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It is widely known among scientists that light sometimes appears to exit a material before it has even entered. This odd "negative time" phenomenon was long seen as an illusion caused by the way waves become distorted by matter. 



Over time, many considered it a harmless quirk of physics, dismissed without much further investigation. Now, fresh experiments suggest that this behavior might carry deeper implications related to "negative time."



Researchers recently posted findings on the preprint server arXiv, drawing global interest and some reservations about what it all means.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-time-is-no-longer-theoretical">"Negative time" is no longer theoretical</h2>



Aephraim Steinberg, a <a href="https://www.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a> professor in experimental quantum physics, has seen how people can misunderstand discussions about negative time.



"This is tough stuff, even for us to talk about with other physicists. We get misunderstood all the time," he said. His team contends that negative time is not just theoretical but may exist in a measurable way.



They remain cautious in describing their experiments, emphasizing that the results reflect a subtle effect in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>. 



"That time turned out to be negative," Steinberg explained. Their data points to strange interactions between light and matter that defy everyday assumptions.



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



Their basement lab brims with mirrors, wires, and delicate lasers that track how photons interact with atoms. 



The atoms sometimes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/precise-shape-of-single-photon-light-revealed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absorb photons</a> and later emit them, leaving the atoms in an excited state for a short period. Measuring this period was tricky, and to many, it sounded like it might flirt with impossibilities.



Steinberg and graduate student Daniela Angulo focused on the short time atoms remain excited. By collecting data on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-photons-fascinating-behavior-in-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atoms emit absorbed light</a>, they uncovered intervals that appeared less than zero. 



"We don't want to say anything traveled backward in time," Steinberg said. "That's a misinterpretation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-time-doesn-t-violate-reality">"Negative time" doesn't violate reality</h2>



Investigations into quantum phenomena often spark worry about collisions with Einstein's theory of special relativity. 



Yet nothing in these experiments hints that any object can outrun light. Photons here do not convey information faster than physical laws permit, so there is no conflict with long-accepted principles.



Some have questioned whether labeling this interval as negative time might invite confusion. 



The team is aware that such language can sound surreal, but they believe it captures the unusual nature of quantum measurements that drift from usual expectations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photons-and-probabilities">Photons and probabilities</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-dance-entangled-photons-wave-functions-captured-real-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photons have a split personality</a>, sometimes acting like particles and other times behaving like waves. 



They follow probability rules that let them appear in multiple states at once, prompting a range of possible outcomes. This fuzziness underpins the notion that events do not always fit into a neat timeline.



In standard settings, photons pass through materials in ways consistent with well-established physics. 



But in the group’s experiments, certain measurements produce results that slip into territory most would never predict. 



These findings spark curiosity about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a> can present effects that appear at odds with common sense.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reactions-and-skepticism">Reactions and skepticism</h2>



The concept has captured the attention of many, including German theoretical physicist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErLHm-1c6I4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sabine Hossenfelder</a>, who remains unimpressed. 



"The negative time in this experiment has nothing to do with the passage of time -- it's just a way to describe how photons travel through a medium and how their phases shift," she said in a YouTube video with more than 250,000 views.



Some observers suspect the term negative time is too dramatic and misrepresents the study’s scope. Others argue that a fresh approach could encourage deeper conversations about how quantum processes unfold. 



The researchers maintain they are not rewriting the rules of physics but aiming to highlight the weirdness at play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-tunneling-allow-particles-break-light-speed-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fundamental experiments</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-for-negative-time-studies">Next steps for "negative time" studies</h2>



"We've made our choice about what we think is a fruitful way to describe the results," Steinberg said, adding that while practical applications remain elusive, the findings open new avenues for exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum phenomena</a>. 



He acknowledged that many remain skeptical, but he insists the numbers speak for themselves. No serious criticism has challenged their raw data.



"I'll be honest, I don't currently have a path from what we've been looking at toward applications," Steinberg admitted. "We're going to keep thinking about it, but I don't want to get people's hopes up."



Whether the idea of negative time transforms into something with everyday uses remains to be seen, yet the curiosity it sparks is hard to ignore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



To sum it all up, quantum physics has always pushed boundaries, forcing researchers to adjust old assumptions. 



These experiments from the University of Toronto team serve as another reminder that the world behaves in ways that do not always match common intuition. Still, they stress that no claims of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astrophysicist-says-hes-cracked-the-equation-for-time-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">time travel</a> are on the table.



By presenting evidence that something can measure out to less than zero time, these researchers have challenged expectations about how light interacts with matter. 



For now, the puzzle remains a subject of debate. Unraveling the enigma might take further studies, but many agree that investigating such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/google-record-shattering-quantum-ai-chip-accesses-parallel-universes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bizarre possibilities</a> is part of the ongoing effort to understand quantum reality.



The results highlight how experiments can produce outcomes that differ from conventional thinking. Negative intervals in absorption times remain an intriguing piece of a much broader puzzle.



Scientists continue to refine experiments and weigh alternative explanations. Despite lingering questions, the project stands as a reminder that quantum behavior can seem downright strange, to put it mildly.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.03680" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a>.



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"Negative time" observed in new quantum experiments, surprising scientists

It is widely known among scientists that light sometimes appears...

The world’s largest iceberg has astonished scientists by shaking free from a spinning ocean trap and continuing its trek across remote southern waters.



