<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>In the midst of rising Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the looming presence of El Nino, the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) forecasts a near-normal hurricane season for the Atlantic in 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These predictions, made by NOAA forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center - a division of the National Weather Service - anticipate a 40 percent likelihood of a near-normal season, with a 30 percent chance each for either an above-normal or below-normal season.</p>



<p>The Atlantic hurricane season, traditionally stretching from June 1 to November 30, will likely witness 12 to 17 named storms, with winds blowing at a minimum of 39 mph, according to NOAA's estimates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Within this range, five to nine storms are predicted to escalate into hurricanes, packing winds of 74 mph or more, and one to four of these could become major hurricanes of category 3, 4 or 5, with winds exceeding 111 mph. The confidence level of NOAA in these projections stands high at 70 percent.</p>



<p>Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo commended the efforts of the Commerce Department and NOAA in advancing the scientific and technological aspects of hurricane modeling.</p>



<p>“Thanks to the critical investments this year, NOAA will be able to deliver even more accurate forecasts, helping ensure communities have the information they need to prepare for and respond to the destructive economic and ecological impacts of Atlantic hurricanes," said Raimondo.</p>



<p>NOAA's outlook suggests that the upcoming hurricane season may be less active than recent ones, due to various influencing factors. The convergence of some of these factors may suppress storm development, while others may fuel it, which contributes to an overall forecast of a near-normal season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Intriguingly, after the continual presence of La Nina for three hurricane seasons, NOAA scientists now anticipate a high potential for El Nino to develop in the upcoming summer.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While El Nino often suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity, its potential impact might be offset by favorable conditions inherent to the tropical Atlantic Basin.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Other factors that could play a role include warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, which provide the energy for storm development, and the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which contributes to the generation of some of the stronger and longer-lived Atlantic storms.</p>



<p>These conditions are part of the long-term variability in Atlantic atmospheric and oceanic conditions conducive to hurricane development. This state, known as the high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes, has been responsible for more active Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995.</p>



<p>NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad emphasized the importance of NOAA's data and expertise for decision-making during hurricanes, particularly in the context of a changing climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This year we are operationalizing a new hurricane forecast model and extending the tropical cyclone outlook graphic from five to seven days, which will provide emergency managers and communities with more time to prepare for storms," said Dr. Spinrad.</p>



<p>NOAA is gearing up to implement a suite of enhancements and improvements this summer, such as expanding the capacity of the agency's operational supercomputing system by 20 percent. This advancement in computing capability will empower NOAA to improve and run more intricate forecast models, including significant model upgrades during this hurricane season.</p>



<p>Notably, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), jointly created by NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic &amp; Meteorological Laboratory Hurricane Modeling and Prediction Program and NOAA’s National Weather Service Environmental Modeling Center, will become operational by late June. This model has demonstrated a 10-15 percent improvement in track forecasts over existing operational models based on retrospective analysis of tropical storms and hurricanes from the 2020-2022 seasons.</p>



<p>In addition, the Probabilistic Storm Surge model upgrade will advance storm surge forecasting for the contiguous U.S. and new forecasts for surge, tide and waves for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Forecasters now have the ability to run the model for two storms simultaneously. This model provides forecasters with the likelihood, or probability, of various flooding scenarios including a near worst-case scenario to help communities prepare for all potential outcomes.</p>



<p>Over the last 10 years, flooding from tropical storm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-in-the-tropics-linked-to-reduced-rainfall/">rainfall</a> was the single deadliest hazard. To give communities more time to prepare, the Weather Prediction Center is extending the Excessive Rainfall Outlook an additional two days, now providing forecasts up to five days in advance. The outlook shows general areas at risk for flash flooding due to excessive rainfall.</p>



<p>“As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives. So regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials. Whether you live on the coast or further inland, hurricanes can cause serious impacts to everybody in their path,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Visit ready.gov or listo.gov for readiness resources, and get real time emergency alerts by downloading the FEMA App. Actions taken today can save your life when disaster strikes. The time to prepare is now.”</p>



<p>—-</p>



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NOAA forecasts near-normal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season

In the midst of rising Atlantic Ocean temperatures and the...

<p>In a groundbreaking study from the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, engineers have demonstrated the potential to produce clean energy continuously from humidity in the air. The secret is a porous structure at the nanoscale that can be incorporated into virtually any material.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adma.202300748"><em>Advanced Materials</em></a>, could revolutionize the renewable energy sector and pave the way for a more sustainable future.</p>



<p>The lead author of the paper, Xiaomeng Liu, is a graduate student at UMass Amherst’s College of Engineering. Liu expressed his excitement about the discovery: “We are opening up a wide door for harvesting clean electricity from thin air."</p>



<p>The atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-swarms-charge-the-lower-atmosphere-with-static-electricity/">electricity</a> that is exploited with this new technology is abundant. Study senior author Professor Jun Yao compared it to a cloud which, he noted, is essentially a mass of charged water droplets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The air contains an enormous amount of electricity,” said Yao, "Each of those droplets contains a charge, and when conditions are right, the cloud can produce a lightning bolt. What we've done is to create a human-built, small-scale cloud that produces electricity for us predictably and continuously so that we can harvest it."</p>



<p>The remarkable mechanism, referred to as the "generic Air-gen effect," is an expansion of earlier work by Yao and co-author Professor Derek Lovley that was published in 2020. The study demonstrated that electricity could be continuously harvested from the air using a specialized material made of protein nanowires, derived from a bacterium named Geobacter sulfurreducens.</p>



<p>According to Yao, the team realized after making the Geobacter discovery that the ability to generate electricity from the air – which they called the 'Air-gen effect' – is a generic process that any material can perform, given one specific property. The key characteristic is a porosity with nanopores smaller than 100 nanometers (nm), which is less than a thousandth of the width of a human hair.</p>



<p>This condition relates to a parameter known as the "mean free path," which refers to the average distance between the single molecules of a substance. In this case, water in the air travels before it collides with another molecule of the same substance. In the context of air humidity, this distance is approximately 100 nm.</p>



<p>This realization allowed Yao and his team to design an electricity harvester based on the mean free path. The device features a thin layer of material replete with nanopores smaller than 100 nm, facilitating water molecules' movement from the top to the bottom.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Because of the tiny pore size, the water molecules collide with the pore's edge, creating a charge imbalance akin to that in a cloud, with the upper part of the layer amassing more charge-carrying water molecules than the lower part. This essentially results in a continuously running battery, as long as there is humidity in the air.</p>



<p>Yao described the idea as "simple," but noted its novelty and the potential it opens for the future. "It's never been discovered before, and it opens all kinds of possibilities."&nbsp;</p>



<p>The wide range of materials that could be used to construct the harvester means that it can be adapted for different environments and made cost-effective. The continuous generation of electricity, regardless of the time of day or weather, addresses some of the challenges faced by renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power that depend on specific conditions.</p>



<p>Another advantage of the technology lies in its scalability. Given that air humidity diffuses in three-dimensional space and the Air-gen device's thickness is just a fraction of a human hair's width, thousands of these devices could be stacked on top of each other.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ability to layer devices without significantly increasing their footprint could greatly enhance energy production without requiring additional space. Such an Air-gen device has the potential to generate power at the kilowatt level, sufficient for standard electrical utility usage.</p>



<p>Yao is optimistic about the possibilities this technology can bring, envisioning a future where clean electricity can be accessed anywhere. "Imagine a future world in which clean electricity is available anywhere you go," he said. The universal nature of the Air-gen effect could transform this vision into reality, making renewable energy more accessible than ever.</p>



<p>This promising research was made possible thanks to the support of several organizations, including the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/">National Science Foundation</a>, Sony Group, Link Foundation, and the Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) at UMass Amherst. The IALS is an interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing expertise from 29 departments on the UMass Amherst campus, committed to translating fundamental research into practical innovations for human health and well-being.</p>



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



<p>Clean energy, also referred to as renewable energy, is produced by sources that don't deplete natural resources or significantly harm the environment during their operation. Here are some common types of clean energy:</p>



<h3 id="h-solar-energy">Solar energy</h3>



<p>Generated by harnessing the power of the sun, solar energy has become increasingly popular due to falling solar panel costs. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used immediately or stored in batteries for later use. Solar farms can generate large amounts of electricity, while smaller installations can power individual buildings or homes.</p>



<h3 id="h-wind-energy">Wind energy</h3>



<p>Wind turbines capture kinetic energy from wind and convert it into electricity. Wind farms can be onshore or offshore, and the latter often produces more energy due to stronger and more consistent wind at sea.</p>



<h3 id="h-hydroelectric-power">Hydroelectric power</h3>



<p>This form of energy is generated by the flow of water, often from dams. The water's flow drives turbines, which generate electricity. Although hydroelectric power is renewable and produces no direct emissions, building dams can have significant environmental impacts.</p>



