Coffee is part of the morning routines for millions of people. But does drinking more coffee align with having more muscle? 



That’s the question behind a new analysis of Americans’ habits and body composition. This research doesn’t try to prove cause and effect. It asks whether higher coffee or caffeine intake corresponds to more limb muscle for a given body size.



The answer points in a positive direction for most adults, with an important exception. The details matter, because the way researchers measured muscle and tallied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-may-help-you-live-longer-if-you-drink-it-this-way/">coffee intake</a> shapes how to read the results.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/studies-learn-the-exact-amount-of-time-you-should-spend-training-to-build-muscle/">Muscle mass</a> isn’t just about strength. Lower muscle mass in arms and legs raises the risk of falls, fractures, and everyday struggles that chip away at independence. 



Scientists often track limb muscle adjusted for body size because it flags early losses that can sneak up with age.



A standard yardstick for that job is the appendicular skeletal muscle mass-to-BMI ratio, abbreviated as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10401528/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ASMBMI</a>. In plain terms: “How much limb muscle do you have for your body size?” 



This measurement focuses on muscle quantity, not how quickly you rise from a chair or how steady you feel on stairs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-coffee-s-link-to-muscles">Studying coffee's link to muscles</h2>



Researchers pulled data from a large, ongoing U.S. health survey (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHANES</a>) spanning 2011-2018. 



They started with adults, applied clear rules such as “only include people with full diet interviews and body scans,” and finished with 8,333 participants. Muscle was measured by DXA scans of the arms and legs and then expressed as ASMBMI.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-helps-bacteria-resist-antibiotics-in-your-gut/">Coffee intake</a> came from two 24-hour dietary recalls - structured interviews covering everything people ate and drank on two different days. The team looked at regular coffee, decaf coffee, and total caffeine from all sources. 



Their statistical models adjusted for age, sex, race, education, income, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, BMI, medical conditions, total calories, and protein, so they could compare people who were similar on many fronts except for coffee intake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-results-say">What the results say</h2>



People who drank more coffee tended to have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-grapes-every-day-can-transform-your-muscles/">more limb muscle</a> relative to their body size. After full adjustments, the highest coffee group had about a 13% higher ASMBMI than the non-coffee group. 



The highest caffeinated coffee group showed roughly a 12% increase. The top caffeine group showed about an 11% increase. Decaf didn’t show a clear, statistically significant link. 



When researchers drew smoothed trend lines, the pattern appeared approximately linear: more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-coffee-may-help-women-stay-sharp-and-strong-as-they-age/">regular coffee</a> or caffeine corresponded to more muscle relative to body size.



There was one major exception. When participants were split by BMI, the positive link disappeared in the group with obesity (BMI ≥ 30). 



In that subset, drinking more coffee was not associated with higher ASMBMI. That doesn’t mean coffee lowers muscle there; it means the helpful pattern seen elsewhere wasn’t present.



A likely reason is biological factors tied to obesity, including chronic, low-grade inflammation that speeds muscle breakdown and may overshadow small benefits from caffeine or other coffee compounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-in-this-research">Limitations in this research</h2>



This was a cross-sectional snapshot. It can spot links, but it can’t prove that coffee changes muscle. People with more muscle may simply be more active or keep schedules where coffee fits better. 



The models adjusted for activity and many other variables, which strengthens confidence, but unmeasured factors can still nudge results.



Diet recalls lean on memory and honesty, and add-ins like sugar or cream can be easy to forget. 



ASMBMI captures muscle quantity, not strength or performance, so it can’t tell you how much weight you can move or how good your balance is during daily activities. 



Results also come from U.S. adults in specific survey years, so patterns could differ in other populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-coffee-is-linked-with-muscles">Why coffee is linked with muscles</h2>



Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and modulates how the body uses fuel during activity. Coffee also contains <a href="https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/krnc/monthly-blog/what-are-polyphenols-another-great-reason-to-eat-fruits-and-veggies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyphenols</a> with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 



Lab and animal research suggests these compounds may support healthier muscle by encouraging autophagy - the cell’s cleanup crew for worn-out parts - and by dialing down chronic inflammation over time. 



This analysis didn’t test mechanisms, but these ideas fit with the pattern. Decaf’s “no clear link” signal hints that caffeine may be doing more of the heavy lifting in this dataset.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-we-learn-from-this">What did we learn from this?</h2>



In U.S. adults, higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mood-boost-how-coffee-makes-us-happier-in-the-morning/">regular coffee</a> and total caffeine intake tracked with more limb muscle relative to body size after accounting for many other factors. However, that association did not appear in participants with obesity. 



If coffee already fits your day, these results sit comfortably with a muscle-friendly routine. Keep portions sensible, mind the extras, and avoid late cups that cut into sleep because <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/irregular-sleep-may-cause-premature-muscle-aging/">poor sleep impairs recovery</a>.



If you’re in the obesity range, the study’s “no clear link” finding suggests coffee isn’t a muscle fix. 



The bigger levers are steady resistance training, enough protein spaced through the day, and better sleep, ideally alongside medical care that addresses weight, strength, and metabolic health together. 



Coffee can still be part of that plan if it agrees with you, but it’s not the star of the show.



It’s a pattern, not proof. Pair your coffee with protein, training, and sleep if your goal is to build or protect muscle.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1390309/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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Drinking this beverage every day helps protect your muscles from aging

Coffee is part of the morning routines for millions of people. But does drinking more coffee align with having more muscle? That’s the question behind a new analysis of Americans’ habits and body composition. This research doesn’t try to prove cause and effect. It asks whether higher coffee or caffeine intake corresponds to more limb muscle for a given body size. The answer points in a positive direction for most adults, with an important exception. The details matter, because the way researchers measured muscle and tallied coffee...

Beneath the sandstone cliffs of Wollemi National Park, an unassuming evergreen has stirred curiosity among plant lovers and conservationists alike. It looks like any other conifer from a distance, but it carries a backstory that stretches to the age of dinosaurs.



Scientists only realized its significance in 1994, when a group trekking along a narrow canyon stumbled upon it. Among them was <a href="https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/government---state/display/121366-david-noble" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Noble</a>, a field officer from the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forgotten-past-of-the-wollemi-pine">Forgotten past of the Wollemi pine</h2>



The <a href="https://www.conifers.org/ar/Araucariaceae.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Araucariaceae family</a>, which includes the Wollemi pine, traces its lineage to roughly 200 million years ago. The tree’s thick, textured bark and distinctive foliage link directly to fossils from the Jurassic era.



Botanists were surprised to see this tree thriving in a sheltered gorge after so many centuries. A then-Director of the <a href="https://www.kew.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens</a> remarked that the Wollemi pine was the “botanical equivalent of finding a small dinosaur still alive on Earth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securing-a-living-fossil">Securing a living fossil</h2>



This species remains <a href="https://apistaging.iucnredlist.org/species/34926/150329250#:~:text=Wollemi%20Pine%20Wollemia%20nobilis%20has,(i%2Cii)%3B%20D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critically endangered</a> according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>). 



Fewer than 100 mature individuals exist in the wild, and they are at high risk from events like wildfires and invasive pathogens.



Strict biosecurity steps are in place to keep these precious trees safe. 



Any person granted access is required to undergo decontamination to guard against <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/invasive-species/publications/management-phytophthora-cinnamomi-biodiversity-conservation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytophthora cinnamomi</a>, a soil-borne menace known for devastating vulnerable plant populations.



Conservation organizations recognized early on that establishing the Wollemi <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-trees-are-reaching-new-heights-in-the-mountains/">pine</a> outside its habitat was essential. 



These efforts spurred research on growing seedlings in botanic gardens and even in private homes, reducing the urge for poaching and building global awareness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fight-against-poaching-and-plant-crime">Fight against poaching and plant crime</h2>



The Wollemi pine’s rarity has made it a target for illegal collectors. Authorities have reported attempted thefts and unauthorized visits, prompting tighter surveillance and enforcement in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected area</a>.



To reduce black-market demand, officials expanded legal propagation through licensed nurseries in the early 2000s. 



This strategy gave collectors a legal way to obtain the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/">tree</a> while protecting the wild population from being raided.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guarding-a-timeless-treasure">Guarding a timeless treasure</h2>



Its wild population remains under tight surveillance. Rangers keep watch for any sign of shifting climate patterns that might harm these old-growth survivors, with particular attention to droughts and fires. 



