<p>The night sky often dazzles with brief explosions of unimaginable power. Gamma-ray bursts are among the most intense, usually marking the catastrophic end of stars. These bursts vanish within seconds or minutes, leaving astronomers with little more than fleeting traces.</p>



<p>But a recent observation broke every rule. One gamma-ray burst not only lasted far longer than usual but also repeated in a pattern that has never been recorded before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astronomers-stunned-by-burst">Astronomers stunned by burst</h2>



<p>The burst, labeled GRB 250702B, was reported in <em>The Astrophysical Journal Letters</em>. Dr. Antonio Martin-Carrillo and colleagues used the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope to study the phenomenon.</p>



<p>“This event is unlike any other seen in 50 years of GRB observations,” said Dr. Martin-Carrillo of the <a href="http://www.ucd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Dublin</a>. “GRBs are catastrophic events, so they are expected to go off just once because the source that produced them does not survive the dramatic explosion."</p>



<p>"This event baffled us not only because it showed repeated powerful activity but also because it seemed to be periodic, which has never seen before.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-collapse-or-black-hole">Star collapse or black hole?</h2>



<p>Theories about its origin vary. One possibility involves the collapse of a star many times more massive than the Sun. In such a case, some material could have continued feeding the central engine, extending its activity.</p>



<p>Another explanation suggests a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-cosmic-explosion-changes-what-we-know-about-space/">tidal disruption event</a>, where a star is torn apart by a black hole. </p>



<p>For this burst, the data hint that a white dwarf might have been shredded by an intermediate-mass black hole - a long-hypothesized but rarely seen type.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-burst-that-wouldn-t-end">A burst that wouldn’t end</h2>



<p>Most gamma-ray bursts last milliseconds to minutes. This one endured about a day - hundreds of times longer than the norm. </p>



<p>Professor Andrew Levan of <a href="https://www.ru.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Radboud University</a> noted that it was 100 to 1,000 times longer than most GRBs.</p>



<p>The unusual length led astronomers to compare it with ultralong bursts and even with rare tidal disruption events. </p>



<p>However, GRB 250702B showed distinct bursts at intervals that seemed close to integer multiples, hinting at possible periodic behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pinpointing-the-source">Pinpointing the source</h2>



<p>Initial detections came from NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and the <a href="https://english.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>’ Einstein Probe. </p>



<p>Both caught early signals but could not locate the source precisely. The Very Large Telescope provided sharper data, showing the event was located outside of our galaxy.</p>



<p>“The event seemed to have originated from within our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-brightest-gamma-ray-burst-of-all-time/">galaxy</a> due to its proximity to the galactic plane. The VLT fundamentally changed that paradigm,” Professor Levan noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-host-galaxy-revealed">Host galaxy revealed</h2>



<p>The HAWK-I camera on the VLT revealed an extremely red infrared counterpart, suggesting a heavily dust-obscured source. </p>



<p>Follow-up imaging with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/35-years-of-hubble-the-telescope-that-changed-our-view-of-the-universe/">Hubble Space Telescope</a> confirmed the host galaxy’s structure. Observations showed the galaxy had a complex, asymmetric shape, possibly with dust lanes. Such dust could explain the unusually red afterglow.</p>



<p>“What we found was considerably more exciting - the fact that this object is extragalactic means that it is considerably more powerful,” said Dr. Martin-Carrillo.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collision-explains-the-glow">Collision explains the glow</h2>



<p>The afterglow in X-ray, infrared, and radio wavelengths appeared consistent with models in which relativistic jets collide with surrounding material.</p>



<p>Yet the details pointed to an unusually narrow jet angle and significant dust extinction, unlike most known bursts.</p>



<p>Despite these differences, the afterglow fit within the broader family of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-gamma-ray-burst-was-70-times-brighter-than-any-cosmic-explosion/">GRB</a> models, strengthening the case for either a rare stellar collapse or a tidal disruption event involving a black hole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-sparks-new-theories">Mystery sparks new theories</h2>



<p>The researchers outlined four possible scenarios. First, it may have been a relativistic tidal disruption event, most likely a white dwarf consumed by an intermediate-mass black hole.</p>



<p>The second possibility is a nonstandard stellar collapse involving unusual progenitors or environments. Third, the event may have been echoes caused by the scattering of gamma rays through dense dust shells.</p>



<p>A fourth possibility is that the burst came from a very distant, high-redshift source and was brightened by gravitational lensing. Each theory presents challenges, but the first two currently align best with the data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clarifying-the-gamma-ray-burst">Clarifying the gamma-ray burst</h2>



<p>“We are still not sure what produced this or if we can ever really find out but, with this research, we have made a huge step forward towards understanding this extremely unusual and exciting object,” said Dr. Martin-Carrillo.</p>



<p>Future monitoring with instruments like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-detects-signs-of-life-on-exoplanet-k2-18b/">James Webb Space Telescope</a> may offer more clues. Continued X-ray and radio tracking could reveal whether the burst’s jet shuts down like those in tidal disruption events or follows the path of an unusual star’s collapse.</p>



<p>Either way, GRB 250702B has already reshaped what astronomers thought they knew about cosmic explosions.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/adf8e1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA and M. Kornmesser</p>



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Gamma-ray burst explodes in an unusual pattern never seen before

The night sky often dazzles with brief explosions of unimaginable power. Gamma-ray bursts are among the most intense, usually marking the catastrophic end of stars. These bursts vanish within seconds or minutes, leaving astronomers with little more than fleeting traces. But a recent observation broke every rule. One gamma-ray burst not only lasted far longer than usual but also repeated in a pattern that has never been recorded before. Astronomers stunned by burst The burst, labeled GRB 250702B, was reported in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Dr. Antonio...

Creative,Art,Brain,Explodes,With,Paints,With,Splashes,On,A

<p>Have you ever tried tossing a handful of balls in the air and keeping track of each one at once? No matter how hard you focus, at least one will slip from your mind. </p>



<p>Researchers say this challenge reveals the surprising limits of human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-imagination-in-climate-change-adaptation/">imagination</a>, as a recent study shows we can only follow two moving objects at the same time.</p>



<p>The team drew inspiration from a process that enables tracking multiple moving objects simultaneously, known as the Multiple Object Tracking (<a href="https://jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2801105" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MOT</a>) paradigm. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-far-can-human-imagination-go">How far can human imagination go?</h2>



<p>Researchers took the concept of "mental simulation" to design a new study, despite knowing that we do not always engage in simulation. And if we do, there are limitations to it.</p>



<p>They wanted to test whether people could imagine the future path of more than one moving object at a time, or whether we are limited to just one.</p>



<p>Previous studies on mental imagery have already shown that the more objects we add to our "mental screen," the harder it becomes. It will also impair our precision in making judgments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-answers-with-iot">Searching for answers with IOT</h2>



<p>But still, this study does not answer the question: how many such objects can be imagined at once? To answer this, scientists developed an experiment called the Imagined Objects Tracking (IOT) task.</p>



<p>Participants were asked first to watch animated scenes where objects moved across the screen until paused. Then they were told to imagine the movement of these objects and judge the timing of different outcomes.</p>



<p>Interestingly, the researchers focused on timing rather than the location of the objects. </p>



<p>They then compared the performance of the participants with two <a href="https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/computational-modeling" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">computational models</a> that reflect different ideas on how the brain simulates moving objects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-we-imagine-one-or-many">Do we imagine one or many?</h2>



<p>The first was a parallel model, which assumes people can track multiple moving objects at the same time. The second was a serial model, which assumes that people track just one object at a time. </p>



<p>After simulating one, they will switch to the next object. It predicts that when more objects are added, imagination slows down. </p>



<p>Scientists noted the possibility of different subtypes of the serial model. For example, people might imagine the movement of one object for several steps, then switch to another, alternating back and forth.</p>



<p>At first, this seemed more reasonable, but it still did not fit all the data.</p>



<p>Then they thought of an approach that mixes both serial and parallel models, an interleaved model. But its predictions did not match either of the approaches, and were completely different from what the participants did.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-results">Unexpected results</h2>



<p>When scientists tested the participants' actual performance with their models, the result was surprising. Neither the serial, parallel, nor interleaved models provided a thorough explanation of what was happening.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, they found that people could only follow about two moving objects simultaneously in their imagination. This points to the bottleneck in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278262625000752" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental simulation</a>.</p>



<p>"We set out to test the capacity limits of the imagination, and we found that it was one," said co-author Tomer D. Ullman, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>.</p>



<p>Unlike our eyes, which can visually track multiple objects at once, our imagination seems to hit a hard limit. When forced to imagine numerous objects in motion, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/">brain</a> struggles, affecting the accuracy.</p>



