Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=d55013d210f7439f8ca981b3b73576f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j69i59.492j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.White sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) is a species of sturgeon in the family Acipenseridae of the order Acipenseriformes. They are an anadromous fish species ranging in the Eastern Pacific; from the Gulf of Alaska to Monterey, California. However, some are landlocked in the Columbia River Drainage, Montana, and Lake Shasta in California, with reported sightings in northern Baja California, Mexico.Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) &gt; Acipenseriformes (Sturgeons and paddlefishes) &gt; Acipenseridae (Sturgeons) &gt; Acipenserinae Etymology: : Latin, = sturgeon, 1853 (Ref. 45335); transmontanus: The specific name is derived from the Latin acipenser (sturgeon), trans (beyond), and montanus (mountain) (Ref. 27436).More on author: Richardson.

Acipenser transmontanus

Acipenser transmontanus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation...

NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changing-ocean-soundscapes-impact-animals-worldwide/">animals</a> too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6af7b47b706a421cbff7d45ac370e984&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.971j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.The Cicek Minnow (Acanthorutilus handlirschi) is a species of concern belonging in the species group "fishes" and found in the following area (s): Turkey. This species is also known by the following name (s): Pseudophoxinus handlirschi, Oreoleuciscus handlirschi, Phoxinellus handlirschi. Source: Federal Register, U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service (various authors), series (version undefined) Acquired: 1996 : Notes: Various listings from the Federal Register on the legal status of species : Reference for: Acanthorutilus handlirschi, cicek [English] Source: NODC Taxonomic Code, database (

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.This species is also known by the following name(s): Pseudophoxinus handlirschi, Oreoleuciscus handlirschi, Phoxinellus handlirschi.

Acanthorutilus handlirschi

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Accipiter fasciatus natalis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mistastin-lake-in-labrador-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Accipiter fasciatus natalis ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=84f1e8e9658b4caea7e69e7c7dff2555&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j69i59j0j69i60l3.1774j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Accipiter fasciatus natalis

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Accipiter francesii pusillus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=b465a6a06aa04b25a2b750c94d1fc9be&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.591j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Anjouan Island Sparrowhawk, or Ndzuwani Goshawk Accipiter francesii pusillus, an extremely rare, possibly extinct, subspecies of Frances's Sparrowhawk Spot-tailed Goshawk, Accipiter trinotatus Grey Goshawk, Accipiter novaehollandiae. The Anjouan sparrowhawk (Accipiter francesiae pusillus), also known as Anjouan Island sparrowhawk, Ndzuwani goshawk or Joanna Island goshawk is a subspecies of Frances's sparrowhawk (Accipiter francesiae). It is endemic to the Comoros island of Anjouan. It was thought to be extinct until searches in the 1980s and in 2005 confirmed that it is still extant.· North America, the planet's 3rd largest continent, includes (23) countries and dozens of possessions and territories. It contains all Caribbean and Central America countries, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, the United States of America, as well as Greenland - the world's largest island.

Accipiter francesii pusillus

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Accipiter gentilis laingi NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0e16320dcb6d40748a5d6a1b3d9cc5b8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.896j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.Accipiter gentilis laingi Wildlife Species Description and Significance The Northern Goshawk laingi subspecies (Accipiter gentilis laingi) is a raven-sized, robust forest-dwelling raptor. Adults are brown-grey to slate-grey on the back, while underparts are pale-grey with fine horizontal grey bars and darker vertical streaking.The Northern Goshawk laingi subspecies (Accipiter gentilis laingi) is a raven-sized, robust forest-dwelling raptor. Adults are brown-grey to slate-grey on the back, while underparts are pale-grey with fine horizontal grey bars and darker vertical streaking. The head has a distinctive whitish line above the eye and a dark-grey to black cap.

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Accipiter gentilis laingi

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Accipiter striatus venator NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6af7b47b706a421cbff7d45ac370e984&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.971j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk, (Accipiter striatus venator), falcón de sierra or gavilán pecho rufo in Spanish, is an endemic subspecies of the North American sharp-shinned hawk, occurring only in Puerto Rico. Discovered in 1912 and described as a distinct sub-species, it has been placed on the United States Fish and Wildlife Service list of endangered species because of its rapidly dwindling population in Puerto Rico. It can be found in the Toro Negro State Forest.Accipiter striatus venator is an endemic subspecies of the North American Sharp-shinned Hawk, occurring only in Puerto Rico. This animal has been placed on the Federal endangered list because of its rapidly dwindling population on the island.

Accipiter striatus venator

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Achatinella spp. NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0e16320dcb6d40748a5d6a1b3d9cc5b8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.896j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Scientific name: Achatinella spp Hawaiian name: Kāhuli / Pūpū kani oe All 41 species of the genus Achatinella, also known as the O‘ahu tree snails, are federally listed as endangered. O‘ahu tree snails are diverse in patterns, colors, and shapes but all average about 3/4 inch in length.Oʻahu tree snails, genus Achatinella, form a large genus of colorful, tropical, tree-living, air-breathing, land snails, arboreal pulmonate gastropod mollusks in the family Achatinellidae. This genus of tree snails is endemic to Hawaii, and all extant species are endangered. They were once abundant and were mentioned extensively in Hawaiian folklore and songs, and their shells were used in lei and other ornaments.

Achatinella spp.

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Acinonyx jubatus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat native to Africa and central Iran. It is the fastest land animal, capable of running at 80 to 128 km/h (50 to 80 mph), and as such has several adaptations for speed, including a light build, long thin legs and a long tail. It typically reaches 67–94 cm (26–37 in) at the shoulder, and the head-and-body length is between 1.1 and 1.5 m (3.6 and 4.9 ft). Adults weigh between 20 and 65 kg (44 and 143 lb). Its head is small, rounded, and has a short snout and black tear-like facial streaks. The coat is typically tawny to creamy white or pale buff and is mostly covered with evenly spaced, solid black spots. Four subspecies are recognised. More gregarious than many other cats, the cheetah has three main social groups—females and their cubs, male "coalitions" and solitary males. While females lead a nomadic life searching for prey in large home ranges

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Acinonyx jubatus

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Acipenser brevirostrum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=cd15138958b44bb2b853b45f848f47f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.896j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) is a small and endangered species of North American sturgeon. The earliest remains of the species are from the Late Cretaceous Period, over 70 million years ago. Shortnose sturgeons are long-lived and slow to sexually mature. Most sturgeons are anadromous bottom-feeders, which means they migrate upstream to spawn but spend most of their lives feeding in rivers, deltas and estuaries. The shortnose sturgeon is often mistaken as a juvenile Atlantic sturgeon, because of their small size. Prior to 1973, U.S. commercial fishing records did not differentiate between the two species, both were reported as "common sturgeon", although it is believed based on sizes that the bulk of the catch was Atlantic sturgeon. The shortnose is distinguishable from the Atlantic sturgeon due to its shorter and rounder head.

Acipenser brevirostrum

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Acipenser medirostris NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/faking-death-is-a-good-way-for-animals-to-stay-alive/">animals</a> too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports --Acipenser medirostris  ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0e16320dcb6d40748a5d6a1b3d9cc5b8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.896j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Sturgeons are among the largest and most ancient of <a title="Actinopterygii" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinopterygii">ray finned fishes</a>. They are placed, along with <a title="Paddlefish" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddlefish">paddlefishes</a> and numerous fossil groups, in the infraclass <a title="Chondrostei" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondrostei">Chondrostei</a>, which also contains the ancestors of all other bony fishes. The sturgeons themselves are not ancestral to modern bony fishes but are a highly specialized and successful offshoot of ancestral <a title="Chondrostei" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chondrostei">chondrosteans</a>, retaining such ancestral features as a <a title="Fish fin" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_fin">heterocerca</a>l tail, fin structure, jaw structure, and spiracle. They have replaced a bony skeleton with one of <a title="Cartilage" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartilage">cartilage</a>, and possess a few large bony plates instead of scales. Sturgeons are highly adapted for preying on bottom animals, which they detect with a row of sensitive <a title="Barbel (anatomy)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbel_(anatomy)">barbels</a> on the underside of their snouts. They protrude their very long and flexible “lips” to suck up food. Sturgeons are confined to temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere. Of 25 extant species, only two live in California, the green sturgeon and the <a title="White sturgeon" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_sturgeon">white sturgeon</a> (A. transmontanus). (Moyle 2002)

Acipenser medirostris

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Acipenser mikadoi NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Sakhalin sturgeon is a species of fish in the family Acipenseridae. It is found in <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=japan&amp;cvid=b99abe0ea03d49319f23b97aa3ab6c4e&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j0l6.1785j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">Japan</a> and Russia.The Sakhalin Sturgeon (Acipenser mikadoi) has 8-12 dorsal scutes, 25-30 lateral scutes, 7-11 ventral scutes, 29-41 dorsal fin rays and 18-28 anal fin rays. Colouration ranges from olive-green to dark green on the back to yellowish green-white on the ventral side with an olive-green stripe on the side between the lateral and ventral scutes.