<h3 id="h-geothermal-energy">Geothermal energy</h3>



<p>This type of energy utilizes the Earth's internal heat. Steam or hot water from beneath the Earth's surface is used to drive turbines and generate electricity. Geothermal energy is constant and doesn't depend on weather conditions, unlike solar or wind power.</p>



<h3 id="h-bioenergy">Bioenergy</h3>



<p>Energy derived from organic materials, such as plants and waste, is known as bioenergy. This can be in the form of solid (wood, dried plants), liquid (biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel), or gaseous (biogas) forms. While the burning of biomass does produce carbon emissions, it's considered carbon-neutral if the rate of biomass consumption is sustainable.</p>



<h3 id="h-tidal-and-wave-energy">Tidal and wave energy</h3>



<p>These types of marine energy capture the movement of the ocean. Tidal energy uses the regular rise and fall of coastal tides to drive turbines, while wave energy harnesses the power of ocean surface waves.</p>



<h3 id="h-nuclear-energy">Nuclear energy</h3>



<p>While technically not a form of renewable energy, nuclear power is sometimes included in discussions of clean energy because it produces electricity without releasing carbon dioxide. However, it does produce other types of radioactive waste, which require careful management.</p>



<p>In the transition to a sustainable future, clean energy plays a pivotal role. Innovations, like the one from the UMass Amherst team that can harvest electricity from air humidity, represent exciting advancements. The development and adoption of these technologies have the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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Continuous clean energy: Scientists are pulling power out of thin air

In a groundbreaking study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst,...

<p>The widespread conversion of tropical forests into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-in-oil-palm-plantations-are-key-to-conservation/">oil palm plantations</a> leads to considerable losses of biodiversity and ecological functions. Currently, about 21 million hectares of palm oil plantations are cultivated worldwide, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recently, an international team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/">University of Göttingen</a> has found that planting islands of trees in such plantations could counteract the species loss caused by the intensive cultivation of oil palms and significantly increase biodiversity within a period of five years without reducing productivity.</p>



<p>To test this hypothesis, the researchers established 52 tree islands with local tree species in an industrial oil palm plantation on the island of Sumatra. Although they expected yields to deteriorate over time as the tree islands consumed resources for their own development, this was not the case.</p>



<p>“Even five years after the experiment began, the oil palms have continued to flourish. And this has been accomplished without the use of artificial fertilizer in the tree islands,” said study lead author Delphine Clara Zemp, an expert in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning at the <a href="https://www.unine.ch/">University of Neuchâtel</a>. “Our results show that the industry can benefit from this intervention. There is real potential to develop these methods to enrich biodiversity on a large scale.”</p>



<p>Between three to five years after establishing the experiment, the scientists analyzed the biodiversity of soil microorganisms, insects and other small invertebrates, plants, birds, and bats. In addition, they quantified the impacts in terms of water, nutrient cycle regulation, carbon, microclimate, soil quality, pollination, and control of biological communities and invasive species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analyses revealed significant increases in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in plantations with tree islands compared to conventionally managed ones.</p>



<p>“Most studies of the ecology of palm oil plantations are limited to observing the loss of biodiversity and deterioration of the ecosystem,” added co-author Holger Kreft, Head of University of Göttingen’s Biodiversity, Macroecology, and Biogeography Research Group.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our approach to ecological restoration goes a step further and is unique worldwide, as it takes place against the backdrop of industrial-scale oil palm plantations across large areas. Using a rigorous experimental design, we can determine the optimal composition and size of islands of trees that will bring about the best possible way to restore the ecology.”</p>



<p>Although these findings suggest that planting tree islands on oil palm plantations can have highly beneficial effects, the prevention of deforestation remains a top priority for biodiversity conservation worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The encouraging results must not be allowed to jeopardize the conservation of tropical forests, which are home to irreplaceable biodiversity,” the authors concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06086-5"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-environmental-impacts-of-palm-oil-plantations">Environmental impacts of palm oil plantations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Palm oil plantations can have several significant environmental impacts. Here are some of them:</p>



<h3 id="h-deforestation">Deforestation</h3>



<p>One of the most devastating impacts of palm oil production is the large-scale deforestation that often precedes it. Vast areas of tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa are cleared to make way for palm plantations. This process not only destroys the habitat of numerous plant and animal species but also contributes significantly to global carbon emissions due to the burning and decay of organic matter.</p>



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



<p>The conversion of diverse ecosystems into monocultures of palm trees significantly reduces biodiversity. In Southeast Asia, for example, this deforestation threatens the habitat of critically endangered species such as orangutans and Sumatran tigers. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health and resilience.</p>



<h3 id="h-soil-and-water-degradation">Soil and water degradation</h3>



<p>Palm oil plantations often contribute to soil degradation due to intensive fertilizer use and the disruption of local hydrological processes. Additionally, the heavy use of pesticides can contaminate local water supplies.</p>



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



<p>Deforestation associated with palm oil production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. When peatlands are drained and converted into plantations, they release large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Furthermore, when these plantations are burnt, it releases additional CO2.</p>



<h3 id="h-air-pollution">Air pollution</h3>



<p>The slash-and-burn techniques often used to clear land for palm oil plantations can cause severe air pollution. This not only contributes to climate change but can also have severe health impacts for people living in regions downwind of the fires.</p>



<h3 id="h-peatland-degradation">Peatland degradation</h3>



<p>A significant proportion of palm oil is grown on peatlands. These are carbon-rich environments, and when they are drained for plantation development, they release significant quantities of carbon dioxide.</p>



<p>While these impacts are significant, it's also important to note that there are efforts to create more sustainable palm oil production methods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These include commitments to no deforestation, peatland development, and exploitation (also known as "NDPE policies"), as well as the certification of sustainable palm oil through organizations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nevertheless, the effectiveness and implementation of these initiatives have been mixed, and deforestation for palm oil continues to be a serious global concern.</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>

Tree islands can help prevent biodiversity loss in oil palm plantations

The widespread conversion of tropical forests into oil palm plantations...

<p>Among the approximately 2,000 species of termites, many are extraordinary ecosystem engineers. For instance, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/termite-mounds-brazil/">mounds</a> built by some of the genera – including <em>Amitermes</em>, <em>Macrotermes</em>,&nbsp;<em>Nasutitermes</em>, and&nbsp;<em>Odontotermes</em> – are some of the world’s largest biological structures, reaching up to eight meters in height.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, researchers from <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/">Lund University</a> in Sweden and <a href="https://www.ntu.ac.uk/">Nottingham Trent University</a> in the UK have found that the design of termite mounds could have major applications in architecture, helping us develop comfortable interior climates for our buildings that do not have the carbon footprint of air conditioning.</p>



<p>“Here we show that the ‘egress complex,’ an intricate network of interconnected tunnels found in termite mounds, can be used to promote flows of air, heat, and moisture in novel ways in human architecture,” explained lead author David Andréen, a senior lecturer in Architecture at Lund.</p>



<p>Together with his co-author Rupert Soar, an associate professor in Sustainable Technologies at Nottingham, Andréen examined mounds built by <em>Macrotermes michaelseni</em>&nbsp;termites from Namibia. At the heart of these mounds – which can shelter over a million inhabitants – lie symbiotic fungus gardens, farmed by termites for food.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts focused on the egress complex, a dense, lattice-like network of tunnels three to five millimeters wide that connects wider conduits inside with the exterior. While during the rainy season (when the mound is growing), the egress complex extends over the mound’s north-facing surface to be exposed to the midday sun, outside this season, termites keep the egress tunnels blocked. Such methods are thought to allow evaporation of excess moisture, while maintaining adequate ventilation.</p>



<p>To clarify how this structure works, the researchers explored how the layout of the egress complex enables oscillating or pulse-like flows. When simulating wind with a speaker that drove oscillations of a CO2-air mixture through a fragment of a complex collected from the wild, they discovered that air flow was greatest at oscillation frequencies between 30Hz and 40 Hz, moderate at frequencies between 10Hz and 20 Hz, and least at frequencies between 50Hz and 120 Hz.</p>



<p>These findings suggest that tunnels in the complex interact with the wind blowing on the mound in a way that increases mass transfer of air for ventilation. At the same time, wind oscillations at certain frequencies generate turbulences inside the mound, and carry respiratory gases and excess moisture away from the mound’s heart.</p>



<p>“When ventilating a building, you want to preserve the delicate balance of temperature and humidity created inside, without impeding the movement of stale air outwards and fresh air inwards. Most HVAC systems struggle with this. Here we have a structured interface that allows the exchange of respiratory gasses, simply driven by differences in concentration between one side and the other. Conditions inside are thus maintained,” Soar said.</p>



