Sargassum seaweed is piling up on Florida’s beaches, and it’s making a dangerous journey for sea turtle hatchlings even riskier.



Every summer, the sand becomes a highway as thousands of tiny turtles burst from their nests and scramble toward the ocean. For most of them, this short sprint is the difference between life and death.



They’ve already beaten the odds just by hatching. Now, they must avoid predators, stay cool under the rising sun, and find the water before their strength runs out.



But this growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sargassum-seaweed-a-growing-problem-could-become-a-sustainable-solution/">seaweed problem</a> is more than just beach clutter - it’s a new threat that’s slowing them down at a time when every second counts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-smelly-beach-junk">More than just smelly beach junk</h2>



Sargassum seaweed often washes up along Florida’s coast. It’s that brown, leafy stuff that starts to smell after a while. Out in the Atlantic, it floats in huge mats that provide habitat for marine life.



But when too much piles up on shore, sargassum seaweed creates a thick, tangled mess that’s hard for anything small to get through - including baby sea turtles.



Over the past few years, sargassum levels have exploded. Summer beachgoers aren’t the only ones frustrated. 



Sea turtle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-impacts-the-size-of-sea-turtle-hatchlings/">hatchlings</a> are now struggling to cross these growing piles to reach the ocean. It’s not just an inconvenience. It’s a survival threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-how-turtles-navigate-the-sargassum">Testing how turtles navigate the sargassum</h2>



Until recently, no one had looked closely at how sargassum affects sea turtle hatchlings. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University (<a href="https://www.fau.edu/science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAU</a>) set out to investigate.



The team tested three species common in Florida: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leatherback-sea-turtles-where-the-worlds-largest-turtles-go-to-eat/">leatherbacks</a>, loggerheads, and green turtles. These are the same turtles that nest on beaches from Boca Raton to Juno Beach.



The researchers built 50-foot (15 meter) crawlways in the sand and placed mats of loose sargassum up to 7.5 inches (19 centimeters) high - roughly the height of a large shoebox on end - at the finish line.



A dim light at the far end mimicked the natural glow over the ocean that hatchlings instinctively head towards. Then the team observed how the turtles responded.



The team measured how long it took for the turtles to reach the water, tracked whether they got flipped over while crawling through the seaweed, and even checked their blood sugar levels to see how much energy they were burning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sargassum-slows-turtles-down">Sargassum slows turtles down </h2>



The results were clear. All three species took much longer to reach the ocean when sargassum was in the way. Leatherbacks were slowed by 54% with lighter sargassum, and 158% with heavier coverage.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loggerhead-turtles-migrate-using-a-secret-thermal-corridor/">Loggerheads</a> saw a 91% delay in light coverage and 175% in heavy seaweed. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reintroduction-of-green-turtles-has-been-a-success-in-the-cayman-islands/">Green turtles</a> slowed by 75% and 159%, respectively.



Some turtles couldn’t even finish the crawl in time. The biggest delay came when hatchlings had to climb over the thick seaweed, which slowed them down to a crawl - literally.



“The longer a hatchling stays on the beach, the more at risk it becomes - not just from predators like birds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-did-billions-of-crabs-vanish-from-the-bering-sea/">crabs</a>, but also from overheating and dehydration, especially after sunrise,” said Dr. Sarah Milton of the FAU Department of Biological Sciences.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7xqe2C6RR6I?feature=share"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/leatherback-hatchling_sargassum-seaweed-obstacles_FAU_1s.webp" alt="A leatherback hatchling navigates over sargassum on Juno Beach in July 2021. Credit: Abbey M. Appelt, Florida Atlantic University" class="wp-image-1986078"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A leatherback hatchling navigates over sargassum on Juno Beach in July 2021. Click image for video. Credit: Abbey M. Appelt, Florida Atlantic University</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-stuck-and-flipped">Getting stuck and flipped</h2>



The sargassum didn’t just slow the turtles down. It threw them off balance. Hatchlings kept flipping over while trying to climb the mats. In some cases, it happened over and over.



One unlucky turtle flipped more than 20 times in a single trial. Every time that happened, it wasted time and energy, and made hatchlings easy targets for predators.



These juveniles only have a small window to make it to the water before heat and dehydration kick in.



“When sargassum piles are higher - some can be over a meter high on South Florida beaches in the summer and extend for hundreds of meters down the beach - we can expect more failed attempts, particularly when hatchlings have to cross multiple bands of <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sargassum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seaweed</a> just to reach the ocean,” said Milton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-sign-of-burnout-yet">No sign of burnout - yet</h2>



Even with all that effort, the turtles didn’t show signs of physical exhaustion - at least not in their blood sugar levels. Glucose remained in normal ranges for all three species, no matter how much seaweed they faced. 



Only leatherbacks in the no-crawl control group had noticeably higher glucose, which researchers say shows that crawling itself is demanding - but the sargassum didn’t drain them any faster, at least in the short term.



Still, that doesn’t mean it’s harmless.



“For sea turtle hatchlings, reaching the ocean is already a race against time – and survival. Now, increasingly large mats of sargassum are adding new challenges to this critical journey,” said Milton.



“As these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robot-discovers-surprising-food-source-sargassum-for-deep-ocean-creatures/">seaweed accumulations</a> grow taller and more widespread, they risk blocking hatchlings entirely, draining their limited energy or leaving them stranded. Beyond impeding movement, sargassum may also reduce nesting space and alter incubation conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sargassum-management-and-turtles">Sargassum management and turtles</h2>



Sargassum isn’t going away anytime soon. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/">Warmer oceans</a> and nutrient runoff are fueling massive blooms across the Atlantic, and more of it is expected to hit Florida’s shores every year.



This growing issue isn’t just about beach aesthetics. It's quietly making a tough journey even tougher for baby turtles trying to survive their first few minutes of life.



Without changes in how beaches are maintained, these seaweed mats could keep getting in the way - and turtle populations may suffer down the line.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-24-00092.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Coastal Research</a>.



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Sargassum seaweed is a deadly obstacle course for baby sea turtles

Sargassum seaweed is piling up on Florida’s beaches, and it’s making a dangerous journey for sea turtle hatchlings even riskier. Every summer, the sand becomes a highway as thousands of tiny turtles burst from their nests and scramble toward the ocean. For most of them, this short sprint is the difference between life and death. They’ve already beaten the odds just by hatching. Now, they must avoid predators, stay cool under the rising sun, and find the water before their strength runs out. But this growing seaweed...

Severe space weather can leave a lasting mark in tree rings, offering clues that might help scientists prepare for future disruptive events that threaten communication satellites and astronauts.&nbsp;



Amy Hessl, a geography professor at <a href="https://www.wvu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Virginia University</a>’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is leading research that examines how ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-largest-ever-solar-storm-discovered-through-tree-rings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree rings</a> record evidence of extreme space weather, such as geomagnetic storms and solar radiation bursts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-space-weather-through-tree-rings">Tracing space weather through tree rings</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space weather</a> includes a range of phenomena, such as the geomagnetic storms that produce auroras near the poles. These events can sometimes be intense enough to disrupt modern technology. According to Hessl, ancient tree rings have provided evidence of such extreme occurrences in the distant past.&nbsp;



“If one of these events were to happen today and you were on a high latitude flight flying to Norway, you’d probably receive your lifetime dose of radiation on the plane,” Hessl explained. “And if you were in space, it potentially could kill you.”



