A new study from <a href="https://www.osu.edu/">Ohio State University</a> reveals what is going on inside of your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-brain-interactions-have-an-influence-on-diseases/">brain</a> when you get lost in a fictional fantasy. The experts discovered that the more immersed we become in the lives of our favorite characters of fiction, the more our brain activity reflects how much we identify with them.
&#8220;When they think about a favorite fictional character, it appears similar in one part of the brain as when they are thinking about themselves,&#8221; said study lead author Timothy Broom.
The research was focused on self-described fans of the HBO series &#8220;Game of Thrones.&#8221; The individuals were instructed to think about themselves, nine of their friends, and nine characters from the drama series. The participants also reported on which character they felt closest to and liked the most.
According to Broom, Game of Thrones was ideal for this study because it attracted a devoted fan base and the large cast presented a variety of characters that people could become attached to.
One of the key findings involved participants who scored highest on &#8220;trait identification.&#8221; These individuals agreed most strongly with statements like &#8220;I really get involved in the feelings of the characters in a novel.&#8221;
&#8220;People who are high in trait identification not only get absorbed into a story, they also are really absorbed into a particular character,&#8221; said Broom. &#8220;They report matching the thoughts of the character, they are thinking what the character is thinking, they are feeling what the character is feeling. They are inhabiting the role of that character.&#8221;
The researchers used an fMRI machine to measure activity in various parts of the brain through small changes in blood flow. As the participants&#8217; brains were scanned, they were evaluating themselves, their friends, and Game of Thrones characters. 
A part of the brain called the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) is known to show increased activity when people think about themselves and, to a lesser extent, when they think about close friends.
While in the fMRI, the individuals were shown a series of names &#8211; including themselves, friends, or characters &#8211; along with a trait, such as lonely, sad, trustworthy, or smart. The participants simply said &#8220;yes&#8221; or &#8220;no&#8221; to imply whether the trait fit the person.
As expected, the vMPFC was most active when people were evaluating themselves, less active when they evaluated friends, and least active when they evaluated characters from Game of Thrones.
However, among those who were high in trait identification, the vMPFC was more active when they thought about the fictional characters than it was for participants who identified less with the characters. This region of the brain was particularly active when the individuals evaluated the character they identified with the most.
Study co-author Dylan Wanger said the findings help explain how fiction can have such a big impact on some people.
&#8220;For some people, fiction is a chance to take on new identities, to see worlds though others&#8217; eyes and return from those experiences changed,&#8221; said Wagner.
&#8220;What previous studies have found is that when people experience stories as if they were one of the characters, a connection is made with that character, and the character becomes intwined with the self. In our study, we see evidence of that in their brains.&#8221;
The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/scan">Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience</a>.
&#8211;&#8212;
By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

What happens in your brain while you're lost in fiction

Ancient fish once roamed the waters with features that preceded human elbows and knees. Scientists have revealed that our flexible joints can be traced to the earliest jawed fish, bridging the distant past with our daily movements.



Research on ancient fossils has shown that skeleton flexibility is not a modern trait. Jawless species do not appear to share this structural hallmark, signaling a major shift in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coelacanth-ngamugawi-wirngarri-new-species-living-fossil-fish-survived-over-400-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vertebrate history</a>.



Neelima Sharma of <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Chicago</a> is part of the team that investigated fossil evidence and living examples to see where these joints first emerged.



Sharma's <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> reveals that these articulated connections, once believed unique to bony species on land, appeared in ancient aquatic creatures long before limbs evolved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-flexible-connections">Exploring flexible connections</h2>



Synovial joints are typically found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-art-discovery-reveals-15800-year-old-fishing-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> that require movement with reduced friction. They appear as spaces, or cavities, between bones or cartilage, lubricated by a thin fluid.



This arrangement provides a blend of strength and range. It is more complex than joints that simply fuse or cartilaginous links that have limited motion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-sets-synovial-joints-apart">What sets synovial joints apart</h2>



Bone surfaces involved in this flexible setup often show specialized cells and proteins. These features help maintain smooth motion and prevent harmful rubbing.



Scientists once thought that this design was mostly found in land vertebrates. That assumption is now questioned by new analyses on certain fish skeletons.



<a href="https://www.glfc.org/sea-lamprey.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea lampreys</a>, which belong to a lineage without jaws, do not display synovial cavities. Their skeletal elements meet in ways that lack the lubricated space.



Bamboo sharks and little skates, both cartilaginous fish, present a different picture. Joints in these species have the layered tissues and proteins that connect to the type of architecture previously linked to synovial structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-scans-reveal-ancient-fish-joints">Fossil scans reveal ancient fish joints</h2>



The team used advanced imaging techniques to study a fossil fish known as Bothriolepis. This specimen exhibited a cavity between skeletal components - a trait places it among the oldest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mayan-civilization-may-have-been-shaped-by-ingenious-fisheries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> with a documented synovial joint.



Cartilaginous fish from modern times share some of these patterns with the fossil. Researchers see this as a sign that their common ancestor had joints that could bend with less wear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexible-joints-helped-fish-move-better">Flexible joints helped fish move better</h2>



Changing from rigid junctions to more mobile connections offered new avenues in feeding and locomotion. Evolving jaws was one major step, but flexible joints around those jaws opened even more possibilities.



Joint evolution also affected survival. Fish that could maneuver more freely had advantages in escaping predators or capturing prey.



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



“The origin of mobile joints in our fish ancestors enabled them to move about and feed in new ways. This study shows that the developmental processes that are responsible for these joints arose deep within the fish evolutionary tree,” said Sharma.



There is ongoing interest in how other fossil groups fit into the timeline. Scientists aim to look at additional specimens, hoping to see exactly when these structural traits appeared in different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiktaalik-fossil-discovery-sheds-light-on-how-fish-walked-onto-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish branches</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-embryonic-development">Clues from embryonic development</h2>



Developing embryos often hold secrets about evolutionary history. The researchers found that the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05868-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">little skate embryo</a> forms joints in a way similar to tetrapods. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC21740/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Specific proteins</a> appear during development, signaling joint formation in ways that match land vertebrates.



Muscle activity also plays a crucial role. When scientists temporarily paralyzed developing little skates, their joints failed to form properly. This suggests that movement itself is key in shaping these structures, much like in zebrafish and tetrapods.



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



Understanding where our synovial joints originated could help scientists explore joint disorders. Conditions like <a href="https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">osteoarthritis</a> involve the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness. 



Studying how these joints evolved may offer insights into preventing or treating such diseases.



The research also has implications for regenerative medicine. If scientists understand how these joints first formed, they may uncover ways to encourage cartilage repair.



Future studies could look at whether some of the ancient joint-forming proteins could be used in therapies for joint damage.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Ancient fish had flexible joints like humans

Ancient fish once roamed the waters with features that preceded...

Eilat is the southernmost city of Israel, located on the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea. It is known for its warm climate, coral reefs, and vibrant tourism industry.



Each year in March and April, visitors to Eilat can witness a stunning spectacle. The shores turn pink due to millions of tiny crustaceans with large eyes. These organisms, identified as amphipods, belong to the order Amphipoda.



A recent study provides new insight into this unusual phenomenon. The research was led by Professor Tamar Guy-Haim from Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (<a href="https://www.ocean.org.il/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IOLR</a>), in collaboration with Dr. Bracha Farstey from the <a href="https://iui-eilat.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences</a> in Eilat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pink-shores-on-the-red-sea">Pink shores on the Red Sea</h2>



The pink color of amphipods comes from carotenoid pigments that they obtain through their diet.



The researchers used an integrative taxonomy approach, combining genetic analysis with morphological identification, to classify these creatures. 



The team also examined environmental factors contributing to their mass mortality, which happens yearly during the same months.



"Like in a detective mystery, we tested several hypotheses," explained Professor Guy-Haim. "Many amphipods exhibit a unique reproductive strategy known as semelparity, where reproduction occurs only once in their lifetime, after which the females die, often simultaneously."



"However, our analyses showed an almost equal ratio of males to females, along with individuals of different sizes, allowing us to rule out semelparity as the root cause."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-stressors-and-amphipod-mortality">Environmental stressors and amphipod mortality</h2>



Climate change and marine heat waves have caused mass die-offs in the past. In the summer of 2017, sea temperatures in Eilat rose by over 4°C in just two and a half days, leading to mass coral reef fish deaths. 



However, the researchers found no unusual temperature spikes during the amphipod mortality events.



"Sometimes, environmental stressors increase susceptibility to parasites and pathogens," noted Professor Guy-Haim. "This has been observed in reef fish and the long-spined sea urchin in Eilat. However, we found no supporting evidence for this hypothesis either."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-possible-natural-cycle">A possible natural cycle</h2>



To dig deeper, the researchers reviewed scientific literature and discovered a similar event from March 1977. Back then, amphipods covered the shores of Aqaba in large numbers, suggesting this phenomenon might be part of a natural cycle.



Previous studies in the Gulf of Aqaba have documented ocean currents known as eddies. These circular currents can either bring deep, nutrient-rich waters to the surface (upwelling) or push surface water downward (downwelling).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amphipods-in-strong-ocean-currents">Amphipods in strong ocean currents</h2>



In the Northern Hemisphere, cyclonic eddies rotate counterclockwise, pulling deep waters to the surface. In the northern Gulf of Aqaba, these currents strengthen between November and April, becoming up to ten times faster than normal surface currents.



"We hypothesize that the amphipods were trapped in a cyclonic eddy in the northern Gulf and transported by the currents toward the shore," explained Professor Guy-Haim.



"In Hawaii, a mass mortality event of the same amphipod species was documented following the formation of a cyclonic eddy." 



"This is currently our leading hypothesis, but further research is needed to better understand the relationship between current dynamics and such phenomena in the Gulf of Aqaba and other marine systems worldwide."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amphipods-role-in-marine-ecosystems">Amphipods' role in marine ecosystems</h2>



Amphipods hold an essential place in marine food webs. They serve as a food source for fish, seabirds, and even whales. Understanding their life cycle and movement patterns helps researchers study larger ecological processes in marine environments.



This ongoing research could reveal more about the natural forces shaping marine life. Future studies may offer deeper insight into how ocean currents influence marine species worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts-on-marine-biodiversity">Potential impacts on marine biodiversity</h2>



When large numbers of amphipods die, it can affect the ocean ecosystem in different ways.



If too many amphipods disappear, animals that eat them - like fish and seabirds - might struggle to find enough food. This could change how these animals feed and survive.



Scientists are studying whether these deaths harm local marine life or if animals have adapted to this cycle over time. If this happens regularly, some species might rely on these seasonal die-offs as a food source.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-on-amphipods">Further research on amphipods</h2>



Understanding amphipod population dynamics in the Red Sea can help scientists monitor broader ecological trends. 



Researchers plan to continue tracking amphipod movements and mortality patterns in the Gulf of Aqaba. They aim to determine whether these events are purely natural or if human activities and climate shifts play a role.



Future studies could focus on how amphipods respond to environmental stress and whether their deaths influence marine food webs. With better data, scientists can predict changes in marine ecosystems and protect species affected by shifting ocean conditions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.70949" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



Image Credit: Omri Amosi, Israel Nature and Parks Authority



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Why the shores of the Red Sea turn pink every year

Eilat is the southernmost city of Israel, located on the...

Scientists have long suspected that unusually rapid changes in our DNA might hold the key to brain evolution.



Researchers have now <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08622-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">found</a> that certain stretches of our <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Chromosome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chromosomes</a> changed more rapidly over time than seen during typical evolution, which may have influenced how our brain’s nerve cells form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/subtle-dna-changes-shaped-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex connections</a>. 



The research was led by Professor Yin Shen from the <a href="https://weill.ucsf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences</a> and the UCSF Institute for Human Genetics. Her team performed experiments on artificial brain cells from humans and chimpanzees to see which genetic features set us apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-evolving-dna-and-brain-development">Fast-evolving DNA and brain development</h2>



Fast-changing chromosomal regions, known as human accelerated regions (<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abm1696" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HARs</a>), differ significantly between people and chimpanzees. Experts believe these areas might have helped shape the advanced thinking and language skills that define our species.



Some of these regions appear to influence how neurons send and receive signals. Shen’s group used cutting-edge genetic approaches to find out why these DNA stretches, HARs, had such a strong effect on <a href="https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/what-neuron" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neuron</a> function.



The team noted that small edits within these regions might have caused a big jump in brain complexity, which could explain the advent of human creativity and problem-solving. It also raises questions about whether these gains come with possible trade-offs in mental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neurite-connections-and-complexity">Neurite connections and complexity</h2>



The researchers noticed that human nerve cells grow multiple <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/neurite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurites</a>, which are tiny branches that help with communication between cells. Chimpanzee neurons in the same setting grew fewer branches, which suggests a more streamlined network.



“More neurites during development could mean more complexity in our neural networks. These networks facilitate the transmission of signals in the nervous system and support our higher cognitive functions,” explained Shen.



The investigations revealed that tweaking chimp cells to include human HARs triggered more <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2023.0265" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">branching</a>. The differences hint that our ancestors’ DNA picked up precise mutations that amped up the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07558-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neuronal wiring</a> of the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-and-risks-of-rapid-brain-evolution">Benefits and risks of rapid brain evolution</h2>



Researchers point out that advanced wiring may come at a cost. Some HARs appear to link with genes that show up in certain mental conditions, suggesting that our unique cognitive edge might also come paired with vulnerability to certain mental illnesses. 



Genes like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16172381/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NPAS3</a> have been tied to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-time-and-space-interact-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain development</a> and mental health conditions. Subtle changes in HARs near NPAS3 could shift how much of the gene gets turned on or off in early stages of neuron growth.



The group also examined regions that influence <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12368809/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOCS2</a>, which is connected to neurite outgrowth. Variations in these areas might change how nerve cells shape themselves, possibly swinging the balance between boosting intelligence and elevating the odds of neurological disorders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-1-difference">Beyond the 1% difference</h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08622-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> have estimated that humans and chimpanzees share about 98-99% of their DNA. That small gap includes HARs, which set the stage for distinctive thought processes, social behavior, and more advanced language skills.



This shift in our <a href="https://www.genome.gov/human-genome-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomic blueprint</a> is believed to have unfolded relatively fast in evolutionary time. Slight tweaks in just a few spots can have outsized impacts on neuron structure and brain wiring.



Shen’s experiments used modern genetic engineering to introduce human HARs into chimp cells. Watching those <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/1912/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lab-grown neurons</a> form new branches helped confirm how these DNA elements shape connectivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-dna-and-brain-function">Future research on DNA and brain function</h2>



The scientists are excited about exploring whether changes in these regions hold clues to unexplored cognitive abilities. They want to see whether specific HAR variants spread more quickly than others among early humans.



The researchers are also investigating whether certain DNA shifts might drive differences in brain development across various populations. This could reveal why some communities have increased or decreased risks of suffering brain-related conditions.



Further work will likely look at how HAR-based alterations influence gene interactions in living brains. That might help scientists pinpoint when these genetic quirks first appeared and how they spread in human ancestors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research">Broader implications of the research </h2>



This laboratory approach offers a peek at how subtle DNA changes can rewrite the instructions for assembling our brains. By comparing the DNA in human and chimpanzee cells, scientists can help map our evolutionary path.



The researchers hope that these findings may guide therapies for disorders linked to abnormal neuron connections. Understanding which DNA sites boost or hamper neurite growth might open opportunities to target them in conditions like autism and related syndromes.



The real excitement lies in how these studies bridge the gap between basic biology and the possibility of medical advances. If scientists can pinpoint how these fast-evolving regions shape neurons, they might uncover ways to preserve healthy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain networks</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-research-may-shape-brain-health">DNA research may shape brain health</h2>



Researchers envision a time when analyzing HARs becomes routine in identifying early risk markers for certain developmental issues. A single genetic misstep in these areas might cause a ripple effect on how brain cells wire to each other.



The next steps may include testing potential treatments that regulate the expression of crucial genes tied to neuron branching. That might reduce the impact of disruptions that hamper normal growth or communication in the brain.



The research also encourages us to consider our species' rapid rise in intelligence. Speedy edits in a small stretch of code may have set us on a path to become the tool-making, idea-sharing beings we are today.



The study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health, is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08622-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

DNA changes supercharged the human brain - but at a cost

Scientists have long suspected that unusually rapid changes in our...

The past century has witnessed a dramatic increase in wildfires, particularly in the western regions of the United States, where once-seasonal blazes have escalated into year-round occurrences.



Just within the past decade, raging flames have devoured millions of acres, destroyed communities, and released staggering amounts of carbon into the atmosphere - exacerbating the very conditions that fuel more fires.



The increasing number of wildfires is not just an act of nature. The fires are the result of a lethal cocktail of factors including global warming, drought, and well-intentioned but deficient fire suppression efforts.



These factors have collectively spawned a real-life monster - a "fire deficit." This is brought on by an alarming imbalance in which excess dead wood and dry vegetation build up over time and create dangerously combustible conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-approach-to-wildfire-prevention">Scientific approach to wildfire prevention</h2>



Well-regarded for its advanced research initiatives, <a href="https://www.fau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a> has taken on this growing problem. 



A team of scientists at the institution has been exploring how the strategic removal of dead wood - one of the primary fuels driving intense wildfires - can not only mitigate fire risk but also enhance carbon storage, creating a win-win scenario for both forest health and climate resilience.



The research looks into the intricate balance between reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-wildfires-have-doubled-in-the-last-20-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire hazards</a> and maintaining ecological integrity, as they search for interventions that are both effective and sustainable.



The study focuses particularly on the Sierra Nevada region, a biodiversity hotspot where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-persistent-droughts-will-impact-wildlife-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prolonged droughts</a> and rising temperatures have exacerbated fire risks. In this region, both natural ecosystems and nearby communities are threatened.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-inspired-forest-management">Indigenous-inspired forest management</h2>



The scientists found inspiration in the practices of the Indigenous Peoples of the Western U.S. For thousands of years, these communities have ingeniously <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-forests-prevent-15-million-yearly-cases-of-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">managed forests</a>, using methods such as controlled, low-severity burns and harvesting non-timber forest products.



This rich heritage of forest management has shaped ecosystems and has provided a solid basis for modern techniques that the team at Florida Atlantic University have been exploring.



The researchers tested the efficacy of several different forest management strategies. Eight different treatments were tested for their potential effects on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-risks-not-commonly-disclosed-by-u-s-companies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire risks</a>. They were juxtaposed with a "control" scenario that included only wildfire.



The treatments ranged from thinning vegetation to physical removal of surface fuel and prescribed burning, either alone or in combination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dead-wood-removal-and-forest-resilience">Dead wood removal and forest resilience </h2>



The results of the study are quite promising. They suggest that combining physical removal of dead wood with thinning of vegetation can reduce risks like tree mortality and crown fires significantly.



This proactive approach could, in theory, decrease carbon emissions and aid in carbon storage through the creation of biochar, a charcoal produced from organic material in a low-oxygen environment.



"In our increasingly warming world with frequent dangerous fire weather, more people and structures at risk in the wildland-urban interface, health risks from exposure to smoke, and need to enhance carbon sequestration to mitigate global warming, scientists need to examine effective alternative management actions," said study co-author Dr. Scott H. Markwith.



"By combining physical harvesting with thinning – removing smaller or fire-vulnerable trees – evidence from this research suggests we can help restore healthy, resilient forests."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-prevention-and-carbon-storage">Fire prevention and carbon storage</h2>



The team at Florida Atlantic University emphasized the potential advantages of this approach which, apart from reducing smoke and wildfire severity, could also generate carbon credits.