<p>Subsequently, the researchers replicated the egress system by employing a sequence of 2D models. These models progressively evolved from simple straight tunnels to a more intricate lattice structure. To observe the movement of water within the tunnels, they utilized an electromotor to generate oscillations, allowing the dyed water to become visible on camera.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To their astonishment, they discovered that the motor only required slight back-and-forth movements, equivalent to gentle wind oscillations spanning a few millimeters, for the ebb and flow to permeate throughout the entire complex. Crucially, the necessary turbulence emerged solely when the layout was sufficiently lattice-like.</p>



<p>“We imagine that building walls in the future, made with emerging technologies like powder bed printers, will contain networks similar to the egress complex. These will make it possible to move air around, through embedded sensors and actuators that require only tiny amounts of energy,” Andréen said.</p>



<p>“Construction-scale 3D printing will only be possible when we can design structures as complex as in nature. The egress complex is an example of a complicated structure that could solve multiple problems simultaneously: keeping comfort inside our homes, while regulating the flow of respiratory gasses and moisture through the building envelope. We are on the brink of the transition towards nature-like construction: for the first time, it may be possible to design a true living, breathing building,” Soar concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2023.1126974"><em>Frontiers in Materials</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>Termite mounds, also known as termite hills, are large, complex structures made by a certain species of termites. They are a prime example of insect architecture, and they vary in design depending on the species of termite, the type of soil, and the climate.</p>



<p>Most termite mounds are built by subterranean termites, which live underground. These mounds can range in size from a few inches to over 30 feet tall. The mound is not the actual colony but a structure that provides an optimal environment for the colony which is located below the ground.</p>



<p>The construction of a termite mound is a marvel of natural engineering. Termites mix dirt, saliva, and feces to form a strong, cement-like substance. This is then used to build a complex network of tunnels and chambers. The outer wall of the mound is particularly hard and resistant to predators.</p>



<p>Inside the mound, there are various chambers serving different functions such as nurseries, fungal gardens, and royal chambers. The royal chamber, deep within the mound, houses the queen and king termites, responsible for the growth and survival of the colony.</p>



<p>A termite mound is not just a place for termites to live; it's also an incredibly efficient system for climate control. The mound's structure aids in regulating temperature and humidity, which is crucial for the survival of the termites as they are sensitive to environmental conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many mounds feature a complex system of vents and conduits which facilitate air circulation, thus maintaining a stable internal environment regardless of external conditions.</p>



<p>Despite being known as pests due to their wood-eating habits, termites play a crucial role in ecosystems, especially in nutrient recycling, soil formation, and influencing plant community structure.</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>

Termite mounds could inspire “living and breathing” buildings

Among the approximately 2,000 species of termites, many are extraordinary...

<p>Researchers at Western’s <a href="https://birds.uwo.ca/">Advanced Facility for Avian Research</a> (AFAR) have made a remarkable discovery about birds: they can quite literally flick a brain switch to perceive Earth’s magnetic field.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study sheds new light on the intriguing manner in which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/">migratory birds</a> navigate, highlighting the importance of a brain region called "Cluster N" for processing geomagnetic information.</p>



<p>For context, it's vital to recognize that the Earth's magnetic field extends far into space. This protective layer, caused by the flow of molten iron within our planet’s inner core, serves as our shield against the harmful cosmic radiation the Sun emits.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, for some members of the animal kingdom, this invisible force is a natural GPS. Salmon, sea turtles, and migratory birds use the magnetic field to navigate across vast distances.</p>



<p>The process of how and why this happens has been somewhat of a mystery. The new study, led by PhD candidate Madeleine Brodbeck and AFAR co-director Scott MacDougall-Shackleton, has begun to unravel this mystery. The research was focused on white-throated sparrows.</p>



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



<p>The team found that these birds have the ability to activate Cluster N in their brains at night when they were motivated to migrate. This activation allows the birds to avoid prey and fly during cooler periods. But the birds are also capable of making the region go dormant when they are ready to rest.</p>



<p>Brodbeck explained: “This brain region is super important for activating the geomagnetic compass, especially for songbirds when they migrate at night." The study represents the first evidence of this brain region functioning in a North American bird species, and it builds upon the previous work that was primarily conducted in Europe.</p>



<p>For decades, Earth’s magnetic field has intrigued not only physicists and aerospace engineers, but also creative minds, inspiring the works of renowned science fiction writers like Frank Herbert and Stephen King. The concept of invisible forces guiding our movements, wholly imperceptible to humans, continues to be a fascination for Brodbeck as well.</p>



<p>“Magnetic fields are really fun to think about because they’re invisible to humans. We can’t see them or sense them, but most animals perceive them in some way,” said Brodbeck.</p>



<h2 id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



<p>To navigate and migrate, birds rely not just on Earth's magnetic field, but also on visual cues from the sun and the stars. Unfortunately, our increasingly urbanized landscapes, dotted with artificial lights and glass skyscrapers, disrupt their migratory paths.</p>



<p>“This type of basic research informs us and lets us know the full suite of ways that animals perceive the world when they’re migrating and what we as humans need to do to minimize our impact,” said Professor MacDougall-Shackleton.&nbsp;</p>



<p>He emphasized that understanding the physical mechanisms of animal movement isn't just academic; it's fundamentally important in order to comprehend and possibly mitigate the ways human actions influence their journeys.</p>



<p>This groundbreaking study, published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14609568"><em>European Journal of Neuroscience</em></a>, underlines the need for continued exploration into the complex mechanisms that drive animal behaviors. Furthermore, it also provides a perspective into our responsibility towards co-inhabitants of our planet, as our actions inevitably leave a footprint on their migratory paths.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-earth-s-magnetic-field">More about Earth's magnetic field</h2>



<p>Earth's magnetic field is a powerful, invisible force that extends from the interior of the planet out into space. It originates from the flow of molten iron and nickel in the planet's outer core, which creates electric currents that, in turn, generate the magnetic field. This is known as the dynamo effect.</p>



<p>The Earth's magnetic field is important for several reasons.</p>



<h3 id="h-protection-from-solar-radiation">Protection from Solar Radiation</h3>



<p>The magnetic field shields the Earth from harmful solar radiation. Without it, life as we know it would not exist, because the atmosphere would be stripped away by solar winds - streams of charged particles from the Sun.</p>



<h3 id="h-aid-to-navigation">Aid to Navigation</h3>



<p>The Earth's magnetic field creates the North and South magnetic poles, which are slightly offset from the geographic poles. These magnetic poles are the basis for magnetic navigation, used by both humans and many animals. Animals such as birds, sea turtles, and even some types of bacteria can sense the Earth's magnetic field and use it to navigate.</p>



<h3 id="h-generation-of-auroras">Generation of Auroras</h3>



<p>The Earth's magnetic field is also responsible for phenomena like the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). These occur when charged particles from the Sun are trapped in the Earth's magnetic field and collide with atmospheric atoms and molecules, causing them to emit light.</p>



<p>The Earth's magnetic field is not static. Over millions of years, it has undergone numerous reversals, where the North and South magnetic poles switch places. The last reversal, known as the Brunhes-Matuyama reversal, occurred approximately 780,000 years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists are still investigating why these reversals occur, but it is believed that changes in the flow of molten iron and nickel in the Earth's outer core are responsible.</p>



<p>Despite its importance, many mysteries remain about the Earth's magnetic field. As studies like the one at Western’s Advanced Facility for Avian Research (AFAR) continue, our understanding of this complex and vital part of our planet will continue to grow.</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>

Birds can switch their perception of Earth’s magnetic field on and off

Researchers at Western’s Advanced Facility for Avian Research (AFAR) have...