In January 2020, a heroic firefighting effort spared a cluster of Wollemi pines from an intense blaze, underscoring the dedication of those who safeguard it.



Despite the challenges, young trees continue to be distributed to botanical institutions worldwide. Some <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/discover-and-learn/plant-conservation-and-discoveries/genetic-diversity-discovered-wollemi-pine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specialists</a> estimate that a few could live for nearly 1,000 years, adding another layer of fascination to this enduring story.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wollemi-pines-and-climate-resilience">Wollemi pines and climate resilience</h2>



The Wollemi pine’s survival strategy may offer clues for climate change adaptation in other species. Its ability to persist through massive shifts in Earth’s environment makes it a valuable subject for studying long-term ecological resilience.



Researchers are exploring how the pine’s physiology handles temperature extremes and water stress. Insights from its ancient genome could guide future efforts to protect modern forests facing worsening climate instability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-science-is-preserving-its-future">How science is preserving its future</h2>



Scientists at <a href="https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-at-wakehurst/millennium-seed-bank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank</a> are storing seeds from mature Wollemi pines to secure a genetic backup. These seeds are preserved under carefully controlled conditions to ensure they remain viable for decades.



In addition to seed banking, tissue culture and cloning efforts are underway to maintain genetic diversity. 



By using multiple propagation techniques, researchers aim to prevent a genetic bottleneck that could leave the species vulnerable to future disease or environmental change.



The Wollemi pine’s unexpected reappearance has challenged long-held beliefs about extinction. Scientists now recognize that some species thought lost may still survive in remote or unexplored regions.



This discovery has encouraged new exploration strategies in biodiversity hotspots. Conservationists are investing in advanced surveying tools like <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-remote-sensing-and-what-it-used" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remote sensing</a> and <a href="https://iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/environmental-dna" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> to uncover other hidden survivors.



Photo credits: Grzegorz Grzejszczak.



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The Wollemi pine, a 200-million-year-old survivor from the Jurassic period, is now the most protected tree on Earth

Beneath the sandstone cliffs of Wollemi National Park, an unassuming...

Across the globe, the fight against climate change has sparked a movement. One of the most common strategies is tree planting. Rows of trees lining empty fields have become a symbol of hope. While this practice does help trap carbon, a new study urges us to look deeper - into the forests themselves.



The research highlights the potential of forest-based agroforestry (FAF), which nurtures existing forests and supports climate stability, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-undisturbed-forests-support-greater-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, traditions, and local economies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-planting-vs-forest-management">Tree planting vs. forest management</h2>



Tree planting is straightforward. You plant new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-provide-different-health-benefits-based-on-their-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> where there were none before. This approach works best on treeless lands like empty farms. These new trees absorb carbon and cool the environment. But forests already serve as massive carbon reservoirs. The key lies in how we manage them.



Forest-based agroforestry offers a different path. Instead of planting trees in bare spaces, it introduces crops into living forests. This method encourages sustainable interaction. It enhances both forest health and productivity. Unlike industrial agriculture, it does not remove existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-forests-that-benefit-people-also-shelter-endangered-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> or disrupt ecosystems. It adds to them.



“We want to make sure that we clarify that forest-based agroforestry (FAF) can achieve similar climate benefits as tree planting in fields,” said Karam Sheban, the study's lead author at <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a>.



“The big takeaway is that human management of forests can result in better outcomes for forests, for people, and for the climate. It is not a zero-sum game.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-forest-farming-works">How forest farming works</h2>



Agroforestry is not a new idea. For generations, communities have grown food alongside trees. However, most modern programs focus on combining trees with open farmlands or pastures. FAF flips that model. It introduces agricultural activities within standing forests, not at their edges or in cleared sections.



This forest farming practice draws heavily from Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems. It doesn’t separate people from nature. Instead, it respects forests as living systems. 



People grow crops beneath forest canopies, harvest fruits or medicinal plants, and maintain biodiversity. The forest stays alive, and so does the human connection to it.



The study revealed that FAF promotes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-struggling-to-keep-pace-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>, soil health, and wildlife diversity. It also creates economic opportunities. Forest dwellers can earn by collecting forest products like berries, herbs, or nuts. Unlike clear-cutting or monoculture farming, this model does not exhaust the land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-tree-planting">Looking beyond tree planting </h2>



Despite its promise, FAF does not receive the attention it deserves. Most agroforestry investments go toward tree-planting campaigns. These are often easier to fund, measure, and promote. A sapling in a field is a visible success. A managed forest, full of life and complexity, is harder to capture in a report.



The authors identified two major misconceptions holding FAF back. First, people often mistake it for industrial agroforestry. These systems focus on mass production of cash crops like coffee or cacao. 



In contrast, FAF supports ecological balance. Second, they wrongly apply lessons from tropical forests to temperate or boreal forests. This leads to flawed assumptions and missed opportunities.



“There’s a narrative that human activity in forests causes degradation, and that we really should leave forests untouched to maximize climate benefits. But humans living in and around forests have been supporting forest health for thousands of years and continue to do so now,” Sheban said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-the-climate-narrative">Changing the climate narrative</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tree planting</a> and forest preservation are not mutually exclusive. We can maintain forests and still use them wisely. The idea that humans and forests must be kept apart is outdated. Forest farming offers a middle ground - neither full exploitation nor untouched isolation.



The researchers argue for thoughtful policies. They want FAF recognized in agroforestry discussions and separated from harmful industrial practices. They urge more research in cooler forest regions. 



Currently, most data comes from tropical zones. But boreal and temperate forests also have potential. Understanding how FAF works in these regions could reshape land-use policies.



“For natural climate solutions involving trees, everyone is currently focused on removal of carbon from the atmosphere through tree planting. In the right place, this can be an effective strategy and the idea that removing a tree through forest management might be beneficial seems counter-intuitive to people, especially given how people develop attachments to individual trees,” said study co-author Mark Bradford. 



“Yet, forest management often necessitates removing some trees for the collective benefit of the forest. As people start to become aware of forest-based agriculture, we need to get that message out that effective forest management can achieve multiple services.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-farming-a-path-to-resilience">Forest farming: A path to resilience </h2>



The future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> action lies not just in creating new landscapes but in renewing old ones. Forest-based agroforestry can reduce emissions, sustain livelihoods, and honor long-standing human relationships with nature. It deserves a stronger place in our conversations, budgets, and policies.



By shifting how we think about forests - from untouched reserves to living, working ecosystems - we can unlock new paths toward resilience. This means empowering local communities, respecting traditional knowledge, and investing in management systems that do more than just look good on paper.



The climate conversation is changing. And as this study shows, forests are not just part of the background. They may be central to our solutions - if we choose to manage them with care and purpose.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02344-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Traditional forest farming is an overlooked climate solution

Across the globe, the fight against climate change has sparked...

Kelp forests, once a towering and life-filled part of many temperate coastlines, are vanishing fast. In their place, low-growing mats of turf algae are taking over. 



This shift isn't just cosmetic. It’s causing steep losses in biodiversity, disrupting how energy and nutrients flow through reefs, and changing the chemistry of coastal waters in ways scientists are just beginning to understand.



Researchers from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine and the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> have now uncovered a surprising reason why kelp forests struggle to bounce back. 



The study shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-stress-causes-undetected-changes-in-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turf algae</a> aren't just crowding out kelp - they’re also releasing chemicals that can kill young kelp sporelings before they have a chance to grow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-kelp-forests-aren-t-bouncing-back">Why kelp forests aren’t bouncing back</h2>



“That’s why this study is so powerful,” said Doug Rasher, Bigelow Laboratory senior research scientist and the study’s senior author. 



“It moves logically from describing a pattern in nature - the lack of recovery of kelp forests - to revealing that the chemical landscapes of kelp forests and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bleached-coral-reefs-recover-quickly-in-the-absence-of-human-influences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turf</a> reefs are fundamentally different, and to demonstrating that turf algae and the chemicals they exude prevent kelp recruitment.”



For years, scientists have documented the transition from kelp to turf in many temperate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>. But understanding what prevents kelp from returning has remained elusive.



“This shift from kelp to turf is analogous to a terrestrial forest transitioning into a grassland,” explained Shane Farrell, a UMaine doctoral student based in Rasher’s research group. “With the loss of kelp forests, we see decreases in biodiversity, productivity, and the ecosystem services they provide to humans.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-chemical-clues-in-the-ocean">Tracking chemical clues in the ocean</h2>



Earlier studies pointed out that turf algae crowd out space and often shelter small grazers that nibble on baby kelp. 



