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

Rodielon Putol is a seasoned technology enthusiast and writer with a fervent interest in exploring the intersection of innovation and society.

Read more about Rodielon Putol <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/rodielonputol/">here</a>.

Rodielon Putol

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.

Kyla Cathey

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Kay Vandette is a freelance writer and has written everything from film and food reviews to travel and lifestyle articles.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">She has been featured in national publications and blogs and runs a website dedicated to providing tips for beginner freelance writers.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Kay is passionate about living a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle and loves writing for Earth.com.</span></p>

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"><span class="xn-person">Eric Ralls</span></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."
Read more about Eric Ralls <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">here</a>.

Eric Ralls

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">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. </span></p>
&nbsp;

Connor Ertz

<span style="font-weight: 400;">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. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In order to address the greatest environmental challenge of our lifetime, we must first understand what we are up against. </span>

Read more about Chrissy Sexton <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/chrissy-sexton/">here</a>.

Chrissy Sexton

<p style="text-align: left;">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.</p>
Read more about Andrei Ionescu <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/aionescu/">here</a>.

Andrei Ionescu

<span style="font-weight: 400;">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. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>

Alison Bosman

<p>Vaping devices, also known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/e-cigarettes-linked-to-increased-risk-of-heart-failure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e-cigarettes</a> or electronic vapor products (EVPs), are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and attract many users with their diverse flavors. </p>



<p>However, these devices are far from harmless. They contain nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings, and potentially dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde and various metals. </p>



<p>Exposure to these substances can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory diseases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/e-cigarettes-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a>, and cancer. </p>



<p>Furthermore, a severe lung condition has been linked to vaping, particularly due to the use of vitamin E acetate, an additive in some THC-containing e-cigarettes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-alarming-trend-in-teen-vaping">An alarming trend in teen vaping </h2>



<p>Despite the known risks, vaping has seen a dramatic increase among U.S. adolescents. Researchers from <a href="https://www.fau.edu/medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine</a> conducted a study using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey which included participants from ninth to 12th grade. </p>



<p>The team observed trends among 57,006 subjects from 2015 to 2021. The findings revealed significant and concerning rises in daily usage of electronic vapor products.</p>



<p>In 2015, only 2% of adolescents reported daily use of EVPs. By 2019, this figure had jumped to 7.2% - more than a threefold increase. </p>



<p>Although there was a slight decline to 5% in 2021, possibly due to COVID-19-related lockdowns and remote schooling, the numbers remain alarmingly high.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparities-in-usage">Disparities in usage</h2>



<p>The study highlighted not only the rise in general usage but also interesting shifts in demographic patterns. </p>



<p>Initially, in 2015, more boys (2.8%) were using EVPs compared to girls (1.1%). By 2021, this trend reversed with 5.6% of girls vaping compared to 4.5% of boys. </p>



<p>Usage rates among different races also varied, with white teens showing the highest increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/teenagers-vape-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaping rates</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-consequences-of-vaping">Potential consequences of vaping</h2>



<p>Dr. Charles H. Hennekens, the first author of the study, warned about the severe implications of vaping. </p>



<p>"EVP use increases risks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabidiol-could-help-cure-nicotine-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nicotine addiction</a>, drug-seeking behavior, mood disorders, and long-term risks of avoidable premature morbidities and mortality," he explained. </p>



<p>Moreover, vaping could serve as a gateway to cigarette smoking, which continues to be a major cause of preventable death globally.</p>



<p>Dr. Panagiota “Yiota” Kitsantas, another researcher involved in the study, emphasized that nearly all e-cigarettes in the U.S. contain nicotine, posing significant addiction risks. </p>



<p>"EVP use is not a safer alternative to smoking but may have contributed to the decline in regular tobacco product use. However, it also introduces new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-vaping-e-cigarettes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health risks</a>, including nicotine addiction," noted Dr. Kitsantas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-targeted-interventions">The need for targeted interventions</h2>



<p>Given these alarming trends, the researchers advocate for targeted interventions to address the rising vaping rates among adolescents. They suggest mass media campaigns and peer interventions to counteract the social norms that promote such risky behaviors. </p>



<p>"Clinical interventions could include routine screening for vaping and nicotine dependence during adolescent health assessments as well as counseling and tailored cessation programs," said Dr. Hennekens.</p>



<p>While there has been a decline in traditional cigarette smoking among U.S. teens, the introduction and rise of electronic vapor products (EVPs) pose new public health challenges. </p>



