A nationally representative, wearables-based study has tracked Americans who said they did not do structured exercise. It found that short energy bursts - a median of just 1.1 minutes per day of brief, vigorous effort - was linked with a lower risk of death over roughly seven years.



The pattern was simple. People who racked up about five or six energy bursts per day, each usually around 10 seconds and all under one minute, tended to fare better than those who did none.



This work was led by Emmanuel Stamatakis at the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a>. The team focused on vigorous activity, meaning effort that makes breathing hard and raises heart rate clearly for short spans.



Researchers looked at death from any cause. The curve of benefit rose quickly at low amounts, then flattened, which means the biggest change showed up when going from zero to a little. 



That is important for people who find it hard to schedule <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-can-slow-aging-right-down-to-your-dna/">workouts</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



The sample came from <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHANES</a> (the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey), a long-running U.S. program that links health records with device-measured movement. 



Participants wore a wrist accelerometer - a sensor that records motion dozens of times per second - for about a week.



The authors studied what they call Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2807734" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VILPA</a>). 



That is the short, sharp effort that happens during normal life, like a very fast walk uphill, a quick run to catch a bus, or carrying heavy items up stairs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-short-energy-bursts-mean">What short energy bursts mean</h2>



Two findings stood out. First, daily time VILPA showed a near-linear link with lower risk, and the median of 1.1 minutes per day corresponded to a hazard ratio of about 0.61 in models that accounted for many other factors. 



Second, doing roughly five to six short bursts per day captured most of the observed benefit in this group.



“VILPA is a bit like applying the principles of High <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-feels-better-when-its-matched-to-your-personality/">Intensity</a> Interval Training to your everyday life," Stamatakis explained. 



"We need to further investigate this link through robust trials, but it appears that VILPA may be a promising, cost free recommendation for lowering cancer risk in people who find structured exercise difficult or unappealing."



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



Earlier U.K. Biobank <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02100-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> reported that a sample median of 4.4 minutes per day of VILPA was associated with noticeably lower risks of all cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. 



The U.S. study’s median dose is smaller, which may reflect differences in age, fitness, or baseline activity.



Cancer findings from the U.K. Biobank add useful context. 



A 2023 <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2807734" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysis</a> of non-exercisers found that about 4.5 minutes per day of VILPA was linked to lower incident cancer risk, with the steepest gains when moving from none to a little.



A hazard ratio compares rates of an outcome between groups over time. Values below 1.0 indicate a lower rate in the more active group, values above 1.0 indicate a higher rate, and the confidence interval shows the range of uncertainty.



These numbers do not prove that short energy bursts caused the lower risk. They show a strong association after adjusting for many measured factors, which is informative for public health while we wait for further trials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-bursts-and-health">Energy bursts and health</h2>



Only about one quarter of U.S. adults meet both aerobic and strength targets, notes a CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db443.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>. 



Finding health linked to very short, vigorous effort embedded in daily life could help reach people who are not hitting those goals.



The signal shows up at low doses. That matters because many people cite time, cost, or access as barriers to regular exercise.



The U.S. cohort’s median VILPA time was just over a minute per day, and the median burst count was about five per day. 



Most bursts lasted around 10 seconds, which aligns with the way people actually move when life gets busy.



The dose-response curve rose quickly at first, then flattened around eight bursts per day in this dataset. That pattern supports the idea that small, repeatable effort may offer a meaningful step up from doing none.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-bursts-and-future-health">Energy bursts and future health</h2>



Wearable sensors let scientists capture movement in 10-second windows, which makes it possible to study these micro patterns. That is a big advance over older surveys that missed very short efforts.



Future trials need to test whether nudging VILPA upward changes health markers directly. Those tests could use prompts during chores, commuting, or short work breaks.



This was an observational analysis, so unmeasured differences could still explain part of the link. People who feel better might move more, and some health risks are hard to measure perfectly at baseline.



Device limits matter too. Wrist sensors can misread certain tasks, and any single week of tracking may not reflect a person’s full year of movement.



Public health groups already say that all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-form-of-exercise-is-shown-to-improve-sleep-the-most-according-to-studies/">movement</a> counts. VILPA adds a sharp, practical edge to that message by focusing on brief, intense efforts that do not require special gear or set times.



If ongoing work shows cause and effect, simple cues could help people add a handful of short energy bursts to tasks they already do. 



That kind of shift would be especially useful for those who do not visit gyms or prefer not to schedule workouts.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.05.25333017v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medRxiv</a>.



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Just one minute of this exercise every day can literally add years to your life, says a new study

A nationally representative, wearables-based study has tracked Americans who said they did not do structured exercise. It found that short energy bursts - a median of just 1.1 minutes per day of brief, vigorous effort - was linked with a lower risk of death over roughly seven years. The pattern was simple. People who racked up about five or six energy bursts per day, each usually around 10 seconds and all under one minute, tended to fare better than those who did none. This work was led...

Robots that rely only on cameras or LiDAR (light detection and ranging) can stumble when foliage hides the trail, mud muffles their steps, or dense underbrush blocks their line-of-sight.



To overcome this problem, a research team from <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a> has created a framework called WildFusion. It equips a four-legged robot with the additional senses of vibration and touch, enabling it to build richer maps and choose safer footholds in real forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfusion-expands-robot-senses">WildFusion expands robot senses</h2>



Conventional outdoor robots treat the world as a set of points captured by spinning LiDAR or a stereo camera. This sparse view breaks down whenever vegetation hides a path or when reflective surfaces confuse laser returns.



“Typical robots rely heavily on vision or LiDAR alone, which often falter without clear paths or predictable landmarks,” said Yanbaihui Liu, the lead student author and a second-year Ph.D.&nbsp;student at Duke.



“Even advanced 3D mapping methods struggle to reconstruct a continuous map when sensor data is sparse, noisy, or incomplete, which is a frequent problem in unstructured outdoor environments. That’s exactly the challenge WildFusion was designed to solve.”



WildFusion combines the usual RGB camera and LiDAR with contact microphones near each footpad, force-sensitive tactile skins on the limbs, and an inertial measurement unit.



As the machine trots, microphones record the unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-echoes-may-have-inspired-prehistoric-rock-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">acoustic</a> signatures of every step - the crunch of dry twigs, the thud of exposed roots, the squish of saturated moss.



Tactile sensors log the pressure profile so the controller knows immediately if a foothold is solid or slippery. The inertial unit reports pitch, roll, and yaw, giving the controller a sense of whether the chassis is tilting dangerously.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-map-in-the-robot-s-head">A map in the robot’s head</h2>



Each sensory stream passes through a dedicated neural encoder that condenses raw values into a compact vector.



Those vectors are fused inside a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionizing-aerodynamics-airplane-emissions-ai-deep-learning-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep learning</a> architecture that represents the environment not as disconnected dots, but as a smooth mathematical field - a technique known as an implicit neural representation.



Because the model fills gaps between sparse observations, the robot can infer obstacles hidden behind branches or predict sinkholes obscured by leaves.



“WildFusion opens a new chapter in robotic navigation and 3D mapping,” said Boyuan Chen, a professor of mechanical engineering and materials science, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science at Duke.



“It helps robots to operate more confidently in unstructured, unpredictable environments like forests, disaster zones, and off-road terrain.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-wildfusion-in-real-terrain">Testing WildFusion in real terrain</h2>



To test the system outside the lab, the team marched its quadruped through Eno River State Park in North Carolina. The course included dense laurels, sandy creek beds, gravel service roads, and tangles of woody debris.



Vision alone proved unreliable when dappled sunlight fooled depth estimates, yet WildFusion’s fused map still predicted stable footholds.



“Watching the robot confidently navigate terrain was incredibly rewarding,” Liu said. “These real-world tests proved WildFusion’s remarkable ability to accurately predict traversability, significantly improving the robot’s decision-making on safe paths through challenging terrain.”



Chen likens the process to human intuition. “Think of it like solving a puzzle where some pieces are missing, yet you're able to intuitively imagine the complete picture,” he explained. 



“WildFusion’s multimodal approach lets the robot ‘fill in the blanks’ when sensor data is sparse or noisy, much like what humans do.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-map-the-woods">Robots map the woods</h2>



Although demonstrated in a state park, the architecture is modular. The researchers plan to bolt on thermal imagers, humidity probes, or chemical sensors so future versions can detect heat from survivors in collapsed buildings or gauge soil moisture for agricultural scouting.



With minimal wiring changes, the same fusion core could also guide tracked vehicles across rubble or aerial drones beneath canopies where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GPS</a> signals fades.



“One of the key challenges for robotics today is developing systems that not only perform well in the lab but that reliably function in real-world settings,” Chen said. “That means robots that can adapt, make decisions, and keep moving even when the world gets messy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-humans-can-t-go">When humans can't go</h2>



Robots outfitted with WildFusion could reduce risk in hazardous jobs - from scouting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-seasons-are-now-overlapping-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire</a> perimeters to inspecting aging power lines that snake through thick forests.



