What we eat is not just about hunger. Meals carry culture, habits, and values. They shape how we see ourselves and how others see us. 



Our diets also shape the world we live in. Animal agriculture drives climate change, damages ecosystems, and raises questions about health and ethics.



Scientists agree that cutting down on meat and dairy is one of the fastest ways to reduce harm. Yet progress is uneven. 



Men, in particular, resist plant-based eating more than women. Why? A new study offers an answer, pointing to masculinity as a hidden driver of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-carb-or-low-fat-food-quality-is-more-important-for-heart-health/">food choices</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-men-resist-dietary-change">Why men resist dietary change</h2>



The research was conducted by teams at the University of Bath, Bryant Research, and the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a>. 



The team examined links between gender norms and food. The researchers asked a tough question: how can plant-based diets be marketed to men without clashing with their sense of identity?



“Animal agriculture is key culprit of environmental degradation, public health risks, and animal suffering. Reducing meat and animal product <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-identify-two-key-habits-for-losing-weight-without-dieting-meal-timing/">consumption</a> is widely recognized as an effective way to mitigate these harms," said Dr Annayah Prosser of the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a> School of Management.



"However, men continue to consume more meat than women, are less likely to be vegetarian or vegan, and are more resistant to initiatives that promote reductions in meat consumption.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-masculinity-at-the-table">Masculinity at the table</h2>



The study surveyed over 1,000 men in the UK. The results showed a clear trend: the more men embraced traditional masculine traits, the more meat they ate.



This wasn’t only about taste. Men attached meaning to meat. For many, meat stood for strength, self-reliance, and even cultural pride. Vegetarianism, on the other hand, looked like a threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traits-shaping-men-s-diet">Traits shaping men’s diet</h2>



The researchers measured six traits: avoidance of femininity, emotional restraint, aggression, achievement status, self-reliance, and attitudes toward sex. Not all carried the same weight. Two stood out as the biggest predictors of high meat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/popular-diet-restricting-calories-can-lead-to-mood-emotional-slumps-especially-in-men/">consumption</a>.



“Beyond the well-known link between masculinity and meat, our study identified two masculine norms that may drive this connection: ‘avoidance of femininity’ and ‘achievement status,'" said study lead author Elise Hankins of <a href="https://bryantresearch.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryant Research</a>.



"Men endorsing these specific norms tended to eat more meat, were more attached to meat and dairy, viewed vegetarianism as a threat to British culture and found meat more masculine."



Hsnkins said that in order to shift men’s diets, the challenge is to address these norms and find ways to work with - not against - men’s identities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-men-s-contradictory-diet-views">Men’s contradictory diet views</h2>



Surveys showed numbers, but conversations told a more complicated story. In online focus groups, men often contradicted themselves.



 Many men insisted gender had nothing to do with their food choices. Minutes later, they described how friends, families, or peers influenced what ended up on their plates.



“Men in our focus groups were conflicted over the role masculinity played in their meat consumption. At first, many men wholly dismissed the role their gender had over their diet, but minutes later they would speak about the vast influences their social network and male peer group had on their menu choices,” said Dr Prosser.



“Researchers understand that eating is a fundamentally social activity, and our research shows that while men may not wish to recognise it overtly, masculinity has a major covert influence on dietary choices.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-problem-of-taste">The problem of taste</h2>



One issue kept coming up: flavor. Men doubted whether plant-based foods could match meat for taste. Many assumed alternatives were bland or unsatisfying.



The researchers argue that changing this perception is vital. If plant-based meals feel indulgent and rich, resistance will fade. Campaigns that spotlight flavor, cooking methods, and satisfaction could make a difference.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthier-diet-could-boost-memory-delay-dementia/">Nutrition</a> also matters. The study showed that men respond strongly to arguments about health, protein, and physical performance.



Marketing that shows plant-based eating as fuel for strength and longevity may resonate more than environmental appeals alone. Fitness-focused stories could make men view plant-based diets as tools for improvement, not sacrifices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messaging-that-works">Messaging that works</h2>



The researchers warn against directly labeling plant-based foods as “manly.” This tactic risks rejection. Subtler connections to performance, adventure, or resilience could work better.



Packaging and labeling also need care. Familiar words like “meaty” can reassure consumers while helping them see these foods as genuine replacements, not poor imitations.



Food choices don’t happen in isolation. Friends, partners, and families play huge roles. Campaigns that work within these networks might succeed where individual-focused messages fail. 



Price is another barrier. Many men feel plant-based products cost too much. Policies that reduce prices or offer incentives could make plant-based meals more competitive with meat and dairy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-shaping-men-s-diet">Culture shaping men’s diet</h2>



The findings show that resistance to plant-based diets isn’t just about food. It’s about identity, culture, and belonging. 



Men’s connection to meat often hides beneath layers of social influence and masculine ideals. To change diets, campaigns must work with these realities, not ignore them.



This study reminds us that the road to sustainability is cultural as much as scientific. Changing habits requires more than statistics on climate or health. It requires understanding the values people attach to what they eat. Only then can a shift toward greener diets gain real momentum.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494425001768?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Environmental Psychology</a>.



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Men face a masculinity barrier to greener diets

What we eat is not just about hunger. Meals carry culture, habits, and values. They shape how we see ourselves and how others see us. Our diets also shape the world we live in. Animal agriculture drives climate change, damages ecosystems, and raises questions about health and ethics. Scientists agree that cutting down on meat and dairy is one of the fastest ways to reduce harm. Yet progress is uneven. Men, in particular, resist plant-based eating more than women. Why? A new study offers an answer, pointing...

Picture this: you open your phone and there’s a new video making the rounds - one of you, taken without your permission. You didn’t know they were filming. Now, everyone’s laughing. This is cyberbullying and it doesn’t leave visible bruises. It carves deeper wounds - the kind that last long after the screen goes dark.



Recent research by Florida Atlantic University (<a href="https://www.fau.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAU</a>) and the <a href="https://www.uwec.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire</a> delves into the hidden impact of cyberbullying. The team surveyed over 2,600 middle and high school students. The findings are disturbing.



Cyberbullying isn’t just a passing phase or a moment of meanness. It’s an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) – the kind that twists your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gaze-and-intention-the-unspoken-language-of-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perception</a> of yourself and your place in the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cyberbullying-feels-like-a-silent-attack">Cyberbullying feels like a silent attack</h2>



It’s not just the threats. Sometimes, it’s the silence. A chat goes quiet when you enter. You’re the only one who didn’t get the invite. You scroll through comments, and there it is - a cruel rumor with your name attached.



Dr. Sameer Hinduja is the study's lead author and a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at FAU. 



“As our research clearly shows, cyberbullying in any form - whether it’s exclusion from a group chat or direct threats - can lead to significant trauma in youth," said Dr. Hinduja.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-online-bullying-has-become-common">Online bullying has become common</h2>



Cyberbullying is not rare. It’s routine. The study found that 87 percent of students reported experiencing at least one form of online harassment in the past month. That's almost nine out of ten kids - in one month.



This isn’t just about aggressive, in-your-face attacks. It’s about the little digs, whispers, and rumors that spread faster than wildfire. Mean comments, false accusations, deliberate exclusions - they pile up, and they stick.



The researchers examined eighteen types of cyberbullying. Among them, indirect forms of harassment stood out. More than half of the students said they’d been targeted by mean comments. Almost as many reported being excluded from group chats or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/futuristic-6g-internet-speed-will-arrive-sooner-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online</a> discussions.



Others had their private information shared without consent, or watched as someone impersonated them online, spreading lies and ruining reputations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-words-can-be-weapons-in-online-spaces">Words can be weapons in online spaces</h2>



Cyberbullying isn’t always loud or obvious. It’s not just mean comments or threats. Sometimes, it’s being ignored. You log in, and everyone’s chatting – except you. They’re sharing jokes and talking about things you weren’t included in. 



