The benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression reportedly endures for years, if not forever. 



In a new analysis of people who took part in a 2020 psilocybin clinical trial, 67 percent were still in full remission from depression an average of five years later - up from 58 percent at the one-year mark.



Study lead author Alan Davis is an associate professor and director of the <a href="https://www.cpdre.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education</a> at The Ohio State University.



“Across the board - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-have-an-unexpected-link-to-anxiety/">anxiety</a>, depression, global functioning, self-reported depression - we kept seeing the same signal of continued improvement," said Davis.



The follow-up results offer a rare long view of outcomes after psychedelic-assisted therapy, an area where long-term data are still sparse.



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



Psilocybin is a natural compound found in certain mushrooms, often called “magic mushrooms.” When you ingest psilocybin, your body quickly converts it into psilocin, the active form that interacts with your brain. 



Psilocin closely resembles <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dopamine-and-serotonin-shape-behavior/">serotonin</a>, a key neurotransmitter, so it binds to serotonin receptors - especially the 5-HT2A receptor. 



This binding alters the way nerve cells communicate, which leads to changes in perception, mood, and thought patterns. 



From a scientific standpoint, psilocybin disrupts the brain’s usual patterns of activity and connectivity. 



Brain imaging studies show that it quiets the “default mode network,” a system linked to self-reflection and the inner voice we all carry. 



At the same time, it boosts communication between brain regions that don’t normally interact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curing-depression-with-psilocybin">Curing depression with psilocybin</h2>



The peer-reviewed study, published in 2021, enrolled adults with major depressive disorder and compared two groups: one received psilocybin treatment immediately, and the other started after a wait-list period.



All the participants ultimately completed a standardized protocol: two dosing sessions with psilocybin paired with about 13 hours of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychotherapy-is-key-to-the-success-of-psychedelic-treatment/">psychotherapy</a> (including preparation, support during sessions, and integration).



The initial results showed large reductions in depression severity, with half of participants in remission up to one year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-patients-over-time">Tracking patients over time</h2>



Of the 24 people in the original trial, 18 took part in the five-year check-in. Online questionnaires were used to assess depression, anxiety, and functional impairment. 



The researchers also applied a clinician-rated depression scale and conducted qualitative interviews to capture changes the numbers might miss.



The team made a conservative assumption to avoid overstating success. They counted the six who did not return as having fully relapsed to pre-treatment levels.



Even under that assumption, depression scores remained “very large and significantly” reduced at five years, Davis noted, and the share of participants in complete remission nudged upward.



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



The lasting gains cannot be chalked up solely to the two psilocybin sessions. Only three people reported no additional depression-related treatment in the years since. 



Others used antidepressant medications, tried <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ketamine-treatment-may-now-last-months-instead-of-weeks/">ketamine</a> or other psychedelics, or engaged in psychotherapy.



Interviews helped explain that context. Many participants described life with depression as profoundly constricted before the trial - too little energy, too little hope to engage. 



Afterward, several said their depression felt more situational and manageable. They reported a greater capacity for positive emotion and motivation, and a different relationship to low moods when they returned.



A few who experimented with psychedelics on their own found the experiences less helpful without a clinical framework. This underscores a theme from other work by Davis and colleagues: the therapeutic container matters.



A strong alliance with trained therapists, structured preparation, and integration support may play as big a role as the drug itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-safety-over-time">Psilocybin safety over time</h2>



At the five-year mark, 11 of 18 participants reported no adverse effects since the trial. Looking back, three remembered feeling unprepared for the heightened emotional sensitivity that followed their dosing sessions. 



Two said tapering off <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cure-for-alcohol-addiction-was-discovered-by-accident/">medications</a> and waiting during the original trial was especially difficult, and two wished they’d had more formal integration therapy afterward.



The study is small, non-randomized at follow-up, and based on a motivated sample - limitations the authors emphasize.



With just 18 people contributing long-term data, it’s impossible to generalize broadly or disentangle psilocybin’s contribution from other treatments and life changes.



Larger, placebo-controlled trials with systematic follow-up will be needed to test durability, dosing strategies, and who benefits most.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-depression-and-healthcare">Psilocybin, depression, and healthcare</h2>



Even with the study's limitations, the pattern is encouraging. Many participants maintained remission or continued to function better. 



Several described a shift that outlasted symptom scores - more engagement with family, work, and meaningful activities, and fewer episodes of withdrawal and isolation, which are among depression’s most disabling features.



“Five years later, most people continued to view this treatment as safe, meaningful, and important - something that catalyzed an ongoing betterment of their life,” Davis said.



“Despite some symptoms coming back, they weren’t experiencing the same levels of impairment - suggesting this approach might, for some, kick-start lasting positive change.”



The bottom line: psilocybin-assisted therapy remains experimental, and it’s not a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-gut-bacteria-morganella-morganii-could-cause-depression-not-a-brain-disorder/">depression</a> cure-all. But in this small cohort, the combination of guided psychedelic sessions and psychotherapy was associated with durable relief - and in many cases, a different relationship to depression - years down the road.



The study is published in the <a href="https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2054/aop/article-10.1556-2054.2025.00461/article-10.1556-2054.2025.00461.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Psychedelic Studies</a>.



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Patients report no signs of depression five years after psilocybin treatment

The benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression reportedly endures for years, if not forever. In a new analysis of people who took part in a 2020 psilocybin clinical trial, 67 percent were still in full remission from depression an average of five years later - up from 58 percent at the one-year mark. Study lead author Alan Davis is an associate professor and director of the Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education at The Ohio State University. “Across the board - anxiety, depression, global functioning,...

Borneo,Rain,Forest,Trees,Jungle,Tropical,Land

In a recent research project, scientists made a significant discovery regarding the survival of rainforest seedlings in various environmental conditions. 



This study, which meticulously monitored over 5,000 seedlings for 18 months, has revealed a stark contrast in the survival rates of seedlings between natural forests and areas affected by logging -- even after <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/replanted-seedling_deforestation_borneo-rainforest_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoration efforts</a> have been implemented.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-restoration-vs-active-restoration">Natural restoration vs. active restoration</h2>



The research took place within a diverse landscape that includes untouched natural forests alongside areas that were logged three decades ago. Some of these logged areas have been left to recover naturally, while others have undergone active restoration, including tree planting. 



A noteworthy phenomenon observed during this period was the occurrence of "mast fruiting," a process where trees drop their fruit simultaneously in massive quantities, leading to a surge in seedling emergence.



Initial observations suggested that both natural and restored rainforests boasted high numbers of seedlings, ostensibly indicating that restoration efforts might enhance fruit production. 



However, as the study progressed, it became evident that the survival rate of seedlings in restored rainforests was significantly lower compared to their counterparts in natural forests. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-struggle-of-restored-rainforest-seedlings">The struggle of restored rainforest seedlings</h2>



By the study's conclusion, the number of surviving seedlings in restored and naturally recovering rainforests was similarly low, whereas natural rainforests maintained higher populations of seedlings.



Dr. Robin Hayward, a key researcher in this study, expressed disappointment at the lower survival rates in restoration sites, highlighting the potential implications for the long-term recovery of diverse tree species.



“We were surprised to see restoration sites having lower seedling survival. After such a productive fruiting event in the restored forest, it’s disappointing that so few were able to survive – and to think what this might mean for the long-term recovery of different tree species," explained Dr. Hayward.



This observation suggests that while restoration can boost biomass accumulation, it does not necessarily facilitate the establishment of the next generation of seedlings.



Dr David Bartholomew, based at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> during the study and now at <a href="https://www.bgci.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Botanic Gardens Conservation International</a>, gave his thoughts. 



“Our findings suggest that seedlings are experiencing stress in logged forests. This could be due to changes to the canopy structure, microclimate and soil, with current restoration treatments insufficient to eliminate this stress. In particular, highly specialized species seem to struggle to survive, leaving communities with reduced species diversity compared to intact forest," Bartholomew explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainforest-seedlings-survival-in-the-food-chain">Rainforest seedlings survival in the food chain</h2>



This research underscores the complexity of rainforest ecosystems and the multitude of factors affecting seedling survival. 



Daisy Dent of <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zürich</a>, Switzerland and the <a href="https://stri.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute</a>, Panama, commented on how the interaction between animals and seedlings in these environments plays a crucial role.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rainforests</a> are complex systems and there are many possible explanations for our results. For example, animals that eat seeds -- like bearded pigs -- may be drawn into restored forest patches to eat the more abundant seeds and seedlings, rather than moving into adjacent poor-quality logged forest. In natural forests, animals potentially move more freely and so do not exhaust seed supplies in the same way," Dent explained.



The findings of this study raise concerns about the potential for regeneration failure in future generations of trees, especially considering the widespread practice of selective logging in the tropics. 



Dr. Lindsay F. Banin from the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> emphasized the importance of understanding the bottlenecks in plant community recovery to improve forest regeneration and ensure the sustainability of degraded forests.



