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 frozen landscape of the Canadian Arctic was once home to palm trees - a revelation that defies everything we thought we knew about Earth's climate history.



Today, the Arctic is defined by ice, permafrost, and extreme cold, supporting only the hardiest plants and animals. 



However, evidence suggests that millions of years ago, the region was warm enough to sustain towering palm trees and a thriving ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-look-at-the-arctic-s-past">A new look at the Arctic's past </h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://www.conncoll.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connecticut College</a> are describing fossil discoveries that tell a very different tale of the Arctic's history.



The research sheds light on how the Arctic once existed - with dense forest, warm-water ecosystems, and a climate akin to the today's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-half-of-the-worlds-vertebrates-reside-in-the-tropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropics</a>.



The idea of palms thriving in a region that now endures months of icy darkness and subzero temperatures is astonishing. 



It contradicts our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ecosystems-are-endangered-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> environments and compels us to reexamine the dynamic nature of Earth's climate over geologic timescales.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-fossils-from-the-eocene">Plant fossils from the Eocene </h2>



The scientists studied small silica structures known as phytoliths - microscopic plant fragments that are a fossilized record of past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegetation-impacts-energy-movement-in-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> - embedded in ancient lakebed residues from Canada's Northwest territories.



The mineralized structures, which preserve the unique shape of the plants they originated from, are important evidence of a drastically different Arctic environment.



In particular, the researchers visited the Giraffe Pipe locality, a relatively well-preserved geological location that provides an exceptional snapshot of prehistoric times, suspended in perpetuity.



This out-of-the way place, which was once a productive ecosystem, contains some of the finest-preserved plant fossils from the Eocene epoch. The fossils help scientists recreate ancient climates with extraordinary accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palm-trees-in-the-arctic">Palm trees in the Arctic</h2>



What the team discovered was nothing less than incredible. The fossil record indicates that about 48 million years ago, this area had warm, stable temperatures throughout the year - even in times of pure winter darkness when the sun never broke the horizon.



Contrary to today's Arctic environment, where ice covers the terrain and subzero temperatures prevail for most of the year, this ancient ecosystem was more like a subtropical haven.



Palm trees did not merely survive here - they thrived, towering above a dense forest of warm-climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>. Their existence upends long-standing beliefs regarding the boundaries of plant survival and offers a striking image of an Arctic that was once recognizably warm and vibrant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palm-trees-and-a-lost-arctic-world">Palm trees and a lost Arctic world</h2>



"These findings give us a window into past greenhouse conditions and help refine models predicting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-levels-complicate-predictions-of-future-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future climate change</a>," said Peter Siver, the study's lead researcher.



The discovery included fossilized stegmata - unique linear arrangements of plant structures in palm leaves - which represent the earliest known record of this evolutionary trait.



The researchers also identified traces of warm-adapted aquatic life, further confirming that the Arctic once harbored a stable, temperate ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-climate-assumptions">Challenging climate assumptions</h2>



The study challenges previous assumptions about ice formation in the Northern Hemisphere. By examining these ancient environments, researchers can gain critical insights into how ecosystems adapt to long-term climate shifts.



Warm-adapted aquatic organisms found alongside the palm tree fossils further solidify the narrative of a once-thriving, temperate arctic ecosystem. 



The research offers more than just a fascinating historical account - it provides crucial context for understanding contemporary climate dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story-of-life-on-earth">The story of life on Earth</h2>



Understanding Earth's climate history isn't just about satisfying scientific curiosity. It helps us comprehend the incredible adaptability of life and the dramatic transformations our planet can undergo.



The Arctic of 48 million years ago serves as a powerful reminder of the planet's complex and ever-changing nature. 



The study demonstrates that even the most extreme environments can shift drastically over time, shaped by the forces of geology and climate.



In the face of today's climate challenges, these prehistoric insights offer a unique perspective on environmental change, resilience, and the extraordinary story of life on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/aob/advance-article/doi/10.1093/aob/mcaf021/8006661" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Botany</a>.



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Palm tree fossils found in the Arctic rewrite Earth's climate history

The frozen landscape of the Canadian Arctic was once home...

Forests are&nbsp;essential&nbsp;in&nbsp;sequestering carbon, a process that slows the rate of global warming. But when it comes to the ability to store carbon, not all forests are created equal. 



A recent study has revealed that mixed forests with several different species of trees sequester much more carbon than those in which only a single species of tree is present.



The study, led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.uni-freiburg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Freiburg</a>, offers robust evidence that mixed forests are more effective at sequestering carbon, and thus represent a key weapon in the fight against climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-tree-diversity-experiment">Tropical tree diversity experiment </h2>



The research focused on data from the Sardinilla experiment in Panama, which was set up in 2001 and is the world’s longest-running tropical tree diversity experiment in the world. 



Originally, pastureland was replanted with tree species. Today, forest growth can be compared on plots that were planted with one, two, three, or five different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forests-benefit-from-diverse-native-tree-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">native tree species</a>.



The forests have now become more mature and scientists can examine long-term trends. The researchers considered multiple carbon stocks in the plots, such as carbon within tree biomass, leaf litter, and mineral soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-diversity-boosts-carbon-storage">Tree diversity boosts carbon storage</h2>



The experts found that forests with five tree species had significantly higher carbon stocks above ground than those with only one species.



Mixed forests captured 57% more carbon in tree biomass when compared to monocultures. This confirms that planting different tree species leads to more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-fires-diminish-forests-carbon-storage-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>.



However, belowground carbon stocks and fluxes remained similar, regardless of species diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-resilient-carbon-sink">A resilient carbon sink </h2>



The benefits of tree diversity did not fade over time. In fact, they became stronger, even as the forests faced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>. 



The study period included a severe El Niño-driven drought and a hurricane, yet the mixed forests continued to outperform those composed of monocultures.



Study first author Dr. Florian Schnabel is a forest scientist at the University of Freiburg’s Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources.



“This is important, because in the face of climate change, the long-term carbon balance of forests will depend largely on their stability to disturbances. Diverse forests exhibit greater ecological stability and the risk that the stored carbon is released back to the atmosphere is lower than in monocultures,” said Dr. Schnabel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-forests-and-climate-action">Mixed forests and climate action</h2>



The study’s findings suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reforestation</a> projects should prioritize mixed-species forests over monocultures in order to maximize carbon sequestration.



However, the researchers caution against overestimating the climate benefits of planting new forests.



Dr. Catherine Potvin from McGill University in Canada was head of the Sardinilla experiment until 2024, and helped to initiate the study.



“The average yearly net CO2&nbsp;uptake of the planted forests was 5.7 tonnes CO2&nbsp;equivalents per ha and year. It would thus need one-year tree growth on 11 ha of this type of forest to compensate for the emissions of a single one-way flight between Frankfurt and Panama City,” noted Dr. Potvin. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-forest-diversity">Embracing forest diversity </h2>



The research contributes to a growing collection of evidence that species diversity is central to climate resilience. Mixed forests not only take up more carbon, but also store it more consistently, even in the case of extreme weather events.



