Carrying a reusable water bottle is a smart habit. It saves money. It cuts down on single-use plastic. It keeps you hydrated. There’s a catch, though. 



Many of us don’t clean our bottles nearly as well or as often as we think we do, and the germs that hitch a ride on our hands, rims, and lids can stick around.



In 2024, the global market for reusable water bottles was valued at about $10 billion, with surveys of university students reporting usage rates ranging from 50% to 81%.



A study on the campus of <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a> put everyday bottles under the microscope to see how clean they really are and which habits help or hurt. The takeaway is a reality check with simple fixes that anyone can put into practice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-reusable-water-bottles">Studying reusable water bottles</h2>



The research team kept the question simple: "How clean are the bottles that students actually use all day?" 



To get real-world answers, they collected 90 bottles directly from students. They asked owners how they used and cleaned their bottles, then tested the bottles in two ways.



First, they swabbed the outer surfaces using a rapid hygiene test called ATP that lights up when organic residue remains. This signal is widely used in food safety as a quick screen for whether a surface is truly clean after washing. 



Second, they rinsed the insides and counted bacteria clinging to water-contact surfaces. They measured common water-loving bacteria and checked for coliforms, an indicator group that can signal when conditions could support more concerning contamination.



The study was led by Carl Behnke from <a href="https://www.purdue.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a> with a cohort of academics and scientists. Later in the process, Dr. Yuriko Fukuta, an assistant professor of medicine (infectious diseases) at <a href="https://www.bcm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baylor College of Medicine</a>, added clinical context.



Their goal wasn’t to name and shame anyone’s bottle. It was to map daily habits to measurable cleanliness, so people could tweak what they do and keep their bottles safer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-on-the-outside">What's on the outside</h2>



The outsides of bottles were dirtier than they looked. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATP_test" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATP readings</a> indicated that the exterior surfaces of all the water bottles collected (including two new bottles that were purchased from a local retailer as controls) were considered "dirty" and failed the ATP test.



That’s not surprising in daily life, where hands move from phones to doorknobs to laptop keyboards to bottle caps. Residue left behind gives microbes places to hang on to.



More frequent refills were associated with dirtier outer surfaces. Each refill adds touchpoints: your hands, the cap, counter edges, and faucet areas. The rim matters here because it is where hands and mouths meet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-on-the-inside">What's on the inside</h2>



Scientists tested the inside of people’s reusable bottles to see how many live bacteria were inside. Think of the number they report - CFU per milliliter - as how many tiny bacterial “colonies” can grow from a small sip of liquid rinsed off the bottle’s inner walls. 



Many places set the bar for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-100-million-americans-exposed-to-contaminated-drinking-water/">drinking water</a> at below 100–500 CFU/mL. In this study, about 7 out of 10 bottles cleared 100, about 2 out of 3 topped 200, and 3 out of 5 exceeded 500. In plain English: most bottles carried more bacteria than you’d want in clean drinking water.



Researchers also checked for “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/coliform-bacteria">coliforms</a>,” the bacteria we use as a red flag for sanitation. For bottled water, the rule of thumb is basically “none detected” (no more than 1 per 100 mL). Here, roughly 1 in 4 bottles broke that limit, and a few were sky-high.



Bacteria need three things: moisture, nutrients, and time. A bottle provides moisture by design. Nutrients show up when anything other than water goes in, and time accumulates when a bottle sits in a warm car, on a desk, or by the bed overnight.



One clear pattern stood out. Bottles used strictly for water tended to have lower bacterial counts. Bottles that also held sports drinks, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bvo-highly-toxic-soda-ingredient-banned-by-the-fda-in-2024-still-being-used-today/">soda</a>, or sweetened tea or coffee with cream often had much higher counts. 



Sugars feed bacteria. Proteins and fats can leave a film that helps cells attach and form biofilms, which are much harder to remove than free-floating cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaning-reusable-water-bottles">Cleaning reusable water bottles</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-raises-your-blood-pressure/">Material</a> played a limited role. Glass tended to look cleaner on the quick outside test, likely because its surface is smoother and nonporous. But no material gets a free pass. 



Design features - narrow necks, flip tops, straws, bite valves, and silicone gaskets - create nooks where residue and biofilms hide. Those tucked-away spots are often the last to be disassembled and scrubbed.



People who cleaned more often generally had better results, but intentions didn’t always match outcomes. 



A quick rinse can leave sticky films intact. Dishwashers vary in heat and spray coverage; water may not reach beneath threads, seals, and straw assemblies.



Washing without separating the different parts of the bottle lets biofilms survive in hidden crevices.



“Do you wash your dishes after dinner?” Behnke asked. “Yes. But with water bottles, we often take them all over the place and don’t properly clean them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-health-concerns">Human health concerns</h2>



Fukuta suggested that bacteria might include <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/staph-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20356221" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">staphylococcus bacteria</a> or <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strep</a>. And there’s this, from the cohort study: “More than 20% of our samples had coliform bacteria, which is fecal matter,” says Behnke.



A bottle can act as a fomite - a surface that helps move microbes from place to place - when it isn’t kept clean. Hands touch the cap and rim. 



Mouths contact the same areas. If the outside is grimy, it can become the pathway for microbes to reach the drinking surfaces.



Dr. Yuriko Fukuta agrees. “We’re constantly touching our water bottles with our mouths and hands, so it’s easy to transmit bacteria to them, and then it just grows,” she says. “In some cases this can make you sick, especially if you have a weaker immune system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reusable-water-bottle-tips">Reusable water bottle tips</h2>



Treat a reusable bottle like a food-contact surface. Use hot water and dish soap. Scrub the walls with a bottle brush. 



Use a small brush, skewer, or toothpick for threads and tiny crevices. Take lids, straws, bite valves, and silicone rings apart and scrub them individually. 



Let everything dry completely with the cap off. Drying breaks the moisture part of the bacteria formula and prevents the musty smell that appears when water lingers.



If you use sweet or creamy drinks, wash the bottle the same day. If your current bottle has many small parts and you often skip steps, a simpler design with a wide mouth can help you stick with the routine. 



Avoid sharing bottles. Saliva adds new microbes that can seed later growth, even if nothing seems wrong at the time. 



If you often set your bottle on public surfaces, wipe the outside periodically, paying special attention to the rim and cap.



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



Reusable bottles are still a smart, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/">sustainable choice</a>. They just need real cleaning. 



The inside isn’t sterile, and the outside picks up residue fast. Pair frequent refilling with a consistent cleaning routine. 



That set of small steps turns your bottle back into what you intended it to be: a safe hydration tool, not a traveling microbiology project.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.foodprotection.org/files/food-protection-trends/nov-dec-17-sun.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Protection</a>.



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Reusable water bottles are a breeding ground for strep and fecal bacteria, study warns

Carrying a reusable water bottle is a smart habit. It saves money. It cuts down on single-use plastic. It keeps you hydrated. There’s a catch, though. Many of us don’t clean our bottles nearly as well or as often as we think we do, and the germs that hitch a ride on our hands, rims, and lids can stick around. In 2024, the global market for reusable water bottles was valued at about $10 billion, with surveys of university students reporting usage rates ranging from 50% to...

A new study shows that an algorithm can look at an ordinary photograph and estimate how fast a body is aging - an insight that could change the nature of cancer care. The research was led by a team of scientists from <a href="https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mass General Brigham</a>, who constructed FaceAge, an AI tool. 



The experts trained the tool on almost 60,000 images of healthy individuals and then tested it on more than 6,000 patients who were starting radiotherapy.



The team found that the typical cancer patient appeared about five years older than their birth certificate suggested, and that each additional year shortened their life expectancy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-selfie-to-biomarker">From selfie to biomarker</h2>



FaceAge is a deep-learning network. It studies fine details - skin texture, muscle tone, and eye shape - then translates those patterns into a single number: your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-biological-age-may-predict-dementia-risk-better-than-birth-date/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological age</a>.



The process is automatic. If FaceAge receives a head-and-shoulders photo, it can predict an age that reflects the body’s wear and tear better than the chronological age.



How old a person seems has long guided doctors informally. Frail features can steer therapy toward gentler options; youthful vigor can justify aggressive treatment.



Yet such judgments are subjective. FaceAge puts a more objective figure on that impression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-face-age-and-cancer-prediction">AI, face age, and cancer prediction</h2>



In the study, patients whose biological age topped 85 fared worst, even after the authors adjusted for sex, tumor site, and chronological age.