"Over time, repeated fuel reduction treatments, such as prescribed burns, can emit more carbon than a single wildfire in an untreated forest. However, by harvesting dead wood and converting it into biochar – a stable form of carbon – emissions can be reduced," noted study lead author Dr. Rabindra Parajuli.



The researchers agree on the necessity of continued, long-term research, including simulation modeling and field experiments, to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach across various forest types and over time.



These efforts represent a strategic investment in our planet's future - a route towards restoring historic wildfire regimes and enhancing the health and resilience of forests in the western United States and beyond.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479725005110?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Environmental Management</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Dead wood removal can save forests from future wildfires

The past century has witnessed a dramatic increase in wildfires,...

A cutting-edge artificial intelligence system promises to help protect elephants in Malaysia from illegal hunting. 



By blending predictive analytics with insights into elephant behavior, the technology aims to shield these animals from escalating threats that have long jeopardized their survival.



Developed through a collaborative effort at <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff University</a>, PoachNet combines <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-learning-can-help-track-changes-in-forest-cover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep learning</a>, GPS-based data, and ecological insights to gauge and mitigate poaching hazards.&nbsp;



The tool has been designed specifically to forecast where elephants are most likely to be found and then assess each location’s risk level, offering a proactive approach that goes beyond routine surveillance.



Scientists from the School of Computer Science and Informatics and the School of Biosciences worked together to construct a platform capable of learning from historical elephant movement patterns and detecting threats in near-real time.&nbsp;



By applying advanced machine-learning techniques, the research team can predict where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-elephants-have-drastically-declined-in-the-last-50-years/">elephants</a> are headed, identify hazardous zones, and assist on-the-ground teams in allocating resources effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-better-way-to-protect-elephants-nbsp">A better way to protect elephants&nbsp;</h2>



Central to PoachNet’s operation is a knowledge graph that compiles diverse information about elephant movements and known risk factors. This structured repository is linked to a specialized machine-learning model that interprets data from elephant GPS trackers.&nbsp;



“Elephant GPS data is analyzed with a special type of AI - a sequential neural network - to predict their movements," explained study lead author Naeima Hamed, a PhD student at Cardiff.



"These predictions are added to the knowledge graph in a meaningful way - then PoachNet uses a rule-based system to apply poaching rules and detect hidden patterns in the data." 



The platform’s predictive ability sets it apart from more conventional methods of wildlife protection.&nbsp;



“We found that, when tested, PoachNet was more accurate than other leading methods, consistently performing better. By handling the complexity of time and space data and turning predictions into practical rules, PoachNet offers a big improvement in tracking and protecting elephants,” said Hamed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-poaching-before-it-happens">Predicting poaching before it happens</h2>



Before PoachNet, strategies to curb poaching often relied on single approaches - such as analyzing ranger patrol logs or examining evidence captured by camera traps.&nbsp;



However, these methods do not always account for the dynamic ways elephants move or the full spectrum of human impacts on their habitats. 



PoachNet integrates broader knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-lockdowns-had-unexpected-impacts-on-wildlife-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife behavior</a>, enabling the system to recognize emergent patterns that may indicate an imminent poaching threat.



The project’s designers hope that by identifying where elephants are most at risk, authorities in Sabah can mobilize anti-poaching patrols and camera traps in the most vulnerable areas.&nbsp;



This targeted response could lead to more efficient use of conservation resources, focusing on regions where illegal activity is statistically more likely to occur.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-for-conservation">Broader implications for conservation</h2>



Study co-author Omer Rana from Cardiff’s School of Computer Science and Informatics highlighted the system’s potential to extend beyond elephant conservation in Malaysia.&nbsp;



“PoachNet is a unique software tool that integrates semantically modeled regional data sources with emerging machine learning algorithms and semantic reasoning. PoachNet addresses a challenge that continues to affect communities supporting endangered species,” said Rana.



“Both climate change and economics are leading to significant impact across this interface between human activity and natural habitats. The data-driven approach adopted in PoachNet can also be generalized to support other similar localities and national parks - enabling more efficient use of law enforcement and government resources.”



While PoachNet is currently attuned to Bornean elephants, the underlying architecture could be adapted to protect various endangered species worldwide, as each instance might require only modest adjustments in the knowledge graph and relevant predictive models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-to-protect-elephants">Urgent need to protect elephants</h2>



Efforts to shield Bornean elephants from poaching have never been more critical. As habitat areas shrink and the illegal ivory trade persists, these animals face a grim reality.&nbsp;



According to co-author Benoit Goossens, a scientist at Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences and director of the <a href="https://www.danaugirang.com.my/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Danau Girang Field Center</a>, “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-face-critical-threats-from-disease-and-habitat-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a>, human-elephant conflict, and poaching threaten Bornean elephants.&nbsp;



“Despite global anti-poaching efforts, the illegal ivory trade continues to drive poaching, reducing the population to fewer than 1500. We hope that PoachNet can assist in poaching prevention methods, therefore helping to ensure the safety of the elephant population in Sabah for the future.”



Given that traditional mechanisms to combat poaching must constantly evolve, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions like PoachNet that incorporate modern technologies and up-to-date ecological knowledge.&nbsp;



By matching predictive models with ground-level patrolling and international regulatory measures, the system could help reverse some of the most destructive trends endangering these elephants.



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



In the long term, the research team plans to enhance PoachNet by introducing additional data sources. 



This could involve tapping into acoustic sensors that detect gunshots or vehicle noises, as well as using satellite imagery to keep track of land-use changes and growing human activities. 



Such expansions would feed the system with even more contextual information, improving its predictive power and enabling faster, more decisive responses.



The ultimate objective is to give conservation authorities an advanced tool capable of anticipating illegal activities, thereby reducing the risk to Bornean elephants and potentially other species in peril.&nbsp;



By blending scientific rigor, state-of-the-art AI, and on-the-ground intelligence, PoachNet represents a considerable step forward in wildlife protection strategies.



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



As poaching incidents continue to imperil elephant populations, the hope is that this novel system will allow for data-driven vigilance, pinpointing threats before they escalate into irreversible harm.&nbsp;



With more accurate forecasts and the flexibility to adapt to new conditions, PoachNet may well serve as a blueprint for conservation efforts aimed at preserving some of Earth’s most iconic and vulnerable animals.



Details of this system appear in the research paper, “PoachNet: Predicting Poaching Using an Ontology-Based Knowledge Graph,” published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/24/8142" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sensors</a>.&nbsp;



-----



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.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

New era in wildlife conservation: How AI will help protect elephants

A cutting-edge artificial intelligence system promises to help protect elephants...

The ocean isn’t just a vast expanse of blue - it’s alive, constantly shifting, breathing, churning, and now weakening in critical ways. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a colossal conveyor belt of warm and cold water, keeps weather patterns in check, stabilizes temperatures, and even dictates rainfall in distant corners of the world.



But now, this large system of currents in the Atlantic Ocean is weakening and slowing down. And that could spell disaster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-delicate-balancing-act">A delicate balancing act</h2>



Think of the AMOC as Earth’s natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-ocean-current-may-be-more-stable-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate regulator</a>. It moves warm water from the tropics up toward Europe, keeping winters there milder than they otherwise would be. 



Meanwhile, colder water flows back south, helping maintain equilibrium. This system is ancient, powerful, and - until recently -remarkably reliable. Now, something is shifting. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsettling-signs-of-weakening-ocean-currents">Unsettling signs of weakening ocean currents </h2>



Scientists have observed an unusual cooling area in the North Atlantic, often called a "cold blob." This is unexpected because, as the planet warms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> temperatures should generally rise, not drop.



This cold patch suggests a deeper problem linked to the Gulf Stream, which is a key part of the AMOC. The Gulf Stream normally carries warm water northward, but if it slows down or weakens, less warm water reaches the region, causing unexpected cooling.



The effects of this disruption go beyond the ocean. It can change wind patterns, shift where and how much rain falls, and make extreme weather - like storms, droughts, and heatwaves - more frequent and severe. 



These changes can impact agriculture, infrastructure, and daily life worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-price-of-a-weakening-amoc">Price of a weakening AMOC</h2>



A team of researchers from the University of Hamburg's Cluster of Excellence for Climate Research (<a href="https://www.cliccs.uni-hamburg.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLICCS</a>) and the <a href="https://mpimet.mpg.de/en/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Meteorology</a> has taken a closer look at the potential consequences. 



Their conclusion? The economic toll of a weakened AMOC could run into trillions of euros by the end of the century.



This isn’t just about changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-current-system-may-collapse-by-2037/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperature</a>. A sluggish AMOC means more heatwaves, longer droughts, fiercer storms. Infrastructure will buckle, food systems will strain, and insurance costs will skyrocket.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-ocean-current-weakening">Science behind ocean current weakening</h2>



The AMOC relies on the sinking of dense, salty water in the North Atlantic to keep its cycle going. 



But as Arctic ice melts, massive amounts of freshwater pour into the ocean. This dilutes the salt levels, making the water less dense. When that happens, the sinking slows, and so does the AMOC.



And it’s not just about the ocean’s movement. With less water being pulled into the depths, more carbon dioxide lingers in the atmosphere. That means more heat trapped leading to more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-and-arctic-mixing-is-crucial-for-earths-climate-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate chaos</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flawed-assumptions-costly-mistakes">Flawed assumptions, costly mistakes</h2>



For years, some economic models suggested that a weaker AMOC might actually help cool the Northern Hemisphere, acting as a counterweight to global warming. That assumption no longer holds.



"Our findings indicate that previous studies on AMOC weakening most likely underestimated the economic impacts," noted Felix Schaumann, a climate economist and co-author of the study.



In other words, what seemed like a potential silver lining is, in reality, another storm cloud forming on the horizon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-future">Predicting the future</h2>



To understand what’s coming, the researchers used climate and economic models to simulate different scenarios. They compared a world where the AMOC stays strong to one where it weakens at various rates.



The results weren’t encouraging. The weaker the AMOC, the less carbon the ocean absorbs, and the faster climate change accelerates. The cost of inaction? Staggering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chain-reaction-of-consequences">Chain reaction of consequences</h2>



A weakened AMOC doesn’t just affect temperatures. It throws entire ecosystems off balance.



Fisheries that rely on predictable ocean currents could collapse. Crops accustomed to steady rainfall patterns may wither under unexpected droughts. Coastal communities will face rising sea levels, while storms become more violent and erratic.



Each of these effects compounds the next. The economy, already under pressure from rising global temperatures, will strain even further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-crossroads-for-policy">A crossroads for policy</h2>



There’s no easy fix. But there are choices to be made.



Slowing carbon emissions is the most immediate step. Investing in renewable energy, strengthening coastal defenses, and improving climate resilience in vulnerable regions are no longer optional - they’re essential.



The AMOC has existed for thousands of years, shaping life as we know it. If it falters, the world will feel the consequences. The question now is whether we act before it's too late.



The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation isn’t just another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate variable</a>. It’s the backbone of the planet’s climate system. If AMOC weakens, the effects will be widespread, costly, and potentially irreversible.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2419543122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Image Credit: CEN Climate Visualization Laboratory



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Weakening ocean currents could cost trillions of dollars

The ocean isn’t just a vast expanse of blue -...

Flowers do more than brighten gardens and decorate tables. Their scent - sweet, musky, or sometimes citrusy - isn’t just for human enjoyment. It’s a luring message, a chemical whisper meant for pollinators.



For years, scientists have tried to crack the genetic code behind floral fragrance, and now, a research team has found a crucial piece of the puzzle.



Led by Professor Alexander Vainstein at <a href="https://en.huji.ac.il" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hebrew University</a> of Jerusalem, the study reveals that a single gene, PhDEF, pulls double duty. It doesn’t just shape the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-as-food-how-ultrasound-makes-it-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petals</a>; it also controls the flower’s scent. 



This discovery could reshape agriculture, horticulture, and even biotechnology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-petal-shape-and-scent-in-flowers">Linking petal shape and scent in flowers</h2>



The study flips the script on what we thought PhDEF did. This gene was always known for defining petal identity, but researchers discovered another, unexpected function - it helps flowers <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corpse-flowers-amorphophallus-titanum-smell-like-death-but-thousands-rush-to-see-them-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">produce scent</a>.



And not just at any time. PhDEF kicks in later in flower development, orchestrating the release of compounds that attract pollinators.



Using genetic analysis and viral-induced gene silencing, the research team tested what would happen if PhDEF was turned off.



The result? A dramatic drop in floral fragrance. Petunias that once filled the air with their scent suddenly became undetectable, their chemical signals lost.



"Our findings show that PhDEF is not just responsible for defining petal identity but also for coordinating the production of scent compounds critical for pollination," said Professor Vainstein. 



"This dual functionality suggests that petunia flowers have evolved an integrated regulatory mechanism to optimize their attraction to pollinators."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scent-production-in-flowers">Scent production in flowers</h2>



PhDEF does not act alone in controlling floral scent. The experts identified it as a key regulator that activates two other important genetic regulators, EOBI and EOBII. These regulators then control a set of genes responsible for producing and releasing floral scent compounds.



Think of PhDEF as a master switch. When it is active, it triggers a chain reaction. First, it turns on EOBI and EOBII, which then activate other genes involved in scent production. This process leads to the creation and emission of molecules like methyl benzoate and benzyl alcohol - compounds that give flowers their characteristic fragrance.



To test PhDEF’s role, the scientists silenced it in petunias. The result was striking: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bees-value-quality-over-quantity-in-flower-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a> lost most of their scent, but their petal shape remained unchanged. This proved that scent production and petal formation, though both controlled by PhDEF, are separate processes.



The discovery suggests that floral fragrance can be modified through genetic changes without altering the flower’s physical appearance.



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



Imagine flowers bred for beauty but stripped of their fragrance, such as roses that look stunning but smell like nothing.



Many commercial varieties have suffered this fate. But now, with PhDEF in the spotlight, scientists might be able to bring scent back to flowers bred for aesthetics.



The implications extend beyond ornamental plants. Many crops depend on pollinators, and enhancing floral scent could increase their attractiveness to bees and other essential pollinators. Stronger scents might mean better yields, more reliable pollination, and greater stability for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>.



The fragrance industry, too, could benefit. By tweaking PhDEF and its related pathways, bioengineers could craft flowers with specific scent profiles, creating natural perfumes tailored to human preferences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-fine-tuned-balance">Nature’s fine-tuned balance</h2>



This discovery adds another layer to our understanding of plant biology. It shows how nature optimizes every detail, ensuring that flowers not only look appealing but also produce the right chemical signals at the right time. 



The genetic link between petal formation and scent production reveals a carefully balanced system - one that could have applications far beyond what we see today.



"This discovery advances our knowledge of plant biology and offers potential applications for breeding more resilient and pollinator-friendly crops," said Professor Vainstein.



Science continues to pull back the curtain on nature’s secrets. With every breakthrough, we move closer to harnessing these intricate systems - whether to create more fragrant flowers, improve pollination, or develop new scents for industry.



The more we learn, the more we realize that nothing in nature is accidental. It’s all part of a finely tuned symphony, playing out in every garden, field, and greenhouse.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/plcell/article/37/2/koaf027/8003630" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plant Cell</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Flowers get their shape and scent from a single gene

Flowers do more than brighten gardens and decorate tables. Their...

Plastic pollution has long been a concern in oceans, rivers, and soil, but a new study reveals its presence in an unexpected place - the lungs of birds.



Tiny plastic particles drifting through the air are making their way into the respiratory systems of birds, raising concerns about how deeply plastic contamination has infiltrated ecosystems.



The study, conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.uta.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas</a> at Arlington, highlights how widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastics-linked-to-disability-risks-for-coastal-residents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> have become in the environment. 



Scientists have been increasingly worried about the impact of these pollutants, not just on wildlife but also on human health.



The air people breathe and the food they consume may contain more plastic than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-as-living-environmental-sensors">Birds as living environmental sensors</h2>



Shane DuBay, an assistant professor of biology at UTA and co-author of the study, explained why birds were chosen for the research. 



"Birds serve as important indicators of environmental conditions," said Professor DuBay. "They help us understand the state of the environment and make informed decisions about conservation and pollution control."



Birds live everywhere, from busy cities to quiet forests, so they are useful for studying pollution. Since they travel long distances, scientists can see how pollution spreads across different areas.



Birds share many spaces with humans, which means that their exposure to airborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-treaty-is-a-historic-opportunity-to-stop-a-human-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> may indicate similar risks for people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-contamination-in-bird-lungs">Plastic contamination in bird lungs</h2>



To understand the extent of plastic contamination in bird lungs, the researchers examined 56 wild birds from 51 different species.



All specimens came from the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in western China. The location provided a controlled setting where birds from various backgrounds interacted with human-made environments.



Scientists extracted lung samples and performed chemical tests to detect microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics. One method, laser direct infrared technology, helped count microplastic particles lodged in the lung tissue. 



Another method, pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, identified nanoplastics that could enter the bloodstream through inhalation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shocking-levels-of-plastic-detected">Shocking levels of plastic detected</h2>



The results of the study were alarming. Scientists found large amounts of tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a>, known as microplastics, inside the lungs of birds.



On average, each bird species had about 221 plastic particles in their lungs. When measured by weight, the researchers found 416 plastic particles per gram of lung tissue. The most common types of plastic were chlorinated polyethylene, used for coating wires and pipes, and butadiene rubber, which is found in car tires.



This means plastic is not just polluting water and soil - it is also floating in the air. If birds are breathing in these tiny plastic pieces, it raises concerns about what might be happening to humans.



People live in the same environments as birds, especially in cities. If birds are inhaling plastic, humans likely are too - without even knowing it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-of-airborne-plastic-in-birds">Risks of airborne plastic in birds</h2>



There is no set rule for how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> in the lungs is considered safe. However, past research has shown that breathing in tiny plastic particles may cause serious health problems.



Scientists think inhaling plastic could lead to lung diseases, heart problems, and even cancer. Persistent exposure to plastic might also affect fertility and weaken the immune system.



Once plastic gets inside the body, it can build up in tissues, possibly causing long-term damage or inflammation. Some plastics also contain harmful chemicals that could interfere with how the body works.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-plastic-crisis">Growing plastic crisis</h2>



Professor DuBay emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution before it causes irreversible damage.



"Our research highlights an urgent need to address plastic pollution in our environments, as these contaminants can have far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health, as well as human health," he said.



The study makes one thing clear - plastic waste isn’t just piling up in landfills or floating in the ocean. It’s in the air, drifting unseen, finding its way into the lungs of both birds and humans. Cutting back on plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental goal - it’s an urgent necessity.



Scientists need more research, more funding, more answers. How much plastic is truly in the air? What long-term damage does it cause? Until these questions are answered, the best step forward is simple: stop the spread before it gets worse.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304389425001864?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Hazardous Materials</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Birds are breathing in plastic - what does that mean for us?

Plastic pollution has long been a concern in oceans, rivers,...

Obesity has become a major health issue worldwide, impacting millions of people and straining healthcare systems. While poor diet and lack of exercise are often blamed, the biological processes behind obesity are more complex.



Recent research highlights the role of the brain and its sensitivity to insulin as a key factor in weight gain and metabolic disorders. The study offers new insights into the connection between obesity, insulin resistance, and brain function.



The research was conducted by scientists at the <a href="https://www.medizin.uni-tuebingen.de/en-de/das-klinikum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Hospital of Tübingen</a>, in collaboration with the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) and Helmholtz Munich.



