Heart disease, not suicide or overdose, is the leading killer of people living with serious mental health conditions. This is the conclusion of a sweeping review led by Viola Vaccarino of Emory University.



The experts report that adults with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety die, on average, 10 to 20 years earlier than their peers - largely because of cardiovascular disease.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-life-expectancy">Mental health and life expectancy </h2>



The cardiovascular penalty attached to common psychiatric diagnoses is substantial. Depression raises the risk of heart disease by roughly 72 percent.&nbsp;



For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-use-linked-to-higher-risk-of-schizophrenia/">schizophrenia</a>, the risk nearly doubles - up to about 95 percent. Bipolar disorder increases cardiovascular risk by 57 percent, PTSD boosts coronary heart disease risk by 61 percent, and anxiety disorders are associated with a 41 percent higher risk of dying from cardiovascular causes. 



These numbers help explain why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-life-expectancy-faces-a-triple-threat/">life expectancy</a> shrinks so dramatically for this population.



Despite the elevated risks, people with mental health conditions routinely receive worse heart care than the general public. Screenings are missed and risk factors go unmanaged. Evidence-based treatments are offered less often and followed up less reliably.&nbsp;



The result is a widening survival gap affecting a vast swath of society: roughly one in four people will experience a mental health disorder during their lifetime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-illness-and-heart-disease">Mental illness and heart disease</h2>



Mood and thought disorders don’t just coincide with heart disease; they help cause it - and cardiovascular events can in turn trigger new psychiatric illness. That feedback loop runs through behavior and biology.&nbsp;



Higher rates of smoking, physical inactivity, and poor diet are part of the story. So are the physiological effects of chronic stress: systemic inflammation, elevated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blood-pressure-treatment-efficacy-calculator-revolutionize-measurement-and-treatment/">blood pressure</a>, arrhythmias, and insulin resistance all nudge the cardiovascular system toward failure.



The relationship is equally visible in reverse. About 18 percent of people with cardiovascular disease live with depression; after an acute event such as a heart attack, that figure climbs to roughly 28 percent. 



Nearly one in four stroke survivors develops depression in the aftermath, and around 12 percent of heart attack survivors go on to meet criteria for PTSD. Treating either condition in isolation misses the way each amplifies the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-existing-systems-miss-what-matters">Existing systems miss what matters</h2>



The review highlights a pattern of structural neglect. Mental health and cardiology are typically staffed, funded and measured as separate domains, with little coordination between them.&nbsp;



Many cardiology clinics don’t routinely screen for depression, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/witnessing-trauma-may-cause-ptsd-in-a-different-way/">PTSD</a>, or anxiety. Many psychiatric services don’t monitor blood pressure, lipids, or glucose as systematically as cardiovascular teams would.



Access gaps compound the problem. In a 2023 U.S. survey cited by the authors, 54 percent of people who met criteria for a mental health disorder received no treatment at all.



Even in countries with universal coverage, patients with serious mental illness are less likely to receive recommended medications, procedures and follow-up for heart disease. 



Poverty, unstable housing, and social isolation make adherence and clinic attendance harder, turning health inequities into entrenched mortality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-and-physical-health-gains">Mental and physical health gains</h2>



The good news is that several familiar tools carry cardiovascular benefits alongside mental health gains.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-in-a-pill-is-now-closer-to-reality/">Exercise</a> is one of the most effective treatments for depression and also directly improves blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and endothelial function. The review argues it should sit alongside psychotherapy and antidepressants as core treatment - not an optional add-on.



Mind-body practices such as yoga, tai chi, and meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve some risk factors (for example, heart rate variability and stress biomarkers). Evidence that they prevent heart attacks or strokes remains limited, but early signals are encouraging and warrant larger trials.



Integrated care models - where mental health and cardiovascular teams coordinate around the same patient - consistently improve psychiatric outcomes in clinical studies. The next step is proving that these collaborative approaches also cut hard cardiac endpoints like myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality.&nbsp;



To do that, researchers will need to stop excluding people with mental health disorders from cardiovascular trials, a longstanding practice that has left clinicians without robust, disorder-specific guidelines for high-risk patients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-life-expectancy-outcomes">Improving life expectancy outcomes</h2>



The authors call for changes that are as practical as they are profound. Medical schools and residency programs should train clinicians to recognize and manage the bidirectional links between mental and physical illness.&nbsp;



Health systems and payers need to expand mental health coverage while embedding routine cardiovascular screening and risk management into psychiatric care - and, conversely, embedding mental health screening into cardiology.



Community-level solutions matter, too. Making exercise accessible and safe, addressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-related-deaths-will-surge-by-2030/">tobacco</a> use with tailored support, improving food access and tackling social isolation are public-health interventions that serve both the heart and the mind.&nbsp;



And because the burden is unequally distributed, equity must be a design principle: culturally competent care, outreach in underserved neighborhoods and policies that reduce financial and logistical barriers will save the most lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treat-the-whole-person">Treat the whole person</h2>



Taken together, the evidence reframes a familiar crisis. Mental health disorders are common. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/">Cardiovascular disease</a> is common. When they collide, lives are cut short - not by inevitability, but by gaps we can close.&nbsp;



If roughly a quarter of us will face a mental health condition in our lifetime, preventing the downstream heart damage is not a niche priority; it’s a population-wide imperative.



The path forward is clear enough: measure risk where it’s highest, treat depression and anxiety as cardiac risk factors, deploy exercise and integrated care as first-line tools, and build research and reimbursement structures that reflect how tightly the mind and heart are tied. 



Stop treating mental and cardiovascular health separately, and that 10- to 20-year life-expectancy penalty starts to look less like fate - and more like a fixable failure.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(25)00165-6/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Regional Health - Europe</a>.



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Mental health disorders reduce life expectancy by up to 20 years

Heart disease, not suicide or overdose, is the leading killer of people living with serious mental health conditions. This is the conclusion of a sweeping review led by Viola Vaccarino of Emory University. The experts report that adults with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety die, on average, 10 to 20 years earlier than their peers - largely because of cardiovascular disease.&nbsp; Mental health and life expectancy The cardiovascular penalty attached to common psychiatric diagnoses is substantial. Depression raises the risk of heart...

For decades, obesity was thought to take only one form and has been measured and managed using body mass index (BMI) - a simple calculation of weight in relation to height. 



While this method has helped categorize individuals into weight-related risk groups, it has not fully explained the complex biological roots or forms of obesity. New research now suggests that the condition is far more intricate than previously assumed.



The study suggests there may be at least 11 biological forms, each driven by different genetic pathways. 



These findings challenge how we classify, study, and treat obesity. The research pushes beyond just BMI. It focuses on the underlying biology and how that biology affects <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-childhood-obesity-rate-is-expected-to-soar-by-2050/">health risks</a>.



“It’s not just about the body mass index or the body appearance; it’s more about the biology behind it and how that is related to risk factors,” says Akl Fahed at the <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broad Institute</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-bmi-the-basics">Understanding BMI - the basics</h2>



<a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/calculate-your-bmi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Body Mass Index</a> is a quick and easy tool doctors use to get a general sense of whether someone’s weight might be impacting their health. 



They calculate it by dividing your weight by your height squared (in metric units), and that gives them a number. 



Based on where that number lands, you get placed into a category - underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. It’s not perfect, but it helps flag potential issues at a glance, especially when they’re screening large numbers of patients.



Doctors don’t use BMI as the final word, though, because they know it doesn’t tell the whole story. 



It doesn’t show how much muscle you have, where you carry fat, or what your lifestyle looks like. But it does give them a starting point. 



If your BMI’s on the higher end, for example, they might want to check your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-you-position-your-arm-can-alter-blood-pressure-readings-according-to-scientists/">blood pressure</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eggs-and-cholesterol-a-new-twist-in-an-old-debate/">cholesterol</a>, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/squats-vs-walking-the-definitive-winner-for-reducing-blood-sugar/">blood sugar</a> next. It’s kind of like a heads-up - not a diagnosis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-bmi-alone-isn-t-enough">Why BMI alone isn’t enough</h2>



BMI has long been the standard for diagnosing obesity, but it doesn’t reflect every obesity form or health risk. 



For example, some people with certain obesity forms never develop breathing problems or heart issues. Others do. 



That led researchers to propose a new category called “preclinical” obesity. This split groups people into those who already show <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-is-linked-more-to-food-than-fitness/">symptoms</a> and those who don’t yet but might in the future.



However, Fahed’s study shows this two-part system may be too simple.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genetic-map-of-obesity">The genetic map of obesity</h2>



The team analyzed genetic data from over 2 million people with obesity. These individuals came from diverse backgrounds. 



