Capromys angelcabrerai NatureServe Explorer Species Reports &#8212; 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/lake-st-clair-of-the-u-s-and-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 &#8212; Capromys angelcabrerai 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=80be9f0fef91455d8b1f8b1725e10fba&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j69i60l3j0l2.781j0j4&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.the coast near Jucaró, but no confirmed specimens are known. This species and M. nanus are the two smallest hutias in Cuba.species of concern belonging in the species group &#8220;mammals&#8221; and found in the following area(s): Cuba.This species is also known
FWS Digital Media Library &#8212; The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service&#8217;s National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.
Cabrera&#8217;s hutia (Mesocapromys angelcabrerai) is a species of <a title="Rodent" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodent">rodent</a> in the family <a class="mw-redirect" title="Capromyidae" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capromyidae">Capromyidae</a>. It is <a class="mw-redirect" title="Endemic" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endemic">endemic</a> to <a title="Cuba" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba">Cuba</a>. Its natural <a title="Habitat" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat">habitats</a> are subtropical or tropical mangrove <a title="Forest" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest">forests</a> and <a title="Swamp" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swamp">swamps</a>. It is threatened by <a class="mw-redirect" title="Habitat loss" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat_loss">habitat loss</a>.
Its species name is in honour of Spanish zoologist <a title="Ángel Cabrera (naturalist)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81ngel_Cabrera_(naturalist)">Ángel Cabrera</a>.

Capromys angelcabrerai

Is America losing its battle against obesity? According to recent data, around 72-75% of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. The harsh reality is that approximately 86 million people struggle to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) of under 25.



This alarming statistic, as described by the researchers in a new study, is nothing short of an "epidemic."



The findings highlight how these trends have become steadily worse over decades, signaling a persistent public health crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obesity-rates-in-america">Obesity rates in America</h2>



Despite this bleak prognosis, there may still be a silver lining in sight. Separate research conducted by the CDC hints towards a possible decline in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-obesity-rates-spiked-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity rates</a>, referred to as the "Ozempic effect."



The CDC's national survey, spanning from 2021 to 2023, provides a glimpse into the most recent health trends and shines a ray of hope that mitigates some of the concern arising from the raw data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-invisible-threat">The invisible threat</h2>



Why is there this large-scale concern over obesity? The answer lies in the myriad <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/obesity-now-affects-more-than-a-billion-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health issues</a> that come part and parcel with being overweight, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.



Moreover, the burden of obesity extends beyond the individual, as healthcare costs related to obesity totaled a staggering $481 billion in 2016. 



The mounting costs and the rising tide of obesity are fueled by several factors, including the accessibility and affordability of healthy, fresh food and the consumer's choice to eat processed foods that are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-average-american-consumes-80-pounds-of-sugar-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high in sugar</a> and fat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-failure-to-tackle-the-epidemic">Failure to tackle the epidemic </h2>



This comprehensive study on obesity rates in America was published recently in the journal The Lancet. The experts collated data from 134 sources that dated from 1980 to 2021.



The research was conducted by a team of over 100 scientists from international organizations, forming a group known as the GBD 2021 U.S. Obesity Forecasting Collaborators.



The CDC's surveys, Gallup polls and long-term studies, like Women's Health Across the Nation, were all part of the rich mosaic of data sources used to curate this extensive research material.



Study lead author Professor Emmanuela Gakidou is an expert in the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington.  



“Our analysis lays bare the decades-long failure to tackle the growing overweight and obesity epidemic in the USA," said Professor Gakidou.



"The catastrophic consequences of the surge in overweight and obesity among children are already evident in the rising prevalence of childhood hypertension and type 2 diabetes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-obesity-in-america">Future of obesity in America</h2>



The research team devised maps depicting areas of obesity prevalence from 1990 to 2021, after segregating data by age and gender. The experts further extrapolated these trends and built a model to predict scenarios for the next 25 years.



The model predicts that, by 2050, there will be 43.1 million obese or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/being-overweight-makes-it-harder-for-brain-to-resist-unhealthy-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overweight</a> children and adolescents, and 213 million obese or overweight adults. This translates to one in three adolescents and two in three adults who will be grappling with obesity.



The most concerning revelation was the increasing trend of obesity among children. 



According to research from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a>, children struggling with their weight are more likely to develop health issues like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and psychological problems.



They also have a higher risk of dying young compared to children of average weight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-pop-culture">Role of pop culture</h2>



Modern pop culture has played a pivotal role in shaping perceptions about food intake and obesity in America.



Muk-bang creators like Nicholas Perry, better known by his username Nikocado Avocado, share videos of themselves binging on massive amounts of food, consuming more than 10,000 calories in a single sitting. 



These motivations are predominantly monetary, with Perry amassing 150 pounds and a net worth of $2 million over seven years as a food creator.



However, this trend is not without its casualties. The grim reality of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binge-eating-linked-to-a-specific-set-of-brain-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binge eating</a> was highlighted by the tragic death of TikToker Brittany Sauer, who felt she had "ruined her life" with binge eating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-institutional-change">A call for institutional change</h2>



While there have been recent strides made in weight loss - especially with more people turning to GLP-1 inhibitors like Ozempic - experts suggest that institutional change is necessary to curb obesity in America.



Changes could include everything from widening insurance coverage for weight loss procedures to tightening regulations on sugar and fat content in consumer products, and even making healthy options more affordable.



Public health campaigns focusing on education and awareness are also critical to empowering individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices.



"Without major reform, the forecasted trends will be devastating at the individual and population level, and the associated disease burden and economic costs will continue to escalate," concluded the researchers.



The full study is published in <a href="https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/newsroom/news-releases/lancet-without-immediate-action-nearly-260-million-people-usa#:~:text=Continuation%20of%20these%20trends%20would,%25%20to%2082.1">The Lancet</a>.



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America’s tide of obesity is rising, with 75% already impacted

Is America losing its battle against obesity? According to recent...

Diamond rain and super-ionic water are among the more dramatic theories proposed to explain the mysterious interiors of Uranus and Neptune, the ice giants of our solar system.&nbsp;



However, a planetary scientist from the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>, has introduced a compelling alternative: the interiors of these planets are layered, with materials separating like oil and water.&nbsp;



This separation could explain the planets' unusual magnetic fields and challenges earlier theories about their interiors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-layered-model-for-the-ice-giants">A layered model for the ice giants</h2>



In a paper published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2403981121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, Burkhard Militzer, a professor of earth and planetary science at UC Berkeley, suggests that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decades-after-voyager-2-flew-by-uranus-we-finally-know-what-it-saw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uranus</a> and Neptune have interiors composed of two distinct layers.&nbsp;



Beneath the planets’ thick hydrogen-and-helium atmospheres, a deep ocean of water-rich material lies above a highly compressed, hydrocarbon-rich fluid composed of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen.



Militzer's computer simulations show that under the extreme pressures and temperatures inside these planets, water (H₂O), methane (CH₄), and ammonia (NH₃) naturally separate. This separation occurs because hydrogen is squeezed out of methane and ammonia, leading to the formation of immiscible layers.



“We now have, I would say, a good theory why Uranus and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/three-new-moons-discovered-around-neptune-and-uranus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neptune</a> have really different fields, and it's very different from Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn,” Militzer explained. “It's like oil and water, except the hydrogen-rich layer goes on top, and the heavier material stays below.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-fields-and-convection">Magnetic fields and convection</h2>



The theory provides a potential explanation for the irregular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> of Uranus and Neptune, which were discovered by NASA's Voyager 2 mission in the 1980s.&nbsp;



Unlike Earth’s strong, dipolar magnetic field - which results from convection in the planet's liquid outer core - Uranus and Neptune have disorganized magnetic fields.