Hessl recently received over $202,000 in funding from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> to further investigate the connection between tree rings and space weather. Her research focuses on how solar energetic particles interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, producing radiocarbon that is absorbed by trees.&nbsp;



As trees grow, they use carbon from the atmosphere to form their rings, effectively preserving a record of past solar activity. By analyzing these tree rings, researchers can trace back significant events, such as the rare and severe “Miyake events.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-solar-storms-recorded-in-trees">Extreme solar storms recorded in trees</h2>



Miyake events are characterized by rapid increases in atmospheric radiocarbon and have been detected in tree rings dating back centuries. The first of these events, occurring in 774 AD and 993 AD, was identified 12 years ago. Since then, scientists have discovered seven more events over the past 14,000 years.&nbsp;



“Some of these events were really extreme and would be incredibly disruptive to our telecommunications system now,” Hessl said. “It’s a very rare event, but it’s not out of the question. We’re dependent on satellites, and if it did happen again, it would probably wipe out most of our telecommunications, taking 15 years to recover. It’s that powerful.”



While most solar energetic particle events originate from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/second-strongest-solar-flare-since-2019-prompts-geomagnetic-storm-alert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a>, some particles also come from galactic cosmic rays outside the solar system, often triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosions</a>.&nbsp;



Although the sun is considered the primary source of Miyake events, Hessl hopes that tree ring data from around the world can help the scientific community pinpoint the exact causes and assess the severity of these occurrences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interpreting-tree-ring-data">Interpreting tree ring data</h2>



Interpreting radiocarbon levels in tree rings is not always straightforward. “Until recently, scientists have assumed that trees take up radiocarbon evenly,” Hessl noted. “We’ve been treating trees as if they’re scientific instruments. But they’re not. They’re potentially very biased in the way they take up the radiocarbon.”&nbsp;



To improve the accuracy of the data, Hessl and her team are investigating why different species of trees, or trees in different locations, might absorb radiocarbon differently. Understanding these variations can help scientists better assess how reliable these natural recorders are.



Research into Miyake events also suggests that some trees store carbon and allocate it at a later time, making them less consistent as recorders of past atmospheric conditions.&nbsp;



To address these inconsistencies, Hessl is collaborating with Maria Carbone from <a href="https://nau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a> and Rachael Filwett from <a href="http://v/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montana State University</a>.&nbsp;



Together, they are studying how different tree species record atmospheric radiocarbon on an annual basis, focusing on three locations in the U.S. with wood that dates back to the last three major Miyake events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-tree-species-for-consistency">Comparing tree species for consistency</h2>



Hessl’s team is comparing three species with different strategies for wood production: the long-lived bristlecone pine from Utah, the deciduous bald cypress in North Carolina, and oak trees preserved in the riverbeds of Missouri.&nbsp;



The bristlecone pine, the longest-living tree species in the world, has been particularly important in constructing a timeline of past radiocarbon levels. “They live for several thousand years and they’re the backbone of what we know about past radiocarbon in the atmosphere,” Hessl explained.



The research involves taking core samples the size of a pencil - or cross sections if the tree is dead - and using a technique called cross-dating to confirm the year each ring formed.&nbsp;



By matching tree rings with known Miyake events, the team can examine how different species record these extreme events. However, Hessl expects variations in how well different trees capture the details of these episodes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-future-space-weather-events">Preparing for future space weather events</h2>



The goal of this research is to better understand the magnitude and timing of past space weather events and to assess the reliability of trees as recorders of atmospheric radiocarbon.&nbsp;



“We’re trying to define how extreme those events were,” Hessl said. “When did they occur, exactly? How long did the radiocarbon last in the atmosphere? We need to be sure we’re using reliable recorders, so that’s what we’re trying to figure out.”



By studying how different trees record past events and how they respond to radiocarbon changes today, Hessl hopes to prepare for potential future space weather events that could threaten critical infrastructure, including communication networks.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-extreme-solar-storms">Rare, extreme solar storms</h2>



While a Miyake event is considered rare and unlikely, Hessl emphasizes the importance of preparation.&nbsp;



“Some stuff gets a little overblown, but we saw what happened during the pandemic in terms of initial panic,” she noted.&nbsp;



“So it’s very reasonable to try and figure out what the upper end bookmark of these things are, and then communicate that to the IT community so our technologies can be protected.”



In conclusion, Hessl’s research into tree rings and their ability to record severe space weather provides a window into understanding rare but potentially catastrophic solar events.&nbsp;



By looking to the past, scientists hope to better prepare for the future, ensuring that modern technology is more resilient to the powerful forces of space weather.



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Ancient tree rings help predict extreme solar storms

Severe space weather can leave a lasting mark in tree...

Have you ever considered the possibility that plants might be "talking" to fungi underground? 



A recent breakthrough by researchers at the University of Toronto reveals there is a silent conversation happening in the microscopic world beneath us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-to-fungi-communication">Plant-to-fungi communication </h2>



The researchers set out to unravel the intricacies of plant-to-fungi communication at a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-transfer-massive-amounts-of-carbon-to-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular level</a>. Here's the exciting part - they've finally cracked the code.



The experts found that strigolactone, a plant hormone, has the power to activate fungal genes and proteins linked to phosphate metabolism - a vital player in growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexities-of-the-soil-ecosystem">Complexities of the soil ecosystem</h2>



Understanding this molecular "chat" might just pave the way for innovations in crop cultivation and, perhaps, provide us with new weapons to combat disease-causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>.



Study lead author Shelley Lumba is an assistant professor in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology at the <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>.



“As we begin to understand how plants and fungi communicate, we will better understand the complexities of the soil ecosystem, leading to healthier crops and improving our approach to biodiversity,” said&nbsp;Professor Lumba.



Soil isn't just dull old earth. It's a world buzzing with activity. Plant roots and fungi have a unique symbiotic relationship here. They engage in a silent molecular "language" to coordinate their structures.



In essence, plants release strigolactones, signaling fungi to attach to their roots and deliver much-needed phosphates in exchange for carbon. It's like two good friends helping each other out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-plant-and-fungi-communication">Decoding plant and fungi communication</h2>



For the study, Lumba and her team investigated why and how fungi react to strigolactones. They discovered that a whopping 80% of plants depend on this relationship.



Enhancing this interaction could potentially lead to more robust crops, decrease the need for fertilizer, and reduce harmful phosphate runoff into our waterways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-side-of-the-story">Dark side of the story</h2>



There's always a flip side, isn't there? In some instances, harmful fungi can use chemical signals to infect plants, leading to devastating losses. 



But as we get to know this chemical dialogue more intimately, we might be able limit the activity of such pathogens.



Until now, the sheer complexity of the soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kew-gardens-top-10-new-plants-and-fungi-discovered-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> made it impossible for scientists to pinpoint the exact chemicals that promote beneficial fungi. 



All that has changed thanks to Lumba and her team. Using baker's yeast, they have cracked the code and opened up a new chapter in our understanding of the world beneath our feet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-they-do-it">How did they do it?</h2>



The researchers treated yeast with strigolactones and closely observed how the genes reacted. They discovered that strigolactones increased the expression of genes labeled "PHO" related to phosphate metabolism. 



The hormone functioned through Pho84, a protein on the yeast's surface that keeps an eye on phosphate levels. This activated other proteins along the phosphate pathway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-healthy-soil-healthy-planet">Healthy soil, healthy planet</h2>



Lumba and her team concluded that plants release strigolactones when they're phosphate-hungry, which signals the yeast to alter its phosphate uptake. The researchers found this to be a universal truth, not only for domesticated fungi like baker's yeast but also for wild fungi.