They examined links between BMI and body measurements like waist-to-hip ratios. This helped them identify 743 regions in the genome tied to obesity. Of these, 86 were previously unknown.



Researchers then investigated how genes in these regions affected body tissues. Some influenced how the body makes insulin. Others affected hormone levels, fat storage, or immune <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-obesity-difficult-to-reverse-it-starts-in-the-brain/">responses</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obesity-may-take-11-distinct-forms">Obesity may take 11 distinct forms</h2>



Using this method, the researchers identified <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.30.25330607v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">11 distinct genetic clusters</a>, each linked to specific biological mechanisms behind obesity.



Two of these clusters fall under broad categories: metabolically unhealthy obesity, which is associated with conditions like high blood pressure and insulin resistance, and metabolically healthy obesity, where individuals have excess body fat but relatively normal metabolic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-are-surging-worldwide/">health</a>. 



Six of the clusters are connected to different aspects of insulin production and regulation, highlighting how variations in blood sugar control contribute to obesity. 



The remaining three clusters involve disruptions in immune system function, hormonal control of hunger and body weight, and how the body processes and stores fats.



Instead of calling these clusters “subtypes,” the researchers use the term “endotypes” because they are not mutually exclusive - an individual can have multiple endotypes that interact and influence their overall condition.



“It is clear that there many forms of obesity,” says <a href="https://www.pbrc.edu/research-and-faculty/faculty/Greenway-Frank-MD.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frank Greenway</a> at Louisiana State University (<a href="https://www.lsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LSU</a>). Some people don’t respond to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy. This suggests those drugs may not treat the biological cause for everyone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatments-may-vary-by-obesity-form">Treatments may vary by obesity form</h2>



Better understanding of obesity could lead to more precise treatments. 



“In acknowledging that there are many different types of obesity, it may be possible to better target treatments and preventative interventions to provide more personalized care,” says <a href="https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph/people/academic/population-health/laura-gray" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laura Gray</a> at the <a href="https://sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a>.



Since six of the endotypes relate to insulin, some treatments might work across those types. However, other forms may require very different approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-obesity-forms-may-be-found">More obesity forms may be found</h2>



The research used data from the <a href="https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/research-and-innovation/participate-in-research/biobank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mass General Brigham Biobank</a> to confirm the 11 endotypes. Yet, this may not be the final number. 



“I think it’s possible that additional endotypes may be uncovered in the future, as genetic discovery continues,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/min-seo-kim-91a0b81a1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Min Seo Kim</a> from the Broad Institute.



Gray agrees and says the limit of 11 is likely due to the data size and our current knowledge. Still, some researchers urge caution.



“I like the ideas of obesity clusters, but they have to be more refined in the future to be helpful in the clinics,” says Henriette Kirchner at the <a href="https://www.uni-luebeck.de/en/university/university.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lübeck</a>. She adds that further studies will clarify how many endotypes actually exist.



This evolving picture may reshape how we design future obesity research and interventions by focusing on each obesity form. Treating obesity as a single form might soon be a thing of the past.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.30.25330607v1">medRxiv</a>.



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Obesity is much more complicated than we thought, manifesting in 11 different forms

For decades, obesity was thought to take only one form...

Theme,Diabetes.,The,Man,Whose,Glucose,Was,Measured,By,Going

Type 1 diabetes, as most textbooks tell it, shows up early, marches in with unmistakable warning signs, and never goes away. A single drop in daily insulin can mean trouble. 



That story has shaped treatment for nearly a century, and in many places, it works. Yet most of the data behind that story comes from Europe and North America. What if a different chapter has been unfolding elsewhere all along?



In clinics across <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sub-Saharan_Africa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sub-Saharan Africa</a>, nurses have long whispered to visiting researchers that some young patients labeled “type 1” seemed to hold on without insulin for weeks, even months. 



The hunch was hard to test - supplies are scarce, and lab work can be expensive - but the anecdotes kept piling up. Those whispers have now turned into evidence, and the findings are shaking up what we thought we knew <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-identify-a-cellular-switch-mitochondria-that-could-reverse-type-2-diabetes/">about diabetes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-african-clinic-data">Surprising African clinic data</h2>



Nearly 900 children, teens, and young adults in Cameroon, Uganda, and South Africa joined a project called the Young-Onset Diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa (<a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05013346?tab=table" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YODA</a>) study.



Blood samples, genetic scans, and clinical histories poured in. The results, published in The Lancet Diabetes &amp; Endocrinology, were striking.



About 65 percent of participants lacked the autoimmune fingerprints that define classic type 1 diabetes, and the usual high-risk immune genes were missing as well. 



Only 8.5 percent carried more than one diabetes-related autoantibody, a stark contrast to the roughly 90 percent seen within months of diagnosis in Western cohorts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-the-diabetes-diagnosis">Redefining the diabetes diagnosis</h2>



Instead of the immune system destroying insulin-making cells, this new subtype looks like something else altogether - an insulin-deficient illness that has not yet revealed its trigger. 



It sits outside type 2 diabetes, which is tied to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diabetes-rate-has-doubled-reaching-over-800-million/">insulin resistance</a>, and it doesn’t match malnutrition-related diabetes either. Clinicians had their suspicions; now the data back them up. 



“These new research findings confirm our long-standing suspicion. We have always wondered why many young people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes manage to survive without insulin, at least for some time, which would be unusual in typical type 1 diabetes,” said Dr Jean-Claude Katte of the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-diabetes">Types of diabetes</h2>



The YODA team compared African participants with more than 3,000 children and adolescents from the U.S. <a href="https://www.searchfordiabetes.org/dspHome.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth</a> study. 



The novel pattern emerged in a small group of Black American children and was absent in White participants. That split hints at a mix of ancestral roots and environmental factors. It also rules out simple lab error. 



Every sample was tested with assays calibrated for African populations, and the same pattern appeared across three countries with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carrots-may-help-manage-diabetes-by-improving-gut-health/">different diets</a>, infections, and climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-and-immediate-action">Urgent and immediate action</h2>



“These findings are a wake-up call. They challenge our assumptions about type 1 diabetes and show that the disease may present differently in African children and adolescents," said Professor Moffat Nyirenda, who directs the <a href="https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/units/mrc-uganda" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MRC/UVRI–LSHTM</a> Uganda Research Unit.



"We urgently need to deepen our investigations into the biological and environmental factors driving this form of diabetes and ensure our diagnostic and treatment approaches are fit for purpose in African settings.” 



Dr Katte added, “Our next step is to investigate possible causes - ranging from infections and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-this-amount-of-water-per-day-helps-control-blood-sugar-levels-in-people-with-diabetes/">nutritional factors</a> to environmental toxins. If we can find the cause, we may be able to prevent new cases and find new treatments.” 



Professor Eugene Sobngwi of Cameroon’s <a href="https://www.minsante.cm/site/?q=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ministry of Public Health</a> put it bluntly, saying, “We must invest in context-specific research. If we don’t, we risk misdiagnosing and mistreating millions of people.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-globally">What this means globally</h2>



Roughly nine million people worldwide live with type 1 diabetes. If two out of every three young patients in parts of Africa actually have a different disease, the global numbers - and the research priorities that follow - need a hard look. 



Mislabeling matters. Classic type 1 patients need lifelong insulin from day one; those with the new subtype may respond to therapies that protect or boost their still-working beta cells. 



Catching that difference could spare families the cost and risk of unnecessary high-dose insulin while steering researchers toward fresh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgotten-organ-spleen-bioreactor-could-revolutionize-diabetes-therapy-forever/">prevention strategies</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diagnosing-diabetes-type">Diagnosing diabetes type</h2>



The study leaves open questions. Autoantibodies can fade, so testing closer to the time of diagnosis could capture more detail. 



In addition, teasing apart infections, dietary patterns, and possible toxins will take careful fieldwork and, just as importantly, local funding. 



Yet the path is clear: broaden the research lens, update diagnostic manuals, and train healthcare teams to spot red flags - such as a young patient who stays stable on surprisingly little insulin. 



The YODA data show that those cases are not rare outliers; they are part of a hidden majority in several African settings.



Diabetes textbooks will need an update, but the bigger story is about equity in science. Decades of work built on narrow datasets can miss whole chapters of human biology. Broadening the map doesn’t just help the regions being studied; it fine-tunes medicine for all.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(25)00120-2/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Diabetes &amp; Endocrinology</a>.