You keep scrolling and realize they’re making fun of you. You weren’t invited, but you’re still the target. That kind of silent rejection can sting even more than direct insults. It makes you feel invisible, unwanted, and left out on purpose.



“What mattered most was the overall amount of cyberbullying: the more often a student was targeted, the more trauma symptoms they showed,” noted Hinduja.



Girls reported the most intense emotional fallout. Younger teens felt it too - the sleepless nights, anxiety, and the fear of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-pressure-is-straining-teen-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">logging in</a>.



But when researchers adjusted for how often each student was targeted, those differences faded. The truth is, anyone can be a target - regardless of gender or age. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-five-types-of-cyberbullying">Five types of cyberbullying</h2>



Cyberbullying comes in different forms, and it doesn’t always look the same. The study found five main types.



First, there are threats. These are direct, scary messages that make you worry about your safety. Someone might say they’re going to hurt you or make you feel like you’re in danger.



Next is identity-based harassment. This is when people attack things that make you who you are, like your race, religion, or gender. They might use slurs, insults, or cruel jokes to target those parts of you.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-privacy-violations-and-harassment">Privacy violations and harassment </h2>



Privacy violations are also an issue. This is when someone shares your personal information without permission. Maybe they post your secrets <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online</a>, pretend to be you, or track what you’re doing. It makes you feel like you can’t control what people know about you.



Another type of cyberbullying is indirect harassment. This isn’t always in your face. It’s the gossip, rumors, and mean comments that spread behind your back. You hear people are talking about you, but you can’t stop it.



Finally, there’s exclusion. This one can seem small, but it still hurts. You’re the only one not included in the group chat or tagged in a photo. You’re left out on purpose, and it makes you feel invisible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cyberbullying-trauma-can-last-for-years">Cyberbullying trauma can last for years</h2>



The researchers didn’t just look at immediate effects. They examined the fallout that lingers.



For some, the trauma sticks around like a shadow. Nightmares that don’t go away. Flashbacks that hit when you see a certain name pop up. A sense of dread every time your phone lights up.



Previous research shows that some adults still feel the sting of childhood bullying years later. They carry it into their relationships, jobs, and their daily lives. They question their worth, flinching at every criticism. 



The study revealed that cyberbullying can have a similar effect. IIt’s not just a phase. It’s a wound that never really heals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lifeline-of-support">The lifeline of support</h2>



Having a strong support system can make a big difference for kids who are bullied. Family can be a safe place. Friends can help you feel less alone. Being mentally strong can also help you bounce back.



The study found that kids who felt close to their families didn’t feel as much pain from bullying. Good friends also made the hurt less intense. But not everyone has that kind of support.



For those without family or friends to lean on, the impact of bullying hit harder. They felt more alone. The loneliness became heavy, like a weight they couldn’t shake off.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action">A call to action</h2>



Dr. Hinduja emphasized the need for a trauma-informed response. “To truly protect young people, we must take a trauma-informed approach, one that prioritizes emotional and psychological safety,” he said.



Schools need to wake up to what’s happening behind the screens. It’s not just about stopping overt threats. It’s about recognizing the quiet, insidious forms of cruelty - the exclusions, the whispers, the frozen-out group chats. 



Teachers need training to spot the signs. They need to notice the kid who goes quiet, who used to laugh and now just stares at the floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-effects-of-cyberbullying">Long-term effects of cyberbullying</h2>



The study calls for more research on what happens to kids after they’re bullied online. Do they heal over time, or does the pain stick with them? What about the ones who don’t have support from family or friends? Can special programs help them feel better?



We don’t have all the answers yet, but one thing is clear - we can’t ignore the impact of cyberbullying. It’s not just kids being dramatic. It’s real trauma that can last long after the bullying stops.



The hurt doesn’t end when the screen goes dark. It stays. For some, it never really goes away.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-22692-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMC Public Health</a>.



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Cyberbullying causes lasting trauma similar to physical abuse

Picture this: you open your phone and there’s a new...

Healthy,Vegetarian,Dinner.,Woman,In,Jeans,And,Warm,Sweater,Holding

Aging can mean many things. It can mean slowing down, feeling less sharp, or facing more health issues. But it doesn’t have to. A new study suggests that what women eat in midlife could set the stage for how well they age. 



Published in JAMA Network Open, the study from <a href="https://www.tufts.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a> and <a href="https://hsph.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a> dives into the power of carbohydrates and fiber in shaping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organ-aging-can-predict-diseases-decades-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> decades later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-carbs-affect-aging">How carbs affect aging</h2>



Not all carbs are equal. Some lift you up, while others drag you down.



“We’ve all heard that different carbohydrates can affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-old-are-you-really-new-tool-measures-aging-from-the-inside-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> differently, whether for weight, energy, or blood sugar levels. But rather than just look at the immediate effects of these macronutrients, we wanted to understand what they might mean for good health 30 years later,” said lead author Andres Ardisson Korat.



The study zeroed in on 47,000 women, ages 70 to 93. The researchers looked at what these women ate over a span of three decades, starting in 1984. They tracked their intake of refined carbs, high-quality carbs, and fiber. They wanted to see who aged well - and who didn’t.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-healthy-aging-looks-like">What healthy aging looks like</h2>



Living past 70 doesn’t mean you’re aging well. The researchers defined <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-might-help-you-stay-sharp-as-you-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy</a> aging as reaching 70 without major chronic diseases, keeping a sharp mind, staying physically capable, and feeling good mentally. Out of 47,000 women, only 3,706 fit that bill.



What did those women have in common? A diet rich in high-quality carbs and fiber. The more they ate from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, the better they aged.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-quality-carbs-boost-aging">High-quality carbs boost aging</h2>



Eating more high-quality carbs wasn’t just good. It was transformative. Women who upped their intake of high-quality carbs by 10% had a 31% better chance of aging well. 



The same couldn’t be said for refined carbs. Sugary snacks and white bread were linked to a 13% drop in the odds of healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-protein-that-reverses-cellular-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>. 



“Our results are consistent with other evidence linking consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes with lower risks of chronic diseases, and now we see the association with physical and cognitive function outcomes,” said study senior author Qi Sun.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fiber-s-role-in-protecting-health">Fiber’s role in protecting health</h2>



Fiber doesn’t just keep things moving. It protects your mind. It shields your body. For every one-standard-deviation bump in fiber intake, the odds of healthy aging shot up by 17 percent.



Fruit fiber boosted odds by 14 percent. Vegetable fiber added 11 percent. Even cereal fiber, often overlooked, contributed a 7% increase.



The benefits of fiber went beyond disease prevention. Women with higher fiber intake had stronger memories, better physical function, and fewer mental health problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-carbs-affect-aging-differently">All carbs affect aging differently</h2>



Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) may sound like fancy terms, but they matter. Foods with a high GI hit blood sugar hard and fast. Not great for aging well.



High GL foods, on the other hand, had a surprising link to better mental health. But once the researchers factored in fiber intake, that connection weakened. The takeaway? Fiber might buffer some of the negative effects of high-GI foods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-replacing-refined-carbs">Replacing refined carbs</h2>



Imagine swapping out refined carbs for high-quality ones. What happens? Women who did had 8% to 16% better odds of aging well. That’s a big jump.



“Studies are starting to find an association between food choices in midlife and quality of life in later years. The more we can understand about healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>, the more science can help people live healthier for longer,” Korat said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-women-s-diets">Tracking women's diets</h2>



This study tracked women’s diets for over 30 years. It connected their midlife eating habits to their health in their 70s and 80s. The findings suggest that small, consistent changes matter more than drastic diets.



The researchers saw that women who ate more whole grains, fruits, and veggies over time aged better than those who filled up on white bread and sweets.



The study mostly included white, educated health professionals. Participants reported their own dietary habits, which might not be completely accurate. And after three decades, memories can get hazy.



