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...

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,...

In kitchens around the world, cinnamon weaves its aromatic magic through cakes, lattes, and curries. Yet beyond its culinary allure, the spice has morphed into a coveted dietary supplement. 



Cinnamon now appears in capsules, oils, and extracts, each claiming to stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, or even promote weight loss.



But as consumers rush to harness cinnamon’s supposed health benefits, new research casts a shadow over its glowing reputation. 



A study published in Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences urges caution. Concentrated cinnamon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-coffee-is-missing-these-five-brain-boosting-spices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a>, particularly those consumed long-term, may carry risks for those on prescription medications or with chronic health conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cinnamon-supplement-market">The cinnamon supplement market</h2>



Cinnamon isn’t just a spice; it’s a promise. A sprinkle here, a pinch there - harmless, right? But the cinnamon in your kitchen cupboard is worlds apart from the concentrated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-often-contain-hidden-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supplements</a> flooding health stores. 



Cassia cinnamon, the type most commonly sold in the United States, harbors high levels of coumarin, a natural blood thinner that can pose serious health risks in excessive amounts.



“Ceylon cinnamon may also have trace amounts of coumarin,” noted Dr. Leana Wen from <a href="https://washu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University</a>. "If someone who is already on anticoagulant medications ingests a large amount of coumarin, this could increase their bleeding risk.”



Despite these warnings, the supplement market thrives. Labels scream of miraculous health benefits, while research lags behind. The <a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a> has yet to approve cinnamon as a treatment for any medical condition, leaving consumers to navigate a maze of unregulated claims.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-supplements-and-liver-metabolism">Cinnamon supplements and liver metabolism </h2>



The latest study doesn’t just scratch the surface - it dives deep into the metabolic fate of cinnamaldehyde, the compound that gives cinnamon its signature scent. 



The researchers tracked cinnamaldehyde from ingestion to metabolism, uncovering a complex cascade of biochemical events.



The compound absorbs swiftly in the gastrointestinal tract, whether the stomach is full or empty. But the real transformation takes place in the liver, where cinnamaldehyde rapidly oxidizes into cinnamic acid. The process isn’t benign. 



Cinnamic acid can interact with enzymes critical to drug <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthier-dna-thanks-to-an-inexpensive-over-the-counter-supplement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, potentially altering how the body processes medications.



For those taking liver-metabolized drugs, these interactions could spell trouble. Prolonged consumption of cinnamon supplements may unwittingly disrupt the body’s natural rhythm of drug clearance, increasing the risk of adverse effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-s-impact-on-receptors">Cinnamon’s impact on receptors</h2>



Cinnamaldehyde doesn’t just pass through the body unnoticed; it has a way of knocking on cellular doors. The study explored how cinnamon compounds activate two critical receptors: the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) and the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR).



In intestinal cells, cinnamic acid and cinnamon oil turned PXR into overdrive, increasing enzyme activity that affects drug metabolism. Cinnamaldehyde, however, stayed relatively quiet, suggesting that the real risk lies in its metabolite and oil form.



AhR, on the other hand, was not so easily subdued. Cinnamon oil sent AhR activation soaring, increasing enzyme production by over twelve-fold. The implications? Faster drug clearance, diminished therapeutic effects, and a body struggling to keep up with its metabolic demands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-target-for-cinnamon">A new target for cinnamon</h2>



CYP enzymes, the body’s metabolic workhorses, usually keep drugs and toxins in check. But cinnamon disrupts their rhythm. 



The researchers found that concentrated cinnamon oil and cinnamaldehyde inhibited CYP2C9 and CYP1A2, two enzymes responsible for processing a host of common medications.



What happens when these enzymes slow down? Blood thinners may linger longer in the bloodstream, increasing bleeding risks. Anti-inflammatory drugs could accumulate, raising toxicity levels. The impact ripples outward, affecting not just one drug but potentially the entire metabolic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turmeric-supplements-provide-yet-another-health-benefit-according-to-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">process</a>.



Even cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde’s less volatile counterpart, displayed mild but notable inhibitory effects on CYP2C9. The study’s findings challenge the notion that natural always means harmless.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-supplements-and-chronic-illness">Cinnamon supplements and chronic illness</h2>



For those with chronic health conditions, the cinnamon paradox intensifies. Dr. Wen’s list of health conditions that may exacerbate with cinnamon supplements includes hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, cancer, asthma, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and depression.



“I would add to that list anyone using blood thinner medications. For example, someone who has a history of heart disease and stroke, any medications that are cleared through the liver, and other dietary supplements that may interact with cinnamon, including turmeric, ginseng and gingko biloba," said Dr. Wen.



Here, the combination of cinnamon and prescription drugs becomes a potential minefield. The body’s enzyme systems, already burdened by chronic illness, may struggle to cope with the additional load imposed by concentrated cinnamon products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-everyday-cinnamon-safe">Is everyday cinnamon safe?</h2>



The study doesn’t call for a moratorium on cinnamon spice racks. Sprinkling a bit on oatmeal or in coffee likely poses little risk. But concentrated extracts? That’s another story.



The researchers identified a tipping point: doses exceeding 50 micrograms per milliliter significantly impacted enzyme activity.



Your morning latte won’t reach these levels, but daily use of cinnamon oil capsules might. The concern lies not in occasional use but in sustained consumption, where the cumulative effects may silently accumulate.



“Individuals who are thinking of taking cinnamon supplements should be sure to consult their health care providers to check for possible medication interactions,” said Dr. Wen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fda-blind-spot-dietary-supplements">FDA blind spot: Dietary supplements</h2>



Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements float in regulatory limbo. The FDA does not test for efficacy or safety before supplements hit the market. Products like cinnamon oil can land on shelves with scant evidence of their benefits or risks.



The study highlights the consequences of this oversight. With cinnamon’s potential to influence enzyme systems and drug metabolism, the lack of regulation leaves consumers exposed to unknown risks.



“Just because something is marketed as being ‘natural’ doesn’t mean that it is safe,” noted Dr. Wen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cinnamon-s-new-reputation">Cinnamon’s new reputation</h2>



Once an ancient healer’s go-to spice, cinnamon now wears a more complicated identity. 



The research suggests that while small doses in food remain relatively benign, concentrated supplements open the door to unexpected metabolic consequences.



The study’s revelations challenge the perception of cinnamon as a simple, harmless addition to the diet. 