If a landslide blocks a road after an earthquake, a multisensory robot could hike in, map the debris, and relay data before human crews arrive.



Offshore wind farms and mountain pipelines, often shrouded in fog or framed by moving foliage, pose similar navigation challenges that a vibration-savvy machine could handle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-that-feel">Robots that feel</h2>



The project underscores a broader trend in robotics: giving machines bodies that truly feel the world. Engineers have long taught algorithms to see, but as WildFusion shows, layering subsurface vibrations and tactile feedback can elevate robotic intuition.



“It helps robots to operate more confidently in unstructured, unpredictable environments,” Chen noted.



With its ability to fuse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-that-sense-the-world-through-sound-are-more-human-like/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sound</a>, touch, vision, and motion into one seamless environmental model, WildFusion pushes robots a step closer to the nuanced perception humans deploy on a casual weekend hike. 



This amazing technology opens the door to operations in the many places where clear paths and predictable landmarks are the exception, not the norm.



Click here to <a href="https://youtu.be/yA_GgW_QJe8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch a video of WildFusion in action...</a>



The study will be presented at the <a href="https://2025.ieee-icra.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation</a> (ICRA 2025) in Atlanta.



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New robots can use multisensory perception to map rugged terrain

Robots that rely only on cameras or LiDAR (light detection...

Antidepressants are commonly associated with improving mood and mental health. But recent research suggests they may also have an unexpected effect: helping the immune system fight cancer.



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Los Angeles</a> (UCLA) found that a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) significantly boost the cancer-fighting abilities of T cells.



In both mouse and human tumor models, SSRIs were shown to suppress tumor growth across multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-is-linked-to-32-cancer-types-that-could-drive-40-of-cases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">types of cancer</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-serotonin-s-cancer-fighting-role">Serotonin's cancer-fighting role</h2>



“It turns out SSRIs don’t just make our brains happier; they also make our T cells happier - even while they’re fighting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-research-ai-will-change-the-way-we-see-tumors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tumors</a>,” said Dr. Lili Yang, UCLA professor of Microbiology, Immunology &amp; Molecular Genetics. 



“These drugs have been widely and safely used to treat depression for decades, so repurposing them for cancer would be a lot easier than developing an entirely new therapy.”



SSRIs, which include well-known medications like Prozac and Celexa, work by blocking a protein called serotonin transporter (SERT). This action increases levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-dance-of-dopamine-and-serotonin-influences-social-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serotonin</a>, often called the “happiness hormone,” in the brain. However, serotonin also plays a vital role in other bodily functions, including digestion, metabolism, and immune responses.



The team began exploring serotonin’s connection to cancer after noticing that immune cells from tumors had more serotonin-regulating molecules than expected. Their attention turned to an enzyme called MAO-A, which breaks down serotonin and other neurotransmitters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depression-drugs-to-tumor-fighters">Depression drugs to tumor fighters</h2>



Back in 2021, the team discovered that when T cells detect tumors, they produce MAO-A, which limits their effectiveness. 



In mouse models with melanoma and colon cancer, treating with MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) - another class of antidepressants - improved the T cells’ cancer-fighting abilities.



But MAOIs come with risks. They can cause severe side effects and interact dangerously with certain foods and medications. That concern led the team to explore SERT, a molecule with a simpler role - transporting serotonin.



“Unlike MAO-A, which breaks down multiple neurotransmitters, SERT has one job - to transport serotonin,” explained Dr. Bo Li, assistant researcher at UCLA. “SERT made for an especially attractive target because the drugs that act on it - SSRIs - are widely used with minimal side effects.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antidepressants-tested-on-cancer">Antidepressants tested on cancer</h2>



To test the theory, the researchers used SSRIs in models of melanoma, breast, prostate, colon, and bladder cancer. 



The results were promising. Tumors shrank by more than 50% on average. At the same time, T cells became more efficient at killing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-each-day-at-any-speed-lowers-the-risk-of-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer cells</a>.



“SSRIs made the killer T cells happier in the otherwise oppressive tumor environment by increasing their access to serotonin signals, reinvigorating them to fight and kill cancer cells,” Yang said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mood-drugs-aid-immunotherapy">Mood drugs aid immunotherapy</h2>



The study didn’t stop there. The researchers also wanted to see if SSRIs could improve the effects of existing cancer treatments. 



The experts combined an SSRI with an immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy -specifically, an anti-PD-1 antibody. ICB therapies remove the brakes from immune cells, helping them target tumors more aggressively.



The combination had dramatic results. Tumor size was significantly reduced in all test cases, and some mice went into complete remission.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Immune</a> checkpoint blockades are effective in fewer than 25% of patients,” said James Elsten-Brown, a researcher and PhD student at UCLA. “If a safe, widely available drug like an SSRI could make these therapies more effective, it would be hugely impactful.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-antidepressant-side-benefit">Rethinking antidepressant side benefit</h2>



The researchers now plan to study cancer patients who are already taking SSRIs, especially those undergoing ICB therapy. The goal is to determine whether these patients show improved outcomes.



“Since around 20% of cancer patients take antidepressants - most commonly SSRIs - we see a unique opportunity to explore how these drugs might improve cancer outcomes,” Yang said. “Our goal is to design a clinical trial to compare treatment outcomes between cancer patients who take these medications and those who do not.”



This approach could also lower the cost and speed up the development of cancer treatments. Because SSRIs are already FDA-approved, they don’t need the same rigorous testing as new drugs.



“Studies estimate the bench-to-bedside pipeline for new cancer therapies costs an average of $1.5 billion,” Yang added. “When you compare this to the estimated $300 million cost to repurpose FDA-approved drugs, it’s clear why this approach has so much potential.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)00502-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



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Antidepressants may help the immune system fight cancer

Antidepressants are commonly associated with improving mood and mental health....

What if the secret to eating less wasn’t portion control or calorie counting, but chili peppers? For centuries, spice has added excitement to meals. Now, it may also offer a simple way to manage how much you eat. 



New research from <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> shows that a small boost in spiciness can lead to reduced calorie intake without affecting how much you enjoy your food.



Eating behaviors are influenced by many things - taste, texture, aroma, and even how fast you chew. Most strategies aimed at reducing food intake focus on controlling portions or changing food composition. But this study highlights a different path: tweaking oral burn. 



That warm, tingly sensation from capsaicin - the compound in chili peppers - might be doing more than just making your tongue tingle.



Researchers conducted three controlled experiments to understand if chili heat could reduce energy intake. Their findings were clear: a little heat slows you down and helps you <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-plastic-food-packaging-contains-9936-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eat</a> less.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spicy-food-slows-eating">Spicy food slows eating</h2>



Paige Cunningham, a postdoctoral researcher at Penn State who led the study, said that her team suspected that making a meal spicier might slow people down.



"We thought, let's test, under controlled experimental conditions in the lab, if adding a small amount of spice, but not so much that the meal is inedible, will make people eat slower and therefore eat less,” explained Cunningham.



The research team designed three experiments using two familiar meals: beef chili and chicken tikka masala. Each participant consumed both a mild and a spicy version of the meal across different visits. 



The key manipulation involved adjusting the ratio of hot to sweet paprika while keeping everything else - flavor, texture, macronutrients - constant. Every session was recorded to track bite size, eating rate, meal duration, and more.



They found that adding spice didn’t make the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meal</a> unpleasant. Instead, it changed how people ate. The spicy meals were consumed more slowly. Eating rate dropped, and participants took fewer bites per minute. Interestingly, participants still liked the spicy meals just as much.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spicy-beef-and-tikka-led-to-eating-less-food">Spicy beef and tikka led to eating less food</h2>



In Experiment 1, participants consumed about 46 grams less of the spicy beef chili compared to the mild version. That’s a 13% reduction in intake, which also meant 53 fewer kilocalories. 



The eating rate was 11% slower during the spicy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meal</a>, and the bite rate dropped as well. However, total meal duration and bite size didn’t change significantly. Participants simply took more time between bites, eating more thoughtfully.



“This points to added chilies as a potential strategy for reducing the risk of energy overconsumption,” said John Hayes, professor of food science and co-author on the study. “Next time you're looking to eat a little less, try adding a blast of chilies, as it may slow you down and help you eat less.”



Experiment 2a used chicken tikka masala instead of chili. Here, the manipulation failed - the spicy version was not perceived as much spicier than the mild one. As a result, there was no significant difference in intake or eating behavior. 



This outcome stressed an important point: the effect depends on the perceptible level of heat. Mild differences won’t move the needle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-stronger-spice-yields-stronger-results">A stronger spice yields stronger results</h2>



To address the failed manipulation in Experiment 2a, the researchers revised their approach in Experiment 2b. They increased the paprika content in the chicken tikka and ensured the spicy version delivered a noticeable burn. 



This time, the result mirrored the chili experiment. Participants ate 64 grams less spicy tikka, a reduction of 18%. Eating rate dropped by 17%, and bite frequency also decreased.