The Sakhalin sturgeon is considered to be a species that migrates up the river from the sea in order to spawn. During the months of April to May, the Sakhalin sturgeon feeds in the freshwater and then returns to the ocean during the summer

Acipenser mikadoi

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Acipenser naccarii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.The Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii) is a species of fish in the family Acipenseridae. It is native to the Adriatic Sea and large rivers which flow in it of Albania, Greece, Italy, and States of former-Yugoslavia. Specimens can be seen in several public aquarium, such the Milan Aquarium, Aquarium Finisterrae, Aquarium of the Po, and Oasis of Sant'Alessio in Lombardy.The Adriatic Sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii) is a thick set fish, growing up to 2 metres but 1.5m is more usual. Weight is 20-25kg. A long lived species, the Adriatic sturgeon has been recorded to reach 50 years of age. Acipenser naccarii has 10-14 dorsal scutes, 32-42 lateral scutes, 8-11 ventral scutes, 36-48 dorsal fin rays and 24-31 anal fin rays. The short snout is wide and rounded at the tip. The colour is grey-brown on the dorsal side

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Acipenser naccarii

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Acipenser oxyrinchus (=oxyrhynchus) desotoi NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mistastin-lake-in-labrador-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Acipenser oxyrinchus (=oxyrhynchus) desotoi ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=84f1e8e9658b4caea7e69e7c7dff2555&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j69i59j0j69i60l3.1774j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe

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Acipenser oxyrinchus (=oxyrhynchus) desotoi

Acipenser oxyrinchus (=oxyrhynchus) desotoi NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe...

Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=2c2e13fdcefb416498254b6003035344&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0l2.1080j0j1&amp;pglt=299&amp;FORM=ANNTA1&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. The Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a member of the family Acipenseridae and along with other sturgeon it is sometimes considered a living fossil. The Atlantic sturgeon is one of two subspecies of A. oxyrinchus, the other being the Gulf sturgeon (A. o. desotoi). The main range of the Atlantic sturgeon is in eastern North America, extending from New Brunswick, Canada, to the eastern coast of Florida, United States. A disjunct population occurs in the Baltic region of Europe. Atlantic sturgeon live in rivers and coastal waters from Canada to Florida. Hatched in the freshwater of rivers, Atlantic sturgeon head out to sea as juveniles, and return to their birthplace to spawn, or lay eggs, when they reach adulthood.

Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus

Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=6af7b47b706a421cbff7d45ac370e984&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.971j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.The Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) is a member of the family Acipenseridae and along with other sturgeon it is sometimes considered a living fossil. The Atlantic sturgeon is one of two subspecies of A. oxyrinchus, the other being the Gulf sturgeon (A. o. desotoi). The main range of the Atlantic sturgeon is in eastern North America, extending from New Brunswick, Canada, to the eastern coast of Florida, United States. A disjunct population occurs in the Baltic regionof Europe Atlantic sturgeon live in rivers and coastal waters from Canada to Florida. Hatched in the freshwater of rivers, Atlantic sturgeon head out to sea as juveniles, and return to their birthplace to spawn, or lay eggs, when they reach adulthood.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Acipenser oxyrinchus is mostly native to the countries of Canada and the United States, with a smaller population in northern Europe (essentially the Baltic region ). They can be found in temperate and subtropical climates and in marine or freshwater environments

Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=0e16320dcb6d40748a5d6a1b3d9cc5b8&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i60l3j0.896j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.The Atlantic sturgeon is a member of the family Acipenseridae and along with other sturgeon it is sometimes considered a living fossil. The Atlantic sturgeon is one of two subspecies of A. oxyrinchus, the other being the Gulf sturgeon (A. o. desotoi). The main range of the Atlantic sturgeon is in eastern North America, extending from New Brunswick, Canada, to the eastern coast of Florida, United States. A disjunct population occurs in the Baltic regionof Europe

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Acipenser oxyrinchus is mostly native to the countries of Canada and the United States, with a smaller population in northern Europe (essentially the Baltic region ). They can be found in temperate and subtropical climates and in marine or freshwater environments. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), proposed to designate critical habitat for the Gulf of Maine, New York Bight, and Chesapeake Bay Distinct Population Segments (DPSs) of Atlantic sturgeon ( Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus

Acipenser sinensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis; Chinese: 中華鱘; pinyin: zhōnghuá xún) is a critically endangered member of the family Acipenseridae in the order Acipenseriformes. Historically, this anadromous fish was found in China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula, but it has been extirpated from most regions due to habitat loss and overfishing. It is strictly protected by the Chinese government, named a "national treasure" much like its mammalian counterpart, the giant panda. China has several conservation programmes, including reserves specifically aimed at this species and restocking through release of juveniles in the Yangtze River.

Acipenser sinensis

Acipenser sinensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Acipenser sturio NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=d55013d210f7439f8ca981b3b73576f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j69i59.492j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio), also known as the Atlantic sturgeon or common sturgeon, is a species of sturgeon previously found on most coasts of Europe. It is anadromous and breeds in rivers. It is currently a critically endangered species. Although the name Baltic sturgeon sometimes has been used, it has now been established that sturgeon of the Baltic region are A. oxyrinchus, a species otherwise restricted to the Atlantic coast of North America.Manufactured products are derived from eel, sturgeon (Acipenser sturio), salmon and trout (Salmo spp.), and, in the case of aquaculture species, tilapia (Tilapia spp.), tench (Tinca tinca), carp (Cyprinus spp.), salmon and trout. All of these form part of a sizeable range of widely distributed and economically important species.

Acipenser sturio

Acipenser sturio NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Acrocephalus familiaris kingi NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/"> Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=cd15138958b44bb2b853b45f848f47f2&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i60j69i57j69i60l2j0.896j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.Acrocephalus familiaris kingi The Nihoa Millerbird is a tiny land bird that was discovered on the island of Nihoa in 1923. Another subspecies once occurred on Laysan Island, where it went extinct in the early 20th century after the island was devegetated by introduced rabbits.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.The millerbird (Acrocephalus familiaris) is a species of Old World warbler in the family Acrocephalidae. It has two subspecies, A. f. kingi and A f. familiaris. The latter, the Laysan millerbird, became extinct sometime between 1916 and 1923. The former, the critically endangered Nihoa millerbird, remains the only race left, inhabiting the small island Nihoa in Hawaiʻi, though it has since been reintroduced to Laysan.

Acrocephalus familiaris kingi

Acrocephalus familiaris kingi NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Adding a cup of beans to your daily meals might do more than fill you up - it could also support your heart and metabolic health. New research shows that eating beans every day is a simple and affordable habit with big potential health benefits.



The study was led by scientists from the <a href="https://www.iit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Illinois Institute of Technology</a>, who set out to explore how two common beans could affect people with prediabetes. Their findings offer some food for thought when it comes to preventing chronic diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits-of-beans">Health benefits of beans</h2>



“Individuals with prediabetes often exhibit impaired lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation," said Morganne Smith, a doctoral candidate at the Illinois Institute of Technology. 



"Both of which can contribute to the development of conditions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-sweetener-erythritol-sugar-substitute-linked-to-blood-clots-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-can-reverse-type-2-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a>.”



The study showed that eating beans reduced cholesterol and inflammation in prediabetics, but didn’t affect glucose levels.



The research was presented at <a href="https://nutrition.org/nutrition-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NUTRITION 2025</a>, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. 



The work is part of a larger project by Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, and Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, also from Illinois Institute of Technology.



While beans like chickpeas and black beans are popular ingredients in many dishes, they often receive little attention in studies looking at heart disease and diabetes risk. This new study puts the spotlight back on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-chickpeas-and-black-beans">Understanding chickpeas and black beans</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-the-best-protein-for-muscle-gain-it-might-not-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chickpeas</a>, also known as garbanzo beans, have a mild, nutty flavor and a firm texture, making them ideal for everything from hummus and stews to salads and roasted snacks. 



Rich in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemp-seeds-could-be-a-game-changer-as-an-alternative-protein-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based protein</a>, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium, chickpeas support digestive health, promote satiety, and help regulate blood sugar. 



Their high folate content also makes them particularly valuable in supporting prenatal health and cell repair.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discover-the-six-foods-that-rejuvenate-your-body-inside-and-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black beans</a>, on the other hand, bring a denser, creamier texture and an earthy flavor that pairs well with Latin American, Caribbean, and Southwestern cuisines. 



Like chickpeas, they provide a solid source of protein and fiber, but they also deliver a powerful dose of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins - the same compounds found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/15-benefits-of-eating-blueberries-the-superfood-that-greatly-improves-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blueberries</a>. 



These antioxidants help combat inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Black beans also contain resistant starch, which nourishes gut bacteria and may improve insulin sensitivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



To make sure the results reflected real-world conditions, researchers asked 72 participants with prediabetes to maintain their usual lifestyle. 



They were randomly assigned to eat one cup of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discover-the-six-foods-that-rejuvenate-your-body-inside-and-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black beans</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-the-best-protein-for-muscle-gain-it-might-not-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chickpeas</a>, or rice (used as a control) every day for 12 weeks.



Blood samples were collected at the start, six weeks in, and again at 12 weeks. The team measured cholesterol levels, markers of inflammation, and blood sugar. They also performed glucose tolerance tests at the beginning and end.



The results were significant. For those eating chickpeas, total cholesterol dropped from an average of 200.4 milligrams per deciliter to 185.8 milligrams per deciliter by the end of the 12 weeks.



