<p>Mammals are not only good at hearing sounds, they are especially tuned to voices. A new cross-species study compared humans, dogs, and pigs and mapped how fast the brain flags a voice, then sorts out whether it belongs to one of our own.</p>



<p>The researchers recorded tiny pulses of brain activity while participants listened to people, dogs, and pigs, plus everyday noises. The animals were awake, relaxed, and unmedicated, and the sessions used gentle scalp sensors, not implants.</p>



<p>A team from <a href="https://www.elte.hu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> (ELU) focused on two questions that cut to the heart of social hearing in mammals. </p>



<p>The first was whether the brain treats vocal sounds as a distinct category, separate from other noises. The second was whether it goes a step further, recognizing and highlighting voices that belong to members of the same species - a process known as conspecific recognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-brain-signals-to-sound">Tracking brain signals to sound</h2>



<p>The setup used non-invasive EEG sensors to track the brain’s fast electrical responses to sound. The signal components the team examined are called event-related potentials, and they are well suited for timing how processing unfolds.</p>



<p>Participants heard short clips such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/laughter-makes-the-stress-of-life-feel-less-overwhelming/">laughs</a>, barks, and grunts, alongside non vocal noises like traffic or a closing door. </p>



<p>The recordings let the researchers compare voice versus non-voice processing, then compare same species voices to all other sounds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-step-brain-response">Two-step brain response</h2>



<p>In humans and pigs, the brain marked any voice very quickly, within about 0.2 seconds after the sound began. </p>



<p>Later, after roughly 0.3 seconds and beyond, all three species showed a second step that tagged same species voices as a special category.</p>



<p>“These patterns were very similar despite the large evolutionary distance between the three species, pointing to shared neural mechanisms that likely predate the divergence of their lineages some 90 million years ago,” said Boglárka Morvai, the study's lead author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-pigs-and-people">Dogs, pigs, and people</h2>



<p>Dogs did not show the early “any voice” signal as clearly as humans and pigs, even though they live closely with people. </p>



<p>They did show the later step that marked dog sounds as different from other sounds, which matches the idea that same species calls matter most for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-influence-our-social-behavior-and-sense-of-fairness/">social behavior.</a></p>



<p>Pigs showed both steps and did so on a similar time course to people. That pattern strengthens the case that the early voice flag is a general feature of mammal hearing, not a quirk of primates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voice-areas-in-mammals">Voice areas in mammals</h2>



<p>For two decades, brain imaging in humans has found voice sensitive regions in the superior temporal cortex, often called temporal voice areas. </p>



<p>A comprehensive review outlines how these regions support recognition of who is speaking, what they feel, and how the voice changes over time.</p>



<p>Dogs have their own voice sensitive patches too, and they align in function with human areas when both species listen to vocal sounds.</p>



<p> A comparative paper showed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-in-translation-how-we-misread-our-dogs-emotions/">dog</a> and human brains both devote cortex to processing voices, including sensitivity to emotional tone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speed-of-voice-detection">Speed of voice detection</h2>



<p>Past EEG work in people has reported early differences between voice and non-voice sounds on the order of a fifth of a second. </p>



<p>One open access article found effects emerging around 0.164 seconds and peaking near 0.2 seconds on frontotemporal sensors.</p>



<p>These timings line up with the early “any voice” response reported in the recent study. The later same species effect fits with known windows for categorical decisions in auditory cognition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pig-brains-and-voices">Pig brains and voices</h2>



<p>Pigs are increasingly used in neuroscience because their brains share organizational features with ours. </p>



<p>Recent physiology work has mapped clear auditory event-related responses in healthy piglets using scalp EEG, strengthening their value as a model species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finding the early voice flag in pigs suggests that this quick detection step is not limited to primates or carnivores. It likely reflects a basic property of mammalian hearing tuned by social life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-roots-of-voice">Evolutionary roots of voice</h2>



<p>The two-step pattern, first voice detection, then same species sorting, makes evolutionary sense. Fast detection buys time to orient toward a biologically relevant sound, then a later pass adds the social label needed to decide how to react.</p>



<p>If distantly related species share both steps, the underlying circuitry likely traces back to a common ancestor. That is consistent with decades of work showing conserved organization for voice and affect processing across mammals.</p>



<p>All recordings relied on cooperative, awake participation. Dogs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/selective-breeding-has-dramatically-sped-up-the-evolution-of-pigs/">pigs</a> were measured in calm settings, often near their owners, and no training or sedation was required for them to rest while the sensors recorded.</p>



<p>The protocol emphasizes trust and low stress, which improves data quality and respects the welfare of companion animals. The approach also allows direct comparisons with human EEG.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sorting-same-species-voices">Sorting same-species voices</h2>



<p>Same-species voices carry information about identity, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-identify-the-simple-emotion-that-gives-life-meaning-and-its-not-happiness/">emotion</a>, age, and intent. That richer meaning calls for more processing than a quick voice versus non-voice flag.</p>



<p>The later timing suggests a categorical decision process in which the brain checks acoustic features against learned templates for its own kind. </p>



<p>In humans, that machinery feeds into language, but it operates in social mammals that do not use speech.</p>



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



<p>Future studies can add more species and test a wider range of calls to see how acoustic structure shapes the early and late steps. Portable EEG could expand testing into natural settings where animals communicate most.</p>



<p>Combining EEG with imaging can also map the timing onto brain regions, tying the fast electrical signatures to specific circuits. That could clarify how the two steps interact during real world social listening.</p>



<p>Better models of voice processing can guide assistive tech for people with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drugs-may-be-available-to-prevent-hearing-loss/">hearing</a> or language challenges. They can also inform animal welfare by helping us detect stress or need from vocal cues in pets and livestock.</p>



<p>Cross species designs like this one keep us honest about what is uniquely human and what is widely shared. That distinction matters for both neuroscience and ethics.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811925003581?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>NeuroImage</em></a>.</p>



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Mammals share ancient brain mechanisms for voice recognition

Mammals are not only good at hearing sounds, they are especially tuned to voices. A new cross-species study compared humans, dogs, and pigs and mapped how fast the brain flags a voice, then sorts out whether it belongs to one of our own. The researchers recorded tiny pulses of brain activity while participants listened to people, dogs, and pigs, plus everyday noises. The animals were awake, relaxed, and unmedicated, and the sessions used gentle scalp sensors, not implants. A team from Eötvös Loránd University (ELU) focused on...

<p>Beneath the stable crust of North America, scientists have discovered something extraordinary: the deep roots of the continent are slowly dripping away in blobs of rock.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This unusual geologic process appears to be driven by the remnants of an ancient tectonic plate, revealing a rare opportunity to observe “cratonic thinning” as it happens in real time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The phenomenon was identified by researchers at the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin</a>. Study lead author Junlin Hua conducted the research as a postdoctoral fellow at UT’s Jackson School of Geosciences.</p>



<p>“We made the observation that there could be something beneath the craton,” said Hua. “Luckily, we also got the new idea about what drives this thinning.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-and-why-is-north-america-dripping">How and why is North America dripping?</h2>



<p>Cratons are ancient, stable rock formations that form the deep cores of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-only-has-six-continents-not-seven-tectonic-plates-under-iceland-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continents</a>. Some have remained relatively unchanged for billions of years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, these formations are not immune to change. In rare cases, they lose parts of their structure, particularly their deepest root layers - a process known as cratonic thinning.</p>



<p>This thinning has been observed before in places like the North China Craton, which lost a substantial portion of its root millions of years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But what sets the new discovery apart is that the process is happening now, under the Midwestern United States, providing scientists with a live glimpse of how continents can subtly reshape from within.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mantle-dynamics-and-tectonic-plates">Mantle dynamics and tectonic plates</h2>



<p>Despite the striking nature of the discovery, researchers stress that there is no immediate threat to the surface landscape. The dripping occurs in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-mantle-shapes-surface-topography/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s mantle</a> at a glacial pace, and over time it is expected to taper off.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The process is driven by mantle dynamics, which influence how tectonic plates evolve but do so on a timescale of millions of years.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/north-america-continent_dripping-into-mantle_credit-UTexas_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/north-america-continent_dripping-into-mantle_credit-UTexas_1s.webp" alt="A figure from the study showing rock dripping from the craton. The researchers hypothesize that the dripping is caused by the remnants of the subducting Farallon slab below the craton. Click to enlarge. Credit: Hua et al., Nature Geoscience" class="wp-image-1964272"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>A figure from the study showing rock dripping from the craton. The researchers hypothesize that the dripping is caused by the remnants of the subducting Farallon slab below the craton. Click to enlarge. Credit: Hua et al., Nature Geoscience</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Eventually, the effect will fade as the driving force behind the thinning - an ancient tectonic plate - sinks deeper into the Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-legacy-of-the-farallon-plate">Hidden legacy of the Farallon Plate</h2>



<p>The research team attributes this geologic activity to the lingering presence of the Farallon Plate, a former oceanic plate that began subducting beneath North America roughly 200 million years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although the remnants of the plate are now about 600 kilometers below the surface, the study suggests it still plays an active role in reshaping the continent above it.</p>



