Sanjana Gajbhiye is an experienced science writer and researcher. She holds a Master of Technology degree in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur.

Read more about Sanjana Gajbhiye <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/sanjana-gajbhiye/">here</a>.

Sanjana Gajbhiye

Rory Arnold is the Editor of Earth.com and contributes a wide variety of content for the site. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Media, Culture, &amp; Communication. He loves dogs and giraffes.

Rory Arnold

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Kyla is based out of California and serves as the Earth.com weekend editor. Kyla has written for numerous news outlets and has been a key contributor to the growth and development of Earth.com.

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Kay Vandette is a freelance writer and has written everything from film and food reviews to travel and lifestyle articles.
She has been featured in national publications and blogs and runs a website dedicated to providing tips for beginner freelance writers.
Kay is passionate about living a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle and loves writing for Earth.com.

Kay Vandette

Katherine has a background in environmental policy and believes in information sharing and education to address the challenge of climate change. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her cat and husband and enjoys nature, yoga and cooking.

Katherine Bucko

As a serial entrepreneur, Eric Ralls has long aspired to merge technology with a love for nature and our planet. Founder at Earth.com, EarthSnap, PlantSnap, redOrbit.  "My goal has always been to bring people back to nature, to help them realize that humanity is a part of nature, not 'apart' from nature," says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Ralls</a>, Founder and CEO of EarthSnap. "Homosapiens are only one species out of over 8 million species of life with whom we share this planet. Yet humanity treats the earth like it is ours alone to do with as we please, even though we've only been here for a few hundred thousand years out of the 3.5 billion years that this beautiful blue marble has been zipping through the universe."
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Eric Ralls

Connor Ertz lives in Boston and works as the Marketing Writer for Boston Children's Hospital's Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center. He holds degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Gettysburg College, and has been writing for science and news outlets for the last three years. 
&nbsp;

Connor Ertz

In my role as Chief News Editor, I strive to publish studies that are not only fascinating, but also informative. I am grateful for the opportunity to share urgent climate news with Earth.com readers all over the world. 

In order to address the greatest environmental challenge of our lifetime, we must first understand what we are up against. 

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Andrei Ionescu is a Staff Writer at Earth.com, covering the latest scientific discoveries in fields including health &amp; medicine, climate science, biology &amp; evolution, paleontology, astrophysics, chemistry, and geology. He holds a PhD from the University of Padua, Italy, and conducted extensive interdisciplinary research at the intersection of the sciences and the humanities at universities in various countries, which resulted in publications at Bloomsbury, Johns Hopkins University Press, and Taylor &amp; Francis.
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Andrei Ionescu

I am a biologist at heart, and interested in all aspects of the natural world. I studied a BSc in Zoology and Botany at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and then received my PhD in Zoology at the same institution. I have subsequently spent much of my life teaching others about the fascinating natural world we have inherited. I am lucky enough to live in South Africa, where wildlife and wild places still abound. 

Writing for Earth.com is a privilege as it enables me to keep in touch with the latest research trends while also being able to inform others about the amazing science currently being done in the various fields of biology.

Alison Bosman

An international team of scientists, from the eastern shores of United States to the southern tip of Italy, has stumbled upon an exciting discovery - a new strain of cyanobacteria called Chonkus that thrives on carbon dioxide (CO2) and effortlessly settles in water.



This unique alga, affectionately called Chonkus, has been discovered off the Sicilian island of Vulcano, where marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> is plentiful thanks to shallow volcanic vents.



The team was intrigued by the idea of what happens when regular CO2 limitations are removed, an environment in which organisms might have the potential to amplify their growth. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-algae-thriving-in-carbon-rich-environments">Algae thriving in carbon-rich environments</h2>



Dr. Max Schubert was a staff scientist at the <a href="https://wyss.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wyss Institute at Harvard University</a> when the research was conducted and is now lead project scientist at Align to Innovate.



"Dissolved carbon is relatively dilute compared to all the other molecules in the ocean, and that limits the growth of photosynthetic organisms that live there," noted Dr. Schubert. 