Still, the findings were clear. Eating more high-quality carbs and fiber in midlife made a noticeable difference. It wasn’t just beneficial - it was transformative.



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



Aging well isn’t just about avoiding illness. It’s about staying mentally sharp, physically active, and feeling good. The study suggests that what women eat in their 40s and 50s can impact their health decades later.



But it’s not just about eating fewer carbs. It’s about eating the right ones. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes gave women a better shot at aging well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbs-and-fiber-shape-aging">Carbs and fiber shape aging</h2>



The food choices women make in midlife are more than just meals. They’re investments. 



High-quality carbs and dietary fiber aren’t just good for digestion. They’re linked to lower risks of chronic diseases, sharper minds, and better physical health in old age.



Aging doesn’t have to mean decline, and it doesn’t have to mean slowing down. For the women in this study, eating well decades earlier paid off in a big way. The lesson? It’s never too early to think about the future. And it’s never too late to make better choices.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2834202" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a>.



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High-quality carbs in midlife linked to healthier aging

Aging can mean many things. It can mean slowing down,...

In many places, men face a higher risk of disease but receive less timely care. These observations come from a broad international effort examining hypertension, diabetes, and HIV and aids.



Angela Chang from the <a href="https://www.sdu.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Denmark</a> led a team that gathered worldwide information on who falls ill and who actually receives help. The analysis pointed to important differences by sex, affecting disease rates and overall health <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organ-aging-can-predict-diseases-decades-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outcomes</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sex-differences-affect-health-outcomes">Sex differences affect health outcomes</h2>



Males have higher rates of smoking in most nations according to the <a href="https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/343287" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a>. Smoking is a known factor for high blood pressure, making it a key contributor to heart problems. Females tend to lead in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831322010249" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a> numbers in many regions, which can contribute to diabetes.



These diseases are not just about risk factors. The study shows that males often end up with higher mortality rates once they develop these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rats-are-spreading-a-deadly-disease-across-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. 



Many men <a href="https://menandhiv.org/publication/the-mens-health-gap-men-must-be-included-in-the-global-health-equity-agenda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fail to visit clinics</a> or hospitals as regularly as women, which could mean they don’t get diagnosed or treated when they need it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disease-risks-and-care-gaps">Disease risks and care gaps </h2>



<a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4314-hypertension-high-blood-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hypertension</a>, commonly called high blood pressure, is often undetected. Men skip checkups more frequently, so signs that might be obvious in a routine exam can slip under the radar. If left unaddressed, this condition can lead to complications like stroke and heart failure.



Diabetes also showed worrying trends. In around half of surveyed countries, men were more likely to die from this disease than women. In a few areas, women had a greater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a> burden, but men were still less likely to receive consistent care in those spots.



HIV and aids <a href="https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/2020_global-aids-report_en.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data</a> revealed that in most places where statistics were available, men’s prevalence and death rates outpaced those of women. The research suggested that men often lagged behind in testing, treatment, and adherence to medication schedules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-care-disparities-by-sex">Care disparities by sex</h2>



“Without sex-disaggregated cascade data, we’re flying blind - unable to detect who is falling through the cracks in prevention, diagnosis, and care,” said Angela Chang, senior author of the study.



The team emphasized that many health policies and programs do not consider these persistent differences in how men and women seek health support.



The researchers pointed out that risk factors aren’t only rooted in biology. Gender norms and expectations can increase or lower the likelihood that a person will smoke, receive checkups, or follow a treatment plan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-men-avoid-health-care">Why men avoid health care </h2>



Many men report that they avoid medical care unless absolutely necessary. In <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263198588_Men_and_primary_care_Improving_access_and_outcomes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surveys</a> across different countries, common reasons include fear of diagnosis, lack of time, or the belief that symptoms will go away on their own.



Some researchers suggest that social norms around masculinity encourage toughness and discourage vulnerability. This can stop men from seeking care early, which delays diagnosis and worsens outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-men-s-health-care-disparities">Men’s health care disparities</h2>



“We have long advocated the benefits of publishing sex disaggregated data. Such data can reveal where the health journeys of men and women diverge, be it in relation to the risk factors they are exposed to, their health care seeking behaviors or their experiences in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-diseases-that-infect-humans-are-becoming-more-common-in-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> care systems,” said Professors Kent Buse at Global 50/50. 



The experts emphasize that social constructs shape health as much as biology, suggesting that efforts to tackle these disparities should address cultural and systemic factors. The findings highlight the need for balanced health policies. 



Certain measures might need to target men more aggressively, aiming to increase early screening, boost clinic attendance, and raise awareness around symptoms that men are less likely to act on promptly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gaps-in-men-s-health-care">Gaps in men's health care</h2>



Policymakers and health professionals may look at these gaps and explore fresh approaches to reach men. From workplace screening programs to flexible clinic hours, there are strategies that address the common reasons men often give for not seeking help.



Experts agree that looking at sex-disaggregated data is the first step toward making sure no one gets left behind. The focus is on gathering stronger, more detailed information. That way, actions can be tailored and effective, ensuring better health for all.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-problem-with-missing-data">The problem with missing data</h2>



A major issue researchers faced was the lack of complete data for many countries. While the team found data on risk and death rates for over 200 countries, full care cascade data, especially broken down by sex, was often missing, particularly for diabetes and hiv and aids.



Without this information, it’s hard to see where and why people are dropping off the care pathway. This makes it more difficult to design effective solutions or understand how patterns differ across age, income, and region.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1004592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Medicine</a>.



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Men die more from preventable health issues but seek less care

In many places, men face a higher risk of disease...

You grab a snack, tear open the package, and munch away. But have you ever wondered what might be slipping into your food? Synthetic chemicals sneak in through packaging, processing, and storage. You can’t see these chemicals, but they are there, and they’re raising serious health concerns.



A study published in the journal Nature Medicine dives into the hidden world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-people-are-willing-to-switch-to-plant-based-food-to-save-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> contaminants. 



The research was not just focused on preservatives and additives. The team studied chemicals that come from food packaging and contact materials - the plastics, metals, and papers that wrap, store, and process what we eat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthetic-chemicals-in-food">Synthetic chemicals in food</h2>



Synthetic chemicals are gatecrashers in our food <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coal-emissions-threaten-indias-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system</a>. They don’t come from ingredients. They come from the packaging, the containers, and the processing equipment. 



Bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS - these chemicals don’t just sit there. They migrate, moving from plastic wrap into your sandwich, from the can lining into your soup.



It turns out, the more ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-what-were-really-fighting-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a> you eat, the higher your exposure. These foods aren’t just packed with artificial flavors and preservatives. Ultra-processed foods are also packed in materials that leach synthetic chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemicals-hidden-in-food-packaging">Chemicals hidden in food packaging </h2>



Your meal passes through four critical stages before landing on your plate. The first stage is transportation, where food sits in containers lined with synthetic materials, allowing chemicals to leach into it.



Next comes processing. Here, machines made from plastic and metal come into direct contact with the food, increasing the risk of contamination.



The third stage is packaging. Plastic wraps and aluminum cans may seem harmless, but they can act as chemical conduits, allowing synthetic substances to migrate into the food.



Finally, there is preparation. Heating a plastic-wrapped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vicious-cycle-food-systems-both-suffer-from-and-cause-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meal</a> in the microwave can exacerbate chemical leaching, effectively delivering those contaminants straight to your table.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthetic-chemical-delivery-system">Synthetic chemical delivery system</h2>



Ultra-processed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-has-a-surprising-impact-on-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a> are engineered for taste and convenience, but they’re also perfect carriers for synthetic chemicals.



Foods that come in contact with synthetic materials during every stage of production are more likely to end up with higher chemical loads. And that’s not all. 



The study connects these contaminants to serious health issues - cancers, heart disease, metabolic disorders, and more.