<p>Marine ecosystems of the South Atlantic Ocean that were once vibrant are now teetering on the brink of collapse. Overfishing and habitat degradation have forced a dramatic decline in recent decades, leading these underwater worlds to become shadows of their former selves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These shocking revelations have been unearthed in a groundbreaking study led by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the <a href="https://www.uab.cat/web/universitat-autonoma-de-barcelona-1345467954774.html">Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona</a> (ICTA-UAB).</p>



<p>The scientists at ICTA-UAB embarked on an innovative research journey that combined the worlds of marine biology and archaeology.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The researchers meticulously examined the archaeological remains of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-snow-monkeys-have-learned-to-fish-for-food/">fish</a> species from several sites in Brazil. The comparison between these ancient marine fingerprints and the current state of fish populations drew a sobering picture.</p>



<p>Before the surge of modern human activities, indigenous communities thrived along Brazil's southern coast for thousands of years. They were sustained by the rich bounty of the sea, brimming with large, high trophic level fish and apex predators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Primitive fishing technologies enabled these communities to intermittently exploit the seas without tipping the delicate ecological balance.</p>



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



<p>Today, the picture is drastically different. The study revealed a stark decrease in many species, especially sharks and rays, a trend likely tied to the accelerating human impacts of overfishing and habitat degradation.</p>



<p>"Many species documented in archaeological sites are now endangered, while for other species there is insufficient data on their distribution and abundance. By using archaeological data, we can gain insight into these lost environments and can redefine conservation baselines," said study lead author Thiago Fossile.</p>



<p>This work underlines the pivotal role coastal and marine ecosystems once played in sustaining subsistence fisheries for thousands of years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Study senior author André Colonese emphasized the value of the hundreds of archaeological sites. She noted that they "provide valuable information on past biodiversity, contributing to discussions on fisheries management and conservation."</p>



<h2 id="h-impact-on-fish-biodiversity">Impact on fish biodiversity</h2>



<p>The findings also offered a fresh lens to understand the exploitation of fish biodiversity through time. Study co-author Mariana Bender from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria stated, "It is amazing what archaeological sites can tell us relative to the impacts of ancient human populations on fish biodiversity. We found evidence that large top predators have long been exploited and recent fisheries have moved towards lower trophic levels. This process has been in place for thousands of years."</p>



<p>Dione Bandeira of the Universidade da Região de Joinville, another contributor to the study, reminded us of the potential lessons we can learn from the past. "Indigenous environmental stewardship serves as a model for sustainable resource utilization and plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity in tropical and subtropical regions of South America."</p>



<p>The research, funded by the ERC TRADITION project, was a joint venture of experts from ICTA-UAB in Spain, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität in Germany, and several Brazilian universities. The results are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285951"><em>PLOS One</em></a>.</p>



<p>The study's findings underscore the significance of integrating archaeological data into conservation debates, thereby bolstering the discipline's relevance to contemporary environmental issues. As we face the stark realities of environmental degradation, insights from our past might hold the key to a sustainable future.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-impact-of-overfishing">More about the impact of overfishing</h2>



<p>Overfishing has long-lasting and potentially catastrophic impacts on marine ecosystems, the environment, and humanity at large.</p>



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



<p>Starting with marine ecosystems, overfishing can lead to a significant decline in the population of various fish species. This is especially noticeable with top predators like sharks and tunas. When these species are overfished, it disrupts the balance of the entire marine food web.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, removing top predators can lead to an increase in the population of their prey, which in turn can overgraze on their food source. This phenomenon, known as a trophic cascade, can ultimately alter the structure and function of marine ecosystems, leading to their degradation and even collapse.</p>



<h3 id="h-impact-on-the-environment">Impact on the environment&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Furthermore, overfishing can lead to a decrease in biodiversity, with some species being fished to the point of endangerment or extinction. This not only harms the health of marine ecosystems but also reduces their resilience to other threats, such as climate change and pollution.</p>



<p>On a broader environmental level, overfishing can contribute to the loss of critical habitats. Some fishing methods, like bottom trawling, can destroy seafloor habitats, including coral reefs and seagrass beds, which serve as important nurseries for many fish species.</p>



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



<p>Turning to the impact on humanity, the consequences are equally grave. Many communities around the world rely heavily on fish for their food security and nutritional needs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, fish provide more than 20% of the average per capita animal protein intake for about half the global population.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Overfishing threatens this vital food source and could potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly in coastal and island nations heavily reliant on seafood.</p>



<p>Moreover, the fishing industry is a significant economic driver and employer. It provides livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Overfishing, therefore, threatens the economic stability of these individuals and can have cascading effects on local and national economies.</p>



<p>Lastly, the cultural importance of fishing should not be overlooked. For many societies, fishing traditions form a vital part of their cultural heritage and identity. Overfishing can erode these traditions and the associated cultural values.</p>



<p>In summary, overfishing is a complex issue with profound implications for marine ecosystems, the broader environment, and human societies. Addressing it requires comprehensive, collaborative, and sustainable fisheries management efforts on a global scale.</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>

Overfishing and habitat degradation have devastated marine ecosystems

Marine ecosystems of the South Atlantic Ocean that were once...

<p>A severe and sudden weather phenomenon known as a flash drought is increasingly catching the attention of climate scientists due to its potential to significantly impact agricultural and ecological systems. The ripple effects of such events can resonate far beyond their immediate environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A team of researchers at the <a href="https://www.ou.edu/">University of Oklahoma</a> is digging deeper into this concern, particularly focusing on how our ever-warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a> might influence the frequency of these flash droughts and the ensuing risks posed to global cropland.</p>



<p>The study, led by postdoctoral researcher Jordan Christian, takes center stage in the climate science community today with its publication in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00826-1"><em>Nature Communications Earth and Environment</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“In this study, projected changes in flash drought frequency and cropland risk from flash drought are quantified using global climate model simulations," said Christian.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We find that flash drought occurrence is expected to increase globally among all scenarios, with the sharpest increases seen in scenarios with higher radiative forcing and greater fossil fuel usage.”</p>



<p>Radiative forcing refers to the imbalance caused when more radiation penetrates the Earth's atmosphere than leaves it. Activities like burning fossil fuels are substantial contributors to this imbalance and consequently to the warming climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The escalating climate change threatens to provoke an upsurge in severe weather events, ranging from storms and flash flooding to the sudden droughts under study.</p>



<p>Christian provides further insight into the study’s results, explaining, “Flash drought risk over cropland is expected to increase globally, with the largest increases projected across North America and Europe.”</p>



<h2 id="h-predicting-the-future-of-flash-droughts">Predicting the future of flash droughts</h2>



<p>“We anticipate a 1.5 times increase in the annual risk of flash droughts over croplands across North America by 2100, from the 2015 baseline of a 32% yearly risk in 2015 to 49% in 2100," said Christian. "Europe, on the other hand, is expected to face the most significant increase in the most extreme emissions scenario, witnessing an increase from 32% to 53%, a 1.7 times increase in annual risk.”</p>



<p>Study co-author Professor Jeffrey Basara is Christian's faculty advisor and leads the University of Oklahoma’s Climate, Hydrology, Ecosystems, and Weather research group.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-next-steps-finding-a-way-to-predict-flash-droughts">Next steps - finding a way to predict flash droughts</h2>



<p>The team has been exploring ways to enhance flash drought identification and prediction since 2017 and has contributed numerous papers to notable scientific journals.</p>



<p>Basara elaborates on the practical implications of their findings, stating, “This study continues to emphasize that agricultural producers, both domestic and abroad, will face increasing risks associated with water availability due to the rapid development of drought. As a result, socioeconomic pressures associated with food production, including higher prices and social unrest, will also increase when crop losses occur due to flash drought.”</p>



<p>In summary, this groundbreaking research underscores the increasing threat of flash droughts in the context of a warming climate. The implications of such events are vast and extend to numerous societal sectors, bringing an imperative for further study and mitigating strategies to the forefront.</p>



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



<p>Flash droughts are rapid-onset drought events that can cause severe agricultural and ecological damage. These droughts develop quickly, often within a few weeks, leaving little time for preparation or mitigation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are characterized by a sudden decrease in soil moisture and a rapid increase in evapotranspiration, which is the sum of evaporation from the land surface and transpiration from plants.</p>



<p>Flash droughts can occur in various climatic conditions but are most common in summer months, often coinciding with periods of high temperatures and low rainfall. They tend to result in acute water shortages, leading to a rapid deterioration of crop conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Because of their quick onset and severity, flash droughts can have devastating impacts on agriculture and ecosystems, leading to significant economic losses.</p>



<h3 id="h-different-types-of-flash-droughts">Different types of flash droughts&nbsp;</h3>



<p>There are generally two types of flash droughts: heatwave-dominant and precipitation-deficit dominant. Heatwave-dominant flash droughts are mainly caused by high temperatures, leading to increased evaporation and transpiration.</p>



<p>On the other hand, precipitation-deficit dominant flash droughts are triggered by significantly reduced rainfall over a period of time.</p>



<p>Climate change is thought to increase the likelihood of flash droughts, as rising global temperatures can intensify evaporation rates, alter rainfall patterns, and potentially increase the frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves.</p>



<p>Predicting flash droughts is challenging due to their rapid onset and development. However, scientists are making strides in this area, using advanced climate models and real-time monitoring of soil moisture and atmospheric conditions to provide early warnings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite these advancements, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of flash droughts fully and to improve our ability to predict and mitigate their impacts.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-climate-change-impacts-and-amplifies-severe-weather-events">How climate change impacts and amplifies severe weather events</h2>



<p>Climate change has a profound impact on severe weather events, leading to an increased frequency, intensity, and duration of such events. This is primarily due to the fact that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which can fuel extreme weather.</p>



<p>Here are a few key examples of how climate change affects different types of severe weather:</p>