But in tropical rainforests and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-could-vanish-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reefs</a>, chemical signals in the environment have also been shown to lock ecosystems in degraded states. No one had tested if something similar might be happening in cold-water kelp forests.



To explore this, the researchers surveyed sites across the Gulf of Maine for three years. In southern Maine, where kelp forests had collapsed, new kelp was struggling to survive. The researchers gathered seaweed and water samples for chemical analysis.



Instead of targeting known compounds, the team worked with biochemistry experts to use a technique called non-targeted metabolomics. This method looks at every small molecule in a sample - even ones that have never been catalogued - to capture the full chemical picture of a site.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-chemistry-of-turf-takeover">Surprising chemistry of turf takeover</h2>



Waterborne chemicals were isolated and analyzed by breaking them into fragments and matching them to reference libraries. But that revealed only a fraction of the story. 



According to Farrell, over 98% of the chemical signals had never been described before. So the team used computational tools to predict what those molecules might be, grouping them into chemical families.



“It is awesome to see how our non-targeted metabolomics tools can shed new light on the fascinating chemical complexity caused by shifting environments, such as invasive algae,” said Daniel Petras, assistant professor of biochemistry at UC Riverside. 



“This becomes especially powerful when we combine our chemical data with functional information, such as kelp survival.”



The result? Kelp forests and turf reefs had completely different chemical fingerprints. And the chemicals found around turf algae looked suspiciously toxic to baby kelp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kelp-forests-cannot-survive-turf-toxins">Kelp forests cannot survive turf toxins </h2>



To test this, researchers ran a series of lab experiments. They exposed kelp gametophytes - the early life stage of kelp - to two things: water from turf-dominated reefs, and chemicals isolated from the five most common turf algae species.



The outcome was dramatic. In some cases, the survival of the young kelp dropped by 500%. The chemicals being released by turf algae weren’t just unhelpful - they were deadly.



“Our study is the first to reveal that chemical warfare can underpin the rebound potential of cold-water kelp forests. And surprisingly, some of the same types of molecules we identified on turf reefs are involved in the recovery dynamics of tropical coral reefs too,” Rasher said. 



“It shows we have a lot to learn about chemical warfare on temperate reefs, the organisms and molecules involved, and how this process varies globally.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reversing-ocean-warming-is-not-enough">Reversing ocean warming is not enough </h2>



The Rasher group’s earlier work showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-oceans-intensify-viruses-that-kill-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming oceans</a> were the main driver of kelp forest collapse in the Gulf of Maine. But this new study explains why reversing warming alone won’t be enough to bring kelp back.



“Once turf algae are established, just curbing global carbon emissions and reversing ocean warming is not going to bring Maine’s kelp forests back,” Farrell said. “Because of these feedback mechanisms, we need local interventions to remove the turf algae before kelp will actually recover.”



In other words, it’s not just about temperature anymore. To restore kelp forests, we’ll need to tackle the chemical battles happening underwater - battles that are invisible, but no less real.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt6788" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Kelp forests in crisis: How toxic turf algae are taking over

Kelp forests, once a towering and life-filled part of many...

Trees, shrubs, and other greenery lining city streets are essential for creating healthier, more climate-resilient urban environments. They cool neighborhoods during heatwaves, absorb air pollution, support mental health, and even reduce carbon in the atmosphere.



But while these benefits are widely acknowledged, scientists have struggled to consistently monitor how street-level vegetation is changing - especially in fast-growing cities across the world.



A new study led by Giacomo Falchetta of the <a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis</a> (IIASA) introduces a breakthrough method for keeping tabs on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-green-spaces-are-urgently-needed-across-the-global-south/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban green spaces</a>. 



The researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to monitor how much vegetation exists along city streets and how that is shifting over time.



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



“Our aim was to develop a method to monitor how much green infrastructure exists along streets and how it changes over time,” said Falchetta.



“Street greenery has well-documented benefits - it reduces <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cool-roofs-on-city-buildings-secret-to-beating-urban-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban heat</a>, improves mental health, and can also absorb carbon. But until now, it’s been difficult to track it globally in a consistent and timely way.”



To tackle this issue, the team built a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-machine-learning-can-help-us-protect-chimpanzees/">machine learning</a> model to estimate what’s known as the Green View Index (GVI), a measure of how much greenery is visible from a pedestrian’s point of view.



The model was trained on labeled street-level images from cities around the world and then applied to satellite data collected between 2014 and 2022. In total, the researchers assessed 190 large urban areas across 20 global regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-subtle-but-significant-decline"><a></a>A subtle but significant decline</h2>



The findings show that, on average, cities around the world are losing street-level greenery at a rate of 0.3 to 0.5% per year. Although these numbers may sound small, over time they add up. This is especially true in areas where temperatures are rising and green spaces are already limited.



Some regions are seeing even steeper declines. Urban areas in Asia and Oceania showed the most rapid losses, with median drops in street greenery of 1.7% and 2.6% per year, respectively.



By contrast, cities in Europe and North America showed modest gains of around 1% annually. Cities in Africa and Latin America exhibited smaller and more inconsistent changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-aren-t-shared-equally">Trees aren't shared equally</h2>



“Not only is greenery decreasing in many places, but it’s also distributed unequally," said senior author Ahmed Hammad, a scientist at <a href="https://decatab.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Decatab PTE LTD</a> in Singapore. "In many cities, green space is sparse where people live." 



"This disparity raises serious questions of fairness and access, especially as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-made-heatwaves-more-deadly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves</a> and other climate stressors intensify.” 



Urban greenery is not just a luxury - it’s a form of public infrastructure with life-saving potential. Yet in many cities, wealthier neighborhoods are noticeably greener. Climate impacts hit lower-income communities harder, leaving them with fewer trees and less shade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tool-for-every-city">A tool for every city</h2>



The strength of the new monitoring method lies in its scalability and accessibility. Anyone - from local governments to international agencies - can use the model and update it in real time using free Sentinel-2 satellite data and climate records.



City planners can combine GVI data with indicators like energy use, health outcomes, and temperature trends to target greening efforts more effectively.



The model provides real-time updates and is open-source. Moreover, it supports smart, data-driven decisions for greening cities in ways that are both effective and equitable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planning-for-a-greener-future">Planning for a greener future</h2>



The research aligns closely with the <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Sustainable Development Goals</a> - particularly Goal 11, which focuses on building sustainable cities and communities.



As climate impacts grow, authors say cities must prioritize protecting and expanding green infrastructure in urban planning.



“Our results can support targeted greening policies,” Falchetta explained. “With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-alter-how-sunlight-travels-through-clear-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate extremes</a> on the rise, ensuring equitable access to green space is more urgent than ever. Our work can be a valuable resource for cities to make more informed, just, and targeted greening decisions.”



In a time of rapid urbanization and climate uncertainty, cities need tools to help them grow sustainably. This new approach to monitoring street greenery offers not only a snapshot of where we stand today - but also a roadmap for a more resilient, equitable, and green urban future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2634-4505/add9c4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability</a>.



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Alarming loss of urban greenery revealed in new models

Trees, shrubs, and other greenery lining city streets are essential...

Proteins are central to life because they shift shape in response to molecules they encounter. Some transform in milliseconds, triggering everything from muscle movement to signals in the nervous system.



Scientists have tried for decades to engineer these biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-new-forms-of-life-inside-humans-rna-carriers-obelisks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> to do specific tasks. 



Now there is a fresh example of synthetic proteins that adjust just like those found in cells, described by Tanja Kortemme, PhD, a professor of bioengineering at the <a href="https://www.ucsf.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Francisco</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proteins-that-change-shape">Proteins that change shape</h2>



Natural proteins shift into new configurations when they meet triggers such as ions or small molecules. This motion can set off downstream effects, including the release of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/neurotoxin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a>, the contraction of heart muscles, or the breakdown of complex nutrients.



Until recently, most engineering methods focused on building rigid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-begins-egg-sperm-and-a-covert-team-of-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shapes</a>. That approach has powered household cleaning solutions and lifesaving drugs like insulin, but it fell short when trying to capture the graceful movements found in biological systems.