"We decided to investigate what happens when you alleviate that limiting factor by going to a place with plenty of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-diverse-crops-traps-carbon-and-boosts-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a>, where some organisms could have evolved the ability to use it to galvanize their growth." 



However, the team uncovered an organism that defied this limitation. Dr. Schubert believes that Chonkus has exciting features that could be beneficial to humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-the-ocean-to-the-lab">Bringing the ocean to the lab</h2>



The story began nine years ago when Dr. Schubert and Dr. Braden Tierney shared a lab at Harvard Medical School (<a href="https://hms.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HMS</a>) under the guidance of Dr. George Church. 



Focused on creating tools for directed evolution of bacteria, Dr. Schubert expanded his research. In 2019, he won a proposal at the HMS Consortium for Space Genetics' Symposium on Climate Change, allowing him to explore cyanobacteria.



Meanwhile, Dr. Tierney had his sights set on exploring microbes living in shallow seeps. He partnered with scientists at the University of Palermo in Sicily and drew upon Dr. Schubert's expertise to understand the cyanobacteria.



What followed was an expedition that brought together a motley crew of scientists from institutions ranging from the Wyss Institute, HMS, and MIT to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado, along with multiple Italian establishments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sea-of-possibilities">A sea of possibilities</h2>



Venturing into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capturing-carbon-directly-from-the-air-is-now-much-more-efficient-thanks-to-new-material/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a>-rich waters off the coast of Vulcano, the team collected water samples that were then shipped to Boston. Here, Dr. Schubert and his team isolated and studied the microorganisms living within.



The journey started by recreating an environment that would allow cyanobacteria to flourish – plenty of light, warmth, and CO2. 



The outcome? Two strains of fast-growing cyanobacteria: UTEX 3221 and UTEX 3222. Chonkus, formally known as UTEX 3222, was selected due to its single-celled growth, making it easier to compare with existing strains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-algae-to-sequester-carbon">Using algae to sequester carbon </h2>



Chonkus possesses several interesting traits, including carbon-rich storage granules within its cells, large colonies, higher carbon content, and - most notably - a natural tendency to sink fast in water.



"Many of the traits that we observed in Chonkus aren't inherently useful in their natural environment, but are very useful to humans," said Dr. Tierney.



"Aquatic organisms naturally grow at very low density, but being able to grow to a high density at higher temperatures is very helpful in the industrial environments that we use to manufacture many goods and products, and can help sequester more carbon."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-beyond-carbon-sequestration">Potential beyond carbon sequestration </h2>



The team is excited about the potential applications of the algae beyond carbon sequestration. Due to its rapid and dense growth pattern, Chonkus could be used to more efficiently produce commodities like omega-3 fatty acids, the antioxidant astaxanthin, and spirulina.



By harnessing the ability of cyanobacteria to absorb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-soils-release-more-carbon-than-plants-can-replace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> from their surroundings, the processes of carbon sequestration and biomanufacturing could be seamlessly linked.



The research has led to the founding of a non-profit organization called The Two Frontiers Project, which aims to study how life thrives in extreme environments and to explore potential applications in carbon capture, CO2 upcycling for sustainable products, and coral ecosystem restoration.



Dr. Church commends the potential of such naturally evolved cyanobacteria strains and stresses the importance of maintaining control over these experiments.



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



Taking a cue from nature seems to be at the heart of remarkable innovation. Dr. Don Ingber, the founding director of the Wyss Institute, underlines this sentiment.



"I'm proud of this team for getting out of the lab and seeking nature's best ideas where they've already developed," said Dr. Ingber.



"This is a wonderful example of how our new Sustainable Futures Initiative is pursuing out-of-the-box approaches to confront climate change - the biggest challenge of our generation." 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.00841-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied and Environmental Microbiology</a>.



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Can algae soak up loads of carbon to help save the planet?

An international team of scientists, from the eastern shores of...

Did you think only adults factor in possibilities and probabilities in their daily lives? Think again. According to recent findings, toddlers as young as two and three years old have an innate understanding of how possibilities work, enabling them to learn from surprising events.