For those with underlying health conditions or those taking prescription drugs, cinnamon may act as a metabolic wildcard, altering drug efficacy and increasing side effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-should-you-use-cinnamon-supplements">Should you use cinnamon supplements?</h2>



Cinnamon’s rise from spice rack to supplement aisle highlights the demand for natural remedies. Yet the study serves as a sobering reminder that more isn’t always better. A sprinkle in coffee or a dash on toast may add flavor without consequence.



But for those tempted by cinnamon’s concentrated forms, caution becomes the guiding principle. Consulting healthcare providers before starting a supplement regimen can prevent unintended interactions and mitigate potential risks.



In a world eager to embrace nature’s cures, cinnamon’s story offers a critical lesson: Natural doesn’t mean neutral. In the quest for health, a spice as innocent as cinnamon may carry a hidden cost.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666566224000443?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Chemistry</a>.



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Eating cinnamon may disrupt how your medications work

In kitchens around the world, cinnamon weaves its aromatic magic...

What’s the secret to aging well? It might be curiosity. If you're the kind of person who enjoys learning new things, you're already on the right path.



Recent research shows that some types of curiosity not only persist into old age - they can actually grow stronger. This is important because it could help protect your brain.



Older adults who stay curious and actively seek knowledge - especially about things they care about - may lower their risk for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-a-brain-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a>. On the other hand, losing interest in learning and becoming mentally disengaged could be a warning sign of future cognitive issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-curiosity-decline-with-age">Does curiosity decline with age?</h2>



The insights come from a team of psychologists at <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a>, Western Carolina University, the University of Tübingen, and Kochi University of Technology. Their work challenges earlier studies that claimed curiosity steadily fades as we grow older.



“The psychology literature shows that oftentimes what's known as trait curiosity, or a person’s general level of curiosity, tends to decline with age,” said UCLA psychologist Alan Castel. 



“But we thought that was a little bit strange and went against some of the things we saw in some of the older adult participants in our experiments, who would often be very engaged and interested in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> about memory, specifically, but even other forms of trivia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-kinds-of-curiosity">Two kinds of curiosity</h2>



To better understand how interest in learning changes across the lifespan, the researchers looked at two specific types: trait curiosity and state curiosity.



Trait curiosity is your overall tendency to be curious. It’s more like a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/personality-traits-linked-to-willingness-to-volunteer-or-donate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personality trait</a> - something that stays relatively stable over time. Some people are naturally inquisitive about many things, while others are more content to take life as it comes.



State curiosity, by contrast, is the moment-to-moment interest you feel when something grabs your attention. It’s often tied to specific topics, hobbies, or experiences. 



Even people who don’t consider themselves naturally curious might light up when asked a question in their favorite area of interest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-curiosity-across-ages">Testing curiosity across ages</h2>



To test how curiosity works, the team asked over 1,000 participants aged 20 to 84 to complete an online questionnaire. This measured their level of trait curiosity. 



Then came the fun part. Participants were asked to guess answers to obscure trivia questions, like “What was the first country to give women the right to vote?” (It’s New Zealand, if you're wondering).



Before revealing the correct answers, participants rated how interested they were in learning the truth. This rated their state curiosity in the moment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-findings-about-curiosity">Surprising findings about curiosity</h2>



People with high trait curiosity usually showed high state curiosity, and vice versa. But when the researchers looked at how these two types of curiosity changed with age, an interesting pattern emerged.



Trait curiosity did tend to drop off as people got older. But state curiosity followed a different curve. It declined in early adulthood, hit a low around middle age, and then rose again steadily in older adults.



That might sound familiar. The researchers noted that this pattern mirrors other life trends - like how happiness tends to dip during middle age before climbing back up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-middle-age-slows-us-down">Why middle age slows us down</h2>



The drop in curiosity during midlife may not be a mystery. That phase of life is packed with responsibilities: raising children, building careers, paying mortgages. 



People focus their energy on achieving goals, which might leave less time for exploring new ideas. Once those obligations ease - after retirement, for example - people may feel freer to pursue personal interests and hobbies again.



“Our findings fit with some of my work on selectivity theory, which is that as we get older, we don’t want to stop learning, we’re just more selective about what we want to learn,” Castel said. 



“You see this in the context of lifelong learning: A lot of older adults will go back to take classes or pick up hobbies or engage in bird watching. I think it shows that this level of curiosity, if maintained, can really keep us sharp as we age.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curiosity-keeps-the-brain-engaged">Curiosity keeps the brain engaged</h2>



There’s another reason curiosity matters as we age: It helps with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>. "As we get older, maybe we want to be focused on the things that are important, and we forget the things that are less relevant,” Castel said.



“Anecdotally, a lot of older adults I speak to say that it's important to stay curious. That fits with some of the research that shows that people who have early stages of dementia might show disinterest in things that they once enjoyed.”



In other words, curiosity may act like a filter, helping us pay more attention to meaningful information - and ignore what doesn’t matter. That selective focus could be a key strategy for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-reveal-how-much-sleep-you-need-for-successful-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging successfully</a>.



So if you’re always chasing answers, digging into facts, or asking questions, keep it up. Staying curious might just be one of the smartest things you can do for your brain.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320600" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



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Curiosity might help you stay sharp as you age

What’s the secret to aging well? It might be curiosity....

Climate scientists say rising temperatures can reduce the availability and nutritional quality of dairy grass. Producers then turn to alternative feeds, including corn-based silage, to maintain production.



In a recent investigation, Dr. Matthieu Bouchon, an expert at <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INRAE</a> - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment, studied how these changes in feeding practices influence both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-makes-dairy-cows-produce-less-milk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk</a> yield and the resulting cheese.



Dr. Bouchon was part of a team that analyzed nutritional profiles and taste notes across different feeding setups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-climate-change-affects-cow-feed">How climate change affects cow feed</h2>



Drought is bad news for many pasture-reliant farms. When rains fade, grass doesn’t grow as usual, so farmers scramble to bolster cow diets with stored feeds or more concentrated rations.



Climate impacts force them to get inventive. That often means adding more corn silage to keep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-animals-have-an-unexpected-role-in-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cows</a> in good shape, but it can lead to a drop in grass-based components that affect milk’s natural composition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grass-intake-and-dairy-nutrients">Grass intake and dairy nutrients</h2>



Farmers are keen on maximizing nutrients in milk. The study team discovered a strong tie between higher grass intake and better fatty acid content.



“The results showed that the more grass the cows ate, the richer the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-paves-the-way-for-climate-conscious-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">milk</a> and cheese were in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to human health,” stated Dr. Bouchon.



