Plants cannot move to chase comfort, yet they still need to choose the right season to reproduce. A new study explains how a small plant uses blue light and cool air together to decide when to flower.



A research team led by Adam Seluzicki from the <a href="https://www.salk.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salk Institute for Biological Studies</a> mapped a genetic switch that listens for both signals at once. 



The study shows how one pathway senses blue light and another senses low temperature, and how they meet to control the transition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowering-plants-appeared-two-million-years-earlier-than-we-thought/">flowering</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-do-plants-start-flowering">When do plants start flowering?</h2>



Arabidopsis thaliana uses a blue light sensor called PHOT2 and a helper protein named NPH3 to read light signals. When the air is cool, a temperature responsive gene switch called CAMTA2 turns on another gene called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0176161716302024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EHB1</a>.



The EHB1 gene then connects with NPH3, which brings the light and temperature signals together. The plant starts flowering only when both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-tracks-changes-in-seasonal-flower-cycles-and-migration-patterns-from-the-air/">conditions</a> are met - blue light is present and the air is cool.



“Here we show that signals from the PHOTOTROPIN2 (PHOT2) blue photoreceptor combine with low temperature information to control flowering,” wrote Seluzicki.



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



Seasonal timing depends on multiple cues, not a single trigger. A recent <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pce.15678?af=R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review</a> outlines how plants sense temperature through changes in cell membranes, protein activity, and chromatin.



Day length, light color, and light intensity also shape <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-new-window-into-the-early-evolution-of-flowering-plants/">flowering</a>. These signals run through several networks at once, which is why combining them gives a more reliable readout than using either one alone.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blue-light-pathway">Blue light pathway</h3>



Plant <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8630751/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photoreceptors</a> are proteins that detect wavelengths and pass along messages. The blue light sensor PHOT2, located at the cell membrane, helps direct growth and movement.



NPH3 works after the PHOT proteins and helps control how their signals are used. In the system described in the new research, NPH3 acts like the main hub. It changes its response depending on what the temperature pathway is doing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-pathway">Temperature pathway</h3>



When it is cool, the gene switch CAMTA2 becomes active. It turns on the gene EHB1, which then slows down NPH3 at the right moment.



Other studies on NPH3 show that its behavior depends on where it is in the cell and how it is modified. These details explain why EHB1’s link with NPH3 can change the balance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seasonal-timing-can-change-quickly-over-short-distances/">signals</a> that decide when the plant flowers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revelations-about-plant-flowering">Revelations about plant flowering</h2>



When the days were long and the air was cool, plants without PHOT2 grew more leaves before making flowers compared to normal plants. At warmer temperatures, this delay disappeared, showing that PHOT2 matters most in cooler conditions.



Previous studies found that PHOT2 and other phototropins help plants adjust to daily cold at sunrise. This supports the idea that blue light sensors play an important role in how plants respond to low temperatures. 



These results together make the connection between PHOT2, CAMTA2, NPH3, and EHB1 more convincing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-plant-system-functions">How the plant system functions</h2>



PHOT2 picks up blue light and passes the signal to NPH3. When it is cold, CAMTA2 turns on EHB1, and EHB1 connects with NPH3 to help control flowering.



In warm conditions, CAMTA2 does not activate EHB1 the same way, so the system works differently. In that state, flowering is not delayed, which explains why the effect only shows up in cooler weather.



Arabidopsis uses a signal called FT, also known as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5654465/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">florigen</a>, to send the message from the leaves to the shoot, where flowers develop. FT levels go up when day length and light quality favor flowering, and this signal also takes temperature into account.



Other blue light sensors besides PHOT proteins also affect flowering time. One called <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6670086/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FKF1</a> works with the plant’s internal clock and a protein named CONSTANS to boost FT under the right day length. This shows that several blue light pathways feed into the same flowering signal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-sets-this-research-apart">What sets this research apart</h2>



Most past studies linked flowering to sensors called cryptochromes, phytochromes, or to the FT pathway. 



This new research shows that PHOT2, a sensor usually known for guiding growth, moving chloroplasts, and opening stomata, also plays a role in flowering when it is cool.



In addition, the study shows how temperature signals through CAMTA2 and EHB1 connect directly to NPH3, the hub of the light pathway. This direct link explains why flowering is affected only when both light and temperature signals are present.



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



Climate change is altering seasonal light patterns and nighttime temperatures in many places. A system that only triggers when both signals line up can help prevent plants from flowering too early in unpredictable springs.



The Salk team’s results highlight genes that plant breeders could adjust to control flowering in cooler conditions. 



Small changes in PHOT2, CAMTA2, NPH3, or EHB1 could help time flowering to match better conditions for pollination and seed production.



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



Future work can map where, within a leaf, this module is most active. Tissue specific data would show how the signal flows into FT production and transport.



It will also be important to test crop species. If a similar module exists in brassicas or cereals, targeted edits could help stabilize yields when cold snaps interrupt the start of the growing season.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62194-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Plant flowering is triggered by blue light and cool air

Plants cannot move to chase comfort, yet they still need to choose the right season to reproduce. A new study explains how a small plant uses blue light and cool air together to decide when to flower. A research team led by Adam Seluzicki from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies mapped a genetic switch that listens for both signals at once. The study shows how one pathway senses blue light and another senses low temperature, and how they meet to control the transition to flowering. When...

The world’s ability to feed itself depends heavily on farms. Nitrogen fertilizers are used on farms to grow more crops, ensuring food for people and feed for livestock. But while fertilizers power growth, they also carry an environmental cost that often goes unseen.



When plants can’t absorb all the nitrogen, part of it escapes into the atmosphere as nitrous oxide (N₂O) - a greenhouse gas with staggering potency. It traps nearly 300 times more heat than carbon dioxide (CO₂), warming the Earth far more efficiently.



Despite its low profile, nitrous oxide is a major player in the climate crisis. About 70% of all human-caused nitrous oxide emissions come from agricultural soils.



Yet unlike carbon dioxide, which follows predictable patterns, nitrous oxide behaves more like a phantom - appearing without warning and vanishing just as fast. Understanding when and where these gases emerge is crucial, not only for scientific models but also for practical solutions that reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precision-matters-in-soil-science">Precision matters in soil science</h2>



Until now, most studies on soil greenhouse gases have relied on small sample sizes, limited sampling dates, or simplified assumptions. This makes it difficult to fully understand how much gas escapes from a given field over time.



Conventional methods are often too narrow in scope to capture short-lived or scattered emission events, especially those from nitrous oxide.



A research team from the <a href="https://illinois.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> set out to overcome these limitations. Their goal was ambitious: to capture the full spatial and temporal complexity of CO₂ and nitrous oxide emissions across real farms, over multiple years, and under typical farming conditions.



The study focused on commercial corn and soybean fields using three tillage practices: conventional, conservation, and no-till.



“Mitigating agricultural soil greenhouse gas emissions can help us meet global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-has-a-surprising-impact-on-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> goals,” said study co-author Chunhwa Jang. The team noted that only a large-scale, high-frequency dataset could paint a reliable picture of what’s happening beneath our feet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrous-oxide-emissions-from-farms">Nitrous oxide emissions from farms</h2>



To monitor soil emissions, the researchers deployed a network of gas sampling points across three large farms in central Illinois. 



Picture these points as tiny smokestacks embedded in the earth. Machines were brought in every week or two to measure gas levels, capturing both CO₂ and N₂O over the full growing seasons of 2021 and 2022.



The experts found that CO₂ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-people-are-willing-to-switch-to-plant-based-food-to-save-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> were consistent across fields, crops, and years - a reassuring result. It meant scientists could confidently monitor carbon dioxide using lower sampling densities without losing accuracy.



“We found carbon dioxide flux was similar across individual fields, sites, and years, or even between corn and soybean systems,” Jang noted.



Nitrous oxide, however, defied predictability. Its emissions fluctuated wildly, creating what researchers called “hot moments” and “hot spots.” 



One day, a particular point might spike in emissions; the next day, it might go quiet while another area lit up. These chaotic shifts meant that even dense sampling grids sometimes missed key events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrous-oxide-spikes-unpredictability">Nitrous oxide spikes unpredictability </h2>



Unlike CO₂, which was evenly distributed, N₂O hotspots packed a disproportionate punch. Though they occupied just 12–13% of a field, they could account for up to 54% of total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>. 



At the Villa Grove site - managed with conventional tillage and planted with continuous corn - the numbers were most extreme.



Data showed that emissions from this site were more than four times higher than those from conservation-managed fields. The combination of heavy nitrogen use and deep tillage likely triggered this spike. 



These methods disturb the soil, release trapped gases, and increase microbial activity - all of which drive nitrous oxide production.



“We may not be able to predict where and when nitrous oxide will spike, but we do know management makes a difference,” said Jang. Fields with continuous corn and traditional tillage saw much higher emissions than those under rotation or conservation practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrous-oxide-hotspots-on-farms">Nitrous oxide hotspots on farms</h2>



The researchers observed that the timing and method of fertilizer application had major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impacts</a>. For example, fields receiving side-dressed nitrogen along crop rows were more predictable than those with broadcast applications.