Meanwhile, those eating black beans saw a significant decrease in a marker of inflammation known as interleukin-6 - from 2.57 picograms per milliliter to 1.88 picograms per milliliter. However, there were no significant changes in blood sugar levels for any group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-beans-better-health">More beans, better health</h2>



“Our study showed the benefits of consuming beans in adults with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cinnamon-helps-control-blood-sugar-in-prediabetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prediabetes</a>, but they are a great option for everyone,” said Smith. 



“These findings could be used to inform dietary guidelines, clinicians, or public health programs focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preventing heart disease</a> and diabetes.”



The good news is that adding more beans to your diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose canned, dried, or frozen beans, they are all good options. The researchers recommend checking labels for added salt or sugar.



“There are a lot of ways to incorporate beans into your regular diet as a cost-effective way to support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases,” said Smith. 



“You can blend them to add some thickness to a soup base, add them as a salad topping, or pair them with other grains like rice or quinoa.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measurable-benefits-add-up">Measurable benefits add up</h2>



Beyond supporting heart and metabolic health, beans are packed with essential nutrients that benefit the body in many ways. 



They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a smart choice for those aiming to reduce their meat intake without sacrificing essential nutrients.



Beans are also rich in fiber, which supports digestion and can keep you feeling full longer - a plus for weight management.



In addition, beans provide key vitamins and minerals like iron, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnesium-threonate-is-best-supplement-for-improving-brain-health-says-neurologist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnesium</a>, potassium, and folate. These nutrients play vital roles in energy production, muscle function, and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. 



With a low glycemic index, beans can also help manage blood sugar levels over time.



This study is just the beginning. The researchers plan to continue looking at how eating beans affects gut health. They hope to learn more about the connection between gut bacteria and metabolic health.



For now, the takeaway is simple: beans are an affordable, and nutrient-dense food that can be a valuable part of any balanced diet. Just a cup of beans a day could be a small but mighty step toward better health.



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Eating a small amount of these types of beans greatly boosts heart health and metabolism

Adding a cup of beans to your daily meals might...

Underwater,Photo,Nudibranches,On,The,Sand,Sea,Life

Most of Earth’s surface lies hidden beneath miles of saltwater on the deep ocean floor. Almost every breath we take and every weather pattern we watch on the evening news depends on what happens there, yet humans have seen very little of it. 



The deep sea - water deeper than about 656 feet - covers two-thirds of our planet, but we’ve seen little of it with our own eyes. 



An ambitious new analysis shows how little: less than 0.001 percent of the deep seafloor has ever been photographed.



That fraction is smaller than a single blade of grass on a football field, and it leaves scientists making big decisions from a sliver of evidence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-deep-ocean-is-unexplored">Earth's deep ocean is unexplored</h2>



Dr. Katy Croff Bell of the <a href="https://www.oceandiscoveryleague.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Discovery League</a> led the team that pored over records from roughly 44,000 dives going back to 1958. 



She and her colleagues found that, if every picture ever taken of the deep seafloor were stitched together, the patchwork would cover an area about the size of Rhode Island. It is also only one-tenth the size of Belgium, a country many travelers cross by train before lunch.



“As we face accelerated threats to the deep ocean - from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-mitigate-climate-change-with-deep-ocean-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-impacts-marine-life-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential mining</a> and resource exploitation - this limited exploration of such a vast region becomes a critical problem for both science and policy,” she says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploration-record-thinner-than-hair">Exploration record thinner than hair</h2>



The tally of dives might sound impressive until you consider scale. The study looked at 66 percent of Earth’s surface and found that almost 30 percent of all visual observations were captured before 1980, often with grainy black-and-white film. 



Nearly two-thirds of the images were taken within 230 miles of the United States, Japan, or New Zealand. Five well-funded nations - the United States, Japan, New Zealand, France, and Germany - conducted 97 percent of documented deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcano-becomes-a-natural-incubator-for-thousands-of-live-skate-eggs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submersible missions</a>.



“If the scientific community were to make all assumptions about terrestrial ecosystems from observations of only 0.001 percent of that total area,” the authors explain, “they would be basing their assessments of all land-based life on Earth on an area roughly the size of Houston, Texas.” The mismatch is staggering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-ocean-and-daily-life-on-earth">Deep ocean and daily life on Earth</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-satellite-is-rewriting-what-we-know-about-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deep-sea currents</a> shuttle heat around the globe, shaping the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-accelerate-jet-stream-winds-and-airplane-turbulence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jet stream</a> and steering hurricanes. 



Microbes living in darkness help produce much of the planet’s oxygen and store vast amounts of carbon in ocean sediments. 



Medicines drawn from deep-sea sponges and corals already fight cancer, infection, and pain. 



When warm surface conditions change, the deep absorbs or releases heat, moderating the climate we feel at street level. 



Yet policies on seabed mining, carbon storage, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-marine-protected-areas-boost-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine conservation</a> often proceed with almost no direct visual evidence of what is at stake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-technology-bottleneck">The technology bottleneck</h2>



Cost sits at the heart of the problem. A single day at sea on a modern research vessel can cost more than $50,000, and deploying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-baby-colossal-squid-captured-on-video-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)</a> or crewed submersibles adds many thousands more. 



Hardware built to survive pressures that would crush a car must be rugged and thoroughly tested, which inflates budgets. Not surprisingly, most countries choose to spend limited research funds closer to shore.



A new generation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exo-auvs-searching-for-life-on-alien-ocean-worlds-will-involve-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)</a>, however, is changing the calculus. Backpack-size AUVs now map seabeds, hover over vents, and capture high-definition video for a fraction of the cost of legacy systems. 



Open-source control software and modular sensor bays make these robots easier to maintain far from large laboratories. 



Once such tools move into wider circulation, regions long ignored by oceanographers could come into view.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uneven-map-carved-by-wealth">Uneven map carved by wealth</h2>



History shows how priorities follow money. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union probed submarine canyons in part to understand undersea warfare. 



Japan’s focus on nearby trenches and volcanic arcs reflects earthquake research. Europe’s dive records cluster along commercial telecommunication cable routes and proposed mining sites. 



All of this skews scientific ideas about what “typical” deep-sea life looks like. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-pigs-unicumbers-strange-stunning-creatures-discovered-abyssal-plains-ccz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abyssal plains</a> - those seemingly flat regions more than 13,000 feet down - cover nearly half of the deep ocean yet remain among the least photographed places on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closing-the-gap-with-new-tools">Closing the gap with new tools</h2>



“There is so much of our ocean that remains a mystery. Deep-sea exploration led by scientists and local communities is crucial to better understanding the planet’s largest ecosystem," says Dr. Ian Miller of the <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Geographic Society</a>, which helped fund the work. 



"Dr. Bell’s goals to equip global coastal communities with cutting-edge research and technology will ensure a more representative analysis of the deep sea. If we have a better understanding of our ocean, we are better able to conserve and protect it.”



Community-based programs already train researchers from small island nations to operate compact ROVs launched from fishing boats. 



Low-cost cameras pressure-rated to 20,000 feet can be paired with baited frames to document undiscovered species. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-ocean-currents-play-a-huge-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artificial intelligence</a> now sifts thousands of images overnight, flagging potential new organisms for human review.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-earth-s-deep-ocean-floors">Future of Earth's deep ocean floors</h2>



Policymakers face a pivotal choice. They can green-light deep-sea mining concessions and expand distant-water fishing with scant imagery to guide them, or they can invest in the tools that pull back the curtain on the largest habitat on Earth. 



Every pixel gathered from the abyss fills a yawning gap in our knowledge and, perhaps, in our stewardship. 



The deep ocean’s story is still mostly unwritten. With shared technology and broader participation, the next chapter could finally show the full picture rather than a sliver of evidence.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp8602" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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99.999% of Earth's deep ocean floor has still never been seen by humans

Most of Earth’s surface lies hidden beneath miles of saltwater...

Concept,Nature,Reserve,Conserve,Wildlife,Reserve,Tiger,Deer,Global,Warming

Stand on any hillside on Earth and the view jumps from desert to forest to coast, with each bioregion hosting its own cast of creatures. For decades, naturalists asked why a South American rainforest hosts parrots and jaguars while an African one shelters hornbills and leopards. 



The explanation, many suspected, lies in the deep history of place, not just in climate or chance.



Fresh analysis of records for more than 30,000 species now points to a single thread that stitches those patches together. 



The work hints at clearer forecasts of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-ecosystems-constantly-share-energy-to-achieve-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems will react</a> as the planet warms, dries, and becomes more crowded, and it offers practical clues for anyone trying to keep biodiversity intact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nature-clusters">Why nature clusters</h2>



The project came from Rubén Bernardo-Madrid of <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a>, Joaquín Calatayud of <a href="https://en.urjc.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rey Juan Carlos University</a>, and partners in Sweden, Spain, and the United Kingdom. 



They sliced the globe into the well-known biogeographical regions and traced amphibians, birds, dragonflies, mammals, marine rays, reptiles, and trees across them. 



Order appeared where chaos was expected. In every territory, the team found a robust center that shelters the majority of resident species. 



