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

Plastic waste has a habit of sneaking into every corner of our lives. It’s in packaging, containers, housewares, and even hidden in places we don’t expect. 



Despite growing awareness and recycling efforts, less than ten percent of all plastic manufactured around the world last year was made from previously used materials.



That startling figure comes from an in-depth analysis led by Quanyin Tan from the <a href="https://www.the-ies.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institution of Environmental Sciences</a>, an international organization with member countries all over the world. 



This research team aimed to crunch fresh data on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-normal-plastic-turns-into-dangerous-micro-and-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> is produced, consumed, and disposed of.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-use-is-outpacing-recycling">Plastic use is outpacing recycling</h2>



Worldwide, manufacturing of plastic goods has exploded, hitting 400 million tons in 2022. That is part of a decades-long rise tied to easy availability of <a href="https://chandra-asri.com/en/blog/what-is-petrochemical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petrochemicals</a> and a growing demand for convenience goods.



Most feedstocks, or basic materials used to make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a>, still come from oil and coal. This reliance continues to cause <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/the-future-of-petrochemicals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concern</a> for policymakers who worry about pollution and greenhouse emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-plastic-is-burned-or-dumped">Most plastic is burned or dumped</h2>



Even though new plastic goods keep rolling off the conveyor belts, billions of pounds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-levels-of-microplastics-found-in-every-major-european-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste</a> pile up in landfills. 



Many communities are trying to move away from tossing items into the ground, so incineration - high-temperature burning of trash - has become normal practice in several regions.



Recycling has not caught up. Only a small slice of global plastic waste heads for proper sorting, and an even tinier portion makes it into fresh products.



Burning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-may-dump-1-3b-pounds-plastic-into-oceans-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> can reduce landfill buildup. Yet it creates questions about whether harmful byproducts make their way into the environment.



In some places, waste-to-energy plants harness the heat from incineration to generate electricity. But critics argue that this discourages efforts to lower production of throwaway items or boost recycling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-recycling-trends-differ-worldwide">Plastic recycling trends differ worldwide</h2>



In the United States, people use more plastic per person than anywhere else, averaging 216 kilograms annually. Not all of that waste is dealt with locally, as a portion still travels overseas in search of processing facilities.



China, with the biggest overall use, faces a different set of obstacles. The country has seen a shift toward incineration, in an attempt to cut the amount of trash going into dumps.



Consumers often assume throwing a plastic cup in the blue bin solves the problem. The reality is more complicated, because <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2008.0311">mechanical recycling facilities</a> struggle with contaminated or hard-to-sort materials.



“This study provides important data for devising future policies and regulations,” said Tan. The authors highlight another bottleneck: even after plastics are collected for recycling, about half end up in the incinerator anyway. 



One approach relies on boosting demand for items made of reused plastic. When manufacturers see value in secondhand resin, they are more likely to invest in the technology needed to process it.



Governments can step in by drafting standards that require products to contain a certain percent of reclaimed materials. These rules help build a reliable market for suppliers who repurpose waste.



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



Plastics offer convenience and durability. That same toughness means <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-treaty-is-a-historic-opportunity-to-stop-a-human-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> debris persists for a very long time, often escaping into waterways and farmland as it slowly degrades into smaller fragments.



Tiny particles known as microplastics turn up in soil and even inside living organisms. Such discoveries raise questions about health impacts, and fuel a push to fix <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the plastic loop</a> once and for all.



It starts with cutting back on disposable items. Simple decisions like opting for long-lasting goods or switching to refillable containers will reduce overall usage.



Proper sorting is also key. If more families rinse and separate their plastics, it takes less effort at the recycling facility, creating a cleaner stream of usable material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-recycling-must-improve">Plastic recycling must improve</h2>



Tracking plastic flows helps scientists pinpoint the most serious leaks in the system. They can see which nations and industries are cleaning up their act and which ones still need help.



That big-picture view allows leaders to craft better laws. These regulations might prioritize cutting single-use packaging, boosting recycling plants, or funding incineration upgrades to handle toxic fumes.



As production inches toward 800 million tons per year by 2050, extra plastic could swamp the planet if we keep using the same playbook. 



Cutting reliance on virgin feedstocks can slow the tide, especially if more recycled content edges its way into new manufacturing.



Those shifts demand cooperation across borders and industries. Otherwise, next-generation efforts might fail to tackle a problem that grows bigger and more threatening each year.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02169-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</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.



-----

Disturbingly small amount of plastic is recycled around the world

Plastic waste has a habit of sneaking into every corner...

When the Webb telescope launched, astronomers expected new surprises. But few predicted the discovery of something as striking as Zhúlóng - a massive, elegant spiral galaxy that had already formed just one billion years after the Big Bang.



In a cosmos that should still have been chaotic and unstructured at that time, this galaxy stands out as an anomaly. Not only is it huge and distant, but it also resembles modern spirals like our own Milky Way, which were long believed to be latecomers in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-galaxies-discovery-would-upend-current-understanding-of-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic history</a>.



The discovery, detailed in a new study from the PANORAMIC Survey team, is shaking up long-held ideas about how galaxies grow and evolve. Using <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>’s cutting-edge imaging, astronomers spotted Zhúlóng nestled in the ancient Universe. 



At a redshift of z ∼ 5.2, meaning that the light has been travelling from this galaxy for 12.5 billion years, Zhúlóng is now the most distant spiral galaxy known - a record-breaker and a puzzle rolled into one.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zhulong-the-torch-dragon">Zhúlóng: The "Torch Dragon"</h2>



‘‘We named this galaxy Zhúlóng, meaning ‘Torch Dragon’ in Chinese mythology," explained Dr. Mengyuan Xiao, postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Astronomy at the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>, and lead author of the study. 



"In the myth, Zhúlóng is a powerful red solar dragon that creates day and night by opening and closing its eyes, symbolizing light and cosmic time.’’ 



Zhúlóng is massive, red, and shockingly mature considering that it formed at a very early time in cosmic history. It sports a well-defined classical bulge and a sweeping disk with spiral arms that stretch across 62,000 light-years.



This structure is not common among galaxies formed in the early universe, which usually appear clumpy and irregular in deep space images.



<a href="https://www.unige.ch/sciences/astro/cosmicdawn/jwst-surveys/panoramic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The PANORAMIC Survey</a> that uncovered Zhúlóng used JWST’s “pure parallel mode,” a method that allows one camera to collect additional images while another conducts its primary task. This clever approach captured extra slices of the early universe, increasing the chances of turning up rare finds.



“Wide-area surveys are necessary to discover rare, massive galaxies. We were hoping to discover massive and bright galaxies across the earliest epochs of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-signals-from-the-center-of-our-galaxy-hint-at-a-new-kind-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> to understand how massive galaxies form and evolve, which helps to interpret the later epochs of their evolution that will be observed with the LSST,” noted Christina Williams, co-leader of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zhulong-looks-like-a-modern-galaxy">Zhúlóng looks like a modern galaxy</h2>



Zhúlóng looks nothing like the galaxies typically found at this redshift. Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-found-in-the-early-universe-that-shouldnt-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> formed in early epochs are distorted, compact, or undergoing chaotic starbursts. Instead, this one features a calm, balanced structure - a red, quiescent core surrounded by a vast disk filled with young stars.



Using JWST’s deep infrared data, astronomers revealed a stellar mass of about 10¹¹ solar masses. That places it on par with the Milky Way. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Zhulong_torch-galaxy_JWST_NoirLab_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Zhulong_torch-galaxy_JWST_NoirLab_1s.webp" alt="This image of Zhúlóng, the most distant spiral galaxy discovered to date, shows its remarkably well-defined spiral arms, a central old bulge, and a large star-forming disk, resembling the structure of the Milky Way. Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/NASA/CSA/ESA" class="wp-image-1966137"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image of Zhúlóng, the most distant spiral galaxy discovered to date, shows its remarkably well-defined spiral arms, a central old bulge, and a large star-forming disk, resembling the structure of the Milky Way. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/NASA/CSA/ESA</figcaption></figure>



The galaxy has already transitioned its core into a quiet state that no longer forms stars. Surrounding this core, however, the disk still supports some ongoing star formation, albeit at a relatively modest rate of around 66 solar masses per year.



Zhúlóng’s specific star formation rate is surprisingly low for a galaxy formed so early in the history of the universe. 



This suggests the galaxy is entering a transitional phase - moving from active formation into cosmic retirement, long before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-found-something-strange-at-core-of-milky-way-galaxy-webb-meerkat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most galaxies</a> of its kind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mature-spiral-born-in-chaos">Mature spiral born in chaos</h2>



The elegance of Zhúlóng’s spiral arms has drawn intense attention. These arms are not faint or broken but stretch cleanly from the central bulge outward, resembling the structure of well-formed spirals like the Milky Way.



For decades, theorists believed such arms required many billions of years to develop, as they rely on organized disk dynamics and stable conditions.



Yet Zhúlóng contradicts this. 



“It is really exciting that this galaxy resembles a grand-design spiral galaxy like our Milky Way,” says Williams. 



“It is generally thought that it takes billions of years for this structure to form in galaxies, but Zhúlóng shows that this could also happen in only one billion years.”



What’s more, the arms appear in residual maps after subtracting the galaxy’s main light components, which confirms their reality. The spiral pattern extends across an unusually large face-on disk that is nearly 20 kiloparsecs wide.



Its half-light radius reaches up to 3.9 kiloparsecs, and when using a non-parametric method, 80% of its stellar light spreads out to nearly 10 kiloparsecs. This is immense by any standard, let alone for a galaxy so early in cosmic history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-find-or-tip-of-the-iceberg">Rare find or tip of the iceberg?</h2>



Could Zhúlóng be unique, or is it the first of many such ancient spirals? The answer may lie in future wide-area JWST surveys and improved models of galaxy formation. 



So far, only a handful of spiral-like galaxies have been identified at redshift z &gt; 3. Zhúlóng stands as the most distant example.



Its large disk, mature bulge, and red spiral arms all point to a level of organization that is rarely expected in the early cosmos. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://storage.noirlab.edu/media/archives/images/publicationjpg/noirlab2516a.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Zhulong_torch-galaxy_PANORAMIC-survey_JWST_NoirLab_1s.webp" alt="Zhúlóng was discovered as part of the PANORAMIC Survey — a wide-area imaging survey being conducted with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). . Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/NASA/CSA/ESA" class="wp-image-1966138"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zhúlóng was discovered as part of the PANORAMIC Survey — a wide-area imaging survey being conducted with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Click image to enlarge. Credit: NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/NASA/CSA/ESA</figcaption></figure>



The galaxy also avoids heavy dust obscuration, unlike some other massive galaxies discovered with submillimeter telescopes. Instead, it offers a clear view into the dynamics of early disk galaxies.



The rarity of spiral arms in early epochs could mean they are short-lived. In the high-density, merger-rich universe of that time, such delicate structures might often be destroyed before reaching our telescopes. Zhúlóng may represent a fleeting moment of cosmic symmetry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-zhulong-matter">Why does Zhúlóng matter?</h2>



Zhúlóng challenges the narrative of slow galaxy growth. It suggests that some massive galaxies, perhaps under specific conditions, can grow their bulges and disks rapidly. 



It also reinforces that the classic Hubble sequence - with spirals, ellipticals, and bulge-disk galaxies - may have begun forming far earlier than once thought.



In comparing Zhúlóng to the Milky Way, the similarities become startling. The size, mass, and structure closely match our home galaxy, but Zhúlóng achieved this structure in only a tenth of the time. 



This forces a reevaluation of the timing and mechanics behind spiral galaxy formation.



Despite the turbulent environment of the early universe, some galaxies found a path to order and elegance. Zhúlóng is one such case - not just a cosmic oddity but a glimpse into what the first billion years could produce when conditions aligned.



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



Zhúlóng’s discovery opens the door to a new class of early galaxies. 



As the Webb telescope continues scanning the deep universe and surveys like COSMOS-Web expand, more such spirals may emerge. If they do, astronomers will need to refine their theories about when - and how - galaxies become mature.



This galaxy is a striking example of cosmic maturity arriving far earlier than theory allows. Its red bulge, youthful arms, low star formation rate, and ultra-massive profile defy expectations. 



But it is only one data point. Future spectroscopy and deep imaging from JWST and <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/alma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ALMA</a> will help decode its origin story.



For now, Zhúlóng stands as a dragon in the deep, carrying light, time, and mystery from an age we are only just beginning to understand.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.aanda.org/component/article?access=doi&amp;doi=10.1051/0004-6361/202453487" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.



Image Credit: <a href="https://noirlab.edu/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOIRLab</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aura-astronomy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AURA</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSA</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, M. Xiao (<a href="https://www.unige.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>), G. Brammer (<a href="https://nbi.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Niels Bohr Institute</a>), D. de Martin &amp; M. Zamani (<a href="https://noirlab.edu/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF NOIRLab</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.



-----

Meet Zhúlóng: The oldest known spiral galaxy in the universe

When the Webb telescope launched, astronomers expected new surprises. But...

Cancer can turn life upside down for many people. The physical struggle is often matched by emotional burdens that seem to show up when least expected. 



A recent study led by Ryan Castle from the <a href="https://wholehealthoncology.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whole Health Oncology Institute</a> is shedding new light on the role of cannabis to treat cancer symptoms. 



Castle's team joined forces with <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250416912635/en/Cancer-Playbook-Powered-by-Whole-Health-Oncology-Institute-Launches-the-Largest-Meta-Analysis-to-Date-on-Medical-Cannabis-and-Cancer-Symptoms">Cancer Playbook</a> to explore whether cannabis can help with typical cancer complaints like pain, appetite loss, and sleeplessness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-ease-cancer-symptoms">Cannabis may ease cancer symptoms</h2>



Cancer Playbook is known for bridging research with the experiences of real people. The platform gathers observations from individuals going through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatment</a>, then combines that data with findings from peer-reviewed publications.



This provides a more complete view of how cannabis interacts with the body, while also revealing what has worked for others.



“We expected controversy. What we found was overwhelming scientific consensus,” said Castle. 



Many studies now suggest that, when properly used, cannabis can be of significant help in addressing cancer symptoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-stories-shape-cannabis-research">Real stories shape cannabis research</h2>



Technology in healthcare is moving fast, but personal stories can be just as powerful. Cancer Playbook uses <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/patient-reported-outcome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patient Reported Outcomes</a> to shift the spotlight onto people’s actual experiences. 



Those outcomes transform observations about fatigue and aches into reliable data that clinicians can apply.



Healthcare professionals have started to give these accounts more attention, since large <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trials</a> don't always capture the day-to-day hurdles that real individuals face. 



Focusing on each person’s comfort level, mood, and energy can create a more complete cancer care plan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-reduce-cancer-related-pain">Cannabis may reduce cancer-related pain</h2>



Pain can influence every aspect of life for cancer patients. Opioids have been a traditional go-to, but some find limited relief or tough side effects. 



Data from various research efforts suggest that cannabis may ease <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7140/5/1/7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lingering pain</a> for some patients while posing fewer complications.



Users who turn to cannabis for treating cancer symptoms often report fewer problems than they had feared. 



A handful of these studies show promise in helping with neuropathic pain, which is a tricky discomfort that standard drugs can’t always contain.



Not everyone responds in the same way, but many see cannabis as a welcome option for exploring additional approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-appetite-and-nausea">Cannabis, appetite, and nausea</h2>



Nausea is a serious drain on quality of life for people undergoing harsh treatments. Traditional anti-nausea medications help but might not cover the full scope of how patients feel. That’s where medical cannabis steps in, offering another strategy for those dealing with this challenge.



Some <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11409765/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> indicates that cannabis may support better eating patterns by triggering chemical receptors tied to hunger. 



Even modest success can make a difference by preserving energy and mood. It’s not a magic fix, but it could be an added tool in an often-complicated toolbox.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-may-help-reduce-inflammation">Cannabis may help reduce inflammation</h2>



Inflammation can worsen cancer’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-cancer-cell-death-may-transform-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> and lead to other serious problems. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666915323000021" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> studying <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/neurotoxin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a> and immune triggers have noticed that cannabinoids might reduce harmful responses at the cellular level. This suggests a targeted benefit that goes beyond just pain or nausea management.



Experts caution that these biological processes are not fully understood, and it’s unclear how inflammation shifts from minor to long-term danger. 



Early patterns, though, point to cannabis as having a role in controlling swelling in tissues, which might be helpful if standard therapies fall short.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patients-need-informed-choices">Patients need informed choices</h2>



“Too often, people turn to cannabis as a last resort. We believe it should be part of the conversation from day one,” said Jim Gerencser, the founder of Cancer Playbook.



By logging real-life feedback and comparing it with existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aspirin-may-prevent-cancer-from-moving-to-other-parts-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>, Cancer Playbook informs patients on treatment approaches that doctors might not always have time to discuss in detail. 



This helps remove guesswork and promotes shared decision-making, which can reduce anxiety when facing critical choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-studies-support-cannabis-use">Large studies support cannabis use</h2>



Interest in cannabis has been sparked by large reviews that merge thousands of peer-reviewed articles. 



Researchers pool results to look for patterns that might be overlooked if only a handful of academic papers is scanned. This approach shapes a big-picture view of what may help many people who are facing cancer diagnoses.



Recent findings suggest that several cannabinoids appear safer and more effective than older assumptions indicated. 



However, some questions remain about recommended doses and timing. Clinical trials still need to define the exact parameters for optimal results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-advice-and-safe-cannabis-use">Medical advice and safe cannabis use</h2>



Although the enthusiasm for cannabis is growing, it’s wise to proceed with medical advice. Certain interactions with prescription drugs haven’t been fully studied. There's also the complexity of the plant itself - hemp, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/endocannabinoid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endocannabinoids</a>, and oils vary in chemical content.



Some oncologists suggest choosing formulations that have been tested for purity, which can reduce the risk of additives or inconsistent potency. Safety checks matter. 



Cancer treatment demands careful collaboration between patients and healthcare teams, so speaking openly about cannabis use is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-research-across-cancer-fields">Cannabis research across cancer fields </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/video-games-could-accelerate-discoveries-in-cancer-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> on cannabis continues to shift. Some of it focuses on how different strains interact with radiation or immunotherapy. Other work tracks its <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/anticarcinogenic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anticarcinogenic</a> capabilities, although that part is still being investigated in labs and patient trials.



Discussions about cannabis today look different from earlier times, when legal barriers limited the scope of studies. The current environment encourages deeper investigations. That leads to a broader acceptance of cannabis as a therapy that is worth exploring.



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



Many updates in oncology come from labs, but the patient perspective is equally valuable. When data from countless personal experiences gets analyzed, fresh patterns can emerge. 



Information about how people handle their side effects or combine treatments can shed new light on possible ways to get results.



Well-designed platforms like Cancer Playbook aim to make sense of these experiences without trivializing the science behind it all. It’s a blend of real-world accounts and measured research, which gives patients a more active role in shaping their own care path.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1490621/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Oncology</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.



-----

Overwhelming evidence that cannabis significantly helps cancer patients

Cancer can turn life upside down for many people. The...

As the planet heats up, the challenges of climate change reach into every part of life - including our hospitals. The global blood supply is among the systems under increasing stress. For decades, health services have relied on a stable network of volunteer donors, rigorous testing, temperature-sensitive storage, and timely transport.



But as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change drives more extreme weather, alters disease patterns, and affects public health on multiple fronts, researchers are warning that blood safety and availability may no longer be assured.



A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health offers the most comprehensive analysis yet.



Conducted by experts at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usc.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Sunshine Coast</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lifeblood.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Red Cross Lifeblood</a>, the research lays out the many ways climate instability could disrupt the blood supply chain - from donor health and logistics to storage and distribution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-disrupts-the-blood-supply-chain">Climate disrupts the blood supply chain</h2>



The blood supply system is complex. It depends on a series of tightly coordinated steps: identifying eligible donors, collecting blood, transporting it for processing, screening it for diseases, and finally distributing it to clinics and hospitals. 



Each step requires infrastructure, reliable energy, and human effort. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate</a> change threatens all of these.



“Warmer temperatures and natural disasters such as heatwaves, floods, cyclones, and bushfires are expected to become more frequent and severe,” noted Dr. Elvina Viennet, Lifeblood researcher and UniSC Adjunct Research Fellow.



“As well as limiting the mobility of large numbers of people, these events disrupt the storage, safety, and transportation of blood, which has a short shelf life."



“We experienced this recently with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Australia, when an extreme weather event drastically reduced national blood supplies for the first time."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-diseases-old-fears">New diseases, old fears</h2>



One of the most alarming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> is the rise of infectious diseases that can spread through blood. As the climate shifts, mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus are moving into new territories. These diseases not only raise demand for transfusions but also disqualify many donors.



Study lead author Dr. Helen Faddy, an associate professor at UniSC, elaborated on the focus of the research.



“While many studies have explored the broader health effects of climate change, we sought to fill gaps in understanding the full extent of the risks – from donor health and collection logistics to the processing, storage and distribution of products,” said Dr. Faddy.



“For example, predictions of increased rainfall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthier-nations-set-bold-climate-targets-but-citizens-give-less/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer temperatures</a> in certain regions including Australia, could intensify mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue Fever, West Nile virus and malaria, and potentially see them spread to new areas."



At the same time, shifts in disease prevalence and natural disaster frequency could increase the demand for blood transfusions.



Dr. Faddy also pointed out that rising sea levels could increase migration, making it harder to find compatible blood types for patients. To address this, it's important to recruit more donors from diverse ethnic backgrounds and expand overall donor participation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-obvious-dangers-to-donation">Less obvious dangers to donation</h2>



Beyond infections and infrastructure, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-constantly-reshuffling-earths-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change also brings subtler problems. Heat-related illnesses, for instance, can disqualify otherwise healthy donors. 



Extreme temperatures can affect blood pressure and hydration levels. This may reduce the number of people who qualify to give blood on donation days.



Psychological stress linked to climate anxiety or natural disaster trauma also plays a role. Some may avoid public spaces or delay medical appointments, including blood donation. Displacement due to rising seas or wildfires could create so-called "blood deserts" - areas where donors and clinics are few and far between.



Nutritional changes may also matter. As more people shift to plant-based diets, iron levels may drop. Low ferritin disqualifies donors and can affect donation frequency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-disasters-disrupt-blood-testing">Climate disasters disrupt blood testing</h2>



Once blood is collected, it must be processed, tested, and delivered. Each of these steps depends on power supply, refrigeration, and reliable roads or air travel. These systems are vulnerable.



During floods or fires, transport can break down. Testing labs may lose power. Temperature-sensitive equipment may malfunction. Blood, plasma, and platelets must be stored within specific ranges. Even short delays or minor faults can spoil these precious supplies.



Samples for nucleic acid testing, used to screen for transfusion-transmissible infections, must be kept at 2–8°C and processed within 24–48 hours. Missed timelines due to climate-related disruption can result in unusable samples and wasted resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-affects-the-workforce">Climate change affects the workforce</h2>



The people who run the blood supply system are also at risk. Health workers, volunteers, and lab technicians may suffer from heat stress, illness, or burnout. In some areas, up to 70% of healthcare workers are women, many of whom juggle additional caregiving roles.



Disasters increase workloads, heighten stress, and often leave staff dealing with crises on both professional and personal fronts. Maintaining a full workforce during extended climate emergencies may become one of the hardest challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-emergencies-drive-blood-demand-nbsp">Climate emergencies drive blood demand&nbsp;</h2>



Blood isn’t just needed during disasters. Chronic illness, surgery, childbirth, and cancer treatments all depend on a regular supply. But climate change may worsen many of these conditions.



Bushfires and storms raise respiratory risks. Cardiovascular conditions can spike during heatwaves. Mental health disorders linked to climate disasters can raise the risk of self-harm and trauma, leading to more transfusions.



In disaster zones, the need for blood may surge just as clinics are flooded or roads are blocked. Hospitals need to keep up with these unpredictable spikes, often with limited resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-new-paths-forward">Finding new paths forward</h2>



While the threats are serious, solutions are emerging. Some innovations - like drone deliveries and walking blood banks - are already in use. In Rwanda, drones carry blood to remote clinics. In Australia, new emergency protocols allow blood to be collected at crisis sites.



Cell salvage, which recycles a patient’s own blood during surgery, reduces reliance on donors. Hospitals can prepare for climate-driven shortages by planning for alternative blood sources and developing flexible emergency protocols.



“As our environment evolves, we need to reduce reliance on traditional blood supply chains and have adaptable strategies that offer rapid responses to climate-related challenges," said Dr. Faddy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-services-and-climate-challenges">Blood services and climate challenges</h2>



Health systems must now plan for multiple types of disruption. Not only must they monitor vector-borne diseases, but they must also prepare for floods, fires, and energy outages. Emergency planning should include stock monitoring, route adjustments, and backup systems for storage and testing.



Public messaging and communication during emergencies will also be crucial. Ensuring the public understands when and where to donate - even when the usual centers are closed - could help maintain supplies in a crisis.



Experts also call for stronger international collaboration. Some countries have already helped others during disasters by sharing blood supplies or technologies. These partnerships may become essential as climate stress becomes more widespread.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-resilience-and-equity">Research, resilience, and equity</h2>



This study highlights a major research gap. Very few studies have addressed the full impact of climate change on the global blood supply. Most focus on transfusion-transmissible infections, but the threats extend far beyond that.



Further research must explore how extreme weather, migration, dietary shifts, and mental health all interact with blood systems. Understanding these factors will help governments create more resilient and equitable health networks.



If left unaddressed, climate change could shift blood from a reliable resource to a vulnerable one. But with the right tools - early warning systems, flexible protocols, and community engagement - this vital lifeline can be protected.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(25)00051-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</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.



-----

Climate extremes could lead to critical blood supply shortages

As the planet heats up, the challenges of climate change...

Industrial fishing has been a huge food source for decades. It pulls enormous amounts of marine organisms - and their stored nutrients - out of the water every year. Scientists say these activities are tied to the loss of important nutrients that help keep aquatic systems alive.