“We can use artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate a person’s biological age from face pictures, and our study shows that information can be clinically meaningful," said Hugo Aerts, the director of the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) program at Mass General Brigham. 



“This work demonstrates that a photo, like a simple selfie, contains important information that could help to inform clinical decision-making.”



“How old someone looks compared to their chronological age really matters - individuals with FaceAges that are younger than their chronological ages do significantly better after cancer therapy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faceage-captures-hidden-signals">FaceAge captures hidden signals</h2>



Predicting how long a terminal patient has left is difficult. The researchers asked ten clinicians and scientists to view one hundred portraits of people who were receiving palliative radiotherapy, and to guess whether each person would be alive within months.



Even when the panel knew chronological age and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> type, their accuracy barely beat chance.



Adding FaceAge shifted the odds. With the AI number in hand, the group’s predictions improved markedly, suggesting FaceAge captures hidden signals that physicians miss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teaching-ai-to-see-face-age">Teaching AI to see face age</h2>



The investigators began with public image banks that held 58,851 faces, each tagged with an age. Those photos came from everyday contexts, so the network first learned to recognize normal aging.



Next the team applied FaceAge to clinical snapshots taken during routine treatment setup. Linking those pictures to medical records let the algorithm discover how appearance, disease, and outcome connect.



FaceAge still needs validation in larger and more diverse populations. The study cohort came from only two centers, and lighting or camera angles could skew results.



Cosmetic surgery, heavy makeup, or cultural differences in skin care might also confuse the model. The team plans to follow patients over time to see whether the FaceAge number changes as therapy progresses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-early-detection-system">An early detection system</h2>



“This opens the door to a whole new realm of biomarker discovery from photographs, and its potential goes far beyond cancer care or predicting age,” said co-senior author Ray Mak, a faculty member in the AIM program at Mass General Brigham.



“As we increasingly think of different chronic diseases as diseases of aging, it becomes even more important to be able to accurately predict an individual’s aging trajectory."



"I hope we can ultimately use this technology as an early detection system in a variety of applications, within a strong regulatory and ethical framework, to help save lives."



FaceAge illustrates how artificial intelligence can turn everyday data into medical guidance. A single selfie may soon complement blood tests and scans, giving oncologists a faster, less biased picture of a patient’s resilience. 



If further trials confirm the findings, clinics could upload photos and receive instantaneous biological age estimates that fine-tune treatment plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faceage-beyond-cancer-care">FaceAge: Beyond cancer care</h2>



Aging underlies <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>, diabetes, dementia, and more. An image-based biomarker could therefore aid many specialties by identifying people who need lifestyle changes or preventive therapy years before symptoms appear.



The key will be strict oversight. Algorithms trained on limited datasets risk embedding bias, and patient consent will be vital when personal images feed predictive models.



For now, FaceAge remains a research AI tool. Yet its promise is clear: the face you present to the camera may hold clues to how your body is coping with illness and time. Harnessed responsibly, that knowledge could guide decisions that extend life and improve its quality - one snapshot at a time.



The study is published in <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2589750025000421" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Digital Health</a>.



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AI tool analyzes "face age" from selfies to predict cancer risk

A new study shows that an algorithm can look at...

Babies are widely known to begin walking anywhere between 8 months and 24 months of age, and many parents keep a watchful eye out for this milestone. New findings indicate that the timing of those first wobbly steps is influenced by specific genes that are tied to motor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upright-walking-may-have-sparked-human-creativity-and-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development</a>.



The discovery stems from a large investigation that examined data from over 70,000 infants, and uncovered multiple genetic markers that shape the age of walking. The research offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between a child’s biology and early movements.



Walking marks a major shift in toddler independence. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-have-the-brainpower-to-navigate-maps-at-a-very-young-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Motor</a> control of the legs, hips, and trunk progresses gradually as children experiment with cruising, standing, and balancing.



Researchers also note that this step can connect to overall health and social growth. Children who begin walking a bit on the late side occasionally raise red flags, yet differences often exist within normal limits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-genes-influence-motor-skills">How genes influence motor skills</h2>



“Most babies take their first step sometime between ages 8 months and 24 months, so it is a wide window in which this exciting milestone happens. It is a big moment for both parents and baby; it symbolises a new phase in a child’s life,” said Professor Angelica Ronald from the <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Surrey</a>. 



In the past, experts focused more on environmental and cultural factors that might nudge some infants to stand tall and march off earlier. This new line of research, however, reveals 11 areas of the genome that appear linked to variations in walking age.&nbsp;



“Until now, we didn’t understand what causes the wide differences between children in when they take their first steps. Parents might often worry that walking early or late is a bad sign or that they have done something wrong,” said study lead author Dr. Anna Gui from the <a href="https://www.essex.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Essex</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-development-and-motor-control">Brain development and motor control</h2>



The genes tied to walking age also appear to influence how the cortex, the brain’s outer layer, develops its folds and ridges. 



These patterns are tied to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-babies-learn-words-for-objects-theyve-never-seen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain maturity</a> and motor control, which may explain why some children are naturally ready to walk sooner than others.



In fact, one <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/5934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene called RBL2</a>, which is already linked to rare neurodevelopmental disorders, showed a strong connection to walking age and brain structure. Variations in this gene were also associated with changes in early brain volume in areas responsible for balance and coordination.



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



The researchers found a link between the genes governing motor development and a lower chance of receiving an <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36702997/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ADHD diagnosis</a> in those who start walking relatively later within the typical range.



The overlap between the genes that drive movement in infancy and those connected to attention differences is intriguing.



They also uncovered a connection between later walking and certain genes involved in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature17671" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher educational attainment</a>. This subtle genetic relationship does not imply that late walkers always become star students, but it highlights the intricate biological factors behind early steps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-of-baby-walking">Patterns of baby walking</h2>



Patterns of early crawling, balancing, and walking can vary wildly, even within the same family. Some children are determined to chase older siblings, while others are content to scoot around on their bottoms.



Many doctors say parents should stay alert for significant delays, yet a slight lag might be part of a normal genetic pattern. 



The findings help explain why one baby might toddle off at 9 months while another confidently strides across the living room only at 15 months.



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



“It is exciting to be able to discover the genes that influence when children learn to walk. Starting to walk independently is a major milestone for young children,” said Professor Ronald. 



She hopes the new insights will support better interventions for children with motor and learning challenges.



Specialists are exploring whether genetic scores could eventually inform screening tests. With early detection, professionals might offer customized therapies or assistive programs for children who lag well beyond the time frame considered normal for walking.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-genetic-patterns">Exploring genetic patterns</h2>



Despite the findings, the researchers caution that genetics explains only about 25% of the variation in when babies start walking. That leaves the majority of the timing still shaped by non-genetic factors like muscle tone, body size, sleep, and opportunities for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-babies-born-with-morals-scientists-think-they-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">movement</a>.



Another open question is how these genetic signals operate in children from different backgrounds. The study only included infants of European ancestry, which limits how widely the findings apply. 



Broader studies will be needed to determine whether the same genetic patterns show up in other populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-takeaways-about-baby-walking">Key takeaways about baby walking</h2>



<a href="https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1467-8624.7402011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> stress that environment, nutrition, and culture still play a crucial role in walking age. No gene acts in isolation, and babies need safe spaces to practice pulling up, balancing, and shuffling around.



Every child’s walking path can differ, yet these findings highlight the importance of understanding biological variations. 



By combining genetic information with practical health advice, clinicians might develop strategies to address motor difficulties earlier on in a child's life.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02145-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a>.



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Why some babies walk much earlier than others

Babies are widely known to begin walking anywhere between 8...

Children born today are stepping into a world that is increasingly defined by climate extremes.



Heatwaves, floods, wildfires, droughts, and tropical cyclones are occurring more often and with greater intensity. As global temperatures continue to rise, these extreme events are projected to grow even more severe.



More than any generation before them, young people face a future that will be shaped by climate uncertainty. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-of-climate-extremes">A world of climate extremes</h2>



New research from scientists at <a href="https://www.vub.be/nl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vrije Universiteit Brussel</a> (VUB) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) paints a startling picture. 



The study shows that today’s children will likely experience a much higher number of climate extremes over their lifetime compared to those born just a few decades earlier. And in many parts of the world, these experiences will be without historical precedent.