“Together, these results reveal there may be bottlenecks in recovery of particular elements of the plant community. We are now progressing this research into the various stages of the regeneration process -- fruiting, germination, establishment and causes of mortality -- to help understand which mechanisms are driving the patterns we have observed and how we can better assist forest regeneration and support the long-term sustainability of degraded forests," Banin concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-and-restoration-in-the-balance">Biodiversity and restoration in the balance</h2>



This research highlights the critical need for carefully designed, monitored, and adaptively managed restoration projects to recover biodiversity and carbon storage effectively. It points to the importance of understanding plant traits and local environmental conditions to enhance seedling survival rates.



Conducted in the <a href="https://danumvalley.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danum Valley Conservation Area</a> and the surrounding Ulu Segama landscape, the study emphasizes the significance of intact forests and their role in supporting biodiversity through masting events. 



These findings, although preliminary, suggest that long-term research is necessary to fully comprehend the impacts of historic disturbances and devise strategies to improve seedling survival, thereby supporting the goals of the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-rainforest-restoration-and-seedlings">More about rainforest restoration and seedlings</h2>



As discussed above, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eu-pledges-to-improve-efforts-with-the-amazon-rainforest-protection-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforest</a> restoration involves actively participating in the recovery of deforested or degraded rainforest areas to regain their ecological integrity and biodiversity. 



This process helps in combating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and restores habitats for countless species and maintains the water cycle vital for our planet.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methods-of-rainforest-restoration">Methods of rainforest restoration</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-regeneration-without-seedlings">Natural regeneration without seedlings</h4>



Natural regeneration is the most cost-effective method, where the forest is allowed to heal itself over time. This approach relies on the natural seed bank present in the soil and the nearby intact forests as sources for species dispersal.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assisted-rainforest-regeneration-with-seedlings">Assisted rainforest regeneration with seedlings</h4>



In areas where natural regeneration is slow or unlikely, assisted regeneration steps in. This method involves human intervention to remove barriers to natural forest recovery, such as planting native tree species, controlling invasive species, and protecting young saplings from predation.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reforestation">Reforestation</h4>



Reforestation is the process of planting trees in areas where forests have been completely removed. The choice of species is critical, with a preference for indigenous trees to ensure the restoration of the natural ecosystem. This method is labor-intensive but provides a faster way to restore forest cover.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-rainforest-restoration">Impact of rainforest restoration</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-conservation">Biodiversity conservation</h4>



By restoring rainforests, we create habitats for a vast array of species, many of which are endangered. This not only helps in preserving biodiversity but also in maintaining ecological balance.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-mitigation">Climate change mitigation</h4>



Rainforests are excellent carbon sinks. Restoring these forests plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This contributes significantly to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-benefits">Community benefits</h4>



Rainforest restoration often involves local communities, providing them with sustainable livelihood options. From agroforestry to ecotourism, these activities help in creating economic opportunities while promoting conservation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-solutions">Challenges and solutions</h3>



Restoring rainforests is not without its challenges. These include land tenure issues, funding constraints, and the risk of introducing non-native species. 



Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy support, community engagement, and scientific research to guide restoration efforts effectively.



In summary, rainforest restoration is a vital endeavor for the health of our planet. Through collective efforts and sustainable practices, we can recover these critical ecosystems, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations. 



The journey is complex and challenging, but the benefits of a restored rainforest are immeasurable, making it a mission worth pursuing.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/gcb.17209" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Rainforests replanted with seedlings after logging don't recover well

In a recent research project, scientists made a significant discovery...

Green,And,Yellow,Cocoa,Pods,Grow,On,Tree.,The,Cocoa

Cacao trees, scientifically known as Theobroma cacao, or "the food of the gods," holds a pivotal place in both history and modern agriculture. 



Esteemed for its beans, from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sweet-discovery-eating-chocolate-can-add-years-to-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chocolate</a>, liquor, and cocoa butter are derived, recent research sheds light on the cacao tree's extensive journey from its Amazonian cradle to its widespread cultivation across South and Central America, revealing a narrative far richer than previously acknowledged.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-origin-of-cacao-trees">Tracing the origin of cacao trees</h2>



A fascinating new study delves into the ancient pathways of the cacao tree, suggesting its propagation across the Americas over 5,000 years ago, facilitated by intricate trade networks. 



This exploration into the past is rooted in the analysis of residues found in ancient vessels, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated breeding of different cacao strains and highlighting the broader utilization of cacao products among ancient cultures than was once understood.



The cacao tree is among the world's most crucial, harboring eleven distinct genetic groups, including the renowned Criollo and Nacional strains.



While its domestication in the upper Amazon basin is a well-documented fact, the extent of its spread and adoption by other cultures throughout the Americas had remained a puzzle -- until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



Claire Lanaud and her team embarked on an extensive study, analyzing 352 ceramic artifacts from 19 pre-Columbian cultures, dating from 5,900 to 400 years ago, across regions spanning Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Belize, and Panama. 



Through meticulous testing for ancient cacao DNA and the presence of three methylxanthines (mild stimulants found in cacao), namely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/easter-holiday-brings-more-than-double-the-risk-of-dog-poisonings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theobromine</a>, theophylline, and caffeine, the researchers sought to identify residues of ancient T. cacao. 



Furthermore, genetic information from 76 modern samples of T. cacao was utilized to trace the ancestry of the cacao found in these ancient ceramics, aiming to unravel the paths through which these ancient strains diversified and spread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spreading-cacao-trees-across-continents-and-cultures">Spreading cacao trees across continents and cultures</h2>



The study's findings are revelatory, illustrating that soon after its domestication in the Amazon, cacao trees were extensively cultivated along the Pacific Coast, demonstrating a high degree of diversity among the ancient strains. 



This diversity suggests that genetically distinct populations were interbred, enhancing the cacao's adaptability and utility across various cultures. 



Notably, cacao genotypes from the Peruvian Amazon were discovered in the coastal Valdivia region of Ecuador and artifacts from the Colombian Caribbean coast, indicating enduring contacts and a wide diffusion of cacao strains facilitated by trade and cultural exchange.



This extensive diffusion and crossbreeding of cacao strains across countries underscore the dynamic interactions and sophisticated agricultural practices of ancient South and Central American cultures. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cacao-s-genetic-legacy-and-future-challenges">Cacao's genetic legacy and future challenges</h2>



The researchers suggest that understanding the genetic history and diversity of cacao trees can offer valuable insights into combating contemporary challenges faced by modern cacao strains, such as disease and climate change.



In summary, this mouthwatering study enriches our understanding of the ancient cacao trade and its pivotal role in pre-Columbian cultures, while highlighting the importance of preserving genetic diversity to safeguard the future of this invaluable crop against impending threats. 



Through unraveling the ancient journey of cacao trees, this research contributes significantly to our comprehension of agricultural history and the enduring legacy of "the food of the gods." 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53010-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Cacao trees and their 5,000-Year Odyssey of global domestication

Cacao trees, scientifically known as Theobroma cacao, or "the food...

Recent findings from the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases uncover a compelling connection. Living in green spaces like parks and gardens enhances bone density and reduces <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-increases-bone-loss-from-osteoporosis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">osteoporosis risk</a>. This discovery paves the way for novel prevention methods, highlighting nature's vital role in health benefits.



Osteoporosis is a major global health issue, marked by fragile bones that easily fracture, causing chronic pain and limiting movement. It results from a mix of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. 



Before this research, the beneficial impact of green environments on bone density and osteoporosis prevention was largely unknown.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-green-spaces-through-a-new-lens">Viewing green spaces through a new lens</h2>



The study utilized data from the <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Biobank</a>, focusing on 391,298 individuals around age 56. It assessed lifestyle, genetic osteoporosis risks, surrounding greenery through the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and air pollution exposure.



Over a 12-year period, it found that residents of greener areas had notably better bone health and a 5% lower osteoporosis risk than those in less green environments. 



This advantage is attributed partly to reduced air pollution in green areas, which can elevate osteoporosis risk through oxidative stress and hormonal disruptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-prescription-green-space-time-for-better-bone-density">Nature prescription: Green space time for better bone density</h2>



The study suggests that green spaces naturally encourage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-and-physical-activity-can-optimize-bone-health-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">physical activity</a>, which helps lower osteoporosis risk. Furthermore, vegetation acts as a natural air filter, cutting down pollution exposure for residents.



Though observational, the study's results are pioneering, providing the first solid evidence that living near greenery is linked with higher bone density and a reduced risk of osteoporosis. 



It underscores the critical role of urban greening in osteoporosis prevention, emphasizing the need for natural spaces in urban planning.



The study emphasizes green spaces' wide-ranging advantages, from mental to physical health gains, such as enhanced bone strength. 



With urban expansion, integrating greenery into city designs becomes crucial for improving public health and combating osteoporosis. It serves as a rallying cry for urban planners and policymakers to make green spaces a cornerstone of urban growth, fostering healthier communities for generations to come.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://ard.bmj.com/content/early/2024/01/16/ard-2023-224941" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases</a>.



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Living near green spaces improves overall bone density

Recent findings from the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases uncover...