<p>Thorsten Becker is a co-author of the study and professor at the Jackson School’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Institute for Geophysics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This sort of thing is important if we want to understand how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-a-hidden-pattern-in-planet-orbits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> has evolved over a long time,” said Becker. “It helps us understand how do you make continents, how do you break them, and how do you recycle them [into the Earth.]”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detailed-insights-into-earth-s-interior-nbsp">Detailed insights into Earth's interior&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research stems from a broader seismic modeling project led by Hua, now a professor at the <a href="https://en.ustc.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Science and Technology</a> of China. </p>



<p>The model uses a technique called full-waveform seismic tomography, which offers detailed insights into the Earth's interior by analyzing how seismic waves travel through different materials.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/north-america-continent_dripping-into-mantle_seismic-map_credit-UTexas_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/north-america-continent_dripping-into-mantle_seismic-map_credit-UTexas_1s.webp" alt="Seismic waves pass through different geological features at different speeds. This map shows seismic speed in the Earth’s crust at 200 kilometers depth across the continental United States and portions of Central America and Canada. The North American craton (outlined in black dashes) has a high seismic velocity compared to its surroundings. Click to enlarge. Credit: Hua et al., Nature Geoscience" class="wp-image-1964274"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Seismic waves pass through different geological features at different speeds. This map shows seismic speed in the Earth’s crust at 200 kilometers depth across the continental United States and portions of Central America and Canada. The North American craton (outlined in black dashes) has a high seismic velocity compared to its surroundings. Click to enlarge. Credit: Hua et al., Nature Geoscience</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Developed with support from co-author Stephen Grand and his team, the model was built using seismic data from the <a href="https://www.earthscope.org/about/earthscope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthScope project</a>.</p>



<p>“Because of the use of this full-waveform method, we have a better representation of that important zone between the deep mantle and the shallower lithosphere where we would expect to get clues on what’s happening with the lithosphere,” Becker said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visualizing-the-dripping-of-north-america-nbsp">Visualizing the dripping of North America&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The high-resolution model allowed scientists to visualize the dripping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-complete-record-of-snowball-earth-found-in-rock-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rock formations</a> for the first time and to trace their connection to the Farallon Plate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts believe the plate influences the flow of mantle material in a way that scrapes and weakens the underside of the North American craton. It may also release volatile substances that further degrade the craton’s stability.</p>



<p>Interestingly, although the dripping appears most concentrated in a specific area beneath the Midwest, the entire craton - which spans most of the United States and Canada - shows signs of thinning. </p>



<p>“A very broad range is experiencing some thinning,” Hua said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-the-earth-drip">Modeling the Earth drip</h2>



<p>To test the mechanics of the process, the researchers built a dynamic computer simulation. When the Farallon Plate was included in the model, the craton’s base began to drip. </p>



<p>When the plate was removed, the dripping stopped - strong evidence linking the two phenomena.</p>



<p>Becker emphasized that while no model is perfect, the resemblance between the simulation and observed data suggests the researchers are on the right track.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“You look at a model and say, ‘Is it real, are we overinterpreting the data or is it telling us something new about the Earth? But it does look like in many places that these blobs come and go, that it’s (showing us) a real thing.”</p>



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



<p>This discovery adds a new layer to scientists’ understanding of how continents evolve over geological time. </p>



<p>It demonstrates that even the most ancient and seemingly immutable structures beneath our feet are still subject to deep and hidden forces.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As researchers continue to refine seismic imaging technologies and develop more detailed models of Earth’s interior, they may uncover even more about the dynamic processes shaping our planet from below.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-025-01671-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>.</p>



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North America is "dripping" underneath, losing blobs of rock into Earth's mantle

Beneath the stable crust of North America, scientists have discovered...

<p>High-mass stars form quickly and push back hard on their surroundings. Radiation and winds should strip away the very fuel they need to grow, yet these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-sized-exoplanet-is-spiraling-toward-destruction-toi-2431-b/">stars</a> still bulk up fast.</p>



<p>A new study points to a simple answer: long, dense streams of gas that deliver material straight to the center of action, even where a classic disk is hard to find or very small.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alma-finds-streams">ALMA finds streams</h2>



<p>The study was led by Fernando A. Olguin of <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a> with collaborators in Japan, Taiwan, China, and the United States.</p>



<p>Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile (<a href="https://www.almaobservatory.org/en/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ALMA</a>), the team examined a young, massive source called G336.018-00.827 ALMA1. </p>



<p>They found two gas streams converging toward the protostar, one of which connects directly to the central region, with a clear change in velocity that signals rotation and infall.</p>



<p>The researchers expected a prominent <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/universe/black-holes/anatomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accretion disk</a> a few hundred astronomical units across. </p>



<p>Instead, they saw spiral arms reaching inward and either no large disk or an extremely compact one, likely smaller than 60 astronomical units, or about 5.6 billion miles.</p>



<p>"Our work seems to show that these structures are being fed by streamers, which are flows of gas that bring matter from scales larger than a thousand astronomical units, essentially acting as massive gas highways," said Olguin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gas-streamers-help-stars-grow">Gas streamers help stars grow</h2>



<p>Astronomers classify high-mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-found-suggesting-new-space-objects-called-intermediate-mass-black-holes/">stars</a> as those above roughly eight times the Sun’s mass. According to a 2002 <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/416059a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, that threshold marks a regime where radiation pressure and ionized winds become strong and can choke off simple spherical collapse.</p>



<p>In massive protostars, theory and observations indicate that non-spherical accretion is needed, helping radiation escape through polar regions while matter continues to arrive through denser paths near the midplane. </p>



<p>A recent <a href="https://arxiv.org/html/2501.16866v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preprint</a> explains that streamers fit this bill because they channel gas along narrow tracks with high momentum.</p>



<p>The ALMA1 data show that the western, blueshifted streamer carries enough material inward to overwhelm local feedback near about 61 astronomical units, which is approximately 5.7 billion miles. </p>



<p>That supply helps maintain a dense inner region where growth can continue despite radiation pressure from the young star.</p>



<p>These flows do not need to end at the disk edge. In ALMA1, the observed streamers penetrate well inside the expected disk radius, potentially feeding a very small unresolved disk or even the protostar itself, which changes how we picture the last link in the inflow chain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alma-shows-spiral-gas">ALMA shows spiral gas</h2>



<p>ALMA’s long-baseline setup delivered a sharp view, resolving features on scales of about 86 astronomical units, or roughly 8 billion miles. </p>



<p>The team mapped both dust emission and several molecular lines, including methanol and sulfur monoxide, to trace motion and temperature structure around the central source.</p>



<p>Those tracers reveal a velocity gradient along one streamer that bends at a characteristic radius near 500 astronomical units, or about 46.5 billion miles. </p>



<p>The change implies a shift from infall-dominated flow to rotation-dominated motion as the gas nears the center.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/gas-streamers_star-forming-region_G336.018-00.827_Alma_KyotoU_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/gas-streamers_star-forming-region_G336.018-00.827_Alma_KyotoU_1s.webp" alt="The dust emission of the high-mass star forming region G336.018-00.827 ALMA1 at radio wavelengths. The star symbol indicates the protostellar position. The gas is rotating and falling along the red and blue arrows. The gas flow (streamer) indicated by the blue arrow transports gas from the molecular cloud core to the high-density region in the vicinity of the protostar. Credit: KyotoU / Fernando Olguin" class="wp-image-1983174"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The dust emission of the high-mass star forming region G336.018-00.827 ALMA1 at radio wavelengths. The star symbol indicates the protostellar position. The gas is rotating and falling along the red and blue arrows. The gas flow (streamer) indicated by the blue arrow transports gas from the molecular cloud core to the high-density region in the vicinity of the protostar. Click image to enlarge. Credit: KyotoU / Fernando Olguin</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gas-streamers-beat-radiation">Gas streamers beat radiation</h2>



<p>Kinematic modeling indicates that the outer segment of the blueshifted streamer behaves like a rotating, infalling envelope. </p>



<p>Inside roughly 500 astronomical units, the speeds line up best with near-Keplerian rotation, as expected when gas settles into a compact structure before reaching the protostar.</p>



<p>At the point where the flow turns, the team sees signs of shocks that heat and concentrate material.</p>



<p>Vibrationally excited sulfur monoxide is compact and peaks near that location, consistent with gas slamming into denser regions as it changes course toward the inner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bizarre-planet-orbits-backward-around-a-dying-star/">system</a>.</p>



<p>Mass estimates for the inner streamers fall in the range of a few tenths of a solar mass, with inferred infall rates high enough to replenish the center on useful timescales. </p>



<p>The modeled momentum of the inflow exceeds the local radiation force by about two orders of magnitude near the inner radius, which explains how accretion continues.</p>