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Scientists identify a new subtype of diabetes that will change how the disease is treated

Type 1 diabetes, as most textbooks tell it, shows up...

Autism spectrum disorder has long challenged both science and medicine. Each type presents differently - from speech delays to social difficulties to repetitive behaviors - making it hard to define and diagnose in a clear, unified way.



Parents, clinicians, and researchers have often worked with uncertainty, relying on broad categories that mask the condition’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autism-and-adhd-disorders-directly-linked-amount-of-time-kids-spend-on-screens/">complexity</a>.



Researchers at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a> and the <a href="https://www.simonsfoundation.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simons Foundation</a> have reshaped our understanding of autism. They identified four distinct clinical and biological subtypes using data from over 5,000 children in the SPARK autism cohort. 



This shift toward a person-centered view may change how autism is diagnosed and treated in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autism-types-mapped-with-big-data">Autism types mapped with big data</h2>



Instead of linking individual traits to single genes, the team used a computational model that considered each child’s entire profile. 



The researchers analyzed over 230 traits per child - spanning developmental milestones, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/">social</a> challenges, and repetitive behaviors.



This approach allowed them to group individuals into categories that reflect meaningful differences in both behavior and biology.



“Understanding the genetics of autism is essential for revealing the biological mechanisms that contribute to the condition, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis,” said Olga Troyanskaya, senior author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-distinct-autism-types-emerge">Four distinct autism types emerge</h2>



The study defined four categories of autism. The Social and Behavioral Challenges group includes children with classic autism traits but typical developmental progress. 



The Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay group features children who reach milestones later but often lack anxiety or disruptive behaviors.



The Moderate Challenges group has milder autism traits, no delays, and few psychiatric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-brain-learns-study-reveals-an-unexpected-twist/">conditions</a>. The Broadly Affected group shows a wide range of severe symptoms including delays, repetitive behaviors, and mood disorders.



“These findings are powerful because the classes represent different clinical presentations and outcomes, and critically we were able to connect them to distinct underlying biology,” said Aviya Litman, Ph.D. student at Princeton and co-lead author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-clues-behind-autism-types">Genetic clues behind autism types</h2>



Traditional genetic testing explains only a small portion of autism cases. This study went further by revealing distinct genetic profiles for each subtype. 



The Broadly Affected group showed the highest rate of damaging mutations not inherited from parents. 



In contrast, the Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay group had more rare inherited variants. Though the two groups share some traits, their genetic origins differ.



“While genetic testing is already part of the standard of care for people diagnosed with autism, thus far, this testing reveals variants that explain the autism of only about 20% of patients,” said Jennifer Foss-Feig of the Simons Foundation. 



This study begins to bridge that gap by offering a clearer map of which variants relate to which traits.



“These findings point to specific hypotheses linking various pathways to different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-prepares-the-brain-for-the-future-while-protecting-memories-of-the-past/">presentations</a> of autism,” said Litman.



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



The genetic influences behind each subtype do not act at the same time in development. In children with social and behavioral challenges, key gene mutations become active after birth. This matches the clinical picture of late diagnosis without early developmental delays.



In contrast, children in the Mixed ASD group carry mutations that affect the brain during fetal development. These genetic timelines correspond to the children’s milestones, diagnoses, and symptom severity.



“By integrating genetic and clinical data at scale, we can now begin to map the trajectory of autism,” said Chandra Theesfeld of Princeton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-direction-for-autism-research">New direction for autism research</h2>



This classification of autism types builds on years of collaborative research and was made possible through integration across genetics, psychology, and computation.



The work is part of Princeton Precision Health’s mission to connect biological insight with clinical care.



“It’s a whole new paradigm, to provide these groups as a starting point for investigating the genetics of autism,” said Theesfeld. 



Instead of searching for one common cause of autism, researchers can now examine the distinct mechanisms behind each group.



Natalie Sauerwald, co-lead author, explained, “The ability to define biologically meaningful autism subtypes is foundational to realizing the vision of precision medicine for neurodevelopmental conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-families">What this means for families</h2>



For families, this research may offer new clarity and direction. Knowing a child’s autism subtype could help with planning school support, medical care, and therapies. 



“Understanding genetic causes for more individuals with autism could lead to more targeted developmental monitoring, precision treatment, and tailored support and accommodations at school or work,” said Foss-Feig.



Families may gain insight into what symptoms to expect and how to better plan for the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autism-model-can-work-for-other-issues">Autism model can work for other issues</h2>



While this study focused on autism, its methods may apply to other complex conditions. 



By combining clinical traits with genetic data, researchers can now identify clear subtypes where once there was only disorder-level confusion. 



“This opens the door to countless new scientific and clinical discoveries,” said Theesfeld.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Genetics</a>.



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Four biologically distinct types of autism discovered in major new study

Autism spectrum disorder has long challenged both science and medicine....

Sleep may not be passive rest. It may work as a protective reaction to energy overload. In a recent study from the University of Oxford, scientists found that sleep is triggered when certain neurons sense energy stress deep inside their mitochondria.



The researchers used fruit flies to reveal how a simple redox signal triggers a full sleep response. 



The team included Professor Gero Miesenböck and Dr. Raffaele Sarnataro, both experts in brain circuitry and physiology from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



Their central finding: a leak of electrons from mitochondria acts as the physical pressure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/">sleep</a>. That leak creates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which push the brain to power down before damage spreads.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-stress-triggers-sleep">Energy stress triggers sleep</h2>



The researchers worked with a specific brain region in flies called dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB) neurons. These neurons help regulate sleep and wake states. Inside them, mitochondria play a central role.



When too many electrons build up, some escape from the mitochondrial chain. These stray electrons react with oxygen and form ROS. The redox balance, which reflects how reduced or oxidized a molecule is, then shifts. When the ratio tips too far, the neurons trigger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-prepares-the-brain-for-the-future-while-protecting-memories-of-the-past/">sleep</a>.



"You don't want your mitochondria to leak too many electrons," said Dr. Sarnataro. "When they do, they generate reactive molecules that damage cells."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-cell-energy-changes-sleep">Changing cell energy changes sleep</h2>



The researchers used several tools to alter the electron load. They reduced mitochondrial respiration by knocking down proteins like cytochrome c oxidase subunit 5A. This caused more sleep, confirming that respiration affects redox status and sleep drive.



On the flip side, increasing electron flow by feeding flies sugar or boosting certain metabolic enzymes also raised <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/move-more-sleep-better-exercise-helps-fight-insomnia/">sleep</a> levels. Both cases overloaded the system and produced ROS.



Even replacing mitochondrial energy with light, using optogenetic proteins, caused the same sleep reaction. Energy, from any source, appears to tip the redox balance if not properly buffered.



"In certain sleep-regulating neurons, we discovered that mitochondria, the cell's energy producers, leak electrons when there is an oversupply. When the leak becomes too large, these cells act like circuit breakers, tripping the system into sleep to prevent overload," explained Professor Miesenböck.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redox-sensors-signal-when-to-sleep">Redox sensors signal when to sleep</h2>



The experts also identified a molecular sensor called DJ-1β in dFB neurons. This protein responds directly to changes in redox state. If oxidation increases, DJ-1β activates and drives a shift to sleep mode.



The team confirmed this by modifying DJ-1β to mimic its oxidized form. Flies with this mutant version slept significantly more, even when mitochondrial conditions were normal.



The results prove that sleep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-night-of-lost-sleep-can-trigger-hidden-health-issues/">regulation</a> is not just about energy quantity. It also depends on how well mitochondria maintain a chemical balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-why-we-need-sleep">Understanding why we need sleep</h2>



The broader implications are striking. Sleep, fatigue, and lifespan might all stem from mitochondrial energy handling. 



Small animals use more oxygen and generate more ROS. They also sleep more and age faster. The redox theory could connect these patterns.



People with mitochondrial disorders often report chronic fatigue. Their mitochondria may leak electrons more often. This study gives a physical explanation for why they feel exhausted even at rest.



"This research answers one of biology's big mysteries," said Dr. Sarnataro. "Why do we need sleep? The answer appears to be written into the very way our cells convert oxygen into energy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-as-an-energy-circuit-reset">Sleep as an energy circuit reset</h2>



The research marks a major change in how scientists understand sleep. Instead of viewing sleep as a vague or passive process linked to rest or recovery, it now appears to be directly tied to the most fundamental parts of cellular biology.



The study places mitochondria - the cell’s main energy producers - at the center of this explanation. These tiny structures are not just background workers but active players in deciding when we need to sleep.



Rather than relying on broad ideas about brain fatigue or mental overload, the findings point to a specific physical process: a redox imbalance. 