<h3 id="h-heatwaves">Heatwaves</h3>



<p>As the average global temperature increases due to climate change, heatwaves have become more frequent, intense, and prolonged. Heatwaves can lead to a range of health issues, from heat exhaustion and heatstroke to increased mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations.</p>



<h3 id="h-droughts-and-flash-droughts">Droughts and flash droughts</h3>



<p>Rising temperatures increase evaporation rates, altering the hydrological cycle and potentially leading to more frequent and severe droughts, including flash droughts. Changes in precipitation patterns can also exacerbate drought conditions in certain regions.</p>



<h3 id="h-storms-and-hurricanes">Storms and hurricanes</h3>



<p>Warmer ocean surface temperatures can fuel more intense storms and hurricanes. Increased water vapor in the atmosphere can lead to heavier rainfall during these events, increasing the risk of flooding.</p>



<h3 id="h-floods">Floods</h3>



<p>With a warmer atmosphere capable of holding more moisture, rainfall patterns can change, potentially leading to more heavy rainfall events and, consequently, more flooding. Additionally, sea-level rise due to melting polar ice can increase the risk of coastal flooding.</p>



<h3 id="h-wildfires">Wildfires</h3>



<p>Drier conditions and higher temperatures can increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires. These conditions can lead to more combustible vegetation and longer wildfire seasons.</p>



<h3 id="h-extreme-cold-events">Extreme cold events</h3>



<p>While it may seem counterintuitive, climate change can also influence extreme cold events. Changes in atmospheric conditions can occasionally cause frigid polar air to spill into lower latitudes, leading to severe cold snaps.</p>



<p>In summary, climate change is leading to a wide range of changes in severe weather patterns. This increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events highlight the need for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.</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>

Flash droughts are increasing around the world due to warming climate

A severe and sudden weather phenomenon known as a flash...

<p>The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a massive, mineral-rich region of the Pacific Ocean, spanning six million square kilometers from Hawaii to Mexico (about twice the size of India), which has already been divided up and assigned to companies for future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-poses-unknown-threats-to-whales/">deep-sea mining</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To clarify how these mining operations may impact biodiversity, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/">Natural History Museum</a> (NHM) in London has recently compiled all the species records from previous sea expeditions to the region, and estimated that CCZ is currently home to a total of 5,578 different species, among which 88 to 92 percent are entirely new to science.</p>



<p>“We share this planet with all this amazing biodiversity, and we have a responsibility to understand it and protect it,” said study lead author Muriel Rabone, a deep-sea ecologist at NHM.</p>



<p>In various expeditions, scientists have employed different techniques, ranging from the use of remote-control vehicles traversing the ocean floor to that of sturdy boxes landing on the bottom of the ocean to perform “box core sampling.”</p>



<p>“It’s a big boat, but it feels tiny in the middle of the ocean. You could see storms rolling in; it’s very dramatic. And it was amazing - in every single box core sample, we would see new species,” Rabone explained.</p>



<p>By examining over 100,000 records of creatures found in the CCZ during these deep-sea expeditions, the researchers discovered that only six of the new species found in this region – including a sea cucumber, a nematode, and a carnivorous sponge – have previously been seen in other regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The most common types of animals found in the CCZ were arthropods (invertebrate creatures with segmented joints), worms, echinoderms (spiny invertebrates such as sea urchins), and sponges.</p>



<p>“There’s some just remarkable species down there. Some of the sponges look like classic bath sponges, and some look like vases. They’re just beautiful,” Rabone said. “One of my favorites is the glass sponges. They have these little spines, and under the microscope, they look like tiny chandeliers or little sculptures.”</p>



<p>In future studies, the scientists plan to increase cohesive, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research efforts to better understand CCZ’s biodiversity. Learning more about the newly discovered species and their connection to their environment could help experts better understand the risks involved in future mining operations.</p>



<p>“There are so many wonderful species in the CCZ, and with the possibility of mining looming, it’s doubly important that we know more about these really understudied habitats,” Rabone concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.052"><em>Current Biology</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>Deep-sea mining is the process of extracting mineral resources from the ocean floor. This includes seafloor massive sulphide deposits, polymetallic nodules, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As these resources become harder to find and access on land, and as our technology and capability to operate at great depths improves, interest in deep-sea mining has increased.</p>



<h3 id="h-types-of-deep-sea-mining">Types of deep-sea mining:</h3>



<h4 id="h-seafloor-massive-sulphides-sms">Seafloor Massive Sulphides (SMS)</h4>



<p>SMS are rich in copper, lead, zinc, gold, and silver. They are formed by hot springs on the seafloor near volcanically active areas, such as the famous 'black smokers'.</p>



<h4 id="h-polymetallic-nodules">Polymetallic Nodules</h4>



<p>Also known as manganese nodules, these are rock concretions on the seafloor that contain valuable metals like nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese. They are most commonly found in the Pacific Ocean.</p>



<h4 id="h-cobalt-rich-crusts">Cobalt-rich Crusts</h4>



<p>These crusts are rich in cobalt, but also contain nickel, copper, and platinum. They form on the flanks and summits of seamounts.</p>



<h3 id="h-environmental-concerns">Environmental concerns:</h3>



<h4 id="h-biodiversity-loss">Biodiversity loss</h4>



<p>The deep sea is home to a wide array of species, many of which are not yet known to science. Mining operations could destroy or disturb these habitats and species.</p>



<h4 id="h-sediment-plumes">Sediment plumes</h4>



<p>When machines extract minerals from the seafloor, they generate plumes of sediment that can spread over large areas, suffocating marine life and potentially disrupting the marine food chain.</p>



<h4 id="h-noise-and-light-pollution">Noise and light pollution</h4>



<p>Mining operations would introduce noise and light into the extremely quiet, dark deep-sea environment, with unknown impacts on species that live there.</p>



<h4 id="h-unknown-long-term-effects">Unknown long-term effects</h4>



<p>The deep sea is the least understood ecosystem on Earth. It's difficult to predict what the long-term impacts of mining might be, especially given that operations would likely continue for decades.</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>

Deep sea surveys identify over 5,000 species in future mining hotspot

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a massive, mineral-rich region of...

<p>The Arctic ground squirrels, unique among their mammalian kin, have captured the curiosity of scientists for their incredible survival skill. They don't freeze to death even when their body temperatures plummet below zero. This ability keeps them alive in some of the most inhospitable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/winter-swimming-helps-increase-the-bodys-metabolism/">winter</a> climates on the planet.</p>



<p>In a study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adf5341"><em>Science</em></a>, an in-depth analysis spanning over a quarter of a century has shed light on how these creatures react to changing temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-arctic-ground-squirrels-are-adapting-but-not-in-a-good-way">Arctic ground squirrels are adapting, but not in a good way</h2>



<p>Their hibernation periods, it turns out, are getting shorter, and intriguingly, differ between the sexes. The females, in a surprising twist, wake up from their winter slumber slightly ahead of the males.</p>



<p>This seemingly minor shift in wake-up calls may have profound impacts on the local ecosystems. These early risers, in turn, could set off a chain reaction affecting the entire food chain, with both positive and negative outcomes yet to be fully understood.</p>



<p>Cory Williams, a senior author of the study and an assistant professor at the Department of Biology at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/">Colorado State University</a>, brings more than 15 years of experience studying these squirrels. He began his research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.</p>



<p>“The thing that makes our study unique is that we are looking at a long enough dataset to show the impacts of climate change on a mammal in the Arctic," explained Professor Williams. He noted that this extensive research provides evidence of a direct link between changes in temperature and the physiology and ecology of these squirrels.</p>



<p>Helen Chmura, lead author of the study and a researcher at USDA Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Research Station, began her analysis as a postdoctoral fellow in Alaska. “Our data show that the active layer, the soil layer above the permafrost, freezes later in the fall, doesn’t get as cold in the middle of winter, and thaws slightly earlier in the spring," said Chmura.</p>



<p>She emphasized that these shifts, accounting for roughly a 10-day reduction in frozen soil, have happened over a mere 25 years – a rapid change in ecological terms.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-arctic-hibernation-patterns-have-changed">How Arctic hibernation patterns have changed</h2>



<p>Arctic ground squirrels hibernate for more than half the year to survive the brutal Alaska winters. During hibernation, they slow down their body functions to the bare minimum but still need to burn stored fat to prevent their tissues from freezing. Each spring, they emerge from burrows dug deep into the ground, starved and ready to mate.</p>



<p>In this extensive study, Chmura, Williams and their team used a range of biologging tools to measure the body temperatures of 199 free-living ground squirrels. They combined this data with long-term air and soil temperature data from two sites in Arctic Alaska.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, they found that only the female squirrels were adjusting their hibernation schedules and coming out earlier every year. Males appeared to stick to their old schedules.</p>