<p>Taken together, the picture is simple. A large-scale reservoir funnels material into extended spiral arms, the arms feed narrow streamers, and those streamers push gas right into the inner tens of astronomical units where star growth is decided.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gas-streamers-replace-big-disks">Gas streamers replace big disks</h2>



<p>Large, rotating disks around young massive stars do exist. ALMA has <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/abs/2020/02/aa37154-19/aa37154-19.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imaged</a> a roughly 1,000 astronomical unit disk with a prominent spiral arm around the forming O-type star AFGL 4176 mm1, a clear case where a massive disk structures the flow.</p>



<p>Streamers have also been spotted feeding lower-mass protostars, where arc-like flows guide gas from envelopes into compact inner regions. </p>



<p>That broader <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/02/aa47486-23/aa47486-23.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record</a> suggests that filamentary feeding is a common tool nature uses across stellar masses, not just an outlier in one cloud.</p>



<p>ALMA1 shows that a large, obvious disk is not required for a high-mass protostar to keep growing. </p>



<p>A very small disk can still be present, but the heavy lifting can be done by the streamers themselves if the reservoir and geometry cooperate.</p>



<p>That flexibility helps resolve a long-standing tension in massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-map-twin-stars-to-discover-hidden-planets-with-unprecedented-accuracy/">star</a> formation. </p>



<p>If radiation pressure gets strong early, steady supply lines must find a way to keep delivering mass to the center without being blown away, and focused streams are well suited for that job.</p>



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



<p>"We found streamers feeding what at that time was thought to be a disk, but to our surprise, there is either no disk or it is extremely small," said Olguin.</p>



<p>The team plans to apply the same methods to other regions to test how often streamers dominate the final stages of accretion. </p>



<p>They will also probe even closer to the center to confirm or rule out tiny disks that current data cannot fully resolve.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adw4512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Astronomers struggle to understand how high-mass stars get so big

High-mass stars form quickly and push back hard on their...

<p>Birds may seem to be singing randomly, but new research suggests their vocalizations may follow hidden rules similar to those that govern human language.</p>



<p>Over the past three decades, scientists have used birdsong as models to understand how humans acquire and transmit language.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Birdsong even serves as a tool for studying <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/speech-impairment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speech disorders</a> in humans because it shares biological similarities with human speech. Unlike human subjects, birds can be studied in natural conditions without significant ethical or logistical barriers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-sing-through-notes-and-calls">Birds sing through notes and calls</h2>



<p>But do birds follow the same linguistic rules as we do? To explore this question, it helps to first understand how birds structure their songs.</p>



<p>Notes are continuous sounds separated by short pauses, while phrases are short sequences of notes that always appear together.</p>



<p>Calls are typically short, innate sounds, whereas songs are longer sequences of learned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-triggers-unique-prediction-zones-in-the-brain/">notes</a> or phrases. Bouts are series of similar calls or songs separated by longer rests.</p>



<p>But do these patterns reflect true linguistic rules? One of the best candidates is Zipf's law of abbreviation (ZLA), a principle that shows up in nearly every human language. </p>



<p>ZLA predicts that frequently used words or sounds tend to be shorter, while rare ones are longer. A team of researchers, including Rebecca Lewis of the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a>, set out to put ZLA to the test.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-language-pattern-in-bird-songs">Human language pattern in bird songs</h2>



<p>The researchers developed a new method to test ZLA. They introduced an R package called <em>ZLAvian</em> and analyzed songs from 11 populations across seven species archived in the Bird-DB.</p>



<p>Overall, the results showed a weak but consistent tendency to use shorter sounds more frequently. However, at the individual population level, only one out of eleven showed strong evidence of ZLA.</p>



<p>Studying ZLA in birdsong presented several challenges that are absent in human language. Most <a href="https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/news/new-study-finds-where-birds-are-declining-most-some-locales-with-positive-trends" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird populations</a> use only a few note types compared to our many words, making it difficult to see clear links between sound length and frequency.</p>



<p>Because birds copy songs from others rather than creating them, any variations could reflect shared learning rather than something that emerged independently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-results-in-different-bird-species">Mixed results in different bird species</h2>



<p>More than three decades ago, Jack P. Hailman and colleagues noticed that black-capped chickadees often produced shorter bouts of calls frequently than longer ones, but the pattern did not clearly match Zipf's Law.</p>



<p>Later studies showed mixed results. A 2013 study found no evidence of ZLA in common ravens, while a 2020 study of captive African penguins suggested shorter notes were more common.</p>



<p>More recently, some researchers found no evidence of ZLA in the calls of domesticated Java sparrows, while others reported evidence in wild house finches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-question-of-language">The bigger question of language</h2>



<p>The challenges lead to the bigger question. Do birds really follow ZLA, or should we even expect them to? In humans, it is one of the most consistent patterns in language.</p>



<p>The idea of ZLA comes from the Law of Least Effort, which suggests that people naturally choose the path of least resistance to achieve a goal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Interestingly, ZLA is not only applicable to spoken words but also to written symbols and texts. However, when it comes to animals - including primates, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-and-whales-got-new-backbones-for-life-in-the-water/">cetaceans</a>, bats, and even hyraxes - the evidence is unclear. Very few studies have tested whether ZLA holds true for birds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-talk-can-t-be-simplified">Bird talk can’t be simplified</h2>



<p>For humans, shortening words rarely changes their meaning - “television” and “TV” both convey the same idea. But in birdsong, the exact sound of a note can carry crucial information. </p>



<p>In some species, females interpret particular notes as signals of male quality, and because these notes may be difficult to produce, even slight alterations could distort the message and affect mate choice. This sensitivity might explain why the linguistic principle of Zipf’s Law of Abbreviation (ZLA) is not consistently observed in birdsong. </p>



<p>While the study found some hints of the pattern in certain species and populations, others showed no evidence at all, suggesting that if ZLA exists in birdsong, it is far less consistent than in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-generated-birdsongs-may-shed-new-light-on-human-language/">human language</a>. </p>



<p>Future research with larger datasets and broader sampling will be essential to determine whether this linguistic rule truly applies to birds when they communicate.</p>



<p>The full study was published in<em> </em>the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1013228" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>PLOS Computational Biology</em></a>.</p>



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Birds may follow a hidden pattern of human language

Birds may seem to be singing randomly, but new research...

<p>Astronomers recorded a star merging with a black hole as it burst into a supernova. Thanks to AI-assisted technology, it was possible to study this extraordinary event as it unfolded.</p>



<p>In July 2023, the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) flagged an unusual cosmic flash while scanning the skies for anomalies. The explosion is now known as SN 2023zkd.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Further observations of its characteristics confirmed that this was no ordinary supernova.</p>



<p>The discovery was made by a collaborative group conducting a survey known as the Young Supernova Experiment (YSE). The team consists of scientists from the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard &amp; Smithsonian and <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rarity-in-supernova-history">A rarity in supernova history</h2>



<p>The supernova SN 2023zkd was likely the result of a heavyweight star locked in a tight orbit with a lurking black hole companion.</p>



<p>Over time, the black hole’s gravity pulled out material, like gas and dust, from the star. This reduced the star’s angular momentum, bringing the star ever closer to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/free-floating-black-hole-appears-to-be-feeding-on-a-star/">black hole</a>.</p>



<p>In close proximity to the black hole, the star was subjected to extreme gravitational stress. Over time, it partially merged with its companion in what astronomers call an instability-induced merger - a process that can prematurely trigger a star’s explosion.</p>



<p>Study lead author Alexander Gagliano is a researcher at the NSF Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions.</p>



<p>"This discovery shows how important it is to study how massive stars interact with companions as they approach the end of their lives," Gagliano said in a <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/news/ai-helps-astronomers-discover-new-type-supernova" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">news release</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-detected-star-black-hole-merger">AI-detected star-black hole merger</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/">AI tools</a> are trained on thousands of light curves - graphs that show how a star’s brightness changes over time - to detect subtle signs of an outburst. One of these tools is the Lightcurve Anomaly Identification and Similarity Search (LAISS).</p>



<p>As the scientists were tracking SN 2023zkd’s decline, LAISS detected unusual color changes. Surprisingly, it eventually displayed two additional peaks of brightness following its detection. </p>



<p>The first peak came when the explosion’s shockwave hit the thin gas the star had shed earlier. The second, delayed peak arose as the ejecta slammed into a denser, disk-shaped cloud of material around the equator of the star.</p>



<p>“Our machine learning system flagged SN 2023zkd months before its most unusual behavior, which gave us ample time to secure the critical observations needed to unravel this extraordinary explosion,” said Gagliano.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-star-or-a-binary-supernova">Single star or a binary supernova?</h2>



<p>At first, astronomers considered single-star explanations because some characteristics were a match. The first possible explanation was a luminous blue variable (<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5620488/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LBV</a>), which is a massive, unstable star known for dramatic outbursts. </p>



<p>SN 2023zkd exhibited multi-year brightening that resembled LBV behavior. But it was far too bright. Its steady, persistent brightness is not compatible with the short bursts typical of LBVs.</p>



