Parents pass down more than genes. Their everyday choices shape how children see the world. 



A new study from São Paulo State University (<a href="https://www.international.unesp.br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESP</a>) in Brazil shows how this works with physical activity. Children copy the habits of their parents, whether active or sedentary.



The researchers tracked 182 children and teenagers, aged 6 to 17, along with their parents. They used accelerometers, devices that measure movement with precision. 



The results were clear: children with inactive parents spent more time sitting. Children with active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parent-children-relationships-are-key-to-lifelong-well-being/">parents</a> were less sedentary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mothers-play-a-bigger-role">Mothers play a bigger role</h2>



The study also revealed something striking. Mothers influenced their children’s activity levels more strongly than fathers. Their effect was more than double. 



The exact reason is still uncertain, but daily routines could explain part of it. Mothers often spend more time shaping schedules around meals, homework, and television.



“The results indicate that parents’ level of physical activity can directly influence their children’s habits. In other words, when parents maintain a more active routine, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/singing-to-babies-is-a-powerful-way-to-boost-their-mood/">children</a> are less likely to remain seated for long periods,” Diego Christofaro noted. 



Christofaro is a professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FCT-UNESP) at the Presidente Prudente campus and the lead author of the article published in the journal Sports Medicine and Health Science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sedentary-lifestyles-rising">Sedentary lifestyles rising</h2>



The findings matter because inactivity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-before-they-crawl-babies-can-feel-their-own-heartbeat/">childhood</a> is already a public health concern. In Brazil, 11% to 38% of children and adolescents are overweight. Sedentary routines contribute directly to this problem. 



The risks go beyond weight gain. Research links too much sitting with heart problems, back pain, poor sleep, anxiety, and depression.



Once these patterns start, they are hard to change. A child who spends long hours sitting is likely to carry those habits into adult life. That makes early action vital.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-copy-parents-activity">Kids copy parents’ activity</h2>



The home environment explains much of this. Children often copy their parents’ screen habits. If parents watch hours of television, children usually do too. When limits on screen time are missing, the hours grow longer.



But the opposite is also true. When parents swap sitting for exercise, children follow their lead. 



In one Canadian study, every 20 minutes of vigorous parental activity added 5 to 10 minutes of moderate activity in children. Kids don’t just listen to words; they notice actions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parents-education-shapes-activity">Parents’ education shapes activity</h2>



Education changes the picture as well. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parents-who-use-humor-have-better-relationships-with-their-children/">Parents</a> with higher education levels tend to set more structured routines. They often balance screen time with sports or outdoor play. 



Parents with higher levels of education also recognize the harm of excessive sitting and take steps to prevent it.



Awareness is powerful. A parent who knows the risks of long sedentary hours is more likely to limit television, encourage outdoor play, or join their child in activity. Those choices add up over time.



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



Support at home makes staying active easier. Equipment, safe spaces, and shared activities all matter. Families who play sports together or go for walks often see children grow up more active. 



Shared routines also create memories, tying positive feelings to exercise and movement. 



On the other hand, when support is missing, even motivated children face obstacles. A lack of safe places to play or no encouragement from parents can keep them sitting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-message-for-public-health">A message for public health</h2>



“Sedentary habits are the result of multiple factors, such as lack of access, time, and places where physical activity can be practiced,” noted Christofaro. 



“However, our study shows that parents’ habits can affect their children’s health. Therefore, we believe that these results can support public policies and campaigns aimed at promoting a more active lifestyle in the family environment.”



The study showed that parent-child links in sedentary behavior appeared only when parents were insufficiently active. In families where parents stayed active, those links weakened. That means active parents can protect children from inheriting sedentary patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parents-set-activity-goals">Parents set activity goals</h2>



Brazil’s health guidelines recommend that children and adolescents spend at least 60 minutes a day on moderate to vigorous physical activity. 



Parents should aim for 150 minutes of activity each week. These targets are not just numbers. They represent habits that can shape family health across generations.



Children copy what they see. Parents who sit less and move more give their children a model worth repeating. Small daily choices - walking instead of sitting, playing instead of watching - can ripple through a child’s life, reducing risks and building healthier futures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666337625000691?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sports Medicine and Health Science</a>.



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Family fitness: Active parents raise active kids

Parents pass down more than genes. Their everyday choices shape how children see the world. A new study from São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil shows how this works with physical activity. Children copy the habits of their parents, whether active or sedentary. The researchers tracked 182 children and teenagers, aged 6 to 17, along with their parents. They used accelerometers, devices that measure movement with precision. The results were clear: children with inactive parents spent more time sitting. Children with active parents were less sedentary....

Acne, eczema, and other skin conditions are issues that manifest on the surface, but they’re closely tied to what’s living just beneath. Bacteria on our faces aren’t just passive passengers. They interact, compete, and sometimes even fuel disease.



Two major bacterial species - Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis - dominate most people’s facial microbiome. Yet, figuring out how they behave and change over time has long been a challenge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-the-skin-s-future-health">Shaping the skin's future health</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> have now mapped out the behavior of skin bacteria in more detail than ever before.



Their work offers a clearer picture of when new strains appear, how long they stick around, and how this timing could shape future acne treatments. 



The research also points to a crucial discovery: the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-teen-girls-struggle-more-with-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">teen</a> years may be a key time in which to shape the skin’s future health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teenage-skin-and-the-rise-of-acne-bacteria">Teenage skin and the rise of acne bacteria</h2>



The team found that most new C. acnes strains - the ones commonly linked to outbreaks of acne - appear during the early teenage years.



But after that, the bacterial community on the face becomes incredibly stable. Even when people come into contact with new strains, they rarely take hold.



That insight has major implications. “We found that there are some surprising dynamics, and these dynamics provide insights for how to design probiotic therapy,” said Tami Lieberman, senior author of the study.



“If we had a strain that we knew could prevent acne, these results would suggest we should make sure we apply them early during the transition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeling-loved-as-a-teen-linked-to-healthier-adulthood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adulthood</a>, to really get them to engraft.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-skin-bacteria-and-acne">Tracking skin bacteria and acne</h2>



To understand these microbial patterns, the researchers studied the skin of 30 children and 27 of their parents, all from the same Boston-area school community. 



Sampling family members helped the team to see how strains pass between people and how stable - or unstable - those strains really are.



Some participants were sampled more than once, allowing the scientists to track bacterial changes over time. 



From each skin swab, they grew bacterial colonies and sequenced the DNA of individual cells. This helped them measure the number of different lineages in each person, how long each had been around, and how they changed over time.



They found 89 lineages of C. acnes and 78 of S. epidermidis. Up to 11 of each could be found on a single person. The findings surprised the team, as earlier studies had suggested these communities remained mostly unchanged over time.



“We wanted to know if these communities were truly stable, and if there could be times where they weren’t stable,” Lieberman explained. “In particular, if the transition to an adult skin-like microbiome would have a higher rate of acquisition of new lineages.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-ideal-environment-for-skin-bacteria">An ideal environment for skin bacteria </h2>



Teenage years come with a spike in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-refined-carbs-can-make-you-less-attractive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil production</a> on the face, which provides an ideal environment for bacteria. 



Previous studies have shown a 10,000-fold increase in bacterial density during this period. The current study confirmed that while adult facial microbiomes are largely stable, the early teen years offer an opportunity for new strains of skin bacteria - particularly of C. acnes - to establish themselves.



“For C. acnes, what we were able to show was that people do get strains throughout life, but very rarely,” said Lieberman. “We see the highest rate of influx when teenagers are transitioning to a more adult-like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-aging-have-been-found-in-the-skin-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin microbiome</a>.”



This supports the idea that acne-related probiotics might be most effective when used early, during the teenage transition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-bacteria-different-timelines">Different bacteria, different timelines</h2>



The team also found that S. epidermidis is far more volatile than C. acnes. On average, each strain of S. epidermidis sticks around for less than two years. 



However, even family members living together often didn’t share the same lineages. This implies that bacteria aren’t constantly passed back and forth, and that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-does-skin-become-leathery-after-too-much-uv-light-from-sun-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin</a> might be more selective than expected.