Toddlers can distinguish between events that are impossible, those that are possible but not probable, and their excitement for the impossible is profound.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toddlers-learning-possibilities">Toddlers learning possibilities</h2>



As adults, we consider possibilities and probabilities every single day. Ever thought about your chances of winning the lottery after buying a ticket? Or packed an umbrella because there might be a chance of rain? 



A recent study suggests that toddlers might also be part of the possibility gang, even before they have the language to describe these mental states. The findings are the first to demonstrate this phenomenon.



“Even young toddlers already think about the world in terms of possibilities,” said co-author&nbsp;<a href="https://pbs.jhu.edu/directory/lisa-feigenson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lisa Feigenson</a>, co-director of the Johns Hopkins University <a href="https://labforchilddevelopment.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory for Child Development</a>. 



“Adults do this all the time and here we wanted to know whether even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddlers-get-half-their-calories-from-ultra-processed-foods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toddlers</a> think about possible states of the world before they’ve had years of experience and before they have the language to describe these mental states.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-the-unexpected-happens">When the unexpected happens</h2>



A group of two- and three-year-olds were shown a gumball-type machine filled with toys. Some kids saw a blend of pink and purple toys, while others saw that the machine was filled only with purple toys. Each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-under-two-should-not-be-exposed-to-tv-or-screen-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">child</a> then got a coin to drop into the machine to draw a toy.



Some children who saw the machine filled with only purple toys drew out a pink toy. This, of course, defies logic, because how could they possibly draw a pink toy from a machine offering solely purple ones?



Now, after they received their toys, all the kids were taught the name of the toy - a made-up word - and asked to recall the name later.



The results were astonishing. Kids who experienced this "impossible" scenario learned the name significantly better than the rest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toddler-learning-patterns">Toddler learning patterns</h2>



The researchers believe that encountering impossible events spurs toddlers to seek explanations, boosting their learning.



“One possibility was that they would learn well from the improbable events, but even better from the impossible events,” said <a href="https://hss.tcnj.edu/hss-faculty/aimee-stahl/">Aimee Stahl</a>, a former doctoral student in Feigenson’s lab who is now an associate professor of psychology at <a href="https://tcnj.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The College of New Jersey</a>.



“But what we found was that they actually don’t learn from the unlikely, improbable events. They only learn if they experienced the impossible event.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-education">New approach to education</h2>



This discovery opens up incredible possibilities for educators and parents, enabling them to create learning strategies centered around these "heightened moments."



Feigenson suggests that parents and teachers should design opportunities for children to ponder over intriguing concepts, thereby creating powerful learning moments.



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



The implications of these findings on cognitive development are profound. They challenge the existing perception of early childhood learning, suggesting that even preverbal children are capable of engaging with complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive processes</a>. 



The fact that toddlers can comprehend and respond to improbable events implies that their minds are ripe for a more advanced learning than previously appreciated. 



This challenges educators and developmental psychologists to reconsider the scope of educational materials suitable for young learners. 



By integrating scenarios that defy expectations, educational content can harness this innate curiosity, potentially accelerating cognitive growth during formative years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-through-surprises">Developing through surprises</h2>



Going deeper into the science, this phenomenon can be tied to broader theories of cognitive development. The work of Jean Piaget, long regarded as foundational, suggested that children's mental models evolve through interaction with the world, constantly being tested against new experiences. 



The discovery by Feigenson and Stahl hints at a burgeoning field of study focusing on 'possibility thinking' - a concept where children learn by assessing the bounds of reality through trial and error.



This challenges scientists to further investigate how early exposure to "impossible" events might not just spur learning but may also shape the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that underpin inventive and adaptive intelligence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-in-a-toddler-s-world">Learning in a toddler's world</h2>



As surprising as it may seem, this study demonstrates that the world of toddlers is far from simplistic. Their minds are constantly dissecting possibilities and impossibilities, enabling them to better understand their surroundings. 



Can you imagine the impact on education if we could harness this natural curiosity? We must reconsider how we approach early education and create possibilities around the concept of the "impossible."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2411297121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Toddlers learn faster after witnessing 'impossible' events

Did you think only adults factor in possibilities and probabilities...