When governments and institutions start investing in climate mitigation strategies by planting trees, species diversity is key to making the effects exponentially more powerful.



By creating diverse forests, we can cultivate landscapes that have greater carbon sequestration potential, withstand environmental stress, and provide long-term returns to ecosystems and future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-benefits-of-diverse-forests">Additional benefits of diverse forests</h2>



In addition to carbon storage, mixed forests offer crucial ecological benefits. They promote biodiversity, provide wildlife with food and shelter, and improve conditions for pollinators, seed dispersal agents, and natural pest suppression. These interactions enhance forest health and resilience.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Multispecies forests</a> are also more resistant against disease and pests, as opposed to monocultures where all individuals may succumb to the same pest infestation, leading to heavy financial losses. By reducing this risk, mixed forests maintain long-term stability even under changing conditions.



Furthermore, diverse forests help regulate water, thus maintaining the soil moisture level, preventing soil erosion, and stabilizing environments. Their roots prevent landslides and protect freshwater systems that are vital to communities.



Prioritizing species diversity can lead to more resilient forests that safeguard both the environment and human well-being.



The full results of the study were published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70089">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Nature's climate solutions: Mixed forests store more carbon

Forests are&nbsp;essential&nbsp;in&nbsp;sequestering carbon, a process that slows the rate of...

Infections often conjure images of bacteria or viruses, but certain fungi can also take their toll on us. They can hide in unsuspecting corners of the environment and interact with living organisms in ways that raise many questions.



One particular fungus, Beauveria bassiana, has captured attention because of its interactions with insects. 



Its spores settle on an insect and then germinate and penetrate through the cuticle. The insect dies within days and forms the substrate for a white fungal mold that grows and flourishes.



<a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/biosciences/hidalgo-alicia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prof. Alicia Hidalgo</a>, from the University of Birmingham, directed a recent investigation into infections in insects by this devastating fungus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-responses-to-brain-fungus">Immune responses to brain fungus</h2>



Fruit flies became the chosen subjects for this study because their immune system shares some features with that of more complex creatures. 



Researchers often turn to these small insects when exploring disease processes in a simple model.



The researchers analyzed the effect of the fungus on the brains of flies and found that flies infected with B. bassiana suffered a reduction in the number of brain cells. 



They identified that the fly's own immune system was "tricked" by the invading fungus to start destroying brain cells.



In flies, Toll receptors are agents of the immune system. When infected with the fungus, the Toll-1 receptors in the flies triggered the release of antimicrobial peptides that attack and kill pathogens. 



However, the fungus also provoked the Toll-1 receptors to produce another molecule, called Sarm, that suppresses the immune response and destroys brain cells instead.



“We have shown a process for how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-fungi-communicate-using-a-silent-language/">fungi</a> have evolved to trick the immune system to get into the brain,” said Prof. Hidalgo. Her findings suggest that a normal line of defense can accidentally turn against the very organ it’s meant to protect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sarm-s-link-to-neurodegeneration">Sarm's link to neurodegeneration</h2>



When the immune system tries to confront this fungus, the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2738257/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarm</a> molecules step up their activity; they have the potential to sabotage defenses by encouraging cell damage in the brain.



“The key antagonist in the immune process is Sarm,&nbsp;a so-called master of destruction, that is causing cell death in the brain. The ability of&nbsp;B. bassiana&nbsp;to trick the fruit fly immune system into activating the master of destruction Sarm and kill&nbsp;cells enables spores to beat the blood-brain barrier and start feeding on brain cells,” commented Hidalgo.



The process, known as neurodegeneration, describes the gradual breakdown of nerve cells. If immune signals become confused, the result might be nerve destruction in the brain.



Experts note that this fungus, though hazardous to insects, is widely used for insect management in agriculture. It is developed into a type of pesticide and used to kills certain insects. 



The findings offer a curious look at how a single microbe might manipulate host biology for its own benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-this-fungus-mean-for-humans">What does this fungus mean for humans?</h2>



“It is important to stress that B. bassiana cannot affect humans,” explained <a href="https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/did:plc:d6rwoejbzaavw4wcxlydd6un" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Deepanshu Singh</a>, now a post-doc at the University of Manchester. The fungus targets insects, but it stays clear of mammals.



Still, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/">other fungi</a> are known to reach the human brain under certain conditions. These discoveries hint that parallel strategies might pop up in different species, especially when fungal organisms are trying to survive inside a host.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broader-perspective-on-fungal-threats">A broader perspective on fungal threats</h2>



Some scientists believe that future work could explore whether similar immune system misdirection happens in other animals. 



Understanding how these pathogens find loopholes in the immune system may help researchers develop new interventions.



Fungal infections often get less attention than bacterial or viral illnesses, yet they can still pose serious threats. 



The possibility that a fungus might slip into the human central nervous system and confuse its defenses encourages further research.



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



The discovery that a fungal infection can manipulate immune responses to attack brain cells raises questions about similar mechanisms in humans. 



Some neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, involve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tiny-bacteria-outsmart-the-human-immune-system/">immune system</a> dysfunction and excessive inflammation in the brain.



If certain pathogens can trigger destructive immune pathways, this could offer new insights into how inflammation contributes to neurodegeneration. 



Researchers may investigate whether similar immune evasion tactics occur in human infections, potentially linking fungal exposure to long-term neurological effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-next-steps-in-fungal-research">Possible next steps in fungal research</h2>



Scientists hope to identify molecules that can protect nerve cells when the immune system is tricked. Pinpointing the exact signals could spark novel medical approaches for people at risk of certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orchid-parents-nurture-seedlings-through-fungal-networks/">fungal</a> infections.



Research also continues on ways to control fungal spread in agricultural settings without harming beneficial insects. 



B. bassiana remains a useful tool for pest management, though its tactics highlight the complexity of the microbe-host relationship.



The study is published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3003020" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Brain-eating fungus causes the immune system to attack neurons

Infections often conjure images of bacteria or viruses, but certain...

A new study warns that if global warming surpasses 1.5°C, vast regions could lose critical crop diversity, heightening the risk to worldwide food security.&nbsp;



Researchers predict that about one-third of global food production may be in jeopardy due to higher temperatures, underscoring how climate change is expected to reshape agriculture, especially in vulnerable low-latitude countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loss-of-crop-diversity">Loss of crop diversity </h2>



Scientists at <a href="https://www.aalto.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aalto University</a> conducted the research, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43016-025-01135-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Food</a>, by analyzing how changes in temperature, rainfall patterns, and overall aridity will influence the growth of 30 key food <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creating-resilient-crops-to-cope-with-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a> around the globe.&nbsp;



The results show that low-latitude areas - including large portions of the tropics - stand to suffer the most. As warming increases, these regions would see far more land becoming unsuitable for agriculture, as well as a sharp drop in the variety of crops that can be grown.