“That suggests that something is preventing homogenization between people,” said Lieberman. “It could be host genetics or host behavior, or people using different topicals or different moisturizers, or it could be active restriction of new migrants from the bacteria that are already there at that moment.”



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



The researchers now want to know whether the immune system reacts differently depending on when a person first acquires a new strain of C. acnes. They also hope to understand why individual microbiomes remain so distinct, even when people are exposed to each other’s bacteria daily.



“We want to understand why we each have unique strain communities despite the fact that there is this constant accessibility and high turnover, specifically for S. epidermidis,” said Lieberman. “What’s driving this constant turnover in S. epidermidis, and what are the implications of these new colonizations for acne during adolescence?”



While there’s still a lot to learn, one thing is clear: the story of skin bacteria starts early. And the choices we make - or don’t make - during our teenage years might leave a lasting mark.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S193131282500143X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Host &amp; Microbe</a>.



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Teen skin bacteria could hold the secret to acne prevention

Acne, eczema, and other skin conditions are issues that manifest...

Bearded,Father,Playing,Guitar,To,His,Little,Child.,Baby,Looking

Music, movement, and the soothing hum of a lullaby are often seen as cornerstones of humanity. From bustling cities to remote villages, we expect every culture to dance in joy and sing to its children. 



But the Northern Aché of Paraguay challenge that belief. These acts seem deeply human - automatic, perhaps even biological. But what if they aren’t?



A study published in the journal Current Biology by anthropologists Manvir Singh and Kim Hill asks us to reconsider this belief.



Drawing on over four decades of immersive research among the Northern Aché of Paraguay, the authors report a striking absence. This Indigenous group sings, yes - but they do not dance. And they do not sing to their babies.



This revelation disrupts long-standing theories about music as an evolutionary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-takes-a-major-toll-on-childrens-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universal</a>. Instead, it points to a more fragile reality: these traditions may be cultural inventions, and may be vulnerable to loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-ache-don-t-dance-or-sing-lullabies">Northern Aché don’t dance or sing lullabies</h2>



The Northern Aché, a once-isolated hunter-gatherer society in eastern Paraguay, have lived outside the influence of global norms for much of modern history. 



Hill, a professor at <a href="https://www.asu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>, first began working with them in 1977. He would go on to spend 122 months - more than ten years - living alongside Aché families in forest camps and settlements.



During these years, Hill documented their daily life in extraordinary detail. He observed songs sung around campfires, flutes played in solitude, and expressions of grief and celebration. But never once did he witness coordinated dance. Nor did he hear an infant-directed song.



“Aside from church singing introduced by missionaries, Northern Aché adults sing alone and in a limited number of contexts,” Singh explained. “As far as we can tell, anthropologists have never observed dancing or infant-directed song among the Northern Aché.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-every-culture-sings-but-not-to-infants">Every culture sings, but not to infants?</h2>



The Northern Aché’s musical life is real, but restrained. Men sing short bursts of melody about hunting and communal affairs. 



Women sing more rarely, almost always about lost relatives. Children may imitate these songs, but there is no singing aimed at babies - none of the structured soothing sounds that we associate with lullabies.



This lack isn’t due to neglect. Parents calm fussy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-to-kids-about-puberty-why-sooner-may-be-better-than-later/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">babies</a> with smiles, tickles, and playful talk. Yet even during long forest treks - where infants remain close to their mothers nearly all day - Hill and fellow researchers never encountered lullabies.



“It’s not that the Northern Aché don’t have any need for lullabies,” Singh said. “Aché parents still calm fussy infants. They use playful speech, funny faces, smiling and giggling.”



This distinction matters. It shows that caregiving persists even in the absence of what many view as essential, universal tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-loss-not-natural-absence">Cultural loss, not natural absence</h2>



Why are dance and infant-directed song missing from this society? The answer lies not in biology but in history.



The Northern Aché endured significant upheaval in the twentieth century. Their population plummeted due to disease and forced migration. 



By 1970, only 338 individuals remained. With that decline came a shrinking of cultural practices. Alongside dance and lullabies, they lost other cultural practices, such as fire-making, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-dogs-replacing-children-how-modern-society-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">puberty</a> ceremonies, hunting magic, and more.



“It does mean, however, that cultural transmission matters much more for maintaining those behaviors than many researchers, including myself, have suspected,” Singh said.



Unlike smiling, which appears across cultures without instruction, these behaviors vanish without teaching and memory. They are not spontaneous instincts. They are carefully maintained traditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-singing-and-dancing-are-cultural-creations">Singing and dancing are cultural creations </h2>



The Northern Aché belong to a wider language family - Tupi - which includes other groups with robust musical and ritual traditions.



Southern Aché communities, for example, have been seen dancing and singing in synchrony after contact. Tupi-speaking Araweté and Guarani peoples also have lullabies and dance music. This suggests that the ancestors of the Northern Aché once shared these practices.



But over generations, population bottlenecks and isolation stripped away many layers of cultural complexity. 



They no longer make fire. They do not play stringed instruments. Their musical styles have narrowed. What remains is deeply individual, and hauntingly sparse.



Genetic studies support this story. The Northern Aché have less genetic diversity than their linguistic relatives, pointing to one or more historic population collapses. Such bottlenecks reduce not just biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">variation</a> but cultural content as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-behavior-shaped-by-culture">Human behavior shaped by culture</h2>



Theories about music’s origin often assume a biological basis. Dance and lullabies are believed to build bonds - between groups, and between mothers and babies. Many researchers have treated them as evolutionary adaptations.



“Dance and infant-related song are widely considered universal, a view that has been supported by cross-cultural research, including my own,” Singh noted.



But this study suggests a different picture. It argues that these behaviors are more like fire-making than smiling. They are useful but not inevitable. They must be invented, preserved, and passed on. When communities shrink or break, those transmissions can fail.



This idea doesn’t disprove genetic readiness. Instead, it highlights that readiness alone isn’t enough. Cultural continuity sustains human behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-northern-ache">Significance of the Northern Aché</h2>



The absence of dance and lullabies in the Northern Aché people doesn't mean these behaviors are unimportant. It means we must reconsider what makes them possible. We need to look beyond cross-cultural surveys and explore histories of loss, isolation, and transformation.



Singh and Hill’s work shows the value of deep, long-term ethnography. Their observations emerged not from brief visits but from living as neighbors, sharing fires, and listening over decades.



“I found his observations totally fascinating and hugely important and urged him to publish them,” Singh said of Hill's work. “He wasn’t sure how to report them, so we ended up writing the manuscript together.”



In an increasingly globalized world, such quiet exceptions are rare. But they carry powerful messages. They remind us that humanity’s most cherished expressions - music, dance, the lullaby - are not just natural responses. 



Singing and dancing are cultural creations that are fragile and resilient, shaped by memory and community. And when they fall silent, they speak volumes.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00447-6">Current Biology</a>.



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Social dancing and singing lullabies to babies are not innate human behaviors

Music, movement, and the soothing hum of a lullaby are...

Auckland,-,July,18,2017:small,Girl,(naomi,Ben-ari,Age,03)

Over the years, food habits have shifted in surprising ways. Many people now rely on quick, ultraprocessed, factory-made food products that promise a convenient fix for busy lives.



A new study led by Eduardo Augusto Fernandes Nilson from Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (<a href="https://fiocruz.br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fiocruz</a>), explores how certain eating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breaking-free-from-ultra-processed-foods-the-surprising-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> might drive health issues often mistaken as purely genetic or inevitable with age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-ultraprocessed-foods">Health impacts of ultraprocessed foods</h2>



Ultraprocessed foods typically contain synthetic additives and other laboratory-based ingredients instead of fresh items.



They are often higher in sugar and trans fats and sometimes include artificial colors and flavor enhancers. Many researchers say these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a> are slowly displacing traditional diets in every corner of the globe.



