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...

Thaleichthys pacificus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Thaleichthys pacificus 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&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

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.

Thaleichthys pacificus

Thaleichthys pacificus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Thamnophis eques megalops 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Thamnophis eques megalops 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=3f147b0c9b5e4f6f8161f3ce2f2a7df3&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l2j69i60l3.862j0j9&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

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.

Thamnophis eques megalops

Thamnophis eques megalops NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Thamnophis gigas 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Thamnophis gigas 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Thamnophis gigas

Thamnophis gigas NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Thamnophis rufipunctatus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Thamnophis rufipunctatus

Thamnophis rufipunctatus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia

Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Thermosphaeroma thermophilus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Thermosphaeroma thermophilus 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Thermosphaeroma thermophilus

Thermosphaeroma thermophilus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Theropithecus gelada 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Theropithecus gelada 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Theropithecus gelada

Theropithecus gelada NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Thinornis novaeseelandiae 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Thinornis novaeseelandiae 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Thinornis novaeseelandiae

Thinornis novaeseelandiae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

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 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.

Thomomys mazama glacialis

NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source...

Thomomys mazama pugetensis 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Thomomys mazama pugetensis

Thomomys mazama pugetensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Thomomys mazama tumuli 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 -- Thomomys mazama tumuli 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=04199c903ec340abbe76ed5437dee267&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i59j69i60l3.622j0j1&amp;pglt=43&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.

Thomomys mazama tumuli

Thomomys mazama tumuli NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Thomomys mazama yelmensis 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Thomomys mazama yelmensis 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Thomomys mazama yelmensis

Thomomys mazama yelmensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer...

Thylacinus cynocephalus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Thylacinus cynocephalus 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Thylacinus cynocephalus

Thylacinus cynocephalus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Tiaroga cobitis 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 -- Tiaroga cobitis 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=04199c903ec340abbe76ed5437dee267&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59l2j69i57j69i59j69i60l3.622j0j1&amp;pglt=43&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.

Tiaroga cobitis

Tiaroga cobitis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Tinamus solitarius 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Tinamus solitarius 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Tinamus solitarius

Tinamus solitarius NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Todiramphus cinnamominus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Todiramphus cinnamominus 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. 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%

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.

Todiramphus cinnamominus

Todiramphus cinnamominus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Tomistoma schlegelii 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Tomistoma schlegelii 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Tomistoma schlegelii

Tomistoma schlegelii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Toxolasma cylindrellus 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/intense-wildfires-in-manitoba-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 -- Toxolasma cylindrellus 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%20america&amp;qs=n&amp;form=QBRE&amp;sp=-1&amp;pq=&amp;sc=0-0&amp;sk=&amp;cvid=2A486C7EEB7F4DC9A48B1971A274D39A">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%

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.

Toxolasma cylindrellus

Toxolasma cylindrellus NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Earth's climate is changing fast, and scientists are racing to understand how plants will respond. As temperatures rise and carbon dioxide levels increase, plants face new challenges and opportunities.



Some may grow larger, while others might struggle to maintain their natural processes. Understanding these shifts is essential for predicting future agricultural yields and ecosystem stability.



Researchers at the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory (<a href="https://prl.natsci.msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PRL</a>) Sharkey lab are studying how plant metabolism reacts to high light and high CO2 (HLHC) conditions.



The findings reveal that plants photosynthesize more in these conditions, which can result in larger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-may-stop-absorbing-carbon-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> and higher crop yields. However, this process comes with a cost - plants also lose carbon, a key component for making food.



These results, published in Scientific Reports, highlight the complexity of plant responses to environmental changes.



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



Scientists predict two major environmental shifts will affect plant metabolism. First, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels will continue rising. 



Second, global brightening will alter light conditions, as more solar radiation reaches the Earth's surface than in previous decades.



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-climate-solutions-mixed-forests-store-more-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shifts</a> will impact how plants grow and process carbon. Understanding these effects is crucial for future agricultural and ecological planning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-photosynthesis-rates">Increasing photosynthesis rates</h2>



“Our work demonstrates that it’s very important to study photosynthesis and the carbon metabolism in plants,” said Yuan Xu, postdoctoral researcher in the <a href="https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/labs/sharkey-lab/sharkey-lab.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sharkey lab</a> and first author of the study. 



“Especially when we think about conditions for the future based on predictions. If you want to do bioengineering in the future, to make a plant that can better adapt to these future conditions, you need to focus on these areas.”



The experts found that in future conditions, photosynthesis rates increase, but light respiration rates remain unchanged. This means plants can produce more sucrose and starch, which are vital for their survival and growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-store-carbon">How plants store carbon</h2>



“Most carbon fixed in photosynthesis becomes either starch [to use later] – like putting money in your bank account – or sucrose (table sugar) to use now – like buying an ice cream cone,” said Thomas D. Sharkey, University Distinguished Professor in the PRL. 



“The most surprising observation was that extra carbon at high light and high carbon dioxide went much more to starch (76% increase) rather than sucrose (41% increase). This may help plants become more resilient because they will have extra carbon for growth or defense.”



Larger plants and increased crop yields could result from this higher rate of photosynthesis. However, a challenge remains: plants also lose carbon during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">process</a>, reducing the total available food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-of-future-plants">Resilience of future plants</h2>



During photosynthesis, plants release CO2 through a process called respiration in light (RL). 



The researchers found that RL remains constant under both current and future conditions. Despite increased photosynthesis, the rate at which plants release CO2 through RL does not change.



This suggests that while plants may grow larger, they still lose a steady amount of carbon. Understanding this balance is essential for improving plant resilience in changing environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-plant-carbon-loss">Measuring plant carbon loss</h2>



To analyze RL under HLHC conditions, researchers used a unique approach. Traditional methods like the Laisk or Kok techniques only work in low light <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-carbon-sinks-are-being-pushed-to-their-limits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>.



“That’s why this study is unique,” Xu explained. “We used a new approach to measure the RL in the high light condition that cannot be measured using the old method.”



Xu applied a technique known as isotopically nonstationary metabolic flux analysis (INST-MFA). This method, commonly used in bacteria and fungi studies, has rarely been applied to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-diverse-crops-traps-carbon-and-boosts-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant research</a>.



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



The Sharkey lab plans to continue exploring respiration in light using advanced research techniques. Their goal is to deepen the understanding of how plants take in and release carbon dioxide.



“We know from this study that many things are changed [under future conditions] including photosynthesis, photorespiration and respiration in the light,” Xu said. “This gave a hint for future work.”