This observation gained traction when experts found that modern fishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-fish-species-are-the-big-catch-of-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habits</a> remove a significant share of these valuable elements from coastal and open-water habitats.



This research was led by Adrian Gonzalez Ortiz, who carried out this work while completing his master’s degree at <a href="https://www.usu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a>. 



Gonzalez Ortiz teamed up with collaborators from the <a href="https://www.seaaroundus.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea Around Us</a> initiative and other institutions to analyze the chemicals stored in the bodies of commonly fished species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fishing-shifts-ocean-nutrient-balance">Fishing shifts ocean nutrient balance</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-consequences-of-catch-and-release-sport-fishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fisheries</a> focus on certain species based on demand and convenience. A targeted approach can shift the balance of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which are vital for marine food webs.



The researchers looked at landings across hundreds of locations worldwide. They uncovered patterns of nutrient removal that coincide with shifts in fish population structures in those regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-loss-weakens-nutrient-circulation">Fish loss weakens nutrient circulation</h2>



Estimates suggest more than 400 million tons of carbon alone were taken out through industrial catches over a span of many years. Even trace losses matter because fish play a part in passing these elements around the oceans.



“Fish and other marine organisms contain specific nutrients in their bodies,” said Gonzalez Ortiz. Capturing species that hold a lot of these elements may lower the supply that keeps ecosystems resilient.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mid-sized-fish-hold-more-nutrients">Mid-sized fish hold more nutrients</h2>



Medium-sized fish - often called <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/What-is-a-mesopredator-In-this-hypothetical-ecosystem-wolves-are-the-apex-or-top_fig1_40738157" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mesopredators</a> - have been singled out in the data. They act as hunters and prey, forming a key link for energy and nutrient movement across food webs.



“They store higher proportions of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus, compared to other trophic groups,” said Dr. Trisha B. Atwood, associate professor at Utah State University.



These fish supply nutrient-rich prey to top-level predators, so removing them weakens both ecosystem function and future fishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-vessels-most-industrial-fishing-activity-is-not-publicly-tracked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prospects</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-different-regions">Impacts on different regions</h2>



The study tracked major changes in coastal zones and the open sea. Some coastal waters, such as parts of Southeast Asia, recorded striking extraction rates of nutrients over the past few decades.



In other areas, catches dipped after an initial boom, leading to fewer nutrients being taken out of those spots. This pattern sometimes pushed fishing fleets to head for new territories, where harvesting rose and nutrient removal climbed as well.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-removal-changes-ocean-productivity">Fish removal changes ocean productivity</h2>



Nutrient extraction is not just about the fish that people eat. By removing organisms with crucial roles in cycling phosphorus and nitrogen, fisheries can change local productivity in ways that might be overlooked.



“This not only negatively impacts the ecosystem but also fisheries,” said Dr. Atwood. Fish often bring vital substances to shallower waters, and taking them out removes those chemical supplies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-possible-solutions">Looking at possible solutions</h2>



Experts are <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/faf.12233" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying</a> how fisheries management might adapt to curb nutrient losses. Reducing overfishing and giving depleted stocks time to bounce back could help shore up the element flow in some regions.



Stricter catch limits or seasonal bans might lessen the strain on the most affected species. A balanced approach could keep vital trophic levels healthy and ensure that fishing can continue to support global demand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-effects-in-the-ocean">Cascading effects in the ocean</h2>



Some officials believe that new guidelines could protect fish populations and ocean nutrients. Others say that improved data collection on the basic chemistry of these creatures might spark better policies.



Changes in the nutrient makeup of the ocean can ripple through entire systems. That may impact everything from coral reefs to large migratory predators that need nutrient-packed meals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-can-guide-better-fish-policies">Research can guide better fish policies</h2>



Researchers are calling for more local studies that look at the fish in their habitats. That includes examining the full dietary range of predators and how smaller fish pass crucial chemicals around.



Most management rules focus on tonnage alone. Adding information about nutrient composition could paint a clearer picture and keep fisheries more sustainable over the long term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-success-in-fisheries">Measuring success in fisheries</h2>



Many governments are revisiting how they measure success in fisheries. Some are exploring integrated methods that consider not only the biomass of fish but also the distribution of chemical elements needed to keep the waters productive.



The research team hopes that updated approaches will spur better evaluations of ocean health. “Such a decrease in catches resulted in fisheries expanding to other ocean areas,” said Dr. Maria ‘Deng’ Palomares, manager of the Sea Around Us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrients-and-long-term-ocean-health">Nutrients and long-term ocean health</h2>



Overlooking the chemical side of fishing could lead to unrecognized risks for marine environments. Solutions will likely require precise data, careful planning, and perhaps more restraint in how we exploit aquatic resources.



Stakeholders from the fishing industry and environmental groups acknowledge that balancing needs of people and nature is tricky. This evidence hints that a closer look at key nutrients may give leaders a sharper tool for preserving fish populations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02218-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</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.



-----

Fishing removes key nutrients from marine ecosystems

Industrial fishing has been a huge food source for decades....

In cities around the world, empty lots and old industrial sites are being transformed into patches of color and life through the planting of wildflowers. These green spaces are meant to help pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing much-needed food sources from urban wildflowers.



But new research suggests that the soil beneath these flowers might be doing more harm than good. A team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> has found that wildflowers growing on previously developed land - including sites where buildings and factories once stood - can take up harmful metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium.



These metals don’t just stay in the plants. They end up in the nectar that pollinators feed on, introducing toxic substances directly into their diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polluted-roots-of-urban-wildflowers">Polluted roots of urban wildflowers</h2>



Many cities, particularly older ones, have soil that’s been exposed to decades of industrial activity. Sources including cement dust, mining runoff, and vehicle emissions leave behind long-lasting contaminants which can affect urban wildflowers.



In the post-industrial city of Cleveland, Ohio - where the study took place - over 33,000 vacant lots remain from years of population decline and industrial use. Researchers tested <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nectar</a> from common self-seeding wildflowers growing in these urban spaces.



The wildflowers included white clover, wild carrot, bindweed, and chicory - plants known to attract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-bees-choose-the-same-flowers-again-and-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and provide nectar throughout the growing season. Every plant tested contained at least one toxic metal.



Lead was the most common and found in the highest concentrations. The amount and type of metal varied by plant species. 



Chicory had the highest total metal levels, followed by white clover, wild carrot, and bindweed. These are not rare or exotic flowers - they grow widely across cities in both the U.S. and the UK, often planted intentionally as part of pollinator-friendly initiatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-wildflowers-affect-bee-health">Urban wildflowers affect bee health</h2>



Even small amounts of metal in nectar can affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-quality-and-biodiversity-impact-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee health</a>. Previous studies have shown that these contaminants damage pollinators’ ability to learn and remember, which directly affects how well they can forage for food. 



In extreme cases, the toxins can lead to population decline and even death. Reducing the risk of metal exposure is critical for the success of urban pollinator conservation schemes, according to the researchers.



They also noted that certain plants are more likely to absorb these contaminants than others - a fact that should inform future planting strategies. One solution is to test soil quality before sowing wildflowers. Polluted areas might need to be cleaned up first.



In places where harmful metals are already present, managing wildflowers through regular mowing may help. Limiting their bloom time can reduce the amount of contaminated nectar available to bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-can-benefit-from-wildflower-soil">Bees can benefit from wildflower soil</h2>



Dr. Sarah Scott is an expert in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology and the study’s lead author.



“It’s really important to have wildflowers as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dancing-bees-reveal-that-urban-gardens-are-a-good-source-of-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food source for the bees</a>, and our results should not discourage people from planting wildflowers in towns and cities,” said Dr. Scott.



“We hope this study will raise awareness that soil health is also important for bee health. Before planting wildflowers in urban areas to attract bees and other pollinators, it’s important to consider the history of the land and what might be in the soil – and if necessary - find out whether there’s a local soil testing and cleanup service available first.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-practical-way-to-support-pollinators">A practical way to support pollinators</h2>



Pollinators are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-disappearing-and-its-bad-news-for-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital</a> to the world’s food supply. They help plants - including fruits and vegetables such as apples and tomatoes - develop and reproduce.



Natural pollination is estimated to contribute billions of dollars to global crop production each year. But wild pollinator populations have plummeted by over 50% in the past 50 years, largely due to habitat loss, land use changes, pesticides, and climate change.



“Climate change feels so overwhelming, but simply planting flowers in certain areas can help towards conserving pollinators, which is a realistic way for people to make a positive impact on the environment,” said Dr. Scott.



This new research serves as a reminder that while planting wildflowers is a step in the right direction, the quality of the land they’re planted on matters just as much. A colorful patch of blooms may look like a haven for bees - but if the soil beneath holds a toxic past, it could turn into a hidden hazard.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.71238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and 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.



-----

Urban wildflowers may be harming bees

In cities around the world, empty lots and old industrial...

The sunshine we see every day might look the same, but research shows the amount of light hitting our planet can change over long time spans. These changes occur in patterns that can affect climate, energy production, and day-to-day life for many people.



Scientists report that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dirty-power-the-hidden-climate-cost-of-electric-vehicles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> include periods of less sunlight, or "dimming," and times of rebound, referred to as "brightening."



Martin Wild of the <a href="https://iac.ethz.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science</a>, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) is one of the researchers examining why these phases happen and how they may impact human life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunlight-changes-over-decades">Sunlight changes over decades</h2>



Some of the changes come from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/Aerosols" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, which are tiny particles in the air that can scatter or block sunlight. When pollution levels get higher, those particles can intercept more sunlight before it reaches the surface. This leads to lower light levels in many regions.



"The amount of sunlight - which is solar radiative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/swirling-electrons-could-power-future-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> - we receive at the Earth’s surface is not necessarily stable over the years but can undergo substantial decadal variations," said Wild.



Cutting pollution has led to increasing sunlight in some places, but the degree of recovery is not the same everywhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunlight-recovery-and-energy-production">Sunlight recovery and energy production</h2>



Scientists have paid extra attention to China. Reduced pollution can restore past sunshine levels and possibly boost <a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/photovoltaics-and-electricity.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photovoltaic</a> power generation.&nbsp;



"If China fully recovers from the dimming phase and reverts to the clean atmosphere levels of the 1960s, the country could make substantial gains in solar power production," said Wild. This matters because more light hitting panels can mean more energy for millions of homes and businesses.



Observations point to shifts in energy coming from the sun over spans of ten years or more, also called <a href="https://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/data/el-nino-la-nina-watch-and-pdo/pacific-decadal-oscillation-pdo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decadal cycles</a>. Such findings are drawn from surface-based measurements and satellite data, though each set of data comes with its own challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunlight-affects-weather-and-energy">Sunlight affects weather and energy</h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature04504" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Light changes</a> influence crops, temperature levels, and water evaporation. Some regions might see cooler days if pollution shades them, while others may notice shifts in rainfall patterns. A single percentage point dip in solar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-warnings-fossil-fuels-are-causing-climate-health-and-biodiversity-crises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> could affect how farmers plan their growing seasons.



"These decadal changes of dimming and brightening in the available solar energy are not only crucial for various aspects of climate and environmental change, but are also of significant importance for resource assessments in the rapidly growing sector of solar power production," said Wild.



People might also face rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-methanol-the-next-green-power-player-clean-energy-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> costs or lower crop yields when light levels decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-solutions">Urgent need for solutions</h2>



Some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266679242300029X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scientists</a> use advanced computer models to fill gaps in places where sunlight measurements are not recorded. Others monitor chemical emissions that can cut sunlight on its way down. 



More collaboration could refine data collection so that researchers can give clearer predictions to policymakers and industries.



Insights from these studies hint that <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad5371" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cutting air pollution</a> and tracking how nature itself affects clouds hold promise for stabilizing future light levels. Further sunlight monitoring, paired with data on emissions, is seen as a crucial step for protecting and expanding solar energy options.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-sunlight-helps-climate-planning">Tracking sunlight helps climate planning</h2>



<a href="https://angeo.copernicus.org/articles/35/839/2017/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Efforts</a> to gather accurate data over many years help us see when light levels drop or rise. That information is especially valuable for people who build large-scale solar plants, since they rely on a steady supply of sunlight. 



Industries need reliable expectations of how much power they can produce in any given year, and local communities want to know if weather patterns might shift.



Better measuring equipment, placed in more locations, could build a deeper understanding of how sunlight changes over time. Having these records is key for everyone from electric grid planners to local farmers. It can guide decisions about investing in new technologies or adjusting cropping schedules.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-air-sunlight-and-energy-costs">Clean air, sunlight, and energy costs</h2>



These shifting light levels do not always make headlines, but they underscore the careful balance between air quality and the sun’s energy at ground level. 



Researchers continue refining their data, looking for signals to warn if light dips are around the corner. Work is ongoing to see what happens under different pollution scenarios.



The potential for healthier air and better solar power output is significant. As more nations adopt cleaner energy sources, these sunlight changes carry bigger economic weight. Reducing aerosol emissions could unlock added benefits for power grids and agriculture, which may be vital to thriving cities and rural areas.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-025-4534-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</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.



-----

Dirty sky, less sunlight: How pollution steals our energy

The sunshine we see every day might look the same,...

The diversity of rocks along the rim of Jezero Crater is offering an extraordinary peek into the deep past of Mars.



NASA’s Perseverance rover has been exploring this rugged Martian terrain and recently hit its fastest science-gathering streak since first touching down on the Red Planet, more than four years ago.



In just a few months, the rover has drilled into five rocks, sealed samples from three, and analyzed dozens more - all in an effort to understand Mars’s geological evolution better, and the potential it may once have had to support life.



The research team from <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California has been guiding the rover as it scales the Crater’s western wall.



After a three-and-a-half month climb, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-perseverance-rover-now-uses-ai-search-minerals-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a> reached the rim of the Crater on December 12, 2024, and is now exploring a 445-foot (135-meter) slope known as Witch Hazel Hill.



What the rover found there surprised even seasoned scientists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jezero-crater-s-rocky-tapestry">Jezero Crater’s rocky tapestry</h2>



“During previous science campaigns in Jezero, it could take several months to find a rock that was significantly different from the last rock we sampled and scientifically unique enough for sampling,” said Perseverance’s project scientist, Katie Stack Morgan of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.



“But up here on the crater rim, there are new and intriguing rocks everywhere the rover turns. It has been all we had hoped for and more.”



The rocks on the crater rim tell a story of violent impacts and ancient geological processes. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-perseverance-mars-rover-studies-trove-of-rocks-on-crater-rim/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mars_perseverance-rover_jezero-crater_panoramic-mosaic_NASA_1s1.webp" alt="This mosaic showing the Martian surface outside of Jezero Crater was taken by NASA’s Perseverance on Dec. 25, 2024, at the site where the rover cored a sample dubbed “Silver Mountain” from a rock likely formed during Mars’ earliest geologic period. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS" class="wp-image-1965653"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This mosaic showing the Martian surface outside of Jezero Crater was taken by NASA’s Perseverance on Dec. 25, 2024, at the site where the rover cored a sample dubbed “Silver Mountain” from a rock likely formed during Mars’ earliest geologic period. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS</figcaption></figure>



Many of them are once-molten boulders blasted out from deep below the Martian surface, possibly during the very impact that created Jezero Crater. Others are layered formations that solidified in place, billions of years ago.



In some areas, rocks that were changed by water sit right next to rocks that probably remained dry for their entire history - a mix that gives scientists a lot to work with.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-into-mars-s-early-history">Digging into Mars’s early history</h2>



Perseverance began its crater-rim sampling campaign on January 28 with a rock dubbed “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-collects-26th-rock-sample-on-mars-plans-to-bring-them-all-to-earth-for-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silver Mountain</a>,” that was taken from an outcrop called “Shallow Bay.”



This rock likely formed at least 3.9 billion years ago, during Mars’s earliest geological period, known as the Noachian. 



The rock may have been broken up and re-formed by an ancient meteor impact, preserving clues about a chaotic time in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-found-for-life-on-mars-where-ancient-rivers-once-flowed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet’s past</a>.



Not far from there - about 360 feet (110 meters) away - the rover encountered an outcrop containing igneous minerals that had crystallized from magma deep within the Martian crust. However, that rock crumbled during two separate coring attempts. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rock-named-tablelands-at-jezero-crater">A rock named "Tablelands" at Jezero Crater</h2>



So the rover traveled about 520 feet (158 meters) northwest to a different target - a rock named “Tablelands.”



Tablelands turned out to be a rich find. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mars_perseverance-rover_tablelands-rock-sample_jezero-crater_NASA_1s.webp" alt="Sealing the “Green Gardens” sample — collected by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover from a rock dubbed “Tablelands” along the rim of Jezero Crater on Feb. 16, 2025 — presented an engineering challenge. The sample was finally sealed on March 2. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS" class="wp-image-1965650"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sealing the “Green Gardens” sample — collected by NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover from a rock dubbed “Tablelands” along the rim of Jezero Crater on Feb. 16, 2025 — presented an engineering challenge. The sample was finally sealed on March 2. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS</figcaption></figure>



Data from the rover’s instruments showed that this rock is made almost entirely of serpentine minerals. These form when water interacts with iron- and magnesium-rich rocks in a chemical process called serpentinization.



This reaction often causes the rock to fracture and expand. It can also produce hydrogen gas and methane - both of which are important when considering the planet's ability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-finds-best-evidence-yet-life-on-mars-cheyava-falls-rock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustain life</a>.



On Earth, similar rocks support entire microbial communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sealing-challenge-for-perseverance">A sealing challenge for Perseverance</h2>



Coring Tablelands went well for the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-2020-perseverance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance rover</a>, but sealing the sample turned into a frustrating challenge. Powdered rock collected at the top of the sample tube interfered with the seal.



“This happened once before, when there was enough powdered rock at the top of the tube that it interfered with getting a perfect seal,” said Kyle Kaplan, a robotics engineer at JPL. 



“For Tablelands, we pulled out all the stops. Over 13 sols,” or Martian days, “we used a tool to brush out the top of the tube 33 times and made eight sealing attempts. We even flicked it a second time.”



The “flick” is a unique maneuver. It involves the rover’s internal sample-handling arm pushing the tube against an internal wall, then quickly pulling back to shake loose debris. After multiple flicks and brushings, the team finally sealed and stored the sample on March 2.



Eight days later, Perseverance collected and sealed another sample, from a rock called “Main River,” without any trouble.



The alternating bright and dark bands on that rock stood out as something completely new to the team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-on-jezero-crater-s-rim">What’s next on Jezero Crater’s rim?</h2>



Since collecting the Main River sample, Perseverance has moved on to investigate more outcrops at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perseverance-rover-made-an-epic-climb-up-the-side-of-a-crater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Witch Hazel Hill</a> - including Sally’s Cove, Dennis Pond, and Mount Pearl. The science team believes there’s still much more to learn from this area.



“The last four months have been a whirlwind for the science team, and we still feel that Witch Hazel Hill has more to tell us,” said Stack. 



“We’ll use all the rover data gathered recently to decide if and where to collect the next sample from the crater rim. Crater rims - you gotta love ’em.”



As the mission continues, the rocks of Jezero Crater’s rim may hold some clues about the oldest and most revealing chapters in Mars’s long and complex history.



-----



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.



-----

Perseverance rover drills into a Mars rock "treasure trove"

The diversity of rocks along the rim of Jezero Crater...

A narrow slice of starlight has raised suspense about the possibility of company in the cosmos. While the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) watched the exoplanet K2-18b glide across its parent star, sulfur‑bearing gases appeared in the planet’s airborne haze.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-k2-18-b-studied-again-confirm-presence-dms-gas-only-produced-by-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dimethyl sulfide</a> and dimethyl disulfide - molecules tied to biological activity on Earth - leave unmistakable fingerprints in the data.



No telescope had ever hinted at these compounds beyond our neighborhood, so the finding instantly climbed toward the top of every astrobiologist’s wish list.



The signal meets the three‑sigma bar, which means there is only a&nbsp;0.3&nbsp;percent chance it popped out of random noise. 



Scientists need five&nbsp;sigma - less than&nbsp;0.00006&nbsp;percent probability - to declare a discovery. Yet getting this close with a planet&nbsp;124&nbsp;light‑years, or roughly&nbsp;730&nbsp;trillion&nbsp;miles, away stands out as today’s sharpest clue that life might thrive elsewhere. 



Those numbers alone for K2-18b promise a lively debate in laboratories around the globe for months to come. They also focus attention on the interplay between ocean chemistry and atmospheric circulation on watery worlds that orbit small, dim suns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-k2-18b-has-room-for-an-ocean">K2‑18b has room for an ocean</h2>



Discovered in&nbsp;2015,&nbsp;K2‑18b weighs about&nbsp;8.6&nbsp;times as much as Earth and spans&nbsp;2.6&nbsp;times our planet’s diameter - big enough to keep a thick hydrogen atmosphere yet small enough to support a surface ocean. 



The world sits inside the habitable zone of a cool red dwarf, where sunshine could keep water liquid and the hydrogen atmosphere could retain heat.



“We didn’t know for sure whether the signal we saw last time was due to DMS, but just the hint of it was exciting enough for us to have another look with JWST using a different instrument,” said Professor Nikku Madhusudhan of Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Astronomy</a>, who led the research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sulfur-signals-in-stardust">Sulfur signals in stardust</h2>



Astronomers tease out atmospheric chemistry by watching a planet dim its star during transit. As K2‑18b moves across the stellar face, a sliver of light filters through the gas envelope, and <a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a> shows which wavelengths are absorbed. 



Earlier passes with its <a href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/01FA0T0WM3X65FFXM0JBR4C5ZB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRISS</a> and <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/nirspec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRSpec</a> cameras suggested sulfur compounds; the fresh visit used the Mid‑Infrared Instrument, which covers longer wavelengths and overlaps with neither camera.



“This is an independent line of evidence, using a different instrument than we did before and a different wavelength range of light, where there is no overlap with the previous observations,” said Madhusudhan. “The signal came through strong and clear.”



“It was an incredible realization seeing the results emerge and remain consistent throughout the extensive independent analyses and robustness tests,” added co‑author Måns Holmberg of the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a> in Baltimore, USA.



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



On Earth, marine phytoplankton exhale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expanding-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dimethyl sulfide</a>, giving seaside air its faint whiff of cabbage. Levels rarely rise above one part per billion here, yet the telescope sees more than ten parts per million on K2‑18b - thousands of times stronger. 



At that concentration, even a thin soup of microbes churning beneath global clouds could recharge the atmosphere in short order.



“Earlier theoretical work had predicted that high levels of sulfur‑based gases like DMS and DMDS are possible on Hycean worlds,” Madhusudhan said. 



“And now we’ve observed it, exactly as predicted. Given everything we know about this planet, a Hycean world with an ocean that is teeming with life is the scenario that best fits the data we have.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-k2-18b-and-the-five-sigma-milestone">K2-18b and the five‑sigma milestone</h2>



The team’s analysis already meets the community’s three‑sigma standard, but only five sigma counts as confirmation. 



Simulations show that between 16 and 24 hours of additional JWST time should push the statistics over the line, provided the telescope secures enough clear transits in the months ahead.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/exoplanet_K2-18b_life-evidence_spectrum-graph_credit-UCambridge_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/exoplanet_K2-18b_life-evidence_spectrum-graph_credit-UCambridge_1s.webp" alt="The graph shows the observed transmission spectrum of the habitable zone exoplanet K2-18 b using the JWST MIRI spectrograph. The vertical shows the fraction of star light absorbed in the planet's atmosphere due to molecules in the planet's atmosphere. The data are shown in the yellow circles with the 1-sigma uncertainties. The curves show the model fits to the data, with the black curve showing the median fit and the cyan curves outlining the 1-sigma intervals of the model fits. The absorption features attributed to dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide are indicated by the horizontal lines and text. The image behind the graph is an illustration of a hycean planet orbiting a red dwarf star. Credit: A. Smith, N. Madhusudhan (University of Cambridge)" class="wp-image-1965978"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The graph shows the observed transmission spectrum of the habitable zone exoplanet K2-18 b using the JWST MIRI spectrograph. The vertical shows the fraction of star light absorbed in the planet's atmosphere due to molecules in the planet's atmosphere. The data are shown in the yellow circles with the 1-sigma uncertainties. The curves show the model fits to the data, with the black curve showing the median fit and the cyan curves outlining the 1-sigma intervals of the model fits. The absorption features attributed to dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide are indicated by the horizontal lines and text. The image behind the graph is an illustration of a hycean planet orbiting a red dwarf star. Click image to enlarge. Credit: A. Smith, N. Madhusudhan (University of Cambridge)</figcaption></figure>



“The inference of these biosignature molecules poses profound questions concerning the processes that might be producing them,” said co‑author Subhajit Sarkar of <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff University</a>. 



“Our work is the starting point for all the investigations now needed to confirm and understand the implications of these exciting findings,” added co‑author Savvas Constantinou, also of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy.



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



Researchers remain cautious because exotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-rely-on-quantum-mechanics-to-transfer-energy-from-sunlight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photochemistry</a> or interior geologic vents could, in principle, forge the same molecules without biology. 



Laboratory experiments, improved climate simulations, and careful comparisons with other exoplanets will probe those alternative pathways while new telescope time gathers stronger data.



“It’s important that we’re deeply skeptical of our own results, because it’s only by testing and testing again that we’ll reach the point where we’re confident in them,” Madhusudhan said. “That’s how science has to work.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next-for-k2-18b">What happens next for K2-18b?</h2>



Webb’s sensitive eye was built for this kind of measurement, yet even sharper tools lie on the horizon. 



Planned observatories such as the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Habitable Worlds Telescope</a> and the European Extremely Large Telescope will study smaller, cooler planets with richer spectra, expanding the growing catalog of possible biospheres and giving scientists the ability to cross‑check signs of life across many worlds.



“Decades from now, we may look back at this point in time and recognize it was when the living universe came within reach,” Madhusudhan said. 