The spice didn’t make the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-fusion-turning-food-waste-into-culinary-delights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> less enjoyable. In both chili and tikka trials, liking scores remained stable. Appetite ratings before and after meals also stayed roughly the same. What changed was how people interacted with the food. The spicy versions encouraged slower, more mindful eating.



Notably, water consumption didn’t vary between mild and spicy versions. This ruled out a common assumption: that drinking more water fills people up. “This is why we need to do empirical studies of behavior, because what you might intuitively expect is often not the case,” Hayes remarked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-and-possible-thresholds">Mechanisms and possible thresholds</h2>



So, what’s actually happening here? The likely mechanism is increased oro-sensory exposure. Spicy foods stay in the mouth longer, allowing time for fullness signals to reach the brain. This has been linked with reduced energy intake in earlier studies involving texture changes. 



But here, the change was chemical, not physical. That makes it a novel method for influencing eating behavior.



Interestingly, the data suggests a potential threshold effect. The spicy version in Experiment 2a didn’t yield any change because it wasn’t spicy enough. In contrast, Experiment 2b used a 4% hot paprika blend, producing a spiciness rating around 68 out of 101. 



That version led to real behavior changes. The spicy beef chili in Experiment 1, rated at 54, also caused a measurable reduction. Meals that reached a certain burn intensity consistently led to slower eating and lower intake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-and-tolerance">Individual differences and tolerance</h2>



The study also explored how personal traits affect response to spice. Participants with higher levels of neuroticism and openness were less responsive to spice changes. 



However, traits like age, BMI, and frequency of eating spicy food didn’t seem to affect outcomes. That said, the researchers did recruit only moderate spice consumers. This reduced variability and helped maintain experimental control.



No participants reported discomfort, and the spice levels used fell well below extreme intensity. 



This suggests there’s a “sweet spot” for oral burn - strong enough to affect eating, but not so strong that it reduces meal enjoyment or causes distress. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meals</a> rated around 50–70 on the spice scale seem to hit that balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-spice-can-change-eating-habits">Adding spice can change eating habits</h2>



The broader implications of this research are promising. Spicy food is widely used around the world, and the ingredients - like chili pepper and paprika - are affordable and accessible. 



As capsaicin gains attention for its potential health benefits, including improved metabolism and satiety, these findings add another layer: it can reshape how we eat.



In daily life, eating occurs in varied environments. While this study happened in a lab, it still shows a robust effect across different dishes. The results also challenge the idea that we must alter what we eat to eat less. Instead, we may just need to adjust how we experience it.



“This reduction in intake occurred without negatively impacting how much participants liked the food,” said Hayes. That’s a significant point. No one wants to sacrifice enjoyment for control. Here, you don’t have to.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-chili-to-your-plate">Adding chili to your plate</h2>



From chili con carne to tikka masala, a little extra heat might be a gentle nudge toward eating less. The key lies in slowing down the eating process. That pause between bites, triggered by oral burn, gives your body time to say, “I’m full.”



These findings invite more exploration. Can this strategy help long-term? Will it work in more diverse populations or in social eating situations? And what is the best spice level to use at home? 



While those questions remain, one thing is clear - adding a little chili might do more than wake up your taste buds. It might just help you regain control over your plate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950329325001417?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Quality and Preference</a>.



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Spicy foods can slow down eating and cut calorie intake

What if the secret to eating less wasn’t portion control...

Scientists once dismissed a 1958 hypothesis about vitamin B1, or thiamine, as unlikely. The idea was that this vitamin, vital for basic metabolic functions, might turn into a very reactive intermediate during certain biochemical processes.



Now, researchers have shown that the hunch was correct. <a href="https://profiles.ucr.edu/app/home/profile/vincentl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prof. Vincent Lavallo</a> from the University of California, Riverside (<a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCR</a>), led the investigation that confirms vitamin B1 can form a reactive species called a carbene, even in watery surroundings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-vitamin-b1-and-carbenes">Understanding vitamin B1 and carbenes</h2>



<a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ja00001a054">Carbenes</a> have only six valence electrons on the carbon atom. They are known for being so reactive that they often vanish moments after forming. 



Water, which normally disrupts these molecules almost instantly, was never thought to be a friendly environment for them.



“This is the first time anyone has been able to observe a stable carbene in water. People thought this was a crazy idea. But it turns out, Breslow was right,” said Lavallo. 



Thiamine is key to <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/b16594/introduction-nutrition-metabolism-david-bender" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fundamental tasks</a> in the body, including the breakdown of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bumblebees-choose-immediate-rewards-over-energy-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sugars for energy</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-so-much-doubt-for-so-long">Why so much doubt for so long?</h2>



Carbenes were long considered too unstable for water because of how quickly they react. Even trace moisture in the air could destroy them before scientists had a chance to study them.



Most early attempts to observe carbenes in water ended in failure. They either disappeared or broke apart into other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-molecule-discovery-will-force-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/">molecules</a>, reinforcing the belief that they simply couldn't last in water-based systems.



That skepticism ran deep. Researchers preferred to work with these molecules in dry, oxygen-free environments using special lab setups. 



This made the idea of observing them in water, let alone storing them, sound like science fiction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fresh-approach-to-working-in-water">A fresh approach to working in water</h2>



A carbene in water seemed <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cr400640e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impossible</a> because water usually attacks such electron-poor carbon centers right away.



“We were making these reactive molecules to explore their chemistry, not chasing a historical theory, but it turns out our work ended up confirming exactly what Breslow proposed all those years ago,” said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Varun-Tej-Raviprolu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Varun Raviprolu</a>, a postdoctoral researcher at UCLA.&nbsp;



He and his colleagues developed a special chemical covering - a molecular shield - to keep the carbene from making contact with water. This shield prevented immediate breakdown.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1958-theory-turned-out-to-be-true">1958 theory turned out to be true</h2>



Chemist <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ja01547a064" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronald Breslow</a> suggested ages ago that thiamine might transform into a carbene during certain body reactions. 



No one could prove it. The new findings show that under the right conditions, the carbene form of vitamin b1 is stable enough to observe with advanced tools like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-trace-forever-chemicals-back-to-their-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear magnetic resonance</a>.



Researchers say this stability helps explain how crucial transformations occur in living cells. Their protective strategy shows that the body could be forming short-lived carbene intermediates during routine metabolic tasks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eco-friendly-b1-manufacturing">Eco-friendly B1 manufacturing</h2>



These carbenes can serve as ligands in metal-based catalysts, which are widely used to produce many substances. Carbenes in water may open a path to cleaner processes, thanks to reduced dependence on harmful solvents.&nbsp;



“Water is the ideal solvent - it’s abundant, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. If we can get these powerful catalysts to work in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-molecule-discovery-will-force-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/">water</a>, that’s a big step toward greener chemistry,” said Raviprolu. 



These catalysts could transform how pharmaceuticals and everyday materials are produced. Some industry reactions are notorious for generating chemical waste. 



By harnessing water-based techniques, the hope is to cut costs and avoid safety concerns linked to flammable liquids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mimicking-life-s-chemistry-in-the-lab">Mimicking life’s chemistry in the lab</h2>



Living cells rely on complex, water-based reactions to keep the body running. Many of those reactions involve fast, reactive intermediates that are hard to detect or replicate in a lab.



The fact that Lavallo’s team managed to stabilize a molecule that mimics this behavior could help researchers recreate cellular chemistry more accurately. 



That means a better grasp of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cruelty-free-foie-gras-made-with-enzymes-not-force-feeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how enzymes work</a> and possibly new ways to repair or reprogram those functions in medicine.



Carbenes are often studied for their ability to mimic parts of enzyme action. Now that scientists can make them behave in watery environments, they might start finding ways to control them for specific biological tasks.



This could eventually change how we design <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spider-venom-has-hidden-biochemical-value/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enzyme-inspired</a> drugs or materials that react only under the same conditions found inside human cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-with-vitamin-b1">Next steps with vitamin B1</h2>



Proving that carbene intermediates can survive in water solves a riddle about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-could-become-an-important-source-of-vitamin-d/">vitamin</a> b1’s potential. It also raises new questions about other fleeting molecules that may exist in living systems. 



Lavallo and his team hope that a similar method might reveal more hidden players involved in major biological reactions.



“Something that seems impossible today might be possible tomorrow, if we continue to invest in science,” said Raviprolu. 



The finding suggests that nobody should dismiss theories, no matter how far-fetched, without thorough research.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr9681" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Scientists finally confirm the 'crazy' hypothesis about vitamin B1 from 1958

Scientists once dismissed a 1958 hypothesis about vitamin B1, or...

Science has long know that the trillions of bacteria in the gut help digest food and ward off infections.



A comprehensive review now shows the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiome</a> does far more: it orchestrates immune balance throughout the body, helps keep our DNA in good repair, and may act as a brake - or an accelerator - on the aging process itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-balance-vs-imbalance">Gut balance vs. imbalance</h2>



In eubiosis, a balanced gut microbiome keeps the intestinal lining tight, blocks harmful invaders, and prevents <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reprogramming-the-immune-system-to-attack-cancer-cells/">immune system</a> inflammation.