Yet even then, randomness crept in. Sometimes, emissions seemed tied to where the fertilizer landed in relation to the gas sampling collar, adding uncertainty to the readings.



To make matters more complex, nitrous oxide hotspots rarely stayed in the same place from one year to the next. In most cases, the spatial patterns changed so much that it was hard to determine whether observed hotspots were real or artifacts of shifting management practices.



The team conducted a detailed analysis of flux consistency across years. They found that only a few sampling points behaved reliably. At many locations, N₂O emissions fluctuated by tenfold or more between years. 



“Spatially and temporally, nitrous oxide was very variable,” Jang reiterated. This variability challenges the way scientists currently model soil gas emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-monitoring-for-n₂o-emissions">Smarter monitoring for N₂O emissions</h2>



The unpredictability of nitrous oxide means traditional monitoring methods fall short. 



Static chambers and small sample sizes are likely to miss the true scale of emissions. If models are based on these limited datasets, they may under- or overestimate field-scale emissions, distorting climate forecasts.



“This project enabled us to capture spatio-temporal and management variation to provide gold-standard data and a platform for validating field-level greenhouse gas emissions,” said co-author DoKyoung Lee.



The team's findings suggest that higher sampling density is essential - especially for nitrous oxide.



Through simulation, the researchers found that to estimate N₂O emissions with less than 25% error, fields need at least 5.6 sampling points per hectare. For CO₂, only 1.6 points are needed. This shows how much more sensitive nitrous oxide emissions are to spatial resolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-practices-shape-nitrous-oxide-emissions">Farming practices shape nitrous oxide emissions </h2>



One of the study’s key takeaways is the role of management in emission control. Fields under conservation and no-till practices showed both lower emissions and less variability. 



In contrast, conventional systems that disrupt soil and apply nitrogen heavily had not only higher emissions but also larger uncertainties.



In particular, the Villa Grove site stood out. Managed with deep chisel tillage and continuous corn, it produced up to 785 mg/m² of nitrous oxide - nearly nine times the levels observed in rotated soybean systems. This finding aligns with earlier studies and confirms that farming practices strongly shape emission profiles.



Though it’s hard to predict where hotspots will form, choosing crop rotations and reduced tillage can help shrink the overall size of the problem. That gives farmers a way to contribute to climate solutions without sacrificing yields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-models-need-better-data">Climate models need better data</h2>



Accurate field data is the foundation of every global climate model. If the field data is wrong or incomplete, then the predictions those models generate may misguide policies. 



The University of Illinois study provides one of the most robust datasets yet for calibrating climate models with real-world agricultural emissions.



It also points to a broader issue: the tradeoff between scale and control. Gathering high-resolution, multi-year data across large farms is incredibly labor-intensive. 



The researchers suggest that small, well-managed field experiments may be a better way to understand the biological mechanisms behind N₂O emissions. For large-scale estimates, however, grid-based sampling with enough points per hectare seems to be the best path forward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-each-gas-needs-a-unique-strategy">Each gas needs a unique strategy</h2>



This research reveals how differently CO₂ and N₂O behave in agricultural soils. While CO₂ flows steadily, nitrous oxide erupts in bursts, influenced by everything from rainfall to fertilizer timing. That difference demands tailored strategies for each gas.



Reducing agricultural emissions isn’t just about cutting fertilizer or changing crops. It’s about understanding the invisible patterns in the soil and designing systems that can track and respond to them. 



With the right data, tools, and practices, farmers can keep growing food while also shrinking their carbon - and nitrogen - footprint.



This work serves as a reminder that not all gases are created equal, and neither are the ways they move through the soil. Precision, patience, and smarter farming can help us stay grounded - even as we try to cool the skies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167880925001689?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agriculture Ecosystems &amp; Environment</a>.



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Nitrous oxide emissions erupt from farms in unpredictable bursts

The world’s ability to feed itself depends heavily on farms....

Every plant leaf, eagle feather, and speck of pond scum spell out existence with the same four DNA letters. Ribosomes read that code, snap together twenty familiar amino acids, and pay each cellular bill with the energy token ATP.



That sameness keeps biologists chasing one big puzzle: if the instructions are nearly identical everywhere, who wrote the first edition? 



The answer points to LUCA - the Last Universal Common Ancestor - an organism that sat at the split between Bacteria and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-the-pressure-builds-archaea-go-multicellular/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archaea</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-genetic-code-one-single-ancestor">One genetic code, one single ancestor</h2>



Living systems are not fond of coincidence. A single genetic alphabet, the same protein‑making machinery, and a universal energy currency add up to more than luck. 



“The evolutionary history of genes is complicated by their exchange between lineages," explained Dr. Edmund Moody, lead author from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>. His team sifted thousands of genomes to see how far back the shared toolkit stretches.



"We have to use complex <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">evolutionary models</a> to reconcile the evolutionary history of genes with the genealogy of species.” 



By letting the data, rather than strict cutoffs, decide which features belonged to LUCA, the researchers landed on roughly 2,600 genes - about as many as a run‑of‑the‑mill modern bacterium carries. 



Co-author Dr. Tom Williams noted, “One of the real advantages here is applying the gene‑tree species‑tree reconciliation approach to such a diverse dataset representing the primary domains of life, Archaea and Bacteria. This allows us to say with some confidence - and assess that level of confidence - in how LUCA lived.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-luca-s-developmental-toolkit">LUCA's developmental toolkit</h2>



Previous estimates swung from a lean 80‑gene outline to libraries topping 1,500 families. The updated theory paints LUCA as anything but a genetic ghost. 



Inside those 2,600 blueprints are membrane pumps, DNA‑repair crews, and all the ingredients for simple lipids. Better still, the cache includes the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood%E2%80%93Ljungdahl_pathway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wood–Ljungdahl pathway</a>, a tidy chemical loop that welds carbon dioxide to hydrogen, spits out acetate, and releases usable energy in the process.



Such provisions point to a self‑reliant cell thriving without outside help. That picture challenges older ideas that early life was a stripped‑down passenger riding geology’s coattails toward complexity. 



Instead, LUCA seems to have been capable, adaptable, and ready to try new tricks the moment the planet cooled enough to keep liquid water in place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemistry-of-hydrothermal-vents">Chemistry of hydrothermal vents</h2>



Tracking gene changes throughout Earth's history, the study dates LUCA to about 4.2 billion years ago, only a few hundred million years after Earth itself pulled together. 



“We did not expect LUCA to be so old, within just hundreds of millions of years of Earth formation. However, our results fit with modern views on the habitability of early Earth,” said <a href="https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/persons/sandra-alvarez-carretero?_gl=1*1vhoh1m*_ga*NzU0MjM5MjI2LjE3NDQ5Mjc5MDk.*_ga_6R8SPL3HLT*MTc0NDkzMTg1Ni4yLjEuMTc0NDkzMTk2Mi42MC4wLjA." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Sandra Álvarez‑Carretero</a>.



Back then, asteroid impacts and belching volcanoes regularly upended the crust. Yet seafloor hydrothermal vents likely offered warm, metal‑rich oases. 



Iron, nickel, and sulfur minerals could have driven the very reactions scripted in LUCA’s genome. 



The Wood–Ljungdahl pathway, still used by some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-type-of-microbes-found-earths-deep-soil-critical-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">present‑day microbes</a>, fits neatly into that setting, turning vent chemistry into food and fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-luca-s-peace-was-short-lived">LUCA's peace was short-lived</h2>



“Our study showed that LUCA was a complex organism, not too different from modern prokaryotes. What is really interesting is that it clearly possessed an early immune system, showing that even by 4.2 billion years ago, our ancestor was already engaged in an arms race with viruses,” said <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Davide-Pisani-27ef6f2a-19b3-4474-b71c-e61f2c8585a4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Davide Pisani</a>. 



Genes resembling today’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-gene-editing-gets-a-revolutionary-upgrade-with-new-tool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRISPR</a> defenses suggest viral predators appeared almost as soon as cells did.



This constant sparring matters. Viral raids can shuffle genes between hosts faster than random mutation alone. 



The pressure to dodge infection forces microbes to innovate, potentially speeding up the invention of new enzymes, pathways, and even entire metabolic lifestyles that later lineages would inherit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-sharing-space-with-luca">Microbes sharing space with LUCA</h2>



It’s clear that LUCA was exploiting and changing its environment, but it is unlikely to have lived alone. 



"Its waste would have been food for other microbes, like methanogens, that would have helped to create a recycling ecosystem,” observed Tim Lenton from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>. 



In modern hydrothermal vents, acetate‑producers and methane‑makers trade leftovers, smoothing local chemistry and stabilizing energy flows.



Similar give‑and‑take could explain how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/was-early-earth-a-purple-planet-scientists-say-its-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early Earth</a> cycled carbon and hydrogen long before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sounding-the-alarm-microplastics-are-disrupting-photosynthesis-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> took the stage. 