<p>So why does our imagination struggle to keep up? Prior research offers some clues.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-tracks-unseen-objects">How the brain tracks unseen objects</h2>



<p>We often make vague calculations to track multiple objects in motion when they are in front of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-space-travel-affect-eye-health/">eyes</a>. But what if the objects are no longer visible?</p>



<p>In that case, we imagine them continuing to move in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/starfish-are-apparently-one-big-head-crawling-on-seafloor-with-no-body-needed/">head</a>. Tracking an object does not simply stop when it crosses out of sight. The real question was, what is the actual limit?</p>



<p>Scientists still debate the mechanism by which the brain tracks unseen objects. Evidence from the MOT paradigm suggests that we do not always imagine the exact <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/trajectory-data" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trajectories</a> or paths of moving objects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, we might rely on heuristics, meaning quick mental shortcuts or assumptions. For example, we might assume that an unseen ball rolling across a table continues in a straight line at a constant speed.</p>



<p>Others propose that some of us use "mental simulation", where we track the path of the moving object step by step in our imagination. This approach has been helpful to explain how people think about the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022460X23004698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a> of moving objects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-impact-of-human-imagination">Real-world impact of human imagination</h2>



<p>The researchers concluded that our ability to simulate moving objects is limited. This suggests that human imagination works best when handling one or two dynamic elements at a time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This has implications for understanding not only visual imagination but also how people plan, predict, and make decisions in dynamic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-2025-plastic-pollution-is-choking-our-planet/">environments</a>.</p>



<p>In other words, human imagination eventually lets some slip, reminding us that even our mental stage has boundaries.</p>



<p>The full study was published in<em> </em>the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61021-8#Ack1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Surprising limits of human imagination revealed by science

Have you ever tried tossing a handful of balls in...

Aerial,View,Of,A,Suburban,Intersection,With,Green,Grass,And

<p>Human land use has removed a quarter of the carbon that would otherwise sit in vegetation and the top 12 inches of soil. That equates to roughly 344 billion metric tons of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-is-just-three-years-away-from-dangerous-carbon-milestone/">carbon</a>.</p>



<p>With pasture expansion, cropland expansion, and forest management determined to be the leading drivers, the analysis shows popular dynamic global vegetation models miss roughly 37 percent of this deficit on average.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590332225002180" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimate</a> comes from a high resolution global map built by combining Earth observations, historical land use records, and machine learning.</p>



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



<p>The work was led by <a href="https://www.geo.lmu.de/geographie/en/people/contact-page/raphael-ganzenmueller-61da7c76.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raphael Ganzenmüller</a> with colleagues at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (<a href="https://www.geo.lmu.de/geographie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LMU</a>). </p>



<p>Vegetation and soils hold carbon that moves between land, ocean, and air, and together they store more carbon than the atmosphere at any time, which shapes temperature and risk.</p>



<p>Scientists track terrestrial carbon <a href="https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/15/5301/2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stocks</a> in living biomass and in soil organic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-burps-from-earths-past-warn-of-ocean-trouble-ahead/">carbon</a> (SOC). </p>



<p>SOC is commonly assessed in the top 0 to 12 inches because that layer responds most to tillage, drainage, and erosion, and is mapped globally by national efforts coordinated through FAO’s <a href="https://www.fao.org/soils-portal/data-hub/soil-maps-and-databases/global-soil-organic-carbon-map-gsocmap/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GSOCmap</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-carbon-losses">Measuring carbon losses</h2>



<p>The researchers estimated a terrestrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-carbon-credits-are-failing-so-what-needs-to-change/">carbon</a> deficit by comparing today’s actual carbon stocks with potential stocks under current climate if land had not been directly altered by people. </p>



<p>That contrast shows how much carbon landscapes have lost through clearing, grazing, cropping, and intensive forest use.</p>



<p>They trained models on areas with very low human influence as well as protected lands, then predicted potential vegetation and SOC at roughly 0.6 mile resolution. </p>



<p>That lets them attribute losses to specific land uses and benchmark the results against widely used simulation models.</p>



<p>“Our study reveals the far-reaching human impact on the global carbon cycle. Our study provides important insights for climate policy,” said <a href="https://www.cas.lmu.de/en/people-at-cas/details/julia-pongratz-ba7ba916.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Julia Pongratz</a>, Professor of Physical Geography and Land Use Systems at LMU.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-deficit-of-carbon-matters">Why the deficit of carbon matters</h2>



<p>The new map quantifies depletion, not annual emissions. It shows how much carbon is missing from land relative to what could be stored if ecosystems were intact under today’s conditions.</p>



<p>That stock gap matters because it sets the ceiling for restoration, informs where protection avoids the largest additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-solutions-are-failing-but-they-can-still-be-fixed/">losses</a>, and clarifies how much headroom exists for land-based carbon removal without harming food or fiber production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-models-missed-so-much">Why models missed so much</h2>



<p>Most process models treat environmental changes and land use in ways that can produce conceptually inconsistent budgets.</p>



<p>Several recent <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39198386/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> show models often allocate too much to the natural land sink while undercounting land-use emissions, especially where degradation has erased sinks. That mismatch propagates into remaining carbon budget estimates and risk assessments.</p>



<p>By anchoring estimates in observation-based carbon densities and using consistent assumptions about potential stocks, the new work reduces those inconsistencies. </p>



<p>It provides a constraint that modelers can use to re-tune land processes and improve verification of land carbon projects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-carbon-disappeared-from-land">Where carbon disappeared from land</h2>



<p>Pasture expansion dominates the global deficit because it replaces woody vegetation and suppresses regrowth. </p>



<p>Croplands follow because conversion reduces biomass and, under many systems, lowers SOC through disturbance and removal of residues.</p>



<p>Modern <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-22702-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reconstructions</a> that blend satellites with national statistics show how fast land use has shifted, with roughly one third of the planet’s land area affected since 1960.</p>



<p>This is driven largely by agricultural expansion in the global South and management transitions elsewhere. The new deficit map lines up with those patterns.</p>



<p>Independent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39338-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> also shows that land conversion for crop production typically causes large SOC losses, and many forest management practices reduce soil carbon, especially where repeated disturbance limits recovery. </p>



<p>That tracks with the study’s finding that vegetation losses dominate but soils contribute a substantial share in several temperate and boreal regions.</p>



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



<p>The deficit highlights two levers with different timelines. Vegetation carbon can rebound in years to decades when pressure eases and trees return. Soil carbon often recovers more slowly and can plateau if management does not change.</p>



<p>For policy, this means protection of high carbon landscapes prevents further drawdown while targeted restoration can rebuild stocks where the potential is high and competing demands are limited. </p>



<p>It also means crediting systems need to separate genuine stock recovery from merely avoiding ongoing losses.</p>



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



<p>The map is a screening tool, not a prescription. It points to regions where restoring vegetation or rebuilding SOC is physically plausible under today’s climate, and where the same actions would yield small gains.</p>



<p>It also helps evaluate land carbon projects more honestly by comparing outcomes against the appropriate potential baseline instead of against degraded starting points. That makes additionality, permanence, and leakage tests more concrete.</p>



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



<p>Potential stocks were trained on low influence and protected areas, which are imperfect analogs for pre-alteration ecosystems in long-settled regions. Some sparsely documented areas still carry higher uncertainty.</p>



<p>Even so, the estimate sets a useful lower bound on what people have already removed from land. It clarifies why relying on models alone can be risky when budgets are tight and timelines short.</p>



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



<p>Expect model intercomparison projects to incorporate these observation-based constraints and report revised land sinks and land-use emissions. </p>



<p>In addition, national inventories need to cross-check their land carbon accounting against high resolution maps that use the same underlying datasets.</p>



<p>Finally, project developers must use these maps to justify where not to intervene as much as where to act.</p>



<p>When done well, the biggest wins will blend conservation, restoration, and smarter management rather than chase a single metric.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590332225002180" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>One Earth</em></a>.</p>



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Human land use has removed billions of tons of carbon sequestration

Human land use has removed a quarter of the carbon...