At the heart of this novel approach is gene expression, which, according to Lumba, "identifies the effect of the SL response on fungal growth." 



The potential impact of this research could bring about significant changes in agriculture, mitigating pollution and food insecurity. Lumba notes, "It's about healthy soil for a healthy planet."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-plant-and-fungi-dialogue">Potential of plant and fungi dialogue </h2>



This remarkable discovery of plant and fungi communication offers transformative possibilities for agriculture. By promoting a deeper understanding of these microscopic dialogues, researchers could develop techniques to enhance the growth and resilience of crops. 



Enhanced symbiotic relationships could reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, which have been known to cause environmental harm through runoff. 



These innovations could lead not only to healthier crops but also contribute to sustainable agricultural practices that align with environmental conservation efforts. 



Researchers envision a future where farming becomes intrinsically linked with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-rely-on-bacteria-to-release-nutrients-for-their-host-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural microbial systems</a> of the soil, cultivating crops that not only thrive but do so while nurturing the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-science-and-sustainability">Bridging science and sustainability</h2>



The potential applications of this research extend beyond agriculture, presenting exciting intersections between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-fusion-turning-food-waste-into-culinary-delights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">science and sustainability</a>. By harnessing the natural capabilities of fungi, we can promote ecosystems that are both productive and environmentally friendly. 



For example, understanding the strigolactone signaling pathways can provide insight into combating invasive fungal species that threaten biodiversity. 



By drawing on these natural processes, solutions can be developed that are harmonious with the environment, avoiding the collateral damage that often accompanies chemical interventions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/molecular-cell/abstract/S1097-2765(24)00737-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Cell</a>.



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Plants and fungi communicate using a silent language

Have you ever considered the possibility that plants might be...

A recent discovery about "marine snow" is altering our theories on how Earth's oceans store carbon and help mitigate climate change. 



Scientists have found that microscopic marine organisms produce mucus "parachutes" that slow down their descent to the ocean floor. 



This finding could change our understanding of carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere.



<a href="https://web.stanford.edu/group/prakash-lab/cgi-bin/labsite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manu Prakash</a>, an associate professor of bioengineering and of oceans at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, led the study. His team's work suggests we've been missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.



Prakash and his colleagues have been exploring the mysteries of the ocean for years. Their research focuses on tiny particles and organisms that play a big role in our planet's health. 



By observing these minute details, they hope to gain insights that could help combat climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-microscopic-marine-organisms">Understanding microscopic marine organisms</h2>



Tiny ocean organisms, like phytoplankton and zooplankton, play a crucial role in our oceans' health and the planet's climate. 



These tiny creatures drift through the water, performing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-microalgae-show-photosynthesis-is-possible-in-near-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> to produce oxygen and form the base of the marine food web. 



Without them, larger marine animals wouldn't have the sustenance they need to survive. Phytoplankton alone contribute to about half of the world's oxygen supply, making them indispensable for life on Earth.



Beyond their role in producing oxygen, these microorganisms are vital in regulating carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. 



As they consume carbon during photosynthesis, they help reduce greenhouse gases, mitigating the effects of climate change. 



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



Marine snow is a mix of these microscopic dead organisms, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a>, bacteria, fecal pellets, and other organic particles. It absorbs about a third of human-made carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 



This material sinks to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-oxygen-discovery-deep-ocean-no-photosynthesis-baffles-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean floor</a>, where the carbon is locked away for thousands of years. Scientists call this process the biological pump.



Until now, the exact way these particles fall through the ocean's depths -- averaging about 2.5 miles -- wasn't fully understood. Prakash's team set out to change that.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="sW30HMSmdv-3926652-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rotating-microscope">Rotating microscope</h2>



The researchers developed a unique device called a rotating microscope. 



This invention simulates vertical movement, allowing them to observe how organisms travel through the water. It adjusts temperature, light, and pressure to match specific ocean conditions.



Over five years, the team took this microscope on research vessels across all major oceans -- from the Arctic to Antarctica. They collected samples of marine snow and analyzed how it sinks in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-role-of-mucus-parachutes">Surprising role of mucus "parachutes"</h2>



What they found was unexpected. Sometimes, marine snow forms parachute-like mucus structures. 



These mucus parachutes slow down the sinking process, doubling the time the particles spend in the upper 100 meters of the ocean.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/marine-snow_flow-field_ocean-carbon-storage_Stanford_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/marine-snow_flow-field_ocean-carbon-storage_Stanford_1s.webp" alt="Marine snow sedimentation with flow field. Artistics rending of real imaging data collected across Gulf of Main using a rotating microscope. Credit: PrakashLab/Stanford" class="wp-image-1947719"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marine snow sedimentation with flow field. Artistics rending of real imaging data collected across Gulf of Main using a rotating microscope. Credit: PrakashLab/Stanford</figcaption></figure>



"We haven't been looking the right way," Prakash said. This extended suspension means more microbes can break down the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-may-flip-plankton-into-carbon-emitters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic carbon</a> in marine snow. 



Instead of sinking and storing carbon away, the carbon gets recycled back into the ocean, reducing the amount removed from the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-snow-and-ocean-carbon">Marine snow and ocean carbon</h2>



Since marine snow is a living ecosystem, studying it at sea is crucial. The rotating microscope allowed the team to see these processes in detail, right where they happen.



<a href="https://profiles.stanford.edu/rahul-chajwa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rahul Chajwa</a>, a postdoctoral scholar in Prakash's lab and the study's lead author, was amazed by the findings. 



“Theory tells you how a flow around a small particle looks like, but what we saw on the boat was dramatically different,” Chajwa explained. “We are at the beginning of understanding these complex dynamics.”



These mucus parachutes mean that previous estimates of the ocean's ability to sequester carbon might be too high. 



If more carbon is recycled near the surface, less is stored deep in the ocean. This could have significant impacts on climate models and policies aimed at reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-weaker-ocean-will-release-more-carbon-into-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric carbon dioxide</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-natural-environments">Studying natural environments</h2>



“We cannot even ask the fundamental question of what life does without emulating the environment that it evolved with,” Prakash explained. 



“In biology, stripping it away from its environment has stripped away any of our capacity to ask the right questions.”



For too long, scientists have studied organisms in artificial settings, like slides under microscopes. By taking their tools to the high seas, Prakash's team is changing that approach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-ocean-carbon-models">Refining ocean carbon models</h2>



The researchers are now working to improve their models and integrate their findings into larger climate models. 



They plan to release an open dataset from their six global expeditions -- the largest of its kind on marine snow sedimentation.



They're also investigating what factors influence the production of these mucus parachutes. This could include environmental stressors or specific bacteria species.



Despite the challenges, Prakash remains optimistic. On a recent trip off the coast of Northern California, the team found processes that might speed up carbon sequestration.



"Every time I observe the world of plankton via our tools, I learn something new," he said. These discoveries could lead to new strategies for enhancing the ocean's ability to absorb carbon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-snow-parachutes-and-ocean-carbon">Marine snow, parachutes, and ocean carbon</h2>



Beyond the scientific implications, this study highlights the wonder of natural processes. 



“We take for granted certain phenomena, but the simplest set of ideas can have profound effects. Observing these details -- like the mucus tails of marine snow -- opens new doors to understanding the fundamental principles of our world," Prakesh concluded.