Switching to corn-based rations can still yield a decent amount of milk. Yet the subtle nutritional goodies in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16960079/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grass</a> may slip away if it becomes a minor part of the diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cow-feed-changes-cheese">Cow feed changes cheese </h2>



Consumers often favor the special shade and softness of artisanal cheese. Grass helps deliver that yellowish tinge and a smoother, melt-in-the-mouth feel.



“Cows fed on grazed grass produced smoother, yellower, more aromatic cheeses, while cows fed little to no grass produce whiter, firmer cheeses with milder flavors,” said Dr. Bouchon.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-flavors-of-cheese">Distinct flavors of cheese</h2>



Minimizing fresh grass in a herd’s diet can make the final dairy product less appealing. This outcome matters not just for foodies but also for farmers marketing distinctive <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5867552/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cheeses</a>.



Many shoppers pick grass-fed labels expecting distinct flavors. When producers reduce fresh grass in favor of silage or hay, the cheese may lose that familiar aroma.



A cheese that once tasted bold or slightly grassy can end up with a blander profile. Texture often changes too, as the fats and proteins shift under modified feeding patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-worries-for-farmers">Practical worries for farmers</h2>



Dairy farms run on slim profit margins. Any slip in milk yield or cheese appeal can hurt business, but ignoring drought conditions isn’t an option either.



Balancing feed mixes becomes a juggling act. More grass means tastier cheese, but a parched field can’t always supply what's needed, so producers face a hard call.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feed-changes-affect-cow-digestion">Feed changes affect cow digestion</h2>



Each feed ingredient, whether hay or silage, can affect <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-022-00974-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiota</a> inside a cow’s rumen. This intricate environment helps break down cellulose and produce nutrients for the cow.



If farmers switch abruptly to corn-based rations, the cow’s digestive system may take time to adjust. Subtle changes in the rumen can ripple through to the milk in surprising ways.



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



Nobody wants a rubbery or flavorless cheese on their plate. Folks who appreciate artisanal dairy should keep an eye on how climate issues and diet adjustments shape their favorite products.



While these shifts might not stand out in mass-produced cheese, small-scale operations often rely on the tastes derived from high-grass diets. Flavor can be a big selling point.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-strategies-influence-dairy-yield-nbsp">Feeding strategies influence dairy yield&nbsp;</h2>



Herd nutrition is more complicated than many realize. Different cows have varying needs depending on genetics, lactation stage, and climate conditions.



Producers factor in how each feed ingredient influences both milk quantity and milk quality. These trade-offs can make or break the end product’s sensory profile.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-cow-feed-to-drought-conditions">Adapting cow feed to drought conditions</h2>



Some farmers are testing new grass varieties said to handle hot spells better. Others look at advanced grazing strategies or water conservation tactics to maintain fields during dry months.



At the same time, research teams share data to guide farmers on how best to tweak feed ingredients. The aim is to protect both milk output and that prized cheese taste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-dairy-grass">Preserving dairy grass </h2>



Shoppers see words like omega-3 on labels but don’t always know how production methods affect those nutrients. Many prefer products that combine solid nutrition with a pleasing taste, color, and aroma.



Farmers who manage to preserve grass can maintain that balance. Even modest amounts of fresh forage appear helpful to keep cheese palatable and nutritionally robust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-pasture">Beyond the pasture</h2>



Climate concerns won’t vanish overnight. Researchers are tracking how these feeding adjustments ripple across entire food chains, from soil microbes to final cheese properties.



While not every farm can rely on grass alone, preserving its presence seems vital for those aiming for standout cheese. This is especially true for dairy regions with a cultural heritage tied to lush fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dairy-production-amid-climate-change">Dairy production amid climate change</h2>



With each passing year, dryness threatens more farmland. Creative solutions and careful ration decisions may hold the key to maintaining the hallmark traits that grass-based cheeses are known for.



Ongoing research may soon offer farmers new strategies to keep cows healthy while reducing their environmental impact. Whether large or small, dairy producers must continue to adapt to meet these evolving challenges.



The study is published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S002203022500092X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Dairy Science</a>.



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Popular types of cheese are beginning to taste different due to what cows are eating

Climate scientists say rising temperatures can reduce the availability and...

Beauty has long captured our attention. From ancient times to modern life, people have turned to art for more than decoration.



Now, there’s scientific evidence that stopping to appreciate beauty - really stopping to take it in - can help us think beyond the moment.



A new study from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> shows that reflecting on beautiful works of art can push our minds into a different gear. 



Instead of getting caught in the routine of daily life, we may begin to think more abstractly. That means we start considering the bigger picture - beyond the to-do lists and small details.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-beauty-in-art">Power of beauty in art </h2>



Psychologists from the University of Cambridge set up an experiment in Kettle’s Yard, the university’s modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simply-looking-at-art-can-improve-your-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">art</a> gallery. They used the gallery as a kind of living lab to test how people respond to artistic beauty.



Participants viewed handmade ceramic pieces by artist Lucie Rie. One group was asked to focus on the beauty of each object and rate it. Another group simply matched each object with a line drawing. 



Everyone was then tested on how they interpret everyday concepts like writing a letter or locking a door. Were they focused on the physical action, or on its deeper meaning?



The results were clear. Those who focused on beauty were more likely to think in abstract ways. Participants also reported stronger emotional reactions - they felt moved, inspired, or enlightened.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shift-in-mindset">A shift in mindset</h2>



Simone Schnall is a professor of experimental social psychology at Cambridge and senior author of the study. She noted that many philosophers throughout history have suggested that engaging with aesthetic beauty invokes a special kind of psychological state.



“Our research indicates that engaging with the beauty of art can enhance abstract thinking and promote a different mindset to our everyday patterns of thought - shifting us into a more expansive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-emotion-vocabulary-we-use-reflects-our-true-state-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">state of mind</a>," said Schnall.



“This is known as psychological distancing, when one snaps out of the mental trappings of daily life and focuses more on the overall picture.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-simpler-art-speaks-louder">Why simpler art speaks louder</h2>



The choice of art mattered too. The team deliberately avoided bold or dramatic artworks. 



“Ceramics were ideal for our purposes,” said Schnall. “A glorious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/van-goghs-the-starry-night-masterpiece-captured-real-world-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">painting</a> by an Old Master would be too striking. We needed art that is subtle in form, requiring a focused contemplation of the nature of beauty.”



Even among participants who already had artistic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hobbies-keep-the-brain-sharp-and-slow-cognitive-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hobbies</a>, the effect of engaging with beauty was stronger. 