Many teams have used advanced computational tools, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03819-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alphaFold2</a>, to predict how proteins fold. A few years ago, these tools took a leap forward, solving perplexing puzzles that once consumed research labs for months.



The latest research adds movement to these predictions. By adjusting a protein so it can switch between two shapes, the scientists hope to open possibilities in medicine, agriculture, and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-algorithms-can-increase-ocean-plastic-cleanup-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental cleanup</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-synthetic-proteins-stayed-rigid">Early synthetic proteins stayed rigid</h2>



Earlier synthetic proteins were usually static. They stayed locked in one form, which was enough for some tasks but limiting for signals that rely on on-off mechanisms.



Medications that control metabolism or cell division often target proteins that move between active and inactive states. The ability to design synthetic versions with similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-persistent-spike-proteins-accumulate-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a> could transform drug development.



<a href="https://kortemmelab.ucsf.edu/current---amy-guo.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amy Guo</a>, a graduate student at UCSF, focused on adding a small swinging segment to a simple protein so it could bind a calcium ion. The new segment switched positions based on the presence or absence of that ion.



Upon success, she tapped advanced modeling techniques to verify that the structure would remain stable in both configurations. These techniques relied on a library of possible shapes before converging on the final two.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-small-loop-to-change-protein-shape">One small loop to change protein shape</h2>



One crucial test involved nuclear magnetic resonance simulations performed by <a href="https://pharm.ucsf.edu/nmr/people/kelly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Kelly</a>, a pharmaceutical chemist at UCSF. 



Those simulations confirmed the synthetic protein could capture calcium, then return to its original shape.



Research teams have been fascinated by how small modifications open the door to more sophisticated reactions. A short movable loop can reconfigure a protein’s entire structure, paving the way for sensors that pick up subtle signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Scientists see applications in <a href="https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/07/biosensors-your-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biosensors</a> that monitor conditions in living organisms and trigger alerts for early disease signs. Others imagine proteins that break down plastics or adapt crops to temperature extremes.



“This study is the first step on a path that will lead far beyond biomedicine, into agriculture and the environment,” said Tanja Kortemme. Her team’s achievements underline the importance of shape-shifting proteins in diverse applications.



“We wanted to devise a design method that could be applied in lots of situations,” said Guo. She observed that small tweaks in a protein’s design could lock or unlock its active state.&nbsp;



These efforts may help shape new therapeutics that sense chemical signals in the body, respond to them, then revert to a resting form. Such changes enable more targeted interventions, possibly reducing side effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shape-shifting-proteins-use-energy-wisely">Shape-shifting proteins use energy wisely</h2>



Researchers note that engines of metabolism, immune responses, and other essential systems function through shifting proteins. A well-tuned synthetic protein might repair micro-fractures in metals or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-rewire-themselves-to-battle-the-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boost crop resilience</a>.



“That really gives me confidence that this was for real, that we really did it,” said Guo. The finding was confirmed through multiple analytical steps.



“The possibilities are truly endless,” said Guo. Experimental validations continue, indicating that shape-changing proteins could transform a range of scientific fields.



<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr7094" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dynamic proteins</a> mirror nature’s preference for efficient processes, as their conformational shifts often hinge on specific environmental cues. Their shapes adapt only when needed, minimizing energy waste while enhancing reactivity.



Engineered molecules with these qualities can address urgent issues in healthcare and ecological management. 



A shape-altering protein could detect a pollutant, neutralize it, then reset itself for another encounter, giving it an edge over conventional static systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-artificial-proteins-that-react">Building artificial proteins that react</h2>



Some researchers envision <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-model-esm3-creates-new-protein-that-simulates-500-million-years-of-biological-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial proteins</a> that function like finely tuned switches in the body’s immune system. These switches could identify a virus or tumor marker, change shape to deliver a therapeutic agent, and revert once the threat is resolved.



Others point to potential uses in synthetic biology for producing fuels or sustainable materials. Such proteins might adapt their structure based on temperature shifts, ensuring optimal performance in diverse industrial processes.



Additional exploration could involve harnessing shape-shifting proteins to stabilize vaccines. By flexibly responding to temperature fluctuations, these molecules might reduce cold-chain requirements in resource-limited areas.



Researchers are also examining whether dynamic proteins can handle tasks that require rapid structural changes under mechanical stress. This could shape the future of engineering fields that rely on adaptive materials.



The study is published in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40403060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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New shape-shifting proteins open doors in medicine and farming

Proteins are central to life because they shift shape in...

If you’ve ever noticed how squirrels vastly outnumber foxes in your neighborhood - or seen the same car brands dominate parking lots - you’re observing a pattern that governs not just human-made environments, but the natural world at every scale.



This pattern, where a few species are extremely common while most remain rare, is called the “hollow curve” species-abundance distribution.



For nearly a century, ecologists have sought a unified model to explain it. Now, researchers from the <a href="https://www.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a> (UVA) believe they’ve found that model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-pattern-in-nature">Universal pattern in nature</h2>



In a recent study, the team analyzed an enormous array of 30,000 datasets covering ecosystems from U.S. forests to the microbial colonies in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-methane-producing-microbe-discovered-in-the-human-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human gut</a>. 



The researchers discovered that a mathematical model known as the “powerbend distribution” consistently describes how species are spread out. This applies to birds, trees, bacteria, and other organisms in communities across the planet.



“This is the first study to comprehensively examine all types of organisms, large and small,” said Martin Wu, professor of biology at UVA and co-author of the study. “We found that the powerbend distribution consistently fits communities of all life forms, habitats, and abundance scales.”



The powerbend model shows most species are rare, while a few are extremely common - a core pattern in ecology.



Wu explains this through an everyday example: “If you walk around UVA, you might see a lot of squirrels and, only once in a while, a raccoon or fox. If you look at cars on city streets, you’ll see a lot of Hondas, Toyotas, or Fords, but there are many other brands you only see every once in a while.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-life-we-can-t-see">Estimating life we can't see</h2>



The breakthrough isn’t just about better understanding nature - it also has practical implications for conservation and environmental monitoring. The powerbend model allows scientists to estimate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> of a region without needing to count every individual organism.



“Previously, if I collected one gram of soil, I had no way of knowing how many bacterial species it contained,” Wu said. “Now that we have the model, I don’t need to enumerate every single cell in the soil and I can have a pretty good estimate.”



This is particularly important when dealing with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-laid-the-foundation-for-early-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a>, which are notoriously difficult to grow and study using traditional lab techniques. Prior to the development of DNA sequencing tools around 2008, scientists struggled to survey microbial communities effectively.



Since then, technological advances have given microbiologists access to vast genetic data, transforming our understanding of microbes.



“You can go to a forest to survey trees or use binoculars to look at birds, but until recent DNA sequencing technologies became available, we couldn’t easily survey microbes,” Wu said. “Since 2008, there’s been an explosion of microbial survey data, and we’re learning a lot.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecology-meets-math">Ecology meets math</h2>



Though Wu is a microbiologist by training, the turning point in the research came when two math-savvy graduate students - Yingnan Gao and Ahmed Abdullah - joined his lab. Their expertise allowed the team to rigorously test the powerbend distribution against real-world datasets across ecosystems, organisms, and regions.



The model even made its way into the classroom. “Using a thumb drive-sized DNA sequencer and a laptop, we did a real-time demonstration in the class when we surveyed the gut microbiome of a beloved professor known to students,” Wu said. “It was a great way to show the students what kind of microbes live in the gut.”



The exercise gave students the chance to become “microbe detectives” in a hands-on lab course focused on sequencing-based ecological surveys.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pattern-stretches-across-life">Pattern stretches across life</h2>



One dataset in the study looked at the pattern of tree species across the United States. In Virginia, for instance, five species - red maple, loblolly pine, yellow poplar, sweetgum, and American holly - make up about 45% of the state’s 10.6 billion trees. The remaining 55% is spread across over 120 other species.



“Generally, you’ll find that 20% of tree species account for 80% of the total abundance,” Wu said. “This follows the Pareto Principle, a term coined by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who found that 20% of the population controlled 80% of the wealth.”



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



The discovery of the powerbend distribution as a consistent and predictive model offers scientists a new tool for tackling ecological questions. 



More than that, it reaffirms that despite the dizzying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microfossils-reveal-a-leap-in-lifes-complexity-2-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complexity of life</a> on Earth, there are underlying patterns that unify everything from backyard birds to invisible bacteria.