By knitting together waste and resource, hydrothermal vent communities may have tempered extreme swings in temperature and acidity, opening fresh niches for the next wave of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-first-bacteria-used-oxygen-about-one-billion-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary experiments</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-luca-matter">Why does LUCA matter?</h2>



“The findings and methods employed in this work will also inform future studies that look in more detail into the subsequent evolution of prokaryotes in light of Earth history, including the lesser‑studied Archaea with their methanogenic representatives,” said Professor Anja Spang, co-author from the Royal Netherlands <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Sea Research</a>.



<a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/people/person/Philip-Donoghue-4fd2d6ef-3986-4566-97e4-7ae7db296525/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Philip Donoghue</a> highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the work, saying it brought together data and techniques from across multiple fields. 



This collaborative approach, he explained, made it possible to uncover insights into early Earth and the origins of life that no single discipline could have revealed on its own. 



He also pointed out how swiftly ecosystems seem to have taken root on the early planet - an observation that opens the door to the possibility that life might be thriving on other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-k2-18b-strongest-evidence-yet-of-extraterrestrial-life-discovered-webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth-like worlds</a> in the universe.



"This suggests that life may be flourishing on Earth‑like biospheres elsewhere in the universe," Donoghue concluded.



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



To sum it all up, each genome pulled from ocean mud or desert crust adds a puzzle piece to LUCA’s portrait. 



As sequencing tech grows faster and cheaper, scientists will keep hunting for ancient gene families, refining the ancestral blueprint, and scoping out early viral fossils hidden in microbial DNA. 



New drilling missions aimed at untouched seafloor vents could reveal communities whose lifestyles echo those first biochemical gambles, tightening links between geology and genetics.



The storyline is still unfolding, but one takeaway already stands firm: life did not tiptoe onto the stage. It sprinted, armed with a full toolkit, ready to spar with viruses, and eager to reshape its surroundings - leaving every organism alive today carrying a hint of that four‑billion‑year‑old spark.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02461-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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All life on Earth comes from one single ancestor, now we know what it was

Every plant leaf, eagle feather, and speck of pond scum...

Nature lovers worldwide are turning to EarthSnap, the AI-powered identification app that can instantly recognize over 2 million plants, animals, bugs, birds, and more. 



Built by the team behind Earth.com with over 15M monthly visitors, EarthSnap has quickly gained traction among outdoor enthusiasts looking for a smarter, more interactive way to explore and understand the natural world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrate-earth-month-with-earthsnap">Celebrate Earth Month with EarthSnap</h2>



With the official rollout timed for April in celebration of Earth Month, EarthSnap invites users across the globe to reconnect with nature and explore biodiversity like never before. 



As environmental awareness reaches a peak during this globally recognized month, EarthSnap offers a powerful, tech-driven way to engage with the planet and share discoveries with others.



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The app goes beyond just identification - offering an extensive database filled with detailed insights, a search function for learning more about specific species, and an interactive SnapMap where users can explore identified species from around the world. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-deeper-connection-with-nature">A deeper connection with nature</h2>



As more people seek deeper connections with nature, EarthSnap has emerged as a must-have tool for hikers, travelers, gardening enthusiasts and anyone curious about nature.



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EarthSnap is more than just an identification app - it’s a global hub for nature lovers. 



The EarthSnappers Community allows users to share their discoveries, engage with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and contribute to a growing database of species observations. 



Whether it’s a rare orchid spotted on a mountain trail or a never-before-seen bird in a backyard, EarthSnap makes it easy to document and discuss nature with a like-minded community.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earthsnap.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/EarthSnap_feature-graphic_press-release_V3s.webp" alt="EarthSnap is FREE, download today. Click here." class="wp-image-1966695" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">EarthSnap is FREE, download today. Click here.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-features-driving-earthsnap-s-popularity">Key features driving EarthSnap’s popularity</h2>



● AI-Powered Identification: Instantly recognize over 2 million plants and animals by snapping a photo.



● Search &amp; Learn: Look up species by name to access detailed facts and insights.



● Global SnapMap: Explore photos of identified species from users worldwide.



● Personalized Snap Collections: Save and organize nature discoveries in a digital library.



● Cross-Platform Accessibility: Access all saved photos and data on both mobile and desktop.



As Earth Month continues to inspire a global appreciation for the natural world, EarthSnap is providing a timely solution for those eager to deepen their understanding of biodiversity and participate in meaningful environmental engagement.



With AI-powered tools, a vast species database, and an engaged global community, EarthSnap is setting a new standard for how people interact with nature.



EarthSnap is now available for download on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/plant-animal-id-earthsnap/id1590178460" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earthsnap" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Android</a>. To learn more, visit <a href="https://earthsnap.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap’s website</a>.

Nature enthusiasts are flocking to EarthSnap for plant and animal ID

Nature lovers worldwide are turning to EarthSnap, the AI-powered identification...

For most of Earth’s first three billion years, oceans brimmed with single‑celled microbes that shuffled along at a slow biochemical pace -- life, but not complex. 



It lacked ample phosphorus, the nutrient every cell needs for DNA assembly, membrane stability, and ATP energy swaps. Rivers dripped only trace amounts of phosphorus into seawater, holding biology to pint‑size proportions and throttling evolutionary experiments in body size.



Evidence for that long famine sits in ancient mudstones, which contain scant phosphate minerals compared with younger rocks. 



Productivity lagged; oxygen production stayed low; food chains hid in microscopic layers. When phosphorus finally surged, life gained the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-ingredients-building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroid-bennu-dust-sample/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> to try larger, more complex designs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-chaos-and-complex-life">Volcanic chaos and complex life</h2>



About 2.1 billion years ago, the Congo and São Francisco continental blocks slammed together. 



Their collision squeezed faults, stirred magma, and unleashed underwater volcanoes across a shallow inland sea now preserved as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franceville_basin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Francevillian sub‑basin</a> in Gabon. 



Eruptions pumped phosphorus‑rich fluids straight into the water and walled the basin off from the wider ocean.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-fuels-toxic-algae-and-alters-carbon-cycling-in-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyanobacteria</a> thrived in this enclosed lagoon, releasing oxygen and burying carbon as fast as nutrients arrived. 



The chemical bloom raised local energy budgets many times over, creating conditions that favored bigger bodies and cooperative cell assemblies rather than lone bacterial drifters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-discovery-challenges-timeline">Fossil discovery challenges timeline</h2>



Black shales from the basin hold disc‑shaped, ribbon‑shaped, and leaf‑shaped impressions up to six inches long - giants for their day. 



Their regular outlines and clustering hint at biological growth rather than odd mineral concretions. They appear in the same sedimentary layers that show the phosphorus spike, linking anatomy to chemistry.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/earth_complex-life_began-much-earlier_lobate-macrofossils_credit-UPoitiers_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/earth_complex-life_began-much-earlier_lobate-macrofossils_credit-UPoitiers_1s.webp" alt="The team’s research provides strong validation for the biological affinity of the lobate macrofossils whose validity has been widely debated in the scientific community. Credit: Professor Abderrazzak El Albani of the University of Poitiers, France" class="wp-image-1966454"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The team’s research provides strong validation for the biological affinity of the lobate macrofossils whose validity has been widely debated in the scientific community. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Professor Abderrazzak El Albani of the University of Poitiers, France</figcaption></figure>



If these forms truly represent multicellular life, they push the arrival of complex organisms back by roughly 1.5 billion years. 



That jump rewrites the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-of-life-ice-ages-gave-evolution-a-kick-start/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary timeline</a>, showing that animals were not the first to test large size; earlier prototypes surfaced when nutrients and oxygen briefly aligned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemistry-meets-biology">Chemistry meets biology</h2>



The new work, led by <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff University</a> geobiologist Dr. Ernest Chi Fru, pairs detailed rock chemistry with fossil mapping. 



“The availability of phosphorus in the environment is thought to be a key component in the evolution of life on Earth, especially in the transition from simple single‑celled organisms to complex organisms like animals and plants," Dr. Chi Fru explained.



“We already know that increases in marine phosphorus and seawater oxygen concentrations are linked to an episode of biological evolution around 635 million years ago. Our study adds another, much earlier episode into the record, 2.1 billion years ago.”



Digging into the basin’s history, Dr. Chi Fru explained that the volcanic activity following the collision of continental blocks likely isolated the basin from the global ocean, creating a nutrient-rich inland sea. 



This stable environment supported abundant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-was-once-a-green-marble-before-its-oceans-turned-blue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyanobacterial photosynthesis</a>, which in turn oxygenated the water and generated enough energy to support larger, more complex life forms like those seen in the fossils from the period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-complex-life-experiment-stalled">Why the complex life experiment stalled</h2>



Outside the Francevillian lagoon, oceans still lacked phosphorus and carried little oxygen. Larger creatures would have struggled in those harsh surroundings. 



