Wood looks simple, but it’s a tricky material. Inside every tree are long cellulose fibers, helper sugars called hemicellulose, and a stiff, brown binder known as lignin. 



That mix lets trees grow tall and stay standing through wind and weather. It also makes wood tough to reshape into high-performance beams and panels.



Factories usually force wood into shape with chemicals and heat. They strip out some lignin first, then compress what remains into a dense, strong material. 



That step consumes energy, costs money, and generates waste. A team of researchers set out to avoid it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineered-wood-and-lignin">Engineered wood and lignin</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poplar-trees-changed-their-chemistry-to-survive/">Lignin</a> is great for trees and a challenge for manufacturers. It’s the glue that stiffens cell walls and blocks pests. It resists many industrial treatments. 



Take out some lignin and you can pack <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/cellulose-fiber" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellulose fibers</a> closer, which boosts strength. The usual methods require harsh chemicals and high temperatures.



Engineered wood has become a cleaner alternative to steel and concrete in many projects. It’s lighter and can carry serious loads when densified. 



To keep that promise, the industry needs cleaner steps from the forest to the factory floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetics-and-wood-engineering">Genetics and wood engineering</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> genetically modified poplar trees to produce high-performance structural wood with fewer chemicals and less energy-intensive processing.



“We are very excited to demonstrate an innovative approach that combines genetic engineering and wood engineering, to sustainably sequester and store carbon in a resilient super wood form,” explained <a href="https://agnr.umd.edu/about/directory/yiping-qi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yiping Qi</a>, a professor in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture (<a href="https://psla.umd.edu/node/1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PSLA</a>) at the University of Maryland.



Instead of modifying wood after the tree grows, the team asked a simple question: could the tree grow wood that’s easier to densify from the start? 



They chose poplar, a fast-growing research workhorse that also shows up in real products. Using precise gene editing, they adjusted the tree’s lignin pathway without undermining growth.



They targeted one gene - <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26491147/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4CL1</a> - within the pathway cells use to make lignin. By switching off 4CL1, the trees produced slightly less lignin, but maintained normal development under controlled conditions. 



That small change opened a new option in the factory: skipping the chemical delignification step.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-gene-edit-works">How the gene edit works</h2>



The tool was base editing, a form of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-first-gene-edited-spiders-spin-red-silk/">CRISPR</a> that swaps one DNA letter for another at a chosen spot. It doesn’t slice the genome; it rewrites a letter with precision. 



In this case, the edit focused on 4CL1 while minimizing changes elsewhere in the genome.



With the wood in hand, the team soaked it in water and then applied heat and pressure to densify it. 



When cellulose fibers line up and move closer together, mechanical strength climbs. The process relies less on solvents and more on physical compaction.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/engineered-trees_wood_lignin_construction-revolution_UMaryland_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/engineered-trees_wood_lignin_construction-revolution_UMaryland_1s.webp" alt="This method for producing genetically modified wood eliminates chemical delignification, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative for producing densified wood. This success highlights genome editing’s potential to create other engineered wood materials with enhanced properties, contributing to a CO2-negative bioeconomy by providing renewable alternatives to traditional materials. Credit: Matter Journal" class="wp-image-1984732"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This method for producing genetically modified wood eliminates chemical delignification, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative for producing densified wood. This success highlights genome editing’s potential to create other engineered wood materials with enhanced properties, contributing to a CO2-negative bioeconomy by providing renewable alternatives to traditional materials. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Matter Journal</figcaption></figure>



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



The densified wood from the edited poplars reached <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/booster-plant-gene-discovery-amplifies-plant-growth-up-to-200-percent/">strength levels</a> comparable to those of panels made with conventional chemical treatments. 



The researchers measured lignin levels approximately one-eighth lower than in unedited controls. Growth remained healthy in greenhouse tests, which matters because factory gains aren’t worth much if the tree can’t thrive.



Skipping the chemical bath meant fewer inputs and less waste while still yielding structural-grade material. 



The balance was key: reduce lignin just enough to ease processing, not so much that the tree loses toughness in the wild.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-and-engineered-wood">CO2 and engineered wood</h2>



Buildings are a major source of global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-just-created-concrete-that-could-reverse-climate-damage/">carbon emissions</a>, driven by materials like steel and concrete. 



Engineered wood can help by replacing part of that footprint with lighter structural components that store carbon for decades. Cleaner processing tightens the loop further, cutting energy use and reducing waste streams.



“Carbon sequestration is critical in our fight against climate change, and such engineered wood may find many uses in the future bioeconomy,” Qi added.



If mills can avoid harsh solvents and still press wood into high-strength beams and panels, the path to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/construction-materials-could-store-carbon-in-homes-and-buildings-helping-the-climate/">lower-carbon construction</a> gets wider. 



The approach starts upstream in the forest, not just on the factory line. It tunes the raw material so it cooperates when densified.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-underway">Next steps underway</h2>



Greenhouse results look good, but forests are tougher proving grounds. Wind, pests, and seasons test wood in ways a lab cannot. 



Longer field trials will show whether reduced-lignin trees keep their strength and resilience outdoors. Another step is to try similar edits in pine, spruce, or eucalyptus, which dominate many timber markets.



Policy will shape the path. Base-edited trees do not carry added foreign genes; they contain single-letter changes to DNA already present. 



Many regulators treat that differently from classic GMOs, but rules vary by country. Because forestry spans long life cycles and open landscapes, regulators will likely require careful, staged reviews before any commercial rollout.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-super-wood-and-earth-s-future">"Super wood" and Earth's future</h2>



This study shows that small genetic changes can simplify manufacturing while maintaining performance. The edit doesn’t erase lignin; it tunes it. 



The result is densified “super wood” that matches the strength of chemically treated material while avoiding the delignification step.



This is a careful blend of biology and materials science aimed at a practical target: strong, reliable wood that stores carbon and reduces the mess of production. 



If future field tests and policy steps go well, smarter forests could feed cleaner factories - and sturdier buildings - for years to come.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/matter/abstract/S2590-2385(24)00396-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matter</a>.



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Scientists create 'super wood' from gene-edited trees and claim it will change everything

Wood looks simple, but it’s a tricky material. Inside every tree are long cellulose fibers, helper sugars called hemicellulose, and a stiff, brown binder known as lignin. That mix lets trees grow tall and stay standing through wind and weather. It also makes wood tough to reshape into high-performance beams and panels. Factories usually force wood into shape with chemicals and heat. They strip out some lignin first, then compress what remains into a dense, strong material. That step consumes energy, costs money, and generates waste. A...

The rise of farming ranks among the most significant shifts in human history. For thousands of years, people lived by hunting, gathering, and moving with the seasons. 



Then, around 12,000 years ago, they began to settle, plant crops, and raise animals. This change transformed how societies lived, organized space, and related to the land.



For decades, scholars pointed to the environment as the prime mover behind this transformation. Climate change, richer soils, and predictable rainfall were seen as the main reasons humans started farming. 



A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences offers a different view. It says human interaction, not the natural world, played the biggest role in the shift from foraging to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-of-farming-insect-waste-reshapes-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farming-as-a-human-driven-process">Farming as a human-driven process</h2>



The research, led by a team from the&nbsp;University of Bath,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eva.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>, introduces a fresh approach. Rather than focusing on rainfall or rivers, the team studied people - looking specifically at how groups interacted during this key moment in human history.



They used a mathematical model originally created to study predator-prey dynamics in ecosystems. In this case, early farmers and hunter-gatherers took the place of wolves and deer. The researchers treated them as two populations sharing space and resources but with competing interests.



The model showed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agroforestry-could-transform-farming-in-the-midwest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming</a> transition was not something that happened to humans. It was something they did to each other. Migration, cultural exchange, and even conflict between groups played a critical role in shaping early agricultural societies.



“Our study provides a new perspective on prehistoric societies,“ noted Dr. Javier Rivas, from the Department of Economics at the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a>.



“By statistically fitting our theoretical predator-prey model to observed population dynamics inferred from radiocarbon dates, we explored how population growth shaped history and uncovered interesting patterns - such as how the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-threaten-the-future-of-banana-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming</a>, whether by land or sea, influenced interactions between different groups."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-population-dynamics-and-interaction">Population dynamics and interaction</h2>



At the heart of the study lies a six-parameter model. These parameters include growth rates for both groups, mortality linked to conflict, migration of farmers, and cultural assimilation - the rate at which foragers adopted farming. The model shows that no single factor explains the shift. Rather, it is the combination of these factors that shaped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-cover-crops-may-be-the-future-of-sustainable-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outcomes</a>.