This means that the chemical balance inside mitochondria gets disturbed when too much energy is processed or stored. As the system becomes overwhelmed, electrons begin to leak, producing harmful molecules.



The leak works like a built-in alarm. When the energy handling within the cell becomes unstable, the mitochondria send out a clear signal. This alert reaches key neurons in the brain, prompting them to induce sleep.



The goal is not just rest but a full system reset, protecting the brain’s delicate energy network from harm before lasting damage occurs.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09261-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Sleep begins as brain cells experience energy overload

Sleep may not be passive rest. It may work as...

More than one in ten U.S. high school seniors said they used delta‑8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in 2023, according to a fresh analysis of the nationwide Monitoring the Future classroom survey. This trend concerns public health experts as the substance carries known health risks. 



The delta-8 compound, an isomer of the better‑known delta‑9 THC found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-reveal-the-most-complete-cannabis-genome-yet/">Cannabis sativa</a>, is marketed as “light” or “legal” weed, yet it activates the same brain receptors that make cannabis psychoactive.



Study author Dr. Adam Leventhal of the USC <a href="https://ias.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Addiction Science</a> calls the numbers “a flashing yellow light,” noting that kids in states without adult‑use cannabis laws are turning to delta‑8 products instead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delta-8-thc-loophole">Delta‑8 THC loophole</h2>



Congress legalized hemp in 2018 as long as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-reduces-the-unwanted-side-effects-of-thc/">delta‑9</a> THC content stayed below 0.3 percent, but the law never mentioned its chemical cousins.



Entrepreneurs quickly learned they could convert hemp‑derived CBD into delta‑8 in a lab, keeping the letter of the law while selling a buzz that looks legal to consumers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-candy-colors-appeal-to-teens">Candy colors appeal to teens</h2>



Delta‑8 THC shows up in gummies, soda, breakfast cereal and cartoon‑branded vape carts, all of which are sold in places where no I.D. is required.



Earlier this year the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/07/ftc-fda-send-second-set-cease-desist-letters-companies-selling-products-containing-delta-8-thc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Drug Administration</a> and the <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/07/ftc-fda-send-second-set-cease-desist-letters-companies-selling-products-containing-delta-8-thc">Federal Trade Commission</a> warned several snack makers for packaging delta‑8 edibles that mimic name‑brand chips and cookies.



Gas‑station merchandising puts the compound beside energy drinks, making it feel as ordinary as candy and just as easy to grab between classes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delta-8-abuse-is-growing-fast">Delta‑8 abuse is growing fast</h2>



Among teens who used delta‑8, almost seven in ten <a href="https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2024/03/delta-8-thc-use-reported-by-11-of-12th-graders-in-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> taking it at least three times in the past year, and nearly one in six said they reached for it 40 or more times.



“Eleven percent is a lot of people, that’s at least one or two students in every average‑sized class,” said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/nih-almanac/national-institute-drug-abuse-nida" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute on Drug Abuse</a>.



Usage was highest in the South and Midwest and in states that still ban adult‑use cannabis, suggesting that teens substitute delta‑8 when licensed dispensaries are off‑limits.



Adolescence is a period of rapid synaptic pruning, and intoxicants can rewrite circuits that govern learning, memory and impulse control.



Animal studies show that THC disrupts the development of the prefrontal cortex, and early human data link frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-potency-why-you-shouldnt-trust-the-label/">cannabis</a> use to attention and mood disorders. 



Scientists expect similar risks from delta‑8 because it binds to the same CB1 receptor in the central and peripheral nervous system.



Because delta‑8 products are unregulated, potency varies, and heavy metals or residual solvents from the conversion process sometimes hitch a ride, adding more chemical stress to developing brains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulators-play-catch-up">Regulators play catch‑up</h2>



At least 32 states now restrict or ban delta‑8 THC, and Congress is weighing changes to the Farm Bill that could outlaw most intoxicating hemp derivatives nationwide. 



Meanwhile, <a href="https://poisoncenters.org/news-alerts/13302763" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">America's Poison Centers</a> logged 3,358 delta‑8 exposures in 2022 - an 82% jump in a single year.



Retailers counter that prohibition would drive teens to untested street products, but public‑health experts argue that age gates, potency caps and clear labeling are minimum safeguards for any psychoactive substance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catching-the-next-thc-derivative">Catching the next THC derivative</h2>



Researchers are already watching for what may follow delta‑8. The editorial accompanying the study warned that, while delta‑8 might appear mild, future cannabinoids could be stronger, more addictive, or harder to detect.&nbsp;



Several public health <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871625001292?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a> at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Johns Hopkins University, described the current delta‑8 surge as a sentinel event that could signal a new wave of cannabinoid use with unknown consequences.



That uncertainty complicates prevention. With new compounds synthesized regularly from legal hemp, each with slightly different chemical profiles, keeping regulations current becomes a game of chemistry whack‑a‑mole.&nbsp;



Public health experts say preemptive policy tools, real‑time exposure tracking, and better education campaigns are key to getting ahead of the next trend instead of simply reacting to it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delta-8-teen-health-and-the-future">Delta‑8, teen health, and the future</h2>



Parents often <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thc-o-acetate-is-not-a-psychedelic-cannabinoid-according-to-scientists/">learn</a> about delta‑8 THC only when gummies turn up in a backpack; talking early about the difference between “hemp” and “harmless” closes that knowledge gap.



The published survey offers an opening benchmark. Repeated sampling will reveal whether teen curiosity flattens or the trend line climbs like early e‑cigarette adoption did a decade ago.



Researchers say the next step is straightforward: track exposure, set evidence‑based limits and keep psychoactive chemistry out of the cereal aisle until the adult brain has finished its build.



The study is published in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2816083" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA</a>.



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THC variant marketed as 'harmless' is worrying public health experts due to its popularity

More than one in ten U.S. high school seniors said...

Stevia may soon offer more than just sweetness. In the lab, researchers found that when fermented with a bacterium from banana leaves, this natural plant extract targets pancreatic cancer cells - while leaving healthy kidney cells unharmed.



“Globally, the incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer continue to rise, with a five-year survival rate of less than 10%,” said study co-author Narandalai Danshiitsoodol from <a href="https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hiroshima University</a>.



“Pancreatic cancer is highly invasive and prone to metastasis, showing significant resistance to existing treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As such, there is an urgent need to identify new and effective anticancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-cells-create-power-waves-to-fuel-invasion/">compounds</a>, particularly those derived from medicinal plants.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermented-stevia-for-cancer-therapy">Fermented stevia for cancer therapy</h2>



The researchers used&nbsp;Lactobacillus plantarum&nbsp;SN13T, a bacterium from banana leaves. They fermented stevia leaves and compared the result to a regular extract. The fermented version (FSLE) worked better in every way.



“To enhance the pharmacological efficacy of natural plant extracts, microbial biotransformation has emerged as an effective strategy,” said Masanori Sugiyama. 



“In this study, we aimed to compare LAB-fermented and non-fermented extracts to identify key compounds that enhance bioactivity, ultimately contributing to the efficacy of herbal medicine in cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-each-day-at-any-speed-lowers-the-risk-of-cancer/">prevention</a> and therapy.”



The researchers didn’t just mix things and hope. They optimized fermentation time, temperature, and oxygen levels. Stevia turned out to be most potent when fermented for 72 hours, without oxygen, at 37°C.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermented-stevia-hits-cancer-cells-hard">Fermented stevia hits cancer cells hard</h2>



Fermented stevia killed pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cells more efficiently than the non-fermented extract. At the same time, it barely touched healthy HEK-293 cells, even at high doses. That balance is rare and valuable.



At some concentrations, FSLE didn’t kill cancer cells immediately. Instead, it slowed their growth. The cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-scientist-discovers-that-common-non-cancer-drugs-when-combined-can-kill-cancer-cells/">cells</a> looked weak, lost shape, and stopped sticking together. Under the microscope, they looked scattered and unhealthy.



Healthy kidney cells stayed mostly unaffected. This points to selectivity - a key feature for safe treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-antioxidant-effects">Strong antioxidant effects</h2>



Cancer isn’t just about rogue cells. Oxidative stress plays a big role. Fermented stevia turned out to be a powerful antioxidant too.



In lab tests, it neutralized free radicals more effectively than non-fermented extract. It hit 94% scavenging power in the DPPH assay and 75% in ABTS. Even when healthy cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide, FSLE helped them survive.