Convection, a process where hot material rises and cooler material sinks, generates magnetic fields in planetary interiors. For Uranus and Neptune, the lack of a large-scale, convecting layer in their interiors suggests that the materials within are layered and do not mix.



In Militzer's model, the upper water-rich layer likely convects, creating the observed disorganized magnetic field, while the deeper, hydrocarbon-rich layer remains stable and stratified, preventing global convection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-conditions-of-uranus-and-neptune">Extreme conditions of Uranus and Neptune </h2>



Militzer’s breakthrough came after a decade of research. Ten years ago, he used computer models with 100 atoms to simulate the behavior of elements in the planets’ interiors but could not replicate the formation of layers.



Last year, leveraging machine learning and more powerful computing tools, he increased the number of atoms in his model to 540.&nbsp;



This allowed him to simulate the behavior of materials under the extreme pressures and temperatures inside Uranus and Neptune - up to 3.4 million times Earth's atmospheric pressure and temperatures around 4,750 Kelvin (8,000°F).



“One day, I looked at the model, and the water had separated from the carbon and nitrogen,” Militzer said. “What I couldn't do 10 years ago was now happening.”



The model revealed that as pressure increases with depth, hydrogen is squeezed out, forming a stable layer of carbon-nitrogen-hydrogen material, almost like a plastic polymer. This hydrocarbon-rich layer lies beneath the convecting, water-rich layer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravity-fields-measured-by-voyager-2-nbsp">Gravity fields measured by Voyager 2&nbsp;</h2>



When Militzer modeled the gravitational effects of a layered Uranus and Neptune, the results matched the gravity fields measured by Voyager 2 nearly 40 years ago.&nbsp;



His model predicts that below Uranus’ 3,000-mile-thick atmosphere lies a water-rich layer about 5,000 miles thick.&nbsp;



Beneath this layer is a hydrocarbon-rich layer of similar thickness, with a rocky core about the size of Mercury. Neptune, though more massive than Uranus, has a thinner atmosphere but similar water-rich and hydrocarbon-rich layers. Its rocky core is slightly larger, approximately the size of Mars.



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



If Militzer's theory is correct, it has implications beyond our solar system.&nbsp;



Planets similar in size to Uranus and Neptune, often referred to as sub-Neptune <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neptune-like-exoplanets-atmospheres-interesting-earth-size-neighbors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>, are among the most common types of planets discovered around other stars. These exoplanets may also have layered interiors with distinct chemical compositions and magnetic fields.



“If other star systems have similar compositions to ours, ice giants around those stars could well have similar internal structures,” Militzer noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-interiors-of-uranus-and-neptune">The interiors of Uranus and Neptune </h2>



Militzer hopes to collaborate with experimental physicists to recreate the extreme conditions of Uranus and Neptune’s interiors in laboratory settings.&nbsp;



By testing the behavior of fluids with elemental proportions found in the protosolar system, researchers could verify whether immiscible layers naturally form.



Future space missions may also provide definitive proof. A proposed NASA mission to Uranus could include a Doppler imager to measure planetary vibrations.&nbsp;



According to Militzer, a layered planet would vibrate at different frequencies than one with a fully convecting interior. His next project involves calculating these vibrations using his computational model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-peculiarities-of-uranus-and-neptune">The peculiarities of Uranus and Neptune </h2>



Militzer's findings challenge popular theories about Uranus and Neptune, such as the idea of diamond rain in the planets’ interiors or the exotic properties of super-ionic water.



“If you ask my colleagues, 'What do you think explains the fields of Uranus and Neptune?' they may say, ‘Well, maybe it's this diamond rain, but maybe it's this water property which we call super-ionic,’” Militzer said.&nbsp;



“From my perspective, this is not plausible. But if we have this separation into two separate layers, that should explain it.”



Militzer's layered model offers a comprehensive explanation for the peculiarities of Uranus and Neptune, from their magnetic fields to their gravitational signatures.&nbsp;



By identifying the separation of water-rich and hydrocarbon-rich layers as the key factor, the study advances our understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-ice-giant-uranus-in-stunning-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giants</a> and opens new possibilities for exploring planetary interiors.



Future laboratory experiments and space missions could confirm these findings, not only shedding light on the mysteries of Uranus and Neptune but also providing insights into the structure of similar planets across the galaxy.



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What lies beneath the surface of Uranus and Neptune?

Diamond rain and super-ionic water are among the more dramatic...

Light is something we interact with every day, but have you ever wondered what the shape of a single particle of light -- the photon -- actually looks like? 



For the first time, researchers have defined the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/photon-single_precise-shape_credit-Benjamin-Yuen_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precise shape</a> of a single photon, a huge leap forward in quantum physics and material science.



Dr. Benjamin Yuen from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a> led the groundbreaking research that delves deep into the quantum level of light and matter interaction. 



His team's findings, published in Physical Review Letters, provide a visual representation of a photon while enhancing our understanding of how photons are emitted and shaped by their environment.



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



A photon is the fundamental unit of light and all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-sparks-the-discovery-of-a-new-electromagnetic-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic radiation</a>. Unlike particles that have mass, photons are massless and always move at the speed of light in a vacuum. 



They exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties, a concept known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-tunneling-allow-particles-break-light-speed-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wave-particle duality</a>.



Photons carry energy and momentum, determined by their frequency or wavelength. Simply put, the higher the frequency, the more energy a photon possesses. 



This unique dual nature allows photons to interact with matter in special ways, such as being absorbed or emitted by atoms. 



These interactions are essential for processes like vision, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>, and the technology behind our electronic devices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photon-shape-and-the-far-field">Photon shape and the "far field"</h2>



The interaction between photons and their environment leads to endless possibilities for how light exists and travels. 



This limitless potential makes modeling these interactions exceptionally challenging -- a puzzle that quantum physicists have been trying to solve for decades.



"Our calculations enabled us to convert a seemingly unsolvable problem into something that can be computed," Dr. Yuen explained.



"And, almost as a byproduct of the model, we were able to produce this image of a photon, something that hasn't been seen before in physics."



By grouping the infinite possibilities of photon interactions into distinct sets, the team produced a model that describes not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-leap-making-light-waves-stand-still-photonic-crystals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how photons interact </a>with the atoms or molecules that emit them, but also how the energy from that interaction travels into the distant surroundings, known as the "far field."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-we-care-about-photon-shape">Why do we care about photon shape?</h2>



We depend on photons more than we might realize. Our eyes detect photons, allowing us to see the world around us. 



In technology, photons are crucial for solar panels that convert light into electricity and fiber optic cables that provide high-speed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-atoms-qkd-quantum-communication-revolutionizing-data-protection-privacy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet and communications</a>.



Photons also play a significant role in scientific research. They are central to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/like-charged-particles-attract-each-other-defying-coulombs-laws-of-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum electrodynamics</a> (QED), the theory that describes how light and matter interact. 



Photons act as force carriers for the electromagnetic force, one of the four fundamental forces in the universe. 



They facilitate interactions between charged particles like electrons and protons, governing a wide range of physical phenomena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-quantum-physics">Advancing quantum physics</h2>



"The geometry and optical properties of the environment have profound consequences for how photons are emitted, including defining the photons' shape, color, and even how likely it is to exist," explained co-author Professor Angela Demetriadou.



Understanding the precise shape and behavior of photons could revolutionize the way we design <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trapped-atoms-forced-to-serve-as-transistors-quantum-network/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanophotonic technologies</a>. 



This could lead to advancements in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unbreakable-encryption-brings-quantum-internet-communication-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">secure communication methods</a>, improved detection of pathogens, and even control over chemical reactions at a molecular level.