<p>These findings underline the need for continuous research and proactive measures to protect young individuals from the allure and dangers of vaping.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-did-teens-start-vaping">When did teens start vaping?</h2>



<p>Vaping became popular among teens in the early 2010s. Electronic cigarettes were first developed in the early 2000s and introduced to the U.S. market around 2007. </p>



<p>Initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes for adults looking to quit smoking, these products quickly caught the attention of younger demographics. </p>



<p>By the early 2010s, as vaping devices became more sophisticated and flavors more appealing, their use among teenagers began to rise significantly. </p>



<p>This trend was exacerbated by aggressive marketing, which often targeted younger audiences with social media campaigns and appealing flavors, leading to widespread use among teens throughout the decade.</p>



<p>The United States has one of the highest rates of teen vaping. This is due in part to the early introduction and widespread availability of e-cigarettes. Other countries have also reported increases in teen vaping, but the prevalence in the U.S. is notably high.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/early/2024/05/07/toj.24.0004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ochsner Journal</a></em>.</p>



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



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Teen vaping rates surge despite health risks

Vaping devices, also known as e-cigarettes or electronic vapor products...

<p>According to a recent study, the summer of 2023 was the hottest in the Northern Hemisphere over the last two thousand years, marking it nearly four degrees Celsius warmer than the coldest recorded summer in the same period. This finding highlights a stark contrast in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature extremes</a> over the millennia.</p>



<p>While 2023 is recognized as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hottest year</a> on record, our reliance on instrumental records only dates back to approximately 1850, and even these are often geographically limited. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hottest-summer-since-the-peak-of-the-roman-empire-nbsp">Hottest summer since the peak of the Roman Empire&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> and <a href="https://www.uni-mainz.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz</a> has now extended this perspective by integrating data derived from tree rings, which chronicle climate changes annually and span two millennia.</p>



<p>Despite natural climate fluctuations over centuries, the summer of 2023 has set a new precedent, being the hottest since the peak of the Roman Empire, exceeding natural climate variability by half a degree Celsius.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-global-warming">Rapid global warming</h2>



<p>“When you look at the long sweep of history, you can see just how dramatic recent global warming is,” said Ulf Büntgen, an expert in dendroecology and paleoclimatology at Cambridge. “2023 was an exceptionally hot year, and this trend will continue unless we reduce<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> greenhouse gas emissions</a> dramatically.”</p>



<p>These findings also show that the thresholds set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aim to keep global warming below 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, have already been surpassed in the Northern Hemisphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-climate-patterns-nbsp">Historical climate patterns&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The scientists meticulously compared sparse and inconsistent early instrumental temperature records from 1850 to 1900 with extensive tree-ring data. This comparison not only provided a more comprehensive view of historical climate patterns but also led to the recalibration of the 19th-century temperature baseline, which is now understood to be several tenths of a degree Celsius cooler than previously estimated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Consequently, the summer of 2023 in the Northern Hemisphere was found to be 2.07C warmer than the average temperatures between 1850 and 1900.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-better-perspective-on-climate-change-nbsp">A better perspective on climate change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Many of the conversations we have around global warming are tied to a baseline temperature from the mid-19th century, but why is this the baseline? What is normal, in the context of a constantly-changing climate, when we’ve only got 150 years of meteorological measurements?” Büntgen said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Only when we look at climate reconstructions can we better account for natural variability and put recent anthropogenic climate change into context.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-rings-revealed-the-hottest-summer">Tree rings revealed the hottest summer</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-largest-ever-solar-storm-discovered-through-tree-rings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tree rings</a> are particularly valuable for this type of research, providing detailed and accurately dated records of past summer temperatures. These records indicate that most cooler periods in the last 2000 years followed major volcanic eruptions, like the one in 536 CE, which resulted in the coldest summer on record, being 3.93C colder than the summer of 2023. </p>



<p>In contrast, warmer periods are often linked to the El Niño climate pattern, which has been exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions in recent decades, leading to stronger El Niño events and consequently hotter summers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-and-more-severe-heat-waves-nbsp">Longer and more severe heat waves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“It’s true that the climate is always changing, but the warming in 2023, caused by greenhouse gasses, is additionally amplified by El Niño conditions, so we end up with longer and more severe heat waves and extended periods of drought,” said lead author Jan Esper, a professor of climate science at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When you look at the big picture, it shows just how urgent it is that we reduce greenhouse gas emissions immediately.”</p>



<p>The scientists argued that while their results are robust for the Northern Hemisphere, it is more difficult to obtain global averages for the same period due to lack of data for the Southern Hemisphere. Moreover, the Southern Hemisphere also responds differently to global warming, since it is far more ocean-covered than the Northern Hemisphere.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07512-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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

The summer of 2023 was the hottest in 2,000 years

According to a recent study, the summer of 2023 was...