“In 2021, we demonstrated how children are to face disproportionate increases in extreme event exposure - especially in low-income countries," said Wim Thiery, professor of climate science at VUB and senior author of the study.



"Now, we examined how the cumulative exposure to climate extremes across one’s lifetime will far exceed that which would have been experienced in a pre-industrial climate."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unprecedented-life">An unprecedented life</h2>



The study introduces a concept called an “unprecedented life.” According to Dr. Luke Grant, the study's lead author, living an unprecedented life means that, without climate change, one would have less than a 1-in-10,000 chance of experiencing that many climate extremes across one’s lifetime.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“This is a stringent threshold that identifies populations facing climate extremes far beyond what could be expected without <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">man-made climate change</a>,” said Dr. Grant.
</blockquote>



The scientists arrived at these conclusions by combining demographic data with projections from climate models. 



This allowed them to calculate, for every region on Earth, the percentage of people born between 1960 and 2020 who are expected to live through an unprecedented number of climate extremes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-future-defined-by-climate-extremes">A future defined by climate extremes</h2>



The findings revealed a clear generational divide. The younger someone is, the more extreme events they are likely to endure.



Even if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> is limited to 1.5°C, more than half (52%) of children born in 2020 will face a lifetime of unprecedented heatwaves. In contrast, only 16% of those born in 1960 would face such extremes.



“By stabilizing our climate around 1.5 °C above pre-industrial temperatures, about half of today’s young people will be exposed to an unprecedented number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-made-heatwaves-more-deadly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves</a> in their lifetime. Under a 3.5 °C scenario, over 90% will endure such exposure throughout their lives,” noted Dr. Grant.



“The same picture emerges for other climate extremes examined, though with slightly lower affected fractions of the population. Yet the same unfair generational differences in unprecedented exposure is observed.”



And geography matters. Children in tropical countries are especially vulnerable - even under a 1.5°C warming limit.



If emissions continue on their current path, nearly every child on Earth could end up facing a future defined by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-summer-rainfall-events-have-increased-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme events</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequality-makes-the-crisis-worse">Inequality makes the crisis worse</h2>



The research also highlights the injustice of climate change. Children who are more likely to be exposed to extreme events are most often living in poorer countries that are the least equipped to respond. These communities often lack the infrastructure and resources needed to adapt or recover.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“Precisely the most vulnerable children experience the worst escalation of climate extremes. With limited resources and adaptation options, they face disproportionate risks,” said Thiery.
</blockquote>



Under current policies, 95% of the most socioeconomically vulnerable children born in 2020 are expected to live through unprecedented heatwave exposure. For the least vulnerable group, that number is 78 percent.



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



The timing of this study is no coincidence. It arrives as world leaders prepare for COP30 in Brazil, where new climate commitments will be on the table. 



Right now, existing policies put the planet on a path toward approximately 2.7°C of warming this century. The scientists behind this study, along with global advocates, are calling for stronger, faster action to keep warming below 1.5°C.



“Across the world, children are forced to bear the brunt of a crisis they are not responsible for," said Inger Ashing, CEO of Save the Children International.



"Dangerous heat that puts their health and learning at risk; <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-bomb-cyclones-increasing-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyclones</a> that batter their homes and schools; creeping droughts that shrivel up crops and shrink what’s on their plates. Amid this daily drumbeat of disasters, children plead with us not to switch off." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-children-from-climate-extremes">Protecting children from climate extremes </h2>



This new research shows there is still hope, but only if we act urgently and ambitiously to limit warming temperatures rapidly to 1.5 °C. We need to put children front and center of our response to climate change.



“With global emissions still rising and the planet only 0.2 °C away from the 1.5 °C threshold, world leaders must step up to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the climate burden on today’s youth,” concluded Thiery.



The study doesn’t just offer a warning - it offers a choice. Today’s decisions will shape the future lives of millions of children, including how many climate extremes they will have to endure.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08907-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Today’s children will face more climate extremes than ever before

Children born today are stepping into a world that is...

Most people worry about the gradual loss of stamina, strength, and mental sharpness that comes with aging. Scientists have been exploring new ideas to tackle these concerns and increase not just our years but also our quality of life. 



An international team has been testing a special approach that raises levels of a natural protein in the body.



Their research was led by Professor Miguel Chillón at the Institute of Neurosciences of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (<a href="https://web.ub.edu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UB</a>), and it shines a light on what might someday help people stay healthier for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organ-aging-can-predict-diseases-decades-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">longer period</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-s-kl-and-its-role-in-aging">Protein s-KL and its role in aging</h2>



The protein at the center of this work is <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41581-018-0078-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Klotho</a>, and the form used in the experiments is the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26599613/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secreted version</a> known as s-KL. 



Some studies suggest that Klotho may influence a wide range of biological processes by managing signals that affect inflammation and cell aging.



The name Klotho first appeared in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/36285" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientific journals</a> in the late 1990s, when experiments showed that a deficiency of this protein made mice look older and more frail at younger ages.



"We have been working with the Klotho protein for some time, due to its therapeutic <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">potential</a> for treating neurodegenerative diseases. 



In this study, we wanted to see whether s-KL could also be beneficial for healthy aging by examining a broad range of factors," explained Professor Chillón.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differences-between-males-and-females">Differences between males and females</h2>



The effects of s-KL weren’t the same for male and female mice. Males showed clearer gains in lifespan and muscle strength, while females responded more strongly in measures of bone structure, especially when treated earlier in life.



These sex-based differences might be tied to how male and female bodies process viral vectors or express the s-KL protein. 



Hormonal factors could also play a role, suggesting future human trials may need sex-specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-might-help-you-stay-sharp-as-you-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategies</a> to get the best results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-improvements-with-s-kl-protein">Aging improvements with s-KL protein</h2>



Researchers noticed that mice given s-KL retained better muscle tissue composition, with less of the scarring often linked to older age. They also had stronger performance in tasks that tested endurance and coordination.



Weakened bones can be a big danger in older adults, so it was intriguing that s-KL seemed to keep the inner bone structure more intact. 



This finding aligns with earlier <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16436465/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observations</a> that Klotho influences mineral balance in bone and may reduce the chances of fractures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-timing-may-matter">Why timing may matter</h2>



Mice treated at 12 months old showed more pronounced improvements in longevity and physical health than those treated at 6 months. One reason could be that the aging mice produced higher levels of the s-KL protein after treatment, which may have amplified its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a>.



This finding raises an important question: Could middle age be a better window for intervention than early adulthood? If so, the timing of s-KL therapy in humans could be just as critical as the treatment itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-brain-support">Signs of brain support</h2>



Aside from the physical improvements, the investigators measured changes in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and cognitive ability. 



They detected heightened markers of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4563705/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adult neurogenesis</a>, which is the process by which new neurons form in mature brains.



There was also evidence that key immune cells in the brain might be working in a more balanced way. This could help remove cellular waste and reduce the chronic inflammation tied to age-related brain diseases.



The researchers used gene therapy vectors that prompted cells to produce s-KL over an extended period. These vectors included genetic instructions, and once inside the mice, the cells took over production of the protein.



The approach was designed to boost s-KL levels in both the brain and other areas of the body. This helped ensure that many of the organs linked to muscle, bone, and memory got the extra support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-s-kl-protein-and-human-aging">s-KL protein and human aging?</h2>



Although this study was done in mice, the results open the door to potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/defying-time-three-ways-to-slow-biological-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapies</a> for humans. 



Age-related decline in mobility, memory, and bone strength all contribute to lower independence and quality of life in older adults. A treatment that addresses these together could shift how we think about aging.



Many current drugs only target one issue at a time, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-exercise-amplifies-physical-and-mental-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">osteoporosis</a> or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-sleep-may-predict-memory-loss-years-in-advance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory loss</a>. But the effects of s-KL span across systems. 



This points toward the possibility of a more unified strategy to aging - one that works with the body’s existing repair mechanisms rather than replacing them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-s-kl-protein-research">What’s next for s-KL protein research?</h2>



If we can find a viable delivery method, s-KL could make a significant contribution to improving people’s quality of life and helping to build the healthiest society possible.



Scientists continue to explore whether direct protein administration or refined gene-based aging options might work best for humans. They plan to keep studying how s-KL weaves into different biological pathways.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/molecular-therapy-family/molecular-therapy/fulltext/S1525-0016(25)00120-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Therapy</a>.