"This work helps us to increase our understanding of the energy exchange between light and matter, and to better understand how light radiates into its nearby and distant surroundings," Dr. Yuen added.



"Lots of this information had previously been thought of as just 'noise' -- but there's so much information within it that we can now make sense of and make use of."



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



By comprehending how photons interact with their environment, scientists can engineer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-shadows-are-created-by-light-how-can-laser-light-cast-a-shadow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light-matter interactions</a> for future applications. 



Imagine better sensors that can detect diseases at an early stage, more efficient solar cells that provide cleaner energy, or advancements in quantum computing that could solve complex problems in seconds.



"By understanding this, we set the foundations to be able to engineer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-ping-pong-game-played-by-two-atoms-controlling-photons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light-matter interactions</a> for future applications," says Dr. Yuen. 



The possibilities are vast and could significantly impact various fields, from healthcare to technology and environmental science.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photon-shape-and-future-technology">Photon shape and future technology</h2>



To sum it all up, this fascinating research represents a significant step forward in quantum physics. 



By defining the precise shape of a single photon, the team has provided a tool that could help scientists and engineers design new technologies that harness the unique properties of light.



The findings not only answer long-standing questions about the fundamental nature of photons but also open up new questions and research paths. 



As we continue to explore the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum world</a>, understanding the building blocks of light will be crucial in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.



The visualization of a photon is a testament to human curiosity and our desire to understand the universe at its most fundamental level. 



With this new knowledge, we're not just looking at light differently -- we're poised to use it in ways we never thought possible.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.203604" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



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Precise shape of a single photon revealed for the first time

Light is something we interact with every day, but have...

A recent fossil discovery may revolutionize our understanding of bird brain evolution, shedding light on how the intelligence of modern birds developed.&nbsp;



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County have identified a remarkably well-preserved <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/terror-bird-phorusrhacid-discovery-was-largest-meat-eating-bird-of-its-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> fossil from the Mesozoic Era, approximately 80 million years old, named Navaornis hestiae.&nbsp;



This ancient bird’s complete skull, roughly the size of a starling’s, was found in Brazil and offers a rare and detailed glimpse into the brains of early avian species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timeline-of-bird-brain-evolution">Timeline of bird brain evolution</h2>



Scientists believe that Navaornis hestiae could serve as a kind of “Rosetta Stone” for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-birds-brains-evolved-to-enable-them-to-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">avian brain evolution</a>.&nbsp;



The fossilized skull bridges a 70-million-year gap in the evolutionary timeline between the 150-million-year-old Archaeopteryx, one of the earliest bird-like dinosaurs, and today’s birds.&nbsp;



Its well-preserved structure has enabled researchers to digitally reconstruct the brain and understand the evolutionary steps leading to the unique cognitive abilities of modern birds.



“The brain structure of Navaornis is almost exactly intermediate between Archaeopteryx and modern birds,” said co-lead author Guillermo Navalón from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences. “It was one of these moments in which the missing piece fits absolutely perfectly.”&nbsp;



The skull’s preservation allowed for advanced micro-CT scanning, revealing a brain structure that suggests it had a larger cerebrum than Archaeopteryx, hinting at advanced cognitive functions not yet seen in other ancient bird-like dinosaurs.



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



While Navaornis was equipped with a more developed cerebrum, its cerebellum - a critical area for flight control in modern birds - was less evolved, indicating that its flight capabilities may have been simpler.&nbsp;



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/modern-bird-feathers-contain-traces-of-dinosaur-feathers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Modern birds</a> have some of the most advanced cognitive capabilities in the animal kingdom, comparable only with mammals,” said senior author Daniel Field, a paleontologist at Cambridge.&nbsp;



But understanding how and when these traits evolved has been elusive until now.&nbsp;



The fossil offers direct insight into an important transitional phase for bird cognition, suggesting that Navaornis might have been capable of complex behaviors like finding food, shelter, or even engaging in elaborate social interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abilities-of-opposite-birds">Abilities of “opposite birds”</h2>



Though Navaornis has some similarities to modern birds, it belongs to a group called enantiornithines, or “opposite birds,” which diverged from modern avians more than 130 million years ago.&nbsp;



Enantiornithines had developed feathers and could likely fly, but they lacked some of the brain features essential for the precise flight control seen in living birds.&nbsp;



“This discovery shows that some of the birds flying over the heads of dinosaurs already had a fully modern skull geometry more than 80 million years ago,” said lead author Luis Chiappe from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.&nbsp;&nbsp;



But the brain anatomy of Navaornis raises new questions about how opposite birds achieved flight without the advanced cerebellar structures seen in contemporary birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-perfectly-preserved-fossil">A perfectly preserved fossil</h2>



Navaornis was discovered by William Nava, director of the Museum of Paleontology in Marília, Brazil, at a site that tens of millions of years ago likely consisted of slow-moving creeks, creating the ideal conditions for fossil preservation.&nbsp;



This discovery marks the fourth major Mesozoic bird fossil identified by Field’s team, following Ichthyornis, Asteriornis (also called the “Wonderchicken”), and Janavis.&nbsp;



Each of these fossils has been pivotal in helping to reconstruct the evolutionary path of birds, the most diverse group of living vertebrate animals.



Navalón, who co-led the study, expressed awe at the specimen’s remarkable state: “This fossil is truly so one-of-a-kind that I was awestruck from the moment I first saw it to the moment I finished assembling all the skull bones and the brain.”&nbsp;



The research team hopes that this fossil’s exceptional quality is just the beginning; additional findings at this Brazilian site could yield even more insights into avian evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-our-understanding-of-bird-cognition">Advancing our understanding of bird cognition</h2>



“This might be just one fossil, but it’s a key piece in the puzzle of bird brain evolution,” Field said.&nbsp;



With the findings on Navaornis, researchers now have a clearer picture of the evolutionary transitions that led from early bird-like dinosaurs to today’s intelligent avian species, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crows-hold-grudges-for-up-to-17-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crows</a> and parrots.&nbsp;



Still, the discovery is just a first step. Future studies will focus on understanding Navaornis’s behavior and interaction with its environment, aiming to answer broader questions about how bird cognition has developed over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-early-era-in-bird-evolution">An early era in bird evolution</h2>



The team’s ongoing research on Mesozoic bird fossils combined with advanced imaging techniques is providing an unprecedented view of the evolutionary leaps in bird anatomy and cognition.&nbsp;



The next steps include investigating how Navaornis and its contemporaries adapted to their surroundings and exploring whether their evolving brain structures offered an advantage in survival and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-social-networks-greatly-influence-their-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social behavior</a>.



This discovery stands as a significant milestone in the field, offering a unique window into an era when birds were just beginning to develop the traits that would eventually make them some of the most cognitively advanced animals on Earth.&nbsp;



With continued research, Navaornis hestiae may reveal even more about the mysteries of bird brain evolution, helping scientists piece together the fascinating journey from ancient feathered dinosaurs to the vibrant bird species we see today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08114-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: Júlia d’Oliveira



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Bird brains: Fossil reveals roots of avian intelligence

A recent fossil discovery may revolutionize our understanding of bird...

Sipping on a citrus soda, have you ever wondered why the flavor seemed to be evenly distributed? A secret ingredient played a big role.



However, after much consideration and several studies indicating potential health risks, this soda additive is nearing its end in the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-banning-the-soda-additive">Banning the soda additive </h2>



The Food and Drug Administration (<a href="https://www.fda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a>), America's federal agency for regulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-tongue-could-revolutionize-food-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food safety</a>, has recently taken a decisive step against this controversial soda ingredient called BVO, or brominated vegetable oil.



After revoking the registration of BVO, this modified vegetable oil is now officially banned across the country.