Picture a world 160 million years ago, with prehistoric landscapes teeming with life. Recently, scientists have uncovered a treasure trove of paleontological evidence from this time period in Argentina, including the stunning discovery of the oldest fossil of a giant tadpole.



This remarkable find not only shifts the current understanding of our planet's ecological memory but also beats the previous record holder of antiquity by 20 million years.



The specimen was not just a tooth or a bone fragment, but a fossil that was almost perfectly preserved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-tadpole-fossil">Insights from the tadpole fossil</h2>



Partially encased in a slab of sandstone, the fossil presents a detailed makeup of the tadpole's skull and backbone. Imprints of its eyes and nerves offer scientists a unique view into this ancient being's life.



"It's not only the oldest tadpole known, but also the most exquisitely preserved," said Mariana Chuliver, a biologist at <a href="https://www.maimonides.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maimonides University</a> in Buenos Aires.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-have-a-third-eye-for-direct-light-sensing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frogs</a> have a history that spans up to 217 million years ago. However, the specifics surrounding their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wood-frogs-achieved-significant-biological-evolution-25-years-salt-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, particularly from the point of being tadpoles, have been shrouded in obscurity. The tadpole fossil could be the key to unlocking these mysteries.



"This finding has dual importance because it represents the oldest-known tadpole and, to our knowledge, the first stem-anuran larva. Its exquisite preservation, including soft tissues, shows features associated with the filter-feeding mechanism characteristic of extant tadpoles," wrote the study authors. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-frog-evolution">Understanding frog evolution</h2>



Standing at half a foot long, this ancient tadpole represents a youthful stage of a now-extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limnonectes-cassiopeia-new-fanged-fighting-frog-species-discovered-philippines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant frog</a> species. 



The discovery is an exciting step toward understanding the intricate process of a frog's transformation.



Ben Kligman, a paleontologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History said the fossil is "starting to help narrow the timeframe in which a frog becomes a frog."



The implications of these findings are monumental for the field of paleontology and our comprehension of life's evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-tadpole-fossil">Characteristics of tadpole fossil</h2>



In an article published recently in the journal&nbsp;Nature, the experts noted that there is a striking similarity between this fossil and the tadpoles we see today.



Even the remnants of a gill scaffold system, a tool that today's tadpoles use to sift food particles from water, were found.



The understanding that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibians-threatened-by-mercury-with-unknown-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians' survival</a> strategy has remained unchanged for millions of years, enabling them to survive several mass extinctions, highlights the astonishing resilience of nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extending-the-boundaries-of-knowledge">Extending the boundaries of knowledge</h2>



This discovery provides an invaluable glimpse into the distant past and sheds light on a creature that played a significant part in the Earth's ecological history.



 It's an exciting reminder of the myriad questions that still surround the path of life on our planet. 



Unearthing these secrets of the past provides us with a deeper understanding of the complexities of life today and the challenges of the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tadpole-s-journey-through-time">Tadpole’s journey through time</h2>



With its remarkable preservation, the giant tadpole fossil offers an opportunity to glimpse into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient ecosystems</a> that thrived over a hundred million years ago.



The sandstone slab hints at the environment in which the tadpole lived - a world rich with water bodies teeming with early amphibians, insects, and aquatic plants.



By studying the fossil’s surroundings, researchers gain insights into the ecological dynamics that supported early amphibian life, painting a vivid picture of the predator-prey relationships, food chains, and habitat structures of that era. 



This contextual understanding can shed light on the adaptive strategies that amphibians, like this tadpole, developed to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-paleontological-exploration">Further paleontological exploration</h2>



The tadpole fossil found in Argentina could very well be the catalyst for a renewed focus on South American fossil beds.



While paleontological research has traditionally concentrated on other regions, this study highlights the continent's potential for offering new insights into the evolution of ancient species.



As researchers prepare to conduct further excavations, they anticipate unearthing other fossils that might clarify the evolutionary journey of amphibians and potentially reveal new species altogether. 



Such discoveries could add depth to the global fossil record, helping to refine the timelines and connections within the evolutionary tree, particularly for amphibians and their descendants.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08055-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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World's oldest tadpole fossil reveals secrets of ancient amphibians

Picture a world 160 million years ago, with prehistoric landscapes...

