature significantly above average, it wields greater influence on global circulation, making the impact patterns more likely.</p>



<h2 id="h-expect-the-unexpected">Expect the unexpected</h2>



<p>However, Mother Nature never fails to surprise. While El Niño increases the likelihood of certain patterns, exact predictions are elusive. In the words of two poignant post titles: "Not what I ordered: How El Niño is like a bad bartender," and "No, you can't blame it all on El Niño… but it's still a seasonal forecaster’s best friend."</p>



<p>Adding to the atmospheric signs, the subsurface ocean also lends support to the persistence of El Niño. Currently, the Pacific holds significantly warmer-than-average water beneath the surface. This is due to the passage of one downwelling Kelvin wave (an area of warm water that moves from west to east under the surface) and the emergence of another.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In fact, the average subsurface temperature for May 2023 was the fourth-warmest May value on record (1979–2023). This isn't a guaranteed predictor of a strong El Niño, but it certainly is suggestive. The top two May values were in 1997 and 2015, both of which preceded strong El Niño events, but the third in 1980 did not.</p>



<p>As always, nature's unpredictability makes it challenging to forecast several months ahead. Even though El Niño conditions have formed, there's a slim chance (4-7%) that it might fizzle out. NOAA considers this unlikely but not impossible. The global oceans' unprecedented warmth could throw us off track. Another potential, though less probable, outcome is a weak El Niño, with a 12% chance.</p>



<p>In the upcoming months, updates on this El Niño's development will be provided. We'll delve deeper into some of the impacts of El Niño, including a post on El Niño's interaction with global temperature in a couple of weeks. As noted in the previous month, global temperatures are significantly above average and have been steadily rising. Thank you for joining us on this journey into the heart of our changing climate!</p>



<h2 id="h-a-summary-and-exact-explanation-of-an-el-nino-event">A summary and exact explanation of an El Niño event</h2>



<p><br>El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters along the tropical west coast of South America. It's part of what's known as the Southern Oscillation, a larger climatic phenomenon encompassing both the ocean and the atmosphere. Together, they're often referred to as ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation).</p>



<p>Typically, trade winds in the Pacific blow from east to west, pushing warm surface water towards Indonesia. When this happens, cold water from deep in the ocean rises up to replace it along the west coast of South America, a process known as upwelling. This cool, nutrient-rich water supports a rich ecosystem, including a thriving fishing industry.</p>



<p>During an El Niño event, the trade winds weaken or may even reverse direction. This change allows the warm water that was "piled up" in the western Pacific to slosh back towards the east. With the retreat of cooler water, sea surface temperatures along the western coast of South and Central America can rise significantly.</p>



<p>This significant warming of ocean water has substantial effects on global weather and climate patterns due to the large amount of heat energy transferred from the ocean to the atmosphere. For instance, it can lead to increased rainfall across the southern tier of the US and in Peru, which has caused destructive flooding, and drought in the West Pacific, affecting Australia and Indonesia.</p>



<p>These effects can also disrupt the marine ecosystem. The warmer surface waters of the Pacific Ocean during an El Niño can deplete the nutrients in the water, disrupting the food chain from its very base. For example, the anchovy industry in Peru and Ecuador can suffer during El Niño years as the anchovies, which prefer cooler water, disappear from their usual coastal habitats.</p>



<p>The frequency and intensity of these events vary. They tend to happen every two to seven years and can last anywhere from nine months to two years. Some can be more intense than others, and their effects can vary accordingly. However, predicting the exact timing and details of these events remains a significant scientific challenge.</p>



<p>On the flip side of El Niño is La Niña, which is essentially the opposite phase of ENSO. During La Niña, the trade winds are stronger than usual, pushing more warm water towards the west and causing cooler waters to rise along the eastern Pacific. This scenario leads to weather patterns that are generally the reverse of those during El Niño events.</p>



<p>It's important to note that while we understand the general patterns of El Niño and La Niña, each event is unique and can bring its own surprises, which makes studying and predicting them an ongoing endeavor for climatologists.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Forecasters warn of weather chaos as El Niño arrives early

El Niño has arrived. The last month has seen an...

<p>The global COVID-19 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-pandemic-affect-young-peoples-mental-health/">pandemic</a> and subsequent lockdowns led to a substantial shift in human behavior. As people huddled indoors, it appeared that land mammals seized the opportunity to explore more freely and widely, as per a recent study conducted by Marlee Tucker of <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en/home-basis-seo">Radboud University</a> and his team of 174 colleagues.</p>



<p>In the first few months of the pandemic, when most countries were in stringent lockdown, reports of wildlife reclaiming spaces in urban areas began to circulate. One could spot cougars strolling down the streets of Santiago, Chile.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Tucker questioned, "Is there any evidence of this? Or were people simply paying more attention to everything while being at home?" This doubt inspired a global investigation into the behavioral changes of land mammals.</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-the-movements-of-mammals-worldwide">Studying the movements of mammals worldwide</h2>



