<p>The first weekend of September offers two dazzling lunar shows, depending on where you live. Across parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, the skies will host a total lunar eclipse.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For more than five hours, Earth will line up perfectly between the Sun and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-is-the-black-moon-in-2025-and-why-does-it-occur/">Moon</a>, casting a deep shadow across the lunar surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During totality, which will last 82 minutes, only red light will filter through Earth’s atmosphere and reach the Moon. That’s what gives the lunar face its striking copper hue, earning the name “blood moon.”</p>



<p>Here in the United States, the eclipse will stay below the horizon. The wait won’t be long, though. According to <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, the next blood moon lunar eclipse that will be visible from America will occur on March 3, 2026.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-a-total-lunar-eclipse">Understanding a total lunar eclipse</h2>



<p>A total <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/total-lunar-eclipse-will-paint-the-moon-blood-red-tomorrow/">lunar eclipse</a> happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the Moon’s surface. </p>



<p>Instead of going completely dark, the Moon usually glows a deep red or copper color. That’s because Earth’s atmosphere bends and filters sunlight, letting only the longer, reddish wavelengths reach the Moon. </p>



<p>It’s the same effect that makes sunsets look red, but in this case the Earth is creating a “sunset glow” that wraps all the way around and paints the Moon.</p>



<p>Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye - no special glasses are needed. They also last much longer: totality can stretch for over an hour, compared to just a few minutes for a total solar eclipse. </p>



<p>Anyone on the night side of Earth can see it, which makes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvest-moon-2024-will-feature-a-partial-lunar-eclipse/">lunar eclipses</a> more common to experience. </p>



<p>For astronomers, these events are chances to study Earth’s atmosphere, since the way light bends and colors the Moon gives clues about dust, clouds, and even volcanic ash floating around our planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-full-moon-of-summer">Final full moon of summer</h2>



<p>On Sunday, September 7, the Corn Moon will reach its peak illumination at 2:09 p.m. EDT. That moment takes place below the horizon for U.S. viewers, but the full moon will climb into the eastern sky, glowing bright and round by nightfall.</p>



<p>The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that the Moon will look nearly full on both the nights before and after September 7. For sky watchers, that means an extended window to catch a glimpse.</p>



<p>Near the horizon, the Moon may appear golden or orange for a while, but as it rises higher, the glow will shift to a clearer white.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-it-called-the-corn-moon">Why is it called the Corn Moon?</h2>



<p>The name Corn Moon traces back to the Algonquin tribes in the northeastern United States. </p>



<p>Late summer was the time to gather their staple crops of corn, beans, pumpkins, squash, and wild rice.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildlife-vehicle-collisions-surge-during-full-moon-nights/">full moon</a> served as a seasonal marker for this period of abundance and labor.</p>



<p>European traditions gave their own names to the September moon. Some called it the Fruit Moon, marking the ripening of orchard crops.</p>



<p>Others referred to it as the Barley Moon in recognition of the grain harvest. Each name reflects a calendar rooted in the cycles of planting and gathering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-harvest-moon-is-next">The Harvest Moon is next</h2>



<p>It’s tempting to confuse the Corn Moon with the better-known Harvest Moon, but the two aren’t the same.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Harvest Moon is the full moon that falls closest to the autumn equinox. In 2025, that moment comes on October 7, which also happens to be the first supermoon of the year.</p>



<p>By contrast, the Corn Moon always comes in September. It marks the bridge between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-weekends-sturgeon-moon-marks-a-turning-point-in-summer/">summer</a> and fall, when fields in the Northern Hemisphere are still heavy with late crops, but the days are growing shorter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lunar-calendar-of-2025">The lunar calendar of 2025</h2>



<p>This year’s lunar calendar is a busy one. September’s Corn Moon is the ninth full moon of 2025.</p>



<p>There will be 12 full moons in total, including three supermoons. Two of those full moons will coincide with total lunar eclipses, offering the dramatic blood moon display.</p>



<p>The calendar has long served as a guide for both farmers and sky watchers. Each name tells a story about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seasonal-timing-can-change-quickly-over-short-distances/">season</a> - what’s ripening, what’s ready, and what’s just around the corner.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-seasonal-marker-in-the-sky">A seasonal marker in the sky</h2>



<p>For the Algonquin and other Native American tribes, September’s full moon was more than a sign of the corn harvest. Some called it the Corn Maker Moon or Corn Harvest Moon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These names reflected not only the practical importance of gathering food but also the deep connection between community life and the cycles of nature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The moon served as both a calendar and a cultural marker, guiding traditions that tied the sky to the land.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbolic-meaning-of-the-corn-moon">Symbolic meaning of the Corn Moon </h2>



<p>Beyond the fields, the Corn Moon has taken on symbolic meaning. Some traditions frame it as a time of reflection and release - a moment to let go of stagnant energy and welcome change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>September’s full moon is also viewed as a time to embrace growth and intuition as the seasons shift.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Corn Moon returns each year as summer fades into fall. It serves as a reminder of how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-one-side-of-the-moon-still-glows-from-within/">Moon</a> has always been more than just a light in the night sky - it’s a companion through the seasons.</p>



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This weekend's "Corn Moon" and total lunar eclipse usher in a beautiful end to summer

The first weekend of September offers two dazzling lunar shows, depending on where you live. Across parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, the skies will host a total lunar eclipse.&nbsp; For more than five hours, Earth will line up perfectly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a deep shadow across the lunar surface.&nbsp; During totality, which will last 82 minutes, only red light will filter through Earth’s atmosphere and reach the Moon. That’s what gives the lunar face its striking copper hue, earning...

<p>The universe often demands inventions that balance elegance with function. Engineers design spacecraft parts to be compact during launch yet expansive when deployed. Surprisingly, inspiration for this comes from origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. </p>



<p>A new class of origami patterns, called bloom patterns, could provide solutions for the design of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-strikes-again-finding-a-new-moon-orbiting-uranus-s-2025-u1/">space</a> telescopes, antennas, and solar arrays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origami-bloom-patterns-and-engineering">Origami bloom patterns and engineering</h2>



<p>Traditional origami patterns are valued in engineering for their ability to fold into tight packages. Yet they are often difficult to unfold reliably. A single error can cause an entire structure to fail. </p>



<p>This makes deployment risky, especially in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earthcares-first-year-surprising-climate-clues-unveiled-from-space/">space</a> where repairs are nearly impossible to conduct.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bloom-pattern-breakthrough">Bloom pattern breakthrough</h2>



<p>Larry Howell and colleagues at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.byu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brigham Young University</a>&nbsp;introduced bloom patterns, which unfold smoothly into flower-like bowls. </p>



<p>“We’re able to make new things that have never been done before, but then, at the same time, we’re creating these beautiful shapes,” said Howell. </p>



<p>Unlike many earlier origami patterns, blooms expand without step-by-step sequences, reducing the risk of failure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defining-bloom-patterns">Defining bloom patterns</h2>



<p>Researchers created two definitions of bloom patterns: generalized and standardized. The generalized form captures the broadest set of characteristics, ensuring that future discoveries can be included. </p>



<p>The standardized form narrows the criteria, requiring bloom patterns to be flat-foldable, developable, and radially constructed around a polygonal center. This framework allows systematic study and reliable construction of these shapes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wedges-and-symmetry">Wedges and symmetry</h2>



<p>At the heart of bloom patterns lie wedges - repeated segments cut from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-extraordinary-event-photo-storms-red-sprites-from-iss/">tessellations</a>. These wedges radiate around a central polygon, resembling the blades of an aperture. </p>



<p>Their rotational symmetry ensures smooth folding and unfolding. Unlike earlier designs, bloom patterns often combine rotational symmetry, flat-foldability, and developability all at once, which is a rare trio in origami engineering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mathematical-order-of-patterns">Mathematical order of patterns </h2>



<p>Bloom patterns can be classified by geometry, symmetry, and partitioning of wedges. Each bloom’s complexity can be measured by a “complexity index,” tied to how the wedges are arranged.</p>



<p>Lower complexity often means more symmetry and simpler unfolding. This mathematical system allows engineers to predict how a bloom will behave before building it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-helical-model">The helical model</h2>



<p>One challenge in origami design is proving whether a fold is truly flat-foldable. The helical model provides that proof for bloom patterns. </p>



<p>It ensures that wedges do not overlap improperly when folded. By mapping wedges onto helical surfaces, researchers confirm that blooms can fold injectively, avoiding self-intersections. This theory strengthens confidence that blooms will deploy correctly in real systems.</p>



<p>“Everything has to go right. If there’s a weak link in the chain, the whole thing fails. When I watch these [bloom patterns] unfold, you can see that it doesn’t necessarily have to do one thing after another for it to reach its maximum deployment,” added Michael Bartlett at&nbsp;<a href="https://vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-categories-of-bloom-patterns">Categories of bloom patterns</h2>



<p>Bloom patterns can be symmetric or asymmetric, cyclic or non-cyclic, regular or irregular. Some are inscribed, where their boundaries match the central polygon, while others extend outward. </p>



<p>They can also be homogeneous - made of repeating identical facets - or hybrids that combine different tessellations. </p>



<p>This classification not only enriches mathematical theory but also guides practical design choices for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-first-lunar-earth-flyby-gave-juice-spacecraft-successful-gravity-boost-to-jupiter/">space</a> applications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-ready-advantages">Space-ready advantages</h2>



<p>Telescopes in orbit usually rely on flat mirrors, but bloom patterns could create curved dishes that are similar to ground-based observatories, thus improving image precision. Their smooth unfolding also minimizes deployment risks.</p>



<p>“You can make a better prediction of what a potential invention could look like, or if it’s worth it, or if you should go in a different direction,” added Jamie Paik from the&nbsp;Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (<a href="https://www.epfl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPFL</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-uses-of-origami">Future uses of origami</h2>



<p>The theory extends beyond telescopes. Rigid foldability and bistability studies suggest bloom patterns could be used for antennas, solar collectors, or even expandable domes. </p>



<p>Their ability to be stacked makes them attractive for modular spacecraft or compact satellites, like&nbsp;<a href="https://aerospace.org/article/disksat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DiskSat</a>&nbsp;that is being developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://aerospace.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Aerospace Corporation</a>&nbsp;with support from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. In constrained forms, they may even serve as lightweight fluid containers.</p>



<p>Bloom patterns bring together geometry, art, and engineering. They are radially expansive, mathematically predictable, and mechanically reliable. </p>



<p>Their flower-like unfolding may one day shape the future of space structures, proving that elegance and utility can bloom together in orbit.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspa.2025.0299" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences</a>.</em></p>



<p>Image credit: <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspa.2025.0299">Wang, Lang &amp; Howell</a>, Royal Society Publishing.</p>



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Origami-inspired bloom patterns improve spacecraft design

The universe often demands inventions that balance elegance with function....