People with artistic interests in the beauty group scored more than 25% higher in abstract thinking than their counterparts who only completed the line-drawing task.



Researchers also measured the emotional responses. On average, those in the beauty group felt 23% more “transformed” than those in the control group. But interestingly, they didn’t report being any happier. This suggests that the power of beauty lies in shifting thought patterns, not just lifting moods.



“Visiting an art museum is not just a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, it may actually change how we think about our lives,” said Schnall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escaping-screens-through-art">Escaping screens through art</h2>



It’s easy to go through the day focused only on what needs doing next. Screens keep us locked into routines. We check off tasks. We swipe, scroll, and reply. What’s harder is making time to think freely, or to step back from the flow of things.



“People today are often tethered to their devices, and we usually think in very concrete terms when we’re doing something on a screen,” added Schnall.



“It’s becoming much rarer to zone out and just let the mind wander, but that’s when we think in ways that broaden our horizons. Admiring the beauty of art may be the ideal way to trigger the abstract cognitive processes increasingly lost in a world of screens and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-blue-light-from-smartphones-may-accelerate-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smartphones</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beauty-isn-t-just-felt-it-s-understood">Beauty isn’t just felt - it’s understood</h2>



The Cambridge team’s study adds to a growing body of research on how our environments shape our thinking. It also raises the idea that museums and galleries can play an important role beyond entertainment or education. They may actually help us live more thoughtful, reflective lives.



“Our findings offer empirical support for a long-standing philosophical idea that beauty appreciation can help people detach from their immediate practical concerns and adopt a broader, more abstract perspective,” said Dr. Elzė Sigutė Mikalonytė, lead author of the study and a researcher at Cambridge’s Department of Psychology.



This research is part of a larger project supported by the Templeton Religion Trust, exploring whether art can contribute to human flourishing and meaningful living. Based on what the researchers have found so far, the answer might be yes - if we take the time to really look.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/02762374251337699" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Empirical Studies of the Arts</a>.



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Beauty in art lifts the mind and awakens higher thought

Beauty has long captured our attention. From ancient times to...

The foods consumed during childhood may hold more power than previously thought. While body size and genetics have long been scrutinized for their roles in the onset of puberty, a recent study shifts the focus to diet.



The study reveals that what girls eat could shape when they enter puberty. Those with nutrient-rich diets tend to start menstruating later than peers who consume more inflammatory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-protein-packed-diets-are-really-doing-to-your-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-plays-a-role-in-puberty-timing">Diet plays a role in puberty timing</h2>



What you <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eat</a> may carry more weight than how much you weigh. This study reveals that the timing of menarche - a girl’s first period - is more closely tied to dietary patterns than to BMI or height, traditionally considered strong predictors of puberty onset.



The implications are profound. Girls who enter puberty earlier may find themselves more vulnerable to a host of health issues in adulthood - diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and breast cancer.



“I think our findings highlight the need for all children and adolescents to have access to healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-people-are-willing-to-switch-to-plant-based-food-to-save-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meal</a> options, and the importance of school-based breakfasts and lunches being based on evidence-based guidelines,” said Holly Harris, MPH, ScD, associate professor at the <a href="https://www.fredhutch.org/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-study-that-spans-generations">A study that spans generations</h2>



The findings draw from the Growing Up Today Study (<a href="https://gutsweb.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GUTS</a>), a vast dataset capturing over 7,500 children in two cohorts - one beginning in 1996, the other in 2004. 



The researchers tracked participants, aged 9 to 14, for years, watching how diet intersected with the onset of menarche.



Past research pegged BMI as a major driver of early menarche. This study flips that narrative, asking whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dietary patterns</a>, rather than body size, hold the key to when girls enter puberty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-on-diet-and-puberty">Research on diet and puberty</h2>



Professor Harris connects this study to her earlier work on inflammatory diets and breast cancer.



“In previous work that we had conducted in the Nurses’ Health Study II, an ongoing prospective cohort, we observed a higher risk of breast cancer among people who consumed an inflammatory-promoting diet during adolescence and early adulthood,” said Professor Harris.



”Following these results we were interested in understanding whether earlier life dietary intake might influence breast cancer through impact on risk factors for breast cancer that occur between early life and breast cancer, such as age at menarche."



"This led to the current study where we examined the impact of dietary patterns on age at menarche.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-diet-affects-puberty-timing">How diet affects puberty timing</h2>



Dietary data were collected before menarche, allowing researchers to establish a baseline of eating habits. Rather than simply cataloging what the girls consumed, the researchers framed those diets against two specific indices to better understand the impact of nutrition on menarche timing. 



The first index, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), assigns higher scores to diets abundant in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains while penalizing those rich in red meat and trans fats. The AHEI is designed to highlight overall diet quality, emphasizing foods linked to long-term health benefits.



In contrast, the Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Pattern (EDIP) focuses on inflammation. This index assesses diets based on their potential to promote or reduce inflammation, spotlighting foods known to trigger inflammatory responses, such as processed meats, refined grains, and sugary drinks. 



By using both indices, the researchers could distinguish between overall diet quality and the specific inflammatory effects of certain foods, providing a more nuanced view of how diet might influence the onset of menarche.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-rich-diets-delay-menstruation">Nutrient-rich diets delay menstruation</h2>



The analysis drew stark contrasts. Girls with the highest AHEI scores - those eating the healthiest diets - were eight percent less likely to begin menstruating within the next month than those with the least nutritious diets. 



But the reverse held for those scoring high on the EDIP. With diets high in inflammatory foods, they were 15% more likely to start menstruating soon.



BMI and height didn’t sway these findings. Diet stood alone as a significant predictor of menarche timing.



“We observed that these two dietary patterns were associated with age at menarche, indicating that a healthier diet was linked to menstrual periods starting at an older age,” said Professor Harris.



So, could inflammation hold the key to the body’s clock? The researchers speculate that diets loaded with inflammatory foods might accelerate menarche, while those rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients could press pause, delaying puberty’s onset.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puberty-diet-and-beyond">Puberty, diet, and beyond</h2>



What comes next? The team plans to extend their analysis, investigating how dietary patterns during childhood and adolescence might shape menstrual cycles in adulthood.



While the dataset is robust, certain gaps remain. The data relied on self-reported diet and menarche age, which can introduce recall bias. 