<p>Similar to the LBV theory, other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-binary-star-system-d9-found-near-supermassive-black-hole-sagittarius-a-milky-way/">single-star</a> theories also crumbled under the weight of the evidence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The binary merger theory - the idea that the star collided with a black hole - explained the presence of the equatorial disk of debris, as well as the persistent brightness. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opening-the-secrets-of-the-universe">Opening the secrets of the universe</h2>



<p>SN 2023zkd offers a preview of what’s to come as large observatories and AI work together. This study relied on data from telescopes located in various parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Japan.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We think this might be part of a whole class of hidden explosions that AI will help us discover,” said V. Ashley Villar, an assistant professor of astronomy at Harvard University.</p>



<p>Future campaigns will track AI alerts using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ground-based-telescopes-detect-light-from-the-cosmic-dawn/">telescopes</a> across the spectrum. Astronomers will map stellar gas in optical, infrared, X-ray, and radio wavelengths to piece together the chain of events that cause a star to explode.</p>



<p>"We're now entering an era where we can automatically catch these rare events as they happen, not just after the fact," noted Gagliano. "That means we can finally start connecting the dots between how a star lives and how it dies, and that's incredibly exciting."</p>



<p>The study was published in the August issue of <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/adea38" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Astrophysical Journal</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: Melissa Weiss/CfA</p>



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Can black holes detonate stars? Rare supernova holds the clues

Astronomers recorded a star merging with a black hole as...

<p>McDermitt Caldera in Oregon is attracting attention for what could be one of the largest lithium deposits ever identified in the United States. Many view it as a potential boost for domestic battery production, while local communities voice concern over the impact on wildlife and cultural sites.</p>



<p>The excitement stems from <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01273-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimates</a> that value the deposit at about $1.5 trillion. Some geologists say these ancient volcanic sediments could contain between 20 and 40 million metric tons of lithium.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lithium-deposit-exposes-priorities">Lithium deposit exposes priorities</h2>



<p>“This feature is 16 million years old, and we’re making decisions in a matter of years,” said <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sammy-Castonguay" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sammy Castonguay</a>, a geologist at Treasure Valley Community College. </p>



<p>Castonguay’s statement has stirred local debate over how the development might reshape the high desert.</p>



<p>Industry advocates see a path to addressing the ballooning need for electric vehicle batteries. </p>



<p>Neighbors around the caldera and the <a href="https://mcdermittlithium.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McDermitt deposit</a> worry that large-scale extraction could damage an ecosystem that supports pronghorn antelope, sage-grouse, and other sensitive species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-environmental-dilemma">The environmental dilemma</h2>



<p>A <a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/public_projects/2025844/200559254/20083724/250089906/HiTechPlanOfOperations_Presentation.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proposal</a> from HiTech Minerals Inc. seeks to add roads and hundreds of wells to test for lithium in Malheur County. </p>



<p>The Bureau of Land Management (<a href="https://www.blm.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BLM</a>) once offered a brief window for public comment, which drew criticism from groups who say that’s not enough time to evaluate lasting changes.</p>



<p>The Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club indicates they support cleaner energy but believe drilling must not come at the expense of fragile habitats.</p>



<p>Some see parallels to disputes in Nevada, where communities have fought lithium ventures they say <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invention-turns-toxic-e-waste-into-22-carat-gold-nuggets-instead-of-trash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threaten water sources</a>. </p>



<p>Malheur County is among Oregon’s poorest areas, and certain residents hope new jobs might brighten its economic outlook.<br><br>“We need to do this the Oregon way - with full accountability and shared benefits,” said <a href="https://repgregsmith.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greg Smith</a>, director of economic development in Malheur County.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-lithium-deposits-are-so-valuable">Why lithium deposits are so valuable</h2>



<p>Cleaner transportation and renewable energy storage have skyrocketed demand for lithium. Its light weight and excellent electrochemical properties make it key in modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electric-car-batteries-may-soon-be-made-of-rock/">battery</a> production. </p>



<p>Global interest in ramping up supply has fueled both exploration and debate. Many want a homegrown source to cut reliance on overseas materials, but critics stress that extracting metals can have lasting ecological implications.</p>



<p>Mining typically means large excavations, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/promethium-rare-earth-element-elusive-properties-finally-decoded-after-80-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical processing</a>, and water usage. Press releases and early studies mention concerns about dust, vehicle exhaust, and possible leakage of industrial byproducts.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, some economists argue that lithium’s high market price presents an opportunity to jump-start local development. Balancing those perspectives can be tough for rural communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-volcanic-origins">Unique volcanic origins</h2>



<p>Past eruptions formed the caldera and left mineral-rich clays across a wide basin. The environment eventually became a semi-arid habitat that’s important for migrating wildlife. </p>



<p>One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0360544278900312" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found high levels of lithium in these sediments, suggesting an unusually concentrated resource. Analysts say that if extraction methods prove efficient, the U.S. could rank among the top global suppliers of this metal.</p>



<p>The caldera lies near the Oregon-Nevada border. Projects on both sides have followed a similar pattern: geological surveys, land modification, and pilot drilling. </p>



<p>Some scientists emphasize that claystone deposits differ from salt brine operations found in South America. </p>



<p>Processing claystone may require more complex techniques, including acid leaching, which can raise questions about waste disposal and water safety.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-for-wildlife-and-culture">Concerns for wildlife and culture</h2>



<p>Habitat for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunting-regulations-have-helped-safeguard-the-sage-grouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sage-grouse</a> is already shrinking, and many local groups fear the consequences of losing more desert terrain.</p>



<p>The region also holds deep cultural value for several Indigenous tribes. </p>



<p>Tribal leaders in nearby areas have contested past proposals by pointing to sites sacred for ceremonies and important for traditional ways of life. As the push for lithium grows, local voices want to remain central in discussions about land use.</p>



<p>Opponents argue that insufficient environmental reviews could harm unique species such as <a href="https://westernnativetrout.org/what-are-western-native-trout-and-char/lahontan-cutthroat-trout/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lahontan cutthroat trout</a>. </p>



<p>Past drilling in high desert regions showed that groundwater tables can be affected by large-scale operations. Proponents, though, say modern techniques and strong oversight may mitigate many risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-signals-on-lithium-s-future">Mixed signals on lithium’s future</h2>



<p>Experts note that the caldera deposit could give the U.S. a competitive advantage in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-electric-car-battery-charges-in-just-4-5-minutes/">battery</a> supply. At the same time, non-governmental organizations believe short-term profit shouldn’t overshadow the ecological and historical wealth found in Oregon’s high desert. </p>



<p>Mining companies emphasize their intent to follow federal standards and incorporate feedback from local communities. Yet friction persists over whether that outreach is genuine.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/oregon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sierra Club Oregon</a> suggests it’s possible to develop lithium alternatives or find better ways to source the metal. Advocates of the project maintain that these clays represent a crucial resource in an era when every major carmaker is transitioning to electric models.</p>



<p>Disagreements arise from how fast these projects roll out, and whether rural populations have a real say in shaping them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-this-lithium-deposit">What's next for this lithium deposit?</h2>



<p>Local debates often center on water needs for drilling and processing. Some scientists point out that advanced recycling and new battery chemistries might alleviate the environmental strain. </p>



<p>Others say U.S. projects reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, which could lower geopolitical risks. </p>



<p>The trade-off is that most lithium deposits, wherever they are, carry <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/huge-lithium-deposit-from-volanic-ash-found-in-pennsylvania/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">certain environmental implications</a>. A few watchers say this moment holds a chance to reevaluate how to conduct resource extraction.</p>



<p>As these Oregon proposals move ahead, investors are confident that demand for lithium won’t dip anytime soon, but local communities want to ensure they aren’t left with the mess once the initial excitement fades.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/10/1/68" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Minerals</em></a>.</p>



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Lithium deposit valued at $1.5 trillion has been discovered in the U.S.

McDermitt Caldera in Oregon is attracting attention for what could...