“This could be the tipping point, where suddenly the fundamental question of whether we’re alone in the universe is one we’re capable of answering.”



These sulfur‑scented hints from K2‑18b remind us how quickly the search for life is moving from speculation to evidence.



If the signal holds, K2‑18b will stand as the first concrete clue that life can bloom under unfamiliar skies, turning a distant red dwarf’s faint light into a global ocean’s worth of metabolism.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal 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.



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.



-----

"Strongest evidence yet" of life on another world detected by Webb

A narrow slice of starlight has raised suspense about the...

Stars,Of,A,Planet,And,Galaxy,In,A,Free,Space

A new idea about&nbsp;cosmic expansion has emerged that might remove the need for dark matter and dark energy altogether.



Experts have long debated exotic solutions to explain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-in-the-shadows-giant-black-hole-emerges-from-cosmic-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic</a> acceleration. Now, an alternate approach proposes a scenario in which more than one burst of creation took place, rather than a singular event.



The <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6382/adbed1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">model</a> originates from Dr. Richard Lieu, a physics professor at <a href="https://www.ua.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Alabama</a> in Huntsville. He suggests an ongoing series of events that shape galactic structure in real and unexpected ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sudden-bursts-drive-cosmic-expansion">Sudden bursts drive cosmic expansion</h2>



These repeated bursts, called "<a href="https://opg.optica.org/ol/abstract.cfm?uri=ol-46-15-3789" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transient temporal singularities</a>," may happen so fast that observers never witness them. 



The universe, according to this view, gains its expanded form from multiple sudden shifts instead of a single grand explosion.



"This new paper proposes an improved version of the earlier model, which is also radically different," said Dr. Lieu. He emphasized that these bursts "uniformly affect all space to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replace conventional dark matter and dark energy</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-dark-matter-and-energy">Understanding dark matter and energy</h2>



According to commonly accepted theory, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-true-nature-of-dark-matter-may-be-revealed-in-a-supernova/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a> drive cosmic expansion and compose roughly 95% of the Universe. The problem is, neither of these things have been definitively proven to exist.



For now, cosmology assumes that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-big-bang-theory-attempts-to-explain-origin-of-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a> acts like an invisible glue, holding galaxies together. It doesn’t emit light or energy, so we can’t see it directly, but we know it’s there because galaxies spin way too fast for visible matter alone to keep them from flying apart. 



Without dark matter, the structure of the universe would look totally different - more chaotic, less organized. It's like the scaffolding that lets cosmic architecture take form.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-dark-energy-changing-the-mystery-of-cosmic-expansion-deepens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dark energy</a>, on the other hand, is a bit more mysterious and a lot more powerful. It’s the force behind the accelerating expansion of the universe. 



Instead of gravity pulling everything back together, dark energy pushes space itself outward - faster and faster as time goes on. 



Imagine stretching a balloon, and then suddenly that balloon starts inflating on its own at breakneck speed. That’s what dark energy is doing to the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matter-appears-and-vanishes-briefly">Matter appears and vanishes briefly</h2>



The theory sidesteps any reliance on <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20200000366/downloads/20200000366.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negative mass</a> or negative density. It outlines a process in which matter appears and disappears, providing the momentum needed for cosmic growth.



Researchers following this path acknowledge that there is still a place for known physics. Yet they note that <a href="https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/spacetime-singularities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">singularities</a> do not violate conservation laws if they happen in short, abrupt flashes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-model-builds-on-steady-state-theory">Model builds on steady state theory</h2>



"Sir Fred Hoyle opposed Big Bang cosmology and postulated a steady state model of the universe," said Dr. Lieu. 



Hoyle's <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnras/article/108/5/372/2601825" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">view</a> relied on a continual source of matter, though it clashed with known conservation rules.



Dr. Lieu's model tries to resolve that conflict with carefully timed bursts that obey energy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-cosmic-rays-from-supernova-sparked-rapid-earth-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constraints</a>. The notion recalls steady state logic but introduces a different mechanism to maintain total balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-ideas-on-cosmic-expansion">Old ideas on cosmic expansion</h2>



Older theories proposed <a href="https://blog.ashcroft.com/what-is-negative-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negative pressure</a> to describe the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-cosmic-explosion-changes-what-we-know-about-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe's</a> acceleration. This occurs when certain forms of energy push outward, creating an effect that counters gravity.



Einstein proposed a similar <a href="https://adsabs.harvard.edu/pdf/1917SPAW.......142E" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concept</a> in 1917 to explain how the cosmos might hold itself steady. This fresh approach weaves that idea into singularities that appear, then vanish without leaving direct traces.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-expansion-without-dark-matter">Cosmic expansion without dark matter</h2>



The model hints that galaxies can form and remain bound without unseen particles. One brief surge might seed structures, and subsequent surges keep the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/january-2025-stargazing-a-parade-of-bright-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> expanding in steps.



Observation remains key. If these bursts are real, they might explain why direct searches for missing matter or unusual energy have yet to confirm anything conclusive.



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



Dr. Lieu points to Earth-based telescopes as a potential way to check for these cosmic jumps. Slicing data by redshift could reveal subtle irregularities in how distance scales with time.



He suggests that a high-resolution approach might spot discontinuities in the "<a href="https://skyserver.sdss.org/dr1/en/proj/advanced/hubble/">Hubble diagram</a>," an established method of gauging cosmic distances. 



Catching a slight break in data trends might confirm that cosmic expansion does not happen smoothly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-to-the-big-bang-story">Challenges to the Big Bang story</h2>



The standard view relies on a single creation event at the start of time. Alternative perspectives do not necessarily overthrow that story but raise the idea of multiple surges of matter and energy.



This approach challenges assumptions about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/march-2025-stargazing-a-red-moon-and-a-vanishing-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmos</a> having only one moment of birth. If more bursts took place, they might stretch, shape, or energize space in irregular yet calculable steps.



These ideas link naturally to instruments like the <a href="https://keckobservatory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keck Observatory</a> in Hawaii and the <a href="https://www.ing.iac.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes</a> in Spain. 



Focusing on different redshift ranges over billions of light-years could gather the evidence necessary to distinguish between single-surge expansion and repeated bursts.



Some remain cautious, noting that past attempts to replace dark energy have faced strict challenges. Yet the possibility of verifying this model with improved detectors and broader data sets remains open.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-clues-in-cosmic-expansion">Future clues in cosmic expansion</h2>



Astronomers may seek patterns left by short-lived cosmic shifts. If matter indeed pops in and out of existence on fleeting timescales, it would explain why conventional searches for missing mass have so far been fruitless.



This line of research also revisits how cosmic expansion fits within fundamental physics. Each singular burst must respect mass-energy conservation, implying a deeper interplay between space, time, and matter.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6382/adbed1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Classical and Quantum Gravity</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.



-----

Multiple "Big Bangs" drive cosmic expansion, not dark matter or energy, study says

A new idea about&nbsp;cosmic expansion has emerged that might remove...

Close-up,Of,A,Bitter,Bracket,Fungus,At,The,Veluwe

Most of us experience bitterness as a simple taste - something triggered by a vegetable that makes us wrinkle our noses and push a plate away.



But there’s more going on behind the scenes. The molecules that cause bitterness can vary wildly in shape and source, and scientists are still piecing together how our bodies recognize and react to them. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-a-bitter-mushroom">The mystery of a bitter mushroom</h2>



A recent study has taken that search into lesser-known territory, using a forest mushroom with an extremely bitter flavor to find out more.



In a collaborative effort, scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a> and the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry in Halle (Saale) set out to explore the bitter properties of Amaropostia stiptica, commonly called the bitter bracket mushroom.



This fungus can be found growing on the trunks and branches of dead trees. It has a shelf-like fruiting body that juts out from the wood and, although not harmful, it is known for its intensely bitter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taste-buds-are-the-first-line-of-defense-against-eating-too-much-and-too-fast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taste</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-amaropostia-stiptica">Understanding Amaropostia stiptica</h2>



Amaropostia stiptica is a crust fungus that hangs out mostly on decaying wood, especially in tropical and subtropical forests. 



You’ll spot it forming thin, resiny patches on dead hardwood, often with a waxy or slightly sticky texture. Its surface tends to look smooth to slightly bumpy, and it usually has a pale color - think creamy beige to light yellow. 



Even though it's not flashy, it plays a crucial role in breaking down tough plant material, recycling nutrients back into the forest floor.



While it’s not edible or medicinal, this fungus still earns respect for doing the gritty work of decomposition in ecosystems where that kind of job is essential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-we-know-about-bitter-compounds">What we know about bitter compounds</h2>



Most of what we know about bitter compounds comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering plants</a> or synthetic chemicals. 



In fact, the BitterDB database - the main catalog of known bitter molecules - currently lists over 2,400 entries. For around 800 of them, researchers have matched at least one specific human bitter taste receptor. 



But animal, bacterial, and fungal sources of bitter compounds are still a mystery. This makes mushrooms an ideal place to look for new insights.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-all-bitter-compounds-are-toxic">Not all bitter compounds are toxic</h2>



Our bodies rely on bitter receptors, called TAS2Rs, to warn us against potentially dangerous substances. But there’s a twist: not all bitter compounds are toxic, and not all toxins taste bitter.



The infamous death cap mushroom, for example, contains toxins that don’t taste bitter at all. Clearly, something more complex is happening.



Adding to the mystery, bitter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-tongue-now-has-six-basic-taste-receptors-instead-of-just-five/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">taste receptors</a> aren’t only found on the tongue. They also show up in the stomach, intestines, heart, lungs, and even on some blood cells. 



These receptors aren’t used for tasting in the traditional sense, so scientists wonder what role they’re playing in the rest of the body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-new-bitter-compounds">Identifying new bitter compounds</h2>



"Comprehensive data collections on bitter compounds and their receptors could help us to find answers to these open questions," said Maik Behrens, who heads a research group at the <a href="https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/institute/leibniz-institute-alle-listen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute</a> in Freising.



"The more well-founded data we have on the various bitter compound classes, taste receptor types and variants, the better we can develop predictive models using systems biology methods to identify new bitter compounds and predict bitter taste receptor-mediated effects." 



This applies to both food constituents and endogenous substances that activate extraoral bitter taste receptors.



To support this effort, the team focused on finding new, underrepresented sources of bitterness. Their latest work adds rare fungal-derived compounds to the growing database of known bitter substances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mushroom-with-three-bitter-compounds">Mushroom with three bitter compounds </h2>



Using advanced analytical techniques, the team identified three new bitter compounds from Amaropostia stiptica and mapped out their chemical structures. 



When tested in cell-based systems, all three compounds triggered at least one of the human bitter taste receptors.



The standout discovery, however, was a molecule called oligoporin D. This substance activates the TAS2R46 receptor at extremely low concentrations - about 63 micrograms per liter.



To put it in perspective, that’s like dissolving a single gram of the compound into more than 100 bathtubs of water. One gram is about the same as the tip of a knife full of baking soda.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bitterness-as-a-clue-to-better-health">Bitterness as a clue to better health</h2>



"Our results contribute to expanding our knowledge of the molecular diversity and mode of action of natural bitter compounds," explained Behrens.



"In the long term, insights in this area could enable new applications in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-region-that-influences-our-food-preferences-can-be-manipulated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> and health research, for example in the development of sensorially appealing foods that positively influence digestion and satiety."



The discovery of new bitter molecules from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> shows just how much is left to learn. Bitterness isn't just a taste - it’s a signal, a potential tool, and possibly even a pathway to better health.



With each new entry into the bitter compound database, researchers come one step closer to understanding how taste shapes our bodies in ways we’re only just beginning to grasp.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c12651" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry</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/">Eric</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Most bitter tasting substance on Earth identified by scientists

Most of us experience bitterness as a simple taste -...

Most people know sauerkraut as a tart, crunchy topping for bratwurst or hot dogs. But this humble fermented cabbage could be doing much more than adding flavor. 



New research from the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Davis</a>, shows that sauerkraut may help protect and strengthen your intestinal barrier. 



The study focuses on the way fermentation transforms cabbage - and how those changes may improve gut health.



Fermented foods are not new. Humans have been fermenting vegetables for thousands of years. In many cultures, cabbage is transformed into regionally loved dishes: sauerkraut in Europe, suan cai in China, and curtido in Latin America. 



But while these foods have long been praised for taste and preservation, modern science is now catching up. Researchers are investigating what’s happening on a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-microbes-have-an-unexpected-link-to-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cellular level</a> when we consume these fermented foods, and why they could be so beneficial for the human body.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermentation-transforms-more-than-flavor">Fermentation transforms more than flavor</h2>



In the new study, Professor Maria Marco and postdoctoral researcher Lei Wei examined how sauerkraut differs from raw cabbage in its chemical makeup. They wanted to see whether the transformation brought about during fermentation had any measurable effect on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-health-may-be-the-key-to-anxiety-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut health</a>. 



To do this, they analyzed hundreds of metabolites - small molecules formed through the breakdown of food and by microbial action.



The researchers compared raw cabbage, homemade sauerkraut, and commercial, store-bought sauerkraut. They also tested the leftover brine to see whether it carried any beneficial effects on its own.



Using Caco-2 cells, a well-established model of human intestinal epithelium, they exposed the cells to inflammatory cytokines to simulate gut stress.



They found that fermented cabbage helped protect the intestinal barrier, preventing the kind of damage typically caused by inflammation. Raw cabbage and the fermentation brine did not provide the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/targeting-the-gut-might-be-key-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefit</a>.



“It doesn't matter, in a way, if we make sauerkraut at home or we buy it from the store; both kinds of sauerkraut seemed to protect gut function,” Marco said.



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



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut</a> lining is more than just a digestive surface. It forms a tight barrier that keeps harmful pathogens out while letting nutrients in. 



When this barrier breaks down, it can lead to inflammation, infection, and chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Inflammation also plays a key role in the progression of metabolic diseases.



The study showed that sauerkraut maintains trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TER), a measurement that reflects how well the gut barrier holds together. 



It also reduced paracellular permeability, meaning fewer unwanted substances passed through the gut wall. These effects were observed for both lab-fermented and store-bought samples.



“Some of the metabolites we find in the sauerkraut are the same kind of metabolites we're finding to be made by the gut <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiome</a>, so that gives us a little more confidence that this connection we found between the metabolites in sauerkraut and good gut health makes sense,” Marco said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sauerkraut-has-unique-helpful-molecules">Sauerkraut has unique helpful molecules</h2>



What’s going on inside sauerkraut that gives it these powers? The UC Davis team analyzed over 500 metabolites using two high-resolution techniques: gas chromatography and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. 



Compared to raw cabbage, fermented versions had increased levels of beneficial compounds like D-phenyl-lactate (D-PLA), indole-3-lactate (ILA), and lactic acid.



These are not random byproducts. These metabolites are also made by beneficial gut microbes and are known to support the immune system and strengthen the gut lining. Some even help with antioxidant activity and metabolic regulation.



In particular, ferments that included the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP8826R produced a metabolite profile closer to commercial sauerkraut. These samples had more sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol, and higher acidity, which helps prevent spoilage and supports beneficial bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whole-sauerkraut-works-better">Whole sauerkraut works better</h2>



The researchers didn’t stop at identifying these compounds. They isolated D-PLA, ILA, and lactate to test their effect on gut cells. While these molecules reduced permeability, they didn’t fully protect the gut barrier on their own. 



In contrast, the whole sauerkraut preparation worked much better, suggesting that the full spectrum of fermentation byproducts works together to support gut health.



This synergy reinforces the idea that whole fermented foods often outperform isolated compounds. The food matrix and microbial complexity likely play important roles that can’t be captured by a single supplement.



“A little bit of sauerkraut could go a long way,” Marco said. “We should be thinking about including these fermented foods in our regular diets and not just as a side on our hot dogs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sauerkraut-and-gut-inflammation">Sauerkraut and gut inflammation</h2>



Interestingly, the team also measured levels of IL-8, a key marker of inflammation. Sauerkraut didn’t reduce IL-8 in every sample, especially not in the lab-fermented versions. 



However, the intestinal barrier still stayed intact. This suggests that fermented cabbage may act through a different pathway than previously assumed. It might not block inflammatory signals, but instead may prevent those signals from damaging the gut.



The study also looked at gene expression tied to gut integrity. Only the lab ferments with added L. plantarum restored normal levels of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), a gene involved in regulating tight junctions between intestinal cells.



“Along with eating more fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables, even if we have just a regular serving of sauerkraut, maybe putting these things more into our diet, we'll find that can help us in the long run against inflammation, for example, and make our digestive tract more resilient when we have a disturbance,” Marco said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermentation-gives-cabbage-protective-powers">Fermentation gives cabbage protective powers</h2>



With rising interest in gut health, fermented foods are becoming more popular. But not all ferments are created equal, and most benefits are anecdotal. This study provides a clearer picture. It shows how cabbage fermentation creates a consistent core of protective metabolites.



Commercial sauerkraut also had higher levels of putrescine and tyramine - compounds that increase during storage. Though these didn’t appear harmful, their presence highlights how storage conditions may influence health effects. 



The probiotic-added lab ferments mimicked commercial samples more closely, suggesting that starter cultures might offer ways to tailor health benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-from-cells-to-humans">Next steps: From cells to humans</h2>



This study was done using cell models, not people. Human trials will be the real test. Future research should look at how long fermented cabbage metabolites stay active in the body and what quantity is beneficial. 



It will also be important to see how sauerkraut interacts with the diverse microbial communities in actual human guts.



Still, the results are promising. Fermented cabbage consistently protected intestinal cells from damage. Its effect was not tied to one specific brand, strain, or fermentation setup. This points to a resilient and adaptable health benefit - one that might fit easily into many diets around the world.



Whether you ferment your own cabbage or pick it up at the store, that tangy forkful might be doing your gut a favor. And that makes sauerkraut more than just a topping - it makes it a potential ally in maintaining everyday health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/epub/10.1128/aem.02234-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied and Environmental Microbiology</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.



-----

Potential new superfood proves incredibly beneficial for gut health

Most people know sauerkraut as a tart, crunchy topping for...

In a major breakthrough for global pollinator health, scientists have developed a new man-made food source capable of sustaining honey bee colonies without any natural pollen. 



This innovation could revolutionize beekeeping and play a crucial role in curbing the alarming rates of colony collapse that threaten agriculture worldwide.



The research is the result of a decade-long collaboration between <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> (WSU) and <a href="https://apixbiosciences.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APIX Biosciences NV</a> in Belgium. 



In extensive field trials across commercial crop pollination sites in Washington state, the new diet proved not only viable but highly effective in keeping nutritionally stressed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bee</a> colonies alive and thriving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-power-bar-for-pollinators"><a></a>A power bar for pollinators</h2>



The new food resembles compact bars - similar in appearance to energy bars for humans - that are placed directly into the hive. These bars are enriched with a complete blend of nutrients that bees would normally obtain from a diverse diet of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-alters-cloud-formation-and-changes-weather-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollen</a>. 



Once inside the colony, young worker bees process the food and distribute it to both larvae and adult bees. Much like how livestock and pets are sustained on commercial feed throughout their lives, this innovation marks the first time honey bees can be maintained entirely on an artificial diet.



“Until this study, honey bees were the only livestock that could not be maintained on a man-made feed,” said Patrick Pilkington, CEO of APIX Biosciences US. 



“The reported scientific work shows in commercial field conditions that providing nutritionally stressed colonies with our pollen-replacing feed results in a major measurable step change in colony health compared to current best practices.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-an-artificial-diet-for-bees">Why an artificial diet for bees?</h2>



The need for such a feed has become increasingly urgent as honey bees face mounting challenges in their environment. 



Changes in land use, widespread urban development, monoculture farming, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events have all contributed to a steady decline in available pollen sources.



“Honey bees are generalists and do not get all their nutrition from a single source,” explained Brandon Hopkins, a professor of pollinator ecology at WSU and co-author of the study. “They need variety in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-need-a-balanced-diet-for-optimal-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> to survive but find it increasingly difficult to locate the continuous supply of pollen they need to sustain the colony.”



Without sufficient nutrition, colonies are more vulnerable to disease, parasites, and stress from crop pollination. In recent years, colony mortality rates have soared to levels many beekeepers consider unsustainable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-inside-the-feed"><a></a>What’s inside the feed</h2>



One of the most significant scientific discoveries in the development of this new artificial diet is the identification of isofucosterol - a plant-derived molecule naturally found in pollen that is critical for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-and-flower-strips-improve-honey-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee health</a>. 



In the study, colonies fed with isofucosterol-enriched bars were able to survive an entire season without any pollen access.



Colonies that did not receive the molecule, however, showed dramatic declines, including reduced larval production, signs of adult paralysis, and even total collapse.



In addition to isofucosterol, the bars are formulated to include all essential nutrients bees require, ensuring colonies remain healthy even when natural pollen is scarce or of poor quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-trials-yield-promising-results"><a></a>Real-world trials yield promising results</h2>



To test the feed under realistic conditions, WSU scientists deployed nutritionally stressed colonies to pollinate blueberries and sunflowers - crops known to offer poor pollen nutrition. 



Compared to colonies given standard commercial feeds or no supplementation, those receiving the new diet not only survived but exhibited strong growth and improved survival rates.



“Some beekeepers don’t pollinate blueberries anymore because colonies suffer or die and the pollination fees don’t cover the losses,” Hopkins noted. 



“Blueberry pollen isn’t very nutritious for honey bees, and they aren’t adapted well to pollinating that crop. But if they have this supplemental food source, beekeepers may return to pollinating those fields since they know their bees are more likely to survive.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-decade-in-the-making"><a></a>A decade in the making</h2>



The innovation represents over 10 years of research and testing by a multi-institutional team. 



Thierry Bogaert, lead author of the study and chairman of APIX Biosciences, highlighted the scale of the effort: “The newly published work is the result of a herculean scientific effort of three teams,” he said.



These included the founders and scientists of APIX who tested thousands of ingredient combinations, WSU’s honey bee specialists, and professional beekeepers and extension teams who enabled large-scale field testing. Study co-author Anne Marie Fauvel coordinated the beekeeping collaborations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-artificial-diet-looking-ahead">An artificial diet: Looking ahead</h2>



As the agriculture industry continues to depend on pollination services from honey bees, the introduction of a reliable, artificial diet could help stabilize colonies in the face of increasing environmental stressors.



“We are confident that the product will positively impact beekeepers and growers once it’s available to purchase in the US, which is targeted for mid-2026,” Pilkington said. 



“Meanwhile, we are working with WSU and the beekeeping community across the USA to develop the best way to make use of this new tool in agricultural settings.”



With beekeepers facing crisis-level losses year after year, this breakthrough offers a glimmer of hope - and a concrete way to better support the insects that help feed the world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.3078" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</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.



-----

Artificial diet offers hope for saving endangered honey bees

In a major breakthrough for global pollinator health, scientists have...

Wild animals, shaped by evolution, are adapted to survive in harsh ecosystems. These adaptations may now hint at solutions to human reproductive health and pregnancy challenges. 



Dr. Michelle Shero, assistant scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (<a href="https://www.whoi.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHOI</a>), has explored this link through the study of seals.



“When people think about biomedical research, they probably don’t immediately think about wildlife such as birds, cheetahs, bears, or seals – but they should,” said Shero.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fasting-seals-and-pregnancy-diabetes">Fasting seals and pregnancy diabetes</h2>



Human pregnancy involves complex metabolic changes. One problematic condition that arises fairly commonly is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which affects up to 25% of pregnancies.



It usually resolves after childbirth but can have lasting effects on both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-reveal-hidden-danger-of-microplastics-to-unborn-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mother and baby</a>. Conventional medicine treats GDM with diet, exercise, or medication, all aimed at lowering maternal blood glucose levels.



Marine mammals take a different path. Phocid seals, such as the Weddell or hooded seal, enter a fasting state during reproduction. They stop eating altogether while nursing, and lose up to 40% of their body mass.



Despite this, both mothers and pups thrive. This remarkable strategy hinges on reversible insulin resistance - a condition that looks like GDM but causes no harm.



Unlike humans, fasting seals maintain high blood sugar levels without accumulating ketones or damaging tissues. Their insulin levels stay low. Glucose continues circulating, and supports energy needs without tipping into metabolic dysfunction.



This balance results from finely tuned hormonal shifts and tissue-specific insulin responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-transfer-in-seal-pregnancies">Sugar transfer in seal pregnancies</h2>



In humans, high maternal glucose levels lead to excessive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horse-miscarriages-offer-insights-into-human-pregnancy-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fetal</a> growth and complications. Seals flip this script.



In Weddell seals, the fetus has higher glucose levels than the mother. This shift happens due to unique blood cell glucose ratios and slow glucose turnover.



These features suggest a controlled nutrient transfer that supports the fetus without risking overgrowth. Learning from this could improve treatments for gestational diabetes in humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-seals-survive-with-low-oxygen">How seals survive with low oxygen</h2>



Seals dive deep, holding their breath for hours. Their bodies can stockpile oxygen and use it with surgical precision. Blood flow prioritizes the brain, heart, and uterus while cutting supply to muscles.



“What marine mammals do to make it possible for them to dive for so long is really amazing,” said Shero. 



“This is even more incredible when we consider the fact that every time the adult seal dives, her fetus is brought along and responds in much the same way on all those dives too.”



Marine mammals maintain this dive reflex even under extreme oxygen deprivation. Their bodies withstand arterial oxygen pressures that would knock humans unconscious. They also avoid tissue damage during reoxygenation through powerful anti-inflammatory responses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-human-fetuses-from-hypoxia">Protecting human fetuses from hypoxia</h2>



During birth, some babies can experience oxygen deprivation, which may lead to lifelong damage. Currently, humans rely on cesareans and heart rate monitoring to avoid this dangerous situation.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-seals-provide-a-window-into-the-oceans-twilight-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seals</a> offer a better model as their pregnancy includes repeated, deep fetal hypoxia. Learning their strategies could reshape approaches to neonatal care.