The basin’s shoreline barrier turned the ecosystem into a biological bubble; when volcanic vents cooled and nutrient flow faded, conditions reverted and the macro‑organisms vanished.



Their failure to spread shows that evolution tests possibilities whenever resources allow, but those trials can fizzle if the wider planet remains hostile. 



Complexity needs both innovation and the freedom to roam - something the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-of-lifes-evolution-extended-by-nearly-1-5-billion-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proterozoic world</a> could not yet provide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-steps-to-modern-animals">Two steps to modern animals</h2>



Researchers see a “two‑step” path. The Francevillian pulse marks step one, following the first known rise in atmospheric oxygen. 



Step two arrived nearly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/luca-last-universal-common-ancestor-progenitor-all-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5 billion years later</a>, when another oxygen surge met a more sustained supply of nutrients during the Ediacaran period. 



That tandem lifted complex life beyond isolated pockets, setting the stage for the Cambrian explosion and the diverse animals that populate Earth now.



The record hints that ample phosphorus may be as critical as oxygen for forging ecosystems full of active, energy‑demanding organisms. Without both factors in play, biology tends to stay microscopic.



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



Astrobiologists comb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-on-the-dwarf-planet-ceres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet atmospheres</a> for oxygen because it signals possible photosynthesis. The Francevillian story suggests they should also weigh a planet’s phosphorus cycle. 



A world awash in oxygen but starved of phosphate could linger in a microbial phase for eons. Conversely, tectonic quirks that sprinkle oceans with phosphate might jump‑start evolutionary leaps.



Phosphorus, then, is more than fertilizer for terrestrial crops. It is a potential cosmic throttle on complexity, deciding whether life remains small or reaches for new biological heights.



-----



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301926824001669?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Precambrian Research</a>.



Image Credit: Professor Abderrazzak El Albani of the University of Poitiers, France



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Is this a fossil? If so, complex life on Earth emerged 1.5 billion years earlier

For most of Earth’s first three billion years, oceans brimmed...

In cities around the world, empty lots and old industrial sites are being transformed into patches of color and life through the planting of wildflowers. These green spaces are meant to help pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing much-needed food sources from urban wildflowers.



But new research suggests that the soil in which these flowers are planted might be doing more harm than good for the plants and their pollinators.



A team of scientists discovered that wildflowers growing on previously developed land - including sites where buildings and factories once stood - can take up harmful metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium.



These metals don’t just stay in the plants. They end up in the nectar that pollinators feed on, introducing toxic substances directly into their diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polluted-roots-of-urban-wildflowers">Polluted roots of urban wildflowers</h2>



Many cities, particularly older ones, have soil that’s been exposed to decades of industrial activity. Sources including cement dust, mining runoff, and vehicle emissions leave behind long-lasting contaminants which can affect urban wildflowers.



In the post-industrial city of Cleveland, Ohio - where the study took place - over 33,000 vacant lots remain from years of population decline and industrial use. Researchers tested <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nectar</a> from common self-seeding wildflowers growing in these urban spaces.



The wildflowers included white clover, wild carrot, bindweed, and chicory - plants known to attract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-bees-choose-the-same-flowers-again-and-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and provide nectar throughout the growing season. Every plant tested contained at least one toxic metal.



Lead was the most common and found in the highest concentrations. The amount and type of metal varied by plant species. 



Chicory had the highest total metal levels, followed by white clover, wild carrot, and bindweed. These are not rare or exotic flowers - they grow widely across cities in both the U.S. and the UK, often planted intentionally as part of pollinator-friendly initiatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-wildflowers-affect-bee-health">Urban wildflowers affect bee health</h2>



Even small amounts of metal in nectar can affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-quality-and-biodiversity-impact-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee health</a>. Previous studies have shown that these contaminants damage pollinators’ ability to learn and remember, which directly affects how well they can forage for food. 



In extreme cases, the toxins can lead to population decline and even death. Reducing the risk of metal exposure is critical for the success of urban pollinator conservation schemes, according to the researchers.



They also noted that certain plants are more likely to absorb these contaminants than others - a fact that should inform future planting strategies. 



One solution is to test soil quality before sowing wildflowers. Polluted areas might need to be cleaned up first.



In places where harmful metals are already present, managing wildflowers through regular mowing may help. Limiting their bloom time can reduce the amount of contaminated nectar available to bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-can-benefit-from-wildflower-soil">Bees can benefit from wildflower soil</h2>



Dr. Sarah Scott is an expert in the University of Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Zoology</a> and the study’s lead author.



“It’s really important to have wildflowers as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dancing-bees-reveal-that-urban-gardens-are-a-good-source-of-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food source for the bees</a>, and our results should not discourage people from planting wildflowers in towns and cities,” Dr. Scott explained.



“We hope this study will raise awareness that soil health is also important for bee health. Before planting wildflowers in urban areas to attract bees and other pollinators, it’s important to consider the history of the land and what might be in the soil - and if necessary - find out whether there’s a local soil testing and cleanup service available first.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-practical-way-to-support-pollinators">A practical way to support pollinators</h2>



Pollinators are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-disappearing-and-its-bad-news-for-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital</a> to the world’s food supply. They help plants - including fruits and vegetables such as apples and tomatoes - develop and reproduce.



Natural pollination is estimated to contribute billions of dollars to global crop production each year. But wild pollinator populations have plummeted by over 50% in the past 50 years, largely due to habitat loss, land use changes, pesticides, and climate change.



“Climate change feels so overwhelming, but simply planting flowers in certain areas can help towards conserving pollinators, which is a realistic way for people to make a positive impact on the environment,” said Dr. Scott.



This new research serves as a reminder that while planting wildflowers is a step in the right direction, the quality of the land they’re planted on matters just as much. 



A colorful patch of blooms may look like a haven for bees - but if the soil beneath holds a toxic past, it could turn into a hidden hazard.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.71238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Urban wildflowers may be harming bees

In cities around the world, empty lots and old industrial...

California’s Sierra Nevada range is known for its rugged peaks, vast wilderness, and iconic trees. For centuries, botanists and hikers alike have climbed these mountains, encountering the same types of conifers as they ascend in elevation - lodgepole, foxtail, and limber pines staking their claim in the uppermost zones of tree life.



But sometimes, nature throws a curveball. In the fall of last year, a routine hike in Sequoia National Park turned into a rare discovery. Professor Hugh Safford of <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> was not searching for scientific revelations. 



He was simply out for a walk in the mountains. Yet what Professor Safford found has rewritten the elevation record books and raised urgent questions about how trees are responding to climate change.



His discovery, now published in Madroño, a journal of the California Botanical Society, is a glimpse into the High Sierra’s changing face - and a reminder of the power of simply being present in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tree-where-it-should-not-exist">A tree where it should not exist</h2>



Safford, a forest ecologist in the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy, had paused during his hike along the timberline on the south slopes of Mount Kaweah. 



He admired a foxtail pine, then a lodgepole pine - both expected residents of the subalpine zone. But then, something unexpected caught his eye.



“Then I thought, ‘What’s that?’” said Safford. “I walk over, and it’s a Jeffrey pine! It made no sense. What is a Jeffrey pine doing above 11,500 feet?”



Jeffrey pines typically dominate the upper montane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> of the Sierra Nevada. They’re the common backdrop around Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes. 



But they are not known for living among the rugged, wind-battered zones of traditional subalpine species. What Safford found was extraordinary: a healthy Jeffrey pine growing far above its expected range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jeffrey-trees-break-mountain-height-records">Jeffrey trees break mountain height records</h2>



After that first encounter, Professor Safford began looking more closely. Over the course of his hike, he identified 14 Jeffrey pine trees thriving above 11,800 feet. Some were over 20 years old. The highest of them stood at 12,657 feet. That shattered the previous known elevation record for the species by 1,860 feet.



Even more surprising, these pines were growing higher than any of California’s traditional subalpine species, including the foxtail, limber, and lodgepole pines. Until now, none of those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-might-be-misleading-us-about-climate-change-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> had been documented above 12,034 feet.



Safford’s field observations suggest that our existing databases, satellite data, and models may be significantly underestimating where certain tree species are managing to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-grow-higher-up-mountain-slopes">Trees grow higher up mountain slopes</h2>



Why are Jeffrey pines now taking root at elevations once deemed too extreme for their survival? 



The answer, Safford suspects, lies in the warming climate. Rising air temperatures and earlier snowmelts are reshaping the ecological dynamics of the High Sierra.



The high mountain soils, once locked under snow for months, are thawing earlier. This opens short windows of opportunity for seeds to germinate and grow. In this altered climate rhythm, some species are seizing the chance to move upward.



The Jeffrey pine’s tolerance to both cold and drought may be key to its success in these harsh new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a>. But trees don’t move on their own. Something - or someone - has helped them get there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-trees-and-mountain-heights">Birds, trees, and mountain heights</h2>



Safford suspects that the Clark’s nutcracker, a high alpine bird with an excellent memory, may be playing an unexpected role in this ecological shift. 