“The loss of diversity means that the range of food crops available for cultivation could decrease significantly in certain areas. That would reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-molecule-could-shape-the-future-of-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> and make it more difficult to get adequate calories and protein,” said Sara Heikonen, the doctoral researcher who led the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-food-crops">Climate change and food crops</h2>



Up to half of the world’s current food crop production may be impacted by these shifting conditions. Major staples - rice, maize, wheat, potato, and soybean - are likely to face severe reductions in suitable cropland, heightening challenges for societies that depend on them for daily nutrition.&nbsp;



According to Heikonen, many other crops, like “tropical root crops such as yam, which are key to food security in low-income regions, as well as cereals and pulses are particularly vulnerable. 



In sub-Saharan Africa, the region which would be impacted most, almost three quarters of current production is at risk if global warming exceeds 3°C.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-brings-winners-and-losers">Warming brings winners and losers</h2>



The study reveals a stark contrast between low-latitude and mid- to high-latitude regions. While countries nearer the equator face severe crop losses and falling diversity, those in cooler climates could retain their overall production levels. 



Scientists also project that mid- and high-latitude areas may be able to cultivate a broader range of crops in a warming world.



“For example, the cultivation of temperate fruits, such as pears, could become more common in more northerly regions,” Heikonen said.



Yet, the study’s senior author Matti Kummu notes that a favorable shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> does not guarantee greater yields. 



“We showed that there’s climatic potential but, for example, warming might bring new pests and extreme weather events, which our model doesn’t include. So the situation isn’t really that black and white,” Kummu said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-low-latitude-regions">Challenges in low-latitude regions</h2>



Countries already vulnerable to food insecurity, especially in Africa, face mounting difficulties as rising temperatures coincide with other social and economic pressures. Still, Kummu argues there is room for adaptation.



“In many low latitude areas, especially in Africa, the yields are small compared to similar areas elsewhere in the world. They could get higher yields with access to fertilisers and irrigation as well as reducing food losses through the production and storage chain,” he said.&nbsp;



“However, ongoing global warming will add a lot of uncertainty to these estimates and probably even more actions are needed, such as crop selection and novel breeding. But I always say that the modelling and analysis is the easy part – understanding how to make the changes happen is the hardest part.”



Policy-makers in low-latitude countries, the report suggests, must look for ways to close gaps in agricultural infrastructure while simultaneously bracing for more hostile growing conditions.&nbsp;



Without such efforts, local communities already at risk for food shortages may struggle even more in the years ahead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securing-the-world-s-food-crops">Securing the world's food crops</h2>



For mid- and high-latitude regions, farmers and legislators will have to remain flexible. Even if warming opens the door to new crops, changes in global demand and market forces could further reshape what people choose to cultivate.&nbsp;



Building resilience likely involves experimenting with different crop varieties, adjusting planting seasons, and investing in infrastructure to cope with potential extreme weather and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a>.



“If we want to secure our food system in the future, we need to both mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects,” Heikonen said. “Even if the biggest changes are in equatorial regions, we will all feel the effects through the globalized food system. We need to act together to address these problems.”



This interconnection means that climate-driven crop failures in one part of the world could ripple across supply chains, affecting food prices and availability everywhere.



 The study emphasizes that mitigating climate change is essential, but so too is planning for a hotter and more unpredictable planet.&nbsp;



By adjusting farming practices, investing in research, and coordinating policy efforts, countries can better prepare to feed a growing population in an era of environmental upheaval.



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Critical food crops are threatened by rising temperatures globally

A new study warns that if global warming surpasses 1.5°C,...

The past century has witnessed a dramatic increase in wildfires, particularly in the western regions of the United States, where once-seasonal blazes have escalated into year-round occurrences.



Just within the past decade, raging flames have devoured millions of acres, destroyed communities, and released staggering amounts of carbon into the atmosphere - exacerbating the very conditions that fuel more fires.



The increasing number of wildfires is not just an act of nature. The fires are the result of a lethal cocktail of factors including global warming, drought, and well-intentioned but deficient fire suppression efforts.



These factors have collectively spawned a real-life monster - a "fire deficit." This is brought on by an alarming imbalance in which excess dead wood and dry vegetation build up over time and create dangerously combustible conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-approach-to-wildfire-prevention">Scientific approach to wildfire prevention</h2>



Well-regarded for its advanced research initiatives, <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> has taken on this growing problem. 



A team of scientists at the institution has been exploring how the strategic removal of dead wood - one of the primary fuels driving intense wildfires - can not only mitigate fire risk but also enhance carbon storage, creating a win-win scenario for both forest health and climate resilience.



The research looks into the intricate balance between reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-wildfires-have-doubled-in-the-last-20-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire hazards</a> and maintaining ecological integrity, as they search for interventions that are both effective and sustainable.



The study focuses particularly on the Sierra Nevada region, a biodiversity hotspot where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-persistent-droughts-will-impact-wildlife-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonged droughts</a> and rising temperatures have exacerbated fire risks. In this region, both natural ecosystems and nearby communities are threatened.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-inspired-forest-management">Indigenous-inspired forest management</h2>



The scientists found inspiration in the practices of the Indigenous Peoples of the Western U.S. For thousands of years, these communities have ingeniously <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-forests-prevent-15-million-yearly-cases-of-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">managed forests</a>, using methods such as controlled, low-severity burns and harvesting non-timber forest products.



This rich heritage of forest management has shaped ecosystems and has provided a solid basis for modern techniques that the team at Florida Atlantic University have been exploring.



The researchers tested the efficacy of several different forest management strategies. Eight different treatments were tested for their potential effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-risks-not-commonly-disclosed-by-u-s-companies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire risks</a>. They were juxtaposed with a "control" scenario that included only wildfire.



The treatments ranged from thinning vegetation to physical removal of surface fuel and prescribed burning, either alone or in combination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dead-wood-removal-and-forest-resilience">Dead wood removal and forest resilience </h2>



The results of the study are quite promising. They suggest that combining physical removal of dead wood with thinning of vegetation can reduce risks like tree mortality and crown fires significantly.



This proactive approach could, in theory, decrease carbon emissions and aid in carbon storage through the creation of biochar, a charcoal produced from organic material in a low-oxygen environment.



"In our increasingly warming world with frequent dangerous fire weather, more people and structures at risk in the wildland-urban interface, health risks from exposure to smoke, and need to enhance carbon sequestration to mitigate global warming, scientists need to examine effective alternative management actions," said study co-author Dr. Scott H. Markwith.



"By combining physical harvesting with thinning – removing smaller or fire-vulnerable trees – evidence from this research suggests we can help restore healthy, resilient forests."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-prevention-and-carbon-storage">Fire prevention and carbon storage</h2>



The team at Florida Atlantic University emphasized the potential advantages of this approach which, apart from reducing smoke and wildfire severity, could also generate carbon credits.



"Over time, repeated fuel reduction treatments, such as prescribed burns, can emit more carbon than a single wildfire in an untreated forest. However, by harvesting dead wood and converting it into biochar – a stable form of carbon – emissions can be reduced," noted study lead author Dr. Rabindra Parajuli.