Adaptations like splenic contractions, vascular shunting, and blunted nitric oxide responses may hold keys. Seals also collapse their lungs underwater to prevent nitrogen toxicity, then re-expand them with surfactant-rich linings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressing-pause-on-pregnancy">Pressing pause on pregnancy</h2>



Another adaptation that seals show is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pregnancy-stress-may-have-lasting-effects-on-fetal-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">embryonic</a> diapause. After mating, many pinnipeds delay embryo implantation. This ensures pups are born during optimal conditions. In some species, diapause can last months.



Shero noted that this ability may exist in other mammal species, including humans. “Learning how to ‘hit pause’ on pregnancy until conditions are optimal, like seals do, would be a breakthrough,” she explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-embryo-pause-vs-freezing">Natural embryo pause vs. freezing</h2>



Current IVF protocols freeze embryos. This can damage DNA and lower success rates. If doctors could trigger a safe metabolic pause like diapause, embryos could wait for the best moment to implant.



Reciprocal studies show that sheep embryos paused in a mouse uterus resume normal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mothers-start-bonding-with-their-baby-before-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">development</a>. This points to a shared mechanism among mammals. One rare IVF case even documented a human embryo in diapause for five weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-seals-teach-us-about-pregnancies">What seals teach us about pregnancies</h2>



Seals survive under pressure - literally and figuratively. Their biology can reshape our understanding of what’s “normal” in health.



“In seeking ways to improve human health, we should be looking to the extraordinary feats of wild animals – they have often found the most innovative solutions,” Shero concluded.



This research was supported by the <a href="https://everypagefound.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Every Page Foundation</a> and other science bodies, including <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a> and WHOI.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.fertstertreports.org/article/S2666-3341(25)00026-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">F&amp;S Reports</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.



-----

Seal pregnancies reveal clues for treating birth complications

Wild animals, shaped by evolution, are adapted to survive in...

Hidden in the bushes of South Australia, a tiny bird is singing. But its voice carries more than a melody. In the superb fairy-wren, song is not just for romance or rivalry. It may also reveal something deeper - personality.



Birdsong has long fascinated biologists. It's central to mating and territory defense. It can also hint at an individual’s condition or cognitive skill. 



But one question remained mostly untouched: can song reflect personality traits, especially in female <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-the-2024-eclipse-revealed-about-bird-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>? A new study answers that with a confident yes.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.flinders.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flinders University</a> set out to explore this in wild superb fairy-wrens, a species where both sexes sing. 



The results, published in Royal Society Open Science, reveal how personality traits like exploration and aggressiveness influence the complexity of bird song. And it’s not just males that sing with meaning.



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



In animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-evolution-timeline-pushed-back-20-million-years-by-baminornis-zhenghensis-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> research, personality refers to consistent differences in behavior across time and situations. Some birds are bold, while some are shy. Some explore widely, yet others stay safe. These traits affect how animals survive, mate, and interact with the world.



Dr Diane Colombelli-Négrel and her team studied two key personality traits: exploration and aggressiveness. These have ecological relevance. 



Exploratory birds are often more curious and likely to investigate unfamiliar environments. Aggressive birds may confront rivals and defend territory more strongly.



Previous studies hinted at links between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-adapt-their-survival-strategies-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personality</a> and signaling, especially in males. But no one had tested how these links play out in both sexes - or how they affect learned traits such as song complexity. This made superb fairy-wrens, where both males and females sing, a perfect subject.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fairy-wrens-learn-songs-throughout-life">Fairy-wrens learn songs throughout life</h2>



Superb fairy-wrens are insectivorous songbirds native to southeastern Australia. They live in social groups, often with a breeding pair and several helpers. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-birds-are-more-at-risk-from-climate-change-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> sing complex "chatter songs" that serve both mating and defensive purposes. Juveniles start singing full songs about 50 days after fledging.



Song learning starts early, even in the egg. Birds learn from their parents and others nearby. Adults may continue learning, suggesting they are open-ended learners.



“Regardless of their sex or life stage, individuals that were more exploratory had more element types per song, which may be explained by the possibility that more exploratory birds approach and learn from a wider variety of tutors compared to less exploratory birds,” said Dr Colombelli-Négrel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-song-style-linked-to-bird-personality">Song style linked to bird personality</h2>



Between 2019 and 2023, researchers captured 102 color-banded birds - 62 males and 40 females - at Cleland Wildlife Park. Each bird went through two personality tests while in short-term captivity.



To measure exploration, they placed each bird in a novel environment - a flight cage divided into sectors. The more sectors a bird visited in five minutes, the more exploratory it was.



To measure aggressiveness, they used a mirror test. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-living-in-cities-are-usually-more-colorful-and-less-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birds</a> that spent more time near their reflection were considered more aggressive. 



The researchers then released the birds back into their territory. Over several months, the team recorded 1,034 chatter songs.



They analyzed these for complexity - counting the number of unique element types, rare elements, and syllables. The experts also compared song traits between adults and fledglings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploration-increases-song-complexity">Exploration increases song complexity</h2>



Exploratory birds had more element types per song. This finding held true regardless of sex or life stage. 



The research indicates that curious individuals are exposed to more vocal tutors. They hear a wider variety of song elements and may include these in their own songs.



More exploratory individuals also had more rare element types. This suggests a broader learning scope. They don’t just copy common tunes - they gather and use the unusual ones too.



Interestingly, the number of songs recorded also predicted element diversity. This supports the idea that superb fairy-wren songs are highly variable and change with context.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bold-birds-sing-fewer-syllables">Bold birds sing fewer syllables</h2>



More aggressive individuals produced songs with fewer syllables. Aggressive fledglings, but not adults, had more element types per song. In birds, singing behaviors - shaped in part by personality - play a critical role in mating and territory defense.



This pattern reveals something about the trade-offs in song structure. More aggressive individuals, perhaps focused on signaling dominance or defending space, may prioritize efficiency over complexity. 



Their songs are shorter but still effective. In fledglings, however, aggression coincided with more varied element types. 



One possibility is that these young birds experiment more to assert dominance. Adults, already established in their roles, may have less need to vary their songs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-males-and-females-sing-differently">Do males and females sing differently?</h2>



The study revealed that females sang songs with more syllables than males, regardless of their personalities. This contrasts with earlier findings in some fairy-wren populations.



Despite singing differently, males and females did not differ in exploration or aggression scores. Both sexes showed similar consistency in personality traits, and both advertised those traits through song.



“Our study supports the idea that both male and female birds can advertise their personality when singing, which may be important for mate choice,” said Dr Colombelli-Négrel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-songs-personality-and-mating">Bird songs, personality, and mating</h2>



The research adds weight to the idea that birdsong carries more than just mating or territorial messages. It may also serve as an honest signal of behavioral type.



More exploratory birds might signal adaptability. They may be preferred by mates for their diverse repertoires. Aggressive birds might use simpler, more direct songs to assert control or deter rivals.



Whether these song traits influence reproductive success in superb fairy-wrens remains to be tested. But in other species, females do prefer songs linked to cognitive or exploratory traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-singing-might-show-intelligence">Singing might show intelligence</h2>



If personality shapes song learning, then vocal signals may help listeners judge a potential mate’s behavior - even before meeting them. A song could hint at curiosity, social habits, or risk-taking style.



In species like the zebra finch, females preferred the songs of males who solved problems faster. If similar dynamics exist in fairy-wrens, song may be an indicator of intelligence or flexibility.



The link between personality and song complexity may also affect social learning. More sociable fledglings might pick up more element types simply by being around more tutors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-sing-to-express-themselves">Birds sing to express themselves </h2>



The superb fairy-wren’s chatter song is more than a call. It is a self-portrait painted with sound. This study shows that personality shapes that portrait, adding complexity or simplicity depending on the individual.



By examining both sexes and different life stages, the researchers have uncovered how traits like curiosity and boldness echo through the air. 



The findings open new questions about how birds learn, express themselves, and choose mates. In these tiny birds, personality doesn't just fly - it sings.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.241497" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open 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.



-----

Birds express their personalities through song

Hidden in the bushes of South Australia, a tiny bird...

Grief is considered a deeply human response to loss. Across cultures, people mourn with rituals, social withdrawal, and emotional upheaval. But are we alone in our experience of grief? A new study by UCL anthropologists suggests animal grief may differ entirely.



The study, published in the journal Biology Letters, examined how rhesus macaque mothers respond to the deaths of their infants. What the researchers found could shift our understanding of animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-emotions-can-be-decoded-through-voice-recognition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotion</a>.



While many assume that animals grieve similarly to humans, this research provides a more nuanced view. The macaque mothers did not withdraw or show signs of emotional collapse. Instead, they exhibited an unexpected and short-lived burst of activity. 



This pattern, absent of lethargy or appetite loss, may reflect a different process altogether - one that lacks the prolonged sorrow seen in human grief.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restlessness-instead-of-withdrawal">Restlessness instead of withdrawal</h2>



The researchers observed 22 female rhesus macaques living on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. Half had recently lost their infants, and the others served as non-bereaved controls. 



Using smartphone software to track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-in-translation-how-we-misread-our-dogs-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a>, the team recorded how much time each mother spent resting, grooming, feeding, and engaging in displacement behaviors such as self-scratching or pacing.



In humans, grief often leads to decreased energy and motivation. Lethargy, sleep disturbance, and withdrawal from social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chick-emotions-shed-new-light-on-animal-welfare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interaction</a> are common. 



However, the macaque mothers in this study behaved differently. In the two weeks following their infants’ deaths, bereaved females spent significantly less time resting than controls.



“Following the loss of an infant, we had expected the macaque mothers to spend more time resting, as is common among bereaved humans,” said Dr. Alecia Carter, a co-author of the study.



“What we actually observed was the opposite. The bereaved macaque mothers spent less time resting in the first two weeks after an infant’s death and there was no difference of their time spent foraging, grooming, or doing displacement behaviors.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-grief-may-involve-agitation">Animal grief may involve agitation </h2>



This surprising pattern led the researchers to rethink their expectations. The idea of a two-phase grief response - protest followed by despair - is well-established in studies on mother-infant separation. 



In primates, both infants and mothers show early signs of agitation when separated, a phase known as protest. Among infants, this is sometimes followed by despair, marked by low activity and reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-emotions-evoke-different-responses-in-dogs-and-pigs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engagement</a>.



In the macaque mothers, only the protest-like phase was observed. There was no evidence of a longer despair stage. “The mothers’ period of restlessness was surprisingly short,” noted Dr. Carter. 



“But this short-term response can also be seen in primate mother-infant separation studies, which show a relatively short period of ‘maternal disturbance’ after separation from their infant.”



Rather than a full grieving process, the macaques may simply experience a short-lived behavioral disruption. This suggests that grief, as understood by humans, may not be a universal feature of mammalian life.



The absence of longer-term emotional change raises a critical question: do non-human primates truly grieve, or do they merely react to disruption?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-clear-signs-of-animal-grief">No clear signs of animal grief</h2>



Emily Johnson, the study’s lead author and a master’s student at <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>, approached the research with a central question in mind. 



“Death is an inevitable part of life and how we respond to death can vary greatly, even among humans,” she said. “We wanted to explore how the behavioural response to death, the experience of grief, differs between primates and humans. Is grief a uniquely human experience?”



The researchers carefully distinguished between bereavement and grief. Bereavement refers to the state of having lost someone. 



Grief, by contrast, is the emotional and behavioral reaction to that loss. In this study, the mothers clearly experienced bereavement. But the evidence for grief, as defined by emotional withdrawal and behavioral changes, was lacking.



“Anthropologists have long questioned whether animals are capable of experiencing grief, and many pet owners will report their beloved cat or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-suffer-from-the-january-blues-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a> grieves after the death of a fellow pet,” said Johnson.



“But these are reports from owners who are often themselves grieving. Grief-like behaviour, such as reduced activity, could simply be because they have lost a playmate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bereaved-mothers-rested-less">Bereaved mothers rested less</h2>



The team collected data over 93 days, capturing a total of 2,528 minutes of observation time. Each macaque mother was watched for a median of 158.7 minutes across several sessions.



The infants who died were, on average, just 9 days old. Most bereaved mothers did not carry the corpses of their infants for long. In fact, only two mothers did so, and for less than two days.



There was only one statistically significant difference between the bereaved and control groups: resting time. Bereaved mothers rested less in the first two weeks after their infants’ deaths. 



This effect disappeared in the following weeks. There were no differences in feeding, grooming, or displacement behaviors. The findings suggest that any response to loss among the macaques was immediate and short-term, not prolonged.



This lack of extended change is important. It mirrors findings from studies on baboons and other primates, which often show physiological stress after a loss but no consistent behavioural markers of grief. 



In some cases, primates may even expand their social networks post-bereavement, as seen in chacma baboons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grief-signs-may-be-missed">Grief signs may be missed</h2>



While the study offers compelling results, the authors acknowledge alternative explanations. One is that the sample size - just 11 bereaved mothers - may have been too small to detect subtle patterns. Another is that the age of the infants at death mattered. 



Since all of the infants were very young, mother-infant bonds may not have been fully established. In cattle, for example, stronger grief responses are observed when calves are removed after several days, not immediately after birth.



Individual variation may also play a role. Just as grief in humans can vary widely across individuals and cultures, the same could hold true for non-human primates. Some macaques might grieve in ways not captured by the study’s methods. 



More detailed data, including hormonal and neurological measures, might uncover hidden aspects of grief.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-direction-for-animal-mourning">New direction for animal mourning</h2>



The authors propose a shift in how researchers approach animal grief. Instead of expecting a mirror of human sorrow, scientists might look for evidence of protest-like responses and recognize that not all species - or even individuals - will enter a despair phase.



“Our findings show no behavioural markers of grief in the way humans understand it among the macaque mothers, so we recommend further study in this area and greater data collection on primates’ responses to bereavement,” said Johnson.



By recognizing protest and despair as separate stages with different expressions, future research can develop more accurate models. This framework could help distinguish true grief responses from other stress-related behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-grief-may-be-brief">Animal grief may be brief</h2>



The study does not prove that macaques cannot grieve. It shows that if they do, their grief may look nothing like ours. 



The absence of lethargy or appetite loss challenges our assumptions about shared emotional landscapes between humans and other primates.



Rather than sadness, macaque mothers may respond with brief agitation and then return to normal. That may not mean they feel nothing. But it does mean we must question what grief really looks like across species - and whether our human model applies at all.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0484" 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.



-----

Animal grief may look nothing like human sorrow

Grief is considered a deeply human response to loss. Across...

The deep sea is Earth’s largest habitat, yet remains one of its least explored. In this silent, dark realm, marine animals live in isolation, beyond the reach of most research tools.



Among the many elusive creatures in these waters, squids and octopuses - collectively known as cephalopods - stand out for their intelligence, agility, and ecological importance. 



Studying them has always posed a major challenge since traditional tools fail in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-dolphin-day-2025-honoring-the-oceans-most-playful-minds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightless depths</a> where cephalopods roam, hunt, and can vanish without a trace.



Recent research led by marine ecologist WU Qianqian at <a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> may change that. Using cutting-edge molecular tools, her team has developed a new way to detect cephalopods from the faintest traces of their DNA left behind in seawater.



This approach promises to transform how scientists explore life in the deep sea, offering a clearer picture of its biodiversity and the role of these animals in marine ecosystems in general.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-players-in-the-ocean-s-web">Key players in the ocean’s web</h2>



Cephalopods are more than just fascinating creatures - they are essential links in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biologging-animals-are-recording-human-impact-on-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine</a> food web. “Cephalopods play an important role in marine ecosystems, contributing to the distribution of energy and nutrients in the food web,” noted WU Qianqian.



Cephalopods serve both as hunters and as prey. While young, they are eaten by fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. As adults, they prey on crustaceans, fish, and sometimes even other cephalopods. 



Their mobility allows cephalopods to connect distant ecosystems, swimming from shallow coastal waters to the ocean’s depths.



Despite their importance, most cephalopods remain poorly understood. Many live in the deep sea, where light barely penetrates and traditional survey methods such as net captures fail. 



These animals can evade traps, change color, and squeeze into impossible spaces. Researchers needed a better way to find and study them without disturbing their world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-marine-animals-using-dna">Tracking marine animals using DNA</h2>



Environmental DNA, or eDNA, refers to genetic material that organisms release into their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-animals-swim-at-the-perfect-depth-to-save-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surroundings</a> through skin, waste, mucus, or decaying tissue.



By collecting water samples and analyzing the DNA they contain, scientists can infer what species are present - even if the animals themselves remain unseen.



In their new study, Wu’s team designed universal primers targeting mitochondrial 16S rRNA genes - genetic regions that are useful for identifying species.



These primers, named Cep16S_D and Cep16S_O, were created specifically to detect squids (Decapodiformes) and octopuses (Octopodiformes). 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dna-metabarcoding_ocean_fishing-for-cephalopods_illustration_credit-Wu-Qianqian_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dna-metabarcoding_ocean_fishing-for-cephalopods_illustration_credit-Wu-Qianqian_1s.webp" alt="In the technique known as &quot;environmental DNA metabarcoding,&quot; probes are designed to target specific DNA fragments, similar to how anglers use specific bait to catch a particular species. The challenge is creating probes that are specific enough to just the group one tries to detect, but also general enough to catch anything within that group. Credit: Wu Qianqian" class="wp-image-1965833"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In the technique known as "environmental DNA metabarcoding," probes are designed to target specific DNA fragments, similar to how anglers use specific bait to catch a particular species. The challenge is creating probes that are specific enough to just the group one tries to detect, but also general enough to catch anything within that group. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Wu Qianqian</figcaption></figure>



They allow researchers to perform eDNA metabarcoding, a technique that amplifies and reads many species’ DNA from a single sample.



“For this, our lab, which is renowned for its environmental DNA research, worked together with researchers from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (<a href="https://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMSTEC</a>) who have developed a system for collecting large amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep-sea</a> samples,” said Wu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-cephalopods-of-all-sizes">Detecting cephalopods of all sizes </h2>



Creating these primers was no simple task. Wu’s team had to balance specificity and breadth. 



The primers needed to detect all cephalopods while avoiding unrelated organisms. They also needed to perform reliably in both lab settings and the complex chemical environment of deep-sea water.



In tests, the primers showed high sensitivity and could identify species from a wide range of sizes. From small species like Heteroteuthis dagamensis to giants like the elusive Architeuthis dux, the primers succeeded across various water depths. 



This success marks a major step forward, especially because earlier primers often failed to detect certain taxa or produced results that lacked resolution.



A key factor in the team's success was the use of longer DNA segments. While longer fragments usually degrade faster, the cold conditions of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-like-marine-life-found-on-underwater-mountains-includes-100-new-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep sea</a> slow this process. Longer DNA pieces provide better taxonomic resolution, which means scientists can identify species more precisely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-hidden-biodiversity">Uncovering hidden biodiversity </h2>



The research reveals the technique’s strength in field applications. Wu and her colleagues analyzed samples collected from near the ocean surface all the way down to 2,000 meters.



The new primers helped detect cephalopod species that had not previously been identified in Japanese waters. This shows that the method can uncover hidden biodiversity and correct gaps in our knowledge of regional marine life.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dna-metabarcoding_ocean_machine_fishing-cephalopods_credit-Kobe-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dna-metabarcoding_ocean_machine_fishing-cephalopods_credit-Kobe-University_1s.webp" alt="&quot;For this research, our lab, which is renowned for its environmental DNA research, worked together with researchers from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) who have developed a system for collecting large amounts of deep-sea samples,&quot; says Kobe University marine ecologist Wu Qianqian. Credit: Wu Qianqian" class="wp-image-1965835"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">"For this research, our lab, which is renowned for its environmental DNA research, worked together with researchers from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) who have developed a system for collecting large amounts of deep-sea samples," says Kobe University marine ecologist Wu Qianqian. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Wu Qianqian</figcaption></figure>



One surprising pattern emerged: octopus DNA was found only in the deepest samples. From mock community tests, the researchers confirmed that the primers themselves worked correctly. 



That suggested the result wasn’t an error, but a clue about octopus behavior. These animals are ground-dwelling and solitary, making them less likely to leave traces in midwater or shallow areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-reveals-marine-animal-behavior">DNA reveals marine animal behavior </h2>



The ability to detect marine animals through DNA is only one benefit of this approach. Wu believes it can also reveal how cephalopods live.



“In future studies, we need to nevertheless revise our sampling strategy to account for life history and behavioral patterns of different cephalopods,” she said.



Environmental DNA can indirectly reflect how species move and interact with their habitat. Since octopuses tend to avoid open water, their limited DNA traces in shallow samples suggest a mostly benthic, hidden lifestyle. 



Squids, in contrast, are more likely to roam and leave detectable trails.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-foundation-for-future-ocean-research">A foundation for future ocean research</h2>



Even with strong primers and high-quality data, one challenge remains: the reference databases. Species misidentification can occur when available DNA sequences are incorrect or incomplete. 



“We need to resolve issues with misidentification of species due to errors in the DNA databases, and for this we intend to strengthen the collaboration between molecular biologists and taxonomists,” Wu said.



She noted that this technique has far-reaching impact. “Nevertheless, our technique is expected to open new possibilities for deep-sea cephalopod research and to serve as a foundation for marine life conservation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-for-marine-animal-detection">Tools for marine animal detection</h2>



By combining eDNA metabarcoding with precise primer design, Wu and her colleagues have created a sensitive, non-invasive method for tracking cephalopods. 



Their work lays the groundwork for future studies into marine biodiversity, population shifts, and ecosystem health.



In a world where human impact on the ocean grows every year, these DNA tools are vital for detection of marine animals. 



They help scientists listen to the quiet signals of life below, and to map the rhythms of creatures we’ve barely begun to understand.



-----



This project involved collaboration between scientists at Kobe University, <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a>, the <a href="https://omnh.jp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Museum of Natural History</a>, the <a href="https://www.chiba-muse.or.jp/NATURAL/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum and Institute</a> in Chiba, JAMSTEC, and the <a href="https://churashima.okinawa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Okinawa Churashima Foundation</a>.



Funding came from Japan’s <a href="https://www.env.go.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ministry of Environment</a>, including support for deep-sea research cruises as part of a marine protected area monitoring project.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141113625001515?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Environmental Research</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 fishing' helps scientists survey marine life in the deep ocean

The deep sea is Earth’s largest habitat, yet remains one...

What happens when a mouse watches The Matrix? Apparently, science advances. A recent project used that very setup to produce the most detailed functional brain map ever created. 



It captures 84,000 neurons and their 500 million synapses in vivid, 3D <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-our-brains-build-mental-maps-of-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">detail</a>. The resulting data opens a new chapter in neuroscience, and hints at how thoughts and perceptions arise from a tangled mess of neural wiring.



This isn’t just a technical marvel. It’s a window into the brain’s hidden world, one that may eventually explain how we think, remember, or lose ourselves to disease. 



From gene engineering to artificial intelligence, the research combined many tools - but its essence lies in one simple curiosity: how do brain cells connect to form what we experience?



"It definitely inspires a sense of awe, just like looking at pictures of the galaxies," said Forrest Collman of the <a href="https://alleninstitute.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allen Institute</a>, one of the project's leading researchers. "You get a sense of how complicated you are …"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside-the-mouse-mind">Inside the mouse mind</h2>



The <a href="https://www.nature.com/immersive/d42859-025-00001-w/index.html">experiment</a> began with entertainment. Scientists played a variety of video clips to a mouse - snippets of sci-fi, nature scenes, animations, and sports.



The mouse had been genetically engineered to make its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fueling-the-mind-new-map-reveals-where-the-brain-gets-its-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> glow when active. A laser-powered microscope captured the resulting activity in the brain’s visual cortex.



The <a href="https://www.bcm.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baylor College of Medicine</a> team recorded how individual brain cells lit up as the mouse viewed the world on screen. 



Every flicker of light marked a neuron in action, communicating through a vast, living network. This activity was concentrated in a tiny brain section, about the size of a poppy seed.



From that glowing tissue, the Allen Institute took over. They shaved the brain sample into more than 25,000 slices, each one thinner than a human hair. Using electron microscopes, they captured almost 100 million images. 



These pictures revealed the fibers - axons and dendrites - connecting the neurons like spaghetti in a bowl.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-slices-turned-into-colorful-3d-map">Brain slices turned into colorful 3D map</h2>



The real magic began with analysis. Scientists used powerful software and artificial intelligence to stitch the images back together. 



This digital reconstruction recreated the tangled circuits in 3D. Each neural fiber was given a different color, letting researchers distinguish one from another with clarity.



"You can make a thousand hypotheses about how brain cells might do their job but you can't test those hypotheses unless you know perhaps the most fundamental thing - how are those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-specialized-regions-develop-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a> wired together," said Clay Reid, one of the project’s pioneers.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mouse-brain-map_small-section-neurons_brain-wiring_credit-Allen-Institute_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/mouse-brain-map_small-section-neurons_brain-wiring_credit-Allen-Institute_1s.webp" alt="This image provided by the Allen Institute shows a digital representation of neurons in a section of a mouse's brain, part of a project to create the largest map to date of brain wiring and function, in Seattle, Wash. Credit: Forrest Collman/Allen Institute" class="wp-image-1965641"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image provided by the Allen Institute shows a digital representation of neurons in a section of a mouse's brain, part of a project to create the largest map to date of brain wiring and function, in Seattle, Wash. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Forrest Collman/Allen Institute</figcaption></figure>



The colored map wasn’t just for show. It allowed researchers to track which neurons connected to which - and how signals might travel through the maze. 



Even more impressively they matched those connections to the activity recorded earlier, while the mouse was watching movies.