In a new study from <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, researchers have discovered that invasive plant species can lie dormant for extended periods - spanning decades to centuries - before abruptly proliferating and causing significant ecological damage.&nbsp;



The experts scrutinized over 5,700 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/">invasive plant species</a> across nine global regions, marking it as the most exhaustive study of its kind, according to senior author Mohsen Mesgaran, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-time-bombs-nbsp">Invasive time bombs&nbsp;</h2>



Mesgaran highlighted the deceptive nature of these dormant phases: “The longer it is dormant, we’re more likely to ignore it. This latency allows them to be overlooked, contributing to their eventual emergence as a serious invasive threat. They’re like invasive time bombs.”



The study's findings reveal that about one-third of the analyzed invasive plants underwent a significant lag between their introduction and sudden expansion, with an average dormancy period of 40 years.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dormant-invasive-plants">Dormant invasive plants</h2>



The record for the longest dormancy was held by sycamore maples in the United Kingdom, clocking in at 320 years.&nbsp;



In the United States, the common lawn weed Plantago lanceolata, also known as ribwort or buckhorn plantain, boasts the longest dormancy period. Introduced in 1822, this plant, detrimental to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/">livestock</a> and native flora, is now widespread across the country.&nbsp;



Another plant, velvetleaf, introduced as a potential fiber crop, can remain dormant for 50 years before spreading and threatening vital <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-corn-crops-could-have-higher-drought-tolerance/">crops</a> like corn and soybeans by depleting water and nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-problems-ahead">More problems ahead</h2>



The experts argue that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-native-species-can-have-unexpected-benefits/">non-native species</a> introductions occur either accidentally or through deliberate importation for uses such as medicinal, ornamental, or agricultural purposes. In California alone, approximately 65% of invasive plants were introduced intentionally.&nbsp;



“This lag phase may have played a role,” Mesgaran said. “They didn’t know. With an increase in trade and transportation and tourism we’re going to have more problems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waiting-for-favorable-conditions-nbsp">Waiting for favorable conditions&nbsp;</h2>



To compile their data, the researchers drew from global herbarium records, which are digitized and publicly accessible, to track the occurrence and timeline of these invasive species across various regions, including Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Madagascar, South Africa, and the United States.&nbsp;



By analyzing these records and comparing climate conditions during dormant versus expansion phases, the team discovered that many species waited for or adapted to favorable conditions before spreading, indicating that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/managing-invasive-species-can-improve-climate-resilience/">climate</a> plays a significant role in these invasions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dormancy-and-risk-assessment">Dormancy and risk assessment </h2>



This knowledge is crucial for future pest management and invasion prevention strategies, suggesting that existing risk assessment models, which typically overlook dormant phases, need updating.&nbsp;



“The problem is most of the models that we have for risk assessment to see if the species are going to be invasive and a pest problem in the future don’t account for this lag phase or this dormant phase,” Mesgaran said. “It’s not that they’re not going to be a problem, it’s just the calm before the storm.”



As the research progresses, the team plans to investigate how the native climates of these invasive species compare to their new environments, shedding further light on the mechanisms behind their spread and dormancy.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02313-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Time bombs: Invasive plants can lie dormant for centuries

In a new study from UC Davis, researchers have discovered...

Clifftops,At,Kilve,Beach,Ont,He,Somerset,Coastline

Along the dramatic sandstone cliffs of South West England's Devon and Somerset coast, researchers have unearthed the world's oldest fossilized forest. Full of ancient Calamophyton trees, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Calamophyton-trees_oldest-fossilized-forest_credit-Peter-Giesen_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the forest</a> dates back an astonishing 390 million years. 



This remarkable find surpasses the previous oldest forest by four million years, previously located in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State</a>, and represents the most ancient fossilized trees discovered in Britain to date. 



The discovery was made near Minehead, by the Bristol Channel, close to a modern-day Butlin’s holiday camp, by a team from the Universities of Cambridge and Cardiff.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calamophyton-the-palm-trees-that-time-forgot">Calamophyton: The palm trees that time forgot</h2>



The forest, dating to the Devonian Period, a crucial epoch for terrestrial life expansion, introduces us to Calamophyton trees. These ancient specimens, resembling palm trees at a glance, were in fact quite different from the trees we are familiar with today. 



Unlike contemporary trees, Calamophyton trunks were hollow and thin, devoid of leaves, and adorned with <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Calamophyton-tree-log_oldest-fossilized-forest_credit-Neil-Davies_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">twig-like structures</a> instead of branches. 



Remarkably, these trees grew to a modest height of two to four meters and played a pivotal role in early ecosystems by shedding vegetation that supported forest floor invertebrates.



This discovery challenges prior assumptions that this part of the English coast lacked significant plant fossils. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dawn-of-terrestrial-life-in-the-devonian-period">Dawn of terrestrial life in the Devonian Period</h2>



The presence of these ancient trees sheds light on the vital role early vegetation played in shaping landscapes, stabilizing riverbanks, and fortifying coastlines during a time when life was rapidly spreading onto land. 



This period saw the emergence of seed-bearing plants and the establishment of arthropods as the earliest land animals.



Professor Neil Davies from Cambridge's <a href="https://www.esc.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Earth Sciences</a>, the study’s lead author, highlighted the Devonian period's profound impact on terrestrial life and landscape dynamics. 



The roots of trees and plants during this time began to stabilize sediment, fundamentally altering interactions between water and land, yet little was known about these earliest forests until now.



“The Devonian period fundamentally changed life on Earth,” Davies explained. “It also changed how water and land interacted with each other, since trees and other plants helped stabilize sediment through their root systems, but little is known about the very earliest forests.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-ancient-landscapes-to-modern-cliffs">From ancient landscapes to modern cliffs</h2>



The fossil forest was located in the <a href="https://data.bgs.ac.uk/id/Lexicon/NamedRockUnit/HASA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hangman Sandstone Formation</a>, an area that, during the Devonian period, was geographically detached from the rest of England and closer to parts of what are now Germany and Belgium. This context is crucial for understanding the broader geographical and ecological connections of the time.



Dr. Christopher Berry of Cardiff’s <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth-environmental-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Earth and Environmental Sciences</a> shared his excitement upon recognizing the tree trunks from his three decades of study on similar trees globally. 



He emphasized the unique insight gained from observing these trees in their original growth positions, offering a rare glimpse into the ecology of the world's earliest forests and their influence on the sedimentary landscape.



“When I first saw pictures of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Calamophyton-tree-trunk_oldest-fossilized-forest_credit-Chris-Berry_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree trunks</a> I immediately knew what they were, based on 30 years of studying this type of tree worldwide. It was amazing to see them so near to home. But the most revealing insight comes from seeing, for the first time, these trees in the positions where they grew," Berry enthused. 



"It is our first opportunity to look directly at the ecology of this earliest type of forest, to interpret the environment in which Calamophyton trees were growing, and to evaluate their impact on the sedimentary system," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-earth-s-geographical-evolution">Tracing Earth's geographical evolution</h2>



The fieldwork, conducted along England's highest sea cliffs, some accessible only by boat, revealed a rich tapestry of Devonian period plant fossils embedded within the sandstone. 



These findings, from fossilized plants and tree logs to traces of roots and sedimentary structures, paint a vivid picture of a semi-arid plain traversed by river channels.



Professor Davies described the ancient forest as unlike any today, with a landscape significantly shaped by the debris from densely packed Calamophyton trees. 



This period marked a significant evolutionary moment when land plants began to influence river flow and sedimentation patterns, illustrating a pivotal stage in Earth's ecological development.



“The evidence contained in these fossils preserves a key stage in Earth’s development, when rivers started to operate in a fundamentally different way than they had before, becoming the great erosive force they are today,” said Davies. 



“People sometimes think that British rocks have been looked at enough, but this shows that revisiting them can yield important new discoveries," he concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-calamophyton-tree-forests-provide-modern-lessons">Ancient Calamophyton tree forests provide modern lessons</h2>



In summary, the discovery of the world's oldest fossilized forest along the Devon and Somerset coast marks a monumental leap in our understanding of Earth's ancient landscapes and their ecosystems. 



By uncovering the remains of Calamophyton trees, which thrived during the Devonian Period, scientists offer us a rare window into a time when the first complex life forms began to inhabit land, fundamentally altering the planet's geological and ecological dynamics. 



This research challenges previous assumptions about the fossil record in this region and highlights the intricate relationship between early plant life and the formation of terrestrial environments. 



Through diligent fieldwork and expert analysis, the team has given the world a new understanding of the critical role forests play in shaping Earth's early landscape, providing invaluable insights into the evolutionary processes that have made our world what it is today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-calamophyton-trees">More about Calamophyton trees</h2>



In the lush, ancient landscapes that predate our modern forests, a variety of unique and fascinating plant species thrived. 



Among these, as discussed above, the Calamophyton trees stood out for their distinctive features and contribution to the prehistoric ecosystem. 