"UPFs affect health beyond the individual impact of high content of critical nutrients (sodium, trans fats, and sugar) because of the changes in the foods during industrial processing and the use of artificial ingredients, including colorants, artificial flavors and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and many other additives and processing aids," said Dr. Nilson.&nbsp;



"So assessing deaths from all causes associated with UPF <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumption</a> allows an overall estimate of the effect of industrial food processing on health."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-junk-food-and-premature-death-risk">Junk food and premature death risk </h2>



The <a href="https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(25)00072-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysis</a> found that a 10% uptick in daily ultraprocessed food consumption was linked to a 3% higher risk of premature death. This is particularly unsettling when you think about how common these products are in supermarkets.



High consumption of junk food that promotes cardiovascular disease has been associated with 32 different ailments, including obesity, diabetes, some types of cancer, and depression.



Such a broad impact on well-being has sparked concerns among doctors and policy makers who worry about a potential surge in avoidable health <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-are-harmful-to-nearly-every-part-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complications</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultraprocessed-foods-take-over">Ultraprocessed foods take over</h2>



Countries with strong traditions of fresh foods are noticing changes in their markets. Although the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-make-our-bodies-age-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">problem</a> is more visible in wealthier countries, growing economies are catching up. That shift is altering the way people eat, no matter their resources or background.



“It is concerning that while UPF consumption is high but stable in wealthy countries, it’s rising fast in low- and middle-income ones. This highlights the urgent need for global policies that reduce UPF intake and support traditional diets made with fresh, local foods,” said Dr. Nilson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-better-labels-and-regulations">Need for better labels and regulations</h2>



Experts from health organizations worldwide recommend reviewing existing guidelines to include information about the dangers of ultraprocessed food.



Some argue that labels should include clearer warnings. Others say taxes and tighter marketing rules might help curb overconsumption.



Nations where a large part of the diet relies on <a href="https://ecuphysicians.ecu.edu/wp-content/pv-uploads/sites/78/2021/07/NOVA-Classification-Reference-Sheet.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nova classified</a> processed products may consider adjustments, such as restricting certain advertising and supporting farms that supply fresh produce to schools.



Policymakers note that any new approach must respect economic realities and culture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-issues-on-the-fast-track">Health issues on the fast track</h2>



These findings remind people to watch their food choices. The additives in ultraprocessed options may harm the body in ways that go beyond sugar or fat content alone. 



Many consumers expect health problems only after a certain age. Yet these data hint that certain products might fast-track issues that people never see coming.



Even small changes in daily eating patterns might improve long-term health outcomes. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals could go a long way in reducing exposure to industrial additives. Reducing salty snacks or sugary drinks may help cut the risk of preventable complications later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultraprocessed-foods-harm-children-most">Ultraprocessed foods harm children most</h2>



Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable to ultraprocessed foods. In many countries, this age group consumes a higher percentage of calories from these products than adults do.



This early exposure may increase their lifetime risk for obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. Many of these foods are aggressively marketed to young people, often in schools or during programming aimed at kids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat-less-live-more">Eat less, live more</h2>



Nutritionists across many countries have pushed for updated labels and better consumer education. Some recommend focusing on whole foods rather than counting calories. 



As a global community, adopting balanced habits that limit synthetic additives could make a substantial difference in quality of life.



Small individual steps like reading ingredient labels can help families decide which products to cut back on. Public health campaigns that center on cultural foods and homemade recipes might also nudge people toward better choices.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(25)00072-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Preventive Medicine</a>.



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-----

Ultraprocessed foods pose major health risks - especially for kids

Over the years, food habits have shifted in surprising ways....

Smoking and cannabis use are common across the United States, raising growing concerns about their impact on heart health.



Nearly one in four Americans aged 12 or older reports recent tobacco use. And about 13% say they’ve used cannabis in the past month. But new data presented at a recent medical conference show just how serious the health toll of these habits may become.



Researchers from Trinity Health Oakland, <a href="https://wayne.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wayne State University</a>, and the Sinai Hospital of Baltimore have shared results that show a sharp increase in heart-related smoking deaths. They also reveal a concerning link between cannabis use disorder and serious heart problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-s-deadly-link-to-heart-disease">Smoking's deadly link to heart disease</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/work-stress-and-social-strain-raise-risk-of-heart-disease-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coronary heart disease</a>, caused by narrowed or blocked arteries, continues to be one of the top killers in the U.S. This condition is closely tied to tobacco use. To understand how bad things are getting, scientists analyzed data from the CDC spanning from 1999 to 2020.



Back in 1999, there were 4,669 deaths related to ischemic heart disease and tobacco use. By 2020, that number jumped more than 14 times to 56,367 deaths. 



If this trend continues, researchers expect that number could reach over 80,000 by 2030. That’s a projected 43.7% increase in deaths within a decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unequal-smoking-death-rates">Unequal smoking death rates</h2>



Men and women are affected differently. While deaths among women declined slightly around 2005 and 2015, men saw a steep rise before 2005 and continued to experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/women-in-the-us-now-live-6-years-longer-than-men-as-life-expectancy-gap-widens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher death rates</a>. 



Racial disparities are also evident. Black Americans, American Indian/Alaska Natives, and Asian/Pacific Islanders all experienced sharp increases in early years, with average annual increases above 10 percent.



Black women had one of the most alarming trends, with an average yearly rise in deaths of 10.39%. For white men, it was even higher at 12.01 percent.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“Tobacco-related ischemic heart disease is not just a problem of the past. It is still a major cause of death today," said Dr. Roopeessh Vempati.



"Our analysis found that risks are not evenly distributed, as Black women experienced the higher annual increases in mortality compared to white women. If we hope to design more targeted interventions, it’s vital for clinicians to recognize that certain racial and geographic groups are disproportionately affected,” 
</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
Dr. Vempati noted that stronger, more targeted action through preventative cardiology and public health strategies are needed to reverse these trends and protect the most vulnerable.
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-risks-of-cannabis-use">Hidden risks of cannabis use</h2>



Cannabis use disorder (CUD) happens when people experience ongoing problems from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-cannabis-use-disorder-risk-varies-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis use</a>, interfering with daily life. A separate study looked at how this disorder affects patients already suffering from heart failure.



Using national hospital data from 2016 to 2020, researchers identified 1.37 million patients admitted for heart failure. Of these, 19,445 also had CUD. 



The results are concerning. People with both heart failure and CUD were found to be 27% more likely to go into cardiogenic shock. They were also 50% more likely to suffer a heart attack and 48% more likely to experience arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fewer-deaths-more-complications">Fewer deaths, more complications</h2>



Surprisingly, they were 50% less likely to die and 75% less likely to experience respiratory failure during their hospital stay compared to heart failure patients without CUD.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“We were surprised to discover individuals with cannabis use disorder and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loneliness-can-lead-to-heart-failure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart failure</a> are at a lower risk of mortality than those without the disorder,” said Dr. Syed Ishaq.
</blockquote>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“However, despite a lower chance of death, they are at significantly greater odds of developing other related cardiovascular conditions like heart attack or irregular heartbeat. This understanding is necessary for doctors and public health professionals to warn individuals of the potential side effects of consistent cannabis use from the start, even before heart failure occurs.”
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-health-policy-challenges">Heart health policy challenges</h2>



Both studies highlight a growing problem. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tobacco-bans-could-help-prevent-1-2-million-lung-cancer-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smoking-related deaths</a> are still climbing, particularly among certain racial and gender groups. Meanwhile, cannabis use disorder - though it may not immediately increase death risk - poses significant cardiovascular dangers, especially in people already at risk.



Doctors, researchers, and public health leaders face a clear challenge. These findings suggest that a more focused, community-aware approach is needed to reduce the burden on the healthcare system and protect people before their conditions worsen.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2772930325006209" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JSCAI</a>.



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Smoking-related deaths will surge by 2030

Smoking and cannabis use are common across the United States,...

While eating fish is a healthy choice for many, it can also expose people to methylmercury - a toxic form of mercury that builds up in the body and can harm the brain, liver, and developing babies in the womb. Now, scientists may have found a way to help the body eliminate it.