The researchers agree on the necessity of continued, long-term research, including simulation modeling and field experiments, to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach across various forest types and over time.



These efforts represent a strategic investment in our planet's future - a route towards restoring historic wildfire regimes and enhancing the health and resilience of forests in the western United States and beyond.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479725005110?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Environmental Management</a>.



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Dead wood removal can save forests from future wildfires

The past century has witnessed a dramatic increase in wildfires,...

Flowers do more than brighten gardens and decorate tables. Their scent - sweet, musky, or sometimes citrusy - isn’t just for human enjoyment. It’s a luring message, a chemical whisper meant for pollinators.



For years, scientists have tried to crack the genetic code behind floral fragrance, and now, a research team has found a crucial piece of the puzzle.



Led by Professor Alexander Vainstein at <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hebrew University</a> of Jerusalem, the study reveals that a single gene, PhDEF, pulls double duty. It doesn’t just shape the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-as-food-how-ultrasound-makes-it-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petals</a>; it also controls the flower’s scent. 



This discovery could reshape agriculture, horticulture, and even biotechnology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-petal-shape-and-scent-in-flowers">Linking petal shape and scent in flowers</h2>



The study flips the script on what we thought PhDEF did. This gene was always known for defining petal identity, but researchers discovered another, unexpected function - it helps flowers <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corpse-flowers-amorphophallus-titanum-smell-like-death-but-thousands-rush-to-see-them-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">produce scent</a>.



And not just at any time. PhDEF kicks in later in flower development, orchestrating the release of compounds that attract pollinators.



Using genetic analysis and viral-induced gene silencing, the research team tested what would happen if PhDEF was turned off.



The result? A dramatic drop in floral fragrance. Petunias that once filled the air with their scent suddenly became undetectable, their chemical signals lost.



"Our findings show that PhDEF is not just responsible for defining petal identity but also for coordinating the production of scent compounds critical for pollination," said Professor Vainstein. 



"This dual functionality suggests that petunia flowers have evolved an integrated regulatory mechanism to optimize their attraction to pollinators."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-production-in-flowers">Scent production in flowers</h2>



PhDEF does not act alone in controlling floral scent. The experts identified it as a key regulator that activates two other important genetic regulators, EOBI and EOBII. These regulators then control a set of genes responsible for producing and releasing floral scent compounds.



Think of PhDEF as a master switch. When it is active, it triggers a chain reaction. First, it turns on EOBI and EOBII, which then activate other genes involved in scent production. This process leads to the creation and emission of molecules like methyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol - compounds that give flowers their characteristic fragrance.



To test PhDEF’s role, the scientists silenced it in petunias. The result was striking: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bees-value-quality-over-quantity-in-flower-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> lost most of their scent, but their petal shape remained unchanged. This proved that scent production and petal formation, though both controlled by PhDEF, are separate processes.



The discovery suggests that floral fragrance can be modified through genetic changes without altering the flower’s physical appearance.



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



Imagine flowers bred for beauty but stripped of their fragrance, such as roses that look stunning but smell like nothing.



Many commercial varieties have suffered this fate. But now, with PhDEF in the spotlight, scientists might be able to bring scent back to flowers bred for aesthetics.



The implications extend beyond ornamental plants. Many crops depend on pollinators, and enhancing floral scent could increase their attractiveness to bees and other essential pollinators. Stronger scents might mean better yields, more reliable pollination, and greater stability for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>.



The fragrance industry, too, could benefit. By tweaking PhDEF and its related pathways, bioengineers could craft flowers with specific scent profiles, creating natural perfumes tailored to human preferences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-fine-tuned-balance">Nature’s fine-tuned balance</h2>



This discovery adds another layer to our understanding of plant biology. It shows how nature optimizes every detail, ensuring that flowers not only look appealing but also produce the right chemical signals at the right time. 



The genetic link between petal formation and scent production reveals a carefully balanced system - one that could have applications far beyond what we see today.



"This discovery advances our knowledge of plant biology and offers potential applications for breeding more resilient and pollinator-friendly crops," said Professor Vainstein.



Science continues to pull back the curtain on nature’s secrets. With every breakthrough, we move closer to harnessing these intricate systems - whether to create more fragrant flowers, improve pollination, or develop new scents for industry.



The more we learn, the more we realize that nothing in nature is accidental. It’s all part of a finely tuned symphony, playing out in every garden, field, and greenhouse.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/plcell/article/37/2/koaf027/8003630" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plant Cell</a>.



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Flowers get their shape and scent from a single gene

Flowers do more than brighten gardens and decorate tables. Their...

In the vast, unseen world beneath our feet, an ancient network of fungi moves carbon and nutrients across underground highways.



Mycorrhizal fungi form intricate partnerships with plants, exchanging resources in ways that help regulate Earth’s ecosystems and atmosphere.



Despite their vital role, much about the complex underground fungi trade has remained a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-fungal-networks">Mystery of fungal networks </h2>



Scientists have long known about this relationship but, until now, they didn’t fully understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-engage-in-more-conversations-after-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> construct these expansive and highly efficient supply chains.



New research, published in the journal Nature, reveals the sophisticated strategies fungi use to transport resources underground.



By tracking half a million fungal highways and the movement of nutrients within them, a team of scientists has mapped out how these brainless organisms make trade decisions, build routes, and manage traffic flow. 



The findings offer insights into how natural systems have solved logistical problems that humans are only beginning to tackle with artificial intelligence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-role-in-carbon-storage">Critical role in carbon storage</h2>



Mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-practices-boost-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a>, drawing an estimated 13 billion tons of CO2 into the soil each year. This is equivalent to about a third of global energy-related emissions.



More than 80% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-fungi-communicate-using-a-silent-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> species rely on these fungi to exchange carbon for essential nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. 



Despite their massive impact on the planet, little was known about how fungi coordinate this trade without a central brain or nervous system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-adaptation-of-fungal-networks">Dynamic adaptation of fungal networks </h2>



Using a custom-built imaging robot, a team of 28 international researchers discovered that fungi construct a lace-like mycelial network that moves carbon outward from plant roots in a wave-like pattern. 



These networks adapt dynamically, controlling the speed and width of their resource highways to optimize efficiency.



Special exploratory branches that act as microscopic "pathfinders," reach into new territory, seemingly prioritizing future trade opportunities over immediate short-term gains.



“We’ve been mapping the decentralized decision-making processes of mycorrhizal fungal networks, exposing a hyper-efficient blueprint for an underground supply chain,” said evolutionary biologist Dr. Toby Kiers of Amsterdam’s Vrije Universiteit.



“Humans increasingly rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neuromorphic-computing-where-ai-meets-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> algorithms to build supply chains that are efficient and resilient. Yet mycorrhizal fungi have been solving these problems for more than 450 million years."