The research was funded by the Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences, Office of Basic Energy Sciences at the U.S. Department of Energy. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-88574-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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How future climate conditions will transform plant growth

Earth's climate is changing fast, and scientists are racing to...

The end-Permian mass extinction, 252 million years ago, was devastating to life on Earth. Massive volcanic eruptions unleashed 100,000 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, triggering a severe climate crisis.



This led to extreme global warming, deoxygenated oceans, and widespread extinction. However, many plants survived, leaving fossil records that help scientists understand a dramatic 10-degree rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a>.



“While fossilized spores and pollen of plants from the Early Triassic do not provide strong evidence for a sudden and catastrophic biodiversity loss, both marine and terrestrial animals experienced the most severe mass extinction in Earth’s history,” explained Dr. Maura Brunetti of the <a href="https://www.unige.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Geneva</a>. 



“Life on Earth had to adjust to repeated changes in climate and the carbon cycle for several million years after the Permian-Triassic Boundary.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reconstructing-the-ancient-climate">Reconstructing the ancient climate</h2>



The scientists studied five geological stages on either side of the Permian-Triassic Boundary. These included the Permian Wuchiapingian and Changhsingian, the early Triassic Induan and Olenekian, and the middle Triassic Anisian.



Using maps of Earth’s ancient geography and plant fossil data, the researchers identified six major biomes and estimated local climates based on fossil distributions.



The identified biomes ranged from tropical, humid regions to seasonal temperate and desert areas. 



Cold climates featured desert in the tropics and tundra at higher latitudes, while warm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/public-concern-over-species-extinctions-fades-quickly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climates</a> had temperate vegetation near the poles and deserts near the equator. Increased carbon dioxide levels led to warmer and wetter conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-ecosystem-shifts-after-extinction">Climate and ecosystem shifts after extinction</h2>



Using statistical models, the scientists compared plant fossil records with simulated biomes under different climate conditions. Their findings revealed dramatic shifts in ecosystems at the Permian-Triassic Boundary.



Before the extinction, the Permian had a colder climate. The early Triassic Induan period showed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-forests-rose-again-after-the-planets-most-extreme-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unstable conditions</a> that scientists could not clearly classify. 



This uncertainty may be due to sampling biases, poor fossil preservation, or short-term climate variations. More fossil data is needed for clarity.



Later Triassic periods saw significantly warmer conditions. The Olenekian and Anisian stabilized at temperatures 10 degrees higher than the Permian.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-hotter-future">A hotter future</h2>



“This transition from the colder climatic state to the hotter state is marked by an increase of approximately 10⁰C in the mean global surface air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-heliconia-species-are-at-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> and an intensification of the water cycle,” said Dr. Brunetti.



“Tropical everwet and summerwet biomes emerged in the tropics, replacing predominantly desertic landscapes. Meanwhile, the warm-cool temperate biome shifted towards polar regions, leading to the complete disappearance of tundra ecosystems.”



Dr. Brunetti noted that the shift in vegetation cover can be linked to tipping mechanisms between climatic steady states, providing a potential framework for understanding the transition between Permian and Triassic.



“This framework can be used to understand tipping behavior in the climate system in response to the present-day CO2 increase. If this increase continues at the same rate, we will reach the level of emissions that caused the Permian-Triassic mass extinction in around 2,700 years — a much faster timescale than the Permian-Triassic Boundary emissions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainties-and-future-research">Uncertainties and future research</h2>



More data and refined models are necessary for clearer conclusions. “The comparison between simulated biomes and the dataset is influenced by uncertainties, arising from paleogeographic reconstructions and the classification of fossil assemblages into biomes,” said Dr. Brunetti.



“Furthermore, our climate modeling setup relies on offline coupling between models — the vegetation model uses the final outputs of the climatic model for biome reconstruction. This could be enhanced using a dynamic vegetation model.”



The Permian-Triassic extinction reshaped life on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>. Studying its causes and consequences may provide valuable insights into the ongoing climate crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-lessons-from-past-extinctions">Climate lessons from past extinctions</h2>



The Permian-Triassic extinction reshaped the planet, erasing entire ecosystems and paving the way for new ones. 



By studying how life responded to these changes, scientists can better predict how today’s ecosystems will react to rising temperatures and shifting climate patterns.



Understanding the past is crucial for preparing for the future. If history is any indication, life on Earth will survive - but whether human civilization can adapt as effectively remains an open question.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/earth-science/articles/10.3389/feart.2025.1520846/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>.



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Climate chaos: The mass extinction that reshaped life on Earth

The end-Permian mass extinction, 252 million years ago, was devastating...

Protecting wildlife while managing forests has always been a challenge. In California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, forest managers face difficult decisions as they try to prevent destructive wildfires without harming the birds and other species that call these forests home.



Traditional monitoring methods require significant time and effort, making it hard to collect enough data to guide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-struggling-to-keep-pace-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>.



Now, scientists have introduced a breakthrough solution. Using thousands of microphones and advanced machine learning, researchers have developed a way to track forest birds over vast landscapes.



This innovative approach offers an unprecedented level of detail, providing valuable insights that help balance conservation with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dead-wood-removal-can-save-forests-from-future-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> management. 



A new study highlights how bioacoustic technology can revolutionize wildlife monitoring and support better decision-making for the future of these forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-bird-sounds">Capturing bird sounds </h2>



Researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics led this study, which analyzed more than 700,000 hours of bird sounds. 



The team deployed microphones at 1,600 sites, covering around six million acres of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-forests-rose-again-after-the-planets-most-extreme-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a>. The goal was to track ten important bird species, including owls and woodpeckers, which serve as indicators of forest health.



These species provide crucial information about changes in the environment. By listening to their calls across different locations, scientists can assess how forest conditions impact wildlife.



"The amount of coverage that gives us and the idea of what's happening with species at so many different locations allow for really powerful inference to be drawn from the network," said study lead author Kristin Brunk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-machine-learning-and-wildlife-monitoring">Machine learning and wildlife monitoring</h2>



To analyze the massive amount of recorded data, scientists turned to BirdNET, a machine-learning algorithm designed to identify bird calls automatically. This system allows researchers to recognize different species and understand how their presence relates to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-climate-solutions-mixed-forests-store-more-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental conditions</a>.



The study examined how factors such as tree density and canopy cover influence bird populations. These are the same variables that forest managers consider when making conservation decisions. The ability to connect bird activity with habitat conditions provides an essential tool for guiding land management strategies.