<p>Volcanoes can bring catastrophic consequences, and reliable warnings can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. </p>



<p>A new study on Japan’s Ontake Volcano identifies a signal, in the form of a subtle change in earthquake waves, that could sharpen those warnings.</p>



<p>Researchers compared two eruptions of Ontake and focused on a detail in the waves that ripple through stressed rock. </p>



<p>The study was led by Professor Mike Kendall of the Department of Earth Sciences at the <a href="https://www.earth.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-volcano-signal-shows">What the volcano signal shows</h2>



<p>Scientists track a pattern in earthquake waves called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcano-eruptions-alerts-shear-wave-signals-discovered-that-could-transform-early-warning-systems/">shear-wave splitting</a>, which appears when the same wave separates into a fast twin and a slow twin as it passes through cracked, stressed rock.</p>



<p>The effect is a form of <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1063463" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic anisotropy</a>, and changes in the timing of that effect have been documented around eruptions at different volcanoes for decades.</p>



<p>Because cracks tend to align with local stress, tracking the split and the direction of the fast wave shows how stress <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-a-volcano-be-stopped-before-it-erupts-to-give-ample-warning-to-citizens/">changes underground</a>. That makes the signal a practical way to watch a volcano’s plumbing without digging a hole.</p>



<p>Mapping these changes does not replace other tools - it complements them. It can bring clarity when other signals are messy or missing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-two-volcanic-eruptions">Tale of two volcanic eruptions</h2>



<p><a href="https://earth-planets-space.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40623-016-0548-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mount</a> Ontake erupted on September 27, 2014, killing at least 58 hikers and marking Japan’s deadliest volcanic disaster since 1926. A smaller <a href="https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=283040" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">event</a> in late March, 2007, produced far less impact and activity.</p>



<p>Steam driven blasts, known as a <a href="https://earth-planets-space.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40623-024-02013-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phreatic eruption</a>, can start fast and with few surface clues, which explains why Ontake 2014 surprised so many people.</p>



<p>In the weeks leading up to 2014, seismologists detected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-detect-major-earthquakes-months-in-advance/">small quakes</a> beneath the summit, but other classic signs were muted. That context makes a clean, measurable stress signal especially valuable to public safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcano-signals-change">Volcano signals change</h2>



<p>The Ontake team found that <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391253440_Changes_in_seismic_anisotropy_at_Ontake_volcano_a_tale_of_two_eruptions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">readings</a> from 12 monitoring stations showed a sudden shift when the 2014 eruption began. </p>



<p>Small delays in the seismic waves nearly doubled, and the signal strength jumped from about 3 percent to 20 percent, with the main direction of stress in the rock also shifting.</p>



<p>These changes suggest that cracks in the volcano’s system of hot water and steam opened quickly as pressure built up, forcing the rock to break in new ways. Nothing similar showed up during the 2007 activity, which stayed mild.</p>



<p>The study also points out the big difference in eruption size: a very small event in 2007 compared with a much larger one in 2014, which matched the stronger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-is-slowing-down-making/">seismic</a> signal.</p>



<p>"The focal mechanisms of volcano-tectonic earthquakes changed drastically before and after the 2014 eruption," said Professor Toshiko Terakawa of Nagoya University. </p>



<p>"Integrating data from shear-wave splitting and earthquake focal mechanisms could provide deeper insights into conditions required for an eruption to occur," she added. </p>



<p>The analyses of focal mechanisms, which describe how faults move during quakes, added another layer of evidence. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-eruptions-saves-lives">Predicting eruptions saves lives</h2>



<p>A parameter that jumps when stress crosses a threshold is the kind of signal that can build confidence. It is clear, it has a size, and it ties directly to physics in the rock.</p>



<p>"The records around two eruptions on Ontake volcano in Japan have been able to show that the method can not only show changes before eruptions, but that they can potentially help to predict the size of an eruption," said Professor Martha Savage of Victoria University of Wellington (<a href="https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VUW</a>).</p>



<p>Emergency managers care about false alarms because trust erodes when communities evacuate for nothing. A detectable change in how cracks line up can reduce risk by pointing to real shifts in pressure inside the volcano.</p>



<p>Local monitoring teams can add this volcano signal tool to networks that already track ground tilt, gas, and tremor. It slots into existing workflows and draws on the same earthquakes that many stations already record.</p>



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



<p>Every volcano has its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-trees-predict-volcano-eruptions-when-viewed-from-space-satellites/">own structure and history</a>, so thresholds will need local calibration. That work takes time, but it is a straightforward path that builds on current instrumentation.</p>



<p>Results from other volcanoes have shown that splitting can track stress through time, which sets the stage for operations that watch for sudden increases rather than subtle drifts. That change in approach can matter when decisions must be made quickly.</p>



<p>"We expect to see these effects at other volcanoes across the globe, not just at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcano-eruptions-alerts-shear-wave-signals-discovered-that-could-transform-early-warning-systems/">Ontake</a> Volcano," said Dr. Tom Kettlety of the University of Oxford. The team expects broader use beyond Ontake as more stations apply the method.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As with all warning tools, clarity begins with solid evidence and honest communication. Splitting, used alongside other lines of data, can help alerts land with the weight they deserve.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://seismica.library.mcgill.ca/article/view/1101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Seismica</em></a>.</p>



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Volcano alert: The signal that could transform disaster prevention

Volcanoes can bring catastrophic consequences, and reliable warnings can make...

<p>Choosing a more electrified vehicle lowers your greenhouse gas footprint no matter which county you call home.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new analysis shows battery-electric vehicles deliver the lowest lifetime emissions in every part of the contiguous United States, with hybrids and plug-in hybrids also beating their gasoline counterparts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-benefits-of-electric-vehicles">The benefits of electric vehicles</h2>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://umich.edu/">University of Michigan</a> (U-M) mapped cradle-to-grave emissions for 35 combinations of electric vehicle class and powertrain, then compared results county by county. </p>



<p>The team also released a free online calculator so drivers can see estimates tailored to what they drive, how they drive, and where they live.</p>



<p>Study senior author Greg Keoleian is a professor at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability. </p>



<p>“Vehicle electrification is a key strategy for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/">climate action</a>. Transportation accounts for 28% of greenhouse gas emissions and we need to reduce those to limit future climate impacts such as flooding, wildfires and drought events, which are increasing in intensity and frequency,” said Keoleian.</p>



<p>“Our purpose here was to evaluate the cradle-to-grave greenhouse gas reduction from the electrification of vehicles compared with a baseline of gasoline-powered vehicles.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emissions-from-electric-vehicles">Emissions from electric vehicles </h2>



<p>The researchers tallied emissions from manufacturing, use, and end-of-life - then layered in real-world variables. They modeled four powertrains: conventional internal combustion (ICEV), hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric (BEV). </p>



<p>Afterwards, the team ran three body classes - pickup, SUV, and sedan - using “generic” 2025 vehicles that reflect what new buyers will see on lots. They captured driving style, city versus highway mix, and, for PHEVs, how often owners actually run on battery versus gasoline.</p>



<p>Geography mattered in two ways. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-global-warming-hasnt-ended-extreme-winter-cold/">Cold</a> snaps reduce efficiency for all vehicles and trim electric range. </p>



<p>In addition, the carbon intensity of electricity varies widely across counties, so the same EV charged on a cleaner grid emits less per mile than it would in a coal-heavy region. </p>



<p>Even after accounting for those differences, battery electric vehicles still came out ahead everywhere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-analysis-revealed">What the analysis revealed</h2>



<p>The major finding is simple. BEVs produce lower lifetime greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/">emissions</a> than any other powertrain in every county of the contiguous U.S.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On average, gasoline pickups were the biggest emitters at 486 grams of carbon-dioxide equivalent per mile. Moving to a hybrid pickup cut that by about 23 percent. A battery-electric pickup cut it by roughly 75 percent.</p>



<p>Payload didn’t erase the advantage. A BEV pickup carrying 2,500 pounds still emitted less than 30 percent of a gasoline pickup with an empty bed. </p>



<p>On the other end of the spectrum, compact electric sedans were the cleanest choice at about 81 grams of CO₂-equivalent per mile - less than one-fifth the per-mile emissions of a gas pickup.</p>



<p>Range matters for manufacturing emissions. The lowest-emitting configuration in the study was a compact sedan BEV with a 200-mile range. </p>



<p>Bigger batteries add manufacturing impact, so stretching range nudges lifetime totals up, even as EVs retain their use-phase advantage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-market-context">The market context</h2>



<p>While federal incentives are in flux, automakers are still steering toward electrification. </p>



<p>Ford recently touted a new, more affordable EV platform as a “Model T moment” for the company. Keoleian noted the policy-industry split but said the global trend is clear.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The government is backing off incentives, like the electric vehicle tax credit, but the original equipment manufacturers are heavily invested and focused on the technology and affordability of EVs,” he explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“EVs are becoming the dominant powertrain in other parts of the world and manufacturers recognize that is the future for the U.S.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-location-and-behavior-still-matter">Why location and behavior still matter</h2>



<p>Two nearby drivers can have different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-electric-vehicle-owners-have-high-carbon-footprints/">footprints</a> in the same model. Colder counties impose higher energy demand for heating and reduce EV range. Grid mix shifts by county and over time, altering the emissions tied to every kilowatt-hour.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Behavior matters too. Aggressive driving burns more fuel. PHEVs shine only when they are plugged in often and driven mostly on electricity. The calculator bakes those nuances into individualized estimates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-individuals-can-cut-emissions">How individuals can cut emissions</h2>



<p>Electrification delivers the biggest drop. Choosing a smaller vehicle compounds the gain. </p>



<p>For many commuters, a compact BEV does the most to cut emissions per mile. Tradespeople who need a truck will still make a large dent by going hybrid or electric. </p>



<p>“The thing is really matching your vehicle with your needs,” Keoleian said. “Obviously, if you're in the trades, you may need a pickup truck. But you can get a battery electric pickup truck. If you're just commuting to work by yourself, I'd recommend a sedan BEV instead.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-your-carbon-footprint">Tracking your carbon footprint </h2>



<p>The study’s <a href="https://vehicle-emissions-calculator.vercel.app/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online calculator</a> translates the science into practical guidance. Enter your vehicle type, driving pattern, and county, and it returns an estimate of lifetime and per-mile emissions across powertrains and classes. </p>



<p>The bottom line holds across the map. Swapping to an electric or more electrified model lowers your lifetime driving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cement-of-the-future-cooling-cities-and-cutting-emissions/">emissions</a>. </p>



<p>Where you live and how you drive fine-tune the totals, but the direction is consistent. If you want to drive down your climate impact, the cleanest option is on the lot already.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.5c05406"><em>Environmental Science &amp; Technology</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Driving change: Electric vehicles slash emissions across America

Choosing a more electrified vehicle lowers your greenhouse gas footprint...