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



Jane Muncke, the study’s lead author from <a href="https://foodpackagingforum.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Packaging Forum</a> Foundation, said that the evidence is becoming more clear that today’s packaged ultra-processed foods contain many synthetic chemicals and microplastics from various sources.



The presence of these chemicals is well-documented, and their harmful effects are clear. Yet, regulatory frameworks remain inadequate, barely addressing the full scope of the problem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdated-testing-methods">Outdated testing methods </h2>



Testing for these chemicals isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Most testing methods are outdated, designed for known contaminants. 



But what about the ones we haven’t identified yet? The study pushes for more advanced testing methods that can catch emerging chemicals and microplastics before they slip through regulatory cracks.



Packaging is supposed to protect food. But what if it’s doing the opposite? Plastic containers, metal cans, and even paper wrappers can all leach chemicals into food. 



Redesigning these materials for safety isn’t just a nice idea - it’s a necessity. The study urges policymakers to push for safer, more sustainable packaging alternatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-food-safety">Rethinking food safety</h2>



Muncke explained that there's a broader issue - one that extends beyond just individual chemicals. She noted that the health impacts of this type of food contamination are currently under-appreciated and under-studied. 



"The scientific evidence shows a need for adopting a holistic approach to policymaking, that integrates considerations of planetary and human health, including hazardous FCCs and their impacts on health," said Muncke.



"All food packaging, processing equipment, and other food contact materials need to be adequately tested for their safety with regard to migrating food contact chemicals and microplastics using modern testing methods."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



If we keep eating ultra-processed foods, we keep ingesting synthetic chemicals. The study lays it out clearly - we need safer packaging, stricter testing, and stronger regulations. But we also need to rethink what we eat. 



Ultra-processed foods might be convenient, but they come with invisible risks. Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at that snack in your hand and consider what may be hiding inside.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03697-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



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Food packaging is leaking harmful chemicals into meals

You grab a snack, tear open the package, and munch...

Kenya is grappling with a child malnutrition crisis. Nearly 350,000 children under five suffer from acute malnutrition, a condition that severely weakens their immune systems. Some regions report malnutrition rates as high as 25 percent.



Now, a team from University of Southern California (<a href="https://www.usc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC</a>), Microsoft AI for Good Lab, Amref Health Africa, and Kenya’s Ministry of Health has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model that can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-cant-afford-healthy-food-despite-not-being-poor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predict</a> malnutrition up to six months ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-predicts-child-malnutrition">AI predicts child malnutrition</h2>



The model combines clinical records from 17,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> facilities with satellite data on crop health. The goal is to identify where malnutrition is likely to spike next. 



Unlike previous methods, which focus mainly on historical malnutrition rates, this AI-driven model uses complex data patterns.



Bistra Dilkina, co-director of USC’s Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society, said the model is a “game-changer."



"By using data-driven AI models, you can capture more complex relationships between multiple variables that work together to help us predict malnutrition prevalence more accurately," said Dilkina. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-child-malnutrition-trends">Child malnutrition trends</h2>



The data comes from Kenya’s District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2), a platform that collects health data from clinics nationwide. 



In addition, satellite imagery from NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) measures crop productivity. Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) indicates how well crops are growing, acting as a proxy for food security.



Regions with poor crop health often show higher malnutrition <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-at-high-altitudes-increases-stunting-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rates</a>. By analyzing both health and satellite data, the model predicts where malnutrition might rise. It achieved 89% accuracy in one-month forecasts and maintained 86% accuracy over six months - a notable leap from older models.



In Kenya, 5% of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. Globally, undernutrition contributes to nearly half of all deaths in this age group. Laura Ferguson, director of research at USC’s Institute on Inequalities in Global Health, emphasized the urgency.



“Malnutrition is a public health emergency in Kenya,” said Ferguson. “Children are sick unnecessarily. Children are dying unnecessarily.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-data-and-malnutrition-forecasts">Satellite data and malnutrition forecasts</h2>



Traditional forecasting relies on expert judgment and past trends. But in regions where malnutrition rates fluctuate, this approach often falls short. The new AI model uses data-driven insights to fill these gaps.



Murage S.M. Kiongo, Program Officer for Monitoring and Evaluation at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=Kenya%E2%80%99s+Ministry+of+Health&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kenya’s Ministry of Health</a>, explained the model’s potential. 



“The best way to predict the future is to create it using available data for better planning and prepositioning in developing countries,” said Kiongo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-forecasting-model-works-best">Which forecasting model works best?</h2>



The research team tested three forecasting methods: Window Averaging (WA), Logistic Regression (LR), and Gradient Boosting (GB). 



The GB model led the pack, reaching 86% accuracy over six months. WA lagged with a 73% accuracy, proving that simple historical averages can’t capture complex data <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-current-fertility-rate-isnt-enough-for-human-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a>.



Interestingly, GPP data alone performed almost as well as clinical data. In regions where health facility data is scarce, satellite imagery could serve as a crucial tool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-malnutrition-risk-areas">Pinpointing malnutrition risk areas </h2>



Not every region faces the same risk. The model highlighted areas like Turkana and Kuria West, where malnutrition rates exceed 15%. These hotspots often suffer from poor crop yields and limited access to healthcare.



By pinpointing these areas, the model helps humanitarian organizations and government agencies intervene sooner, potentially saving lives.



To make these predictions actionable, the team built a dashboard. It visualizes malnutrition risks across Kenya, integrating clinical data, GPP readings, and forecasting outcomes. 



The dashboard allows policymakers to see where malnutrition might spike next, enabling faster, targeted responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-actionable-child-malnutrition-insights">Actionable child malnutrition insights</h2>



Laura Ferguson and Bistra Dilkina are working with Kenya’s Ministry of Health and <a href="https://amref.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amref Health Africa</a> to integrate the dashboard into national systems. The goal is to make this tool a regular part of decision-making, ensuring resources reach those most in need.



Data gaps remain a challenge. Many rural children never visit health clinics, leaving them out of the DHIS2 dataset. Reporting inconsistencies also pose problems, as do mismatched administrative boundaries.



The research team plans to address these gaps by adding more data sources, like rainfall patterns and crop yields. They’re also exploring ways to adapt the model for other countries, particularly those using DHIS2.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-framework">A global framework</h2>



The AI model has far-reaching implications. Over 125 countries use DHIS2, including 80 where child malnutrition is rampant. If the model can predict malnutrition in Kenya, it can likely do the same elsewhere.



The study, titled “Forecasting acute childhood malnutrition in Kenya using machine learning and diverse sets of indicators,” was published in PLOS One on May 14, 2025. The authors include Girmaw Abebe Tadesse from Microsoft <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/group/ai-for-good-research-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI for Good Lab</a>, Laura Ferguson from USC, and Bistra Dilkina.



“If we can do this for Kenya, we can do it for other countries,” said Dilkina. “The sky’s the limit when there is a genuine commitment to work in partnerships.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-warnings-of-child-malnutrition">Early warnings of child malnutrition</h2>



In regions where food insecurity and malnutrition are intertwined, early warnings can mean the difference between life and death. By predicting malnutrition months in advance, the AI model provides a crucial window for action.



For humanitarian organizations and governments, this tool offers more than predictions. It provides a plan - one based on data, not estimates. In a country where child malnutrition claims thousands of young lives each year, that plan could be a lifesaver.



Now, the focus shifts to scaling this model. Kenya is just the start. With the right data and partnerships, the AI model could become a global framework, predicting malnutrition and preventing suffering in countries where children are most at risk.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0322959" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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AI system can predict child malnutrition before it strikes

Kenya is grappling with a child malnutrition crisis. Nearly 350,000...

When disaster strikes, official warnings and evacuation orders fill the airwaves. But not everyone leaves. The reasons behind this choice go far beyond ignoring directions. Social roles, local knowledge, and personal priorities often outweigh government advisories.