<p>Most people think of fat as what they can see in the mirror. Yet hidden fat stored deep inside the body tells a different story. Scientists are uncovering its surprising role in how quickly our hearts age, and the findings reveal a complex picture of health that extends beyond weight alone.</p>



<p>Aging is the strongest risk factor for heart disease. However scientists have long puzzled over why some people’s hearts age faster than others. </p>



<p>New research highlights visceral fat, the fat wrapped around organs, as a key player. Unlike fat under the skin, this invisible type can accelerate wear and tear on the heart and blood vessels.</p>



<p>Scientists from the Medical Research Council (<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/mrc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MRC</a>) Laboratory of Medical Sciences in London analyzed data from over 21,000 participants in the UK Biobank. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organ-fat-ages-hearts">Organ fat ages hearts</h2>



<p>Using whole-body imaging and artificial intelligence, researchers compared organ scans to track how fat distribution related to heart aging. Each participant was assigned a “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-that-determines-your-heart-age-as-compared-to-your-actual-age/">heart age</a>” to show how their cardiovascular system compared with their actual age.</p>



<p>The findings were clear. People with more visceral adipose tissue showed signs of faster heart aging. This fat surrounds organs like the stomach, intestines, and liver, often hidden even in people who look slim.</p>



<p>Blood tests also revealed a link with higher inflammation, which is closely tied to premature aging. The study also showed that infiltration of fat into muscle tissue and excess liver fat added to the risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apple-vs-pear-risk">Apple vs. pear risk</h2>



<p>The research also found that sex and body shape play a role. Men with belly fat, often described as an “apple” shape, showed stronger signs of early heart aging. Women, however, displayed a different pattern.</p>



<p>A “pear” shape, with fat on the hips and thighs, seemed protective against heart aging. Genetic analysis also suggested that gluteofemoral fat in women may causally reduce cardiovascular aging. Higher estrogen levels in premenopausal women added further protection, reinforcing the role of hormones.</p>



<p>“We have known about the apple and pear distinction in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-term-exercise-can-make-belly-fat-healthy/">body fat</a>, but it hasn't been clear how it leads to poor health outcomes," said Professor Declan O’Regan, who led the study. "Our research shows that "bad" fat, hidden deep around the organs, accelerates aging of the heart."</p>



<p>"Some types of fat could protect against aging - specifically fat around the hips and thighs in women."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bmi-misses-hidden-heart-risks">BMI misses hidden heart risks</h2>



<p>One striking finding was that body mass index (BMI) is not a reliable measure of heart aging. People in the same BMI category often had very different fat distributions. </p>



<p>For example, some higher-weight individuals carried fat in safer areas, while others had high levels of visceral fat despite appearing healthy. </p>



<p>This weak link between BMI and biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-that-determines-your-heart-age-as-compared-to-your-actual-age/">aging</a> stresses the importance of advanced imaging or improved surrogate tools to identify hidden risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-therapies-for-heart-aging">Therapies for heart aging</h2>



<p>The study suggests a new way to think about heart health. Being fit and active helps, but visceral fat still poses hidden risks. </p>



<p>“The goal of our research is to find ways to increase healthy lifespan,” said O’Regan. “While being active is important, we found that hidden fat could still be harmful even in fit people.”</p>



<p>“In the future, we plan to investigate how drug therapies, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drug-ozempic-may-help-protect-the-brain-from-stroke/">GLP-1 inhibitors</a> (e.g., Ozempic), could improve not just diabetes and obesity but also target the aging effects of hidden visceral fat.”</p>



<p>The uploaded study also highlighted how hormones shape fat distribution. Estradiol in premenopausal women was linked to slower cardiovascular aging. </p>



<p>Scientists propose that this hormone may drive fat storage to the hips and thighs, offering protective benefits. These findings support the idea that hormone replacement therapies could play a role in managing cardiovascular aging in women.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hormones-and-health">Hormones and health</h2>



<p>The British Heart Foundation, which supported the study alongside the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, emphasized the findings.</p>



<p>“We already know excess visceral fat around the heart and liver can lead to increased blood pressure and high cholesterol,” said Professor Bryan Williams, OBE. “It is concerning that it could also help speed up aging of the heart and blood vessels.”</p>



<p>“As the pattern of fat distribution typically seen in women’s bodies is linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-health-after-menopause-what-every-woman-should-know/">estrogen</a>, that hormone may be key to future therapies developed to tackle heart aging. Eating a healthier diet and becoming more active can help reduce visceral fat levels.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-lessons-on-heart-and-age">Key lessons on heart and age</h2>



<p>This research highlights that not all fat is equal. While some fat types can help protect the heart, hidden visceral fat acts like a silent threat. </p>



<p>By mapping its role in aging, scientists hope to open new pathways for treatment and prevention. For now, understanding where fat is stored may be just as important as knowing how much there is.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf553/8237967" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Heart Journal</a>.</em></p>



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Hidden fat inside the body is secretly aging your heart

Most people think of fat as what they can see...

<p>Bowhead whales can live more than 200 years. Tiny shrews barely make it a year. Some sea sponge species are over 15,000 years old. That gap raises a straightforward question: what’s different at the biological level? </p>



<p>Instead of hunting for a single “longevity gene,” researchers looked for patterns across sets of related genes that might scale up in species with long lives.</p>



<p>Biologists call these sets “<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1762380/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene families</a>.” Over evolutionary time, genes sometimes duplicate. Extra copies can shift how strongly a function shows up in the body - a higher “dose” - or create room for small tweaks that help cells respond more flexibly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-lifespan-potential">Studying lifespan potential</h2>



<p>Dr. Benjamin Padilla-Morales, from the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/research-centres/milner-centre-for-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milner Center for Evolution</a> and the University of Bath's Department of Life Sciences, was the first author. </p>



<p>The study compared 46 mammalian species with high-quality, well-curated genomes. </p>



<p>For each species, the team used maximum lifespan potential (MLSP), defined as the longest confirmed age any individual of that species has reached, and matched it to the sizes of thousands of gene families. </p>



<p>They also accounted for traits that often track with lifespan, including body size, brain size relative to body size, how <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10634735/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long pregnancy lasts</a>, and when animals first reproduce.</p>



<p>This design allowed them to ask a clear question: across mammals, do certain families get larger in species that live longer, and if so, which ones?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-system-and-lifespan-potential">Immune system and lifespan potential</h2>



<p>The strongest signal centered on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-immune-systems-have-a-fountain-of-youth-and-scientists-are-trying-to-activate-it/">immune system</a>. The gene families that tended to be larger in long-lived mammals were involved in immune surveillance and clearance.</p>



<p>These functions help detect threats and clear cellular debris that accumulates with age.</p>



<p>The immune system does more than fight infections. It also removes damaged or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/system-that-identifies-and-kills-dying-cells-before-they-harm-you-has-huge-anti-aging-potential/">“senescent” cells</a> that stop dividing and release stress signals, and it helps identify early cancer cells before they grow out of control.</p>



<p>As an animal ages, those jobs matter more. Expanding the families that handle them can help tissues maintain stability over many decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-size-link-plays-a-role">Brain size link plays a role</h2>



<p>Across mammals, species with bigger brains for their body size often live longer. In this study, many of the same gene families that grow with lifespan also grow with relative brain size. </p>



<p>A large brain uses substantial energy and oxygen and produces more metabolic byproducts. Extra immune and housekeeping capacity supports this load and helps keep neural tissue stable.</p>



<p>The link implies a shared genetic background: immune-related expansions may support both long life and the demands of a large, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fueling-the-mind-new-map-reveals-where-the-brain-gets-its-energy/">energy-hungry brain</a>.</p>



<p>Padilla-Morales explained that scientists have long known relative brain size is linked to longevity. He said the two traits share an evolutionary path, with larger brains offering potential behavioral advantages.</p>



<p>He also noted that bigger-brained species don’t just live longer because of ecological factors. Their genomes show parallel expansions in genes tied to survival and maintenance. </p>



<p>“This shows that brain size and immune resilience seem to have walked hand-in-hand in the evolutionary journey toward longer lives,” Padilla-Morales explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifespan-potential-what-doesn-t-matter">Lifespan potential - what doesn't matter</h2>



<p>Body mass itself - big versus small - did not account for the gene-family trends once other factors were included. </p>



<p>Life-history timings such as gestation length and age at first reproduction didn’t drive the expansions either. </p>



<p>Those traits do correlate with lifespan in general, but they weren’t behind which gene families got larger in this analysis.</p>



<p>The team checked a basic concern: maybe long-lived species just carry more genes overall. They do not. The pattern wasn’t a blanket “more genes everywhere.” It was specific to certain families tied to maintenance and defense.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/animals_lifespan_chart-infographic_maximum-lifespan-potential_MLSP_Scientific-Reports_1m.webp"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/animals_lifespan_chart-infographic_maximum-lifespan-potential_MLSP_1s.webp" alt="Phylogenetic distribution of life history and morphological traits (maximum lifespan potential, relative brain size, body mass, gestation time and age at sexual maturity) in mammals. A phylogenetic tree for 46 mammal species with fully sequenced genomes is shown. Bars show the relative value of each variable, including log10 values of maximum lifespan potential (MLSP, green), relative brain size (orange), body mass (purple), gestation time (pink), and age at sexual maturity (blue). See Supplementary Table 1 for raw data and silhouette species names. Credit: Scientific Reports" class="wp-image-1983103"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Phylogenetic distribution of life history and morphological traits (maximum lifespan potential, relative brain size, body mass, gestation time and age at sexual maturity) in mammals. A phylogenetic tree for 46 mammal species with fully sequenced genomes is shown. Bars show the relative value of each variable, including log10 values of maximum lifespan potential (MLSP, green), relative brain size (orange), body mass (purple), gestation time (pink), and age at sexual maturity (blue). See Supplementary Table 1 for raw data and silhouette species names. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Scientific Reports</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-longevity-genes">Humans and longevity genes</h2>