Additionally, the study’s predominantly white cohort limits the generalizability of the findings. Direct measurements of body fat were also absent, leaving BMI as a proxy for body composition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-a-nutritional-choice">More than a nutritional choice</h2>



Encouraging nutrient-dense diets rich in vegetables, whole grains, and nuts may do more than improve overall health - it can potentially delay puberty by postponing menarche.



Foods like leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains reduce inflammation and regulate hormones, while processed meats and sugary drinks may accelerate puberty through increased inflammation. 



Delaying menarche can lower lifelong exposure to estrogen, reducing risks of chronic diseases such as breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. 



Thus, shifting dietary patterns during childhood and adolescence may not only support immediate health but also influence the biological timeline, lowering long-term disease risk.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/humrep/advance-article/doi/10.1093/humrep/deaf072/8125832" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human Reproduction</a>.



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Girls' diets strongly influence when they begin puberty

The foods consumed during childhood may hold more power than...

Food allergies have become increasingly common, affecting roughly one in 13 children, as reported by Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). With such a rise, scientists continue to explore how maternal diets might influence allergy risk in infants. 



Recent research in Finland sheds light on a surprising connection between avocado consumption during pregnancy and reduced food allergy risk in infants.



A study involving 2,272 mother-child pairs, conducted over nearly a decade, uncovered a striking finding. Infants whose mothers consumed avocados during pregnancy had a 43.6% lower chance of developing food allergies by 12 months. 



The study accounted for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-omega-3-deficiency-is-rising-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">variables</a> such as maternal age, smoking status, and education - yet the link remained consistent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocados-lower-allergy-risk">Avocados lower allergy risk</h2>



For years, researchers have explored how specific dietary patterns during pregnancy might influence infant allergy risk. However, individual foods like avocados have not received the same level of scrutiny. 



The Finnish study aimed to fill that gap. The team utilized an online food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess maternal avocado intake during the first and third trimesters. 



Participants who reported any avocado <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-production-more-difficult-climate-change-plant-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumption</a> were classified as consumers, while those who did not became non-consumers.



The analysis revealed a significant contrast. Among non-consumers, 4.2% of infants developed food allergies. In comparison, only 2.4% of infants whose mothers consumed avocados experienced the same outcome.



The reduction in allergy risk remained significant even after adjusting for various maternal health factors .



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-research-offers-hope">Avocado research offers hope</h2>



“As a caregiver, the growing prevalence of food allergy feels very scary and out of my control,” said Sari Hantunen, senior lecturer at the <a href="https://www.uef.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Eastern Finland</a>.



“There is no cure for food allergy, but promising prevention and therapeutic strategies are in development as well as emerging research such as this."



”Based on these findings, it’s encouraging to know that eating avocados may provide even more value to maternal and children’s health, beyond the benefits that have already been established through scientific research.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-avocado-and-allergy">Tracking avocado and allergy</h2>



The Kuopio Birth Cohort (KuBiCo) provided a rich dataset for analysis. Researchers recruited pregnant women during routine first-trimester appointments at <a href="https://pshyvinvointialue.fi/web/en/kuopio-university-hospital" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kuopio University Hospital</a>. Data collection continued until November 2022, capturing dietary intake throughout the first and third trimesters.



Mothers completed FFQs that detailed food consumption over the past three months. The FFQ specifically assessed avocado intake, classifying participants as consumers or non-consumers.



After birth, researchers tracked infants to assess allergic outcomes, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-therapy-may-help-reduce-peanut-allergies-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> allergies, eczema, rhinitis, and wheezing. Even after adjusting for variables like maternal age, smoking, and breastfeeding duration, the data maintained its significance. 



Infants of non-consumers showed a 4.2% allergy rate, while those of avocado consumers showed a 2.4% rate .



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-choose-avocados">Who choose avocados?</h2>



Avocado consumers shared common traits that distinguished them from non-consumers. They tended to be older and more educated. They also reported longer breastfeeding durations and higher diet quality scores.



These women generally had lower BMI levels in the first trimester and were less likely to undergo caesarean deliveries. Researchers noted that these trends might reflect broader health-conscious behaviors rather than avocado <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-transforming-pollen-science-and-health-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumption</a> alone .



Avocados pack essential nutrients that may benefit both maternal and infant health. Each serving provides 9.25 grams of dietary fiber, supporting gut health and potentially influencing immune responses.



Additionally, avocados contain 2.6 mg of vitamin E, an antioxidant linked to immune function, and 0.93 mg of zinc, which plays a role in immune development. Lutein, a carotenoid crucial for eye health, also features prominently in avocados.



The nutrient profile aligns well with dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, previously associated with lower allergy risks in offspring. While the study focused solely on avocados, researchers suggest that other nutrient-dense foods may offer similar protective effects .



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consuming-avocados-for-allergy-prevention">Consuming avocados for allergy prevention</h2>



The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that pregnant women consume 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups of vegetables daily. Avocados, with their nutrient density, count as a full cup per serving.



For toddlers aged 12-23 months, the guidelines suggest 2/3 to 1 cup of vegetables each day. With its rich nutrient profile, a single avocado serves as a practical choice to meet these recommendations without the need for supplements.



Despite the promising findings, the study did not identify any significant links between avocado consumption and other allergic conditions like rhinitis, eczema, or wheezing. 



The focus on food allergies yielded notable results, but the other conditions showed no significant differences between consumers and non-consumers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-research">Expanding the research</h2>



The researchers caution against overgeneralizing the findings. While avocados may contribute to reduced food allergy risk, the mechanisms remain unclear. 



Further studies could clarify whether specific nutrients within avocados influence immune development and whether similar effects extend to other foods .



The study opens doors for future research that could extend beyond infancy. Tracking infants beyond the first year of life may provide insights into how early dietary exposures shape allergy risk throughout childhood.



Additionally, examining other nutrient-dense foods with similar profiles, such as nuts, seeds, or leafy greens, could help determine whether the observed effects result from specific nutrients or broader dietary patterns. 



Understanding these connections could refine dietary recommendations for pregnant women, offering clearer guidance on foods that may reduce allergy risk in infants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-nutritional-choice-with-potential">A nutritional choice with potential</h2>



As food allergies continue to rise, identifying preventive strategies during pregnancy remains a critical focus. This Finnish study suggests that avocados, with their nutrient-rich profile, may play a role in reducing food allergy risk in infants.



While the study does not establish causality, it highlights the potential impact of nutrient-dense foods during pregnancy - a time when maternal diet can leave lasting imprints on infant health. 