A new study from researchers at <a href="https://environment.yale.edu/">The Yale School of the Environmen</a><a href="https://environment.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a> sheds light on why many people stay put even when facing life-threatening emergencies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-disconnect-in-disaster-evacuation">The disconnect in disaster evacuation</h2>



“There's more to the story of non-evacuation than what literature and popular conversation suggests,” said Evan Singer, a doctoral student who led the study. 



“People who don’t evacuate are often acting rationally and with ample information. It’s just that they’re acting on different information, leading to this disconnect between state and local actors.”



The study reveals that the gap between government officials and local communities is not just about information shortages. Instead, it's about different interpretations of risk and priorities. 



This mismatch can lead people to make decisions that seem irrational to authorities but are entirely logical within their own contexts.



Published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding community perspectives, especially as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a> become more frequent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-stories-of-staying-put">Global stories of staying put</h2>



To explore these differences, the researchers analyzed interviews, observations, scientific literature, and media reports from Japan, Indonesia, and the United States. Each region offered unique insights into how people perceive and respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>.



In South Florida, for example, Andrés Triana Solórzano observed a unique phenomenon: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-propose-adding-a-category-6-to-the-current-hurricane-intensity-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> “parties.” 



Neighbors who choose to shelter in place gather together, sharing food, drinks, and advice as storms approach. These gatherings are more than social events - they are acts of community solidarity and mutual support.



In Japan, Shoko Yamada studied disaster preparedness after the devastating 2018 floods and mudslides. Her findings showed that older residents often relied on family advice over government instructions. 



Some were physically unable to evacuate without help. Others stayed to support vulnerable neighbors, prioritizing community ties over personal safety.



Michael Dove, whose research spans four decades, focused on Mount Merapi, an active and deadly volcano on the Indonesian island of Java. His work highlighted stark differences between government strategies and local community responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staying-close-to-disaster">Staying close to disaster</h2>



Mount Merapi looms over Yogyakarta, a city of nearly 400,000 people. It last erupted in 2023.



The Indonesian government closely monitors the volcano and has repeatedly tried to relocate highland farmers living on its slopes. The goal is to prevent casualties and maintain control during disaster.



But the farmers see things differently. They are deeply connected to their land and livelihoods. While they may temporarily evacuate during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a>, they reject permanent relocation. To these farmers, the peaceful periods between eruptions are what matter most.



“They don’t want to evacuate. They know the state would remove them to less favorable outposts and have made peace with the danger of living so close to Mount Merapi,” Dove explained.



This difference in focus - immediate danger versus long-term survival - explains why many villagers stay despite the risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solidarity-in-the-storm">Solidarity in the storm</h2>



In the United States, a similar pattern emerges. Gulf Coast officials issue detailed storm warnings and evacuation orders, yet some residents choose to stay.



Triana Solórzano noted that these individuals are not unaware of the risks. Instead, they prioritize community responsibilities and future recovery over evacuation. Hurricane parties are a reflection of this mindset, where people find strength in solidarity.



In Japan, the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami killed over 18,000 people. Some of those who stayed behind did so to help others evacuate. 



During the 2018 floods, many older residents relied more on advice from family and neighbors than on official directives.



Japanese disaster preparedness advocates are now pushing for evacuation plans that consider these social dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-disaster-evacuation-plans">Improving disaster evacuation plans</h2>



The research team believes that acknowledging these diverse perspectives can enhance disaster response strategies. By incorporating community concerns and values into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-pet-owners-are-not-prepared-for-a-natural-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evacuation plans</a>, governments can improve safety outcomes.



“There's a lot of emphasis on reaching different groups with more emergency information, which I think should continue,” Singer said. 



“But understanding that people operate using different information, as well as sometimes not enough information, is a really important distinction for policymakers.”



The study’s comparative approach - balancing residents’ long-term concerns with immediate safety - offers valuable insights for improving disaster preparedness and response.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Why many people don't leave during disaster evacuations

When disaster strikes, official warnings and evacuation orders fill the...

When was the last time you sat quietly in a garden, and let your eyes wander without a goal? Observation gardens are built for moments like these. They give people space to simply look, breathe, and feel present.



But beyond offering a peaceful break, these green spaces may do something even more valuable - they could help us manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-gardens-are-more-relaxing">Some gardens are more relaxing </h2>



A group of scientists recently explored why some gardens are more calming and relaxing than others. The research was focused on Kyoto’s Murin-an garden, a famous example of Japanese design, and compared it to a less carefully maintained university garden.



The team’s findings reveal why these special <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-near-homes-reduce-emotional-problems-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green spaces</a> soothe the mind. The study was a joint effort by <a href="https://en.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagasaki University</a> and the University of Pittsburgh. 



"Unlike most gardens where a visitor is expected to move through its space and appreciate its elements from many different visual perspectives, an observation garden is designed to be viewed while seated at a single vantage point," noted the researchers.



"Indeed, the location of this vantage point is a critical design feature that is carefully chosen to maximize the impact of the visual scene."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-calming-effect-of-gardens">Studying the calming effect of gardens</h2>



The research team set out to investigate how the design of a garden affects our stress levels.



The scientists brought 16 students to two different gardens in Kyoto. One was Murin-an, known for its meticulous design and care. The other was a university garden that was more ordinary and less groomed.



Each participant spent seven minutes in each setting, observing the scenery. During this time, researchers tracked their eye movements and heart rates. The experts also asked the students about their mood before and after each visit.



“Well-designed Japanese gardens have evocative and abstract sceneries designed in great detail. These sceneries encourage the viewer to observe longer to understand the composition and meaning of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunsets-have-a-wow-factor-that-adds-value-to-landscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenery</a>, while the gaze wanders more and faster,” said Professor Seiko Goto of Nagasaki University, who specializes in landscape architecture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gaze-patterns-that-ease-the-mind">Gaze patterns that ease the mind</h2>



The results showed clear differences. In the Murin-an garden, people’s eyes moved more quickly across the scene. Their gazes shifted from one detail to another, covering a wider area. This was not the case in the university garden, where people mostly stared at the central features.



“We found a correlation of rapid gaze shifts and a reduction in heart rate and improved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-timing-has-a-powerful-effect-on-our-mood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mood</a>. The reduction in stress experienced by viewers of a well-crafted Japanese garden is largely due to the design features that lead the viewer to engage in frequent, rapid horizontal shifts in gaze,” explained Professor Karl Herrup, a neurobiologist at the University of Pittsburgh.



Maintenance also played a key role. A clean, well-pruned space invites the eye to keep moving. 



“To induce such close attention of the viewer, not only quality of design but also quality of the maintenance is important,” said Professor Goto. “Viewers’ gaze keeps moving to seek more fascination on the well pruned trees and speckless ground.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gardens-as-everyday-therapy">Gardens as everyday therapy</h2>



Beyond visual tracking, participants reported feeling more relaxed in the Murin-an garden. They liked it more, felt calmer, and expressed a stronger desire to return. Their heart rates also slowed, hinting at a true physiological response.



Interestingly, both gardens had similar features: water elements, stones, trees, and a bridge. But the way these elements were arranged made all the difference. In Murin-an, the design leads the eyes sideways, flowing with the layout. The university garden, by contrast, drew attention to one central spot.



“The Murin-an garden was designed as a viewing garden that should be appreciated from a specific vantage point relative to the design elements,” said Herrup. “It is this attention to detail that coaxes the eyes into the patterns that relieve stress.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-simple-pleasure-with-big-potential">A simple pleasure with big potential</h2>



The researchers acknowledge some limitations of their study. They had a short window of access to the gardens, and all of the participants were university students. 



Yet, previous research suggests that the calming effects of gardens apply across different ages, backgrounds, and even cognitive conditions. The experts also see potential for these findings to support people with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-grounds-could-help-prevent-neurodegenerative-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurodegenerative diseases</a>.