But when that balance is lost - because of antibiotics, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-protein-packed-diets-are-really-doing-to-your-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor diet</a>, chronic stress, or illness - the intestinal barrier becomes “leaky.” This dysbiosis allows bacterial fragments and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune alarms far from the gut.



Toll-like receptors on immune cells detect those microbial signals. If they fire too often, the body shifts into a simmering inflammatory state.



The review describes how that cascade reaches the lungs via the gut–lung axis. It also affects the brain via nerves, hormones, and SCFAs - anti-inflammatory molecules made when gut bacteria digest dietary fiber.



Case studies link an unhealthy microbiome to worse outcomes in COVID-19, asthma, autoimmune diseases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-health-may-be-the-key-to-anxiety-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mood disorders</a>, and zoonotic infections. The message is clear: what happens in the gut seldom stays in the gut.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-help-or-harm-dna">Microbes help or harm DNA</h2>



Gut residents also manufacture chemicals that contact the cells lining the colon. Some compounds, such as the SCFAs butyrate and propionate, promote accurate DNA repair.



Others do the opposite. Certain strains of Escherichia coli, Shigella, and Salmonella produce toxins - colibactin, typhoid toxin, and cytolethal distending toxin - that slice through DNA’s double helix or sabotage the p53 protein, a key tumor suppressor.



Over time, repeated hits can seed mutations and foster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medicinal-plant-has-great-potential-to-fight-colorectal-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colorectal cancer</a>. Epigenetic changes, in which chemical tags are added to DNA or histone proteins, further tilt the balance either toward stability or genomic chaos, depending on which microbes dominate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-meets-microbial-imbalance">Aging meets microbial imbalance</h2>



As people grow older, the immune system naturally loses vigor - a process known as immunosenescence. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue shrinks, the supply of naïve T cells that respond to new infections dwindles; dendritic cells and regulatory T cells lose finesse.



If dysbiosis is present, these losses accelerate. Helpful dendritic cells flip into a pro-inflammatory mode, and the resulting chronic inflammation - popularly called “inflammaging” - feeds back to damage the microbiome, forming a vicious circle. 



SCFAs again show their value: adequate levels tighten the gut barrier, calm overactive immune cells, and keep inflammation in check.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leaky-gut-leaky-brain">Leaky gut, leaky brain</h2>



Barrier breakdown is not just an intestinal problem. Heightened permeability allows microbial products and inflammatory molecules to reach the liver, joints, blood vessels, and brain.



Research reviewed in the article links depleted SCFAs and elevated endotoxins to the neuroinflammation seen in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/targeting-the-gut-might-be-key-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/">Alzheimer’s disease</a> and other neurodegenerative disorders.



The brain’s immune cells, called microglia, respond to gut-derived signals by releasing cytokines. This damages neurons and accelerates cognitive decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-damage-and-inflammation">DNA damage and inflammation</h2>



Inflammation generates reactive oxygen species - damaging molecules that nick DNA and hamper repair enzymes. 



DNA damage, in turn, activates cellular alarm systems such as NF-κB, which pump out more inflammatory cytokines. The review calls this reciprocal relationship a “DNA-damage–inflammation loop.”



Breaking that loop might slow both cancer development and functional decline with age. SCFAs once more appear helpful: they loosen tight chromatin, allowing repair machinery access to broken strands, and they influence DNA methylation patterns that govern gene activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbiome-gaps-remain">Microbiome gaps remain</h2>



Despite many associations, the authors note most studies are snapshots, making it difficult to prove cause and effect.



Microbiomes vary widely among individuals, shaped by genetics, diet, geography, and lifestyle. That diversity complicates the search for universal “good” or “bad” bacteria. 



Emerging instead is the idea of functional signatures - chemical outputs like high butyrate or low <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxin-from-toilet-paper-production-found-in-killer-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxin</a> levels that indicate a healthy ecosystem.



Multi-omics tools now allow researchers to catalog bacterial genes (metagenomics), the molecules they release (metabolomics), and the host’s own responses (transcriptomics and epigenomics) in the same samples. 



Combining these layers promises to reveal markers that flag dangerous dysbiosis early and guide personalized interventions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targeted-gut-treatments-ahead">Targeted gut treatments ahead</h2>



Future treatments may involve designer probiotics that crank up SCFA output, fiber-rich diets tailored to an individual’s microbial gaps, or small-molecule drugs that block microbial toxins.



Fecal microbiota transplantation - still experimental - has already shown success against recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections and may one day be refined for cancer prevention or healthy aging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-gut-balance-matters">Why gut balance matters</h2>



The review portrays the gut microbiome as a central hub linking immunity, DNA integrity, and the pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-protein-that-reverses-cellular-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>.



A thriving microbial community helps maintain a strong barrier, trains the immune system to react appropriately, and keeps genetic caretakers on duty.



Disturb that community, and the consequences ripple outward. Chronic inflammation rises, DNA repairs falter, and age-related diseases gain momentum. 



Because every degree of microbial balance matters, the authors conclude, preserving or restoring that balance should join exercise, diet, and sleep as pillars of a long and healthy life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2472-0712/ERHM-2024-00046" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine</a>.



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Balanced gut bacteria can boost immunity and slow aging

Science has long know that the trillions of bacteria in...

When the conversation turns to solving the climate crisis, discussions often focus on technology, global treaties, and large-scale infrastructure overhauls that are aimed at reducing carbon emissions and driving systemic change.



Yet, there’s an equally powerful driver that often slips under the radar: lifestyle. How we live, what we eat, how we travel, what we buy - these things shape a huge share of our planet’s carbon footprint.



Now, a breakthrough study reveals just how impactful our daily choices can be. By focusing on changes made by just 23.7% of the global population - the top emitters - household consumption-based emissions could be reduced by as much as 10.4 gigatons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).



That amounts to 40.1% of the household carbon footprint across 116 countries. This level of reduction could significantly close the gap in global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> goals, especially as we look ahead to COP30.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-changes-for-climate-action">Lifestyle changes for climate action </h2>



The international team behind this study examined 21 low-carbon lifestyle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chatgpts-carbon-footprint-is-astronomical-and-not-sustainable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">actions</a>. These are not obscure or hypothetical; they are practical changes that households can adopt without waiting for new technologies or massive reforms.



The research captures the emissions from both direct energy use and upstream supply chain effects, and offers a complete view of consumption-related emissions.



To guide these changes, the team adopted the "avoid, shift, improve" framework. 



Avoid involves absolute reduction in consumption. Shift means changing consumption patterns toward lower-carbon alternatives. Improve focuses on efficiency gains. Each type has its place in driving emission cuts, but their effectiveness varies depending on region, infrastructure, and economic status.



Adopting low-carbon lifestyles isn’t just about making ethical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ozone-day-2024-advancing-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">choices</a> - it is now a quantifiable tool for real-world reductions in emissions.



“Our study shows that adopting low-carbon lifestyles can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change. By targeting high-emitting households, we can achieve significant carbon reductions and move closer to our global climate targets,” said Dr. Yuli Shan from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk">University of Birmingham</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-actions-to-limit-climate-change">Small actions to limit climate change</h2>



The researchers identified which consumption actions offer the biggest carbon payoffs. At the top of the list is reducing commercial service use. This alone can account for a 10.9% drop in emissions. 



Next is shifting to a healthy vegan diet, which reduces the intake of animal-based foods, sugar, and processed products. This lifestyle change could contribute an 8.3% reduction.



Improving energy efficiency in buildings - such as implementing passive house standards - offers a 6.0% drop. Switching from private vehicles to public transport provides another 3.6% savings. 



Even repairing or sharing appliances at home, while seemingly minor, adds a further 3.0% cut. These figures are not abstract estimates; they are based on an expansive input-output model and paired with household expenditure data, which makes them both realistic and globally applicable.



"This study, a key component of my doctoral thesis, demonstrates that adopting consumption-based low-carbon strategies is essential for climate mitigation," noted Dr. Yuru Guan, the study’s first author. 



Her comment draws attention to the growing body of research that places household decisions at the center of climate action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-mitigation-by-region">Climate change mitigation by region</h2>



One of the more intriguing aspects of this study is how the mitigation potential differs by region. Unsurprisingly, North America tops the list, with 85.4% of its population exceeding the global per-capita carbon threshold of 4.6 tons CO2e per year.



These households account for a substantial share of global emissions, but also hold the largest potential for change.



Less expected are the findings from Sub-Saharan Africa. Although the region has a lower overall footprint, countries like Mauritius, Namibia, and Chad showed surprisingly high reduction potential. In Namibia, for instance, changing food and travel behaviors could slash emissions by up to 45.6 percent.



In Mauritius, potential savings reach 52.5%. These numbers demonstrate that even lower-emitting nations have valuable roles to play, particularly when their economic structures include carbon-heavy sectors like tourism.