The findings suggest that even short-term changes in diet can significantly impact insulin sensitivity in the brain, potentially increasing the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scope-of-the-obesity-problem">The scope of the obesity problem</h2>



Despite being officially recognized as a disease since 2020, obesity has been a health concern for a considerable time due to its correlation with severe illnesses. 



Health complications associated with obesity range from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diabetes-rate-has-doubled-reaching-over-800-million/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> to heart attacks, and in certain cases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-is-linked-to-32-cancer-types-that-could-drive-40-of-cases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>.



According to the World Health Organization, obesity isn't a problem - it's an epidemic, impacting over one billion people worldwide and roughly sixteen million in Germany. 



At the root of obesity often lies extreme body mass indexes (30 or more) majorly credited to unhealthy diets and inadequate exercise. But, there's much more to the chronicles of obesity than meets the eye.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insulin-s-role-in-the-brain-and-obesity">Insulin's role in the brain and obesity</h2>



Unhealthy body fat distribution and sustained weight gain, scientists have discovered, are tied to the brain's reaction to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physical-activity-curbs-insulin-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insulin</a>. 



But what is insulin's specific role in the brain, and how does it impact individuals who maintain a normal weight? 



Researchers at Tübingen University Hospital for Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology, led by Professor Stephanie Kullmann, unraveled this mystery.



"Our findings demonstrate for the first time that even a brief consumption of highly processed, unhealthy foods (such as chocolate bars and potato chips) causes a significant alteration in the brain of healthy individuals, which may be the initial cause of obesity and type 2 diabetes," said Professor Kullmann.



In a healthy state, insulin in the brain suppresses appetite. However, in obese individuals, this regulation falters, leading to insulin resistance. 



"Interestingly, in our healthy study participants, the brain shows a similar decrease in sensitivity to insulin after a short-term high calorie intake as in people with obesity. This effect can even be observed one week after returning to a balanced diet," noted Professor Kullmann.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-the-lens-to-the-brain">Shifting the lens to the brain</h2>



Dr. Andreas Birkenfeld emphasized the need for further research into the brain's role in obesity and other metabolic diseases.



"We assume that the brain's insulin response adapts to short-term changes in diet before any weight gain occurs and thus promotes the development of obesity and other secondary diseases," said Dr. Birkenfield.



To test their hypotheses, Professor Kullmann and her team enlisted 29 average weight male volunteers. 



Half of the group had to supplement their diet with high-calorie, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-risks-of-ultra-processed-foods-revealed-in-30-year-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processed food</a> for five consecutive days. The control group did not change their diets.



Using MRI, the researchers compared liver fat content and brain insulin sensitivity in both groups. The result? An unsettling discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-choices-long-term-impact">Short term choices, long term impact</h2>



The group that had an increased calorie intake exhibited not only a significant increase in liver fat content but also a drastic decrease in brain insulin sensitivity, even after returning to their normal diet. This effect was previously associated only with people who were obese.



With these results, the research team from Tübingen University Hospital has successfully shed light on insulin's role in the brain as it pertains to obesity.



They have opened the door for new perspectives, emphasizing the power of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-food-diet-triggers-lasting-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet and its effects on our brain</a>, and in turn, our overall health.



The findings suggest that even brief dietary indulgences can have long-lasting consequences on metabolic function, reinforcing the importance of mindful eating habits.



By understanding how short-term dietary choices influence brain insulin sensitivity, future interventions may focus on reversing these effects before they contribute to obesity and related disorders.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01226-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Metabolism</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Why is obesity difficult to reverse? It starts in the brain

Obesity has become a major health issue worldwide, impacting millions...

Coral reefs - vivid, bustling cities beneath the sea - are in trouble. Warming oceans, pollution, and human interference have put them on the brink. But a quieter, less obvious threat is making things worse. The loss of sharks, the ocean’s apex predators, may be triggering outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish.



These outbreaks, in turn, accelerate the destruction of already struggling reef systems.



Scientists from The University of Western Australia's Oceans Institute and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (<a href="https://www.aims.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIMS</a>) took a deep dive into this mystery. They found a surprising link between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-may-benefit-from-rising-temperatures-but-not-from-rising-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shark</a> fishing, shifting fish behavior, and surging starfish populations. 



The study sheds new light on the fragile balance of reef ecosystems - and the consequences of disrupting it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-of-a-coral-killer">Rise of a coral killer</h2>



Crown-of-thorns starfish aren’t new to coral reefs. In small numbers, they help maintain balance, preventing a single coral species from taking over. 



But when their numbers explode, these starfish become a menace, devouring coral at an alarming rate and leaving behind skeletal, lifeless reefs.



"Coral reefs around the world are in crisis and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish are seen as one of the key contributors," Dr. Meekan said. "Recurrent outbreaks are adding to the decline of live coral cover across the Indo-Pacific."



For decades, researchers have searched for reasons behind these population booms. Climate change, nutrient pollution, and natural cycles were suspected culprits. Now, there's another piece to the puzzle - one that begins with sharks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharks-keep-the-food-chain-in-check">Sharks keep the food chain in check</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-shark-mating-behaviors-observed-for-the-first-time-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sharks</a> rule the reef, keeping everything beneath them in line. Their presence forces smaller predatory fish like snappers and emperors to stick close to the seabed, where they hunt crabs, worms, and, crucially, young crown-of-thorns starfish. 



When sharks disappear, those smaller fish move up into the open water, chasing different prey.



"Through recent DNA studies, we knew lots of smaller predatory fish sometimes consumed crown-of-thorns starfish, but we didn't know how frequently this happened and if it could control outbreaks," Dr. Meekan said. 



"Our insights show the presence of sharks might determine when this control occurs."



Take sharks out of the equation, and the entire system shifts. The once-grounded hunters now roam freely, snatching squid and smaller fish instead. The invertebrates they used to eat are left unchecked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-shifts-lead-to-starfish-explosions">Diet shifts lead to starfish explosions</h2>



The change happens quickly. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-use-offshore-oil-rigs-as-food-stops-during-migration-harming-conservation-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sharks</a> vanish, and smaller predators find themselves free to venture beyond the reef floor. 



Their diet changes and they grow faster. Meanwhile, crown-of-thorns starfish, no longer a staple in their meals, thrive. More larvae survive. More starfish mature. Soon, they blanket the reef, stripping it of coral.



"When sharks are present, smaller species are forced to feed close to the safety of coral on the seabed and, as a result, their diet is focused on things like crabs, worms and starfish," said Dr. Lester.



"But when sharks are removed by fishing, they are able to safely venture up into the water column and mostly feed on pelagic prey, like small fish and squid. Fish that change their diet in this way grow faster - but the invertebrates they used to feed on have a chance to multiply rapidly."



It's a chain reaction - one change leads to another. A shift in diet creates a gap in predation, and before long, an outbreak emerges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-shark-fishing-weaker-reef-ecosystems">More shark fishing, weaker reef ecosystems</h2>



Dr. Diego Barneche from AIMS pointed out a telling pattern: areas where fishing pressure is low, like marine reserves, tend to have fewer outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish. 



Where fishing is rampant, starfish numbers surge. The connection is clear - overfishing, particularly of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-sharks-are-abandoning-their-homes-due-to-ocean-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a>, makes reefs more vulnerable.



This isn’t just about one species of starfish. The removal of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unprovoked-shark-attacks-dropped-to-record-low-in-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> disrupts the entire ecosystem, leading to cascading effects that are difficult to reverse. Coral reefs, already fighting climate change and pollution, now have to battle an overpopulation of coral predators as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-sharks-to-save-reefs">Protecting sharks to save reefs</h2>



"We need to rapidly improve the resilience of coral reefs at a time when long-term threats, such as climate change and nutrient inflows from catchments, are causing damage that may become irreversible," said Dr. Meekan.



One practical step? Reduce shark fishing. By keeping their populations stable, reefs may have a better chance of regulating starfish numbers naturally.



"Reducing fishing so there are fewer starfish outbreaks may be a relatively cost-effective way to do this," noted Dr. Meekan.



Coral reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Climate change may be the biggest villain in their story, but human-driven disruptions - like the removal of sharks - are making things worse. The ocean works in delicate, intricate ways.



When one piece is removed, the effects ripple outward. In this case, fewer sharks mean more starfish. More starfish mean fewer corals. And fewer corals mean the loss of entire marine communities.



The solution might be as simple as letting sharks do their job.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-07716-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.&nbsp;



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Shark fishing is making coral reefs collapse in an unexpected way

Coral reefs - vivid, bustling cities beneath the sea -...

Language plays a central role in shaping identity, culture, and communication. In many parts of the world, children grow up learning one primary language spoken by their parents or caregivers. 



However, in Africa, a different reality unfolds. Multilingualism is not just an advantage but a natural part of daily life, with many people seamlessly switching between several languages. This linguistic richness is not something that develops later in life - it begins in infancy.



A recent study led by <a href="https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/university-of-potsdam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam</a> psycholinguists Dr. Natalie Boll-Avetisyan and Paul O. Omane explores the roots of multilingualism in Ghana. The research reveals that most babies in Accra, the country’s capital, grow up in environments where they are exposed to between two and six <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-humans-start-talking-scientists-may-have-found-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">languages from birth</a>.



This study sheds light on how language acquisition differs from Western settings and why early multilingual exposure is a defining feature of life in Ghana.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-multilingual-beginning-in-infancy">A multilingual beginning in infancy</h2>



The ability to speak multiple languages is often seen as a skill acquired over time. However, this study challenges that assumption by showing that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/talking-to-babies-in-parentese-boosts-their-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">babies</a> in Ghana start their linguistic journey in a multilingual setting.



The researchers examined 121 infants aged three to twelve months and discovered that these children regularly hear several languages spoken around them. Some of these languages come from direct interactions with caregivers, while others are picked up indirectly from background conversations, radio, and television.



The diversity of language exposure in early life is significant. The number of caregivers that a baby interacts with also ranges from two to six, reinforcing the idea that language learning is not limited to a single source. 



In Ghana, extended families play a crucial role in raising children. Babies are surrounded by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and neighbors who all contribute to their linguistic environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-influence-on-learning-languages">Community influence on learning languages</h2>



Unlike many Western households where parents are the primary source of language input, Ghanaian children experience a more communal upbringing. 



Many families live in "compound buildings," where social life revolves around a shared courtyard. This open and interactive environment allows children to hear different languages spoken by various adults daily.



"The idea that a child learns only one particular language from a single caregiver, as is often assumed in Western cultures, does not apply to these communities. Rather, children are surrounded by a rich spectrum of linguistic inputs from the very beginning," said O. Omane, the first author of the study.



This vibrant setting ensures that babies do not just learn a language from one caregiver but from an entire community. Whether playing outside, listening to conversations, or engaging with relatives, they absorb multiple languages effortlessly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-direct-and-indirect-language-learning">Direct and indirect language learning</h2>



The study highlights a critical distinction in how babies in Ghana learn languages. Some languages are acquired through direct interactions with caregivers, while others come through indirect exposure. 



Local languages such as Akan, Ga, and Ewe are usually learned through direct contact. Parents, grandparents, and neighbors actively speak these languages to the child, making them a primary part of the infant’s daily experiences.



English, on the other hand, is often introduced through indirect sources. Television, radio, and official communication expose children to English, but it is not the dominant language spoken at home. 



This contrast shows how different types of exposure shape language learning in a way that is distinct from Western countries, where a single dominant language often prevails in the household.



"It is often emphasized how important direct language contact is for language acquisition," said Dr. Boll-Avetisyan. "However, our results suggest that indirect input - especially through media and official communication - also plays an essential role in the children's daily lives, particularly in urban contexts."



This finding challenges traditional views that prioritize direct interaction as the primary method of language learning. In urban environments like Accra, indirect exposure plays an equally significant role in shaping linguistic abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-western-perspectives">Beyond western perspectives</h2>



Most studies on language acquisition have been conducted in Western industrialized nations, where multilingualism is often seen as an exception rather than the norm. The research in Ghana presents a different perspective, showing that multilingual environments are dynamic and widespread.



"The majority of studies on children's language acquisition have been conducted in Western industrialized nations, which is why they often focus on a rather narrow conception of multilingualism. Our research shows that other societies show a much more vibrant multilingual environment," said Dr. Boll-Avetisyan.



This calls for a broader approach in language research. The traditional assumption that children learn one language at home and another at school does not reflect the reality for many communities worldwide. 



Instead, multilingualism is deeply embedded in daily life and begins as early as infancy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multilingualism-as-a-cultural-asset">Multilingualism as a cultural asset</h2>



Multilingualism in Ghana is not just about communication; it is an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pi-day-celebrating-the-universal-language-of-mathematics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">integral part</a> of social structure and identity. 



Babies do not just learn words - they absorb cultural knowledge, traditions, and ways of thinking through multiple languages. Each language connects them to different aspects of their community and heritage.



"Our research shows that for many children, a multilingual environment is a dynamic, vibrant reality from the very beginning. Multilingualism is not just a bonus, but a fundamental part of children's identity and social structure," noted Dr. Boll-Avetisyan.



This insight has significant implications for education and policy. Understanding that children naturally adapt to multilingual environments challenges the need for strict language separation in schools. Instead of seeing multilingualism as a challenge, it should be embraced as a cognitive and social strength.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-language-learning">Rethinking language learning </h2>



This study adds to growing research showing that learning a language is not a strict, one-size-fits-all process. Instead, it changes based on where a child grows up and how they interact with people around them.



The research from Ghana shows that it is completely normal for babies to hear and learn multiple languages from birth. In many communities, multilingualism is not rare - it is simply how life works. Babies naturally pick up different languages when they are exposed to them early.



By studying language learning outside of Western countries, experts can get a clearer picture of how children around the world acquire languages. Understanding these differences can help improve language education and policies to better support children in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-speech-speed-can-signal-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multilingual societies</a>.



The study also shows that learning a language is not just about how many languages a child hears. It also depends on who is speaking and how the language is introduced. This research proves that speaking multiple languages is not unusual - it is a natural and important part of communication.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885201425000176?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cognitive Development</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Babies can naturally learn multiple languages from birth

Language plays a central role in shaping identity, culture, and...

Nature has always been a source of life, inspiration, and wonder. From the towering elephants of Africa to the tiniest insects in the rainforests, wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining the planet's balance. Yet, human activities have pushed many species toward extinction. 



World Wildlife Day, celebrated annually on March 3, serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibility to protect nature.



This global event not only highlights the beauty of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-change-their-daily-schedules-when-tourists-are-watching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> but also raises awareness about the threats it faces. More importantly, it calls for urgent action to save endangered species and preserve ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-world-wildlife-day">Origins of World Wildlife Day</h2>



Established by the United Nations in 2013, World Wildlife Day commemorates the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (<a href="https://cites.org/eng" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CITES</a>) in 1973. 



CITES is a global agreement that regulates the trade of wild animals and plants to ensure their survival.



The day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent threats facing wildlife. Poaching, deforestation, and pollution have already led to the extinction of many species. 



Some, like the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger, are lost forever. Others, such as rhinos and sea turtles, remain critically endangered.



By dedicating a day to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife conservation</a>, the world acknowledges that nature's survival is directly linked to human well-being. Healthy ecosystems provide food, medicine, clean water, and air. 



Protecting wildlife is not just about saving animals - it is about preserving life itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theme-for-world-wildlife-day-2025">Theme for World Wildlife Day 2025</h2>



Each year, World Wildlife Day adopts a specific theme to address pressing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-wildlife-threats-can-be-identified-using-ai-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation challeng</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-wildlife-threats-can-be-identified-using-ai-technology/">es</a>. In 2025, the theme is "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet." 



This theme emphasizes the critical need for innovative financial solutions to protect our planet's biodiversity.



Financing wildlife conservation has become increasingly important as traditional funding sources prove insufficient. Innovative approaches, such as payments for ecosystem services and wildlife credits, generate revenue for landowners and communities managing wildlife resources. 



These financial mechanisms not only support conservation efforts but also promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities.



By focusing on conservation finance, the 2025 theme highlights the importance of investing in both people and the planet. It calls for stronger partnerships between governments, businesses, organizations, and local communities to create sustainable funding models for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-can-prevent-future-pandemics-by-protecting-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> protection. 



​World Wildlife Day emphasizes that conservation efforts should be effective and equitable, benefiting both nature and humanity.&nbsp;​



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-and-ecological-balance">Wildlife and ecological balance</h2>



Wildlife is essential to the survival of the planet. Each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> contributes to a delicate balance that keeps ecosystems healthy. Predators control prey populations, ensuring that no single species dominates. 



Herbivores help shape landscapes by consuming plants and dispersing seeds. Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, ensure that crops and flowers reproduce.



The loss of even a single species can have disastrous consequences. For instance, when wolves were removed from Yellowstone National Park, deer populations exploded, leading to overgrazing and habitat destruction. 



Similarly, the decline of sea otters due to hunting resulted in an increase in sea urchin numbers, damaging kelp forests. These examples illustrate the interconnectedness of all life.



Wildlife also benefits human societies in ways many people may not realize. Numerous plants and animals provide ingredients for medicines. 



Scientists have studied frogs to develop painkillers, sharks to improve human immune systems, and plants to treat cancer. Without biodiversity, medical discoveries would be limited.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-success-stories">Conservation success stories</h2>



World Wildlife Day highlights that, despite challenges, dedicated conservation programs have enabled species like the California condor and Louisiana black bear to rebound from the brink of extinction.



The giant panda, once considered endangered, has rebounded due to habitat restoration in China. Conservationists have worked tirelessly to protect bamboo forests and establish breeding programs. Today, panda populations are growing, proving that conservation efforts can work.



Similarly, India's Project Tiger has helped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indias-wild-tigers-are-thriving-with-smart-conservation-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increase tiger populations</a> after decades of decline. Strict anti-poaching laws and the creation of protected reserves have provided these big cats with a safe habitat. The country's tiger population has nearly doubled in recent years, a significant victory for wildlife conservation.



Marine conservation has also made progress. Humpback whales, once heavily hunted, have increased in numbers due to international bans on whaling. Similarly, sea turtle nesting sites have been protected, allowing their populations to stabilize.



These stories demonstrate that with commitment, funding, and global cooperation, species can be saved. They offer a glimmer of hope for other endangered animals still fighting for survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-on-wildlife">Human impact on wildlife</h2>



Human activities remain the most significant threat to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>. Forests are cleared for agriculture, destroying habitats and displacing animals. Plastic waste in oceans kills marine life. Poaching continues to threaten species like rhinos, elephants, and pangolins.



Climate change adds another layer of danger. Rising temperatures disrupt migration patterns and alter ecosystems. Coral reefs, home to 25% of marine species, are dying due to ocean warming. Arctic ice is melting, making it harder for polar bears to find food.



​If these threats are not addressed, the world could lose thousands of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wildlife-overlap-is-rapidly-rising-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> in the coming decades. World Wildlife Day emphasizes that extinction is not just a loss of animals - it signifies a profound disruption of natural balance. ​



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-individuals-can-help-protect-wildlife">How individuals can help protect wildlife</h2>



Everyone can play a role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-is-helping-save-wild-animals-like-caracals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protecting wildlife</a>. Supporting conservation organizations through donations or volunteer work helps fund crucial projects. Many groups work on the front lines, rescuing animals, restoring habitats, and educating communities.



Simple lifestyle changes also make a difference. Reducing plastic use prevents waste from harming marine life. Avoiding products linked to deforestation, such as palm oil, helps protect forests. Choosing sustainably sourced seafood supports ocean health.