This link between structure and function has rarely been achieved at such scale. If laid end to end, the neuron wiring in the tiny sample would stretch over 5 kilometers (3 miles).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-brain-map-may-explain-disorders">New brain map may explain disorders</h2>



This kind of detailed mapping holds promise beyond pure curiosity. Understanding brain circuitry could lead to new insights into neurological diseases. Disorders like Alzheimer’s and autism might result from wiring problems - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-maps-help-the-brain-remember-places-and-paths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">connections</a> that form incorrectly or not at all.



That’s where the new dataset becomes powerful. It allows scientists to explore healthy brain wiring in full detail. Future comparisons with diseased tissue might reveal subtle patterns that are responsible for serious brain malfunctions.



"The technologies developed by this project will give us our first chance to really identify some kind of abnormal pattern of connectivity that gives rise to a disorder," said Sebastian Seung, a lead researcher from <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton</a>.



The researchers stress that this is just the beginning. Their current map represents a small part of the mouse brain. Mapping an entire mouse brain will take more time, effort, and technology. But the foundation is now in place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shared-brain-map-for-all">A shared brain map for all</h2>



The team didn’t just build a brain map - they made it public. The full 3D reconstruction is now available for scientists around the world to explore. Curious minds can also dive in, even if they aren’t neuroscientists.



"The beauty and complexity that you can see in these actual neurons and the hundreds of millions of connections between them" make it a work of both science and art, said Collman.



Researchers at Princeton created digital tools to navigate the data. Anyone can use these tools to trace circuits, identify neurons, or design their own experiments. This kind of sharing echoes the spirit of the Human Genome Project, which helped launch gene-based medicine after decoding our DNA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-ahead">The road ahead</h2>



The comparison to the Human Genome Project is not casual. Neuroscientists believe this work will have a similar impact. Mapping the brain at this level can change how we approach mental health, cognition, and learning.



Harvard researchers Mariela Petkova and Gregor Schuhknecht, who were not involved in the study, offered strong praise.



The work "marks a major leap forwards and offers an invaluable community resource for future discoveries," they wrote. The shared data "will help to unravel the complex neural networks underlying cognition and behavior."



In this new map, scientists see more than lines and colors. They see a future where understanding the brain’s wiring may unlock the mind itself. One mouse, a movie, and millions of synapses - together, they’ve brought us one step closer.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08790-w">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.



-----

Huge advance in brain research that was supposed to be 'impossible'

What happens when a mouse watches The Matrix? Apparently, science...

At any single moment on Earth, billions of animals are on the move. Birds cross continents, marine mammals traverse vast oceans, insects pollinate fields and orchards, and mammals - from foxes to hedgehogs - navigate their way through forests, grasslands, and even city gardens.



These movements are not random; they are vital threads, in the fabric of ecosystems, that support biodiversity, regulate natural cycles, and ultimately sustain life on Earth. 



In line with this, understanding why animals move, how they choose their paths, and where they go has never been more important.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-movement-in-a-changing-world">Animal movement in a changing world</h2>



New research from researchers at <a href="https://www.swansea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swansea University</a>, in collaboration with CNRS Montpellier and University College Dublin, offers a fresh perspective about animal movement in the face of global change. 



Rather than simply tracking where animals go, this work explores how to predict where they will go next as the planet rapidly transforms due to human activity.



From climate shifts and habitat loss to pollution and urban sprawl, the conditions that animals face are evolving fast. Models and methods need to adapt just as quickly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-animals-gps-to-big-data">Tracking animals: GPS to big data</h2>



The study of animal movement has come a long way. With technologies such as GPS collars, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-tag-allows-long-term-tracking-of-whale-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite tags</a>, radar, and even Fitbit-style sensors, scientists are now able to collect vast amounts of data on animal behavior. 



These tools allow researchers to track everything from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-succession-animal-herbivore-mass-migration-serengeti/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> paths to daily commutes across a landscape. Each year, billions of data points pour in and are analyzed using cutting-edge mathematics and statistics.



But most of this work has focused on the present. Scientists have used these tools to describe patterns, not to forecast them. 



And in a world where environments are changing faster than ever due to climate shifts, habitat loss, and human expansion, that kind of short-term thinking may be inadequate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activity-shapes-animal-paths">Human activity shapes animal paths</h2>



This new study lays out a roadmap for predicting animal movement in unpredictable times. The team reviewed how a wide range of human-driven changes - including ocean warming, deforestation, invasive species, light pollution, and oil spills - are shaping where and how animals move.



“To predict where animals will move in rapidly changing environments, we cannot rely on correlative approaches,” said Sara Gomez of CNRS Montpellier. 



“We must incorporate biological mechanisms into our models, starting from first principles of animal movements and decision making, and develop models adequate for dynamical systems.”



The authors also argue that we need to study more species - and not just in pristine natural spaces. Movements in human-dominated environments are often overlooked, yet they may hold the key to understanding how animals adapt to novel challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-wildlife-management">Improving wildlife management</h2>



Dr. Holly English of University College Dublin emphasized that this is not just about improving scientific models. These predictions could shape how we manage wildlife and design <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-success-stories-offer-hope-for-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> strategies in future.



"We discuss the challenges and opportunities of including these predictions into more effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> management and policy," said Dr. English. 



"We give examples of conservation schemes, such as rewilding and translocations, which offer exciting, but vastly unused, opportunities to collect data from novel environments and test our model predictions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predictive-science-is-needed">Predictive science is needed</h2>



The study's lead researcher, Professor Luca Börger from Swansea University, believes the field is on the edge of a major shift. “Animal movements fundamentally affect ecosystem processes,” he said.



“Current research in the field, however, fails to address one of the most pressing problems we are facing: predicting where and when animals will move in rapidly changing or 'novel' environments.”



“We believe we are at an exciting point now where we can achieve such a crucial transformation in our field, from a descriptive to a predictive science, which is much needed under current rapid global change,” said Professor Börger.



As the world changes, so must the science we use to understand it. This study is a call to think ahead - to build models that don’t just explain the past, but help us prepare for what comes next.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2656.70040" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Animal Ecology</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 movement predictions matter more than ever

At any single moment on Earth, billions of animals are...

Bird nests rely on seemingly fragile materials to build homes that endure wind, rain, and daily commotion. These structures may look basic, but they reveal remarkable stability.



For years, many wondered how nests made from stiff, straight twigs could remain intact. Now, L. Mahadevan from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (<a href="https://seas.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SEAS</a>) and his colleagues provide an inside look at this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-flightless-birds-are-more-intelligent-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-birds-build-sturdy-nests">How birds build sturdy nests</h2>



Many avian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brain-study-will-shed-new-light-on-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> invest hours gathering branches to craft a protective place that suits breeding and survival needs. Each piece is chosen with care, creating a design that endures shifting weight from landing birds.



Recent <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401868122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> used <a href="https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/computed-tomography-ct" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray tomography</a> to see how rods in nest-like formations interlock and share load. Researchers noted that friction and gravity help keep stiff elements from sliding apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-x-rays-reveal-how-twigs-interlock">X-rays reveal how twigs interlock</h2>



The Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology contributed a unique sample - a pigeon nest fashioned from steel scraps that produced clear images under X-ray scans. This allowed investigators to track how rods overlap and twist through one another.



By mapping each wire’s position, the team found subtle hooking points that created an unexpected degree of stability. Certain rods locked into place with minimal overlap.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-thin-twigs-for-sturdy-bird-nests">Long thin twigs for sturdy bird nests</h2>



Scientists introduced <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/bird-nests-and-construction-behaviour/5FEF068EB96410DC357025F7E2CBA236" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entanglement</a> as a way to quantify how rods criss-cross in a dense collection. This measurement considers the number of crossing points that establish a continuous chain throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brains-fossil-reveals-roots-of-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structure</a>.



Additional trials showed how external vibration can tighten certain clusters. Slight shakes shift individual rods until they slot into more secure positions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stiff-and-flexible-rods-can-entangle">Stiff and flexible rods can entangle </h2>



“When we think about entanglement, we typically think about flexible, individual constituents wrapping around each other, as exemplified in tangled headphone cords or entangling vines. Contrary to this common intuition, stiff and straight rods can also entangle themselves - if they are long or thin enough,” said Mahadevan.&nbsp;



Computer simulations replicated these nest arrangements to test stability in various loading <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tired-birds-sleep-more-deeply-trading-safety-for-rest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenarios</a>. Results indicated that each rod’s contact angle and placement affect how quickly the configuration collapses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-on-real-bird-nests">Observations on real bird nests</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagulls-birds-more-intelligent-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birds</a> in crowded environments face vibrations from cars, people, and changing weather. These day-to-day tremors appear to help rods nestle into a tighter weave.



“For rods with a low aspect ratio, there could be pockets of entanglement, but those would still fall apart and stay unconnected. But for high aspect ratio rods, things are really connected inside and the nest would stay together,” said Jung Kwon, a postdoctoral fellow in applied mathematics at SEAS. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineers-may-copy-bird-nest-designs">Engineers may copy bird nest designs</h2>



Structural engineering might draw from nest design to develop flexible frameworks. Interlocked rods could allow for adaptable shapes that lock or release upon demand.



Similar methods might someday shape active fabrics, which adjust stiffness through entanglement. That could broaden possibilities in protective gear, sports equipment, or rehabilitative devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-use-friction-for-safety">Birds use friction for safety</h2>



Some spiders use <a href="https://www.arc.agric.za/arc-ppri/Pages/Biosystematics/Spider%20Research%20Centre/Venomous-Spiders-Neurotoxic-venom.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurotoxins</a> in their webs, while birds rely on geometry and friction. Each species showcases a unique approach to building a safe haven.



Scientists have <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269631986_Morphology_and_biomechanics_of_the_nests_of_the_Common_Blackbird_Turdus_merula" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noted</a> that weaving birds push and pull twigs until everything feels snug. This layering later forms a barrier that absorbs frequent motion and limits damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-randomness-creates-a-strong-natural-design">Randomness creates a strong, natural design</h2>



“The role of local topological constraints, i.e., the inability of a filament to move through another filament in its vicinity, is what defines an ordered weave in a textile,” said Mahadevan. 



That concept opens fresh lines of inquiry about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-living-in-cities-are-usually-more-colorful-and-less-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> maximize natural materials under unpredictable conditions.



Understanding these patterns might guide researchers toward self-supporting platforms with fewer mechanical fasteners. It also nudges engineers to see how randomness and repeated actions merge into stable, load-bearing systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-nests-could-shape-future-structures">Bird nests could shape future structures</h2>



Experts keep searching for ways to interpret nest mechanics and other seemingly haphazard formations. Field notes and live observations continue to deepen what lab tests alone can uncover.



Small changes, like rod shape or bounce frequency, might explain why certain nests endure strong winds or repeated impact. These insights could spur ideas for building adaptable structures in everything from construction to everyday goods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-build-sturdy-nests-as-homes">Birds build sturdy nests as homes</h2>



Researchers have established a starting point to see how stiff rods behave under dense packing. Variations in rod length guide how tightly each mass holds together.



Though birds have refined this approach for countless generations, people are only beginning to realize how basic shapes and contact angles can shift our design strategies. This may signal a shift toward structures that unite strength with resourcefulness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-for-mechanical-stability">Clues for mechanical stability</h2>



In nature, every choice fulfills a purpose, and every rod contributes to a larger puzzle. That puzzle shows how complexity emerges from small parts hooking in crucial spots.



As more studies delve into bird nesting habits, investigators will reveal more clues for mechanical stability. If rigid rods can mirror nature’s logic, the potential for self-supporting systems might stretch beyond nest-building.



In conclusion, birds do not rely on glue or nails, yet they create homes that stand up to harsh weather and constant motion. That feat may inspire creative approaches to eco-friendly engineering.



By examining how rods of specific lengths interlock, scientists are uncovering solutions once hidden in a tangle of sticks. Such findings may encourage new ways to balance solidity and adaptability in design.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401868122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</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.



-----

Tangled twigs: The secrets of sturdy bird nests

Bird nests rely on seemingly fragile materials to build homes...

In an age of digital fatigue, authenticity feels rare. Social media users scroll past hundreds of posts each day, barely registering most of them. Sponsored content from human influencers often blurs into the background, sounding staged or transactional. But one group is rising above the noise - the petfluencers.



These furry stars command loyal audiences and evoke powerful emotional connections. More than just adorable distractions, petfluencers are turning into persuasive digital personalities. 



From lounging with wine bottles to chasing socks, they create marketing moments that feel spontaneous and sincere. Recent research confirms what many marketers are starting to suspect: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-puppy-day-2025-where-happiness-meets-responsibility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> may be more effective than people when it comes to selling products online.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rise-of-petfluencers">The rise of petfluencers</h2>



The word “petfluencer” describes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-dogs-severely-harm-wildlife-even-when-leashed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> with their own social media accounts. They don’t just appear occasionally on their owner’s feed. They are the feed. These profiles, run by humans, portray pets as having their own voice, style, and preferences.



Some, like Nala the Cat, have become multimillion-dollar brands. With over 4.5 million followers on Instagram, Nala endorses products from cat food to mobile apps and is reportedly worth more than £80 million.



These numbers are not just cute trivia - they reflect a shift in consumer attention and trust.



At a time when many social media users feel bombarded by ads and polished influencers, pets offer something that feels more real. They don’t chase likes for ego or profit, and that’s exactly what makes them powerful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sincerity-as-a-secret-weapon">Sincerity as a secret weapon</h2>



A study published in The Journal of Advertising Research investigated this phenomenon. The researchers compared consumer responses to ads featuring petfluencers versus human influencers. They found that petfluencers were perceived as being significantly more sincere.



"Petfluencers offer distinct advantages compared to human SMIs," noted lead researcher Dr. Laura Lavertu of the <a href="https://www.strath.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Strathclyde</a>.



"While the persuasiveness of human influencers often stems from their relatability or aspirational appeal, petfluencers are seen as more genuine and sincere. Because they are pets, they have no hidden agenda. They don't come with the baggage or scandals that sometimes follow human influencers, which makes them seem more trustworthy."



The sincerity of petfluencers pays off. In one experiment, the team tested an Instagram ad for peanut butter. One version featured a man’s hands; the other, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reimagining-pet-diets-for-a-more-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dog</a>’s paws. The text was identical. Yet, the petfluencer ad had more than triple the engagement and cost much less per click.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-petfluencers-so-effective">What makes petfluencers so effective</h2>



This effectiveness doesn’t come from relatability in the usual sense. Human influencers often succeed by offering aspirational lifestyles or relatable struggles. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-dogs-replacing-children-how-modern-society-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pets</a> can’t do that. Instead, they evoke empathy through innocence. They don’t judge. They don’t manipulate. They simply exist - and audiences project their emotions onto them.



The research team found that sincerity plays a central role in this dynamic. Study participants consistently rated petfluencer posts as more honest, warm, and trustworthy. This sincerity drove increased willingness to pay for promoted products, from wine to socks.



And it’s not just about the animal. The way the ad is framed also matters. Consumers with a high tendency to anthropomorphize - those who see pets as having human-like emotions - were more likely to respond favorably. 



When the message matched a present-focused mindset, such as enjoying a treat “right now,” the effect was even stronger.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matching-message-with-mindset">Matching message with mindset</h2>



One of the more interesting findings from the study relates to temporal focus. This refers to whether someone thinks more about the present or the future when making decisions. Petfluencers were especially persuasive when their message matched the audience’s mindset.



For example, someone who thinks in the “now” tends to respond to messages about instant gratification. A petfluencer talking about cozy evenings with wine might strike the right emotional chord. In contrast, future-focused individuals may not respond as positively to that same message.



The researchers confirmed this in controlled experiments. When participants saw petfluencer ads aligned with their time orientation, they were more likely to engage and to pay more. This match in mindset created a feeling of closeness and sincerity that made the message more believable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-petfluencers-are-incredibly-persuasive">Petfluencers are incredibly persuasive </h2>



These insights have significant implications for marketing. Petfluencers may not replace human influencers, but they offer a valuable alternative. Especially now, as many audiences feel tired of perfectly curated human lives on social media.



The sincerity crisis surrounding human influencers is real. People know that influencers get paid to promote things they might not believe in. Even when followers like a human influencer, they may still question the influencer's motives. With pets, those doubts don’t surface as easily.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-in-translation-how-we-misread-our-dogs-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Animals</a> are not perceived as materialistic, manipulative, or fame-hungry. This perceived innocence gives them an edge. In fact, animals are often seen as incapable of deception. That cognitive bias makes them incredibly persuasive in a way humans can’t easily replicate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-takeaways-for-brands">Practical takeaways for brands</h2>



Marketing teams should consider petfluencers not just for pet-related products but also for broader categories. As shown in the studies, petfluencers can successfully promote items like wine and socks - products that are not directly related to pets.



To make the most of a petfluencer campaign, brands should aim for message alignment. That includes considering the audience’s tendency to anthropomorphize and their temporal focus. Present-oriented messaging, paired with human-like pet content, creates a tighter bond and encourages trust.



More than anything, brands should value the petfluencer’s perceived independence. While owners and agencies manage these accounts, the pet persona remains central. This makes the endorsements feel less calculated and more sincere.



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



As the influencer industry grows - expected to reach over $56 billion globally in the next five years - competition for attention will intensify. Amid the sea of human influencers, petfluencers may continue to offer something rare and refreshing: sincerity.



Future research may examine how product fit and owner visibility affect outcomes. But the direction is clear. Pets aren’t just viral content. They are effective communicators in their own right. 



Their power lies not in how much they say, but in how genuinely they appear to care - something that consumers are desperate to believe again.



And when trust is the currency, pets just might be the richest influencers of all.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00218499.2025.2463707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Advertising Research</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.



-----

Petfluencers are viewed as more genuine and sincere than human influencers

In an age of digital fatigue, authenticity feels rare. Social...

For centuries, horses have stood beside humans - on farms, in sport, in therapy, and in war. They carry our weight, follow our signals, and react with subtle cues. But one thing they cannot do is speak. 



Horses show discomfort through posture, tension, or the way they walk. Yet, unless you're a trained expert, these signs are easy to miss. What if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-wildlife-conservation-how-ai-will-help-protect-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> could give horses a voice - not in words, but through movement data?



That’s exactly what a team of researchers from Sweden is doing. Using a blend of machine learning and synthetic imagery, they’ve created an AI model that can interpret the body language of horses in 3D. 



This breakthrough system is named <a href="https://celiali.github.io/Dessie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dessie</a>, and it may reshape how we detect pain or illness in animals that can’t tell us where it hurts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-reading-horses-is-so-difficult">Why reading horses is so difficult</h2>



Veterinarians often rely on visual cues during clinical exams. However, movements that signal distress are subtle and easy to misinterpret. 



Human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-tool-superanimal-can-accurately-analyze-animal-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observation</a> has its limits - particularly in dynamic settings like walking or trotting. Horses may offload pain to one limb, change their weight distribution, or shift their posture slightly. These changes can indicate orthopedic issues, behavioral distress, or early signs of injury.



Traditional diagnostic tools such as X-rays or MRIs show results after the damage has taken hold. Dessie aims to catch the signs earlier, by helping humans read equine body language more precisely. 



The model works by transforming 2D images into 3D representations that reflect the horse’s shape, pose, and motion in real-time.



This isn’t just about visualizing a horse. It’s about interpreting a language that’s always been there - unspoken, physical, and deeply expressive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolating-movement-patterns">Isolating movement patterns</h2>



Dessie works using a special kind of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-emotions-can-be-decoded-through-voice-recognition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI</a> training method called disentangled learning. In traditional models, all the information - pose, shape, background, lighting - is bundled together. That can confuse the AI, making it harder to focus on what matters: the horse.



Disentangled learning separates each feature. It puts shape in one box, pose in another, and ignores irrelevant background noise. 



This makes Dessie’s 3D reconstructions not just detailed but reliable. Researchers can now isolate movement patterns without the distraction of surrounding objects or inconsistent lighting.



"Dessie marks the first example of disentangled learning in non-human 3D motion models," said Hedvig Kjellström, Professor in computer vision and machine learning at <a href="https://www.kth.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KTH Royal Institute of Technology</a>.



Dessie also doesn’t need high-end cameras or markers on the horse’s body. It can work with simple video footage, using just a single camera. That opens up new possibilities for rural clinics, breeders, and researchers who might not have access to expensive imaging technology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognizing-how-different-horses-move">Recognizing how different horses move</h2>



To train Dessie, researchers needed massive amounts of visual data. But real-world images of horses in varied poses, lighting, and breeds are hard to collect. 



So, the team developed a synthetic data engine called DessiePIPE. It generates endless horse images using a 3D model and AI-generated textures, all based on real-world breed characteristics.



This synthetic approach allows researchers to teach Dessie how different horses move - without needing thousands of live animals. DessiePIPE renders horses walking, eating, rearing, or resting, with random backgrounds and lighting conditions. 



The system can even generate matched image pairs that differ in just one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-monitoring-will-help-protect-endangered-spider-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aspect</a> - such as shape or pose - to train the model to notice small differences.



This method not only trains Dessie to recognize subtle motion differences but also makes the system generalize better to new environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-detects-how-horses-show-pain">AI detects how horses show pain</h2>



Pain in horses often shows up as subtle changes in gait or stance. These cues can go unnoticed unless observed by experienced clinicians. Dessie offers a new level of insight by translating these signs into 3D metrics.



Elin Hernlund, associate professor at <a href="https://www.slu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SLU</a> and an equine orthopedics clinician, noted that the model helps spot early warning signs.



"Horses are powerful but fragile and they tell us how they are feeling by their body language. By watching their gait we can see, for example, if they are offloading pain," said Hernlund.



With Dessie, that gait can be measured and modeled precisely. The result is a digital record of posture and movement, which can be reviewed repeatedly, compared over time, or shared across clinics.



"We say we created a digital voice to help these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-have-three-million-undiscovered-animal-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> break through the barrier of communication between animals and humans. To tell us what they are feeling," said Hernlund.



"It's the smartest and highest resolution way to extract digital information from the horse's body - even their faces, which can tell us a great deal."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-problems-with-real-world-data">Detecting problems with real-world data</h2>



Although Dessie was trained largely on synthetic data, it performs remarkably well on real-world images. The researchers fine-tuned the system using just 150 real annotated images. Even with this small set, Dessie outperformed state-of-the-art models on benchmark tasks.



In keypoint detection tasks, where the system must locate joints or features on a horse's body, Dessie achieved higher accuracy than tools like MagicPony or Farm3D. It also predicted body shape and motion more precisely - essential for detecting problems like lameness or muscular asymmetry.



When trained with larger datasets, Dessie improved even further, beating out models that had been trained on much more data but lacked the structure provided by disentangled learning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-model-isn-t-limited-to-horses">AI model isn't limited to horses</h2>



Though built for horses, Dessie isn’t limited to them. Its architecture is flexible enough to generalize to similar species like zebras, cows, or deer. The model can reconstruct these animals in 3D, despite never having been trained on them directly.



This opens the door for broader applications in animal welfare, research, and conservation. Endangered species, for instance, could be studied using just photographs and videos, without the need for intrusive monitoring.



The researchers even demonstrated Dessie’s ability to process artistic images - paintings and cartoons - and still generate accurate 3D models. That shows just how well the system can separate core features from visual distractions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-ahead-limitations-and-ambitions">The road ahead: Limitations and ambitions</h2>



While promising, Dessie still has limitations. It works best when there’s only one horse in the frame. 



If the model encounters unusual body shapes not present in the training data, it struggles to adapt. The team hopes to solve this by incorporating a new model called VAREN, which has better shape diversity.



The experts are also expanding Dessie’s library of visual data. To do that, they’re reaching out to breeders worldwide.



"To achieve this, we're asking breeders to send images of their breeds to capture as much variation as possible," said Hernlund.



With more diverse images, Dessie could learn to identify breed-specific traits, track genetic links to motion patterns, and improve care for horses of all types.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-letting-horses-speak-through-movement">Letting horses speak through movement</h2>



Dessie doesn’t teach horses a new language. Instead, it helps us finally understand the one they’ve always used. By converting motion into a digital voice, the AI makes communication between horses and humans more accurate and empathetic.



It marks a step toward a future where animals can tell us more - where their movements carry the weight of meaning, and where science helps us listen.



For horses, and maybe for other animals too, the silence might finally be over.



The study is published in <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2410.03438" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</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.



-----

How AI is helping horses speak without words

For centuries, horses have stood beside humans - on farms,...

In a world where happiness often feels like a moving target, we constantly seek what brings true contentment. People turn to careers, families, friendships, pets, and even meditation or travel in the hope of feeling joy and fulfillment in life.



A study led by Dr. Adelina Gschwandtner from the <a href="https://www.kent.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kent</a> and Dr. Michael Gmeiner from the London School of Economics (<a href="https://www.lse.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LSE</a>) reveals that owning a pet can increase life satisfaction as much as being married or seeing close friends regularly. 



Published in the journal Social Indicators Research, the findings show that pet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-puppy-day-2025-where-happiness-meets-responsibility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companionship</a> could be worth up to £70,000 per year when measured in life satisfaction. This places cats and dogs in the same emotional league as partners and loved ones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-value-of-owning-a-pet">Emotional value of owning a pet </h2>



To reach these conclusions, the researchers used an economic tool called the “life satisfaction approach.” This method estimates the monetary value of different life events or conditions by examining how much they contribute to a person’s reported happiness.



Traditionally used to assess job loss, income changes, or marital status, the life satisfaction approach now finds a new application in valuing animal companionship.



The technique measures life satisfaction on a 1 to 7 scale. Using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, the researchers assessed responses from over 2,600 observations across various households. 



They used regression models to compare <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-dogs-severely-harm-wildlife-even-when-leashed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet</a> owners and non-pet owners while controlling for variables such as income, employment, health, and personality traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pets-boost-joy-and-life-satisfaction">Pets boost joy and life satisfaction</h2>



Importantly, the researchers aimed to understand causation - not just correlation. To do this, they developed an innovative instrument called “TOTORO,” based on how often individuals were asked to watch over a neighbor's property. 



This variable indirectly signals the likelihood of owning a pet and helped the researchers control for potential reverse causality, where happier or lonelier people might be more inclined to get pets in the first place.