By paying attention to the small details, we can uncover secrets that have a big impact on our world. This research is a reminder of the importance of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl5767" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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'Marine snow' using tiny 'parachutes' has a big impact on ocean carbon storage

A recent discovery about "marine snow" is altering our theories...

New research by scientists from South Africa and Brazil reveals that rival plants may compete for space on pollinators, with pollen grains vying for the chance to be carried to the next flower.&nbsp;



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/732797" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The American Naturalist</a>, suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-twist-in-the-evolution-of-plant-pollinator-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> have developed sophisticated mechanisms to manipulate pollen placement on pollinators, similar to how some animals manipulate sperm during reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-and-competitive-pollen-removal-nbsp">Plants and competitive pollen removal&nbsp;</h2>



Unlike animals, where mating involves direct contact, plants rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> such as birds and insects to transport pollen from one flower to another. In this context, plants need to find ways to ensure their pollen makes it to the pollinator and, eventually, to the next flower. 



According to the study’s lead author, professor Bruce Anderson of <a href="http://www.sun.ac.za/english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stellenbosch University</a>, the strategy plants have developed can be compared to male-male competition in animals.



“Flowers visited by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-amazing-sense-of-touch-for-precise-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a> deposit their pollen on the hummingbird bills, but there is very little place for the pollen to be deposited,” Anderson explained. 



“Flowers have evolved a catapult mechanism where pollen is shot at the bill of the hummingbird. The force of the ballistic grains dislodges previously deposited grains from rival plants, allowing the flower to place its own grains onto a cleaner bill, thus increasing its chances of reproductive success.”



This finding supports the idea of competitive pollen removal, where flowers actively remove rival pollen from pollinators before securing a spot for their own pollen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-pollen-placement-in-action">Explosive pollen placement in action</h2>



To demonstrate this mechanism, the researchers conducted experiments with Hypenea macrantha, a red flower native to Brazil. Using slow-motion video footage, they captured the flower’s explosive pollen placement mechanism in action.&nbsp;



The flower essentially “catapults” its pollen onto the bill of a hummingbird, dislodging the pollen of competing plants in the process.



This mechanism, known as explosive pollen placement, is not new in the plant kingdom, but this study marks the first time researchers have provided empirical evidence of its effectiveness.&nbsp;



By labeling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-alters-cloud-formation-and-changes-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollen</a> with quantum dots and counting how much was displaced by the explosion, the team was able to confirm the success of the mechanism.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="ZwJf9SY4md-3926185-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-floral-competition">A new perspective on floral competition</h2>



Traditionally, floral explosion has been viewed as a strategy to help plants efficiently place their pollen on pollinators or to startle pollinators into flying to other plants, thereby dispersing the pollen over greater distances.&nbsp;



However, this new research shows that explosive pollen placement may serve an additional function: removing rival pollen to improve a plant’s reproductive success.



“Our data suggest, however, that this mechanism may actually displace pollen from previous flowers, enhancing male reproductive success by increasing competition for space on the pollinators’ bodies,” said co-author Vinícius Brito, a botanist at the <a href="https://ufu.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of Uberlândia</a> in Brazil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-reproduction-and-pollen-rivalry">Plant reproduction and pollen rivalry</h2>



The research highlights a previously unrecognized form of competition between plants. In contrast to animals, where males may use physical structures to remove rival sperm from females, plants must manipulate the placement of their pollen on pollinators before it reaches the next flower. 



As Anderson explained, “until recently, no one has ever thought of looking for these kinds of structures in plants.”



This form of competition occurs on the pollinator’s body. When a pollinator, such as a hummingbird, arrives at a flower, it may already be covered in pollen from previously visited plants.&nbsp;



This makes it challenging for the new flower to place its pollen, as space is limited. Even if the flower does manage to place its pollen, it must then compete with rival pollen grains for access to the ovules of the next flower.



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



This discovery offers new insights into how plants may compete with one another for reproductive success in ways that were previously unimagined. Anderson and his colleagues suggest that plants may evolve strategies akin to those in animals, where physical adaptations aid in removing rival sperm.



As the researchers continue to explore this phenomenon, their findings could reshape our understanding of how plants have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolved</a> complex mechanisms to increase their chances of reproductive success. 



By manipulating pollen on the bodies of pollinators, flowers may be competing in a hidden but highly effective battle for space and, ultimately, for the continuation of their species.



In conclusion, this study adds a fascinating new dimension to our understanding of plant reproduction and competition. As Brito points out, these discoveries highlight the importance of further research into how plants interact with their environment, pollinators, and even each other in their quest for survival.



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Pollen wars: Plants compete for space on pollinators

New research by scientists from South Africa and Brazil reveals...

Plant life is the fundamental fabric of our planet, and it's astonishing to realize that about one-third of all known plant species have made islands their home. 



Despite representing a little more than 5% of Earth's land surface, islands are the embodiment of rich biodiversity. How did this happen?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-species-dwelling-on-islands">Plant species dwelling on islands</h2>



Dr. Julian Schrader from <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/departments-and-schools/school-of-natural-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University’s School of Natural Sciences</a>, along with an international team of researchers, analyzed data from around 304,103 plants – which essentially sums up all species known to science. The results highlight the incredible biodiversity existing on islands.



Out of 94,052 species that were identified as natives of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-amazon-became-a-biodiversity-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islands</a>, the team found that a whopping 63,280 are endemic. In layman's terms, these plant species can only be found on their home islands.



This means that 21% of global plant diversity is tucked away on islands across our planet. The research marks the first-ever comprehensive examination of vascular plants native to marine islands worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-native-and-endemic-plants">Native and endemic plants</h2>



A native plant is one that grows naturally on an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">island</a>, while an endemic plant species takes it one step further. They're exclusive to a specific island or a group of islands. 



Among these are vascular plants, a diverse group that includes trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns and grasses. They are distinctive from their non-vascular counterparts (like mosses and liverworts), thanks to their circulatory system.



“This is the first time we have had such a complete understanding of which species are where, globally,” noted Dr. Schrader.



“We can now explore the conservation status of some of our rarest plants and come up with distinct strategies to conserve them, such as identifying botanical gardens that could host rescue populations.”



It also allows researchers to strategize ways of protecting and preserving these unique species. For example, botanical gardens can help by hosting rescue populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-island-plant-paradox">Island plant paradox </h2>



While islands are bursting at the seams with species diversity, it's alarming to note that only 6% of islands with endemic species are making the cut for a UN goal to protect 30% of land and sea areas by 2030. 



The research also shines a spotlight on top centers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> endemism. These regions are large, tropical islands shaped by a complex terrain and a long history of isolation.



The stars of the show are Madagascar with 9,318 endemic plant species, followed by New Guinea with 8,793 species, Borneo with 5,765, Cuba with 2,679, and New Caledonia with 2,493.



According to Dr Schrader, it's all about the geography. The physical distance, coupled with unique climates and environments, fuels the evolutionary process, leading to new species creation or "speciation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-island-biodiversity">Threats to island biodiversity</h2>



However, isolation can be a double-edged sword. Many plant species that have evolved uniquely in such isolated ecosystems may find it hard to compete with non-native species. 



Climate change adds another layer of complexity to this situation. The threat is particularly grave for low-lying islands that are susceptible to rising sea levels and extreme weather events.



In this light, the study offers a critical baseline for monitoring changes in islands and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-islands-can-counteract-biodiversity-loss-in-oil-palm-plantations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant communities</a> over time. Think of it as a roadmap for prioritizing protection efforts. It's about the survival of these unique species that dot our planet's islands, each with their own tale of evolution, adaptation and survival.