By mapping where different birds live, researchers can help forest managers make more informed choices. This is especially important as they work to reduce wildfire risks through controlled burns and forest thinning. Without careful planning, these activities could unintentionally disrupt bird populations.



"We're able to understand bird populations in the context of the forest conditions that are going to be actively manipulated by the management community to hopefully restore some resilience to this system," said Connor Wood, lead researcher at the <a href="https://www.birds.cornell.edu/ccb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cheaper-forest-bird-tracking">Cheaper forest bird tracking</h2>



Monitoring wildlife over such a large area would be nearly impossible using traditional methods. Conducting field surveys requires a significant investment of time and resources. In contrast, passive acoustic monitoring offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution.



"If you think about what the cost would have been to get that amount of information by having biologists collecting data across the landscape… the cost effectiveness can't really be matched," Brunk noted.



This system enables continuous, long-term monitoring without the need for large field teams. The data collected can also be used to track changes in bird populations over time, offering a deeper understanding of how forests evolve under different management strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-bird-monitoring">Forest bird monitoring </h2>



The success of this study goes beyond California’s Sierra Nevada. The researchers believe that bioacoustic monitoring can be applied to other regions facing similar conservation challenges. 



By adapting this technology, scientists and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> managers worldwide can gain better insights into wildlife populations and habitat conditions.



"It's sort of a blueprint for how passive acoustic monitoring can inform management," said Brunk.



This approach is particularly valuable in areas where human access is difficult. Remote forests, protected reserves, and even urban green spaces could benefit from passive monitoring. 



The ability to gather large amounts of data with minimal human disturbance makes this a promising tool for conservation efforts around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-forest-and-wildlife-protection">Future of forest and wildlife protection</h2>



The integration of cutting-edge technology with conservation practices represents a major step forward. Listening to the sounds of the forest can help scientists understand how bird populations respond to changes in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-still-fighting-climate-change-against-all-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.



"By combining new technologies with practical management needs, we're creating tools that can help protect both forests and wildlife during a time of rapid environmental change," said Wood.



The research was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Oregon State University, University of California-Merced, and Chemnitz University of Technology. This partnership highlights the increasing role of technology in conservation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fee.2843" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment</a>.



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Every bird song can help scientists make smarter forest decisions

Protecting wildlife while managing forests has always been a challenge....

Selection,Of,Animal,And,Plant,Protein,Sources,-,Fish,,Meat,

Nearly 90% of adults in the United States believe they must eat meat, dairy, or eggs to get enough protein. This finding comes from a poll of 2,203 people who were surveyed in January 2025, and it highlights the lingering confusion around animal protein and plant-based eating.



Women and Gen Z participants were most likely to push back against the idea that animal products are required for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hemp-seeds-could-be-a-game-changer-as-an-alternative-protein-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adequate nutrition</a>. 



<a href="https://www.pcrm.org/about-us/staff/roxanne-becker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Roxanne Becker</a>, MBChB, DipIBLM, who is with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, <a href="https://www.pcrm.org/news/news-releases/nearly-90-us-adults-believe-inaccurately-its-important-eat-animal-products-get" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">notes</a> that some consumers still struggle to see how plant foods can match traditional protein sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-plant-protein-replace-animal-protein">Can plant protein replace animal protein?</h2>



Consumers may worry about protein quality when moving away from animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-more-plant-protein-lowers-the-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a>. One key concern is about whether plant proteins are too low in essential amino acids.



Plant-based proteins are often linked with health perks such as high fiber and reduced levels of unhealthy fats. 



They also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals that animal products may lack, but the question about adequate essential amino acids remains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-protein-vs-animal-protein">Plant protein vs. animal protein</h2>



“Plant protein has been shown in randomized controlled trials to be as effective as animal protein for building muscle when the amounts of protein are equal. And it is full of nutrients and fiber, unlike animal-based protein sources,” clarified Dr. Becker.



There is strong support from <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10537483/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">controlled trials</a> for the benefits of plant-based eating.&nbsp;



In one <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33599941/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, men who followed a plant-based dietary plan or an omnivorous plan experienced similar gains in muscle mass when the diet was paired with resistance training. 



Similar protein amounts produced comparable results, regardless of the protein source. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-protein-supports-better-aging">Plant protein supports better aging</h2>



Midlife nutrition habits can set the stage for quality of life decades later. An <a href="https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)66282-3/fulltext#tbl2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (<a href="https://hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HSPH</a>) suggests that higher intake of plant protein in midlife may support healthy aging in women.



Participants in that study showed better physical and cognitive outcomes over the years when they relied on beans, nuts, and other plant-based staples. 



The findings indicate that animal protein may have a few benefits for mobility, but plant protein aligns with improved overall well-being.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-protein-needs">Practical protein needs</h2>



The minimum daily requirement for an adult is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (0.01 ounces per pound) of body weight. 



That’s about 56 grams for a 70-kilogram (2 ounces for a 155-pound) man and 46 grams for a 58-kilogram (1.6 ounces for a 128-pound) woman.



Those who exercise heavily may need up to 2 grams per kilogram (0.07 ounces per pound), especially if they’re doing strength training. 



Keeping track of these figures can guide individuals toward balanced dietary choices that nourish muscle growth and support overall health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-muscle-with-age">Maintaining muscle with age</h2>



“As we age, it’s important to consume enough protein to maintain our muscle mass so we can avoid frailty. Plant protein sources, which contain no artery-clogging cholesterol and are low in saturated fat, should be the go-to,” said Dr. Becker. 



Older adults might lose muscle mass over time, so feeding the body with enough protein is wise.&nbsp;



Many plant-based options are naturally free of animal fats, which can help with <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.117.006659" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart health</a> in the long run. These foods are also linked to lower cholesterol levels.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ways-to-replace-animal-protein">Ways to replace animal protein</h2>



Busy schedules might make it tricky for some people to figure out a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/futuristic-food-supply-transforming-co2-into-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-friendly</a> menu that supplies adequate protein. 



Tofu, beans, lentils, peas, nuts and tempeh are familiar to many who want to load up on muscle-building nutrients without relying on animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-are-suffering-from-declining-plant-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">products</a>.



“Unlike animal-based protein, these foods contain zero cholesterol and tend to be low in saturated fat, making them a smart choice for long-term health. Getting enough protein is as easy as enjoying meals you already know and love,” said Xavier Toledo, a registered dietitian with the Physicians Committee.