As ecologists confront biodiversity loss and work to restore ecosystems, understanding natural species distribution patterns could be a crucial step forward. Thanks to the UVA team’s work, that understanding just got a lot clearer.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59253-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Life's hidden pattern: Why most species are rare but a few rule the world

If you’ve ever noticed how squirrels vastly outnumber foxes in...

The arrival of flowering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-records-reveal-winters-role-in-plant-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> reshaped the living world. They filled it with color, scent, and new ways to thrive. But when did it all begin?



For centuries, scientists have chased that answer. They studied fossils, analyzed leaves, and dug deep into Earth's layers. And now, with the help of something as small as dust, a research team from Germany may have brought us closer to the truth.



They didn’t find a forest. They didn’t find flowers. What they found was four tiny grains of pollen - and those grains may change what we know about evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-pollen-changes-flower-timeline">Ancient pollen changes flower timeline</h2>



At just 20 micrometers wide, pollen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grains</a> are smaller than a human hair. You can’t see them floating past you on a breeze. But preserved in ancient rock, they act like time capsules. 



Pollen grains hold stories about the plants that made them, the landscapes that held them, and the creatures that may have brushed past them.



Scientists from <a href="https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz University Hannover</a> and the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a> took a closer look at sedimentary layers in Portugal’s Lusitanian Basin. That region was once covered by a shallow sea. Over 100 million years ago, rivers flowed into it, carrying pollen and plant material from nearby land.



Buried beneath layers of sediment, the pollen fossilized. And when scientists scanned those layers using high-resolution laser microscopy, something rare flickered back at them - a type of pollen called tricolpate.



Tricolpate grains have three furrows on their surface. It’s not just a decorative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-can-actually-change-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feature</a>. It’s a marker, a signal that these grains came from a particular group of plants: the eudicots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-emergence-of-flowering-plants">The emergence of flowering plants </h2>



Eudicots make up the largest group of flowering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-transforming-pollen-science-and-health-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> today. They include roses, tomatoes, sunflowers, and more. Nearly three-quarters of all angiosperms fall into this category. 



Finding tricolpate pollen in ancient marine sediment was exciting on its own. But what made the discovery groundbreaking was the age of the sediment.



Until now, most scientists believed that eudicots first appeared around 121 million years ago. These new grains? They were 123 million years old.



That might not seem like a big difference, but in evolutionary terms, two million years is enough time for significant changes to take root. Enough time for new traits to evolve, for ecosystems to shift, and for plant life to expand into new territories.



Professor Heimhofer noted that the emergence of flowering plants altered the biological diversity considerably. "But exactly where and when this development began has been an enigma that Darwin already called an 'abominable mystery,'" said Dr. Gravendyck.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowering-plants-appeared-much-later">Flowering plants appeared much later</h2>



The planet has been green for a long time, but it didn’t always look the way it does now. The earliest land plants, like mosses, started appearing around 485 million years ago during the Ordovician period. 



Later came ferns, ginkgos, and towering conifers. They dominated forests for hundreds of millions of years.



Flowering plants - angiosperms - arrived much later. Their sudden diversity puzzled Charles Darwin, who referred to their rapid appearance in the fossil record as a mystery that needed solving.



The team’s discovery of eudicot pollen helps chip away at that mystery. It not only pushes back the earliest known appearance of this plant group but also offers stronger, more reliable evidence of when and where it happened.



But finding pollen in the dirt isn’t enough. To make sure they had the date right, the researchers needed another kind of fossil - one that could speak for the ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-record-in-seashell-fossils">A record in seashell fossils</h2>



Alongside the pollen, the researchers found fossilized seashells made of calcium carbonate. These shells, shaped in ancient seawater, captured the chemical signature of the environment around them. One element in particular, strontium, proved useful.



Strontium isotopes shift over time in known patterns. By analyzing the isotope ratio in the shells, scientists matched them to reference curves that span millions of years. Think of it like geological carbon dating, but with shells instead of bones.



This method confirmed that the sediment layer dated to about 123 million years ago - exactly when the tricolpate pollen would have settled and fossilized.



This combination of pollen structure and strontium isotope dating gave the researchers something rare: a double-checked moment in time. The flowers had arrived earlier than expected. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-flowers-grew-in-cooler-regions">Early flowers grew in cooler regions</h2>



There’s something else this discovery hints at - where these early flowers might have grown. For a long time, scientists assumed angiosperms started in warm, tropical environments. But the Lusitanian Basin, 123 million years ago, sat in the mid-latitudes. Not hot, not tropical.



That means early flowering plants may have been tougher and more widespread than expected. They weren’t just jungle plants. They may have thrived in places with seasons, cooler temperatures, or unpredictable climates.



This shift in location challenges old ideas. If flowers could bloom outside the tropics that early, they might have spread more quickly across the globe, adapting to a wide range of ecosystems as they moved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-way-to-study-ancient-life">A new way to study ancient life</h2>



The techniques used in this study are as important as the findings themselves. By combining high-resolution imaging with chemical dating, the team created a new way to approach plant evolution. 



They didn’t rely on guesswork or single fossils. They used two independent systems to cross-check the age and origin of their samples.



The research could help scientists better understand other mysterious fossils - especially in places where traditional fossil records are patchy or unclear. Pollen, it turns out, may be one of our best tools for mapping the rise of plants.



The study, published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421470122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, may lead to more discoveries like this - tiny clues in forgotten sediments that rewrite big chapters in Earth’s story.



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Flowering plants appeared two million years earlier than we thought

The arrival of flowering plants reshaped the living world. They...

Many spice enthusiasts have experienced the rush of biting into a spicy dish, only to realize it is far more intense than expected. Everyone has their own threshold for heat, and chili peppers tend to push those boundaries.



Lately, scientists have been looking for ways to dial down that tongue-tingling burn without compromising flavor. 



Devin Peterson, professor of food science and technology, is part of a team at <a href="https://www.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a> behind a project exploring new chili pepper <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compounds</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-molecules-reduce-pepper-heat">Natural molecules reduce pepper heat</h2>



The researchers measured how different peppers stack up on the <a href="https://www.alimentarium.org/en/story/scoville-scale" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scoville scale</a>, which compares spice levels across varieties. They tested 10 pepper cultivars and then ran multiple evaluations to see if certain molecules were interfering with the typical burn.



Additional chemical analysis singled out compounds that seemed to reduce perceived pungency, even when each pepper was expected to produce similar heat. Subsequent taste tests highlighted three specific molecules: <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Capsianoside-I" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Capsianoside I</a>, <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Roseoside" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roseoside</a>, and <a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Gingerglycolipid-A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gingerglycolipid A</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compounds-could-help-control-spice-in-food">Compounds could help control spice in food</h2>



“If you’re at home and you’ve ordered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/potatoes-are-an-unexpected-ally-for-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cuisine</a> that has spice to it that’s a little too hot for some tastes, you can just sprinkle on a form of chili pepper that has got these suppressant agents in them that will dial it down,” said Peterson.&nbsp;



One compound was capable of tempering the sensation of chili peppers without masking their overall taste. Researchers believe this could lead to an anti-spice product that people can store at home.&nbsp;



“I think the idea of using a natural material as an anti-spice, especially for somebody with kids, would have value as a household ingredient,” noted Peterson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mild-chili-peppers-with-less-burn">Mild chili peppers with less burn</h2>



Food can bring joy, but intense chili pepper heat can overwhelm some diners. With newly identified molecules, it may be possible to produce peppers that cater to diverse preferences.



Another angle is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK5260/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRPV1 receptor</a> activation, which triggers pain signals after exposure to <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263570067_Peppers_Vegetable_and_Spice_Capsicums_2nd_edition_by_Paul_W_Bosland_and_Eric_J_Votava" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Capsaicin</a>. Researchers see potential in the heat-suppressing agents to manage discomfort without causing that sharp burning feeling.



Farmers might benefit from peppers designed for moderate spice while retaining the peppers’ signature flavors. Tailoring certain traits can broaden the range of peppers on the market.



Hybrid approaches may also enrich the pepper profile with heat-reducing components. This could help chefs who want that iconic flavor with a milder punch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-blockers-may-also-ease-pain">Heat blockers may also ease pain</h2>



The results shine a light on how complex pungency can be. Beyond two famous compounds, the subtle interplay among other agents holds fresh opportunities for product innovation.