<p>To dig deeper into the phenomenon, the team, which included members of the COVID-19 Bio-Logging Initiative, embarked on a mission to analyze GPS tracking data of land mammals worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They collected and scrutinized data from a diverse array of 43 different species, ranging from elephants and giraffes to bears and deer. The team studied more than 2,300 individual mammals in all.</p>



<p>The data under scrutiny was specifically from the first period of lockdowns, spanning from January to mid-May 2020. The team then compared these figures to movement data from the same months the previous year. The patterns they discovered were intriguing.</p>



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



<p>The research,&nbsp; published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abo6499"><em>Science</em></a>, revealed that animals traveled up to 73% longer distances within a span of 10 days during the strict lockdown period, compared to the same time the previous year when no lockdown was in place.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, animals were found to be on average 36% closer to roads. "This is probably because those roads were quieter during strict lockdowns," explained Tucker.</p>



<p>Fewer people outside, especially in heavily urbanized areas, offered animals an unprecedented opportunity to explore new territories. However, the results varied in regions with less stringent lockdown measures.</p>



<p>"In contrast, in areas with less strict lockdowns, we saw that animals traveled shorter distances," said Thomas Mueller of the Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre and Goethe University Frankfurt, who co-designed the study with Tucker.</p>



<p>"This may have to do with the fact that during those lockdowns, people were actually encouraged to go into nature. As a result, some nature areas were busier than before COVID-19."</p>



<h2 id="h-unique-opportunity-for-study-that-may-not-happen-again">Unique opportunity for study that may not happen again</h2>



<p>The unique circumstances presented by the pandemic lockdowns allowed the researchers to observe the immediate effects of a sudden change in human presence on wildlife behavior.</p>



<p>"Our research has shown that animals can respond directly to changes in human behavior. This offers hope for the future, because in principle this means that making some adjustments to our own behavior could have a positive effect on animals," said Tucker.</p>



<p>This intriguing study provides crucial insights into how human activity impacts wildlife, potentially guiding our path towards more sustainable cohabitation with the natural world.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-happens-when-mammals-lose-their-habitat-to-humans">What happens when mammals lose their habitat to humans</h2>



<p>When humans encroach on the habitats of land mammals, it can lead to a variety of negative impacts on these animals and their environments, as well as potential negative effects on human populations. Here are several key issues:</p>



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



<p>When humans convert forests, grasslands, or other natural habitats into residential areas, commercial zones, farms, or roads, this results in habitat loss for many species. Furthermore, remaining natural areas often become fragmented, isolating wildlife populations. Fragmented habitats can prevent animals from moving freely to find food, mates, or new territory, leading to declines in population size and potentially even extinction.</p>



<h3 id="h-conflict-with-humans">Conflict with Humans&nbsp;</h3>



<p>As human settlements expand into wild areas, the potential for human-wildlife conflict increases. For instance, animals such as bears, coyotes, or elephants can encroach on human settlements in search of food, which can result in property damage or even human injuries or deaths. Conversely, humans may kill or injure animals perceived as threats or nuisances.</p>



<h3 id="h-spread-of-diseases">Spread of Diseases</h3>



<p>Encroachment can also facilitate the spread of diseases between wildlife and human populations. For example, the Ebola virus is believed to have jumped from wildlife to humans in areas where humans are encroaching on previously undisturbed habitats.</p>



<h3 id="h-decreased-biodiversity">Decreased Biodiversity&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Human encroachment can lead to decreased biodiversity as habitats are destroyed or altered, and certain species may not be able to adapt to the changes. This can result in a loss of species richness and an imbalance in ecosystems, which can lead to a decrease in ecosystem health and resilience.</p>



<h3 id="h-disruption-of-animal-behavior">Disruption of Animal Behavior</h3>



<p>Human encroachment can cause changes in animal behavior. For example, it can change migration patterns or feeding habits, causing stress to the animals and potentially impacting their survival. Animals might also start to avoid areas populated by humans, resulting in a reduced habitat area.</p>



<h3 id="h-overexploitation-of-resources">Overexploitation of Resources</h3>



<p>Humans often exploit natural resources within animal habitats, such as water, timber, or mineral resources. This exploitation can alter or destroy habitats and leave fewer resources available for animal populations.</p>



<p>Ultimately, the encroachment of human activities into animal habitats poses a significant threat to wildlife. It highlights the importance of sustainable development practices, habitat conservation, and coexistence strategies to mitigate these impacts.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Behavior of land mammals changed dramatically during COVID-19 lockdowns

The global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns led to a...