<p>An international team of researchers is looking for answers behind the mystery of <em>Gigantopithecus blacki</em>, a giant prehistoric primate that once lived in what is now southern China.</p>



<p>The species is known from its teeth and mandibles found in cave sites.</p>



<p>The fossils suggest it was the largest primate ever, with estimates of its size ranging from about 1.8 to 3 meters in height (5.9 to 9.8 feet) and weighing around 250 kilograms (551 pounds).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-search-of-gigantopithecus-blacki">In search of <em>Gigantopithecus blacki</em></h2>



<p><em>Gigantopithecus blacki</em> roamed and ruled the wilderness of southern China during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-kangaroos-changed-their-diets-to-survive-climate-change/">Pleistocene epoch</a>, roughly 2 million to 300,000 years ago.</p>



<p>Its demise is enigmatic considering that it was one of the few Asian great apes to go extinct in the last 2.6 million years, whereas others, including orangutan, survived until the present.</p>



<p>The cause of the disappearance of <em>Gigantopithecus blacki</em> remains unresolved, but new findings could shed light on primate resilience and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracing-the-disappearance-of-north-americas-megafauna/">fate of megafauna</a> in this region.</p>



<p><em>G. blacki</em> - a very distant human ancestor - went extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-species-of-human-ancestors-literally-crossed-paths-1-5-million-years-ago/">before humans arrived</a> in the region. The cause of this extinction has been a burning question among scientists.</p>



<p>The experts report that these primates were unable to adapt their behavior and food preferences to survive shifting environmental conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-enigma-in-paleontology">An enigma in paleontology</h2>



<p>The story of <em>Gigantopithcus blacki</em> is an enigma in paleontology. </p>



<p>"How could such a mighty creature go extinct at a time when other primates were adapting and surviving?" questioned the study's co-lead author Professor Yingqi Zhang, from the Institute of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Palaeoanthropology (<a href="http://english.ivpp.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IVPP</a>).</p>



<p>"The unresolved cause of its disappearance has become the Holy Grail in this discipline. The IVPP has been excavating for <em>G. blacki</em> evidence in this region for over 10 years but without solid dating and a consistent environmental analysis, the cause of its extinction had eluded us," Zhang continued.</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed new evidence from a large-scale project conducted in 22 cave sites spread across the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guangxi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guangxi Province</a> in southern China.</p>



<p>“It’s a major feat to present a defined cause for the extinction of a species," said study co-lead author Professor Kira Westaway, a geochronologist at <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Macquarie University</a>. </p>



<p>"But establishing the exact time when a species disappears from the fossil record gives us a target time frame for an environmental reconstruction and behavior assessment. Without robust dating, you are simply looking for clues in the wrong places," Westaway concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team used multiple techniques to date the collected samples. Researchers at <a href="https://www.scu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Cross University</a> analyzed <em>Gigantopithcus blacki</em> teeth to gain a better understanding of the apes’ behavior. </p>



<p>Experts at Australian National University (<a href="https://www.anu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ANU</a>) and <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> studied the pollen and fossil bearing sediments in the cave where the primates once thrived.</p>



<p>“By direct-dating the fossil remains, we confirmed their age aligns with the luminescence sequence in the sediments where they were found, giving us a comprehensive and reliable chronology for the extinction of <em>G. blacki</em>,” explained study co-author and Southern Cross University Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau.</p>



<p>Based on their detailed analyses, the researchers were able to establish the environmental conditions leading up to when <em>G. blacki</em> went extinct. </p>



<p>They also modeled the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baboons-may-offer-clues-to-early-human-social-evolution/">primate's behavior</a> using trace element and dental microwear textural analysis (DMTA) of the teeth.</p>



<p>"Teeth provide a staggering insight into the behavior of the species indicating stress, diversity of food sources, and repeated behaviors,” said Professor Joannes-Boyau.</p>



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



<p>The experts determined that <em>Gigantopithecus blacki</em> went extinct between 295,000 and 215,000 years ago, which is much earlier than previously thought. </p>



<p>Up until this time, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pierolapithecus-catalaunicus-recreating-face-of-an-ancient-human-ancestor/">ancient primates</a> flourished in a rich and diverse forest.</p>



<p>Fossilized teeth and jawbones reveal that <em>G. blacki</em> had powerful jaws and massive molars. Those features suggest it was a specialized plant-eater, most likely thriving on a diet of bamboo, fruits, and other tough vegetation. </p>



<p>Its size and teeth point to an animal adapted to grinding through fibrous plants rather than hunting or eating meat.</p>



<p>Researchers believe its reliance on forest habitats made it vulnerable as climates shifted and forests receded. </p>



<p>As grasslands spread and bamboo thinned, this giant ape likely struggled to find enough food, especially with competition from other species. </p>



<p>As a result, the giant primates grew reliant on a less nutritious back up food source. </p>



<p>With less energy from their food, the apes would have ultimately became less mobile, had a reduced geographic range for foraging, and faced chronic stress and dwindling numbers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-gigantopithecus-blacki-matters">Why <em>Gigantopithecus blacki</em> matters</h2>



<p><em>G. blacki</em> was the ultimate specialist, compared to the more agile adapters like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-orangutan-day-2025-turning-awareness-into-action/">orangutans</a>, and this ultimately led to its demise.</p>



<p>With the threat of a sixth mass extinction event looming over us, there is an urgent need to understand why species go extinct.</p>



<p>Exploring the reasons for past unresolved extinctions gives us a good starting point to understand primate resilience and the fate of other large animals, in the past and future.</p>



<p>The full study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06900-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a>. </p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Garcia/Joannes-Boyau (Southern Cross University)</em></p>



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Searching for answers behind the extinction of the largest primate that ever lived

An international team of researchers is looking for answers behind...

<p>The body’s cells adapt their shape to seal wounds and other openings. This repair process depends on the curvature of the gap and the arrangement of the cell’s internal structures.</p>



<p>Epithelial cells form protective linings across body surfaces. They shield against physical injury, microbes, and dehydration while also helping absorb nutrients, expel waste, and produce hormones and enzymes.</p>



<p>Recent research highlights how the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) inside these cells reorganizes. When gaps curve outward, the ER takes tubular shapes. When gaps curve inward, the ER flattens into sheet-like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemifusome-newly-discovered-organelle-inside-human-cells-with-immense-potential/">structures</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cell-movement-shapes-wound-healing">Cell movement shapes wound healing</h2>



<p>The study shows that different forces direct these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-first-cells-life-form-on-earth-scientists-think-they-finally-figured-it-out/">changes</a>. The forces are linked to the type of movement cells use.</p>



<p>Convex gaps trigger crawling movements where cells spread broad extensions. Concave gaps instead rely on purse-string contractions, where cells tighten and draw edges together. </p>



<p>This dynamic reshaping of the endoplasmic reticulum ensures epithelial cells adapt effectively to their environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-underlying-wound-closure">Mechanisms underlying wound closure</h2>



<p>The researchers used micro-patterned cell layers and advanced imaging to track ER organization. They found that ER geometry is not static but highly responsive to mechanical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-cells-sense-exercise-a-new-path-to-health-and-energy/">signals</a>. This responsiveness allows cells to coordinate how they close gaps.</p>



<p>“Wound healing is an important response to injury. Our study opens new avenues for exploring the mechanisms underlying epithelial gap closure and their broader implications for health and disease by identifying a new role of the ER in this process,” noted Dr. Simran Rawal from the <a href="https://www.tifr.res.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tata Institute of Fundamental Research</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-cells-repair-and-fight-disease">How cells repair and fight disease</h2>



<p>Mathematical modeling confirmed that mechanical cues alone can explain these ER transitions. The models showed how ER reshaping influences both crawling and purse-string <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loxcode-tech-uses-dna-barcodes-to-track-how-cells-build-different-body-parts/">movements</a>, supporting efficient wound closure.</p>



<p>“The ER's role in cell movement is not just a fascinating scientific discovery but also a potential game-changer for various medical treatments and therapies," said Dr. Pradeep Keshavanarayana.</p>



<p>"Using mathematical models to understand how cells repair themselves may lead to better treatments for wounds, new methods for regenerating damaged tissues, or an improved grasp of how cancer cells spread - leading to new strategies to prevent or slow down metastasis." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-between-organelles-and-healing">Link between organelles and healing</h2>



<p>Professor Fabian Spill from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> noted that the project is a great example of a fruitful interdisciplinary collaboration. </p>



<p>"We previously studied endothelial monolayers, which are the cells that line blood vessels, and investigated how mechanical and geometrical features regulate gaps in the monolayer that can cause leakiness,” said Spill. </p>



<p>The experiments showed a novel, unexpected link between organelle and cell shape and monolayer behavior, he added. </p>



<p>"The combination of these beautiful experiments by Simran and collaborators with the mathematical model developed by Pradeep led to the identification of a new, organelle-mediated mechanism of sensing mechanics and geometry.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cells-convert-mechanical-signals">Cells convert mechanical signals</h2>



<p>The study also highlights mechanotransduction, where cells convert mechanical signals into biochemical responses. The ER acts as a central sensor during this process.</p>



<p>“This study started with the discovery made by Simran, who observed the ER's central role in mechanotransduction - the process by which cells convert mechanical stimuli from their environment into biochemical signals,” said study co-author Professor Tamal Das.</p>



<p>He pointed out that mechanotransduction is fundamental to several physiological functions, including touch, hearing, and balance, and has been studied in the context of collective cell migration.</p>



<p>"Our collaboration shaped the theoretical framework and deepened our understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Together, our experiments and modeling reveal a novel role for the ER in this process," said Professor Das.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-future-therapies">Improving future therapies</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, these findings expand our understanding of how organelles guide collective cell movement. </p>



<p>Since epithelial migration is central to wound healing, cancer invasion, and tissue regeneration, this research could influence future therapies.</p>



<p>The ER’s ability to reorganize in response to forces makes it a vital player in maintaining tissue integrity and ensuring proper cellular function. </p>



<p>The combined use of experimental observations and mathematical models demonstrates how cellular architecture is deeply connected to health, disease, wound repair, and overall body stability - highlighting its critical role in both healing and long-term survival.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41556-025-01729-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Cell Biology</a>.</em></p>



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How cells change shape to heal wounds

The body’s cells adapt their shape to seal wounds and...