"This research provides valuable insights into the potential of lifestyle changes for reducing carbon footprints. It is crucial for policymakers to consider these findings and implement strategies that encourage sustainable consumption patterns," noted Professor Klaus Hubacek from the University of Groningen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rebound-effect-is-a-hidden-risk">The rebound effect is a hidden risk</h2>



Changing lifestyles can save money. But that’s where an issue arises - how people spend the money they save. Known as the rebound effect, this phenomenon can erode the climate benefits of low-carbon choices. 



For example, if someone saves money by flying less but then spends it on home entertainment that uses more electricity, the net emissions might not decrease as much as intended.



The study simulated three different re-spending <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenarios</a> to estimate how much carbon savings might be lost. In the worst-case scenario, where all saved money is spent on carbon-intensive items, 45.8% of the gains are erased. The most optimistic case still shows a 6.5% loss, meaning rebound effects are almost unavoidable, but they can be controlled.



Rebound effects are especially strong in emerging economies. As more households reach middle-income levels, saved income tends to be spent quickly on goods and services that may carry a heavy carbon cost. 



This highlights the need for guidance, nudges, and even regulation to make sure that carbon savings aren’t lost through backdoor increases in other areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-action-needs-strong-support">Climate action needs strong support</h2>



The study’s impact goes beyond the theoretical. It presents a clear call to action for governments and institutions. 



Policies that support remote work, encourage plant-based diets, and provide incentives for energy-efficient homes are already in place in some countries. Spain and Pakistan, for instance, have supported shorter work weeks and remote work to cut energy use.



Carbon pricing, eco-labeling, and investment in cycling infrastructure are additional tools in the policy toolkit. In Europe, recent energy price crises have even pushed countries to promote energy-saving behavior through national campaigns.



However, the report also cautions against one-size-fits-all strategies. What works in a high-income urban setting may not be feasible in rural or low-income contexts. 



Policymakers must consider income, access, and readiness when crafting solutions that involve behavior change. The goal should be to enable, not burden.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumer-behavior-and-climate-action">Consumer behavior and climate action</h2>



While supply-side solutions like renewables and carbon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plant-diversity-can-help-combat-climate-change/">capture</a> remain crucial, this study makes the case that they are not enough. Lifestyle changes offer a faster, often cheaper way to make immediate progress while long-term technologies mature. But they need support.



The idea is not to guilt individuals but to empower those who have the most capacity to change. The study focuses on carbon-exceeding households precisely because they have the biggest footprints and the greatest ability to make a difference.



"Reducing household demand could lead to rebound effects due to re-spendings elsewhere," the authors note. This makes it all the more important to guide consumer behavior toward low-carbon alternatives and ensure that sustainable goods are accessible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-changes-are-crucial">Lifestyle changes are crucial</h2>



With the COP30 summit approaching, this research arrives at a critical time. Climate negotiations often stall on national pledges and technological feasibility. This study reframes the conversation by highlighting what people can do - right now, in their homes, with their choices.



The evidence is clear: when supported by thoughtful policy, lifestyle changes offer massive potential for carbon reduction. They complement, rather than replace, technological solutions.



And they show that the power to reshape our planet’s future may lie as much in our kitchens, commutes, and shopping lists as in government boardrooms.



As global leaders gather to chart a new path, this research should serve as both a guide and a challenge. Change is not only possible - it’s already in our hands.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59269-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Lifestyle changes hold the key to climate action

When the conversation turns to solving the climate crisis, discussions...

More than half of the average American’s daily calories come from ultra-processed food (UPF). A new score helps measure how much of this food people actually eat, even though they may be unaware of it.



A new investigation guided by Dr. Erikka Loftfield at the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Cancer Institute</a> identifies tiny molecules in blood and urine that seem to line up with how many of these ultra-processed food products a person eats.



Researchers found that certain metabolite patterns, called <a href="https://cdas.cancer.gov/approved-projects/4913/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poly-metabolite scores</a>, could help scientists check the accuracy of self-reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-food-score-helps-track-hidden-intake">A food score helps track hidden intake</h2>



Many people have no idea how much ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-make-our-bodies-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> they actually consume. Even well-intentioned eaters might miss hidden additives, processed oils, or preservatives in everyday meals.



This new testing method offers a way to cut through the confusion. It gives researchers - and potentially doctors - a snapshot of your diet without needing you to log every bite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-complex-eating-habits">Tracking complex eating habits</h2>



Individuals might overlook many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">items</a> that fit into ultra-processed categories. Instant noodles, sweet packaged snacks, and store-bought pastries often fly under the radar.



The research team developed an approach to measure small <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165993602012098" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical markers</a> in blood and urine. They used a set of older participants who had provided detailed dietary reports across 12 months.



These markers were linked to how often a person consumed ultra-processed items. They looked like a fingerprint that matched the share of daily calories coming from those foods.



Some ultra-processed items carry more salt, sugar, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweeteners-erythritol-directly-linked-to-heart-attacks-and-strokes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial flavors</a> than simpler choices. These features can make them attractive and shelf-stable but also raise questions about long-term health effects.



Investigators combined both diet records and lab data to improve accuracy. This kind of measurement could catch missed details when people forget what they ate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-score-reveals-true-junk-food-levels">Score reveals true junk food levels</h2>



The team created a score that reflected this chemical signature. They tested the score on volunteers in a highly controlled inpatient setting to confirm that it worked.



“The identified poly-metabolite scores could serve as objective measures of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breaking-free-from-ultra-processed-foods-the-surprising-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UPF</a> intake in large population studies to complement or reduce reliance on self-reported dietary data. 



Poly-metabolite scores should be evaluated and iteratively improved in populations with diverse diets and a wide range of UPF intake,” added Dr. Loftfield. 



The new score might reduce guesswork in nutrition studies. Each type of marker may hold clues about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breaking-free-from-ultra-processed-foods-the-surprising-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processed ingredients</a> that might not appear in fresh or minimally processed foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doctors-may-check-diet-with-a-test">Doctors may check diet with a test</h2>



In the future, your doctor might learn more from a urine test than from a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-are-harmful-to-nearly-every-part-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> diary. If these metabolite scores become widely available, clinicians could use them to flag poor dietary patterns without needing long conversations or guesswork.



This could speed up diagnosis and allow earlier interventions for diet-related issues. It also opens the door for personalized nutrition advice, built on real chemical data rather than rough estimates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-ultra-processed-foods">Impact of ultra-processed foods</h2>



Experts continue to investigate whether these products affect weight and disease risk. Some <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(19)30248-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> shows that heavy intake of such foods can coincide with weight gain.



Advanced <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39150724/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glycation compounds</a> formed in some food processes might play a role in metabolic conditions. Researchers hope that pinpointing these markers may offer new insights.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-score-exposes-what-brands-don-t-highlight">Score exposes what brands don’t highlight</h2>



Food manufacturers often use marketing to frame ultra-processed products as convenient or fortified with nutrients. 



But the presence of these chemical signatures in blood and urine paints a different picture, one that links these foods to measurable biological changes.



As researchers get closer to pinpointing how these products affect the body, companies could face growing pressure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-lets-you-check-how-processed-your-food-is-grocerydb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reformulate their offerings</a>. 



If specific ingredients or production methods are consistently tied to the presence of harmful markers, regulators might push for transparency or even restrictions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-food-score-improves-tracking">How the food score improves tracking</h2>



Many people rely on memory when telling doctors or researchers what they ate. 



This score could someday serve as a helpful backup by offering an objective way to see whether someone’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-directly-linked-cognitive-decline-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported consumption</a> lines up with their actual exposure.



Scientists expect that future research may refine these measures for broader use. More diverse samples, including younger individuals and different cultural diets, could increase the reliability of these findings. 



Taking a closer look at blood and urine has sparked new ideas about how to identify ultra-processed food intake.



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



Public health agencies could eventually use these poly-metabolite scores to improve large-scale nutrition surveillance. 



Instead of relying only on self-reports or food purchase data, officials might turn to biochemical evidence to track dietary trends across regions or demographics.



Insurance companies or employers may also show interest in using these biomarkers to assess dietary risks. While this raises ethical questions, it reflects a growing push to personalize prevention strategies based on measurable health behaviors.



The study is published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1004560" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Medicine</a>.



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Quick blood test can now show exactly how much ultra-processed junk food a person eats

More than half of the average American’s daily calories come...

By 2030, more than a billion adolescents aged 10 to 24 will still be growing up in countries where basic health risks remain widespread. 



Issues like HIV/AIDS, early pregnancy, unsafe sex, poor mental health, malnutrition, and injury are expected to continue threatening adolescent well-being - despite being largely preventable or treatable.



These are the findings of a new report from the second Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Well-being. The researchers concluded that the world is making slow, uneven progress - and many young people are at risk of being left behind.



