Earth Day 2021

As climate patterns shift and seasons grow less predictable, trees must adapt in ways science is only beginning to understand. Beneath their bark and branches lies a powerful, invisible system: a circadian clock. 



Much like the one that governs human sleep cycles, the tree's biological clock regulates daily and seasonal activities. It tells the tree when to grow, when to bud, and when to conserve energy. 



Now, researchers at <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a> have unlocked more of this inner world. Their recent study shows how genetic changes to this clock can help trees better align with the rhythm of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-losing-the-battle-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-use-an-inner-clock-to-grow-nbsp">Trees use an inner clock to grow&nbsp;</h2>



Most earlier studies explored plant circadian rhythms under greenhouse conditions. While useful, these environments don’t capture nature’s chaos - temperature swings, shifting daylight, rainfall variation, and insect threats. 



In the wild, trees must handle all these factors while maintaining their growth and seasonal behaviors.



To tackle this, researchers at the Umeå Plant Science Centre studied 68 genetically modified Populus trees under both controlled and natural conditions. Over several years, they examined how alterations to specific clock-related genes influenced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-and-steady-tree-growth-wins-the-race-for-carbon-capture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growth</a>, leaf senescence, and bud activity.



The team's approach combined advanced statistical modeling with experimental plant biology. Each modified tree had a distinct genetic profile targeting clock components like TOC1, LHY, GI, or EBI1.



The goal was to pinpoint how internal timing shapes external performance. The field experiments added crucial context, allowing the team to track the effects of gene modification under real-world seasonal cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-circadian-clock-controls-tree-growth">Circadian clock controls tree growth</h2>



“Our study is the first to combine datasets from greenhouse and field studies to show that multiple aspects of the circadian clock system influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-absorb-much-more-carbon-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> growth and the timing of life-cycle events,” said Bertold Mariën, lead author of the study.



In both greenhouse chambers and open fields, some trees with altered clock genes grew significantly taller or faster. Others delayed leaf senescence or bud set, effectively prolonging the growth period. 



These effects were most pronounced in northern Sweden, where short summers restrict tree development. The researchers observed that the clock doesn’t just set a tree’s internal rhythm - it fine-tunes how trees respond to day-length and environmental signals.



For instance, the lhy-10 and toc1-5 variants displayed faster growth in outdoor conditions, suggesting that their altered clocks helped trees maximize growth within shorter seasons. 



These core clock genes are part of a feedback loop that coordinates when cells divide, when leaves expand, and when energy is stored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-genes-helps-trees-grow-stronger">Changing genes helps trees grow stronger</h2>



“This study is a proof-of-concept that trees conditioned to a particular length of day at a certain latitude can be adapted to a new latitude, effectively extending their growing season," explained study co-author Maria E. Eriksson. 



"This is especially useful at higher latitudes like in Northern Sweden where short growing seasons limit timber production."



Among the most promising findings was the role of EBI1, a gene previously associated with stress resistance in Arabidopsis. Trees with modified EBI1 generally showed faster growth and higher chlorophyll content index (CCI), a sign of delayed leaf aging. 



These trees didn't just grow more - they remained greener for longer. That extended greening can boost photosynthesis and carbon storage.



The study also highlighted how different promoters affected growth. AtGA20ox1 trees, which overproduce gibberellins, grew quickly and developed more biomass. 



Interestingly, some trees increased growth even with a shorter growth period, showing that timing can be more important than duration. The type of genetic promoter used, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/city-trees-might-be-misleading-us-about-climate-change-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree’s</a> background genotype, both influenced the outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clockwork-in-leaves-and-roots">Clockwork in leaves and roots</h2>



The research also supported a shift in how we think about tree development. Traditional views focused heavily on carbon source limitation, assuming trees grow more when photosynthesis is high. 



But this study adds weight to an alternative model: growth is also limited by when internal conditions - like water pressure and hormone levels - meet the right thresholds.



The circadian clock seems to act as a gatekeeper, opening and closing growth windows in sync with environmental conditions. For example, the team found that cell division and DNA replication were gated to nighttime, when the risk of DNA damage is lower, and air humidity supports turgor pressure in cells.