“In French Polynesia, I was trying to find one of the rarest plants in the world, the flowering shrub called tiare apetahi (Sclerotheca raiateensis), with only a few individuals left in the wild,” said Dr. Schrader.



This plant holds cultural significance to the local community but is grappling with overharvesting and predation. The solution may lie in botanical gardens, but figuring out how to grow the species outside its natural habitat is the challenge at hand.



The story of island biodiversity is a tale of enchantment, intrigue, and urgent rescue efforts. It's a narrative that highlights the need for collective action, careful stewardship, and informed conservation strategies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08036-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Islands are home to one-third of all known plants

Plant life is the fundamental fabric of our planet, and...

While all ecosystems are affected by climate change, the pace at which these impacts become visible can vary. Forests, for example, often show a delayed response to changes in temperature and precipitation. Grasslands, however, are reacting almost in real time, according to a new study.&nbsp;



The research, led by the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> (U-M), highlights how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-crucial-role-global-agriculture-environment-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grasslands</a> are adapting to climate shifts faster than forests, with immediate changes in plant communities that reflect the evolving environmental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-race-forests-vs-grasslands">Climate race: Forests vs. grasslands</h2>



Lead authors Kai Zhu and Yiluan Song describe the difference in responses between ecosystems as “climate debt” for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> and “paying as they go” for grasslands. Forest ecosystems accumulate a lag in their response to climate change, while grasslands adapt more swiftly to shifts in temperature and precipitation.



“Climate change does have consequences for our ecosystems. It’s going to come sooner or later,” said Song, a postdoctoral fellow at U-M. “Grasslands are at the faster end of the spectrum.”



This research offers the scientific community valuable insights into predicting how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-grassland-ecosystems-handle-climate-change-better-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> will impact ecosystems. Understanding these dynamics will be especially useful for the restoration of grassland vegetation. 



“If you want to restore grasslands, you have to ask what types of species you will plant. In order to answer that, you need to at least take climate change into consideration,” said Zhu, an associate professor at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-climate-shifts-in-grasslands">Rapid climate shifts in grasslands</h2>



The research team, which included experts from over a dozen institutions, gathered years of observational data from grassland communities in the California Floristic Province, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landscapes-with-a-mix-of-habitats-are-biodiversity-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity hotspot</a> along the U.S. West Coast. 



They analyzed 12 sites observed over several decades and found a clear trend: as the climate in the region became hotter and drier, species that thrive in those conditions became dominant in the plant communities.



The researchers also integrated data from long-term global change experiments in the region, allowing them to link climate change directly to the shifts in plant species. “We know correlation doesn’t imply causation,” Zhu said. “But the experimental data allow us to attribute the causality.”



By characterizing the climate preferences - or niches - of various plant species, the researchers were able to quantify shifts in grassland communities in direct relation to temperature and precipitation changes.&nbsp;



This combination of observational and experimental data provided a clear and consistent conclusion, which Zhu and Song note is uncommon in ecological studies of this nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-paced-ecological-changes">Fast-paced ecological changes</h2>



What surprised the researchers most was the speed of the ecological changes. The shifts in plant communities were happening at a pace comparable to the rate of climate change, but Zhu and Song cautioned that these rapid changes should not be seen as true <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-species-are-pre-adapted-to-tolerate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a> - at least not without further research.



“To me, adaptation gives a positive impression that the system is changing to counter some of the negative effects of climate change,” Song said.&nbsp;



“The rapid shifts in grassland communities involve not only the gain of some hotter, drier species but also the loss of some cooler, wetter species. These shifts might have negative consequences such as dominance by non-native species and loss of biodiversity.”



The researchers emphasized that the loss of species adapted to cooler, wetter conditions could lead to a decline in biodiversity, as non-native species that thrive in hotter, drier environments take over.



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



Although this study focused on a single region, Zhu and Song believe that similar trends could occur in grasslands around the world, depending on the specific climate dynamics of each area.&nbsp;



For example, if a region's climate is becoming warmer and wetter, species that favor those conditions will likely become dominant at a rate that matches the pace of the climate changes.



“I would hypothesize that we may see an even greater response to climate change in other grasslands around the world,” Zhu said, suggesting that the speed of these shifts may be even more pronounced in grasslands outside the California Floristic Province.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-climate-sensitive-restoration">The need for climate-sensitive restoration</h2>



As the study illustrates, grasslands are on the front lines of climate change, showing swift responses to environmental shifts. This research provides critical insights for predicting how grassland ecosystems will continue to evolve in a warming world.&nbsp;



The study also highlights the importance of considering climate change when planning restoration efforts, as the types of species that thrive in grasslands may shift in tandem with the changing climate. 



Understanding these dynamics will help guide the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2024-a-call-for-land-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration</a> of grasslands and support the preservation of biodiversity in the face of rapid climate change.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02552-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Grasslands are racing to adapt to climate shifts

While all ecosystems are affected by climate change, the pace...

A recent study is the first to suggest that the use of high-potency cannabis leaves a distinct mark on DNA, providing valuable insights into the biological impact of cannabis use.&nbsp;



High-potency cannabis is defined as having Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the principal psychoactive constituent in cannabis - content of 10% or more.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-impact-of-high-potency-cannabis-nbsp">Biological impact of high-potency cannabis&nbsp;</h2>



The research also showed the effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-cannabis-use-disorder-risk-varies-among-young-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> use on DNA is different in people experiencing their first episode of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-sleep-deprivation-linked-to-adult-psychosis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychosis</a> compared to users who have never experienced psychosis. 



This suggests there could be potential for DNA blood tests to help characterize those cannabis users at risk of developing psychosis to inform preventative approaches.



“With the increasing prevalence of cannabis use and more availability of high-potency cannabis, there is a pressing need to better understand its biological impact, particularly on mental health,” said senior author Marta Di Forti, a professor of drugs, genes and psychosis at <a href="https://www.kcl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King's College London</a> (KCL).



“Our study is the first to show high-potency cannabis leaves a unique signature on DNA related to mechanisms around the immune system and energy production.”



According to Professor Forti, future research needs to explore if the DNA signature for current cannabis use - in particular the one of high-potency types - can help identify those users most at risk to develop psychosis, both in recreational and medicinal use settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-potency-cannabis-and-dna-methylation-nbsp">High-potency cannabis and DNA methylation&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers explored the effects of cannabis use on DNA methylation - a chemical process detected in blood samples that alters how genes are functioning (whether they are switched “on” or “off”).&nbsp;



DNA methylation is a type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-status-linked-to-lasting-epigenetic-changes-in-hyenas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epigenetic change</a>, which means it alters gene expression without affecting the DNA sequence itself and is considered a vital factor in the interplay between risk factors and mental health.



The laboratory team at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> conducted complex analyses of DNA methylation across the whole human genome using blood samples from both people who have experienced first-episode psychosis and those who have never had a psychotic experience. 



The researchers investigated the impact of current cannabis use, including frequency and potency, on the DNA of 682 participants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-related-to-energy-and-immune-function">Genes related to energy and immune function</h2>



The analysis showed that frequent users of high-potency cannabis had changes in genes related to mitochondrial and immune function, particularly the CAVIN1 gene, which could affect energy and immune response.&nbsp;



These changes were not explained by the well-established impact that tobacco has on DNA methylation, which is usually mixed into joints by most cannabis users.