Known for its relationship with the whitebark pine, the bird collects seeds and stores them in high mountain “caches” for future meals. For Jeffrey pines, the bird might be acting as an unintentional gardener.



“Much as this nutcracker does for whitebark pine trees, preliminary evidence suggests the bird carries fleshy Jeffrey pine seeds up the mountain from thousands of feet below, storing them in the High Sierra’s ‘refrigerator’ for an early summer snack.”



Some of those snacks never get eaten. And when the conditions are right - less snow, warmer soil - those seeds take root and start a new population.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-aren-t-migrating-slowly">Trees aren’t migrating slowly</h2>



Trees generally move slowly in response to climate change. Their range shifts inch upward over decades. But Safford’s discovery hints at a more chaotic process, influenced by outside forces like birds and sudden environmental windows.



“I’m looking at trees surviving in habitats where they couldn’t before, but they’re also dying in places they used to live before,” Safford said. 



“They’re not just holding hands and walking uphill. This crazy leapfrogging of species challenges what we think we know about these systems reacting as the climate warms.”



This leapfrogging defies the gentle, predictable march that many models assume. It reveals a more fragmented and opportunistic reality, where chance encounters between birds and seeds create new ecological frontiers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-trees-reaching-new-heights">Mountain trees reaching new heights</h2>



Perhaps one of the most telling aspects of Safford’s discovery is how it happened. Not through satellite imagery. Not through remote sensors or AI-driven models. But by someone walking in the mountains and paying attention.



“People aren’t marching to the tops of the mountains to see where the trees really are,” Safford said. "Instead, they are relying on satellite imagery, which can’t see most small trees. What science does is help us understand how the world functions."



”In this case, where you see the impacts of climate change most dramatically are at high elevations and high latitudes. If we want our finger on the pulse of how the climate is warming and what the impacts are, that’s where it will be happening first. We just need to get people out there.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-story-of-resilience">A story of resilience </h2>



Safford and his team of students will return this summer to the southern Sierra Nevada. They’ll hike Mount Kaweah, Mount Whitney, and nearby parks, searching for more of these high-altitude outliers. 



Their work will include identifying seedlings, measuring mountain tree heights, and refining elevation models based on actual ground conditions.



The mission is simple: understand what’s happening before more changes go unnoticed. The Jeffrey pine may not remain the state’s highest tree forever, but for now, it tells a story of change, resilience, and the surprising ways life finds new ground.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://bioone.org/journals/madro%c3%b1o/volume-72/issue-1/0024-9637-72.1.a7/NEW-ELEVATION-RECORDS-FOR-JEFFREY-PINE-PINUS-JEFFREYI-AMURRAY-BIS/10.3120/0024-9637-72.1.a7.short" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madroño</a>.



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Why trees are reaching new heights in the mountains

California’s Sierra Nevada range is known for its rugged peaks,...

Cancer can turn life upside down for many people. The physical struggle is often matched by emotional burdens that seem to show up when least expected. 



A recent study led by Ryan Castle from the <a href="https://wholehealthoncology.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whole Health Oncology Institute</a> is shedding new light on the role of cannabis to treat cancer symptoms. 



Castle's team joined forces with <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250416912635/en/Cancer-Playbook-Powered-by-Whole-Health-Oncology-Institute-Launches-the-Largest-Meta-Analysis-to-Date-on-Medical-Cannabis-and-Cancer-Symptoms">Cancer Playbook</a> to explore whether cannabis can help with typical cancer complaints like pain, appetite loss, and sleeplessness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-ease-cancer-symptoms">Cannabis may ease cancer symptoms</h2>



Cancer Playbook is known for bridging research with the experiences of real people. The platform gathers observations from individuals going through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment</a>, then combines that data with findings from peer-reviewed publications.



This provides a more complete view of how cannabis interacts with the body, while also revealing what has worked for others.



“We expected controversy. What we found was overwhelming scientific consensus,” said Castle. 



Many studies now suggest that, when properly used, cannabis can be of significant help in addressing cancer symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-stories-shape-cannabis-research">Real stories shape cannabis research</h2>



Technology in healthcare is moving fast, but personal stories can be just as powerful. Cancer Playbook uses <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/patient-reported-outcome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patient Reported Outcomes</a> to shift the spotlight onto people’s actual experiences. 



Those outcomes transform observations about fatigue and aches into reliable data that clinicians can apply.



Healthcare professionals have started to give these accounts more attention, since large <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trials</a> don't always capture the day-to-day hurdles that real individuals face. 



Focusing on each person’s comfort level, mood, and energy can create a more complete cancer care plan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-reduce-cancer-related-pain">Cannabis may reduce cancer-related pain</h2>



Pain can influence every aspect of life for cancer patients. Opioids have been a traditional go-to, but some find limited relief or tough side effects. 



Data from various research efforts suggest that cannabis may ease <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7140/5/1/7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lingering pain</a> for some patients while posing fewer complications.



Users who turn to cannabis for treating cancer symptoms often report fewer problems than they had feared. 



A handful of these studies show promise in helping with neuropathic pain, which is a tricky discomfort that standard drugs can’t always contain.



Not everyone responds in the same way, but many see cannabis as a welcome option for exploring additional approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-appetite-and-nausea">Cannabis, appetite, and nausea</h2>



Nausea is a serious drain on quality of life for people undergoing harsh treatments. Traditional anti-nausea medications help but might not cover the full scope of how patients feel. That’s where medical cannabis steps in, offering another strategy for those dealing with this challenge.



Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11409765/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> indicates that cannabis may support better eating patterns by triggering chemical receptors tied to hunger. 



Even modest success can make a difference by preserving energy and mood. It’s not a magic fix, but it could be an added tool in an often-complicated toolbox.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-help-reduce-inflammation">Cannabis may help reduce inflammation</h2>



Inflammation can worsen cancer’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> and lead to other serious problems. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915323000021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> studying <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/neurotoxin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a> and immune triggers have noticed that cannabinoids might reduce harmful responses at the cellular level. This suggests a targeted benefit that goes beyond just pain or nausea management.



Experts caution that these biological processes are not fully understood, and it’s unclear how inflammation shifts from minor to long-term danger. 



Early patterns, though, point to cannabis as having a role in controlling swelling in tissues, which might be helpful if standard therapies fall short.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patients-need-informed-choices">Patients need informed choices</h2>



“Too often, people turn to cannabis as a last resort. We believe it should be part of the conversation from day one,” said Jim Gerencser, the founder of Cancer Playbook.



By logging real-life feedback and comparing it with existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aspirin-may-prevent-cancer-from-moving-to-other-parts-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>, Cancer Playbook informs patients on treatment approaches that doctors might not always have time to discuss in detail. 



This helps remove guesswork and promotes shared decision-making, which can reduce anxiety when facing critical choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-studies-support-cannabis-use">Large studies support cannabis use</h2>



Interest in cannabis has been sparked by large reviews that merge thousands of peer-reviewed articles. 



Researchers pool results to look for patterns that might be overlooked if only a handful of academic papers is scanned. This approach shapes a big-picture view of what may help many people who are facing cancer diagnoses.



Recent findings suggest that several cannabinoids appear safer and more effective than older assumptions indicated. 



However, some questions remain about recommended doses and timing. Clinical trials still need to define the exact parameters for optimal results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-advice-and-safe-cannabis-use">Medical advice and safe cannabis use</h2>



Although the enthusiasm for cannabis is growing, it’s wise to proceed with medical advice. Certain interactions with prescription drugs haven’t been fully studied. There's also the complexity of the plant itself - hemp, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/endocannabinoid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endocannabinoids</a>, and oils vary in chemical content.



Some oncologists suggest choosing formulations that have been tested for purity, which can reduce the risk of additives or inconsistent potency. Safety checks matter. 



Cancer treatment demands careful collaboration between patients and healthcare teams, so speaking openly about cannabis use is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-research-across-cancer-fields">Cannabis research across cancer fields </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-could-accelerate-discoveries-in-cancer-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> on cannabis continues to shift. Some of it focuses on how different strains interact with radiation or immunotherapy. Other work tracks its <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/anticarcinogenic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anticarcinogenic</a> capabilities, although that part is still being investigated in labs and patient trials.



Discussions about cannabis today look different from earlier times, when legal barriers limited the scope of studies. The current environment encourages deeper investigations. That leads to a broader acceptance of cannabis as a therapy that is worth exploring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-cancer-care">The future of cancer care</h2>



Many updates in oncology come from labs, but the patient perspective is equally valuable. When data from countless personal experiences gets analyzed, fresh patterns can emerge. 



Information about how people handle their side effects or combine treatments can shed new light on possible ways to get results.



Well-designed platforms like Cancer Playbook aim to make sense of these experiences without trivializing the science behind it all. It’s a blend of real-world accounts and measured research, which gives patients a more active role in shaping their own care path.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1490621/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Oncology</a>.



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Overwhelming evidence that cannabis significantly helps cancer patients

Cancer can turn life upside down for many people. The...