“Gardens are generally seen as a hobby for the wealthy, but if appreciating Japanese gardens can induce a relaxing effect, which intuitively everyone feels, it could be used as a form of therapy in hospitals and welfare facilities,” Goto concluded. 



“I think it would be good if Japanese gardens are built not just as a luxury but as a means of mental care in our aging society.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2025.1581080/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Neuroscience</a>.



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Why some gardens are more calming than others

When was the last time you sat quietly in a...

Clos,Eup,Of,A,Woman,Wand,Touching,River,Water,In

Scientists have long mapped separate brain areas for sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Yet new research reveals that when we focus sharply on any of those senses, signals converge on the same two structures buried deep in the brain - the midbrain reticular formation and the central thalamus.



This finding highlights a shared neural pathway that sustains <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-brain-stops-paying-attention-to-repeated-distractions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention</a> and wakefulness and could inspire therapies for coma, epilepsy, and attention-deficit disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-senses-in-a-single-brain-region">Senses in a single brain region</h2>



Research over the past century has shown that visual scenes activate the occipital cortex, melodies light up the temporal lobes, and so forth.



“We were expecting to find activity on shared networks, but when we saw all the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-sense-of-smell-and-different-odors-can-influence-how-we-see-colors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senses</a> light up the same central brain regions while a test subject was focusing, it was really astonishing,” said Aya Khalaf, a postdoctoral associate in neurology at <a href="https://medicine.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Medicine</a> and lead author of the study.



Those two regions - the reticular formation, a mesh of neurons in the upper brainstem, and the intralaminar and mediodorsal nuclei of the thalamus - form part of the so-called subcortical arousal system, a set of circuits long suspected to regulate alertness and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consciousness-may-stem-from-unseen-dimensions-beyond-our-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consciousness</a>.



Previous work had linked these hubs to vigilance by studying patients emerging from coma or experiencing absence seizures. But most of those experiments examined responses to a single type of stimulus, for example flashing lights or chirping sounds.



Khalaf and colleagues asked the broader question: do different senses share the same arousal circuitry when people deliberately pay attention?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-massive-data-mine">A massive data mine</h2>



To answer that, the team turned to the publicly available <a href="https://www.humanconnectome.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Connectome Project</a> and other repositories, assembling functional MRI scans from 1,561 healthy adults.



Across 11 tasks, participants viewed moving shapes, listened to spoken stories, sampled liquid tastants, or felt puffs of air on their fingertips. Each task included abrupt cues that forced subjects to switch attention - for instance, a sudden change in picture orientation or a surprise tone embedded in white noise.



The investigators processed more than 500 hours of scan data through a pipeline that removed head motion and physiological noise, then aligned brain volumes to a common atlas.



In every sensory domain, when a cue demanded rapid attentional re-orientation, blood-oxygen signals spiked in the reticular formation and the central thalamus. The effect was absent or minimal during passive stimulation, underscoring the importance of active engagement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consciousness-in-the-brain">Consciousness in the brain</h2>



Why would a taste test and a vision task end up at the same neural address? The authors propose that the midbrain reticular formation integrates sudden sensory changes and broadcasts a “wake-up” volley to the thalamus, which relays it to widespread cortical areas.



That burst synchronizes cortical rhythms, priming the brain to process incoming information. The scheme dovetails with classical animal studies showing that electrical stimulation of the reticular formation induces cortical desynchronization and behavioral arousal, while lesions produce stupor.



“It tells us how important this brain region is and what it could mean in efforts to restore consciousness,” Khalaf said.



“This has also given us insights into how things work normally in the brain. It’s really a step forward in our understanding of awareness and consciousness,” said senior author Hal Blumenfeld, a neurologist at Yale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awakening-senses-in-the-brain">Awakening senses in the brain</h2>



Because the same deep-brain hubs fire regardless of which sense is active, treatments aimed at modulating those hubs could benefit diverse conditions.



Drugs that enhance thalamic neurotransmission, for instance, might improve focus in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autism-and-adhd-disorders-directly-linked-amount-of-time-kids-spend-on-screens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention deficit hyperactivity disorder</a>. Conversely, overactivity in the arousal circuit has been implicated in insomnia; dampening the circuitry could help induce sleep.



The results also support ongoing trials that deliver low-intensity ultrasound or deep-brain electrodes to the central thalamus in patients with disorders of consciousness. 



If attention triggers the thalamus to “switch on” the cortex, stimulating it directly might help rouse patients who are minimally conscious.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-sensory-rehabilitation"><a></a>Rethinking sensory rehabilitation</h2>



The discovery challenges sensory-specific training programs that ignore subcortical commonalities. 



For example, visual rehabilitation for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stroke-risk-is-elevated-by-air-pollution-and-traffic-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stroke</a> survivors may benefit from pairing attentional cues with tactile or auditory tasks to engage the shared arousal pathway.



Likewise, virtual-reality therapies that bombard users with multi-sensory surprises might more effectively sharpen attentional control.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions </h2>



The Yale team plans to refine the timeline of activation using magnetoencephalography, which offers millisecond resolution. They also hope to dissect the frequency bands that link the thalamus to frontal and parietal cortices during attentional jumps. 



Such work could reveal whether gamma-band bursts or alpha-band suppression carry the critical “wake-up” message.



Another frontier involves patients. Investigators will compare responses in healthy volunteers with those in people who have attention deficits or who are emerging from anaesthesia. 



Identifying a lost or delayed thalamic spike could serve as a biomarker for impaired consciousness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-regions-and-the-senses">Brain regions and the senses</h2>



For now, the study establishes the midbrain reticular formation and central thalamus as the universal relay through which sight, sound, taste, and touch gain conscious entry - at least when our minds snap to attention.



By showing that “all the senses light up the same central brain regions,” it confirms that consciousness depends not only on specialized cortical maps but also on a common deep-brain gatekeeper. 



Therapies that target this gatekeeper may eventually help restore awareness where it has dimmed and sharpen it where it wanders.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811925002277?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NeuroImage</a>.



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Scientists discover a brain region that connects all the senses

Scientists have long mapped separate brain areas for sight, hearing,...

Have you ever been stumped by a puzzle or problem, your brain stuck in a loop, and then suddenly the answer clicks? That mental clarity, the “aha!” moment, feels almost magical. 



According to a new study, these moments of insight don’t just feel good - they change your brain in lasting ways.



The research shows that sudden flashes of insight actually help us <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-human-brain-decides-which-memories-to-remember/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remember information</a> better. They go beyond the thrill of discovery and reorganize how the brain processes what we've just learned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sudden-insights-in-the-brain">Sudden insights in the brain </h2>



Scientists from <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>, along with researchers from Humboldt University and Hamburg University in Germany, set out to understand what happens in the brain when we experience these moments. 



The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, offer clues that could reshape how we approach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-our-brains-neurons-make-and-retrieve-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>, especially in classrooms.



“If you have an aha experience when solving something, you're actually more likely to remember the solution,” said study lead author Maxi Becker.



The team used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe what happens in the brain when people try to solve visual puzzles. 



These weren’t just any puzzles. They were black-and-white images with minimal detail that required participants to “fill in the blanks” and identify the object shown. It’s a test of perception that mirrors the kind of insight we use in everyday problem solving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-and-stronger-memories">Insights and stronger memories</h2>



For each puzzle they attempted, participants were asked whether they solved it through sudden insight or by working it out methodically. They also rated how certain they felt about their answer.



The researchers found a clear pattern. People were much more likely to remember the answers that came to them through insight than those they reached by logic alone. And the more confident they felt about their solution in the moment, the better their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> of it days later.



“If you have an ‘aha! moment’ while learning something, it almost doubles your memory,” said study co-author Professor Roberto Cabeza. “There are few memory effects that are as powerful as this.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-changes-during-eureka-moments">Brain changes during eureka moments</h2>



So what’s happening in the brain during these moments? The researchers discovered that insight triggers a burst of activity in the hippocampus - a part of the brain that’s deeply involved in forming memories. The stronger the insight, the more active this region becomes.