<p>A recent research project called <a href="https://www.blasttheory.co.uk/projects/cat-royale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cat Royale</a> suggests that building trust between cats and robots involves more than just a well-designed machine. The environment where the robot operates plays a crucial role, impacting a cat's comfort level. </p>



<p>Additionally, positive human interaction can significantly influence a cat's acceptance of robotic companionship. These findings highlight the importance of considering both technological design and social factors when introducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-soft-robot-crawls-moves-like-origami-folds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a> into a cat's life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cat-royale">Cat Royale</h2>



<p>Cat Royale, an award-winning research project, resulted from collaboration between <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a> scientists and Blast Theory artists. This project crafted a "multispecies world." In it, three cats lived with a robotic arm. They coexisted for six hours each day across twelve days.</p>



<p>The primary aim of this project was to delve into the ways in which cats develop trust with robots in their environment. By documenting the interactions between the feline participants and the robotic arm, researchers aimed to uncover insights into the factors that influence feline-robot trust dynamics.</p>



<p>The Cat Royale installation debuted at the World Science Festival in Brisbane, Australia. It continues to tour various locations. This installation fascinates audiences by blending art and science in a unique way.</p>



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



<p>A recently published study sheds light on some surprising findings. It turns out that designing the robot and its interactions isn't enough. The design of the environment in which the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-will-soon-be-able-to-use-air-to-move-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a> operates, and the role of humans in that environment, are just as important.</p>



<p>"At first glance, the project is about designing a robot to enrich the lives of a family of cats by playing with them," said Professor Steve Benford, who led the research. "Under the surface, however, it explores the question of what it takes to trust a robot to look after our loved ones and potentially ourselves."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robot-arm-and-the-playful-cats">Robot arm and the playful cats</h2>



<p>The robotic arm at the heart of Cat Royale engaged the feline participants through a variety of playful interactions, including dragging a toy mouse, dangling a feather "bird," and dispensing treats. An integrated AI system observed the cats' reactions, learning their preferences and tailoring play sessions accordingly.</p>



<p>However, the research team's focus extended beyond the robotic arm itself. Recognizing the importance of the environment, they meticulously designed the enclosure to cater to the cats' instincts. This included safe observation spaces, strategically placed hiding spots for playful interactions, and decorations that served both as visual enrichment and aids for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-robots-now-with-added-common-sense-and-ability-to-self-correct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot's</a> computer vision system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suitable-environment-for-robot-cat-interaction">Suitable environment for robot-cat interaction</h2>



<p>The implications of this research are intriguing. Designing robots involves interior design as well as engineering and AI. If you want to introduce robots into your home to look after your loved ones, then you will likely need to redesign your home.</p>



<p>"As we learned through Cat Royale, creating a multispecies system - where cats, robots, and humans are all accounted for - takes more than just designing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-cannot-outrun-animals-but-theyre-evolving-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a>," said Eike Schneiders, an assistant professor in the Mixed Reality Lab at the University of Nottingham. </p>



<p>"We had to ensure animal wellbeing at all times, while simultaneously ensuring that the interactive installation engaged the (human) audiences around the world," noted Eike Schneiders, a researcher involved in the project.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-touch-and-future-directions">Human touch and future directions</h2>



<p>The research also highlighted the importance of human involvement in areas like breakdown recovery, animal welfare, and audience engagement. In other words, even in a world of advanced robots, the human touch remains essential.</p>



<p>Cat Royale is more than just a fascinating experiment. It's a glimpse into the future of human-robot interaction. As we move towards a world where robots play a more significant role in our lives, understanding the nuances of trust and the importance of environmental design will be crucial.</p>



<p>So, would you trust a robot to look after your cat? Perhaps, but only if you're willing to give your home a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origami-inspired-robots-mimic-the-behavior-of-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot</a>-friendly makeover. And remember, even the most advanced robot can't replace the warmth and understanding of a human caregiver.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3613904.3642115" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research paper</a> was presented at the annual Computer-Human Conference (CHI’24), where it won best paper. </p>



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



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Would you trust a robot to look after your cat?

A recent research project called Cat Royale suggests that building...