<p>The researchers looked at how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-transfer-longevity-gene-hoping-to-extend-human-lifespan/">longevity-linked genes</a> behave in people. Human versions tend to be more active and produce more transcript variants - different “edits” of the same gene that yield slightly different proteins.</p>



<p>That diversity gives cells more ways to fine-tune responses, which fits the idea of a vigilant, flexible maintenance system.</p>



<p>The team compared their gene lists with earlier aging databases. The overlap wasn’t perfect, which is common, but the functions aligned. </p>



<p>Prior work points to DNA damage responses, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/">inflammation control</a>, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). The expanded families in this study cluster within the same biological pathways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximum-lifespan-potential-limitations">Maximum lifespan potential limitations</h2>



<p>This is not “the cure for aging.” The results show correlations, not causes. Evolution is complicated, and a gene family can expand for one reason and later take on another role. </p>



<p>Maximum lifespan potential is a record-holder measure, not an average, and records can reflect limited data or unusual individuals.</p>



<p>Even with those limits, the same immune-related signal shows up across dozens of species, and that deserves attention. It shifts the focus from a single switch to scaled-up maintenance.</p>



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



<p>Overall, the findings point to systems-level resilience. Long-lived mammals don’t rely on a magic change in metabolism. </p>



<p>They tend to carry more copies of genes that help detect problems early, remove damaged cells, and keep tissues - especially the brain - stable for many years.</p>



<p>For anyone thinking about healthy aging, this suggests a practical target. Immune surveillance and cellular housekeeping may be as important as tweaking metabolism or chasing one-off genetic fixes. </p>



<p>It’s a reminder that evolution didn’t grant immortality. It boosted the systems that prevent small problems from turning into big ones, and it did so in ways we can measure - across 46 species, using maximum lifespan potential, and with clear links to brain size and immune function.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-98786-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.</em></p>



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Why do some animals live just days while others live thousands of years? Scientists think they know

Bowhead whales can live more than 200 years. Tiny shrews...

<p>For centuries, wolves and humans have lived in a kind of uneasy balance. Wolves roam, and ranchers try to keep their livestock safe. But over the last few decades, that balance has gotten shakier. </p>



<p>As wolf populations rebound across parts of the U.S., the question keeps coming up: should hunting wolves be part of the solution?</p>



<p>A new study puts some numbers behind the heated debate. The research team found that while wolf hunting has some effect on livestock losses, the results are spotty at best. In fact, killing wolves barely moves the needle when it comes to protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cattle-farming-expansion-could-expose-more-than-a-billion-cows-to-heat-stress/">cattle</a> or sheep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-modern-return-of-the-wolves">A modern return of the wolves</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gray-wolves-are-a-crucial-component-of-the-american-west/">Gray wolves</a> were once nearly wiped out in the lower 48 states. But thanks to the Endangered Species Act and major reintroduction efforts in the 1990s, especially in the Northern Rockies, wolves have made a comeback. </p>



<p>Some states, like Idaho and Montana, now have healthy-enough populations that wolf hunting is legal under state laws.</p>



<p>But this comeback has also led to more wolf-livestock run-ins. When a rancher wakes up to find a dead calf or dozens of sheep gone overnight, it’s a serious blow. This is why many ranchers push for hunting as a way to control wolf numbers.</p>



<p>What this study shows, though, is that hunting doesn’t really do what people hope it does - at least not very well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-wolves-doesn-t-help-livestock">Hunting wolves doesn't help livestock</h2>



<p>On average, for every wolf hunted, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/livestock-grazing-is-changing-soil-plants-and-insect-populations/">livestock</a> loss drops by two percent. That might sound like progress, but it’s a pretty weak effect. In real numbers, that works out to protecting less than one-tenth of one animal - just 0.07 livestock - for each wolf killed.</p>



<p>And in counties where wolves live, ranchers typically lose 3 to 4 animals per year to predation. So that bump is not exactly a game-changer.</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunting-can-help-stabilize-wildlife-populations/">Hunting</a>, on the whole, is not removing negative impacts associated with wolves. It does have some effect on rates of livestock loss, but the effect is not particularly consistent, widespread or strong,” the authors note.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-wolves-and-livestock">Tracking wolves and livestock</h2>



<p>This research was led by a team at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>, supported by various institutions. They pulled data from four states between 2005 and 2021 - Idaho and Montana (where hunting is legal) and Oregon and Washington (where it’s mostly not).</p>



<p>The researchers compared counties with and without hunting and looked at changes before and after hunting became legal. </p>



<p>They also analyzed whether hunting influenced “lethal removals” - government-led efforts to take out wolves after serious attacks. The data showed no reduction in lethal removals due to hunting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ranchers-face-losses">Ranchers face losses</h2>



<p>Even though the average livestock loss is just a few animals a year, that number can jump dramatically. One Idaho rancher reportedly lost 65 sheep in a single night. That’s devastating - not just financially, but emotionally.</p>



<p>“The cost can be really high to an individual rancher, even over very short time periods,” said lead author&nbsp;Leandra Merz, assistant professor at San Diego State University. “We don’t want to minimize that.”</p>



<p>“We're not necessarily saying that we shouldn't be hunting and I want to be clear about that, because there are other motivations for hunting. But if the goal is to reduce livestock predation and we're using hunting for that, it's not as effective as we would like.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else-can-be-done">What else can be done?</h2>



<p>Some nonlethal tools are showing promise. Things like “fladry” - wavy flags on fences that can be electrified - can keep wolves out. So can drones, increased human activity, and even unusual sounds. These ideas might sound strange, but they’ve worked in field tests.</p>



<p>However, nonlethal methods cost money, and those costs often fall on the ranchers. Hunting, by contrast, costs ranchers nothing.</p>



<p>That’s part of the puzzle. “We just need to be a little bit more creative in how we redistribute some of the costs and benefits,” Merz said. “I think outside of managing wildlife, we do that a lot in society.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debate-on-wolf-management">Debate on wolf management</h2>



<p>The wolf issue isn’t just a science problem - it’s a political and emotional one. Lawsuits about wolf protections are constantly being filed and overturned. </p>



<p>In 2020, wolves lost federal protection. In 2022, a court order reversed that. The back-and-forth continues.</p>



<p>“There are timely things happening related to wolf management, both domestically and internationally,” said Professor Neil Carter, the study's senior author. </p>



<p>“Stakeholders involved in wolf management are bringing up the topic of hunting wolves and it's an imminent conversation we'll be having.”</p>



<p>At the center of that conversation is a key takeaway from this study: if we want to stop wolves from killing livestock, we need to question our assumptions. </p>



<p>Hunting might be part of the picture, but it’s far from a fix-all. There are no easy answers - but there is room for smarter, more creative ones.</p>



<p>The research was supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Science Foundation</a>.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adu8945" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a></em></p>



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Hunting wolves to protect livestock: Does it really work?

For centuries, wolves and humans have lived in a kind...

<p>Few animals inspire as much fear as the black mamba, one of Africa’s most notorious snakes. But behind its deadly reputation lies a story that challenges our assumptions - and reveals the snake’s surprising role in science and conservation.</p>



<p>Known as Africa’s fastest and most dangerous snake, its name alone is frightening. But researchers have discovered something surprising: black mambas might be one of our best allies for tracking pollution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scales-reveal-signs-of-pollution">Scales reveal signs of pollution</h2>



<p>Scientists recently found that black mambas carry a hidden record of pollution in their bodies - specifically, in their scales. Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elevated-mercury-levels-discovered-in-dolphins/">mercury</a>, and cadmium build up in their tissues over time.</p>



<p>This happens as the snakes eat prey - such as birds and rodents - that have already absorbed these metals from their environment.</p>



<p>Graham Alexander is a professor and herpetologist at the <a href="https://www.wits.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Witwatersrand</a> in Johannesburg, South Africa. </p>



<p>“Black mambas are common in the Durban area, and individuals often live in the same refuge for years,” said Professor Alexander. “If the body tissue of individuals contain high levels of heavy metals, it is a strong sign that the local environment is under threat.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-green-spaces-protect-snakes">City green spaces protect snakes</h2>



<p>The study was led by environmental chemist Professor Marc Humphries. The team collected scale samples from live snakes relocated from homes, businesses, and factories by local snake expert Nick Evans. </p>



<p>The researchers also used tissue samples from snakes that had died due to road accidents or human conflict. They found a clear connection between land use and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-reveal-mercury-pollution-levels-in-national-parks/">pollution levels</a>.</p>



<p>“We found a clear association between land use and heavy metal exposure in black mambas," said Humphries. </p>



<p>"Snakes living in connected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/surprising-mental-health-benefits-of-living-near-green-spaces/">green spaces</a> around the city generally had significantly lower heavy metal concentrations in their scales compared to those in more industrial and commercial areas.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-test-on-black-mambas">Simple test on black mambas</h2>



<p>Professor Humphries said it's exciting that a quick, harmless scale clipping is all that's needed to test for pollutants. "It’s safe for the snake and could be used in cities across Africa where snakes are already being relocated from homes and businesses.”</p>