“In every bioregion, there is always a core area where most species live. From that core, species expand into surrounding areas, but only a subset manages to persist," Bernardo-Madrid explains.



"It seems these cores provide optimal conditions for species survival and diversification, acting as a source from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-leaks-conservation-efforts-may-shift-harm-elsewhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity radiates outward</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seven-zones-per-bioregion">Seven zones per bioregion</h2>



The team then mapped seven nested zones inside each bioregion, each with its own mix of widespread residents and highly local specialists. The central belt holds many species; the outer belts hold fewer but often unique ones.



The rule stayed intact whether the subject crawled, flew, swam, or rooted. Trees and marine rays may live worlds apart, yet their distributions echoed the same lattice from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gold-mining-causes-long-lasting-damage-in-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Basin</a> to Hudson Bay.



Each bioregion is bounded by barriers that discourage wanderers - an ocean trench, a desert interior, a frosty ridge. Over thousands of generations, those barriers steer evolution down separate paths. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marsupials-are-key-to-healthy-ecosystems-in-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marsupials flourish in Australia</a> because the surrounding sea keeps placental mammals at bay. Likewise, venomous vipers fill Central America but fade near the Andean wall.



Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace drew the first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-wallace-line-a-natural-border-that-no-species-crosses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broad outlines of these divisions</a> in the 1800s, yet their maps were blunt instruments. 



Modern databases, satellite imagery, and museum collections now let researchers slice the globe with much finer resolution, revealing hidden borders such as Wallace’s Line between Borneo and Sulawesi, where Asian and Australasian fauna still collide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bioregion-cores-stay-rich">How bioregion cores stay rich</h2>



Central zones usually enjoy milder temperatures, steadier rains, and larger habitat blocks - conditions that cushion populations against droughts, fires, or disease. Over time, those safe harbors spark new species, so the core doubles as nursery and archive.



Farther out, tougher climates and sharper competition thin the roster. The survivors often evolve in isolation, explaining why a corner of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mouse-lemurs-of-madagascar-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madagascar</a> or a Panamanian ridge can host creatures found nowhere else.



Environmental filtering, long a core idea in ecology, emerged as the engine behind the seven-zone scheme. 



If an organism cannot cope with a site’s heat, salt, or altitude, it fails to gain a foothold. Global evidence for that rule had been patchy until now.



Calatayud notes, “The predictability of the pattern and its association with environmental filters can help us better understand how biodiversity may respond to global change.” 



In practice, that insight lets conservation planners model vulnerability without guessing region by region.



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



Budgets for conservation are finite, and field crews often face tough choices on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beehive-fences-keep-elephants-from-raiding-farms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">where to place fences</a> or patrols. Knowing that a region’s biological bank lies in its core offers a clear target. 



Guarding that nucleus secures most species, while a few carefully placed reserves at the fringes hold the irreplaceable endemics that give every landscape its distinct feel.



The Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution paper highlights how a rainforest refuge the size of a county, or a string of barrier islands, can buoy entire landscapes. Protect those pockets from mining or ill-planned sprawl, and the wider biome stands a better chance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-bioregions-and-the-future">Humans, bioregions, and the future</h2>



The new rule surfaces as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-humans-are-warming-the-planet-faster-than-ever-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans alter habitats</a> faster than many species can adjust, while warming nudges climatic bands roughly 12 miles north each decade. 



With a consistent framework, researchers can forecast which cores may shrink or shift and where fresh refuges might form. 



Some centers may have to leap uphill or poleward to survive, dragging dependent species along a gauntlet of highways, farms, and cities.



More data will sharpen those forecasts, yet the message is already clear. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodiversity is not random</a>; it follows a sturdy, planet-wide logic. 



By working with that logic, communities can steer scarce resources toward the spots that quietly keep life thriving - and in turn secure our own future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02724-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Scientists discover one simple rule that explains all life on Earth

Stand on any hillside on Earth and the view jumps...

Plant DNA has become a frontier for artificial intelligence, with large language models turning genetic sequences into interpretable content for researchers. These tools treat bases like words, revealing hidden patterns that once eluded traditional methods.



A study published by Dr. Meiling Zou from <a href="https://en.hainanu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hainan University</a> describes how language-based models interpret extensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-dna-repair-prevents-harmful-genetic-intrusion-in-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> genomes with remarkable precision. 



The team analyzed annotated data to show that these approaches can uncover functions and regulatory elements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-plant-dna-like-a-language">Deciphering plant DNA like a language</h2>



“By leveraging the structural parallels between genomic sequences and natural language, these AI-driven models can decode complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetic-fixes-may-save-crops-from-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic</a> information, offering unprecedented insights into plant biology,” stated Dr. Zou. 



Experts see parallels between DNA and written language that guide better interpretation of complex sequences. 



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167779921001979" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> of crops and their wild relatives illustrate that these models handle massive datasets faster than old-style algorithms.



They also need fewer manual labels, allowing scientists to study non-model plants with fewer resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-dna-is-hard-to-read">Plant DNA is hard to read</h2>



Plants often carry repeated segments and large amounts of non-coding DNA. This complexity means tools must handle billions of bases without ignoring long-distance interactions that can influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traits</a>.



Older methods relied on narrow slices of data, which could miss important signals. Language-based models link far-flung areas of the genome, revealing how certain genes combine to shape adaptation and growth.



Researchers now look at tropical species that thrive in hot and humid zones. These plants may have genes that bolster stress tolerance, so analyzing their DNA could spark agricultural strategies worldwide.



“This advancement holds promise for accelerating crop improvement, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and bolstering food security in the face of global challenges,” said Dr. Zou. 



Researchers now see potential in harnessing those genes for better yields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-real-world-plant-breeding">AI and real-world plant breeding</h2>



Several large language models first gained traction in human and animal genetics, but the door is now open for plant-based adaptations. By<a href="https://papers.nips.cc/paper_files/paper/2017/file/3f5ee243547dee91fbd053c1c4a845aa-Paper.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> pre-training</a> on broad genomic datasets, these systems are flexible enough to manage crop-specific tasks.



They can predict promoter strength and identify regulatory elements tied to critical traits. Scientists believe such approaches will cut costs and time when breeding cultivars for disease resistance.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/plant-dna-decoded_ai-ml-model_graphic_credit-Hainan-University_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/plant-dna-decoded_ai-ml-model_graphic_credit-Hainan-University_1s.webp" alt="Similarity between genome sequence and language sequence. The genome size data is derived from the NCBI genome database. Credit: Hainan University" class="wp-image-1972576"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Similarity between genome sequence and language sequence. The genome size data is derived from the NCBI genome database. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Hainan University</figcaption></figure>



Plant genomics is often paired with <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8473418/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteomics</a>, <a href="https://www.phgfoundation.org/publications/explainers/what-is-transcriptomics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transcriptomics</a>, and other data streams. Language models integrate these diverse inputs, spotting relationships that older methods might overlook.



Improving gene annotations and cleaning up reference assemblies will keep boosting predictive accuracy. Shared protocols help unify datasets, laying a foundation for multi-omics analysis at scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-access-through-open-databases">Expanding access through open databases</h2>



The growing availability of open-access plant genome databases is helping researchers train models on a wider range of species. 



Resources like <a href="https://phytozome-next.jgi.doe.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytozome</a>, <a href="https://www.gramene.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gramene</a>, and <a href="https://www.arabidopsis.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TAIR</a> include genomic data from hundreds of plants, including algae, rice, cotton, and Arabidopsis.



These platforms offer a mix of sequence data and phenotype records, giving language models more context to work with. Combined with transfer learning, this allows models to adapt quickly, even when labeled examples are scarce.



Non-model plants, like cassava or passion fruit, often lack extensive labeled genomic data. However, large language models trained on related <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-technology-will-accelerate-the-pace-of-plant-species-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> can still provide accurate predictions through transfer learning.



By adapting to genomic patterns shared across families, these models help uncover traits tied to drought tolerance, flowering time, or pest resistance. This makes them a strong fit for understudied crops important to tropical agriculture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-sequences-in-focus">Longer sequences in focus</h2>



The short context limits of many architectures can hinder detection of distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-dna-repair-prevents-harmful-genetic-intrusion-in-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regulatory elements</a> in plant DNA. Since crucial markers might lie tens of thousands of bases apart, new solutions are emerging.



Some frameworks extend input lengths while preserving single-base resolution. That <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-sophisticated-strategies-to-balance-defense-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balance is key</a> for catching hidden interactions that shape plant traits over vast genomic regions.



Complexities remain, but each step refines our ability to map genetic functions. By embracing open-source plant databases and multi-omics data, developers can train better models on underrepresented species.



Many scientists now push for more transparent benchmarks and shared test sets. They also encourage more cross-talk between AI experts and botanists to speed improvements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-dna-data-could-feed-the-world">Plant DNA data could feed the world</h2>



Applications go beyond breeding. Conservationists see value in predicting gene flow or identifying critical variations that keep rare species viable.



Such insights guide protective measures and might even uncover new resources in plants once dismissed as minor. Insights from language models help reveal structural secrets that shape <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-fern-contains-50-times-more-dna-than-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unique adaptations</a>.