<p>The females' shift to earlier spring emergence is in sync with the early thawing of spring. The positive side is that females can conserve their stored fat during hibernation and start foraging earlier in the spring. This could potentially lead to healthier offspring and increased survival rates.</p>



<p>However, if the males fail to adjust their hibernation patterns, it could result in fewer mating opportunities, disrupting the balance of the species.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-importance-of-arctic-ground-squirrels-to-the-ecosystem">Importance of Arctic ground squirrels to the ecosystem</h2>



<p>Ground squirrels are also an important food source for predators like foxes, wolves, and eagles. Longer periods above ground could lead to greater exposure and a higher risk of predation.</p>



<p>The consequences for the squirrel population remain uncertain – there are no clear winners or losers. Hibernation conserves energy, which might aid in winter survival. But predator responses to climate shifts could also impact ground squirrel numbers.</p>



<p>“Our paper shows the importance of long-term datasets in understanding how ecosystems are responding to climate change,” said Williams.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additional contributors to this research include Brian Barnes from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Loren Buck from Northern Arizona University. Both began the study in the 1990s with the goal of understanding how Arctic ground squirrels could survive the extremely long, cold, and dark winters in the Arctic and exactly how cold their hibernation spots were.</p>



<h2 id="h-new-technology-provided-great-results-to-the-researchers">New technology provided great results to the researchers</h2>



<p>The initial curiosity around the squirrels' survival strategies prompted them to install the first soil temperature monitors. As technology evolved over the years, they were able to continuously measure the soil temperature during winter. Cassandra Duncan and Grace Burrell, students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, were also part of the research team.</p>



<p>This research marks a significant contribution to our understanding of the Arctic's unique wildlife and the rippling effects of climate change. It is through this type of long-term, dedicated study that we can start to comprehend the profound impacts of changing temperatures on the delicate balances within Arctic ecosystems.</p>



<p>This analysis of the Arctic ground squirrels' changing hibernation patterns reminds us of the resilience of nature, while simultaneously underscoring the vital importance of continued climate research. As ecosystems continue to adapt to a warming world, the full scope of these changes is yet to be discovered.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-arctic-ground-squirrels">More about Arctic ground squirrels</h2>



<p>Arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) are remarkable creatures that are equipped with a variety of adaptations to help them survive in some of the world's harshest climates. Here are some key facts and traits of Arctic ground squirrels:</p>



<h3 id="h-distribution-and-habitat">Distribution and Habitat</h3>



<p>These ground squirrels are native to the Arctic and are found across the northernmost parts of North America. They live in various regions, including Alaska, Northern Canada, and Siberia. They prefer open habitats like meadows, fields, or tundra.</p>



<h3 id="h-physical-features">Physical Features</h3>



<p>Arctic ground squirrels are the largest among North American ground squirrels. They have a sturdy build and are generally brown or reddish-brown in color, with some white spotting.</p>



<h3 id="h-hibernation">Hibernation</h3>



<p>Arctic ground squirrels are known for their extended hibernation periods, which can last for up to 8 months in a year. During hibernation, their body temperature can drop to below freezing, a physiological marvel allowing them to survive in the extreme Arctic winter. They slow down their metabolic processes to conserve energy, with heart rates dropping to as low as one beat per minute.</p>



<h3 id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>They are omnivorous creatures, consuming a diet of seeds, fruits, leaves, flowers, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. They gather and store food in their burrows for consumption after hibernation.</p>



<h3 id="h-social-structure">Social Structure</h3>



<p>These ground squirrels live in colonies and have complex burrow systems. They're mostly diurnal, meaning they're active during the day.</p>



<h3 id="h-breeding-and-lifespan">Breeding and Lifespan</h3>



<p>Breeding occurs shortly after hibernation, usually in April or May. The female raises the young alone, and the litter size can range from 5 to 10 pups. The typical lifespan of an Arctic ground squirrel in the wild is around 3 to 6 years.</p>



<h3 id="h-predation">Predation</h3>



<p>Arctic ground squirrels are prey for various carnivores including foxes, wolves, and birds of prey like eagles and hawks.</p>



<p>Climate Change Impact</p>



<p>Recent research shows that these squirrels are altering their hibernation patterns in response to climate change. Specifically, female squirrels are emerging earlier from hibernation due to earlier spring thaw, a change that could impact breeding patterns and the wider Arctic ecosystem.</p>



<p>These fascinating creatures continue to be subjects of scientific study, especially in the context of climate change and its impacts on Arctic ecosystems. Their ability to survive in harsh climates through remarkable physiological adaptations makes them unique models for understanding biological responses to extreme environments.</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>

Arctic ground squirrels have changed their hibernation patterns due to climate change

The Arctic ground squirrels, unique among their mammalian kin, have...

<p>Have you ever wondered what would happen if we could rewind and replay the evolution of species on our planet over hundreds of millions of years?&nbsp;</p>



<p>It's clear that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/">biodiversity</a> would cluster around areas teeming with tectonic upheaval. Regions like the Himalayan and Andean mountains, characterized by their constantly shifting landscapes, are particularly abundant in diverse flora and fauna. This tectonic turmoil diversifies species over time.</p>



<p>Yet, biodiversity is not exclusively tied to tectonic chaos. Take, for example, the Appalachian Mountains. Despite experiencing little tectonic activity for hundreds of millions of years, this region is a prominent hub of freshwater biodiversity. Why is this so?</p>



<p>Recent research from <a href="https://www.mit.edu/">MIT</a> provides an answer. The experts suggest that river erosion shapes the evolution and diversity of species in these tectonically dormant regions. The findings highlight how erosion drives biodiversity in these aged, tranquil environments.</p>



<h2 id="h-where-the-study-was-conducted">Where the study was conducted</h2>



<p>The researchers used the southern Appalachians, specifically the Tennessee River Basin, as a case study. This region is renowned for its tremendous diversity of freshwater fishes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the team delved into the area, they found that rivers carving through varying types of rock changed the landscape, pushing a fish species - the greenfin darter - into different river tributaries. Over time, these isolated populations evolved into distinct lineages.</p>



<p>These findings lead the team to believe that erosion played a crucial role in the diversification of the greenfin darter. Despite outward similarities, like the green-tinged fins characteristic of the species, significant genetic differences exist among the separate populations. However, these diverse populations are still classified as a single species.</p>



<p>"Give this process of erosion more time, and I think these separate lineages will become different species," said Maya Stokes, a former graduate student at MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS).</p>



<p>The greenfin darter might not be the only species influenced by river erosion. The researchers speculate that erosion could be a driving force behind the diversification of several species within the basin and perhaps even in other tectonically inactive regions worldwide.</p>



<p>"If we can understand the geologic factors that contribute to biodiversity, we can do a better job of conserving it," said study co-author Professor Taylor Perron.</p>



<p>The study also includes contributions from Yale University, Colorado State University, the University of Tennessee, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).</p>



<h2 id="h-origins-of-the-hypothesis">Origins of the hypothesis</h2>



<p>The genesis of this study lies in Stokes' PhD work at MIT, where she collaborated with Professor Perron to study connections between geomorphology (the study of how landscapes evolve) and biology. They came across Thomas Near’s work at Yale. He studies North American freshwater fish lineages using DNA sequence data to unravel the evolutionary divergence and connections between different species.</p>



<p>Near's research led to an intriguing observation. The habitat distribution map of the greenfin darter indicated that the species was found exclusively in the southern half of the Tennessee River Basin. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA sequence data showed a distinct genetic makeup among the fish populations based on the tributary they inhabited.</p>



<p>To understand this pattern, Stokes examined greenfin darter tissue samples from Near’s collection at Yale and from fieldwork conducted with TVA colleagues. By analyzing DNA sequences and comparing the genes of individual fish, they constructed a phylogenetic tree based on genetic similarities between fish.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The results revealed that fish within a tributary were more genetically related to each other than to fish in other tributaries. This led to a question: could a geological mechanism be responsible for splintering this single species into different, genetically distinct groups over time?</p>



<p>Investigations revealed a strong correlation between the habitats of the greenfin darter and the type of rock where they were found. Notably, most of the southern half of the Tennessee River Basin, where the species thrive, is composed of metamorphic rock, whereas the northern half predominantly features sedimentary rock, absent of the species.</p>



<p>Rivers flowing through metamorphic rock were found to be steeper and narrower, creating more turbulence - a condition greenfin darters seem to favor. This led to a question: Could the landscape changes resulting from river erosion into varying rock types over time have shaped the distribution of the greenfin darter's habitat?</p>



<h2 id="h-creating-a-simulated-landscape-model">Creating a simulated landscape model</h2>