Its journey, marked by twists and turns since it separated from Antarctica, has become a focus for research on the changing ocean and the ice’s influence on life beneath the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-iceberg-breaks-free">A23a iceberg breaks free</h2>



The icy slab covers about 1,418 square miles, which makes it bigger than Rhode Island. 



It originally broke away from <a href="https://eros.usgs.gov/earthshots/filchner-ice-shelf-antarctica" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf</a> in 1986 and remained stuck close to the continent for decades. 



Ocean currents and seafloor topography restricted its path. After finally regaining momentum last year, the towering block ran into a swirling formation of water near the <a href="https://www.ndsu.edu/subantarctic/southorkney.htm">South Orkney Islands</a>, where it ended up spinning in place for months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-iceberg-movements">Tracking iceberg movements</h2>



“It’s exciting to see A23a on the move again after periods of being stuck,” said <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/worlds-largest-iceberg-a23a-breaks-free/">Dr Andrew Meijers</a>, an oceanographer at the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>.



Ocean experts have been monitoring this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-iceberg-a23a-undergoing-major-erosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg’s</a> every move to understand how such massive blocks can influence sea circulation, temperature balance, and the distribution of nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-for-the-a23a-iceberg">New chapter for the A23a iceberg</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birth-of-an-iceberg-a-83-breaks-free-from-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg’s</a> latest departure from its watery prison has stirred up fresh discussions about its fate. 



As it progresses northward, warmer seas may take a toll on its bulk. Many large ice masses follow a similar route before gradually disintegrating. Scientists emphasize that ice already afloat in the water does not raise sea levels when it melts. That does not mean these events should be dismissed, though, since Antarctica’s overall health is a concern in a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-iceberg-and-its-ocean-impacts-nbsp">A23a iceberg and its ocean impacts&nbsp;</h2>



Researchers have pointed out that although this particular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg</a> calved naturally, Antarctic ice shelves are showing other, more concerning changes.



Experts worry that accelerated ice loss in certain areas could have far-reaching effects. Even small changes along coastal regions of the continent can result in shifts in glacial flow, which might eventually lead to an uptick in sea-level rise. 



Data gathered from icebergs like A23a helps build a clearer picture of these wider trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-antarctic-ice-shelves">Importance of Antarctic ice shelves</h2>



These massive floating ice platforms act as natural barriers, holding back glaciers from flowing too quickly into the ocean, while playing a crucial role in our planet's climate system.



By doing this, they help regulate sea levels and prevent dramatic rises that could flood coastal communities around the world. 



Additionally, ice shelves influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shelves-melting-faster-due-to-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a> and the global climate by interacting with surrounding water and air, helping to maintain temperature and weather patterns. 



Without these ice shelves, we could see much faster ice loss from the Antarctic, leading to significant changes in our global climate.



Beyond their impact on climate, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-fracturing-from-meltwater-weight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ice shelves</a> are vital indicators of environmental health. Scientists closely monitor these ice structures to understand the effects of global warming and to predict future changes in ice behavior. 



When ice shelves start to thin or collapse, it signals shifts in climate trends, providing valuable data for researchers working on climate models and sea-level rise projections.



Moreover, the areas beneath and around ice shelves host unique marine ecosystems that support a variety of wildlife, contributing to Earth’s biodiversity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystems-under-the-ice">Ecosystems under the ice</h2>



Observations have shown that drifting ice blocks can stir the waters they pass through, sometimes generating short-lived plankton blooms. 



These blooms support fish, krill, and other marine life in areas that might otherwise lack resources. "These icebergs provide different sources of nutrients," explained Professor <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/gant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geraint Tarling</a>, Biopole's principal investigator. By sampling the water where the giant iceberg has traveled, scientists hope to gauge whether this berg’s size and origin play a notable part in shaping ocean communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-future-holds">What the future holds</h2>



Many anticipate that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a23a-worlds-largest-iceberg-is-moving-after-30-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A23a</a> will continue meandering through the Southern Ocean currents. As it ventures closer to milder latitudes, the ice is expected to weaken and break into smaller chunks. 



Some fragments may persist for a while, but the main body of the iceberg will likely diminish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-iceberg-research-enhances-ocean-circulation">A23a iceberg research enhances ocean circulation</h2>



Ongoing research on these gargantuan ice blocks helps experts refine climate models, track ocean circulation patterns, and pinpoint areas most vulnerable to environmental changes. 



Observations from ships, satellites, and on-site measurements all combine to offer a clearer view of what is happening far from major population centers. The hope is that findings from the watery trails left by A23a will guide future decisions on how we manage and protect polar waters and fragile marine habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-lab-for-ocean-studies">Moving lab for ocean studies</h2>



A23a’s odyssey is important because it shows how an individual iceberg can become a moving lab for oceanographers and climate scientists. 



The iceberg's escape from a rotating water column this month hints at nature’s complexity, from shifting ocean currents to unseen underwater topography.



While it has been around for nearly four decades, its path in the coming months may reveal more about the chain reactions set in motion when a piece of Antarctica sets sail for open waters.



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World’s largest iceberg breaks free from ocean cyclone and is on the move again

The world’s largest iceberg has astonished scientists by shaking free...

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Northwestern University engineers made a remarkable advance in quantum computing and communication, demonstrating quantum teleportation over a standard fiber optic cable that already carries everyday Internet traffic.