These ancient plants, which are now extinct, offer a glimpse into the complexity and diversity of life on Earth millions of years ago.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-calamophyton-s-place-in-history">Understanding Calamophyton's place in history</h3>



Calamophyton trees belonged to the early periods of Earth's history, a time when plant and animal life were both undergoing significant evolution and diversification. 



They are often associated with the Devonian period, a crucial era in the history of life on Earth, marking the rise of significant terrestrial ecosystems. 



The Devonian period is sometimes referred to as the "Age of Fishes," but it was also a time when the first forests began to appear, with Calamophyton contributing to this burgeoning terrestrial landscape.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-and-reproduction">Characteristics and reproduction</h3>



Calamophyton trees were notable for their unique structural characteristics. They possessed a central stem that supported a series of branching fronds or leaves, resembling the modern ferns and palms in appearance but belonging to an entirely different lineage of ancient plants. 



These trees did not have true leaves as we know them today; instead, their fronds were very different, serving the essential functions of photosynthesis and gas exchange.



One of the most intriguing aspects of Calamophyton trees was their reproductive system. Like many ancient plants, they reproduced through spores rather than seeds, a method that predates the evolution of flowering plants. 



This mode of reproduction was well-suited to the humid, warm environments in which they thrived, allowing them to spread and colonize new areas effectively.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-impact">Ecological impact</h3>



The presence of Calamophyton trees had a profound impact on the prehistoric ecosystems in which they lived. By contributing to the development of the planet's first forests, they played a crucial role in modifying the Earth's atmosphere, increasing oxygen levels, and paving the way for the evolution of more complex life forms. 



These ancient forests also provided habitats for a wide range of organisms, from the smallest insects to larger, more complex animals, fostering biodiversity and ecological complexity.



Moreover, the decay and fossilization of Calamophyton and other contemporary plants led to the formation of coal beds, which are an important source of fossil fuels today. 



Thus, these ancient trees not only shaped the ecosystems of their time but also have a lasting impact on modern human society and our energy resources.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calamophyton-trees-lasting-legacy">Calamophyton trees' lasting legacy</h3>



Though the Calamophyton trees have long since vanished from the face of the Earth, their legacy lives on through the fossil record and the role they played in shaping the course of evolutionary history. 



By studying these ancient plants, scientists can gain insights into the environmental conditions of the past, the evolutionary processes that have shaped life on Earth, and the intricate relationships between different forms of life throughout history.



In essence, the story of Calamophyton is a testament to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our planet. It reminds us of the profound ways in which life, through its myriad forms and processes, has transformed and continues to transform the world we live in.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/abs/10.1144/jgs2023-204">Journal of the Geological Society</a>.



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World’s 'newest' oldest forest, recently discovered, is full of Calamophyton trees

Along the dramatic sandstone cliffs of South West England's Devon...

View,Of,Young,Apple,Orchard,With,Flowers,,Evening,,Spring,,Saarland

A new study in England's green apple groves shows that insects like ladybugs and hoverflies help with apple pest control. Researchers discovered that planting wildflower borders around plants provides a natural home for beneficial insects. These helpful predators target pests that would otherwise damage the apples by threatening the crop's health and economic value.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apple-pest-control-using-wildflowers">Apple pest control using wildflowers</h2>



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> analyzed this innovative approach to pest management alongside five dessert apple orchards. Orchards adorned with flower margins saw a drastic reduction in fruit damage. 



The study carefully chose wide, mature wildflower margins over five meters. The researchers mixed grasses and flowers to feed predatory insects all year. This long-term commitment to establishing diverse predatory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-thrive-in-restored-habitats-near-solar-energy-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect communities</a> has proven to be significantly effective. 



In orchards with flower borders, pests affected only 48% of trees, compared to 80% in orchards without them. Flower margins helped control aphids and significantly cut fruit damage on infested trees. 



Apples near flower borders were over a third less likely to be damaged, even at peak aphid times. This protection reached up to 50 meters into the orchard from the flower areas.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-simple-solution-for-sustainable-farming">A simple solution for sustainable farming</h3>



In 2020, the UK produced 200,000 tons of dessert apples worth roughly $200 million. The study suggests flower margins could boost the harvest of premium apples by up to 2,420 kg per hectare (6.9%) by reducing pests. 



The study emphasizes the effectiveness of simple conservation measures. Creating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-wildflower-rising-temps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildflower</a> areas along orchard borders has the potential to significantly reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pesticide</a> use. This approach benefits <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-prevents-nighttime-pollinators-from-finding-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> and other helpful insects, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications">Broader implications</h2>



Charlotte Howard, the study's lead author from the University of Reading, emphasizes the broader benefits of this approach. "By looking after our creepy crawlies, we can take better care of our apples," Howard explains. 



Planting flower margins is not just about enhancing apple quality; it represents a sustainable farming practice that reduces dependence on harmful insecticides, ultimately leading to healthier, more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-turn-banana-peels-into-eco-friendly-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-friendly</a> British produce in our supermarkets.



A consortium of researchers and agricultural stakeholders, including NIAB East Malling, <a href="https://www.cranfield.ac.uk">Cranfield University</a>, Syngenta, Avalon Produce, Worldwide Fruit, and the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk">UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology</a>, joined forces for this study. Their work aims for a sustainable and more productive agricultural future, not just in the UK, but globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-flower-borders">More about flower borders</h2>



As discussed above, flower borders are not just a way to add beauty and color to gardens; they also play a crucial role in attracting beneficial insects, providing habitat, and enhancing the overall biodiversity of an area. 



Whether it's a small garden patch or a sprawling landscape, incorporating flower borders can transform a plain space into a vibrant and lively part of your outdoor living area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Designing your lower border</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing the right plants</h3>



When designing a flower border, selecting the right mix of plants is essential. Consider plants that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a continuous display of colors. Incorporate a variety of heights, textures, and colors to create a visually appealing border. Don't forget to include perennial plants for longevity and annuals for bold, season-long color.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Soil preparation and planting</h3>



Preparing the soil is a critical step in establishing a successful flower border. Enrich the soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage. Arrange your plants while they are still in their pots to visualize how they will look together. Remember to consider their mature sizes to prevent overcrowding. Planting in staggered rows can create a fuller and more natural appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Maintenance tips for flower borders</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Watering and feeding</h3>



Regular watering is key, especially during dry spells. However, be mindful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Feeding your plants with a balanced fertilizer in the spring will support their growth and flowering.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pruning and deadheading</h3>



Pruning and deadheading spent flowers encourage plants to produce more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Some perennials may benefit from being cut back in late autumn or early spring, depending on their specific needs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mulching and weed control</h3>



Applying a layer of mulch not only helps retain soil moisture but also suppresses weeds and adds a finished look to the border. Keep an eye out for weeds and remove them promptly to prevent them from competing with your flowers for nutrients and water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ecological impact of flower borders</h2>



Beyond their aesthetic appeal, flower borders serve an important ecological function by supporting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. Choosing native plants can enhance this benefit, as they are adapted to local conditions and provide the most suitable resources for native wildlife.



Flower borders are a dynamic element that brings life, color, and biodiversity to gardens. By carefully planning, planting, and maintaining your flower border, you can enjoy a beautiful and beneficial feature that enhances your outdoor space and supports the environment. 



Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the creation of a flower border is a rewarding project that yields long-term rewards.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2664.14598" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Ecology</a>.



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Apple trees surrounded by flowers are protected from pests

A new study in England's green apple groves shows that...

Earthquakes are often seen through the lens of human experience - their immediate destruction, the rebuilding of communities, and the loss of lives. However, forests too, experience the force of these powerful events. A new study by Dr. Shan Gao from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> reveals how forests survive earthquakes and adapt later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-tree-rings">What are tree rings?</h2>



Trees, like storytellers, possess a record of their past in growth rings. Each ring represents a year of life, and its thickness reflects how well the tree grew in that year.&nbsp;



Factors like weather, water availability, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/access-to-sunlight-is-critical-for-the-survival-of-coral-reefs/">sunlight</a> influence how much a tree grows, leaving a record in the ring's width. Wider rings point to good years with plenty of rain and warmth, while narrow rings tell the story of tougher times like droughts or cold spells.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-of-the-past">Record of the past</h2>



Scientists use this information to understand the environment in the past. By studying the rings of trees from different times and places, they can piece together a timeline of changes, uncovering how climate and ecosystems have shifted over time.&nbsp;



This method, called dendrochronology, is especially helpful for studying climate change because it offers long-term evidence of how ecosystems responded to past climate variations, even before we started keeping detailed records.



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



The researchers compared the thickness of tree rings before and after earthquakes to see how these powerful events impacted tree growth. They carefully examined data from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/californias-forests-are-losing-their-ability-to-recover/">forests</a> all over the world for over 100 years, separating the effects of earthquakes from the impacts of weather. By studying these natural records, the scientists learned how forests adapt and survive, even after the ground shakes beneath them.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthquake-impact-on-dry-forests">Earthquake impact on dry forests</h2>



​​Surprisingly, forests in drier regions like western North America appear to benefit from earthquakes. When the ground shakes, cracks and fractures form in the soil, acting like natural irrigation channels. The shift allows rainwater to penetrate deeper than usual, reaching the roots of trees and plants which normally struggle in dry conditions.&nbsp;



This "deep drink" of water provides trees with much-needed moisture and nutrients, leading to increased growth rates. The deeper water infiltration also releases nutrients trapped in the upper soil layers, further boosting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emerging-diseases-threaten-trees-globally-and-the-trend-is-escalating/">trees' health</a>. In these regions, earthquakes act as a temporary relief from the usual dry constraints, allowing the forests to flourish.