"This is the kind of research that keeps you up at night because these fungi are such important underground circulatory systems for nutrients and carbon."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-fungal-secrets-with-robots">Unlocking fungal secrets with robots</h2>



To uncover these hidden fungal behaviors, the team developed an imaging robot that ran continuously in Amsterdam, and allowed them to track how fungi reshaped their trade routes over time and space. This condensed what would have taken a century of human observations into just three years.



“We discovered that these fungi are constantly adapting their trade routes, adding loops to shorten paths so they could efficiently deliver nutrients to plant roots,” said Dr. Thomas Shimizu, an expert at the physics institute AMOLF in Amsterdam.



Like a navigation app tracking real-time congestion, the team measured resource flow across the fungal highways. By analyzing over 100,000 particle flows, they observed how fungi regulated traffic to ensure efficient delivery. 



“By using our robot instead of a human being, we cut the lab time from a century to around three years,” Shimizu added.



According to British mycologist Dr. Merlin Sheldrake, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robotic-insects-may-be-the-future-of-farming-and-plant-pollination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robotics</a> is making it possible to study fungal behavior in unprecedented detail, and at an unprecedented scale.



“These techniques open the door to future work to understand the ways that these living, sensing, networks regulate ecosystem function and the Earth’s nutrient cycles," said Dr. Sheldrake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



The findings come at a critical time. As CO2 levels in the atmosphere continue to rise, scientists are eager to understand how fungal networks influence carbon storage underground.



Dr. Kiers, who is also the executive director of the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (SPUN), emphasized the importance of this work.



“Because these fungal networks are key entry points of carbon into global soils, we can now explore what triggers fungi to increase carbon flows underground," said Dr. Kiers.



Just like human supply chains, the efficiency of fungal networks depends on how well they transport resources to the right place at the right time, with minimal waste.



“Understanding how these fungal networks adjust internal flows and resource trading to build supply chains in response to environmental stimuli will be an important direction for future research,” said Dr. Howard Stone, professor of mechanical and aserospace engineering at <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a>.



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



The research team is already pushing forward with the next phase of their work. They are developing a new robot that will increase data collection tenfold, allowing them to study how fungal networks respond to environmental changes, including disruptions and rising temperatures.



The question now is whether human-designed supply chains can learn from these ancient fungal strategies. For over 450 million years, fungi have been solving logistical challenges that modern industries still struggle with. 



As technology advances, nature may yet hold the key to making our own systems more efficient, resilient, and sustainable.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08614-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Underground fungal networks are nature's hyper-efficient architects

In the vast, unseen world beneath our feet, an ancient...

Deep in the Golden State, a new manzanita shrub species has been discovered, but its survival already teeters on the brink - threatened by the relentless spread of urbanization.



The manzanita, a shining symbol of California's diverse flora, is known for its twisted branches and the incredible resilience it shows in the face of wildfire challenges.



With more than 60 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/californias-native-wildflowers-can-be-restored-by-raking-dead-grass/">species native</a> to the state, this group of shrubs and small trees plays a crucial role in local ecosystems, providing food and shelter for wildlife.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nipomo-mesa-s-native-treasure">Nipomo Mesa's native treasure</h2>



Researchers have now identified a new species of manzanita to add to the iconic collection. Discovered along the central coast, it has been named Arctostaphylos nipumu to recognize the Nipomo Mesa, where it was found, and to honor its Indigenous heritage.



Amy Litt, a plant biologist at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Riverside</a>, expressed her surprise at finding a new species in a highly urbanized district.



"We weren’t expecting to find a new species in such a developed area. But as we examined the plants, we realized the Nipomo Mesa plants were quite distinct. We were subsequently able to show that they not only look different but are genetically unique," noted Litt.



This manzanita species sports a distinct, shaggy grey bark, which differentiates it from the emblematic red bark found on most of its Californian relatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-adaptations-of-manzanitas">Unique adaptations of manzanitas</h2>



Manzanita species are not just visually striking but also ecologically specialized, with remarkable adaptations that help them thrive in California’s harsh, fire-prone climate.



Their waxy, evergreen leaves minimize water loss, while deep roots tap into underground moisture reserves, which allows them to endure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megadroughts-are-becoming-more-frequent-and-severe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonged droughts</a>.



Unlike most chaparral plants, manzanitas don’t resprout following a fire. Instead, their hard-shelled seeds require intense heat or smoke exposure to break dormancy and germinate, ensuring their regeneration in fire-swept landscapes.



Beyond their resilience, manzanitas serve as ecological keystones, offering nectar-rich flowers to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, while their nutrient-dense berries sustain a variety of other birds and mammals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-significance-of-manzanitas">Ecological significance of manzanitas</h2>



Manzanitas contribute to the biodiversity of California and play a crucial part in native ecosystems as sources of food and habitat for wildlife.



The historical value of manzanitas is entrenched in Indigenous tribal culture. Their berries are a source of food, their leaves are harvested for medicine, and their wood provides material for tools and firewood.



The recently discovered A. nipumu is no exception, and adds to the rich and iconic floral legacy of the state.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-manzanita-will-fight-for-survival">New manzanita will fight for survival</h2>



However, the survival of this manzanita species is already under threat due to the impending urban development unleashed by the Dana Reserve Project. 



This recently approved housing development could potentially destroy much of the habitat where this species is located - threatening half of this plant's fragile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/using-light-to-identify-plant-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a>.



Researchers, including plant geneticist and study co-author Bill Waycott, have alerted local officials to the potential ecological repercussions of the development plans. 



The discovery of A. nipumu has prompted environmental organizations such as the California Native Plant Society to emphasize the ecological significance of the Nipomo Mesa.



These concerns are further amplified by the fact that, like many manzanitas, A. nipumu relies on fire for seed germination. However, its inability to<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-wildflowers-that-thrive-after-fire-are-facing-new-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> resprout after wildfires</a> due to the lack of a protective burl makes it especially vulnerable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-restoration-and-genetic-diversity">Habitat restoration and genetic diversity</h2>



Tito Abbo, co-author of the study and graduate student in the Litt lab, pointed out the difficulties associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-wildlife-habitats-may-prevent-the-next-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoring habitats</a>.



Abbo explained that the reintroduction of native species is often facilitated using nursery stock that does not have the same genetic diversity as the wild relatives. Such plants are more vulnerable to disease and environmental stress.



“When you propagate from just a few individuals, you have a limited pool of genetic diversity and potentially less variation in natural plant defenses,” explained Abbo.



With the looming threat of urban expansion, unique habitats like the Nipomo Mesa are faced with destruction. Once their habitats are lost, they are near impossible to restore fully.



The future of A. nipumu remains uncertain, but its official recognition marks a crucial first step, paving the way for essential discussions and efforts toward its preservation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/139172/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PhytoKeys</a>.



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Urban growth threatens newly discovered manzanita species

Deep in the Golden State, a new manzanita shrub species...