The researchers tested their model on three regions: eastern Iberia, Denmark, and Kyushu in Japan. Each region showed a unique pattern of interaction. These case studies helped the team test how robust the model was and how well it could explain real-world archaeological data.



The model revealed that interactions could result in coexistence, rapid replacement, or gradual transitions. The team paid special attention to the point at which farming populations exceeded forager numbers, and when hunter-gatherer populations disappeared entirely. 



These events were influenced by the balance between growth, competition, and assimilation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-driven-farming-replaced-foragers">Human-driven farming replaced foragers</h2>



In eastern Iberia, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-farming-could-save-the-future-of-chocolate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming</a> took over quickly. Farmers surpassed foragers in about 175 years, and the hunter-gatherer population declined sharply within 340 years. The data suggest that early farmers may have entered largely uninhabited areas or replaced the local population rapidly.



This region supports what's called the "Dual Model." It includes two scenarios: one where farmers mixed with foragers and another where they settled nearly empty land. Evidence points to both processes happening in different locations, but the model shows that full replacement happened fast in most cases.



For Iberia, cultural mixing was modest. The dominant trend was population replacement. Archaeological findings also suggest maritime migrations brought farmers along the coastlines, possibly reducing direct land-based interaction with foragers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-different-pattern-in-denmark">A different pattern in Denmark</h2>



In Denmark, the pattern looked very different. Farmers exceeded foragers in population after about 450 years. But many foragers still remained even 700 years after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-diverse-crops-traps-carbon-and-boosts-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming</a> began.



This suggests a long period of coexistence. Genetic studies and archaeological records support this. The two groups likely interacted for centuries before farming became the dominant lifestyle. 



The model shows that, in over half the simulated scenarios, foragers still had a visible presence at the end of the time window.



The spread of agriculture in Denmark likely involved a mix of demic diffusion (migration of people) and cultural transmission. Unlike Iberia, where rapid dominance happened, Danish foragers appear to have influenced and slowed the spread of farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kyushu-a-slower-maritime-transition">Kyushu: A slower maritime transition</h2>



On the island of Kyushu in Japan, the pattern was more complex. Farming spread from the Korean peninsula, and the process spanned 800 years. Farmers often moved by sea, and early contact with foragers was slow and uneven.



Farmers in Kyushu had a lower growth rate compared to the European cases. Still, the forager population declined over time. The model suggests this was due more to the decline of the forager population than the rapid rise of farmers.



Assimilation in Japan was lower, meaning few foragers adopted farming. Despite slower growth, farmers eventually replaced the foragers, though only at the very end of the study window.



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



The research team believes their model can be used well beyond these three regions. It applies to any case where two populations share land and compete. 



Whether it’s early farmers and foragers, or even modern societies in transition, the framework holds.



“We hope the methods we've developed will eventually become a standard tool for understanding how populations interacted in the past, offering fresh insight into other key moments in history, not just the shift to farming,” said Dr. Rivas.



This approach highlights the power of demographic processes. Instead of assuming outside forces drove human history, the model lets researchers test how people shaped their own future. It gives weight to population size, group interaction, and human decisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-farming-a-tool-for-human-history">Beyond farming: A tool for human history</h2>



The model’s creators suggest it could be applied to other turning points in human history. 



This includes the spread of Homo sapiens, Neanderthal extinction, and later migrations during the Bronze Age. Anywhere two groups meet and compete, the model has potential.



By focusing on human behavior and interaction, the study reminds us that history often comes down to people - how they live, where they go, and who they meet. 



Farming didn't just happen because the earth got warmer. It happened because people made choices, formed communities, and changed the world around them.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/epub/10.1073/pnas.2416221122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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The birth of farming was driven by people, not the planet

The rise of farming ranks among the most significant shifts...

Aloe vera is a familiar name in everyday skincare and therapeutic products. Many people trust its soothing gel to help with various skin concerns or to add a gentle touch to cosmetics. 



While the gel is widely used, the leftover aloe peels become waste that might reach millions of tons each year.



This issue recently caught the attention of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Debasish-Bandyopadhyay-2">Debasish Bandyopadhyay</a>, an assistant professor in chemistry at The <a href="https://www.utrgv.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas Rio Grande Valley</a>, who explored turning the discarded rinds into a natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insecticides-may-be-helping-weeds-thrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insecticide</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aloe-waste-peels-found-new-purpose">Aloe waste peels found new purpose</h2>



Aloe vera fields, located in places such as Australia, China, India, South Africa, and the U.S., focus on harvesting gel from the thick leaves. The outer covering is rarely used on a large scale.



Some people blend gel with onions or other ingredients to repel bugs, but that approach often leaves the peels out of the equation. 



Hoping to address that gap, researchers decided to test the peels for possible <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9862941/#:~:text=Phytochemicals%20are%20plant%2Dbased%20bioactive,have%20been%20discovered%20to%20date." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytochemicals</a> that might discourage insects.



They noticed that many bugs refuse to munch on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-plants-can-absorb-and-neutralize-plastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. That observation led them to check whether the same compounds protecting aloe in nature could help farms in regions plagued by pests.



They dried the rinds at room temperature without sunlight. This step preserved valuable properties that might otherwise degrade under harsh conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aloe-waste-extract-kills-bugs">Aloe waste extract kills bugs</h2>



Scientists analyzed peel extracts made with different solvents, including dichloromethane (<a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methylene-Chloride" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DCM</a>). They discovered potent activity against insects that destroy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-affect-bumble-bee-health-in-complex-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>.



“We identified [certain substances] as potential insecticidal compounds,” said Bandyopadhyay. These molecules appeared safe for people while still packing a punch against pests.



Tests showed the insect-killing capabilities might relate to <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/bioactive-compound" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioactive substances</a> that disrupt insects’ feeding behavior. That disruption may eventually cause the insects to die, offering a more natural defense for vulnerable fields.



Early findings suggest the compounds in aloe peels could also have antibacterial or antifungal properties. Researchers continue to catalog more elements hidden in the dried peel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farmers-and-the-environment">Farmers and the environment</h2>



Crop losses to insects can be huge, pushing many farmers toward strong chemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-pesticide-exposure-impacts-their-behavior-in-both-current-and-future-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a>. A 2021 review in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/16/4835" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecules</a> revealed that the heavy use of these chemicals harms the environment, creates resistant pests, and endangers people’s health.



Natural alternatives that rely on plant-derived elements often offer a kinder impact on local ecosystems. They break down faster, target pests without lingering in soil or water, and pose fewer risks for farmworkers.



Turning aloe waste into a new defense strategy brings financial and environmental upsides. It transforms what was formerly “trash” into a resource that can help feed populations reliant on staple crops.



A shift to plant-based pest controls may also align with sustainable farming approaches. Researchers see aloe-based insecticide as another tool in this more balanced strategy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-plans-with-aloe-spray">Practical plans with aloe spray</h2>



Real-world testing is the next step to verify how peel extracts perform against pests in places where insects often threaten staple grains and vegetables. 



The researchers want to confirm how strongly the compounds repel or eliminate harmful bugs in open fields.



Studies into any anti-mosquito or anti-tick properties of these extracts are also under way. 



“By creating an insecticide that avoids hazardous and poisonous synthetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a>, we can help the agricultural field,” said Bandyopadhyay. If the extracts repel disease-carrying pests, there might be a public health benefit too.



This approach could cut back on synthetic pesticides, which often have harsh side effects. Natural methods can still be powerful if used correctly and monitored for consistent quality.



Peel-based formulations could be simpler to handle than certain standard pesticides. This method might bring cost savings for farmers who pay high prices for chemical products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-aging-properties-of-aloe">Anti-aging properties of aloe</h2>



In addition to being a great insecticide, aloe vera packs a surprising punch when it comes to anti-aging. 



It’s loaded with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help fight off free radicals - the little troublemakers that speed up wrinkles and skin damage. 



Aloe also encourages <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-protein-that-reverses-cellular-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collagen production</a>, which is a big deal because collagen keeps your skin firm, bouncy, and smooth. 



As we get older, our natural collagen levels dip, so giving it a boost can help reduce fine lines and keep skin looking fresh.



On top of all that, aloe is a hydration hero. It soaks into the skin fast and locks in moisture, which helps plump things up and make your face look more youthful and dewy. 