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Protein discovered that boosts lifespan, muscle, and brain power with just one dose

Most people worry about the gradual loss of stamina, strength,...

Life expectancy in the United States reveals a deeply fractured landscape. Yale School of Public Health researchers examined records of 179 million deaths between 1969 and 2020, and traced how generational health patterns diverged across regions.



The team chose an unconventional approach - analyzing life expectancy by birth cohort instead of by year - to uncover hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unhealthy-habits-can-make-your-heart-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disparities</a> missed by standard mortality reports.



The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, tell a compelling story of a nation where regional policies, economic conditions, and public health initiatives shape life trajectories in dramatically different ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-expectancy-gains-in-some-states">Life expectancy gains in some states </h2>



California and New York surged ahead in terms of extending lifespans significantly. In contrast, many Southern states struggled to keep pace. This result indicates that the U.S. is a country where the place of birth remains a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/girls-diets-strongly-influence-when-they-begin-puberty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potent predictor</a> of lifespan.



“For females born in some Southern states, life expectancy increased by less than three years from 1900 to 2000,” said Theodore R. Holford, lead author and professor emeritus at <a href="https://www.yale.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale</a>.



“That’s a staggering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medical-oddity-human-skin-heals-three-times-slower-than-our-primate-relatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contrast</a> when you consider that in states like New York and California, life expectancy rose by more than 20 years over the same period.”



Washington, D.C., a region once synonymous with low life expectancy, now exemplifies transformative progress. Between 1900 and 2000, the life expectancy of women in the capital increased by almost 30 years, while the life expectancy of men leapt by 38 years. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-fueled-such-a-stark-contrast">What fueled such a stark contrast?</h2>



Public health policies, economic revitalization, and aggressive tobacco control campaigns reshaped the region. 



California, banned workplace smoking in 1995, slashed smoking rates among workers and teens, and lowered smoking-related deaths. Kentucky, by contrast, chose a different path by resisting tobacco control efforts and continuing to grapple with high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rats-are-spreading-a-deadly-disease-across-cities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mortality</a> rates from smoking.



“These trends in mortality and life expectancy reflect not only each state’s policy environment but also their underlying demographics as well,” said Jamie Tam, assistant professor at Yale. 



“It’s not surprising that states with fewer improvements to life expectancy also have higher rates of poverty, for example.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-expectancy-trends-by-generation">Life expectancy trends by generation</h2>



The study’s approach of using an age-period-cohort model allowed the researchers to isolate the impact of generational experiences. 



Instead of year-by-year comparisons, the team followed birth cohorts from 1900 to 2000, revealing how early-life conditions like disease exposure, sanitation, and vaccine access shaped lifespans.



“Looking at mortality trends by cohort gives us a more accurate reflection of the lived experiences of populations,” noted Holford.



“It shows the long-term impact of policies and social conditions affecting the life course of populations, that might otherwise be invisible in year-by-year comparisons of mortality rates from different generations.”



A child born in Mississippi in 1900 faced vastly different health risks than one born in California in 1950. The study’s cohort analysis illuminated how those risks compounded over time, creating distinct health outcomes across states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aging-rapidly-or-aging-well">Aging rapidly or aging well</h2>



States varied not only in life expectancy gains but also in how quickly health declined after age 35. Oklahoma and Iowa showed rapid rises in mortality risk, with mortality doubling in less than eight years. 



New York and Florida, in contrast, experienced slower rates of increase, suggesting healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/20-year-study-of-1000-adults-reveals-how-marijuana-alters-dna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a> populations.



Among women, the slowest mortality increase occurred in New York, where it took 9.39 years for mortality risk to double. 



For men, Florida recorded the longest doubling time at 11.47 years. Oklahoma’s women faced the fastest decline, with mortality risk doubling in just 7.96 years - a rate that suggests rapid health deterioration.



“The disparities we see today are the result of decades of cumulative effects on smoking rates, health care access, environmental exposures, and public health investments,” Holford emphasized. “Without conscious policy changes, these gaps will likely persist or even widen.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinvention-in-washington-d-c">Reinvention in Washington, D.C.</h2>



Washington, D.C., a region once plagued by poor health outcomes, now serves as a case study in urban transformation. 



At the dawn of the 20th century, women in the capital could expect to live just 63.9 years. By 2000, life expectancy had soared to 93 years - the highest gain recorded nationwide. Male life expectancy jumped from 48.7 years to 86.5 years over the same period.



What drove this metamorphosis? Improved healthcare infrastructure, urban policy changes, and robust public health initiatives fueled the gains. 



Yet, for rural Southern states, the story remained grim. In Kentucky and Alabama, policymakers resisted public health reforms, leaving residents trapped in cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poverty-s-impact-on-life-expectancy">Poverty's impact on life expectancy</h2>



While Washington, D.C., and California leveraged economic growth to implement effective health policies, states like Mississippi and Kentucky remained mired in economic hardship. 



Poverty compounded existing health risks, leaving residents more vulnerable to chronic diseases and less likely to access preventive care.



California’s tobacco control measures slashed smoking rates, particularly among younger cohorts. In Kentucky, however, the absence of similar policies allowed smoking rates to persist, resulting in higher smoking-related death rates. 



The data illustrate a stark divide: states with strong economies and progressive health policies saw life expectancy gains, while poorer states stagnated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interventions-to-bridge-the-gap">Interventions to bridge the gap</h2>



Targeted public health interventions offer a path forward. Researchers recommend that states with lower cohort life expectancy consider comprehensive tobacco regulations, expanded healthcare access, and environmental health initiatives.



“This research highlights the importance of viewing health through a generational lens,” Tam said. “The benefits of health interventions ripple across lifetimes.”



For Southern states, reversing the stagnation will require targeted investments in public health infrastructure, disease prevention, and health education. 



Without such efforts, the study warns, the gap between states with high and low life expectancy will only widen, locking future generations into predetermined health outcomes.



“Where you are born shouldn’t determine how long you live,” Holford concluded. “But in America, it still does.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2833159" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Network Open</a>.



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Life expectancy in America depends on where you are born  

Life expectancy in the United States reveals a deeply fractured...

Falling asleep and waking up refreshed is something most of us crave. Yet some people appear to thrive on fewer hours, leaving everyone else wondering how they manage it. A new study involving a healthy older adult suggests that a rare gene mutation might be a key to needing fewer hours of sleep.



The research was led by Dr. Hao Chen from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), whose team investigated a "natural short sleeper" <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-night-of-lost-sleep-can-trigger-hidden-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trait</a> linked to a genetic variant in the SIK3 gene.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-genetics-influence-sleep-duration">How genetics influence sleep duration</h2>



Scientists who explore patterns of rest have long recognized that people’s genetic makeup can influence how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-prepares-the-brain-for-the-future-while-protecting-memories-of-the-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> they need. This latest finding highlights how even a slight genetic tweak might reduce the time required for the brain and body to recover.



Those who qualify as short sleepers function at a normal or high level despite clocking fewer hours in bed. Researchers classify them separately from individuals suffering from insomnia, because these short sleepers typically wake up rested and show no health problems tied to exhaustion.



One older participant reported sleeping around 6.3 hours per night yet displayed sharp cognition and good health. Her genetic profile pointed to a single mutation as the possible reason for her efficient slumber.



These individuals, referred to as natural short sleepers, seem wired to operate on less rest. Specialists are intrigued by how they sail through daily life with no visible drawbacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-mutation-and-sleep-patterns">Gene mutation and sleep patterns</h2>



The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/protein-kinases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kinase protein</a> produced by the SIK3 gene relays signals that influence various cellular processes. Scientists suspect that changes in kinase function might play a role in controlling how much time the body devotes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-can-boost-memory-in-a-surprising-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>.



When Dr. Chen’s team transferred this mutation to lab mice, the animals spent slightly less time resting each day. This observation hinted at a biological mechanism that could be significant across different species.



“Studying human sleep genes not only expands our knowledge regarding the sleep regulatory network, but also may bring the basic research from mouse models to clinical relevance,” noted the researchers.