This development shows that quantum communication might not require dedicated lines, which clears the path for easier and more widespread integration of quantum and classical data sharing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-for-quantum-networking">Path for quantum networking</h2>



The news centers around the idea that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum signals</a> -- information carried by delicate particles of light known as photons -- can travel alongside everyday Internet traffic without losing their integrity. This breakthrough demonstrates quantum teleportation, a process where the state of a particle (like a photon) is transferred to another distant particle without the initial particle moving physically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-quantum-teleportation">Science behind quantum teleportation</h2>



By using entangled photons, this method enables secure, near-instantaneous data sharing and paves the way for future quantum networks.



The research team successfully tested a setup that allows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negative-time-observed-measured-tangible-in-new-quantum-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> information to weave through the bustling flow of regular Internet data without interference. 



This achievement overcomes one of the biggest hurdles in making quantum networks a practical reality.



<a href="https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/research-faculty/directory/profiles/kumar-prem.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prem Kumar</a>, who oversaw the research, is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northwestern’s <a href="https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McCormick School of Engineering</a>. 



He is known for his contributions to quantum communication and serves as the director of the Center for Photonic Communication and Computing. In their recent work, Kumar and his collaborators introduce a new way of thinking about quantum signals alongside their classical counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-entanglement-in-quantum-communication">Entanglement in quantum communication</h2>



Quantum teleportation stands out because it uses entanglement as a way to exchange information without physically sending matter across a distance. The concept traces back to <a href="https://journals.aps.org/pr/abstract/10.1103/PhysRev.47.777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Einstein,</a> <a href="https://journals.aps.org/pr/abstract/10.1103/PhysRev.47.777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Podolsky</a>, and Rosen in 1935. Scientists have since <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.70.1895" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tested</a> quantum entanglement in labs, culminating in the formal proposal for quantum teleportation in 1993.



One of the biggest appeals of quantum teleportation is that it can occur almost as fast as light travels. Photons can become entangled so that performing a measurement on one instantaneously affects its partner, no matter how far away it is. “This is incredibly exciting because nobody thought it was possible; our work shows a path towards next-generation quantum and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elusive-quantum-negative-entanglement-entropy-deciphered-in-the-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classical networks</a> sharing a unified fiberoptic infrastructure. Basically, it opens the door to pushing quantum communications to the next level,” enthused Kumar.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-delicate-photons">Protecting delicate photons</h2>



Securing a clear route for single photons involves more than just adding them to an active cable. Ordinary Internet traffic typically relies on millions of light particles, so a handful of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/google-record-shattering-quantum-ai-chip-accesses-parallel-universes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> photons can easily get lost or overwhelmed. The <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern</a> team performed detailed studies on how light scatters inside the cable to see if there was a specific wavelength that experiences less clutter. 



They pinpointed that sweet spot and added special filters to reduce the noise generated by normal data traffic.



“Quantum teleportation has the ability to provide quantum connectivity securely between geographically distant nodes,” said Kumar. Past work suggested that large-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/functioning-quantum-internet-makes-giant-stride-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum networks</a> might need specialized systems. Now, his findings reveal that this might not be strictly necessary, if signals are positioned in just the right place in the spectrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-test-run-in-busy-channels">First test run in busy channels</h2>



Earlier demonstrations of quantum teleportation typically involved pristine settings or dedicated fibers. 



Some <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aan3211">researchers</a> believed that real-world cables, teeming with signals, would smother the faint quantum light. That assumption has been proven wrong.



In tests at Northwestern, the researchers ran quantum signals and classical communications over the same fiber optic cable without them colliding. 



They measured how well the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-can-follow-neat-paths-even-in-chaotic-quantum-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a> arrived at its destination and confirmed that it was still correct at the other end. “Our work shows a path towards next-generation quantum and classical networks,” Kumar summarized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-infrastructure">Real-world infrastructure</h2>



The immediate plan is to scale the system to longer runs and then transition to underground fiber connections. 



The group believes that an eventual shift to real-world cables could be next. Building on single-pair teleportation, they also want to experiment with multiple pairs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-dance-entangled-photons-wave-functions-captured-real-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entangled photons</a> to achieve another crucial step known as entanglement swapping.



If that milestone is reached, quantum networks could begin to take shape across regions rather than only between two points. For critical operations in finance, defense, and data management, such networks could offer more secure connections thanks to the inherent secrecy of quantum methods, where any tampering is immediately noticeable.



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



The capacity to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum connections</a> without setting up special cables makes many new ideas more viable. 



Distributed quantum computing, which relies on linking multiple quantum computers in different locations, would be simpler to establish. 



Distance-sensing tasks and advanced metrology could also benefit from more stable quantum links.