Brave,Astronaut,At,The,Spacewalk,On,The,Moon.,This,Image

<p>The final frontier of space travel unveils a new mystery - the human brain, and its reaction to prolonged absence from Earth's gravity. A recent study suggests those who frequently embark on longer journeys should wait approximately three years after each mission, allowing time for the physiological changes in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-delays-visual-inputs-by-15-seconds-to-keep-us-stable/">brains</a> to reset.</p>



<p>A team of researchers meticulously analyzed the brain scans of 30 astronauts, taken before and after their extraterrestrial voyages. The findings, released today in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33331-8"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>, unveils a startling observation.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-brain-ventricles-take-years-to-recover-if-at-all">Brain ventricles take years to recover, if at all</h2>



<p>The astronauts' brain ventricles experienced significant expansion post-travel, especially in those who had undertaken missions spanning at least six months. This raises concerns since less than three years post-mission may not provide enough time for the ventricles to fully recover.</p>



<p>Understanding what these ventricles are is vital. They're essentially cavities nestled within the brain, housing cerebrospinal fluid responsible for the brain's protection, nourishment, and waste removal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the grip of Earth's gravity, our bodies have finely tuned mechanisms that distribute fluids evenly. But in space, where gravity is absent, these fluids shift upwards, nudging the brain higher within the skull and leading to ventricular expansion.</p>



<p>“The more time people spent in space, the larger their ventricles became,” explains Rachael Seidler, a professor of applied physiology and kinesiology at the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/">University of Florida</a> and one of the authors of the study.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-serious-implications-for-long-term-space-missions">Serious implications for long-term space missions</h2>



<p>According to Seidler, the implications are significant for astronauts who have been to space more than once. The findings suggest that it takes approximately three years between flights for the ventricles to fully recover. Seidler affirms that this ventricular expansion is the most enduring brain change observed as a result of spaceflight.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The full implications of this phenomenon remain a mystery. “We don’t yet know for sure what the long-term consequences of this is on the health and behavioral health of space travelers,” says Seidler. Yet, prudence dictates that allowing the brain adequate time to recover seems like a sound strategy.</p>



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



<p>In their study, the researchers scrutinized the scans of astronauts from different mission durations - eight of them embarked on two-week missions, 18 spent six months in space, while four journeyed for approximately a year. Interestingly, the rate of ventricular enlargement appeared to taper off after six months.</p>



<p>Seidler points out, “The biggest jump comes when you go from two weeks to six months in space.” Evidently, there's no measurable change in the ventricles' volume after a brief two-week stint. This observation carries good news for the budding space tourism industry. Shorter space trips appear to trigger minimal physiological changes to the brain.</p>



<p>Furthermore, Seidler finds it encouraging that ventricular expansion seems to plateau after six months, despite not yet having data from astronauts in space for significantly longer periods. “We were happy to see that the changes don’t increase exponentially, considering we will eventually have people in space for longer periods."</p>



<p>This intriguing study, supported by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>, has the potential to significantly shape future decision-making concerning crew travel and mission planning, according to Seidler. As humanity edges closer to becoming an interplanetary species, it's clear that understanding the physiological effects of space travel on the human body will remain an area of intense research.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-impact-of-space-travel-on-the-human-body">More about impact of space travel on the human body&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Space travel represents one of the most extreme environments humans have ever encountered, and as such, it brings a range of unique effects on the human body. The microgravity environment, increased exposure to radiation, and the psychological stress of confinement and isolation all contribute to a variety of health effects.</p>



<h3 id="h-microgravity-effects">Microgravity Effects&nbsp;</h3>



<p>One of the most striking effects of space travel is the impact of microgravity on the body. In space, the lack of gravity causes a redistribution of bodily fluids, leading to a puffy face and bird-leg syndrome. More seriously, the body begins to lose bone and muscle mass without the regular resistance of gravity. Astronauts can lose up to 1-2% of bone mass per month in space, particularly in the lower body and spine, a condition similar to osteoporosis. Muscle mass also decreases, especially in the muscles used for posture and movement on Earth.</p>



<p>Microgravity also affects the cardiovascular system. The heart doesn't need to work as hard in space, which can cause a decrease in heart muscle size. Some astronauts experience orthostatic intolerance - dizziness and fainting when standing - upon their return to Earth as a result of these cardiovascular adaptations.</p>



<p>The recent findings about the brain's ventricles expanding during prolonged space travel (as in the press release you provided) represent another facet of microgravity's effects.</p>



<h3 id="h-radiation">Radiation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Space travel exposes astronauts to higher levels of radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer. Outside the protective layer of Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field, astronauts receive more than ten times the radiation than people experience on average on Earth. This exposure increases the risk of developing cancer and may also have unknown effects on the nervous system.</p>



<h3 id="h-psychological-stress">Psychological Stress</h3>



<p>The psychological impact of space travel can also be significant. Isolation and confinement can lead to sleep disturbances, circadian rhythm disruptions, and behavioral and emotional difficulties. Astronauts also commonly report vision changes, and ongoing research suggests that these changes may be related to both microgravity and increased CO2 levels on the International Space Station.</p>



<h3 id="h-other-health-concerns">Other Health Concerns&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Some other health concerns related to space travel include the risk of kidney stones, damage to the eyes and vision (known as Visual Impairment Intracranial Pressure Syndrome), immune system dysregulation, and balance and coordination difficulties upon return to Earth. There are also significant concerns about the potential for serious medical emergencies in space, as our current ability to provide advanced medical care in a microgravity environment is limited.</p>



<p>As humanity aims for longer-duration space travel, such as missions to Mars, understanding these effects and developing ways to mitigate them will be vital. It's an active area of research, and organizations like NASA are working to ensure the safety and health of astronauts venturing into the unknown.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Astronauts get brain damage from space travel that often never heals

The final frontier of space travel unveils a new mystery...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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