​Education is another powerful tool.&nbsp;World Wildlife Day initiatives, such as school programs and community events, play a crucial role in raising awareness about endangered species and their importance, encouraging people to take action.&nbsp;​



Sharing knowledge through social media, attending wildlife events, or participating in conservation projects helps spread the message.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

World Wildlife Day 2025: A global call to protect nature

Nature has always been a source of life, inspiration, and...

Some animals are known to cooperate with others of their own kind in a form of helping behavior. But every now and then, individuals from totally different species also form partnerships in order to improve their chances of survival.



This unexpected behavior requires that individuals understand the purpose of working together, and can see the advantages, despite having no means to communicate across the interspecies barrier. 



Researchers have documented many examples of cooperation between species, including <a href="https://planetforward.org/story/cleaner-wrasses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner wrasse</a> that remove parasites from bigger fish, and ants that protect aphids in exchange for honeydew. 



Experts have also observed <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3119009/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drongo</a> birds warning groups of <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/meerkat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meerkats</a> when danger approaches, and honeyguide birds in Africa that direct honey badgers to bee hives where food can be found.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-animals-form-partnerships">Why animals form partnerships</h2>



In a recent study, researchers set out to investigate how these alliances might expand our idea of <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00012-0?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982225000120%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognition</a>.&nbsp;They also wanted to identify the mental skills that help animals communicate across species lines.



The study was led by biologist Eduardo Sampaio from the <a href="https://www.exc.uni-konstanz.de/collective-behaviour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cluster of Excellence, Collective Behaviour</a> at the University of Konstanz in Germany.



Unexpected partnerships often hinge on each participant’s specific advantage. One partner might detect predators faster, while the other can defend against attackers.



Scientists have noticed that such teamwork can evolve when both sides see a payoff that outweighs any potential costs. It is not mere convenience; it can mean the difference between going hungry or finding plenty to eat.



Large predators sometimes ignore smaller animals they would normally chase away, if those smaller creatures bring a clear benefit. This delicate truce can break if one side starts taking advantage of the other too often, showing that trust must be maintained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-octopuses-cooperate-with-reef-fish">Octopuses cooperate with reef fish</h2>



In a paper published in the journal Current Biology, Sampaio and his colleagues described how octopuses cooperate with reef fish in order to hunt. Each species uses distinct signals, but they appear to understand these cues well enough to coordinate an attack and share the rewards.



“Partnerships like these challenge traditional views of intelligence and cooperation in the animal kingdom,” said Sampaio. His observations suggest that these animals grasp the benefits of working in sync, even though they usually operate alone.



Octopuses are typically solo hunters, but when a fish locates and points out hidden prey, the octopus helps flush it out. Any fish that tries to steal more than its fair share risks being swatted away.



Such behavior indicates that coordination between different species may rival the complexity of interactions seen among members of the same group. Researchers are eager to see what this reveals about flexibility in learning and decision-making.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooperation-in-the-animal-kingdom">Cooperation in the animal kingdom </h2>



For octopuses to cooperate with different species, they must learn to interpret signals that do not match their usual social cues. This might stretch their problem-solving abilities, and push them to develop sharper instincts for sharing information.



“From an evolutionary perspective, social complexity, problem solving and communication do not only arise within one's own group, but can also be shaped by the need to collaborate across species boundaries,” explained Sampaio. 



This implies that alliances can occur between individuals from species that have very different brains and lifestyles. By investigating such alliances, scientists gain understanding about how animals adapt their behavior to succeed together, despite the apparent communication barriers.



The findings may change how experts define cooperation in the animal kingdom. Rather than ascribing social complexity to flocks or packs, it may be present whenever individuals from a species treat outsiders as potential allies.



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



The quest to learn more about cross-species teamwork is just beginning. Future studies may focus on whether these interactions develop slowly, through repeated encounters, or whether they depend on innate predispositions to cooperate.



Research teams are also looking at <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00884-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interspecies synergy</a> to inspire innovations in robotics and artificial intelligence. By examining how animals navigate tricky partnerships, engineers might design machines that coordinate smoothly even if they do not share the same construction.



Practical applications could pop up in fields like environmental conservation, where understanding these relationships might help preserve critical habitats. Conservationists may tailor strategies around natural alliances to keep ecosystems balanced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-partnerships-and-survival">Animal partnerships and survival</h2>



Scientists believe these surprising connections reveal the adaptability of complex nervous systems under challenging conditions. The discovery about octopuses broadens our awareness of how animals cooperate.



<a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/mutualism-examples-of-species-that-work-together.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cross-species partnerships</a> add another layer to our appreciation of how animals survive, evolve, and thrive. They remind us that cooperation can stretch far beyond familiar boundaries whenever mutual gains are on the table.



Plenty of questions remain about how animals initially learn to work together in unpredictable settings. Ongoing research will shine more light on how living creatures solve problems, share resources, and strike deals for mutual benefit.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00012-0?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982225000120%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Unlikely allies: Octopuses cooperate with fish to catch prey

Some animals are known to cooperate with others of their...

Several weathered cliffs in central Utah have revealed something astonishing. Recent work on Cretaceous sedimentary layers hints at a surprisingly large set of dinosaur eggs belonging to predators and plant-eaters alike.



One cache in particular stands out for including fragments from three feathered, bird-like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>; two herbivorous types; and a crocodile-like creature that has never been seen outside of Europe.



Dr. Ryan T. Tucker from the <a href="https://www.ufs.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Free State</a> in South Africa helped analyze these fragile fossils to understand which dinosaurs laid them and how they fit into the bigger story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-dinosaur-eggs-found-in-utah">Diverse dinosaur eggs found in Utah</h2>



The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/learn/nature/cedarmtn.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cedar Mountain Formation</a> has been a focus of field expeditions for decades. Paleontologists have long suspected that its Cenomanian deposits held key information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collagen-discovered-in-70-million-year-old-dinosaur-fossil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> life during a time of environmental transition.



This new <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0314689" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">find</a> sheds light on six separate types of eggshell, scientifically known as <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0171919" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ootaxa</a>. Each ootaxon has a distinct microstructure, which helps confirm that multiple species laid eggs in the same broad region.



Three sets belonged to oviraptorosaur dinosaurs. Their skeletons often exhibit feathers and beaks that differ sharply from other predatory reptiles.



Another two eggshell types came from ornithopod dinosaurs with beak-like mouths for grazing. No one expected to find so many varieties in one sedimentary window.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-croc-like-presence">Rare croc-like presence</h2>



The sixth type of eggshell belongs to <a href="https://paleobiodb.org/classic/checkTaxonInfo?taxon_no=451525&amp;is_real_user=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mycomorphoolithus kohringi</a>. Until now, evidence of this crocodile-like species had only been found in Europe.



The creature has a structure that matches what paleontologists call <a href="https://a-z-animals.com/animals/crocodylomorph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crocodylomorph</a> traits, bridging an important gap in how we see ancient reptiles roaming ancient waterways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eggs-that-reshape-dinosaur-history">Eggs that reshape dinosaur history</h2>



Paleontologists consider the Cedar Mountain Formation vital because it captures a shift from older dinosaur faunas to younger Cretaceous populations. This stage set the scene for many later groups that rose to prominence.



Compared to skeletons, eggs are often overlooked, yet they can reveal important details about nesting, breeding patterns, and species <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-americas-oldest-dinosaur-is-completely-rewriting-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity</a>.



Each shell fragment reflects a reproductive event that once played out on floodplains and near water sources. Scientists gain glimpses into dinosaur family life when they discover these clusters in the same layers.



The unexpected variety of shells in one place helps refine how we envision prehistoric neighborhoods. It moves beyond a single, monolithic group of dinosaurs and offers a more vivid snapshot of the region's diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coexistence-of-multiple-dinosaur-species">Coexistence of multiple dinosaur species </h2>



The discovery of multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-discovered-in-australia-rewrite-dinosaur-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur species</a> nesting in the same area raises questions about how they coexisted. Did these different species interact, or were they simply using the same environment at different times? 



<a href="https://tmdinosaurcenter.org/what-is-a-paleontologist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paleontologists</a> suspect that some dinosaurs may have shared nesting grounds seasonally, while others might have avoided competition by laying eggs in slightly different conditions.



The presence of both predators and plant-eaters in close proximity also suggests a rich ecosystem with enough resources to support a variety of creatures. 



Fossilized plant remains, soil analysis, and nearby skeletal finds could help researchers understand what this environment looked like 94 million years ago and how different species adapted to it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-eggs-reveal-about-dinosaur-evolution">What eggs reveal about dinosaur evolution</h2>



Eggshells provide more than just evidence of ancient reproduction. Their microscopic structure holds clues about nesting strategies, eggshell thickness, and even incubation methods. 



Some species laid rigid, thick-shelled eggs, while others had thinner, more fragile eggs that required specific environmental conditions to survive.



Studying eggshells over time also helps scientists trace evolutionary changes. The oviraptorosaur eggs in this discovery add to the growing evidence that some dinosaurs were developing traits similar to modern birds. 



These findings connect distant relatives in the dinosaur family tree and show how behaviors like <a href="https://thomas-hopp.com/pdf/Hopp04-DinoBrooding.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brooding</a> and nest-building may have developed long before birds took flight.



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



With so many distinct eggshells uncovered, teams may now search for specific nest sites that confirm hatching behaviors. Such places might even reveal whether certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-predatory-dinosaur-species-identified-in-lost-photos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> guarded eggs or left them to the sun-warmed environment.



Findings like these draw new attention to Utah’s rock formations, encouraging ongoing excavation and analysis. More fragments or entire eggs could reveal hidden details of dinosaur biology.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0314689" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



Image Credit: Lindsay Zanno, CC-BY 4.0



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Dinosaur eggs found in Utah belong to multiple species

Several weathered cliffs in central Utah have revealed something astonishing....

The narwhal (Monodon monoceros), a whale native to the Arctic, is famous for its long, spiral tusk. This tusk, actually an extended tooth, can grow up to 10 feet and is most common in males. Throughout history, it has inspired legends of unicorns and fascinated scientists. 



Researchers believe the tusk plays a role in mate selection, but its full purpose remains uncertain. The elusive nature of narwhals makes studying their tusk behavior challenging, as few have witnessed their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saber-toothed-predators-evolved-the-perfect-fangs-for-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activities in the wild</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-narwhals-use-their-tusks">How narwhals use their tusks</h2>



Until recently, much about narwhal behavior remained a mystery. Their social interactions, reproductive habits, and adaptability to environmental changes were largely unknown. 



However, a recent study by <a href="https://www.fau.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Atlantic University</a>’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans has provided new insights. The research was conducted in collaboration with Inuit communities in Nunavut.



Using drones, the team captured 17 distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-discovery-large-sharks-are-hunting-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a>, revealing how narwhals interact with their environment.



For the first time, scientists observed narwhals using their tusks to influence the behavior of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). 



The footage showed narwhals delivering precise strikes with their tusks, stunning and possibly killing fish. These findings offer a rare glimpse into their foraging strategies and interactions with prey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-playful-and-social-narwhals">Playful and social narwhals</h2>



The study also documented evidence of play among narwhals. Researchers observed what appeared to be exploratory-object play, suggesting these whales engage in activities beyond survival needs.



Some behaviors indicated social learning, where narwhals may teach or influence one another. Individual personality differences among narwhals also became apparent, further demonstrating their complexity.



The study also captured the first recorded interactions between narwhals, fish, and birds. In one case, glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) attempted to steal food from narwhals, showcasing a rare instance of kleptoparasitism.



These interactions reveal the intricate relationships between species in the Arctic ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closer-look-at-narwhal-tusking">Closer look at narwhal tusking</h2>



Study senior author Dr. Greg O’Corry-Crowe is a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch and a National Geographic Explorer.



"Narwhals are known for their ‘tusking’ behavior, where two or more of them simultaneously raise their tusks almost vertically out of the water, crossing them in what may be a ritualistic behavior to assess a potential opponent’s qualities or to display those qualities to potential mates,” said Dr. O'Corry-Crowe.



“But now we know that narwhal tusks have other uses, some quite unexpected, including foraging, exploration and play.”



The study revealed that narwhals exhibit remarkable dexterity with their tusks. They can track moving prey with precision, adjusting their strikes to manipulate the fish. 



The tip of the tusk appeared particularly effective in stimulating responses from fish, allowing narwhals to interact directly with their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cooperative-hunting-does-not-require-complex-thinking-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prey</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-narwhal-behavior">Climate change and narwhal behavior</h2>



“I have been studying narwhal for over a decade and have always marveled at their tusks,” said study co-author Dr. Cortney Watt, a research scientist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.



“To observe them using their tusks for foraging and play is remarkable. This unique study where we set up a remote field camp and spent time filming narwhal with drones is yielding many interesting insights and is providing a bird’s eye view of their behavior that we have never seen before.”



These discoveries highlight how climate change may influence narwhal behavior. As Arctic conditions shift, new interspecies encounters may become more common, forcing animals to adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-and-adaptation">Social learning and adaptation</h2>



“Our observations provide clear evidence of narwhals chasing fish and using their tusks to interact directly with the fish and to influence the fish’s behavior,” said Dr. O’Corry-Crowe.



“Some of the interactions we saw appeared competitive in nature with one whale blocking or trying to block another whale’s access to the same target fish, while others may have been more subtle, possibly communicative and even affiliative. None appeared overtly aggressive.”



Narwhals appear to learn from one another, suggesting that social behaviors could accelerate adaptation to environmental changes. This adaptability will be crucial as Arctic ice patterns shift and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunting-coyotes-actually-boosts-their-numbers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prey availability</a> fluctuates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-non-invasive-research">Importance of non-invasive research</h2>



“To understand how narwhals are being affected by and adapting to the changing Arctic, field studies using innovative, non-invasive tools like drones are essential to observe them in their natural environment without disturbing them,” said Dr. O’Corry-Crowe.



“Drones provide a unique, real-time view of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-hunting-fishing-connect-humans-with-nature-or-reinforce-superiority-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a>, helping scientists gather crucial data on how narwhals are responding to shifts in ice patterns, prey availability and other environmental changes. Such studies are key to understanding the impact of global warming on these elusive animals.”



This research was supported by <a href="https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fisheries and Oceans Canada</a>, FAU Harbor Branch, the National Geographic Society, the World Wildlife Fund Canada, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, and Natural Resources Canada’s Polar Continental Shelf Program.



The findings offer a new perspective on narwhals, showcasing their intelligence, adaptability, and intricate tusk-related social structures. As climate change reshapes the Arctic, ongoing research will be vital in understanding and protecting these remarkable whales.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1518605/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Marine Science</a>.



Image Credit: O'Corry-Crowe, FAU/Watt, DFO



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Narwhals use their tusks in completely unexpected ways

The narwhal (Monodon monoceros), a whale native to the Arctic,...

A recent surge of newly identified animal species has sparked excitement among biologists. Strange fish species have emerged in remote Peruvian waters, and unusual relatives of the pacu have surprised experts in the Amazon and beyond.



Dr. Trond Larsen from <a href="https://www.conservation.org/stories/new-discoveries-in-a-changing-landscape-uncovering-alto-mayos-hidden-biodiversity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation International</a>'s International’s Rapid Assessment Program led field surveys in Alto Mayo, Peru, that unearthed more than two dozen new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> - including several fish with curious shapes and habits.



Also contributing to this surge in discoveries is Dr. Marcelo C. Andrade of the Federal University of Maranhão. His investigation of the black-barred pacus revealed multiple cryptic species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-the-blob-headed-catfish">Mystery of the blob-headed catfish</h2>



One of the most surprising finds was a so-called <a href="https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/4809/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blob-headed catfish</a>. It has an enlarged head that puzzled the fish experts on site.



This fish, collected in the Alto Mayo region of Peru, belongs to the armored catfish genus Chaetostoma. It lives among fast-flowing streams, and is in need of critical conservation efforts in order to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-freshwater-fish-toward-the-poles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survive</a>.



Researchers estimate that these catfish rely on specialized feeding mechanisms, although nobody fully grasps the function of that enlarged head. In some spots, local communities had already spotted these fish species long before scientists recognized them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-africa-s-pygmy-pipehorse">South Africa's pygmy pipehorse</h2>



On another front, marine biologists Dr. Louw Claassens and Dr. Richard Smith found a miniature pipehorse in Sodwana Bay, on South Africa’s east coast. This <a href="https://australian.museum/blog/amri-news/sodwana-pygmy-pipehorse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pygmy pipehorse</a> belongs to a group that includes seahorses and pipefishes.



Colorful and small, the pipehorse stretches barely 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length, and clings to sponges on shallow reefs.



“Its discovery in shallow coastal waters serves as a reminder of how much we still have to learn,” said Graham Short of the California Academy of Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-fish-with-three-different-species">One fish with three different species</h2>



In the inland freshwaters of the Amazon Basin, scientists analyzed a fish that many believed was just one species: the black-barred pacu (Myloplus schomburgkii). More detailed <a href="https://www.ni.bio.br/content/v22n2/1982-0224-2023-0095/1982-0224-ni-22-02-e230095.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a>, however, revealed that there were three <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-species-extinction-risk-five-times-higher-than-past-estimates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> with separate ranges.



They include Myloplus aylan in western Amazon blackwater systems, Myloplus schomburgkii across Guiana and Brazilian Shields, and Myloplus sauron, which is confined to the Xingu River. Local fishers once lumped the species together because they share a distinct vertical stripe down the flank and look similar.



One group roams the Rio Negro, featuring a band that is uniform along its length. The second group inhabits black-water tributaries in the western reaches of the Amazon, with a wider bar that broadens at the center.



The third group emerges only in the swift waters of the Xingu River. They bear a narrower bar that tapers toward both ends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-hidden-fish-species">Finding hidden fish species</h2>



Local communities in Peru, South Africa, and Brazil were crucial collaborators. They guided researchers to hidden spots and unusual habitats where these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> thrive.



These discoveries highlight the importance of environmental DNA, camera traps, and community partnerships in detecting rare species. 



Black-barred pacus are already a valuable part of the ornamental fish trade, with their striking appearance making them popular among aquarium enthusiasts. 



However, beyond their role in the pet industry, these fish hold significant importance for local fisheries, where they contribute to both livelihoods and food security. Many communities depend on them as a reliable source of protein and economic stability.



Efforts are underway to study the diets and population dynamics of these newly recognized fish species. Researchers aim to balance ecological health with economic needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-new-fish-species">Protecting the new fish species</h2>



The research demonstrates how much biodiversity remains undocumented, even in regions impacted by human activity. Scientists emphasize that identifying new species is just the first step - protecting them from habitat destruction and overfishing is the bigger challenge.



Many of these newly identified species live in fragile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-catastrophic-decline-in-migratory-freshwater-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> that are under threat from deforestation, mining, and climate change. 



Researchers study these species’ populations and ecological roles to develop stronger conservation policies. Their goal is to protect both the newly discovered fish species and the local communities that rely on them for survival.



Information about the new fish species is published here for <a href="https://www.conservation.org/docs/default-source/publication-pdfs/rap-73-alto-mayo-peru.pdf?sfvrsn=e66add1e_3">Peru</a>,<a href="https://australian.museum/blog/amri-news/sodwana-pygmy-pipehorse/"> South Africa</a>, and the <a href="https://www.ni.bio.br/content/v22n2/1982-0224-2023-0095/1982-0224-ni-22-02-e230095.pdf">Amazon Basin</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

More than two dozen unusual fish species discovered in Peru and the Amazon

A recent surge of newly identified animal species has sparked...