The results were eye-opening. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reimagining-pet-diets-for-a-more-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dog</a> ownership increased life satisfaction by 2.93 points, and cat ownership by 3.74 points. 



These gains are comparable to major life events such as marriage. The research team converted these effects into monetary terms, finding that pets may contribute up to £73,000 (almost $83,000) per year to life satisfaction. That number closely mirrors the value placed on marriage or regular interaction with close friends in previous studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-companionship-and-public-health">Pet companionship and public health</h2>



“This research answers the question of whether overall pet companions are good for us with a resounding 'Yes.' Pets care for us and there is a significant monetary value associated with their companionship,” said Dr. Gschwandtner.



”This information can be used for health care practice and policies aiming to increase well-being and life satisfaction of humans involving pets.”



These findings add new depth to our understanding of what it means to live well. They also offer a quantifiable basis for encouraging pet companionship as part of public health strategy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-pets-heal-and-help">How pets heal and help</h2>



Science has long recognized the soothing effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-dogs-replacing-children-how-modern-society-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>. Simply petting a dog or watching a cat can improve life by reducing blood pressure and heart rate. 



In stressful settings, pets often perform better than friends or family at calming us down. Their presence helps lower cortisol levels and elevate mood. The researchers drew on a broad base of literature showing that pets reduce loneliness, especially for people living alone.



“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened," said French writer Anatole France.



Pets also support recovery during illness, improve self-esteem, and create opportunities for social engagement - particularly for dog owners who are out and about more often. The attachment humans feel toward animals has even been compared to bonds with family.



Emotional well-being, strengthened through consistent, loving companionship, may be one of the most important factors in long-term happiness. For many, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lost-in-translation-how-we-misread-our-dogs-emotions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pets</a> act as anchors in times of emotional drift. This study helps explain why.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personality-shapes-the-bond">Personality shapes the bond</h2>



Not everyone experiences pets the same way. The researchers also explored how personality influences both the decision to own pets and the emotional payoff from them.



Cat owners tend to be more open and conscientious but less extroverted. Dog owners, in contrast, are generally more agreeable and outgoing. 



These findings mirror earlier research and suggest that certain personality types may connect more deeply with pets.



Pet owners overall were more open, extroverted, and conscientious than non-pet owners. These traits themselves are associated with higher life satisfaction. Controlling for personality allowed researchers to isolate the direct impact of pets on happiness, ensuring the results weren’t just a reflection of the personalities of pet lovers.



This connection between traits and companionship also hints at why some people prefer cats over dogs, or vice versa. Cats may appeal more to introspective, independent individuals. Dogs often attract those seeking interaction, structure, and social connection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pets-may-replace-life-partners-emotionally">Pets may replace life partners emotionally</h2>



One surprising part of the study was its exploration of whether pets might serve as substitutes for human relationships.



The data showed that unmarried pet owners reported levels of life satisfaction comparable to those in relationships. Interaction terms in the analysis suggested that for some, pets may indeed fill the emotional gap left by the absence of a partner.



These findings challenge assumptions that human contact is the only meaningful form of social support. 



For many, a dog’s loyalty or a cat’s calm presence may be just as emotionally nourishing as a conversation with a friend or partner. In a world increasingly marked by isolation, pets may serve as vital companions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-household-to-health-policy">From household to health policy</h2>



Given the magnitude of the pet effect, the implications extend well beyond personal decision-making. If pets contribute this much to joy and life satisfaction, they should feature more prominently in public health strategies.



This might include policies that encourage pet ownership among the elderly or those living alone, promote pet-friendly housing, or even subsidize pet care for those in need.



The method used here is especially valuable because it doesn’t ask people directly how much their pets are worth to them. 



Instead, it captures the emotional value in an unbiased way through its effect on reported well-being. This allows policymakers to weigh the benefits of pet companionship alongside other health interventions.



The emotional return on pet ownership is not just theoretical - it shows up in economic models as well as personal stories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pet-care-adds-joy-to-life">Pet care adds joy to life</h2>



The researchers noted that pet ownership isn't a magic fix. Pets come with responsibilities, potential health risks, and financial costs. Yet, their value is clear.



Through calm presence, daily interaction, and loyal companionship, pets appear to improve our lives in ways that are as real as they are heartwarming.



In a time when loneliness and mental distress continue to rise, perhaps part of the solution lies in better recognizing the role of animals. A wagging tail or a soft purr might not just be comforting - they may be among life’s most powerful, and measurable, gifts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11205-025-03574-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Social Indicators Research</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.



-----

Pets increase life satisfaction as much as marriage or close friendships

In a world where happiness often feels like a moving...

The ocean holds many wonders, but few captivate the human spirit like dolphins do. These sleek, intelligent mammals have inspired stories, songs, and scientific marvel for centuries. On April 14, National Dolphin Day invites us to appreciate their role in nature and urges us to protect them from mounting threats.



This day is not just a celebration of their charm - it is also a call to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elevated-mercury-levels-discovered-in-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">awareness</a>. Dolphins face complex challenges, from pollution and habitat destruction to the ethical concerns of captivity. 



National Dolphin Day serves as a timely reminder that these animals, so similar to us in many ways, deserve respect and protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-intelligence-of-dolphins">Extraordinary intelligence of dolphins </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-and-whales-got-new-backbones-for-life-in-the-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dolphins</a> are members of the Cetacean family, which includes whales and porpoises. But dolphins often steal the spotlight because of their extraordinary intelligence.



They demonstrate problem-solving abilities, use tools, and even pass down knowledge through generations. Bottlenose dolphins, in particular, have been observed using sea sponges to cover their snouts while foraging on the ocean floor - a behavior that hints at cultural learning.



Their brains are large and complex, second only to humans in size when compared to body weight. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-and-self-awareness">Communication and self-awareness </h2>



Dolphins use echolocation, a form of biological sonar, to navigate murky waters and locate prey. They also communicate using a wide array of clicks, whistles, and body movements.



Some even have signature whistles, functioning much like names, which help identify individuals within their pod.



In captivity, dolphins have demonstrated self-awareness through mirror tests and have shown empathy and cooperation in both wild and trained settings. 



Their capacity for emotion and understanding has led scientists to argue that they should be classified as non-human persons, deserving of moral and legal rights.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-dolphin-survival">Threats to dolphin survival</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-dolphins-who-play-with-others-become-successful-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dolphins</a>, whether gliding through ocean waves or winding through rivers, face growing danger. Across the globe - and off U.S. coasts too - their habitats are under stress. Plastic waste, chemical runoff, and warming waters are changing everything.



But it’s not just what’s in the water - it’s also the noise. Dolphins rely on sound like we rely on sight. Ships, sonar systems, and offshore drilling drown out their world, making it hard to feed, mate, or even stay together.



Fishing gear poses another huge risk. Many dolphins end up trapped in nets meant for tuna or shrimp, unable to reach the surface in time. Some are still caught for marine parks or entertainment shows, despite decades of pushback from scientists and activists.



In the U.S., groups like <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/marine-mammal-protection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>, the <a href="https://www.dolphinproject.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dolphin Project</a>, and the <a href="https://www.opsociety.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceanic Preservation Society</a> push for stronger protections. Conservation zones, fishing reforms, and better pollution control are part of the solution - but public support matters too.



National Dolphin Day reminds us that protecting dolphins means protecting the oceans we all depend on.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-make-a-difference">How to make a difference</h2>



You do not have to live by the ocean or work in marine biology to help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pebanista-yacuruna-giant-dolphin-species-discovered-peru-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>. Supporting dolphin-friendly practices in daily life can go a long way. 



Reducing single-use plastics helps prevent ocean litter. Choosing sustainable seafood ensures that fishing practices do not harm marine mammals. Raising awareness about the ethical problems of dolphin captivity can shift public opinion and influence policy.



In the U.S., joining or donating to groups like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Mammal Center</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dolphin Communication Project</a>&nbsp;can help fund vital conservation programs. School programs and public campaigns are also crucial to foster early respect and curiosity for marine life.



When people understand the importance of dolphins in their ecosystem, they are more likely to care for the ocean as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deeper-meaning-of-national-dolphin-day">Deeper meaning of National Dolphin Day</h2>



National Dolphin Day is not only a celebration - it is a reflection of how humans connect with nature. Dolphins mirror many of our own traits: intelligence, empathy, playfulness, and communication. This connection reminds us that we are not separate from nature, but part of a shared ecosystem.



The future of dolphins depends on the choices we make today. As we mark April 14 with awareness and action, we celebrate not just an animal but a symbol of hope, beauty, and balance in the natural world. 



Through protection and respect, we ensure that these marine wonders continue to thrive in our oceans and rivers for generations to come.



-----



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.



-----

National Dolphin Day 2025: Honoring the ocean’s most playful minds

The ocean holds many wonders, but few captivate the human...

An ichthyosaur called "Fiona" has recently stirred curiosity from far beyond scientific circles. She measured about 11 feet (3.4 meters) during life, and met a swift end when her long snout planted itself several inches into the sand, setting the stage for an unusual preservation.



Fiona was carefully excavated in five segments from a glacial field in Patagonia in 2023. 



Lead author Judith Pardo-Pérez from the <a href="https://umag.cl/language/en/our-university/vice-presidency-of-community-engagement/directorate-of-university-social-responsibility/environmental-sustainability-unit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Magallanes</a> and the <a href="https://capehorncenter.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cape Horn International Center</a> in Chile worked with a large team to transfer the fossil to the <a href="https://mhnrioseco.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum</a> Río Seco for a closer look at her condition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearly-complete-ichthyosaur-skeleton">Nearly complete ichthyosaur skeleton</h2>



The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/hauterivian" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hauterivian</a> stage was a slice of the <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/the-cretaceous-period.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Early Cretaceous</a> period, and Fiona’s bones add crucial information about marine reptile life from that time. 



Her almost complete skeleton is especially significant, since findings in that part of the Southern Hemisphere are quite limited.



<a href="https://www.palaeodiversity.org/pdf/03/Palaeodiversity_Bd3_Maisch.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> believe she was an apex predator when she roamed ancient waters. The wide distribution of these creatures in various latitudes suggests they adapted to a range of environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-modern-fossils-will-be-the-most-surprising-to-future-explorers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>.



Fiona is the only fully preserved and excavated pregnant ichthyosaur known from Chile. A fetus still inside her body highlights how these reptiles gave birth to live young, a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234149040_Evolution_of_Fish-Shaped_Reptiles_reptilia_Ichthyopterygia_in_Their_Physical_Environments_and_Constraints" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trait</a> associated with advanced marine reptiles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-and-burial-mystery">Fossil and burial mystery</h2>



Inside her body were fossilized fish vertebrae, which indicate that her last meal had not yet been digested. The fetus was also mostly intact and appeared ready for birth, with its tail oriented toward what would have been the exit path from the mother.



The fossil reveals a story of sudden burial. Scientists suspect an underwater landslide pushed down a heavy flow of sand that covered Fiona almost instantly, and led to excellent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> for the preservation of both mother and unborn baby.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ichthyosaur_Fiona_131-million-years-old_Patagonia-glacier_credit-UTexas_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ichthyosaur_Fiona_131-million-years-old_Patagonia-glacier_credit-UTexas_1s.webp" alt="Lead author Judith Pardo-Pérez in the glacial field in Patagonia where the fossil was discovered. In 2023, Fiona was air-lifted in five pieces and brought to the Natural History Museum Río Seco, in Punta Arenas, Chile, for further research. Credit: Alejandra Zúñiga" class="wp-image-1965523"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lead author Judith Pardo-Pérez in the glacial field in Patagonia where the fossil was discovered. In 2023, Fiona was air-lifted in five pieces and brought to the Natural History Museum Río Seco, in Punta Arenas, Chile, for further research. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Alejandra Zúñiga</figcaption></figure>



“We were conducting our research with different objectives, they are very synergistic,” remarked co-author Matt Malkowski, an assistant professor at The University of Texas at Austin’s <a href="https://www.jsg.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jackson School of Geosciences</a>.



Malkowski uses methods in stratigraphy to understand landscape shifts and was drawn into the Fiona project when he met Pardo-Pérez in <a href="https://torresdelpaine.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Torres del Paine National Park</a>.



Certain geological signatures suggest multiple landslides hit that region over an extended period. More than 80 other ichthyosaurs rest in the same glacial field, hinting at repeated catastrophic flows that buried these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> in a similar manner.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-breakup-of-continents">The breakup of continents </h2>



At the time of Fiona's burial, South America was in the process of separating from what is now Africa. 



Malkowski said the opening up of a narrow oceanic passageway between the continents may have affected global climate, currents and habitats for marine life.



“If you are the apex predator in the ocean at the time, these are all things you care about,” he said. “You care about migration pathways. You care about places that you can hunt and fish and do your thing. You care about places where you can reproduce.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-reveals-injury-and-anatomy">Fossil reveals injury and anatomy</h2>



A set of fused fin bones suggests Fiona recovered from an earlier injury or infection. The skeletal details of both mother and fetus reveal aspects of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/paleopathology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paleopathology</a> seldom seen in marine reptiles from this period.



“The discovery of the Fiona ichthyosaur provides valuable information regarding the species, its paleobiology, and paleoecology,” said Pardo-Pérez. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ichthyosaur_Fiona_131-million-years-old_credit-UTexas_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ichthyosaur_Fiona_131-million-years-old_credit-UTexas_1s.webp" alt="Students in the Jackson School’s Undergraduate Honors Research Program visited Fiona on a 2025 field trip to Patagonia. Credit: Matt Malkowski." class="wp-image-1965521"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Students in the Jackson School’s Undergraduate Honors Research Program visited Fiona on a 2025 field trip to Patagonia. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Matt Malkowski.</figcaption></figure>



She explained that new imaging methods could uncover unique structural characteristics that enhance the understanding of these creatures’ anatomy.



Fiona’s remarkable condition highlights how precise timing in burial can preserve entire skeletons. She shows evidence of normal feeding habits, advanced pregnancy, and well-developed bones typical of a robust adult.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-landscapes-and-marine-life">Shifting landscapes and marine life</h2>



Shifting landscapes might have affected marine life across what is now South America. The possibility of a <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380326350_The_Cretaceous_World_Plate_Tectonics_Paleogeography_and_Paleoclimate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">narrow oceanic passage</a> once connecting the continent to modern-day Africa could have shaped currents and sea temperatures.



Malkowski’s sedimentary techniques might reveal whether repeated events scattered fossils through various layers or whether a single, larger catastrophe occurred. That knowledge helps paint a broader picture of how ocean basins evolved in the distant past.



Researchers continue to analyze trace minerals from the rock surrounding Fiona and the other ichthyosaurs. 



Fluctuations in these minerals may show how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-fuel-pollution-is-causing-disease-disaster-and-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient</a> seas adapted to tectonic transformations, and influenced predators that roamed the waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-reshapes-views-on-ichthyosaurs">Fossil reshapes views on ichthyosaurs</h2>



Fiona marks a turning point in how scientists view ichthyosaur populations in southern latitudes. 



Each piece of data gleaned from her skeleton contributes to a fuller understanding of the biology, reproduction, and survival of these reptiles under shifting conditions.



Experts remain excited about what this discovery implies for future excavations in Patagonia. Rapid glacial melting reveals previously unreachable regions that may hide additional creatures from the Early Cretaceous.



Malkowski’s involvement is a reminder that paleontology and sedimentology share common goals. He is not a traditional fossil hunter, yet his methods complement the anatomy-based approach led by Pardo-Pérez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story-is-still-unfolding">The story is still unfolding </h2>



Researchers emphasize that Fiona’s story is still unfolding. Some suspect each additional ichthyosaur in the area may introduce additional information about variations in diet, growth patterns, or injury history.



“Moreover, its skeleton will allow us to delve deeper into aspects of its anatomy through new studies and the use of medical technology,” said Pardo-Pérez. 



New scanning technology will bring sharper insight into the mother’s physiology and her pup’s final stage of development.&nbsp;



The collection of samples around her remains is planned in order to understand local climate conditions at the time. This may shed light on the triggers behind multiple burial episodes, shaping an ongoing narrative in southern Chile’s fossil record.



Fiona testifies to how ancient catastrophes can preserve a life story for millions of years. Her unusual circumstances give paleontologists a vital look into an extinct species that is still full of surprises.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02724634.2024.2445705" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology</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.



-----

'Fiona' the ichthyosaur was preserved for millions of years after a landslide

An ichthyosaur called "Fiona" has recently stirred curiosity from far...

In nature, animals, plants, and microbes constantly communicate. They leave signals, detect scents, react to temperature shifts, and interpret the behavior of others. These exchanges, though often invisible, steer their actions. 



A new study now reveals just how central these invisible threads are. Led by Dr. Ulrich Brose of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (<a href="https://www.idiv.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iDiv</a>) and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, the research expands what we know about species interactions.



The experts propose that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> operate through a vast information-sharing system - what the researchers call the “Internet of Nature.”



This system goes beyond the visible: it tracks how information, not just matter and energy, flows between species. That information affects behavior, community dynamics, and ecological balance.



The idea could revolutionize ecological theory. The Internet of Nature treats species as signal users and processors, not just eaters, pollinators, or dispersers. In doing so, it opens a fresh view of what nature truly is.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-runs-on-network-signals">Nature runs on network signals </h2>



For decades, ecologists have mapped food webs and tracked energy transfer. They watched who eats whom, who carries seeds, who pollinates flowers. 



These patterns created models that explained <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> roles and energy balance. But something important was missing.



The new paper shows that focusing only on physical links omits a vital layer. Information links - including warnings, cues, and signals - affect when and where species move. They influence what animals do and how communities stay stable or collapse.



“An understanding of processes in natural ecosystems without considering the flow of information through the Internet of Nature would be similar to trying to understand where and why goods are shipped in human societies without taking the Internet into account,” explained first author Uli Brose.



This view adds complexity but also realism. Ecosystems are not only chains of consumption. They are networks of watchers, listeners, and responders, all adapting based on shared information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-types-of-information-signals">Three types of information signals</h2>



The researchers identified three types of information signals in nature. These exist alongside material flows like food, water, or seeds. Each one shows how deeply <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-timing-is-drastically-changing-due-to-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> rely on signals to interpret their surroundings.



Trophic information links appear in predator-prey interactions. For example, wolves may use tracks or visual signs to find elk. 



The elk, sensing danger, huddle together or hide in dense areas. Neither behavior involves direct contact, but both come from interpreting cues.



Pure information links occur between species that do not interact directly. Consider a hyena spotting a vulture circling overhead. 



The hyena knows that the bird might have found food. It watches closely and may follow. These silent clues create webs of understanding that guide animals toward opportunities or away from risks.



Environmental information links arise from signals in the environment itself. Temperature, light, or sound can trigger changes. 



Moths fly toward artificial lights. Spiders set webs near lamps. Chameleons adjust their skin to match background hues. 



These are all examples of organisms responding to the world around them - not to other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-grip-on-co2-is-slipping-what-it-means-for-us-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a>, but to the medium they live in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-communication-breaks-down">When communication breaks down</h2>



The idea of combining food webs with signal networks in nature shifts how scientists view ecosystem resilience. When a disturbance - like a wildfire or invasive species - enters a system, information pathways determine how far it spreads. 



They also influence how well <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-pushing-nature-toward-a-breaking-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> respond and recover. Species that share reliable information can avoid danger faster, find resources more easily, or adapt behaviorally. 



When that communication breaks down, confusion spreads. A food web may still exist on paper, but in practice, it falters.



This is why understanding these invisible threads matters. If scientists can map both the material and informational flows in ecosystems, they can better predict how systems change over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-block-nature-s-signals">Human activities block nature’s signals</h2>



One major threat to the Internet of Nature comes from us. Human activities don’t just change habitats - they scramble the channels species use to communicate. Artificial light, industrial sound, and chemical pollution all interfere with signal transmission.



“Road traffic and industrial structures not only pollute the air but also interfere with the vibrational signals that ants, for example, use to coordinate their activities,” noted co-author Dr. Myriam Hirt of iDiv and the University of Jena.



“That is just one example of how human activities can disrupt the vibrational and pheromonal communication essential for insect reproduction, foraging, and social cohesion.”



These disruptions matter because many species rely on subtle vibrations, smells, or light cues to function. Ants, moths, birds, frogs, even microbes interpret environmental signals. 



When those signals become scrambled or blocked, reproduction fails, feeding patterns change, and ecological roles shift.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-habitats-and-information-pathways">Species' habitats and information pathways</h2>



Conservation efforts often focus on preserving habitats or stopping hunting. While important, this approach does not account for the signal flows that species depend on. 



If a frog’s pond remains but its mating call is masked by engine noise, the pond becomes useless. The researchers suggest a deeper focus on sensory ecology. 



That includes identifying which species send signals, which receive them, how long signals persist, and how far they travel. New tools like audioscapes and vibration maps could help document these patterns.



“Accounting for the internet of nature will shift our perception of how animals, plants, and microbes act in the living world from a concept of passive particle movement as in physics or chemistry to a more realistic emphasis on living beings that produce and use information,” said Brose.



“The consequences of this shift go beyond the ecological theory playground and will have a substantial impact on how we protect not only the species' habitats but also their information pathways through the medium.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-internet-of-nature-can-protect-biodiversity">Internet of Nature can protect biodiversity</h2>



The idea of the Internet of Nature reframes ecosystems. It tells us they are not just groups of species living together, but networks of messengers and interpreters. 



They share not just resources, but strategies and warnings. If we want to protect nature, we must protect its signals. 



That means reducing noise, dimming lights, and restoring natural rhythms. Because in the end, ecosystems thrive not just on what is eaten, but on what is seen, heard, smelled, and felt.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02670-2" 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.



-----

Nature has its own "internet" that humans are just starting to understand

In nature, animals, plants, and microbes constantly communicate. They leave...

Saving lives with careful intervention is often seen as a trait unique to humans. Yet research suggests that some ants may operate their own version of medical support. 



A peer-reviewed study published in the science journal, Current Biology, highlights how Florida carpenter ants (Camponotus floridanus) handle severe wounds among their nestmates.



In these ants, injuries to legs sometimes call for amputation or cleaning, depending on the severity. These amputations, in turn, save <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-ants-live-on-earth-at-any-point-in-time-total-number-is-astounding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the life of the ant</a>. It's an amazing discovery, to say the least.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ants-and-life-saving-amputations">Ants and life-saving amputations</h2>



According to Erik Frank from the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a>, decisions about how to treat a damaged limb appear to hinge on the potential risk of infection and the amount of muscle tissue in the injured area.



Scientists examining Florida carpenter ants discovered that the insects use a striking combination of wound cleaning and limb removal. 



"When we're talking about amputation behavior, this is literally the only case in which a sophisticated and systematic amputation of an individual by another member of its species occurs in the animal Kingdom," says first author Erik Frank. 



In a separate <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43885-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paper published in 2023</a>, a different ant species, Megaponera analis, was shown to rely on a special gland to release antimicrobial compounds during treatment.



Florida carpenter ants, lacking this specialized gland, apply purely mechanical means. They use their mouthparts for cleaning, and in certain cases, follow up by removing the entire limb. 



Observations revealed that the ants rely on a systematic evaluation of each wound, suggesting they can detect when amputation is more likely to offer a better outcome than cleaning alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wound-type-determines-the-ants-actions">Wound type determines the ants' actions</h2>



In the study, femur injuries were consistently handled with initial cleaning before the leg was removed, whereas tibia injuries received only cleaning. 



"Femur injuries, where they always amputated the leg, had a success rate around 90% or 95%. And for the tibia, where they did not amputate, it still achieved a survival rate of about 75%," says Frank. 



Such careful attention led to much higher survival than in ants left untreated.



Leg anatomy appears to explain this difference. Muscle tissue within the femur may become compromised if left intact, while the tibia contains less muscle and plays a smaller role in moving blood through the leg. 



"Thus, because they are unable to cut the leg sufficiently quickly to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, ants try to limit the probability of lethal infection by spending more time cleaning the tibia wound," explains senior author and evolutionary biologist Laurent Keller of the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/unil/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lausanne</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-florida-carpenter-ants-the-basics">Understanding Florida carpenter ants - the basics</h2>



Camponotus floridanus, better known as the Florida carpenter ant, is one of the most common ant species in Florida. These ants are big, bold, and easy to spot thanks to their reddish-brown bodies and darker heads and abdomens. 



Unlike the typical "carpenter" ants that chew through wood to build nests, Florida carpenter ants prefer to move into existing cavities, like tree hollows, rotting wood, or even wall voids in homes. 



They're not shy either - on warm evenings, especially in spring and summer, you might catch them foraging in long trails, searching for sugary snacks or protein-rich morsels.



What makes C. floridanus especially interesting is their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex social structure</a> and communication skills. These ants use chemical signals called pheromones to coordinate everything from food collection to defense. 



They live in colonies with thousands of individuals, and every ant has a specific job - some guard the nest, others care for young, and many act as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungus-farming-ants-work-hard-to-maintain-healthy-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tireless foragers</a>. 



Scientists actually study them to better understand social behavior and aging, since these ants can live for years and show unique patterns of brain activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ant-society-and-amputations">Ant society and amputations</h2>



Ants operating as medics raises questions about how a social insect develops such organized responses.



"The fact that the ants are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leafcutter-ants-remember-past-infections-strengthening-colony-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">able to diagnose a wound</a>, see if it's infected or sterile, and treat it accordingly over long periods of time by other individuals - the only medical system that can rival that would be the human one," Frank says. 



These behaviors show a surprising ability to reduce deaths from infected limbs.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ants_performing-amputation_credit-Danny-Buffat_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ants_performing-amputation_credit-Danny-Buffat_1s.webp" alt="Video still image – wound care and amputation in Florida carpenter ants, C. maculatus. Credit: Danny Buffat" class="wp-image-1965342"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Video still image – wound care and amputation in Florida carpenter ants, C. maculatus. Credit: Danny Buffat</figcaption></figure>



Another unexpected twist is that these responses seem to appear without learned training. "It's really all innate behavior," says Keller. 