Fermentation likely created new compounds. The researchers suspect chlorogenic acid transformed into chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME), a more active form. Fermented stevia contained lots of it. The raw extract had none.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-compound-fights-cancer-cells">Powerful compound fights cancer cells</h2>



CAME packed more punch than chlorogenic acid. It stopped cancer cell growth and triggered their self-destruction.



Its IC50 - the dose that kills half the cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-cancer-cells-have-a-molecular-switch-that-could-be-rewired-to-behave-normally/">cells</a> - was just 119.1 µg/mL. For regular chlorogenic acid, it was 189.6 µg/mL. That’s a big difference. CAME shut down cancer cells by blocking their cell cycle and making them commit apoptosis.



Flow cytometry showed CAME, produced by fermented stevia, locked the cells in the G0/G1 phase. That’s the stage before a cell starts duplicating. It also caused the cells to release cytochrome c and activate caspases, which break down dying cells from the inside.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altered-gene-activity">Altered gene activity</h2>



At the gene level, things got interesting. CAME dialed up pro-apoptotic genes like Bax, Bad, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Cytochrome c. 



The compound also boosted E-cadherin, a gene linked to reduced cancer migration. Meanwhile, it shut down Bcl-2, a gene that normally stops cells from dying.



This gene activity supports what the microscope and assays showed. The cells didn’t just die randomly. CAME pushed them into a specific self-destruct mode, the mitochondrial pathway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stevia-more-than-just-a-sweetener">Stevia: More than just a sweetener</h2>



Fermentation changed the story. It gave stevia extract a new weapon - a compound that targets <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-activated-molecules-kill-cancer-cells-with-precision/">cancer</a> while keeping healthy cells safe. That transformation seems to happen through specific enzymes from the SN13T strain.



“This microbial transformation was likely due to specific enzymes in the bacteria strain used,” Danshiitsoodol said. 



“Our data demonstrate that CAME exhibits stronger toxicity to cells and pro-apoptotic effects - which encourage cell death - on PANC-1 cells compared to chlorogenic acid alone.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upcoming-cancer-research-with-stevia">Upcoming cancer research with stevia </h2>



The team plans to move beyond the lab dish. Mouse studies come next. That will show whether fermented stevia works in living systems with real immune responses and complex metabolism.



“The present study has substantially enhanced our understanding of the mechanism of action of the Lactobacillus plantarum SN13T strain in the fermentation of herbal extracts, while also offering a valuable research perspective on the potential application of probiotics as natural anti-tumor agents,” said Danshiitsoodol.



This research suggests that with the right microbes, even a simple leaf can evolve into a targeted therapy. Not bad for a sugar substitute.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/9/4186" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Journal of Molecular Sciences</a>. 



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Not all artificial sweeteners are bad for you, and this one might also fight cancer

Stevia may soon offer more than just sweetness. In the...

Funny,Upset,Depressed,Fat,Athlete,Choosing,Between,Gym,Dumbbell,And

Many people assume that trimming calories, skipping snacks, and sticking to salads will slim the waistline and lift the mood. Yet depression already affects about eight percent of U.S. adults each year, and new data suggest that dieting could make that burden heavier.



A large U.S. survey now links calorie‑restricted diets with higher scores on the <a href="https://med.stanford.edu/fastlab/research/imapp/msrs/_jcr_content/main/accordion/accordion_content3/download_256324296/file.res/PHQ9%20id%20date%2008.03.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PHQ‑9</a> depression questionnaire, especially in men and in anyone carrying extra weight. The work was led by psychiatrist Dr. Gabriella Menniti at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/">University of Toronto</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-calories-and-mood">Link between calories and mood</h2>



The analysis pooled answers from 28,525 adults who described what and why they ate during six rounds of the National Health and Nutrition Examination <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Survey</a>. 



Two thousand of them, about eight percent, flagged enough depressive symptoms to meet a clinical cutoff.



People who reported limiting overall calories registered depression scores almost one‑third of a point higher than similar adults who were not dieting. That margin sounds small but was consistent across income, age, and ethnic subgroups.



Men who counted calories fared worse than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gym-phobia-the-hidden-workout-hurdles-faced-by-women/">women</a>, posting higher somatic complaints such as fatigue and sleep trouble. 



Overweight participants who slashed calories from carbs or fat also showed larger mood dips than their weight‑stable peers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-men-carry-a-different-risk">Men carry a different risk</h2>



Nutrition scientists suspect that male biology raises the bar for minimum nutrient needs. Adult men generally require more protein, iron, and several B‑vitamins simply to maintain lean tissue.



When those inputs fall short, energy metabolism slows, and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10788288/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mood‑regulating chemicals</a> like serotonin may sag, increasing the odds of irritability and flat affect. The research team saw this pattern even after adjusting for income, education, and physical activity.



“Diets low in carbohydrates or fats may theoretically worsen brain function and exacerbate cognitive‑affective symptoms, especially in men with greater nutritional needs,” noted Dr. Menniti. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-matters-more-than-willpower">Weight matters more than willpower</h2>



Carrying extra body mass can mask nutrient shortfalls because fat tissue stores <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-caloric-restriction-help-you-live-longer-its-complicated/">calories</a>, not vitamins. Overweight dieters often cut portions without adjusting food quality.



That mismatch may create a loop where weight barely shifts but micronutrient levels tumble, undercutting motivation and generating disappointment. 



Reducing calories may thus result in mood slumps that can sabotage adherence before metabolic gains appear.



In the survey, the link between calorie cutting and low mood was strongest among adults with body mass index values between 25 and 30. The authors suggest that expectations, failed or delayed, may magnify emotional cost.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-swings-and-calorie-cuts">Mood swings and calorie cuts</h2>



The brain burns about twenty percent of daily energy yet relies almost exclusively on glucose for that supply. Severe decreases in blood sugar impair attention within minutes and can magnify anxiety.



Cutting carbohydrates to meet weight‑loss goals can therefore leave neurons underfed long before the scale budges. That shortfall is often misread as laziness or lack of discipline rather than a biochemical SOS.



Fats matter as well. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9962071/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega‑3 fatty acids</a> help build cell membranes and regulate inflammation, and low seafood intake has been linked to mood disorders in multiple trials.



Supplement studies are mixed, yet people who start with the lowest omega‑3 levels seem to benefit the most. This pattern suggests that deficiency, not dosage, drives the mood signal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-micronutrients-hide-in-plain-sight">Micronutrients hide in plain sight</h2>



Vitamin B12 supports the methylation reactions that produce dopamine and serotonin. Observational work finds that adults with low B12 levels score higher on depression scales even after accounting for income and alcohol use.



Iron paints a similar picture, with recent <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10175994/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHANES</a> analyses showing more depressive symptoms in men who test low for ferritin. The deficit can sap energy and flatten motivation within days.



Restrictive calorie plans that cut red meat, eggs, or fortified cereals can nudge both nutrients below recommended thresholds within weeks. Mood changes often surface before lab tests flag anything.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-calories-and-mood">Balancing calories and mood</h2>



Dieticians usually recommend filling half the plate with colorful produce, a quarter with lean protein, and the rest with whole grains. 



That template <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-enough-fiber-prevents-cancer-in-a-surprising-way/">supplies fiber</a> for gut bacteria, amino acids for neurotransmitters, and slow‑burn starch for stable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/squats-vs-walking-the-definitive-winner-for-reducing-blood-sugar/">blood sugar</a>.



Adding two servings of fatty fish per week or a daily handful of walnuts covers omega‑3s without extra pills. Vitamin‑B12‑rich foods like yogurt or fortified plant milks close common gaps for anyone skipping meat.



For weight management, experts advise shaving no more than five hundred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddlers-get-half-their-calories-from-ultra-processed-foods/">calories</a> off daily needs. Slower loss keeps micronutrient density intact and reduces cravings that torpedo adherence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cut-calories-gradually">Cut calories gradually</h2>



Tracking mood alongside meals can be as simple as jotting one word like “flat” or “energized” next to dinner entries in a phone app. Over a week patterns emerge that tell more than any food label.



If low energy always follows days under 1,800 calories, that data acts like a check‑engine light. The fix may be a small dose of complex carbs rather than abandoning the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/want-to-slow-down-aging-add-these-foods-to-your-diet/">diet</a> altogether.



Mental health professionals often remind clients that food is information, not just fuel. Sending the right signal takes mindful tweaks, not monastic austerity.



Small, sustainable changes compound faster than any crash diet. Your brain, as well as your belt, will notice the difference.



The study is published in <a href="https://nutrition.bmj.com/content/early/2025/05/28/bmjnph-2025-001167.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Nutrition, Prevention &amp; Health</a>.