Even beyond computing, quantum networks have the potential to spur new technologies in encryption, imaging, and fundamental physics experiments. Researchers have also discussed using quantum entanglement to <a href="https://watermark.silverchair.com/020011_1_online.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAzAwggMsBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggMdMIIDGQIBADCCAxIGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMxOCNBnzx99LUOAbXAgEQgIIC41_WikXKemGuhWdzU4OnkQXRNjdQ5jj8bK5la7lzZlWPVXgV6KM-mv4frQgdokiIKWhEiPaL2MBMicf8FXjC7C9DHm7cmfKlXHX0RsBGMmNFXIf3tnlSoygfD_3DsxoPrGUO5slXsAOpR2nNcOJqQMHxOtS2vZo885BZQmEF8j2Tdz7Eih6K3tmVzUTRmYwHJ4KtMk-RjD1JHXfFwUnnQ0B-Qk9VmP_s05zipejBq28CbQySyGw7Mi-SfxNEW7qC-VEEFHy__hVKeExMG4HmltzHbp-k_zPnwktK7eEojGWH17mX6qfBGSE_fSGYQYHh82x6TLx2HdMBx2RVuTZIxpClItEPUEuHXIn4ZM4QBHWUlhzFcnm5moZmsfIxN9II_S8v4fKN3hCeAp8QpjjhQyT3coqB4S80iIXBN3V1wpJMknK0WwKpuekyl7Tpcv1zPchLng2_lN8TuajzF8lyuBSRFWKGg4nKkdwtCV3OnUweAUfYwNrQdUgY769pFqspGxXh7VPhcgDe8hcdc9-EX2Y7uz7jMMmDyc9q7sJ0jW1tM2tUVkXYpOvSVkcuFN5Qa4ud5D8xdQ4UUL1nvGnhvJuTvT1kv2WiRlSy-3_uhi75BUEPppoyIv22JtpjkcAmQYEmLgcSdROYaB7LB5ySLLQ1rRZW7BFQvI5W7Zv0FX64VIvx1sNCubj1HvROm9OR026h8Kt-VuE8YZwoGgUP4DPycn_gwFHMguRZfU_bbMIBnLyufXePFSsPB0Nfv_gpwYN6lNzD3oyZPbo5BumjsspwgrOmvZADcEM6hyqkhAOGBm5gf5QiFtGWxvY9pYT2xSR9LI6C8cxxDNl8VMtRCK2pwJ_e2sg6h3sdILLYVzHuF4DO7SWTW0unBeit2cvJtDSN-PcPRtsTvI5eYgQkwouAfEZ3o4fKme-h8q4Ik1RVGvz3kMW2bnGOvgK0LeIer5Frkr3op85V1mpuWR1-l-Jjq6M">synchronize distant clocks</a> or to share random numbers for cryptography at unprecedented levels of security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-quantum-teleportation">Significance of quantum teleportation </h2>



Quantum teleportation has matured from a fascinating theory to a tool that is becoming more practical. 



While it is never straightforward to integrate delicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unbreakable-encryption-brings-quantum-internet-communication-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum signals</a>, the Northwestern group’s accomplishment raises confidence that such integration is within reach.



Many experts have believed that building specialized infrastructure was an unavoidable cost of quantum networking. 



According to Kumar’s report, if wavelengths are picked carefully, classical signals and quantum information can coexist just fine. This line of thinking spares organizations from installing entire new grids of cables.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-work-on-quantum-teleportation">Future work on quantum teleportation</h2>



In upcoming work, the researchers plan to expand the scope of their approach in longer segments to confirm that the method remains stable as cables stretch far past the lab. They will also design a multi-node demonstration to verify it can handle more than a single link. There is much excitement that existing communication channels, once tuned just right, could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-atoms-qkd-quantum-communication-revolutionizing-data-protection-privacy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carry quantum data</a> to distant points.



With such possibilities on the horizon, quantum teleportation may shift from a theoretical concept to a tool that transforms communication. 



The future might see quantum and classical networks working side by side in ways that once sounded unlikely.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://opg.optica.org/optica/fulltext.cfm?uri=optica-11-12-1700&amp;id=565936" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Optica</a>.



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"Impossible" success: Quantum teleportation on normal internet cables is set to change the world

Northwestern University engineers made a remarkable advance in quantum computing...

Earth sometimes picks up unexpected companions. One recently spotted object, about 33 feet (10 meters) long, caught astronomers’ attention in late summer as it moved close enough to become, for a short time, a temporary guest in our gravitational field.



It was found using the ATLAS survey, a system that scans the skies for approaching space rocks. The object was named 2024 PT5.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-rock-linked-to-the-moon">Space rock linked to the Moon</h2>



From September 29 to November 25, this traveler <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">looped around our planet</a> before drifting away. It resembled what some call a mini-moon, but not everyone agrees on the label. According to Paul Chodas, director of NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>), it could have come from a lunar impact long ago.



This possibility elevates the significance of the mysterious object. If it truly broke off the moon, then wandered into space only to show up here as a fleeting visitor, that’s more than a random asteroid drop-in.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-captures-mini-moons">Earth captures mini-moons</h2>



Short-term orbital captures happen when Near-Earth Objects, or NEOs, move close enough for Earth’s gravity to temporarily capture them.



NASA describes <a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/about/basics.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NEOs</a> as bodies nudged by other planets until they drift into Earth’s neighborhood. This can turn them into passersby that come and go. Although most slip away unnoticed, a few of these objects get spotted.



“Earth can regularly capture asteroids from the near-earth object (NEO) population and pull them into orbit, making them mini-moons,” noted Carlos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evasive-space-objects">Evasive space objects </h2>



As discussed, many objects that buzz around our world do so invisibly. It’s common for them to either miss Earth entirely or crash through the atmosphere, producing bright meteors or even catastrophic impacts like the one linked to the dinosaurs’ demise. But spotting a small object that loops near <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-moon-trifecta-september-2024-harvest-moon-supermoon-and-partial-eclipse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a> without hitting it is trickier. Sometimes astronomers confuse such objects with old rocket parts or spacecraft, which has happened before with artificial satellites.



Careful observations confirmed that 2024 PT5 was natural, and not a piece of space junk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mini-moons-and-other-oddballs">Mini-moons and other oddballs</h2>



Temporary satellites come in different varieties. Some perform multiple orbits around Earth, then stick around for a while before drifting off. Others take a quick loop and vanish, never even completing a full circle.