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



The survey revealed that more than half of respondents felt it was possible to gain muscle on a plant-based eating plan. 



This marks a change from older attitudes that portrayed animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein</a> as the gold standard.



Despite strong acceptance among younger adults, the broader public still lags behind on the facts. That gap could close as research keeps highlighting the flexibility and benefits of plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-meat-less-protein-lacks-certain-nutrients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets</a>.



The study is published in the <a href="https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)66282-3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>.



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Do humans need to eat animal protein to build muscle? Science has the answer

Nearly 90% of adults in the United States believe they...

Autumn,Blooming,Purple,Chrysanthemum,Flowers,Covered,With,Snow.,Frozen,Flowers

The world is changing, and so is the climate. Sudden temperature drops, unexpected frosts, and shifting weather patterns challenge ecosystems in many ways. 



For plants, these changes are especially harsh. Unlike animals, they cannot migrate, seek shelter, or generate body heat in cold weather. Instead, they rely on internal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-warming-alters-plant-germination-and-disrupts-ecosystem-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptations to survive</a>.



Varvara Dikaya at <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a> explored this challenge in her doctoral research. She studied a protein which plays a key role in plant adaptation to low temperatures.



The findings reveal that this protein participates in multiple signaling pathways, enabling plants to survive harsh conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-response-strategies-of-plants">Cold response strategies of plants </h2>



Unlike animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shaded-plants-capture-light-beyond-the-visible-spectrum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> cannot seek warmth or migrate. Their survival depends on internal mechanisms that adjust to temperature shifts. 



Past research focused on molecules like amino acids and sugars, which help prevent freezing. Scientists also studied core temperature-response mechanisms, but many crucial components remained unknown.



Dikaya’s <a href="http://umu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:1933796" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> uncovers a missing piece of this puzzle - RNA splicing. This process determines which proteins are produced in plant cells, directly impacting cold response strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-rna-splicing-the-basics">Understanding RNA splicing - the basics</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-cells-communicate-with-each-other-through-rna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA</a> splicing is like an editing process for your genes, making sure your cells get the right instructions to build proteins. 



When a gene gets copied into RNA, it includes extra sections called introns that don’t actually code for anything useful. 



Before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-world-unraveling-mysteries-life-origin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RNA can do its job</a>, the cell cuts out these introns and stitches together the remaining pieces, called exons. 



This process turns a raw RNA transcript into a polished, ready-to-go messenger RNA (mRNA) that cells can use to make proteins.



Sometimes, cells splice RNA in different ways, mixing and matching exons to produce multiple proteins from the same gene. 



This alternative splicing is why our relatively small number of genes can make such a huge range of proteins. When splicing goes wrong, though, it can lead to diseases like cancer and genetic disorders.



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



"Splicing acts as a central hub controlling the information flow from DNA to RNA, defining which proteins are synthesized from a certain gene," explained Dikaya, who is a doctoral student in the Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University and <a href="https://www.upsc.se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå Plant Science Center</a>.



Her research focused on PORCUPINE, a protein discovered when scientists observed that plants with a mutation in this gene became unusually cold-sensitive. The mutation's spiky shoot tips inspired the name.



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



"The PORCUPINE mutant appears normal under ambient temperature conditions but cannot develop properly in the case of even a mild temperature drop," the team noted.



"Already at 16 degrees, the mutant grows shorter roots with increased root hair density and much smaller rosettes than normal. This is very special,."



Dikaya’s work reveals that cold temperatures trigger an increase in PORCUPINE RNA in cells. This suggests that the plant produces more of this protein to cope with the stress. 



However, PORCUPINE is not just a passive responder. It actively participates in the spliceosome, a complex that processes RNA before it transforms into proteins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-player-in-rna-processing">Key player in RNA processing</h2>



PORCUPINE is not just a responder to cold; it is an active participant in RNA processing. 



This protein is part of the spliceosome, a complex molecular machine that modifies RNA before it is translated into proteins. Without proper RNA splicing, plants cannot produce the proteins they need to survive.



By studying PORCUPINE’s role in the spliceosome, Dikaya and her team discovered that it influences multiple genetic pathways. 



Some of these pathways control how plants sense and react to cold temperature shifts. Others regulate growth patterns that determine whether a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> can withstand stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-network-of-cold-responses">A network of cold responses</h2>



Dikaya and her colleagues identified several genes controlled by PORCUPINE, all of which influence how plants respond to temperature changes. Her research highlights how intricate these responses are, involving multiple overlapping pathways.



"Our findings show the complexity of the cold response in plants. It is important to understand all aspects and identify fundamental mechanisms that could be applied later on in a practical manner," Dikaya noted.



"Such knowledge will be essential to create more resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioelectric-future-harnessing-the-natural-energy-of-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> capable of withstanding environmental challenges in the future, even though it is still a long way to go."



Her work provides a deeper understanding of how plants adjust to fluctuating temperatures. This knowledge could pave the way for crops that can better withstand future climate uncertainties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-cold-resistant-plants">Future of cold-resistant plants</h2>



The challenges of climate change are not going away, and neither is the need for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phantom-nutrient-the-secret-force-that-fuels-plant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilient crops</a>. 



If researchers can harness the knowledge gained from studies like Dikaya’s, they may be able to develop plant varieties that thrive despite temperature fluctuations.



Although there is still much to learn, this research brings us one step closer to understanding the intricate mechanisms that allow plants to survive. In the years ahead, discoveries like this could reshape agriculture and help ensure food security in a changing world.



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Plants have an amazing ability to 'rewire' themselves to survive winter

The world is changing, and so is the climate. Sudden...

With their beak-like flowers and vibrant colors, Heliconia plants are a striking presence in tropical landscapes. But beyond their visual appeal, these captivating plants serve a vital ecological role and are emblematic of the tropical biosphere.



Heliconia plants have now entered the danger zone, with new research indicating that nearly half of these species are on the brink of extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-fieldwork-data">Decades of fieldwork data </h2>



The research was focused on data from the world's herbaria - time capsules of botanical history.



"The data that is stored in the herbarium is a scientific treasure that makes a project like this feasible," explained Gary Krupnick, a botanist who heads the Plant Conservation Unit at the <a href="https://www.si.edu/museums/natural-history-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History</a>. 