“The health and well-being of adolescents worldwide is at a tipping point,” said Professor Sarah Baird of <a href="https://www.gwu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Washington University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-gains-for-teen-health">Mixed gains for teen health</h2>



The new report updates a landmark 2016 Commission by examining changes over the past ten years. It shows some positive signs. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cigarettes-accelerates-aging/">Smoking</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-and-depression-study-challenges-self-medication-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcohol</a> use among adolescents are down. More young people are finishing high school and attending college. But these gains are overshadowed by rising problems. 



In some parts of Africa and Asia, adolescent obesity rates have jumped eightfold. Mental health issues are becoming more severe and widespread.



Even more concerning is how little has changed in key areas. In 2016, about 1 billion adolescents lived in what the Commission terms “multi-burden countries” - places where young people face multiple, daily health threats. That number has now grown to nearly 1.1 billion. Projections show that without urgent action, it will still top a billion by 2030.



Investing in young people's health and well-being is essential to securing our shared future. “We must prioritize investment in adolescent health and wellbeing through initiatives including those that strengthen schools to promote health and wellbeing and to ensure universal access to healthcare for adolescents,” said Baird.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-health-risks-for-adolescents">Growing health risks for adolescents</h2>



One of the most alarming trends is the state of adolescent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-the-hidden-casualty-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>. In countries with data, mental health among young people has worsened over the last 30 years. 



The COVID-19 pandemic made things even harder. By 2030, mental illness and suicide will cost adolescents 42 million healthy life years - 2 million more than in 2015.



Another issue is anemia, especially among girls. Nearly one in three adolescent girls could be anaemic by 2030. The condition is linked to fatigue, poor growth, and - in severe cases - organ damage. Yet progress in addressing it has been slow.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-is-linked-to-32-cancer-types-that-could-drive-40-of-cases/">Obesity</a> is also increasing at a worrying pace. By 2030, one-third of adolescents in high-income countries, Latin America, and the Middle East may exceed recommended weight. Global numbers will rise to 464 million, up from 321 million in 2015.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demographic-shifts-and-global-progress">Demographic shifts and global progress </h2>



Professor Alex Ezeh of Drexel University noted that demographic shifts will continue to drive global progress - or lack thereof - in adolescent health and well-being.



“Africa’s share of global adolescents will increase from under 25% currently to more than 46% by 2100," said Professor Ezeh.



"Consequently, progress in improving the health and well-being of adolescents in Africa will increasingly determine progress in improving the health and well-being of adolescents globally.”



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



The Commission points to two emerging issues that will shape adolescent health in the decades to come: climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-digital-technology-influence-our-sense-of-self/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digital technology</a>.



Climate change is already impacting today’s youth. For the first time, a generation will grow up with global temperatures consistently 0.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 



By 2100, that could rise to 2.8°C. This increase brings serious risks - heat-related illnesses, reduced food and water supplies, and mental health problems linked to climate trauma.



A new review by the Commission shows both sudden disasters (like hurricanes) and slower events (like long-term food insecurity) are harming adolescents' mental health. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression are on the rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-and-mental-health">Social media and mental health </h2>



Digital life is another double-edged sword. On the one hand, it gives adolescents access to new learning, work, and health tools. On the other, it replaces many in-person experiences with online ones. 



Though research is limited, concern is growing over social media’s impact on mental health. The Commission calls for balance - early protective steps without harsh restrictions that could isolate young people further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adolescent-aid-is-underfunded">Adolescent aid is underfunded</h2>



Despite the scale of these challenges, funding has not kept pace. Adolescents make up 25% of the world’s population and face 9% of the global disease burden. Yet only 2.4% of global aid is directed toward their health and wellbeing.



The Commission argues this is a poor investment strategy. Spending on adolescents yields results equal to or greater than investing in early childhood. 



But funding often goes to adults or younger children, partly because adolescent health lacks strong leadership and coordination at both global and national levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-to-protect-adolescent-health">Strategies to protect adolescent health</h2>



Dr. Aaron Jenkins of the University of Sydney said that he is profoundly encouraged by our Second Lancet Commission on adolescent health and well-being, which embraces the ecological foundations of human well-being.



"For the first time, we are identifying and encouraging interventions that simultaneously advance adolescent health, ecological integrity, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and social justice.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-youth-led-push-for-change">A youth-led push for change</h2>



The research stands out for how it involved young people. Ten youth commissioners aged 23 to 35 helped lead the work, representing diverse sectors like academia, civil society, and international organizations. Their experiences and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/employees-win-empowered-trust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leadership</a> shaped the final recommendations. 



In addition, more than 200 adolescents from 36 countries participated in Youth Solution Labs to identify top priorities and solutions.



“Young people are navigating a rapidly changing world, and through this Commission we’ve heard the diverse and alarming concerns adolescents have about their health,” said Youth Commissioner Dr. Shakira Choonara. 



“However, there are also opportunities - and we've seen firsthand and through the Commission findings how adolescents are already stepping up as active citizens and powerful agents of change.”



“I am deeply inspired by the change youth leaders are bringing to their communities and to the global landscape. Investing in and engaging with our generation will build a healthier, more empowered, and better-equipped generation of future leaders.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00503-3/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet</a>.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
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Over a billion adolescents face a major health crisis by 2030

By 2030, more than a billion adolescents aged 10 to...

A walk in the forest often brings peace, calm, and a deep sense of renewal. From ancient times to modern therapy practices, forests have stood as symbols of balance and healing. But not all forests heal equally. 



As cities grow and public health concerns rise, scientists are uncovering how the design and structure of forests matter. The health benefits we get from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-in-the-global-south-have-far-less-green-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green spaces</a>, especially forests, depend not just on their presence, but on what they are made of.



A new study from the University of Surrey and the <a href="https://www.ugent.be/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ghent</a> sheds light on this. Working with partners across Europe, the research team explored how specific features of forests influence human health. 



The findings mark a major step in understanding the complex links between ecological structure and wellbeing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-traits-and-human-health-benefits">Forest traits and human health benefits </h2>



The study, which is part of the larger Dr. Forest research project, included 164 forests across five European countries. The researchers focused on seven ecological characteristics and their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-green-spaces-are-urgently-needed-across-the-global-south/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influence</a> on various health outcomes.



The forests were not selected at random. They varied in structure, species mix, and density, allowing researchers to draw comparisons. This wide range of forest types provided a rare opportunity to explore how real-world differences affect human experiences and health.



The goal was not to judge forests as good or bad, but to understand how their differences shaped people’s health responses. What emerged was a nuanced view. Forests benefit health, but their structure can amplify or limit those effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-tree-diversity">The power of tree diversity</h2>



One of the key traits studied was tree species diversity. The findings showed that more diverse forests offered modest but positive health <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-tree-layout-influences-human-health-and-mortality-rates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outcomes</a>. These effects were not dramatic, but they were consistent enough to support the idea that diversity is beneficial.



Tree diversity does not just matter for human health. It also supports broader biodiversity, helping insects, birds, and mammals thrive. This makes it a safe, low-risk strategy for forest managers aiming to enhance public health while improving ecosystem resilience.



More tree species create different textures, shapes, and colors, making forests more visually stimulating and ecologically stable. These aspects can subtly influence how people feel and behave when they visit such areas. 



While the direct health impacts may be limited, the indirect ones, through enhanced engagement and ecosystem strength, are valuable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canopy-structure-a-major-influence">Canopy structure: A major influence</h2>



Among the ecological features studied, canopy structure had the strongest impact. Dense canopies reduce heat by offering shade and help regulate the forest's internal climate. They also provide larger leaf surfaces, which trap fine particulate matter and improve air quality.



These benefits are especially important in urban settings, where heatwaves and pollution are on the rise. In such contexts, a well-structured canopy becomes more than a luxury. It is a necessity. The cooling effect alone can reduce heat stress and the risk of heat-related illnesses.



Yet, there are trade-offs. Denser canopies create more humid conditions. While that is good for moisture-loving plants, it also creates ideal habitats for ticks, which carry Lyme disease. 



In addition, less sunlight reaches the forest floor. This limits the growth of medicinal plants, reducing some of the forest's potential healing properties.



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



Perhaps the most consistent finding across the study was the benefit of simply being in a forest. Regardless of structure or biodiversity, spending time in a forest improved mental wellbeing. People reported lower anxiety and stress, along with more positive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprising-mental-health-benefits-of-living-near-green-spaces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotions</a>.



What enhanced these effects was how natural and biodiverse the forest felt to the visitor. Forests that looked wild, vibrant, and untamed tended to offer more psychological relief. This suggests that human perception plays a key role in shaping forest-based experiences.



“Our study shows that forests generally provide a mental health benefit, reducing anxiety and stress, regardless of their biodiversity or structure. As one in six people in England experience anxiety and depression each week, this research suggests that simply being in a forest can improve mental health,” noted Dr. Melissa Marselle, a lecturer in environmental psychology at the <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Surrey</a>.



“For the UK, this means preserving urban forests so people can easily access forests where they live, work and play for their mental wellbeing. Contact with forests could be prescribed by the NHS, as research shows that NHS nature prescriptions are effective at improving mental health.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-healthier-cities-with-forests">Designing healthier cities with forests </h2>



The study points to a pressing need in urban planning. It is not enough to plant trees and call it a forest. The structure, layout, and biodiversity of these spaces must be considered. Urban forests should reduce heat, absorb pollution, and offer mental rest.