The decision came after clear evidence of toxicity emerged from recent studies, making the continued usage of BVO untenable.



James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for humans foods, announced the significant proposal.



"The proposed action is an example of how the agency monitors emerging evidence and, as needed, conducts scientific research to investigate safety-related questions, and takes regulatory action when the science does not support the continued safe use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-ingredients-in-u-s-foods-are-potentially-unsafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">additives</a> in foods," noted Jones. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questioning-the-safety-of-the-soda-additive">Questioning the safety of the soda additive</h2>



The story of BVO dates back to the 1930s. As an emulsifying agent, it was added to keep the citrus flavor from floating to the top of soda. 



Animal studies have suggested that the compound may slowly accumulate in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-late-increases-hunger-and-changes-fat-tissues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fat tissues</a>, preventing iodine from performing crucial functions within our thyroid gland. 



This led health authorities worldwide to question the emulsifier's safety.



In fact, BVO has already been scrapped from the ingredients list in several countries, including India, Japan, and European Union nations. 



Even the state of California bid it farewell in October 2022, with the ban expected to be active by 2027.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-about-potential-toxicity">Concerns about potential toxicity </h2>



The FDA had its reservations. In the 1950s, it considered BVO a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) ingredient. 



This status was given to items that had either been adequately tested or to those in common use prior to 1958.



The perception changed in the next decade when concerns about potential toxicity arose, leading to a temporary limit on BVO usage, especially in citrus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elevated-levels-of-toxic-metals-detected-in-popular-drinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinks</a>.



Getting hard data on the long-term risks was not an easy task, hence the delay. 



However, research in the UK during the 1970s found bromine building up in human tissues, and its high concentrations were linked to heart and behavioral issues in animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-gras">What exactly is GRAS?</h2>



Generally Recognized as Safe, or GRAS, is a designation used by the U.S. FDA to indicate that a substance added to food is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-chemicals-from-food-production-pass-into-the-human-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">considered safe</a> by experts. 



Basically, if something is labeled as GRAS, it means that scientists and researchers agree it won’t harm you when used as intended in our food. 



This can include everyday ingredients like salt, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultra-processed-foods-are-harmful-to-nearly-every-part-of-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">certain preservatives</a>, and natural flavorings that have been used for years without any known issues. 



The GRAS status can be based on a long history of common use in food or on scientific evidence showing that the substance is safe.



Companies can declare their ingredients as GRAS either by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-tongue-could-revolutionize-food-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conducting their own research</a> or by relying on the collective knowledge of experts. They can also submit their GRAS determinations to the FDA for review, but it's not always required. 



This system helps streamline the process of getting safe additives into the food supply without the need for lengthy approval procedures for every single ingredient. 



Overall, GRAS plays a crucial role in ensuring that the additives in our food are safe to eat, giving consumers confidence in the products they choose.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soda-makers-move-on">Soda makers move on</h2>



After several studies, the FDA is finally convinced that BVO should be banned. Companies such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Co. have already started the process of phasing out this ingredient from their products over the last decade.



"Over the years many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-are-consuming-more-sugary-drinks-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beverage</a> makers reformulated their products to replace BVO with an alternative ingredient, and today, few beverages in the US contain BVO," said Jones. 



This decision could be the first of many. The FDA is currently reviewing regulations authorizing certain food additives, aiming to enhance the process and prohibit food coloring agents found to cause cancer in humans or animals.



The final decision on BVO's classification went through a comprehensive review process that has now come to an end. With alternatives already being used globally to keep citrus drinks tangy to the last drop, it appears the days of BVO are truly numbered.



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



With BVO officially banned, soda manufacturers are now turning to safer and more sustainable alternatives to maintain flavor consistency in citrus beverages. 



Common replacements include natural stabilizers such as ester gum and sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), which offer similar emulsifying properties without the associated health risks.



This shift reflects a broader trend in the beverage industry toward cleaner labels and transparency in ingredient sourcing. 



As consumers become more health-conscious, brands are under increasing pressure to minimize the use of synthetic additives and embrace natural formulations.



In addition, regulatory bodies are expected to intensify their scrutiny of food and beverage ingredients, encouraging innovation in the development of safe and effective stabilizers. 



These advancements could pave the way for a new era of beverages that prioritize both taste and health.



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Controversial soda ingredient has finally been banned by the FDA

Sipping on a citrus soda, have you ever wondered why...

Our planet Earth has a mesmerizing history that spans across 4.6 billion years. For a majority of this immense timeframe, single-celled life reigned supreme. 



But, about 500 million years ago, everything changed immensely. A dramatic occurrence took place known as the Cambrian “explosion."



During this period, an enormous diversity of life forms made an appearance and found a place for themselves in the fossil record. 



Imprinted in these preserved fossils, we can find traces of diverse animal groups that eventually evolved into animal species we see around us today, including us humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-cambrian-explosion">Understanding the Cambrian Explosion</h2>



The Cambrian Explosion was an incredibly important period in Earth's history about 541 million years ago when life on Earth suddenly got a major upgrade. 



Before the Cambrian, most organisms were simple and microscopic, but then things really took off. 



Suddenly, the oceans were teeming with a dazzling variety of creatures, including the first animals with hard shells and complex body structures. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cambrian-explosion_tonto-grand-canyon_tsunami-evidence_UNM_1s.webp" alt="UNM's Karl Karlstrom examines torn-up sediment that may record the record of a large hurricane or perhaps a tsunami affecting the shallow marine environment. Photo by Laurie Crossey." class="wp-image-1951528"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">UNM's Karl Karlstrom examines torn-up sediment that may record the record of a large hurricane or perhaps a tsunami affecting the shallow marine environment. Photo by Laurie Crossey.</figcaption></figure>



It’s like nature hit the fast-forward button, and you see the first fish, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/500-million-year-old-trilobites-fossils-preserved-in-volcanic-ash/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trilobites</a>, and even some of the earliest ancestors of modern-day creatures making their debut.



Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what triggered this burst of life, but they think it was a combination of factors like changes in the environment, the availability of oxygen, and maybe even genetic innovations that allowed organisms to develop new body plans. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grand-canyon-reveals-earth-s-past">Grand Canyon reveals Earth's past</h2>



Now, an intriguing paper published by a team of researchers from The University of New Mexico (<a href="https://www.unm.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNM</a>) has added fresh insights into this fascinating event in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-building-triggered-a-mass-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's history</a>. 



“The Tonto Group of Grand Canyon holds a treasure trove of sedimentary layers and fossils chronicling the Cambrian Explosion some 500 million years ago, when the first animals with hard shells rapidly proliferated and sea levels rose to envelop continents with emerging marine life,” said Carol Dehler, professor at <a href="https://www.usu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utah State University</a>.



Dehler served as the lead author for this paper, with UNM's adjunct professor and paleontologist, Fred Sundberg, serving as the co-lead author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-model-of-the-cambrian-explosion">New model of the Cambrian explosion</h2>



This research doesn't just bring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cambrian-explosion-fossil-sponges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary advances</a> to the table; it also has implications for geoscience education. 



The study builds on Eddy McKee's classic model for marine transgression (the spread of seas across continents), which was developed 50 years ago based on these same rocks. 



McKee's model, taught to geology students worldwide, suggests a gradual deepening and slow shifts in sedimentary environments.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cambrian-explosion_grand-canyon-fossils_new-discovery_credit-UNM_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cambrian-explosion_grand-canyon-fossils_new-discovery_credit-UNM_1s.webp" alt="A 500 million-year-old trilobites fossil left ladder-like traces. Credit: University of New Mexico" class="wp-image-1951525"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A 500 million-year-old trilobites fossil left ladder-like traces. Credit: University of New Mexico</figcaption></figure>



“Our new model for deposition of the Tonto Group is much more nuanced, showing a mixture of marine and non-marine settings, breaks or unconformities when no sediment was being deposited, and a much faster tempo of evolution," noted Professor Karlstrom.