<p>When puberty or childbirth happens early, it can affect health for life. Buck Institute researchers found that girls who start menstruating before age 11 or women who give birth before 21 face higher risks. Their chances of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, or heart failure nearly double. </p>



<p>The risk of serious metabolic problems can even quadruple. On the other hand, women who experience puberty or childbirth later often live longer and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-risks-rise-with-heat-and-smoke-exposure/">age</a> more slowly. They also show lower rates of diseases like Alzheimer’s.</p>



<p>Study senior author Dr. Pankaj Kapahi, a professor at the <a href="https://www.buckinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buck Institute</a>, believes this matters for everyday healthcare.</p>



<p>“Even though women are routinely asked about their menstrual and childbirth history when they receive medical care, this information has rarely factored into the care they receive outside of OB/GYN,” said Dr. Kapahi. </p>



<p>"These risk factors, whether positive or negative, clearly have significant influence on a variety of age-related diseases and should be considered in the larger context of overall health.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puberty-and-childbirth-linked-to-aging">Puberty and childbirth linked to aging</h2>



<p>The team studied genetic data from almost 200,000 women in the UK Biobank. They found more than 150 genetic markers linked to reproductive timing. </p>



<p>Many of these markers fall into pathways that control growth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-can-alter-an-unborn-babys-immune-system/">aging</a>. These pathways regulate how the body handles energy, nutrients, and stress.</p>



<p>“Many of these markers are involved in well-known longevity pathways, such as IGF-1, growth hormone, AMPK and mTOR signaling, key regulators of metabolism and aging,” noted Yifan Xiang, MD, the postdoctoral fellow who led the work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-childbirth-speeds-aging">Early childbirth speeds aging</h2>



<p>Evolution cares most about survival and reproduction. That focus comes with tradeoffs. </p>



<p>“Our study provides some of the strongest human evidence for this theory. We show that genetic factors favoring early reproduction come with the significant cost later in life including accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-secrets-of-a-modern-miracle-how-pregnancy-evolved/">aging</a> and disease," noted Dr. Kapahi.  </p>



<p>"It makes sense that the very factors that help enhance survival of the offspring may lead to detrimental consequences for the mother."</p>



<p>This supports the antagonistic pleiotropy theory. Traits that help early in life can become harmful with age. </p>



<p>Another idea, the disposable soma theory, also fits here. It suggests the body uses resources for reproduction at the expense of repair. Over time, that choice speeds up aging.</p>



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



<p>Body Mass Index (BMI) plays a big role in this process. Women with early puberty or childbirth tend to have higher BMI later. That extra weight then drives up the risk for diabetes, heart failure, and even cancer. </p>



<p>"One can envisage that enhancing the ability to absorb nutrients would benefit the offspring but if nutrients are plentiful then it can enhance the risk of obesity and diabetes," said Dr. Kapahi.</p>



<p>This pattern makes sense in the context of history. In times of food scarcity, storing energy meant survival. In today’s world, with food everywhere, the same trait can backfire.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-should-guide-healthcare">Timing should guide healthcare</h2>



<p>The research shows that reproductive timing should matter in medical care. Early puberty or childbirth could serve as a signal for earlier screenings and lifestyle support. </p>



<p>Dr. Kapahi noted that girls in the US are starting menstruation earlier - about three months sooner per decade since the 1970s. No single cause explains this, but obesity may play a part.</p>



<p>Current research methods may also need to adapt. Many experiments use virgin female mice as models, which may not reflect real-world patterns of aging in women who reproduce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-tradeoffs-shape-future-health">Genetic tradeoffs shape future health</h2>



<p>“If evolution has shaped us to prioritize early reproduction at the cost of aging, how can we leverage this knowledge to extend healthspan in modern society?"</p>



<p>"While we cannot change our genetic inheritance, understanding these genetic tradeoffs empowers us to make informed choices about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doctors-warn-that-pregnancy-risks-double-for-women-aged-45-and-up/">health</a>, lifestyle and medical care,” said Dr. Kapahi.</p>



<p>The study also points to genetic pathways that might one day be targeted to improve health for mothers and children alike. What helped us survive in the past may harm us now, but awareness gives us tools to act differently.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://elifesciences.org/articles/102447" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>eLife</em></a>.</p>



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Early puberty linked to higher long-term aging risks

When puberty or childbirth happens early, it can affect health...

<p>A thin film crystal has been discovered that can repeatedly release and reabsorb oxygen at relatively low temperatures while keeping its structure intact. </p>



<p>The study points to practical use in clean energy and electronics, where controlled oxygen movement changes how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-a-time-crystal-using-giant-atoms-long-thought-to-be-impossible/">material</a> handles heat, light, and charge.</p>



<p>The material is a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/perovskite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perovskite</a> derived oxide of strontium, iron, and cobalt, a family whose lattice tolerates missing oxygen atoms known as oxygen vacancies. </p>



<p>Only cobalt changed its valence state during reduction, with the cobalt absorption edge shifting by 1.65 eV and the average valence moving from about 2.91 to 2.00, and the process reversed cleanly during reoxidation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-crystal-breathes-oxygen">How the crystal breathes oxygen</h2>



<p>The study was led by Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen at <a href="https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pusan National University</a> and co-authored by Professor Hiromichi Ohta at <a href="https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hokkaido University</a>. </p>



<p>Their thin films cycled between oxygen poor and oxygen replenished states under forming gas and oxygen without crumbling.</p>



<p>These changes rely on <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9047007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen vacancies</a>, small gaps in the lattice that tune valence, structure, and function across transition metal oxides. </p>



<p>In this system, vacancies prefer sites near cobalt and form under mild conditions, while iron stays largely inert, which helps the lattice resist collapse.</p>



<p>The team used <a href="https://www-ssrl.slac.stanford.edu/mes/xafs/xas_intro.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray absorption spectroscopy</a> to track element specific changes, a technique that probes local electronic states by watching how core electrons absorb X-rays. </p>



<p>The spectra confirmed cobalt reduction and the growth of an oxygen deficient but stable defective perovskite rather than a vacancy ordered phase.</p>



<p>“It is like giving the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-observe-quasicrystal-crystal-pattern-the-shadow-of-crystal-in-4d-confirm-penrose-and-shechtmans-theory/">crystal</a> lungs and it can inhale and exhale oxygen on command,” said Professor Jeen. The films showed synchronized structural and transport changes during each oxygen cycle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-oxygen-control-in-the-film-matters">Why oxygen control in the film matters</h2>



<p>In <a href="https://netl.doe.gov/carbon-management/fuel-cells" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solid oxide fuel cells</a>, oxygen movement through a ceramic electrolyte underpins efficient conversion of fuel to electricity with low on site emissions. </p>



<p>Materials that shift oxygen content at modest temperatures can reduce energy costs and simplify system design.</p>



<p>Engineers are also developing <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9873738/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thermal transistors</a>, three terminal devices where a control input modulates heat flow, and recent prototypes demonstrate gate controlled heat currents with large on off ratios. </p>



<p>Oxygen driven changes in bonding and lattice spacing add another practical handle for thermal switching.</p>



<p>For buildings, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6277218/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrochromic</a> smart windows change their light transmission with a small voltage, improving comfort and trimming cooling loads. </p>



<p>The studied films became more transparent after reduction, so oxygen tuning could support windows that adjust both heat and light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-dark-film-to-clear-film">From dark film to clear film</h2>