Scientists plan to expand their work to see how these suppressors behave in other foods. The initial evidence indicates that they could apply to broader contexts.



<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3169333/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> show that capsaicin-based creams can ease aches. The presence of less irritating molecules might open paths for pain relief without intense irritation.



Some people avoid strong treatments because of side effects, so a gentler compound could be good news. Supporters see this as a pathway to more comfortable solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mild-chili-peppers-retain-old-traits">Mild chili peppers retain old traits</h2>



Peppers supply more than just heat. They are packed with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-coffee-is-missing-these-five-brain-boosting-spices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taste</a>, aroma, and color that enhance many recipes.



Investigations into these hidden molecules show that it is possible to keep the appealing aspects of peppers while limiting the discomfort. Cooks may gain a wider range of meal options.



Consumers vary in their spice tolerance. Some crave the challenge, while others stick to mild flavors.



Developers can cater to both ends of the spectrum by blending different peppers. This idea could transform mealtimes for families with mixed preferences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-spice-with-choice">Balancing spice with choice</h2>



Though the science is still growing, these findings have stirred up talk about possible commercial goods. Adaptations might appear in grocery aisles, letting individuals adjust heat levels to suit their mood.



The group behind this work sees it as part of a broader shift toward customizable food experiences. They believe comfort and taste can co-exist.



Restaurants could eventually adopt the idea, offering optional add-ons that reduce spice after a dish is served. It would mean more flexibility when trying bold flavors.



Staying open to these innovative uses of mild chili peppers may change the way people approach spicy foods. Differences in taste should never limit anyone’s enjoyment of a shared meal.



The study is published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.5c01448" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry</a>.



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Mild chili peppers may be the 'anti-spice' we've been looking for

Many spice enthusiasts have experienced the rush of biting into...

Living organisms have always been a source of fascination. Recent work has suggested that all living things give off a subtle glow during life and that this disappears with death.



These findings come from a team of researchers led by Dr. Daniel Oblak at the <a href="https://www.ucalgary.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Calgary</a>. The experts investigated a phenomenon known as ultraweak photon emission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-organisms-emit-a-faint-glow">Living organisms emit a faint glow</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-what-were-really-fighting-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Life</a> involves constant chemical activity inside each cell. Sometimes, these <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10634501/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolic processes</a> release extremely low-intensity light in the spectral range of 200 to 1,000 nm. 



This is too faint for the naked eye to see, but many animals, plants, and even bacteria give off this gentle energy.



Experts studying this glow see potential in measuring it for non-invasive tests. By tracking light changes, they can learn how organisms respond to challenges such as heat or chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-emission-reveals-cellular-health">Light emission reveals cellular health</h2>



The researchers discovered that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/luca-last-universal-common-ancestor-progenitor-all-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">living</a> animals show higher emissions than animals that have recently died. They used specialized imaging setups to capture the photons in a pitch-black space. 



These setups included electronic sensors that detect light at the single-photon level.



A rise or drop in glow intensity might hint at shifts in cellular health. Scientists believe <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/reactive-oxygen-species" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reactive oxygen species</a> are a key factor in generating the light. These molecules form naturally in cells as they process oxygen, but they can build up under stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-respond-to-stress-with-light">Plants respond to stress with light</h2>



In botanical studies, experts have observed that plants alter their glow after temperature changes or physical injury. 



Burns or cuts induce a measurable spike in the faint light. Research has also indicated that certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-k2-18b-strongest-evidence-yet-of-extraterrestrial-life-discovered-webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> cause the injured spots to intensify their emissions.



<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035250/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxidative stress</a> seems to accompany these brightening effects. Under normal conditions, cells keep a balanced environment. 



When that balance is lost, however, the glow appears to increase, offering a handy way to gauge how a plant is coping.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-disease-through-living-glow">Detecting disease through living glow</h2>



Scientists have been exploring whether this emission can serve as a biological gauge. Some suspect it could help detect early signs of disease. 



A surge in low-intensity light might pinpoint internal damage before more serious outcomes develop.



Researchers have also looked at plant-based healing or protective strategies. If the glow diminishes after a treatment, that may suggest a recovery in the tissues. This opens new avenues for studying plant physiology without inflicting harm.



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



The potential for non-invasive testing is of great interest to clinical science. Experts foresee scenarios where measuring these emissions could aid in monitoring tissue recovery or spotting damage.



The method offers a gentle approach. No extra dyes or radioactive substances are needed. If perfected, it could simplify certain diagnostic tasks by highlighting subtle changes in cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-glow-to-find-life-beyond-earth">Using glow to find life beyond Earth</h2>



Some scientists are asking whether ultraweak photon emission could help in the search for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/detecting-life-on-mars-a-breakthrough-in-space-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extraterrestrial life</a>. 



If all living systems emit faint light, then detecting these emissions on other planets, or in enclosed ecosystems like Mars habitats, might serve as a low-risk method for life detection.



It also sparks new ideas in science fiction and future tech. If bodies truly glow when alive and stop glowing when dead, visual tools might someday be built to “see” vitality itself, offering a new way to tell whether something is alive, under stress, or dying.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-of-the-living-glow">Applications of the living glow</h2>



Scholars have been investigating ways to enhance sensitivity to this weak light. Some advanced cameras can capture more detail by lowering background noise. 



Other experts are testing portable systems that might track changes in real time, allowing for field studies that document plant health or monitor animals in outdoor settings.



Though still in early stages, the technology points toward a future where farmers, veterinarians, or wildlife experts might benefit from such tools. They could respond quickly to unseen stresses and intervene before problems get out of hand.



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



Future directions include mapping each type of organism’s signature light pattern. Different species may have distinct behaviors under stress. 



By collecting more data, experts aim to understand how quickly these emissions change and whether they can predict outcomes for sick or damaged tissue.



Researchers also plan to study a broader range of organisms to see if there are exceptions or special cases. These efforts might reveal unique biological adaptations in creatures that live in extreme habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questions-about-glow-in-living-organisms">Questions about glow in living organisms</h2>



Researchers still don’t fully understand the biological purpose of this faint light. Is it just a byproduct of stress and metabolism, or does it serve a deeper function in communication or defense within cells?



There’s also uncertainty about how consistent the glow is across different species or life stages. Do younger or older organisms emit more light? Can emotions or circadian rhythms influence emission levels in humans?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faint-light-and-health-diagnostics">Faint light and health diagnostics</h2>



The science behind this faint glow is still growing. The discovery of its link to life signals an intriguing frontier that blends physics, biochemistry, and environmental research. As sensors become more refined, further breakthroughs seem likely.



Although the light is faint, it might hold an abundance of clues. This once-overlooked signal could help diagnose diseases or track how organisms cope under challenging conditions.



The study is published in <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c03546" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters</a>.



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All living things emit a subtle glow that ceases at the time of death

Living organisms have always been a source of fascination. Recent...

What if saving a forest helped both birds and humans? What if the same landscape that shields towns from floods also offered refuge to songbirds? For decades, conservationists and policy makers have argued that nature's benefits reach far beyond wildlife. 



But measuring where and how those benefits align has remained elusive. Now, a new study provides some answers.



Scientists from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> and the Wildlife Conservation Society (<a href="https://www.wcs.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WCS</a>) explored where areas valued by humans for things like clean water, flood control, and carbon storage also help conserve bird populations.



Their work is rooted in data - over 1.5 billion bird observations from eBird and high-resolution mapping of eleven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-forests-2024-new-solutions-for-a-better-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> services. It’s an approach that seeks win-wins, or even win-win-wins: for biodiversity, climate, and people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-birds-people-and-climate">Helping birds, people, and climate </h2>



"We all know that nature provides us with many benefits - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, climate regulation, recreation, and many others - but until now, we haven't been able to demonstrate where those benefits coincide in space," noted Dr. Rachel Neugarten, formerly of Cornell and now at WCS.



"Given the limited resources for conservation, this information is critical for helping decision-makers protect our natural heritage. The paper shows that win-win-wins for biodiversity, climate, and people are possible but not guaranteed."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-birds-and-human-needs-overlap">Where birds and human needs overlap</h2>



To find these overlaps, the researchers examined maps that captured where ten ecosystem services - such as food provisioning, flood control, and recreation - are most concentrated.