Interestingly, this positive effect is not temporary. The impacts of an earthquake can actually strengthen a forest's resilience and growth for over twenty years. This extended period of benefit demonstrates the remarkable ability of forests to adapt and utilize changes in their environment, transforming a disruptive event into a long-lasting advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthquake-impact-on-humid-forests">Earthquake impact on humid forests</h2>



However, the story is quite different in forests with abundant rainfall. In these areas, too much water can be detrimental, causing soil erosion and leaching away valuable nutrients. Earthquakes can worsen these problems by further saturating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-soil-sequesters-carbon-from-the-atmosphere/">soil</a>, highlighting how the benefits experienced in dry regions are specific to their environmental context.&nbsp;



This means that in places like New Zealand, known for its lush landscapes and heavy precipitation, forests struggled to recover, showing decreased growth rates in the years following an earthquake.



Furthermore, it can take just as long for forests in these wet places to recover from the damage of erosion as it takes for forests in dry places to benefit from the extra water after an earthquake.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-differences">Learning from the differences</h2>



Understanding how forests react differently to earthquakes is crucial for both appreciating the complex relationship between earth movements and ecological health and informing how we manage and conserve these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restoring-coastal-ecosystems-can-mitigate-climate-change/">ecosystems</a>. This study emphasizes the resilience of nature and how even seemingly destructive forces can have beneficial consequences in specific situations.&nbsp;



Dr. Gao suggests that changes in how a forest recovers after a weather-related event (like a drought or storm) might last only five years. However, when the forest has been through an earthquake, the changes in how well it recovers might last 20 years or even longer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



The study challenges the view of earthquakes as purely destructive forces. They can have complex effects, even potentially positive ones. This shift in perspective encourages a more nuanced understanding of natural disturbances and their role in shaping ecosystems.



Dry forests, it turns out, can benefit from earthquakes due to improved water access. This suggests creating similar disruptions in the soil could help these forests, especially in drought-prone areas.



On the contrary, earthquakes worsen the environment in humid regions. This knowledge is crucial for disaster planning, as recovery efforts should be tailored to specific forest types and address erosion concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impacts-of-earthquakes">Climate impacts of earthquakes</h2>



Forests act like giant filters, removing carbon dioxide from the air and helping to slow down climate change. The new research shows that earthquakes can affect how well forests grow and recover from damage for many years afterwards.&nbsp;



This means that earthquakes might have a bigger impact on the amount of carbon stored in the earth than we previously thought. In some places, forests might actually absorb more carbon dioxide after an earthquake because they grow faster. However, in other areas, earthquakes might make it harder for forests to store carbon dioxide.&nbsp;



Understanding how these changes work is important for creating accurate models of the climate and developing effective ways to combat climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01380-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Earthquakes have long lasting impacts on forests

Earthquakes are often seen through the lens of human experience...

World Wildlife Day is celebrated each year on March 3rd. It was established by the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/ga/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations General Assembly</a> (UNGA) in 2013 to recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.



The date was chosen to mark the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on March 3, 1973, which plays a pivotal role in protecting species from extinction due to international trade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digital-innovation-in-wildlife-conservation">Digital innovation in wildlife conservation</h2>



Each year, World Wildlife Day is celebrated with a theme that highlights the importance of various aspects of wildlife conservation. For example, themes have focused on sustaining all life on Earth, marine species, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/declawing-large-cats-is-a-cruel-practice-with-shocking-impacts/">big cats</a>.



In a transformative push towards a more inclusive and technologically driven future, the theme for World Wildlife Day 2024, "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation," sets an ambitious agenda to bridge the gap between digital advancements and wildlife conservation efforts.&nbsp;



This initiative aims to raise awareness about the pivotal role that digital conservation technologies and services can play in promoting sustainable wildlife trade, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering harmonious human-wildlife coexistence for the present and future generations. 



At a time when the digital revolution is reshaping the landscape of global connectivity, this theme underscores the urgent need for universal access to digital tools and knowledge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-digital-divide">The digital divide</h2>



Despite the progress made in expanding global internet access, with 66 percent of the world's population now online, a significant digital divide persists. 



Approximately 2.7 billion people remain disconnected. This divide is particularly pronounced in the least developed countries and landlocked developing nations, where only 36 percent of the population has internet access. 



Moreover, women and young people frequently encounter barriers to internet access and acquiring digital skills necessary for employment, underscoring the intersectional challenges of achieving digital equity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-universal-digital-inclusion-by-2030">Universal digital inclusion by 2030</h2>



The advent of technological innovations has revolutionized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildlife-conservation-can-help-stabilize-the-climate/">wildlife conservation</a>, making research, communication, tracking, and DNA analysis more efficient and precise. These advancements have the potential to greatly enhance our understanding and protection of wildlife.&nbsp;



However, the benefits of these technologies are not universally accessible, and their application can sometimes lead to environmental degradation and unsustainable practices. 



Addressing these challenges is crucial for realizing the goal of universal digital inclusion by 2030 and ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to conservation efforts.



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



Preserving wildlife and their habitats is essential not only for the intrinsic value of nature but also for the health, economy, and well-being of human societies. 



Conservation efforts aim to protect endangered species and their habitats, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the natural heritage of our planet. Here are some key reasons why wildlife is so important:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity">Biodiversity</h3>



Wildlife contributes to the biodiversity of an ecosystem. Biodiversity is vital for the stability and resilience of ecosystems, enabling them to recover from disturbances, resist diseases, and adapt to changes. Each species, no matter how small, plays a role in the ecosystem, contributing to the complex interdependencies that sustain life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-services">Ecosystem services</h3>



Wildlife provides a range of ecosystem services that are crucial for human survival. These include <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/">pollination</a> of crops, control of pests and diseases, purification of air and water, and regulation of climate. For example, bees and other insects pollinate plants, leading to the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts; birds and bats help control insect populations; and forests that are home to wildlife absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-benefits-of-wildlife">Economic benefits of wildlife </h3>



Wildlife and natural habitats attract tourists, contributing to the economy through ecotourism and outdoor recreation. In many parts of the world, wildlife-based tourism is a major source of income and employment. Additionally, wildlife is a source of various products, including food, medicines, and materials.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-recreational-value">Cultural and recreational value</h3>



Wildlife has significant cultural, spiritual, and recreational value for many people. It inspires art, folklore, and religious beliefs. Recreational activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography provide people with opportunities to connect with nature, reducing stress and improving mental health.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-research-on-wildlife">Scientific research on wildlife</h3>



Wildlife is an invaluable resource for scientific research, contributing to our understanding of biology, ecology, and medicine. Studying wildlife and ecosystems helps scientists develop new medicines, understand environmental changes, and find solutions to conservation challenges. Educational programs focused on wildlife conservation can foster a sense of responsibility toward the environment among people of all ages.



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



The ongoing biodiversity crisis is a critical environmental issue characterized by the rapid loss of species and the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. This crisis is primarily driven by human activities, including habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of resources, introduction of invasive species, and climate change.&nbsp;



The consequences of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-solutions-for-the-climate-and-biodiversity-crisis/">biodiversity loss</a> are profound, affecting ecosystem services that are essential for human survival, such as food security, water purification, disease regulation, and climate stabilization. Several key points highlight the severity of the biodiversity crisis:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rate-of-extinction">Rate of extinction</h3>



The current rate of species extinction is estimated to be hundreds of times higher than the natural background rate, with many species disappearing before they are even discovered.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-loss">Habitat loss</h3>



Expanding agriculture, urban development, deforestation, and other land-use changes have led to significant habitat destruction, making it the primary cause of biodiversity loss.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



Climate change exacerbates the crisis by altering habitats and the distribution of species, making it harder for many organisms to survive.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overexploitation">Overexploitation</h3>



Overfishing, hunting, and poaching have led to the decline of numerous species around the world.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution">Pollution</h3>



Pollution from chemicals, plastics, and other waste products has contaminated ecosystems on land and in water, affecting both wildlife and their habitats.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species">Invasive species</h3>



The introduction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killing-animals-ecosystem-non-native-culling-harmful-strategy/">non-native species</a> to new environments can disrupt local ecosystems and threaten native species.