<p>Feeling that life has direction and meaning appears to protect the aging brain. Adults who report having a stronger sense of purpose in life are less likely to develop cognitive impairment, and when decline does occur, it begins a little later.</p>



<p>A team of  <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> researchers tracked more than 13,000 adults, ages 45 and older, for up to 15 years. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-purpose-slows-brain-aging">Life purpose slows brain aging</h2>



<p>Individuals with higher purpose were about 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/risk-of-dementia-is-much-higher-than-previously-thought/">dementia</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The association held across racial and ethnic groups and remained after accounting for education, depressive symptoms, and APOE4, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.</p>



<p>“Our findings show that having a sense of purpose helps the brain stay resilient with age,” said Aliza Wingo, senior author and professor in the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Even for people with a genetic risk for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-attacks-the-brain-in-two-separate-phases/">Alzheimer’s disease</a>, sense of purpose was linked to a later onset and lower likelihood of developing dementia.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-purpose-and-cognition-were-measured">How purpose and cognition were measured</h2>



<p>Participants completed a seven-item questionnaire from the <a href="https://sparqtools.org/mobility-measure/psychological-wellbeing-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryff Measures of Psychological Well-Being</a>. Statements probed direction, goal-setting, and follow-through. </p>



<p>The responses produced a score between 1 and 6, with higher numbers reflecting stronger purpose. Cognitive status was assessed by telephone every two years.</p>



<p>People reporting higher purpose did not only face lower odds of impairment. On average, they also experienced a modest delay in the timing of decline - about 1.4 months over eight years - after adjusting for age, education, <a href="http://depression">depression</a>, and genetics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While it may seem small on an individual level, the delay in cognitive decline is meaningful when weighed against what current treatments can achieve.</p>



<p>“While medications like lecanemab and donanemab can modestly delay symptoms of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease, they come with risks and costs,” said first author Nicholas C. Howard, a public health researcher at UC Davis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Purpose in life is free, safe, and accessible. It’s something people can build through relationships, goals, and meaningful activities.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-having-purpose-in-everyday-life">Having purpose in everyday life</h2>



<p>The study did not ask participants to list the activities that gave their lives meaning. Prior work in aging offers clues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many people find purpose in close relationships and caregiving. Others draw it from paid work, mentoring, or volunteering. Some lean on faith or spiritual practice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many set personal goals - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/">learning</a>, creating, or mastering a hobby - or embrace helping roles in their communities. The forms vary, but the feeling is similar: being needed, having direction, and acting on it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-purpose-might-protect-the-brain">Why purpose might protect the brain</h2>



<p>Scientists are still mapping the pathways. Purpose is linked to healthier routines - regular activity, better sleep, social connection, and diet quality - that are known to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-may-literally-be-a-state-of-mind/">brain health</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Life purpose is also associated with lower chronic stress and inflammation and with better vascular function. These factors influence resilience in the face of age-related changes and genetic risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The new study can’t prove causation, but the protective signal persisted after many adjustments, suggesting purpose is part of a broader web of psychological well-being that matters for cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-limitations-and-next-steps">Study limitations and next steps</h2>



<p>This research draws on the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative cohort funded by the <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute on Aging</a>. Strengths include size, repeated measures, and long follow-up. Still, the design is observational. </p>



<p>People with higher purpose may differ in other unmeasured ways that reduce risk. Telephone cognitive testing has limits. And although the protective effect was consistent across racial and ethnic groups, more work is needed in diverse and underserved populations.</p>



<p>Those caveats point to the next phase. Trials that test purpose-building programs - coaching, community engagement, goal-setting, or spiritual supports - could assess whether boosting purpose changes cognitive trajectories.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers also want to know how purpose interacts with other modifiable risks across the lifespan, from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-identify-minimum-amount-of-physical-activity-needed-to-prevent-high-blood-pressure/">hypertension</a> and diabetes to hearing loss and loneliness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-simple-lever-for-healthy-aging">A simple lever for healthy aging</h2>



<p>“What’s exciting about this study is that people may be able to ‘think’ themselves into better health. Purpose in life is something we can nurture,” said co-author Thomas Wingo, a professor and neurologist at UC Davis Health. “It’s never too early - or too late - to start thinking about what gives your life meaning.”</p>



<p>The takeaway is practical. Life purpose is not a pill. It does not require a prescription. It can be cultivated at any age by investing in relationships, taking on roles that matter, and setting goals that match your values.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even modest gains may help brains stay steadier for longer - adding a deeply human tool to the toolkit for healthy aging.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1064748125003549" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry</em></a>.</p>



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Life purpose: The secret ingredient for healthy aging

Feeling that life has direction and meaning appears to protect...

<p>In 2023, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission brought something rare back to Earth: samples from Bennu, an asteroid about 1,600 feet across. The mission took seven years and returned with pieces of rock older than Earth itself.</p>



<p>The dirt and rock collected from Bennu weren’t just space souvenirs. They held a story billions of years old, written in dust from other stars, minerals shaped by water, and scars from micrometeorite hits. </p>



<p>What scientists are now learning from this ancient rubble is changing how we think about where planets come from - and even where life’s building blocks may have formed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroid-bennu-s-shattered-origin">Asteroid Bennu's shattered origin</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-black-dust-found-on-bennu-asteroid-samples/">Bennu</a> didn’t form as one solid rock. It’s a collection of fragments from a much older parent asteroid that once orbited between Mars and Jupiter. </p>



<p>The parent body was made of material from all over the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-bennu-holds-secrets-of-the-solar-systems-past/">solar system</a> - including matter formed near the Sun, far beyond the giant planets, and even outside of our solar system entirely.</p>



<p>The mix of materials suggests Bennu’s parent asteroid formed in the outer solar system - maybe even beyond Jupiter and Saturn - and later shattered in a collision.</p>



<p>After that, pieces reassembled into new bodies, possibly more than once. Bennu is one of those reassembled objects, holding clues from every phase of the long journey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stardust-and-interstellar-clues">Stardust and interstellar clues</h2>



<p>Researchers analyzing the Bennu samples have found an abundance of stardust - tiny grains of material that predate the Sun. These grains are easy to spot in the lab thanks to their unusual isotopic patterns, and they’re incredibly rare to find intact on Earth.</p>



<p>"Those are pieces of stardust from other stars that are long dead, and these pieces were incorporated into the cloud of gas and dust from which our solar system formed," said Jessica Barnes, associate professor at the University of Arizona's <a href="https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lunar and Planetary Laboratory</a>.</p>



<p>"In addition, we found organic material that's highly anomalous in their isotopes and that was probably formed in interstellar space, and we have solids that formed closer to the Sun, and for the first time, we show that all these materials are present in Bennu."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroid-bennu-once-had-water">Asteroid Bennu once had water</h2>



<p>The samples also reveal that Bennu once had <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-ingredients-building-blocks-of-life-found-in-asteroid-bennu-dust-sample/">water</a> - or at least its parent did. Another team studying the rocks detected evidence that the minerals within them had undergone chemical changes in contact with liquid water. These processes likely occurred at about 77°F (25°C), roughly room temperature on Earth.</p>



<p>"We think that Bennu’s parent asteroid accreted a lot of icy material from the outer solar system, which melted over time," said Tom Zega, director of the Kuiper-Arizona Laboratory who co-led the study.</p>



<p>The melting could’ve been caused by leftover heat from the asteroid’s formation, radioactive decay, or even more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-asteroid-collision-detected-in-nearby-star-system-beta-pictoris/">asteroid collisions</a>.</p>



<p>"Now you have a liquid in contact with a solid and heat - everything you need to start doing chemistry," Zega said. "The water reacted with the minerals and formed what we see today: samples in which 80% of minerals contain water in their interior, created billions of years ago when the solar system was still forming."</p>



<p>This kind of water-driven chemistry could be how life’s ingredients started coming together. Finding it in an asteroid this old helps scientists understand where and when those conditions first appeared.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beaten-up-by-space">Beaten up by space</h2>



<p>Even after it formed, Bennu’s story kept going. A third study revealed that Bennu’s surface has taken a beating. It’s marked by tiny craters and specks of molten rock - damage caused by speeding micrometeorites and the sun’s solar wind.</p>



<p>Together, these effects are called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-ryugu-holds-clues-about-bombardment-in-the-early-solar-system/">space weathering</a>. They happen fast and constantly on Bennu, since it doesn’t have an atmosphere for protection. The researchers found that this weathering changes surface materials more quickly than expected.</p>



<p>The damage doesn’t just affect what Bennu looks like. It also changes what scientists can see with telescopes and space cameras, because it alters the color and texture of the surface.</p>



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



<p>Asteroids that hit the ground become <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-meteorites-can-be-traced-to-three-asteroid-families/">meteorites</a>, and we’ve found many pieces of them before. However, many asteroids burn up in the atmosphere.</p>



<p>The ones that survive often sit out in the open too long, reacting with Earth’s air and water. The contamination makes them harder to study.</p>



<p>"And those that do make it to the ground can react with Earth’s atmosphere, particularly if the meteorite is not recovered quickly after it falls," said one of the scientists involved. "Which is why sample return missions such as OSIRIS-REx are critical."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-just-another-space-rock">Not just another space rock</h2>



<p>NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft collected the Bennu samples in space and sealed them immediately, giving scientists a clean look at raw, untouched asteroid material.</p>



<p>The purity of the samples provides a sharper view of the solar system’s early chemistry - and a better shot at answering big questions about where we came from.</p>



<p>Bennu may look like a rubble pile floating in space, but it’s much more than that. It is a time capsule that holds a record of when our solar system was still forming. It carries pieces of other stars, the fingerprints of flowing water, and the scars of a long, violent history.</p>



<p>Image credit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Nature Astronomy</em>.</p>



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Asteroid Bennu carries stardust older than the solar system

In 2023, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission brought something rare back to...