Further research will clarify whether these findings hold across diverse populations and whether other foods offer similar benefits.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41390-025-03968-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pediatric Research</a>.



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Eating avocados during pregnancy reduces baby's allergy risk

Food allergies have become increasingly common, affecting roughly one in...

Robots are becoming a familiar sight in the hospitality world. They’re guiding guests, delivering meals, and even recommending menu items. 



But something as subtle as a robot’s “gender” might shape how customers respond to these interactions - especially when the customer feels unsure or lacks confidence.



That’s the focus of a new study from researchers at the <a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/shm/mps-in-hospitality-management?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=18940599036&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAo7UxZlqJMbtNBd7T97lI5YjHkzAl&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwiezABhBZEiwAEbTPGOFaJED0NEG_nlG8hE98t3TWHWeoQox2QtkSydIxrHuGuXmz3slqiBoC6J8QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State School of Hospitality Management</a>. 



Their work shows that the gender traits assigned to service robots - like a masculine name or voice - can sway how customers make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quick-decisions-are-often-biased-and-misleading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decisions</a>. Their experiments also revealed how cute robot designs might help tone down this influence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confidence-shapes-robot-response">Confidence shapes robot response</h2>



The study looked at how people react to service robots depending on how powerful or confident they feel. 



According to the researchers, robots are often designed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-robots-now-with-added-common-sense-and-ability-to-self-correct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mimic human</a> features - from names and voices to colors and shapes. These features suggest gender. But how people respond to these features isn’t one-size-fits-all.



“Robots can be designed or programmed to have human-like features like names, voices, and body shapes, which portray gender,” said study co-author Anna Mattila.



“In addition to robot gender, a consumer’s sense of power - how individuals perceive their ability to influence others or their environment - can also affect how successful a service robot can be in making recommendations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-influences-choices">Gender influences choices</h2>



To test this, the researchers conducted two studies. In the first, 239 participants were asked to imagine dining at a new restaurant. Before interacting with a robot server, they assessed their own feelings of power. 



The robot then recommended a breakfast burrito, and participants rated how persuasive the robot was.



The robot's design was altered slightly to show gender - using pink to suggest a female robot and gray to suggest a male one. Everything else stayed the same.



“We found women with a low sense of power were more prone to accept a male robot’s recommendations,” said study lead author Lavi Peng.



“For men with a low sense of power, we found the difference was less obvious. Based on our findings, consumers with high power tend to make their own judgement without relying on societal expectations. They are more confident and want to make decisions based off their own judgment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robot-traits-affect-revenue">Robot traits affect revenue</h2>



This suggests that gender cues from robots can influence decision-making, particularly for customers who don’t feel in control. The researchers say this insight could help restaurants and hotels tailor their robot features to encourage upsells or promote new offerings.



“Upselling and upgrading are all about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-robots-marketing-and-the-power-of-persuasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">persuasion</a>, and the results of our study suggested robots with male characteristics could be effective,” Peng said.



“If a business knows its customer is female, it may want to consider using a robot with different gender characteristics than it would with a male customer.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adorable-bots-beat-bias">Adorable bots beat bias</h2>



The second part of the research explored how to reduce the effects of gender cues. If businesses want to avoid reinforcing stereotypes, is there a design trick that helps?



To find out, the team recruited 156 university students. These participants were chosen because, as students, they are often in subordinate roles - a group that tends to feel less powerful.



Instead of using color to suggest gender, the researchers equipped robots with gendered facial designs displayed on a screen mounted on a Bear Robotics Servi robot. 



These faces included stereotypically masculine or feminine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-do-children-trust-more-robots-or-humans-scientists-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">features</a>, but were drawn in a “cute” style - round faces, large eyes, and gentle expressions. Participants interacted with the robot, then rated its recommendation for avocado toast.



“Both male and female customers responded similarly to both the male and female robot designs,” Peng said. “For businesses that want to mitigate gender stereotypes, they can consider using a cute design for their robots.”



In short, cuteness may override gender cues. When robots look soft and friendly, people seem less sensitive to whether the robot appears “male” or “female.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-better-service-robots">Designing better service robots</h2>



As more businesses adopt service robots, these small design details will start to matter more. This research suggests companies can do more than just program a helpful machine - they can use subtle features to shape customer experiences. 



That might mean using masculine traits to upsell certain items, or adopting gender-neutral, cute designs to avoid reinforcing stereotypes.



For hotels and restaurants, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermarket-layout-influences-food-choice-and-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">choices</a> could make a real difference in customer satisfaction and business outcomes.



Sound like science fiction? Maybe not for long. The future of hospitality might just depend on how your breakfast burrito gets recommended - and who (or what) is doing the recommending.



The findings are published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2025.01.019" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management</a>.



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Robot 'gender' can influence human choices and decision making

Robots are becoming a familiar sight in the hospitality world....

Alzheimer's disease often brings to mind images of older adults struggling with memory loss and confusion. News of a 17-year-old who showed devastating cognitive decline serves to remind us of the complexity of this condition. 



His official diagnosis came at age 19, setting an unsettling record for the youngest documented case of Alzheimer's to date. Neurologist <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jianping-Jia-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Jianping Jia</a> from Capital Medical University helped confirm this startling scenario.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-disease-breaking-age-barriers">Alzheimer's disease breaking age barriers</h2>



For many decades, Alzheimer's has been <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24398425/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classified</a> primarily as an age-related disease. It typically causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior, as neurons in the brain become impaired over time.



Doctors now recognize early-onset cases, with some individuals diagnosed before they turn 65. These instances represent approximately 10 percent of all Alzheimer's diagnoses, making them less common but no less serious. 



Reports indicate that this teenager first noticed recurring forgetfulness around the age of 17. He struggled academically and often misplaced personal items, but the situation worsened until he needed professional assessment.



Specialized imaging revealed atrophy in his <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hippocampus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hippocampus</a>, a key region involved in forming new memories. 



Analysis of his cerebrospinal fluid showed protein markers that are typically associated with Alzheimer's, though the cause remained unclear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-answers-to-alzheimer-s-disease">Genetic answers to Alzheimer's disease</h2>



Most patients younger than the age of 30 are classified as having <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/familial-alzheimers-disease" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD)</a>, meaning they inherit specific faulty genes that lead to early disease. Curiously, no gene mutations were found in this teenager's DNA, which has left doctors puzzled.



His family had no known history of memory disorders, a factor that usually points investigators toward environmental or other less common triggers. 