It also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scratching-that-itch-science-confirms-it-only-makes-rashes-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soothes inflammation</a>, evens out skin tone, and can help calm down any irritation or redness that tends to make aging skin look a little tired.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aloe-waste-and-sustainable-farming">Aloe waste and sustainable farming</h2>



Researchers are collaborating with growers and local producers to see if these extracts fit into their routine spraying practices. They want to ensure that the product meets safety guidelines without being burdensome to apply.



Experts continue to measure the shelf life of this plant-based solution. Proper drying and storage can help maintain stability, ensuring that farmers and communities benefit from a reliable product.



Many wonder if large-scale aloe peel recycling can become a fresh revenue stream. If it does, aloe growers will have an added reason to collect the rinds rather than sending them off as compost or letting them rot.



Sustainability is the underlying theme of this new venture. Adding aloe peel extracts to pest management could aid global efforts to grow healthy produce while protecting soil, water, and wildlife.



The press release is published <a href="https://www.acs.org/pressroom/newsreleases/2023/august/discarded-aloe-peels-could-be-sustainable-natural-insecticide-video.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Wonder plant: This natural insect repellent also has anti-aging properties

Aloe vera is a familiar name in everyday skincare and...

Most people have heard that cannabis can boost mood, but not everyone realizes that it can also bring on nervous feelings and anxiety in certain situations. 



<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/add.14842" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Interest in balancing</a> these effects is soaring, with many folks wondering if specific parts of the cannabis plant might soften the jangled moods tied to its psychoactive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-pain-relief-potential-of-cannabis-without-the-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">component</a>.



This newly published work comes from <a href="https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/ryan-g-vandrey/2777317" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Vandrey, PhD,</a> professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.



He and his team uncovered fascinating details about an essential oil that appears to dampen the jittery edge often sparked by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medicinal-cannabis-helped-patients-feel-better-for-a-full-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thc-can-relax-or-cause-anxiety">THC can relax or cause anxiety</h2>



<a href="https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2020-nsduh-annual-national-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Experts</a> say more people in the United States are giving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-cannabis-users-face-higher-heart-attack-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> a try these days. Some do it for medical reasons, while others do it for casual relaxation.



<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/psychoactive-substance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psychoactive compounds</a> affect mood and perception. THC, the main psychoactive part of cannabis, can prompt both calm and stress. 



Determining how it influences our minds is central to figuring out ways to reduce the negative side of the experience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-cannabis-linked-mood-anxiety">Reduced cannabis-linked mood anxiety</h2>



The research spotlight is on d-limonene, a terpene in citrus fruits. A terpene is a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38932560/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">naturally occurring oil</a> that can influence taste and scent in plants.



Preclinical results have hinted that d-limonene might help with <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9774566/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxious</a> moods. Many have wondered if it could work in combination with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cbd-reduces-the-unwanted-side-effects-of-thc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a> to curb the uncomfortable restlessness some people feel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-d-limonene-the-basics">Understanding d-limonene - the basics</h2>



D-limonene is a natural compound that gives <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citrus-fruits-where-did-they-come-from-and-how-would-we-live-without-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citrus fruits</a> their fresh, zesty smell. Basically, it's what makes oranges smell like oranges. 



It’s found in the peels of lemons, limes, oranges, and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruits-and-plants-are-powerful-allies-for-disease-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">citrus fruits</a>, and companies often extract it to use in cleaning products, air fresheners, and even food flavorings. 



It’s oily, smells amazing, and happens to be a pretty effective solvent, which makes it great for cutting through grease and grime.



Some research suggests it might have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer properties, though scientists are still figuring out the full picture. 



It’s also used in some natural insect repellents and eco-friendly products because it's biodegradable and less harsh than many synthetic chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-blends-vs-anxiety-changes">Cannabis blends vs. anxiety changes</h2>



Twenty healthy adults, averaging 26 years old, took part in as many as 10 test visits. 



Each participant inhaled various mixtures that included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-impacts-working-memory-and-brain-function/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a> alone, d-limonene alone, a combination of both, or a placebo (4).



Researchers measured mood shifts, vital signs, and cognitive changes. They also examined blood and urine to see how THC and d-limonene moved through the body. 



The goal was to see if adding d-limonene could help people stay more at ease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-d-limonene-eased-cannabis-anxiety">D-limonene eased cannabis anxiety</h2>



The new <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871624001881" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found that d-limonene lowered reports of anxious or paranoid feelings with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-potency-cannabis-use-linked-to-epigenetic-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THC</a>. That was true when used with higher levels of THC.



Ratings of other THC effects, such as changes in thought patterns and overall relaxation, were not altered when d-limonene was introduced. 



The essential oil by itself produced no changes in mood, heart rate, or mental clarity that stood out from the placebo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-cannabis-anxiety">Managing cannabis anxiety</h2>



“Our study demonstrates that d-limonene can modulate the effects of THC in a meaningful way and make THC more tolerable to people using it for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes,” said Vandrey. 



His team believes adding d-limonene may widen the comfort range for folks who rely on THC, especially if they are prone to anxiety.



“This study is a first step in uncovering how we can mitigate risks of THC when used in medicine, and also is targeted at making cannabis safer for the general, non-therapeutic consumer,” said <a href="https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/tory-r-spindle/2777649" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tory Spindle, PhD</a>, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Medicine</a>.



He hopes to test other terpenes that may work in tandem with THC.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-on-medical-treatments">Potential impact on medical treatments</h2>



THC-containing <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9223837/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medicines</a> already help with certain conditions, such as chronic pain or chemotherapy-induced nausea. 



However, high doses can sometimes be challenging for people who are easily rattled by the psychoactive “high.”



More studies will show if d-limonene can consistently cushion those uneasy feelings. The prospect of an essential oil that smoothly partners with THC could change how some medical users approach dosing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thc-d-limonene-and-future-health">THC, d-limonene, and future health</h2>



Scientists plan to explore ways to administer THC and d-limonene together in oral forms. They are also eyeing different dose ranges that may yield the strongest relief.



They believe these steps will add clarity to how cannabis components mesh under real-world conditions. Larger, more diverse participant groups may reveal whether d-limonene works similarly for everyone.



There is still much to learn about how cannabis chemicals interact, especially in relation to anxiety. Though d-limonene appears promising, experts say these findings need to be replicated more widely.



People interested in experimenting with a d-limonene combination should talk to a healthcare provider. Personal tolerance matters, and controlled dosing is best done under professional guidance.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871624001881?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drug and Alcohol Dependence</a>.



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Common essential oil proven to reduce cannabis-related anxiety and paranoia

Most people have heard that cannabis can boost mood, but...

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.2426" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1079404" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-spread-of-butterfly-disease-revealed-in-museum-collections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-make-life-and-death-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a>Every spring, gardens and fields fill the air with rich, floral aromas. But it's more than just a pleasant smell; these plant-released scents play a vital role in the lives of butterflies and moths.



A new <a href="https://www.psu.edu/">Penn State</a> study reveals how daily changes in plant aromas influence feeding behaviors among winged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/">insects</a> that belong to the group known as Lepidoptera.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-scent-and-insect-diets">Plant scent and insect diets</h2>



The research, published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.2426" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>, unveils the Salient Aroma Hypothesis.



This new idea proposes that the chemical cues plants release - particularly during the daytime - are instrumental in shaping how specialized, or how flexible, a butterfly or moth becomes in its diet



“This idea provides a new perspective on why some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-spread-of-butterfly-disease-revealed-in-museum-collections/">butterflies</a> and moths are picky eaters while others are not,” said Po-An Lin, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/">National Taiwan University</a>. “It also highlights the critical role of plant volatiles, or scents, in shaping insect-plant interactions and evolutionary adaptations.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-picky-eaters-and-their-plant-choice">Picky eaters and their plant choice</h2>



Scientists already knew that many Lepidopterans are surprisingly fussy with their dietary choices.



The insects feed only on specific plant groups that cater to the nutritional or chemical needs of their offspring. Others are the polar opposite, feeding on a broad range of vegetation.



The hypothesis explains these extremes by focusing on how butterflies and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-defense-against-the-invasive-spongy-moth-is-fading/">moths</a> use their antennae to detect plant scents. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-scent-and-insect-antennae-size">Plant scent and insect antennae size</h2>



Researchers measured insect antennae on 582 specimens from 94 species and linked size to diet and activity patterns. 



Notably, they found that day-active females in particular had noticeably larger antennae than their nocturnal relatives. This adaptation allows them to detect and process the richer daytime scents in the environment.



“The relationship between antennal size and host plant breadth was very strong,” Felton said. “Larger antennal sizes have been associated with a greater number of sensilla, the sensory structures involved in the sense of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-fruit-flies-smell-well-as-humans-with-much-less-nose-neurons/">smell</a>, thereby increasing the surface area for sensory receptors." 