Tree,Canopy,Against,A,Sky,Background,With,Oxygen,O2,And

When sunlight streams onto a leaf, something remarkable happens. Energy from those rays flows through molecular pathways with an efficiency that has sparked curiosity for generations.



The new study was led by <a href="https://www.professoren.tum.de/en/hauer-juergen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Jürgen Hauer</a>, from the Technical University Munich (TUM). 



Researchers around the world are intrigued because these plants seem to tap into the puzzling principles of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/quantum-mechanics-physics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a> to manage light energy with hardly any losses.



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



Photosynthesis is nature’s way of making food from sunlight, and it’s the reason we have oxygen to breathe. 



Plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. Think of it like a solar-powered kitchen where plants whip up their own energy-packed meals. 



They <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunlight-may-be-the-secret-weapon-for-direct-co2-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absorb sunlight</a> through chlorophyll, the green pigment in their leaves, and use that energy to power the chemical reactions that turn CO₂ and water into food. 



The best part? They release oxygen as a byproduct, which is pretty convenient for the rest of us.



Photosynthesis isn’t just about keeping plants alive - it <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-photosynthesis-could-transform-power-generation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">keeps the entire planet running</a>. It’s the foundation of the food chain, feeding everything from tiny insects to massive mammals. 



It also helps regulate Earth’s atmosphere by pulling carbon dioxide out of the air, which is crucial for balancing the climate. 



Without photosynthesis, we wouldn’t have forests, fruits, or even the air we need to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-use-quantum-effects">How plants use quantum effects</h2>



There is a concept known as a <a href="https://quantum.microsoft.com/en-us/insights/education/concepts/superposition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superposition</a> where energy or particles overlap in multiple possible states. It sounds futuristic, yet plants have harnessed it for billions of years to maximize their solar intake.



“When light is absorbed in a leaf, for example, the electronic excitation energy is distributed over several states of each excited chlorophyll molecule; this is called a superposition of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-particles-solution-gravitational-wave-mystery-bose-einstein-condensate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excited states</a>,” explained Professor Hauer, from TUM. 



A large part of this process involves <a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-chlorophyll" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chlorophyll</a>, a green pigment that absorbs specific wavelengths of light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shining-a-light-on-energy-states">Shining a light on energy states</h2>



Once a leaf catches light, it must transfer that energy before it disperses as heat. These first moments happen incredibly fast, and scientists believe that the stable electron pathways in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/photosynthetic-bacteria" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthetic bacteria</a> work in a similar way.



“Quantum mechanics is therefore central to understanding the first steps of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-natural-power-of-plants-for-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy tr</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tapping-into-the-natural-power-of-plants-for-renewable-energy/">ansfer</a> and charge separation,” said Professor Hauer, from TUM.



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature05678" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> suggest that tiny wave-like processes guide the energy flow toward the chemical centers of a plant cell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-artificial-photosynthesis">Refining artificial photosynthesis</h2>



The team see their investigation as a way to apply these natural insights to engineered light-harvesting materials. 



They propose that a molecule’s electronic states, arranged in precise ways, could push energy transfer systems closer to a near-ideal performance.



“Applying these findings in the design of artificial photosynthesis units could help to utilize solar energy with unprecedented efficiency for electricity generation or photochemistry,” noted one author, from TUM.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexities-of-capturing-sunlight">Complexities of capturing sunlight</h2>



Scientists have discovered that multiple electronic states overlap in chlorophyll, forming avenues where light pulses can glide without much resistance. 



This near-lossless flow has prompted chemists and physicists to look deeper into fast relaxation steps that keep the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> from leaking away.



These fast steps include a balance of vibrations, state couplings, and energy release in the form of heat. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20615985/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> use ultrafast lasers that fire pulses lasting fractions of a trillionth of a second to watch these early changes unfold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-quantum-changes-in-plants">Small quantum changes in plants</h2>



A closer look reveals subtle differences between specific energy bands, which keep the overall transfer chain stable. 



Minor adjustments in the distance or angle of chlorophyll molecules can create big changes in how efficiently they pass along absorbed sunlight.



While classical physics alone cannot fully describe these happenings, quantum approaches appear to fill the gap. 



The main question is how to control these states in ways that mimic or surpass the leaf’s skill at capturing photons.



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



A major goal is to build artificial systems that hold onto light longer and send it wherever it is needed. 



Some researchers believe that refining these structures will lead to better photo-devices that power homes or drive chemical reactions at a lower cost.



These fields combine chemistry, biology, and physics in a push to boost the performance of everything from solar cells to photochemical reactors. 



The end game is to create technology that behaves like nature’s wonders yet fits human needs for large-scale energy use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peeking-beyond-the-horizon">Peeking beyond the horizon</h2>



By rethinking conventional energy strategies, scientists hope to replicate the efficiency seen in plants and photosynthetic bacteria. 



That might mean reimagining how we store solar energy, with designs that keep the delicate molecular dance intact.



This latest <a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/sc/d4sc06441k" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> breaks ground by confirming that quantum-level effects play a practical role in photosynthesis. 



That assurance opens doors for more projects aiming to push molecular engineering to places once thought too esoteric.



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



Teams worldwide are now looking to refine advanced spectroscopic methods. 



Part of that involves filtering complex signals to trace how each portion of light energy travels through molecules before being anchored in chemical form.



Those explorations will likely feed into new concepts that bend or arrange chlorophyll-like compounds in stable frameworks. 



As the principles get clearer, labs will be able to prototype test cells that channel energy with minimal waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-quantum-mechanics-and-the-future">Plants, quantum mechanics, and the future</h2>



With continued research, engineers may learn to craft artificial setups that match nature’s unparalleled handling of sunshine. 



The goal is to shrink losses in electron flow by orchestrating molecular states the same way leaves have done for ages.



It is not just about building better solar panels, though that is a key outcome. 



It is also about figuring out how this quiet whisper of quantum activity, hidden within ordinary green leaves, can keep inspiring more ideas in energy science.



The study is published in <a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/sc/d4sc06441k" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chemical Science</a>.



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Plants rely on quantum mechanics to manage and transfer energy

When sunlight streams onto a leaf, something remarkable happens. Energy...

In the heart of Los Angeles, trees are absorbing considerably more carbon dioxide than we ever imagined, and effectively balancing a large chunk of fossil fuel emissions during the warmer seasons, when the trees are at their most productive.



This unexpected carbon uptake highlights the crucial role that urban greenery plays in mitigating the effects of pollution. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the impact of vegetation in cities.



Beyond offering shade and aesthetic value, these trees act as silent workhorses in the city’s climate resilience strategy, capturing emissions at a scale that warrants closer examination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-silent-heroes-of-los-angeles">The silent heroes of Los Angeles</h2>



This revelation comes courtesy of a new study, a collaboration between researchers from Public Exchange and the <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Dornsife </a>College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.



The research indicates that LA's trees generate impressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-greening-affects-carbon-uptake-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon uptake</a> rates, absorbing up to 60% of daytime CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel combustion in spring and summer, and about 30% annually.