Efforts to combat this crisis include conservation programs, protected areas establishment, sustainable resource management practices, and international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Addressing the biodiversity crisis requires global cooperation, as well as local action, to reduce human impacts on the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-nbsp-wildlife-day-2024">World&nbsp;Wildlife Day 2024</h2>



By focusing on the intersection of digital innovation and wildlife conservation, World Wildlife Day 2024 invites us to consider how we can use technology to protect our natural world while ensuring that the benefits of the digital age are shared by all. It is time to envision a future where digital connectivity serves both people and the planet equitably.&nbsp;



World Wildlife Day stands for connecting people with nature and inspiring action for animals and plants every day of the year. To learn how you can <a href="https://www.wildlifeday.org/en/get-involved" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get involved</a> visit <a href="http://www.wildlifeday.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.wildlifeday.org</a>.



Share Your WildLife with #WWD2024



#ConnectingPeopleAndPlanet



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World Wildlife Day: Using technology to protect our natural world

World Wildlife Day is celebrated each year on March 3rd....

Opened,Refrigerator,Full,Of,Vegetarian,Healthy,Food,,Vibrant,Colour,Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables, renowned for their nutritional value, sometimes become vehicles for foodborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-lettuce-and-salads-in-space-is-a-bad-idea-according-to-a-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogens</a>, posing health risks. A notable example is lettuce, frequently implicated in U.S. foodborne illness outbreaks. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> embarked on a study to understand the dynamics of E. coli contamination across various leafy greens, including romaine and green-leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and collards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-e-coli-in-leafy-green-vegetables">Fighting E. coli in leafy green vegetables</h2>



<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mengyidong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mengyi Dong</a> is the study's lead author and a postdoctoral research associate at <a href="https://www.duke.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>. She highlighted the motivation behind their research.



"We are seeing a lot of outbreaks on lettuce, but not so much on kale and other brassica vegetables. We wanted to learn more about the susceptibility of different leafy greens," Dong explained. 



Conducted during Dong's tenure as a doctoral student in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (<a href="https://fshn.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FSHN</a>), the study aimed to dissect the factors contributing to the varying susceptibility of these greens to contamination.



The research method involved infecting whole leaves with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E. coli</a> O157:H7 and observing the bacterial growth under different temperatures: refrigeration at 4° C (39° F), room temperature at 20° C (68° F), and body temperature at 37° C (98.6° F). 



Findings revealed that both temperature and leaf surface characteristics, such as roughness and natural wax coating, significantly influenced E. coli's survival and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-bugs-plants-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proliferation</a>.



Dong elaborated on their observations, noting a rapid growth of E. coli on lettuce at room temperature or higher, which could be mitigated by refrigeration. 



“Whole leaves and freshly cut leaves present different situations. When the leaf is cut, it releases vegetable juice, which contains nutrients that stimulate bacterial growth,” Dong explained. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antimicrobial-power-of-leafy-greens">Antimicrobial power of leafy greens</h2>



However, the researchers found that spinach, kale, and collard juice actually exhibited antimicrobial properties that protect against E. coli.



In contrast, waxy greens like kale and collards demonstrated resilience to E. coli growth under warmer conditions but harbored the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salmonella-has-found-a-way-to-evade-plant-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> longer when refrigerated. Notably, kale and collards, typically consumed cooked, are less prone to E. coli contamination compared to raw-consumed lettuce. 



Despite rinsing's benefits, it falls short of completely eliminating bacteria due to its tenacious attachment to the leaves.



Further experiments on cut leaves unveiled that vegetable juice released from cuts could either stimulate or inhibit bacterial growth, depending on the leaf type. 



Spinach, kale, and collard juices displayed antimicrobial properties, hinting at potential natural solutions for food safety. 



The researchers tested this by applying kale and collard juice to lettuce leaves, suggesting its use as a natural antimicrobial agent in food production stages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leafy-green-vegetable-vigilance">Leafy green vegetable vigilance</h2>



Addressing the broader implications, co-author Pratik Banerjee, an associate professor in FSHN and Illinois Extension specialist, remarked, "We can’t completely avoid pathogens in food…Vegetables are grown in soil, not in a sterile environment." 



He underscored the complexity of ensuring food safety but remained optimistic about the industry's commitment to high standards and the rigorous efforts by research communities and federal agencies to mitigate risks.



Banerjee and Dong's concluding message was one of reassurance and guidance: they do not intend to deter people from consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, integral to a healthy diet. 



Instead, they advocate for adherence to food safety guidelines -- thoroughly washing lettuce, refrigerating it, and staying informed about food safety recalls -- to navigate the risks without compromising on nutrition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-the-risks-informed-food-safety-practices">Navigating the risks: Informed food safety practices</h2>



In summary, this important study by researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Duke University reveals the nuanced dynamics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-form-memories-and-pass-them-on-to-future-generations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria contamination</a> across various leafy greens. 



The research team uncovered the significant roles of temperature, leaf surface characteristics, and the antimicrobial properties of vegetable juices. 



By demonstrating how different greens respond to E. coli exposure and identifying potential natural antimicrobials in spinach, kale, and collard juices, their research paves the way for innovative food safety practices. 



The findings encourage the adoption of informed handling and preparation techniques, such as thorough washing and refrigeration, to mitigate health risks without foregoing the nutritional benefits of fresh vegetables. 



This study advances our understanding of foodborne pathogens in leafy greens and reinforces the critical importance of adhering to food safety guidelines to protect public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-e-coli">More about E. coli</h2>



As discussed above, E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a bacterium that has captured the attention of scientists, healthcare professionals, and the public alike. 



This microorganism, often residing in the intestines of humans and animals, plays a crucial role in our ecosystem and health. However, certain strains of E. coli can turn from benign inhabitants to dangerous pathogens.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-basics-of-e-coli">The basics of E. coli</h3>



Escherichia coli, commonly abbreviated as E. coli, is a rod-shaped bacterium that is a key component of the intestinal flora in humans and many animals. 



Most strains of E. coli are harmless and actually beneficial to their hosts. They assist in the digestion process, produce vitamin K, and prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria within the intestine.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-good-side-of-e-coli">The good side of E. coli</h3>



E. coli's contribution to biotechnology and medicine is profound. Scientists have harnessed certain strains of E. coli for the production of insulin, growth hormones, and other therapeutic proteins. 



In research laboratories, E. coli serves as a fundamental tool in genetics, molecular biology, and microbiology, due to its rapid growth and the ease with which it can be manipulated genetically.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pathogenic-e-coli-and-leafy-green-vegetables">Pathogenic E. coli and leafy green vegetables</h3>



Despite its benefits, E. coli has a darker side. Certain strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, produce toxins that can lead to severe food poisoning, kidney failure, and even death. 



These pathogenic strains can contaminate water and food supplies, leading to outbreaks of illness. Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. 



Preventing these infections involves proper food handling, cooking meat thoroughly, thoroughly washing leafy green vegetables, and ensuring clean water supplies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevention-and-treatment">Prevention and treatment</h3>



Preventing E. coli infections is crucial for public health. Washing hands regularly, especially after contact with animals or their environments, cooking meat to safe temperatures, and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products and juices can significantly reduce the risk of infection. 



When infections do occur, hydration and rest are key, as antibiotics may not always be effective and can sometimes worsen the condition by releasing more toxins into the body.



In summary, E. coli is a complex bacterium with both beneficial and harmful aspects. While it plays an essential role in our guts and in scientific research, it also poses significant health risks when pathogenic strains enter our food and water. 



Understanding E. coli's dual nature helps us appreciate the delicate balance of our microbiome and underscores the importance of hygiene and food safety in protecting against its dangerous effects.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0740002023002198?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Microbiology</a>.



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Keeping leafy green vegetables safe until you're ready to eat

Leafy green vegetables, renowned for their nutritional value, sometimes become...

Landscape,Of,Tanna,Island,,Vanuatu

In March 2015, the Pacific island of Tanna in Vanuatu and its lush, tropical forests faced the wrath of Cyclone Pam, one of the most powerful cyclones ever recorded, with winds reaching a devastating 165 mph. 



The cyclone's impact was a significant test of resilience for the island's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>, which play a crucial role in the lives of the local communities. 



New research spearheaded by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, in collaboration with The New York Botanical Garden, the University of the South Pacific, and Vanuatu's forestry authorities, offers hope and valuable insights into the forests' astonishing recovery and resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-how-forests-recover-after-cyclones">Studying how forests recover after cyclones</h2>



The study meticulously examined the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/tanna-island-forest_cyclone-pam_recovery_UHawaii_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aftermath and recovery process</a> of Tanna's forests over five years, documenting a surprisingly swift and robust regeneration. 



"Compared to cyclones on other Pacific Islands, Pam caused relatively low levels of severe damage to Tanna’s trees. In addition, there was high resprouting, widespread recruitment of most tree species present, and basically no spread of invasive species," stated Professor Tamara Ticktin of UH Mānoa's <a href="https://manoa.hawaii.edu/lifesciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Life Sciences</a>, the lead author of the research.



This resilience is notably counterintuitive, given the common post-cyclone proliferation of invasive species on Pacific Islands. 



The research attributes this resilience to a combination of Tanna's historical cyclone frequency, which may have fostered the abundance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-ants-make-a-huge-contribution-to-forest-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilient species</a>, and the island's customary stewardship practices. 