Close-up,Of,A,Bitter,Bracket,Fungus,At,The,Veluwe

Most of us experience bitterness as a simple taste - something triggered by a vegetable that makes us wrinkle our noses and push a plate away.



But there’s more going on behind the scenes. The molecules that cause bitterness can vary wildly in shape and source, and scientists are still piecing together how our bodies recognize and react to them. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-a-bitter-mushroom">The mystery of a bitter mushroom</h2>



A recent study has taken that search into lesser-known territory, using a forest mushroom with an extremely bitter flavor to find out more.



In a collaborative effort, scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a> and the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry in Halle (Saale) set out to explore the bitter properties of Amaropostia stiptica, commonly called the bitter bracket mushroom.



This fungus can be found growing on the trunks and branches of dead trees. It has a shelf-like fruiting body that juts out from the wood and, although not harmful, it is known for its intensely bitter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taste-buds-are-the-first-line-of-defense-against-eating-too-much-and-too-fast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taste</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-amaropostia-stiptica">Understanding Amaropostia stiptica</h2>



Amaropostia stiptica is a crust fungus that hangs out mostly on decaying wood, especially in tropical and subtropical forests. 



You’ll spot it forming thin, resiny patches on dead hardwood, often with a waxy or slightly sticky texture. Its surface tends to look smooth to slightly bumpy, and it usually has a pale color - think creamy beige to light yellow. 



Even though it's not flashy, it plays a crucial role in breaking down tough plant material, recycling nutrients back into the forest floor.



While it’s not edible or medicinal, this fungus still earns respect for doing the gritty work of decomposition in ecosystems where that kind of job is essential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-we-know-about-bitter-compounds">What we know about bitter compounds</h2>



Most of what we know about bitter compounds comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a> or synthetic chemicals. 



In fact, the BitterDB database - the main catalog of known bitter molecules - currently lists over 2,400 entries. For around 800 of them, researchers have matched at least one specific human bitter taste receptor. 



But animal, bacterial, and fungal sources of bitter compounds are still a mystery. This makes mushrooms an ideal place to look for new insights.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-bitter-compounds-are-toxic">Not all bitter compounds are toxic</h2>



Our bodies rely on bitter receptors, called TAS2Rs, to warn us against potentially dangerous substances. But there’s a twist: not all bitter compounds are toxic, and not all toxins taste bitter.



The infamous death cap mushroom, for example, contains toxins that don’t taste bitter at all. Clearly, something more complex is happening.



Adding to the mystery, bitter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-tongue-now-has-six-basic-taste-receptors-instead-of-just-five/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taste receptors</a> aren’t only found on the tongue. They also show up in the stomach, intestines, heart, lungs, and even on some blood cells. 



These receptors aren’t used for tasting in the traditional sense, so scientists wonder what role they’re playing in the rest of the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-new-bitter-compounds">Identifying new bitter compounds</h2>



"Comprehensive data collections on bitter compounds and their receptors could help us to find answers to these open questions," said Maik Behrens, who heads a research group at the <a href="https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/institute/leibniz-institute-alle-listen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute</a> in Freising.



"The more well-founded data we have on the various bitter compound classes, taste receptor types and variants, the better we can develop predictive models using systems biology methods to identify new bitter compounds and predict bitter taste receptor-mediated effects." 



This applies to both food constituents and endogenous substances that activate extraoral bitter taste receptors.



To support this effort, the team focused on finding new, underrepresented sources of bitterness. Their latest work adds rare fungal-derived compounds to the growing database of known bitter substances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushroom-with-three-bitter-compounds">Mushroom with three bitter compounds </h2>



Using advanced analytical techniques, the team identified three new bitter compounds from Amaropostia stiptica and mapped out their chemical structures. 



When tested in cell-based systems, all three compounds triggered at least one of the human bitter taste receptors.



The standout discovery, however, was a molecule called oligoporin D. This substance activates the TAS2R46 receptor at extremely low concentrations - about 63 micrograms per liter.



To put it in perspective, that’s like dissolving a single gram of the compound into more than 100 bathtubs of water. One gram is about the same as the tip of a knife full of baking soda.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bitterness-as-a-clue-to-better-health">Bitterness as a clue to better health</h2>



"Our results contribute to expanding our knowledge of the molecular diversity and mode of action of natural bitter compounds," explained Behrens.



"In the long term, insights in this area could enable new applications in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-region-that-influences-our-food-preferences-can-be-manipulated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> and health research, for example in the development of sensorially appealing foods that positively influence digestion and satiety."



The discovery of new bitter molecules from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> shows just how much is left to learn. Bitterness isn't just a taste - it’s a signal, a potential tool, and possibly even a pathway to better health.



With each new entry into the bitter compound database, researchers come one step closer to understanding how taste shapes our bodies in ways we’re only just beginning to grasp.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c12651" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry</a>.



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Most bitter tasting substance on Earth identified by scientists

Most of us experience bitterness as a simple taste -...

Most people know sauerkraut as a tart, crunchy topping for bratwurst or hot dogs. But this humble fermented cabbage could be doing much more than adding flavor. 



New research from the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>, shows that sauerkraut may help protect and strengthen your intestinal barrier. 



The study focuses on the way fermentation transforms cabbage - and how those changes may improve gut health.



Fermented foods are not new. Humans have been fermenting vegetables for thousands of years. In many cultures, cabbage is transformed into regionally loved dishes: sauerkraut in Europe, suan cai in China, and curtido in Latin America. 



But while these foods have long been praised for taste and preservation, modern science is now catching up. Researchers are investigating what’s happening on a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-have-an-unexpected-link-to-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular level</a> when we consume these fermented foods, and why they could be so beneficial for the human body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermentation-transforms-more-than-flavor">Fermentation transforms more than flavor</h2>



In the new study, Professor Maria Marco and postdoctoral researcher Lei Wei examined how sauerkraut differs from raw cabbage in its chemical makeup. They wanted to see whether the transformation brought about during fermentation had any measurable effect on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-health-may-be-the-key-to-anxiety-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut health</a>. 



To do this, they analyzed hundreds of metabolites - small molecules formed through the breakdown of food and by microbial action.



The researchers compared raw cabbage, homemade sauerkraut, and commercial, store-bought sauerkraut. They also tested the leftover brine to see whether it carried any beneficial effects on its own.



Using Caco-2 cells, a well-established model of human intestinal epithelium, they exposed the cells to inflammatory cytokines to simulate gut stress.



They found that fermented cabbage helped protect the intestinal barrier, preventing the kind of damage typically caused by inflammation. Raw cabbage and the fermentation brine did not provide the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/targeting-the-gut-might-be-key-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefit</a>.



“It doesn't matter, in a way, if we make sauerkraut at home or we buy it from the store; both kinds of sauerkraut seemed to protect gut function,” Marco said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-gut-barrier-matters">Why the gut barrier matters</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut</a> lining is more than just a digestive surface. It forms a tight barrier that keeps harmful pathogens out while letting nutrients in. 



When this barrier breaks down, it can lead to inflammation, infection, and chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Inflammation also plays a key role in the progression of metabolic diseases.



The study showed that sauerkraut maintains trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TER), a measurement that reflects how well the gut barrier holds together. 



It also reduced paracellular permeability, meaning fewer unwanted substances passed through the gut wall. These effects were observed for both lab-fermented and store-bought samples.



“Some of the metabolites we find in the sauerkraut are the same kind of metabolites we're finding to be made by the gut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome</a>, so that gives us a little more confidence that this connection we found between the metabolites in sauerkraut and good gut health makes sense,” Marco said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sauerkraut-has-unique-helpful-molecules">Sauerkraut has unique helpful molecules</h2>



What’s going on inside sauerkraut that gives it these powers? The UC Davis team analyzed over 500 metabolites using two high-resolution techniques: gas chromatography and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. 



Compared to raw cabbage, fermented versions had increased levels of beneficial compounds like D-phenyl-lactate (D-PLA), indole-3-lactate (ILA), and lactic acid.



These are not random byproducts. These metabolites are also made by beneficial gut microbes and are known to support the immune system and strengthen the gut lining. Some even help with antioxidant activity and metabolic regulation.



In particular, ferments that included the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP8826R produced a metabolite profile closer to commercial sauerkraut. These samples had more sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol, and higher acidity, which helps prevent spoilage and supports beneficial bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-sauerkraut-works-better">Whole sauerkraut works better</h2>



The researchers didn’t stop at identifying these compounds. They isolated D-PLA, ILA, and lactate to test their effect on gut cells. While these molecules reduced permeability, they didn’t fully protect the gut barrier on their own. 



In contrast, the whole sauerkraut preparation worked much better, suggesting that the full spectrum of fermentation byproducts works together to support gut health.



This synergy reinforces the idea that whole fermented foods often outperform isolated compounds. The food matrix and microbial complexity likely play important roles that can’t be captured by a single supplement.