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This seemingly 'perfect diet' could be the cause of your emotional slumps

Many people assume that trimming calories, skipping snacks, and sticking...

Every morning, millions of people crack an egg and begin their day. Whether poached, scrambled, or sunny side up, eggs have remained a breakfast staple around the globe. Yet, for decades, they’ve also been the subject of dietary controversy. 



Health professionals once warned us to limit our egg intake due to cholesterol concerns. They feared that too many eggs might clog arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. But as science continues to evolve, so do our ideas about food.



A new study from the <a href="https://www.unisa.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Australia</a> now challenges these long-standing beliefs. The research offers clear evidence that eggs may not deserve their bad reputation. Instead, they could be an unexpected ally in maintaining heart <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/just-one-handful-of-pecan-nuts-each-day-can-lower-cholesterol-heart-health/">health</a> if eaten the right way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eggs-were-blamed-for-heart-problems">Eggs were blamed for heart problems</h2>



The study’s findings arrive at a crucial time. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death across the globe. Nearly 18 million people die from CVD each year. 



In Australia, one person dies every 12 minutes due to CVD. That is one in four lives lost to heart-related issues. With such staggering statistics, it is essential to understand what truly contributes to heart disease.



For years, experts assumed cholesterol-rich foods like eggs played a direct role in raising LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol.” 



This assumption led to dietary guidelines that limited egg consumption. But Professor Jon Buckley and his research team wanted to look closer. They suspected that the real story was more complex.



“Eggs have long been unfairly cracked by outdated dietary advice,” Professor Buckley says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eggs-don-t-raise-bad-cholesterol">Eggs don't raise bad cholesterol</h2>



In what’s being called a world-first study, UniSA researchers set out to separate myth from fact. They explored how dietary cholesterol and saturated fat independently affect LDL cholesterol levels. 



The team designed a controlled diet study where participants consumed two eggs daily. The key twist? The overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-fish-oil-in-combating-high-cholesterol/">diet</a> was high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat.



The results were surprising. Eating two eggs a day, within a low saturated fat diet, actually reduced LDL cholesterol levels. That means the cholesterol in eggs did not raise the risk of heart disease. 



In fact, when saturated fat intake stayed low, dietary cholesterol from eggs had little to no negative effect.



“In this study, we separated the effects of cholesterol and saturated fat, finding that high dietary cholesterol from eggs, when eaten as part of a low saturated fat diet, does not raise bad cholesterol levels,” Buckley explains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-culprit-emerges">A new culprit emerges</h2>



So, if not eggs, what’s really behind elevated cholesterol <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-cholesterol-may-increase-the-risk-of-dementia/">levels</a>? The answer lies in saturated fat. This kind of fat is found in processed meats, fatty cuts of red meat, full-fat dairy products, and many baked goods. 



When people eat these foods regularly, LDL cholesterol levels can rise, increasing the risk of heart disease.



Buckley and his team highlight that eggs, although rich in cholesterol, contain very little saturated fat. This balance makes them quite different from other animal-based foods. It also means that we need to reevaluate which foods are the true culprits in heart disease risk.



“Instead, it was the saturated fat that was the real driver of cholesterol elevation,” Buckley says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eggs-are-fine-but-fatty-sides-are-not">Eggs are fine, but fatty sides are not</h2>



This study changes how we might think about the classic cooked breakfast. It is not the eggs on your plate that should raise <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-salmon-can-help-lower-your-cholesterol/">concern</a>. 



It is what you pair them with. Greasy bacon, processed sausages, and buttered toast may be the real threat to your heart, not the eggs themselves.



“You could say we’ve delivered hard-boiled evidence in defence of the humble egg,” noted Buckley.



So, the next time you are standing in front of a sizzling pan, think carefully. Eggs can remain on the menu. But you might want to skip that second sausage link or the extra slice of fried bread. The study reminds us that balance is more important than banishment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eggs-in-a-cholesterol-friendly-diet">Eggs in a cholesterol-friendly diet</h2>



Eggs are not only versatile but also packed with essential nutrients. They contain high-quality protein, vitamins like B12 and D, and healthy fats. 



For people trying to maintain a balanced diet, eggs can offer both nourishment and convenience. The new research finally gives them a fair chance to shine without guilt.



“So, when it comes to a cooked breakfast, it’s not the eggs you need to worry about - it’s the extra serve of bacon or the side of sausage that’s more likely to impact your heart health," said Buckley. 



It is time to let go of outdated advice. Science has turned the tables on cholesterol myths, allowing eggs to reclaim their place on the breakfast table. When part of a low saturated fat diet, eggs do not just taste good, they might actually support your heart.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002916525002539?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>. 



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Eggs and cholesterol: A new twist in an old debate

Every morning, millions of people crack an egg and begin...

cannabis - 1

Nine thousand steps sound like an easy stroll on a sunny day. According to a massive analysis of wrist‑worn tracking data, that simple daily target could reduce cancer risk by roughly one‑sixth.



The joint project by <a href="https://corp.oup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford University</a> and the U.S. National Institutes of Health <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(NIH)</a> combed through the movements of more than 85,000 adults born in the United Kingdom and followed for almost six years. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-effort-can-reduce-cancer">Small effort can reduce cancer</h2>



A daily average of 9,000 steps, when compared with 5,000, corresponded to a 16 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing 13 common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-cells-create-power-waves-to-fuel-invasion/">cancers</a>. 



That <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/59/12/839" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefit</a> started to emerge around 7,000 steps, where risk was 11 percent lower, and leveled off beyond the 9,000‑step mark.



Because the study captured entire days of ordinary movement, the team could separate the effect of step count from walking speed. 



Pacing faster did not add extra protection once total steps were considered, a nuance that helps reassure people who cannot or do not wish to run.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-accelerometers-not-anecdotes">From accelerometers not anecdotes</h2>



Earlier research leaned on questionnaires that asked volunteers to remember their workouts, a method that often misses slow, sporadic movement. 



Self‑reports also blur the difference between strolling to the mailbox and sprinting for a bus, making risk estimates fuzzy.



“Total physical activity, LIPA, MVPA and step counts were inversely associated with incident cancer,” <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40139674/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> lead analyst Alaina Shreves, M.S., who works with both Oxford and the NIH.



Light housework and moderate gardening helped as much, step for step, as a run around the block, a payoff that will surprise many weekend warriors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nine-thousand-not-ten">Why nine thousand not ten</h2>



In public health circles 10,000 steps became folklore, yet the number came from a 1960s pedometer marketing slogan. 



The U.K. sample showed that risk curves flattened at roughly 9,000 steps, echoing <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control</a> findings that mortality gains taper between 8,000 and 10,000 daily steps for adults under 60.



For older adults, similar plateaus appear closer to 8,000 steps, yet the protective trend is consistent. The lesson is simple: any increase matters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-adults-fall-short">Most adults fall short</h2>



Recent wearable‑device studies suggest that the typical American takes only about 4,000 steps a day, a level that specialists classify as sedentary. 



Closing the 5,000‑step gap would require roughly 40 extra minutes of relaxed walking, spread conveniently across errands, commutes, and coffee breaks.



Work‑from‑home patterns have trimmed incidental steps that were once earned on commutes, and long video meetings encourage near‑continuous sitting. 



Adding a standing reminder or a short timer that signals a one‑minute march on the spot every half hour can restore many of the “lost” strides.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-activity-can-reduce-cancer-risk">Light activity can reduce cancer risk</h2>



Replacing an hour of sitting with gentle chores can reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-blood-test-detects-cancer-before-symptoms-appear/">cancer</a> risk by 6 percent, the analysis found. 



Measured, moderate‑to‑vigorous bouts offered slightly more reduction, yet simply staying on one’s feet proved meaningful when the clock ticked into place.



“Adults should get 150‑300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75‑150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week,” stated the <a href="https://www.cancer.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Cancer Society</a>. 



A brisk, 30‑minute walk five days a week already lands inside that target.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biology-behind-the-reduced-cancer-risk">Biology behind the reduced cancer risk</h2>



Regular movement regulates insulin, tames chronic inflammation, and keeps sex hormone levels in check, three pathways that are tied to tumor growth. 



The World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) notes that people who are insufficiently active face up to a 30 percent higher risk of premature death from non‑communicable diseases, including cancer.



Exercise may also improve DNA repair and immune surveillance, giving errant cells less room to multiply unchecked. 