<p>The impact of pollution and climate change on global ecosystems remains a complex, underexplored field. A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.uta.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas at Arlington</a> offers new insights, particularly concerning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-bird-species-are-now-in-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird populations</a> on islands, suggesting that our understanding may be more limited than previously recognized. </p>



<p>“Anthropogenic activities have reshaped biodiversity on islands worldwide. However, it remains unclear how island attributes and land-use change interactively shape multiple facets of island biodiversity through community assembly processes,” wrote the study authors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-discovery-among-island-birds">Surprising discovery among island birds </h2>



<p>By examining bird populations from the Zhoushan Archipelago (China’s largest island chain), the experts were surprised to find more bird species in agricultural areas than in forested regions.</p>



<p>“Usually, one predicts that there should be fewer species of birds living in agricultural areas where trees have been removed and the land manipulated than in natural habitats like forests,”&nbsp; said co-author Luke O. Frishkoff, an assistant professor of biology at UT Arlington.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But strangely, on the islands we studied off the coast of China, we found opposite patterns with the communities of birds under examination - there were more bird species in agriculture than in forested areas.”</p>



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



<p>The research team, including collaborators from <a href="https://english.ecnu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East China Normal University</a> in Shanghai, the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> in the United Kingdom, and the <a href="https://www.upmc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pittsburgh Medical Center</a>, chose islands for their study due to their ecological significance: while islands constitute only 5% of the Earth's land mass, they support 20% of its animal species.</p>



<p>Over two years, the scientists conducted four surveys during the breeding season across 34 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-types-of-islands-attract-migratory-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islands</a>, ranging from forested to farmed, and from isolated to more accessible. Their findings challenged preconceived notions about habitat preference among birds. </p>



<p>“Human activities have extensively modified habitats on three-quarters of all the Earth’s surface worldwide, and islands are no different,” Frishkoff said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-island-bird-populations-nbsp">Island bird populations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The data revealed that bird populations on smaller, more isolated islands were more evolutionarily similar than those on larger, less remote islands. This observation was contrary to the team's initial hypothesis that forested areas would harbor more diverse and numerous bird species than agricultural settings.</p>



<p>“All this is suggesting that there are some fundamental principles of ecology that we don’t yet understand, and that there is perhaps something special about islands that affects species that can tolerate human environments differently than species that require natural ecosystems for survival,” said Friskhoff.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We need additional research to better understand why bird evolution, and the evolution of species in general, is different on islands so that we can better protect and sustain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> in other human-dominated ecosystems,” he concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-island-bird-diversity">Island bird diversity</h2>



<p>Island bird diversity is a fascinating and unique aspect of ecology, primarily because islands act as isolated laboratories of evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endemism-nbsp">Endemism&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The limited geographic scope of an island, along with its distinct environmental characteristics, often leads to a high rate of endemism - many species found on islands are found nowhere else on Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This phenomenon is exemplified by famous examples such as the finches of the Galápagos Islands, studied by Charles Darwin, which have evolved a variety of forms and functions suited to their specific island environments.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolation-and-evolution">Isolation and evolution</h3>



<p>The isolation of islands means that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-can-switch-their-perception-of-earths-magnetic-field-on-and-off/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> that arrive, whether by flight or accidental means such as drifting on vegetation, often diverge significantly from their mainland ancestors. </p>



<p>Over generations, these birds can evolve to exploit different ecological niches. For instance, some may become flightless if there are no predators, or develop unique feeding techniques tailored to the resources available on the island.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-nbsp">Challenges&nbsp;</h3>



<p>However, this remarkable diversity is also coupled with vulnerability. Island birds are often more susceptible to extinction due to limited population sizes, restricted habitats, and a reduced genetic pool.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, they are particularly vulnerable to human impacts - such as habitat destruction, introduced species, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-sizes-and-shapes-of-birds-are-shrinking-as-the-earth-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> - which can rapidly and irrevocably alter their limited habitats. Conservation efforts are therefore critical to preserve the unique bird populations that contribute to the rich biodiversity of the world’s islands.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.2245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Island bird communities are changing in unexpected ways

The impact of pollution and climate change on global ecosystems...