The researchers analyzed decades' worth of fieldwork data, preserved in the form of thousands of dried specimens and meticulous labels, to assess the conservation status of Heliconia <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-heliconia-plants">Ecological role of Heliconia plants </h2>



Encompassing 187 species related to bananas, the majority of Heliconia plants are rainforest dwellers in tropical Central and South America. Their roles go way beyond their spectacular visual appeal.



They act as precious nectar stations for bats and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a>, who in turn act as pollinators for many Heliconia species, playing a major part in the propagation of these plants. 



Yet, their very splendor has put them at risk of overexploitation and poaching. Habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change further compound the threats they face.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-heliconia-s-survival">Mapping Heliconia’s survival</h2>



Despite the adverse conditions that limited in-person access to the herbarium during the pandemic, the researchers made the most of the fully digitized Heliconia specimens available online.



This precious information, coupled with a tool called GeoCAT (Geospatial Conservation Assessment Tool), allowed the research team to calculate crucial factors like the size of the Heliconia's range and the number of plants in various areas. 



The experts also explored how human activities have impacted forest cover in these areas, which Heliconia populations inhabit protected regions, and which species can potentially be reintroduced into the wild from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">botanical gardens</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threatened-heliconia-species">Threatened Heliconia species </h2>



The findings were anything but encouraging. Of the 187 Heliconia species, 47 percent are threatened with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increasing-plant-extinction-threatens-the-future-of-medicine-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a>.



Most of these endangered species are found in few wild protected areas, and a relatively small number of these exist outside their native ranges. 



Furthermore, many of these species are adapted to fragile environments like high-altitude cloud forests, which are particularly susceptible to change.



The team identified 45 Heliconia species that are top priorities for additional protection.



“This study provides a blueprint for how to save this group of plants, starting with this list of priority species,” Krupnick said. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raising-public-awareness">Raising public awareness</h2>



The researchers are committed to raising public awareness about the challenges facing the Heliconia genus. Their goal is to encourage responsible tourism to help curb unsustainable demand for these plants.



Their efforts will not merely save these vivid symbols of the tropics, but will also spur the conservation of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-is-declining-at-a-steady-rate-across-germany/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered plant</a> species.



Despite the grim data, the researchers noted that there is a glimmer of hope. "Now that we know the conservation status of every one of the 187 species of Heliconia, we can construct a coherent plan of how to protect them,” said John Kress, an emeritus curator at the museum and one of the authors of the new study.



This study highlights the urgent need for enlightened conservation strategies to preserve our remarkable yet vulnerable biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botanical-gardens-a-lifeline-for-heliconia">Botanical gardens: A lifeline for Heliconia</h2>



As wild Heliconia populations decline, botanical gardens are stepping in as vital sanctuaries. These living collections safeguard rare species, providing a backup for reintroduction efforts when conditions allow.



By cultivating Heliconia in controlled environments, scientists can develop sustainable propagation methods and help preserve the genetic diversity of the plants.



Beyond conservation, botanical gardens raise public awareness through education and partnerships with local organizations. 



However, not all Heliconia species thrive outside of their native habitats, which poses challenges for their long-term preservation. Advanced seed banking and propagation techniques must be explored to secure the future of these rainforest icons.



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Half of the world's Heliconia species are at risk of extinction

With their beak-like flowers and vibrant colors, Heliconia plants are...

Close-up,In,A,Frying,Pan,With,Olive,Oil,,Ghee,(clarified

Swapping butter for plant-based oils may be a simple way to support better long-term health. 



A new study suggests that people who consume more plant-based oils - such as soybean, canola, and olive oil - tend to live longer than those who regularly eat butter.



The research, which tracked dietary habits for over 30 years, found a lower risk of death from cancer and heart disease among those who opted for plant oils. 



Meanwhile, higher butter intake was linked to an increased risk of early death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-diet-affects-longevity">How diet affects longevity</h2>



Scientists from <a href="https://hsph.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a>, Mass General Brigham, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard analyzed dietary data from more than 220,000 participants. 



These individuals were part of long-running studies that collected information on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-eating-habits-can-lead-to-lifelong-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eating habits</a> every four years. 



By reviewing this data, researchers could estimate butter and oil consumption over time.



Butter intake included all sources - spreads, cooking, baking, and margarine blends - while plant-based oil intake was calculated based on how often participants used oils in frying, sautéing, baking, and salad dressings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-butter-vs-plant-based-oils">Butter vs plant-based oils</h2>



The study's lead author, Yu Zhang, M.B.B.S., is a research assistant at the Channing Division of Network Medicine at <a href="https://www.brighamandwomens.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brigham and Women's Hospital</a>.



"What's surprising is the magnitude of the association that we found - we saw a 17% lower risk of death when we modeled swapping butter with plant-based oils in daily diet. That is a pretty huge effect on health," Zhang explained.



The key difference comes down to fat composition. 



Butter is high in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-linked-to-unexpected-health-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saturated fat</a>, while plant-based oils contain more unsaturated fats. Previous research has looked at dietary fats in general, but fewer studies have focused on their primary sources.



The findings suggest a clear contrast in health risks. Participants who ate the most butter had a 15% higher risk of death compared to those who ate the least. 



Meanwhile, those who consumed the most plant-based oils had a 16% lower risk of dying.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-choosing-plant-based-oils-over-butter">Choosing plant-based oils over butter</h2>



"People might want to consider that a simple dietary swap - replacing butter with soybean oil or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/regular-olive-oil-consumption-can-literally-save-your-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">olive oil</a> - can lead to significant long-term health benefits," said corresponding author Daniel Wang, M.D., Sc.D., of the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.



"From a public health perspective, this is a substantial number of deaths from cancer or from other chronic diseases that could be prevented."



To further explore this link, the researchers ran a substitution analysis. Their model showed that replacing just 10 grams of butter per day - less than a tablespoon - with an equivalent amount of plant-based oil could reduce cancer deaths and overall mortality by 17%.



"Even cutting back butter a little and incorporating more plant-based oils into your daily diet can have meaningful long-term health benefits," Wang added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-economic-benefits">Environmental and economic benefits</h2>



Beyond personal health, switching from butter to plant-based oils has broader implications. 



Butter production requires more land, water, and energy compared to plant oil production. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-began-dairy-farming-much-earlier-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dairy farming</a>, which supports butter production, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. 



In contrast, plant oils have a lower environmental impact, making them a more sustainable choice.



Economically, plant-based oils are often more affordable and widely available than butter. 



With rising food prices, making the switch could be a cost-effective way for individuals and families to improve their diets without significantly increasing their grocery bills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-research">What’s next for research?</h2>



Although the study presents strong evidence, the investigators do recognize some limitations. 