Brain scans in the test mice revealed that their <a href="https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/protein-biology/protein-biology-learning-center/protein-biology-resource-library/pierce-protein-methods/phosphorylation.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phosphorylation</a> patterns changed, especially around the areas that oversee rest and wake cycles. This shift aligns with the idea that sleep is coordinated by a web of signals in the brain that might be influenced by tiny chemical tweaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-mutations-in-short-sleepers">Genetic mutations in short sleepers</h2>



Scientists have now identified at least five distinct genetic mutations linked to the natural short sleep trait. Each one affects different proteins involved in the brain’s signaling and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>-wake rhythms, hinting at multiple pathways that might influence rest duration.



The SIK3 variant joins others such as <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1801693115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DEC2</a>, <a href="https://www.ajmc.com/view/a-rare-gene-mutation-is-associated-with-requiring-less-sleep-researchers-say" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ADRB1</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/387129" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NPSR1</a>, and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/14816" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GRM1</a>, each contributing a piece to the sleep efficiency puzzle. Researchers believe that mapping these variants could eventually lead to a full blueprint of how the body regulates its need for sleep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatments-for-sleep-disorders">Treatments for sleep disorders</h2>



Researchers think there could be important applications for people who struggle with sleep disorders. Adjusting the pathways linked to this genetic variant might shorten the time needed to feel rested, although practical therapies will likely take time to refine.



Still, scientists caution that these insights do not give an excuse to slash nightly rest. They emphasize that ordinary individuals without the mutation may not reap any benefits from copying a short sleeper’s schedule.



Experts see promise in pursuing treatments that enhance the body’s own efficiency. They hope new knowledge of genetic influences will guide strategies to help those who find it difficult to get restorative rest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-short-sleep-genes">Future research on short-sleep genes </h2>



Short-sleep genes have captured the imagination of specialists for years. There is strong interest in mapping out exactly how the human brain resets itself, and why some people get the same benefits in a compressed timeframe.



“These [NSS] people, all these functions our bodies are doing while we are sleeping, they can just perform at a higher level than we can,” said neuroscientist and geneticist Ying-Hui Fu, from the University of California, San Francisco (<a href="https://www.ucsf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF</a>). 



Scientists aim to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37398097/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uncover</a> the precise factors that grant this group their resilience. Many research teams intend to investigate how broader networks of genes might interact to influence rest. 



The SIK3 discovery raises big questions about what else might affect daily energy levels and long-term health.



Fascination with short sleepers is unlikely to fade soon. Unlocking the secrets of their genetics could reshape how we view rest, opening a path to solutions for chronic sleep troubles.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2500356122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS</a>.



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Rare gene explains why some people can thrive on less sleep

Falling asleep and waking up refreshed is something most of...

America’s opioid crisis is no longer confined to prescription pills or heroin. The emergence of illicit fentanyl has transformed the landscape, creating a shadow epidemic that federal surveys have largely missed. 



A recent study by RAND and the University of Southern California (<a href="https://www.usc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC</a>) now brings the true scope of the crisis into sharper focus, revealing illicit opioid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-joy-again-new-therapy-eases-opioid-cravings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use</a> rates that far exceed federal estimates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fentanyl-use-is-higher-than-reports">Fentanyl use is higher than reports</h2>



For years, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has served as the cornerstone for tracking substance use in the United States. 



In 2022, it reported that only 0.3% of adults had used illicitly manufactured fentanyl. RAND and USC’s findings, however, paint a vastly different picture. Between June 10 and June 17, 2024, researchers surveyed 1,515 adults using an anonymous online platform. 



The results stunned the research team. Eleven percent of respondents admitted to using illicit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-discovery-offers-hope-for-tackling-opioid-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioids</a> in the past 12 months. Fentanyl use stood at a staggering 7.5 percent.



“Estimates of illicit opioid use are rare and typically are available only years after the information is collected, limiting our ability to monitor trends on a near-term basis,” said David Powell, lead author and senior economist at RAND.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-of-fentanyl-use">Patterns of fentanyl use</h2>



The study delved deep into demographic patterns, uncovering trends that federal surveys often overlook. Black respondents reported significantly higher rates of illicit opioid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiktok-videos-provide-a-lifeline-to-prevent-opioid-overdoses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use</a>, with their usage exceeding that of other racial groups by 6.6 percentage points.



Hispanic respondents also reported elevated rates of illicit opioid use, 5.5 percentage points higher than their counterparts. 



Young adults aged 18 to 34 emerged as the most vulnerable group, with their likelihood of using fentanyl surging by 21.4 percentage points compared to those who were 55 and older.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-fentanyl-crisis">Hidden fentanyl crisis</h2>



The RAND-USC study diverged from the federal norm in its methodology. Instead of face-to-face interviews, the researchers opted for anonymous online surveys. This approach stripped away social desirability bias, and potentially encouraged more honest responses.



The distinction between intentional and unintentional use provided fresh insights. Among respondents, 7.7% admitted to intentional non-prescription opioid use. 



Another 3.2% of respondents said they may have used opioids unintentionally - a crucial finding given fentanyl’s pervasive presence in other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-fentanyl-has-become-disturbing-trend-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drugs</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prescriptions-and-illicit-fentanyl-use">Prescriptions and illicit fentanyl use</h2>



The journey into opioid misuse often starts with a prescription. Among those reporting illicit opioid use, 39% said their first exposure involved prescribed opioids. Another 36% initially took prescription opioids that weren’t theirs.



The remaining 25% began with illicitly manufactured opioids. Fentanyl users followed a similar pattern, with 40% starting with prescribed opioids, 33% with unauthorized prescriptions, and 26% with illicit fentanyl.



“Ultimately, the data presented here should be treated as a substantive data point for understanding and curtailing the ongoing opioid crisis,” noted Mireille Jacobson, the study’s co-author and an economist at USC.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fear-of-deadly-consequences">Fear of deadly consequences</h2>



Respondents voiced growing fears about the risk of overdose. While 4.7% of the overall sample considered an overdose very likely, that number spiked to 24% among those who had used fentanyl.



Among those who reported unintentional fentanyl use, 33% felt a fatal overdose was likely. These findings underscore fentanyl’s deadly potency. Even a slight miscalculation can mean the difference between life and death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-study">Limitations of the study </h2>



No study is without its flaws, and the RAND-USC survey is no exception. By relying on an online platform, the study may have excluded populations without internet access, potentially skewing the sample.



Self-reported data always carries a risk of underreporting or overreporting, especially regarding stigmatized behaviors like drug use. The study also didn’t account for other substances, such as stimulants or benzodiazepines, which frequently contribute to polysubstance overdoses.



Despite its limitations, the study offers a cost-effective model for real-time monitoring of opioid use. Traditional surveys take years to compile and analyze, leaving public health officials scrambling to respond to outdated data.



“Our study offers a method to quickly and repeatedly monitor illicit opioid prevalence at low cost,” noted Powell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extent-of-the-opioid-crisis">Extent of the opioid crisis </h2>



The opioid epidemic shows no signs of abating. With fentanyl flooding the illicit drug market, overdose deaths continue to climb. Yet, traditional surveys remain slow and outdated, and fail to capture the crisis’s true scope.



The RAND-USC study provides a chilling glimpse into the magnitude of the problem. By adopting more agile and anonymous data collection methods, researchers can finally expose the full extent of illicit opioid use in the United States.



Until then, fentanyl will remain a lethal wildcard in America’s ongoing opioid crisis that continues to claim lives at an alarming rate.



The research received support from Arnold Ventures and the National Institute on Drug Abuse under award numbers R21DA06011 and 2P50DA046351-06A1. The content, however, solely reflects the authors’ findings and does not necessarily represent the views of these organizations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2833721" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Health Forum</a>.



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From pills to fentanyl: The evolution of America’s opioid crisis

America’s opioid crisis is no longer confined to prescription pills...

Researchers in China have been looking into several species of medicinal fungi to find new ways to address problems of the central nervous system, where conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases affect millions of people worldwide.



<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Xiaoqian-Liu-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Yang Liu</a>, from a Shandong-based research group, emphasizes that these mushrooms have long been used in Chinese medicine. 



The team’s recent findings suggest that bioactive ingredients found in several fungi may support brain function without causing burdensome side effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-bioactive-components">Understanding bioactive components</h2>



Some of these fungi contain <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/polysaccharide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polysaccharides</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/triterpenoid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">triterpenoids</a>, and other active compounds. These components have caught attention for their potential to aid normal nerve functioning in older adults. They may also help ease oxidative damage in brain tissue by scavenging free radicals.



Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-diseases-that-infect-humans-are-becoming-more-common-in-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungal extracts</a> appear to reduce harmful inflammation. That matters because chronic inflammatory reactions in the brain can lead to diminished thinking skills and worsen certain diseases of the nervous system. 



By restraining the overproduction of pro-inflammatory substances, fungi may help maintain a steadier internal environment for nerve cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-aging-populations-raise-the-stakes">How aging populations raise the stakes</h2>



As people live longer, the number of those affected by diseases of the nervous system is expected to rise sharply. 



Age is one of the biggest risk factors for conditions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/17-year-old-man-breaks-the-world-record-for-early-onset-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson’s</a>, which makes prevention and early support more important than ever.



This current trend is pushing scientists to find solutions that don’t rely solely on synthetic drugs. 



Many older adults prefer natural options with fewer side effects, and medicinal mushrooms could offer one such path if their benefits continue to be confirmed through research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-fungi-stand-out">Why these fungi stand out</h2>



Modern pharmaceuticals for diseases of the nervous system often work on specific symptoms. 



Yet they don’t always slow the actual progression of conditions like Alzheimer’s. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5987239/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> suspect some mushrooms could do more than manage symptoms.



Early findings hint at better antioxidant protection and improved cellular cleanup processes, which are vital for the brain’s long-term health.



Many <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31460832/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> also note that certain fungi support a balanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-influence-our-social-behavior-and-sense-of-fairness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intestinal microbiome</a>. The microbiome influences health beyond digestion by affecting how the body regulates mood, memory, and inflammatory signals. 



A healthy gut environment often aligns with greater mental sharpness, which is why the microbiome has turned into a hotspot for brain-related research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-shaping-potential-therapies">Research shaping potential therapies</h2>



The extracts of species such as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ganoderma lucidum</a> have drawn a lot of interest for their neuroprotective properties. They appear to regulate immune cell activity in ways that safeguard fragile neurons. 



Meanwhile, compounds from <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667142523000143" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cordyceps militaris</a> seem promising in stroke and Parkinson’s models, possibly due to their ability to moderate excessive inflammation.



Tests in laboratory models indicate these mushrooms can be gentle on the body. When used with standard treatments, they might help patients manage symptoms while protecting nerve cells against oxidative harm. 



Efforts are now underway to transform these natural agents into standardized preparations that could be easier for people to incorporate into daily regimens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-lab-results-into-real-solutions">Turning lab results into real solutions</h2>



Clinical researchers are still exploring which precise compounds in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-species-of-glowing-mushrooms-discovered-mycena-crocata/">mushrooms</a> can cross the blood-brain barrier. That information matters for designing targeted therapies. 



To get there, advanced tools like mass spectrometry and molecular modeling are helping identify the relevant components. After verifying safety and purity, scientists will need to track long-term outcomes in humans.



Pharmaceutical and food industries are keen to develop mushroom-based products that are convenient to consume. Capsules, powders, and functional beverages could all become options in the future. 



Although these ideas are still in development, initial patents and prototypes have started to appear, reflecting the potential for more widespread use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-safety-and-public-trust">Exploring safety and public trust</h2>



Before mushroom-based therapies can gain traction, people want to know they’re safe. Although many of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-fungi-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/">fungi</a> have been consumed for centuries in traditional medicine, formal clinical testing is needed to confirm their safety in concentrated forms.



Researchers are calling for long-term toxicity studies and more trials in diverse human populations. 



This would help build public trust and ease the concerns of doctors and health regulators who are cautious about introducing natural compounds without thorough vetting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-hopes">Challenges and hopes</h2>



Some people worry about taking unregulated supplements, and that is where standards come in. Researchers and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-twenties-can-make-or-break-your-heart-health/">health</a> agencies alike stress the importance of careful quality checks, especially as more individuals look to nontraditional therapies. 



By setting guidelines for dosage and composition, consumers could gain safer access to these mushrooms’ useful attributes. Coordinated efforts will likely speed progress in this field. 



Specialists from multiple disciplines are combining laboratory data with patient observations to make sure any mushroom-based approach is both reliable and backed by evidence. 



This blend of natural wisdom and modern science might yield new ways to manage conditions that have stumped clinicians for years.



The study is published in the <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1750-3841.70230" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Food Science</a>.



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Chinese scientists identify medicinal fungi with potential to slow down nervous system diseases

Researchers in China have been looking into several species of...

It’s no secret that missing sleep can leave you feeling sluggish. But even just a few nights of poor rest may be silently working against your heart. 



A new study shows that limited sleep triggers changes at the molecular level, and that these are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.



Scientists from <a href="https://www.uu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppsala University</a> conducted the study in a carefully controlled laboratory environment. The goal was to uncover how sleep deprivation impacts specific proteins in the blood that are associated with inflammation and heart problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-sleep-and-heart-health">A closer look at sleep and heart health</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-twenties-can-make-or-break-your-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heart health</a> depends on many things - diet, exercise, stress, and sleep. While large studies have linked chronic sleep loss to heart attacks and strokes, it’s been harder to pin down exactly what happens inside the body when sleep is lacking.



The research team worked with 16 healthy young men, all of whom had a normal body weight and no known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-problems-linked-to-higher-risk-of-stroke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep problems</a>.



Over two sessions in a lab, participants were monitored under tightly controlled conditions. They ate identical meals, followed the same activity levels, and completed 30 minutes of intense exercise each session. 



The only difference was that one session included three nights of full sleep. The other allowed just four hours of sleep per night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-body-s-reaction-to-sleep-loss">The body's reaction to sleep loss</h2>



By analyzing morning and evening blood samples, the team examined the levels of around 90 different proteins. What they found was striking.



The levels of many inflammatory proteins increased after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-increases-the-risk-of-stroke-by-70-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep deprivation</a>. These same proteins have already been linked to heart conditions such as coronary artery disease and heart failure.



“Unfortunately, nearly half of all Swedes regularly experience disturbed sleep, and this is particularly common among shift workers," said Jonathan Cedernaes, a physician at Uppsala University who led the study.



"That is why we wanted to try to identify mechanisms that affect how lack of sleep can increase the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>. Ultimately, the purpose was to identify opportunities to address these problems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-deprivation-and-heart-health">Sleep deprivation and heart health</h2>



The fact that these changes were found in young, otherwise healthy men after just a few nights of short sleep makes the finding even more significant.



Much of the research previously conducted on sleep deprivation and its impact on cardiovascular health has focused on older individuals who already have an increased risk. 



According to Cedernaese, this is why it was important to study levels of these proteins in younger individuals.



"It was interesting that the levels of these proteins increased in the same way in younger and previously perfectly healthy individuals after only a few nights of sleep deprivation," said Cedernaes.



"This means that it’s important to emphasise the importance of sleep for cardiovascular health even early in life."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-exercise">What about exercise?</h2>



The study also examined how physical activity affects the body under different rest conditions. Several proteins tied to the benefits of exercise increased regardless of rest levels. Still, the body's overall response to exercise showed some variation when rest was limited.



The researchers had already observed that working out without proper rest may place extra stress on heart muscle cells.



“With this study, we have improved our understanding of what role the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seven-hours-is-the-ideal-amount-of-sleep-from-middle-age-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amount of sleep</a> we get plays in cardiovascular health," said Cedernaes. 



"It’s important to point out that studies have also shown that physical exercise can offset at least some of the negative effects that poor sleep can cause. But it's also important to note that exercise cannot replace the essential functions of sleep." 



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



While this study was focused on young men, many questions remain. Could the same changes happen in women, older adults, or people with existing health issues?



“Further research is needed to investigate how these effects might differ in women, older individuals, patients with heart disease, or those with different sleep patterns," said Cedernaes.



"Our ongoing research will hopefully help to develop better guidelines on how sleep, exercise and other lifestyle factors can be harnessed to better prevent cardiovascular diseases.” 



In the meantime, the message is clear: getting enough sleep is not just about feeling well-rested - it could be one of the simplest ways to take care of your heart.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://biomarkerres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40364-025-00776-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biomarker Research</a>.



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Sleep deprivation has a bigger impact on heart health than expected

It’s no secret that missing sleep can leave you feeling...

Drunk,Men,Deny,Drinking,More,Glass,Of,Whisky,By,Pushing

Weight loss drugs are grabbing headlines for their unintended alcohol-related side effects, but not in the way you’d expect. GLP-1 analogues, medications developed to treat obesity, are showing unexpected promise in helping people drink less alcohol.