Polar bear cubs are hidden away for months inside snowy dens. Their mothers nurse them in these quiet spaces, giving the tiny cubs a chance to grow before they set foot on the cold spring ice.



A team of esearchers led by the <a href="https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto Scarborough</a> have spent multiple years monitoring different dens in a remote region of the Arctic. 



The experts installed remote cameras to see exactly when and how often <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-are-suffering-from-an-energy-deficit-due-to-lack-of-food-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">families</a> emerged. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-bear-dens-and-cub-survival">Polar bear dens and cub survival</h2>



A <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/centers/alaska-science-center/science/polar-bear-maternal-denning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maternal den</a> is not just a warm hideout for the cubs. It also allows them to develop muscles and thick fur in relative safety.



Many bears excavate dens in hilly spots where snow piles up, creating hidden alcoves. Inside, the female takes a long rest, ensuring the cubs gain enough weight before they face the outside world.



Scientists have observed that these dens can regulate temperature to some degree, offering needed protection from Arctic storms. This microclimate appears to help newborns stay healthier for those crucial first weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impacts-on-polar-bear-dens">Climate impacts on polar bear dens</h2>



The Arctic is <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-022-00498-3">heating</a> about four times faster the global average. This has contributed to thinning sea ice and shifts in weather patterns.



“Polar bear mothers are having increasing difficulties reproducing due to climate-driven changes,” said Dr. Louise Archer, lead author of the study from U of T Scarborough. 



The polar bears are responding to these pressures as best they can, but unpredictability in snow cover may alter den stability.



A shorter winter season could force earlier den exits in some areas. When cubs leave too soon, they may be less prepared to follow their mother in search of seals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpses-from-camera-traps">Glimpses from camera traps</h2>



The cameras caught a variety of behaviors, like a mother stepping outside to sniff the air while cubs remained behind. Sometimes the cubs hopped out with her, often staying close to her side.



These snapshots help <a href="https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jwmg.22725" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a> match the precise timing of outdoor activity with temperature readings from <a href="https://atstrack.com/tracking-products/gps-satellite.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite telemetry collars</a>. The videos create a fuller picture of what life looks like at each den site.



Remote monitoring also shows that cubs rarely wander without their mother, even near the den entrance. For young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-doesnt-stick-to-polar-bear-fur-but-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bears</a>, this companionship provides a layer of defense and teaching.



“This study provides a rare glimpse into one of the most vulnerable and critical periods in a polar bear’s life, offering insights that can help guide our collective conservation efforts,” said Dr. Megan Owen, Vice President of Wildlife Conservation Science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-behavior-and-cub-mortality">Shifting behavior and cub mortality </h2>



Each family follows its own schedule, which can shift from year to year.&nbsp;Some families linger around the den area longer than others. This behavior might be tied to temperatures or the mother’s overall condition after months of fasting.



If changing winters consistently prompt earlier den exits, cubs might face harsher outdoor conditions. Once they leave, they become far more dependent on sea ice to locate prey.



In many regions, less than half of polar bear cubs reach adulthood. As denning routines unravel, cub mortality is set to increase.



Industrial expansion adds another concern. Noisy activity could disrupt denning, prompting mothers to move or leave prematurely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-conservation-efforts">Boosting conservation efforts</h2>



Scientists are integrating collar data, long-term temperature tracking, and camera footage to inform wildlife agencies. These resources offer a toolkit for spotting early warning signs of stress on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bear-conservation-leaps-forward-with-new-tracking-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> reproduction.



By detecting changes in maternal den use, specialists can plan safer buffer zones in sensitive locations. “Studies including observational data at polar bear den sites have been few,” said Dr. Jon Aars, senior researcher at the Norwegian Polar Institute.



The research also helps local communities and industries schedule operations that minimize contact with newborn cubs. It’s a practical step toward ensuring that mothers stay in place until their young can handle Arctic conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-polar-bear-den-areas">Protecting polar bear den areas </h2>



Polar bears rely on stable ice for hunting, but they also need reliable snow for den construction. The entire cycle depends on a balance that is now under pressure from rapid warming.



Collaboration between organizations like Polar Bears International, the Norwegian Polar Institute, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance demonstrates a shared commitment to understanding these trends. The more that experts can learn, the better they can guide policies that protect cubs through their most fragile months.



Researchers continue refining camera technology and other remote methods. They hope these insights will broaden awareness and shape decisions that keep den areas undisturbed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-denning-time-is-crucial">Why denning time is crucial </h2>



The images of tiny bears stepping onto the snow are stirring. Yet each moment outside the den represents a big shift in a young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-are-struggling-to-survive-longer-summers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bear’s life</a>.



Gaining muscle strength and adjusting to the climate take time, especially for altricial cubs that are born underdeveloped. An early departure could lessen their chances out on the ice, where finding the right prey is already no small task.



The hope is that protective measures can give these polar bear families a fair shot. After all, a thriving generation of cubs hints at a better future for the species.



The study is published in <a href="https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jwmg.22725" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journal of Wildlife Management</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Polar bear cubs are emerging earlier from dens

Polar bear cubs are hidden away for months inside snowy...

It seems unthinkable that anything could live after tens of thousands of years in hibernation. The discovery of a tiny creature in the Siberian permafrost has sparked conversations about how resilient life can be.



In a recent breakthrough, researchers determined that a worm which had been frozen for about 46,000 years had survived and remained alive. 



Dr. Philipp Schiffer, a group leader in the <a href="https://zoologie.uni-koeln.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Zoology</a> at the University of Cologne, and his colleagues, have been studying how this creature managed to survive well beyond its usual lifespan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environment-in-siberian-permafrost">Extreme environment in Siberian permafrost</h2>



Siberia has vast stretches of permafrost, which is soil or sediment that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-no-longer-permanent-arctic-communities-in-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frozen ground</a> can extend hundreds of feet below the surface in certain regions, with the cold temperatures preserving anything trapped within its layers.



Conditions in these areas can be challenging for people, but the permafrost forms perfect vaults for preserving animal remains. Thick ice and frigid temperatures keep organic material fresh enough to study thousands of years later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-putting-life-on-pause">Putting life on pause</h2>



The resurrected worm belongs to a genus known for its ability to enter cryptobiosis, which is a biological strategy where life appears to stop under cold conditions. 



No major metabolic activity occurs in this state, and organisms can endure severe environmental conditions that would normally be lethal.



Biologists have documented cryptobiosis in other creatures, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-bear-tardigrade-fossils-reveal-how-they-survived-several-mass-extinction-events/">tardigrades</a> and certain brine shrimp. The animals halt their usual body functions until they can return to an environment that can support growth and reproduction.



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



Experts identified the newly studied nematode as Panagrolaimus kolymaensis, a species not previously described in scientific literature. 



Radiocarbon dating showed that the sample was tens of thousands of years old, indicating that this worm spent most of its existence in suspended animation under frozen sediment.



It was retrieved at a depth of about 40 yards (37 meters). This position helped it stay protected in that intense cold, and gave it a chance to be resurrected in modern laboratories, where it resumed normal activity and even produced offspring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-survival-strategies">Unique survival strategies</h2>



According to the researchers, nematodes of this variety usually live for only one or two months. The worm that reawakened in the lab outlived that window by tapping into cryptobiotic powers that are still under investigation.



Special molecules may stabilize cells in these worms, keeping them intact despite extreme dryness or temperature shifts. Similar molecules have been found in other organisms that are known to survive dehydration and freezing.



“No one had thought that this process could last millennia, 40,000 years, or even longer. It is simply amazing that life can begin again after so long, in the state between life and death,” said Dr. Schiffer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetics-of-the-frozen-worm">Genetics of the frozen worm </h2>



The experts used genome sequencing to confirm that this worm was something different. Its lineage seems to share parts of the genetic toolkit for cryptobiosis with Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode species that is commonly used in lab research.



Similar stasis has been observed in tardigrades, often called water bears. A 2017 NASA <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/podcasts/houston-we-have-a-podcast/water-bears-in-space/">study</a> noted their capacity to withstand harsh space conditions, suggesting these tiny beings have defense systems against extreme radiation and severe temperature swings.



Certain seeds can also remain viable for years in cold storage and then germinate when conditions improve. Yet the nematode’s frozen stretch lasted far longer than the typical lifetime for most preserved biological samples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cryptobiosis-in-extreme-environments">Cryptobiosis in extreme environments</h2>



Scientists who focus on deserts, polar regions, and even other planets may look for parallels in cryptobiotic organisms. Environments like the Atacama Desert, known for its dryness, already harbor small <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-new-forms-of-life-inside-humans-rna-carriers-obelisks/">life forms</a> that have evolved impressive strategies to handle scarce moisture.



Conditions on Mars and icy moons around Saturn are less welcoming. However, knowledge of how simple creatures cheat time might lead to ideas about extraterrestrial survival or more efficient preservation methods for samples on Earth.



Cryptobiosis involves shutting down vital processes without losing structural integrity. Genetic pathways that enable such suspension might have applications in food preservation or even organ transplants.



If scientists isolate the genes that protect cells against freezing, future technologies could incorporate them into strategies for stabilizing delicate tissues. Biomedical researchers are always searching for ways to minimize damage from cold storage or dehydration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-the-frozen-worm">The legacy of the frozen worm</h2>



The original specimen has died, but its offspring remain alive in controlled conditions. This provides more opportunities for tests on how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/nematodes/">nematodes</a> handle rehydration, changes in temperature, and prolonged hibernation.



Genetic comparisons with other species may shed light on whether these traits developed once in nematode history or evolved in multiple lineages separately. Either way, the results challenge the idea that living things cannot pause for millennia.



Experts see the next research steps involving experiments that identify proteins or sugars that replace water in the worm’s cells during dormancy. They could also investigate new forms of cryptobiosis in other deep-freeze environments, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stability-of-antarctica-is-threatened-by-submarine-canyons/">Antarctic glaciers</a>.



Evolutionary biologists might expand research into older permafrost samples. If more ancient specimens are discovered, scientists may gain a better understanding of how life on Earth endures in these harsh and extreme conditions.



The study is published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1010798" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Genetics</a>.



Image Credit: Shatilovich et al, 2023, PLOS Genetics



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Frozen worm comes back to life after 46,000 years

It seems unthinkable that anything could live after tens of...

Modern technology has changed the way humans observe wildlife. Mini cameras placed in backyards and natural landscapes now capture unexpected activities from the animal world. These tiny devices reveal the secret lives of creatures that often go unnoticed. 



From bears rummaging through garbage bins to deer wandering suburban streets, these glimpses into nature have fascinated millions.



While these videos often go viral for entertainment, scientists have recognized their potential for research. A group at the <a href="https://www.uri.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rhode Island</a> has taken this idea further. They created a massive dataset of animal images, not just for curiosity, but for science. 



The goal was to understand how animals behave at different times of the day and how human presence affects their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-secretly-reshape-landscapes-in-powerful-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity patterns</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-activity-of-400-mammals">Studying the activity of 400 mammals</h2>



To build a more detailed picture of animal habits, researchers launched the Global Animal Diel Activity Project. They gathered data from 20,080 camera trap sites across 38 countries and six continents. 



The study included over 400 mammal species, making it one of the largest camera-based research projects in existence.



This ambitious project involved more than 200 scientists worldwide. They analyzed 8.9 million animal observations to create a massive collection of activity estimates. The results were surprising. 



Less than half of the species studied matched the activity classifications found in reference books. Many animals exhibited <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-humans-and-animals-keep-experimenting-even-when-theres-no-need/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different behaviors</a> than previously thought, challenging long-standing assumptions about their activity cycles.



The study was led by Brian Gerber, a research ecologist at <a href="https://www.colostate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a>, and Kadambari Devarajan, a research fellow at the University of Rhode Island.



The findings provide new insights into how animals adapt their behaviors based on environmental and human influences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-patterns-in-animal-activity">Unpredictable patterns in animal activity</h2>



The study revealed that many animals do not strictly follow diurnal or nocturnal behavior patterns. Instead, their activity changes based on location, environmental conditions, and human presence. 



Gerber was surprised by the extent of this variation. "I expected some variation, but basically most species that we had adequate data on showed that they would change their diel activity.”



For example, American black bears did not follow a consistent schedule. In some locations, they were diurnal, meaning they were active during the day. In others, they were cathemeral, meaning their activity was scattered across both day and night. 



This flexibility suggests that animals may not be as rigid in their routines as previously believed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-wildlife-project">Global wildlife project</h2>



Gerber’s interest in diel activity began 18 years ago when he was studying fossas in Madagascar. He noticed that these animals did not always behave according to expected patterns. This observation led to years of curiosity about how different species adapt their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-tracking-endangered-animal-habitats-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a> to their surroundings.



By 2017, while working at the University of Rhode Island, Gerber developed a method to analyze diel activity across many species. 



Collaborating with other researchers, he designed a large-scale study to explore how animal behavior changes in different environments. 



The resulting dataset included species from a wide range of habitats, including deserts, rainforests, tundras, and savannas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-on-animal-behavior">Human influence on animal behavior</h2>



One of the most significant findings of the study was the impact of human presence on animal activity. Researchers compared data from urban and wild areas to see how species responded to human influence. 



They found that a third of the species studied altered their activity patterns in response to human development.



Some species became more nocturnal, likely to avoid human contact. Others adapted by becoming more diurnal, possibly to take advantage of new food sources or reduced predator threats. This shift in behavior demonstrates that animals are not just reacting to natural environmental changes but also to human activity.



Gerber explained how this discovery challenges traditional classifications. “The most striking thing is that when you are taught an animal is diurnal or is nocturnal, that is not always correct."



“Many terrestrial mammals will be diurnal sometimes and nocturnal or cathemeral other times. When you see a nocturnal species during the day, this is perhaps not as unusual as you might think.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-activity-and-external-pressures">Animal activity and external pressures </h2>



Conventional classifications label animals as diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular (active during twilight), or cathemeral. These labels suggest that activity patterns are fixed traits. However, the research team found that these classifications are more fluid than previously thought.



Devarajan emphasized that animal behavior is shaped by both evolution and immediate environmental conditions. A species’ activity schedule is not simply a biological trait but also a response to external pressures.



Light availability, human development, and habitat changes all play a role in shaping when animals are active.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifts-in-animal-activity">Shifts in animal activity </h2>



The study found that only 39% of the species studied matched their expected diel classification. This means that most animals showed flexibility in their behavior.



A striking 74% of species changed their activity patterns in response to human influence. For instance, the striped skunk, gray fox, North American porcupine, and snowshoe hare became more nocturnal in areas with higher human impact. This shift likely helps them avoid human disturbances and predators.



The team also discovered that light availability affected diel plasticity. In some cases, urban lighting caused nocturnal species to become more active during the day. This adaptation highlights the complex ways in which animals respond to their surroundings.



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



Understanding diel activity is essential for wildlife conservation. Animal activity <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-and-wise-animals-are-essential-for-the-survival-of-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> influence population tracking, conservation planning, and hunting regulations. Knowing when species are most active can help researchers develop better protection strategies.



As environmental changes accelerate, some species will adapt their activity patterns, while others may struggle. Gerber stressed the importance of recognizing how these shifts affect animal survival.



“Recognizing the fitness consequences of species’ diel phenotype plasticity and lack thereof is an important next step to understand the impacts of environmental change and can help direct conservation actions,” said Gerber.



This study provides a deeper understanding of how animals navigate a changing world. As habitats continue to shift, scientists must continue monitoring how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species adapt</a>. 



The knowledge gained from projects like this can help guide future conservation efforts and ensure the survival of many species.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ado3843" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Hundreds of mammals show how humans influence animal activity

Modern technology has changed the way humans observe wildlife. Mini...

Giraffes are well-known for their towering height, which lets them munch on leaves from tall trees with ease. For a long time, experts assumed their unique diets shaped the communities of bacteria in their intestines.



But now, researchers have discovered something different. They found that the type of <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Microbiome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome</a> is more closely tied to the giraffe’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giraffes-hate-slopes-and-its-threatening-their-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> than to the specific plants it consumes.



“We expected that giraffes with similar diets would also have similar microbiomes, but we found no such connection. Instead, we saw that giraffes seem to maintain species-specific microbiomes,” said Elin Videvall from <a href="https://www.uu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uppsala University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-giraffe-diets">Studying giraffe diets</h2>



In a joint effort with researchers from Brown University, the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989425000812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">team</a> compared samples from reticulated, Masai, and northern giraffes in Kenya. By analyzing DNA traces of plants in droppings, they got a snapshot of which vegetation each individual had eaten.



Similar <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/srep14567" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approaches</a> have been used in other ruminants to see how gut bacteria adjust based on different foraging behavior. However, these giraffes turned out to challenge the typical assumption that diet directly shapes the bacterial makeup in the digestive tract.



The giraffes showed wide variation in the plants they had consumed. Despite this variety, their gut bacterial communities stayed linked to their respective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giraffes-are-suffering-a-silent-extinction-and-need-more-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.



Scientists suggest there might be a genetic or evolutionary explanation behind this pattern. It raises questions about how each species manages to keep its own microbial signature, even under different local conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vital-role-of-gut-microbes">The vital role of gut microbes</h2>



The <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/us/universitypress/subjects/life-sciences/animal-behaviour/giraffe-biology-behaviour-and-conservation?format=HB&amp;isbn=9781107034860" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ruminant digestive</a> system depends on bacteria to break down tough fibers and release nutrients from plant cells. Giraffes belong to this group, and their gut microbes helps them thrive on foliage.



Variation in these microorganisms can influence a giraffe’s health in surprising ways. They might affect anything from metabolism to disease resistance.



All three species involved in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989425000812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> are endangered. Identifying their diet preferences can guide wildlife managers in preserving vital plant species for giraffe forage.



Protecting feeding grounds that hold the right foliage will help to maintain stable populations of these threatened species. Knowledge of their dietary patterns could also shape decisions on habitat restoration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giraffe-diets-are-adaptable">Giraffe diets are adaptable</h2>



The scientists noted that each giraffe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giraffes-gained-their-long-necks-for-food-not-sex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> adapts to the resources available in its territory. This adaptation means two groups of the same species can end up eating quite different plants.



Geographical factors like rainfall patterns and soil composition influence the vegetation. Those factors, in turn, affect the daily diet of these tall browsers.



Many people assume that giraffes are just one species with a few variations, but that’s not the case. Each <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982216307874">group</a> has its own traits, including distinct coat patterns.



These differences apparently go deeper than appearances. Their gut microbiomes also seems to diverge in ways that reflect evolutionary paths rather than dietary patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insight-into-giraffe-diets">New insight into giraffe diets</h2>



This research has practical benefits for wildlife caretakers. If a sick or rescued giraffe needs a diet plan, understanding species-specific gut bacteria may help.



Efforts that keep giraffes in reserves or sanctuaries may rely on more targeted feeding. That could reduce digestive problems and raise survival rates for those under human care.



“We began this study as an international collaboration between academics and conservation professionals. We hope our research can provide better insight into giraffe diets and help support the conservation of giraffes,” said Tyler Kartzinel from Brown University.



Working together across different institutions can push research forward. It also aligns resources so that threatened animals can get the help they need when it matters most.



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



Scientists continue to explore how environment and genetics influence the microbiome in other large herbivores. This knowledge could apply to related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-giraffe-day-2024-a-towering-celebration-of-the-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> that face similar challenges in the wild.