A majority of participants were healthcare professionals, so the results may not be representative of the overall U.S. population.



Also, self-reported food intake information may have some error, although the long duration and large number of participants in the study reduce the concerns of the scientists in this regard.



Future studies will investigate the biological processes that mediate these health consequences.



For the moment, the message is straightforward: replacing butter with plant-based oils is a simple, practical move toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prescription-for-fruits-and-vegetables-linked-to-better-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improved health</a> in the long run.



Small, sustainable changes to eating habits can have long-term payoffs - not only for individuals but for public health and the planet too.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2831265" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Internal Medicine</a>.



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Health challenge: Cooking with butter vs. plant-based oils

Swapping butter for plant-based oils may be a simple way...

Cannabis has been studied for decades for its pain-relieving potential, but its psychoactive properties have limited its medical use.



Millions of individuals suffer from chronic pain, and for many years, the main treatment has been opioids.



Effective as they are, opioids come with serious risks - they are extremely addictive and can be deadly if abused. The demand for safer pain medication has never been more urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-inspired-breakthrough">Cannabis-inspired breakthrough </h2>



In the search for alternatives that can bring pain relief without the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-discovery-offers-hope-for-tackling-opioid-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">addiction</a>, researchers have discovered a potential solution.



Experts at <a href="https://medicine.washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis</a> and Stanford University have created a new compound that replicates a natural molecule that occurs in cannabis.



This achievement leverages the pain-relieving properties of cannabis without inducing mind-altering side effects. The compound has been tested in mice with some positive results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safer-approach-to-pain-relief">Safer approach to pain relief</h2>



The study highlights the potential of this new compound as a non-addictive pain reliever.



Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/opioid-related-deaths-are-on-the-rise-among-young-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioids</a>, which act on the brain’s reward system and lead to addiction, this compound was designed to target pain-reducing receptors in the body while preventing entry into the brain.



Dr. Susruta Majumdar is a professor of anesthesiology at WashU Medicine and the study's senior author. 



“There is an urgent need to develop non-addictive treatments for chronic pain, and that’s been a major focus of my lab for the past 15 years,” said Dr. Majumdar.



“The custom-designed compound we created attaches to pain-reducing receptors in the body but by design, it can’t reach the brain. This means the compound avoids psychoactive side effects such as mood changes and isn’t addictive because it doesn’t act on the brain’s reward center.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-opioid-crisis">The opioid crisis</h2>



Despite warnings about the dangers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-may-protect-against-opioid-use-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opioid use</a>, overdose deaths remain alarmingly high. In 2022 alone, opioids were linked to approximately 82,000 deaths in the United States. The crisis continues, pushing researchers to find safer alternatives.



Study co-author Dr. Robert W. Gereau is a professor of&nbsp;anesthesiology&nbsp;and director of the&nbsp;WashU Medicine Pain Center. He noted that people have turned to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-number-of-americans-are-high-on-marijuana-at-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marijuana</a> as a pain treatment for thousands of years. 



“Clinical trials also have evaluated whether cannabis provides long-term pain relief. But inevitably the psychoactive side effects of cannabis have been problematic, preventing cannabis from being considered as a viable treatment option for pain. However, we were able to overcome that issue," said Dr. Gereau.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pain-relief-without-side-effects">Pain relief without side effects</h2>



Cannabinoid molecules in cannabis interact with CB1 receptors on brain cells and pain-sensing nerve cells. These interactions contribute to marijuana’s pain-relieving effects but also cause mind-altering side effects.



Working with Stanford University researchers, the experts modified a cannabinoid molecule by adding a positive charge. This prevents the compound from crossing the blood-brain barrier while still allowing it to bind to CB1 receptors in the body.



By limiting its action to pain-sensing nerve cells outside the brain, they achieved pain relief without the unwanted side effects.



The researchers tested the compound in mouse models of nerve-injury pain and migraine headaches. They measured touch sensitivity as an indicator of pain and found that the modified compound eliminated hypersensitivity in the mice.



The results suggest that the compound could be a powerful pain reliever without the risks associated with opioids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tolerance-and-long-term-effectiveness">Tolerance and long-term effectiveness</h2>



One major issue with opioid treatments is that patients develop tolerance over time, requiring higher doses for the same effect. This new compound, however, provided prolonged pain relief without signs of tolerance, even with twice-daily treatments over nine days.



The researchers discovered why tolerance was avoided. By using advanced computational modeling, they identified a previously hidden pocket on the CB1 receptor.



This pocket, confirmed through structural models, allows the compound to bind in a way that reduces cellular activity linked to tolerance. 



Unlike conventional cannabinoid binding sites, which become less effective over time, the hidden pocket opens briefly, allowing the compound to work without losing its effect.



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



Designing molecules that relieve pain without unwanted side effects is a complex challenge. Researchers now aim to develop this compound into an oral medication for further testing and, eventually, clinical trials.



If successful, this could mark a significant shift in how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/patients-with-chronic-pain-are-turning-to-cannabis-for-relief/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic pain</a> is treated - offering a safer, non-addictive alternative to opioids.



Millions of people struggle with chronic pain daily. With ongoing research, a new solution could be on the horizon - one that provides relief without the devastating consequences of addiction.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08618-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Tapping into the pain relief potential of cannabis without the high

Cannabis has been studied for decades for its pain-relieving potential,...

Pollination happens everywhere, but most people don’t notice it. Small creatures like bees, butterflies, birds, and bats carry pollen between plants, helping them grow. Without pollinators, flowers wouldn’t turn into fruit, and seeds wouldn’t spread. They do more than help plants reproduce - they keep nature healthy, support animals, and help produce food.



But here’s the problem - many of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-pollinators-boost-the-nutritional-value-of-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> are vanishing. Climate change, habitat destruction, and industrial farming are wiping out species at an alarming rate.



Their disappearance isn’t just an issue for farmers. It affects forests, grasslands, and even city parks, where pollinators keep plant life going. When they decline, entire ecosystems suffer, and the food supply becomes more fragile.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollinator-s-role-in-plant-reproduction">Pollinator's role in plant reproduction</h2>



Plants depend on pollination to grow and multiply. Around 85% of wild plant species and more than 70% of cultivated crops rely on pollinators for reproduction. Without pollinators, many plants would fail to produce fruits or seeds.