Imagine shedding pounds and losing the urge to pour another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohols-hidden-toll-on-the-brain-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drink</a> - all from the same prescription.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-toll-of-alcohol-use-disorder">Global toll of alcohol use disorder</h2>



Alcohol use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-alcohol-in-moderation-does-not-prolong-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disorder</a> isn’t just about heavy drinking. It’s a relentless cycle, consuming lives and claiming 2.6 million victims annually. That’s 4.7% of global deaths. 



Despite a lineup of treatments - cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational counseling, medications like disulfiram and naltrexone - the odds are grim. Within a year, 70% of those who seek treatment relapse.



Enter GLP-1 analogues. Originally designed to regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss, these medications are now in the spotlight for another reason. Researchers have begun to notice an unexpected side effect: a significant drop in alcohol <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-americans-now-link-alcohol-consumption-to-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumption</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weight-loss-drugs-and-alcohol-cravings">Weight loss drugs and alcohol cravings</h2>



In a world where cravings often overpower intentions, GLP-1 analogues may offer a way to dial down the desire to drink. These drugs target the mesolimbic dopamine pathway - the brain’s reward circuit. 



By reducing dopamine release in response to alcohol, they may dampen the motivation to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-related-deaths-have-doubled-over-the-past-two-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drink</a>, steering behavior away from the bottle. Curious about this potential dual effect, Professor Carel le Roux and his team from <a href="https://www.ucd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Dublin</a> set out to investigate. 



The study involved 262 adults with a BMI over 27 kg/m² (over 59 lbs/ft²), primarily women, with an average age of 46. Participants were grouped based on their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alcohol-has-a-hidden-impact-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking</a> habits: non-drinkers, rare drinkers, and regular drinkers. Then came the GLP-1 analogue intervention.



Four months later, the findings were clear. Among the 188 participants who completed the follow-up, none reported drinking more than before. But their average alcohol intake plummeted from 11.3 units per week to just 4.3 units.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-drinkers-see-biggest-drop">Regular drinkers see biggest drop</h2>



For those who drank regularly, the results were even more dramatic. Their alcohol intake dropped by a staggering 68%, falling from 23.2 units per week to 7.8. 



“This reduction of 68% is comparable to that achieved by nalmefene, a drug used to treat alcohol use disorder in Europe,” noted Professor le Roux.



The findings echoed those in a broader 15-month study led by Maurice O’Farrell, Faisal I. Almohaileb, and Carel le Roux. Their research, spanning January 2023 to March 2024, followed patients treated with GLP-1 analogues in real-world settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alcohol-intake-drops-weight-loss-increases">Alcohol intake drops, weight loss increases</h2>



The numbers tell a compelling story. Before the intervention, average alcohol intake hovered at 11.8 units per week. By the end, it had fallen to 4.3 units – a dramatic reduction mirrored across all drinking categories. 



Among those who drank less than 11 units per week, consumption decreased from 5.5 to 2.5 units. High consumers saw their weekly intake slashed from 23.2 to 7.8 units.



Both men and women showed significant drops in alcohol consumption. Women’s intake fell from 10.3 units per week to 3.9, while men reduced theirs from 13.4 to 5.8 units. The researchers found no significant difference in percentage reduction between the sexes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-alcohol-and-weight-loss">Link between alcohol and weight loss</h2>



As for weight loss, the study recorded a mean reduction of 7.7 kg over the four months. That’s impressive - but the correlation between alcohol reduction and weight loss was surprisingly weak (r = 0.24). 



In other words, dropping pounds and drinking less don’t necessarily go hand in hand. However, given the caloric load of alcohol, some degree of weight loss is to be expected. So, what’s the secret?



“The exact mechanism of how GLP-1 analogues reduce alcohol intake is still being investigated but it is thought to involve curbing cravings for alcohol that arise in subcortical areas of the brain that are not under conscious control. Thus, patients report the effects are ‘effortless’,” noted Professor le Roux.



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



The study had its limitations. Nearly one-third of participants dropped out before the follow-up. Data relied on self-reported alcohol intake, raising the spectre of recall bias. And without a control group, establishing causality remains tricky. 



The short study duration further complicates efforts to assess long-term effects. Yet, despite the limitations, the potential implications are hard to ignore. Imagine a single treatment that curbs both weight and alcohol cravings.



Ongoing clinical trials are already probing this dual effect, with early findings suggesting that GLP-1 analogues may indeed reduce alcohol cravings. The next step? Larger, longer-term studies with more diverse populations.



“GLP-1 analogues have been shown to treat obesity and reduce the risk of multiple obesity-related complications. Now, the beneficial effects beyond obesity, such as on alcohol intake, are being actively studied, with some promising results,” noted Professor le Roux.



If these findings hold, GLP-1 analogues could become a game-changer in treating both obesity and alcohol use disorder. Instead of separate treatment plans, patients may benefit from an integrated approach that targets metabolic health and addiction simultaneously.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-hope-for-a-healthier-life">New hope for a healthier life</h2>



The study opens a fascinating window into the broader potential of GLP-1 analogues. Could a medication originally designed to combat obesity also disrupt the cycle of alcohol use disorder?



If so, the implications could ripple across clinics, reshaping how we approach co-occurring metabolic and psychiatric conditions. 



While the data are promising, the road ahead is long. More research is needed to clarify the mechanisms at play, assess long-term effects, and explore optimal dosing strategies.



But one thing is certain - GLP-1 analogues are no longer just about weight loss. They may just be the unexpected key to a healthier, more balanced life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dom.16152" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism</a>.



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Weight loss drugs unexpectedly help people drink less alcohol

Weight loss drugs are grabbing headlines for their unintended alcohol-related...

Gossip is something most of us think about - especially when we’re not in the room. What are people saying? Are they saying anything at all? Would you rather be the subject of gossip - even if it’s behind your back - or be so invisible that no one mentions you?



This isn’t a question from a philosophy class. It’s one that researchers at the <a href="https://olemiss.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Mississippi</a>, Duke University, and the University of Kaiserlautern-Landau set out to explore.



The goal was to understand the emotional weight of being gossiped about in comparison to being completely ignored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeling-seen-even-when-it-hurts">Feeling seen, even when it hurts</h2>



Decades of research have shown that ostracism - even small, fleeting moments of it - can chip away at our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/self-serving-bias-distorting-beliefs-about-others-feel-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-worth</a>. Simply being overlooked by a stranger can leave a mark.



"When someone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-moms-meddle-friend-disapproval-worsens-teen-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ostracizes</a> you, even if it's just momentarily, even if it's just a stranger, it makes you feel like an outsider. It makes you feel bad about yourself. It makes you feel momentarily meaningless," said Andrew Hales, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Mississippi.



That pain of being left out is powerful. But so is the unease of being talked about. Gossip often carries a negative connotation. Still, if we’re forced to choose between being ignored or being discussed - what would most of us prefer?



"Gossip has a bad reputation for a reason: no one wants to be talked about behind their back," Hales said. 



"But at the same time, people don't want to be ignored either. So, if your only options are being gossiped about or being seen as so insignificant that no one even mentions you, both feel negative, just in very different ways.



"This research set out to explore what happens when those two powerful social motives collide."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-childhood-curiosity-turned-career-question">Childhood curiosity turned career question</h2>



Meltem Yucel, a postdoctoral researcher in psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, teamed up with Hales and Selma Rudert, a professor of social psychology and society at the University of Kaiserlautern-Landau in Germany. 



Yucel’s interest in gossip started at a young age. Growing up in Turkey, she attended traditional “Day of Gold” gatherings, which are social events where women would eat, drink, and share the latest chatter.



"When I was a kid, if I ever wanted to comment on gossip, I'd be shushed or told not to get involved in adult conversations," Yucel said. "So, I was always curious – why is it OK when adults do it, but not kids?



"That question stuck with me for a long time, and it wasn't until my Ph.D. that I finally had the chance to really research it."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-becoming-the-subject-of-gossip">Becoming the subject of gossip</h2>



To test their ideas, the researchers asked over 1,000 participants to imagine attending a party. At this party, anyone who leaves becomes the topic of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-daily-conversation-with-a-friend-can-boost-wellbeing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conversation</a>. 