In a collaborative effort, scientists from the <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Los Angeles</a> (UCLA) and the University of California, San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography created a specialized gut bacterium designed to neutralize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steller-sea-lions-threatened-by-rising-mercury-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methylmercury</a> before it spreads through the body. 



This tiny engineered microbe, once ingested, reduced the amount of mercury reaching the brain, liver, and even fetuses in pregnant mice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probiotic-for-fish-consumption">Probiotic for fish consumption </h2>



The research team used Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a bacterium already living in the human gut, and enhanced it with DNA from a mercury-resistant soil microbe.



This inserted DNA encodes enzymes that can detoxify methylmercury. First, they tested the bacteria in lab dishes. Then, they introduced it into the digestive systems of mice whose natural gut microbes had been removed. 



After giving these mice a large dose of methylmercury, they saw a noticeable drop in intestinal mercury levels in just three hours. Levels continued to fall for four days.



Next, the scientists fed the mice a diet rich in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mercury-levels-in-bluefin-tuna-reveal-patterns-of-ocean-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bluefin tuna</a> - one of the fish highest in methylmercury. Even with this regular dietary exposure, the engineered bacteria kept working. Mercury levels dropped not only in the intestines but also in the brain and liver.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protective-effect-against-mercury">Protective effect against mercury </h2>



The team then moved on to pregnant mice. The results were promising. Methylmercury levels were lower in both the mothers and their developing fetuses. There were also fewer signs of damage in the fetal brains.



“By reducing dietary methylmercury in the intestine, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut bacteria</a> helped to eliminate it from the body before it could enter the maternal bloodstream and access the developing offspring,” said first author and UCLA research scientist Kristie Yu.



According to UCLA researcher Franciscus Chandra, the lowered signs of toxicity in the fetal brain showed that the bacterium works at levels that are biologically meaningful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probiotic-offsets-risks-of-eating-fish">Probiotic offsets risks of eating fish</h2>



The team also tested the bacteria with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salmon-virus-has-spread-from-the-atlantic-to-the-pacific/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salmon</a>, a fish that has less methylmercury than tuna, and the probiotic still worked effectively.



Finally, the researchers gave the probiotic to mice that still had their normal gut microbes intact. These mice, fed the same bluefin tuna diet, also showed significantly reduced mercury in their tissues. This confirmed that the probiotic could work without replacing the natural gut microbiome.



“We envision the possibility that people could take a probiotic to offset the risk of consuming too much methylmercury, especially when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/knowing-which-fish-to-eat-during-pregnancy-is-very-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnant</a>,” said Elaine Hsiao, director of the UCLA Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-and-the-food-chain">Mercury and the food chain</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mercury-pollution-rules-reinstated-under-president-biden/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercury pollution</a> comes mainly from human activities like coal burning, gold mining, and industrial waste. 



In the ocean, it turns into methylmercury - a form that is especially toxic and accumulates in the food chain. That means top predators like tuna - and the humans who eat them - end up with the highest concentrations.



Amina Schartup is the co-senior author of the study and a Scripps associate professor of marine biogeochemistry.



“Despite global efforts to reduce mercury emissions and its accumulation in fish, methylmercury levels in seafood are not expected to decline anytime soon," said Schartup.



"Fish remains a major and culturally important part of the diet for many people around the world and we hope it continues to be."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-step-closer-to-consumer-probiotics">A step closer to consumer probiotics</h2>



The scientists are now working to make the probiotic even more effective. They’re also preparing for the long road toward making it available for humans. 



Continued funding will be crucial to move this idea from mouse models to real-world solutions.



The research was supported by federal and private organizations, including the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the National Science Foundation, and several foundations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/abstract/S1931-3128(25)00142-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Host &amp; Microbe</a>.



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New probiotic could make it safer to eat seafood

While eating fish is a healthy choice for many, it...

Cute,Smart,Little,7s,Girl,Child,Sit,At,Table,At

The practice of handwriting still plays a vital role in today’s classrooms, even as digital tools become more common in early education. From tablets to computer programs, children are growing up clicking buttons more often than they’re picking up pencils. 



But when it comes to learning to read and write, does typing really help young learners the same way writing by hand does? A recent study from the <a href="https://www.ehu.eus/en/en-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Basque Country</a> (UPV/EHU) put this question to the test. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manual-writing-versus-keyboards">Manual writing versus keyboards </h2>



The researchers wanted to understand how using hands to form letters compares to tapping them out on a keyboard.



“As children write less and less by hand, we wanted to explore the impact of this on alphabetic and orthographic skills," noted study co-author Joana Acha.



"In other words, we wanted to see whether the ability to learn letters and to assimilate and remember word structure develops differently through manual training or the use of keyboards. We concluded that the children who used their hands obtained the best results. "



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-putting-handwriting-practice-to-the-test">Putting handwriting practice to the test</h2>



The research team worked with a group of 5- to 6-year-old children. This age was chosen because it’s the ideal time for developing early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/students-struggle-in-basic-math-and-reading-after-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reading</a> and writing skills. 



The team designed an experiment where 50 children were introduced to unfamiliar letters and words. Specifically, they learned nine letters from the Georgian and Armenian alphabets, as well as sixteen made-up “pseudowords.”



“The aim was to use letters and words that were completely new to the children to make sure they were learning from scratch," explained Acha.



"In fact, the studies carried out so far used the alphabets in the children’s culture, so it is not so easy to find out the extent to which they did not know the symbols presented."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-copying-letters-and-writing-by-hand">Copying letters and writing by hand</h2>



All of the children were taught the same content, but not in the same way. Half learned by copying the letters with a pencil. The other half typed them on a keyboard. 



This design allowed the researchers to compare the role of what’s called the graphomotor function - how the physical act of writing shapes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/handwriting-increases-brain-connectivity-and-promotes-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>.



When children type, they don’t trace or shape the letters. Instead, they press a button and the letter appears. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/writing-by-hand-boosts-learning-and-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Writing by hand</a>, however, requires a more active involvement with the form of each letter. Practicing handwriting requires a physical effort which seems to make a difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-children-s-literacy-skills">Testing the children’s literacy skills</h2>



“Once we had taught each group of children the new letters and words and trained them using one method, we submitted them to three tests to assess the knowledge acquired," explained Acha. 



"We measured their ability to identify, write and pronounce both the letters and the pseudowords, and the results clearly indicated that those who had practiced manually developed greater skill."



"In particular, the difference was clear with the pseudowords; almost everyone who had learned on computer did not complete the exercises on letter sequences correctly. So our work confirms that the graphomotor function is essential in memorizing letters and word structures."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variety-during-handwriting-practice">Variety during handwriting practice </h2>



The study didn’t just look at handwriting versus typing. The researchers also examined how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-it-comes-to-practice-and-learning-variety-is-key/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">variety during practice</a> affects handwriting and learning. Children in both the pencil and keyboard groups were split further.



In the handwriting group, one subgroup traced letters using dotted lines. The other copied freely without any guide. In the typing group, some children used the same font every time, while others worked with multiple fonts. 



These differences allowed the researchers to study how consistent or varied visual and motor tasks shape learning outcomes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pencil-or-keyboard-handwriting-prevails">Pencil or keyboard? Handwriting prevails</h2>



The results were telling. Handwriting always came out on top, regardless of tracing or freeform. But those who wrote freely performed even better than those who traced.



“So we concluded that while it helps children to have to trace in order to practice at first, once they’re able to make more or less small, precise movements, it’s advisable to move on to free writing," noted Acha.



"However, what is most clear is the need to prioritize manual practice in the learning processes. They learn best from hand movements and so technological devices should only be used in a complementary way."



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



The takeaway is simple but important: children learn letters and word structures better when they use their hands. While typing has its place, it shouldn’t replace handwriting - especially early on.



Letting kids trace letters at first can help them get started. But giving them room to write freely without constraints may lead to even better outcomes. 



The goal isn’t to remove <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-top-concerns-of-parents-as-kids-return-to-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology</a> from classrooms, but to be more intentional about when and how it's used. Writing by hand should still be the first step in learning to read and write.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022096525000013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Child Psychology</a>.