According to prior <a href="http://mpcweb1.cfa.harvard.edu/mpec/K24/K24PH0.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>, some have even been mistaken for asteroids orbiting the sun before their real trajectory was understood. Past cases show how researchers work to classify these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-pt5-mini-moon-say-goodbye-to-earths-second-moon-we-barely-got-to-know-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transient neighbors</a>. They rely on data from surveys and institutions like the Center for Astrophysics, where astronomers study asteroid dynamics. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-earth-s-mini-moon">Is it really Earth's mini-moon?</h2>



There’s been much debate over what counts as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-has-lost-its-mini-moon-2024-pt5-may-have-come-from-our-main-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mini-moon</a>. Some argue that if the object doesn’t complete a full orbit, it’s just a near miss. Others insist even a partial capture is worth noting.



Lance Benner, who leads asteroid radar research at JPL, looks at what an object actually does before classifying it. Whether 2024 PT5 meets strict definitions matters less to those simply intrigued by what its presence can teach us.



If this object truly came from our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvest-moon-2024-will-feature-a-partial-lunar-eclipse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon</a>, it suggests that large impacts scattered lunar material far and wide. Bits of our celestial neighbor might still be drifting through space, waiting for a chance encounter with Earth. Understanding how material escapes the moon’s gravity and ends up roaming free can help refine models of lunar and Earth evolution. It might even clarify how common these lunar fragments are. Though no one can say for certain yet, this possibility is exciting to astronomers, prompting further observations and better tracking methods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-defense-strategies">Planetary defense strategies </h2>



We live amid a cosmic swirl, where not all objects are potential hazards. Many are tiny fragments just passing through. But scientists pay close attention to any that could come closer than comfort allows. Monitoring these objects supports <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-NSTC-National-Preparedness-Strategy-and-Action-Plan-for-Near-Earth-Object-Hazards-and-Planetary-Defense.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary defense strategies</a>, which track objects that might threaten life on Earth. 



While giant asteroids top the priority list, even smaller rocks can cause serious damage if they strike. There are <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/planetary-science/planetary-defense/near-earth-asteroids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">millions</a> of these modest but still threatening bodies lurking out there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-mini-moons">Mining mini-moons </h2>



Some groups talk about mining asteroids for metals and other resources. If an accessible mini-moon passed by one day, it might be easier to reach than other targets.



In theory, a future spacecraft might push a rich fragment into Earth’s orbit and create a mine at our doorstep. This remains a vision for the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visitors-from-our-cosmic-neighborhood">Visitors from our cosmic neighborhood </h2>



For now, 2024 PT5 has come and gone. Just because it visited doesn’t guarantee we’ll see more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-supermoon-blue-moon-will-outshine-and-outsize-all-other-moons-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar</a> fragments passing by, but it hints at a bustling environment that may hide many surprises. Astronomers continue cataloging and studying these objects, including tricky, short-term captures known as <a href="https://www.planetary.org/defend-earth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arjuna asteroids</a> that travel near Earth’s orbit. We share this cosmic neighborhood with countless wanderers, and each passing object has a story to tell. 



No one knows what kind of guests Earth might host in the future. Some will barely register on telescopes, others will linger, and a few could turn out to be fragments of places we thought we knew.



More details of the study are available <a href="https://arxiv.org/html/2412.10264v1">here</a>. 



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Surprise arrival: A fragment of the Moon just circled Earth

Earth sometimes picks up unexpected companions. One recently spotted object,...

Community dog parks are often seen as cheerful places where dogs can run free and interact with other pets. Many people feel that these shared spaces help animals stay active, but new <a href="https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-024-06563-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> points to a different story.



Recent <a href="https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-024-06563-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> from the Department of Ecosystem and Public Health at the University of Calgary have revealed that half of the fecal samples collected in select dog parks contained intestinal parasites. These particular parasites have the potential to affect not only canines but also humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasites-in-dog-parks">Parasites in dog parks</h2>



 The experts found that parasites are often more common in areas where several dogs gather and roam freely. 



Parasites in the dog park samples included protozoa that are known to cause gastrointestinal issues, especially in younger or immune-compromised canines.



These types of parasites are also known to spread from animals to humans through contaminated materials.



Many of them linger in the environment, which increases the risk for anyone handling infected objects or soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-dog-traffic-areas-and-parasites">High dog traffic areas and parasites </h2>



Dogs that visit more than one park or spend significant time off-leash have a greater chance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistant-superbugs-are-being-passed-from-pets-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">picking up infections</a>. 



Overlapping areas with high dog traffic can make it easier for parasites to spread, especially if waste is not disposed of properly.



These newly identified parasite infection patterns point to an urgent need for consistent hygiene practices and vigilant parasite prevention measures among dog owners. Missing these steps could lead to larger issues in households and communities.



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



“Administer year-round broad-spectrum parasite control with efficacy against heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks. Control of parasites with zoonotic potential is essential,” noted the <a href="https://capcvet.org/guidelines/general-guidelines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Companion Animal Parasite Council </a>(CAPC). 



Such preventive care can also lower veterinary bills over time. Early treatment helps ensure that dogs remain safe from conditions that might otherwise worsen and spread.



“All dogs should have a veterinary examination at least annually. For many dogs, more frequent visits may be appropriate,” stated the <a href="https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/aaha-avma-canine-preventive-healthcare-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Veterinary Medical Association</a> (AVMA). 



Consistent check-ups can catch issues early before they turn into bigger problems.