The experts also saw changes in how neurons fired in the brain’s ventral occipito-temporal cortex. This region helps us recognize visual patterns. After a person saw the hidden image in a new light, their brain actually changed how it represented the image.



“During these moments of insight, the brain reorganizes how it sees the image,” Becker explained.



On top of that, insight moments increased communication between different brain regions. “The different regions essentially communicate with each other more efficiently,” said Professor Cabeza.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions </h2>



This study looked at what happens in the brain right before and right after that moment of realization. But what about the in-between - the exact moment when things shift from confusion to clarity? That’s where the researchers are headed next.



“Insight is key for creativity,” Cabeza said. The results suggest that encouraging these moments in school could help students remember and understand material much better. 



The researchers noted that learning environments that encourage insight could boost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-our-brain-form-long-term-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term memory</a> and understanding.



When learning sparks curiosity and discovery, the brain remembers. It turns out, those little lightbulb moments might be the best study tools we have.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this means for everyday learning</h2>



These findings aren’t just for scientists or students. They apply to anyone trying to learn something new - whether it’s a skill, a concept, or a creative idea.



When you feel stuck, taking a break or changing your perspective might be just what your brain needs. Those sudden clicks of understanding aren’t random; they’re signs that your brain is actively working behind the scenes.



Creating space for insight - by staying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-brain-hack-switching-to-curious-mode-can-improve-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">curious</a>, asking questions, or exploring problems from different angles - can make learning more meaningful and memorable.



The next time you have an “aha” moment, just remember - it's rewiring your brain for the better.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59355-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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'Aha' moments change the brain in lasting ways

Have you ever been stumped by a puzzle or problem,...

Picture this: You’re sipping a warm cup of tea or indulging in a square of dark chocolate. Delicious, right? Now imagine that same treats doing wonders for your heart by lowering your blood pressure. 



According to researchers from the University of Surrey, these tasty treats seem to be more than indulgences - they could help maintain blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.



The study, recently published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, zeroes in on flavan-3-ols - plant compounds found in cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes.



The findings? Regular consumption of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-chocolate-survive-dna-research-may-help-save-cacao-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compounds</a> may lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function. Who knew heart health could taste so good?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-foods-that-lower-blood-pressure">Everyday foods that lower blood pressure</h2>



Flavan-3-ols may sound like something you’d find in a chemistry lab, but they’re actually hiding in your kitchen. These natural compounds are abundant in everyday foods like tea, dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chocolate-could-be-the-next-probiotic-powerhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a>, and apples.



The researchers analyzed data from 145 randomized controlled trials, and the results were intriguing. People who consumed more flavan-3-ols had lower blood pressure. 



But here’s the twist - in some cases, the effects of these compounds were comparable to certain blood pressure medications. Imagine getting a similar result from a cup of tea as you would from a pill.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-tea-and-chocolate-lower-blood-pressure">Can tea and chocolate lower blood pressure?</h2>



A hot mug of tea, a piece of dark chocolate melting in your mouth - it sounds too good to be true.



The study doesn’t suggest swapping medicine for a snack. But it does raise an interesting point: Certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-studies-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a> could play a supportive role in managing cardiovascular health.



People with high blood pressure saw the most significant benefits from flavan-3-ols. The takeaway? The foods you love might just love you back - if you consume them in moderation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-beyond-blood-pressure">Benefits beyond blood pressure</h2>



Blood pressure wasn’t the only focus of this study. The researchers also took a closer look at the endothelium - the inner lining of blood vessels.



Think of it as the gateway for blood flow. When the endothelium functions well, blood flows smoothly. When it doesn’t, the risk of heart disease rises.



Flavan-3-ols seemed to strengthen this crucial lining, even in participants whose blood pressure didn’t budge. That means a square of dark chocolate or a few apple slices could potentially protect your heart in ways you can’t see but your body will feel.



Professor Christian Heiss, a cardiovascular medicine expert at the <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Surrey</a> and the study’s lead author, is cautiously optimistic about the findings.



“The findings are encouraging for those looking for accessible ways to manage their blood pressure and support their heart health through enjoyable dietary changes," said Professor Heiss.



"Incorporating small amounts of commonly consumed foods like tea, apples, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder into a daily balanced diet could provide beneficial amounts of flavan-3-ols."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tea-and-chocolate-won-t-replace-meds">Tea and chocolate won’t replace meds</h2>



Before you start piling up chocolate bars or guzzling gallons of tea, there’s a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tea-bags-release-millions-of-plastic-particles-during-brewing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caveat</a>. Professor Heiss emphasizes that this study doesn’t give the green light to ditch your prescriptions.



“While not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice, including more flavan-3-ol-rich foods in a daily routine could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure. These are findings that, although promising, require ongoing investigation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-much-is-too-much">How much is too much?</h2>



So, how much flavan-3-ols do you need to see a benefit? The study doesn’t provide a magic number. A cup of tea, a small square of dark chocolate, or a handful of grapes might do the trick. 



But keep it real - too much of anything can backfire. More chocolate doesn’t mean more health benefits. Balance is everything.



Dark chocolate and tea might get all the attention, but other foods are just as rich in flavan-3-ols. Apples, grapes, and even cocoa powder pack a punch. The trick is to incorporate a variety of these foods into your diet - not just the ones that taste like dessert.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions </h2>



This study might open the door, but it doesn’t close the case. The researchers are far from finished - they’re just getting started. They want to keep peeling back the layers, uncovering how flavan-3-ols really work over time.



Will these compounds have the same impact on people with various health conditions? How much is enough to make a difference without overdoing it? And could something as ordinary as a cup of tea or a piece of dark chocolate eventually earn a spot in public health recommendations?



The questions hang in the air, unanswered but compelling. The study may have given us a glimpse, but the full picture is still coming into focus. 



Until then, every sip, every bite, every moment of mindful indulgence could be another clue in the unfolding story of how simple foods might carry profound possibilities.



Tea and dark chocolate - not miracle cures, yet far more than mere indulgences. This study reveals how ordinary foods might carry extraordinary benefits for our hearts.



The study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf173/8092214?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Preventive Cardiology</a>.



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Tea, chocolate, and other common treats can lower blood pressure as well as some medications

Picture this: You’re sipping a warm cup of tea or...

The human heart, a powerful organ, functions as the body's engine, tirelessly pumping blood to sustain life. However, the way it beats differs between men and women. 



For decades, scientists have observed that women tend to have faster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heartbeats</a>, while men are more susceptible to irregular rhythms like atrial fibrillation (AFib). Despite the evident differences, the underlying reasons remained elusive - until now.



A new study from The Ohio State University <a href="https://wexnermedical.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wexner Medical Center</a> dives into this mystery. Researchers found that the sinoatrial node (SAN), the heart’s natural pacemaker, operates differently in men and women. It’s not just about hormones or body size. The difference is in the genes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-heart-s-pacemaker-in-women">The heart’s pacemaker in women</h2>



Think of the SAN as the heart’s rhythm section. It sets the beat, making sure the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-pacemaker-light-activated-fully-dissolves-after-healing-the-heart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> pumps blood steadily. But the way it does that isn’t the same for everyone.



Ohio State researchers examined donated human hearts. They focused on the SAN cells, digging deep into their genetic blueprints. What they found surprised them. The genes running the SAN look different in men and women.



“We found for the first time that the genes controlling how the SAN works are influenced by sex,” said Dr. Vadim Fedorov, lead author and Corrine Frick Research Chair in Heart Failure and Arrhythmia.