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Handwriting practice leads to better literacy development

The practice of handwriting still plays a vital role in...

Close-up,Image,Featuring,A,Row,Of,White,,Oval-shaped,Pills,Scattered

For people struggling with opioid addiction, the ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures - such as the sound of laughter, the warmth of the sun, or the sight of a smiling baby - can slowly fade. Cravings for opioids can be eased due to a new form of therapy. 



This emotional numbness is one of addiction’s cruelest effects, often pushing people deeper into dependence in a desperate attempt to feel something again. But now, there’s a new kind of therapy that appears to help.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opioid-recovery-boosted-by-new-therapy">Opioid recovery boosted by new therapy</h2>



In a new study, researchers from the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> explored a treatment called Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement, or MORE. This therapy is designed to change how the brain processes pleasure. 



The team found that it not only improves mood and emotional awareness, but also helps reduce opioid cravings. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, add to growing evidence that MORE may be an effective tool in the fight against opioid use disorder (OUD).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-pain-treatment-fuels-opioid-use">How pain treatment fuels opioid use</h2>



Every year, millions of people are prescribed opioids to help manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-chronic-pain-have-high-rates-of-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic pain</a>. But for some, what begins as a treatment can spiral into dependency. 



As the body builds tolerance, individuals often need higher doses to feel the same relief. Over time, their ability to feel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pets-increase-life-satisfaction-as-much-as-marriage-or-close-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joy in everyday life</a> begins to disappear. This emotional flattening becomes a powerful driver of addiction.



The researchers explain that MORE offers a different approach. Developed by a professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine, this therapy blends mindfulness training, cognitive behavioral techniques, and positive psychology. 



The goal is to help people better manage their cravings, reduce their pain, and, perhaps most importantly, rediscover joy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opioids-reshape-brain-activity-patterns">Opioids reshape brain activity patterns</h2>



In the study, 160 participants with chronic pain - some with OUD and some without - were enrolled from primary care and pain clinics. They were asked to complete a task designed to measure their emotional response to positive imagery. 



These included pictures of things such as sunsets, puppies, or happy faces. They also filled out surveys tracking their cravings and emotional states.



For a subset of these participants who were at risk of misusing opioids, the researchers randomly assigned them to one of two groups. 



One group received eight weeks of one-on-one MORE therapy. The other participated in a standard supportive group therapy. Afterward, all of the participants repeated the emotional task and filled out follow-up surveys for up to three months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-the-capacity-to-feel-pleasure">Restoring the capacity to feel pleasure </h2>



The results were telling. People with OUD showed a much weaker response in the brain when looking at pleasant images. This blunted reaction was directly tied to stronger opioid cravings. 



However, those who went through the MORE program experienced a shift. Their brains responded more strongly to positive stimuli - and their cravings were cut in half compared to those in standard therapy.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-discovery-offers-hope-for-tackling-opioid-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opioid addiction</a> decreases the brain’s ability to experience natural healthy pleasure, driving increased cravings for the drug,” said Eric Garland, the study’s lead author. “Our research shows that MORE helps restore this capacity, reducing cravings and potentially preventing opioid misuse.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-one-on-one-therapy">The power of one-on-one therapy </h2>



This isn’t the first time the therapy has shown promise. Over the past two decades, MORE has been tested in more than 10 randomized clinical trials, involving over 1,000 participants. 



In a 2022 study of 250 patients, the therapy reduced opioid misuse by 45% at a nine-month follow-up - almost three times more effective than group therapy alone. Half of the patients also reported less chronic pain.



In 2023, another study found that when MORE was added to standard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxytocin-cuddle-hormone-fosters-love-boosts-memory-and-may-cure-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addiction</a> care, the relapse rate dropped by 42%, and treatment dropout was 59% lower compared to standard care alone.



The therapy has also gained attention for its potential economic impact. Backed by the National Institutes of Health, Garland’s research estimates that for every dollar spent on MORE, there’s an estimated $798 in cost savings. 



These savings come from fewer fatal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiktok-videos-provide-a-lifeline-to-prevent-opioid-overdoses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overdoses</a>, lower healthcare expenses, less criminal justice involvement, and improved work productivity. Over a lifetime, the benefit per person treated is projected to exceed $320,000.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-therapy-helps-alleviate-opioid-cravings">MORE therapy helps alleviate opioid cravings</h2>



While the findings are promising, the researchers say more work is needed. “This study is a crucial step, but we need more large-scale and long-term research to fully understand how treatments like MORE can help heal the brain to enhance recovery from opioid addiction,” noted Garland.



“Multiple rigorous, well-controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of the MORE therapy. It is now the right moment to partner with policymakers, healthcare organizations and administrators of the opioid legal settlement to disseminate this evidence-based treatment nationwide to help alleviate the opioid crisis.”



As the opioid epidemic continues to affect families across the country, therapies like MORE offer a fresh and much-needed approach - one that doesn’t just target the symptoms, but helps people reconnect with the joy of living.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2833307" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA</a>.



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Finding joy again: New therapy eases opioid cravings

For people struggling with opioid addiction, the ability to enjoy...

The concept of karma has deep roots across cultures and religions. It promises that moral actions will eventually bring fitting consequences - good deeds yield rewards, and bad ones lead to punishment.



For many, this belief adds meaning and structure to life’s random events. When fortune smiles or tragedy strikes, karma offers an explanation that feels fair and satisfying.



But beneath this comforting idea lies a curious paradox. While people often believe in karma as a universal law of justice, they don’t apply it equally to themselves and to others. 



Instead, they use it in ways that serve different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acts-of-kindness-social-brains-are-wired-to-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychological</a> needs - self-esteem on the one hand, and a sense of justice on the other.



Recent research from <a href="https://www.yorku.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">York University</a>, published by the American Psychological Association, explores this phenomenon in depth. The study reveals how karma becomes a mirror for self-worth and a judgment tool for others’ misfortunes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-karma-for-me-justice-for-you">Karma for me, justice for you</h2>



A research team led by Cindel White conducted three large studies with more than 2,000 participants across the United States, India, and Singapore. They examined how people described karmic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-increases-feelings-of-hope-happiness-and-gratitude/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">events</a> in their lives compared to those in others’ lives.



The results pointed to a consistent psychological pattern: when people think about karma in their own life, they recall positive experiences that feel earned. When thinking about others, they tend to describe misfortunes and punishments.



In the first study, 86 percent of participants wrote about events in their own lives. Most of these events were positive and interpreted as rewards for good actions. 



However, when participants chose to write about others, 92 percent focused on negative outcomes. This contrast wasn’t subtle - it showed up in their language, emotional tone, and evaluations of who deserved what.



“We found very similar patterns across multiple cultural contexts, including Western samples, where we know people often think about themselves in exaggeratedly positive ways, and samples from Asian countries where people are more likely to be self-critical,” said White.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-needs-shape-karma-thinking">Psychological needs shape karma thinking</h2>



The divide makes sense when viewed through the lens of psychological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-is-happier-being-single-men-or-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">motivation</a>. People want to see themselves as good, competent, and deserving of success.



This is known as self-enhancement. When something good happens, attributing it to karmic merit boosts one’s self-image. The thinking is simple: I must have done something right.



But when bad things happen to others, a different motive comes into play. People also want to believe the world is fair. The belief in a just world helps explain suffering and reduces the discomfort of seeing innocent people in pain. 



In that context, karma becomes a convenient explanation for misfortune - those people must have done something wrong.



“Thinking about karma allows people to take personal credit and feel pride in good things that happen to them even when it isn’t clear exactly what they did to create the good <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/facial-expressions-arent-enough-to-understand-human-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outcome</a>, but it also allows people to see other people’s suffering as justified retribution,” White explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-background-matters">Cultural background matters</h2>



The researchers didn’t stop at general trends. They wanted to know whether this self-other gap in karma interpretation varied across cultures. Study participants came from religiously diverse backgrounds: American Christians, nonreligious people, Indian Hindus, and Singaporean Buddhists.