These practices, deeply embedded in the local culture, promote a diversity of tree species, life histories, and life stages, thereby enhancing the forests' natural recovery mechanisms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultivating-resilience-the-role-of-stewardship">Cultivating resilience: The role of stewardship</h2>



Michael J. Balick, Ph.D., an ethnobotanist and co-author of the study, further elaborates on the island's stewardship practices, highlighting the importance of a diverse range of species for food, medicines, and building materials. 



"Customary stewardship involves management practices that enhance the survival and reproduction of these species," he explains, shedding light on the vital role of human interaction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sinkhole-found-in-china-contains-an-untouched-ancient-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> survival and resilience.



Jean-Pascal Wahe from the <a href="https://vanuatuculturalcentre.gov.vu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vanuatu Cultural Centre</a> shared insights into practical stewardship actions, such as weeding around native tree species and planting them after a cyclone, which can significantly aid in regeneration while keeping weedy understory species at bay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-the-land">Lessons from the land</h2>



However, the study also focused on the vulnerability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-modeling-study-reveals-new-insights-into-carbon-sequestration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> previously subjected to cattle and pig grazing, which showed slower recovery rates and heightened susceptibility to future cyclones. 



This finding stresses the importance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-are-forest-gardeners-that-help-reduce-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> management and stewardship in bolstering resilience against climate change.



Senior author Gregory M. Plunkett, Ph.D., who has spent two decades studying the plants of Vanuatu, expressed a dual sense of terror and awe in experiencing Cyclone Pam's fury and the subsequent recovery of the forests. 



"As the world comes to grips with more frequent extreme weather events, our work suggests that the right kind of human interaction can play a significant role in the survival of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-exactly-what-happens-to-nature-when-forests-are-cut-down/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>," he concludes, offering a message of hope and a call to action for communities worldwide facing similar environmental challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-cyclones-and-climate-change">Forests, cyclones, and climate change</h2>



In summary, the remarkable recovery of Tanna's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-inventory-will-be-greatly-reduced-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> post-Cyclone Pam underscores a vital lesson. Proactive human stewardship and effective forest management significantly bolster resilience against climate change's harsh realities. 



This study, led by an international team of researchers, highlights the low damage and high regenerative capacity of Tanna's forests and celebrates the island's time-honored stewardship practices. 



These practices, which nurture a diverse and resilient ecosystem, offer a blueprint for communities worldwide. 



As we face increasingly frequent extreme weather events, the insights from Tanna's forests illuminate a path forward, demonstrating that harmonious human interaction with nature can play a crucial role in safeguarding our planet's future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-cyclone-pam">More about Cyclone Pam</h2>



In March 2015, Cyclone Pam emerged as one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded in the South Pacific. This category 5 storm left a trail of destruction across several Pacific Island nations, with Vanuatu bearing the brunt of its fury. 



The cyclone showcased the devastating potential of natural disasters and highlighted the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies in vulnerable regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-and-path">Formation and path</h3>



Cyclone Pam developed in early March 2015, near the Solomon Islands. It quickly intensified, reaching category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale as it approached Vanuatu. 



With sustained winds exceeding 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour), Pam made a direct hit on Vanuatu on March 13, causing widespread devastation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-vanuatu">Impact on Vanuatu</h3>



The impact of Cyclone Pam on Vanuatu was catastrophic. The storm razed homes, uprooted trees, and triggered landslides, leaving a significant portion of the population homeless. 



Essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and communication networks, suffered extensive damage, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. The capital city of Port Vila was among the hardest-hit areas, with reports indicating that up to 90% of its buildings sustained damage.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humanitarian-response">Humanitarian response</h3>



The international community swiftly mobilized to provide assistance to Cyclone Pam's victims. Aid agencies, governments, and volunteers coordinated efforts to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to the affected areas. 



Shelter kits and temporary housing solutions were also provided to those who had lost their homes. Despite these efforts, the scale of the disaster posed significant challenges to relief operations, underscoring the importance of building resilience in disaster-prone regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-learned">Lessons learned</h3>



Cyclone Pam served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Pacific Island nations to natural disasters. It highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness, including early warning systems, infrastructure development, and community education. 



The cyclone also underscored the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in the face of global challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-study">Implications and future study</h3>



Cyclone Pam will be remembered as one of the most powerful storms to ever strike the South Pacific. Its legacy, however, extends beyond the destruction it wrought.



The disaster prompted a reevaluation of disaster preparedness and response strategies, emphasizing the need for resilience and cooperation in the face of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters. 



As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, the lessons learned from Cyclone Pam will remain relevant for years to come.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0048969724011124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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Forests can recover incredibly quickly after cyclones and hurricanes

In March 2015, the Pacific island of Tanna in Vanuatu...

In a remarkable discovery that underscores Japan's role as a global leader in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">botanical research</a>, scientists have unveiled a new species and genus of fairy lanterns. These are a unique, tiny plant with a glass-like appearance that derives its sustenance from fungi. 



This important and thrilling find marks the first time in nearly a century that a new plant genus has been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-photosynthesizing-plant-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identified in Japan</a>, a country celebrated for its comprehensive exploration of flora.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fairy-lanterns-unveiled-understanding-thismiaceae">Fairy Lanterns Unveiled: Understanding Thismiaceae</h2>



Fairy lanterns, scientifically known as Thismiaceae, are extraordinary plants that challenge our traditional understanding of how plants survive. 



Unlike their green counterparts, fairy lanterns do not perform photosynthesis. Instead, they rely on a symbiotic relationship with underground fungal mycelia for nourishment. 



These elusive plants typically remain hidden beneath fallen leaves, emerging briefly to produce delicate, translucent flowers that captivate the eye like fine glasswork. 



In Japan, Thismia, a significant group within the Thismiaceae family, is affectionately termed "Tanuki-no-shokudai" or "raccoon dog’s candleholder," a nod to their unique shape and subterranean lifestyle.



<a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a>'s botanist, SUETSUGU Kenji, an internationally recognized authority on non-photosynthetic plants, highlights the rarity of these plants. 



"Currently, around 100 species within the family have been identified, with nearly half being known only from their initial discovery, sometimes from just a single specimen," he explains. This rarity and the plants' elusive nature underscore the significance of the recent discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-discovery-the-quest-for-mujina-no-shokudai">Journey of Discovery: The Quest for Mujina-no-shokudai</h2>



The journey to this discovery began with the keen observation of a hobbyist botanist and the expertise of local botanists, illustrating the pivotal role of amateur researchers in uncovering the hidden jewels of Japan's flora. 



The specimen in question, initially thought to be a new species within the known genus of Tanuki-no-shokudai, was sent to Suetsugu for analysis. However, it quickly became apparent that this specimen did not fit within any existing genera, prompting further investigation.



After an unsuccessful initial search in Kimotsuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, perseverance paid off a year later when Suetsugu and his team found four more plants in the same vicinity. 



This discovery led to a comprehensive analysis, combining morphological and genetic studies, which revealed that the plant represented not just a new species but an entirely new genus, distinct enough from Tanuki-no-shokudai to warrant this classification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-badger-s-candleholder-naming-the-new-genus">Badger’s Candleholder: Naming the New Genus</h2>



The decision to name the new genus "Mujina-no-shokudai," or "badger’s candleholder," reflects its unique characteristics and its differentiation from the Thismia genus, akin to the distinction between a badger and a raccoon dog in Japanese folklore. 



The Latin name, <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fairy-lantern-flower_new-species_Suetsugu-Relictithismia-In-situ_Tagane-Shuichiro_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Relictithismia kimotsukiensis</a>, echoes this sentiment, hinting at the plant's ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fairy-lantern-flower_new-species_Suetsugu-Relictithismia-Stamens_Tagane-Shuichiro_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">divergence</a> from its Thismiaceae relatives and its retention of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fairy-lantern-flower_new-species_Suetsugu-Relictithismia_Suetsugu-Kenji_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">familial traits</a> lost in other genera.



Suetsugu's discovery is not just a testament to Japan's advanced botanical research but also a reminder of the potential for new discoveries even in well-studied regions. 



"The discovery of new plant species is extremely rare, and finding a new genus is even rarer," Suetsugu remarks, referring to the previous such discovery nearly 100 years ago. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-morphological-and-genetic-revelations">Morphological and Genetic Revelations</h2>



This finding encourages ongoing exploration and study of the world's flora, highlighting the importance of vigilance in botanical research.



Beyond its scientific novelty, the discovery of a plant with such a specialized mode of nutrition and limited geographic distribution underscores its vulnerability to environmental changes. 



This vulnerability motivates Suetsugu and his team to deepen their research into the ecological relationships between Relictithismia and its fungal hosts, as well as the impacts of environmental changes on these delicate balances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-fairy-lanterns-and-relictithismia-kimotsukiensis">Future of Fairy Lanterns and Relictithismia kimotsukiensis</h2>



In summary, the unveiling of a new genus and species of fairy lantern in Japan breaks a century-long hiatus in botanical discoveries and reiterates the critical importance of ongoing research and exploration in the realm of botany.