<p>Optical measurements showed the bandgap widen from 2.47 eV to 3.04 eV as the film reduced, matching a visible jump in transparency. </p>



<p>That shift tracked the suppressed cobalt oxygen hybridization seen in spectroscopy and returned when oxygen was added back.</p>



<p>Greater transparency came with higher electrical resistance, a tradeoff that appears when oxygen leaves a mixed cobalt iron oxide. </p>



<p>The reversible swing between a clearer, more insulating state and a darker, more conductive state suggests modulators that tune both light and charge.</p>



<p>Importantly, the oxygen cycling preserved the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-quantum-states-found-in-crystal-layers-could-boost-computing/">interface</a> with the substrate and the surface step terrace morphology across multiple runs. </p>



<p>The film thickness even increased slightly upon reduction, matching out of plane lattice expansion, and the new phase held steady during long anneals near 752 ºF.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-the-oxygen-film-different">What makes the oxygen film different</h2>



<p>Prior oxide films toggled between brownmillerite and perovskite at 392 to 572 ºF with fast <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23975056/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">redox switching</a>, but both cations usually participated or the lattice degraded under stress. </p>



<p>Here, cobalt carries the redox load while iron remains stable, creating an oxygen deficient yet robust structure that resists collapse.</p>



<p>Brownmillerite is a perovskite related framework with ordered oxygen vacancy channels that enable fast, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-40746-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anisotropic oxygen transport</a>, and it often acts as a waypoint during oxygen insertion and removal in oxides. </p>



<p>The reduced phase reported here did not show the long range vacancy order of classic brownmillerites, pointing instead to a disordered defective perovskite.</p>



<p>“This finding is striking in two ways: only cobalt ions are reduced, and the process leads to the formation of an entirely new but stable crystal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quartz-clouds-may-bend-light-on-distant-exoplanets-like-ice-crystals-do-on-earth/">structure</a>,” explained Professor Jeen. </p>



<p>That selectivity expands options for multi cation oxides where one element shuttles oxygen while another anchors the lattice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-this-could-go-next">Where this could go next</h2>



<p>The films switched among three distinct states under controlled gases, and redox cycles repeated several times without structural degradation. </p>



<p>There is still a thermal ceiling near 932 ºF where the reduced phase becomes unstable, which sets a practical limit for devices.</p>



<p>Scaling will mean thicker films or bulk materials, stable switching in ambient air, and interfaces that tolerate repeated oxygen exchange. </p>



<p>Those steps will require materials engineering, yet the chemistry is compatible with standard oxide processing.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, oxygen tuned cobaltites could pair with resistive memory or neuromorphic circuits where redox states encode information, a line already established for valence change memristors. </p>



<p>The material here adds a clean, reversible oxygen switch that also modulates optics, which is rare in a single platform.</p>



<p>“This is a major step toward the realization of smart materials that can adjust themselves in real time,” said Professor Ohta. He pointed to clean energy, electronics, and building technologies as likely early adopters.</p>



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



<p><em>Image: Schematic illustration of the oxygen-breathing in the new crystal. The scientists have developed a special type of crystal with oxygen-breathing abilities, which could be used in clean energy technologies and next-generation electronics. Credit: Professor Hyoungjeen Jeen/Pusan National University</em></p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-62612-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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Crystal that 'breathes' oxygen could transform clean energy production

A thin film crystal has been discovered that can repeatedly...

<p>A first dig, a first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/metal-detectors-find-a-2500-year-old-dagger-that-opens-a-new-window-on-history/">find</a>, and a flash of gold. Within 90 minutes of starting an excavation in Northumberland, a 21-year-old archaeology student uncovered a small 9th century gold object during her very first field day.</p>



<p>The piece measures about 1.6 inches long and dates to the early medieval period, which puts it roughly 1,100 years old.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dig-and-the-team">The dig and the team</h2>



<p>The find came to light near Dere Street, a Roman road that once linked northern England to Scotland and remained important long after imperial rule ended. In this stretch of country, even parts of today’s A68 follow that ancient line.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/hca/people/profile/jamesgerrard.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor James Gerrard</a> of Newcastle University (<a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NCL</a>) led the <a href="https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/latest/2025/08/northumberlandgold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">excavation</a> in Redesdale in July 2025. He worked alongside students and archaeologists from North East Museums.</p>



<p>“I couldn’t believe I’d found something so quickly in my first ever excavation. It was actually quite overwhelming,” said Yara Souza, an Archaeology BA Honours student at Newcastle University.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-turned-up-in-the-trench">What turned up in the trench</h2>



<p>The object is compact, gold, and finished with a decorative finial at one end. Its size, shape, and fine workmanship point to a high-status owner in the period when small personal items spoke loudly about rank and role.</p>



<p>It also echoes an earlier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/archaeologists-find-mysterious-bronze-roman-lion-heads-in-israeli-tombs/">find</a> at the same spot. In 2021, a metal detectorist uncovered a similar gold piece that specialists identified as a ball-headed pin, a dress accessory commonly dated to about A.D. 800 to 1000.</p>



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



<p>The location is not a throwaway detail. Dere Street connected powerful centers across the region, tying the borderlands into wider networks of movement, authority, and worship.</p>



<p>Along that route stood <a href="https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/jedburgh-abbey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jedburgh</a>, later home to a major medieval abbey and a longstanding religious hub. <a href="https://www.hexhamabbey.org.uk/brief-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hexham</a> likewise developed around a cathedral community that reaches back to the 7th century and remained a prominent Christian site.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gold-status-and-church-power">Gold, status, and church power</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-high-grade-gold-mine-found-in-an-unexplored-area-of-south-america/">Gold</a> was not a casual material in early medieval Britain. It signaled authority, wealth, and often a connection to church or royal settings where liturgy and status overlapped.</p>



<p>Pins and related dress fittings help archaeologists read that world. The <a href="https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/vasle_ahrc_2008/overview.cfm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portable Antiquities Scheme</a> has cataloged hundreds of Anglo-Saxon pins and classifies their head shapes, including ball-headed forms, to understand how people dressed and displayed rank in daily life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-pieces-one-story">Two pieces, one story</h2>



<p>With two gold objects now recorded from the same place, specialists are weighing whether they belonged together or served related functions. Their near-matching size and style make a shared purpose plausible without forcing a conclusion.</p>



<p>Dere Street’s long life as a thoroughfare adds context. A road that stayed busy for centuries would have carried clerics, nobles, traders, and travelers, the very people most likely to own or carry gold.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ritual-deposit-or-lost-possession">Ritual deposit or lost possession</h2>



<p>“We know that Dere Street continued to be a major thoroughfare long after the Romans. It is possible that this pair of objects may have been deliberately buried,” said Gerrard.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0043824042000192641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scholars</a> note that special deposits of valuables did occur in early medieval societies, though evidence outside cemeteries is often sparse and debated. A careful site analysis will matter here more than any single theory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-that-make-finds-count">Tools that make finds count</h2>



<p>Next steps run through the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a national recording program run by the British Museum that logs and photographs archaeological finds made by the public and professionals. That public database helps researchers compare objects by type, date, and place.</p>



<p>“This project is a great example of how metal detectorists and archaeologists can come together to add to our understanding of the past in Northumberland,” said <a href="https://www.northeastmuseums.org.uk/greatnorthmuseum/meet-the-team-andy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andrew Agate</a>, the Finds Liaison Officer for North East England.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-without-overreach">Looking ahead without overreach</h2>



<p>The paired finds will undergo detailed study, from craft technique to wear traces that show how they were used. Context from soil layers and nearby features will help confirm whether the pieces were buried on purpose or simply lost in transit.</p>



<p>Whatever the verdict, the discovery already does real work. It sharpens the picture of a corridor where faith, power, and travel met, and it anchors a student’s first day in the field to a much older story told in inches of soil and a few grams of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mineral-exploration-project-discovers-20-metric-tons-of-gold-deposits-odisha-india/">gold</a>.</p>



<p>Photo: Portable Antiquities Program/University of Newcastle.</p>



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Student finds 1,100-year-old medieval gold jewel on her first excavation in just 90 minutes

A first dig, a first find, and a flash of...