“A little bit of sauerkraut could go a long way,” Marco said. “We should be thinking about including these fermented foods in our regular diets and not just as a side on our hot dogs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sauerkraut-and-gut-inflammation">Sauerkraut and gut inflammation</h2>



Interestingly, the team also measured levels of IL-8, a key marker of inflammation. Sauerkraut didn’t reduce IL-8 in every sample, especially not in the lab-fermented versions. 



However, the intestinal barrier still stayed intact. This suggests that fermented cabbage may act through a different pathway than previously assumed. It might not block inflammatory signals, but instead may prevent those signals from damaging the gut.



The study also looked at gene expression tied to gut integrity. Only the lab ferments with added L. plantarum restored normal levels of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), a gene involved in regulating tight junctions between intestinal cells.



“Along with eating more fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables, even if we have just a regular serving of sauerkraut, maybe putting these things more into our diet, we'll find that can help us in the long run against inflammation, for example, and make our digestive tract more resilient when we have a disturbance,” Marco said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermentation-gives-cabbage-protective-powers">Fermentation gives cabbage protective powers</h2>



With rising interest in gut health, fermented foods are becoming more popular. But not all ferments are created equal, and most benefits are anecdotal. This study provides a clearer picture. It shows how cabbage fermentation creates a consistent core of protective metabolites.



Commercial sauerkraut also had higher levels of putrescine and tyramine - compounds that increase during storage. Though these didn’t appear harmful, their presence highlights how storage conditions may influence health effects. 



The probiotic-added lab ferments mimicked commercial samples more closely, suggesting that starter cultures might offer ways to tailor health benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-from-cells-to-humans">Next steps: From cells to humans</h2>



This study was done using cell models, not people. Human trials will be the real test. Future research should look at how long fermented cabbage metabolites stay active in the body and what quantity is beneficial. 



It will also be important to see how sauerkraut interacts with the diverse microbial communities in actual human guts.



Still, the results are promising. Fermented cabbage consistently protected intestinal cells from damage. Its effect was not tied to one specific brand, strain, or fermentation setup. This points to a resilient and adaptable health benefit - one that might fit easily into many diets around the world.



Whether you ferment your own cabbage or pick it up at the store, that tangy forkful might be doing your gut a favor. And that makes sauerkraut more than just a topping - it makes it a potential ally in maintaining everyday health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/epub/10.1128/aem.02234-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied and Environmental Microbiology</a>.



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Potential new superfood proves incredibly beneficial for gut health

Most people know sauerkraut as a tart, crunchy topping for...

Rice has long been a symbol of nourishment and security. Across vast stretches of Asia, it serves not just as a meal but as a cultural constant - present in everyday dishes and sacred celebrations alike. Now, climate pressure threatens that deep-rooted connection.



But a new study led by researchers at Columbia University’s <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mailman School of Public Health</a>, in collaboration with teams from China and the United States, reveals a brewing crisis. 



As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> warms and carbon dioxide levels climb, a quiet transformation is taking place deep in paddy soils. This change could soon place millions at risk - not from scarcity, but from toxicity.



The findings, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, detail how a hotter, CO₂-rich atmosphere is likely to increase levels of inorganic arsenic in rice. This toxic compound is linked to a wide array of serious health problems, including cancers, cardiovascular disease, and developmental disorders. 



With rice being a staple food for over half the world’s population, the implications are far-reaching and deeply concerning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-factors-and-arsenic-accumulation">Climate factors and arsenic accumulation </h2>



Until recently, studies examining arsenic accumulation in rice focused on isolated climate factors. Researchers had explored how elevated temperatures or increased CO₂ levels might influence arsenic uptake, but never both at once in a natural setting. 



This new study is the first to simulate real-world growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> over multiple years and varieties using Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) platforms.



Over a ten-year span, researchers observed 28 genetically diverse rice cultivars across four field sites in the Yangtze River Delta, a region emblematic of Asian rice agriculture. 



The FACE system introduced CO₂ levels 200 ppm above ambient conditions and used infrared heating to simulate a 2°C rise in temperature. The results were clear: temperature and CO₂ together had a synergistic effect, raising inorganic arsenic levels in rice grains more than either factor alone.



“Our results suggest that this increase in arsenic levels could significantly elevate the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and other non-cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health effects</a>,” said Dr. Lewis Ziska, associate professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the Columbia Mailman School.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-increases-arsenic-uptake">Climate change increases arsenic uptake</h2>



What makes these findings especially alarming is the mechanism behind them. The study uncovered that elevated temperature and CO₂ don't just influence rice physiology - they reshape the microbial and chemical makeup of paddy soils.



Increased temperatures lowered redox potential in the soil, creating more anaerobic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-constantly-reshuffling-earths-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>. These conditions favor the release of arsenic into the water where rice roots grow. 



Additionally, key soil microbial genes responsible for transforming arsenic into its more toxic forms became more abundant. One gene in particular, arsC, saw a sixfold increase in presence during the grain-filling stage when both temperature and CO₂ were elevated.



Dr. Ziska explained that the higher arsenic levels are likely due to climate-related changes in soil chemistry that favor arsenic that can more easily be absorbed into rice grain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-risks-of-arsenic-exposure">Health risks of arsenic exposure </h2>



The study didn’t stop at biochemistry. Using the latest population and consumption data, researchers modeled health risks for seven Asian countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam. 



These countries were selected because of their high rice consumption and the prevalence of irrigated paddy systems, where arsenic mobility is highest.



Their projections for the year 2050 are alarming. Under the combined CO₂+Temp scenario, mean inorganic arsenic exposure through rice was highest in Vietnam and Indonesia. 



Lifetime cancer risks, particularly for lung and bladder cancer, saw a 44% rise compared to ambient conditions. China alone may face 19.3 million excess cancer cases related to arsenic exposure through rice.



“Ingesting rice in regions like southern China and Southeast and South Asia is already a significant source of dietary arsenic and cancer risk,” said Dr. Ziska.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diseases-linked-to-arsenic-in-rice">Diseases linked to arsenic in rice </h2>



From a public health perspective, arsenic is not just a cancer risk. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic has been linked to diabetes, ischemic heart disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopmental delays, and immune dysfunction.



In every country assessed, non-cancer risks also rose sharply under the CO₂+Temp scenario. Hazard quotients for health issues like heart disease and diabetes reached worrying levels. 



In Vietnam, for instance, the hazard quotient for these conditions reached 12 - far above the safety threshold of 1. The pattern was similar for fetal and infant health effects and cognitive development concerns.



“From a health perspective, the toxicological effects of chronic iAs exposure are well established; and include cancers of the lung, bladder, and skin, as well as ischemic heart disease,” said Dr. Ziska.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-patterns-and-rice-arsenic-levels">Climate patterns and rice arsenic levels</h2>



While the FACE experiments simulated future climate conditions, natural seasonal variations from 2014 to 2023 added another layer of evidence. 



Arsenic levels in rice tracked closely with temperature changes across those years, even under current CO₂ levels. This real-world correlation supports the experimental data and suggests that climate-induced arsenic risks may already be escalating.



Furthermore, the presence of organic arsenic compounds like dimethylarsenic acid (DMA) also increased under warmer, CO₂-enriched conditions. Although these compounds were not found in highly toxic forms like DMMTA in this study, their rise raises concerns for future rice safety and yield.



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



“Based on our findings, we believe there are several actions that could help reduce arsenic exposure in the future,” noted Dr. Ziska.



He and his co-authors recommend urgent attention to agricultural adaptation. That includes breeding rice strains that naturally accumulate less arsenic, managing irrigation to reduce soil anaerobic conditions, and improving milling processes to lower arsenic content in edible rice.



Policy gaps remain a critical issue. Most countries lack enforceable standards for arsenic in rice. For example, under the simulated climate scenarios, over half the rice samples exceeded China's proposed 200 ppb safety threshold for inorganic arsenic. 



Meanwhile, many nations either lack such standards entirely or rely on voluntary guidelines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rice-safety-in-a-changing-world">Rice safety in a changing world</h2>



“Our study underscores the urgent need for action to reduce arsenic exposure in rice, especially as climate change continues to affect global food security,” said Dr. Ziska.



Rice is too important to ignore. It sustains billions and shapes cultures. But as this study reveals, it can also quietly carry a growing threat when climate stress meets overlooked soil dynamics. 



The good news? The problem is not irreversible. With the right investment in science, policy, and farming practices, we can protect rice as a safe and trusted food for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(25)00055-5/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Climate change is quietly making rice more toxic

Rice has long been a symbol of nourishment and security....

Trees in tropical forests, which thrive in some of the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth, are known for their staggering diversity. But a new study shows that the chemical diversity hidden within those trees may be just as impressive - and just as important.



Trees don’t just differ in size, shape, or leaf color. Each one brings its own chemical strategy to the forest floor, using unique compounds to fend off pests and diseases. Researchers from <a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> and the Missouri Botanical Garden set out to learn more about this chemical variation. 