Through the persistent efforts of both amateur and professional botanists, this discovery highlights the untapped diversity of plant life waiting to be uncovered, even in well-studied regions.



It also underscores the delicate balance of ecological relationships and the vulnerability of specialized species to environmental changes, urging further study into the symbiotic interactions that sustain such unique forms of life.



This breakthrough serves as a compelling reminder of the endless mysteries nature holds and the essential role of scientific inquiry in unraveling them, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world's flora and the intricate networks that underpin our natural environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-fairy-lanterns">More about fairy lanterns</h2>



As discussed above, fairy lantern plants, belonging to the genus Thismia, captivate the imagination with their unique beauty and mysterious life cycle. 



These rare and often elusive plants thrive in the shadows of dense forests, where their ethereal blooms light up the underbrush in a display reminiscent of tiny, glowing lanterns. 



Unlike many flowering plants, fairy lanterns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-plant-species-extinct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycoheterotrophs</a>, meaning they draw their sustenance not from photosynthesis but through a symbiotic relationship with fungi.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-mystery-of-fairy-lanterns">Unraveling the Mystery of Fairy Lanterns</h3>



The life of a fairy lantern is one of concealment and surprise. These plants spend most of their existence underground, intertwined with the mycelium of fungi. 



This underground lifestyle supports their survival in dense forests where light penetrates sparingly. It is only when they bloom that they briefly reveal themselves above ground, showcasing their striking, lantern-shaped flowers. 



The colors of these blooms range from translucent white to deep, vibrant reds and purples, often speckled or streaked with contrasting hues.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-significance-and-threats">Ecological Significance and Threats</h3>



Fairy lanterns play a crucial role in the ecosystems they inhabit. They are an integral part of the forest floor's biodiversity, contributing to the complex network of relationships between plants, fungi, and soil organisms. 



However, their existence is under threat. Habitat destruction, deforestation, and climate change are diminishing their numbers, making some species critically endangered. Conservation efforts are vital to protect these unique plants and the delicate ecosystems they support.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascination-and-conservation-efforts">Fascination and Conservation Efforts</h3>



The allure of fairy lantern plants extends beyond their beauty; they represent a fascinating area of botanical research. 



Scientists are particularly interested in their symbiotic relationship with fungi, which could unlock new understanding of plant-fungi interactions and ecosystem dynamics. 



Conservationists are working to preserve their habitats, employing strategies like habitat restoration and the establishment of protected areas.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conclusion-drastic-action-needed">Conclusion: Drastic Action Needed</h3>



Fairy lantern plants remind us of the wonders and fragility of nature. Their secretive life cycle and dependence on undisturbed habitats highlight the importance of conservation efforts. 



By protecting these enchanting plants, we not only preserve their beauty but also safeguard the biodiversity and health of forest ecosystems around the world. 



It is a call to action for all of us to participate in conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can also marvel at the mysterious glow of the fairy lanterns.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10265-024-01532-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Plant Research</a>.



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"Fairy lantern" plants now have a new family member

In a remarkable discovery that underscores Japan's role as a...

The mental well-being of young people is significantly improved when natural elements are integrated into urban landscapes. More specifically, the practice of forest bathing.



This new pastime involves spending time in a quiet, contemplative state amongst <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-walking-quantifiably-improves-brain-health-and-functioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees and nature</a>. Forest bathing has been highlighted as a simple yet effective way to alleviate stress and enhance the overall health of adolescents.



This is the core finding of an important environmental study by the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a>, which underscores the health benefits of incorporating more green spaces into city planning. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-prescription-the-benefits-of-forest-bathing">Nature's prescription: The benefits of forest bathing</h2>



The research marks a pioneering effort to gather real-time feedback from young individuals on their emotional reactions to different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-residents-better-mental-health-access-green-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban settings</a>, including transit hubs, residential areas, parks, trails, and water bodies. 



The results unequivocally demonstrate that natural urban spaces are linked to markedly higher levels of positive emotional responses.



<a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/planning/profiles/leia-minaker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leia Minaker</a>, an associate professor at the School of Planning and director of the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/environment/news/waterloo-launches-future-cities-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Future Cities Initiative</a>, emphasized the novelty and significance of these findings.



"While the findings may not be surprising to most people, what's significant is that for the first time, we're able to specifically say this is how much anxiety is reduced when kids are by a park as opposed to by a city center," Minaker explained.



This insight forms part of the University of Waterloo's broader commitment to fostering healthy, sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/access-to-nature-improves-the-mental-health-of-older-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban futures</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greener-spaces-brighter-moods">Greener spaces, brighter moods</h2>



The study revealed that just a brief period of forest bathing, such as looking at an urban lake, could reduce anxiousness in young people by 9%. 



Conversely, exposure to a bustling downtown environment for the same duration increased anxiety levels by 13%, even after adjusting for variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, mental health status, and social standing.



As urbanization continues to escalate, understanding the impact of urban environments on the mental health of young people becomes increasingly crucial. 



This is particularly pressing in light of the prevalence of depression and anxiety as leading causes of adolescent illness. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integrating-nature-into-urban-design">Integrating nature into urban design</h2>



The research found that the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-solutions-city-greening-reduces-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature motifs</a>, natural vistas, public parks, gardens, and trees in urban areas significantly boosts the emotional well-being of young individuals. 



Interestingly, the way adolescents interact with these green spaces -- such as skateboarding or socializing -- differs from adults, who may use them more for walking or running.



These insights offer valuable guidance for city planners, architects, and healthcare professionals, advocating for urban designs that prioritize natural elements to benefit all age groups. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-teens-in-urban-planning">Engaging teens in urban planning</h2>



According to Minaker, involving teenagers in urban planning decisions is crucial, as their experiences and perspectives can influence long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-walking-quantifiably-improves-brain-health-and-functioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health outcomes</a> and disease prevalence.



"Teens are frequently excluded from any kind of decision about the cities they live in," Minaker said. "It's important to get their opinions and quantify their experiences because childhood experiences influence many long-term health and disease outcomes."



Looking ahead, the research team plans to explore the connection between forest bathing, adolescent mental health and the broader economic and social impacts. 



Additionally, they aim to investigate the mental and physical health outcomes for children residing in high-rise buildings, an area currently under-researched in North America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-healthier-futures-with-forest-bathing-initiatives">Building healthier futures with forest bathing initiatives</h2>



In summary, integrating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peoples-love-of-nature-is-both-learned-and-inherited-genetically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural elements</a> into urban environments emerges as a crucial strategy for enhancing the mental well-being of youth, as evidenced by the University of Waterloo's pioneering study. 



By demonstrating the tangible benefits of forest bathing and nature-inclusive design -- such as reduced anxiety and improved emotional health -- this research provides a compelling argument for city planners, architects, and policymakers to prioritize green spaces in urban development. 



Engaging young people in the planning process enriches urban designs with their unique perspectives and supports the creation of cities that nurture the mental health of all residents. 



As we look to the future, it's clear that building greener, more inclusive urban landscapes holds the key to fostering healthier, happier communities for generations to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-forest-bathing">More about forest bathing</h2>



As discussed above, forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in the atmosphere of a forest. 



It's not about physical exercise, such as hiking or jogging, but rather about connecting with nature through our senses. The practice encourages us to see, hear, smell, touch, and even taste the environment around us. 



Developed in Japan during the 1980s, forest bathing has become a cornerstone of preventive health care and healing in Japanese medicine.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-forest-bathing">Benefits of forest bathing</h3>



Research shows that forest bathing has profound health benefits. It reduces stress, improves feelings of happiness, decreases anxiety, and can lower blood pressure and heart rate. 



The natural oils of trees, known as phytoncides, have been found to boost the immune system. By simply being in a forest, one can inhale these beneficial substances. The practice also promotes better sleep, greater focus, and a sense of rejuvenation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-practice">How to practice</h3>



Practicing forest bathing doesn't require any special equipment or significant physical exertion. Here's how you can get started:



Find a Quiet Forest Area: Look for a peaceful, natural area where you can walk slowly and undisturbed.



Leave Behind Electronics: To fully immerse yourself in the experience, turn off your phone and any other electronic devices.



Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around you. Touch the bark of a tree, listen to the rustling leaves, watch the sunlight filtering through the branches, smell the earthy scent of the forest.



Breathe Deeply: Take deep breaths to inhale the phytoncides. This is a key element of the practice.



Wander Slowly: There's no destination in forest bathing. Wander where your heart takes you, following paths or stepping off them as you feel compelled.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integrating-forest-bathing-into-your-life">Integrating forest bathing into your life</h3>



Incorporating forest bathing into your life can be as simple as spending time in your local park or garden, or planning trips to national parks. 



Even urban areas often have green spaces suitable for a short, restorative break. The key is to make it a regular part of your routine for lasting benefits.



In summary, forest bathing is a simple, yet powerful way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. By reconnecting with nature, we nurture not only our health but also our bond with the natural world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23748834.2023.2286741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cities and Health</a>.



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Urban forest bathing: Fresh breath for teen mental health

The mental well-being of young people is significantly improved when...

<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.

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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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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