There is also an interest in harnessing gut bacteria to support reintroduction programs. If certain microbes enhance survival, that might be a tool for future conservation efforts.



Giraffes remain a treasured part of the African landscape, and preserving them involves more than just fences and guard patrols. It requires understanding how their bodies function at every level.



This study highlights that a giraffe’s inner workings may not follow the rules we see in other animals. Figuring out what drives this pattern is a puzzle researchers plan to keep investigating.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2351989425000812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Ecology and Conservation</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Giraffes have gut bacteria that are unaffected by their diet

Giraffes are well-known for their towering height, which lets them...

Giant pandas are full of contradictions. Their distinctive black-and-white fur makes them instantly recognizable, yet it's their diet that puzzles scientists the most. Despite having a digestive system adapted for meat, they survive almost entirely on bamboo.



For most animals, diet follows anatomy. Herbivores have complex stomachs to break down plant fibers, while carnivores have short, simple intestines for digesting protein-rich meat. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-panda-day-recognizing-the-beauty-and-fragility-of-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pandas</a>, though, seem to defy this rule. Their guts resemble those of meat-eaters, yet they munch on bamboo for hours every day.



How do they pull this off? Over time, they’ve developed physical features - pseudo thumbs for gripping stalks, flat molars for crushing tough fibers. But physical traits alone don’t explain how they extract enough nutrition from such a limited diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-genes-adapt-to-diet">Can genes adapt to diet?</h2>



Every living thing runs on genetic instructions. DNA stores the blueprint, while RNA carries out the tasks. Among the many types of RNA, one stands out in this case: microRNA (miRNA). Tiny but powerful, microRNA is capable of controlling which genes get activated.



Scientists recently made a startling discovery - miRNA from plants can enter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-secretly-reshape-landscapes-in-powerful-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>’ bodies through food. 



This raises an intriguing question: Could bamboo-derived miRNA influence giant pandas at the genetic level? If so, their diet might be reshaping their biology in ways no one had expected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bamboo-s-influence-on-pandas">Bamboo’s influence on pandas</h2>



A team of Chinese researchers set out to investigate whether plant miRNA from bamboo makes its way into pandas’ blood and affects their genes.



“We showed that plant-derived miRNAs are present in the blood of giant pandas. Our study proved that bamboo used as food for giant pandas does affect the change of giant pandas’ feeding habits," said Dr. Feng Li of <a href="https://www.cwnu.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">China West Normal University</a>.



This suggests something incredible - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancestors-of-giant-pandas-had-a-completely-different-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandas</a> aren’t just physically adapted to eating bamboo. Their genes might be changing in response to their diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bamboo-alters-panda-biology">How bamboo alters panda biology</h2>



The researchers didn’t just speculate. They took blood samples from seven pandas - three adult females, three adult males, and one young female. 



When the experts analyzed the samples, they found 57 different miRNAs that likely came from bamboo.



“MiRNA in bamboo can enter giant pandas’ bodies through diet, be absorbed by the intestine, enter the blood circulation, and then regulate when the giant panda’s RNA transfers information, thus playing a role in regulating the gene expression of giant pandas,” explained Dr. Li.



This means that plant-derived miRNAs don’t just float around uselessly in the bloodstream. They take part in critical biological processes - growth, metabolism, immune response. More than that, they seem to influence how pandas experience food itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regulation-of-taste-and-smell">Regulation of taste and smell</h2>



For pandas, taste and smell are essential. Their diet consists of a single food source, so choosing the right bamboo - nutrient-rich, fresh, and safe to eat - is a matter of survival. It turns out miRNA may be helping with that, too.



“MiRNA in bamboo is also involved in the regulation of smell, taste, and dopamine pathways of giant pandas, all of which are related to their feeding habits,” said Dr. Li.



As pandas eat more bamboo, certain miRNAs build up in their system. Over time, these molecules fine-tune their ability to detect the best bamboo - perhaps even making them crave it. 



This could explain how pandas, despite being genetically wired for a carnivorous diet, have fully embraced their bamboo-based lifestyle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-pandas-are-affected-equally">Not all pandas are affected equally</h2>



One of the most intriguing aspects of this study? The differences between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-melita-panda-the-black-and-white-crustacean-shrimp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandas</a>. 



The researchers found that miRNA levels varied depending on the panda’s age and sex. Some miRNAs, particularly those involved in reproduction, were only present in certain groups.



“Only miRNAs that can specifically play a role in regulating gene expression can remain in the body, and those that do not play a role will be expelled,” noted Dr. Li.



This suggests that miRNA doesn’t affect every panda in the same way. Some molecules influence feeding habits, while others may shape reproductive health or immune function. 



The idea that diet-derived miRNA could have such wide-ranging effects is opening up new possibilities for research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-this-change-animal-science">Could this change animal science?</h2>



If bamboo miRNA affects the genes of pandas, could other plants influence other species? Could certain foods help regulate immune responses, metabolism, or even disease resistance in animals?



“Plant miRNAs may also participate in regulating the animal immune system, enhancing animals’ disease resistance,” said Dr. Li.



If scientists can understand how plant-derived miRNA works, they might develop better diets for endangered animals - or even improve human nutrition. Imagine eating food not just for calories and vitamins, but for its ability to directly influence genetic expression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-pandas-and-bamboo">Future research on pandas and bamboo</h2>



There’s still so much left to learn. Scientists need larger studies, more samples, and deeper genetic analysis to fully confirm the role of plant miRNA in pandas. Right now, the evidence is compelling, but not conclusive.



“The giant panda is a very precious national treasure in our country, and blood samples are not easy to get. If possible, we hope to collect blood samples of young pandas who have not yet eaten bamboo for research, and perhaps get more surprising results," concluded Dr. Li.



This research hints at a new frontier in biology - where diet doesn’t just influence health but actively shapes genetic expression. The story of pandas and bamboo is still unfolding, and it may be just the beginning of a much bigger scientific breakthrough.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1509698/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Veterinary Science</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Giant pandas' taste for bamboo is literally written in their genes

Giant pandas are full of contradictions. Their distinctive black-and-white fur...

In the hidden corners of the world, caterpillars and ants have a remarkably specialized relationship. The caterpillars secrete a sweet, nectar-like substance that ants feed on, and the ants often protect the growing caterpillars from predators.



This interesting relationship, which exists between ants and the larvae of some species of the Riodinidae family (metalmark butterflies), is so particular that each species of caterpillar interacts with only one species of ant.



Scientists have now investigated the complex mechanisms of this mutualistic partnership. 



They show that chemical signals and sweet secretions determine whether the ant response is one of protection or destruction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caterpillar-protection-from-ants">Caterpillar protection from ants</h2>



In tropical forests, caterpillars provide an important food source to many insectivores. Caterpillar mortality is inevitably high, unless the adult butterfly lays its eggs on a plant that is inhabited by the correct species of ant. 



The research was conducted by Luan Dias Lima during her postdoctoral studies at the University of São Paulo’s Ribeirão Preto School of Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters (<a href="https://www.ffclrp.usp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FFCLRP-USP</a>). 



The ants and caterpillars were collected at the Serra das Araras Ecological Station in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso.



The researchers analyzed the chemical signals produced by caterpillars. The goal was to understand how ants can identify specific types of caterpillars as those to protect or those to kill.



The findings suggest that this relationship is delicately balanced as each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/treasure-map-will-help-experts-find-new-ant-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species of ant</a> recognizes only one species of caterpillar as worthy of protection. 



The ants will kill any other caterpillars, even if they secrete the sweet liquid that is believed to promote protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-signals-and-sweet-secretions">Chemical signals and sweet secretions</h2>



In the experiments, the researchers focused on caterpillars of the species&nbsp;Juditha molpe, which live in harmony with ants of the species&nbsp;Dolichoderus bispinosus.



The team also studied caterpillars of the species&nbsp;Nymphidium chione, which are found only where there are ants of the species&nbsp;Pheidole biconstricta.



They analyzed the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) present on the ants, caterpillars and plants. CHCs are chemical compounds that are found in the coverings of plants and insects, and play a vital function in waterproofing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-silent-language-decoding-the-chemical-signals-of-insects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a>, and species recognition.



"We found insect and plant CHCs to be quite different from each other. In caterpillars, they signal food for ants. The caterpillars in our experiment offered a sweet secretion, allowing them to be recognized and protected by specific ant species," explained Lima, the study’s first author. 



This sugary secretion not only promotes recognition but also cements the partnership between these species by offering the ants a source of food. 



In return for the nectar, the ants defend the caterpillars from predators, thus improving their chances of survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-ants-turn-hostile">When ants turn hostile</h2>



However, when the researchers mixed up the ant-caterpillar pairings, the harmonious alliance turned hostile, and destroyed the delicate balance that sustains this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-symbiotic-relationships-evolve-between-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symbiotic relationship</a>.



At first, the unfamiliar ants showed little interest in the caterpillars, seemingly indifferent to their presence. They ignored them until they discovered the caterpillar organ that secretes the nectar, which momentarily piqued the ants' curiosity.



Their curiosity soon turned to aggression, however, and they began to behave erratically, opening their mandibles and biting the larvae. What started as a potential new alliance quickly devolved into a deadly confrontation.



"Almost all of the caterpillars were killed during this pair-switching treatment. Soldiers of the species P. biconstricta even used their strong mandibles to cut J. molpe into pieces," said Lima.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-the-right-partnership">The importance of the right partnership </h2>



Why are caterpillars relying on ants when things can go so badly wrong? It turns out that ant protection is so important to the caterpillars that adult female butterflies lay eggs only on plant species colonized by the right ant species.



The life of the developing young caterpillars depends on their protection from ants. Without this protection, predators would destroy them.



In the future, the scientists aim to investigate whether CHCs also serve as a deterrent against other natural enemies like parasitoids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-caterpillar-ant-relationships">Evolution of caterpillar-ant relationships </h2>



The exclusivity of these caterpillar-ant partnerships raises intriguing questions about their evolutionary origins. 



Scientists suggest that these relationships may have developed through a long process of co-evolution, where both species adapted to each other over time.



One theory proposes that ancestral caterpillars, once vulnerable to predation, evolved the ability to secrete nectar as a survival strategy, and gradually refined their chemical signals to align perfectly with specific ant species.



In turn, ants learned to recognize these caterpillars as a valuable food source, strengthening the mutual dependence between them.



The evolution of such specialized interactions likely resulted from a long history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a>. 



Caterpillars that failed to match their chemical profiles to local ants faced higher risks of mortality, while those that adapted found a niche where they could thrive.



By studying these ancient alliances, researchers hope to uncover broader patterns in insect evolution and symbiosis, and to shed light on how cooperation between different species shapes ecosystems.



Also contributing to the study were <a href="https://www5.usp.br/english/institutional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a>, the <a href="http://www.ufrgs.br/english/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul</a>, and the <a href="https://ufal.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of Alagoas</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1744-7917.13474" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insect Science</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Ants and caterpillars have a great working relationship, until it isn't

In the hidden corners of the world, caterpillars and ants...

Few ocean mysteries capture as much fascination as&nbsp;whale songs, the melodies produced by giant sea creatures. Recent findings suggest these&nbsp;whale songs&nbsp;can offer unique clues about shifting conditions deep below the surface.



Scientists have long recognized that <a href="https://us.whales.org/whales-dolphins/what-is-baleen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">baleen whales</a> emit structured <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-whales-use-songs-to-hide-from-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sound signals</a> to maintain contact across staggering distances. 



These signals may also serve as a key to understanding variations in whale foraging patterns, according to a new study led by John Ryan from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (<a href="https://www.mbari.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MBARI</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-whale-songs-the-basics">Understanding whale songs - the basics</h2>



Whales are prodigious singers, creating long, complex melodies that can last for hours and even change over time, almost like a hit song evolving. 



Scientists believe whales use these songs to attract mates, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-whales-use-songs-to-hide-from-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signal danger</a>, or even just socialize. What’s wild is that these sounds can travel for miles underwater, thanks to the way sound waves move through the ocean.



But whale songs aren’t just about romance and chit-chat - they also reveal a lot about ocean health. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whales-have-moved-their-singing-rituals-away-from-shorelines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Noise pollution</a> from ships, drilling, and sonar disrupts whale communication, making it harder for them to find each other and navigate. 



Some researchers even think whales might be adjusting their songs to compete with human-made noise. 



Studying these songs helps scientists understand whale behavior, migration patterns, and even changes in the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-songs-and-prey-availability">Whale songs and prey availability </h2>



The researchers monitored the songs of blue, fin, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humpback whales</a> for six years. Their analyses uncovered major fluctuations in how frequently these songs appeared, pointing to links between shifting prey availability and whale vocal behavior.



One significant discovery involved <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/humpback-whale" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humpback whales</a>, whose song detections rose from 34% to 76% of days over the study period. 



The experts noted that this shift coincided with local jumps in key prey resources, such as krill and anchovy, and took place as humpbacks demonstrated an ability to switch food sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-shifts-in-whale-songs">Monitoring shifts in whale songs</h2>



Whale vocalizations are recorded by <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/hydrophone.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrophones</a>, which are underwater microphones designed to pick up <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/tags/acoustics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sounds</a> traveling through the ocean. 



These instruments have become vital tools for conservation efforts, because they operate around the clock and can capture subtle changes in whale presence.



Some whales produce <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2008.00208.x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">songs</a> not only for social bonding but also as a way to sense one another’s proximity and intentions. 



Shifts in these signals can reveal how whales cope with changing ocean temperatures, prey availability, and competition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-habits-in-flux">Feeding habits in flux</h2>



The new findings highlight how dynamic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-songs-share-very-similar-patterns-with-human-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale</a> diets really are. Humpbacks, in particular, are known to pivot between different types of prey when certain species decline or relocate.



The investigators found that rising anchovy stocks eventually joined earlier surges in krill populations. This sudden turn in food supply matched an upward trend in humpback whale songs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-songs-and-ocean-health">Whale songs and ocean health</h2>



“Surprisingly, the acoustic behavior of baleen whales provides insights about which species can better adapt to changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean conditions</a>. Our findings can help resource managers and policymakers better protect endangered whales,” said Ryan.



Although song patterns can be influenced by whale migration schedules and local population sizes, the strongest factor was the allure of abundant prey. 



This correlation suggests that whale songs might function as an unexpected barometer of ecosystem health.



These results may motivate future projects to use passive acoustic monitoring as an early alert system for changes in marine life. 



Interpreting whale song data in real time could help managers identify potential feeding hotspots or track unusual shifts in the food web.



Whales occupy higher levels in the food chain. When something affects their prey, whales respond in noticeable ways that can reverberate across the entire ecosystem.



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



The study’s approach might encourage researchers to explore additional ocean basins for similar patterns. 



Gathering data from many regions could strengthen our grasp on how large-scale events, such as warming water or temporary food shortages, alter whale behavior.



Other investigations might look at the interplay between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-tagging-helps-decode-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale</a> communication and environmental stressors. 



Since whales project sound across great distances, these vocalizations can offer clues on changing conditions far beyond the immediate listening area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-humans-and-whales">Bridging humans and whales</h2>



Whale songs offer a unique way to engage the public in ocean health, resonating even with those on land. 



These vocalizations emphasize whales' reliance on a balanced food chain, promoting a deeper connection to marine ecosystems.



Scientists emphasize that new acoustic methods open doors for more frequent and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whale-travels-farther-than-any-mammal-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">less intrusive monitoring</a>. This technology can strengthen marine conservation and give whales a better chance to thrive.



Beyond assessing whales, hydrophone systems also detect an array of ocean sounds. Ships, seismic activity, and the movements of other marine creatures all appear in audio recordings.



Each acoustic signal contributes to a growing library of ocean noise. As we learn to interpret the data, these songs and calls can fill in the blanks about habitat quality and species interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-songs-reveal-ocean-changes">Whale songs reveal ocean changes</h2>



Studying year-to-year changes in whale songs reveals not just the presence of these huge, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/add-humpback-whales-to-list-of-animals-that-build-and-use-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highly-intelligent animals</a> but also the stability of their feeding grounds. 



These musical signals can serve as markers of subtle transformations in an ecosystem that is often hidden from casual view.



Researchers hope continued listening efforts will help people appreciate how finely tuned whale populations are to changes in their environment. 



With more attention on acoustic monitoring, we may eventually predict and manage the obstacles faced by these gentle giants.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0318624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Whale song complexity continues to astound scientists with each new discovery

Few ocean mysteries capture as much fascination as&nbsp;whale songs, the...

Smiling,Young,Couple,Embracing,While,Looking,At,Smartphone.,Multiethnic,Couple

Love is often seen as a driving force in human relationships, but could it also shape intelligence in the animal kingdom? Scientists have uncovered a surprising connection between cognitive abilities and mating success.



These tiny fish, originally from Central America, are now found in waters worldwide. The new research suggests that intelligence in males plays a crucial role in reproductive success, much like in human relationships where wit and charm often make a difference.



The study reveals that male mosquitofish with better problem-solving skills are more successful in finding mates. This challenges traditional ideas that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-intelligent-life-is-likely-very-common-throughout-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intelligence</a> in animals primarily evolves for survival. 



Instead, it suggests that brainpower can be just as valuable in securing a mate as it is in avoiding predators or finding food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-male-intelligence-in-reproduction">Role of male intelligence in reproduction</h2>



Male mosquitofish are not just competing for food and shelter; they are also competing for partners. 



<a href="https://www.anu.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian National University (ANU)</a> researchers found that males capable of solving complex tasks had a higher chance of mating than their less-intelligent counterparts. This suggests that intelligence provides a direct reproductive advantage.



Lead author Dr. Ivan Vinogradov explained that cognitive abilities likely evolved because they helped males locate and attract females, increasing their chances of producing offspring. 



This process, known as sexual selection, plays a crucial role in shaping intelligence in certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-flightless-birds-are-more-intelligent-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intelligence-beyond-survival">Intelligence beyond survival</h2>



For many years, scientists believed that intelligence in animals evolved primarily through natural selection. Smarter animals had better chances of survival because they could find food, escape predators, and adapt to new environments.



“Evolution of intelligence in animals has long been thought to have been driven by natural selection. Animals that were better at problem solving were more adept at gathering food, finding shelter, and avoiding predators and hence lived longer,” Dr. Vinogradov explained.



“They then passed on these genes to their offspring, helping future generations become smarter over time."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bottom-line-intelligence-is-attractive">Bottom line - Intelligence is attractive</h2>



But there is another possible explanation for the evolution of intelligence: the quality of braininess is attractive to the opposite sex. 



A better brain might help an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-aliens-could-detect-earth-what-would-they-see/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> find more mates, have more sex, and eventually produce more offspring.



Dr. Vinogradov and his collaborators suggest that intelligence in mosquitofish may partly have evolved through sexual selection as well. 



Usually, the pressure of sexual selection is stronger on males than females because, at any given time, there are more males seeking mates than there are females ready to breed.



During this form of selection, traits that boost mating and fertilization success become more common over generations, as the genes for the traits are passed on to offspring. 



“Our study suggests that intelligence in mosquitofish isn’t only driven by their need to find food or avoid predators, but also by the complex challenges of finding love. This shows that, much like humans, love conquers all,” remarked Dr. Vinogradov.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-abilities-of-mosquitofish">Cognitive abilities of mosquitofish</h2>



To understand how male intelligence affects mating success, researchers designed a series of underwater tests. These tests assessed the problem-solving abilities of male mosquitofish. 



The fish had to navigate mazes, figure out how to move around transparent barriers, and remember different colored spots. Those that completed the challenges were rewarded.