<p>Researchers at Scripps explored a compound present in rosemary that may protect the brain and slow Alzheimer's disease progression. This memory-boosting reputation is not new. Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet even says, "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance."</p>



<p>Rosemary oil and infused water are popular natural remedies for promoting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-hidden-stem-cells-that-could-reactivate-hair-growth/">hair growth</a> and maintaining scalp health. Social media trends have only added to this herb's popularity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Native to the Mediterranean and a member of the <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/7/1182" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sage</a> family, rosemary has always been more than just a kitchen spice. </p>



<p>Researchers found that the herb is packed with health benefits, from fighting inflammation to supporting the body's defense mechanism.</p>



<p>Rosemary has long been known as a "memory herb." In ancient Greece and Rome, scholars and students believed that it could improve their concentration and <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/4-ways-to-improve-focus-and-memory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>, and used it especially during exams.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rosemary-compound-protects-the-brain">Rosemary compound protects the brain</h2>



<p>The secret lies in the herb's natural compounds, particularly <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/carnosic-acid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carnosic acid</a>. It is a beneficial plant compound, known as a phytochemical, found in rosemary. It has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.</p>



<p>Carnosic acid activates enzymes responsible for immunity and protects the brain from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-attacks-the-brain-in-two-separate-phases/">Alzheimer's disease</a>. However, pure carnosic acid, on its own, is too unstable to be used directly as a drug.</p>



<p>To solve this, scientists developed a stable version called diAcCA. Before being completely absorbed into the blood, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40227330/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diAcCA</a> is converted to carnosic acid in the gut. </p>



<p>Researchers found that, once in the brain, carnosic acid promoted more connections between nerve cells, a sign linked to better memory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Tissue analysis showed that carnosic acid reduced brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/">inflammation</a>. Even more, it reduced harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain condition leading to memory loss and impaired thinking skills.</p>



<p>This research highlights rosemary's potential as more than a culinary herb. It could be a key player in future Alzheimer's therapies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-working-alongside-existing-alzheimer-s-drugs">Working alongside existing Alzheimer's drugs</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.scripps.edu/faculty/lipton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stuart Lipton</a>, M.D, Ph.D, the Step Family Foundation Endowed Chair at Scripps Research and a clinical neurologist in La Jolla, California, is the senior author of the study.</p>



<p>"We also took down other misfolded or aggregated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-type-of-flour-contains-more-protein-than-meat-and-eggs-crickets/">proteins</a> such as phosphorylated-tau and amyloid-β, which are thought to trigger Alzheimer's disease and serve as biomarkers of the disease process," he said.</p>



<p>Another interesting finding is that the drug was only activated in places where there was inflammation, leaving healthy tissues unaffected. This explains why it is safe and has fewer <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/side-effect" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">side effects</a>. </p>



<p>Studies further revealed that the body absorbed about 20 percent more carnosic acid from diAcCA than from regular carnosic acid. "diAcCA produces more carnosic acid in the blood than if you took carnosic acid itself," Lipton explained.</p>



<p>Lipton suggests that diAcCA could be used in combination with current Alzheimer's treatments. "It could make existing amyloid antibody treatments work better by taking away or limiting their side effects," he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-rosemary-affects-the-brain">How rosemary affects the brain</h2>



<p>While drug development continues, rosemary itself may already influence the brain in surprising ways.</p>



<p>For starters, the herb may help improve blood circulation. Better circulation could allow more nutrients and oxygen to reach the brain, potentially supporting mental clarity.</p>



<p>Research also shows the calming effects of the herb. When its <a href="https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/aromatherapy-overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aroma</a> is inhaled, it can ease anxiety and improve sleep. Reduced stress leads to sharper focus and better memory retention.</p>



<p>On a chemical level, rosemary contains a compound called 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol, which slows down the breakdown of acetylcholine. </p>



<p>This brain chemical is essential for learning and memory, and when preserved, rosemary may help support cognitive performance.</p>



<p>The benefits do not stop there. Rosemary is also rich in antioxidants, which protect nerve cells from oxidative stress and may reduce aging-related cognitive decline.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Together, these mechanisms reveal why rosemary has carried its reputation as a memory aid for centuries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-path-for-alzheimer-s-treatment">New path for Alzheimer's treatment</h2>



<p>Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of dementia. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Current treatments slow symptoms but do not cure the disease. That is why the discovery of diAcCA is so significant.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lipton hopes to move the drug quickly into clinical trials. Beyond Alzheimer's, researchers believe diAcCA may also treat other conditions related to inflammation, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease.</p>



<p>If successful, this rosemary-derived compound could change how we approach multiple diseases driven by inflammation. It could offer new possibilities for healthier aging and long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/17-best-strategies-to-protect-your-brain-from-stroke-dementia-and-depression/">brain protection</a>.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal<em> </em><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/3/293" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Antioxidants</em></a>.</p>



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How rosemary supports memory, eases anxiety, and fights Alzheimer's naturally

Researchers at Scripps explored a compound present in rosemary that...

<p>When we think about space, we often picture rockets, astronauts, and distant planets. But some of the most important discoveries are happening at the cellular level. </p>



<p>Scientists are studying how our cells respond to space - especially to changes in gravity - and what that could mean for future missions and for health here on Earth.</p>



<p>Much of this work is being done aboard the International Space Station (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS</a>), where researchers are running cell-based experiments to better understand how space affects living systems. </p>



<p>These studies are already yielding insights into bone loss, muscle atrophy, heart disease, and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-cells-in-space">Studying cells in space</h2>



<p>Scientists have been leading several recent investigations in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Their focus is how cells detect and respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/">gravity</a> - or the lack of it.</p>



<p>In one investigation, Cell Gravisensing, researchers explored the inner workings of animal cells to understand how they sense gravitational changes. This process is still a mystery, but the potential payoff is big. </p>



<p>If we understand how cells detect gravity, we might be able to develop treatments for muscle and bone loss that happen both in space and on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-cells-react-fast-in-space">Heart cells react fast in space</h2>



<p>Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zero-gravity-takes-a-hidden-toll-on-astronauts-health/">astronauts</a> experience noticeable changes in their cardiovascular systems during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-space-missions-in-microgravity-take-a-toll-on-astronauts-eyes/">space missions</a>. Blood volume drops. The heart pumps less. </p>



<p>A previous study called STaARS Bioscience-3 looked into this. After just three days in orbit, blood vessel cells showed changes in the expression of over 11,000 genes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-cells-in-space-microgravity">Brain cells in space microgravity</h2>



<p>Another experiment, STaARS BioScience-4, focused on neural stem cells - the kind that eventually become part of the brain and spinal cord. </p>



<p>Researchers observed that in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-are-surprisingly-good-at-flying-in-space/">microgravity</a>, these cells produced and consumed energy differently. They also broke down more cellular components, possibly to adapt to the new environment.</p>



<p>The study emphasized a key issue for long missions: energy. “The finding also highlights the importance of providing astronauts with sufficient energy for cognitive and physiological function on future missions,” the authors note.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goldfish-scales-show-bone-changes">Goldfish scales show bone changes</h2>



<p>Goldfish might seem like an odd choice for space research, but their scales are surprisingly useful. They contain many of the same proteins, minerals, and cell types found in human bone. </p>



<p>The JAXA Fish Scales investigation exposed goldfish scales to simulated and real microgravity, as well as triple Earth gravity.</p>



<p>The outcome? Goldfish scales can be used as a model to understand how human bones react to space conditions. That could be a big help in developing countermeasures for astronauts and for people suffering from bone diseases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mouse-cells-and-radiation">Mouse cells and radiation</h2>



<p>Rodents are also proving valuable in space biology. In the Stem Cells experiment, scientists studied how embryonic mouse stem cells responded to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extended-spaceflight-can-affect-the-human-brain/">spaceflight</a>. Some cells were left unaltered, while others were mutated to be more sensitive to radiation.</p>



<p>There were no chromosomal differences in the unaltered cells between space and ground samples. But in the mutated cells, researchers found more DNA abnormalities. </p>



<p>“The work could enhance the understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/3d-printed-hydrogels-developed-to-protect-astronauts-from-space-radiation/">radiation</a> effects on human cancer and improve risk assessment for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars,” said the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-muscle-adapts-quickly">Heart muscle adapts quickly</h2>



<p>In another related study, tissue samples from the Rodent Research-1 (RR-1) mission were analyzed using data from NASA’s GeneLab. The team discovered that the heart muscle can adjust to the stress of space in just 30 days. </p>



<p>Genetic changes suggested that this adaptation could help the body survive in space - and might even inform treatment for heart disease on Earth.</p>



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



<p>Space is more than a destination. It’s a laboratory that pushes the limits of science in ways we can’t achieve on Earth. The unique environment of microgravity lets researchers see how cells, organs, and even entire systems behave under stress. </p>



<p>Experiments aboard the ISS not only prepare us for longer missions to the Moon and Mars, but also spark new ideas for treating diseases, extending healthy lifespans, and improving life on our own planet.</p>



<p>Space reminds us that discovery doesn’t just happen out there among the stars - it also happens inside us, one cell at a time.</p>



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How space changes our cells: Insights from the ISS

When we think about space, we often picture rockets, astronauts,...