"Even more than before, the Tonto Group of Grand Canyon remains one of the most important Cambrian-type sections in the world because of its complete exposure.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dating-methods-used-for-the-study">Dating methods used for the study</h2>



The application of advanced techniques has provided new insights into the rate at which rock sedimentation occurred and has offered hints into how marine species like trilobites and other early animals diversified swiftly.



“Our new tandem U-Pb dating methods are refining precise ages for each layer in the succession and for the transitions between trilobite biozones,” said Schmitz. 



“We are finding that different trilobite species radiated, then went extinct at a very fast, sub-million year, tempo.”



The dating methods used for the study involve extracting hundreds of sand-sized zircon crystals from a ground-up sedimentary rock sample. 



The U-Pb ratios of these grains were first obtained using a preliminary method for swift dating, and then the youngest grains were precisely dated using a more elaborate laboratory technique.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-details-about-the-cambrian-explosion">New details about the Cambrian explosion</h2>



"Sedimentary rocks are hard to date," said Crossey. "But the deposition of the sediment and fossils entombed within it, must be younger than the age of the youngest grain so with many dates we can bracket sedimentary ages"



The team's new model, when compared to McKee's model, provides key pathways that can enable students, researchers, and even anyone interested in geology to understand the Cambrian explosion on a deeper level.



“From the Tonto Group’s 500-meter-thick strata, we’re learning about sea-level rise and the effects of catastrophic tropical storms -- probably more powerful than today’s devastating hurricanes," Dehler continued.



"This occurred in a world without land plants and during a period of very hot temperatures when the Earth was ice-free. Sea levels were so high that sediments like the Tonto Group were deposited atop most continents in environments that allowed rapid expansion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> diversity on Earth," she concluded.



With advances like these, we can better understand and appreciate the complexity and beauty of the Cambrian explosion and Earth's history, making us more connected to the past, and more conscious about how our actions today might shape the future.



-----



The team also included Karl Karlstrom and Laurie Crossey, distinguished professors at UNM, James Hagadorn from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Mark Schmitz from Boise State University, and Steve Rowland from the <a href="https://www.unlv.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nevada Las Vegas</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/Publications/GSA_Today/GSA/GSAToday/science/G604A/abstract.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GSA Today</a>.



Image Credit: UNM Newsroom



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Grand Canyon fossils reveal secrets that are forcing a rewrite of evolution textbooks

Our planet Earth has a mesmerizing history that spans across...

A,Vintage,World,Globe,Tilted,And,Standing,On,A,Central

Picture this: every time you use water from your tap, you're inadvertently influencing our Earth's rotational tilt and climate change. Strange, and not a good thing, but true.



Our planet is a dynamic entity, constantly shifting and adapting. Believe it or not, something as seemingly insignificant as our water usage can cause Earth's physical orientation to deviate. 



Over less than two decades, our groundwater pumping has tilted the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a> by 31.5 inches. To put this into perspective, this water redistribution equates to approximately 0.24 inches of sea-level rise.



“Our study shows that among climate-related causes, the redistribution of groundwater actually has the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole,” said Ki-Weon Seo, a geophysicist at <a href="https://en.snu.ac.kr/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seoul National University</a>.



So, before you dismiss the power of your water usage, remember, even the smallest actions have consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-groundwater">What exactly is groundwater?</h2>



Groundwater is the water that sits beneath the Earth's surface, filling up the spaces in soil, sand, and rock formations. 



It comes from rain and other precipitation that soaks into the ground, gradually making its way down to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-people-in-the-u-s-rely-on-contaminated-groundwater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underground reservoirs</a> called aquifers. 



Unlike the water you see in rivers and lakes, groundwater is hidden away, acting like nature’s hidden water bank. 



It plays a crucial role in the water cycle, providing a steady supply of water even during dry spells when surface water might be scarce.



Humans rely on groundwater for a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-has-a-vital-role-in-ecosystem-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">variety of essential needs</a>. Many people use it as their primary source of drinking water, especially in rural areas where surface water isn't readily available. 



Farmers depend on groundwater for irrigating crops, ensuring that food production can continue even when there's not enough rain. Additionally, industries use groundwater for manufacturing processes and cooling systems. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-s-role-in-earth-s-tilt">Groundwater's role in Earth's tilt</h2>



The study, which included data from 1993 through 2010, showed that pumping as much as 2,150 gigatons of groundwater has caused a shift in the Earth's tilt. 



These figures are hard to comprehend, but they reflect our intense water consumption for irrigation and human use.



We may not think about where our water goes after we use it, but most of it ends up being transported to the oceans. 



“Observing changes in Earth’s rotational pole is useful for understanding continent-scale water storage variations,” said Seo.



Linking these variations to water movement, particularly from western North America and northwestern India, shows how our everyday actions can impact the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-rotation-is-shifting-toward-a-25-hour-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a> on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rotational-pole-drift">Rotational pole drift</h2>



Alongside influencing our planet's tilt and rotation, groundwater pumping paints an alarming picture for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-temperatures-may-rise-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences of climate change</a>.



“I’m very glad to find the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift. On the other hand, as a resident of Earth and a father, I’m concerned and surprised that pumping groundwater is another source of sea-level rise,” said Seo.



These findings might seem overwhelming, especially considering the challenges we already face in combating climate change. 



However, understanding the impact of groundwater pumping on Earth's tilt and climate is a step in the right direction.



This knowledge can potentially guide conservationists toward effective strategies to mitigate further sea-level rise and other climate issues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-pumping-and-polar-motion">Groundwater pumping and polar motion</h2>



The new revelations about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater pumping</a> open new doors for our understanding of climate change and our capacity for action.



"They’ve quantified the role of groundwater pumping on polar motion, and it’s pretty significant," said Surendra Adhikari, a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>).



The potential for change isn't exclusive to scientists and researchers. As individuals, we can adapt our habits and live more sustainably. 



This awareness around groundwater pumping's global impact should empower us to reconsider our everyday water usage.



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



Given the significant findings of the study, future research and policy initiatives must prioritize sustainable groundwater management to mitigate its adverse impacts on Earth's rotation and climate change. 



It is imperative to balance human needs with environmental conservation, which requires innovative approaches to water usage, such as enhanced irrigation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-moon-is-drifting-away-and-earth-will-never-be-the-same-without-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a>, rainwater harvesting, and improved municipal water management. 



Furthermore, global cooperation among countries is essential to create comprehensive policies that address the equitable distribution and consumption of water resources. 



By encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration among geophysicists, climate scientists, policy-makers, and the public, we can develop a robust framework for more sustainable water management practices. 



Such initiatives not only hold promise for protecting Earth's rotational stability but also contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broader climate change</a> mitigation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-taps-tilting-the-earth">Water taps tilting the Earth</h2>



The journey towards understanding and combating climate change is a long and complex one. But in this struggle, knowledge is power. 



Understanding the impact of groundwater pumping is an invaluable tool in our arsenal.



As we look to the future, let's harness this knowledge and strive for a more sustainable world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GL103509" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Earth's rotation has tilted 31.5 inches, and humans are 100% to blame

Picture this: every time you use water from your tap,...

You probably know at least a little bit about ocean circulation around the world, also known as currents. In fact, you may have felt smaller currents yourself on a day at the beach.



But have you heard bout the "great global ocean conveyor belt," which is a vast network of currents that constantly moves water around the entire planet?