“In most of the studies conducted on this issue across the world, plants were found not to bear fruit if no pollinator was present,“ noted Maddi Artamendi, a researcher at the University of the Basque Country (<a href="https://www.ehu.eus/en/en-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UPV/EHU</a>).



“Studies of this type have been mostly conducted on crop species, but that does not give a true picture, since the diversity of pollinators is going to decrease, is already decreasing, but is not going to disappear completely."



“What is more, wild plants were also taken into consideration as well as crop plants. We wanted to approach the subject from a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robotic-insects-may-be-the-future-of-farming-and-plant-pollination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">realistic perspective</a>.”



Her research challenges the idea that only crops suffer from pollinator loss. Wild plants are equally affected, and their decline could disrupt entire ecosystems.



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



A study by Artamendi and Ainhoa Magrach, an Ikerbasque Research Professor at Butler County Community College (<a href="https://www.bc3.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BC3</a>) highlights the need to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-pollinators-wild-bees-boosts-food-supply-income/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator diversity</a>. 



The researchers stress the urgency of addressing factors that reduce pollinator numbers. The study found that a decrease in pollinators negatively affects plant reproduction, reducing fruit quantity, seed numbers, and fruit weight. Wild plants suffer more from pollinator loss than cultivated plants.



Self-pollinating plants also benefit from diverse pollinators. “Showing that it is very beneficial for these plants to exchange pollen,” explained Artamendi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wild-pollinators-and-plant-reproduction">Wild pollinators and plant reproduction</h2>



The study reveals that wild pollinators contribute more to plant reproduction than domestic pollinators, such as honey bees. A decline in wild pollinators significantly harms plant reproductive success.



The loss of invertebrate pollinators is more severe than that of vertebrates. Nocturnal pollinators are disappearing faster than diurnal pollinators. The decline of wild pollinators is greater than that of domestic pollinators. 



These findings highlight the urgent need to protect a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-wars-plants-compete-for-space-on-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator species</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decline-of-pollinators">Decline of pollinators </h2>



To understand pollinator decline, Artamendi and Magrach conducted a meta-analysis of 207 studies from 46 countries. This type of analysis combines data from multiple studies, allowing researchers to find broad patterns.



“We analyzed research done across the world. We had to bear in mind that there are different varieties of plants depending on the climate, that the influence on one plant or another may have been different, and how large the sample was, etc.,“ explained Artamendi.



“We took into account many variables so that all the pieces of research could be compared, and that is how we achieved a real, quantifiable result.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-a-broader-perspective">Need for a broader perspective</h2>



The researchers concluded that all pollinators, both wild and domestic, play a vital role in plant reproduction.



“We cannot focus on domestic pollinators alone. There are more pollinators, and we saw that they are all of great importance in the reproductive success of plants and in maintaining plant diversity," the team noted.



"We should not focus just on crop plants and domestic pollinators, the view has to be opened out.”



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



The decline of pollinators is not just an environmental issue - it’s a crisis that could reshape entire ecosystems. This study reinforces the importance of protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a> to keep nature thriving and ensure stable food production.



By taking action now - whether through conservation efforts, policy changes, or individual choices like planting pollinator-friendly gardens - humanity can help slow this decline. Protecting pollinators means protecting life itself.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02595-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Pollinators are disappearing, and it’s bad news for plants

Pollination happens everywhere, but most people don’t notice it. Small...

Tropical rainforests help the planet breathe. They store carbon, control temperatures, and shelter wildlife. These tropical forests have survived climate changes for millions of years, but now they face an unprecedented challenge.



Climate change is reshaping ecosystems at an unprecedented pace. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are placing immense stress on forests across the Americas. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-forests-in-a-shifting-climate">Tropical forests in a shifting climate </h2>



A new study reveals that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-lived-in-rainforests-80000-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> are not adapting quickly enough to keep up with environmental changes. This slow response raises concerns about their long-term survival and the cascading effects their decline could have on the global climate system.



Dr. Jesús Aguirre-Gutiérrez from the University of Oxford’s <a href="https://www.eci.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Change Institute</a> led the research with over 100 scientists and local collaborators. 



The team analyzed data from 415 permanent forest plots, covering regions from Mexico to southern Brazil. 



By studying the characteristics of more than 250,000 trees, they examined how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-rainforest-may-be-much-more-stable-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different species</a> are responding to shifting temperatures and rainfall patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-are-adapting-too-slowly">Trees are adapting too slowly</h2>



The experts found that while climate change alters temperature and rainfall, tree communities are not keeping up with the pace.



This slow response threatens the balance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-thirds-of-temperate-rainforests-could-be-lost-this-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>. Some species thrive, while others struggle. Traits like wood density, leaf thickness, and drought resistance play a crucial role in determining which trees survive.



“Tropical forests are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, yet their ability to adapt to climate change is limited. Understanding which traits help trees survive can guide conservation efforts and policy decisions,“ said Dr. Aguirre-Gutiérrez.



“Given the changes in climate we have observed over the last 40 to 50 years, you might think there have also been lots of changes in the tree communities in tropical rainforests. But some of these changes are too small and too slow to actually adapt to the observed changes in climate."



By looking at individual trees from different communities, the team found that some have suffered due to climate shifts, while others have thrived, noted Dr. Aguirre-Gutiérrez.



"We can study the characteristics, also known as ‘tree traits,’ of those that have survived, as well as new individuals joining the communities and those that have died, to understand what makes them react differently to a changing climate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risky-future-for-rainforests">Risky future for rainforests</h2>



Mountainous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-rainforest-is-approaching-widespread-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> appear to adapt faster than lowland forests. This difference likely results from the greater climate variability at higher altitudes. 



Meanwhile, younger trees exhibit noticeable shifts in traits, yet overall forest composition remains largely unchanged.



By 2100, the region’s temperatures could rise by up to 4°C, with rainfall decreasing by as much as 20%. These changes may push tropical forests further out of balance, making them more vulnerable to extreme climate events. Without intervention, the risk of ecosystem collapse increases.



“If we know what species of trees are doing better or worse, and what set of traits they have, then we know what they can withstand. It will help inform what conservation actions should be encouraged and where funding should be allocated,” said Dr. Aguirre-Gutiérrez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extensive-collection-of-field-data">Extensive collection of field data</h2>



Professor José Javier Corral Rivas from the Juarez University of the State of Durango (<a href="https://www.ujed.mx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UJED</a>) highlighted the significance of long-term field studies. 