Since ants often rely on age-based division of labor, the individuals performing these treatments may have an inborn skill set that emerges at the right stage in their life cycle.



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



Researchers are now exploring the prevalence of similar amputation strategies in other Camponotus species. 



They hope to learn whether this practice is unique to Florida carpenter ants or if others without antimicrobial glands share the same approach. 



"<a href="https://youtu.be/Ys96YXXTL1Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">When you look at the videos</a> where you have the ant presenting the injured leg and letting the other one bite it off completely voluntarily, and then present the newly made wound so another one can finish the cleaning process - this level of innate cooperation, to me, is quite striking," says Frank. 



This work also raises questions about pain perception in ants, since the injured insect remains conscious throughout the limb removal. 



To sum it all up, this incredible research hints at complex interactions that make ant societies a remarkable source of curiosity.



Understanding the nuances of these responses could shed light on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/very-little-is-known-about-99-of-all-insects-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how all insects</a>, not just ants, balance communal well-being with individual costs.



-------



<a href="https://youtu.be/Ys96YXXTL1Q" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to see the full video...</a>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00805-4" 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.



-----

Ants are the only animals besides humans that perform life-saving surgeries

Saving lives with careful intervention is often seen as a...

Researchers have been fascinated by how sea sponges build strong yet delicate glass-like skeletons. These natural structures have now inspired scientists to use bacteria to create tiny, durable lenses in the lab.



The research was led by Anne S. Meyer, an associate professor in the Department of Biology at the <a href="https://www.rochester.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rochester</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enzymes-from-sea-sponges">Enzymes from sea sponges</h2>



Sea sponges combine minerals from their surroundings to create <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/bioglass" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioglass</a>, a material that feels fragile yet remains surprisingly resilient. That fusion of durability and lightness has intrigued research teams for decades.



The concept gained momentum when experts realized that this simple marine biology trick might inspire new imaging technologies. 



By mixing enzymes that were derived from sea sponges, with certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-strain-identified-that-can-eat-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>, Meyer’s team managed to get the living bacterial cells to make themselves into small lenses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-form-lenses">Bacteria form lenses </h2>



The tiny lenses belong to a category called <a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2012/sm/c2sm06988a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microlens devices</a> that focus or manipulate light at a very small scale. Researchers see big potential in these devices for use in medical imaging and commercial applications.



​Meyer’s group collaborated with scientists from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>, <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delft University of Technology</a>, and <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leiden University</a>. Together, the experts combined biology and optics to create living cells that coat themselves with a glass-like shell at normal temperature and pressure.​



“This research is the first to engineer light-focusing properties into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-first-bacteria-used-oxygen-about-one-billion-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> cells, and I am excited to explore the different possibilities that our work has opened up,” said Meyer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bacteria-use-sponge-enzymes">How bacteria use sponge enzymes </h2>



Meyer’s lab inserted a sponge enzyme, called <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29909834/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silicatein</a>, into the outer layers of bacterial cells. That enzyme enabled the cells to gather silica-based material, forming a glass-like coating over each tiny bacterium.



Once covered, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> can focus incoming light into bright beams. This shell also allows the bacteria to stay alive for months, which means they can change or adapt in ways that regular microlenses cannot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-based-lenses-for-medical-imaging">Bacteria-based lenses for medical imaging</h2>



Getting microlenses down to the size of individual cells could push imaging boundaries even further. A small lens often provides sharper images, giving researchers a chance to see structures that might otherwise remain hidden.



Some experts envision these living microlenses in medical imaging, where scientists look for finer details in tissue samples. Others see commercial uses, such as inspection tools in factories where high-resolution images are essential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessible-and-affordable-lenses">Accessible and affordable lenses</h2>



The microlenses don’t just work - they’re tough. Traditional microlens production often involves harsh temperatures or costly machinery, but these new lenses are made in mild, low-tech conditions. That makes them more accessible, more affordable, and easier to replicate.



Because the coating comes from biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/23-new-marine-bacteria-species-discovered-that-influence-global-ocean-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processes</a>, the structure holds up under stress. Researchers confirmed that the lenses remained functional even after months, which sets them apart from most synthetic microlens alternatives.



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



There is growing excitement about what living lenses could bring to optical devices. They might be added to image sensors to improve resolution or even woven into flexible materials for wearable technology.



The possibility of self-replicating or self-repairing optical elements opens up entire categories of innovation. If these lenses can change with their environment, future devices might include smart responses to light, temperature, or motion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-devices-for-new-frontiers">Living devices for new frontiers</h2>



Since these microscopic lenses can survive for months, they could serve as tiny detectors that react to different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-antibiotic-found-in-soil-has-potential-to-fight-superbugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surroundings</a>. They might even help monitor conditions inside cramped or extreme environments.



“The ease of producing these microlenses could make them a good way to fabricate optics in locations with less access to nanofabrication tools, including outer space,” said Meyer. 



The team received support to test how these glassy cells behave in places without standard fabrication tools.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-questions-still-remain">Some questions still remain</h2>



Researchers still don’t fully understand how glass-coated bacteria and their lenses will perform in real-world imaging systems.



Their ability to survive and change over time brings up new challenges about stability and predictability, especially in sensitive medical or aerospace applications.



There are also open questions about scaling up production. While the process works in the lab, using it in industry means developing methods to grow and shape millions of these bacterial lenses in uniform, reliable ways.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2409335121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Image Credit: National Science Foundation/ J. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester 



-----



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.



-----

Bacteria used to create 'living lenses' that can see inside cells

Researchers have been fascinated by how sea sponges build strong...

The bison in Yellowstone National Park have captivated visitors for generations. These animals have roamed the region since the park’s establishment in 1872, bringing travelers from around the world to see these majestic creatures up close.



Bison once endured a disastrous period known as the <a href="https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/36694#page/7/mode/1up" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population bottleneck</a>, leaving fewer than 25 wild animals in Yellowstone in the early 1900s. 



A small group of domestic bison from Montana and the <a href="https://www.traveltexas.com/cities-and-regions/panhandle-plains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas Panhandle</a> helped rebuild the numbers when they were introduced to bolster the wild survivors.



The national park <a href="https://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/images/get-involved/students-resource-about-bison/bison-conservation-papers/White-et-al-Management-of-Yellowstone-bison-and-brucellosis-transmission-risk-January-2011.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a> rose to about 4,000 - 6,000 individuals over the following century. This growth stands out as a story of resilience, given the dangers once faced by these iconic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-are-rebuilding-forests-and-restoring-ecosystem-balance-in-yellowstone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bison-now-form-one-big-herd">Bison now form one big herd</h2>



After years of monitoring their movements, Dr. James Derr from the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine &amp; Biomedical Sciences (<a href="https://vetmed.tamu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VMBS</a>) at Texas A&amp;M has brought new clarity to how these bison breed.



His team’s genetic findings indicate a shift in behavior that rewrites previous understandings of separate herds within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone</a>.



Management plans have often revolved around the assumption of two distinct herds that needed separate strategies. According to the latest research, that division may no longer exist.



“This finding certainly has a direct impact on the long-term conservation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-tourism-generates-over-1-megaton-carbon-annually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">management</a> of this iconic bison population,” said Dr. Derr. In simpler terms, the park’s bison are now breeding in a unified way.



“To get a clearer picture, we examined samples from the two major summer breeding groups and two major winter ranges,” said Dr. Sam Stroupe, a researcher at VMBS.



Evaluations confirmed that genetic exchange is happening throughout Yellowstone, rather than staying within smaller pockets.



Scientists took advantage of new tools to compare markers in bison DNA, offering a fuller picture than was possible two decades ago. 



This helped them pinpoint the extent of gene flow, revealing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-are-1-5-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> function as one interconnected group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unified-bison-herd-boosts-stability">Unified bison herd boosts stability</h2>



Experts now recommend that these bison be managed as a single population with multiple subunits. This shift in approach aims to preserve genetic diversity for future generations.



One reason for this recommendation is the strong health of the overall gene pool. 



Researchers observed that the bison population carries lineages from both the original <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-lake-maintains-ice-cover-despite-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone</a> group and later introductions, which appears to boost stability.



Park officials work alongside wildlife specialists to watch for any sign of genetic risk in the herd. 



Recognizing a single breeding population encourages consistent strategies that keep gene flow open and protect the animals from harmful inbreeding.



Stewardship also involves collaboration with various stakeholders to maintain ecological balance. By monitoring bison migration between seasonal ranges, specialists can refine how they address population numbers and habitat needs.



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



The U.S. national mammal has long served as a symbol of vitality and grit. Part of what makes Yellowstone special is its free-roaming herds that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-tourism-generates-over-1-megaton-carbon-annually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remind onlookers of wilder days</a> in American history.



These new findings come with the hope that data-driven strategies will guide the next steps in bison management. 



Experts underscore that clear research on herd structure is key to making solid decisions about when, where, and how to intervene.



These animals continue to face environmental challenges, from harsh winters to pressure at park boundaries. 



Yet the results of this study suggest that a single, large interbreeding population can handle setbacks if carefully supported.



Conservation teams believe that gene flow across herds helps the species maintain the adaptability needed for long-term survival. Watching for any future shifts will remain essential, given Yellowstone’s changing landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-yellowstone-bison-herd">Tracking the Yellowstone bison herd</h2>



As rangers and scientists track bison movements, they will look for ways to keep habitats healthy. A wide-ranging herd needs well-managed feeding grounds, especially during winter, to prevent overuse of any single area.



Researchers also emphasize the importance of monitoring herd size. When bison remain robust and widespread, they are less vulnerable to sudden ecological shifts.



Some experts suggest that this united herd might further stabilize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-are-rebuilding-forests-and-restoring-ecosystem-balance-in-yellowstone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone’s ecological balance</a>. 



The presence of these formidable grazers recycles nutrients in grasslands and provides food sources for predators and scavengers.



Standing as the largest wild bison herd in the country, these animals offer a unique window into how to handle wildlife management challenges. They also serve as a source of cultural pride and a reminder of North America’s natural heritage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-based-animal-protection">Science-based animal protection</h2>



Moving forward, the focus is on using science-based approaches to protect these Yellowstone bison without fragmenting the population. 



This aligns with a broader trend toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bison-slaughter-had-lasting-traumatic-impacts-on-indigenous-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safeguarding genetic variety</a> in national parks across the country.



Keeping tabs on reproduction patterns will remain vital. If different groups started breeding apart again in the future, managers would need to adapt their strategies.



This shift to one breeding population also carries lessons for other species. Large areas of protected habitat, combined with the right research, can help threatened animals recover from historical hardships.



Several wildlife researchers have praised Yellowstone’s example. Their unified effort confirms that even after past declines, thoughtful planning can sustain a species that once hovered on the edge of vanishing.



The study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article/116/1/1/7756833?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Heredity</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.



-----

Yellowstone's iconic bison have finally merged back into a single herd after 120 years of effort

The bison in Yellowstone National Park have captivated visitors for...

The Cambrian explosion, over 500 million years ago, gave rise to many bizarre and complex life forms. Some were short-lived and mysterious, and vanished without a trace. Others left behind fossils so rare that generations of scientists could only speculate about their nature. 



Among these elusive creatures was Helmetia expansa, an arthropod discovered in 1918 by Charles Doolittle Walcott.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-a-lost-world">Glimpse into a lost world</h2>



For more than a century, Helmetia remained an enigma. Only a single specimen had ever been illustrated. It appeared in research papers but was never formally described. 



With no follow-up studies and no modern analysis, Helmetia existed more as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-fuel-pollution-is-causing-disease-disaster-and-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> footnote than a central figure in Cambrian biology.



Now, after 107 years, a new study has brought Helmetia back to life - figuratively speaking. Led by Sarah Losso at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>, the research team has provided the first complete description of this strange animal. And what they found offers a detailed glimpse into a lost world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-the-cambrian-fossils">Examining the Cambrian fossils</h2>



The new work is based on 36 specimens. They come from two major collections: the <a href="https://www.si.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Institution</a> and the <a href="https://www.rom.on.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Ontario Museum</a>.



These fossils were collected between 1975 and 1998 from Canada’s Burgess Shale, a site that is famous for preserving delicate body structures in extraordinary detail.



The team used high-resolution photography, cross-polarized light, and detailed morphological comparisons. For the first time, they could examine Helmetia’s anatomy with clarity. 



This new approach revealed more than just exoskeletons and spines. It uncovered preserved guts, eyes, antennae, and even animals caught mid-molt.



“We need to study more than one specimen to see the species’ full range of morphology and preservation,” said Losso. This is especially important for species known only from flattened, soft-bodied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prototaxites-the-mystery-fossil-from-a-lost-branch-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprises-in-the-cambrian-fossils">Surprises in the Cambrian fossils</h2>



Helmetia expansa had a broad, leaf-like body. It was oval in shape and reached lengths of 92 to 183 millimeters (3.6 to 7.2 inches). The body consisted of a cephalon, six thoracic segments, and a large pygidium.



Each thoracic segment bore spines that increased in size toward the rear. The exoskeleton’s edge showed fine serrations, a feature that is rarely preserved in such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-warnings-fossil-fuels-are-causing-climate-health-and-biodiversity-crises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a>.



At the front, Helmetia sported large anterolateral spines extending from the head. Between them sat a rounded sclerite - a hardened plate - beneath which lay two large, medial eyes.



Two lateral eyes were tucked under small domes on either side of the head. These features give Helmetia an alien appearance but also hint at visual complexity.



Beneath the surface, the researchers found further surprises. The gut was a narrow, straight tube with a J-shaped foregut and five pairs of digestive glands - oblong and ultrastructurally complex. These internal organs add depth to our understanding of Cambrian arthropod biology.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-movement-of-early-arthropods">Movement of early arthropods </h2>



Early interpretations of Helmetia suggested a floating animal, perhaps drifting above the seafloor. Some even argued it lacked legs entirely. 



But the new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-fossils-reveal-hollow-bones-just-like-modern-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> proved otherwise. Several specimens preserved both gills and walking limbs, which were narrow, segmented appendages hidden under the body.



The limbs were biramous, meaning they branched into two parts. One acted as a leg for walking and grasping, the other functioned as a gill. This arrangement mirrors that of many early arthropods and suggests a crawling lifestyle, not a pelagic one.



The team concluded that Helmetia walked on the ocean floor, using its limbs to move and its gills to exchange gases. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-molting-strategies">Early molting strategies</h2>



Among the most remarkable finds were two Helmetia individuals preserved mid-molt. The fossils showed a second, fainter outline beneath the primary exoskeleton. This indicated that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> were forming a new cuticle before shedding the old one.



“Molting strategies have never been known in any concilitergan,” said Losso. "All arthropods molt their hard exoskeletons to grow, but no one had seen this behavior before in a concilitergan because you have to catch a specimen in the act of molting, and it’s difficult to get just the right timing.”



The team noted that the new exoskeletons were closer to the front of the body. This suggests Helmetia exited its molt through the head, much like modern horseshoe crabs. Most crabs exit from the rear, so this anterior strategy marks an important evolutionary detail.



“These patterns tell us not only how these 508-million-year-old animals grew, but how big they could get,” Losso said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-and-complex-digestive-glands">Tiny and complex digestive glands</h2>



The internal anatomy of Helmetia included more than just a gut. Researchers found five pairs of digestive glands - small, ovoid structures with submillimetric lamellae. These paired organs are rare among concilitergans and were only previously known in Arthroaspis bergstroemi, a distant relative.



The researchers believe these glands helped process complex food. Their lamellar structure resembles those seen in other marine species that are predators or scavengers. In this light, Helmetia may have fed on soft-bodied prey or organic debris on the seafloor.



These gut glands also serve a deeper purpose. Their similarity to those in Arthroaspis helped confirm a close evolutionary relationship between the two species. Both are now considered part of the same broader group.



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



The new study also revised the family tree of the Conciliterga, the order of arthropods to which Helmetia belongs. Previous studies placed trilobites as close relatives. But with better data and a broader comparison set, the researchers now propose a new structure.



Arthroaspis emerged as the most primitive concilitergan. Helmetia, with its well-defined segments and spines, sits within the newly redefined family Helmetiidae. This group includes other species like Kuamaia, Haifengella, and Rhombicalvaria. These helmetiids share features like visible tergite boundaries and spiny bodies.



In contrast, a second group - Tegopeltidae - includes concilitergans with fused segments and no spines. Species like Tegopelte and Saperion fall into this category. The revised tree provides a cleaner classification and suggests that body segment fusion evolved multiple times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-epimorphic-growth">Evidence of epimorphic growth</h2>



All studied Helmetia specimens had six thoracic segments. This means they were adults, fully developed in body structure. Yet, their sizes varied significantly, with the largest individuals being twice the length of the smallest.



This pattern suggests that Helmetia continued to grow during adulthood without adding new body segments - a process known as epimorphic growth. Whether they also experienced an earlier phase of segment addition, like many trilobites, remains unknown due to the lack of juvenile fossils.



The growth pattern seen here mirrors that of Arthroaspis, which also showed size doubling in adulthood. The consistency between the two strengthens their evolutionary connection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-of-cambrian-arthropods">Fossils of Cambrian arthropods</h2>



The resurrection of Helmetia expansa through detailed study marks a major leap in understanding Cambrian arthropods. Once an obscure name, Helmetia now stands as one of the best-documented concilitergans.



The study sheds light on its structure, growth, molting, and feeding. It redraws concilitergan evolution and confirms shared features among related species. Most importantly, the research reanimates a species long trapped in the pages of forgotten paleontology.



“Our findings give a much fuller picture of what Helmetia looked like, how it lived, and how concilitergans are related to each other,” Losso said.



Thanks to careful analysis, imaging advances, and renewed interest, Helmetia expansa has finally taken its rightful place in the story of life’s ancient past.



The study was published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14772019.2025.2468195" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Systematic Palaeontology</a>. 



Image Credit: Marianne Collins



-----



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.



-----

Cambrian fossils reveal new clues about arthropod evolution

The Cambrian explosion, over 500 million years ago, gave rise...

Fiddler crab mating on the bustling mudflats of southern Europe is about sending seismic love signals beneath the surface - quite literally.



In their quest to attract a mate, male crabs produce ground vibrations as part of an elaborate courtship ritual. For the first time, scientists have recorded and analyzed these signals to understand how they communicate in a chaotic and noisy habitat.



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> have captured the full courtship display of the European fiddler crab (Afruca tangeri), combining video footage and geophone recordings to listen in on the crabs’ seismic conversations. 



These crabs inhabit the muddy shores of the Iberian Peninsula, where waves, wind, and competing crabs make for a challenging environment to get a message across. 



However, the study reveals that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invasive-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crustaceans</a> have developed a clever and consistent way to make themselves heard - and felt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-fiddler-crabs-use-vibrations">How fiddler crabs use vibrations</h2>



Male fiddler crabs are known for their oversized claws, which they use to wave at potential mates and generate ground vibrations. These signals are produced by striking the ground with the claw or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crab-shells-could-help-pave-the-way-for-sustainable-electronics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shell</a>, and later by drumming from inside their burrows.



The researchers discovered that fiddler crab mating follows a four-step courtship routine, starting with subtle claw waves, followed by body drops, synchronized movements, and ending with underground drumming if a female shows interest.



As each stage progresses, the energy of the vibrations increases. The recordings, captured with GoPro cameras and precise geophones, allowed the team to measure over 8,000 seismic signals during the courtship routines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seismic-vibrations-reveal-crab-size">Seismic vibrations reveal crab size</h2>



The key question was whether these vibrations serve as honest signals of the male’s size and strength. The results suggest they do. 



The data showed that larger male crabs with bigger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberry-claws-the-hermit-crab-that-sings-underwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claws</a> produced more powerful seismic signals, especially during drumming. This means the crabs can’t fake their physical traits – what you vibrate is what you are.



“It appears as though the males cannot, or do not, lie about their physical size,” said Tom Mulder from the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford. 



“Females can rely on the loudness of seismic signals to honestly assess a potential mate’s quality, all without needing to see him.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-machine-learning-meets-marine-dating">Machine learning meets marine dating</h2>



When it comes to fiddler crab mating, the frequency of vibrations stays the same - but other features like rhythm, duration, and loudness change depending on the&nbsp;crab’s demeanor.



This allowed the researchers to classify each action (such as a body drop or an underground drum) by analyzing the vibration patterns.



To test this further, the team used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientific-discoveries-machine-learning/">machine learning</a> to teach a computer how to distinguish between different crab behaviors based solely on these recordings.



The program achieved a 70% accuracy rate, showing strong potential for future applications. The technique could lead to the development of non-invasive monitoring systems for a wide range of animals.



From tracking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-the-future-of-the-endangered-species-act/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered species</a> across the savannah to identifying crop pests or spotting injured livestock, material-bound vibrations could become a new frontier in remote wildlife observation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vibrations-work-for-the-fiddler-crab">Vibrations work for the fiddler crab</h2>



When it comes to fiddler crabs, relying on seismic signals instead of sound makes perfect sense. Their noisy, open-air environment is difficult to navigate acoustically, but the ground beneath them offers a stable way to communicate.



By altering the strength and tempo of their vibrations, they can get their messages across without saying a word.



“Larger claws have the advantage of overcoming seismic noise so that they can signal to females that are further away, and females will show more interest in them,” explained Dr. Beth Mortimer, also from the Department of Biology.



“However, the advantages are only observed for the percussive signals such as drumming, and fortunately for smaller clawed crabs, these are only part of the courtship routine.”



So, while size matters when it comes to seismic communication, smaller males can still show off through other parts of the ritual. In the unpredictable world of fiddler crab mating, it’s not just about waving your claw - it’s about how hard you drum.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/228/7/jeb249323/367607/Constraints-on-percussive-seismic-signals-in-a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental 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.



-----

Fiddler crabs use seismic vibrations to attract mates

Fiddler crab mating on the bustling mudflats of southern Europe...

Japan loves otters and so does the internet. From squeaky coos to floating belly naps, Asian small-clawed otters have taken over YouTube and Instagram feeds. These animals show up in themed cafés, cozy up to coffee cups, and pose beside smiling tourists. It’s not hard to see why they’ve become a social media sensation.



But this viral fame hides a growing crisis. The adorable otter’s rise to stardom has come at a cost to wild populations. Behind every click, like, and share may lie a deeper story - one of trafficking, genetic decline, and fading <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-help-kelp-forests-recover-but-theres-more-to-the-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. 



Japan sits at the center of this trade, both as a consumer and as a mirror to a broader wildlife issue across Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-pet-otter-boom">Japan’s pet otter boom</h2>



Asian small-clawed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">otters</a>, native to South and Southeast Asia, are now listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Their populations are threatened by habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. 



Since 2019, they have been listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (<a href="https://cites.org/eng/disc/what.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CITES</a>), which bans commercial trade except in exceptional cases.



Despite this listing, the otters continue to appear in Japan’s pet stores and animal cafés. Their presence in such places indicates an active, and often illegal, wildlife trade. The allure is strong - cuddly, curious, and highly intelligent, otters are marketed as ideal companions for exotic pet lovers.



But their popularity on social media has created a feedback loop of demand that encourages continued trafficking from wild populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illegal-otters-sourced-from-thailand">Illegal otters sourced from Thailand</h2>



To understand how otters are ending up in Japanese cafés, researchers from <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a> teamed up with Thai scientists. 



They aimed to trace the geographic origins of the otters now living in captivity in Japan. Most attention turned to Thailand - a country previously identified as a key player in the illegal otter trade.



"Collaborative research can help identify the origins of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-use-tools-to-access-larger-prey-and-protect-their-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">otters</a> kept in Japan and hot spots of illegal trade in Thailand, thus encouraging legal control in both countries," said study first author Mayako Fujihara.



Over the last two decades, more than 100 otters have been seized at airports in Thailand and Japan. Most seizures involve multiple individuals at once, suggesting coordinated smuggling efforts. 



Despite Japanese import bans and Thailand’s export restrictions, traffickers continue to find ways to move these animals across borders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-links-otters-to-wild-origins">DNA links otters to wild origins</h2>



To track where the otters came from, researchers sequenced 1,511 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA from 81 captive otters in Japan.



These included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individuals</a> from zoos, aquariums, animal cafés, and customs seizures. The goal was to compare these sequences with those from known wild populations in Thailand and surrounding countries.



The analysis revealed 12 different haplotypes, grouped into three major clades. Six of these haplotypes matched wild otters from southern Thailand - areas known for coastal wetlands and hilly riparian zones. 



This suggests that the majority of otters found in cafés and seized at airports had likely originated from poaching hotspots in southern Thailand.



The findings are troubling. According to the CITES trade database, no legal otter imports from Thailand to Japan have occurred since 1988. This means the otters arriving since then - including those born to trafficked individuals - have entered the country through illegal means.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-stardom-drives-demand">Social media stardom drives demand</h2>



The modern otter craze didn’t start in a forest - it started online. YouTube channels featuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet</a> otters have millions of subscribers. One top channel in Japan, showing the lives of two otters, has over 1.8 million followers and a merchandise line. The same owner also runs otter cafés in major cities.



These cafés, known as exotic animal cafés, let customers play with otters while sipping coffee. They are part of a broader industry that has expanded rapidly since the early 2000s. 



As of 2019, Japan hosted at least 137 exotic animal cafés, housing more than 400 species. The Asian small-clawed otter is among the most popular mammals in these cafés.



Some cafés even sell otters, with prices reaching over $10,000 per animal. In 2018, nearly half of the otters advertised for sale in Japan came from unknown sources. This lack of transparency fuels concerns about continued reliance on wild populations and unclear breeding histories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-native-otter-is-gone">Japan’s native otter is gone</h2>



Japan’s obsession with otters may also stem from a deep-rooted cultural memory. The kawauso, or river otter, appears in Japanese folklore as a playful and mischievous shapeshifter. But this creature was based on a real animal - the Japanese river otter, once common across the country.