To monitor the CO2 levels, the researchers launched the Carbon Census array, employing 12 high-resolution sensors across a 15x6-mile section of Los Angeles.



“You can think of emissions like passengers on a train. As the wind moves pollution through the city, some gets picked up and some gets dropped off. These sensors let us see that process in real time,” explained study co-author Will Berelson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-measuring-co₂">A new approach to measuring CO₂</h2>



Traditional models estimate CO₂ levels based on fuel sales, traffic data, or the amount of CO₂ detected at a particular sensor. For this new study, the experts took a direct measurement approach.



Running from July 2021 to December 2022, the study provided a more precise and localized estimation of emissions, and offered a clearer picture of urban carbon flux.



To distinguish CO₂ generated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a> from CO₂ emitted by living organisms, the researchers used carbon monoxide (CO) as a tracer. Since CO is co-emitted with CO₂ during fossil fuel combustion and behaves similarly in the atmosphere, it allowed scientists to differentiate human-driven emissions from those generated by natural sources.



While the study focused on a section of Los Angeles, its findings have broader implications. Similar methods could be applied to cities worldwide, and could refine our understanding of urban <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-footprints-of-the-wealthy-are-vastly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprints</a> and inform more effective climate policies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-lesson-from-la-s-trees">A global lesson from LA’s trees</h2>



One startling revelation from the study was that trees absorb most CO₂ during the summer, despite the fact that this is the driest season in Los Angeles.



This is likely due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-irrigation-could-feed-feed-1-4-billion-more-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irrigation</a>, groundwater access from leaky pipes, and resilient tree species that stay green and active in dry conditions.



Nevertheless, city trees cannot solve the emissions problem alone. Carbon dioxide levels still peak during rush hour, emphasizing that while greenery helps, it can't offset all pollution from cars, buildings, and industry on its own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-urban-trees-initiative">The Urban Trees Initiative </h2>



This study is a key driver of the USC Urban Trees Initiative - a collaboration between USC, the city of Los Angeles, and community organizations focused on expanding urban greenery in underserved neighborhoods.



The research is critical for our fight against climate change. It provides a blueprint for how we can effectively track and reduce emissions more effectively. “Nature is helping us, but we can't rely on it to do all the work,” said Berelson.



Ultimately, the findings will help Los Angeles and other cities worldwide to meet their ambitious targets of becoming carbon-neutral.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-next-steps-for-urban-greenery">The next steps for urban greenery</h2>



USC has expanded its sensor network in the quest to monitor CO2 levels in more areas of Los Angeles. This will help define baseline values of emissions and identify where vegetation is making the most impact and where more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-york-city-greenery-absorbs-vast-amounts-of-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenery</a> is needed.



Ultimately, reducing fossil fuel consumption is the most crucial step in combating climate change. However, as we work toward that goal, let’s take a moment to appreciate city trees - they are working much harder than you think. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c11392" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Sciencce &amp; Technology</a>.



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City trees absorb much more carbon than expected

In the heart of Los Angeles, trees are absorbing considerably...

Superbugs, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria, are among the most urgent public health dangers of our time. These bacteria mutate to resist even the most powerful antibiotics.



Recently at a hospital in Nevada, a female patient who was admitted with pneumonia died from sepsis and multiple organ failure. The culprit was a bacteria that had adapted to resist as many as 26 different antibiotics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-possible-solution">A possible solution </h2>



Taking steps in the fight against these deadly pathogens, researchers at <a href="https://www.tamu.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M</a> have discovered something intriguing. 



The experts found that curcumin, the compound that gives <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turmeric-supplements-provide-yet-another-health-benefit-according-to-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turmeric</a> its bright yellow color, may be able to reverse antibiotic resistance.



The study revealed that curcumin, when presented to bacteria as a source of food and then triggered by light, causes destructive reactions within these microbes. These reactions eventually kill the bacteria.



The process effectively reduces the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic-resistant</a> strains, consequently making conventional antibiotics useful again.



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



As mentioned, curcumin is the powerful compound that gives turmeric its color and impressive health benefits. 



It’s packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular natural remedy for everything from joint pain to brain health. 



People have used turmeric in traditional medicine for centuries, but scientists have confirmed that curcumin is the real star. 



It helps fight inflammation, which is linked to chronic diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.



Beyond reducing inflammation, curcumin may support gut health, improve mood, and even have anti-cancer properties. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-superbug-era">The superbug era</h2>



Prior to the discovery of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotics-for-childhood-infections-are-becoming-ineffective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a>, infectious diseases were the top cause of death and disability globally. The introduction of these wonder drugs added 23 years to the average human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-less-oxygen-could-extend-your-lifespan-by-50-or-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifespan</a>.



While the development of new antibiotics has reached a plateau, resistant bacteria have surged - ushering in the superbug era.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-superbugs-are-being-passed-from-pets-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Superbugs</a> include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and certain drug-resistant strains of pneumonia-causing bacteria - all of which are notoriously difficult to treat.



Dr. Vanderlei Bagnato, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the senior author of the study, shared his insights.



“When bacteria start becoming resistant to conventional antibiotics, we have what we call an antibiotic catastrophe," said Dr. Bagnato.



"To overcome this challenge, we need alternative ways to either kill the superbugs or find a novel way to modify natural processes within the bacteria so that antibiotics start to act again." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-battling-superbugs-with-curcumin">Battling superbugs with curcumin</h2>



Natural diversity within a bacterial population results in varied behaviors, including differences in antibiotic resistance. 



If certain strains can withstand antimicrobial drugs and continue to multiply, this diversity can contribute to increased resistance to treatment.



The primary goal of the Texas A&amp;M study was to control this bacterial diversity to manage resistance.



The research team applied a method known as photodynamic inactivation, which uses light and light-sensitive molecules known as photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species. 



These species can annihilate microorganisms by disrupting their metabolic processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curcumin-and-antibiotics">Curcumin and antibiotics</h2>



In their experiments, curcumin was used as the photosensitizer. The beauty of this approach is that curcumin also doubles as natural food for bacteria.



The team tested this method on strains of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-microbe-found-to-be-the-culprit-behind-itch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Staphylococcus aureus</a> that are resistant to antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, and gentamicin.



The bacteria were subjected to multiple light exposure cycles. The team then compared the minimum antibiotic concentration needed to kill the bacteria following light exposure with those not exposed to light. 



“When we have a mixed population of bacteria where some are resistant, we can use photodynamic inactivation to narrow the bacterial distribution, leaving behind strains that are more or less similar in their response to antibiotics. It’s much easier now to predict the precise antibiotic dose needed to remove the infection,” explained Dr. Bagnato.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-against-resistance">Fighting against resistance</h2>



The researchers are confident that photodynamic inactivation by curcumin would function well as a complement to antibiotics as a treatment for infections that are caused by drug-resistant bacteria.



“Photodynamic inactivation offers a cost-effective treatment option, which is crucial for reducing medical expenses not only in developing countries but also in the United States," said study co-author Dr. Vladislav Yakovlev. 