This massive system helps distribute heat around the world, influencing everything from temperatures to rainfall. Unfortunately, it's slowing down and on the verge of total collapse.



Scientists have been studying this phenomenon, and according to recent research published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01568-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>, it's a bigger deal than we thought. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-circulation-and-the-amoc">Ocean circulation and the AMOC?</h2>



The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, is like a massive ocean conveyor belt that moves warm and cold water around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-atlantic-ocean-may-ultimately-vanish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlantic Ocean</a>. 



It starts in the Gulf of Mexico, where warm, salty water flows northward along the eastern coast of the United States and across the Atlantic towards Europe. 



As this warm water reaches the North Atlantic, it cools down, becomes denser, and sinks deep into the ocean. 



This sinking process pulls more warm water north to replace it, creating a continuous loop that helps <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-major-ocean-system-would-cause-weather-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regulate the climate</a> by distributing heat across the planet. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amoc-s-impact-on-humans">AMOC's impact on humans</h2>



Thanks to the AMOC, regions like Western Europe enjoy milder winters than they would otherwise.



Humans rely on the AMOC in several important ways. By regulating global temperatures, it helps maintain stable weather patterns, which are crucial for agriculture, ecosystems, and our daily lives. 



Researchers point out that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is now weaker than at any other time in the past 1,000 years.



The research team from several leading universities explains that global warming is behind this slowdown. 



Their new modeling suggests that meltwater from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenlands-melting-icebergs-may-not-be-threat-to-ocean-currents-amoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland ice sheet</a> and Canadian glaciers could be the missing piece of the puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-should-we-care-ocean-water-circulation">Why should we care ocean water circulation?</h2>



"Our results show the Atlantic overturning circulation is likely to become a third weaker than it was 70 years ago at 2°C of global warming," says the research team. 



"This would bring big changes to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-is-melting-fast-but-a-slowing-ocean-current-could-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate and ecosystems</a>, including faster warming in the southern hemisphere, harsher winters in Europe, and weakening of the northern hemisphere's tropical monsoons."



Think about that for a second. A weaker ocean current could mean colder winters in Europe and shifts in rainfall patterns that affect millions of people. It's not just about the ocean; <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">it's about our daily lives</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meltwater-and-ocean-circulation">Meltwater and ocean circulation</h2>



The Earth has already warmed 1.5ºC since the industrial revolution, and the Arctic has been heating up nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet.



All that heat is melting Arctic sea ice, glaciers, and the Greenland ice sheet.



"Since 2002, Greenland lost 5,900 billion tons (gigatons) of ice," notes the research team. "To put that into perspective, imagine if the entire state of Texas was covered in ice 26 feet thick."



All this fresh meltwater flowing into the subarctic ocean is lighter than salty seawater, so it doesn't sink as much. 



That messes with the southward flow of deep, cold waters from the Atlantic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-impact-the-gulf-stream-more-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weakens the Gulf Stream</a> -- the same current that gives Britain its mild winters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-around-the-globe">Ripple effects around the globe</h2>



So, what's the big deal with the Gulf Stream slowing down? Well, for starters, Europe could face harsher winters. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-paradox-ocean-current-collapse-could-plunge-europe-into-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Places like Britain</a> might start feeling more like their chilly counterparts at the same latitude, such as parts of Canada.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Atlantic-Meridional-Overturning-Circulation_AMOC_collapsing_Nature-Geoscience_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Atlantic-Meridional-Overturning-Circulation_AMOC_collapsing_Nature-Geoscience_1s.webp" alt="The addition of meltwater in the North Atlantic leads to localised cooling in the subpolar North Atlantic and warming in the South Atlantic. Credit: Nature Geoscience (2024)." class="wp-image-1951410" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The addition of meltwater in the North Atlantic leads to localised cooling in the subpolar North Atlantic and warming in the South Atlantic. Credit: Nature Geoscience (2024).</figcaption></figure>



"Our new research shows meltwater from the Greenland ice sheet and Arctic glaciers in Canada is the missing piece in the climate puzzle," the researchers explain. 



When they included this meltwater in their simulations, the slowing of the oceanic circulation made sense.



The study confirms that the Atlantic overturning circulation has been slowing down since the mid-20th century. It also gives us a sneak peek into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-and-arctic-mixing-is-crucial-for-earths-climate-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">what's coming next</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-and-southern-ocean-circulation">Northern and Southern ocean circulation</h2>



"Our new research also shows the North and South Atlantic oceans are more connected than previously thought," the team states. 



Changes in one part of the ocean can quickly affect distant regions. When the oceanic circulation is strong, it transfers a lot of heat to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-warming-triggers-rising-north-atlantic-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Atlantic</a>. 



But when it weakens, the surface of the ocean south of Greenland doesn't warm up as much, leading to what's called a "warming hole." Meanwhile, the South Atlantic ends up storing more heat and salt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-is-not-on-our-side">Time is not on our side</h2>



"Our simulations show changes in the far North Atlantic are felt in the South Atlantic Ocean in less than two decades," the researchers reveal. This means the effects of the slowdown are spreading faster than we thought.



Climate projections have suggested the Atlantic overturning circulation will weaken by about 30% by 2060. But hold on -- that's without considering all that extra meltwater.



"The Greenland ice sheet will continue melting over the coming century, possibly raising global sea level by about 4 inches," the study notes. 



"If this additional meltwater is included in climate projections, the overturning circulation will weaken faster. It could be 30% weaker by 2040. That's 20 years earlier than initially projected."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-we-do">What can we do?</h2>



Such a rapid decrease in the overturning circulation will shake things up. 



Europe might see colder winters, the northern tropics could get drier, and places like the southern United States might experience warmer, wetter summers.



"Our climate has changed dramatically over the past 20 years," the researchers warn. "More rapid melting of the ice sheets will accelerate further disruption of the climate system."



So, what does this all mean for us? It means we have even less time to get our act together. Reducing emissions isn't just a good idea -- it's crucial.



Our planet's systems are interconnected in ways we're only beginning to understand. If we want to keep things from getting worse, we need to act now. Every little bit counts, and the clock is ticking.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01568-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Collapse of Earth's global water circulation system is already happening

You probably know at least a little bit about ocean...

Welcome to a world where climate change adaptation isn't just about doomsday scenarios and mitigations. 



Rather, it's a world where we utilize our creativity, envision future possibilities, and work towards desirable and resilient outcomes. 



This concept has been echoed by ten pioneering scientists in an article published in one of the prestigious Nature Partner Journals.



"We scientists should not merely outline doomsday scenarios, but create a vision for people to believe in and work towards," said Professor Chris Zevenbergen from <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delft University of Technology</a>, one of the study's lead authors.



This radical shift of focus is a potential game-changer, particularly for the vulnerable urban river deltas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-climate-challenges-into-opportunities">Turning climate challenges into opportunities</h2>



Urban river deltas - regions of immense social and economic significance - are at the mercy of the escalating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and soil subsidence pose constant threats.



While affluent regions like the Netherlands grapple with escalating costs and complexity to overhaul existing systems, deltas in low- and middle-income countries also wrestle with rapid urbanization and scarce resources.



Traditional mitigation models seem inadequate to furnish these deltas for an uncertain future. 



The solution, as Zevenbergen suggests, lies in evolving more flexible approaches and using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-technology-can-visually-depict-what-we-are-imagining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imagination</a> and "design-based research."



"Ask the wider society: what do we want our country to look like in 100 years? What do we really care about? And then visualize possible futures," suggests Zevenberger.



This stimulates civic engagement and makes climate adaptation both tangible and motivating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-netherlands-as-a-role-model">The Netherlands as a role model</h2>



What if we could draw lessons from successful models? 



The Netherlands, as the authors noted, could serve as an exemplary model for deltas worldwide.