Still, the medical team could not identify any infections, metabolic diseases, or traumatic injuries that might explain his decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-outcomes-and-statistics">Unexpected outcomes and statistics</h2>



He scored poorly on immediate, short-delay, and long-delay recall tasks, with one test placing his memory performance 82 percent below that of his peers. Another measurement showed he was 87 percent behind in immediate recall ability.



Despite these stark findings, he could still live on his own but found it impossible to finish high school. 



The authors contend that this phenomenon shows there is more to learn about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-a-brain-disease/">Alzheimer's</a> develops, even in very young individuals.



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



"Exploring the mysteries of young people with Alzheimer's disease may become one of the most challenging scientific questions of the future," the authors said. In a note to a local media outlet, the researchers suggested that investigations of similar rare cases are vital. 



<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24336208/">Scientists</a> are now looking at lifestyle factors and additional genetic markers that might play a role in early disease onset. These include things like unusual protein buildups, metabolic imbalances, or newly discovered gene variants.



Although typical early-onset Alzheimer's is often tied to known genetic defects in the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9504248/">PSEN1</a> or <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-04027-8">APP genes</a>, this teenager tested negative for all recognized variants. 



Researchers suspect that a yet-to-be-identified mutation or a unique biological mechanism might be at play.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-toward-solutions">Looking toward solutions</h2>



Current treatment options focus on slowing disease progression, but no definitive cure exists. Trials involving <a href="https://alzres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13195-019-0529-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immunotherapies</a> and drugs targeting amyloid protein are ongoing, yet they have had mixed results so far.



Families of a loved one who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's in the teens or early twenties will feel uncertain and underprepared, as little information exists about this condition in younger patients. 



More resources are needed to guide patients and relatives through a condition that is typically managed in geriatric settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-alzheimer-s-disease-diagnostics">Refining Alzheimer's disease diagnostics</h2>



Advanced imaging methods and biomarker tests are helping clinicians detect changes in the brain earlier than ever. 



By identifying subtle shifts in metabolism and structure, doctors can intervene sooner, potentially delaying severe cognitive deterioration.



Genetic testing has also made strides in identifying those who are at high risk, although this case highlights the possibility of other unknown drivers. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stopping-alzheimers-before-it-starts-early-treatment-shows-potential/">Alzheimer's</a> remains a puzzle, especially when its usual patterns fail to appear.



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



Collaborations among neurologists, geneticists, and epidemiologists could uncover new pathways responsible for atypical Alzheimer's disease. 



Long-term monitoring of individuals like this teen may yield guidance that transforms how specialists approach younger patients.



Researchers hope these insights will lead to preventive strategies, more targeted treatments, and improved outcomes across all ages. 



This might one day spare the next generation from unexpected cognitive losses that disrupt their lives and futures.



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



Doctors and caregivers stress the importance of vigilance, as forgetting small details can sometimes hint at a larger issue. When suspicion arises, timely neurological evaluations offer the best shot at catching serious conditions early.



Such steps are especially critical for younger individuals who show unusual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/">memory</a> problems. Proper screening could help them stay in school, remain socially active, or gain access to supportive therapies when every moment counts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-on-the-horizon">Hope on the horizon</h2>



Fresh discoveries in neuroscience promise new understandings of how the disease can begin in the prime of life. Research breakthroughs might open doors for interventions that preserve memory and give young patients a fighting chance.



No single gene or factor appears responsible for every early-onset case, which means experts must keep an open mind. 



The lesson from this story is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-can-track-the-progression-of-alzheimers/">Alzheimer's</a> can appear in ways we least expect, and challenge all preconceived notions.



This case highlights the need for constant vigilance and ongoing research. The effort to unravel early diagnoses could change the entire field of dementia care.



The study is published in the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3233/JAD-221065" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Alzheimer's Disease</a>.



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17-year-old man breaks the world record for early-onset Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease often brings to mind images of older adults...

The gut takes a direct hit from the Western-style diet, which is heavy on processed foods, red meat, dairy, and sugar - and low on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.



This way of eating reduces the variety of microbes living in the digestive system, weakening the gut’s resilience. That microbial decline can interfere with how the body responds to antibiotics and makes it harder for the immune system to fight off disease.



In a new study from the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>, scientists show how mice fed a Western-style diet were unable to restore a healthy gut microbiome after antibiotic treatment. Not only did these mice struggle to regain microbial diversity, but they also became more vulnerable to infections like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-overlooked-sources-of-antibiotic-resistant-salmonella/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salmonella</a>. 



On the other hand, mice that ate a diet resembling the Mediterranean pattern - rich in plant-based fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains - bounced back quickly after antibiotic exposure.



“We were really surprised by how dramatically different the recovery process is in the mice on the Western-style diet versus the healthier one,” said study lead author Megan Kennedy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gut-that-can-t-regrow">A gut that can’t regrow</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotics-for-childhood-infections-are-becoming-ineffective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antibiotics</a> are designed to wipe out harmful bacteria, but they don’t stop there. They often destroy helpful gut bacteria as well. This mass destruction is what scientists compare to a forest fire. Once the blaze is over, the forest - or in this case, the microbiome - has to rebuild from scratch.



“The mammalian gut microbiome is like a forest, and when you damage it, it must have a succession of events that occur in a specific order to restore itself back to its former health,” said study co-author Eugene B. Chang.



“When you are on a Western diet, this does not happen because it doesn't provide the nutrients for the right microbes at the right time to recover. Instead, you end up with a few species that monopolize these resources, and don’t set the stage for other organisms that are required for recovery.”



This prompted the team to investigate what happens when both the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/western-diet-identified-as-major-cause-of-colon-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western diet</a> and antibiotics team up against the gut. 



The experiment started with mice eating either a Western-style diet (WD) or standard mouse chow (RC), the latter being high in plant fibers and low in fat. Both groups were then given antibiotics. Some mice continued on their initial diets, while others switched to the opposite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-limits-of-microbial-transplants">The limits of microbial transplants</h2>



To speed up microbial recovery, researchers introduced a fecal microbial transplant (FMT). This method is designed to help restore microbial balance by transferring healthy microbes from one animal to another. However, the results were stark.



Only mice fed the RC diet - before or after antibiotics - were able to regain a healthy, balanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-gut-microbiome-is-shaped-by-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiome</a>. The mice that stuck with or switched to the Western-style diet couldn’t recover. The Western diet seemed to block the microbial transplant from taking hold.