Researchers anticipate using these models in real-world trials, from disease monitoring to efficient gene-editing. With minimal labeled data, labs can quickly adapt pre-trained models to different crops.



These feats hint at a future where AI tools clarify the hidden instructions within plant genomes. That clarity might address emerging demands for global sustainability, resource security, and agricultural productivity.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/tp-0025-0008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tropical Plants</a>.



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AI deciphers plant DNA - a breakthrough that will transform agriculture

Plant DNA has become a frontier for artificial intelligence, with...

Fenugreek, known scientifically as Trigonella foenum-graecum, has long been valued for its dense nutritional content. 



It contains a notable amount of protein, fiber, and magnesium that can help meet daily needs without complicated meal planning. Many traditions have used these seeds for their subtle taste and nourishing properties.



<a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8976-5004" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muhammad H. Alu’datt</a>, lead author of a recent study on fenugreek and its impact on human health, noted that fenugreek offers a unique combination of macronutrients and minerals that support daily health. 



The researchers highlighted that the seeds are especially rich in protein, magnesium, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-chia-seed-packs-a-powerful-nutrient-punch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soluble fiber</a>, which can aid in muscle maintenance, blood sugar control, and digestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-uses-of-fenugreek-seeds">Early uses of fenugreek seeds</h2>



Fenugreek’s history crosses <a href="https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/trigonella-foenum-graecum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multiple cultures</a>. Some groups enjoy it as a cooking spice, while others appreciate its practical uses in daily life. 



Today, its popularity is growing because newer <a href="https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume12number1/glycemic-index-lowering-effects-of-defatted-fenugreek-seed-flakes-fenuflakestm-on-some-indian-food-preparations-a-randomized-controlled-clinical-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> suggest these seeds might promote healthy muscle upkeep. One reason is the protein content, which helps maintain tissues vital for movement or exercise recovery.



A steady <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnesium</a> intake is just as important for anyone trying to stay active. Fenugreek seeds offer this mineral in amounts that make it easier to reach the recommended daily target. 



Researchers have associated magnesium with basic metabolic reactions and muscle relaxation. This connection means that those who include fenugreek in their diets might notice fewer nagging muscle strains during busy weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fenugreek-packs-a-nutritional-punch">Fenugreek packs a nutritional punch </h2>



Fenugreek has more than protein and magnesium. The first mention of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/galactomannan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactomannan</a> in fenugreek highlights the presence of a type of soluble fiber. 



This component seems to support a balanced digestive system by regulating intestinal movement.



Experts say the seeds also provide additional minerals, like iron and potassium, though <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnesium-threonate-is-best-supplement-for-improving-brain-health-says-neurologist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnesium</a> often takes the spotlight for its role in muscle control.



Some find fenugreek seeds a bit chewy and slightly aromatic, especially when lightly crushed. Toasting them in a dry pan helps soften their sharper notes. 



People who prefer milder textures can soak them overnight and blend them into dips for an easy way to boost daily protein.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muscle-support-and-normal-digestion">Muscle support and normal digestion</h2>



A balanced diet with plenty of protein often supports muscle tissue. Fenugreek participates as an excellent plant-based source that contains amino acids, which may aid in muscle repair. 



Those dealing with a hectic schedule can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemp-seeds-could-be-a-game-changer-as-an-alternative-protein-source/">toss </a>these seeds into rice dishes or soups. Substituting other condiments with crushed fenugreek seeds may enhance taste and add a nutrient advantage.



Fiber in fenugreek seeds also promotes satiety, which can help manage portion sizes. Combined with water, certain components in these seeds expand and encourage a feeling of comfortable fullness. 



A calmer digestive experience often follows, because fiber is <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.906690/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> to a steady glycemic response as well.



The result is more stable energy, which comes in handy for maintaining an active routine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-pointers-for-using-fenugreek">Everyday pointers for using fenugreek</h2>



Ground fenugreek powder goes well with marinades or rubs on lean meat. It can also flavor vegetarian stews, giving them a subtle, savory edge. 



Some prefer a cooled fenugreek “<a href="https://fullleafteacompany.com/pages/what-is-fenugreek-tea-history-benefits-more?srsltid=AfmBOopmdXsVkS1d6fw4b7tTWDF-z15ud4uWYDuOdHXPFxNPH_ZWKWgt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tea</a>,” steeped briefly to highlight its mild, nutty essence. Others go for fenugreek sprouts in salads or sandwiches, which add an extra crunch packed with vitamins.



Alu’datt and colleagues emphasized that moderate daily intake of fenugreek can contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/klotho-s-kl-protein-discovered-boosts-lifespan-muscle-brain-power-with-one-dose/">muscle</a> support and digestion. 



They recommended consistent use in small amounts, but cautioned that guidance from a health professional is essential before introducing new ingredients into a regular diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nursing-mothers-and-fenugreek-seeds">Nursing mothers and fenugreek seeds</h2>



Fenugreek may also help women during breastfeeding. In a clinical trial with 78 nursing mothers, those who consumed fenugreek seed tea reported increased milk supply. 



Babies in that group showed improved growth in weight, length, and head circumference compared to those in the control group.



This seed may also play a role in blood sugar balance. Another recent <a href="https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume12number1/glycemic-index-lowering-effects-of-defatted-fenugreek-seed-flakes-fenuflakestm-on-some-indian-food-preparations-a-randomized-controlled-clinical-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> involving 62 people with type 2 diabetes showed that taking fenugreek powder twice daily for two months led to reduced blood glucose and body mass index. 



Researchers believe this effect comes from the seed’s high <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002136.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soluble fiber</a>, which can slow sugar absorption and blunt post-meal spikes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improves-well-being">Improves well-being</h2>



Frequent bloating or other digestive troubles motivate many individuals to look for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-promote-weight-loss-regardless-of-processing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant foods</a> that are less burdensome. Fenugreek’s soluble fiber might soothe common issues. 



It can support the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87559120600586315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbiota</a> that line the gut, which may encourage both nutrient absorption and comfort after meals.



Many simply appreciate how fenugreek offers variety in the kitchen. Livening up everyday staples with an extra layer of flavor encourages healthy eating. 



The seeds might also suit those exploring legume-based diets, since fenugreek belongs to the same family as lentils and beans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sensible-measures-and-professional-advice">Sensible measures and professional advice</h2>



Healthy adults often do well with moderate amounts of fenugreek, but cautious steps are wise for some. If individuals have special conditions, it’s good to speak with a dietitian or physician before altering meals. 



Most find no problems when integrating fenugreek into a varied diet. A steady intake of these seeds can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/archaeologists-find-hallucinogenic-seeds-in-ancient-bones-black-henbane/">complement</a> a plan that includes quality proteins, vegetables, and fruits.



Athletes and those who train regularly sometimes find fenugreek beneficial due to its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-high-protein-fruit-prunes-strengthens-muscles-and-bones-in-people-over-45/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high protein</a> content. It’s considered a simple way to refuel muscles without an abrupt shift in meal routines. 



Adding water-rich vegetables with fenugreek seeds can also enhance hydration, which is valuable during intense exercise.



The study is published in the <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1750-3841.16970" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Food Science</a>.



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This seed is rich in protein, magnesium, and helps grow muscle mass

Fenugreek, known scientifically as Trigonella foenum-graecum, has long been valued...

Over the past few decades, a section of the Amazon rainforest has experienced conditions far drier than usual. Scientists launched a project to understand how reduced rainfall might change this green stronghold.



Lucy Rowland, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, is part of the team that has monitored this forest region for more than 20 years. The efforts are closely tied to an international collaboration aimed at <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02702-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">documenting</a> the rainforest’s response to stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-amazon-stores-carbon">How the Amazon stores carbon </h2>



Much of the Amazon serves as a critical buffer against rising <a href="https://www.climate.gov/ghg/what-are-greenhouse-gases-and-why-do-they-matter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>. This status is due to the enormous amount of carbon dioxide the rainforest can hold, as supported by prior <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1164033" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> on tree mortality patterns. 



The forests soak up carbon and help regulate global temperatures. For years, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traditional-forest-farming-is-an-overlooked-climate-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> researchers have wondered what prolonged dryness might mean for this natural reservoir. 



In previous studies, experts at NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-led-project-tracking-changes-to-water-ecosystems-land-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> used satellites to track vegetation and water content. Together, the data provides a clearer picture of the interplay between ground-level forest conditions and broader atmospheric cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drought-changed-the-forest-canopy">Drought changed the forest canopy</h2>



The <a href="https://www.esecaflor.ufpa.br/index_eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Esecaflor project</a>, located in the Caxiuana National Forest, set out to examine how lower soil moisture affects tree growth and overall forest vitality. 



To make sense of long-term trends, instruments were placed on living trunks, in the soil, and on tall metal towers overlooking the canopy. Regular measurements helped gauge tree health by tracking sap flow, leaf water status, and other key markers.



“We saw a really big decline in biomass, big losses and mortality of the largest trees,” said Professor Rowland.



Early observations showed that mature <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-forests-helps-birds-and-humans-in-many-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> could keep growing, but many eventually showed signs of water stress. Their absence made light and heat more noticeable in spots that had once been shaded by leafy crowns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-amazon-balanced-its-carbon-role">How the Amazon balanced its carbon role</h2>



Over time, the thinning canopy led to new conditions for surviving vegetation. Younger stands, with different rooting strategies, began to flourish. 