Even root clocks may follow different rhythms than leaf clocks, leading to asynchronous growth. Such tissue-specific timing mechanisms further complicate models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-crops-a-path-to-feeding-the-world-and-saving-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> behavior but also offer new opportunities to improve forestry by targeting these internal dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-tree-clocks-for-better-forests">Using tree clocks for better forests</h2>



"In the future, forestry management could be improved by integrating trees’ circadian clocks and their natural growth cycles with traditional practices,” said Eriksson. "In this way, tree growth and resilience could be optimized in a changing world.”



Integrating the clock into forestry could enable smarter planting schedules, more efficient use of resources, and the development of trees suited to rapidly warming regions. But there’s more. These findings may reshape how global vegetation models are built.



“By properly incorporating our findings on the circadian clock into global vegetation models, we can improve predictions of how forests will respond to climate change,” said Mariën.



That’s because many existing models treat trees as passive responders to light and temperature. They don’t account for how internal clocks modulate those responses. Adding this layer of complexity could significantly improve how we predict carbon uptake and forest health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-timing-and-forest-management">Tree timing and forest management</h2>



This work is more than a scientific milestone - it’s a step toward a new kind of forestry. The researchers call it chronosilviculture: aligning forest management with biological timekeeping. 



Instead of forcing trees into rigid planting cycles, foresters could one day select species or cultivars with clock traits tailored to specific climates or latitudes.



By revealing how the circadian clock acts as nature’s master of ceremony, the Umeå team has given foresters and ecologists a powerful new tool. With climate change pushing ecosystems to their limits, understanding how trees grow with their natural rhythm may be the smartest way forward.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44323-025-00034-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Biological Timing and Sleep</a>.



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Timing is everything: How trees use an inner clock for smarter growth

As climate patterns shift and seasons grow less predictable, trees...

Kyoto, Japan, has experienced its share of pandemic challenges for centuries. One such outbreak struck in 869 and left an unforgettable legacy that shaped the city’s future approach to epidemics. 



In response to the deadly plague, Emperor Seiwa established the Gion Festival in an effort to appease the vengeful spirits that were believed to be responsible.



That historical memory reemerged when the beloved Gion Festival was canceled in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-hard-earned-lessons">Building on hard-earned lessons</h2>



Infectious disease clinician and microbiologist Dr. Miki Nagao from <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a> is leading a program that aims to fortify the city against the next big threat.



“We might not be able to stop the next pandemic,” said Dr. Nagao. She and her colleagues have focused on improving detection, analysis, and response plans to minimize the damage a new pandemic might cause.



This effort includes improving local hospital networks and establishing rapid testing systems so emerging pathogens can be tracked and contained swiftly.



Her team emphasizes the importance of a citywide pathogen surveillance network that gathers insights from nursing homes, public health labs, and hospital facilities. These data points create an early-warning system for spotting outbreaks before they cascade into full-blown crises.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinventing-kyoto-s-pandemic-monitoring">Reinventing Kyoto's pandemic monitoring</h2>



A citywide approach has already shown results. One <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/irv.12977" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> reported that a coordinated testing strategy in Kyoto’s aged-care facilities helped limit COVID-19 clusters during significant pandemic waves.



The network’s strength lies in integrating clinical data with large-scale sample analysis. Teams keep an eye on infection patterns, share findings with public health authorities, and adapt interventions quickly when new threats arise.



The initiative includes high-throughput genetic testing to pinpoint specific pathogens. This allows for an efficient response by healthcare workers, who can then target treatments and reduce exposure in vulnerable populations.



Experts also stress the need to understand communitywide behavior. Changes in social interactions, public gatherings, or medical practices all affect how diseases spread, so researchers examine these factors alongside lab data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-silent-pathogen-hazard">A silent pathogen hazard</h2>



The dangers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria</a> add urgency to these efforts. An influential report warned that AMR could claim millions of lives worldwide by 2050.



One genetic analysis revealed that a single clade of <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/22/11/16-0519_article">Escherichia coli</a> has driven much of the global spread of this resistance. This insight underscores how a single microbial lineage can become a massive threat.



Dr. Nagao’s team looks at both global trends and local cases. They study bacteria circulating in Kyoto and cross-reference that information with international data to identify worrisome shifts in real time.