This involves difficult trade-offs. Canopy density must balance between cooling the environment and letting in enough light. Species choices should consider both ecological function and visual appeal. Forests must feel natural to the human eye while also being safe and accessible.



Planners and health professionals can now use this evidence to shape better public spaces. Health services could integrate forest access into mental health treatments. Parks could be designed not just for recreation but also for healing. In a time when stress-related disorders are rising, these changes could make a meaningful difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-are-essential-tools-for-public-health">Forests are essential tools for public health</h2>



This research redefines the role of forests. No longer just natural assets or scenic spots, they emerge as powerful contributors to public health. But their power lies in their details. Forests must be built, preserved, and managed with intention.



Tree diversity adds depth and life. Canopy structure shapes the microclimate and air. Visitor perceptions tie it all together. Forests that feel alive and balanced bring calm and strength to those who enter them.



Nature has always played a quiet role in healing. Now, with evidence in hand, we have the chance to shape that role more deliberately. Managed well, forests can support both ecosystems and the people who rely on them for peace and mental clarity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-025-01547-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Sustainability</a>.



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Forests provide different health benefits based on their structure

A walk in the forest often brings peace, calm, and...

College life comes with many expectations. Good grades, late nights, maybe a few parties. Somewhere along the way, students and drinking become a familiar pair. It’s not just about having a drink. It’s about keeping up - or thinking you have to.



Dr. Joshua Awua knows this all too well. He grew up in Ghana, where community mattered and everyone looked out for each other. That closeness also came with pressure.



“Social connection was everything, and sometimes that came with pressure to conform, including drinking,” said Dr. Awua, now a postdoctoral research associate at <a href="https://www.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas</a> at Arlington’s School of Social Work.



Dr. Awua remembers the drinking. Not wild parties - but small gatherings with siblings and friends. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-alcohol-in-moderation-does-not-prolong-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">casual way</a> drinking blended into everything. “I remember how hanging out with peers and even my older siblings often centered on drinking,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-memory-sparked-new-research">A memory sparked new research</h2>



That memory stuck with him. Years later, it shaped a study he co-wrote with his UT Arlington mentor Micki Washburn and others. The title’s long - “Perceived Norms and Alcohol-Related Consequences: The Moderated Mediation Roles of Protective Behavioral Strategies and Alcohol Consumption” - but the idea is simple.



Young people often <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-has-a-hidden-impact-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drink more</a> because they think everyone else is. The study, published in Substance Use &amp; Misuse, focused on college students. Researchers gave a confidential online survey to 524 students at a large public university.



The questions covered how much students drank, what they believed their peers were doing, and whether they used any strategies to stay safe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misperceptions-about-peer-drinking">Misperceptions about peer drinking </h2>



Here’s the problem. What students think their peers are doing is often way off. College life offers many chances to see alcohol in action - tailgates, house parties, pre-games before the real party. That creates a false impression that everyone drinks often and drinks a lot.



“We might think our peers are having five or six drinks in a day, so we can also drink that amount,” Awua said. “But it has been established that this is mostly inaccurate. That misperception can lead to heavy episodic drinking and negative consequences.”



A few drinks here and there become something <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-related-deaths-have-doubled-over-the-past-two-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">riskier</a>. And when students think “everyone” is heavy drinking, they stop questioning their own limits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-students-drink-safely">Helping students drink safely</h2>



Protective behavioral strategies, or PBS, may sound like a formal concept, but they’re actually easy actions students can take to drink more safely. 



These include things like pacing your drinks, avoiding drinking games, or simply keeping track of how much you're <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-social-drinking-feels-so-different-from-drinking-alone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking</a>. They’re simple to use and don’t require big changes.



Dr. Awua points out that even basic strategies like these can make a noticeable difference. “If we utilize some of these simple but effective strategies, we’re more likely to reduce the stress or the negative consequences associated with alcohol use,” he said.



What makes these strategies especially helpful is that they still work even when a student believes their peers are drinking heavily. You don’t have to wait for the culture to change. You can still protect yourself. The focus shifts from fitting in to staying safe, and that shift can be powerful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-risks-from-student-drinking">Real risks from student drinking</h2>



This part connects the study to real-world data. It reflects what's happening on campuses.



The&nbsp;2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health&nbsp;found that nearly&nbsp;50% of full-time college students aged 18 to 25had consumed alcohol in the past month. About&nbsp;30% engaged in binge drinking - meaning they drank large amounts in a short time, often with the goal of getting drunk.



These aren’t just harmless numbers. They represent real dangers. Each year, around&nbsp;1,519 students die&nbsp;because of alcohol-related accidents, especially car crashes. But it doesn't stop there. 



Heavy drinking leads to more&nbsp;assaults, more missed classes, more failing grades, and in some cases,&nbsp;long-term alcohol dependence of students. So, while Awua’s study doesn’t fix every problem, it offers a&nbsp;practical tool: protective behavioral strategies. 



These small changes - like drinking slowly or avoiding drinking games - can actually cut down on serious harm. It’s a starting point that works.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-shifts-big-impact">Small shifts, big impact</h2>



“What the evidence shows, and what our study confirmed, is that once students begin to use these strategies, they reduce the risk of experiencing negative consequences like drunk driving,” Awua said.



The goal isn’t to shame students. It’s to give them tools. To remind them they’re not stuck. You don’t need to match the crowd - or the version of the crowd you’ve imagined.



“Ultimately, they’re supporting their own health by reducing risks," said Dr. Awua. "Over time, the consistent use of these strategies can help lower the overall rates of substance-related harm."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10826084.2025.2496930" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Substance Use &amp; Misuse</a>.



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Heavy drinking among students is fueled by misperceptions

College life comes with many expectations. Good grades, late nights,...

Wine has long been regarded as a mirror of its environment. From the high slopes of Mendoza to the gentle hills of Tuscany, each bottle reflects not just grape variety and tradition, but also the subtle influence of climate, soil, and season.



For centuries, these factors combined to shape what is known as terroir - the distinctive character of a wine shaped by its natural surroundings.



But today, the climate that supports winegrowing is no longer stable. Global warming is not just nudging temperatures upward - it is altering the rhythm of growth, the timing of harvest, and even the places where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-chronic-wounds-with-gold-and-red-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a> can be grown. 



A sweeping new study led by E.M. Wolkovich at the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a> provides a much-needed global lens into these transformations. The research reveals a world where climate change has reached into every winegrowing region - but in dramatically different ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wine-industry-faces-climate-extremes">Wine industry faces climate extremes</h2>



Winegrapes are one of the world’s most sensitive perennial crops. They grow year after year, rooted in specific microclimates. 



Unlike annual crops that can be replanted in new locations, vineyards represent long-term investments that depend on stable conditions. As a result, winegrapes are especially sensitive to climate extremes.



Warmer temperatures push the limits of ripening. Grapes mature faster, resulting in more sugar and alcohol, but often less acidity and complexity. This alters not only taste but also market value. 



Meanwhile, regions that once hovered at the cooler edges of climate suitability are becoming new centers of production, with parts of the UK and Tasmania emerging as rising players in the global wine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moderate-wine-consumption-reduces-cardiovascular-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scene</a>.



Despite a growing body of regional studies, no prior research had taken a comprehensive view. Wolkovich’s team aimed to understand how climate change has affected winegrowing across continents, across seasons, and across grape varieties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wine-and-climate-trends-across-regions">Wine and climate trends across regions</h2>



The researchers analyzed more than 500 winegrape varieties grown across 620 regions worldwide.



They looked at ten critical climate metrics that influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-grapes-every-day-can-transform-your-muscles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grape development</a>, from temperatures during winter dormancy and budburst, to extreme heat during the growing season, and rainfall just before harvest.



Rather than rely on a single dataset, the experts drew from multiple sources, including the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature dataset and the INRAE Domaine de Vassal collection, which has maintained decades of records on grape phenology.



The team created detailed models that could estimate changes both with and without considering the diversity of grape varieties planted in each region.



The research spans every stage of the grape’s annual cycle and covers a global map of winegrowing zones. The study paints a complex picture. Climate change is not a uniform force - it is reshaping winegrowing differently in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and beyond.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europe-faces-the-most-intense-heat">Europe faces the most intense heat</h2>



The most dramatic changes were observed in Europe. Here, temperatures during the growing season have soared. 



The researchers found increases of over 2°C (3.6°F) in maximum temperatures, and a surge in the number of days exceeding 35°C (95°F). These shifts represent standard deviation jumps of 4 to 6 in Eastern and Western Europe - a statistical signal of extreme change.



Such conditions challenge the very definition of classic European terroirs. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-alcohol-in-moderation-does-not-prolong-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wines</a> from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley may now ripen too quickly. Sugar levels spike while acidity drops, altering the flavor balance.