<p>Researchers can use portable ultrasound on boats to detect and treat gas emboli in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-plastic-items-found-in-deceased-sea-turtles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea turtles</a>, significantly improving their rehabilitation. These ancient mariners, gracing our oceans for over 100 million years, are now struggling for survival. </p>



<p>Six out of seven species are endangered, and human activities carry a heavy responsibility. While plastic pollution and habitat destruction often steal the headlines, a lesser-known threat lurks beneath the waves: decompression sickness, also known as "the bends."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underwater-life-of-sea-turtles">Underwater life of sea turtles</h2>



<p>Sea turtles, like many marine creatures, are adapted to life underwater. They can hold their breath for extended periods, diving to depths where the pressure is much higher than at the surface. However, this ability to withstand pressure becomes a liability when they are unexpectedly brought to the surface. </p>



<p>When a sea turtle is caught in a fishing net, it ascends too quickly. Its body can't adjust fast enough. The rapid ascent decreases pressure, causing gases like nitrogen in its tissues to form bubbles. This is similar to opening a soda bottle, where a sudden pressure drop makes the carbon dioxide fizz and bubble up.</p>



<p>These gas bubbles can obstruct blood vessels, damage tissues, and disrupt organ function. The effects can range from mild discomfort to severe illness, even death. In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leatherback-sea-turtles-where-the-worlds-largest-turtles-go-to-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a>, symptoms of decompression sickness might include lethargy, disorientation, buoyancy problems, and visible bubbles under the skin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultrasound-impact-on-sea-turtles">Ultrasound impact on sea turtles</h2>



<p>Veterinarians are teaming up with fishers in a unique collaboration. Armed with portable ultrasound machines, they examine sea turtles accidentally caught in fishing nets.</p>



<p>"Veterinarians can examine whole-body MRI or X-ray scans and find specific bubbles in a variety of different organs," explains Katherine Eltz, a doctoral student at the <a href="https://www.unc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill</a>. </p>



<p>"The benefit of ultrasound is that we can see bubbles flowing through vessels or stationary in tissues. The portability of ultrasound means that it can be brought onto fishing boats, which we took advantage of to collect half of the data used in this project.”</p>



<p>Researchers take ultrasound images in real-time, directly on fishing boats. They can observe gas bubbles in the turtles' hearts, livers, and kidneys. This method allows scientists to assess the severity of the bends in each turtle. The experts can then determine the best course of action.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightness-as-a-barometer">Brightness as a barometer</h2>



<p>One of the most exciting findings of this research is the development of a new way to quantify the amount of gas in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-one-million-sea-turtles-poached-in-the-last-three-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtle's</a> body. "The brightness from the ultrasounds taken from the groups is a valuable quantitative metric to separate each ultrasound by grade," Eltz explains. </p>



<p>In other words, brighter ultrasound images mean more gas bubbles. More gas bubbles mean worse decompression sickness. This simple yet powerful metric has the potential to transform how veterinarians treat sea turtles with decompression sickness. </p>



<p>Veterinarians can quickly gauge the severity of the condition using this metric. This rapid assessment enables them to make informed decisions about the turtle's care. Depending on the findings, they can determine if a turtle requires specialized treatment or can be safely released.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-problem-with-local-solutions">A global problem with local solutions</h2>



<p>Decompression sickness in sea turtles is a widespread problem, affecting these animals in oceans around the world. The research conducted by Eltz and her colleagues, incorporating data from diverse locations like Brazil, Italy, and Spain, highlights the global nature of this issue. This is largely due to the vast migratory patterns of sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-leatherback-sea-turtle-migration-along-the-u-s-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a> and the ubiquity of commercial fishing activities.</p>



<p>Addressing this problem requires a coordinated global effort. Fortunately, the response to this challenge has been met with international collaboration. A collaborative approach is essential for developing effective conservation strategies that can be implemented on a global scale. They can ultimately protect these ancient mariners for generations to come.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-turtle-care">The future of turtle care</h2>



<p>The work of Eltz and her colleagues is still ongoing, but the results so far are promising. <br>The development of the ultrasound brightness metric marks a significant advancement in diagnosing and treating decompression sickness in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sea-turtle-day-a-tribute-to-resilience-and-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea turtles</a>. </p>



<p>This metric enhances our capacity to accurately identify the condition in affected turtles. It also improves the effectiveness of the treatments we administer. This breakthrough aids in the precise assessment and management of the health issues sea turtles face when they suffer from decompression sickness.</p>



<p>"The largest task still at hand is to work towards standardizing the acquisition of the ultrasound data collected for this project," Eltz says. "Now, I can work with veterinarians to help adjust their methods, including improved image processing to standardize the data in post-processing."</p>



<p>With ongoing research and collaboration, we can anticipate a future where sea turtles receive better protection from the hidden dangers beneath the waves. Continued efforts will enhance our ability to safeguard these marine creatures. </p>



<p>Together, we can develop more effective strategies to shield sea turtles from unforeseen threats in their natural habitat.</p>



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Ultrasound helps save sea turtles from fishing nets

Researchers can use portable ultrasound on boats to detect and...