<p>The findings suggest that cities with more green space not only help wildlife survive - but also help protect them from pollutants. </p>



<p>With snakes like the black mamba acting as environmental indicators, researchers can better track toxic exposure without hurting animals or disturbing natural ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-mambas-help-ecosystems">Black mambas help ecosystems</h2>



<p>A second study revealed something else: black mambas aren’t just top predators. They shape the ecosystems around them. </p>



<p>These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snakes-use-invisible-colors-to-outsmart-predators/">snakes</a> often return to the same hideouts for years - places like termite mounds, hollow trees, and old buildings. By staying in one area, they create stability in the local food chain.</p>



<p>They also help control <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chicagos-rodents-are-evolving-with-the-city/">rodent</a> populations and even aid in the control of Rock Hyrax numbers. That is significant because rodents and hyraxes can damage crops and spread diseases.</p>



<p>By keeping their populations in check, black mambas contribute to public health and food security - without anyone really noticing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mamba-sightings-on-the-rise">Mamba sightings on the rise</h2>



<p>Over the past few decades, there’s been a steady rise in mamba sightings across Durban. Nick Evans, who works with KwaZulu-Natal Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, receives between 100 and 120 calls each year for black mambas across the eThekwini Municipality.</p>



<p>“Humans often make their properties appealing to mambas by dumping rubbish over their fences, in their gardens, or by having messy sheds or garages that create rat-breeding grounds,” said Evans.</p>



<p>“Durban also has high numbers of feral cats, and mambas feed on their kittens. So there is suitable habitat and an abundance of food.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experts-urge-caution-not-killing">Experts urge caution, not killing</h2>



<p>Despite their reputation, unprovoked bites are extremely rare. Evans estimates only three to five bites happen each year, and most are not fatal. “Almost all patients survive, unless they do not go to hospital. Some of the bites are dry bites, warning bites where no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cobra-venom-just-became-less-deadly-thanks-to-a-common-drug/">venom</a> is injected.”</p>



<p>Experts believe that changing how we see these snakes could help shift public attitudes from fear to understanding.</p>



<p>“People are understandably scared of mambas, as they are one of Africa’s most dangerous snakes, but if we treat them correctly, they can be a valuable tool to assess pollution levels,” said Professor Alexander. </p>



<p>“Snakes in general can play a valuable role as biomarkers for environmental health, and should preferably be left to live in peace in their natural environments.”</p>



<p>Evans urges residents not to take matters into their own hands. “Attempting to kill or capture a black mamba puts you at higher risk of being bitten. Black mambas are animals that just want to be left alone, in which case, they actually pose very little risk to humans.”</p>



<p>He also advises <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-pet-owners-care-more-for-dogs-than-cats/">pet owners</a> to stay alert. “Please keep dogs away from all snakes, especially black mambas, should you see the snake before your dog does.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-overlooked-allies">Nature’s overlooked allies</h2>



<p>This research is part of a growing understanding that snakes - especially big ones like the black mamba - aren’t just part of the environment. They’re essential to it. </p>



<p>Ultimately, snakes serve as powerful ecological indicators. When black mambas carry high levels of heavy metals in their scales, it’s a warning sign that the environments we share with them are under threat.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749125011030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a></em>.</p>



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Black mambas carry a record of pollution in their scales

Few animals inspire as much fear as the black mamba,...

<p>For a long time, the story of evolution has centered on chance - mutations arrive without a plan, and natural selection keeps the winners. That view isn’t wrong, but it’s incomplete.</p>



<p>A recent study shows that parts of evolution look orderly. Not every genetic outcome is a coin toss. Some genes tend to show up together while others stay separate. </p>



<p>Those tendencies add structure to how genomes change over time, making evolution predictable to a certain extent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-the-pangenome">Deciphering the pangenome</h2>



<p>Bacterial species carry two kinds of genes: a core set shared by all members and an accessory set that changes from strain to strain. The full collection is called a pangenome.</p>



<p>Accessory genes matter because bacteria can exchange them through horizontal gene transfer. That process spreads useful traits quickly, including resistance to antibiotics, new ways to use nutrients, and tools to handle stress.</p>



<p>The study was led by Professor James McInerney and Dr. Alan Beavan from the School of Life Sciences at the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a>, and Dr. Maria Rosa Domingo-Sananes from <a href="https://www.ntu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham Trent University</a>.</p>



<p>"The implications of this research are nothing short of revolutionary," enthused Professor McInerney, the lead author of the study. </p>



<p>"By demonstrating that evolution is not as random as we once thought, we've opened the door to an array of possibilities in synthetic biology, medicine, and environmental science."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-ai-to-make-gene-predictions">Using AI to make gene predictions</h2>



<p>The researchers compiled thousands of E. coli genomes and recorded which accessory genes each strain carries. They turned this into a large presence-absence matrix, with rows for strains and columns for genes.</p>



<p>They trained a machine-learning method called a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/random-forest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">random forest</a> to predict whether a gene is present based on the rest of a genome’s accessory gene profile. They trained and tested the model many times to guard against chance splits.</p>



<p>The model succeeded for a substantial portion of the accessory genome. It could reliably predict the presence or absence of many genes based on the broader gene pattern. </p>



<p>Some genes tend to co-occur, likely because they work on connected steps of the same task. Others seldom appear together, often because they overlap in function or interfere with one another.</p>



<p>"We found that some gene families never turned up in a genome when a particular other gene family was already there, and on other occasions, some genes were very much dependent on a different gene family being present," explained Dr. Domingo-Sananes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-interactions-and-evolution">Gene interactions and evolution</h2>



<p>The study does not claim that every gene is predictable. Many accessory genes still look erratic, either because local history matters or because there isn’t yet enough data to capture their rules. </p>



<p>A correct forecast does not imply fate. It points to structure - constraints and tendencies - inside which change still happens.</p>



<p>The patterns held across different parts of the species’ family tree, supporting the idea that selection and gene-gene interactions - not just shared ancestry - shape these outcomes. </p>



<p>"These interactions between genes make aspects of evolution somewhat predictable, and furthermore, we now have a tool that allows us to make those predictions," added Dr. Domingo-Sananes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-genes-and-healthcare">Evolution, genes, and healthcare</h2>



<p>Public health teams track antibiotic resistance genes to stay ahead of infections. If certain accessory genes tend to accompany a resistance gene, tests can scan for that supporting set. </p>



<p>That approach can flag trouble earlier, because partner genes may appear before the main gene becomes common.</p>



<p>In <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/applied-microbiology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applied microbiology</a>, teams build strains that make medicines, recycle waste, or capture pollutants. Knowing which gene combinations tend to work well together - and which combinations tend to clash - saves time and money. </p>



<p>"From this work, we can begin to explore which genes 'support' an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-fueling-antibiotic-resistance-in-our-soils/">antibiotic resistance</a> gene, for example. If we are trying to eliminate antibiotic resistance, we can target not just the focal gene but also its supporting genes," Dr. Beaven concluded.</p>



<p>"This approach can help synthesize new genetic constructs that may lead to new drugs or vaccines. Knowing what we now know has opened the door to many other discoveries."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-read-results">How to read results</h2>



<p>Across many genomes, some genes keep showing up together. That’s co-occurrence, and it usually means the genes work on the same job.</p>



<p>Other pairs almost never share a genome. That’s mutual exclusion. They likely clash or do duplicate work. These patterns leave a fingerprint across the whole pangenome, and a computer model can learn that fingerprint.</p>



<p>Methods matter. Scientists group related genes into families and adjust for how closely strains are related.</p>



<p>They also test distant branches of the E. coli family tree. When the patterns still hold, it points to selection and real gene interactions - not just inheritance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-evolution-and-future-studies">Genes, evolution, and future studies</h2>



<p>Practical tools can build on this framework. Diagnostic panels can add partner genes that often travel with targets of concern. </p>



<p>Surveillance can watch for early warning signs in hospital isolates and wastewater. Engineering teams can map friendly and unfriendly gene pairings before they build strains.</p>



<p>The broader takeaway remains consistent. In bacteria, a significant slice of the accessory genome behaves in patterned ways. </p>



<p>Those patterns reflect how genes interact and how selection keeps useful partnerships while avoiding costly overlaps. Evolution still surprises, but it also leaves tracks that careful analysis can read.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2304934120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Study shows evolution isn't random and can be predicted: 'nothing short of revolutionary'

For a long time, the story of evolution has centered...