“I was very surprised by the level of warming across the globe, but especially in Europe, where our results show clearly just how much the growing season has warmed with human-caused climate change,” said Dr. Wolkovich.



“As someone who has visited Europe for over 15 years, I have witnessed the increasing heat waves, but seeing the data - and how much change growers are facing - was sobering and even higher than I expected.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-regions-face-different-realities">Other regions face different realities</h2>



In contrast to Europe, North America and South America showed smaller average shifts, though still notable. 



For example, mean growing season temperatures increased by 1.3 standard deviations globally. Yet the types of stress varied. While Europe faced surging heat extremes, North American vineyards experienced more modest rises in both minimum and maximum temperatures.



Regions like Northern Africa and Western Asia, already at the warm end of the spectrum, saw smaller relative increases in high temperatures. But even small gains in such climates could have severe effects. These include greater wildfire risk, vine stress, and potential reductions in yield or quality.



The experts found that precipitation changes were minor on average. However, even slight reductions during harvest in places like Eastern/Southern Africa could impact grape development and disease pressure. The effects of these changes, though subtle, may accumulate over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-affects-wine-more-than-cold">Heat affects wine more than cold</h2>



One of the most striking findings in the study was that extreme heat - not minimum cold temperatures - has changed the most. This runs counter to many expectations.



“The fact that the biggest shifts were in heat extremes and metrics related to total heat was also surprising as we tend to expect climate change to warm minimum temperatures more - so I expected metrics like cold temperatures around the time of budburst and harvest to change the most - but it was often the metrics related to higher temperatures,” said Dr. Wolkovich.



This has major implications. Growers often prepare for spring frosts or winter chills, but now they must deal with searing summer heat and accelerated grape maturation. Such conditions could lead to berry shriveling, changes in tannin structure, or even crop loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-influence-of-grape-variety">The influence of grape variety </h2>



To test whether the mix of grape varieties in each region influenced climate metrics, the team modeled two scenarios. One assumed every region grew only Pinot noir, an early-ripening red grape. The other used detailed data on which varieties are actually planted in each area.



Surprisingly, the results showed only minor differences in most climate metrics between the two approaches. That’s because most regions plant a small set of popular varieties. Only Europe, with its rich mix of late-ripening cultivars, showed measurable shifts based on variety.



Still, the researchers note that this could change. As warming intensifies, regions may be forced to switch to more resilient, late-maturing varieties.



Dr. Wolkovich’s team modeled over 500 cultivars, but even this impressive effort covers less than half of all varieties grown globally. The data gap reflects how much more needs to be done.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stages-in-wine-and-climate-cycles">Stages in wine and climate cycles</h2>



Most climate models focus on the start (budburst) and end (harvest) of the growing season. But this overlooks critical mid-season events like flowering and veraison - the moment when grapes begin to change color and soften.



These stages are especially sensitive to temperature and water stress. Yet they are often excluded from global models because of a lack of data. 



The study calls for more research into how these mid-season processes are shifting, and how different grape types respond under stress.



Understanding these details could guide smarter planting decisions and improve predictions about wine quality under future climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-solutions-need-global-awareness">Local solutions need global awareness</h2>



One of the core messages of the study is that winegrowers cannot think in isolation. The effects of climate change are deeply local, but learning from other regions can provide key insights.



Dr. Wolkovich noted that the study was a major interdisciplinary and international undertaking, requiring expertise from climatologists, crop modelers, macroecologists, and winegrape genetics experts from France, Spain, the US and Canada. 



"It also relied on extensive data resources, and would not have been possible without the records of the <a href="https://eng-vassal.montpellier.hub.inrae.fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INRAE</a> experimental unit Domaine de Vassal, which has collected data on winegrapes for decades."



Europe's experience with heat waves may inform future strategies in cooler regions. Australia’s innovations to handle wildfire smoke have already been adopted in parts of California. 



As the research notes, global comparisons can reveal both absolute extremes and relative rates of change - each of which matters for long-term adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wine-s-future-in-a-changing-climate">Wine's future in a changing climate </h2>



Climate change is not only about average temperatures. It is about the shifting tempo of seasons, the rise of extreme events, and the fragility of systems once thought stable. Winegrowing, with its deep ties to place and tradition, now faces a reckoning.



This global study does more than document change - it invites a broader rethinking of how we grow, manage, and protect one of the world’s most culturally and economically significant crops. 



By blending regional expertise with a planetary perspective, it offers a path forward: one that honors tradition while preparing for transformation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000539" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Climate</a>.



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Wines may develop new tastes as climate patterns change

Wine has long been regarded as a mirror of its...

Pacifiers and thumb-sucking are often lifesavers in the early days of parenthood. They help babies calm down, fall asleep, and cope with unfamiliar sights and sounds. 



But at some point, parents face a new challenge - how and when to help their children let go of these habits.



A national poll from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital found that nearly half of parents say their child has used a pacifier. One in four say their child has sucked his or her thumb or fingers.



While these behaviors are common and often harmless early on, many parents worry they may be dragging on too long.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacifiers-are-helpful-initially">Pacifiers are helpful initially</h2>



According to experts at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>, pacifiers and thumb-sucking serve a valuable purpose during infancy. 



The American Academy of Pediatrics even recommends pacifiers during sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, what begins as a comforting reflex can become problematic if it continues past the toddler years.



“For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sugars-in-breast-milk-help-prevent-infections-in-newborns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newborns</a>, sucking is a natural reflex that they use for feeding and can help them calm themselves as they adjust to stressors in their environment,” said Dr. Susan Woolford, a pediatrician at U-M Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and co-director of the Mott Poll.



“Pacifiers and thumb-sucking can be lifesaving by reducing the risk of SIDS but their use should be short-lived, as the benefits of these self-soothing techniques decrease as babies get older. Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use may impact dental health and possibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/screen-time-delays-language-development-in-toddlers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speech development</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-soothing-becomes-a-constant-habit">When soothing becomes a constant habit</h2>



The poll revealed that many children use pacifiers or suck their thumbs at bedtime, naptime, or when they’re feeling overwhelmed. But the comfort behaviors didn’t stop there. 



Nearly one in 10 pacifier users relied on it during screen time, while almost a quarter of thumb-suckers did the same. For some, it became a near-constant habit - 18% of parents said their child used a pacifier almost all the time.



“These self-soothing behaviors are a natural part of early development,” Woolford said. “But when they persist beyond the toddler years or start interfering with daily routines, it can signal a child is seeking comfort in the absence of other coping tools.”



Many parents - over half - believe the best time to stop these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/picky-eating-habits-in-childhood-have-lingering-effects-in-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habits</a> is before the age of two. While some children naturally outgrow them, others may need help breaking the cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-strategies-work-and-some-don-t">Some strategies work, and some don’t</h2>



Parents have gotten creative in their attempts to move on from pacifiers and thumb-sucking. Some limit the pacifier to bedtime. Others hide it, pretend it’s lost, or explain that the child is now too old to use one. 



A few go further: one in 10 parents even snipped a hole in the pacifier’s nipple to make it less appealing.



For thumb-sucking, some parents introduce a substitute - 18% offered a stuffed animal for comfort. Others tried deterrents, such as hot sauce, Vaseline, or even mittens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-depends-on-the-child">Success depends on the child</h2>



According to Woolford, the success of any approach depends on the child. Some respond to stories or videos that explain why it’s time to stop. Others might enjoy earning stickers or small prizes. 



For some kids, it’s easier to slowly reduce usage. There are also children who do better with a clean break - perhaps with a visit from the "pacifier fairy."



Dr. Woolford suggests that offering a soft toy or doll can provide a healthy substitute for comfort.



“As children get older, parents should encourage them to rely less on pacifiers and thumb-sucking for comfort and develop other strategies to self soothe,” Woolford said.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-who-use-humor-have-better-relationships-with-their-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parents</a> should recognize that this may be an emotional transition for their child, and approach it with kindness and patience.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giving-up-pacifiers-and-thumb-sucking">Giving up pacifiers and thumb-sucking</h2>



Every child is different, and there’s no single right way to help them give up soothing habits like pacifiers or thumb-sucking. What matters most is paying attention to how often your child uses these tools, and whether they’re starting to rely on them too much as they grow.



Pacifiers can be incredibly helpful during the first few months of life, especially for sleep and comfort. But as children get older, it’s important to watch for signs that these habits might be interfering with other parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lighting-up-the-brain-the-power-of-play-in-child-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development</a> - like speech, sleep routines, or emotional coping.



The goal isn’t to rush children out of their comfort zones, but to gently guide them toward new ways of self-soothing. 



With patience, consistency, and a bit of creativity, most kids adjust with ease. And for parents, that transition - no matter how bumpy - can be one more reminder of how quickly little ones grow up.



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Parents divided on best time to stop pacifiers and thumb-sucking

Pacifiers and thumb-sucking are often lifesavers in the early days...

<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.

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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.

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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.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from 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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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



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.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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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"

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

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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

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from 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

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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