As expected, the bias was strongest among Americans. Seventy-one percent described their own karma-related experiences as positive, while only 18 percent saw others’ experiences that way. In contrast, Indian and Singaporean participants were less likely to frame their own experiences so positively. 



In Singapore, only 52 percent did so. This aligns with previous research showing that self-enhancement is more common in individualistic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coping-with-eco-anxiety-turning-climate-worry-into-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultures</a> like the U.S., and less so in collectivist cultures that value modesty and self-criticism.



Still, the same general pattern held everywhere. Even in cultures with deep-rooted karmic traditions, people were more likely to think of others’ misfortunes as punishment and their own blessings as earned rewards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotion-memory-and-power-of-narrative">Emotion, memory, and power of narrative</h2>



The research team used both human coders and computer sentiment analysis to examine how people described karmic events. The emotional tone of the stories was strikingly different depending on who the story was about. 



Descriptions of self-related karma were more upbeat, containing more positive words and emotional language. In contrast, stories about others were often colder, more negative, and less nuanced.



In Study 3, participants were also asked to rate how they felt about these events. Those recalling their own karmic experiences reported more pride, optimism, and contentment. 



They also felt stronger emotions overall. This suggests that thinking about karma can do more than explain events - it can reinforce identity, shape memory, and even regulate feelings.



Importantly, even participants who denied believing in karma showed similar patterns. This points to an implicit bias in how people interpret life events, suggesting that karma functions as more than a religious belief - it acts as a psychological framework, deeply woven into how people make sense of the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-the-good-in-ourselves">Seeing the good in ourselves</h2>



These studies add to a broader body of work on self-serving attributions. People tend to explain their own successes as a result of internal qualities like talent or effort, while attributing failures to outside forces. When it comes to karma, this self-protective tendency shows up as an overemphasis on personal virtue.



At the same time, people are more willing to blame others for their misfortunes. This may stem from a desire to protect the belief that the world is fair. If others suffer due to bad karma, then justice has been served. This logic, while comforting, can also lead to victim-blaming and moral disengagement.



The research also found that people viewed themselves as more moral than others, saw their own karmic outcomes as more deserved, and were quicker to attribute negative karma to others’ actions than to their own. 



This confirms that belief in karma, while seemingly spiritual and impartial, can be used in biased, self-protective ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-life-meaning-through-karma">Finding life meaning through karma </h2>



While the idea of karma has ancient roots, its modern function appears more psychological than theological. 



Karma gives people a way to interpret good and bad events when other explanations fail. It offers a path to take credit, protect self-esteem, and explain injustice without confronting randomness or chance.



“This satisfies various personal motives - to see oneself as good and deserving of good fortune, and to see justice in other people’s suffering - and supernatural beliefs like karma might be especially good at satisfying these motives when other, more secular explanations fail,” noted White.



Even in an age of science and reason, these findings show that people still lean on supernatural thinking to make sense of their world. Karma remains powerful, not just because it explains things, but because it does so in a way that protects the self and affirms a moral universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-beliefs-shape-reality">When beliefs shape reality</h2>



The researchers caution that while most participants believe karma applies equally to everyone, their actual thinking shows otherwise. 



Positive experiences are more quickly linked to one’s own past virtues. Negative events are often assigned to others’ misdeeds. This pattern has consequences beyond personal comfort. It shapes how we judge others, form opinions, and decide who is worthy of help or blame.



These findings raise important questions about how beliefs shape perception. Karma, like many supernatural concepts, doesn’t just sit passively in the background. It actively colors how people interpret events, make moral judgments, and understand themselves in relation to others.



While karma may claim to be impartial, the way people invoke it is anything but. Its moral logic bends to the needs of the believer - rewarding the self and punishing the other.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/rel-rel0000565.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychology of Religion and Spirituality</a>.



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Most people believe they deserve good karma more than others

The concept of karma has deep roots across cultures and...

Memory shapes our understanding of everything around us. It helps us learn, holds our treasured stories, and forms the bedrock of our daily decisions. Scientists have long recognized how sleep deepens the lessons of the day, yet many wondered whether it also readies the mind for brand-new knowledge. 



The answer to that puzzle has recently been pursued by a team in Japan. Professor Kaoru Inokuchi from the <a href="https://www.u-toyama.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toyama</a> led this effort. The research is shedding light on how the sleeping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-night-of-lost-sleep-can-trigger-hidden-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> protects recent memories yet frees up space for future experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-stores-memories">How the brain stores memories</h2>



In the study, researchers used advanced tools to watch the brain activity of mice before and after they learned new tasks. They focused on a subset of cells known as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7577560/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engram cells</a>, which hold the imprint of specific experiences.



By tracking these cells across sleep and wake, they observed how certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> reappeared once the mice drifted off. This quiet reactivation served to keep newly formed memories stable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-gets-brains-ready-to-learn">Sleep gets brains ready to learn</h2>



The experts noticed another population that would eventually handle upcoming events. According to one finding, these “engram-to-be cells” showed mounting signs of coordination during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-can-boost-memory-in-a-surprising-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rest</a>.



“Engram-to-be cells exhibited increased coactivity with existing engram cells during sleep, suggesting that this interaction helps shape new memory networks,” explained Professor Inokuchi. This pattern hints at how the brain readies itself to learn something fresh.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-sleep-blocks-new-learning">Poor sleep blocks new learning</h2>



The researchers ran simulations where they turned off key changes that normally happen during sleep. When these <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/1301559" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synaptic plasticity mechanisms</a> were disabled, the brain failed to prepare new cells for future learning.



Without these changes, memory networks became rigid. The same cells kept replaying old information, while potential new learning paths were lost. 



It’s a reminder that when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-smarter-just-15-extra-minutes-can-boost-adolescent-brains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> is cut short or disturbed, the brain doesn’t just lose rest — it may lose readiness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-helps-build-learning-capacity">Sleep helps build learning capacity</h2>



The researchers crafted computer models to explore why some cells lose strength while others gain influence during rest. When they blocked certain changes in these models, new learning never took hold.



This shows that post-learning sleep is not just a time for replay. It also primes certain cells so they can capture fresh details without erasing older ones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-links-old-and-new-memories">Sleep links old and new memories</h2>



The study also revealed that not all brain cells play the same role. Some existing memory cells - called <a href="https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(15)00677-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">common engram cells</a> - seem to serve as bridges, connecting past knowledge with what's coming next. 



The cells showed stronger links with the engram-to-be cells than others did, but only during sleep. This suggests that something unique is happening at night that clears space in the brain’s wiring. Without it, new learning might struggle to stick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-decides-which-memories-survive">Sleep decides which memories survive</h2>



The researchers found that only about half of memory-related cell groups remained stable over time. Others dropped out or were replaced by new ones, depending on how the brain reshaped itself during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>.



This could explain why we remember certain experiences clearly but forget others. If sleep doesn’t give those memories a chance to stabilize or make room for new ones, they may quietly disappear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-can-boost-memory-and-learning">Sleep can boost memory and learning</h2>



“We believe that manipulating brain activity during sleep or sleep patterns may uncover methods to enhance memory by unlocking the brain’s latent potential,” said Professor Inokuchi. Individuals who get enough <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/10.1152/physrev.00032.2012" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rest</a> often recall details more reliably.&nbsp;



This direction opens possibilities for educational strategies and interventions. It also points to methods that might help those coping with memory difficulties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-research-may-aid-brain-disorders">Sleep research may aid brain disorders</h2>



Researchers believe this discovery could change how we think about treating memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. If sleep can be used to guide the brain’s ability to store and prepare for learning, it might open up new ways to protect cognitive health.



Future studies will likely explore how different stages of sleep-like non-rapid eye movement (<a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/stages-of-sleep/nrem-sleep" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NREM</a>) sleep and rapid eye movement (<a href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/stages-of-sleep/rem-sleep" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">REM</a>) sleep - play separate roles in tuning the brain for memory updates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-shapes-how-we-remember-and-learn">Sleep shapes how we remember and learn</h2>



“We want people to understand that sleep is not just about rest - it plays a crucial role in how the brain processes information. With that in mind, we hope everyone will begin to value sleep more and use it as a way to improve their overall quality of life,” concluded Professor Inokuchi.