"The enhanced capacity may be a key adaptation for how certain Lepidoptera have evolved to feed on a limited and specific range of plants."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-cues-and-evolution">Chemical cues and evolution</h2>



The scientists confirmed that most vegetation releases a more varied and abundant blend of volatile compounds during the day, in comparison with the night.



This disparity lines up with the greater complexity observed in the olfactory systems of day-active insects. Daytime feeders use abundant daytime chemical cues to find, identify, and eat the plants that best suit their needs.



“This finding demonstrates how the availability of chemical signals influences the evolution of sensory organs in insects,” Felton said. “It provides a fascinating example of how plants have played a direct role in shaping the evolution of the insects that rely on them.”



The study also traced the evolutionary lineages of butterflies and moths in the Lepidoptera family tree. Researchers mapped species’ daily activity and linked it to host plant preferences to reveal feeding behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-specialization-in-the-daylight">Scent specialization in the daylight</h2>



The outcome is a nuanced picture of insect-plant dynamics. Daytime pollinators, like monarch butterflies, use their large antennae to detect specific plant scents, and this guides them toward a narrow range of host plants. 



“Insect herbivores, such as butterflies and moths, must find the right plants to feed on and, in the case of females, to lay their eggs,” said Professor Lin. “This is a crucial decision because caterpillars depend entirely on the selected plant for survival. 



In contrast, unlike humans, who eat a variety of foods to stay healthy, many insect herbivores specialize in just a few plant species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-diets-in-the-nighttime-quiet">Broader diets in the nighttime quiet</h2>



Nocturnal moths like the Polyphemus, encounter fewer distinct plant aromas in the dark. Without rich scent cues to guide them, these insects are less likely to lock in on a single preferred food source. Their evolutionary solution? Broaden their diet to improve their odds of survival.



By revealing how something as subtle as the timing and volume of plant odors can direct dietary choices, this study expands our understanding of ecological networks.



The research highlights the delicate interplay between insect sensory capabilities and plant chemistry, laying the groundwork for future research into how these relationships shape biodiversity across ecosystems.



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Scents of survival: How plant aromas shape insect diets

Every spring, gardens and fields fill the air with rich,...

Modern science has been sounding alarms about the sixth mass extinction, prompted by both climate shifts and human activities. Experts note that over 10% of China’s vascular plant species already face serious threats to their survival.



One research team decided to look deeper into the ancient past for guidance. They wondered if palynology - the study of fossil and modern spores and pollen - might offer essential insights that more traditional fossil records sometimes miss.



Professor Xiaomin Fang from the <a href="http://english.itpcas.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research</a>, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is one of the leading scientists behind this effort.



Professor Fang <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468265925000228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collaborated</a> with several experts to compare ancient pollen patterns with modern biodiversity trends, hoping to understand the best ways to protect plants in a changing climate.



“Plant spores and pollen offer a solution - they are abundant, well-preserved, and can fill gaps left by macrofossils,” explained Professor Fuli Wu, a Cenozoic pollen specialist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pollen-reveals-plant-history">Why pollen reveals plant history</h2>



Scientists become frustrated when partial fossil finds fail to reveal the bigger picture of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-dont-all-plants-grow-everywhere-across-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant evolution</a>. In contrast, pollen grains tend to remain intact in soil layers.



Pollen grains hold indicators of ancient species distributions that might otherwise vanish without a trace. This broader coverage helps to fill in the puzzle of how plant distributions expanded, shrank, or relocated across different landscapes through time.



Pollen grains also reflect environmental conditions. Their presence highlights specific humidity levels, temperature tolerance, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-plants-cant-outrun-climate-change-on-their-own/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> changes. This offers a peek at the long-term responses of plants, and guides efforts to predict future transformations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-biodiversity-and-winter-temperatures">Plant biodiversity and winter temperatures </h2>



The team tested five metrics designed to capture how many pollen types occur in a given region. They cross-checked these metrics with modern data on angiosperms (flowering plants) to see which values aligned best.



“Our results show that the Shannon-Wiener and the Berger-Parker <a href="https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/Gettysburg_College/01%3A_Ecology_for_All/22%3A_Biodiversity/22.02%3A_Diversity_Indices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indices</a> most closely matched modern diversity patterns, making them optimal tools for reconstructing past biodiversity," explained Dr. Yuxuan Jiang, the study’s lead author.



"Moreover, we found climate strongly influenced diversity, with coldest-month temperatures being the dominant factor, followed by annual precipitation."



The researchers discovered that these indices were more sensitive to changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-stop-absorbing-carbon-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant communities</a> than other measures. They compared present-day vegetation maps with pollen data to confirm their findings.



The matches were surprisingly close, hinting that fossil pollen could do more than fill historical gaps - it could predict what might occur when winters become harsher or rain patterns shift.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-winters-shape-plant-biodiversity">Cold winters shape plant biodiversity </h2>



“Our work highlights the importance of winter temperatures in shaping plant biodiversity. This insight should guide conservation strategies, particularly under climate change,” noted Dr. Wu.



Freezing conditions appear to limit which plants can thrive, especially in places without reliable precipitation and heat. If winter extremes worsen, more plant groups may struggle to survive. 



That possibility has practical meaning for farmers, conservationists, and policy teams who must decide how to guard against escalating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-understanding-of-light-detection-in-plants-may-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainfall-affects-community-strength">Rainfall affects community strength</h2>



Annual rainfall is another major force. Drier regions tend to support fewer plant varieties, and subtle shifts can tip ecosystems from forest to grassland or even desert. Some parts of China already wrestle with intense dryness, and any dip in seasonal rains could speed up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> loss.



Heavier rainfall, on the other hand, often encourages plant growth and pollinators. That boost can ripple through entire ecosystems, helping soils stay healthy and forests stay lush.



Based on the pollen data, the threshold of 400 mm (16 inches) annual precipitation is a strong line separating more vibrant plant communities from less diverse ones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollen-predicts-future-changes">Pollen predicts future changes</h2>



Pollen grains in sediment layers capture changes over thousands or even millions of years. By analyzing pollens from these layers, researchers can draw parallels between past global warming phases and what may soon unfold here on Earth.



This allows them to test theories about how quickly plants adapt or migrate when temperatures and rainfall patterns become unfavorable.



Many earlier studies relied on scattered leaf or stem fossils, but those did not always cover broad timeframes or extensive geographic zones. Pollen opens a window into overlooked periods and places, revealing critical turning points in the march of plant evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-survival-in-a-changing-climate">Plant survival in a changing climate</h2>



Using the <a href="https://bio.libretexts.org/Courses/Gettysburg_College/01%3A_Ecology_for_All/22%3A_Biodiversity/22.02%3A_Diversity_Indices" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shannon-Wiener and Berger-Parker indices</a>, researchers can sift through ancient samples with more confidence. 



Preservation efforts could then target hotspots where unique plant species once flourished but are now at risk. By mapping pollen patterns and comparing them to precipitation and cold snaps, decisions can be grounded in data that reflect real, long-term trends.



Such insight may also inform future reforestation or seed-bank programs. Officials could select species that handle temperature drops and uncertain rainfall in ways proven effective in similar ancient climates. This method, blending past patterns with modern conditions, may offer a survival roadmap.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468265925000228?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Diversity</a>.



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Pollen records reveal winter’s role in plant biodiversity

Modern science has been sounding alarms about the sixth mass...

From playground coughs to forest blights, the young suffer more from disease than adults. This pattern stretches across ecosystems and species. Children in schools catch colds more frequently. Seedlings wilt under fungal attacks while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-future-climate-conditions-will-transform-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mature</a> plants stand strong. 



Scientists have long wondered why evolution hasn’t corrected this vulnerability. Shouldn’t early life be better protected, given how deadly infection can be at that stage?



A new study from University of Maryland (<a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMD</a>) biologists brings some clarity to this age-old puzzle. Their work doesn’t focus on toddlers or baby animals, but on plants. Specifically, they looked at Silene latifolia, or white campion, a common wildflower in Europe and parts of North America. 



This plant is often infected by a fungal disease called anther-smut. It doesn’t kill the host but stops it from reproducing by destroying its pollen-producing parts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-costly-defense-in-youth">A costly defense in youth</h2>



The researchers found that young plants face a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-dont-all-plants-grow-everywhere-across-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serious trade-off</a>. Those that resist disease early on do so at a steep cost. Their growth slows down, and their reproductive success later in life drops significantly.