The researchers discovered that when big, older trunks no longer competed for water, the rest of the forest slowly reached a new balance.



To interpret these patterns, investigators gathered data on how much water remained in the top layers of soil. Seasonal rainfall could not keep moisture levels high enough for every plant, but it proved sufficient for those that adapted to drier conditions. 



Eventually, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-carbon-credits-are-failing-so-what-needs-to-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> patch held a steady balance instead of losing more vegetation - indicating a move toward stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-for-forest-recovery">Next steps for forest recovery</h2>



“The forest has already adapted. Now we want to understand what happens next,” said meteorologist João de Athaydes, study co-author and professor at the <a href="https://ufpa.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Federal University of Para</a>. 



“The idea is to see whether the forest can regenerate and return to the baseline from when we started the project.”



Many plastic covers were pulled from the ground to see how the site responds when rain returns to typical levels.



Teams are watching the root growth beneath the soil, the air’s temperature, and the steady change in soil moisture. Researchers hope to learn if the forest can regain enough dense foliage to restart substantial carbon uptake. 



An even bigger question is whether the site might reach a state similar to its early days before rainfall was reduced.



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



Environmental scientists worry about widespread drought events in the Amazon. Extended dryness, triggered by El Niño patterns, has been documented over many years. 



The implications include stress on wildlife, changes in local climates, and potential spikes in greenhouse gases if too many large trees succumb.



The Esecaflor experiment highlights how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> ecosystem might transform under drier circumstances. Though parts of this tract survived with reduced canopy cover, that survival came with lower capacity to store carbon. 



If the broader Amazon faces similarly harsh conditions, the global climate picture could shift considerably.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-amazon-has-its-carbon-limits">The Amazon has its carbon limits</h2>



The findings from this <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02702-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project</a> suggest that some resilience remains in tropical rainforests. Yet, the results serve as a reminder that even these robust ecosystems have limits when faced with less rainfall. 



The years of dryness in this experiment did not convert the area into grassland, which offers a sign of hope.



Scientists involved in this research will continue to share data with policymakers and other academic institutions. Discussions at international gatherings demonstrate the urgency of protecting vital carbon sinks and reinforcing conservation efforts. 



In places like the Amazon, practical measures that support forest health can be pivotal in stabilizing our changing climate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02702-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Dry spells weaken the Amazon's ability to store carbon

Over the past few decades, a section of the Amazon...

World Seaweed Day, celebrated on June 4, shines a spotlight on a vital yet often overlooked marine plant. Seaweed plays a key role in ocean ecosystems, supports diverse marine life, and benefits a wide range of human industries - from nutrition and agriculture to scientific research and climate solutions.



The day aims to boost awareness and inspire greater investment in this valuable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seaweed-farming-could-boost-food-security-slow-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resource</a>. As seaweed farming expands, so too does global interest in its wide-ranging potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-seaweed-day-needs-global-attention">World Seaweed Day needs global attention</h2>



Seaweed forms the base of many <a href="https://www.seaweed.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal ecosystems</a>. One of the most important types is kelp - a large brown seaweed that grows in cold, nutrient-rich waters. It attaches to rocks on the seafloor and rises toward the surface, forming thick underwater forests.



Kelp forests support high biodiversity. Fish, crabs, sea urchins, and sea otters all live, hunt, or breed among the kelp. Juvenile fish use the dense fronds as shelter from predators. Many invertebrates feed directly on the kelp or on the microorganisms living on its surface.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kelp-forests-in-crisis-how-toxic-turf-algae-are-taking-over/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelp</a> grows quickly - some species grow up to half a meter per day. As it grows, kelp absorbs carbon dioxide from seawater and produces oxygen. This helps reduce local ocean acidification. Kelp also slows water movement, which protects shorelines from erosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indicators-of-ocean-health">Indicators of ocean health</h2>



In regions like California, Tasmania, and British Columbia, kelp forests are key parts of the coastal food web. They also support commercial fisheries and ecotourism. 



When kelp declines due to warming waters or sea urchin overgrazing, the entire ecosystem feels the impact. That’s why scientists monitor kelp closely as an indicator of ocean health.



Seaweed also protects coasts. It stabilizes sediment and slows wave action. These functions reduce coastal erosion. Seaweed adapts better than coral to temperature shifts and acidic waters. That makes it a useful tool in marine conservation.



Researchers continue to study how seaweed interacts with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sargassum-seaweed-a-growing-problem-could-become-a-sustainable-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> and how it might reduce ocean acidification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-traditional-and-modern-food">A traditional and modern food</h2>



In many countries, people have eaten seaweed for centuries. It is part of everyday diets in Japan, Korea, China, and parts of India. It offers key nutrients such as iodine, calcium, iron, and vitamin K. It also adds natural flavor, especially umami.



Now, global markets are adopting seaweed as a food product. It appears in snacks, sauces, and health supplements. It is low in calories and high in fiber. It also suits vegan and gluten-free diets.



Seaweed farming does not use soil or fresh water, which makes it more sustainable than many land crops. As global food systems face pressure, seaweed provides an efficient and low-impact option.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seaweed-farming-and-local-economies">Seaweed farming and local economies</h2>



Seaweed farming is simple and low-cost. Farmers tie seaweed to ropes and let it grow in coastal waters. In countries like Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, these farms create jobs, often for women.



Besides supporting income, seaweed farms improve the environment. Seaweed absorbs excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients cause algae blooms in polluted waters. Seaweed helps reduce that risk and restore balance.



Governments and NGOs are working to scale seaweed production. The goal is to improve both rural incomes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-evolutionary-adaptations-of-seagrasses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-seaweed-day-and-climate-action">World Seaweed Day and climate action</h2>



Seaweed absorbs carbon while growing. Some researchers suggest that large-scale seaweed farms could help remove carbon from the atmosphere. This process is still being studied. One idea involves sinking harvested seaweed deep into the ocean to store carbon long-term.



Another tested solution involves livestock. Adding small amounts of red seaweed to cattle feed reduces their methane emissions. Trials show up to 80 percent reduction in some cases.



Seaweed will not solve climate change alone. But it can support broader strategies through carbon capture and reduced agricultural emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industrial-uses-and-new-research">Industrial uses and new research</h2>



Seaweed has applications far beyond food. It appears in cosmetics, fertilizers, packaging, and pharmaceuticals. Extracts from seaweed act as thickeners, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents.



Researchers also study seaweed-based materials for biodegradable plastics and fabric. In construction, seaweed-derived products may improve insulation. Interest is growing because seaweed is renewable, versatile, and relatively easy to grow.



Innovation in this field depends on research funding, fair supply chains, and environmental monitoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-seaweed-farming">Challenges of seaweed farming</h2>



Despite its benefits, seaweed farming still faces challenges. Many farmers lack secure access to coastal waters. In some regions, laws are unclear or missing. Infrastructure is often weak, and small producers have limited market access.



Uncontrolled harvesting also poses a threat. Some regions cut seaweed from wild stocks without considering long-term impact. Poor practices can damage ecosystems.



To avoid these risks, governments must support training, regulations, and monitoring. A balance is needed between industry growth and environmental protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-action-on-world-seaweed-day">Take action on World Seaweed Day </h2>



Taking action on World Seaweed Day can start with something as simple as learning more about the role seaweed plays in ocean health and climate solutions. 



You can support sustainable seaweed products by choosing foods, cosmetics, or packaging made with responsibly harvested or farmed seaweed. 



Sharing what you learn on social media or with friends helps spread awareness and encourage others to take interest. 



If you live near a coast, you might look into local seaweed farming initiatives or marine conservation programs to volunteer with or support. 



Even small actions like asking for more seaweed-based options at your grocery store can help drive change. You can also donate to organizations that support seaweed and ocean sustainability, such as the <a href="https://www.kelpforestfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelp Forest Foundation</a>.



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World Seaweed Day 2025: Saving the ocean’s sustainable powerhouse

World Seaweed Day, celebrated on June 4, shines a spotlight...

Diseño sin título - 1

Many adults worry about preserving muscle and bone as they grow older. Nutrient-packed foods can make a difference, and one fruit has been getting a lot of attention in this regard.



One of the researchers investigating this fruit’s benefits is <a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/contact/mary-jane-de-souza" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Mary Jane De Souza</a> from <a href="https://hhd.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>. Her work focuses on how it contributes to muscle mass and bone structure, especially in people over 45 who are facing the natural changes that come with menopause.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-muscles-and-bones-need-extra-attention">Why muscles and bones need extra attention</h2>



A gradual loss of lean tissue can affect physical performance. Reduced bone density can also leave a person more prone to fractures. Individuals who want a balanced and enjoyable life after 45 often look for reliable dietary strategies that fit into a simple routine. Some studies have begun to explore how particular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-gold-the-vitamin-packed-fruit-that-regulates-blood-sugar-and-blood-pressure/">fruits</a> might fill that need.