“It doesn’t seem to matter what microbes you’re putting into the community through FMT, even if it’s matched in every way possible to the ideal transplant,” Kennedy explained. “If the mice are on the wrong diet, the microbes don’t stick, the community doesn’t diversify, and it doesn’t recover.”



Even with the transplant, the Western diet didn’t offer the nutrients needed to support a robust microbial community. These mice also remained highly vulnerable to Salmonella infections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-your-gut-for-recovery">Preparing your gut for recovery</h2>



What’s clear is that food matters - a lot. A diet high in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physicians-need-to-know-the-benefits-of-plant-based-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based</a> fiber not only promotes general well-being but may also protect people undergoing harsh treatments like chemotherapy or organ transplants, which often require potent antibiotics and immune-suppressing drugs.



“Maybe we can use diet to rebuild the commensal microbes that have been suppressed under these therapies,” Chang said. “We can restore the healthy microbiome much quicker and prevent the emergence of more multidrug-resistant organisms.”



This isn’t about overhauling your entire lifestyle overnight. The researchers acknowledged that asking everyone to become vegan is neither practical nor necessary. But adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your meals - especially before surgery or antibiotic treatments - could prepare your gut for a faster, stronger recovery.



Chang is even exploring supplement options that could support gut health without requiring major dietary shifts.



“I've become a believer that food can be medicinal,” he said. “In fact, I think that food can be prescriptive, because we can ultimately decide what food components are affecting which populations and functions of the gut microbiome.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-key-lesson-on-gut-recovery">The key lesson on gut recovery</h2>



The message is simple but powerful: what you eat lays the foundation for how your body heals. 



When your gut is knocked down - whether by antibiotics, illness, or stress - the right foods can help it get back on its feet. Think of it like this: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains don’t just fill you up - they build you up.



And next time someone reminds you to eat your greens, they just might be saving your gut.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08937-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Why your gut can’t heal on a Western diet

The gut takes a direct hit from the Western-style diet,...

Happy,Mature,Female,Teacher,Educator,Helping,African,American,Junior,School

Grading student work can take up countless hours for teachers, especially when assignments call for deep thinking, explanations, or scientific modeling. However, a new study suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could help ease that burden - but only if used carefully and alongside human input.



The research was led by Xiaoming Zhai, associate professor and director of the <a href="https://coe.uga.edu/research/labs/ai4stem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI4STEM Education Center </a>at <a href="https://www.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a>’s Mary Frances Early College of Education. The study explores how well Large Language Models (LLMs) can assess student work compared to human graders.



“Asking kids to draw a model, to write an explanation, to argue with each other are very complex tasks,” Zhai said. “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-teaching-other-robots-its-no-longer-science-fiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teachers</a> often don’t have enough time to score all the students’ responses, which means students will not be able to receive timely feedback.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-grading-vs-human-judgment">AI grading vs. human judgment</h2>



The study focused on middle school students’ responses to science questions aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards. One question, for example, asked students to create a model showing how particles behave when heat energy is added. 



The correct answer would explain that molecules speed up as they heat and slow down when cooled. The research team fed student answers into an LLM called Mixtral and asked it to grade them. 



But unlike most AI grading studies, where the AI is trained using examples of human‑scored answers, this study took a different approach. Here, the LLM had to create its own grading rubric and apply it to student work.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trading-accuracy-for-speed">Trading accuracy for speed</h2>



The researchers found that Mixtral could grade responses very quickly. However, it tended to rely on shortcuts, such as looking for specific keywords, rather than assessing the actual depth of the students’ understanding.



“Students could mention a temperature increase, and the large language model interprets that all students understand the particles are moving faster when temperatures rise,” Zhai explained.



“But based upon the student writing, as a human, we’re not able to infer whether the students know whether the particles will move faster or not.”



In other words, the AI might give points to a student simply for mentioning the right terms, even if the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-logic-lives-experts-identify-the-brain-region-responsible-for-reasoning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reasoning</a> behind the answer is unclear or incorrect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-ai-with-human-standards">Improving AI with human standards</h2>



The study suggests that LLMs need better guidelines to match human grading standards. Specifically, AI models perform better when they use detailed rubrics created by teachers, which outline exactly what to look for in a good response.



Without these rubrics, the AI only reached about 33.5% accuracy when compared to human grading. With access to human‑created rubrics, that accuracy jumped to just over 50%.



“The train has left the station, but it has just left the station,” Zhai said. “It means we still have a long way to go when it comes to using AI, and we still need to figure out which direction to go in.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-human-reasoning-still-matters"><a></a>Why human reasoning still matters</h2>



One key difference between human graders and LLMs is how they handle complex or incomplete answers. 



According to the researchers, while LLMs will mark a student’s response as correct if it includes certain keywords,. However, it cannot evaluate the logic the student is using.



This happens because LLMs tend to “over‑infer,” assuming a student understands a concept based on surface clues. Human teachers, though, look for evidence of clear thinking and accurate reasoning. 



Without explanations for why certain answers earned specific grades, the AI lacks the context to make fine‑tuned decisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teachers-want-help-not-replacement"><a></a>Teachers want help, not replacement</h2>



Despite these limitations, many teachers are interested in using AI <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/man-vs-machine-why-students-still-write-better-than-ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tools</a> to speed up routine grading.



“Many teachers told me, ‘I had to spend my weekend giving feedback, but by using automatic scoring, I do not have to do that. Now, I have more time to focus on more meaningful work instead of some labor‑intensive work,’” Zhai said. “That’s very encouraging for me.”



Rather than fully replacing human graders, the researchers suggest that AI systems should serve as assistants. This way, it frees teachers to concentrate on tasks that require human judgment, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creativity-improves-life-satisfaction-and-overall-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creativity</a>, and connection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-comes-next-for-ai-grading"><a></a>What comes next for AI grading</h2>



The research highlights both the promise and the challenges of using AI in classrooms. While current LLMs can process large batches of student work quickly, they still need better instructions, oversight, and refinement to deliver meaningful feedback. 



Teachers remain essential for guiding the use of these tools, setting expectations, and ensuring fairness. As AI technologies continue to evolve, the hope is that future models will become more adept at understanding not just keywords but the quality of student reasoning.



With thoughtful design and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-humans-and-ai-work-better-together/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human‑AI collaboration</a>, these tools could become powerful allies in helping teachers support student learning - without sacrificing weekends to piles of ungraded papers.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10758-025-09836-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technology, Knowledge and Learning</a>.



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Grading with AI: Faster than teachers, but not smarter

Grading student work can take up countless hours for teachers,...

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
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On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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</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.

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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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

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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