“This is the first study to show that frequent use of high-potency cannabis leaves a distinct molecular mark on DNA, particularly affecting genes related to energy and immune function,” said study lead author Emma Dempster, a senior lecturer at the University of Exeter.



“Our findings provide important insights into how cannabis use may alter biological processes. DNA methylation, which bridges the gap between genetics and environmental factors, is a key mechanism that allows external influences, such as substance use, to impact gene activity.”&nbsp;



Dempster noted that these epigenetic changes, shaped by lifestyle and exposures, offer a valuable perspective on how cannabis use may influence mental health through biological pathways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-new-insights">Valuable new insights</h2>



Dempster meta-analyzed data from two cohorts: the GAP study, which consists of patients with first-episode psychosis in <a href="https://slam.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust</a>, and the EU-GEI study, which consists of patients with first-episode psychosis and healthy controls across England, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Brazil.



This totaled 239 participants with first-episode psychosis and 443 healthy controls representing the general population from both study sites who had available DNA samples.&nbsp;



Most of the cannabis users in the study used high-potency cannabis more than once a week (defined as frequent use) and had first used cannabis at the age of 16 years old, on average.



This study, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41380-024-02689-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Psychiatry</a> provides crucial insights into how high-potency cannabis use may impact DNA and lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-potency-linked-to-dramatic-rise-in-psychiatric-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychiatric disorders</a>, highlighting the need for further research to understand the biological mechanisms at play and to develop preventative strategies for those at risk of psychosis.



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High-potency cannabis use linked to epigenetic changes

A recent study is the first to suggest that the...

Our climate is changing, temperatures are rising, and research reveals that it's affecting two-thirds (66%) of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Earth's tropical forests. 



Sounds worrying, right? These KBAs are critical spots on our globe that harbor and nurture various species along with their habitats.



This profound study analyzed three decades of temperature conditions tucked beneath the forest canopies in these world-wide tropical KBAs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-in-kba-temperature">Shift in KBA temperature</h2>



The results might raise your eyebrows. A whopping 66% of these tropical KBAs have started flirting with new temperature regimes. 



That means over 40% of the temperature measurements now fall outside the range previously recorded there.



Meanwhile, the remaining 34% of these locations still enjoy their old temperature regimes. These places could turn into crucial hideaways for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-light-sustains-biodiversity-over-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, the researchers conjecture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-in-tropical-forests">Biodiversity in tropical forests</h2>



The research, published right on the heels of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (<a href="https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP16</a>) in Colombia, sheds some light on this critical matter.



“Beneath the canopy of tropical forests, a wealth of biodiversity exists in a very stable climate,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/staff/profile/index.php?web_id=Brittany_Trew" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr Brittany Trew</a>, from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/esi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment and Sustainability Institute</a>&nbsp;on Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall.



“As such, species there are at particularly high risk from new annual temperature regimes because they have evolved under a narrow range of conditions. They may only be able to tolerate a small margin of warming above what they’re used to.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-to-action-in-kbas">Call to action in KBAs</h2>



Dr. Alexander Lees, a biodiversity expert at <a href="https://www.mmu.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester Metropolitan University</a>, took a firm stand. 



"The amount of political and economic capital dedicated to safeguarding biodiversity is woefully inadequate," Dr. Lees explained.



"Our findings show that the painful process of conservation triage -- selecting new protected areas -- must therefore consider the impact of ongoing climate changes on those sites in prioritization assessments," he continued.



The Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework is one step towards acknowledging this problem. It proposes to conserve at least 30% of the global land area by 2030, with a special emphasis on our precious KBAs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loopholes-in-protection">Loopholes in protection</h2>



Here's another nugget of truth -- KBAs do not automatically receive formal protection. That decision rests with the national governments in those respective locations.



This research uncovers that, among the 34% of tropical forest KBAs not yet facing new temperature regimes, over half currently fall short of protection. 



Dr. Trew presses on the need for 'climate-smart' policies to safeguard these valuable refuges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-outlook">Global outlook</h2>



To capture the ground reality on tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, researchers made use of temperature measurements, satellite data, and a microclimate model. 



The change is more apparent in some regions than others. It's pretty high in Africa and Latin America, with 72% and 59% of KBAs entering new temperature regimes. Asia and Oceania have shown a lower shift, with only 49% of KBAs experiencing the transition. 



A minor percentage of KBAs in Latin America and a few in Asia and Oceania have almost fully embraced the new temperature regimes.



In Latin America, these crucial areas sprawl across Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama, with the tropical Andes feeling the heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-communities-and-kba-protection">Local communities and KBA protection</h2>



Local communities play an instrumental role in the stewardship of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). 



These communities, often residing in or near tropical forests, possess invaluable traditional knowledge and practices that can contribute to effective biodiversity <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation strategies</a>.



Their involvement in conservation initiatives ensures that protective measures are culturally relevant and sustainable. 



Collaborations between local communities, scientists, and policymakers can foster a more inclusive approach to safeguarding KBAs, empowering those who are most affected by environmental changes to participate actively in decision-making processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-biodiversity-conservation">Tropical biodiversity conservation</h2>



Innovative solutions are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by emerging temperature regimes and ensuring the protection of biodiversity. 



Technological advancements, such as remote sensing and machine learning models, can enhance our ability to monitor and predict changes within KBAs with increased precision. 



Moreover, global networks and partnerships can facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources needed to implement adaptive management practices. 



By embracing both cutting-edge technologies and integrative conservation approaches, we can develop robust strategies that balance ecological preservation with the needs of society, driving forward a sustainable future for tropical forests and their irreplaceable ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-kbas-in-tropical-forests">The future of KBAs in tropical forests</h2>



Now that we know the temperature beneath our tropical canopies is undergoing a significant upheaval, the question remains: What do we do about it? 



This study is more than just a collection of statistics - it's a stepping stone towards proactive conservation efforts and climate-smart policies. 



The shift in temperature regimes may be invisible to our eyes but has a profound impact on our KBAs and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> they house. The ball is now in our court!



The study is a timely reminder for us to align our actions with the needs of our planet. As we forge ahead, the hope is to strike a balance between human progress and the wellbeing of our natural world. 



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This research was spearheaded by leading brains from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, <a href="https://www.mmu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester Metropolitan</a>, and the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/conl.13050" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Letters</a>.



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Climate change is altering the temperature in 66% of tropical forests

Our climate is changing, temperatures are rising, and research reveals...

In a rapidly growing and changing world, the need to produce enough food for everyone has become more urgent than ever.&nbsp;



Pesticides have played a significant role in enabling large-scale farming, but they come with harmful side effects on both humans and wildlife, and pests are increasingly developing resistance to them.&nbsp;



To address these challenges and pave the way for sustainable and resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>, a study published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsci.2024.1407410" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a> explores the potential of induced resistance. 



This technique, similar to a vaccine for plants, activates a plant's immune system so it can respond more effectively to similar stresses in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccinating-plants-for-resistance">Vaccinating plants for resistance</h2>



Induced resistance, though studied for decades, is only now beginning to gain traction as a method for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop protection</a>. 



“We argue in favor of a holistic approach to crop protection, which combines multiple strategies to deliver tailored solutions. Induced resistance sits in the heart of such an integrated approach,” said lead author Brigitte Mauch-Mani, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.unine.ch/etudier/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Neuchâtel</a>.



Currently, most crops are protected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticides-travel-far-and-wide-endangering-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticides</a> or are bred to have resistance genes. However, pests can out-evolve these solutions over time. 