Experts suggest that restless nights may disrupt the brain’s readiness to learn new information.



The study reveals that sleep looks both backward and forward. It fortifies yesterday’s lessons while preparing space for tomorrow’s challenges.



Ultimately, these findings may change our approach to sleep. The research could also pave the way toward the development of therapies for people struggling with cognitive setbacks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58860-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Sleep prepares the brain for the future while protecting memories of the past

Memory shapes our understanding of everything around us. It helps...

Many people struggle with anxiety or depression, and self-doubt often clouds how they see their abilities. These conditions can leave them trailing a lack of self-belief, making even everyday tasks feel overwhelming.



Scientists recently <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57040-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied</a> more than 500 people across two separate groups to get a clearer picture of why this happens. They uncovered intriguing clues about <a href="https://tll.mit.edu/teaching-resources/how-people-learn/metacognition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metacognition</a>, which is our ability to assess our own thought processes. 



Dr. Sucharit Katyal completed this work as a postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://www.mps-ucl-centre.mpg.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck</a> UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research and is currently at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confidence-in-anxiety-and-depression">Confidence in anxiety and depression</h2>



Researchers asked participants to perform tasks that involved identifying details and remembering key information. They used a playful computer game with a fictional town named Fruitville, where folks needed help picking and sorting various fruits.



At different points, an auditor showed up to offer either positive or negative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-too-much-salt-may-contribute-to-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feedback</a> on how these tasks were handled. The team measured each person’s day-to-day confidence on specific jobs and compared it to an overall rating of how well they believed they did across all tasks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depression-makes-self-doubt-louder">Depression makes self-doubt louder</h2>



The experts found that individuals with significant anxiety or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-chronic-pain-have-high-rates-of-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a> were not any worse at completing the tasks. Their actual results matched those of participants with lower symptoms of these conditions.



Despite this, people with anxiety or depression zeroed in on times when they felt less confident in their decisions. They largely brushed aside moments where they felt more assured, setting the stage for persistent low self-belief.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-overthinking-affects-daily-choices">How overthinking affects daily choices</h2>



Metacognition - how we think about our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-related-brain-inflammation-linked-to-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thinking</a> - shapes many decisions we make every day. It influences whether we speak up in a meeting, try something new, or trust our memory in a conversation.



When this internal self-monitoring system is skewed, as it can be in people with anxiety or depression, it leads to hesitation, second-guessing, or avoidance. Even when the facts support success, the internal feeling of “not good enough” can win out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feedback-shifts-self-doubt-in-depression">Feedback shifts self-doubt in depression</h2>



Interestingly, everyone’s self-belief changed when they heard if they were right or wrong. Good news lifted people’s outlook, while critical comments lowered it.



Still, those with anxiety or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a> remained stuck in lower overall self-belief. They seemed to ignore the brighter spots of their performance, even after receiving the same mix of positive and negative messages as everyone else.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depression-and-imposter-syndrome">Depression and imposter syndrome</h2>



“Overall, our findings offer a simple yet powerful message - that the persistent negative self-beliefs experienced by people with anxiety and depression are often illusory, and may be rooted in a dysfunctional view of how they evaluate themselves,” said Dr. Katyal. 



”This would also explain why anxiety and depression symptoms are also closely linked to <a href="https://www.sciencetheearth.com/uploads/2/4/6/5/24658156/2011_sakulku_the_impostor_phenomenon.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imposter syndrome</a> where some people persistently doubt their achievements despite being competent.” 



Dr. Katyal emphasized the importance of not relying too heavily on our own self-judgments, especially when they tend to be overly critical. 



He suggested that people should be cautious about how much they trust their internal assessments. Instead, they might benefit from giving more weight to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-adult-depression-linked-to-worse-memory-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feedback</a> from others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-ease-self-doubt-in-depression">How to ease self-doubt in depression</h2>



<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anxiety</a> is a common mental health concern in the United States, and it can affect how a person perceives the future or reads social cues. <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Depression</a> can drain motivation and self-confidence, leading individuals to feel incapable of tasks they can actually handle well. 



These findings highlight an avenue where individuals might train themselves to notice accomplishments in a more balanced way. Checking in with trusted friends, teachers, or coworkers could help counter the tendency to overemphasize mistakes.



According to the researchers, future strategies might include personalized feedback sessions to reinforce positive progress. By doing so, people could gain more accurate perspectives on their abilities and cut down on needless self-criticism.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-rid-of-depression-and-self-doubt">Getting rid of depression and self-doubt</h2>



Struggles with self-confidence are common in classrooms and offices. A student may get high grades yet still feel like a fraud, while an employee might regularly meet deadlines and deliver results but second-guess every decision.



If people with anxiety and depression undervalue their own successful moments, they may be more prone to burnout, avoid promotions, or resist taking on new challenges. 



Interventions that help individuals trust their strengths could be especially important in high-pressure academic or work environments.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-57040-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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People with depression often hold tightly to self-doubt

Many people struggle with anxiety or depression, and self-doubt often...

Sao,Paulo,,Sp,,Brazil,-,April,20,2023:,Ayahuasca,Spell.

The Amazonian brew ayahuasca is attracting ever-greater scientific attention for its apparent ability to relieve depression, anxiety, and other forms of psychological distress. Yet, testimonials from users also include nights of terror, overwhelming sadness, or lingering feelings of isolation.



A large new analysis reveals that the effects of the psychoactive drink depend heavily on who is consuming it, where they drink, and how their experience is supported. These factors play a major role in determining whether the long-term outcome is healing or harmful.



The new study is led by Óscar Andión of <a href="https://researchsherpas.com/en/">Research Sherpas</a> together with colleagues at the International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Services (<a href="https://www.iceers.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICEERS</a>) and other institutions. 



The research applies both classic statistics and machine-learning algorithms to tease apart patterns that link immediate psychological reactions to longer-term wellbeing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-s-drinking-ayahuasca-and-why">Who’s drinking ayahuasca and why</h2>



The paper draws on data from the <a href="https://www.globalayahuascaproject.org/">Global Ayahuasca Survey</a>, an online questionnaire that reached more than 10,000 consumers on six continents. 



Earlier data showed over half of participants experienced adverse mental states after using the psychoactive drink. These difficulties were linked to a history of mental illness and using the drug in non-traditional settings.



In this study, of the original 10,836 respondents, 5,400 supplied complete information and were included in the final models. Among those participants, 14 percent reported a prior diagnosis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-have-an-unexpected-link-to-anxiety/">anxiety</a> disorder and nearly 20 percent a history of depressive disorder.



The investigators acknowledge that the survey’s voluntary, retrospective design introduces selection and recall biases. People with strong experiences are more likely to respond, and delayed recall can lead to inaccurate or distorted memories. Still, it’s the largest sample yet, spanning Amazonian rituals, Western retreats, and informal underground psychedelic circles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-ayahuasca-helps-or-hurts">When ayahuasca helps or hurts</h2>



The analyses confirmed that participants with pre-existing anxiety or depression were more likely to report challenging emotional states. This was especially true for those who consumed the psychoactive drink outside traditional or well-structured ceremonial settings.



Experiences such as visual distortions, though often labeled “adverse,” actually predicted better mental health scores at the time of survey. In contrast, lingering feelings like being down, disconnected, or energetically attacked were linked to poorer mental health later on.



Curiously, the machine-learning models suggested that not all difficult experiences should be dismissed as negative. Some initially unpleasant states were linked to improved mental health months later. This suggests that acute psychological struggle may lead to long-term benefits - but only under certain conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-protects-against-bad-outcomes">What protects against bad outcomes</h2>



Environmental and psychosocial variables emerged as powerful moderators. Participants who consumed the psychoactive drink in group ceremonies led by experienced facilitators were less likely to suffer harmful after-effects. Preparation and integration practices further enhanced the benefits, making adverse effects even less likely.