“It’s a mystery why young organisms don’t evolve stronger disease resistance because getting sick early in life can be deadly,” said study co-author Emily Bruns, an assistant professor of biology at UMD. 



“Our findings suggest that a hidden trade-off is involved, stopping them from being able to completely fight off a disease."



To uncover these patterns, the team grew 45 genetically different lines of the white campion under controlled lab conditions. They tracked how each one responded to the anther-smut fungus as seedlings and later in life. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-immunity-drains-energy">Early immunity drains energy</h2>



The results showed that baby plants with stronger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-plants-cant-outrun-climate-change-on-their-own/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resistance</a> produced far fewer flowers and seeds as adults - even when grown in fields without any disease.



This surprised the researchers. Why should <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-build-their-cell-walls-is-seen-by-scientists-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defense</a> in early life cost so much? The answer lies in how plants allocate energy. 



Young plants, like young animals, operate with limited internal resources. What they spend on defense cannot go toward growing roots, leaves, or reproductive tissues later.



“We found that young plants paid a higher ‘cost’ for fighting the disease compared with adult plants,” Bruns said. 



“Trying to fight off the fungus was more difficult and resource-consuming for these baby plants. They only have so much energy to spend. If baby plants spend it on disease defense, they can’t put it toward future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a>.”



This concept is important. Adult plants with high resistance show no such penalty. They’ve already developed their roots and leaves and can afford to spend more on immune defenses. 



Seedlings, on the other hand, gamble with every drop of stored energy. Using it on immunity might leave them alive, but too weak to reproduce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-is-halted-in-young-plants">Evolution is halted in young plants</h2>



To test whether this cost could explain why strong juvenile resistance doesn’t evolve, the researchers created a mathematical model. It revealed that the energy price of resistance is high enough to halt the evolution of stronger defenses in young plants. 



If this cost didn’t exist, plants with better early resistance would outcompete others and wipe out the disease. But because resistance drains future reproductive potential, evolution holds back.



“Some young plants ‘pay the cost’ and survive into adulthood, but they make fewer flowers, meaning they’re less able to reproduce,” Bruns explained. “But most remain susceptible as babies, allowing the disease a toehold.”



Even more surprisingly, the negative effects didn’t appear immediately. Young plants that resisted the disease looked healthy during the first growing season. But when they reached their reproductive peak in the second year, the impact showed. These plants bloomed far less than expected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gender-shapes-the-impact">Gender shapes the impact</h2>



The researchers also found a striking difference between male and female plants. Males suffered much higher penalties when they invested in resistance. 



Bruns thinks this might be because male white campion plants produce more flowers than females. Their reproductive success depends on spreading as much pollen as possible, so losing energy to defense hits them harder.



“Male plants produce many more flowers than females to spread their pollen as widely as possible - making the cost of diverting resources to disease resistance especially steep for males,” she said.



This insight points to how evolution can apply pressure differently across sexes. In plants as in animals, reproductive strategy affects how disease shapes the body. The same infection might challenge one sex more than the other, depending on where they spend their biological resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-young-plants-weakness-matters">Why young plants’ weakness matters </h2>



While this research focuses on a wildflower, its implications stretch far. Many species - from humans to fish - show a similar pattern: greater vulnerability in youth. Bruns believes this study offers a new lens for thinking about why that happens.



Because juveniles carry the disease burden for many populations, understanding why they remain vulnerable could help us design better approaches in agriculture, conservation, and health.



“Nature is full of infectious diseases. Understanding the different checks and balances between hosts and pathogens helps us understand how evolution has shaped these relationships over millions of years,” Bruns said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-experiments-and-applications">Future experiments and applications</h2>



The team doesn’t plan to stop with this study. They now want to know if timing matters. What happens if the disease hits just a little later - after seedlings grow their first true leaves and rely less on stored energy? Could resistance become less costly then?



They also plan to explore another angle: the protective effect of adult plants. If resistant adult plants surround seedlings, would that lower the local disease pressure? Could the adults, in effect, guard the next generation by absorbing the fungal threat?



These questions could open new research paths - not just for ecologists, but also for people trying to reduce disease in crops or manage infections in wildlife. 



Evolution has no perfect solutions. But studies like this reveal the complex calculations that every organism, even a wildflower seedling, must make.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2419192122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.</a>



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Young plants pay a big price for fighting off disease

From playground coughs to forest blights, the young suffer more...

Today, April 5th, brings with it a gentle, golden celebration - National Dandelion Day. At first glance, the dandelion might seem like just another weed. It pops up uninvited on lawns, fields, and roadsides. But beneath that familiar yellow bloom lies a rich story of endurance, healing, and quiet resilience.



"In our modern society, dandelions are considered a weed. The definition of a weed is a plant that is not valued where it is growing," notes the <a href="https://dandelionproject.org/pages/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dandelion Project</a>.



"The truth is dandelions have great value, but we've overlooked that in favor of perfectly manicured lawns. Perhaps we need to change our perception and recognize their worth."



This day is not just about admiring a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-as-food-how-ultrasound-makes-it-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flower</a>. It’s about recognizing how something small and often overlooked can travel across the world and take root in every corner. 



Dandelions tell a story of resilience, scattering hope with every seed they send into the wind. Their gentle drift reminds us that true strength is often found in life’s simplest forms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-dandelion-day-a-humble-flower">National Dandelion Day: A humble flower</h2>



Dandelions belong to a vast genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. Originally native to Eurasia, they didn’t stay confined for long. European travelers brought them to North America, where the plant took hold quickly. 



Today, dandelions grow in nearly every part of the world. You’ll find them in grassy fields, between cracks in sidewalks, along rivers, and in mountain meadows. They thrive where other plants struggle.



What sets dandelions apart isn’t just their spread, but how they adapt. They grow fast, survive droughts, and keep returning even when removed. 



With deep taproots and clever seed dispersal, dandelions have mastered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-friendly-gardening-why-flower-diversity-is-so-important/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>. They don’t demand attention - they simply exist and persist.



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



Dandelions are perennial, herbaceous plants with taproots that go deep into the soil. Their resilience begins underground. Once their yellow petals fall away, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flower</a> transforms. 



A spherical seed head forms, light and feathery. Each seed is equipped with a parachute-like structure. The wind does the rest. These seeds can travel across great distances and colonize new areas with ease.



This is nature’s way of giving the dandelion a wide reach. While most flowering plants rely on bees or birds, the dandelion trusts the wind. In doing so, it often ends up in unlikely places where it plants new roots and begins again.



The image of those seeds catching the breeze is both scenic and symbolic. They teach us about freedom, possibility, and quiet determination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rooted-in-history-and-healing">Rooted in history and healing</h2>



Scientists believe that dandelions have been around for 30 million years. Their origin traces back to the Eurasian region. 



Long before modern science acknowledged their value, ancient people knew their worth. Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used dandelions for their medicinal properties. So did the Chinese, who incorporated them into traditional medicine.



By 900 AD, Persians were already calling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-tracks-changes-in-seasonal-flower-cycles-and-migration-patterns-from-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> "tarashquq." A century later, the philosopher Ibn Sīnā wrote about dandelions in his medical texts. 



During the 16th century, English herbalists like John Gerard and John Parkinson began documenting its use in healing remedies. Across cultures and centuries, the plant served as food and medicine.



In America, settlers used every part of the plant. The leaves were eaten raw or cooked. The roots brewed into tea. Flowers turned into wine. The dandelion was never wasteful. It gave generously - nutrients, color, and comfort in equal measure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrition-in-every-leaf-and-petal">Nutrition in every leaf and petal</h2>



Dandelion greens are full of health benefits. Raw leaves offer calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and an array of vitamins. The flowers can be used to make natural dyes, adding color to fabrics or paper. The roots go deep into the earth and pull up nutrients, making them valuable in both human diets and soil health.



Though often called a weed, the dandelion plays an active role in ecosystems. Its flowers attract pollinators, especially early in spring when few other blossoms bloom. Bees, butterflies, and other insects rely on them. 



The plant can also improve soil structure. When planted carefully, dandelions enrich gardens by supporting other plants.



However, dandelions can grow aggressively. In farmlands or gardens, they may crowd out crops if unmanaged. They don’t ask permission before spreading, and that has earned them a mixed reputation. But their impact depends on how humans choose to interact with them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-before-national-dandelion-day">The journey before National Dandelion Day </h2>



The story of the dandelion includes some notable moments. Around 30 million years ago, it began evolving in the wilds of Eurasia. 