<p>To validate this hypothesis, the researchers designed a model to simulate landscape evolution due to river erosion through different rock types. They fed the model with information about current rock types in the Tennessee River Basin. The simulation was then run backward to depict the region millions of years ago, when more metamorphic rock was exposed.</p>



<p>Running the model forward showed the shrinking exposure of metamorphic rock over time. They noted where and when tributary connections crossed into non-metamorphic rock, effectively creating barriers for fish movement between these tributaries.</p>



<p>The scientists then sketched a timeline of these blocking events and compared it to the phylogenetic tree depicting the divergence of greenfin darters. The results were strikingly similar: the fish seemed to form distinct lineages in the same order as when their respective tributaries became isolated.</p>



<p>"It means it’s plausible that erosion through different rock layers caused isolation between different populations of the greenfin darter and caused lineages to diversify," said Stokes.</p>



<p>This groundbreaking study was supported by the Terra Catalyst Fund and the U.S. National Science Foundation through the AGeS Geochronology Program and the Graduate Research Fellowship Program. Stokes' work at MIT was supported through the Martin Fellowship for Sustainability and the Hugh Hampton Young Fellowship.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.add9791"><em>Science</em></a>, not only reveals the influence of geologic factors on biodiversity but also underscores the need for understanding these processes to conserve the rich tapestry of life on our planet.</p>



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



<p>River erosion is a natural process that involves the wearing away of the Earth's surface by the action of flowing water. This process can shape the land in various ways, leading to a number of distinct features.</p>



<p>River erosion primarily occurs through four processes: hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, and corrosion (or solution).</p>



<h3 id="h-hydraulic-action">Hydraulic action</h3>



<p>This process occurs when the force of water removes soil and rock from the river bed and banks. It is especially effective when water enters cracks and crevices, causing pressure to build up and pieces of rock to break off.</p>



<h3 id="h-abrasion">Abrasion</h3>



<p>Also known as corrasion, this is the process by which rocks and sediment carried by the river scrape and wear away the bed and banks. Essentially, the river bed and banks are 'sand-papered' by the river's load.</p>



<h3 id="h-attrition">Attrition</h3>



<p>This process involves the wearing down of the load (rocks and pebbles) carried by the river itself. When these materials collide, they break into smaller pieces and become smoother. Over time, large boulders can be reduced to tiny particles of sand and silt through attrition.</p>



<h3 id="h-corrosion-or-solution">Corrosion (or solution)</h3>



<p>This process involves the river water dissolving certain types of rocks. For instance, limestone and chalk can be gradually dissolved by the carbonic acid present in water.</p>



<p>These processes of river erosion contribute to the formation of various landforms such as v-shaped valleys, waterfalls, meanders, and oxbow lakes.</p>



<p>In a v-shaped valley, river erosion creates a steep-sided, narrow valley in its upper course. When a river flows over an area with layers of hard and soft rock, a waterfall may form as the softer rock erodes more quickly, causing the river to drop steeply.</p>



<p>As a river moves towards its middle and lower courses, lateral (sideways) erosion becomes more significant, which can lead to the formation of large bends known as meanders. If a meander continues to erode laterally, it can eventually form a separate body of water called an oxbow lake.</p>



<p>River erosion is a significant factor in the overall process of the water cycle and sediment transportation. It's important in shaping the Earth's surface and creating habitats for various forms of life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, excessive river erosion can also have negative impacts, such as loss of land, property damage, and negative effects on ecosystems. Therefore, managing river erosion is often a significant consideration in environmental and urban planning.</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>

Fish evolution and biodiversity is shaped by river erosion

Have you ever wondered what would happen if we could...

<p>A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.isglobal.org/en">Barcelona Institute of Global Health</a> (ISGlobal) has found that long-term exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">air pollution</a> increases the risk of developing severe forms of Covid-19, being admitted to the hospital or intensive care units (ICUs) after infection, and dying. The analysis was based on a large cohort of 4,660,502 adults&nbsp;residing in&nbsp;Catalonia in&nbsp;2020, the year this Spanish autonomous community had a particularly high incidence of Covid-19.</p>



<p>The experts used data from <a href="https://www.isglobal.org/en/-/covair-cat">COVAIR-CAT</a>, a large population-based study examining the relation between Covid-19 and air pollution in Catalonia, as well as from the SARS-CoV-2 surveillance system (<a href="https://salutpublica.gencat.cat/ca/ambits/vigilancia_salut_publica/XVEC/suvec/">SUVEC</a>), which collected information on PCR and rapid antigen test results in cohort participants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, the team determined the mean annual levels of fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>),&nbsp;nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>),&nbsp;black carbon (BC),&nbsp;and&nbsp;ozone (O<sub>3</sub>)&nbsp;at the residential address of each of the participants.</p>



<p>The researchers examined data on severe cases of Covid-19 in 2020, such as the number of hospital and ICU admissions, the length of hospital stays, and the number of deaths. They found that an increase in exposure to PM<sub>2.5 </sub>of 3.2 µg/m3 was associated with a 19 percent rise in hospital admissions, an increase in exposure to&nbsp;NO<sub>2</sub>&nbsp;of 16.1 µg/m<sup>3</sup> with a 42 percent rise in&nbsp;ICU admissions, and an increase in exposure to&nbsp;BC&nbsp;of 0.7 µg/m<sup>3</sup>&nbsp;with a six percent rise in mortality.</p>



<p>“One of the strengths of our analysis is that the population is very well represented. The study covers both large urban conglomerations and rural areas and we were able to obtain detailed individual-level data on the participants’ exposure to ambient air pollution in a country heavily affected by the pandemic in 2020,” said senior author&nbsp;Cathryn Tonne, an environmental epidemiologist at ISGlobal.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, several biological mechanisms could explain why long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of severe Covid.&nbsp;</p>



<p>First, exposure to air pollution increases the risk of developing chronic comorbidities linked to severe infections, such as hypertension.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Second, air pollution may facilitate the infection, since exposure to fine particulate matter was shown to increase the expression of the receptors the virus binds to, especially in the lungs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finally, exposure to air pollution is strongly associated with changes in the immune defenses used to fight the virus, such as a decrease in type II interferon and antibody responses.</p>



<p>While many studies on the effects of short- and long-term exposure to air pollution on chronic respiratory diseases have already been published, this is one of the first to examine the impact long-term exposure has on the incidence and severity of acute respiratory infections.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&nbsp;“Our findings add further compelling evidence on the importance of reducing levels of air pollution to improve the health of the population in general and, in particular, to reduce the incidence of&nbsp;severe acute respiratory infections,” concluded lead author&nbsp;Otavio Ranzani, an epidemiologist at ISGlobal.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38469-7"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-air-pollution-and-respiratory-infections">More about air pollution and respiratory infections&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Air pollution has been linked to various adverse health effects, including respiratory infections. When people are exposed to polluted air, particularly those containing high levels of harmful particles or gases, it can have detrimental effects on their respiratory system and increase the risk of developing respiratory infections. Here's how air pollution and respiratory infections are interconnected:</p>



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



<p>Exposure to air pollution weakens the immune system and makes individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. Pollutants can irritate the airways, damage lung tissues, and impair the body's defense mechanisms, making it easier for infectious agents like bacteria or viruses to invade the respiratory system.</p>



<h3 id="h-respiratory-symptoms">Respiratory symptoms</h3>



<p>Air pollution can cause or exacerbate respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest congestion. These symptoms can make individuals more vulnerable to infections by compromising the respiratory system's ability to clear pathogens effectively.</p>



<h3 id="h-inflammatory-response">Inflammatory response</h3>



<p>Air pollution triggers an inflammatory response in the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to pollutants leads to chronic inflammation, which can impair the immune response and increase the likelihood of respiratory infections.</p>



<h3 id="h-impaired-lung-function">Impaired lung function</h3>



<p>Long-term exposure to air pollution can result in reduced lung function. Weakened lung capacity makes it more difficult for the body to defend against respiratory infections and can prolong the recovery time from such infections.</p>



<h3 id="h-interaction-with-pathogens">Interaction with pathogens</h3>



<p>Air pollutants can interact with infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses, altering their behavior and increasing their virulence. This interaction may enhance the pathogen's ability to infect the respiratory system and cause more severe respiratory infections.</p>



<h3 id="h-indoor-air-pollution">Indoor air pollution</h3>



<p>Indoor air pollution, caused by factors like cooking stoves, tobacco smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can also contribute to respiratory infections. Poor ventilation in indoor spaces can lead to a buildup of pollutants and increase the risk of respiratory infections, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.</p>



<p>It is worth noting that while air pollution can increase the risk of respiratory infections, it is usually not the sole factor responsible. Other factors such as individual susceptibility, overall health status, and the presence of other risk factors also play significant roles in determining the likelihood of developing respiratory infections.</p>



<p>Efforts to reduce air pollution through policies, regulations, and individual actions can have a positive impact on respiratory health by reducing the risk of infections and improving overall respiratory well-being.</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>

Long-term exposure to air pollution linked to severe Covid

A recent study led by the Barcelona Institute of Global...