<p>Plants appear still, yet inside they are alive with communication. They must continuously balance how to capture energy without losing too much water. For decades, scientists suspected there were internal messengers guiding this process, but the exact molecules remained unidentified.</p>



<p>A new study led by <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> researchers finally reveals the nature of these signals. This work not only solves a long-standing mystery but also suggests new directions for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-finally-learn-what-makes-plants-roots-grow-faster-and-stronger-autophagy/">agriculture</a> and plant resilience research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-balance-food-and-water">How plants balance food and water</h2>



<p>“This discovery significantly advances our understanding of how plants coordinate their internal metabolism - the chemical reactions they use to make energy - with their external environment, a fundamental process for plant growth and survival,” said Professor Sarah Assmann. </p>



<p>“Our findings open doors for future research into improving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-future-climate-conditions-will-transform-plant-growth/">plant</a> resilience and crop yields.”</p>



<p>Guard cells, located on the leaf surface, control stomata, the tiny pores that regulate the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of water vapor. </p>



<p>These pores act like microscopic mouths. When they open, plants can “eat” by absorbing CO2, but they risk losing vital water at the same time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-plant-messengers">Mysterious plant messengers</h2>



<p>“There is always a tradeoff for terrestrial plants between maximizing CO2 intake, which is needed for photosynthesis, and letting out water vapor, which can dry out the plant and ultimately kill it if it loses too much water,” explained Professor Assmann.</p>



<p>“The stomata are the pores where that tradeoff takes place. When they open, they let in CO2 that allows the plant to feed, but they also let out water vapor, which dehydrates the plant. We knew there had to be some kind of messenger telling the guard cells how to regulate that life-or-death decision.”</p>



<p>The new findings show that sugars, including sucrose, glucose, and fructose, as well as maleic acid, act as these critical messengers. These metabolites form a feedback loop, linking the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-grow-longer-in-cities-due-to-artificial-light/">plant</a>’s energy production to its stomatal control.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-signals-in-plant-leaves">Tracking signals in plant leaves</h2>



<p>The researchers worked with the model plant <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em>, or thale cress, and fava beans to uncover the energy production system in plants. </p>



<p>By extracting apoplastic fluid from leaves exposed to either red light or darkness, they were able to isolate chemical compounds. Red light stimulates photosynthesis, making it easier to detect active signals.</p>



<p>Through this process, the team identified 448 chemical compounds in the fluid. “We identified hundreds of metabolites in apoplastic fluid, which no one had analyzed to this extent before,” noted Professor Assmann.</p>



<p>“That, on its own, is an important contribution to the field, independent of the research question that we specifically were addressing, because it gives a lot of leads on other potential signaling molecules for processes throughout the plant.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugars-control-plants-water-use">Sugars control plants water use</h2>



<p>Further experiments revealed sugars directly promoted stomatal opening under red light. When tested in intact leaves, these compounds increased carbon dioxide uptake and also altered water release, confirming their messenger role.</p>



<p>Cell-level experiments explained the mechanism: sugars stimulate molecular machinery inside guard cells, activating them to open the stomata. </p>



<p>This research provides the first full picture of the internal dialogue between photosynthesis and water regulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-what-makes-plants-resilient">Studying what makes plants resilient</h2>



<p>The <em>Nature Plants</em> study also emphasizes that stomatal control does not rely solely on hormones, as once thought. Instead, metabolic products themselves can serve as powerful signaling agents. </p>



<p>This finding adds a new dimension to how scientists view plant-environment interactions. According to Professor Assmann, the team is focused on understanding how plants sense and respond to environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-roots-could-be-key-to-fighting-climate-change/">conditions</a>. </p>



<p>“Plants can’t uproot themselves and find somewhere else to live; they have to deal with whatever the environment throws at them - increasingly drought and heat stress," she noted. </p>



<p>"So we study what makes plants resilient, from the very specific molecular level all the way up to whole plant physiology and field experiments, with the goal of improving crop productivity.”</p>



<p>The project brought together researchers from Penn State, <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hebrew University of Jerusalem</a>, Nagoya University, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, and the University of Mississippi. </p>



<p>The research was funded, in part, by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-025-02078-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a>.</em></p>



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Hidden messengers tell plants when to eat and breathe

Plants appear still, yet inside they are alive with communication....

<p>The question of aging has always fascinated humanity. Why do some creatures seem to wear out faster while others retain vitality for longer? </p>



<p>Recent research has taken a surprising turn by asking whether migration influences how animals <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-education-matters-for-healthy-aging-and-longevity/">age</a>. To find the answer, scientists turned to an unexpected teacher: the flamingo.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-affects-aging-in-flamingos">Migration affects aging in flamingos</h2>



<p>The greater flamingo, with its pink elegance, is a familiar sight in the Camargue wetlands of southern France. Here, researchers have been studying flamingos for over four decades, thanks to an extensive tagging program. </p>



<p>This long-term observation has revealed an unexpected truth. Migratory flamingos <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-experimenting-with-new-approach-to-fight-and-stop-human-aging-necrosis/">age</a> more slowly than their resident counterparts.</p>



<p>Some flamingos remain in the Camargue year-round, while others travel seasonally along Mediterranean shores. </p>



<p>At first, the residents appear to thrive. They enjoy safer winters in the lagoons, leading to higher survival and reproductive success in their early adult years. Yet this advantage fades with time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cost-of-staying-home">The cost of staying home</h2>



<p>As years pass, the residents decline faster. Their reproductive abilities drop, and their risk of death rises. Researchers calculated that resident flamingos experience about 40 percent greater aging than migrants. </p>



<p>On average, the aging process begins earlier for residents, at 20.4 years, compared to 21.9 years for migratory birds.</p>



<p>The migrants, who travel to Italy, Spain, or North Africa for the winter, face tougher odds early in life. They have higher mortality rates and reproduce less in their youth. </p>



<p>However, migrants gain a long-term advantage: slower aging later in life. Migration, while risky, seems to preserve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-people-age-better-hundreds-of-genes-identified/">vitality</a> as the years accumulate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migration-helps-flamingos-age-slowly">Migration helps flamingos age slowly</h2>



<p>The findings suggest that migration, a behavior shared by billions of animals worldwide, influences aging itself. Choosing to stay or go shapes life history.  </p>



<p>"This is probably linked to a compromise between performance when young and health in old age. Residents live intensely at first, but pay for this pace later on. Migrants, on the other hand, seem to age more slowly," noted Sébastien Roques, <a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a> researcher and co-author of the study.</p>



<p>The research highlights flamingos as more than iconic birds of the Camargue. With their long lifespan, sometimes exceeding 50 years, and their varied behaviors, they serve as a powerful model for studying aging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-aging-in-animals">Understanding aging in animals</h2>



<p>The study would not have been possible without dedication. "That's the whole point of having continued this study over the long term," said Arnaud Béchet and Jocelyn Champagnon, research directors at <a href="https://tourduvalat.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tour du Valat</a>.</p>



<p>"Initiated in 1977 in the Camargue by tagging flamingos with rings that can be read from a distance with a telescope, this program still allows us to observe flamingos tagged that year."</p>



<p>The researchers noted that their unique dataset that is proving invaluable for understanding the mechanisms of aging in animal populations.</p>



<p>The dataset now provides rare insight into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-method-reverses-aging-in-human-cells-without-modifying-dna/">lifestyle</a> differences within the same species translate into distinct aging patterns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-aging-differs">Why aging differs</h2>



<p>The flamingo findings fit into the broader scientific quest to unravel senescence, or biological aging. </p>



<p>"Understanding the causes of changes in the rate of aging is a problem that has obsessed researchers and polymath philosophers since ancient times. For a long time, we thought that these variations occurred mainly between species," noted Hugo Cayuela, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.</p>



<p>"But recently, our perception of the problem has changed. We are accumulating evidence showing that, within the same species, individuals often do not age at the same rate due to genetic, behavioral and environmental variations."</p>



<p>By studying how different animals live and die, researchers hope to reveal not just how flamingos age, but also how aging works across life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-universal-question">A universal question</h2>



<p>This discovery extends beyond flamingos, touching on one of biology’s most fundamental questions: why and how do living beings die? </p>



<p>By showing that lifestyle choices, such as migration, influence the pace of aging, the study reveals that aging is not fixed but shaped by behavior and environment.</p>



<p>Flamingos, with their contrasting life strategies, highlight trade-offs between early success and long-term survival. These insights could help explain variation in aging across species, including humans. </p>



<p>Understanding these patterns may eventually inform medicine, health, and longevity research, offering clues into how we might age more slowly or live healthier lives.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2422882122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.</em></p>



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What flamingos can teach us about the mysteries of aging

The question of aging has always fascinated humanity. Why do...

<p>NASA’s new alloy, GRX-810, is built to handle punishing temperatures and heavy loads without falling apart. It can be 3D printed into complex shapes, which means engineers can make lighter parts that still keep their strength.</p>



<p>Most 3D printed engine parts failed because affordable metals could not take sustained heat near 2,000 F. GRX-810 changes that by combining a nickel, cobalt, and chromium base with tiny ceramic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-a-two-dimensional-carbon-material-eight-times-stronger-than-graphene/">particles</a> that stabilize the metal at high temperature.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nasa-created-grx-810">Why nasa created GRX-810</h2>



<p>Dr. Timothy M. Smith of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/glenn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Glenn Research Center</a> led the materials research that introduced GRX-810 and mapped out how to print it into dense, reliable parts.</p>



<p>In 2023, a peer reviewed <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05893-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> reported that GRX-810 delivered roughly two times higher tensile strength, about 1,000 times better creep performance, and twice the oxidation resistance than widely used printable nickel alloys at about 1,093 C, which is about 2,000 F.</p>



<p>Those numbers matter for engines that run hot for long stretches. Better creep resistance lets parts hold their shape and clearances for many hours, which helps keep efficiency stable and maintenance predictable.</p>



<p>Under a 20 million newtons per square meter (MPa) load (≈ 2,900 pounds per square inch (psi)) at about 2,000 F, the same study documented a GRX-810 specimen that lasted 6,500 hours before rupture, which is more than eight months of continuous stress. That kind of life is usually out of reach for lower cost printable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/introducing-goldene-the-worlds-newest-supermaterial-that-is-one-atom-thick/">alloys</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-grx-810-different">What makes GRX-810 different</h2>



<p>GRX-810 is an oxide dispersion strengthened (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/oxide-dispersion-strengthened" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ODS</a>) alloy, which means nanoscale ceramic particles are spread throughout the metal. </p>



<p>Those particles pin dislocations, the tiny defects that move when metals deform, so the material keeps its shape under heat and stress.</p>



<p>The base chemistry sits in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-16083-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NiCoCr</a> family, a class of superalloy systems known for strength and ductility at room and cryogenic temperatures. </p>



<p>GRX-810 adds carefully chosen elements so the matrix stays stable while small carbides protect the grain boundary regions where cracking often starts.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cement-of-the-future-cooling-cities-and-cutting-emissions/">particles</a> themselves are yttrium oxide, also called Y2O3, at the nanoscale. Because they are thermally stable, they slow down diffusion and block the main creep pathways that usually cause elongation at high temperature.</p>



<p>GRX-810 is printed mainly by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/laser-powder-bed-fusion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser powder bed fusion</a>, a method where a laser melts thin layers of metal powder to build parts one slice at a time. </p>



<p>The process can make internal channels and thin walls that are hard to machine, which is valuable for cooling passages and weight reduction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-lab-to-technical-parts">From lab to technical parts</h2>



<p>NASA has already fabricated nozzles and hot section components with GRX-810, then <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20230017675/downloads/AIAA%20GRX-810%20Component%20Dev%20and%20Test_2024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tested</a> them under hot fire and rig conditions. </p>



<p>Those demonstrations showed the alloy can be processed not only by powder bed fusion but also by directed energy deposition for larger parts.</p>



<p>Printing enables shapes that help the metal survive. Engineers can tune wall thickness, lattice structures, and cooling channels so parts shed heat faster while staying strong.</p>



<p>To move from research to supply, NASA awarded co-exclusive license agreements for GRX-810 powder and process data. That step lets qualified manufacturers sell the alloy to aerospace and energy customers.</p>



<p>Elementum 3D is one supplier, producing powder in small batches for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/construction-materials-could-store-carbon-in-homes-and-buildings-helping-the-climate/">development</a> and in lots over a ton for production. Access to consistent feedstock makes it easier for companies to run repeatable builds and qualify parts.</p>