The study tracked the reproductive success of each male over two months. The researchers recorded how many offspring each fish produced when competing for mates. 



The results were striking - mosquitofish that excelled at problem-solving tasks had significantly higher reproductive success than those that struggled with the challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-males-more-offspring">Smarter males, more offspring</h2>



After performing over 2,000 paternity tests, the scientists confirmed their hypothesis. Intelligence scores were positively correlated with reproductive success in male mosquitofish. 



The males that performed well in cognitive tests mated with more females and produced more offspring than those that failed the tests.



“Our findings imply that the evolution of cognitive abilities may have been driven by sexual selection for males who gained more mating opportunities,” study co-author Professor Michael Jennions said.



“Something about these males seemingly gave them an edge in securing mating opportunities. Perhaps females recognized and preferred smarter males, or maybe smarter males were better at chasing the females and forcing them to mate, a common, if unpleasant, practice in mosquitofish."



More observations and analyses are needed in order to establish differences in the mating behavior of the smarter males. 



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



These findings challenge traditional views on how intelligence evolves. While many scientists have focused on its survival advantages, this study highlights the potential role of mate selection in shaping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive traits</a>.



Intelligence may not only be about problem-solving for survival but also about improving an individual’s chances of reproduction.



The study also raises questions about how females perceive intelligence in potential mates. If smarter males are more successful in mating, it suggests that females may have preferences that go beyond physical traits. 



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



The study, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, was conducted by researchers from Australia, Germany, and South Africa. 



The next step is to investigate how, exactly, intelligence influences mating success. Do females recognize intelligence in a mate, or do smarter males use their cognitive skills to outmaneuver their rivals?



Future research could explore whether this pattern holds in other species. If intelligence plays a role in mate selection beyond mosquitofish, it could reshape our understanding of how cognitive abilities evolve in the animal kingdom.



This research suggests that intelligence is not just about survival - it is also about attraction. 



Much like in human relationships, wit and problem-solving skills may help individuals find love and pass on their genes. In mosquitofish, as in life, intelligence may be one of the most valuable traits a male can have.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02645-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology and Evolution</a>.&nbsp;



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Animal intelligence did not evolve due to natural selection

Love is often seen as a driving force in human...

In the wild, every meal is a gamble. Animals like lizards must constantly weigh&nbsp;their&nbsp;options - play it safe or take a risk. The wrong choice could mean starvation. But the right one? A feast.



For some creatures, survival is about consistency. They take the sure thing, never gambling on an uncertain future. Others, when faced with starvation, throw caution to the wind.



A recent study led by Maria Thaker, professor at the Centre for Ecological Sciences (<a href="https://ces.iisc.ac.in" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CES</a>) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), reveals that certain tropical lizards fall into the latter category. Under the strain of hunger, they roll the dice - risking it all for a chance at a bigger meal.



The study challenges a long-standing belief. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desert-lizards-struggle-as-global-warming-raises-their-energy-needs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reptiles</a> have often been dismissed as slow, instinct-driven animals. But this research suggests otherwise. These creatures, despite their cold blood, are surprisingly calculating. They don’t just react; they strategize.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunger-makes-lizards-take-risks">Hunger makes lizards take risks </h2>



Scientists call it the “risk-sensitive foraging hypothesis.” The idea is simple: hunger changes how animals approach risk. When full, they opt for reliable food sources, even if they’re small. When starving, they chase bigger, uncertain rewards.



Birds and mammals have demonstrated this behavior. But reptiles? They’ve largely been overlooked. After all, many can slow their metabolism and enter a state of torpor when food is scarce. But tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reptiles-provide-new-clues-about-the-diets-of-extinct-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a> don’t have that luxury.



“Reptiles can slow down their metabolism a lot. So, in food-scarce times like winter, they go into torpor (hibernation) to avoid starving to death,” explained Professor Thaker.



“In the tropics, however, reptiles are exposed to warm temperatures all year round and cannot slow their metabolism down enough to get through tough (food lean) times. We expected that lizards in the tropics should have evolved the ability to assess food options, because if they don’t, they may risk starving to death.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starving-lizards-make-riskier-choices">Starving lizards make riskier choices</h2>



To test this, the researchers turned to the rock agama (Psammophilus dorsalis), a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-threatens-the-future-of-8-in-10-lizards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizard</a> commonly found in and around cities like Bengaluru. These small, fast-moving reptiles navigate both natural and urban landscapes, making them ideal for studying adaptive behavior.



The team devised a straightforward test. First, they split the lizards into two groups. One group received plenty of food, while the other received nothing for 48 hours. 



Next, both groups were presented with a choice. One option offered two mealworms, guaranteed. The other was a gamble - either zero or four mealworms. Would hunger change their decisions?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risk-taking-lizards">Risk-taking lizards</h2>



The results showed that well-fed lizards stuck to the safe bet - two mealworms, no surprises. But the starved lizards? They took the risk, picking the unpredictable option far more often.



“We found that well-fed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-lizard-day-2024-celebrating-our-scaly-companions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a> played it safe, opting for the guaranteed two mealworms option,” said study lead author and PhD student Avik Banerjee.



“On the other hand, starved lizards took greater risks, frequently choosing the variable option which has the potential to get them four mealworms. Remarkably, both groups of lizards ended up with similar net food gains by the end of the trials, indicating that the different strategies worked.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-survival-strategy-not-a-fluke">A survival strategy, not a fluke</h2>



The study reshapes how we see reptile decision-making. Unlike their cold-climate cousins, which rely on metabolic slowdowns, tropical lizards must stay active. Their survival depends on making smart, timely choices.



And this goes beyond instinct. The lizards remembered their options, assessed the risks, and made choices based on their needs. That’s strategy, not reflex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lizards-remember-past-choices">Lizards remember past choices</h2>



For decades, intelligence has been linked primarily to mammals and birds. But <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lizards-rely-on-trees-so-what-happens-when-they-disappear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a> are proving to be far more complex than previously assumed.



“We think that humans have an excellent ability to assess our environment and take calculated risks when needed. But lizards can too,” said Professor Thaker.



“The fact that the rock agamas can remember different options and make appropriate choices to secure their survival is rather cool. We are surrounded by very clever and calculating animals.”



Lizards, often overlooked, might just be thinking more than we ever gave them credit for. And if they can weigh risks and rewards - who knows what else they’re capable of?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0628" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Lizards take bigger risks when they are hungry

In the wild, every meal is a gamble. Animals like...

More than 99% of birds can fly, but some species have lost this ability over time. Penguins, ostriches, and kiwis evolved into flightless forms, adapting to their specific environments. 



A recent study published in the journal Evolution examines how birds transition from flight to flightlessness. 



The researchers compared the feathers and bodies of flightless birds with their closest flying relatives, identifying which traits change first.



These findings provide insights into evolutionary processes and help determine whether extinct birds were flightless.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-birds-stop-flying">Why some birds stop flying</h2>



All <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> that are flightless today descended from ancestors that could fly.



“Going from something that can't fly to flying is quite the engineering challenge, but going from something that can fly to not flying is rather easy,” noted Evan Saitta, a research associate at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> in Chicago and lead author of the study.



Birds often lose the ability to fly when they settle in predator-free islands. Without evolutionary pressure to escape threats, they gradually adapt to a ground-based lifestyle. Another common reason for flight loss is a shift to semi-aquatic living. 



Penguins, for instance, “fly” underwater using their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-birds-brains-evolved-to-enable-them-to-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wings</a>, leading to significant changes in their feathers and skeletons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flight-loss-in-modern-birds">Flight loss in modern birds</h2>



Saitta, primarily a paleontologist, took advantage of the Field Museum’s vast bird collections. 



“I suddenly had access to all these modern birds, and it made me wonder, ‘What happens when a bird loses the ability to fly?’” 



Measuring various feather characteristics, Saitta compared preserved skins of 30 flightless species and their closest flying relatives. He also examined more distant species to expand the dataset.



Previous studies show when different flightless birds diverged from their flying ancestors. Ostriches lost flight much earlier than the Fuegian steamer duck. Their feathers reflect this difference. 



“Ostriches have been flightless for so long that their feathers are no longer optimized for being aerodynamic,” said Saitta. Their long, shaggy feathers serve different purposes, such as insulation and display.



In contrast, the Fuegian steamer duck, which lost flight more recently, retains feathers similar to those of flying ducks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feather-evolution-after-flight-loss">Feather evolution after flight loss</h2>



Saitta was surprised at how long flightless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-wings-inspire-improvements-in-airplane-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> retained flight-adapted feathers. Logically, one would expect unnecessary feather traits to change quickly. However, his postdoctoral advisor Peter Makovicky offered another explanation.



“Pete pointed out that when trying to understand why a modern bird looks the way it does, you can’t just think about natural selection or relaxation thereof. You have to also consider developmental constraints,” said Saitta.



Feathers develop in a strict sequence that is difficult to alter. When birds lose flight, their feather features disappear in the reverse order they evolved.



Feather evolution follows a predictable pattern. Flight feathers first evolved in dinosaurs and became increasingly complex. When a bird loses flight, these adaptations vanish in reverse order. 



Some recent features, like asymmetric flight feathers, disappear quickly. However, fundamental feather structures take much longer to change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skeleton-changes-occur-first">Skeleton changes occur first </h2>



Saitta and his team also found that certain body features change more quickly than feathers. 



“The first things to change when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/songbirds-talk-to-each-other-during-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> lose flight, possibly even before the flight feathers become symmetrical, is the proportion of their wings and their tails. We therefore see skeletal changes and also a change in overall body mass,” explained Saitta.



Skeleton changes occur before feather modifications because bones require more energy to grow. Evolution prioritizes reducing these costs first. 



“Let’s say a bird species lands on an island where they are able to safely live on the ground and don’t need to fly anymore. The first things to go are going to be these big, expensive bones and muscles, but feathers are cheap, so there’s less active selection to change them,” said Saitta.



Maintaining a flight-ready skeleton is a larger evolutionary burden than retaining unnecessary feathers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossilized-flightless-birds">Fossilized flightless birds</h2>



This study aids paleontologists who study fossilized birds and feathered dinosaurs.



“Flight didn’t evolve overnight, and flight, or at least gliding, was possibly lost many times in extinct species, just as in surviving bird lineages. Our paper helps show the order in which birds’ bodies reflect those changes,” said Saitta.



Fossilized feathers alone may not indicate whether an ancient bird could fly. Instead, researchers should first examine body mass and wing proportions. 



These traits change before feathers do. If skeletal features suggest flight loss, feather asymmetry can provide further confirmation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-past-research-on-flight-loss">Past research on flight loss</h2>



Saitta’s study aligns with earlier research on feather changes after flight loss. 



“The good news is that because I came at this question from a different angle, we got results that are very consistent with a lot of the previous research, but I think maybe a little bit broader than if I had approached the question with a more specific focus,” said Saitta.



By analyzing both skeletal and feather changes, this research offers a more complete understanding of how and why birds lose the ability to fly. It also provides valuable tools for identifying flightlessness in extinct species, adding another layer to the study of avian evolution.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/evolut/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/evolut/qpaf020/7997201?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolution</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Why some birds lose the ability to fly

More than 99% of birds can fly, but some species...

Bigger creatures have long baffled scientists who study cancer. For decades, a widespread view called Peto’s paradox suggested that an animal’s size had no bearing on cancer risk. But now, a recent study is challenging that idea.



The researchers examined data from 263 species spanning amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. They found a clear connection between bigger bodies and higher cancer rates, discrediting Peto’s paradox after 45-years.



The study was led by Professor Chris Venditti from the University of Reading, in collaboration with experts at University College London and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-size-affects-cancer-risk">Animal size affects cancer risk </h2>



it was previously believed that larger animals had somehow avoided the increased cancer risk associated with more cell divisions. However, this new research shows that size does matter when it comes to cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-cells-collaborate-to-survive-challenging-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">likelihood</a>.



“Everyone knows the myth that elephants are afraid of mice, but when it comes to cancer risk, mice are the ones who have less to fear," said Professor Venditti.



"We’ve shown that larger species like elephants do face higher cancer rates - exactly what you’d expect given they have so many more cells that could go wrong."



Past assumptions relied on limited samples and anecdotal observations. This broader dataset allowed scientists to see patterns that were previously overlooked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-rates-in-birds-and-reptiles">Cancer rates in birds and reptiles </h2>



Birds and reptiles can keep growing throughout their lives. This continuous growth made them valuable subjects for comparing cancer rates across distinct life cycles.



Larger birds, such as certain parrots, showed higher prevalence of tumors than smaller counterparts. Yet some outliers, like the <a href="https://www.bushheritage.org.au/species/budgerigars#:~:text=The%20Budgerigar%20is%20a%20colourful,weigh%2030%20to%2040%20grams." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">common budgie</a> (Melopsittacus undulatus), had significantly higher rates than researchers had predicted.



Reptiles displayed a similar pattern, with bigger species experiencing more frequent malignancies. This consistency underlines the role of body size in shaping cancer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breakthrough-cancer-cells-have-a-molecular-switch-that-could-be-rewired-to-behave-normally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vulnerability</a> across different branches of the animal kingdom.



Advanced methods helped confirm these insights, offering a more precise look at how growth patterns connect to cancer risk. The researchers accounted for each species’ unique evolution, revealing unexpected similarities among distant groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elephants-evolved-defenses-to-cancer">Elephants evolved defenses to cancer</h2>



Elephants stood out as a prime example of animals with ample body mass yet moderate tumor rates. To clarify this paradox, scientists point to tumor-suppressor genes that help keep cell growth under control.



Elephants share a cancer risk comparable to tigers, which are only a fraction of their size. The difference suggests that evolving larger bodies can go hand-in-hand with specialized protective mechanisms.



“When species needed to grow larger, they also evolved remarkable defenses against cancer. Elephants shouldn’t fear their size - they developed sophisticated biological tools to keep cancer in check,” said study co-author Dr. Joanna Baker.



Earlier assumptions missed this subtle adaptation. Now, experts see how evolution crafts various genetic safeguards that allow a massive animal to thrive without facing sky-high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-lifetime-cancer-risk-may-be-established-before-we-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tumor rates</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-winners-and-losers">Unusual winners and losers</h2>



Some smaller species show unexpectedly high cancer rates, while others barely register the disease. 



The budgie’s elevated incidence highlights that size alone isn’t the only factor at play. The naked mole rat is famously resistant to tumors and appears to break the rules in the other direction. 



Experts hope that such biological oddities will expose fresh avenues for cancer research and interventions.



"Finding which animals are naturally better at fighting off cancer opens exciting new paths for research. By studying these successful species, we can better understand how cancers develop and potentially discover new ways to fight the disease,” said study lead author Dr. George Butler.



Scientists note that each anomaly teaches them about the intersection of environment, genetics, and disease. Pinpointing how certain species sidestep tumors might yield game-changing breakthroughs down the road.



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



Some large animals hold clues about keeping cancer in check despite massive cell counts. Comparing these biological tactics could suggest strategies to fortify human cancer defenses.



Medical researchers are intrigued by the possibility of applying elephant-like safeguards to human treatments. Understanding how extra tumor-suppressor genes function might spark more targeted therapies.



Similar logic applies to any species that has found a way to curb destructive cell <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a>. Larger bodies offer a test case for how cells can multiply under tight regulation, hinting at new approaches for medicine.



Insights from reptile or bird physiology may also inspire creative treatments. With so many species showing unique immune or genetic responses, researchers are digging deeper into nature’s own solutions.



Overall, this discovery overturns a longstanding notion and reinforces the idea that more cells do come with bigger risks. It also highlights the incredible ways that nature deals with challenges as animals grow in size.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2422861122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Animal size and cancer risk: Surprising new details have emerged

Bigger creatures have long baffled scientists who study cancer. For...

Mice sometimes surprise researchers in the lab. When a young mouse spots another lying still, it may paw at its comatose friend, chew on its snout, or even yank its limp tongue aside.



<a href="https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/li-zhang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Li Zhang</a> at the University of Southern California and his colleagues have been looking into these interactions. 



They captured <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq2677" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">footage</a> of lab mice confronting a familiar cage mate that had been anesthetized and was unresponsive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rescue-behavior-in-mice">Rescue behavior in mice</h2>



“They start with sniffing, and then grooming, and then with a very intensive or physical interaction,” related Li Zhang.



Scientists observed grooming and mouth-focused nibbling. Some mice targeted the unmoving partner’s mouth area, pulling its tongue out in an attempt to clear the airway. 



These same actions occasionally turned up in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deer-mice-shed-light-on-adaptive-evolution/">mice</a> that were interacting with companions that had passed away.



Researchers noticed how these stereotypical gestures tapered off once the still mouse revived and regained motion. 



They also found that a mouse gave more attention to an unresponsive peer that was recognizable than to one that was a stranger. 



This distinction suggests that familiarity plays a role in prompting these rescue-like behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insight-from-other-animals">Insight from other animals</h2>



Large mammals such as chimpanzees, dolphins, and elephants have been recorded aiding group members that are in trouble. 



Some dolphins have guided a distressed pod mate to the surface so it could breathe, which has long intrigued scientists who study social behaviors in marine animals. 



Elephants have also been known to support injured relatives. These examples suggest that lending a helping hand isn’t always limited to humans.



Rodents, however, can be trickier to monitor in the wild. Mice prefer concealed spaces and often scatter at the slightest hint of danger. That makes it challenging to film them tending to an ailing group member outside the lab.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-oxytocin-in-rescue-behavior">Role of oxytocin in rescue behavior</h2>



These rescue-like gestures appear linked to the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxytocin-is-crucial-beyond-its-role-as-the-love-hormone/">oxytocin</a>, a hormone that influences bonding in many species. The new study detected active oxytocin-releasing neurons in the amygdala and hypothalamus. 



These brain regions, known to handle emotion and social behavior, lit up when mice recognized a cage mate in distress. 



“If we extended the observation window, maybe the success rate could be even higher,” said team member <a href="https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/huizhong-tao/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huizhong Tao</a>, also from USC.



Additional evidence showed that turning off these neuron signals or blocking their ability to dispatch oxytocin reduced the mice’s apparent attempts to help. 



Activating the same neurons produced more grooming and nibbling.



The link between this hormone and nurturing conduct has come up in past research, supporting the view that many mammals share some wiring for caring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-for-group-survival">Importance for group survival</h2>



Scientists think these behaviors might help keep social groups together and improve survival. Young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mice-pass-the-mirror-test-does-that-mean-they-are-self-aware/">mice</a> that responded to a motionless mate saw that partner bounce back to normal sooner than those left alone. 



That small difference might affect how groups function in their natural habitats, where every second can be a matter of life or death.



Some researchers say caution is needed when drawing big conclusions. Animals often do things that look human-like, but motives can be complicated. 



Still, these lab findings give hints that even small creatures might care more about their companions than we once believed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-picture">Bigger picture</h2>



Many animals rely on social bonds for carrying out different activities, from defense to nurturing infants. 



This study raises the possibility that more species have built-in behaviors that benefit the whole community. 



Researchers suspect that similar patterns might exist in other species but remain unnoticed because of how tough it is to observe these moments in the wild.



Oxytocin is a hormone found in many vertebrate species and the researchers suggest that it could underpin an innate emergency response to assist an unresponsive group member. 



This revival behavior may thus be widely present, particularly among social animals.



The discovery that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-mice-turn-to-female-mice-to-avoid-fights-keep-social-peace/">mice act as tiny caregivers</a> prompts new questions. Scientists plan to test if there are variations among different strains of mice. 