<p>Jake Johnson traces his veterinary research motivation to a simple concept with sweeping consequences. The idea is that animal, human, and environmental health are inseparable, and knowledge gains power when it crosses borders.</p>



<p>Johnson was captivated early by the <a href="https://provost.ncsu.edu/global-one-health-academy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Health Initiative</a>, which shows how discoveries in veterinary medicine can inform human health and ecosystem resilience. Sharing those insights can improve outcomes far beyond a single patient.</p>



<p>A cardiology resident at North Carolina State University’s <a href="https://cvm.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Veterinary Medicine</a>, Johnson focuses his work on translating cutting-edge cardiology into tools that clinicians can actually use.</p>



<p>He prioritizes education and access for veterinary students and general practitioners who may not have specialized training or high-end equipment. He also designs studies with practical take-home value.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-earlier-projects"><a></a>Building on earlier projects</h2>



<p>Johnson’s current efforts build on early projects, including a case report describing an unusual form of feline <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-close-to-bars-and-pubs-increases-the-risk-of-heart-failure/">heart failure</a> and how imaging choices can change clinical decisions.</p>



<p>The through-line is the same: bridging the gap between advanced knowledge and the constraints of real clinics. </p>



<p>He sees research as the engine that turns individual, hard-won insights into shareable methods. Others can then deploy these methods in emergencies or resource-limited settings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cocaine-toxicosis-in-dogs">Cocaine toxicosis in dogs</h2>



<p>One strand of his work tackles <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-cocaine-tricks-and-hijacks-the-brain/">cocaine</a> toxicosis in dogs. Much of the available data comes from controlled laboratory studies or from human medicine, and neither dataset perfectly reflects the chaos of a real-world veterinary emergency.</p>



<p>Animal exposures are often uncertain - owners may not know what a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-are-evolving-to-fit-the-modern-lives-of-humans/">dog</a> picked up, or may hesitate to say - so clinicians must act on incomplete information. </p>



<p>That uncertainty is exactly why better case documentation and practical protocols matter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dog-cocaine-case">The dog cocaine case </h2>



<p>A small dog was experiencing collapse episodes accompanied by severe bradycardia. Due to concerns about possible illicit substance ingestion, clinicians performed a urine drug screen. </p>



<p>The test returned positive for cocaine and was later confirmed by an external laboratory. For Johnson, the case demonstrates the importance of pairing clinical signs with targeted toxicology testing when exposure is a possibility.</p>



<p>The case also highlights the need to build a literature that helps practitioners decide what to test, when, and why.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-exposure-before-emergencies">Preventing exposure before emergencies</h2>



<p>Dogs are opportunistic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-followed-the-first-farmers-through-the-americas/">scavengers</a>. Owners can cut risk by keeping pets leashed, watching for attempts to pick up unfamiliar items, and - when needed - using a basket muzzle during walks.</p>



<p>Reliable “leave it” and “drop it” cues can be lifesaving if a dog encounters dangerous substances. </p>



<p>And when exposure is suspected - or a pet is simply “not quite right” - immediate veterinary care is prudent, because minutes and hours often determine outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-reports-that-save-lives">Case reports that save lives</h2>



<p>In veterinary medicine, case reports serve an essential role. They capture the unusual and the emergent - the very scenarios large trials miss. </p>



<p>They also preserve the details future clinicians will look for when seconds matter. Over time, those reports seed better triage pathways, monitoring checklists, and treatment protocols.</p>



<p>A persistent misconception hampers care: that veterinarians will judge or report owners who admit a pet may have ingested illicit drugs.</p>



<p>However, according to Johnson, clinicians need accurate histories to save lives, not to assign blame. Honest, specific information - what, when, and how much - enables tailored treatment and closer monitoring for predictable complications.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-priorities-to-advance-care">Research priorities to advance care</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, Johnson’s agenda centers on access. He calls for studies that simplify imaging so it can be performed with standard equipment. </p>



<p>He also advocates for cost-effective screening strategies that identify high-risk patients without expensive panels, along with pragmatic educational interventions that convert subspecialty knowledge into routine practice.</p>



<p>Johnson also pushes for comparative trials of lower-cost treatment protocols that achieve similar outcomes, structured training so general practitioners can perform basic specialty procedures, and wider use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/telemedicine-helps-address-the-ongoing-mental-health-crisis/">telemedicine</a> to bring specialist guidance into rural and resource-limited clinics in real time.</p>



<p>The goal is to ensure that a dog in a small town has access to lifesaving options just as reliably as one treated in a metropolitan referral hospital.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-open-science-in-veterinary-care">Open science in veterinary care</h2>



<p>Information only helps if people can access it. Removing paywalls and sharing protocols lets students and clinicians learn and apply cardiology principles with the tools they have, not just the tools they wish they had.</p>



<p>In Johnson’s model, publishing is a starting line, not a finish line - the real success is a colleague using that knowledge to stabilize a patient they might otherwise have lost.</p>



<p>Across topics - from toxicosis to cardiology education - the constant is a One Health sensibility coupled with a practical streak. </p>



<p>Johnson’s work aims to move advanced concepts out of the seminar room and into exam rooms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-a-surge-in-hospital-emergency-visits/">ERs</a>, and farmyards, where they can change outcomes today while building a stronger evidence base for tomorrow.</p>



<p>The case report of the dog ingesting cocaine is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1622850/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Veterinary Science</em></a>.</p>



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How a "my dog ate cocaine" incident is changing veterinary care

Jake Johnson traces his veterinary research motivation to a simple...

<p>A planet that orbits a star nearby to us once seemed like a good candidate for being Earth-like. It’s rocky, similar in size to Earth, and lies in a zone where surface water could theoretically exist. But new findings suggest this exoplanet doesn’t have an atmosphere anything like ours.</p>



<p>The latest data comes from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and focuses on TRAPPIST-1 d, a planet that is 40 light-years away in the TRAPPIST-1 <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/trappist1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">system</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ruling-out-a-potential-earth-twin">Ruling out a potential Earth twin</h2>



<p>Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb, lead author of the study, is a scientist at the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> and the Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets (IREx) at Université de Montréal.</p>



<p>“Ultimately, we want to know if something like the environment we enjoy on Earth can exist elsewhere, and under what conditions,” said Piaulet-Ghorayeb.</p>



<p>"While NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is giving us the ability to explore this question in Earth-sized planets for the first time, at this point we can rule out TRAPPIST-1 d from a list of potential Earth twins or cousins."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-trappist-1-d-looked-promising">Why TRAPPIST-1 d looked promising</h2>



<p>The TRAPPIST-1 system gained attention in 2017 for hosting seven Earth-sized, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rocky-planets-a-new-target-in-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/">rocky planets</a>. It's the largest group of Earth-sized worlds ever found orbiting a single star. The star at the center is a red dwarf - cooler and smaller than our Sun - which shifts the "habitable zone" much closer in.</p>



<p>TRAPPIST-1 d is the third planet from its star and sits near the edge of this temperate zone. But “near” is relative: it orbits at just 2% of the Earth-Sun distance. A year there lasts only four Earth days.</p>



<p>Despite that tight orbit, its location seemed promising for having liquid water - and maybe an atmosphere. </p>



<p>But when researchers used the Webb telescope’s NIRSpec instrument to scan for signs of key molecules, they found no water vapor, methane, or carbon dioxide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-a-detectable-atmosphere">Lack of a detectable atmosphere</h2>



<p>“There are a few potential reasons why we don’t detect an atmosphere around TRAPPIST-1 d. It could have an extremely thin atmosphere that is difficult to detect, somewhat like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-glaciers-revealed-to-be-nearly-pure-ice/">Mars</a>," Piaulet-Ghorayeb said.</p>



<p>She explained that the planet could also have very thick, high-altitude clouds that block our detection of specific atmospheric signatures - similar to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venus-secret-past-may-have-implications-for-earths-future/">Venus</a>. It's also possible that TRAPPIST-1 d is a barren rock, with no atmosphere at all.</p>



<p>The researchers aren’t ready to draw final conclusions. But one thing is clear: TRAPPIST-1 d doesn’t have an atmosphere that looks like Earth’s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-near-a-red-dwarf">Life near a red dwarf </h2>