By 900 AD, Persians had named it. By 1000 AD, scholars were writing about its healing powers. In the 16th century, it gained a foothold in European medicine.



Its journey didn’t stop there. With every gust of wind, dandelions moved farther, took root deeper, and grew stronger. 



This simple plant carries generations of knowledge within its stems and leaves. It tells a story of migration, medicine, and nature’s quiet intelligence.



Dandelions thrive in a wide range of environments, particularly in temperate zones with moist soil, which offer ideal growing conditions. They are commonly found across the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey. 



Dandelions are classified as herbs and are valued for their powerful medicinal properties, especially in treating infections and aiding digestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-meets-the-eye">More than meets the eye</h2>



The word "dandelion" comes from the French dent de lion, meaning “lion’s tooth.” This refers to the jagged shape of its leaves. Some ancient cultures believed dandelions caused bed-wetting when touched. Others believed their roots could open psychic pathways.



Vineland, New Jersey, proudly calls itself the dandelion capital. And in case you were wondering - every part of the dandelion is edible. From root to flower, nothing goes to waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-honoring-national-dandelion-day">Honoring National Dandelion Day </h2>



Dandelions are among the most widespread wildflowers in the world. They withstand harsh, unforgiving climates on every continent and continue to thrive - earning their place as one of our favorite flowers with a powerful story to tell.



This flower teaches survival. Not through might, but through endurance. Not by force, but by grace.



There’s a quiet awe in witnessing something both beautiful and functional spread swiftly and silently across the world. The dandelion, born from a single seed, perfectly captures this. Its status as one of the most widespread wildflowers reflects the subtle yet powerful reach of nature.



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National Dandelion Day: Celebrating a flower that travels the world

Today, April 5th, brings with it a gentle, golden celebration...

Urbanization is reshaping more than just skylines. As cities expand and natural landscapes give way to concrete and park lawns, the soil beneath our feet is changing too.



The diversity of life underground - especially among bacteria and fungi - is responding to the pressures of urban development in surprising ways.



New research now shows that, while bacterial communities are becoming more alike across cities, fungal communities are holding onto their unique identities.



This new study comes from scientists at <a href="https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanghai Jiao Tong University</a>, the University of Helsinki, and other international institutions. 



The researchers studied soil microbial communities in boreal, temperate, and tropical biomes. They looked at sites ranging from undisturbed forests to urban parks of various ages. 



Their findings reveal a striking contrast in how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-engage-in-more-conversations-after-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> have responded to urbanization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-bacteria-reshaped-by-urbanization">Soil bacteria reshaped by urbanization </h2>



The researchers found that bacteria in urban soils tend to behave like generalists. They adapt quickly and can thrive in a range of conditions. 



In fact, the similarity between bacterial communities rose from 79% in forests to 85% in younger urban parks. About 90% of urban soil bacteria were generalists.



Fungi, on the other hand, proved to be more resistant to change. Roughly 83% of fungi remained specialists - organisms that stick to very specific environmental conditions.



Their evolutionary pace is slower than that of bacteria and they don't share genes as easily. This keeps them more rooted to particular niches.



“Urbanization is a powerful force reshaping soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-soil-planet-warming-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial communities</a>, yet bacteria and fungi respond in strikingly different ways. Bacteria swiftly adapt to urban conditions, whereas fungi retain their ecological specialization, highlighting the complex interplay between microbial adaptation and ecosystem resilience,” noted Dr. Nan Hui, the study’s corresponding author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-bacteria-and-fungi-different">What makes bacteria and fungi different?</h2>



The contrasting responses of bacteria and fungi to urbanization stem from their fundamental biological differences. 



Bacteria are single-celled organisms with relatively simple structures and rapid reproduction cycles. They readily exchange genetic material through processes like horizontal gene transfer, allowing them to adapt quickly to new or stressful environments.



Fungi, by contrast, are more complex. Many are multicellular, forming extensive underground networks known as mycelia. These structures connect them intimately to their surroundings, making them less mobile and less genetically flexible than bacteria. 



Fungi also tend to evolve more slowly and rely heavily on specific environmental conditions and host relationships.



These inherent traits explain why bacteria can act as generalists in urban soils - adapting and thriving across varied settings - while fungi often remain tied to particular ecological niches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-bacteria-adapt-to-urbanization">Soil bacteria adapt to urbanization </h2>



Despite their different strategies, both bacteria and fungi are essential for the same big job: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-soils-produce-a-symphony-of-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keeping the soil healthy</a>. They break down organic matter and recycle nutrients.



The study shows that even though the fungi and bacteria populations shift differently, their shared functional traits help maintain these vital services in urban soils.



This redundancy in ecological roles means cities aren’t necessarily doomed to poor soil health. The resilience is built in. And that’s good news for city planners and environmental managers looking to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-green-spaces-are-urgently-needed-across-the-global-south/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban green spaces</a>.



It also suggests that microbial soil communities can adapt to disturbance without losing their core functions. With the right support, urban soils can continue to thrive - even in heavily modified environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-city-soil-resilience">The future of city soil resilience</h2>



Soil microbes are often overlooked in discussions about biodiversity, especially in cities. But this study makes it clear that they play a vital role in sustaining life above the surface. Understanding their behavior under the stress of urbanization is a step toward building more resilient cities.



Future research could explore how certain design choices - like the age of green spaces or the types of plants used - shape these microbial communities.



Microbial studies like this one are essential for designing urban environments that support biodiversity, climate resilience, and long-term sustainability.



The more we learn about what keeps urban soils alive, the better equipped we’ll be to nurture the ecosystems that support us - even in the heart of the city.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666498425000250?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science and Ecotechnology</a>.



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Soil bacteria and fungi respond differently to urbanization

Urbanization is reshaping more than just skylines. As cities expand...

Why do some plant species grow and flourish only in certain places, while their close relatives take root in faraway landscapes? Scientists have wrestled with this mystery for years, hoping to understand how nature sets its limits.



A global investigation of nearly 270,000 seed plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-future-climate-conditions-will-transform-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> sheds new light on the environmental and historical factors that decide where vegetation can prosper.



The research was led by an international team that examined climate data, soil conditions, and ancient geologic events spanning millions of years. The break apart of the supercontinent Pangea due to plate tectonics is one significant event which saw a drastic change in plant life. 



The investigation's central findings trace back to work by Dr. Lirong Cai from the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a> and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), who served as a key figure in this study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-grow-in-some-places-only">Plants grow in some places only</h2>



Many scientists argue that biodiversity is shaped by more than just random spread or occasional migration. 



Climate, <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/soil-composition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil composition</a>, and geographical barriers are thought to play a strong part in keeping certain plant groups confined to specific locations. In turn, the locations become a place for unique plants to thrive.



Researchers have also turned to phylogenetic methods that track family trees over deep timescales. This <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.292.5517.673" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approach</a> helps reveal when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-plants-cant-outrun-climate-change-on-their-own/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant group</a> encountered new conditions or broke past a barrier into another region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-soil-affect-plant-growth">Climate and soil affect plant growth</h2>



Temperature and moisture have long been recognized as strong regulators of distribution, influencing growth and survival. 



Some species can endure extreme cold, drought, or humidity better than others. This paves the way for plant growth to flourish or can restrict them to smaller pockets.



Shifts in habitat conditions can push certain lineages to adapt over time. Others may fail to survive these changes, leaving them behind as evidence of how vital the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-stop-absorbing-carbon-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> can be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-stops-the-spread-of-plants">What stops the spread of plants?</h2>



Physical structures such as mountains, deserts, and vast oceans block species from expanding at certain stages. Younger plant lineages often get stranded, while older ones might have had more time to grow and overcome these obstacles.



Older plants are more accustomed to harsh weather and soil conditions. Not only have older plants had more time to grow than younger plants, older plants are familiar with the structures around them.



This familiarity gives older plant species an advantage which allows the plant to continue to grow without becoming trapped due to terrain or physical structures.



“These findings reveal a fundamental process in nature. Given enough time, plants can overcome the barriers of vast distances and geography, but they often remain limited by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a> they encounter,” said Dr. Cai.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-continents-changed-plant-paths">Shifting continents changed plant paths</h2>



Continents <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16701355/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drifted</a> into different positions between 20 and 50 million years ago, opening or closing routes that influenced plant travel.



This rearrangement had moderate impacts on long-term distribution, though it was more pronounced within that window of shifting plates.