The country's "Delta Works," a visionary program designed by Johan van Veen, stands as an example of future-facing vision and deep understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-production-affects-earths-natural-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural processes</a>.



"Johan van Veen did not think in years, but in generations; he had deep knowledge of natural processes; and he had an appealing vision for the future," explained Zevenbergen.



This understanding of the dynamic natural processes, coupled with long-term thinking, can be a compelling force for positive change.



The authors, however, caution that these efforts should be seen as a step in the process, and not a permanent solution.



They urge us to adapt, envision, and innovate continually, using the power of design and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-climate-adaptation-lacks-coordination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">imagination</a> to shape our coasts and our future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integration-of-imagination-in-climate-adaptation">Integration of imagination in climate adaptation </h2>



The capacity to imagine and create should become integral to delta management. 



Scientists must interweave imagination and interdisciplinary approaches with climate adaptation research.



Policymakers are encouraged to invest in vision and creative research, as these aspirational plans could translate into a significant economic impact when put into practice.



The role of education is equally crucial. Universities should cultivate creativity and nurture "design thinking" among students, empowering them to conceive and realize visionary solutions for the future.



"We want students with the ability to create and the motivation to realise visions of the future: who seek large-scale and unique solutions," said Zevenbergen.



This thought-provoking article by the ten scientists working at Delft University of Technology challenges us to reimagine our approach towards climate change adaptation. 



The power to reshape the future, it appears, lies just as much in our minds and our creative capacities as it does in the physical measures we take.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empowering-communities-to-shape-climate-resilience">Empowering communities to shape climate resilience</h2>



While scientists, policymakers, and educators play critical roles in climate adaptation, active participation by local communities cannot be overlooked.



Engaging the people most affected by climate change is essential for creating effective and inclusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-climate-solutions-are-now-more-critical-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solutions</a>. 



Communities living in urban river deltas often possess deep, lived knowledge of their environments, which can guide more culturally relevant and practical designs.



Participatory workshops, citizen science initiatives, and co-design projects are powerful tools for bridging the gap between experts and the public. 



These approaches build trust and empower residents to take ownership of climate adaptation strategies.



For instance, in regions like Bangladesh's Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, local input has been instrumental in developing adaptive strategies that integrate traditional knowledge with modern innovation.



By embedding community-driven processes into delta management, societies can craft solutions that are both visionary and grounded in reality, ensuring that resilience is not just a scientific ambition but a shared societal goal.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44183-024-00094-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Ocean Sustainability.</a>



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The power of imagination in climate change adaptation

Welcome to a world where climate change adaptation isn't just...

A new study suggests that individual cells might be capable of learning -- a behavior once thought exclusive to organisms with brains and complex nervous systems. 



“Rather than following pre-programmed genetic instructions, cells are elevated to entities equipped with a very basic form of decision making based on learning from their environments,” explained study co-author Jeremy Gunawardena.



The research, led by scientists at the Center for Genomic Regulation (<a href="https://www.crg.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CRG</a>) in Barcelona and <a href="https://hms.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a> in Boston, challenges long-standing assumptions about the fundamental capabilities of cells.



The findings, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.041" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>, could transform our understanding of life at its most basic level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-without-a-brain">Learning without a brain</h2>



The researchers focused on habituation, a simple form of learning where an organism gradually stops responding to a repeated stimulus -- like how humans tune out the ticking of a clock or flashing lights. 



While habituation has been extensively studied in animals with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-black-widow-venom-attacks-the-nervous-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nervous systems</a>, whether similar behavior exists at the cellular level has been a contentious question.



Early experiments in the 20th century observed behavior resembling learning in the single-celled ciliate Stentor roeselii, but the findings were largely dismissed. 



In the 1970s and 1980s, more evidence of habituation emerged in other ciliates, and modern experiments have continued to build on these insights.



“These creatures are so different from animals with brains,” said Rosa Martinez, a co-author of the study and researcher at the CRG.



“To learn would mean they use internal molecular networks that somehow perform functions similar to those carried out by networks of neurons in brains. Nobody knows how they are able to do this, so we thought it is a question that needed to be explored.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-cellular-learning">Decoding cellular "learning"</h2>



Instead of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-cells-capable-of-photosynthesis-created-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">working with cells</a> directly in the lab, the researchers turned to computer simulations to track the biochemical reactions that cells rely on to process information. 



By simulating how molecular interactions change when exposed to repeated stimuli, the team uncovered evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-our-brains-neurons-make-and-retrieve-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>-like behavior.



The study focused on two common molecular circuits: negative feedback loops and incoherent feedforward loops.&nbsp;



Negative feedback is like a thermostat -- it regulates processes by turning them off when a certain threshold is reached. 



Incoherent feedforward loops act like a motion-activated light with a timer, triggering a process and its inhibitor simultaneously.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memories-formed-at-the-cellular-level">Memories formed at the cellular level</h2>



Simulations revealed that cells use these circuits to fine-tune their responses to repeated stimuli, replicating hallmark features of habituation seen in animals.&nbsp;



A critical discovery was the role of “timescale separation,” where some biochemical reactions occur much faster than others.



“We think this could be a type of ‘memory’ at the cellular level, enabling cells to both react immediately and influence a future response,” Martinez explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-neuroscience-and-cognitive-science">Bridging neuroscience and cognitive science</h2>



The findings also offer new insights into a long-standing debate between neuroscientists and cognitive researchers about habituation.&nbsp;



Neuroscientists argue that stronger habituation occurs with more frequent or less intense stimuli, while cognitive scientists emphasize internal changes, finding habituation stronger with less frequent or more intense stimuli.



The study showed that both perspectives are valid. During habituation, cells respond less to frequent or weak stimuli, but after habituation, their response to similar stimuli is stronger.&nbsp;



“Neuroscientists and cognitive scientists have been studying processes which are basically two sides of the same coin,” Gunawardena said. “We believe that single cells could emerge as a powerful tool to study the fundamentals of learning.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-cells-to-learn-and-remember">How cells to learn and remember </h2>



If confirmed through real-world experiments, these findings could have profound implications.&nbsp;



The ability of cells to “remember” might explain phenomena like cancer cells developing resistance to chemotherapy or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-have-been-found-in-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> becoming resistant to antibiotics. 



Both involve cells appearing to “learn” from their environment to survive.



The researchers used mathematical models to test various scenarios quickly, identifying those worth exploring in laboratory settings. 



This approach could save time and resources while accelerating discoveries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-computational-approach-to-biology">Computational approach to biology</h2>



“The moonshot in computational biology is to make life as programmable as a computer, but lab experiments can be costly and time-consuming,” Martinez said.&nbsp;



Her team works at the <a href="https://barcelonacollaboratorium.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona Collaboratorium</a>, a joint initiative designed to use mathematical modeling to tackle big biological questions.



“Our approach can help us prioritize which experiments are most likely to yield valuable results, saving time and resources and leading to new breakthroughs,” noted Martinez. “We think it can be useful to address many other fundamental questions.”



This research marks a significant step toward understanding learning and memory at the cellular level, potentially reshaping our view of what individual cells are capable of and opening new doors for medical and scientific exploration.



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Individual cells throughout the human body can "learn" like brains

A new study suggests that individual cells might be capable...

Ever wondered how the giants of the sea perceive the world around them? How do creatures like whales react to the symphony of sounds in their aquatic realm? 



Well, an international team of marine biologists has rolled up its sleeves to find answers to these intriguing questions. 



In a pioneering study that's making waves, marine biologists from Norway, the U.S., and Denmark conducted the first-ever hearing test on live baleen whales.