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



<p>When researchers say a part can withstand 20 MPa, they are describing the pressure applied across its surface. </p>



<p>This level equals about 2,900 pounds per square inch, similar to the pressure deep in a hydraulic system. Metals that survive this kind of load at nearly 2,000 F show both strength and stability that normal alloys lose quickly.</p>



<p>Stress testing pushes materials until they stretch, crack, or rupture. Engineers track how long an alloy lasts before it fails, which is called its creep life. </p>



<p>For GRX-810, the creep life under 20 MPa at high temperature is measured in thousands of hours, a result that points to safer, longer lasting parts in aerospace and energy systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grx-810-durability-proof">GRX-810 durability proof</h2>



<p>“A material under stress or a heavy load at high temperature can start to deform and stretch almost like taffy,” said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jeremy_Iten" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeremy Iten</a>, chief technical officer with <a href="https://www.elementum3d.com/about-metal-alloy-additive-manufacturing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elementum 3D</a>. Industry testing on scaled powder production is encouraging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Initial tests done on the large-scale production of our GRX-810 alloy showed a lifespan that’s twice as long as the small-batch material initially produced, and those were already fantastic,” said Iten.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-uses-of-grx-810">Future uses of GRX-810</h2>



<p>“This superalloy has the potential to dramatically improve the strength and toughness of components and parts used in aviation and space exploration,” said Dr. Smith.</p>



<p>Aerospace is not the only field in play. Power generation turbines and hypersonic platforms also operate at sustained high temperatures, so durable printable metals could lower costs by combining long life with easier manufacturing.</p>



<p>If GRX-810 keeps proving consistent across different printers and lot sizes, certification will follow. That means shared printing parameters, robust inspection methods for internal defects, and records that tie powder lots to build outcomes.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05893-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>.</p>



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NASA's 3D-printable metal hopes to make air travel cheaper and faster for everyone

NASA’s new alloy, GRX-810, is built to handle punishing temperatures...

Deep,Sea,Hydrothermal,Vents,Emitting,Mineral-rich,2025,,Dark,Plumes,In

<p>Ocean methane does not get a free pass to the sky. A new peer reviewed study shows how a tiny partnership on the seafloor moves electrons between cells to keep much of that gas in check.</p>



<p>Most of the methane made in marine mud never reaches the air thanks to microbes that feed on it without oxygen. </p>



<p>This living filter, known to scientists for years, is now clearer in how it works, as shown by lab measurements of electron sharing within the partnership, and the work was led by Hang Yu of <a href="https://english.pku.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peking University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seafloor-microbes-stop-methane">Seafloor microbes stop methane</h2>



<p>Methane is a strong heat trapping gas, yet marine sediments act like a sink that disables most of it before it escapes. </p>



<p>A comprehensive <a href="https://pure.mpg.de/pubman/item/item_2485258_2/component/file_3266726/Knittel9.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review</a> places this process, called anaerobic oxidation of methane, at the center of the ocean’s methane budget.</p>



<p>At the core of this process are anaerobic methanotrophic archaea that remove <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cutting-methane-emissions-could-quickly-slow-global-warming/">methane</a> where oxygen is absent. They partner with sulfate reducing bacteria that breathe sulfate, a common salt in seawater, instead of oxygen.</p>



<p>These partners often gather in tight clusters in the seabed. They build a team where one group starts the chemistry and the other finishes it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-two-microbes-split-the-job">How two microbes split the job</h2>



<p>The archaea strip electrons from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/">methane</a>, which leaves them with a problem because those electrons must go somewhere. </p>



<p>Their bacterial partners accept the electrons and use sulfate as the final electron sink, a classic redox reaction that keeps both partners running.</p>



<p>“These microbial partnerships act as natural sentries, playing a crucial role in limiting the release of methane into the ocean and atmosphere,” said Yu. His team followed that thought by asking how the electrons actually move from cell-to-cell.</p>



<p>Samples came from methane seeps near the Mediterranean, the Guaymas Basin, and the California coast. The researchers then tested the communities under controlled conditions in the lab.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-move-methane-electrons">Microbes move methane electrons</h2>



<p>The group pressed intact cell clusters onto microelectrodes and tracked electrical signals. </p>



<p>Those signals revealed a single, repeatable redox feature in each community and showed that electrons moved across gaps of about 0.0002 inch between electrodes.</p>



<p>Signals weakened after heating or oxygen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/methane-leaks-surge-amid-record-fossil-fuel-production/">exposure</a> and survived chemical fixation that preserves proteins. That pattern points to proteins as the main path for charge movement, not simple dissolved chemicals.</p>



<p>Using a generator collector setup, the team watched electrons leave one electrode and arrive at another only when the test voltage matched the redox feature of the cells. </p>



<p>That behavior confirms that electrons can hop across several cell lengths, enough to connect methane oxidation in the archaea to sulfate reduction in the bacteria.</p>



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



<p>The simplest explanation is a chain of bound cofactors in proteins carrying charge through the community. </p>



<p>The best candidates are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35714268/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiheme cytochrome c</a>, protein wires that pass electrons one heme at a time along and between cells.</p>



<p>Other ideas have been on the table, including conductive carbon made by these microbes. </p>



<p>One earlier <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abg9739" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> reported amorphous carbon associated with these consortia, suggesting a different route for charge flow.</p>



<p>Freshwater relatives of these methane eaters also point to cytochromes. </p>



<p>A 2023 <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10542353/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> showed that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966842X25000319" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Candidatus Methanoperedens</em></a> can ship electrons to metals and electrodes using multiheme cytochromes, a parallel that supports the new marine findings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-models-can-improve">How models can improve</h2>



<p>This work closes a long standing gap by providing direct measurements of electron movement in these seafloor partnerships. </p>



<p>It ties a well known ecological service to a specific molecular system rather than a vague exchange of intermediates.</p>



<p>It also explains why the partnership is so tight. If electrons move over only tiny distances, on the order of hundredths of a thousandth of an inch, cells need to stay close to keep the handoff efficient.</p>



<p>A tighter link between mechanism and ecology helps with prediction. Models of methane cycling can now include protein based electron transport rather than assuming invisible chemical shuttles do the job.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-microbes-control-methane">How microbes control methane</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cutting-super-pollutants-could-quickly-cool-the-planet/">Nature</a> already runs methane control at the seabed. Understanding the electron’s plumbing hints at ways to support the same chemistry in engineered systems, like bioreactors that treat methane rich waste streams or safeguard well leak sites.</p>



<p>There is no silver bullet. These communities grow slowly and depend on the local chemistry, so translating a lab finding into field practice will take careful trials.</p>



<p>Even so, clarity matters. Knowing that protein based redox conduction connects the partners sets a target for future monitoring and design.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adw4289" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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How ocean microbes stop methane from reaching the air

Ocean methane does not get a free pass to the...

<p>Feeling comfortable indoors is not guesswork. Your skin constantly sends information about heat and cold to the brain, and that signal aligns with how comfortable you report feeling.</p>



<p>A new review brought together 172 studies published since 2000 and found strong links between skin temperature and thermal sensation. </p>



<p>The big picture is simple: the face and hands track comfort well, local cooling helps more than local heating, and comfort varies by age, gender, and climate background.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reading-the-body-s-thermostat">Reading the body’s thermostat</h2>



<p>This work was led by Professor John Kaiser Calautit at the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/">University of Nottingham's</a> Faculty of Engineering. </p>



<p>The team shows why mean skin temperature (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132324000738" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MST</a>) matters, because it summarizes the whole body in a single number that rises and falls with how warm or cool people say they feel.</p>



<p>“Skin temperature tells us a great deal about whether people feel too hot, too cold, or comfortable indoors," said Calautit. </p>



<p>"By bringing together research from around the world, we’ve shown how this knowledge can help design safer, healthier, and more sustainable spaces.” </p>



<p>The review ties skin temperature to how we set up buildings and devices. Older models did not use body signals like this. </p>



<p>They focused on room air, radiant heat, humidity, clothing, activity, and airflow, which can miss how two people in the same room feel very differently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-face-and-hands-matter-most">Face and hands matter most</h2>



<p>The analysis shows the face and hands are prime spots to monitor. These areas are sensitive, easy to measure, and not usually covered by thick clothing.</p>



<p>Cooling targeted areas - such as the back or chest - improves comfort more than heating a small spot. That pattern makes sense because the skin has more cold receptors near the surface and cooling quickly changes blood flow.</p>



<p>The results also suggest practical steps for designers. If you want to help people feel better in summer, focus cooling on larger trunk areas instead of only blowing cold air at the hands and feet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comfort-is-not-universal">Comfort is not universal</h2>



<p>Comfort is not one-size-fits-all. The review reports that older adults are typically less sensitive to warmth, which raises their risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-is-leaving-older-adults-dangerously-unprepared/">overheating</a> during hot spells.</p>



<p>Gender can also shape comfort responses. Many studies find that women report stronger sensations across conditions, though results vary.</p>



<p>Where you grew up matters as well. People from warmer regions often respond differently than those from cooler regions, so a single comfort formula will not work for every building or city.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-temperature-can-predict-comfort">Skin temperature can predict comfort</h2>



<p>Research teams are building personal comfort models that use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wearable-sensor-can-help-prevent-dangerous-dehydration/">wearable sensors</a> to read skin temperature and other signals, then predict how you feel. </p>



<p>In tests, these models reached strong accuracy with signals from the wrist and ankle paired with heart rate.</p>



<p>Cameras and computer vision are entering the mix. A study comparing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-link-found-between-body-temperature-and-depression/">thermal infrared</a> skin temperature, thermal image features, and wearables found that automated systems can estimate comfort with off-the-shelf sensors.</p>



<p>This points to future building controls that quietly keep you comfortable without surveys or knobs - and without storing unnecessary personal data - if designed carefully.</p>



<p>Your face carries useful information too. Another study using facial skin temperature built a thermal comfort evaluation method that classified how people felt with fewer sensors and less intrusion.</p>



<p>Machine learning methods matter for how these systems work. </p>



<p>Classification trees and related approaches have shown that a small number of body locations, like arm, back, and wrist, can predict personal comfort well, according to this paper.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-toward-tailored-comfort">Moving toward tailored comfort</h2>



<p>Many buildings still rely on the predicted mean vote, a traditional index developed decades ago. </p>



<p>Across a large global database, its accuracy in predicting how people actually feel was about one in three, which helps explain why offices often feel too warm to some and too cool to others.</p>



<p>Putting skin temperature into feedback loops can change that. Smarter control can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steam-dishwashers-could-reduce-water-and-energy-use/">reduce energy use</a>, cut health risks for vulnerable groups, and respect privacy by using minimal, local signals rather than constant surveillance.</p>



<p>The review also points to equity. Children, older adults, and people who cannot always voice their needs should not be left out of comfort decisions. Systems that read simple physiological cues can help close that gap.</p>



<p>The authors argue for tailored models. A building in Singapore should not run the same comfort rules as one in Stockholm, and a care home should not mirror a tech office.</p>



<p>“Looking ahead, we see a future where smarter building technologies use this physiological data to automatically deliver comfortable, energy-efficient environments with minimal input from occupants,” said Calautit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-temperature-improves-daily-life">Skin temperature improves daily life</h2>



<p>Wearables already measure skin temperature to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/">sleep</a>, recovery, and stress tracking. </p>



<p>With clear consent and careful data handling, the same signal can guide your home to pre-cool a bedroom before you arrive or warm your workspace when your hands grow cold.</p>



<p>Building managers can use aggregated, anonymized data to adjust supply air or chilled water setpoints. A small nudge in the right direction, informed by skin signals, can save energy without people noticing a change.</p>



<p>Engineers can design quieter, simpler systems when they know which body areas matter most. A chair back that gently cools could matter more than a powerful vent at the feet.</p>



<p>Care settings can benefit as well. Monitoring skin temperature trends helps staff protect residents who might not recognize heat stress as quickly.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666123324000369?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Energy and Built Environment</em></a>.</p>



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Indoor comfort depends more on your skin than the air temperature

Feeling comfortable indoors is not guesswork. Your skin constantly sends...