Some groups of plants managed to traverse newly connected landmasses, while others remained clustered where they first took root. The lasting effect of those movements is still visible in the distribution <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-understanding-of-light-detection-in-plants-may-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> seen today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-plants-spread-more">Ancient plants spread more</h2>



Genetic evidence confirms that <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02599-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dispersal barriers</a> remain tough to conquer in the short run, even though ancient lineages managed to spread widely over longer intervals. 



Oceanic gaps and hostile climates slow down or halt these botanical journeys. Unfortunately, some plants cannot survive and spread in specific environments.



Because of this, environmental filtering stays a constant factor. Where the temperature or moisture swings too far from a species’ tolerance, the plants refuse to grow or venture there, no matter how long they have existed.



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



Ecologists see value in integrating more detailed geological reconstructions with modern species data. Climate fluctuations, like those in the past Ice Ages, also carry <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.292.5517.673" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clues</a> about how quickly species can respond or shift their homes.



A broader understanding may inspire efforts to protect fragile habitats. Some zones remain high-risk for plant extinctions if conditions change faster than species can grow or adapt.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02599-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Why don’t all plants grow everywhere across the world?

Why do some plant species grow and flourish only in...

Newly published research suggests that toxins aren't reserved for creatures like snakes, spiders, or scorpions, which we've traditionally labeled as venomous. A surprising cast of organisms also use comparable tactics.



Growing evidence indicates that many plants, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-fungi-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>, and microorganisms rely on venom-like methods to protect themselves from threats and outmaneuver other organisms. The research challenges assumptions we've held about which living things can deliver a harmful punch and opens new doors for scientific inquiry.



Venomous animals have long fascinated biologists that were seeking to understand their deadly secretions and the traits associated with their use, but have also contributed numerous life-saving therapeutics, said William K. Hayes, professor of biology at Loma Linda University <a href="https://medicine.llu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Medicine</a>.&nbsp;



This perspective casts a wider net over organisms that employ toxic secretions, raising hopes that an even broader range of life forms could offer untapped chemical treasures for medicine and research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venom-goes-beyond-animals">Venom goes beyond animals</h2>



<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/17/3/99" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> have begun to expand the basic definition of venom beyond what is produced by snakes or spiders, since a strictly animal-based perspective overlooks key examples in other branches of life. 



A toxin introduced into the internal tissues of a target through a specialized structure could also describe the stinging hairs on some plants, the penetration mechanisms used by certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underground-fungal-networks-are-natures-hyper-efficient-architects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>, and even the injection systems of a few bacteria.



One example includes certain <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/Urticaceae" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nettle species</a> that can puncture skin upon contact, while other flora form alliances with stinging ants for defense, effectively tapping into ant venom as a shared resource. 



Scientists investigating <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abb8828" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian stinging trees</a>, for instance, have identified peptides that trigger severe and long-lasting discomfort, mirroring what happens when an animal injects toxins through fangs or barbs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-and-viruses-use-venom">Fungi and viruses use venom</h2>



Fungi have also developed toxin-delivery tactics that come into play when they invade living <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hosts</a>, and these strategies often involve sophisticated enzymatic activity that breaches protective barriers. 



Certain <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/entomopathogenic-fungus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entomopathogenic species</a>, such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/cordyceps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cordyceps fungi</a>, infect insects by using specialized structures to pierce the exoskeleton, then introduce <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15792702/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical compounds</a> that cripple the insect’s immune response and ultimately pave the way for the fungus to feed.



Viruses might appear too simple to fit our usual venom concepts, but some can inject their genetic material directly into a cell using a needle-like mechanism that disrupts normal function. 



This approach even underpins emerging <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/795414/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ideas</a> about <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0882401024005552" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phage therapy</a> for antibiotic-resistant infections, since bacteriophages can selectively invade harmful bacteria and dismantle them from the inside.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-microbial-strategies">Hidden microbial strategies</h2>



Bacterial warfare often revolves around <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26999395/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">specialized secretory systems</a> that shoot toxins straight into rival cells, effectively seizing control or neutralizing threats on the microbial battlefield. 



These intricate setups, including type III and type VI secretion systems, function much like an inbuilt syringe, enabling bacteria to sabotage plant or animal tissues while gaining an upper hand in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>.



Competition among microbes can be fierce, with each species fighting for resources in shared environments, and these hidden battles often hinge on toxin injection that allows one group to dominate a niche.



Some strains even produce <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29405518/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contractile devices</a> that resemble phage tails, launching protein payloads across cell membranes to stop competing organisms in their tracks and often developing self-protective measures to avoid collateral damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-venom-from-fungi-plants-and-microbes">Venom from fungi, plants, and microbes</h2>



Medical <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/11/venomics-deadly-toxins-life-saving-drugs-mande-holford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">researchers</a> have long looked to animal venoms for treatments that range from blood pressure medication to pain relief, leveraging the finely tuned molecules that evolved to subdue prey or fend off enemies. These endeavors fuel optimism about searching for new leads among non-animal toxins. 



If plants, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-eating-fungus-beauveria-bassiana-causes-the-immune-system-to-attack-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>, and microbes also contain potent substances shaped by similar evolutionary pressures, then a bigger repository of chemical compounds could emerge for developing therapies against infections, chronic pain, or even cancer.



Adopting a more inclusive perspective on what qualifies as venom might shift the way scientists collaborate across disciplines, bringing together botanists, microbiologists, and pharmacologists in shared discovery that breaks conventional boundaries. 



This approach could spark fresh ideas about the ecological roles of toxins in nature, pave the way for advanced drug development pipelines, and spur new methods for controlling pests or pathogens.



The research reminds us that the line between harmful and helpful can be surprisingly thin when viewed through a different lens.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/17/3/99" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toxins</a>.



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Venom beyond animals: The toxic arsenal of fungi, plants, and microbes

Newly published research suggests that toxins aren't reserved for creatures...

For over 165 years, scientists have puzzled over a strange fossil called&nbsp;Prototaxites. Even its appearance was unusual. It stood up to 8 meters tall, and resembled a towering tree with no leaves.



These curious lifeforms appeared during the late Silurian period, around 400 million years ago. Found among early ferns and horsetails, they lacked branches and looked nothing like modern trees.



In 1859, Canadian geologist John William Dawson thought these fossils were decaying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/palm-tree-fossils-found-in-the-arctic-rewrite-earths-climate-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> trunks. He named them "first conifer," a name that stuck even as confusion deepened. 



The mystery has only grown as modern science has applied new tools, yet the answers remained elusive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-was-prototaxites-a-fungus">Was Prototaxites a fungus?</h2>



For decades, the idea that Prototaxites was a fungus gained support. 



In 2001, paleontologist Francis Hueber proposed it was a giant terrestrial fungus, based on anatomical features like the presence of tubular structures. 



Later, in 2017, researchers identified what they believed were fruiting bodies in the fossil, linking it to Ascomycota, a modern fungal group.



But there was a problem - these supposed reproductive parts had never been shown to connect with the vegetative body. That raised concerns. 



Could these fragments have belonged to an entirely different organism? Without direct evidence, the fungal identity of Prototaxites remained guesswork.



Despite ongoing debate, the fungus theory persisted. That is, until a team led by researchers from the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a> took a closer look. 



They re-examined Prototaxites taiti, a species preserved in Scotland’s Rhynie chert, which is one of the best <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-oasis-provided-refuge-for-plants-during-earths-worst-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> deposits from the early Devonian period. Their findings call everything we thought we knew into question.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-largest-organism-of-the-devonian-landscape">Largest organism of the Devonian landscape</h2>



The team focused on an exceptionally well-preserved fossil labeled NSC.36. This fossil showed a cross-section of P. taiti and revealed medullary spots - dark, circular features - spread throughout its body.



The sample of rock that was used for analysis was roughly cylindrical, 5.6 cm (2.2 inches) wide and nearly 7 cm (2.8 inches) long, but incomplete. This suggests the original organism was much larger, likely a towering figure in its environment.



At the microscopic level, the researchers discovered three distinct types of tubes running lengthwise through the fossil. 



Type 1 tubes were thin, septate, and branched. Type 2 tubes were wider, with smooth double walls and no internal cross-walls. Type 3 tubes were thickest, and featured ring-like thickenings that do not match any known fungal type. These structures appeared interwoven, forming a dense, interconnected network inside the fossil.



Interestingly, these anatomical features resembled some aspects of fungi - but not enough to confirm a match. The third tube type, with its annular thickenings, doesn’t appear in any known fungal group, which raised immediate doubts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-medullary-spots-with-no-equal">Strange medullary spots with no equal</h2>



Using confocal laser scanning microscopy and 3D imaging, the team examined the medullary spots in detail. These regions contained all three tube types and added even finer ones, some just 1 micron in diameter. The branching patterns inside were complex and lacked the clear order seen in today's fungal systems.