<p>TRAPPIST-1, the star at the center of this system, may not be a great neighbor for planets hoping to hold onto their atmospheres. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planets-orbiting-red-dwarf-stars-may-not-be-habitable-ultraviolet-uv-radiation/">Red dwarfs</a> are known for intense, high-energy flares that can blast nearby planets with radiation.</p>



<p>These flares can strip atmospheres away - especially from planets orbiting close in, like TRAPPIST-1 d.</p>



<p>Scientific interest in these kinds of stars remains high. Red dwarfs are the most common type of star in the galaxy. If a planet can hold onto an atmosphere here, there’s a chance it could do so anywhere.</p>



<p>“Webb’s sensitive infrared instruments are allowing us to delve into the atmospheres of these smaller, colder planets for the first time,” explained study co-author Björn Benneke of IREx at the Université de Montréal.</p>



<p>“We’re really just getting started using Webb to look for atmospheres on Earth-sized planets, and to define the line between planets that can hold onto an atmosphere, and those that cannot.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyes-on-the-outer-planets">Eyes on the outer planets</h2>



<p>While planet d didn’t pan out as a strong Earth analog, the story isn’t over. Webb is still collecting data on the outer planets in the system - TRAPPIST-1 e, f, g, and h. </p>



<p>These planets are farther from the radiation blasts of their host star, which might give them a better chance of retaining an atmosphere.</p>



<p>But that distance also makes it harder to detect atmospheric signatures, even with the Webb telescope’s precision.</p>



<p>“All hope is not lost for atmospheres around the TRAPPIST-1 planets,” Piaulet-Ghorayeb said. “While we didn’t find a big, bold atmospheric signature for planet d, there is still potential for the outer planets to be holding onto a lot of water and other atmospheric components.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-step-closer-to-the-big-question">One step closer to the big question</h2>



<p>NASA sees this work as laying the foundation for something much bigger: understanding which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitable-zone-planets-support-life/">planets could support life</a>.</p>



<p>“As NASA leads the way in searching for life outside our solar system, one of the most important avenues we can pursue is understanding which planets retain their atmospheres, and why,” said Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director of the Astrophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. </p>



<p>“NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has pushed our capabilities for studying exoplanet atmospheres further than ever before, beyond extreme worlds to some rocky planets – allowing us to begin confirming theories about the kind of planets that may be potentially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-earth-discovered-in-the-habitable-zone-of-its-star/">habitable</a>."</p>



<p>Domagal-Goldman noted that this important groundwork will position upcoming missions, like NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, to answer a universal question: Are we alone?</p>



<p>TRAPPIST-1 d may not be an Earth twin. But it's helping scientists understand what makes a planet capable - or incapable - of sustaining an atmosphere. And in the search for life beyond our solar system, that’s a crucial piece of the puzzle.</p>



<p>Information from a NASA online <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/webb-narrows-atmospheric-possibilities-for-earth-sized-exoplanet-trappist-1-d/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI)</p>



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Can red dwarf planets support life? Webb investigates TRAPPIST-1

A planet that orbits a star nearby to us once...

<p>For decades, the search for extraterrestrial life has relied on complex missions, new instruments, and billion-dollar budgets. </p>



<p>But now, a Ph.D. student and his supervisor at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> have shown that a device already sitting on Mars could answer one of humanity’s biggest questions: Is anything alive out there, right now?</p>



<p>The breakthrough comes from Solomon Hirsch and Professor Mark Sephton of Imperial’s Department of Earth Science &amp; Engineering. </p>



<p>The gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) is an instrument that is already installed on the Curiosity rover and planned for use on the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover. The team realized that this common piece of equipment can be used in an entirely new way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-instruments-new-tricks"><a></a>Old instruments, new tricks</h2>



<p>“Space agencies such as <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and ESA don't know their instruments can already do this,” Sephton said. “Here we have developed an elegant method that rapidly and reliably identifies a chemical bond that shows the presence of viable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/detecting-life-on-mars-a-breakthrough-in-space-research/">life</a>."</p>



<p>"The Curiosity rover just turned 13 on Mars, but who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.”</p>



<p>The GC-MS has a long pedigree in planetary science, with earlier versions flying on the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/viking/">Viking missions</a> of the 1970s. Traditionally, scientists have used it to analyze gases released from rocks and soils.</p>



<p>But Hirsch and Sephton discovered it could also detect fragile molecular bonds inside the membranes of living cells - a marker of life that is present only while an organism is alive or has very recently died.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unmistakable-signals-of-living-cells">Unmistakable signals of living cells</h2>



<p>The technique focuses on intact polar lipids (IPLs), the molecules that make up the external membranes of bacteria and more complex cells. </p>



<p>These molecules degrade within hours of death, making them a reliable sign of living organisms. When fed into the GC-MS, IPLs leave behind a sharp, unmistakable spike on the instrument’s readout.</p>



<p>Researchers unexpectedly found a clear biosignature in polar lipids using GC-MS, with equipment already deployed on space missions. If scientists ever detect such a spike on Mars or another world, it will provide direct evidence of active life rather than long-extinct biology.</p>



<p>“If we find signs of life beyond Earth, the first question will be: Is it living right now?” Hirsch said. “It's thrilling to think that the technique we developed here could be used to help answer that question.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-life-in-mars-extremes">Searching for life in Mars’ extremes</h2>



<p>Mars is not a welcoming place for life. Its thin atmosphere, freezing surface temperatures, and constant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/3d-printed-hydrogels-developed-to-protect-astronauts-from-space-radiation/">radiation</a> from space make survival difficult. </p>



<p>Hirsch admits that expectations of finding organisms on the planet’s surface are low. But he points out that life is resourceful. “Life finds amazing ways to survive in extreme circumstances,” he noted.</p>



<p>Future missions will also dig deeper into Mars’ crust, where conditions may be more favorable. The Rosalind Franklin rover, part of the delayed ExoMars mission, will drill several feet beneath the surface, where microbes could remain shielded from radiation and potentially active.</p>



<p>Beyond Mars, icy moons like Europa and Enceladus are even more promising. They are known to host subsurface oceans and erupt plumes of water vapor into space. </p>



<p>Sephton envisions the method being applied there too. “Our active life detection method could be deployed on Mars and the plumes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-and-its-icy-moons-broadening-the-search-for-alien-life/">icy moons</a> in the outer solar system, or in samples returned to Earth from potential alien biospheres,” he said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-mars-science-helps-on-earth">How Mars science helps on Earth</h2>



<p>The method could also help right here at home. Teams preparing to analyze samples returned from Mars are planning multimillion-dollar facilities to screen for possible life. </p>



<p>A quick and simple GC-MS test would make the task more efficient, flagging which samples deserve deeper analysis.</p>



<p>Sephton sees the technique as both cost-effective and versatile. Instead of designing entirely new instruments for each mission, scientists could repurpose existing ones to do more than originally intended. </p>



<p>It’s an approach that may accelerate discoveries without requiring decades of waiting for the next mission to launch.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-mars-and-beyond">The future of Mars and beyond</h2>



<p>Whether or not life is discovered, the technique itself represents a leap forward. It shows that sometimes the tools for transformative science are already in our hands - it just takes a new perspective to see them differently.</p>



<p>The search for extraterrestrial life is often portrayed as a grand adventure, requiring futuristic technology and vast budgets. </p>



<p>Hirsch and Sephton’s work offers a humbler but no less profound possibility: the answer to one of humanity’s oldest questions may already be riding around the Martian surface, waiting to be asked the right question in the right way.</p>



<p>As Hirsch put it, the possibility remains remote but real: “Our expectation of finding things alive on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clues-beneath-mars-surface-reveal-possible-habitats-for-ancient-life/">Martian surface</a> is low due to the hostile temperature and radiation conditions. Still, we aren't ruling out the possibility.” </p>



<p>And if life does exist, this new approach may be the simplest way to prove it.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44453-025-00006-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>npj Space Exploration</em></a>.</p>



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



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Searching for life on Mars just got a whole lot easier

For decades, the search for extraterrestrial life has relied on...

<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>



<p id="block-eff5dea3-a9bb-40b5-a923-e5a9978bc0e2">Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVywlgRJXsc
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Some children read facial expressions when making food choices.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p></p>

Social modeling affects our food choices

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JynHpMaNO8A
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chaotic cancer protein finally controlled after decades of mystery</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veg4HmmRVZY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Our bodies hits two 'aging cliffs' at these ages.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists discover we age in bursts

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqlF0XKzHY4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The hidden science behind tickling.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Scientists solve the mystery of tickling

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elr4948_uOU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Ronald Mallett from the University of Connecticut reveals secret mission to create working time travel device.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p></p>



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



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

Retired professor claims he solved time travel

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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