"It also has potential applications in military medicine, where this technology could be used to treat battlefield wounds and prevent the development and spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-projected-to-kill-10-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antimicrobial resistance</a>, a significant concern in combat situations."



The results of the study provide renewed hope in the fight against superbugs. By leveraging the potential of a common spice like turmeric, we may gain an advantage in this ongoing battle.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-79743-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Just a pinch of this common spice kills superbugs in lab testing

Superbugs, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria, are among the most urgent public...

Microscopic,View.,Brightly,Colored,,These,Microscopic,Algae,Can,Survive,In

For thousands of years, algae have lived on the surface of the ice, blooming as the snow recedes. These tiny organisms seem harmless, almost invisible, yet their presence plays a surprising role in shaping the fate of the Greenland Ice Sheet. 



As the world warms, these algae may colonize larger areas, speeding up ice loss and altering the delicate balance of the Arctic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-algae-in-ice-melt">Role of algae in ice melt</h2>



Algae on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-jakobshavn-glacier-seen-melting-in-real-time-from-earth-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland Ice Sheet</a> contain brown pigments. When sunlight strikes the surface, bright ice reflects much of it back into space, keeping the ice cold. 



But when the ice is dark due to algal growth, it absorbs more heat and melts at a faster rate.



This process has been recognized for some time, but researchers believed that the algae’s spread was limited by the lack of nutrients in the harsh, frozen environment. 



The ice desert was thought to be too barren to sustain widespread growth. That assumption has now been turned on its head.



New findings, published in Nature Communications, suggest that these algae require very few nutrients to survive. 



More significantly, they can store and conserve energy, which allows them to spread more extensively than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-sheet-discovery-transforms-sea-level-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous expectations</a>.



If this proves correct, ice darkening could happen on a much larger scale in future, thus accelerating the melting of Greenland’s ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-ice-algae">Understanding ice algae</h2>



Laura Halbach, who recently earned her Ph.D. at <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, has played a crucial role in uncovering this surprising phenomenon. 



Now a postdoctoral researcher at the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a> in Bremen, she continues her work studying Arctic ecosystems and their hidden complexities.



"My main goal with the trip to Greenland was to understand the mechanisms of the algae bloom formations," Halbach explained. 



"With new methods, I was able, as the first researcher ever, to measure the activity of single algae cells from the Greenland Ice Sheet. This led to the discovery of their ability to live off very few nutrients and to store up energy."



These findings reshape what scientists thought they knew about microbial life on ice. What was once considered a largely lifeless landscape now appears to host a thriving and resilient ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-world-of-ice-algae">Powerful world of ice algae</h2>



Ice algae are single-celled organisms with an elongated, oval shape. 



They appear brownish due to their pigments and can be found not just in Greenland but also in high-altitude and high-latitude ice regions worldwide. 



The Alps, the Himalayas, and Alaskan glaciers all host similar algal species.



Like plants, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-microalgae-show-photosynthesis-is-possible-in-near-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae perform photosynthesis</a>, producing oxygen and organic molecules. They rely on sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, along with small amounts of essential nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon.



During spring and summer, they bloom, forming dark patches across the ice. The larger the bloom, the more heat the ice absorbs, creating a cycle where melting fuels even more algal growth. 



Understanding how they function is key to predicting their long-term impact on the Arctic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-frozen-desert-full-of-life">A frozen desert full of life</h2>



That perception that ice sheets are devoid of life started to change in 2020 when researchers from Aarhus University and GFZ Helmholtz Center for Geosciences in Germany began their expeditions into the Arctic.



They found that the expanses of frozen water teemed with microscopic life, including algae, bacteria, fungi, and even viruses, all coexisting and forming a complex and active ecosystem.



But this discovery came with challenges. When scientists collected ice samples, they found not just algae but entire microbial communities. 



Studying algae in isolation became nearly impossible. To understand their particular role in the ecosystem, researchers needed a new approach.



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



Laura Halbach wanted to pinpoint exactly how ice algae functioned in their environment. But isolating them from their microbial neighbors was difficult. 



Traditional methods involved scraping darkened ice and placing samples into petri dishes, where entire ecosystems would be present.



"If you melt a piece of the surface ice, you see these dark-pigmented algae. But there are many organisms in the sample, including snow-algae, other eukaryotic algae, bacteria, and fungi," she explained.



To solve this, Halbach and her team introduced marked nutrients into the ecosystem. These nutrients contained isotopic traces detectable with a powerful machine called a mass spectrometer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-flow-in-ice-algae">Nutrient Flow in ice algae</h2>



"You could say that we kind of labeled the food we gave them. This enabled us to see who ate what. Combined with a machine called SIMS, which is extremely precise, we were able to measure the nutrient uptake of single cells," says Halbach.



The results were striking. The algae efficiently absorbed the small amounts of nutrients available, proving far more resourceful than scientists had expected. 



"They are very efficient in taking up the limited nutrients on the ice. Furthermore, we discovered that they have the capability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-nutrient-loss-due-to-heavy-rainfall-threatens-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storing phosphorus</a>, which is crucial for their metabolism."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-does-phosphorus-come-from">Where does phosphorus come from?</h2>



Phosphorus is rare on the ice sheet, which raises questions about where the algae acquire it.



Some researchers suggest that it originates from local rock formations that are rich in phosphorus-bearing minerals. 



As erosion grinds these rocks into dust, the wind scatters the nutrients across the ice, making them available to the algae.



Because the algae can store phosphorus, they are not entirely dependent on immediate nutrient availability. This could allow them to spread into new areas as more ice becomes exposed each year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-ice-algae-colonization">Expanding ice algae colonization</h2>



With climate change causing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenlands-melting-icebergs-may-not-be-threat-to-ocean-currents-amoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland Ice Sheet</a> to melt earlier each year, more ice is being exposed to the Sun. 



Areas that once remained buried under thick layers of snow are now vulnerable to colonization by algae.



"New ice is being exposed on Greenland every year because the snow melts earlier and earlier. There used to be a thick snow cover all year round, but now large new areas of ice are being exposed to the Sun," Halbach noted.



"This opens up these areas for the algae to colonize, and as they can live on very limited amounts of nutrients, it might happen sooner than later."



This shift could significantly alter how scientists predict ice loss in the Arctic. If algae spread to newly exposed ice, they will darken even more of the surface, accelerating the melting process beyond previous estimates.



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



Laura Halbach’s research offers crucial insights into the role of algae in ice loss. Currently, most climate models do not account for microbial life in their calculations. 



This gap means that predictions about Greenland’s ice loss - and its effects on global sea levels - may be underestimating the true impact.



If algae colonization continues to expand, its contribution to ice melt will need to be factored into climate projections. 



The work of Halbach and her team could help refine these models, leading to more accurate forecasts for the Arctic’s future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56664-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Algae that thrives on ice plays an unexpected role in glacier melting

For thousands of years, algae have lived on the surface...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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