In modern fungi, branching follows a hierarchy - generative hyphae give rise to other types in a predictable pattern. But in P. taiti, the branching had no clear direction or sequence. Tubes connected in all directions, forming a chaotic mesh.



“There are no structures analogous to medullary spots in extant fungi,” the researchers noted.



They also rejected the idea that these spots resembled fruiting bodies of ascomycetes. Even though some scientists once thought the spots hinted at spore production, no organic connection exists between these spots and any supposed reproductive structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prototaxites-lacked-fungal-or-plant-traits">Prototaxites lacked fungal or plant traits</h2>



Next, the team analyzed the fossil’s molecular makeup using FTIR spectroscopy. 



They compared P. taiti with fungi, plants, animals, and bacteria from the same deposit. All these fossils had undergone the same fossilization process, which allowed for reliable side-by-side comparison.



The results were striking. The fossil lacked any trace of chitin or chitosan, which are essential compounds found in fungal cell walls. Even perylene - a chemical marker of ascomycete fungi - was absent in P. taiti, though present in the surrounding substratum.



Instead, P. taiti’s cells contained aromatic and phenolic compounds resembling fossilized lignin. Lignin is found in land plants, but this version differed chemically. It was something entirely distinct - resembling lignin, yet not plant-like.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-machine-learning-confirms-its-isolation">Machine learning confirms its isolation</h2>



To test the molecular data further, the team used machine learning models. These models were trained to distinguish organisms based on their molecular fingerprints. 



The results were clear. The models identified P. taiti as something different from fungi, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-modern-fossils-will-be-the-most-surprising-to-future-explorers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, bacteria, or plants - with over 90% accuracy.



"We conclude that the morphology and molecular fingerprint of P. taiti is clearly distinct from that of the fungi and other organisms preserved alongside it in the [Devonian deposit], and we suggest that it is best considered a member of a previously undescribed, entirely extinct group of eukaryotes," the authors note.



With no known taxonomic group sharing its combination of anatomy, chemistry, and lifestyle, Prototaxites stands apart. It was a eukaryote - meaning it had complex cells with nuclei - but that’s where the similarities end.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-a-plant-fungus-or-animal">Not a plant, fungus, or animal</h2>



The researchers tested every possible affiliation. Could it be an alga? No, P. taiti lacked the necessary photosynthetic structures and was chemically dissimilar. Could it be an early land plant? Again, the absence of vascular tissues and other plant traits ruled that out.



How about lichen? Not possible without a photobiont. Oomycetes? The molecular composition didn’t match. Even animals were ruled out. Metazoans do not have tube-like structures with cell walls, and P. taiti clearly did.



In the end, the team’s classification table showed the same result for every group: rejected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prototaxites-evolution-s-lost-experiment">Prototaxites: Evolution’s lost experiment</h2>



Prototaxites might be the last known member of its kind. It formed massive vertical structures from underground networks. It likely absorbed nutrients from decaying matter, much like modern saprotrophs. Yet it was not a fungus, not a plant, and not an animal.



"Based on this investigation we are unable to assign Prototaxites to any extant lineage, reinforcing its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uniqueness</a>," the authors concluded.



And that may be all we ever know. With no modern descendants and no living relatives, Prototaxites exists only as a fossil - part of a long-vanished branch of life. It reminds us that evolution is full of strange ideas, some of which thrived briefly before disappearing forever.



The ancient world was full of life unlike anything we see today. Prototaxites was one of its boldest experiments - and perhaps, one of its most fascinating failures.



The study is published in the pre-print server <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.03.14.643340v1.full.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioRxiv</a>.



Image Credit: CC BY-SA 4.0



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Giant, mysterious organisms discovered are impossible to categorize

For over 165 years, scientists have puzzled over a strange...

A new study shows that the forces creating mountain ranges can also drive species diversity, illuminating how Earth’s geological processes shape the evolution of life. 



The work marks a breakthrough in understanding why mountainous areas are hotbeds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-species-diversity-shaped-by-climate-change-for-21000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species diversity</a> and how tectonic activities may have guided the evolutionary paths of certain groups of organisms over millions of years. The study was co-authored by researchers at <a href="https://www.iu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indiana University</a> (IU).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-mountains-and-new-species">Rising mountains and new species</h2>



Long recognized as biological treasure troves, mountain regions often hold surprising numbers of plant and animal species. Yet, it has been difficult to tease out whether high biodiversity naturally accompanies the rugged terrain or if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a>’ geological formation directly promotes new evolutionary processes.



According to this new study, the mere act of mountains rising can create conditions that give birth to new species. Shifting landscapes open up new habitats and geographically isolate populations, encouraging the emergence of new, distinct species - a process known as allopatric speciation.&nbsp;



Among smaller animals such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-modern-day-plague-rodents-fleas-and-their-impact-on-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rodents</a>, the team found a strong correlation between how quickly and how high mountains lift up and the degree of species diversification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-with-virtual-worlds">A closer look with virtual worlds</h2>



The research team, which includes Eyal Marder of the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a> (a former IU postdoctoral fellow) and Brian Yanites, an associate professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at IU, used advanced computer models to simulate how species might evolve in response to rising terrain over very long timescales.



They based their work on “Adascape,” a specialized model that allows for virtual representations of the Earth’s surface and how it changes. Then, they coupled it with programs that populate these landscapes with model species and track how they adapt and migrate as mountains slowly take shape.&nbsp;



The result was a synthetic view of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> might proceed in response to upheavals that can last tens of millions of years.



One of the more compelling revelations from these simulations is that certain mountainous areas can act like “cradles” of new biodiversity. A species of rodent-like mammals in the model, for instance, split into multiple distinct species as soon as the mountains rose and created different environmental niches.&nbsp;



Over time, some of these new species even migrated into adjacent lowlands, matching patterns paleontologists often see in fossil deposits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-to-the-fossil-record">Connecting to the fossil record</h2>



Past geologic intervals have left behind a record of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> booms that, until now, were not well explained. The authors propose that at least some of these booms may correlate with upticks in tectonic activity.&nbsp;



For example, the researchers suggest that a known spike in fossil diversity about 15 million years ago in the western United States might be linked to local mountain building in the Basin and Range region, which shaped both animal evolution and the formation of sedimentary basins.



“This study gives us new insights into how Earth’s physical processes influence the diversity of life,” Marder said. “It also highlights how ongoing geological changes could continue to impact biodiversity in the future.”



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



Previous theories had proposed that mountains simply serve as a stage on which evolution plays out. In contrast, this research indicates that landscapes in flux can actively spark or redirect the evolutionary process.&nbsp;



“We often think of landscapes as passive backdrops for evolution, but this study shows that they are active participants in shaping biodiversity,” Yanites said.



Mountain-building pushes populations up or isolates them in valleys, subjecting organisms to different climates, food sources, and environmental pressures.&nbsp;



Over time, these constraints spawn new species. The link between tectonics and evolution grows even stronger when one considers that mountain ridges can capture moisture and alter local climates, further driving organisms to adapt or relocate.



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



Beyond helping explain the past, these findings may also help conservationists decide how and where to protect species. Mountains remain sensitive to climate change; as conditions shift, those living at high elevations may have nowhere left to migrate.&nbsp;



Understanding which areas are most critical for speciation could focus conservation efforts on safeguarding genetic diversity hotspots.



By revealing how rising mountains foster new species, this study may also guide reevaluation of existing protected zones. If certain ridge systems are particularly crucial for generating biodiversity, setting them aside or expanding current reserves might become a priority.&nbsp;



This knowledge could likewise apply to other dynamic environments - like tectonically active rifts or volcanic zones - which might also harbor outsized roles in biological innovation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-uplift-and-species-evolution">Mountain uplift and species evolution</h2>



Moving forward, the authors aim to extend their computer modeling to different regions and sets of organisms, matching simulated results more closely with fossil records and genetic data. This interdisciplinary approach can refine projections about how topography influences evolution today and in the future.



According to the scientists, it’s not just about where species are now but about how a place changed over time, and how that might have sparked speciation or extinctions. This link between landscapes and life is something we’re just beginning to fully appreciate.



By establishing a clear, data-driven link between tectonic uplift and the evolution of new species, the study offers a novel perspective on Earth’s living tapestry - and on the power of the planet’s deep geological machinery to shape life across the ages.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adp7290" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.&nbsp;



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How rising mountains give birth to new species

A new study shows that the forces creating mountain ranges...

<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



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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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