Some want to see if environmental factors, such as stress or crowding, affect how likely mice are to step up for a comatose mate.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq2677" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Mice offer first aid to unconscious companions

Mice sometimes surprise researchers in the lab. When a young...

The world's appetite for seafood is growing, and the industry is racing to keep up. 



A new study suggests that farming seafood from the ocean - known as mariculture - could be expanded to feed more people while reducing harm to marine biodiversity at the same time. However, success depends on careful planning.



The researchers found that the locations and ways in which mariculture is expanded will determine whether it helps or harms the environment.



The findings, published in the journal Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution, highlight both the risks and opportunities of growing this industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-of-sustainable-mariculture">The science of sustainable mariculture</h2>



The study was led by Deqiang Ma, who conducted the research as a postdoctoral scholar at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>.



“We can achieve this sustainable mariculture development,” said Ma. "With strategic planning, we can achieve the goal of conserving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine species</a> while meeting the global demand for the expansion of mariculture.”



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mariculture-is-highly-sustainable-and-climate-friendly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mariculture</a> is a type of aquaculture focused on farming saltwater seafood, such as fish and shellfish. In 2020, it contributed about 20% of the seafood consumed globally, providing a critical source of protein for billions of people.



As the demand for seafood production increases, mariculture is expanding rapidly. To understand its impact, Ma and an international team of researchers developed a model to analyze the potential effects of mariculture growth on over 20,000 marine species.



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



The team’s model created a baseline for mariculture’s current impact and simulated how it could change by 2050 under different scenarios. 



The researchers also factored in two climate change models - RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 - which assume varying levels of warming and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.



In the best-case scenario, where new farms are built in areas with the least environmental impact, seafood production could soar.



“Bivalve production could increase by 2.36-fold and finfish could increase by 1.82-fold compared to current production - projections of what is needed to meet global demand - but the global mariculture impacts would decrease by up to 30.5% under the best-case scenario,” Ma said.



However, the worst-case scenario painted a starkly different picture. If new farms are built in the most ecologically sensitive areas, the damage to marine biodiversity could be more than four times worse than if farms were placed randomly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-smart-expansion">The importance of smart expansion</h2>



This study highlights the need for thoughtful planning, said senior study author Neil Carter, an associate professor at the University of Michigan.



“It is critically important to leverage the growing insights across disciplines, whether it’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clear-and-dynamic-visuals-are-important-when-presenting-climate-change-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change science</a> or economics or marine production,” Carter said. “All these different facets had to come together from other sources in order to make these forecasts.”



The research team included experts from the University of Washington, the University of Freiburg in Germany, Hokkaido University in Japan, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. 



Their collaborative effort highlights the complexity of mariculture expansion and the need for coordinated decision-making.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-seafood-farming">Expanding seafood farming</h2>



Large-scale studies like this come with challenges, noted co-author Benjamin Halpern, a professor at UCSB. “But I’ve done this kind of work a lot in my career, and the payoffs can be enormous."



“The cross-disciplinary nature of the questions that can be addressed and the ability to look at them for every patch of ocean in the world makes the research much more relevant and impactful to society and the scientific community.”



The researchers emphasize that this study is just the beginning. More data and refined models will be needed to fine-tune sustainable mariculture strategies for the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-approach-varies-by-region">Best approach varies by region</h2>



One key takeaway is that there is no universal solution. The best approach varies by region. What works in the South Pacific may not be ideal for coastal Europe.



Additionally, even the best-case scenario has trade-offs. In all scenarios examined, mariculture expansion negatively impacted some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-mammals-in-the-us-are-highly-vulnerable-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine mammals</a>, such as whales, seals, and sea lions. 



Understanding these trade-offs is essential for policymakers who must balance food security with conservation goals.



“With these insights, we can see that it’s not a foregone conclusion that the expansion of an industry is always going to have a proportionally negative impact on the environment,” Carter said. 



“So the next part of this is getting policymakers and communities to interact with each other to figure out how we can actually implement some of these ideas to reduce those impacts and to prioritize marine biodiversity.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02650-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Boosting seafood production while protecting biodiversity

The world's appetite for seafood is growing, and the industry...

Birds have long been symbols of freedom and resilience, soaring through the skies and thriving in diverse environments. From the icy tundras to tropical rainforests, birds have developed survival strategies that allow them to endure the challenges of their surroundings. 



Some species live at a rapid pace, reproducing as quickly as possible before their short lives end. Others take a slower approach, prioritizing longevity over frequent reproduction. 



These strategies have evolved over millions of years, but the accelerating impacts of climate change could alter the balance.



A recent study led by Michigan State University (<a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>) scientists explores how environmental conditions shape bird behavior. By analyzing nearly 7,500 non-migratory species, the researchers uncovered patterns that link climate variability to survival choices.



The study raises important questions about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> will navigate a future defined by rising global temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-use-strategies-based-on-climate">Birds use strategies based on climate</h2>



Every bird species faces unique challenges depending on where it lives. In regions with extreme seasonal fluctuations, birds must act fast to ensure their lineage continues. 



These species, including finches and cardinals, reproduce quickly, placing more energy into raising offspring than into their own long-term survival. Their strategy relies on numbers - if enough young birds make it to adulthood, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-flightless-birds-are-more-intelligent-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> persists despite high mortality rates.



On the other hand, birds that inhabit areas with gradual, long-term climate variations tend to play a different game. These species, such as the sulfur-crested cockatoo, prioritize endurance. 



They live longer, often skipping breeding during harsh years, knowing they will have opportunities to reproduce when conditions improve. This approach allows them to hedge their bets, ensuring that their offspring have a better chance of survival.



Study lead author Casey Youngflesh is a former postdoctoral researcher in MSU’s Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program.



“A lot of factors drive key components of life history,” said Youngflesh. “We wanted to synthesize these global data resources to see what environmental factors shape biodiversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-analysis-of-bird-survival">Global analysis of bird survival</h2>



To understand these patterns, the research team compiled a vast dataset of bird species from across the world. This effort represents one of the most comprehensive studies of resident <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>, offering insights into how they respond to different environmental conditions. 



By examining temperature variability across both short and long timescales, the researchers could determine which birds were more likely to take risks and which played the long game.



Birds in highly unpredictable climates, where temperatures shift dramatically within a single year, tend to invest in reproduction as soon as possible. 



They cannot afford to wait for better conditions because the future remains uncertain. These birds live by a philosophy of seizing the moment, ensuring their genetic legacy continues despite the risks.



Conversely, birds facing climate changes that unfold over decades or centuries adapt in a more measured way. They rely on longevity as their advantage, opting to survive tough periods rather than gamble on uncertain reproduction. 



This trade-off highlights the diversity of evolutionary strategies in response to environmental challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-pace-of-climate-change">Alarming pace of climate change </h2>



Although long-lived birds can withstand bad years by delaying reproduction, they also face a significant drawback. Their ability to adapt is slower than that of short-lived <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-modern-bird-lived-in-antarctica-69-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>. 



Climate change is happening at an unprecedented pace, raising concerns about whether these survival strategies of birds will remain effective.



“If you only live a couple years, one bad year isn’t a big problem,” Youngflesh said. “But if you have two or more bad years in a row, you are in trouble. In variable, unpredictable environments, it may pay to live a long time.”



If extreme weather events become more frequent and erratic, even birds with historically successful strategies may struggle to keep up. The question remains: will evolution be fast enough to match the speed of environmental change?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-across-ecosystems">Patterns across ecosystems</h2>



The study’s findings extend beyond any single region, revealing broad trends across different ecosystems. 



Birds in boreal forests, grasslands, and tropical jungles all show similar responses to climate variability. Whether in dense forests or open plains, the balance between risk-taking and patience plays a crucial role in shaping survival.



Phoebe Zarnetske of the director of the Institute for Biodiversity, Ecology, Evolution, &amp; Macrosystems (<a href="http://Institute for Biodiversity, Ecology, Evolution, &amp; Macrosystems (IBEEM)" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBEEM</a>) at MSU. She emphasized the importance of these global patterns.



“This study provides important insights about the roles that climate change and variability have in shaping the patterns of life on Earth,” said Zarnetske, noting it was a prime mission behind IBEEM’s funding of the study.



“Importantly, an interdisciplinary approach - combining insights from ecology and climate science - was key to uncovering how organisms respond to climate variability.”



The research raises new questions about how different bird populations will survive in the future. If some species struggle to adapt, their ecosystems could undergo significant shifts, altering food webs and interactions among species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-extreme-weather-events">Role of extreme weather events</h2>



Interestingly, the study revealed that precipitation did not play a major role in determining birds’ survival strategies. However, co-author and climate scientist Lala Kounta pointed out that more extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and droughts, could add new pressures that researchers need to explore further.



“You have to understand these foundational theories before you can predict how things are going to change,” said IBEEM data scientist Kelly Kaspar. 



“Seeing through all the noise and finding patterns is critical, and this has been a rare opportunity to work with different disciplines – I’m in fisheries and wildlife, others are in integrated biology, geography, climate studies. There’s a lot of different expertise here.”



By integrating data from various fields, researchers can gain a clearer picture of how climate affects biodiversity on a global scale.



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



The study sheds light on the intricate relationship between climate change and bird survival <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-and-evolution-shape-the-unique-sounds-of-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategies</a>. While some species may adapt quickly, others could face significant challenges as their traditional behaviors become less effective. 



Scientists continue to explore these patterns, hoping to predict which species will thrive and which may struggle to keep pace with rapid environmental shifts.



Birds have adapted to changing conditions for millions of years, but the coming decades will test their resilience like never before. As climate change accelerates, their ability to make strategic decisions will determine their fate in an unpredictable world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ele.70077" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Birds adapt their survival strategies to climate change

Birds have long been symbols of freedom and resilience, soaring...

The Arctic’s frozen expanse is home to one of nature’s most awe-inspiring creatures - the polar bear. For thousands of years, these formidable hunters have roamed the ice, perfectly adapted to their brutal environment.



But today? Survival has never been harder for polar bears. Climate change, melting ice, and human activity threaten their very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-are-suffering-from-an-energy-deficit-due-to-lack-of-food-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">existence</a>.



Each year on February 27, International Polar Bear Day serves as a wake-up call. Founded by Polar Bears International in 2011, this day isn’t just about admiration - it’s about action. 



The timing of Polar Bear Day isn’t random. It aligns with a crucial period when mother bears and their newborn cubs rest in dens, preparing for their first steps into a world that’s changing too fast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-harsh-start-to-life">A harsh start to life</h2>



Deep beneath the Arctic snow, polar bear mothers curl around their newborn cubs, shielding them from the cold. Cubs arrive helpless - blind, tiny, barely weighing a pound. Their survival depends entirely on the warmth and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-doesnt-stick-to-polar-bear-fur-but-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safety</a> of the den.



Spring brings their first test. Emerging into the Arctic, they face an environment shifting under their paws. 



Rising temperatures, erratic weather, and encroaching human activity make survival even more precarious. Many of the safe denning sites of the past no longer exist.



“Keeping moms and cubs safe while also addressing climate change is a critical part of our work on behalf of polar bears - and your support can make a real difference,” noted officials from <a href="https://polarbearsinternational.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar Bears International</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-polar-bear-habitats">Protecting polar bear habitats</h2>



Scientists and conservationists race to safeguard these bears, but challenges mount. Research is vital - tracking den locations, monitoring bear movements, and identifying emerging threats. 



One of the most pressing concerns is industrial expansion. Oil and gas operations, road construction, and increased shipping traffic disrupt denning mothers.



 The consequences may be devastating. If disturbed too soon, a mother may abandon her cubs - leaving them to perish.



And here’s the shocking part: current industry surveys fail to detect more than half of active dens. That means countless mothers and cubs remain at risk.



New technology offers hope. Researchers are testing advanced thermal imaging and AI-driven mapping to pinpoint hidden dens with greater accuracy. If successful, these innovations could protect critical habitats before it’s too late.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-international-polar-bear-day-matters">Why International Polar Bear Day matters</h2>



International Polar Bear Day isn’t just another “awareness day.” It’s a demand for change. Today is about supporting research, pushing for stronger environmental policies, and educating people about the harsh reality of climate change.



Polar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-are-struggling-to-survive-longer-summers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bears</a> have walked a thin line between survival and extinction before. Scientists believe they evolved around 150,000 years ago, perfectly adapted to their icy world. But humans nearly wiped them out.



For millennia, Indigenous Arctic communities coexisted with polar bears, hunting them sustainably. That balance was shattered in the 1700s when European, Russian, and North American hunters arrived. Unchecked slaughter pushed the species toward collapse.



By the mid-20th century, another enemy emerged: fossil fuel-driven climate change. Despite repeated warnings, industrial expansion continued unchecked. The ice melted, and the Arctic landscape transformed.



In 1973, a turning point arrived - the United States, Denmark, Norway, and the former USSR signed the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears. The treaty banned commercial hunting and marked the first step toward protecting these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bear-conservation-leaps-forward-with-new-tracking-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>. But was it enough?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-science-tells-us-now">What science tells us now</h2>



Decades of research have deepened our understanding of polar bears. Long-term studies in Alaska and Svalbard reveal alarming trends - rising cub mortality rates, shrinking sea ice, and increased human-wildlife conflict.



One study looked at how mothers respond to disturbances. The results? Even minor disruptions can cause a denning mother to flee, dooming her cubs. 



Another investigation exposed the failure of oil industry surveys to locate active dens, raising concerns about drilling projects in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-part-of-a-bigger-fight">Part of a bigger fight </h2>



There’s still time to make a difference. If we reduce carbon emissions now, sea ice can regenerate, giving polar bears a chance to recover and thrive in their natural habitat.



Polar bears aren’t just symbols of the Arctic. They are keystone predators, essential to the region’s delicate balance. 



Their disappearance would ripple through the ecosystem, impacting other species and Indigenous communities who have lived alongside them for generations.



But let’s be real - this isn’t just an Arctic problem. The loss of sea ice accelerates global warming. Less ice means less sunlight reflected away from Earth, which raises temperatures worldwide. Rising seas threaten coastal cities.



Unstable weather patterns disrupt food supplies. Protecting polar bears is part of a much bigger fight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-action-on-polar-bear-day">Take action on Polar Bear Day</h2>



International Polar Bear Day isn’t about feeling helpless - it’s about action. Raising awareness is a powerful first step. Conversations spark change, and education fuels advocacy. Sharing information keeps the urgency alive.



Supporting conservation efforts strengthens long-term solutions. Donations help fund critical research and protection programs. Every contribution - big or small - plays a role in safeguarding these animals.



Reducing carbon footprints is another way to make a difference. Adjusting thermostats, choosing energy-efficient appliances, and driving less all contribute to lower emissions.



Advocacy remains crucial. Understanding environmental policies and demanding accountability from leaders can help to ensure that conservation stays a priority. Public support influences stronger legislation to protect Arctic wildlife and combat climate change.



The Arctic is changing fast, but there’s still hope. Through science, conservation, and global collaboration, we can make a difference. 



For millennia, polar bears have thrived in one of the harshest environments on Earth, adapting to extreme conditions. But this challenge is beyond adaptation - they can’t face it alone. Their future hinges on the choices we make now.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

International Polar Bear Day: Keeping moms and cubs safe

The Arctic’s frozen expanse is home to one of nature’s...

Animal emotions can be difficult to decipher, but advances in technology may bring them into clearer focus. A new machine-learning model suggests it can distinguish between positive and negative emotional states in various animals.



These findings could change how we handle livestock and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-and-possibly-even-insects-have-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>. After meticulously analyzing distinct calls from cows, pigs, and other relatives, the team realized that certain acoustic signals indicate mood shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voice-patterns-and-animal-emotions">Voice patterns and animal emotions</h2>



A research team led by Professor Élodie F. Briefer at the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> introduced artificial intelligence to a large library of farm-animal sounds, hoping to identify subtle clues that reveal emotional states.



Machine learning is a computational approach that learns from examples. In this project, the technology compared audio features like pitch and loudness across different calls.



Trained on thousands of recordings, the system recognized which sounds relate to pleasant or unpleasant experiences. The technology reached 89.49% accuracy in discerning the emotional expressions of seven ungulate species.



These animals produce vocal cues that sometimes share evolutionary roots. Researchers suggest that certain voice patterns have remained stable over time, shedding light on how communicative signals might develop across related creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-ai-distinguishes-animal-emotions">How AI distinguishes animal emotions</h2>



The researchers noticed that vocal changes often accompany shifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chick-emotions-shed-new-light-on-animal-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional conditions</a>. They found that duration, pitch range, and energy distribution were particularly telling.



For example, a short call might hint at excitement, while a slower call might reflect unease. This approach could help veterinarians and caretakers catch early warning signs of stress.



“This breakthrough provides solid evidence that AI can decode emotions across multiple species based on vocal patterns. It has the potential to revolutionise animal welfare, livestock management, and conservation, allowing us to monitor animals’ emotions in real time,” said Briefer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-identifying-animal-emotions">Benefits of identifying animal emotions</h2>



Farm operators face recurring health and behavioral problems in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-emotions-evoke-different-responses-in-dogs-and-pigs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herds</a>. They may observe restlessness, poor feeding, or other signals that something is wrong.



“Understanding how animals express emotions can help us improve their well-being. If we can detect stress or discomfort early, we can intervene before it escalates,” said Briefer.



The new system could streamline daily observations. Advanced software might track changes automatically and alert staff when animals require a closer look.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



Some studies link emotional sounds in other mammals to evolutionary communication patterns. Darwin once discussed how shared traits might hint at common expressions of fear or pleasure in various creatures.



Finding parallels across different calls could offer insights into the building blocks of human language. It might illustrate how emotional intonation became a key ingredient in social bonding.



Investigators view this data as a starting point for ongoing research on animal emotions. It could spark fresh perspectives on how animals form social bonds or defend territories.



“We want this to be a resource for other scientists. By making the data open access, we hope to accelerate research into how AI can help us better understand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-animal-rights-day-2024-honoring-animals-with-justice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> and improve their welfare,” concluded Briefer.



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



These findings rely on carefully curated audio samples. Not every farm or field environment has perfect recording conditions.



Background noise, overlapping calls, and varying mic quality might hamper real-world performance. Researchers are working to refine the model for practical settings.



Experts also emphasize that decoding emotion is only part of the story. True well-being involves physical health and social needs.



Some farm scenarios involve high-density housing or specialized feeding routines. Technology that provides real-time feedback could help address issues before they become critical.



Future studies may explore if similar approaches apply to other groups, such as primates or marine mammals. Broader comparisons could test the limits of animal emotions and vocal expression similarities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-better-grasp-on-animal-emotions">A better grasp on animal emotions</h2>



Industry leaders show interest in solutions that simplify monitoring. Automation might give them more time for direct interaction with animals.



The technology could be adapted for sanctuaries, zoos, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recognizing-emotions-in-horses-can-improve-their-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> reserves. Each environment poses different hurdles in terms of space and animal grouping.



A better grasp of emotional signals might also shape ethical guidelines. Stakeholders can decide if certain practices are beneficial or harmful based on real-time metrics.



Artificial intelligence has come a long way in analyzing patterns. This venture into animal emotions might be another step that redefines how we see other beings.



The outcome might encourage more humane systems that appreciate the subtle ways that animals express themselves.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S258900422500094X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



-----



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.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Animal emotions can be decoded through voice recognition

Animal emotions can be difficult to decipher, but advances in...

species in Branchiostomatidae

News coming your way