The team also used separate maps for carbon storage, a priority in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-orangutan-day-2024-protecting-the-people-of-the-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> mitigation. These ecosystem service (ES) and carbon priority areas covered 37% and 44% of the U.S. land area, respectively.



Next, they overlaid these areas with population estimates for 479 bird species. These estimates came from eBird’s Status and Trends project, which uses a sophisticated modeling system to handle observer bias and detectability differences. 



The experts assessed how much of each species’ population lived within these ES or carbon priority zones. The results were surprising and hopeful. More than half of all species - 257 of 479 - had populations better represented in ES priority areas than random chance would predict. 



Carbon storage areas fared slightly worse, with 204 species seeing better-than-random coverage. However, the benefits weren’t evenly spread across species or habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-benefit-birds-and-ecosystems">Forests benefit birds and ecosystems</h2>



Forest-dwelling species saw the most gains from ES and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> conservation priorities. Of the 202 forest species analyzed, 151 were well represented in ES zones and 159 in carbon-rich zones. This is likely because forests provide many overlapping services: timber, flood control, water purification, and carbon sequestration.



Species like the Cerulean Warbler thrived in these protected forests. Ninety percent of this species' U.S. population lives in ES priority areas. Even more - 93% - overlaps with carbon storage zones.



Other forest birds, such as the Prairie Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Eastern Whip-poor-will, also saw high representation. These findings support the idea that forests are ecosystem service powerhouses. Protecting them meets multiple goals at once.



Some of the country’s richest landscapes for both birds and ecosystem benefits include the Appalachian Mountains, the southeastern U.S., New England, the Ozarks, and the Cascade and Sierra ranges. 



In these regions, forest protection is not just a biodiversity issue - it's a climate and public health matter too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-at-the-margins">Birds at the margins</h2>



However, not all habitats shared in the success. Birds living in wetlands and aridlands were poorly represented within ES and carbon zones. 



Only 34% of wetland species and 42% of aridland species were well represented in ES priority areas. The numbers were worse for carbon zones: 23% for wetland birds and a mere 10% for those in aridlands.



Tipping Point species - those that have lost more than 50% of their populations in the past 50 years - also faced mixed outcomes. Of the 57 such species examined, fewer than half were well supported by either ES or carbon zones. This suggests that many vulnerable birds occupy habitats outside human-prioritized landscapes.



Some species, like the Yellow-billed Loon and Bendire’s Thrasher, had less than 10% of their populations within conservation priority zones. Others, like the King Eider, had virtually no overlap with carbon-focused areas. 



These gaps show the limits of relying solely on ecosystem services as a guide for biodiversity protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-birds-benefit-from-carbon-zones">Forest birds benefit from carbon zones</h2>



Carbon priority areas - identified for their role in holding vulnerable carbon stocks - overlapped best with forest species.



For example, the Black-backed Woodpecker, Red-faced Warbler, and Mountain Quail had over 90% of their populations in carbon-rich zones. These findings support policies that link biodiversity protection with climate action.



But the overlap breaks down outside forests. Aridland and wetland species showed little representation in carbon zones. This mismatch suggests that climate-focused conservation, if not paired with broader ecological goals, may overlook entire communities of at-risk birds.



"This study is especially timely, given recent reports of continued, if not worsening, population declines in North American birds," said Amanda Rodewald, co-author and faculty director at the Cornell Lab.



"Now more than ever, we must find ways to conserve birds as part of broader efforts to protect the environment - in this case, safeguarding the ecosystem services that support human health and well-being."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-maps-can-guide-better-plans">Smart maps can guide better plans</h2>



The study's most important takeaway is this: co-benefits exist, but they cannot be assumed. High-quality spatial data allows for smarter, more inclusive planning. 



The areas where bird conservation aligns with ecosystem services can be prioritized first. But other areas - particularly wetlands, deserts, and grasslands - need additional, targeted protection.



The researchers urge caution in generalizing the co-benefit narrative. "While win-win situations do exist, we should be careful not to generalize about biodiversity and ecosystem service benefits," noted Neugarten.



"With limited resources and competing demands for land, we need data-driven approaches to achieve multiple conservation goals simultaneously."



Future work should refine ecosystem service models with local data, include cultural values of nature, and consider the needs of vulnerable human communities. Only then can conservation support both people and the full richness of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-forests-to-save-birds">Looking beyond forests to save birds</h2>



This study, supported by the National Science Foundation and Cornell’s environmental institutes, provides more than insight. It offers a framework. By mapping where people’s needs and wildlife conservation meet, decision-makers can act with greater precision.



Forests shine as clear examples of mutual benefit. But wetlands, deserts, and many bird species still wait for their moment in the spotlight. 



Protecting these regions will require more than ambition. It will demand targeted action, guided by science and shaped by shared values. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212041625000373?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosystem Services</a>.



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Protecting forests helps birds and humans in many ways

What if saving a forest helped both birds and humans?...

Flowers often appear to grow with perfect precision. Each stem, leaf, and petal follows a pattern that repeats with astonishing consistency. But a closer look inside plant cells tells a different story. 



A recent study has uncovered that while flowers may look orderly on the outside, the genetic activity within each cell is anything but predictable.



This surprising discovery could change how scientists design plants or even how we understand cell behavior in fields like cancer research or synthetic biology. The research was led by a team of experts at <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-secret-disorder-powering-flowers">The secret disorder powering flowers</h2>



The researchers examined a small flowering plant called thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), often used in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-build-their-cell-walls-is-seen-by-scientists-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant biology</a>. 



The goal was to investigate what’s known as “stochastic gene expression.” In simpler terms, this means that genes can turn on or off randomly - even if they’re getting the same signals.



To test this, the team looked at how cells responded to auxin, a hormone that tells flowers when and how to grow. 



The experts found something unexpected: even when cells received the same hormone instructions, their genetic reactions were wildly different from one another. 



Some genes turned on in some cells, while others stayed quiet, all without any obvious reason. This wasn’t just background noise. The randomness was significant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-flower-genes-with-fluorescence">Tracking flower genes with fluorescence </h2>



To see what was happening, the scientists used fluorescent markers - glowing molecules that light up when a gene turns on. They tracked three specific auxin-responsive genes in the flowers, including one known as DR5.



The result? DR5 showed major variation from cell to cell. It wasn’t the hormone levels that changed - those remained constant. The difference came from within the cells themselves, driven by internal fluctuations.



The team observed this activity in the sepals of the plant. Sepals are the small green leaf-like parts at the base of a flower that protect the budding bloom. Despite the noisy internal behavior of each cell, the plant still formed four perfectly placed sepals every time.



“I really thought by the time we got to these four [sepal forming] regions, there would be a lot less randomness - but there’s not,” said Adrienne Roeder, one of the study’s authors. “Somehow, despite the noise, you still get these very clear patches where sepal organs initiate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-manage-unpredictability">How plants manage unpredictability</h2>



What’s going on here? How do plants produce such predictable results when the internal signals are so chaotic?



The answer lies in how groups of cells behave together. While one cell might act randomly, clusters of cells “average out” the noise. This process, known as spatial averaging, helps the plant form stable and consistent patterns even when individual parts are unpredictable.



“Ultimately, the research challenges the idea that biological precision requires perfect control,” Roeder explained. “Instead, it shows that nature doesn’t eliminate randomness - it builds reliable systems and processes that work despite it.”



The study also showed that not all genes respond with the same level of randomness. Two other auxin-responsive genes, AHP6 and DOF5.8, behaved more consistently than DR5. This suggests that plants may have evolved ways to control randomness when it matters most.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-gene-expression-in-flowers">Beyond gene expression in flowers</h2>



This discovery is more than just a fun fact about flowers. It has real implications for plant engineering, synthetic biology, and even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-research-ai-will-change-the-way-we-see-tumors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer research</a>, where gene expression noise can drive tumor growth.



“The organism can use this randomness when it wants to and ignore it when it doesn’t,” Roeder said. “That’s super powerful.”



“Spatial averaging is one way that plants manage gene expression noise, but how exactly does that buffering happen, and under what conditions does it fail? How can we incorporate that when we’re trying to engineer our favorite gene to express in interesting places?”



As scientists continue to uncover the hidden mechanics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-cycles-predicting-the-impacts-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant life</a>, one thing is clear: nature doesn’t need perfect order to create beautiful results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-as-teachers-of-resilience">Flowers as teachers of resilience</h2>



The next time you look at a blooming flower, consider the hidden struggle behind its perfect form. Beneath its calm surface, a world of cellular unpredictability is constantly being managed. This study reminds us that flowers don’t require perfection to flourish - they rely on balance, cooperation, and adaptability.