<p>Rice feeds billions. It thrives in warm, wet fields and stores energy in a way that fits busy lives and tight budgets. Those same flooded fields can also make arsenic more available to rice plants, and some of that arsenic can end up in the grain.</p>



<p>A growing body of field evidence points to a new twist: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/">as the planet warms</a> and CO₂ rises, flooded soils lose oxygen more often and for longer stretches. That chemical shift frees arsenic from soil particles, and rice roots take up more of it.</p>



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



<p>After years of outdoor trials, researchers report that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/">climate conditions</a> expected by mid-century would increase the flow of inorganic arsenic - the harmful form - from soil to plant to grain.</p>



<p>The work appears in a leading medical journal and was conducted by teams at Columbia University’s <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mailman School of Public Health</a>, with collaborators in China and the United States. </p>



<p>“Our results suggest that this increase in arsenic levels could significantly elevate the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and other non-cancer health effects,” explained <a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/profile/lewis-ziska" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Lewis Ziska</a>, associate professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the Columbia Mailman School.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-arsenic-is-in-rice">Why arsenic is in rice</h2>



<p>Arsenic occurs naturally in many soils and waters. In paddies that stay flooded, oxygen dwindles. Iron minerals that normally bind arsenic dissolve, and arsenic becomes more mobile. </p>



<p>Warmer conditions paired with higher CO₂ push that chemistry along, especially in fields that remain waterlogged. </p>



<p>Under future settings - temperatures <a href="https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/why-did-ipcc-choose-2deg-c-goal-limiting-global-warming" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more than 2°C</a> (about 3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels plus elevated CO₂ - the balance tilts toward more inorganic arsenic entering the plant.</p>



<p>That does not make every bowl risky. Local geology, irrigation sources, soil type, and farming practices all shape grain levels. It does mean that the odds can shift in places where paddies stay saturated for long periods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-rice-and-arsenic">Studying rice and arsenic</h2>



<p>The scientists did not rely on short greenhouse trials. They grew 28 rice varieties outdoors for roughly a decade using a Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (<a href="https://ess.science.energy.gov/face/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FACE</a>) system.</p>



<p>This process releases extra CO₂ around crops in the open air so that sunlight, wind, microbes, and soil behave as they do in real life.</p>



<p>Those long-running field data then fed into models linking plant arsenic levels to typical rice intake and body size across major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-the-world-without-harming-nature-the-complex-balance-of-farming/">rice-eating countries</a> in Asia.</p>



<p>The projections indicate a sizable shift in risk. Lifetime cancer risks, particularly for lung and bladder cancer, increased by 44% relative to ambient conditions. China alone may face 19.3 million excess cancer cases related to arsenic exposure through rice. </p>



<p>“From a health perspective, the toxicological effects of chronic iAs exposure are well established; and include cancers of the lung, bladder, and skin, as well as ischemic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-kills-differently-now-than-five-decades-ago/">heart disease</a>,” said Dr. Ziska.</p>



<p>Non-cancer outcomes also matter. The modeling points to increased risks for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases tied to long-term inorganic arsenic exposure in populations with high rice intake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-risks-are-the-highest">Where risks are the highest</h2>



<p>Diet and water sources shape exposure. Regions where rice is a daily staple and paddies are often kept flooded will see the largest impacts under warmer, CO₂-richer conditions. </p>



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



<p>Within countries, irrigation that draws from arsenic-rich groundwater can raise grain levels. Varieties also differ in how strongly they transport arsenic from roots to grain, which creates room for practical solutions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-is-bad-what-can-be-done">This is bad, what can be done?</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-fixes-may-save-crops-from-climate-stress/">Plant breeding</a> can help: select and develop varieties that limit arsenic uptake even when soils push it toward the roots. Breeders already see large differences among rice lines in how much arsenic reaches the grain. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trillions-of-cubic-meters-of-water-is-used-to-grow-crops-each-year/">Water management</a> is another lever. Continuous flooding increases arsenic mobility, while giving soils time to drain lets oxygen return, which can hold arsenic in less available forms.</p>



<p>Post-harvest steps matter too. Milling and cooking methods can reduce how much arsenic ends up on the plate. </p>



<p>No single fix works everywhere. Shifting water regimes, for example, can raise cadmium in some settings, so local testing and tailored management are essential to avoid trading one problem for another.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limits-and-moving-parts">Limits and moving parts</h2>



<p>Any mid-century projection carries uncertainty. Policies can bend emissions paths, and farmers adapt as technology and economics shift. </p>



<p>Diets change with income, urbanization, and migration. The underlying processes are well established. The decade of fieldwork done for this study adds weight because it includes real weather, pests, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/">microbial communities</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rice-arsenic-and-human-health">Rice, arsenic, and human health</h2>



<p>Rice remains a staple food, and the findings from this research don't claim that every bowl on every table becomes unsafe. Instead, the scientists point to smarter ways of managing risk and a need to act upstream.</p>



<p>Farmers can adjust irrigation where feasible. Breeders can favor varieties that move less arsenic to the grain. Public health agencies can track arsenic in grains and irrigation sources to guide choices in hotspots. </p>



<p>“Our study underscores the urgent need for action to reduce arsenic exposure in rice, especially as climate change continues to affect <a href="https://www.nifa.usda.gov/topics/global-food-security" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food security</a>,” said Dr. Ziska.</p>



<p>Keeping rice safe in a warming world is within reach: breed smarter, water smarter, process smarter—and cut emissions, because the air over our fields follows us to the table.</p>



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



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Scientists warn a very deadly poison is accumulating in global rice fields

Rice feeds billions. It thrives in warm, wet fields and...

<p>A new analysis argues that the Milky Way’s central black hole, Sagittarius A*, spins at maximum velocity with its axis aimed almost directly at Earth. </p>



<p>The result emerges from a machine learning read of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highest-resolution-eht-black-hole-images-ever-taken-usher-in-new-era/">Event Horizon Telescope</a> data that pulls out subtle signals from ordinary methods left on the table.</p>



<p>Those signals sit on top of a now famous foundation. In 2017, the Event Horizon Telescope released the first image of a black hole, the ring around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-gamma-ray-flare-unleashed-from-a-supermassive-black-hole/">M87</a>*.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-a-neural-network-read-the-data">How a neural network read the data</h2>



<p>The study was led by Michael Janssen of <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radboud University</a> (RU) with collaborators across Europe and the United States, and it used computing tools and expertise from the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute (<a href="https://www.isi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC ISI</a>). </p>



<p>At the heart of the analysis is a <a href="https://www.cs.toronto.edu/~duvenaud/distill_bayes_net/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayesian neural network</a>, a type of model that returns both a best estimate and an uncertainty. </p>



<p>The team trained it on an enormous library of synthetic observations that mimic the telescope’s raw measurements, not just pictures on a grid.</p>



<p>Instead of feeding heavily averaged images to the algorithm, the researchers taught it the full polarization visibilities in time and frequency, the native language of very long baseline interferometry (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Observations_Very_Long_Baseline_Interferometry_VLBI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VLBI</a>). </p>



<p>That choice preserves information and lets the model find stable patterns even when some measurements are noisy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-spin-and-tilt-matter">Why spin and tilt matter</h2>



<p>Black hole spin is a number between 0 and 1 that captures how fast the object rotates. A higher value means more rotational energy available to shape the flow of plasma and, in some systems, to help power a jet.</p>



<p>Orientation matters, too. When the spin axis aligns with our line of sight, the telescope records a distinct signal profile compared to an edge on orientation, with the strongest differences appearing in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/">polarized light</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-data-say-about-the-milky-way">What the data say about the Milky Way</h2>



<p>The network’s posterior for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/">Sagittarius A*</a> favors a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-formed-through-a-merger/">high spin</a>, about 0.8 to 0.9, and a small tilt with the axis close to our line of sight.</p>



<p>This is consistent with an axis angle near 162 degrees in one family of models and about 29 degrees in another. </p>



<p>That combination is the technical way of saying the black hole’s axis points almost directly toward Earth.</p>



<p>The same fit suggests the light near the hole is dominated by extremely hot electrons in the surrounding <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/universe/black-holes/anatomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accretion disk</a>, not by a jet. </p>



<p>In the team’s parameters, the preferred electron temperature ratio is around 14 for Sagittarius A*, a disk leaning value that matches the polarized signatures they measure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-lifting-behind-the-scenes">Heavy lifting behind the scenes</h2>



<p>Training required on the order of a million realistic, calibrated synthetic datasets, each passed through a forward model of the instrument and atmosphere. </p>



<p>The framework itself, called <a href="https://zingularity.io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zingularity</a>, leans on <a href="https://www.tensorflow.org/probability" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TensorFlow Probability</a> and <a href="https://horovod.readthedocs.io/en/stable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Horovod</a> to scale across modern accelerators.</p>



<p>The pipeline that produced those datasets mirrored the real reduction path, including calibration steps and error bootstrapping, and ran across an ecosystem that kept the neural network honest about the ways real measurements can be corrupted.</p>



<p>“The ability to scale up to the millions of synthetic data files required to train the model is an impressive achievement,” said <a href="https://astro.arizona.edu/person/chi-kwan-ck-chan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chi kwan Chan</a> of the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>, who works on both the simulations and the data systems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-m87">What about M87</h2>



<p>The same approach revisited <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/speed-or-illusion-the-mystery-of-accelerating-black-hole-jets/">M87*</a>, the first black hole ever imaged, and found a different character. </p>



<p>The preferred solutions point to a fast, retrograde spin, roughly between -0.5 and -0.94 with respect to the flow of gas spiraling inward, and to strong <a href="https://www.cv.nrao.edu/~sransom/web/Ch5.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synchrotron emission</a> from the jet.</p>



<p>That retrograde result means the black hole rotates opposite to the direction of the infalling plasma. The team suggests a past merger could have flipped the alignment and left behind the counter rotation they now infer.</p>



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



<p>The network was trained on comprehensive simulations, but the authors are clear about model limits and the value of <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.11188" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">better data</a>. </p>



<p>New stations, more bandwidth, and higher observing frequencies will tighten the constraints and reduce degeneracies in the fits.</p>



<p>A key addition on the horizon is the <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en/research/research-projects/africa-millimetre-telescope" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Africa Millimetre Telescope</a> planned for Namibia, which will lengthen baselines into the Southern Hemisphere and sharpen the array’s view of Sagittarius A*.</p>



<p>As the array grows, rapid cadence and multi frequency observations will let models test whether the Milky Way’s black hole really is a high spin, face on system and map how magnetic fields feed energy into the flow. That is the path to distinguishing between look alike fits and turning hints into hard numbers.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.13875" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</em></a>.</p>



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Milky Way galaxy's central black hole is spinning at maximum speed and pointing at Earth

A new analysis argues that the Milky Way’s central black...