Contrails, those wispy trails that jets leave behind as they move through the sky, are not as harmless as they might seem.



These long, thin clouds created in the wake of high-flying aircraft are surprisingly detrimental to the environment. Their formation involves a layered process, blending hot exhaust gases with the cold upper atmosphere.



Under certain conditions, these hazy shreds of condensed water vapor spread and transform into contrail cirrus clouds. Instead of dissipating into space, these clouds trap heat, contributing to over half of aviation's total climate impact.



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



Fangqun Yu, a senior researcher from the <a href="https://www.albany.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Albany</a>'s Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, has recently led a study focused on this troubling phenomenon.



The research took a closer look at the contrail formation process, scrutinizing the role of non-volatile (soot) particles and volatile particles.



The investigation opens up possible strategies to lessen contrail climate impacts and adopt more eco-friendly practices in aviation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-contrail-enigma">Unveiling the contrail enigma</h2>



"Soot particles, formed during fuel combustion inside aircraft engines, are known to dominate the formation of contrail ice particles," Yu explained. 



"As the aviation industry moves toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-scraps-sustainable-jet-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable fuels</a> and new engine technologies, soot emissions are being significantly reduced and volatile particles formed in engine exhaust plumes (after emission) become important to analyze."



This in-depth exploration aims to augment our comprehension of the contrivance driving the number of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-airplanes-are-worse-for-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contrail ice particles</a> formed during flights, bringing both soot particle sizes and volatile particles into focus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volatile-particles-in-contrail-formation">Volatile particles in contrail formation</h2>



The information gathered for this study was made possible by an ensemble that included experts from the NASA Langley Research Center and the German Aerospace Center.



The researchers conducted flight simulations utilizing data amassed from the recent ECLIF (Emission and CLimate Impact of alternative Fuels) field expeditions.



Contrary to past findings which indicated that volatile particles only came into play once soot emissions were drastically curtailed during flights, this new study suggests otherwise.



"Our research indicates that volatile particles can contribute to the number of ice particles in a contrail at medium levels of soot emissions and average temperatures in the air, extending the ranges of conditions when these particles become a factor," explained Yu.



"This is important as we assess the climate impact of contrails, both during current flights and for future more sustainable ones."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-the-future-of-aviation">Shaping the future of aviation</h2>



The research focused on size-resolved particle microphysics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosol-cloud</a> interactions that affect climate change. Yu has been studying the microphysics of particles in the atmosphere (including contrail formation) and their impact on the environment for over two decades.



Yu's earlier work includes the development of a sophisticated model for simulating particle and contrail formation and he has authored numerous scientific papers on the topic.



Currently, Yu is working with a team at GE Research to gain a deeper understanding of the influence of clean aviation fuels and new engine technologies on contrail formation.



Over the past year, the team has conducted a series of experiments inside the altitude simulation chamber at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-path-to-reducing-contrails">A path to reducing contrails</h2>



As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aviations-contribution-to-climate-change-is-expected-to-intensify/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aviation</a> industry seeks to mitigate its environmental footprint, alternative fuels offer a promising pathway to reducing contrail formation and its warming effects. 



Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), crafted from renewable sources, not only produce fewer soot particles during combustion but also hold the potential to cut back on heat-trapping contrail cirrus clouds. 



Recent flight trials have shown that jets powered by SAF blends can significantly reduce soot emissions, highlighting the importance of a wider industry shift.



However, for SAFs to make a meaningful difference, large-scale adoption across the aviation sector is essential. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aviation-practices-and-climate-goals">Aviation practices and climate goals</h2>



Continued research will play a crucial role in driving this transformation, ensuring that each step taken aligns aviation practices with global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capable-countries-must-take-the-lead-on-climate-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate goals</a>.



With sustained innovation and commitment, a future with cleaner skies and reduced climate impact becomes more than just an aspiration - it becomes a viable reality for generations to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c04340" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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How do airplane contrails impact Earth's climate?

Contrails, those wispy trails that jets leave behind as they...