These physiological ripples grow with each step, making walking a potent tool that demands no gym membership.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-evidence-into-daily-habits">Turning evidence into daily habits</h2>



Nine thousand steps translate to about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers), or roughly 90 minutes of total walking accumulated throughout a day. 



Parking at the far end of the lot, pacing during phone calls, and choosing stairs can all nudge the counter upward without scheduling a workout.



Smartphones and inexpensive fitness bands make tallying straightforward. For readers uncomfortable with gadgets, a lap around the block after each meal approximates three thousand steps, leaving six thousand to everyday errands and normal indoor movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-moving-to-reduce-cancer-risk">Keep moving to reduce cancer risk</h2>



The Oxford‑NIH study relied on middle‑aged and older volunteers, largely of European descent, so findings may not apply identically across ages and ethnicities. 



Still, its message lines up with decades of data tying movement to reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-each-day-at-any-speed-lowers-the-risk-of-cancer/">cancer</a> and cardiovascular burdens.



Walking will not replace screening or a balanced diet, yet it is a low‑cost habit with few negative side effects. Even if nine thousand steps seem high today, adding an extra five hundred each week will gradually bridge the gap.



The study is published in the <a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/59/12/839" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a>.



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Study shows this simple daily activity can reduce cancer risk by up to 16%

Nine thousand steps sound like an easy stroll on a...

Kitchen pantries hold many folk cures, yet few spark as much debate as apple cider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vinegar-adds-another-surprising-health-benefit-depression-cure-to-its-long-list-of-perks/">vinegar</a>. The tangy liquid has jumped from salad dressing to social‑media star on the promise that a daily shot melts extra pounds.



Fresh research hints the buzz may hold a kernel of truth: Lebanese volunteers, aged 12-25, who swallowed up to one tablespoon each morning slimmed down by an average 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) in just 12 weeks. 



Study leader Rony Abou‑Khalil, Ph.D., of <a href="https://hsuf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holy Spirit University of Kaslik</a>, oversaw the double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial that tracked weight, waist size, blood sugar, and cholesterol.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-cider-vinegar-trial-found">What the cider vinegar trial found</h2>



Participants were split into four groups. Three groups received a daily dose of 5, 10, or 15 milliliters of the cider vinegar diluted in water, and the fourth received a placebo. 



Those given the highest dose dropped from roughly 173 to 155 pounds (78 to 70 kilograms), while trimming inches from their waist and hips.



Blood tests followed suit, showing double‑digit declines in fasting glucose, triglycerides, and total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/just-one-handful-of-pecan-nuts-each-day-can-lower-cholesterol-heart-health/">cholesterol</a> by week twelve. 



No serious side effects were logged, and activity journals confirmed the teens made no deliberate diet or exercise changes.



Because the study ran for only three months and involved 120 youths from one culture, its authors warn against overgeneralizing the results. 



They stress that longer trials and more diverse cohorts are needed before doctors can recommend cider vinegar as a stand‑alone therapy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-teens-were-targeted">Why teens were targeted</h2>



Youth obesity sets the stage for adult diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers, yet nearly one in five U.S. adolescents already meets the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/adult-calculator/bmi-categories.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMI threshold</a> for obesity. Finding safe, low‑cost tools that engage this age group is therefore a public‑health priority.



“Intervening early may prevent long‑term complications associated with obesity,” Abou‑Khalil explained. He and his team chose adolescents and young adults precisely because earlier cider vinegar studies focused on older participants.&nbsp;



The youthful cohort also helped rule out age‑related metabolic slowdowns that can cloud results. Still, puberty‑related hormone swings could have influenced appetite and fat storage, a factor that future work must address.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-cider-vinegar-might-work">How cider vinegar might work</h2>



The main active compound, acetic acid, races from the stomach into the blood and may nudge cells to burn fat instead of storing it. Animal data show the acid flips on AMP‑activated protein kinase, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/">metabolic</a> switch tied to higher energy use.



“One proposed mechanism is that ACV may help to increase feelings of satiety, leading to reduced calorie intake,” said Abou‑Khalil. It may also slow gastric emptying, leaving people feeling full with fewer calories.&nbsp;



Another possibility involves gut‑released <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3286726/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satiety hormones</a> such as GLP‑1 and PYY, which rise in rodents that are given cider vinegar and are known to curb appetite. Whether the same surge occurs in teenagers remains to be shown.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-with-earlier-studies">Comparing with earlier studies</h2>



The Lebanese data echo a 2009 Japanese trial in which adults who drank 15 or 30 milliliters of cider vinegar daily shed two to four pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kilograms) and lowered triglycerides over the same 12‑week span.



A 2021 meta‑analysis pooling nine clinical trials concluded that up to 15 milliliters a day for more than eight weeks cut fasting glucose by about eight milligrams per deciliter and shaved six points off total cholesterol, though effects on <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24395-hdl-cholesterol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HDL</a> and insulin were negligible.



Taken together, these papers hint at modest benefits, particularly for people with elevated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-extracts-may-help-treat-metabolic-syndrome/">metabolic</a> markers. They also emphasize how dose, duration, and starting health status sway the outcome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-worth-knowing">Risks worth knowing</h2>



Cider vinegar is still an acid strong enough to etch tooth enamel and irritate the throat, cautions the <a href="https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/experts-provide-latest-science-on-apple-cider-vinegar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Dental Association</a>. To reduce the risk, experts suggest diluting it in water and drinking it through a straw to limit contact with teeth.



Dentists advise diluting it in at least 8 ounces (230 milliliters) of water, sipping through a straw, and waiting an hour to brush. People taking insulin, diuretics, or medications for delayed stomach emptying should talk with a clinician first, because the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-may-help-you-live-longer-if-you-drink-it-this-way/">drink</a> can amplify drug effects or worsen gastroparesis.



Researchers also note that the placebo group in the Lebanese experiment gained no weight, suggesting lifestyle stability mattered as much as the cider vinegar itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-implications">Everyday implications</h2>



Anyone eager to try the tonic can treat it like any condiment, sprinkling a teaspoon or two over salads or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-more-fruits-and-vegetables-will-help-you-get-better-sleep/">vegetables</a> instead of drinking it straight. That habit adds flavor while easing the enamel threat.



Even if cider vinegar offers a small metabolic nudge, sustainable weight control still hinges on balanced meals, adequate protein, enough sleep, and regular movement.



Future trials will reveal whether older adults with slower metabolisms respond in similar fashion, but for now experts advise pairing any cider vinegar routine with these fundamentals.



The study is published in <a href="https://nutrition.bmj.com/content/bmjnph/early/2024/01/18/bmjnph-2023-000823.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ Nutrition, Prevention &amp; Health</a>.



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Popular home remedy for weight loss is gaining traction in the scientific community

Kitchen pantries hold many folk cures, yet few spark as...

Our bodies meet the sensory world long before our minds can make sense of it. Scientists now argue that what we feel, hear, and see in those first hidden months may lay the tracks for later behavior, including the hallmarks of autism <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-link-autism-to-neanderthal-dna-genetic-variants-found-in-modern-humans/">spectrum</a> disorder&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASD</a>).



Carissa Cascio of the University of Kansas <a href="https://lifespan.ku.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Life Span Institute</a> helped assemble the <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-24326-001.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> and calls it the “cascading effects model.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-sensory-patterns-in-autism">Early sensory patterns in autism</h2>



ASD touches about one in 36 eight-year-olds in the United States, a <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7202a1.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">figure</a> that keeps inching upward. 



Since 2013 the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4345540/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diagnostic and Statistical Manual</a> has listed atypical responses to light, sound, or touch right alongside social traits, confirming that sensory quirks are not side-notes.



Those quirks can lean both ways. Some toddlers barely blink at loud noises, while others recoil from a shirt tag, yet both patterns predict later communication <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plastics-chemical-bpa-linked-to-autism-adhd-in-children/">hurdles</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-touch-develops-early-body-awareness">Touch develops early body awareness</h2>



<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6710198/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> tracing fetal physiology shows the sense of touch forming as early as eight weeks of gestation, long before hearing or vision join the party. 



That early tactile scaffold gives a fetus its first map of “me versus not-me,” a map that guides newborn rooting, grasping, and self-soothing.



At birth the world suddenly grows brighter, colder, and louder, forcing the newborn brain to stitch together sight, sound, and touch in swift <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4215474/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multisensory integration</a>. 



If any one strand lags or fires too fiercely, later strands, language, joint attention, play, may knot in unexpected ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensory-changes-before-autism-signs">Sensory changes before autism signs</h2>



A landmark eye-tracking <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4035120/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found that infants who would later be diagnosed with ASD began life looking at caregivers’ eyes as much as other babies but shifted away between two and six months. 