<p>Exoplanets used to be fringe objects in astronomy. Now, they are popular subjects for testing ideas about the composition of the universe.</p>



<p>A new study proposes that some gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-theory-suggests-dark-matter-came-from-a-hidden-mirror-worlds/">giants</a> might steadily collect dark matter in their cores until the buildup tips into a collapse that forms a tiny black hole.</p>



<p>Mehrdad Phoroutan-Mehr, a graduate researcher at the University of California, Riverside (<a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCR</a>), led the work with postdoctoral researcher Tara Fetherolf.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planets-help-detect-dark-matter">Planets help detect dark matter</h2>



<p>Astronomers now have thousands of worlds to work with across many ages, sizes, and orbits. NASA’s exoplanet <a href="https://exoplanetarchive.ipac.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archive</a> lists nearly 6,000 confirmed planets as of mid 2025.</p>



<p>Gas giants are especially handy for this kind of test. They have huge volumes and cold interiors compared with stars, which makes any extra energy source easier to notice.</p>



<p>The team modeled how heavy, non-annihilating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dark-matter-come-from-the-answer-may-be-surprisingly-simple/">dark matter</a> would move through a Jupiter-like world. The particles would gradually lose speed, settle into the center, and pile up.</p>



<p>Once that central clump passes a critical mass, gravity wins. The clump collapses into a black hole that either begins to feed on the surrounding gas or evaporates if it is small enough.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-planets-may-form-black-holes">How planets may form black holes</h2>



<p>The researchers focused on the superheavy, non-annihilating case scenario because captured particles never remove themselves by destroying each other. That makes the buildup relentless.</p>



<p>Under those conditions, the core can collapse on observable timescales in some planets. The possibility extends to multiple collapses throughout a single planet’s lifetime if capture continues.</p>



<p>In plain language, if the parameters line up, a Jupiter-mass world could quietly become a Jupiter-mass black hole. The object would keep the planet’s mass but lose the planet’s bulk.</p>



<p>“As the central concentration of dark matter grows in gaseous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-if-it-exists-has-a-strictly-limited-lifetime-new-study-says/">planets</a>, a black hole may form and then accrete the surrounding material. Discovering a black hole with the mass of a planet would be a major breakthrough,” noted Phoroutan-Mehr.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-planet-black-holes">Signs of planet black holes</h2>



<p>A planet that turns into a black hole would still tug its star in the same way, so radial-velocity and astrometric signals would persist. Transit dips, however, could vanish because the body shrinks far below a star-crossing silhouette.</p>



<p>That mismatch creates a check. If we see stellar wobbles that imply a giant planet but repeated photometry no longer shows transits, the system deserves a closer look.</p>



<p>Microlensing adds a different angle. A compact lens and a puffier planet of the same mass bend light nearly the same way in simple events, so single light curves will not easily separate them.</p>



<p>Population statistics can help. If many high-mass “planets” near the galactic center lack transits yet show dynamical signals, that pattern would be hard to blame on chance alone.</p>



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



<p>The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s Galactic Bulge Time-Domain <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/roman-space-telescope/galactic-bulge-time-domain-survey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a> will capture tens of thousands of micro-lensing events in fields rich in dark matter. That is exactly where this model expects stronger capture and faster collapses.</p>



<p>Roman’s microlensing plus precise astrometry can flag planetary-mass compact <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/">objects</a> and map their distribution. If planet-mass black holes cluster where the dark matter density is higher, that would lift this idea above speculation.</p>



<p>There is also a thermal route. Independent work showed that dark matter annihilation could heat exoplanets, raising their infrared glow beyond what cooling alone predicts.</p>



<p>Small black holes could also evaporate by Hawking radiation, dumping high-energy particles into the planet or, if the particles escape, into space. Either outcome offers a potential signal, though today’s instruments lack the sensitivity to chase the faintest cases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limits-of-the-idea">Limits of the idea</h2>



<p>This is not a blanket prediction that all gas giants are doomed. Many parameters must align, from the particle mass to the scattering cross section and the local dark matter density.</p>



<p>The absence of planet-mass black holes would be informative as well. If Jupiter-like worlds remain intact in regions where the model expects collapses, that would carve away at the allowed properties of dark matter.</p>



<p>The researchers also noted that multiple observational methods must be combined. No single transit, lens, or velocity signal will settle the question in isolation.</p>



<p>There are limitations in the physics too. Capture and drift times depend on interior temperature and density profiles, which are still debated for many planets, and even modest changes can shift the thresholds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-matters-for-dark-matter">Why this matters for dark matter</h2>



<p>The research could turn an ordinary planetary survey into a particle-physics experiment. We already collect the data while hunting for new worlds.</p>



<p>A confirmed planet-mass black hole would point straight at a non-annihilating, very heavy particle candidate. That would push the conversation about dark matter beyond the ranges probed by common terrestrial detectors.</p>



<p>Even a null result tightens the net. If transit catalogs remain full and consistent with radial-velocity and astrometric counts, those absences pin down cross sections that would have produced collapses.</p>



<p>The framework invites new cross-checks as the exoplanet census grows. Roman’s catalogs, plus follow-up from ground observatories and future direct-imaging missions, set the stage for a decisive test.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prd/abstract/10.1103/qkwt-kd9q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Physical Review D</em></a>.</p>



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Dark matter may turn planets into black holes

Exoplanets used to be fringe objects in astronomy. Now, they...

<p>Aging is not equal for everyone. Some people stay healthier for longer, while others decline faster. A team from USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has uncovered one reason why: education. </p>



<p>Their study shows that Americans with less schooling are aging more quickly than those with college degrees. And the gap between the two groups has almost doubled in just three decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-age-is-different-from-years">Biological age is different from years</h2>



<p>Counting birthdays only tells us how much time has gone by, but it doesn’t reveal how healthy someone truly is. Biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-puberty-linked-to-higher-long-term-aging-risks/">age</a> fills that gap by looking inside the body. </p>



<p>It measures how organs work, how resilient systems remain, and how much stress or damage has built up over time. Doctors and researchers use indicators like blood pressure, kidney function, cholesterol, inflammation, and other markers to estimate it. </p>



<p>This is why two people who are both 65 can look very different biologically. One may show the profile of a 55-year-old with strong organs and low disease risk, while another may resemble someone 75, with higher vulnerability to illness and disability. </p>



<p>Unlike the number of years that a person has lived, biological age tells us how well or poorly a body is actually <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/womens-egg-cells-shield-dna-from-the-effects-of-aging/">aging</a>.</p>



<p>“Biological age gives us a clearer picture of health than chronological age,” said <a href="https://www.usc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC University</a> Professor Eileen Crimmins, the study’s senior author. “It helps us understand who is likely to stay healthy longer and who may be at higher risk for disease and disability.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-gap-in-aging-grows">Education gap in aging grows</h2>



<p>The researchers studied adults aged 50 to 79 across two time spans: the late 1980s and early 1990s, and then 2015 through 2018. They found improvement in everyone. But the well-educated gained the most ground.</p>



<p>In the early years, the biological age difference between those without a high school diploma and college graduates was about one year. By the recent period, that difference reached nearly two years.</p>



<p>“This means that people with more education have slower biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-experimenting-with-new-approach-to-fight-and-stop-human-aging-necrosis/">aging</a> than everyone else,” said Mateo Farina, assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Austin</a>. “The improvements we see in population health are not being shared equally.”</p>



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



<p>Schooling sets the stage for the rest of life. It affects jobs, income, neighborhoods, and even which doctors people can see. It also ties to behavior. People with more education smoke less and exercise more.</p>



<p>The researchers tested whether smoking, obesity, or medication use could explain the widening gap - but education itself remained the main driver.</p>



<p>“Education shapes opportunities and risks throughout life,” Crimmins explained. “It’s a powerful social determinant of health, and it is leaving a mark on how fast or slow our bodies age.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-education-leads-to-faster-aging">Less education leads to faster aging</h2>



<p>The study warns that those with less schooling will not only die sooner but also spend more years living with disease and disability. That means extra strain on families, communities, and healthcare systems.</p>



<p>“This isn’t just a matter of individual choice; it’s a social issue,” Farina said. “If we want to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-can-slow-aging-right-down-to-your-dna/">health</a> disparities, we need to think about education as a public health investment.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequality-in-aging-will-keep-growing">Inequality in aging will keep growing</h2>



<p>Even though every group studied showed some improvement in biological aging, the rate of progress was not the same. People with college degrees benefited the most, which means the advantages were not shared equally. </p>



<p>Those with less education improved too, but the gains were smaller, leaving them further behind.</p>



<p>At the same time, obesity rates are climbing across all groups. This rise could weaken or even reverse the improvements in aging that researchers observed. </p>



<p>New medical treatments and technologies may help, but if only the more educated or wealthier groups have better access to them, the gap will become even larger.</p>



<p>The research makes one clear point: aging is not only about individual habits or inherited genes. It is also about education and the chances that come with it - or the barriers that limit people. </p>



<p>Without policies or actions that address these differences, the divide in how Americans age will continue to expand, creating an even bigger split between groups based on education.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://read.dukeupress.edu/demography/article/doi/10.1215/00703370-12175545/402044/Increasing-Educational-Inequality-in-Biological" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Demography</em></a>.</p>



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Why education matters for healthy aging and longevity

Aging is not equal for everyone. Some people stay healthier...

<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>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>



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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>



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



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



<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...

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



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



<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>



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<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

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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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