“That helps explain why women generally have faster heart rates and are more likely to experience inappropriate sinus tachycardia, while men face a greater risk of heart rate disorders like conduction block and atrial fibrillation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-differences-in-heart-rhythms">Genetic differences in heart rhythms</h2>



Researchers zoomed in on the genetic networks that keep the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unhealthy-habits-can-make-your-heart-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a> beating. In women, they spotted genes that push the heart to beat faster. TBX3 and HCN1 stood out. They’re the genes responsible for faster rhythms.



Meanwhile, men’s hearts told a different story. Genes linked to inflammation and collagen production dominated. These genes can mess with the heart’s electrical signals, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.



“Women showed higher levels of TBX3 and HCN1, which are two key genes that help drive faster heart rhythms,” said Dr. Ning Li, co-author and research assistant professor at Ohio State.



“In contrast, male hearts had more activity in gene networks related to inflammation and collagen production, which can interfere with electrical signaling and increase the risk of arrhythmias.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-real-human-hearts">Examining real human hearts</h2>



The researchers didn’t just rely on lab models. They examined actual human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-cells-grown-in-space-may-help-heal-damaged-hearts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hearts</a>, donated through Lifeline of Ohio. Each heart revealed a unique genetic signature, offering clues to how sex influences heart rhythm.



In the lab, the team analyzed genes involved in pacing, metabolism, inflammation, and fibrotic remodeling. They wanted to know how these genes affected SAN cells - the heart’s metronome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-rhythm-genes-in-women">Heart rhythm genes in women</h2>



Why do these genetic differences matter? Because they could explain why men and women often experience different heart rhythm problems.



Women’s hearts beat faster, making them more prone to inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Meanwhile, men face a higher risk of AFib, a condition where the heart’s rhythm goes haywire. The genes that drive these conditions may also hold the key to better, more targeted treatments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-genes-guide-heart-treatments">Can genes guide heart treatments?</h2>



This study is part of Ohio State’s broader mission to prevent and treat heart rhythm disorders. Millions of Americans live with AFib or other arrhythmias. Most rely on medications or pacemakers to keep their hearts in sync.



But what if doctors could target those genetic networks instead? By understanding the gene patterns that influence SAN function, they might develop more effective treatments.



The findings open the door to personalized medicine - treatments based on genetic makeup rather than just symptoms. Imagine a world where doctors don’t just treat the heart. They treat the genes behind its rhythm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-heart-research">Next steps in heart research</h2>



The study’s authors aren’t stopping here. Next, they plan to look at how age and lifestyle might influence those genetic networks. Will those genes shift over time? Will they react to diet, exercise, or stress?



Researchers hope to answer these questions in future studies. For now, they’ve taken a big step forward in understanding why men and women’s hearts beat to different tunes - and how that rhythm could one day save lives.



The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leducqfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leducq Foundation</a>, and the&nbsp;Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia&nbsp;funded the study.



The Frick Center is the first in the nation to focus on treating both heart failure and arrhythmias, making it a fitting partner for this groundbreaking research.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCEP.124.013534" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Circulation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology</a>.



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Men and women have different heart rhythms, and now we know why

The human heart, a powerful organ, functions as the body's...

Scientists have identified a previously overlooked set of stem cells inside our hair follicles, and it could be a game-changer for people who feel anxious about thinning hair. 



Their work highlights an area higher up in each follicle that appears to control the biological switch between silent and active hair growth phases.



<a href="https://med.virginia.edu/dermatology/faculty/lu-q-le-md-phd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lu Q. Le</a>, MD, PhD, from UVA’s <a href="https://med.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Medicine</a> and his colleagues conducted this investigation to learn how these forgotten cells might prompt new follicles to become active once again.



They believe this finding opens the door for new techniques to address hair loss, but they emphasize that ongoing analysis is needed before final treatments reach the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stem-cell-hair-growth-triggers">Stem cell hair growth triggers</h2>



This newly recognized cell group sits in the upper and middle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-hidden-way-that-humans-feel-and-sense-touch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sections of the follicle</a>. Researchers say these cells can renew themselves and produce various specialized offspring that participate in building new hairs.



Some were skeptical about whether follicle activity hinged on lesser-known compartments, but the team reported strong evidence that this region holds untapped power to spark hair regrowth. 



They found that, in lab settings, depleting these cells disrupted the natural cycle of replacing older <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/daily-dose-finasteride-magic-pill-regrows-hair-heals-prostate-boosts-heart-health/">hairs</a> with fresh strands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-matters-for-everyone">Why this matters for everyone</h2>



Some people view <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-natural-cure-male-baldness-highly-effective-sugar-2-deoxy-d-ribose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hair thinning</a> as an inevitable rite of passage. Researchers suggest the presence of unique cells, which may be more responsive to therapy, gives fresh reason to think differently.



“It is our hope that these stem cells could one day provide a novel therapy for treating hair loss in people,” said Le. 



That goal remains on the horizon, but the concept has stirred excitement among scientists who study the biology of skin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-with-existing-therapies">Challenges with existing therapies</h2>



Typical solutions, such as over-the-counter <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creams</a> or prescription <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513329/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medications</a>, may improve only certain types of hair shedding. Many users also struggle with results that come slowly or plateau.



These new insights, however, add another target for investigation. Experts think that directing medical treatments toward lesser-studied follicle zones could bring more consistent or sustainable outcomes.



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



The most compelling twist is that these cells are still present in bald areas, even after hair shafts are long gone. That means the problem might not be total cell loss - it could be a matter of reactivating what’s already there.



Le’s team found that the upper follicle stem cells were still intact in human scalp samples taken from bald patients. 



This raises the possibility that with the right signals or drugs, these dormant cells might be coaxed into restarting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beethovens-dna-reveals-unanswered-questions-about-his-death/">hair</a> cycle from scratch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-few-surprising-details">A few surprising details</h2>



Some of the earliest <a href="https://www.jci.org/articles/view/46307" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tests</a> on mice, documented in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, showed that once these high-placed cells were taken away, hair shafts were lost in parts of the skin.



The animals also displayed disorganized follicles, hinting at a broader role these cells may have in preserving a healthy hair structure.



An earlier <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2203463/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper</a> on skin growth patterns pointed out that multiple factors interact to dictate why certain patches produce hair vigorously while others stay dormant. 



With this new clue, researchers can look more carefully at what signals these newly identified cells send to the surrounding layers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hair-stem-cells-and-the-future">Hair, stem cells, and the future</h2>



Scientists believe that maintaining or boosting the activity of these mid-follicle populations might guard against baldness. 



They are especially intrigued by how these cells might react if transplanted into areas that have gone quiet.



“We plan to fully investigate the potential of these stem cells in human hair follicles,” Le said. 



To get there, the team is examining human samples to see how often these cells remain in bald regions and whether they can be awakened.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-the-lab">Next steps in the lab</h2>



To understand how these cells behave over time, researchers are experimenting with different ways to trace their movements inside hair follicles. 



They’ve used genetically marked cells in mice to watch how the upper follicle stem cells migrate and change during the hair cycle.



This tracking helped confirm that these cells not only exist but also actively repopulate lower regions of the follicle, especially the bulge. 



That behavior is key, because the bulge has long been viewed as the main source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-can-slow-hair-growth-but-it-also-has-many-positive-health-benefits/">hair</a> growth, and it now seems these newly discovered cells are its upstream supply.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-for-stem-cells-and-hair-loss">Hope for stem cells and hair loss</h2>



Public health data suggest millions of adults feel uneasy about hair-related changes. Stress, genetics, and medical conditions can all play a role, so there is no single fix that works across the board.



Researchers say this discovery adds another set of possibilities to that conversation. They believe a refined understanding of these mid-follicle cells will guide specialists toward a more targeted approach in the years ahead.



These findings show promise for those who want a new strategy that tackles hair loss at its roots. They also raise interesting questions about how our bodies control tissue renewal.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.jci.org/articles/view/180160" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Clinical Investigation</a>.



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Scientists discover hidden stem cells that could reactivate hair growth

Scientists have identified a previously overlooked set of stem cells...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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