Prunes contain a significant amount of nutrients, including vitamins and polyphenols. <a href="https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/krnc/monthly-blog/what-are-polyphenols-another-great-reason-to-eat-fruits-and-veggies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polyphenols</a> are chemical compounds linked with antioxidant properties that may support healthy cells. Researchers have suggested that prunes might not only aid digestion but also help keep muscles and bones in decent shape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-elements-in-prunes">Unique elements in prunes</h2>



The discussion around prunes often highlights fiber, but that’s not the only draw. Experts have pointed out that prunes carry components that are important for muscle support. Some references have also shown they can increase levels of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9526830/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IGF-1</a>, which plays a role in normal bone development and muscle growth.



There is also a natural compound known as sorbitol, and certain acids that can influence blood sugar management. Prunes appear to slow sugar absorption while helping the body handle glucose. Some studies connect these qualities to better energy balance throughout the day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-latest-research-found">What the latest research found</h2>



“This is the first randomized controlled trial to look at three-dimensional bone outcomes with respect to bone structure, geometry, and estimated strength,” said Dr. De Souza. Scientists at Penn State tested how prunes affect bone structure in postmenopausal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diet-improves-health-in-women-with-breast-cancer/">women</a>. Their data suggests that a daily serving of prunes seems to slow typical bone changes seen in women after they stop having menstrual cycles.



In that investigation, people who ate at least four to six prunes per day saw noticeable stability in bone density measurements. The study showed that many participants who consumed prunes preserved bone quality over the course of a year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-for-women-after-menopause">Benefits for women after menopause</h2>



For women past 45, menopause means shifting hormone levels and a greater chance of bone mineral density loss. One <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38349471/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trial</a> revealed that routine prune intake kept certain bone markers stable in this group. One portion of research also highlighted how prunes help support cholesterol and antioxidant capacity.



Further data has shown that prunes are tied to a better gut environment. Some participants appeared to experience fewer changes associated with inflammation when adding prunes into their diets. Scientists theorize that healthy gut microbes and reduced inflammatory markers might have an important link to bone strength.



Researchers found that not everyone responds to prunes the same way. In one study, women with more diverse <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4290017/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiomes</a> were more likely to benefit from the fruit’s bone-supporting effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-prunes-may-be-helpful">How many prunes may be helpful</h2>



Some experts encourage daily consumption of around 50 grams of prunes, which equals five or six pieces. This moderate serving size seems enough to deliver benefits without too many extra calories or sugars. People can easily add prunes to salads, cereals, or just enjoy them on their own.



Many individuals in research studies were also advised to take in enough calcium and vitamin D. That suggests a broader approach to diet and daily habits is still essential. Yet, prunes have a particular identity as an easy snack that adds fiber, minerals, and certain vitamins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-weight-gain-isn-t-always-the-answer">Why weight gain isn't always the answer</h2>



Some participants in the control group, who didn’t eat prunes, still improved their bone density. These women tended to have a higher <a href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/calculate-your-bmi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">body mass index (BMI)</a> and more body fat overall, which may have played a role in protecting their bones through increased weight-bearing pressure.



However, higher BMI can also lead to health issues like <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insulin resistance</a>, which were seen in these participants. The prune group, on the other hand, gained bone support without relying on excess weight or related metabolic risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-promise-of-further-exploration">The promise of further exploration</h2>



While prunes are no substitute for medication or a doctor’s advice, some researchers see real potential in this fruit. They also emphasize getting a healthy mix of exercise, which might help maintain lean mass and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-molecules-collagen-discovered-in-66-million-year-old-dinosaur-bones/">bone</a> density as people age.



Continued research points to a strong connection between natural compounds in prunes and measurable differences in skeletal support. More studies may clarify how prunes influence healthy gut bacteria or whether certain individuals benefit more than others.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1389638/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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High-protein fruit strengthens muscles and bones in those over 45

Many adults worry about preserving muscle and bone as they...

It started with a single clay device found at an old settlement in northwestern Saudi Arabia that contained a small residue - hinting at a plant that might reveal medical or sensory secrets.



Scientists soon identified a psychoactive herb that people apparently burned and inhaled over two millennia ago. Peganum harmala is a desert shrub locally known as harmal.



The study, led by Dr. Barbara Huber and Professor Marta Luciani of the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology and the <a href="https://www.univie.ac.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vienna</a>, was based on careful chemical analysis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-harmal-was-burned">Where harmal was burned</h2>



<a href="https://whitelevy.fas.harvard.edu/unearthing-qurayyah-i-report-2015-2019-excavation-seasons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qurayyah</a> was a major oasis settlement during the Bronze and Iron Ages, located in what is now northwestern Saudi Arabia. It’s known for its distinctive pottery style called Qurayyah Painted Ware and for its long-term human occupation.



The discovery of multiple fumigation devices within homes - not temples or tombs - suggests that burning <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/peganum-harmala" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peganum harmala</a> was a routine part of domestic life. 



The plant is a perennial herbaceous species with a woody underground rootstock. It is known for its antibacterial, psychoactive, and therapeutic properties, and not just reserved for ceremonial use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harmal-in-daily-life">Harmal in daily life</h2>



The researchers focused on residue inside pottery from the site known as Qurayyah and used advanced techniques to see what ancient people might have been inhaling.



“Our findings represent chemical evidence for the earliest known burning of harmal, not just in Arabia, but globally,” said Barbara Huber. 



Another team member highlighted the plant’s possible antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mood-altering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruits-and-plants-are-powerful-allies-for-disease-prevention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a>. The settlement context suggests people chose harmal for both practical and personal reasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harmal-burning-was-deliberate">Harmal burning was deliberate</h2>



To identify the burned substance, the team used high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2359828/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HPLC-MS/MS</a>). This method allowed them to detect specific chemical markers left behind, even in tiny, degraded samples.



The technique zeroed in on two key compounds (<a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Harmine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmine</a> and <a href="https://www.acslab.com/research-development/harmane-guide-effects-benefits-risks-and-legality" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmane</a>) that are known hallmarks of Peganum harmala. Their presence confirmed that the plant was intentionally used, not just accidentally present.



The researchers believe that harmal seeds were probably collected, dried, and stored before being burned. The high oil content in the seeds made them ideal for slow, consistent combustion.



The presence of specialized burners in domestic spaces suggests that harmal use was organized and intentional, not a random act. These devices were likely handled with care to avoid overexposure or waste.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harmal-is-still-used-today">Harmal is still used today</h2>



The seeds of this shrub contain active <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18523842/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alkaloids</a> that can affect serotonin and other chemicals in the brain. This can bring on mild to strong reactions, depending on the amount and the method of use.



Modern users in some regions burn harmal in homes. The harmal smoke is known for its pungent scent and is said to clear out negative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-remedies-are-raising-new-concerns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influences</a> and pests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-healing-role">Ancient healing role</h2>



Traditionally, harmal has been used in folk remedies for toothaches, headaches, and other types of pain. It has been brewed as tea or burned for direct inhalation.



Because of its antibacterial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-identify-medicinal-fungi-with-potential-to-slow-down-nervous-system-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">qualities</a>, this plant might have served as a rudimentary disinfectant. That approach makes sense in a busy oasis settlement that needed consistent hygiene.



Unlike drinking or eating harmal, inhaling the smoke delivers its active compounds through the lungs. This can change how quickly and how strongly people feel the effects.



Fumigation may have offered a milder, controlled experience, useful for treating symptoms without the risks tied to higher oral doses or hallucinations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dosage-effect-on-mood-pain">Dosage effect on mood, pain</h2>



Harmal smoke can trigger sensations that border on hallucinogenic. Experts say heavy doses may produce a unique mental state, while mild inhalation often brings relief from minor aches.



Some ancient communities may have used this practice for emotional wellness. The environment at Qurayyah probably fostered a need for both spiritual comfort and everyday health support.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burning-plants-in-ancient-rituals">Burning plants in ancient rituals</h2>



Across many ancient cultures, fumigation wasn’t just about scent or sanitation. Burning certain plants played a role in rituals, healing, and warding off misfortune.



The use of harmal smoke at Qurayyah may have mirrored practices seen elsewhere, where plant-burning served both spiritual and protective functions in daily life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-unlock-ancient-practices">Tools unlock ancient practices</h2>



Archaeologists see these findings as a reminder that local communities often identify and develop complex plant uses. Everyday objects, such as simple burners, can hold chemical data that bring hidden practices to light.



“We’re preserving not only objects, but the intangible cultural heritage of ancient knowledge that still holds relevance in local communities today,” said Ahmed M. Abualhassan, co-director of the Qurayyah project.



The possibilities stretch beyond archaeology, resonating with ethnobotany, anthropology, and heritage studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-natural-medicine">Insights into natural medicine </h2>



Traditional healing methods using plants like harmal are still practiced in parts of the Middle East. But with modernization and urbanization, much of this knowledge is fading fast.



By tracing the deep history of these practices, researchers are helping preserve cultural memory and open doors for new insights in natural medicine.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08096-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Ancient Arabians used psychoactive herbs to heal and protect

It started with a single clay device found at an...

A seed with a firm reputation has sparked fresh interest among nutrition enthusiasts. It contains high amounts of minerals and protein that seem to benefit many areas of human health.