Age also played a role, with older users reporting fewer persisting problems. The authors interpret these findings to mean that a supportive “set and setting,” combined with life experience, may buffer vulnerable individuals from potentially destabilizing reactions.



Spiritual framing likewise appeared beneficial. Survey items that measured the importance of ceremonial symbolism, prayer, or ritual structure correlated with lower probabilities of post-session anxiety, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/confirmed-magic-mushrooms-can-effectively-treat-depression/">depression</a>, and social withdrawal.



“Our research also highlights that the spiritual significance of ayahuasca ceremonies plays a protective role, reducing adverse emotional states like anxiety, depression, and disconnection, thus contributing to overall mental health improvement,” the authors wrote.



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



Clinical enthusiasm for psychedelics has spurred efforts to translate ayahuasca - traditionally brewed from Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis leaves - into standardized pharmaceutical formats. The new study cautions against overlooking the communal and cultural matrix that appears to scaffold positive outcomes.



“What stood out most to us was the significant difference in mental health outcomes between users who had supportive environments [during their use] and those who didn’t. This emphasizes the importance of a responsible and well-prepared setting for those seeking healing through ayahuasca,” explained corresponding author José Carlos Bouso, a scientist at ICEERS.



The authors therefore advocate supervised consumption of the ayahuasca, especially for people with mood-disorder histories. They urge future research to study real-world communal ceremonies, not just controlled lab settings, where most drinking happens.



“Ayahuasca use, when experienced in safe, supportive environments, may offer therapeutic benefits, particularly for individuals with a history of mood disorders, highlighting the importance of the ceremony's setting and the role of facilitators,” they observed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-difficult-experiences">Redefining difficult experiences</h2>



One of the paper’s striking conclusions is that common checklists for psychedelic side-effects may oversimplify complex emotional processes. Medical trials may label certain states as undesirable, while shamanic practice views them as essential stages of purging or insight.



“Our study reveals that the post-ayahuasca mental states, traditionally seen as adverse, can contribute to improved mental health, especially in individuals with previous anxiety and depressive disorders. This suggests the need for a more nuanced understanding of these states as potentially beneficial experiences,” the authors wrote.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-psychedelic-healing">Future of psychedelic healing</h2>



Despite limitations, the findings add clarity and detail to the debate on how to regulate and deliver psychedelic therapies. They underscore the interplay between personal history, ceremony design, and the subjective meaning of challenging experiences.



“The insights gathered from the Global Ayahuasca Survey (GAS) provided a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between ayahuasca use and mental health outcomes. It was particularly interesting to see how the setting, preparation, and integration practices play a pivotal role in shaping the overall experience,” Bouso explained.



Interest in psychedelic healing is outpacing the evidence base. Context-sensitive studies help maximize benefits and reduce potential harms. Practitioners are reminded that the brew’s power lies not just in its chemistry, but in the communal setting that holds the experience.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/mentalhealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmen.0000097">PLOS Mental Health</a>.

Psychoactive drink has healing power - but not for everyone

The Amazonian brew ayahuasca is attracting ever-greater scientific attention for...

Coffee is often seen as a simple pick-me-up. New work suggests regular coffee habits could be linked to better physical resilience during aging.



A group of scientists discovered that 4 to 6 cups (125 mL each) of coffee a day may help cut the odds of being physically frail. 



The research was led by Margreet R. Olthof, associate professor at the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije <a href="https://www.uva.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universiteit Amsterdam</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-muscles-and-frailty-risk">Coffee, muscles, and frailty risk</h2>



Our bodies go through natural changes as we get older. Some people experience problems with everyday tasks, because of low muscle strength or a tendency to feel more exhausted than usual.



This can lead to something known as frailty, a condition that can include slower walking and reduced activity levels. Finding easy ways to reduce these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-civet-day-2025-reveals-the-dark-side-of-a-luxury-coffee/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> is a major goal for many people who hope to stay healthier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-may-protect-muscles">Coffee may protect muscles</h2>



Coffee contains several substances, including <a href="https://www.coffeeandhealth.org/health/health-conditions/type-2-diabetes/overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antioxidants</a>, which may help curb swelling in the body. Experts have noted the connection between chronic inflammation and muscle problems in older adults.



Previous research suggests that coffee’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-you-pour-coffee-changes-its-strength-and-flavor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">composition</a> could support better muscle integrity. The possibility of buffering inflammation might aid people who want to maintain a steady gait and avoid sudden weakness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daily-coffee-and-reduced-frailty">Daily coffee and reduced frailty</h2>



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-coffee-is-missing-these-five-brain-boosting-spices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drinking</a> coffee is a key part of many people’s daily routine, and as people age they are constantly looking for ways to maintain their health. Our findings highlight the possible beneficial association between daily coffee consumption and reduced risk of frailty in later life in the older population,” said Olthof.



These observations raise interesting questions about diet and lifestyle adjustments for older individuals.



Most experts suggest that moderate daily coffee consumption fits within a healthy lifestyle. The <a href="https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4102" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Food Safety Authority</a> puts 400 mg of caffeine (about 3-5 cups) as a daily limit for most adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-tools-for-healthy-aging">Practical tools for healthy aging </h2>



Some older folks already enjoy multiple cups of coffee a day. Others might wonder if switching to decaf is worth it for comfort or to lessen jittery feelings.



Future research could clarify which coffee types are more helpful, but the interest is strong. Coffee is widely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-flavor-can-be-improved-with-a-simple-trick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumed</a> and might be a practical tool in aging well.



Many individuals also keep an eye on their meals and physical activities. Combining balanced eating with a few cups of coffee could boost a person’s odds of feeling spry.



“Coffee consumption may thus enhance healthy aging, but it is important we also explore further dietary interventions, to ensure older adults can continue to live fulfilling lives,” noted Olthof.



This perspective aligns with broader approaches to aging that include varied nutrition and regular exercise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-and-overall-well-being">Coffee and overall well-being </h2>



For people who love coffee, keeping an eye on cream, sugar, or sweet syrups is still wise. Health experts often advise against sugary add-ons that can pile on calories.



Moderation helps avoid side effects like jitters or trouble sleeping. Everyone is unique, so doctors sometimes weigh in on how much coffee is right for an individual.



Coffee often brings comfort, shared chats, and a sense of alertness. Those positive feelings could merge well with any physical advantages.



Some older adults might find that a warm beverage in the morning keeps them energized. Paired with a good diet and gentle movement, it might be one way to support overall well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-compounds-contribute-to-benefits">Coffee compounds contribute to benefits </h2>



Studies keep popping up, pushing our understanding of coffee’s role. Scientists analyze how coffee’s compounds interact with muscle cells and metabolic pathways.



Conversations will likely grow in the health community about coffee’s effects on aging. As more data emerges, guidelines could become clearer on daily intake for older adults.



Experts believe that coffee’s potential benefits come from a mix of factors, not just caffeine alone. <a href="https://www.coffeeandhealth.org/health/health-conditions/neurodegenerative-disorders/caffeine-and-cognitive-performance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polyphenols</a>, for example, have drawn attention for their influence on oxidative stress.



Lifestyle factors, including adequate rest and engaging activities, still matter a lot. Coffee alone isn’t a magic fix, but it may be a helpful piece in a bigger puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-may-support-healthy-aging">Coffee may support healthy aging</h2>



Many people already drink coffee daily. The findings offer a new perspective on an old favorite.



The potential for lowered frailty risk is an encouraging thought. Better muscle health may mean fewer struggles with day-to-day tasks.



Coffee isn’t a guarantee of a robust life in our later years, but it can be part of a balanced approach. There is still a need for personalized advice, especially for those with specific health concerns.



The investigation was funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (<a href="https://www.coffeeandhealth.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISIC</a>).



The study is published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-025-03683-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Journal of Nutrition</a>.



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Drinking coffee may reduce frailty in aging adults

Coffee is often seen as a simple pick-me-up. New work...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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