That tiny change in visual preference predates any obvious social difference, hinting that a developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autism-and-adhd-disorders-directly-linked-amount-of-time-kids-spend-on-screens/">brain</a> already feels mismatched input.



Brain scans echo the behavior. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5336143/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Infants</a> who went on to an autism diagnosis showed faster-than-typical cortical surface growth in sensory areas between six and twelve months, a burst linked to later social scores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-autism-may-begin-with-small-differences">Autism may begin with small differences</h2>



“Our work is rooted in the idea that brain differences in autism are starting much earlier than the age at which we use complex social interactions to diagnose autism,” said Cascio. 



“We’re hopeful that the ideas in this paper will help researchers formulate and test questions about early sensory development,” said Cascio.



By framing sensory pathways as the first domino, the model explains why some children flap, spin, or crave noise: repetitive actions may be self-chosen ways to tame unpredictable signals. 



It also clarifies why others seem distant, if touch or sound barely registers, the wider world offers fewer hooks for connection, so social skills have less raw material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensory-signs-may-help-detect-autism-sooner">Sensory signs may help detect autism sooner</h2>



Follow-up <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8740754/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> show that higher sensory hyporesponsiveness at twelve months foretells lower expressive language at two years. Caregivers usually notice the silence, not the missing “aha” moments humble touch and sound should have sparked months before.



Yet plasticity cuts both ways. A 2025 randomized trial found that a parent-led program called <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-025-06928-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Project ImPACT</a> eased social hyporesponsiveness and, for some infants, boosted later language.



Not all sensory experiences are created equal, and not all babies grow up in the same sensory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-dna-is-more-common-in-people-with-autism/">environments</a>. Cultural norms, parenting styles, and household dynamics can all shape how infants respond to sounds, touch, and movement in those critical early months. 



A baby raised in a quiet, low-stimulus setting may adapt differently than one growing up in a louder, more chaotic home, even if both develop along typical lines.



These early differences matter. For example, eye contact and physical touch carry different meanings across cultures. 



What one family sees as normal affection, another may view as intrusive. If a child with ASD is raised in a context where reduced touch or gaze is common, it may mask or complicate early signs.



That’s why researchers like Cascio emphasize the need for broader studies that account for diverse families and developmental contexts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-autism-screening-and-support">Improving autism screening and support</h2>



Screening tools that focus only on gestures or words may miss children whose first signals are sensory. 



Pediatric check-ups that include simple tests, does a four-month-old turn toward a rattle, settle with gentle stroking, blink at bright light, could flag risk while brains remain highly <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-10/documents/ace3_neurodevelopmental.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurodevelopmental</a> and adaptable.



Interventions might then start with the senses themselves: patterned touch, predictable light, graded sound, and caregiver coaching to read a baby’s comfort zone. 



By tuning the earliest circuits, therapists hope to widen each child’s window for curiosity, play, and later learning.



The study is published in <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2026-24326-001.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychological Review</a>.



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Autism may begin with sensory changes well before social signs appear

Our bodies meet the sensory world long before our minds...

Life feels smaller when friends are far away. Now scientists have measured just how literally the brain itself can shrink due to social isolation when people spend a year cut off from the wider world.



Their new work follows 25 volunteers who “wintered over” at Concordia Station, an Antarctic outpost 685 miles from the nearest coast, enduring months of darkness and a chronic lack of rescue options. 



The findings come from Dr. Mathias Basner and Dr. David R. Roalf of the University of Pennsylvania <a href="https://www.med.upenn.edu/">Perelman School of Medicine</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-simulates-space-like-isolation">Antarctica simulates space-like isolation</h2>



Few spots on Earth mimic the deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-harms-health-more-than-alcohol-obesity-or-smoking/">isolation</a> astronauts will face on future Mars missions, yet Concordia comes close. Its altitude feels like 13,000 feet to the body, air temperatures plunge well below -70°F, and the Sun disappears for weeks. 



Those stressors force crews to rely solely on one another, providing a rare, ethically acceptable model for studying chronic social separation.



Earlier Antarctic MRI work hinted that solitude can sap regions linked to memory and navigation, but sample sizes were tiny and scans happened long after crews returned. 



Basner’s team scanned participants before they left Europe, within 16 days of touchdown back home, and again five months later, capturing changes while they were still fresh.



The volunteers served as their own controls, and four “flying phantom” participants were scanned at every site to align machines. A matched group in Germany, who never left home, offered a reality check against normal aging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolation-causes-brain-shrinkage">Isolation causes brain shrinkage</h2>



High‑resolution MRI revealed that total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-experiences-trigger-lasting-changes-in-brain-structure/">gray matter</a> fell in the temporal and parietal lobes as well as in deep structures such as the hippocampus, pallidum, and thalamus. 



Ventricular spaces holding cerebrospinal fluid expanded at the same time, suggesting tissue gave way to fluid. Virtually all of those losses reversed after five months except in the thalamus, a hub for sensory relay.



Parietal lobe volume dropped about 0.4 standard deviations immediately post‑mission, while lateral ventricles swelled by a similar margin.



Control participants showed no such pattern, implying that cold, confinement, and social deprivation, not calendar time, drove the shift.



While discussing Mars travel earlier this year, Basner warned that “something quite bad is happening in the brain” during lengthy expeditions. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-sleep-and-exercise-protect-brain">Good sleep and exercise protect brain</h2>



Sleep logs and wrist‑worn actigraphs painted a clear picture: crew members who slept longer and more efficiently lost less gray matter in the temporal cortex and hippocampus. 



Laboratory <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10281670/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> back the idea, linking deep sleep to the glymphatic system that clears metabolic waste and guards neurons.



Gym visits mattered, too. Time spent lifting weights or cycling correlated with healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sitting-for-hours-daily-shrinks-your-brain-even-if-you-exercise/">brain volumes</a>, echoing decades of research on exercise‑induced neurogenesis. 



Thus, the polar crew’s cramped fitness room served not just morale but measurable neuroprotection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolation-harms-the-brain">Isolation harms the brain </h2>



Antarctica may seem far from daily life, yet social isolation is rising worldwide and carries similar neurological fingerprints. 



A Neurology <a href="https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000207602" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> of 8,896 Japanese seniors found that those with the least contact had total brain volumes 0.5 percent lower than their most connected peers and smaller hippocampus and amygdala volumes.



Systematic reviews tie chronic loneliness to thinning of anterior hippocampal tissue, reduced cortical thickness, and weaker white‑matter efficiency. 



These civilian data reinforce the Antarctic results: whether you are on a frozen plateau or an urban block, prolonged disconnection chips away at brain real estate involved in memory, mood, and orientation.



Animal work supports the link. Rodents housed alone show dendritic pruning in hippocampal neurons, mirroring the human MRI findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-it-means-for-future-space-travel">What it means for future space travel</h2>



NASA and ESA advisors now rank safeguarding brain health among the top 14 research goals before any multiyear mission beyond low Earth orbit. In microgravity, fluid shifts already enlarge ventricles and raise intracranial pressure, adding social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-isolation-and-loneliness-trigger-changes-in-blood-proteins/">isolation</a> could amplify risk.



Countermeasures under study include structured exercise, regulated light cycles that protect sleep, and virtual reality visits with family. 



The Concordia data hint that such steps are not optional extras but necessities if crews are to think clearly by the time they reach Mars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolation-as-a-brain-health-issue">Isolation as a brain health issue</h2>



For public health officials, the Antarctic story demonstrates the need to treat loneliness as a biological threat, not just an emotional one. 



Simple interventions, encouraging community ties, securing access to green spaces, prescribing exercise with social components, might slow neural wear.



Meanwhile, Basner and Roalf plan to track a new Concordia cohort using portable low‑field scanners, hoping to capture changes in real time. Broader samples, including more women and older adults, will test how universal the brain‑shrink response really is.



Policy makers could also draw lessons about elder‑care design. Housing that fosters hallway chats or communal meals might buffer the brain much like gym sessions did for the polar explorers. 



Regions with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-populations-have-less-cohesive-social-networks/">aging populations</a> may see cognitive dividends from investments that fight isolation.



Finally, ordinary readers can take a cue from the ice: protect your sleep, keep moving, and stay socially engaged. The brain, it seems, is as hungry for company as it is for oxygen.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41526-025-00497-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Microgravity</a>.



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Long periods of social isolation can physically shrink the brain

Life feels smaller when friends are far away. Now 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=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<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=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



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



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



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



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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.

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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.

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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