<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=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



<p>Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



<p>The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.</p>



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



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.</p>



<p>The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



<p>This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.</p>



<p>The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.</p>



<p>The full study was recently published in <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<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=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



<p>Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



<p>A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.</p>



<p>Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.</p>



<p>Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents".  In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively.   MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.</p>



<p>MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization.  The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



<p>Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.</p>



<p>Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



<p>The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



<p>Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.</p>



<p>This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



<p>The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.</p>



<p>PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



<p>AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.</p>



<p>In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



<p>The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.</p>



<p>As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.</p>



<p>The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.</p>



<p>For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.</p>



<p>The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.</p>



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



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<p id="block-1f9a227a-ec37-4140-81b8-ffa4a7cc6689">-----</p>



<p>MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a></p>



<p>Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a></p>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<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=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



<p>The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



<p>Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.</p>



<p>The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.</p>



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



<p>The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



<p>While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



<p>As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

<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=kVywlgRJXsc
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some children read facial expressions when making food choices.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-people-s-reactions-influence-children-s-eating-habits">Other people's reactions influence children's eating habits</h2>



<p>Many children are finicky eaters, but research explains how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-learned-why-so-many-kids-dislike-vegetables/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watching others eat and social modeling</a> influence the eating habits of children.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Study Methodology Demonstrates Social Learning Impact</h2>



<p>Researchers at <a href="https://www.aston.ac.uk/hls/school-of-psychology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston University School of Psychology</a> have published findings in Frontiers in Psychology that illuminate the neurobiological foundations of food preference development through observational learning. The investigation employed controlled video stimuli featuring adults consuming raw broccoli while displaying systematically varied facial expressions to measure participant responses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Asymmetrical Response Patterns Identified</h2>



<p>The research, conducted with 204 female participants, revealed a pronounced asymmetry in social modeling effects. Negative facial expressions during vegetable consumption significantly diminished observer food preference ratings, while positive expressions failed to produce corresponding increases in vegetable appeal. This finding challenges conventional assumptions about the bidirectional nature of social influence in dietary behavior formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evolutionary Psychology Framework Applied</h2>



<p>Dr. Katie Edwards and her research team propose that these results reflect adaptive mechanisms developed through evolutionary processes. The heightened sensitivity to disgust expressions likely functions as a protective system, enabling individuals to identify potentially harmful foods through social cues without direct risk exposure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Clinical and Educational Implications</h2>



<p>These findings carry substantial implications for pediatric nutrition interventions and family meal dynamics. The research suggests that parental expressions of distaste during vegetable consumption may inadvertently reinforce children's existing food aversions through unconscious social transmission pathways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Future Research Directions</h2>



<p>The study establishes a foundation for expanded investigation into real-time social modeling effects and cross-demographic applicability. Researchers emphasize the necessity for longitudinal studies examining actual consumption behaviors rather than preference ratings alone, particularly within family contexts where social learning occurs most frequently.</p>



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc Some children read facial expressions when making food choices....

<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=JynHpMaNO8A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-causing-protein-bound-and-blocked">Cancer-causing protein bound and blocked</h2>



<p>In a discovery that can one day revolutionize cancer treatment, researchers at the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> have successfully developed a means of controlling MYC, a notoriously slippery protein that causes approximately <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chaotic-protein-that-fuels-75-of-cancers-can-be-controlled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">75% of all cancers in humans</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-myc-different">What makes MYC different</h2>



<p>MYC presents a unique challenge when studying cancer. Normally, this protein plays a vital role in healthy cells. It carefully controls transcription - the process that converts genetic information from DNA and RNA into proteins.</p>



<p>However, cancer changes everything. In cancer cells, MYC becomes a destructive force. It operates in overdrive mode with no regulation whatsoever.</p>



<p>Professor Min Xue, who led the research team, explains it simply: "MYC is less like food for cancer cells and more like a steroid. It drives cancer's aggressive growth." This superactive behavior makes MYC involved in three out of every four cancer cases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-myc-is-hard-to-target">Why MYC is hard to target</h2>



<p>Despite its clear role in cancer, targeting MYC has been one of medicine's biggest challenges. The main problem lies in MYC's unusual structure - or rather, its complete lack of structure.</p>



<p>Professor Xue describes the protein as "basically a glob of randomness." This means conventional drug discovery methods don't work. These traditional approaches rely on sharply defined protein structures. MYC simply doesn't have one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A New Approach to Fighting MYC</h2>



<p>The UCR research team developed a clever solution. They designed a special peptide molecule that could selectively bind to MYC. More importantly, this peptide could block MYC's destructive activity.</p>



<p>The key was fine-tuning two specific features: the peptide's stiffness and its shape. Through careful adjustments, researchers achieved something remarkable. They reached "sub-micro-molar affinity" - meaning their peptide binds as strongly as antibodies do.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-results">Breakthrough results</h2>



<p>This accomplishment represents a major leap beyond previous attempts. The researchers enhanced their peptide's binding strength by two orders of magnitude. This dramatic improvement brings the work significantly closer to practical drug development goals.</p>



<p>The research opens new possibilities for treating the vast majority of cancers where MYC plays a destructive role.</p>



<p>The researchers are presently optimizing peptide-delivery systems based on lipid nanoparticles that deliver the peptide effectively into cancer cells. The<a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> National Institutes of Health</a> and the <a href="https://www.defense.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Defense</a> funded the study, which appeared in the Journal of the <a href="https://www.acs.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemical Society</a>.<br>This research offers renewed hope against cancer, and it can potentially open a door to more effective cancer therapies for most cancer patients worldwide.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

The protein that fuels 3 out of 4 cancers has been controlled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery...

<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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified <em>Eospermatopteris</em>, 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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."</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em>Current Biology</em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

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=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-map-exact-ages-when-your-body-rapidly-ages">Scientists Map Exact Ages When Your Body Rapidly Ages</h2>



<p>Scientists have <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-two-very-precise-ages/#google_vignette">discovered that aging</a> isn't the gradual, steady process many assume it to be. Instead, researchers from Stanford Medicine have found that our bodies undergo dramatic molecular changes at two specific ages: 44 and 60. This research, published in Nature Aging, reveals that aging happens in sudden bursts rather than smooth transitions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-waves-of-rapid-aging">Two waves of rapid aging</h2>



<p>The Stanford study tracked over 135,000 different molecules and microbes in 108 participants aged 25 to 75 over several years. Results showed that 81% of all molecules studied exhibited non-linear changes, meaning they shifted dramatically at certain ages rather than changing gradually over time.</p>



<p>Michael Snyder, chair of genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and the study's senior author, noted significant findings. "We're not just changing gradually over time; there are some really dramatic changes. It turns out the mid-40s is a time of dramatic change, as is the early 60s. And that's true no matter what class of molecules you look at."</p>



<p>The first wave of changes occurs around age 44, affecting molecules related to alcohol metabolism, caffeine processing, lipid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/age-related-changes-in-metabolism-dont-match-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolism</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-remains-the-leading-cause-of-death-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a>, and skin and muscle function. The second wave hits around age 60, involving changes in carbohydrate metabolism, immune regulation, kidney function, and again cardiovascular and muscle health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-during-these-aging-bursts">What happens during these aging bursts</h2>



<p>During the mid-40s transformation, researchers observed significant changes in how the body processes alcohol and fats. This period often coincides with increased stress levels in many people's lives, potentially contributing to lifestyle factors that accelerate these molecular shifts.</p>



<p>"It's possible some of these changes could be tied to lifestyle or behavioral factors that cluster at these age groups, rather than being driven by biological factors," Snyder explained. For instance, alcohol metabolism dysfunction might result from increased consumption during the typically stressful mid-40s period.</p>



<p>The changes at age 60 are perhaps less surprising, as this is when many age-related diseases begin to manifest more prominently. The molecular shifts affect immune function and kidney health, both critical for maintaining overall wellness as we enter our senior years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-latest-research-confirms-aging-patterns">Latest research confirms aging patterns</h2>



<p>Recent 2025 studies have validated these findings. Research examining tissue samples from 76 people found similar aging patterns, noting an "inflection point" between ages 45 and 55.</p>



<p>Scientists discovered that blood vessels, particularly the aorta, age fastest among all body tissues. This vascular aging may drive aging in other body parts, highlighting cardiovascular health's central role in the aging process.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cellular-changes-and-microbiome-shifts">Cellular changes and microbiome shifts</h2>



<p>The Stanford research revealed that these aging bursts affect our microbiome – the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi living in and on our bodies. These microbial communities undergo substantial shifts during both aging periods, potentially affecting everything from digestion to immune function.</p>



<p>Additionally, researchers found that protein production and gene expression begin to fall out of sync as we age. This breakdown in cellular communication becomes especially pronounced during the two aging waves, contributing to the accumulation of damaged proteins associated with diseases such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-brain-disorder-important-data-was-fabricated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-and-longevity-considerations">Health implications and longevity considerations</h2>



<p>Understanding these aging patterns has important implications for healthcare strategies. Research suggests that people should pay particular attention to their health during their 40s and 60s, when these dramatic molecular changes occur.</p>



<p>Snyder emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. "I'm a big believer that we should try to adjust our lifestyles while we're still healthy," he noted. This might include increasing exercise to protect heart health and maintain muscle mass, or reducing alcohol consumption in the 40s as the body's ability to metabolize it declines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approaches-to-anti-aging-treatment">New approaches to anti-aging treatment</h2>



<p>Aging research has seen notable advances in 2025. Harvard Medical School scientists developed chemical cocktails that reverse cellular aging without genetic modification. These six combinations restored aged cells to youthfulness in under a week, offering safer alternatives to gene therapy.</p>



<p>Researchers identified new biomarkers like "InflammAge," a saliva-based test measuring chronic inflammation associated with aging. This non-invasive approach could change how we monitor aging and intervention.</p>



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



<p>Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, cellular reprogramming, and senolytic therapies, are opening new possibilities for extending healthspan. Companies develop treatments targeting aging's fundamental mechanisms rather than just managing age-related diseases.</p>



<p>The Stanford findings provide a roadmap for implementing preventive measures. Rather than waiting for symptoms, people can prepare for and potentially mitigate these predictable aging waves.</p>



<p>As aging understanding evolves, one thing becomes clear: aging isn't inevitable decline, but specific biological events we may learn to prevent or reverse. The key is recognizing when these transitions occur and taking proactive health steps during vulnerable periods.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/nataging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Aging</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Scientists discover we age in bursts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages....