Induced resistance, by contrast, strengthens a plant’s natural defenses, offering more sustainable, long-lasting protection that could target multiple pests and pathogens simultaneously.



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



Induced resistance comes in several forms, one of which includes plants releasing compounds that attract predators of harmful herbivores.&nbsp;



The most well-known and studied form is defense priming. In defense priming, when a part of the plant is exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-a-secret-weapon-for-surviving-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, it partially activates its defense mechanisms. 



When the plant is attacked again, these defenses are fully triggered. This form of resistance can be passed on to the next generation, potentially through epigenetic mechanisms, offering a long-term benefit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-induced-resistance-and-careful-management-nbsp">Induced resistance and careful management&nbsp;</h2>



However, induced resistance doesn’t provide complete protection on its own and must be used alongside other agricultural practices. It also requires careful management to ensure the plant’s growth isn’t compromised by diverting too many resources to defense.



Mauch-Mani explained that induced resistance is the result of a complex network of developmental and environmental pathways in the plant.&nbsp;



“Safe and efficient exploitation of induced resistance is not as straightforward as the introgression of a single gene or spraying a single pesticide.”&nbsp;



The implementation of induced resistance needs to be customized based on specific crops, growing conditions, and agricultural practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vaccinating-plants-for-healthier-food">Vaccinating plants for healthier food</h2>



The "vaccinating" effects of induced resistance could offer benefits beyond protecting plants from pests. 



Some of the compounds that plants produce in response to induced resistance are linked to health benefits and improved nutritional quality, which could lead to healthier food.&nbsp;



Additionally, induced resistance can adapt more quickly to changing environmental conditions compared to traditional breeding methods, making it harder for pests to develop resistance.



When combined with integrated pest management, which uses natural enemies of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pests</a> as part of crop protection, induced resistance has the potential to significantly reduce the reliance on pesticides.



This could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and longer-lasting crop protection. Further research into the epigenetic transmission of defense priming could enhance these benefits for future generations of crops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-induced-resistance-a-reality">Making induced resistance a reality</h2>



To make induced resistance a viable option for farmers and food scientists, more research is urgently needed. 



This research should focus on understanding how induced resistance works in real-world conditions, outside of controlled environments, and on developing methods that can be scaled up for use in field trials and full-scale agriculture. 



The researchers also called for legislative support to establish quality standards that would protect both producers and consumers.



“We strongly believe that fundamental research into induced resistance will be critical for the transition towards a truly sustainable food supply,” said Mauch-Mani.&nbsp;



However, she emphasized the need for improved communication between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to turn scientific discoveries into practical solutions.



“Governments need to create a research environment and funding climate that allows for more efficient knowledge exchange between scientists, policymakers, and industry. Like the biology underpinning it, successful exploitation of induced resistance relies on a multifaceted effort,” she concluded.



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‘Vaccinating’ plants could boost global food security

In a rapidly growing and changing world, the need to...

Hunger is a word that resonates with an unfortunate 733 million humans across the globe daily. Food, or the lack of it, is a poignant issue in today's world. In an era where we've got plenty of food to feed every soul on Earth, it seems paradoxical that so many still don't get their share.



How is it possible that despite producing all the food, many cultivators are still left desperate for a meal? We have landed on the moon, yet we can't ensure our fellow humans have a meal on their table. 



This is a grim picture of economic disparity and social inequality that transcends borders and nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-just-food-but-foods">Not just food, but FOODS</h2>



Three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-has-caused-crisis-levels-of-food-and-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">simple things</a> we need to survive - air, water, and food. However, the narrative has shifted towards celebrating FOODS, and not merely food on World Food Day. 



The extra "S" stands for so much more - diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility, and safety. 



It is a resounding call to action, urging us all to ensure our plates resemble a vibrant rainbow of nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-food-snapshot">Global food snapshot</h2>



To put it bluntly, a distressing 2.8 billion people worldwide cannot afford a wholesome diet. Unhealthy diets are now a harbinger of malnutrition in all forms – from undernutrition to obesity.&nbsp;



This isn't something relegated to a specific demographic or geographic region; the problem is widespread and carries significant socioeconomic and environmental implications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leading-the-fight-against-hunger">Leading the fight against hunger</h2>



Our current agrifood systems are trapped in a vicious cycle. While they're severely threatened by disasters and crises, they also contribute directly to them.&nbsp;



Agricultural activities lead to pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. What's needed is a transformation - an essential shift to tackle climate change and build resilience.



One such organization leading this fight against hunger is the Food and Agriculture Organization (<a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAO</a>). In 2023 alone, their initiatives provided crucial agricultural support to an astounding 57 million people.



From influencing policies and legislation to reshaping agrifood systems in developing nations, FAO has been at the frontlines of this battle.



Achieving a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/futuristic-food-supply-transforming-co2-into-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food-secure world</a> is no small task. It calls for a mammoth effort, and for us, the consumers, to step up. We can contribute by urging actions from our government, making healthier food choices, reducing food waste, and safeguarding our environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-healthy-food-habits">Rethinking healthy food habits</h2>



Healthy diets go beyond just eating. They require balance, variety, and moderation in our dietary habits. It's about time our agrifood systems paved the way for everyone to access such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>, promising a healthier humanity and a sustainable planet.



In 2024, we commemorate the 20th anniversary of a significant milestone that has guided governments worldwide – “Voluntary Guidelines to Support the Progressive Realization of the Right to Adequate Food in the Context of National Food Security.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovations-in-agritech">Innovations in agritech</h2>



The advancement in agritech presents a beacon of hope, promising transformative changes in traditional agricultural practices. 



Cutting-edge technologies such as precision farming, genetic engineering, and smart irrigation systems are revolutionizing how we cultivate crops and manage resources. By utilizing data analytics and remote sensing, precision farming allows farmers to optimize yields and reduce waste. 



Genetic engineering offers the potential to develop crop varieties that are resistant to diseases and better adapted to climate fluctuations. Smart irrigation systems, powered by IoT devices, ensure efficient water use, crucial for areas facing water scarcity. 



The integration of technology in agriculture is crucial for fostering a sustainable future, addressing food security, and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-and-empowerment">Education and empowerment</h2>



Education emerges as a powerful catalyst for driving sustainable change in global food security. By equipping individuals, particularly women and youth, with knowledge and resources, communities can strengthen their resilience against food insecurity.&nbsp;



Educational programs focused on nutrition, sustainable farming practices, and business skills empower people to make informed decisions that enhance systems.&nbsp;



Furthermore, collaborations between governments, educational institutions, and NGOs can amplify the impact, ensuring that education leads to tangible improvements in reducing hunger and promoting a thriving global society.



As we navigate these critical times, what we need is unity of purpose. Our collective steps and voices can make a difference. Let's work together to ensure no one goes hungry, today or tomorrow. 



Let's celebrate FOODS, in all its diversity and goodness. We must remember that it's not just about food - it's about FOODS.



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World Food Day 2024: Fighting global hunger

Hunger is a word that resonates with an unfortunate 733...

In the face of relentless environmental shifts, seven of the most prevalent forest trees in Europe have proven their tenacity. They've managed to keep their genetic diversity intact, even as their ranges shrunk and tree numbers plummeted during the ice age cycles. 



This resilience was highlighted in a recent study conducted by a multidisciplinary European consortium. Pascal Milesi is an associate professor of plant ecology and evolution at <a href="https://www.uu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppsala University</a> and the study's lead author.