<p>The Arctic, a hotspot for climate change, is once more grabbing headlines. This remote region is warming faster than any other part of the world, creating a domino effect called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-algae-heavily-contaminated-with-microplastics/">Arctic</a> amplification.&nbsp;</p>



<p>ESA-developed satellites are stepping up, offering vital data that shed light on this complex phenomenon and its far-reaching implications for people and wildlife alike.</p>



<p>The phenomenon of Arctic amplification involves the Arctic warming at a rate that surpasses the global average. It's driven largely by feedback loops that intensify the warming effect of greenhouse gases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This isn't just disrupting the fragile equilibrium of the Arctic ecosystem, but it's also having a significant impact on global climate patterns, human populations, and wildlife.</p>



<p>The ESA’s <a href="https://eo4society.esa.int/projects/arktalas-hoavva-project/">Science for Society Arktalas Hoavva project</a>, whose name means Arctic Ocean in the northern Sami language, is focused on studying Arctic amplification using satellite data.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-remote-sensing-satellites-are-documenting-the-effects">Remote sensing satellites are documenting the effects</h2>



<p>A recent paper published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/remotesensing"><em>Remote Sensing</em></a> details how these satellites are providing invaluable insights into this remote region. These satellites have captured the effects of amplification on everything from phytoplankton productivity to human infrastructure.</p>



<p>Take for example the incident in May 2020. A power plant reservoir near Norilsk in Russia leaked some 20,000 tons of diesel, declaring a state of emergency. This oil spill contaminated the Ambarnaya River and Lake Pyasino.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A pillar collapse, caused by thawing permafrost destabilizing the ground, resulted in a disaster with costs exceeding $2 billion. Scientists, using data from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite mission along with field photographs and historical data, attributed this accident to the Arctic amplification of global warming.</p>



<p>But the repercussions don't stop at infrastructure. Thawing permafrost also releases vast quantities of methane and carbon dioxide, creating a dangerous feedback loop that intensifies global warming.</p>



<h2 id="h-disappearance-of-sea-ice-is-biggest-concern">Disappearance of sea ice is biggest concern</h2>



<p>Central to Arctic amplification is the disappearance of sea ice, which has plummeted to alarmingly low levels. Sea ice forms when seawater freezes into freshwater ice. The freezing process expels cold saline water, which then sinks into the deep ocean, driving global ocean thermohaline circulation. If sea ice formation stops, this process halts, leading to changes in global ocean circulation.</p>



<p>With less ice, the exposed ocean surface absorbs more heat, accelerating warming and ice loss. Moreover, winds over the open ocean increase surface waves, which in turn inhibit refreezing by mechanically eroding the forming ice, possibly driving new and more energetic ocean circulation patterns across the Arctic Ocean.</p>



<p>ESA's CryoSat and Copernicus Sentinel-3 satellite altimeters measure Arctic sea-ice thickness. They precisely measure the height difference between ice and ocean surfaces, enabling scientists to calculate ice thickness and volume.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This data has uncovered significant drops in Arctic sea ice, particularly during summer, stressing the urgency of the situation. Additional measurements by the ESA SMOS satellite and infrared imagery from Sentinel-3 provide crucial all-weather sea-ice mapping capabilities.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-than-just-ice-tracking">More than just ice tracking</h2>



<p>In addition to ice tracking, ESA-developed satellites observe other crucial parameters, like surface temperature, albedo, and atmospheric composition. These observations enable scientists to study the complex feedback mechanisms contributing to Arctic amplification.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, the Copernicus Sentinel-3 mission supplies essential data on sea-surface temperatures, supporting analyses of oceanic heat fluxes and their impact on ice melt.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, the vast Greenland ice sheet, accelerated by Arctic amplification, is adding to global sea level rise. The freshwater released from melting ice into the North Atlantic Ocean is altering oceanic circulation patterns, potentially leading to extreme weather events, such as storms and heatwaves, around the world.</p>



<p>Long-term datasets are being assembled through ESA’s Climate Change Initiative. These 40-year-long datasets, created with data from numerous satellites, allow researchers to study long-term trends and variations in the Arctic, enhancing our understanding of the region's reaction to global warming.</p>



<h2 id="h-esa-satellites-are-improving-our-understanding-of-arctic-amplification">ESA satellites are improving our understanding of Arctic amplification</h2>



<p>The wealth of data provided by these ESA-developed satellites improves our comprehension of Arctic amplification and aids in decision-making processes. This information is crucial in developing effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to these changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Governments, policymakers, and the scientific community rely heavily on these observations to assess environmental impacts, predict future scenarios, and create policies for sustainable Arctic management.</p>



<p>The Arctic's importance is reflected in the evolving Copernicus system, which is prioritizing new Arctic measurements through innovative satellite capabilities. These include the dual-frequency CRISTAL altimeter, the Copernicus Imaging multi-frequency Microwave Radiometer (CIMR), and ROSE-L, an L-band synthetic aperture radar mission.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Together with existing Copernicus data, these satellite measurements will provide an unparalleled monitoring capability during a time of drastic climate shifts induced by human actions.</p>



<h2 id="h-researchers-issue-a-stark-warning">Researchers issue a stark warning</h2>



<p>ESA’s Craig Donlon explains the criticality of this issue, stating, “The phenomenon of Arctic amplification and its relationship to the global climate emergency serves as a stark reminder that the consequences of climate change are not distant threats but immediate and accelerating crises, impacting not only people living in the Arctic, but ultimately all of us.”</p>



<p>"Our paper outlines how satellite observations have captured Arctic amplification as it is developing and with good spatial detail. These observations are indispensable for monitoring of amplification in this remote and inhospitable region that is sparsely sampled by ground observations."</p>



<p>"Satellite data are unique in their ability to capture and monitor environmental transitions in the Arctic region that both precede and follow the emerging impact of Arctic amplification."</p>



<p>As we face these daunting challenges, our understanding and management of Arctic amplification will hinge on these satellite observations. In this ever-warming world, it's vital to harness this technology to navigate the choppy waters of climate change.</p>



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



<p>The Arctic, the northernmost region of the Earth, plays a crucial role in the planet's overall climate and ecosystem health. It acts as a "refrigerator" for the world by helping to regulate global temperatures. However, it's currently facing the brunt of climate change, with serious consequences for the entire planet.</p>



<p>The Arctic is home to a variety of ecosystems, from tundra vegetation and abundant marine life to its iconic ice-covered landscapes. Notably, the Arctic has massive layers of soil and rock called permafrost, which remains frozen throughout the year and stores large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane. These greenhouse gases, if released, can significantly amplify global warming.</p>



<p>But perhaps the Arctic's most famous feature is its sea ice, which has an essential role in regulating the planet's climate. Sea ice has a high albedo, meaning it reflects much of the sun's rays back into space, helping to maintain the Earth's energy balance. When sea ice melts, it reveals the darker ocean surface that absorbs more sunlight, leading to a warming cycle known as the ice-albedo feedback loop.</p>



<h3 id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-the-arctic">Impact of climate change on the Arctic</h3>



<p>Climate change is impacting the Arctic at an alarming rate. In fact, the region is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet in a process known as Arctic amplification. This rapid warming is leading to substantial reductions in sea ice, thawing of permafrost, shifts in wildlife populations, and changes in ocean circulation patterns.</p>



<p>Sea ice is now forming later in the fall and melting earlier in the spring, resulting in less ice cover overall. This loss of sea ice affects local wildlife such as polar bears and seals, who rely on it for hunting and breeding. The open waters also absorb more heat, causing further warming and ice melt in a self-reinforcing cycle.</p>



<p>The thawing of permafrost is another serious concern. When permafrost thaws, it releases the stored carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, further exacerbating global warming. This process also destabilizes the ground, posing significant risks to infrastructure, as seen in the 2020 Norilsk oil spill.</p>



<p>Changes in the Arctic also have global implications. Melting ice contributes to sea level rise, threatening coastal communities around the world. Changes in sea ice and ocean conditions can alter weather patterns, potentially leading to more extreme weather events.</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, the Arctic remains a crucial part of Earth's climate system. Its preservation is essential for the health of our planet. Mitigating climate change and preserving the Arctic will require international cooperation, sound environmental policy, and a commitment to sustainable practices on a global scale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Satellite technology, such as that employed by the ESA, will continue to play an important role in understanding and monitoring these changes, informing the strategies we use to respond.</p>



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



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Arctic amplification is destabilizing the delicate balance of the ecosystem

The Arctic, a hotspot for climate change, is once more...

<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>



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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>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



<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>



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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