Veterinarians can recommend parasite prevention methods suited to each dog’s lifestyle. They can also help pet owners to address any new concerns about health or behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stopping-the-spread-of-infections">Stopping the spread of infections </h2>



Some of the parasites identified by the experts can affect humans through direct or indirect contact - with children and older family members facing the greater risk. 



Hands-on moments with pets may carry hidden dangers if basic precautions are neglected. 



Habits like washing hands and tidying up after dogs are simple actions that can make a big difference by stopping infections from spreading between households or within neighborhoods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-cleanliness-in-play-areas">Maintaining cleanliness in play areas</h2>



Dog parks can still be fun if everyone does their part in disposing of waste and keeping the area clean. It is critical to use designated trash bins and avoid leaving any droppings behind, as parasites thrive in damp conditions.



Regular park maintenance further reduces contamination by preventing harmful organisms from circulating in the soil. A clean environment creates a healthier space for everyone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tips-for-home-routines">Tips for home routines</h2>



An effective deworming schedule can shield pets from exposure to parasites that might be picked up outdoors. Over-the-counter remedies are not always reliable, so <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-neutering-linked-to-serious-health-risks-in-some-dog-breeds/">consulting a veterinarian</a> remains the best bet.



Families that allow pets on couches or beds may want to vacuum more frequently. This is especially true for homes with small children who explore surfaces by touch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-awareness-and-responsible-actions">Community awareness and responsible actions</h2>



Dog parks help maintain social bonds among pets and people in the community. Many owners appreciate these places because their pets can socialize and burn off excess energy.



Paying careful attention to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warning-dogs-drinking-from-public-water-sources-is-dangerous/">parasite control</a> does not eliminate the social benefit of these shared spaces. Instead, it helps everyone feel secure while enjoying all the perks of playing outdoors.



Active outreach by local pet groups can remind park visitors to be responsible. Handouts, reminders on social media, and polite signs in dog parks can also help to raise awareness.



Any step that guides owners toward better cleaning habits or timely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-on-vegan-diets-stay-healthier-and-visit-the-vet-less-often/">veterinary checks</a> is a win for public health. Simple changes can reshape how communities share public spaces like dog parks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



Informed decisions about parasite control allow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-cat-people-really-more-crazy-than-dog-lovers/">dog lovers</a> to keep enjoying community parks without constant worry. This means routine vet care, proper hygiene, and thorough cleaning habits.



These measures benefit everyone who values recreational spaces that welcome four-legged friends. 



The new findings about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-killing-liver-fluke-parasite-discovered-us-colorado-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intestinal parasites</a> may sound unsettling, but vigilance can make a clear difference. Renewed awareness often spurs owners to take small but vital steps to protect their cherished companions.



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Dog parks may be fueling parasite outbreaks

Community dog parks are often seen as cheerful places where...

When you digest the fact that humans know less about the seamounts dotting our planet's oceans than about the vast expanse of outer space, it might take a moment to sink in. Only a fraction of these grandiose underwater mountains have even been mapped.



The 14,500 seamounts mapped to date are projected to be a mere fraction (less than 1%) of the actual total. This staggering disparity highlights how much of our oceanic world remains unexplored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-dormant-volcano-teeming-with-life">A dormant volcano teeming with life</h2>



The story of the Davidson Seamount is just one example. Its name is a misnomer of sorts, as it is an underwater inactive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-underwater-volcanoes-become-explosive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> that is nestled off the Californian coast.



Discovered way back in 1933, this expansive entity covers 25 miles (40 kilometers) and has been dormant for the last 9.8 million years.



Despite the seeming desolation its description might suggest, this "dead" volcanic structure is buzzing with life.



It's home to magnificent coral reefs and extensive deep-sea <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-garden-thermal-springs-accelerate-octopus-egg-hatching-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopus gardens</a>, and offers a thriving ecosystem for marine animals including whales.



The unique biodiversity of the Davidson Seamount has made it a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-mountain-discovered-is-two-miles-high-and-home-to-flying-spaghetti-monsters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital area</a> for marine research that has focused attention on the ecological importance of these underwater mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mysteries-of-underwater-mountains">The mysteries of underwater mountains </h2>



The Davidson Seamount, however, supports just a tiny fraction of the underwater splendors that remain unexplored.



Take a voyage to the Canadian coast where another ancient, and notably active, volcano was discovered. The site was found to be covered in millions of colossal eggs, laid by the ethereal Pacific white skates. 



For comparison, the previously known nursery of this species (in the Galapagos) had a mere sprinkling of eggs, as noted by a marine biologist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.



The most recent voyage of discovery was led by experts from the <a href="https://schmidtocean.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Schmidt Ocean Institute</a>. The team unearthed a staggering 1.5-mile-high (2.4 kilometer) seamount, accompanied by three others in the southern Pacific.



One of these seamounts, situated along the Nazca ridge off the Chilean coast, offered a vision so astonishing that the explorers were left awe-struck.



They found themselves amidst a multitude of species that had never been seen by human eyes, which led them to draw parallels with a journey "through the cosmos."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-marine-species-revealed">Diverse marine species revealed</h2>



The month-long expedition proved highly fruitful. Unexpected residents of these depths were identified, including ghostly white <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sponge-gardens-found-deep-in-the-arctic-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sponge gardens</a>, flying spaghetti monsters (a type of colonial hydrozoan), Casper octopuses, millennium-old glass sponges and vast forests of bamboo corals.