The findings shed light on the ecological forces that make tropical forests so rich in diversity. Furthermore, the research offers a reminder that these forests aren’t just beautiful - they may also hold the key to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-extinction-threatens-the-future-of-medicine-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future medicines</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-trees-reveal-through-their-leaves">What trees reveal through their leaves</h2>



The research team analyzed leaves from 470 tree species, gathered as part of the Madidi Project - a large-scale survey in Bolivia’s Andes Mountains.



By focusing on trees from both low and high elevations, the team was able to compare how chemical compounds shift across climates. Using mass spectrometry, the experts identified over 20,000 unique chemical compounds in the leaf samples.



“It’s an amazing level of chemical diversity,” said Jonathan Myers, a professor of biology at Washington University.



Many of these compounds help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants survive in harsh conditions</a> - especially in the warm, humid, and insect-rich tropics.



Over one-third of the compounds were terpenoids, chemicals that plants use to ward off threats like insects and pathogens. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruits-and-plants-are-powerful-allies-for-disease-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terpenoids</a> are already known for their medicinal uses. Some can fight cancer, reduce inflammation, and kill harmful bacteria and viruses.



Another quarter of the compounds were alkaloids, a class of chemicals found in many well-known medicines, including painkillers and antimalarial drugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diversity-as-a-defense-strategy">Diversity as a defense strategy</h2>



As the researchers moved up in elevation, the diversity of both tree species and their chemical compounds decreased. In plots at 4,000 feet, they found nearly 140 species of trees per hectare. At 11,000 feet, there were fewer than 20 species.



This shift also impacted chemical diversity. Trees at higher elevations, even from different species, tended to rely on similar types of chemical compound defenses. But in the highly competitive lowland forests, chemical originality was the norm.



“If a tree has the same chemistry as a neighbor, it could be vulnerable to the same herbivores and pathogens," said Myers.



In contrast, if each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-forests-with-diverse-tree-species-increases-likelihood-of-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> uses different compounds for protection, it becomes harder for insects and diseases to adapt to all of them at once.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-global-tree-chemical-library">Building a global tree chemical library</h2>



The findings support efforts to study and protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-have-strategies-to-survive-in-nutrient-poor-soils/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical forests</a> - not only for their biological value but also for their chemical potential.



The team contributed their data to a growing global database of tree and plant compounds. “With such a database, researchers could look for unique chemicals that could have real value for society,” said Myers.



The study also raises larger questions about how plant chemistry varies across regions. Myers is involved in a separate National Science Foundation project comparing tree communities from the Amazon, Canada, and the forests near Tyson Research Center in Missouri.



While the local forests can’t match tropical diversity, they are still richer in species and chemicals than the conifer-heavy forests of the north.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-patterns-of-plant-diversity">Global patterns of plant diversity </h2>



What drives this pattern of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>? Climate might be a major factor. Warmer, wetter, and more stable environments allow more plant species to thrive - each with its own set of defenses. 



This chemical arms race may help explain why tropical regions are rich in both species and compounds. According to Professor Myers, it could be another clue to understanding global patterns of plant diversity.



The take-home message is clear: Every tree in the forest is not only a life form but also a tiny chemistry lab. And the more species we protect, the more likely we are to preserve the invisible tools they use to survive - tools that could someday help us too.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.70069" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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How a tree's chemical defense could spark future medical breakthroughs

Trees in tropical forests, which thrive in some of the...

As climate patterns shift and seasons grow less predictable, trees must adapt in ways science is only beginning to understand. Beneath their bark and branches lies a powerful, invisible system: a circadian clock. 



Much like the one that governs human sleep cycles, the tree's biological clock regulates daily and seasonal activities. It tells the tree when to grow, when to bud, and when to conserve energy. 



Now, researchers at <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a> have unlocked more of this inner world. Their recent study shows how genetic changes to this clock can help trees better align with the rhythm of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-use-an-inner-clock-to-grow-nbsp">Trees use an inner clock to grow&nbsp;</h2>



Most earlier studies explored plant circadian rhythms under greenhouse conditions. While useful, these environments don’t capture nature’s chaos - temperature swings, shifting daylight, rainfall variation, and insect threats. 



In the wild, trees must handle all these factors while maintaining their growth and seasonal behaviors.



To tackle this, researchers at the Umeå Plant Science Centre studied 68 genetically modified Populus trees under both controlled and natural conditions. Over several years, they examined how alterations to specific clock-related genes influenced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a>, leaf senescence, and bud activity.



The team's approach combined advanced statistical modeling with experimental plant biology. Each modified tree had a distinct genetic profile targeting clock components like TOC1, LHY, GI, or EBI1.



The goal was to pinpoint how internal timing shapes external performance. The field experiments added crucial context, allowing the team to track the effects of gene modification under real-world seasonal cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circadian-clock-controls-tree-growth">Circadian clock controls tree growth</h2>



“Our study is the first to combine datasets from greenhouse and field studies to show that multiple aspects of the circadian clock system influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-absorb-much-more-carbon-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> growth and the timing of life-cycle events,” said Bertold Mariën, lead author of the study.



In both greenhouse chambers and open fields, some trees with altered clock genes grew significantly taller or faster. Others delayed leaf senescence or bud set, effectively prolonging the growth period. 



These effects were most pronounced in northern Sweden, where short summers restrict tree development. The researchers observed that the clock doesn’t just set a tree’s internal rhythm - it fine-tunes how trees respond to day-length and environmental signals.



For instance, the lhy-10 and toc1-5 variants displayed faster growth in outdoor conditions, suggesting that their altered clocks helped trees maximize growth within shorter seasons. 



These core clock genes are part of a feedback loop that coordinates when cells divide, when leaves expand, and when energy is stored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-genes-helps-trees-grow-stronger">Changing genes helps trees grow stronger</h2>



“This study is a proof-of-concept that trees conditioned to a particular length of day at a certain latitude can be adapted to a new latitude, effectively extending their growing season," explained study co-author Maria E. Eriksson. 



"This is especially useful at higher latitudes like in Northern Sweden where short growing seasons limit timber production."



Among the most promising findings was the role of EBI1, a gene previously associated with stress resistance in Arabidopsis. Trees with modified EBI1 generally showed faster growth and higher chlorophyll content index (CCI), a sign of delayed leaf aging. 



These trees didn't just grow more - they remained greener for longer. That extended greening can boost photosynthesis and carbon storage.



The study also highlighted how different promoters affected growth. AtGA20ox1 trees, which overproduce gibberellins, grew quickly and developed more biomass. 



Interestingly, some trees increased growth even with a shorter growth period, showing that timing can be more important than duration. The type of genetic promoter used, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-might-be-misleading-us-about-climate-change-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree’s</a> background genotype, both influenced the outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clockwork-in-leaves-and-roots">Clockwork in leaves and roots</h2>



The research also supported a shift in how we think about tree development. Traditional views focused heavily on carbon source limitation, assuming trees grow more when photosynthesis is high. 



But this study adds weight to an alternative model: growth is also limited by when internal conditions - like water pressure and hormone levels - meet the right thresholds.



The circadian clock seems to act as a gatekeeper, opening and closing growth windows in sync with environmental conditions. For example, the team found that cell division and DNA replication were gated to nighttime, when the risk of DNA damage is lower, and air humidity supports turgor pressure in cells.



Even root clocks may follow different rhythms than leaf clocks, leading to asynchronous growth. Such tissue-specific timing mechanisms further complicate models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> behavior but also offer new opportunities to improve forestry by targeting these internal dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-tree-clocks-for-better-forests">Using tree clocks for better forests</h2>



"In the future, forestry management could be improved by integrating trees’ circadian clocks and their natural growth cycles with traditional practices,” said Eriksson. "In this way, tree growth and resilience could be optimized in a changing world.”



Integrating the clock into forestry could enable smarter planting schedules, more efficient use of resources, and the development of trees suited to rapidly warming regions. But there’s more. These findings may reshape how global vegetation models are built.



“By properly incorporating our findings on the circadian clock into global vegetation models, we can improve predictions of how forests will respond to climate change,” said Mariën.



That’s because many existing models treat trees as passive responders to light and temperature. They don’t account for how internal clocks modulate those responses. Adding this layer of complexity could significantly improve how we predict carbon uptake and forest health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-timing-and-forest-management">Tree timing and forest management</h2>



This work is more than a scientific milestone - it’s a step toward a new kind of forestry. The researchers call it chronosilviculture: aligning forest management with biological timekeeping. 



Instead of forcing trees into rigid planting cycles, foresters could one day select species or cultivars with clock traits tailored to specific climates or latitudes.



By revealing how the circadian clock acts as nature’s master of ceremony, the Umeå team has given foresters and ecologists a powerful new tool. With climate change pushing ecosystems to their limits, understanding how trees grow with their natural rhythm may be the smartest way forward.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44323-025-00034-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Biological Timing and Sleep</a>.



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Timing is everything: How trees use an inner clock for smarter growth

As climate patterns shift and seasons grow less predictable, trees...

<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.

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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

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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> 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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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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

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

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