The question is, when you step out, would you prefer people talk about you - or not? Across five experiments, the team explored different variations of this scenario.



"People would rather be gossiped about positively than negatively," Hales said. "But one thing that really surprised me is that within each of those, the preferences were not universal. About a third of participants said they didn't want to be the focus of positive gossip."



"While the reasons aren't fully clear, it's possible they view positive gossip as potentially insincere, or worry it could quickly turn negative."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-wants-to-be-the-talk-of-the-town">Who wants to be the talk of the town?</h2>



The study revealed some interesting personality traits that influence gossip preferences. Gender and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/narcissism-declines-with-age-remains-stable-relative-to-peers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">narcissism</a> stood out.



"Narcissists often feel entitled and special, so they may believe gossip about them is positive, even if it's clearly negative," Hales said. "More likely, though, they prefer negative attention over being ignored altogether."



The numbers back this up. Around 15% of people who prefer to be talked about - regardless of tone - scored higher on narcissism tests. Men were more likely than women to fall into this group.



Overall, 85% of participants disliked being the subject of negative gossip. Positive gossip, on the other hand, was generally welcomed by 64% of people. But nearly a third still found it uncomfortable. 



That discomfort might stem from feeling out of control, worrying about hidden insults, or cultural and religious teachings that discourage gossip.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-social-role-of-gossip">The social role of gossip</h2>



Despite its reputation, gossip isn’t always harmful. According to Yucel, it can serve useful social purposes.



Another surprise from the study was that even negative gossip, when honest and well-intentioned, can help uphold fairness and accountability in groups.



Hales emphasized that gossip is ubiquitous and common because, as social animals, we are fascinated with others. We are going to talk about others when they aren't present. 



"Like all things in life, it's wise to be compassionate and thoughtful and deliberate about what you choose to share about other people," said Hales.



In the end, the researchers found that being ignored and being talked about aren’t simple opposites. Both can sting in different ways. But depending on our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-type-can-accurately-predict-your-relationship-status/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personalities</a> and experiences, some of us would still rather be seen - even if the spotlight isn’t flattering.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15298868.2025.2467737" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Self and Identity</a>.



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Why some people actually prefer to be the subject of gossip

Gossip is something most of us think about - especially...

A new handheld device is giving drug-checking services a faster, easier, and more affordable way to detect dangerous street drugs - even in tiny amounts. Designed to be portable and easy to use, this device can identify harmful substances in seconds with just the press of a button.



Currently being tested in the U.K., Norway, and New Zealand, the device is the product of research from scientists at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a>. It has the power to detect synthetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-joy-again-new-therapy-eases-opioid-cravings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioids</a> and benzodiazepines - two major contributors to overdose deaths worldwide - that often escape other mobile drug-checking tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-tool-for-drug-safety">New tool for drug safety</h2>



The technology works like a lightweight version of an ultraviolet spectrometer. The device quickly analyzes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drugs-on-the-dark-web-often-contain-unidentified-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contents of drugs</a> and shows not just what’s in it, but how much of each ingredient is present. This kind of precise data could be life-saving.



“Whatever we’re doing at the moment to prevent deaths from drug misuse isn’t working so we need a new kind of service that can be where it’s needed - cheaply, easily and anywhere,” said Professor Chris Pudney, who led the development.



“Our device would support community harm reduction. Telling people not to take drugs doesn’t work, so different strategies are needed. By letting people know exactly what’s in a drug and how strong it is, we can empower them to make safer decisions about whether or not to take it, or to use it in a safer way.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-device-detects-deadly-street-drugs">Device detects deadly street drugs</h2>



Unlike older devices that must be operated by trained chemists, this tool is made for non-experts. It offers lab-level precision with the simplicity of a button press. And it's fast - analyzing samples right on the spot.



The ability to detect drugs in extremely low concentrations makes the device especially valuable. Synthetic opioids like nitazenes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-fentanyl-has-become-disturbing-trend-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fentanyl</a> can be fatal even in microscopic doses. Having a device that can catch these hidden threats quickly is essential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-danger-in-street-drugs">Hidden danger in street drugs</h2>



Many people don’t know what’s really in the drugs they take. Pills labeled as benzodiazepines might actually contain synthetic opioids, creating dangerous combinations without the user’s knowledge. This unpredictability raises the risk of overdose significantly.



“Now, more than ever, there are serious health risks associated with taking all drugs,” said Pudney. “People may think they have bought something relatively unharmful - perhaps a substance they know well - but the drug they have may in fact be contaminated with a far more dangerous and more addictive substance."



He stressed that this is why drug checking is so important. This technology gives instant detection that anyone in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-may-amplify-alcohol-and-drug-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug and alcohol</a> service can use to establish the exact nature of a drug. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-s-already-using-the-device">Who’s already using the device</h2>



The prototype is already being put to use by several organizations. For example, the device has been used to test street drugs during death investigations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devon-amp-cornwall-police-u-k">Devon &amp; Cornwall Police, U.K.</h3>



In June 2024, the Devon &amp; Cornwall police force acquired a unit to fast-track investigations into overdoses. Instead of waiting months for lab results, they could issue alerts within hours.



“A prime example of this was testing of some oxycodone tablets in 2024, following a death,” said Nick Burnett, a drug expert witness for the force. “The tablets were found to contain a nitazene. We were able to put out a drug warning within 36 hours of that death occurring.”



He also noted that the device has strengthened collaboration between law enforcement and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zapping-the-brain-with-ultrasound-waves-may-cure-drug-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug treatment</a> services.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-loop-u-k">The Loop, U.K.</h3>



The Loop is the only community drug-checking service in the U.K. with a Home Office license. It has been using the Bath device to check street drugs since 2024 alongside other tools at its site in Bristol.



“We have been pleased to work alongside the team at the University of Bath to explore the use and potential of the device in drug checking services and for the purpose of reducing drug-related harms,” said Katy Porter, CEO of The Loop. 



“We share the concerns regarding the changing drug market in the U.K. and [are] working together to ensure drug checking is accessible and available to more people.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-knowyourstuffnz-new-zealand">KnowYourStuffNZ, New Zealand</h3>



New Zealand is one of the few countries where drug-checking is explicitly legal. Last year, the country’s top three frontline drug services tested hundreds of samples using the device.



“The spectrometers that we use are currently the best tech for mobile drug analysis, but science moves ever on,” said Dr. Jez Weston, deputy manager at KnowYourStuffNZ. “The University of Bath’s new technology could help us help our clients, with better and faster analysis of their samples.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-association-for-safer-drug-policies-norway">Association for Safer Drug Policies, Norway</h3>



In Norway, where community drug-checking is also legal, the device has filled a crucial gap.



“We use a number of different technologies to check drugs, mostly using infrared spectrometry, which is great for most use cases but not for testing benzodiazepines and very potent, very dangerous opioids,” explained Dagfinn Hessen Paust of the ASDP.



“These substances - unlike, say MDMA - are found in very low concentrations in the tablets people consume and cannot be picked up by established devices. The new device from Bath is helping us fill this gap - it’s very exciting for us to be trialing this new technology.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-algorithms-and-smart-detection">Light, algorithms, and smart detection</h2>



The technology combines two techniques: fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy. Fluorescence works by shining light on a substance and measuring the light it emits in return. 



Each substance responds in its own unique way. Reflectance spectroscopy, on the other hand, looks at how light bounces off a surface to gather clues about the substance’s makeup.



Together, these tools offer a detailed look at what’s inside a sample. A deep-learning algorithm, trained on hundreds of light patterns, helps the device make accurate identifications.



“Our aim is for this device to support drug-checking services, as a means to decrease the harm caused by drugs across different groups,” said Professor Pudney. “The landscape of drug use is changing rapidly and we hope this tool can fill some of the gaps that are emerging.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-toward-smarter-drug-safety">A step toward smarter drug safety</h2>



The numbers are sobering. Drug poisoning deaths in England and Wales have climbed steadily, from 4,359 in 2018 to 4,907 in 2023. These include both illicit and prescription drugs.



With this new device, a safer and faster response could be within reach for many communities. And while it doesn’t solve the wider issues of drug misuse, it gives individuals and services a powerful tool for harm reduction - right where it's needed most.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.4c05247" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Analytical Chemistry</a>.



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New device instantly detects dangerous street drugs

A new handheld device is giving drug-checking services a faster,...

<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.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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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



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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



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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



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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



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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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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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