A fascinating fact about the glass sponges is that they build intricate, cylindrical structures using spiky "spicules" and often house crustaceans until their death.



This unique interaction between different species creates a mutual relationship, where the captivated crustaceans clean the sponges and breed within them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vibrant-marine-life-on-underwater-mountains">Vibrant marine life on underwater mountains </h2>



The expedition revealed a vibrant and unexpected color palette in the depths of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-life-100-new-sea-creatures-found-in-chile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chilean seamount</a>, with numerous species displaying bright red hues.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="C3wgg1waZW-4165386-12187" type="single"]</div>



Strange as it may seem, this coloration acts as a form of invisibility cloak in the depths where red light is absorbed first, leaving the species to appear black in the depths.



Alongside these species were cactus-like sea urchins and marine sponges that towered to human height.



A consortium of scientists from Ocean Census, who led the expedition planning, noted that this region of the southern Pacific exhibited a high level of endemic species - those that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seamounts-in-a-changing-climate">Seamounts in a changing climate</h2>



The significance of seamounts extends beyond hosting unique and vibrant marine life.



According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, seamounts are emerging as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seamounts-underwater-mountains-impact-ocean-circulation-climate-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital sanctuaries</a> for marine life amidst the growing threats of climate change and warming oceans.



Their steep surfaces offer the right conditions for cold-water corals, sponges, and other surface-growing creatures.



The currents around these seamounts stimulate an upsurge of nutrients from the ocean floor, triggering phytoplankton growth that supports food chains within the marine world.



Additionally, these nutrient-rich areas act as hotspots for biodiversity, supporting species that are often rare or endemic to these environments.



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'Alien-like' marine life found on underwater mountains includes 100 new species

When you digest the fact that humans know less about...

After nearly 250 years of informal recognition, the bald eagle has officially been designated as the national bird of the United States. On Christmas Eve 2024, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill amending title 36 of the United States Code to declare the bird’s status.



"For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn't," said Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the <a href="https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Eagle Center</a>. "But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving."



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



In June 1782, the bald eagle was adopted as the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal. Despite its symbolic significance, the bird’s status as the national bird was never acknowledged by law until now.&nbsp;



The legislation, introduced on National American Eagle Day (June 20, 2024), was sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and supported by a bipartisan group, including Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symbol-of-freedom-nbsp">A symbol of freedom&nbsp;</h2>



"The bald eagle has long been a symbol of freedom and patriotism for our nation," Senator Mullin said in a statement. 



"It's only fitting we officially designate the bald eagle the national bird of the United States. I was glad to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan effort and appreciate the House's swift consideration."



Jack Davis called the move “long overdue,” emphasizing the bird’s unique role as a symbol of American values and its indigenous roots in North America.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-debate-over-the-bald-eagle">Historical debate over the bald eagle</h2>



Although widely revered today, the bald eagle’s path to national recognition was not without debate. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously opposed its selection as a national emblem, disparaging the bird as one of “bad moral character.”



However, for generations, the bald eagle has been celebrated for its attributes of strength, courage, and freedom - qualities deeply associated with the American spirit.&nbsp;



Unlike other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australias-largest-eagle-was-a-massive-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eagles</a>, the bald eagle is found exclusively in North America, making it a uniquely fitting representative of the United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovering-from-the-brink-of-extinction">Recovering from the brink of extinction</h2>



The bald eagle’s journey reflects the resilience of the nation it symbolizes. Once on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction, hunting, and pesticide use, the bird was listed as endangered in 1967.&nbsp;



Thanks to conservation efforts, including the banning of DDT and the enactment of the National Emblem Act of 1940, bald eagles have made a dramatic comeback.



By 2020, the bald eagle population had reached 316,700 individuals - which quadrupled the estimated number of these birds in 2009.&nbsp;



This recovery demonstrates the power of preservation and the collective commitment to safeguarding America’s wildlife. However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bald-eagles-are-threatened-by-avian-influenza/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges persist</a>.&nbsp;



In recent years, threats like avian influenza (bird flu) have emerged. Since January 2022, at least 136 bald eagles have died from bird flu across 24 states.&nbsp;



Furthermore, habitat loss, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lead-ammunition-is-a-silent-threat-to-bald-eagle-recovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lead poisoning</a> from hunting ammunition, and environmental contamination continue to pose risks.



Sustained efforts are needed to address these challenges and ensure the long-term survival of the bald eagle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bald-eagle-a-national-icon">The bald eagle: A national icon</h2>



The legislation is particularly meaningful for the state of Minnesota, which is home to one of the largest bald eagle populations in the country.&nbsp;



“The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength. In Minnesota, we are proud to call ourselves home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country as well as the National Eagle Center in Wabasha,” said Senator Klobuchar.&nbsp;



Preston Cook is co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center and author of the book American Eagle - A Visual History of Our National Emblem.&nbsp;



"This is an exciting day. The Bald Eagle has symbolized American ideals since its placement on the Great Seal in 1782," said Cook. "With this legislation, we honor its historic role and solidify its place as our national bird and an emblem of our national identity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-symbols-of-the-united-states">National symbols of the United States </h2>



In the past, the United States designated other symbols to represent its natural heritage and cultural identity. Among these, the rose holds the title of the national flower, chosen for its widespread beauty, significance in American culture, and long history as a symbol of love and resilience.&nbsp;



The oak, revered for its strength and longevity, was declared the national <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-oak-trees-isoprene-emissions-air-pollution-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> in 2004 to represent the enduring spirit of the nation.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plains-bison-are-in-danger-from-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bison</a>, an iconic species of the American plains, was named the national mammal in 2016 to honor its historical and ecological importance, as well as its recovery from near extinction.&nbsp;



The formal designation of the bald eagle as the national bird marks a new chapter in its history - one that reflects the values and aspirations of the United States.&nbsp;



As this majestic bird continues to thrive, its legacy as a symbol of freedom and resilience is now protected by law for future generations.