As the holiday season approaches, it's normal for kids, and even adults to indulge their sweet tooth more than usual. But recent research provides a stark reminder about the long-term health effects of sugar, particularly for the very young ones.



Newly published research sheds light on how reducing sugar in the first 1,000 days after conception might significantly lower a child's risk of chronic illnesses later in life. That means from gestation up to age 2, lower sugar could be a real game-changer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-daily-sugar-consumption">Daily sugar consumption </h2>



Using data from before and after the end of the UK's World War II-era sugar rationing in 1953, the researchers embarked on a thrilling journey back in time.



During the war, food rationing was the norm. Essentials like sugar, fats, bacon, meat, and cheese were scarce. But once <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-average-american-consumes-80-pounds-of-sugar-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sugar</a> rationing ended post-war, the average adult's daily sugar consumption in the UK nearly doubled in no time flat, jumping from 40 grams to 80 grams.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-sugar-on-health">Impact of sugar on health</h2>



The researchers studied nearly 60,183 participants born between October 1951 and March 1956, looking to determine the effects of this sugar consumption spike.



The lead author, Tadeja Gracner, a senior economist at the <a href="https://www.usc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern California</a>, noted that this situation prompted a unique natural experiment.



The team analyzed figures from the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database, which showed how babies conceived or born during rationing had a 30% decrease in obesity risk. Interestingly, there was a more rapid increase in type 2 diabetes and hypertension in those born after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/want-to-reverse-your-age-take-sugar-out-of-your-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sugar</a> ration ended.



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



“We are designed to like sweet things from the moment of birth,” said Dr. Mark Corkins, the division chief of pediatric gastroenterology and professor of pediatrics at the <a href="https://www.uthsc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tennessee Health Science Center</a>, who was not involved with the new research.



The refining and concentration of sugar have made it more popular than ever, often over more nutritious options like fruits. Moreover, high sugar consumption seriously impacts our body's metabolism, causing us to store food as fat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-a-silent-health-threat">Sugar: A silent health threat</h2>



The US federal Dietary Guidelines recommend that individuals age 2 or older should limit their daily intake of added sugar to less than 10% of their total calories. However, sticking to these guidelines isn't easy, especially when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-sugar-sources-are-key-to-preventing-childhood-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sugar</a> is ubiquitous, even in baby and toddler foods.



So how do we shift this sugar-dense narrative towards a healthier one? Gracner suggests it's up to both parents and companies alike. 



“Added sugar is everywhere, even in baby and toddler foods, and children are bombarded with TV ads for sugary snacks,” Gracner said. 



“While improving nutritional literacy among parents and caregivers is key, we should also hold companies accountable to reformulate baby foods with healthier options and regulate the marketing and pricing of sugary foods targeted at kids.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-excessive-sugar">Impact of excessive sugar</h2>



The implications of high sugar consumption extend beyond individual health, permeating societal structures and economies. The increased prevalence of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease attributable to sugar intake places considerable strain on healthcare systems. 



Moreover, productivity losses due to these health issues impact economic growth at both macro and micro levels. Public awareness campaigns and policy initiatives aimed at reducing sugar consumption have become essential in mitigating these widespread challenges. 



Education plays a crucial role in reshaping public perceptions and behaviors concerning diet and nutrition, fostering a culture that values long-term wellness over momentary indulgence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-towards-a-sweet-solution">Towards a sweet solution</h2>



If you're a parent who wants to reduce your child's sugar consumption, then changing your own eating habits could be a good start. 



After all, children tend to model their parents' behaviors. Furthermore, replacing sugary drinks with healthier alternatives and avoiding stocking up on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/type-2-diabetes-heightens-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sweet junk food</a> at home could help set your child on the path to healthier eating habits.



However, it's not just about reducing sugar intake. Pregnant and lactating women on average consume more than triple the recommended amount of added sugar, crossing 80 grams per day, according to the new study.



“We all want to improve our health and give our children the best start in life, and reducing added sugar early is a powerful step in that direction,” Gracner said. “With better information, environment and the right incentives, parents can more easily reduce sugar exposure, for kids and themselves.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn5421" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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