"“From a biodiversity perspective, this is very positive because these trees are keystone species on which many other species depend,” said Professor Milesi. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-diversity-of-trees">Genetic diversity of trees</h2>



The research team set out to explore the impact of fierce ice age cycles on the genetic diversity of tree species. Throughout the ages, trees have endured alternating warm and cold periods. 



During the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago, the tree populations were significantly constrained, leading scientists to predict a loss of genetic diversity. 



Yet, surprising as it may be, these species demonstrated immense genetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>, indicating a resilient response to their rapidly evolving habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-their-secret">What's their secret?</h2>



"We believe the reason for this high genetic diversity is related to the way these tree species survived through the ice ages and to fact that tree pollen can travel thousands of kilometres, bringing together trees that grow far apart," said Professor Milesi. 



"This is a welcome sign. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-in-dry-landscapes-have-surprising-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary processes</a> that were at play in the past may also be useful to cope with today’s rapid climate change."



Joining forces with researchers from 22 other European institutions, Professor Milesi examined seven species of forest trees ubiquitous in Europe. 



The team gathered needles and leaves from approximately 3,500 trees from 164 different populations scattered across Europe and proceeded to extract and analyze the DNA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-age-cycles-and-tree-diversity">Ice age cycles and tree diversity</h2>



“Contrary to what was long thought, the ice age cycles had little impact on the genetic diversity of these seven key species. This is mainly explained by a combination of unique characteristics, namely long generation time and the ability of their pollen to spread thousands of kilometers,” said Milesi.



This trait enables <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> separated by vast distances to exchange genetic material, ensuring a broader and more diverse gene pool. As a result, these species can better adapt to changing environmental conditions, maintaining their resilience over centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlight-on-sweden">Spotlight on Sweden</h2>



Turning the spotlight on Sweden, the researchers zeroed in on the Norway spruce, Scots pine, and silver birch. Together, these species make up the majority of the Swedish forest, serving as a lifeline for other species. 



They are also a significant contributor to the Swedish economy and society, accounting for the vast majority of timber used in Swedish forestry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-the-diversity-of-trees">Celebrating the diversity of trees</h2>



“Due to the sixth mass extinction event and the ongoing biodiversity crisis, people can easily get the feeling that it is too late and be ready to give up," said Professor Milesi. 



"This study sends a positive signal about our forest and provides important information to help manage forest biodiversity in the face of climate change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-future-trends">Predicting future trends</h2>



The future of European forests amid the climate crisis shows promise due to the resilience of key tree species. 



Research highlights that strong genetic diversity can help these trees cope with environmental challenges, but rapid adaptation to changing climates is vital. 



Ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to preserve genetic diversity are essential for maintaining forest health and supporting both ecosystems and human communities that rely on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mighty-seven-tree-species">Mighty seven tree species </h2>



The species under study were the European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), Sessile oak (Quercus petraea), Silver birch (Betula pendula), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and Black poplar (Populus nigra).



As we reflect on these findings, we are reminded of the remarkable resilience of nature and the urgent need to respect and protect it. The future of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> hinges on how well we respond to the ongoing challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52612-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Can trees protect their genetic diversity for millions of years?

In the face of relentless environmental shifts, seven of the...

A recent study sheds light on the potential destabilizing effects of climate change on mutualistic relationships between insects and plants. Mutualism, the cooperative interaction where both species benefit, is fundamental to healthy ecosystems. 



The research suggests that increasing urbanization and rising temperatures could be disrupting these relationships, with potential consequences for global biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-ant-plant-mutualism">Investigating ant-plant mutualism</h2>



Led by <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>, the study focused on the mutualistic relationship between specific ant species and the tropical shrub Cordia nodosa, which provides ants with shelter in exchange for protection from herbivores. 



The researchers compared how these relationships function in five urban sites and five protected forest areas in South America.&nbsp;



A key aim was to determine how the species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-deja-vu-the-symbiotic-relationships-of-trees-and-ants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> inhabiting the plants in urban environments differed from those in forest areas, particularly in terms of their ability to tolerate heat - a defining feature of cities.



The researchers discovered that urban plants housed mostly opportunistic ants, which did not specialize in protecting Cordia nodosa. These urban ants, while more heat-tolerant, were not effective in defending the plants.&nbsp;



In contrast, specialized mutualistic ants, which form strong protective partnerships with the shrubs, were still commonly found in forest areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-of-ant-protection-in-urban-areas">Decline of ant protection in urban areas</h2>



One of the study’s most striking findings was that urban ants, living in Cordia nodosa plants, generally failed to defend the plants from threats.&nbsp;



The researchers simulated attacks by flicking the plants, only to find that opportunistic urban ants did little to respond, living up to their name. In forest areas, however, the mutualistic ants were 13 times more likely to spring into action to protect the plants.



Surprisingly, despite the lack of defense from urban ants, plants in cities were not as severely affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-biodiversity-benefits-from-large-herbivores-like-elephants-and-moose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivores</a> as expected. Herbivory, or damage caused by plant-eating insects, was relatively low in these areas. 



“I think that probably the herbivores themselves are not doing great in the city, whether it's because of habitat fragmentation, the temperature or whatever's keeping those specialist ants out may also be keeping the herbivores out,” said Elsa Youngsteadt, an associate professor of applied ecology at NC State.&nbsp;



Professor Youngsteadt also noted the possibility that urban plants have developed alternative defenses to compensate for the lack of ant protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-ant-plant-relationships">Urbanization and ant-plant relationships</h2>



In contrast to urban environments, forest plants without their protective ants showed higher rates of herbivory, which was more in line with the expected outcome.&nbsp;



The research also confirmed a distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban heat</a> island effect, with urban areas being approximately 1.6°C warmer than forest areas. 



This increase in temperature correlated with the heat tolerance of the ants, as urban ants were better adapted to warmer conditions than their forest counterparts.



However, the long-term implications of these changes remain uncertain. “While this study provides a small snapshot of what we may be able to expect in the future with global change, there remain many unanswered questions,” said study co-author Professor Sara Prado. 



The research raises concerns about how these changes might affect ecosystems on a larger scale if similar patterns begin to emerge in forest environments.



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



The findings from this study highlight the vulnerability of specialized mutualistic relationships in the face of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-social-nature-of-ants-will-them-tolerate-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



If urban environments can no longer support the mutualistic ants that protect Cordia nodosa and other plants, we may see a shift in the composition of insect-plant relationships.&nbsp;



“If these changes also play out in forests in the future, we may see more examples of specialized mutualistic interactions changing or disappearing altogether,” said Professor Prado.



Furthermore, if urban plants no longer need ants to protect them, researchers are left wondering about the long-term consequences of being colonized by opportunistic ants.&nbsp;



The impact on herbivores is another area of concern. If herbivores are also being kept out by the same factors affecting specialized ants, it suggests a profound shift in how urban ecosystems function.



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



This study offers a glimpse into how climate change and urbanization might disrupt critical symbiotic relationships that form the foundation of many ecosystems.&nbsp;



The findings emphasize the importance of continued investigation into how these changes affect not only the individual species involved but the broader ecological networks they support.



As the planet continues to warm and urban areas expand, the consequences for specialized insect-plant relationships remain unclear.&nbsp;



However, this research serves as a warning of the potential fracturing of mutualistic interactions that are vital for maintaining biodiversity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-plays-critical-role-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem health</a>. 



The study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these relationships in a changing world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecy.4449" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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Climate change is destabilizing ant-plant relationships

A recent study sheds light on the potential destabilizing effects...

<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=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



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



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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







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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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