Amaranth is considered a pseudocereal, which means it is used like a cereal grain, yet it belongs to a different botanical group. <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&amp;user=7Q1FcckAAAAJ&amp;" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Julieta M. Lopez-Martinez</a> notes that this seed’s calcium and iron content is significant enough to get people talking about its potential to keep bones strong and reduce the chances of unhealthy cell changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amaranth-seeds-nutritional-makeup">Amaranth seeds' nutritional makeup</h2>



Amaranth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemp-seeds-could-be-a-game-changer-as-an-alternative-protein-source/">seeds</a> contain amino acids that help the body in different ways. They offer a good balance of essential nutrients that are often missing in standard wheat-based foods.



Their level of vitamins, including vitamin A, helps the body maintain healthy tissue. They also have magnesium and potassium, minerals important for well-rounded nutrition. 



One <a href="https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2024.1607597/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> shows that amaranth seeds are a nutritious gluten-free food that has long been part of diets in South and Central America. 



This same source highlights that amaranth supports individuals who prefer or require diets without wheat.



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



Maintaining strong bones can lower the chance of issues like osteoporosis. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/calcium-zinc-are-keys-to-healthier-pregnancy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Calcium is a key mineral</a> for keeping bones dense and sturdy.



Low bone density tends to appear as we age, but a balanced diet can help reduce the likelihood of fractures or osteopenia, which is the stage before full bone density loss.



 Amaranth brings a notable amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/calcium-zinc-are-keys-to-healthier-pregnancy/">calcium</a> to a meal, which can encourage better skeletal strength.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amaranth-seeds-vs-other-grains">Amaranth seeds vs. other grains</h2>



When compared to wheat or corn, amaranth stands out for its higher levels of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10651908/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lysine</a>, an essential amino acid that supports tissue repair and calcium absorption. 



Most common grains are low in lysine, making amaranth a more complete protein source, especially for people who avoid animal products.



It also has more iron and magnesium than rice or oats, according to <a href="https://www.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a> data. 



These added nutrients help fill common dietary gaps and may reduce the need for supplements in some cases, particularly for people with increased nutrient demands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-cells-from-harm">Protecting cells from harm</h2>



Scientists have explored amaranth’s role in keeping certain cells healthier by limiting damage. The seed contains squalene, a plant-based oil that acts as part of the body’s line of defense against free radicals.



Free radicals are unstable molecules that can harm cells when present in excess amounts, so having <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrimp-proven-to-be-a-nutritional-treasure-packed-with-antioxidants/">antioxidants</a> around is thought to reduce the burden on tissues. 



The reduced damage may translate to fewer abnormal growths. Some researchers suggest that this seed may also help reinforce the immune system’s regular defenses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-it-part-of-daily-meals">Making it part of daily meals</h2>



Amaranth seeds work well in dishes like soups or cereals. Their mild taste blends nicely with many recipes.



People with <a href="https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celiac disease</a>, a condition marked by sensitivity to gluten, sometimes struggle to find grain alternatives. 



Amaranth’s natural gluten-free profile allows them to enjoy baked goods without risking inflammation in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-humans-have-shockingly-different-digestive-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive system</a>. It can also help regulate overall calorie intake because it has protein and fiber that lead to more satiety.



Including amaranth in easy dishes like salads or morning porridge is a handy way to build variety. 



Experts also encourage soaking or lightly heating the seeds to boost mineral absorption by reducing <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/phytate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytate</a>, a substance that binds certain nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-fitness-controlling-weight">Boosting fitness, controlling weight</h2>



Protein plays an essential part in muscle growth and repair. Athletes and gym enthusiasts often search for nutritious foods that fit well with their routines.



Many of them try protein-rich snacks that maintain energy and curb hunger. Amaranth’s protein can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/klotho-s-kl-protein-discovered-boosts-lifespan-muscle-brain-power-with-one-dose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">encourage muscle upkeep</a>, which is vital for regular exercise sessions. Its mixture of protein, fiber, and moderate carbs helps the body refuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-eat-amaranth-seeds-daily">How to eat amaranth seeds daily</h2>



When the immune system weakens, everything from seasonal illnesses to more serious ailments can arise. Amaranth’s vitamins and minerals are valuable for keeping these natural defenses on track.



Amaranth <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-seeds-toxic-carcinogen/">seeds</a> supply vitamin C, vitamin E, and other micronutrients to support the body’s response to daily stressors. 



Some references also indicate that consistent consumption may help individuals meet their nutritional quotas for the day.



Amaranth can be popped in a hot pan. It can be boiled for about 20 minutes in a pot of water. It works well as a thickener in soups, adding both texture and extra minerals.



Grinding it into flour allows bakers to experiment with gluten-free breads or pancakes. Some people try it in smoothies for a simple morning meal. Moderation is still wise, but the overall nutritional package can support a healthy eating plan.



The study is published in <a href="https://researcherslinks.com/current-issues/Amaranth-Seeds-A-Promising/14/8/7110/html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarhad Journal of Agriculture</a>.



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This seed, rich in calcium and iron, prevents tumors and keeps bones strong

A seed with a firm reputation has sparked fresh interest...

A recent study has found that efforts to restore forests in the Peruvian Amazon after gold mining are failing - not only because of toxic soil, but because the land has lost its water.



A popular method called suction mining reshapes the landscape so dramatically that it strips away moisture and traps heat, creating extreme conditions that young trees cannot survive.



The study was led by Abra Atwood of the <a href="https://www.woodwellclimate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodwell Climate Research Center</a>, alongside collaborators from <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>, <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>, and Peru’s <a href="https://www.unsaac.edu.pe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-dry-and-damaged-landscape"><a></a>A dry and damaged landscape</h2>



These findings help explain why reforestation in Peru’s Madre de Dios region has seen little success.



One of the co-authors, Josh West, a professor of earth sciences and environmental studies at <a href="https://dornsife.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Dornsife College</a>, has spent years examining the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lithium-brine-discovery-has-vast-implications-for-future-mining-operations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mining</a> on ecosystems.



“We’ve known that soil degradation slows forest recovery,” he said. “But this is different. The mining process dries out the land, making it inhospitable for new trees.”



The researchers studied two abandoned Amazon mining sites in Madre de Dios, near the borders of Brazil and Bolivia.



Using drones, underground imaging, and soil sensors, they tracked the effects of suction mining - a technique often used by small-scale or family-run miners. In this method, water cannons blast soil apart, and the resulting slurry is filtered to extract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-learn-how-gold-and-other-precious-metals-get-to-earths-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-topsoil-no-forest">No topsoil, no forest</h2>



The powerful streams also carry off the nutrient-rich topsoil. What’s left behind are still ponds and massive sand piles, sometimes up to 30 feet tall.



Unlike excavation mining, which can leave parts of the topsoil intact, suction mining strips the land bare. This not only removes vital <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-nutrient-loss-due-to-heavy-rainfall-threatens-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrients</a> but also changes how water behaves in the soil.



To investigate this, the team used electrical resistivity imaging, a technique that measures how moisture travels underground.



The researchers discovered that water drains through the sand piles as much as 100 times faster than in untouched forest soil. These piles also lose water about five times faster after rainfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-heat-stops-forest-recovery">Amazon heat stops forest recovery</h2>



To better understand the conditions in deforested areas, the scientists placed sensors across various environments - sand and clay zones, pond edges, and natural forests.



The results were consistent: areas in the Amazon impacted by suction mining were hotter and drier. On exposed sand piles, ground temperatures reached up to 145°F (60°C), far higher than in shaded forest areas.



“It’s like trying to grow a tree in an oven,” West said. Thermal imaging from drones showed how barren areas absorb and radiate heat, while nearby forests and pond edges remained cooler. Without moisture or shade, young trees have little chance to survive.



“When roots can’t find water and surface temperatures are scorching, even replanted seedlings just die,” Atwood said. “It’s a big part of why regeneration is so slow.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gold-rush-worsens-deforestation">Gold rush worsens deforestation</h2>



Despite some regrowth near ponds and in low-lying areas, the team found that much of the land - especially where sand piles dominate - remains barren.



These spots are far from the water table and lose moisture quickly, making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/">refores</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/">ation</a> extremely difficult.



From 1980 to 2017, small-scale gold mining wiped out over 95,000 hectares of rainforest in Madre de Dios - an area more than seven times the size of San Francisco.



Even today, operations are expanding around the Tambopata National Reserve, posing serious risks to biodiversity and nearby Indigenous communities. Across the wider Amazon basin, gold mining now contributes to nearly ten percent of deforestation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-alone-can-t-heal-the-amazon">Trees alone can't heal the Amazon</h2>



To improve recovery efforts, the scientists suggest going beyond planting trees. One proposed solution is reshaping the land itself - flattening sand piles and filling in ponds to bring new roots closer to underground water sources.



This could help retain moisture and improve survival rates for new vegetation. Though natural erosion could eventually help, the researchers stress that it’s happening far too slowly to match the urgency of the crisis.



“There’s only one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon rainforest</a>,” West said. “It’s a living system unlike anything else on Earth. If we lose it, we lose something irreplaceable.”



The experts hope their findings will guide new strategies to restore life to damaged parts of the Amazon. Without dramatic changes to current practices - and a commitment to reshape the land, not just replant it - millions of acres may remain lost to gold and drought.



 The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02332-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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