In another investigation, the researchers found that particular clones of <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/3/22-1060_article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Streptococcus dysgalactiae </a>carried sets of resistance genes that made these strains harder to treat. This evidence supports the push for more robust diagnostics and localized prevention measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-diagnostics">Scaling up diagnostics</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 pandemic</a> highlighted the risks of relying on limited testing capacity. Dr. Nagao’s group recognized the need for powerful diagnostic devices that can handle large workloads while still delivering quick, accurate results.



An automated system called PCRpack was introduced to speed up tests for high-priority pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. Its design lowers the need for extra technicians, which helps laboratories keep pace during hectic surges.



Research hospitals in Kyoto have set up these automated devices to run tests around the clock. Managers say it has prevented diagnostic bottlenecks and led to faster turnaround times for patients.



Diagnostic improvements are also vital for what experts call the 100 Days Mission. This global initiative strives to have vaccines, treatments, and reliable tests ready within 100 days of recognizing a new pandemic threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-joining-forces-for-tomorrow">Joining forces for tomorrow</h2>



Dr. Nagao’s team collaborates with medical manufacturers, health economists, and academics from various fields. Each partner contributes specialized knowledge to paint a clearer picture of how infections move through communities.



“From our perspective, both epidemic viral infections and AMR are ‘pandemic pathogens,’” said Dr. Yasufumi Matsumura, an associate professor at Kyoto University. Specialists in immunology, vaccine creation, and bioinformatics share resources, boosting the collective impact of the city’s work.



The Kyoto network runs on real-life data from patient samples, not just abstract models. It offers a clinical angle that bridges basic science and public policy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staying-ahead-of-outbreaks">Staying ahead of outbreaks</h2>



Many research teams focus on either microbiological analysis or social patterns. This project aims to link the two. Such comprehensive data can guide health campaigns, resource allocation, and targeted interventions for potential outbreaks.



To stay prepared, Dr. Nagao and her colleagues keep refining lab methods, strengthening collaborations, and watching for new pathogens around the globe. Their approach offers a blueprint for other regions that want to stay a step ahead of infectious surprises.



“Pathogens are invisible to the naked eye,” said Dr. Nagao. Her team’s greatest satisfaction comes from turning those hidden threats into detailed information that helps protect communities.



The findings are published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-024-00344-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Portfolio</a>.



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Preparing for the next pandemic: Kyoto's early-warning network

Kyoto, Japan, has experienced its share of pandemic challenges for...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2024.0484" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biology Letters</a>.



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Animal grief may look nothing like human sorrow

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

A,Wall,Painted,Scene,With,A,Harpist,And,Other,Musician

Resting for thousands of years beneath northern Oman’s arid soil, some copper cymbals have waited silently. Their metallic edges, once polished by countless hands, remained hidden until archaeologists revealed them in sunlight.



Music has long been a shared language for humanity. Even before modern instruments existed, societies found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upright-walking-may-have-sparked-human-creativity-and-music/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creative ways</a> to celebrate, mourn, and mark important occasions through sound. 



After studying historical patterns and artifacts, researchers grew curious about how melodies shaped Bronze Age cultures in the Arabian Gulf.



<a href="https://squ.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/khaled-douglas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Khaled Douglas</a> from <a href="https://www.squ.edu.om" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sultan Qaboos University</a> in Oman led a team of researchers that uncovered a special pair of copper cymbals in northern Oman. 



They were carefully stacked one on top of the other, buried beneath layers of plaster and stone in what appears to have been a ritual building. “These copper alloy cymbals are the first of their kind to have been found in good archaeological contexts in Oman and are from a particularly early context that questions some of the assumptions on their origin and development,” said Professor Douglas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bronze-age-oman-s-musical-roots">Bronze Age Oman’s musical roots</h2>



Oman’s <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvcm4ffm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umm an-Nar</a> culture flourished around the third millennium BC. Trade networks connected this region to distant lands, especially the <a href="https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780759101722" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indus Valley civilization</a>, which thrived in what is now Pakistan and northwestern India.



The presence of copper resources in Oman attracted merchants who carried goods across seas and deserts. Archaeologists suggest these interactions sparked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/music-has-the-power-to-change-the-mood-of-our-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural</a> exchanges that went well beyond the the trade of goods, silver or spices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-moved-with-ancient-trade">Music moved with ancient trade</h2>



Scholars often focus on the economic reasons behind trading routes, such as the exchange of pottery or beads. A deeper look reveals that intangible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/similar-patterns-music-language-found-across-all-cultures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements</a> like music also traveled with traders, forging personal connections on top of commercial ties.