Decades of hunting for fur and destruction of river habitats led to its tragic extinction. It was declared extinct in 2012 after not being seen for over 30 years.



"It is precisely because Japan's endemic otter species has gone extinct that we aim to continue conducting research that will help protect other vulnerable species," said Fujihara.



This extinction leaves a shadow over current efforts to protect other otters in captivity and the wild. It also heightens the urgency to prevent similar outcomes for other species caught in the trade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uneven-diversity-in-captivity">Uneven diversity in captivity</h2>



One of the most striking findings from the study was the difference in genetic diversity between otters in zoos and those in cafés. 



Otters in zoos and aquariums had higher genetic diversity and more varied haplotypes. This is likely due to more structured breeding programs and a larger pool of founding individuals.



In contrast, the otters found in cafés often shared just a few haplotypes. Many had been bred in-country from a narrow gene pool. Some appeared to be closely related. 



This lack of diversity poses risks. Inbreeding can cause health problems and lower reproductive success. It also weakens the species’ long-term ability to adapt and survive.



Otters in zoos also came from a wider range of regions, including Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia. This indicates legal or semi-legal acquisition before tighter regulations were in place. But many of the café otters clustered genetically with those from southern Thailand - regions known for illegal poaching activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-as-a-shield-for-conservation">Science as a shield for conservation</h2>



The study's genetic work serves a dual purpose: it not only tracks trafficking routes but also supports captive breeding. 



By understanding the genetic background of individual otters, zoos can avoid inbreeding and maintain genetic health. Otters with rare haplotypes - some found in just one or two individuals - can be prioritized for conservation.



However, mitochondrial DNA offers only part of the story. The researchers suggest that nuclear DNA sequencing could give more precise geographic information. This would allow officials to better identify the origin of seized otters and link them to specific regions.



The findings also highlight a need to build comprehensive genetic reference maps for otters across Southeast Asia. Expanding these databases would help pinpoint where wild-caught animals originate and guide future protection efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-for-a-future-not-a-fad">Breeding for a future, not a fad</h2>



As of late 2022, Japan’s zoos and aquariums housed more than 200 Asian small-clawed otters. Many participate in coordinated breeding programs, but others still rely on imports or unverified sources. Without full genetic records, some valuable lineages may be lost.



For example, rare haplotypes found in only one or two otters could disappear without focused efforts. Losing these variants would narrow the gene pool and reduce future adaptability.



Better genetic planning, stronger import regulations, and broader cooperation between nations can help secure the future of this species. The café boom may fade, but the consequences for wildlife will last unless steps are taken now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-love-for-otters-has-limits">Japan’s love for otters has limits</h2>



Otters continue to delight audiences with their charm and antics. But behind every viral video lies a question - where did that otter come from, and what did it cost to bring it here?



If admiration leads to exploitation, then love for animals becomes dangerous. Science, policy, and awareness must align to ensure that what we adore today doesn’t vanish tomorrow.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.70010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Science and Practice</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.



-----

Japan’s obsession with otters comes at a cost

Japan loves otters and so does the internet. From squeaky...

A recent study suggests that satellite data can help protect 30% of ocean habitats in the Atlantic, while minimizing the disruption to shipping and fishing. The experts propose a practical way to meet global biodiversity targets without major sacrifices to economic activity.



The study was led by scientists at the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and the <a href="https://www.azti.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centro de Investigación Marina y Alimentaria</a> (AZTI), supported by the European Space Agency (ESA).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seascapes-of-the-atlantic">Seascapes of the Atlantic </h2>



The researchers divided the Atlantic Ocean into distinct zones called seascapes. These are areas defined by their unique biological and physical traits.



Using satellite data, the experts were able to identify which zones are most important to biodiversity and could benefit from protection.



“We calculated the center point of each seascape and then determined that, by diverting marine traffic around rather than through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>, we would achieve the UN’s goal of effectively protecting 30% of biodiversity, without heavy disruption to fishing and shipping,” explained Dr. Asier Anabitarte, a researcher in sustainable fishing technologies at AZTI.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-satellites-to-protect-the-ocean">Using satellites to protect the ocean</h2>



The researchers used data from ESA’s Envisat and Copernicus Sentinel-3, as well as NASA and NOAA satellites, to track biological activity across different parts of the Atlantic. The team monitored organisms at all levels of the food chain - from microscopic phytoplankton to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-tag-allows-long-term-tracking-of-whale-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> and other marine mammals.



Dr. Victor Martinez-Vicente, coordinator of the <a href="https://booms-project.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BOOMS project</a>, emphasized the importance of this method:



“The biogeography of the ocean has a long history, yet the novel application described in Asier’s paper is a demonstration of the potential that satellite-derived data has to support marine policy at the global scale,” said Dr. Martinez-Vicente.



The experts also mapped human activity - particularly shipping and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-hunting-for-food-fulmars-follow-the-fishing-vessels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> - using data from the Automatic Identification System. This allowed them to overlay areas of heavy traffic with key habitats for species such as migratory birds, turtles, dolphins, and porpoises.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-noise-affects-marine-habitats">Ocean noise affects marine habitats</h2>



The study highlights noise as one of the most damaging effects of human activity on the high seas. The constant hum of engines, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/military-sonar-does-a-lot-more-damage-to-dolphins-than-previously-disclosed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sonar</a>, and industrial equipment can severely disrupt life underwater.



“Noise pollution from human activity can be disruptive and damaging to marine habitats because it can affect how cetaceans communicate and hunt,” said Dr. Anabitarte. 



“However, it also affects fish populations by interfering with their ability to sense their environment, their ability to mate, communicate and avoid predators.”



The experts took into account the type of ship, how many were traveling through a given zone, and how much noise they produced. The analysis suggests that careful redirection of shipping lanes could reduce these impacts without adding major costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-biodiversity-in-the-atlantic">Protecting biodiversity in the Atlantic </h2>



Currently, only about 1.45% of the high seas - the vast ocean areas outside any country’s jurisdiction - are officially protected.



Yet these waters make up roughly two-thirds of the world's oceans and are under increasing pressure from climate change, overfishing, and industrial development.



In June 2023, the United Nations adopted the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement. Its aim is to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, focusing on zones with rare and threatened species. But the lack of solid biodiversity data has made progress difficult.



Satellite technology can help protect these ocean zones by monitoring biodiversity across huge, remote areas and offering science-based recommendations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-protection-shared-oceans">Smart protection, shared oceans</h2>



ESA Ocean Applications Scientist Marie-Helene Rio, who served as the technical officer for the project, sees this study as a promising first step.



“By protecting at least 30% of each seascape with activity lanes is a good starting point for high seas protection, which can be redefined later based on the presence of rare species or key habitats and socioeconomic factors agreed with stakeholders within a systematic spatial planning approach,” said Rio.



Dr. Anabitarte noted that other impacts from shipping and fishing lanes on the high seas should be considered in future studies, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/basking-sharks-are-exceptionally-vulnerable-to-ship-strikes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vessel strikes</a> on mammals, as well as consequences of fishing such as seafloor damage, accidental loss of species, and litter.



This approach - using data to guide decisions - offers a realistic way to protect ocean life while still allowing human activity to continue. Ultimately, the model may help us meet international conservation goals without choosing between nature and progress.



The research was part of ESA’s Science for Society Biodiversity in the Open Ocean: Mapping, Monitoring and Modeling (BOOMS) project.



The&nbsp;study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X25002516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Pollution Bulletin</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.



-----

Satellite data could help protect 30% of Atlantic ocean habitats

A recent study suggests that satellite data can help protect...

If you've ever watched songbirds squabble at a backyard feeder, you've seen a small glimpse of the competition animals face for limited resources. 



While some species seem to be constantly at odds, others - even those that appear quite similar - manage to coexist in surprising harmony.



For decades, a classic theory from the field of ecology has suggested that forest-dwelling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-genes-are-responsible-for-the-rapid-diversification-of-warblers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warblers</a> share trees by using different parts of them. 



Now, a new study adds a modern twist to that idea and shows it may be more complicated than it seems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revisiting-a-classic-idea">Revisiting a classic idea </h2>



The research, conducted by scientists at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> and the American Bird Conservancy, revisits an influential idea that was first proposed by ecologist Robert MacArthur in the 1950s.



MacArthur observed that several species of warblers could live in the same tree without crowding each other out, simply by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-social-networks-greatly-influence-their-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foraging</a> in different zones - some near the trunk, others at the tips of branches, and at varying heights.



This concept has been a staple in biology textbooks ever since. But thanks to DNA analysis and decades of fieldwork, the new study suggests that the story goes deeper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-close-look-at-species-interactions">A close look at species interactions </h2>



Study co-author David Toews is the Louis Martarano Career Development Professor of Biology in the Penn State Eberly College of Science.



“MacArthur suggested that we needed to look more closely at species interactions. We wanted to revisit this idea with modern technology, using molecular methods and an evolutionary perspective that weren’t available in MacArthur’s time," explained Professor Toews.



"This allowed us to not only directly quantify their diet, but also better understand how warblers are partitioning their habitat and how what we see today may have been shaped by competition over the warbler’s evolutionary history.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-bird-competition">Analyzing bird competition </h2>



The team observed 13 warbler species that nest in northeastern New York forests during the summer. 



Over 20 years, the researchers tracked where in the trees each bird preferred to forage - how high up they searched, how dense the foliage was, and how close they stayed to the trunk.



The experts also collected fecal samples during five breeding seasons to analyze what the birds were eating.



Using a technique called fecal meta-barcoding, they could extract insect DNA to identify prey species. Alongside this, they studied the physical traits of each bird, including size and beak shape, using public databases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-songbird-foraging-behaviors">Songbird foraging behaviors </h2>



The findings showed that each bird species did indeed forage in slightly different ways. "The implication from MacArthur’s study is that, if the birds are foraging in different areas of the tree, then they are eating different things,” said Professor Toews.



“MacArthur tried to test this using data from his colleagues, who attempted to analyze fragments of insects from stomach contents, but this was biased toward fragments that weren’t digested, and they were extremely difficult to identify."



"Now, we can extract DNA from fecal samples and use a technique called fecal meta-barcoding to see which insect species have been eaten by birds.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressures-over-evolutionary-timescales">Pressures over evolutionary timescales </h2>



While the birds' movements and strategies differed clearly - smaller species tended to hover more, and those with longer legs stayed closer to the ground - their diets were surprisingly similar.



Eliot Miller, BirdsPlus Index Manager at the American Bird Conservancy, noted that a bird's and shape are products of many pressures operating over evolutionary timescales.



“But numerous studies, including our own, show that chief amongst these pressures is foraging behavior,” said Miller.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-differences-in-songbird-diets">Subtle differences in songbird diets</h2>



The DNA analysis revealed that although the warblers fed on thousands of insect and spider species, there was a great deal of overlap in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-plantations-limit-native-birds-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>.



“The birds we studied collectively consumed thousands of arthropod species, and there was a considerable amount of overlap in their diets,” said Professor Toews.



“The differences in diet were quite subtle, and we found that closely related species had more similar diets. This suggests that MacArthur’s emphasis on diet may have been partially misplaced, though the general idea of portioning their resources by foraging in different parts of the trees is sound.”



Many birds were simply taking advantage of what was available. Professor Toews noted that more than 75% of fecal samples contained the most common insect in the area, a snipefly, and more than half of the samples contained a common, invasive leaf weevil.



This kind of opportunistic feeding may suggest that while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/competition-limits-the-ranges-of-tropical-mountain-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">competition</a> shaped the songbirds’ physical traits and foraging strategies, diet may not have played as strong a role in pushing species apart.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-migration-and-competition">Bird migration and competition </h2>



“Because of the notable differences in foraging behavior, we believe that competition has shaped how these species forage today, as well as how they evolved to forage over evolutionary time,” Miller said. 



“But we don’t see many differences in diet, so it’s likely that other forces may have more directly influenced warbler evolution. It is worth noting that these birds migrate to Central and South America over the winter, so competition for resources in those locations as well as the stress of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/songbirds-benefit-from-social-networks-during-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> may also shape the traits we see today.”



The researchers are planning future studies to look more closely at what warblers eat during their time in the tropics and how the nutritional value of their food might vary. 



This could offer deeper insight into how competition and migration shape these songbirds beyond their breeding grounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-more-nuanced-view-of-coexistence">A more nuanced view of coexistence</h2>



“MacArthur was right in that these warblers are partitioning their habitat in fine ways, but it’s a little more complex than he originally thought,” said Professor Toews.



“People often observe competitive interactions between species at their bird feeders, and studies like this show how these kinds of interactions that happened hundreds or thousands of years ago can shape the species we see today.”



The takeaway? Even birds that seem to get along may be playing out a long, slow competition - one that stretches across trees, continents, and generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2025.0001" 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.



-----

Bird competition: How warblers share trees without fighting

If you've ever watched songbirds squabble at a backyard feeder,...

Ankylosaurus,In,Nature.,This,Is,A,3d,Render,Illustration

Dinosaur fossils often steal the spotlight, but sometimes, tracks and footprints can tell an even deeper story. Ancient ankylosaur tracks, recently discovered in Canada, have rewritten a chapter of dinosaur history.



These newly discovered tracks belong to a group of armored dinosaurs known for their tail clubs called ankylosaurids. Yet, no one had ever seen their footprints before.



Researchers working in British Columbia and Alberta uncovered the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-extinction-theories-are-challenged-by-new-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossilized</a> prints in mid-Cretaceous rock formations. The discovery includes multiple trackways of a new ichnospecies, Ruopodosaurus clava.



This finding offers long-sought confirmation that ankylosaurid dinosaurs, known for their weaponized tails, roamed North America far earlier than previously recorded.



The research, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, highlights just how much a footprint can reveal. From foot structure to group behavior, and even evolutionary timelines, these impressions bridge gaps in the fossil record and expand our understanding of dinosaur diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-armored-ankylosaur-dinosaur-tracks">Armored ankylosaur dinosaur tracks</h2>



Ankylosaurs are famous for their tank-like bodies and low-slung frames. They fall into two main groups: nodosaurids and ankylosaurids. 



Nodosaurids had four toes and flexible tails. Ankylosaurids, however, carried club-like tails and walked on three-toed feet.



Until now, paleontologists had only found four-toed ankylosaur tracks in North America. These belonged to Tetrapodosaurus borealis, a widely documented ichnospecies linked to nodosaurid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. 



The discovery of three-toed tracks with associated five-fingered forelimb impressions was new – and important.



The name Ruopodosaurus clava means “tumbled-down lizard with a club,” which is a nod to both its clubbed tail and the mountainous terrain of Tumbler Ridge. 



The armored dinosaur tracks date back around 100 million years to the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous. They came from two formations – the Dunvegan and the basal Kaskapau. Both represent wet deltaic environments that supported lush vegetation and slow-moving waterways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-well-preserved-dinosaur-footprints">Well-preserved dinosaur footprints </h2>



The most complete specimen, TRMF 2023.09.002, was found beside the Wolverine River. It preserves a left manus and a pair of feet, with all digits clearly impressed.



Other tracks were recovered from sites like Bullmoose Creek and Everlasting Creek - each offering a unique snapshot of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-fossils-reveal-hollow-bones-just-like-modern-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>' movements.



The prints differ sharply from other dinosaur tracks. The three toes of the hindfoot are wide, blunt, and either triangular or U-shaped.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dinosaur_Ruopodosaurus_footprints_spiked-tail_credit-Arbour_-1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/dinosaur_Ruopodosaurus_footprints_spiked-tail_credit-Arbour_1s.webp" alt="Ruopodosaurus hand and footprints from Tumbler Ridge: Ruopodosaurus footprints from Tumbler Ridge. Credit: V. Arbour/C. Helm." class="wp-image-1965970"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ruopodosaurus hand and footprints from Tumbler Ridge: Ruopodosaurus footprints from Tumbler Ridge. Click image to enlarge. Credit: V. Arbour/C. Helm.</figcaption></figure>



The forefoot shows five spread-out digits in a crescent shape. The stride patterns, toe shapes, and narrow walking stance support the identification of ankylosaurids.



“While we don’t know exactly what the dinosaur that made&nbsp;Ruopodosaurus&nbsp;footprints looked like, we know that it would have been about 5–6 meters long, spiky and armored, and with a stiff tail or a full tail club,” said Victoria M. Arbour, a vertebrate palaeontologist at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uvic.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Victoria</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-fossil-record-in-north-america">Dinosaur fossil record in North America</h2>



These footprints bridge a long-standing gap in the North American <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-ground-dwellers-survived-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> record. No ankylosaurid bones have been found in this region between 100 and 84 million years ago. 



For decades, researchers thought ankylosaurids had disappeared from the continent during this time, only to return later from Asia.



But the tracks tell a different story. They show that ankylosaurids were very much present in mid-Cretaceous ecosystems. They coexisted with nodosaurids, as both Ruopodosaurus and Tetrapodosaurus prints appear in the same rock layers.



Dr. Charles Helm, who co-authored the study, had observed these unusual three-toed tracks near Tumbler Ridge for years. 



He eventually brought Arbour into the project to confirm their significance. This collaboration paid off with the identification of a new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-americas-oldest-dinosaur-is-completely-rewriting-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> and the rewriting of an evolutionary timeline.



“Ever since two young boys discovered an ankylosaur trackway close to Tumbler Ridge in 2000, ankylosaurs and Tumbler Ridge have been synonymous," Helm enthused. 



"It is really exciting to know through this research that there are two types of ankylosaurs that called this region home and that Ruopodosaurus has only been identified in this part of Canada."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-3d-models-and-skin-prints">Revealing 3D models and skin prints</h2>



Beyond visual observations, the researchers used photogrammetry to create detailed 3D models of the dinosaur tracks. These helped confirm the unique features of Ruopodosaurus. Some track surfaces also revealed faint skin impressions, providing rare textural data on ankylosaur feet.



Trackway measurements showed consistent stride lengths, narrow gait, and outward toe rotation. This matched well with ankylosaurid hip and limb anatomy. 



Although these dinosaurs had wide bodies, their legs were positioned more vertically, resulting in a surprisingly narrow trackway.



Comparative studies ruled out other possible candidates. Stegosaurs, ceratopsians, and iguanodonts either lacked the right foot shape or had different forelimb anatomy. Only ankylosaurids possessed the correct combination of a three-toed foot and a five-digit hand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bone-and-stone-evidence">Bone and stone evidence</h2>



While skeletal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-predatory-dinosaur-species-identified-in-lost-photos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remains</a> from this time are rare, a few bone fragments support the presence of ankylosaurids. 



Vertebrae and ossicles found in the same formations share more in common with ankylosaurids than nodosaurids. These hints, paired with the new tracks, paint a clearer picture of mid-Cretaceous dinosaur diversity.



“This study also highlights how important the Peace Region of northeastern BC is for understanding the evolution of dinosaurs in North America - there’s still lots more to be discovered,” said Arbour.



The size of the prints suggests the animals were about 120 cm tall at the hip. That’s slightly smaller than some nodosaurids, whose prints measure up to 50 cm. This difference hints at niche separation or varied ecological roles among the armored dinosaurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-region-rich-in-dinosaur-tracks">A region rich in dinosaur tracks</h2>



The Peace Region continues to be a goldmine for track-based discoveries. Past finds include tyrannosaurid trails, giant crocodylian traces, and even the largest bird footprints from the Mesozoic in North America. 



Ruopodosaurus joins this growing list, adding a new dimension to our understanding of dinosaur evolution.



These armored dinosaur tracks, formed in mud and preserved by time, offer more than just direction. They tell us who walked here, how they moved, and how long they remained. In a land where bones are rare, the ground carries the memory of ancient giants.



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02724634.2025.2451319" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology</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.



-----

Footprints of armored dinosaurs with clubbed tails found for the first time

Dinosaur fossils often steal the spotlight, but sometimes, tracks and...

For centuries, humans believed they held a monopoly on geometric intuition. The ability to recognize structure in a&nbsp;shape - its right angles, symmetry, and parallel lines - was seen as a mark of human cognition. But a new study suggests that this mathematical sense may not be ours alone. 



Carrion crows, long admired for their cleverness, have now demonstrated the ability to detect geometric regularity in shapes. 



This discovery, led by researchers at the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a>, opens a surprising chapter in the story of animal intelligence.



The research does more than showcase the brainpower of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-flightless-birds-are-more-intelligent-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>. It questions whether our deepest ways of understanding space and form might be shared with other species - and perhaps even rooted in evolution itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-geometry-helps-crows">How geometry helps crows</h2>



Geometry isn't just about math classes or architectural blueprints. At its core, it reflects the brain’s ability to process structure. 



In humans, even those without schooling or exposure to formal mathematics can recognize simple geometric rules. Symmetry stands out. So do parallel lines and equal sides. We notice when something is off.



Until now, this perception seemed absent in other animals. Many can navigate, estimate quantities, or even use tools, but they appeared blind to the subtler rules that define shapes. 



Previous research with baboons, our close evolutionary cousins, found they could not consistently recognize regular quadrilaterals. That led some scientists to believe geometric insight might be uniquely human.



But carrion crows, members of the corvid family known for problem-solving, proved otherwise with their surprising geometric shape recognition <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brain-study-will-shed-new-light-on-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">abilities</a>.



"Claiming that it is specific to us humans, that only humans can detect geometric regularity, is now falsified," said Andreas Nieder, the study’s lead researcher. "Because we have at least the crow."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-crows-geometry-skills">Testing crows' geometry skills </h2>



Nieder and his team worked with two male carrion crows, both over ten years old, and trained to interact with a touchscreen. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-living-in-cities-are-usually-more-colorful-and-less-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> had previously shown the ability to count, and now they faced a new kind of challenge. 



They were presented with an array of six shapes. Five were similar, one was not. Their task? Pick the odd one out.



Initially, the birds encountered easy trials - five stars and a crescent moon, for example. They quickly learned that pecking the unique shape earned them a tasty reward: mealworms. 



After they consistently succeeded with simple patterns, researchers introduced more complex ones. The new shapes were all quadrilaterals - four-sided figures - carefully adjusted to vary in geometric regularity.



Here’s where things got interesting. These quadrilaterals weren't easy to distinguish. The researchers made only subtle changes: shifting a single corner to distort the shape’s symmetry or right angles. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unambiguous-test-results">Unambiguous test results</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brains-fossil-reveals-roots-of-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> had never seen these quadrilateral comparisons before, and yet, when tested, they performed far above chance.



On their very first try with the quadrilateral shapes, the crows performed strikingly well. Crow 1 correctly picked the outlier in 50% of the trials, while crow 2 managed 60%. Since there were six options, random guessing would result in a success rate of just 16.7%.



What’s more, their ability didn’t depend on familiarity. The shapes were randomly rotated and scaled. The irregular shape, called the “intruder,” changed position every trial. Yet both crows maintained impressive accuracy. Their detection rate remained well above chance across 60 initial tests.



Statistical analysis confirmed the results. Performance differences also matched the degree of geometric regularity. The birds identified intruders more easily when the base shapes followed stronger geometric rules - parallel sides, right angles, equal lengths.



These effects emerged immediately. The birds showed no need for additional training or repeated exposure. The researchers tested whether results improved over time. They found slight learning effects, but the core skill was present from the beginning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-like-cognition-yet-bird-brained">Human-like cognition, yet bird-brained</h2>



To probe deeper, the researchers compared the birds' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagulls-birds-more-intelligent-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">success</a> with the types of quadrilaterals shown. These included squares, rhombuses, trapezoids, and more irregular shapes. Both birds performed better on the most regular shapes and struggled more as irregularity increased.



In some cases, their struggles mirrored those seen in humans. The rhombus, despite being highly regular, tripped up both the crows and people in earlier studies. 



This suggests a shared perceptual bias - a tendency to overlook certain features or prioritize others when judging shape.



"The evidence is actually quite convincing," said Mathias Sablé-Meyer, a cognitive neuroscientist who worked on the earlier baboon study.



"I have to accept the result and think, you know, that's pretty cool! And then the question is, where does that even come from?"



The answer may lie in the way animals process embedded features - nested shapes, equal angles, and structured lines. Crows, like humans, seem capable of recognizing these shape relationships, even without formal instruction or language.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-excel-in-shape-recognition-nbsp">Birds excel in shape recognition&nbsp;</h2>



If baboons can’t do it, but crows can, what does this say about intelligence? Not all cognition follows the same evolutionary paths. Birds and primates diverged long ago, yet both have evolved complex cognitive abilities.



The crows' success in shape recognition may stem from a broader sensitivity to visual detail. Unlike the baboons, which failed to reach consistent accuracy even after training, the crows met high performance standards across multiple sessions. 



They also faced more exaggerated shape deviations - one vertex of each intruder was shifted by 75% of the average edge length, a bolder change than in the baboon experiments.



But that alone may not explain their success. Birds such as pigeons and chickens have shown sensitivity to symmetry in patterns and mate selection. Some use regularity in spatial cues for navigation. What this new study reveals is something more abstract: an ability to detect structure in shape for its own sake.



"I hope that my colleagues are looking into other species," said Nieder. "I'm pretty sure they may find that other intelligent animals can also do this."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geometry-crows-and-evolution">Geometry, crows, and evolution</h2>



This study challenges the idea that geometry emerged solely with human civilization. Instead, it suggests that the roots of this ability run deeper - into the biological foundations of perception.



Carrion crows did not learn geometry in classrooms. They did not measure angles or discuss theorems. Yet they saw order in shape. They recognized what fit and what did not. That’s the very heart of geometric intuition.



By watching these birds peck at a screen, researchers have unearthed something remarkable. The way we understand space may be less of a cultural invention and more of a shared instinct - one that humans, birds, and perhaps many other creatures carry within.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/sciadv.adt3718" 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.



-----

Crows understand shapes and use geometry in everyday life

For centuries, humans believed they held a monopoly on geometric...

species in Pelagiidae

News coming your way