<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=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientists-discover-the-brain-s-tickling-command-center">Scientists discover the brain's 'tickling command center'</h2>



<p>Researchers have finally solved one of humanity's most enduring mysteries: why we can't <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/after-centuries-of-debate-we-still-dont-know-how-tickling-works/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickle</a> ourselves and what makes some people incredibly ticklish while others barely react? Recent scientific discoveries are revolutionizing our understanding of this peculiar human behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-discovery-in-the-brain">Breakthrough discovery in the brain</h2>



<p>In 2023, Dr. Michael Brecht's team at <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt University</a>-<a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berlin</a> made a major discovery published in the <a href="https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(22)01991-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal <em>Neuron</em></a>. They identified the brain's actual "tickling command center" – specific neurons in a region called the periaqueductal gray that control both tickling responses and play behavior.</p>



<p>When researchers used cutting-edge optogenetic technology to shut down these neurons in laboratory rats, something remarkable happened. The animals completely lost their ability to be tickled or engage in playful behavior.</p>



<p>"We found that global blockade of the rat periaqueductal gray with either muscimol or lidocaine interfered with ticklishness and play," the research team reported in their study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-types-of-tickling-revealed">Two types of tickling revealed</h2>



<p>What we call "tickling" is two completely different phenomena, according to the latest research. Light tickling – that feathery sensation that makes you want to scratch – is essentially your body's sophisticated bug detection system. This alerts you to potential insects or parasites on your skin.</p>



<p>Deep tickling – the kind that makes you laugh uncontrollably – involves complex brain circuits and is fundamentally social. You literally cannot tickle yourself with this type of stimulation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-self-tickling-is-impossible">Why self-tickling is impossible</h2>



<p>Your cerebellum acts like a prediction machine, recent findings show. When you move your own hand to touch yourself, your brain generates precise predictions about what you will feel and then cancels out the tickling sensation through neural inhibition.</p>



<p>When someone else tickles you, your brain can't predict their movements, so the full tickling response activates. It's like your brain's way of distinguishing between self and others.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-differences-explained">Individual differences explained</h2>



<p>Individual differences in ticklishness depend on genetics, psychology, and even trust. Dr. Xinzhong Dong at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> notes that people with denser nerve endings tend to be more sensitive.</p>



<p>Psychological factors matter just as much. You respond more strongly when tickled by people you trust, and anxiety completely shuts down tickling responses. This explains why the same physical stimulus can produce completely different reactions depending on who's doing the tickling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-your-ticklishness">Controlling your ticklishness</h2>



<p>Science offers answers for controlling your ticklishness. You can reduce tickling sensitivity through systematic desensitization – gradual exposure in controlled settings.</p>



<p>Dr. Konstantina Kilteni's 2025 research, published in <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt0350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em>, reveals another technique: place your hand on the tickler's hand. This allows your brain to partially predict the sensations, reducing the tickling response by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>"Your brain is essentially learning to override its own reflexes," Kilteni explained in her review of tickling research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-purpose-discovered">Evolutionary purpose discovered</h2>



<p>From an evolutionary perspective, tickling serves vital functions according to <a href="https://www.umd.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> researcher Dr. Robert Provine's extensive studies. It trains our defense reflexes for vulnerable body areas and facilitates social bonding between family members.</p>



<p>Tickling-induced laughter is actually one of the first forms of communication between infants and caregivers. "Tickle involves a neurological self/nonself discrimination, providing the most primitive social scenario," Provine noted in his research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-applications-emerge">Clinical applications emerge</h2>



<p>Research shows people with autism spectrum disorder perceive touches as more ticklish than people without the condition. Investigating this difference could provide insight into brain differences and help advance autism research.</p>



<p>People with schizophrenia tend to experience self-touches similarly to external tickles, allowing them to essentially tickle themselves. This suggests altered sensory prediction mechanisms in the condition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-research-reveals-universal-nature">Animal research reveals universal nature</h2>



<p>Scientists have discovered that many species beyond humans are ticklish. Rats emit ultrasonic "laughs" when tickled, while chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans all respond to tickling stimulation.</p>



<p>This widespread occurrence across species suggests that tickling serves fundamental biological and social functions that evolved long before humans developed complex language and culture.</p>



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



<p>Dr. Kilteni argues that tickling research deserves more scientific attention. "It is a complex interplay of motor, social, neurological, developmental, and evolutionary aspects," she stated in her recent review.</p>



<p>New haptic technologies and advanced research methodologies now permit scientists to investigate tickle sensation with unprecedented precision. Standardized experimental methods using mechanical tickling devices ensure consistent results across studies.</p>



<p>Recent findings published in <em>Science Advances</em> show that tickling research is opening new doors in neuroscience, potentially leading to a better understanding of social behavior, sensory processing, and neurological conditions.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4 The hidden science behind tickling. Scientists discover the brain's...

<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=elr4948_uOU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals secret mission to create working time travel device.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-an-equation-truly-bend-time-a-physicist-s-decades-long-quest-to-rewrite-reality">Could an equation truly bend time? A physicist's decades-long quest to rewrite reality</h2>



<p>Imagine the impossible: stepping back through time in a time machine, not in fantasy, but through a scientific endeavor driven by profound personal loss. For <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Ronald Mallett</a>, a distinguished astrophysicist and professor emeritus at the <a href="https://uconn.edu/">University of Connecticut</a>, this deeply human longing has fueled a lifelong mission. He claims to have discovered the equation that could unlock temporal displacement, pushing boundaries once deemed purely science fiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-profound-grief-that-forged-a-vision">A profound grief that forged a vision</h2>



<p>Mallett's extraordinary pursuit began with devastating tragedy in 1955. At merely 10 years old, he endured his father Boyd's sudden death—a television repairman whose passion for science had ignited a similar spark in his young son. Boyd Mallett, only 33, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a grief-stricken child searching for solace.</p>



<p>That solace came through H.G. Wells' <em>The Time Machine</em>. Within its pages, Mallett found a captivating concept: "Time is only a kind of Space." These words transformed from a literary phrase into a guiding principle, becoming the driving force behind his unwavering commitment to unraveling time's fundamental mysteries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-humble-beginnings-to-academic-heights">From humble beginnings to academic heights</h2>



<p>Mallett's journey was far from straightforward. After serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam War era, he utilized the GI Bill for higher education, earning his Ph.D. in physics from Pennsylvania State University in 1973 at the age of 28.</p>



<p>In 1975, he made history as the first African American professor in the University of Connecticut's physics department, achieving full professorship in 1987 before retiring in 2024 as professor emeritus.</p>



<p>Throughout these successful academic years, Mallett harbored his radical ambition as a closely guarded secret. "I kept my time travel goal a secret," he confessed. "I worried people would think I was nuts." His public research centered on black holes, serving as a "cover story" while he quietly developed his revolutionary time travel theory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-breakthrough-moment">The breakthrough moment</h2>



<p>His pivotal insight arrived while hospitalized for a heart condition—a profound irony given his father's heart attack started this journey. The breakthrough was elegantly simple yet revolutionary: "If gravity can bend time, and light can create gravity, then light can bend time."</p>



<p>"It turns out that black holes can create a gravitational field that could lead to the creation of time loops that could allow us to go back in time," he explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-blueprint-for-a-temporal-vortex">The blueprint for a temporal vortex</h2>



<p>Mallett's vision for a functioning time machine replicates spacetime-warping phenomena around black holes. He offers a compelling analogy: "Picture a cup of coffee. Stir it with a spoon, and the coffee swirls. A spinning black hole does the same to spacetime."</p>



<p>In Einstein's general relativity, the universe is a dynamic fabric woven from space and time. Massive objects like black holes warp this fabric—an effect we perceive as gravity. Mallett theorizes that an intense, continuous, circulating beam of light from a ring of powerful lasers could replicate this gravitational torsion, effectively twisting time into a loop.</p>



<p>This "time loop" would theoretically allow information—or perhaps matter—to travel backward in time. He detailed this mathematical concept in his 2006 autobiography, <em>Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-published-research-and-recognition">Published research and recognition</h2>



<p>His work, published in respected journals including <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/physics-letters-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics Letters A</a></em> and <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/journal/10701" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foundations of Physics</a></em>, suggests circulating laser light could generate gravitational fields potent enough to create closed timelike curves, enabling time travel for data.</p>



<p>Mallett's research has gained worldwide media attention, featured on <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Public Radio's <em>This American Life</em></a>, the <a href="https://www.history.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">History Channel</a>, and <a href="https://www.today.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBC's <em>Today Show</em></a>. The widespread interest reflects both his compelling personal story and rigorous scientific approach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-galactic-hurdles-and-persistent-skepticism">The galactic hurdles and persistent skepticism</h2>



<p>While Mallett's equations captivate imagination, the path to reality faces immense obstacles. The energy requirement is staggering—Mallett acknowledges needing "galactic amounts of energy," far beyond current technological capabilities.</p>



<p>There's also a poignant limitation: even if realized, his machine could only send information back to when it was first activated, meaning it couldn't transport him to 1955 to prevent his father's death.</p>



<p>The scientific community remains skeptical. Physicists Ken Olum and Allen Everett argue that Mallett's proposed laser ring would need to be larger than the observable universe to achieve the necessary spacetime distortion. They invoke Stephen Hawking's chronology protection conjecture, suggesting physics may prevent macroscopic time travel.</p>



<p>Astrophysicist Paul Sutter has voiced doubts about Mallett's underlying mathematics, while science writer Brian Clegg finds the concept intriguing enough to warrant experimental investigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-that-transcends-time">A legacy that transcends time</h2>



<p>Now approaching 80, Dr. Mallett remains steadfast. "I believe my work will show time travel is possible," he asserts. "Future generations will build on it in ways we can't yet imagine."</p>



<p>His equations, though yet to physically bend time, have bent our collective imagination. Ongoing public interest, evidenced by his continued media appearances and Spike Lee's film adaptation of his memoir, underscores his ideas' profound impact.</p>



<p>More than a scientific pursuit, Mallett's story testifies to human resilience, intellectual courage, and hope's enduring power. Whether his theoretical time machine ever materializes, his legacy is immeasurable—inspiring countless individuals to challenge conventional limits and perceive time not as an unyielding barrier, but as a boundless frontier awaiting exploration.</p>



<p></p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals...

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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>



<p>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?</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>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.</em></p>



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



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> 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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> 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></p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

<p>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. </p>



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

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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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



<p>The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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?</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ACS Reactions</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

How does salt makes things taste better?

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>'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)."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Santiago, Chile in South America

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