“It is thanks to the extensive collection of field data over the past decades, largely supported by Latin American institutions and international collaborations, that we are able to make discoveries like this one, particularly in highly biodiverse regions such as the tropical forests of the Americas.”



Professor Oliver Phillips from the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> emphasized the importance of human effort in this research. 



“What is remarkable is that we discovered this not with satellites or artificial intelligence, but by the efforts of botanists, foresters and hundreds of other skilled partners,” noted Professor Phillips. "These undervalued colleagues provide a great service to the world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-response-of-tropical-forests">Climate response of tropical forests </h2>



The researchers found that functional traits among trees are shifting but at a pace far too slow to match climate change. Deciduous species are becoming more common in some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainforest-emissions-shape-the-climate-and-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>, and leaf thickness is decreasing.



However, the rate of change is only a fraction of what is needed for trees to maintain equilibrium with the changing environment.



Lowland forests, which are experiencing higher temperature increases and greater drought stress, are showing stronger changes than montane forests. While some species are adapting, others are dying at increasing rates. 



The experts found that tree recruitment, where young trees replace older ones, is the most responsive to climate shifts. However, these recruits still track climate change at only about 22% of the expected rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-rainforests-for-future-generations">Protecting rainforests for future generations</h2>



“Measuring forests carefully tree-by-tree, species-by-species and year-after-year, teaches us about the health of trees and the risks they face,“ noted Professor Beatriz Marimon from the <a href="https://unemat.br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State University of Mato Grosso</a>, Brazil.



“In some of our Amazon plots the forest is facing a deadly combination of fire, heat and drought. Understanding which tree species can survive these threats is critical to creating a liveable future for all of us.”



This study highlights the urgent need for research and conservation efforts to help tropical forests withstand climate challenges. Without immediate action, these ecosystems may struggle to survive the coming decades.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/science.adl5414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Tropical forests are struggling to keep pace with climate change

Tropical rainforests help the planet breathe. They store carbon, control...

The Arctic is changing fast. Ancient ice is melting, glaciers are shrinking, and seasons are shifting. Below the surface, vast kelp forests sway along rocky coasts, hidden from sight.



These marine giants are more than plants. They are the architects of entire ecosystems, offering shelter, food, and stability to countless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-help-kelp-forests-recover-but-theres-more-to-the-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine species</a>. But as the Arctic transforms, so its kelp forests change too.



A recent study shows that melting glaciers and permafrost are changing kelp ecosystems by increasing freshwater run-off. The research was conducted by scientists from EU projects FACE-IT, ECOTIP, and SEA-Quester.



What the experts found is both startling and deeply revealing: shifts in water chemistry, microbial communities in flux, and an unexpected entanglement with heavy metals.



The story of Arctic kelp is not just an ecological tale - it is an economic and social one, reaching far beyond the cold northern seas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warming-arctic-a-changing-coastline">A warming Arctic, a changing coastline</h2>



The Arctic is heating up - faster than anywhere else on the planet. This isn’t a slow, creeping shift; it’s a rapid and relentless <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-kelp-forests-existed-32-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transformation</a>.



With glaciers melting and permafrost thawing, vast amounts of freshwater are flooding into coastal seas. It’s a deluge that doesn’t just mix and disappear. The chemistry of the water shifts, salinity drops and light struggles to penetrate as suspended sediments cloud the once-clear depths.



For kelp, these changes aren’t trivial. They depend on stable conditions that include sunlight, salt, and predictable nutrient flows.



But with sediments thickening the water, photosynthesis becomes a challenge. Light barely reaches their fronds, stalling their growth. And the run-off doesn’t just bring fresh water; it carries something far more sinister - metals, both essential and toxic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-metals-in-the-water">Heavy metals in the water</h2>



What happens when <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/kelp-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp</a> absorbs the very waters that nourish them? The answer lies in their elemental makeup. 



The research team studied kelps from various locations - some in areas with heavy runoff and others in clearer waters. Their findings were striking. Kelps from high-run-off areas contained significantly elevated levels of metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury.



Mercury in these kelps was 72% higher than in cleaner areas. That’s a serious warning. Kelp supports Arctic marine life, but when it absorbs metals, the pollution spreads through the ecosystem.



Small marine creatures graze on kelp, larger predators consume them, and over time, toxic elements creep their way up the food chain. Eventually, they land on the plates of Arctic communities that rely on seafood. 



What begins in a hidden kelp forest could have consequences that reach dinner tables far from the icy shores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-world-living-on-kelp">Microbial world living on kelp</h2>



A blade of kelp is covered in bacteria, fungi, and other life forms. These microbes play many important roles. They shape kelp health, aid in nutrient cycling, and offer a first line of defense against pathogens. But just like the kelp itself, they are sensitive to change.



The researchers found that run-off is rewriting the microbial landscape. The balance of bacteria living on kelp is shifting, and with it, the very functions that keep these marine plants thriving.



Some microbes that help break down organic matter are disappearing, while metal-tolerant ones are growing. This shift could disrupt kelp, the animals that rely on it, and the entire marine ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-of-arctic-kelp-cultivation">Potential of Arctic kelp cultivation</h2>



But there’s another side to this story. While heavy metal accumulation spells trouble for marine life, it also points to an unexpected opportunity. Kelp is a natural sponge, pulling metals from the water with remarkable efficiency. Could this ability be harnessed?



Scientists are looking into something called phytomining - using plants and algae to pull valuable metals from the environment. Arctic waters hold rare earth metals, crucial for tech like wind turbines. Could kelp be the answer? Maybe.



If managed correctly, kelp cultivation could offer a sustainable way to harvest these elements, reducing reliance on traditional mining, which scars landscapes and pollutes ecosystems.



At the same time, kelp could serve as a living sensor, a way to track pollution levels in Arctic waters. By monitoring changes in its elemental composition, researchers might be able to map contamination hotspots and predict where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental threats</a> are most severe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-arctic-kelp">The future of Arctic kelp</h2>



The future of Arctic kelp remains uncertain. With the Arctic warming, run-off levels will only increase. 



The delicate balance that has sustained these underwater forests for millennia is shifting in ways scientists are only beginning to grasp.



Will kelp adapt, or will these forests shrink, taking with them the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> they support?



One thing is clear: kelp is at a crossroads. It is both a victim and a potential solution - threatened by climate change yet offering a key to understanding and mitigating its impacts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82287-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Arctic kelp is absorbing toxic metals from melting glaciers

The Arctic is changing fast. Ancient ice is melting, glaciers...

Endangered animals

News coming your way