Understanding how plants like flowers manage genetic noise could inspire new strategies in genetic engineering and beyond. It shows that resilience isn’t about eliminating chaos, but learning how to live with it.



Flowers aren’t just symbols of beauty - they're examples of nature's clever design choices, proving that order can emerge even when everything underneath is uncertain.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59943-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How flowers grow perfectly despite chaotic gene activity

Flowers often appear to grow with perfect precision. Each stem,...

Caribbean,Sea,Covered,By,Sargasso,Algae.,Seaweed,Top,View

The Atlantic Ocean holds a secret: a patch of calm water ringed by swift currents, sitting about 590 miles east of Florida yet never touching land. Known as the Sargasso Sea, sailors have crossed it for centuries, but few notice the border when they slip into glassy indigo waters. 



Those who linger find the surface scattered with golden-brown seaweed - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-drives-the-great-atlantic-sargassum-belt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sargassum</a> - named for the Portuguese word sargaço, a type of grape-like algae. The plants bob in slow motion, rolling gently like tumbleweeds on a prairie of water.



Within minutes, the stillness feels uncanny. No surf pounds. No gulls scream from cliffs. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sargassum-seaweed-a-growing-problem-could-become-a-sustainable-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The seaweed</a>, however, bursts with residents: shrimp the size of rice grains, neon juvenile fish, porcelain-white crabs, and even young loggerhead turtles paddling their first miles of life. 



This floating cover grows so thick that early Spanish crews feared their wooden caravels would halt and “never again feel a breath of wind,” as Christopher Columbus wrote in 1492.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sargasso-sea-holds-a-drifting-forest">The Sargasso Sea holds a drifting forest</h2>



Strip away the romance, and the Sargasso Sea looks like an 800-mile-wide nursery. Scientists call the drifting mats “habitat islands,” and for good reason. Hatchling turtles hide here until their shells harden.



Porbeagle sharks cruise the shade below, while Bermuda storm-petrels skim the fringe, plucking shrimp in mid-dive.



Researchers have counted more than 100 invertebrate species clinging to the weed—tiny colonists that hitch a ride for years before the mats eventually break apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles-in-migration">Life cycles in migration</h2>



European and American eels begin their lives beneath these mats, no bigger than clear threads. They drift west or east on ocean currents, slip into rivers as far inland as Indiana, then, after decades in freshwater, swim back the entire 3,000-mile journey to spawn once and die. 



How they locate the same watery cradle baffles zoologists. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-humpback-whales-are-born-in-places-we-didnt-expect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humpback whales</a> also cross the sea each spring, and high-speed tuna streak through on their way to spawning grounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-climate-engine-calls-the-shots">Unique climate engine calls the shots</h2>



Longtime observers quickly learn that calm water masks heavy lifting. In summer, the surface warms to about 82–86 °F; in winter, it cools to roughly 64–68 °F. 



Those seasonal swings drive mixing that helps push warm, salty water northward and return cooler water south - a conveyor that steadies weather patterns on both sides of the Atlantic. 



The open water also pulls carbon dioxide from the air, locking it into plankton shells that eventually snow to the seafloor.



Only after two years of sampling did chemical oceanographer Nicholas Bates and colleagues at the <a href="https://bios.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences</a> realize just how much heat the sea was absorbing. 



“The ocean is the warmest it’s been for ‘millions and millions of years,’” he told LiveScience, warning that the trend could reshape “where it rains or where it doesn’t.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-problems-threaten-the-sargasso-sea">Human problems threaten the Sargasso Sea</h2>



Jules Verne once called the Sargasso “a perfect lake in the open Atlantic.” Today that lake collects trash from four converging currents: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Atlantic Current</a>, Canary Current, North Equatorial Current, and Antilles Current. 



Those loops act like a mile-wide drain, funneling plastic bags, bottle caps, and ghost fishing gear into a slowly rotating slick. 



One survey estimated roughly 200,000 pieces of debris per square kilometer - about 518,000 pieces per square mile - spreading for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-hotspots-currents-identified-cleanup-efforts-great-pacific-garbage-patch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several hundred miles</a>.



Underwater microphones pick up the growl of cargo vessels cutting straight through mats. Propellers shred the weed; paint chips flake from hulls, releasing copper and zinc. 



Noise can mask the low-frequency calls of sperm whales passing beneath. Meanwhile, floating nets entangle juvenile turtles exactly where they once found refuge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-change-through-decades">Tracking change through decades</h2>



Researchers have monitored these waters near Bermuda since 1954, recording temperature, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-salt-affects-global-climate-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a>, dissolved oxygen, and pH every month. 



Instruments show that winter water is slightly saltier than summer water, thanks to dry winds that whisk moisture off the surface, while rainfall each June and July freshens the mix. 



Since the 1980s, the average temperature has climbed roughly 1 °C - a small number that packs a punch. Warmer layers resist vertical mixing, starving deeper water of oxygen and hoarding nutrients that would normally rise to feed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plankton blooms</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sargasso-sea_map-location_credit-Bates-Johnson_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sargasso-sea_map-location_credit-Bates-Johnson_1s.webp" alt="Location map of the island of Bermuda and two ocean time-series (Hydrostation S, 1954 to present; and the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series, BATS, 1988 to present) sites. The position of the Ocean Flux Program (OFP, 1978 to present; deep ocean sediment trap program) is also shown. Ruth Curry is thanked for the main panel figure which is modified here. Credit: Bates and Johnson" class="wp-image-1970759"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Location map of the island of Bermuda and two ocean time-series (Hydrostation S, 1954 to present; and the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series, BATS, 1988 to present) sites. The position of the Ocean Flux Program (OFP, 1978 to present; deep ocean sediment trap program) is also shown. Ruth Curry is thanked for the main panel figure which is modified here. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Bates and Johnson</figcaption></figure>



Scientists have developed new metrics, such as “salinity anomaly” maps and basin-scale alkalinity indices, to compare one year to the next. 



Paired with drifting Argo floats and satellite color scans, the 60-year record has become a gold standard for tracking ocean acidification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-against-warmth">Race against warmth</h2>



<a href="https://www.sargassoseacommission.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sargasso Sea Commission</a>, an intergovernmental body formed in 2014, calls the region a “haven of biodiversity” and urges countries to designate shipping lanes that skirt dense mats. 



Marine protected area status remains complicated; no nation owns the sea, and enforcement on the high seas is costly. 



Yet conservationists note that simple steps - rerouting tankers by 50 miles or banning longline fishing during peak turtle season - could preserve critical habitat without hampering trade.



Policy moves slowly, while climate shifts quickly. 



Between stronger hurricanes and hotter summers, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robot-discovers-surprising-food-source-sargassum-for-deep-ocean-creatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sargassum</a> now grows so prolifically in the Caribbean that beach resorts hire bulldozers to clear it. Excess weed sinks, rots, and releases greenhouse gases, turning a carbon sink into a source. 



Paradoxically, the very organism that lends the sea its name may become a casualty of warming if rising acidity weakens its holdfasts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-protecting-the-sargasso-sea">Importance of protecting the Sargasso Sea</h2>



If we lose the Sargasso Sea, rivers from Newfoundland to the Gulf of Mexico would send eels searching in vain for a birthplace erased by heat. 



Humpbacks might arrive in spring to find the larder bare. Storm tracks over Europe could drift, and the Atlantic might store even more of the planet’s excess heat, accelerating feedback loops we scarcely understand.



Governments are now weighing a treaty to curb plastic discharge at sea and expand no-take zones around key migratory corridors. 



Shipping firms experiment with quieter propeller designs and biodegradable packing bands. None of these fixes alone will restore the Sargasso, but together they could keep the floating forest alive long enough for cooler heads - and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-hidden-skin-could-protect-us-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooler oceans</a> - to prevail.



For something that looks like an empty patch of blue on a map, the Sargasso Sea manages to knit continents together, nourish creatures halfway across the world, and offer humanity a running log of planetary change. 



The still water speaks softly, but its message rings clear: protect the calm, or brace for the storm that follows.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1289931/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



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Earth has one sea that touches no land, because it has no shore

The Atlantic Ocean holds a secret: a patch of calm...

<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.

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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