The researchers' motivation? An acute concern about the increasing noise pollution in our oceans and its impact on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-helps-humans-have-20-minute-conversation-with-humpback-whale-named-twain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-dwelling fauna</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-reacting-to-different-sounds">Whales reacting to different sounds</h2>



The research team leading this innovative study devised a novel method to test the hearing abilities of two wild baleen whales by recording their brain waves.



They selected minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) as the first test subjects due to their relative compactness compared to other whales. The scientists charted their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ship-routes-overlap-with-92-of-whale-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">swimming routes</a> through a slim channel nestled between two islands off Norway's coast.



The team set up netted barriers near the area, which guided the whales into a small holding pen. Upon successful capture, the researchers - with a swift pull of the net placed beneath the whales - brought the giants to the surface.



The scientists attached gold-plated electrodes onto their skin. These electrodes recorded the whales' brain waves in response to different sounds played out from nearby speakers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-series-of-unprecedented-discoveries">Series of unprecedented discoveries</h2>



This unusual procedure marked the first such successful examination of its kind ever attempted.



It was assumed that the whales would respond to low-frequency sounds, based on prior research that studied the ear structure of deceased whales. As anticipated, the whales did respond to these sounds, but the scientists found that the whales also heard sounds of much higher frequencies too. 



They responded to sounds in the 45 to 90 kHz range as well, which is well above the frequency of the sounds they make themselves. 



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



This revelation implies that marine scientists worldwide might need to revisit earlier work that aimed to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a> react to sonar, underwater echo sounders, and other noises from seafaring vessels.



It could also spark new research avenues on how baleen whales shield themselves from their natural predators, the killer whales.



The findings from this study have far-reaching implications for conservation strategies targeting marine life, particularly baleen whales. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-noise-pollution">Impacts of noise pollution</h2>



Understanding that whales can hear a broader range of frequencies, including ultrasonic sounds, suggests that they may be more vulnerable to anthropogenic noise than previously assumed. 



This revelation necessitates a recalibration of environmental policies and protective measures designed to mitigate the impact of ocean noise pollution. 



Conservationists can leverage these insights to implement stricter maritime noise regulations and advocate for quieter shipping practices, which could reduce the stress whales experience in increasingly noisy oceans.



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



The pioneering nature of this study from the <a href="https://nmmf.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Marine Mammal Foundation</a>, San Diego, opens up numerous possibilities for future research in marine science. Scientists are now challenged to explore how the presence of ultrasonic sounds influences whale behavior and communication.



Additionally, further investigation into the auditory capabilities of different whale species could yield new data on their adaptation mechanisms. Researchers might also consider expanding this method to study other large marine animals that are potentially affected by noise pollution.



Ultimately, these efforts could refine our understanding of marine ecosystems, leading to more effective conservation initiatives and fostering coexistence between human activities and oceanic life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounds-from-human-activities">Sounds from human activities </h2>



Research like this, as intriguing as it is, sheds light on how human activities, even those we may perceive as inconsequential "noises," can adversely affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>.



It's a sobering reminder of our responsibility as inhabitants of this planet. Indeed, the health of our oceans is a clear reflection of our conduct as its primary custodians.



Who knew a study on the hearing capabilities of whales would prompt such profound contemplation? That's the beauty of science, ever-evolving, constantly surprising. 



So, as we marvel at the minke whales' superpower today, who knows, tomorrow might bring about more exciting revelations from the depths of our oceans.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado7580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Whales may have ultrasonic hearing as a form of defense

Ever wondered how the giants of the sea perceive the...

Few sights can be as awe-inspiring as New Zealand's legendary "walking tree," a towering ancient giant that stands like a sentinel from a fantasy world.



This extraordinary tree remains unmatched, as though it has stepped right out of the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-champion-of-the-forest">Champion of the forest</h2>



The "walking tree" is no ordinary one. It recently won the title of New Zealand's Tree of the Year with ease, claiming 42% of the public vote and leaving five other finalists behind. The contest was organized by the <a href="https://www.nzarb.org.nz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Zealand Arboricultural Association</a>.



The tree that seems to be on a stroll is not just unique in its appearance; it carries a rich legacy that stretches back centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-the-walking-tree">Journey of the walking tree</h2>



The tree - a northern rātā (Metrosideros robusta) - has its roots on the west coast of South Island, near Karamea.



Reaching heights of up to 105 feet (equal to a seven-story building), it exists as a remarkable symbol of nature's ingenuity and endurance. The tree stands by a cemetery, the lone survivor of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest</a> that was cleared about 150 years ago.



Brad Cadwallader, organizer of the Tree of the Year competition, told Radio New Zealand that during the voting, the walking tree "strode out into the lead right from the very start."



"The farming family back then clearly thought it was special because they left it," noted Cadwallader.



This tree has been described as an "exceptional feature" and a "prime example of the remarkable trees that we, as New Zealanders, are fortunate to experience," said NZ Arb president Richie Hill in a statement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tale-of-growth-and-survival">A tale of growth and survival</h2>



Northern rātā trees are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epiphytes-are-increasingly-threatened-by-forest-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epiphytes</a>, a type of tree that starts growing on the surface of a host tree before growing aerial roots that reach to the ground.



This walking tree likely lived, initially, high up in the canopy of its host, surviving on air and rainwater before it finally grounded itself.



Its unusual root layout is probably due to how it grew around its host tree, which probably died off centuries ago.



“That <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=host%20tree&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">host tree</a> has now gone," said Cadwallader. "Maybe the tree was either very, very big, or there may have been another tree that fell and lent against the host tree, and that's why the roots have split near the ground and given it that walking appearance.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plight-of-the-northern-rata">Plight of the northern rātā</h2>



Unfortunately, the majestic northern rātā is under significant threat. Once common in New Zealand's forests, these trees are now listed as nationally vulnerable.



Multiple factors, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> and the invasive common brushtail possums, which wreak havoc by devouring the leaves and gnawing at the roots, pose significant threats.



The trees face danger from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scrub-mint-almost-extinct-lived-earth-millions-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybridization</a> with the closely related pōhutukawa trees. They are also susceptible to myrtle rust, a pathogenic fungus that is native to South America but was detected in New Zealand for the first time in 2017.



As we appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the "walking tree," it’s crucial to take note of the environmental challenges these giants face. Although the trees are evidence of nature's resilience, they also serve as a stark reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-ecological-legacy-of-the-walking-tree">Cultural and ecological legacy of the walking tree</h2>



The walking tree is more than just a botanical marvel; it serves as a living emblem of New Zealand's deep connection to its natural world.



For the indigenous Māori people, trees like the northern rātā are taonga, or treasures, woven into cultural myths, rituals, and traditions.



The rātā, with its crimson flowers, is often associated with strength, endurance, and renewal - qualities that are certainly epitomized by this lone survivor near Karamea.



Ecologically, the northern rātā plays a critical role in its environment. Its towering canopy provides shelter and sustenance for native birds like the tūī and kererū, while its roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.



The walking tree, standing alone and surrounded by cleared land, reminds us of what has been lost - and what still needs to be preserved.



As New Zealanders rally around this extraordinary tree, it becomes a symbol of hope and a call to action for conservation efforts. 



Protecting such iconic species ensures that future generations will not only learn about them in stories but also experience their majesty firsthand.



Image Credit: Gareth Andrews



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New Zealand’s 'walking tree': The final remains of a lost forest

Few sights can be as awe-inspiring as New Zealand's legendary...

Date	Citation Page	Title
05/16/1986	51 FR 17977 17980	Determination of End. Status for 8 Foreign Mammals, Leadbeaters Possum, etc.; 51 FR 17977-17980
10/25/1985	50 FR 43420 43423	Proposed End. Status for 8 Foreign Mammals; 50 FR 43420-43423