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It's official: The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States 

After nearly 250 years of informal recognition, the bald eagle...

Reincarnation is often viewed as a mystical concept, but could it have a scientific basis? 



The universe operates on energy. Everything - from galaxies spiraling in space to thoughts forged in the human mind - involves energy.



Science tells us that energy can be neither created nor destroyed; it simply transfers from one form to another. Applying this principle to consciousness yields staggering possibilities.



Could our consciousness, as energy, be truly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-in-reverse-comb-jellies-can-transform-from-adult-to-juvenile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immortal</a>, merely transitioning from one existence to another? 



A controversial U.S. Army study, declassified in 2003, explores this captivating theory of reincarnation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-consciousness-and-reincarnation">Unlocking consciousness and reincarnation</h2>



In the early 1980s, Lieutenant Colonel Wayne M. McDonnell undertook a 29-page analysis named "The Gateway Process."



The goal was to unravel what Army personnel were encountering at a small institute in Charlottesville, Virginia.



This establishment was developing the "Gateway Experience," a unique training system designed to enhance personal strength, focus, and coherence in a way that would change the fabric of consciousness.



The Gateway's aim was to take <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/panpsychism-what-if-all-things-humans-plants-atoms-have-universal-consciousness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consciousness</a> beyond the physical constraints, even transcending the limitations of time and space. It seems that the purpose was to alter the mind in order to create a kind of psychic spycraft.



The analysis details some well-known techniques, such as hypnosis and transcendental meditation, but also ventures into some less well known methods of investigating consciousness.



But how does this relate to reincarnation?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cases-of-reincarnation">Cases of reincarnation </h2>



Researchers at the Monroe Institute, the center of these mind-stretching exercises, made discoveries that seemed to bolster the case for reincarnation.



"When consciousness returns to the Absolute (Monroe jargon for a realm outside spacetime), it brings with it all the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memories</a> it has accumulated through experience in reality," McDonnell explained. 



In other words, memories pass from life to life, thereby supporting the idea of reincarnation.



Renewed interest in this study was sparked by Chicago-based comedian Sara Holcomb.



Holcomb summarized the intriguing findings in a social media post: "We're pretty sure reincarnation is real. Consciousness is energy and it exists outside of our understanding of reality. And energy … never dies."



Notably, the <a href="https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia Medical School's Division of Perceptual Studies</a> provided further evidence of over 2,500 professed cases of reincarnation. Remarkably, these cases involved children under five years old who claimed to remember living a previous life.



"Why the kids? It seems they're the ones that most easily remember their past lives," noted Holcomb.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dual-purpose-of-the-gateway-study">The dual purpose of the Gateway study</h2>



However, the study was not limited to spiritual discourse on reincarnation and consciousness. It had a second, more strategic purpose.



At the time, Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) was investigating the potential use of paranormal abilities for military intelligence – a field known as psychic spycraft.



Under the leadership of Major General Albert Stubblebine III – a staunch advocate of psychic warfare – was Joe McMoneagle, identified as Remote Viewer No.1. 



McMoneagle's role was to use remote viewing to spy on Russian military bases and gather clandestine intelligence.



His efforts - despite a success rate of around 28 percent - proved crucial for dealing with “the hopeless cases” and in painting an overall intelligence picture.



McMoneagle, now retired, serves on the Board of Advisors and as a trainer for the Monroe Institute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-psychic-spying-strategy">The psychic spying strategy </h2>



The "Gateway Experience" also became a subject of scrutiny for the U.S. Army INSCOM, as part of their exploration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-near-death-experiences-validated-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"out of body" experiences</a> for espionage.



"There is a sound and rational basis in terms of physical science parameters for considering Gateway to be plausible in terms of its essential objectives. Intuitional insights of not only personal but of a practical and professional nature would seem to be within the bounds of reasonable expectations," concluded McDonnell.



He endorsed the "psychic spying" strategy as a practical approach, but he also cautioned about the difficulties in controlling or directing these experiences consistently.



However, the study concluded that more research was necessary for the U.S. intelligence to be able to utilize this process.



McDonnell provided <a href="https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/cia-rdp96-00788r001700210016-5.pdf">recommendations</a> for potential Gateway studies, though it's uncertain whether any more research was eventually conducted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-journey-continues">The journey continues </h2>



Interestingly, one section of McDonnell's report – the 25th page – is missing. This has piqued the curiosity of readers who have even started a Change.org petition for the CIA to release it. 



The CIA claims never to have had this page, further fueling theories of purposeful omission due to the possible powerful techniques described in the missing document.



The Gateway study opens up a thrilling discussion, not just on the realms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/third-state-of-existence-beyond-life-and-death-confirmed-by-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life after life</a>, but on the applications of such phenomena in areas as demanding as military intelligence. 



As our understanding and exploration of reality continue to evolve, we might one day unravel these profound mysteries. Until then, the journey continues.



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U.S. Army Intelligence study suggests that reincarnation is real

Reincarnation is often viewed as a mystical concept, but could...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...