“The Early Bronze Age (Umm-an-Nar period) has already shown rich evidence of interregional contact. However, the exact nature of these contacts is still a matter of study and debate,” stated Professor <a href="https://squ.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/nasser-al-jahwari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nasser Al-Jahwari</a> from <a href="https://www.squ.edu.om/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sultan Qaboos University</a>.



Contact between the Arabian Peninsula and other Bronze Age civilizations supported the spread of customs, beliefs, and creative forms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cymbals-survived-thousands-of-years">Cymbals survived thousands of years</h2>



Percussive instruments often vanish from the historical record because metal corrodes and wood decays. That is why finding an intact set of cymbals, precisely dated to the Bronze Age, has raised excitement.



In many archaeological sites, only a few stray pieces of metal remain. In this case, the cymbals lay in a context that hinted at ritual or cultural gatherings. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/music_cross-cultural_early-Arabia_cymbals_credit-Al-Rahbi_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/music_cross-cultural_early-Arabia_cymbals_credit-Al-Rahbi_1s.webp" alt="Copper cymbals in situ after removing part of the fill layer. They are on top of each other, perfectly aligned. Credit: Y. Al Rahbi" class="wp-image-1965841"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Copper cymbals in situ after removing part of the fill layer. They are on top of each other, perfectly aligned. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Y. Al Rahbi</figcaption></figure>



Researchers suspect these instruments could have been struck in ceremonies that united people from different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-humans-used-conch-shell-sounds-to-organize-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">backgrounds</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-significance-of-music">Social significance of music</h2>



For ancient communities, music was more than art. It likely supported communal dancing and unified groups from diverse origins, especially in thriving trade hubs. 



Omani sites show a lively mix of pottery styles and architectural features, suggesting that people mingled, intermarried, and shared festivities.



“Discovery of the Dahwa cymbals encourages the view that already during the late third millennium BC, music, chanting and communal dancing set the tone for mediating contact between various communities in this region for the millennia to follow,” concluded the study's authors at the end of their analysis.



The discovery of these cymbals indicates that musical activities might have played a powerful role in shaping local identities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-across-the-desert-and-sea">Music across the desert and sea</h2>



The cymbals found at Dahwa add to growing evidence that sound-based rituals played a vital role in community identity across south-east Arabia, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. 



Their design resembles examples unearthed at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, suggesting that certain instrument shapes and functions were widely recognized and possibly shared between regions that were separated by hundreds of miles.



Rather than being isolated traditions, these instruments point to an early, shared musical culture that crossed boundaries. 



The discovery supports the idea that songs, rhythms, and instruments helped ease interactions between groups that traded, worshipped, and likely celebrated together - making music a practical tool for diplomacy, not just expression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cymbals-show-music-s-long-legacy">Cymbals show music’s long legacy</h2>



Artifacts such as cymbals serve as silent witnesses to past customs. They reveal how people forged connections beyond mere commerce and remind us that art and ritual often transcend language.



Ancient travelers crossing seas might have carried beliefs, instruments, and songs. Those intangible elements likely established common ground among groups who spoke different tongues and wore different clothes.



The copper cymbals from Oman speak volumes about ancient societies. They show that music can bring people together across distances, reinforcing trade partnerships and enriching local celebrations.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antiquity/article/bronze-age-cymbals-from-dahwa-indus-musical-traditions-in-oman/E220CA775BD582724D0826C1E9FA4D6E" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antiquity</a>.



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Discovery of ancient cymbals suggests that music connected Arabian cultures

Resting for thousands of years beneath northern Oman’s arid soil,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



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



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'DNA fishing' helps scientists survey marine life in the deep ocean

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

Stone,Houses,In,The,Countryside,Of,Lebanon

Today, we live in a world where the gap between rich and poor seems to grow wider every year. But while economic inequality feels like a defining feature of modern life, a sweeping new archaeological study suggests it hasn't always been this way - and more importantly, it doesn't have to be.



Researchers who analyzed more than 50,000 ancient homes across six continents found that wealth inequality, while widespread throughout history, is not a guaranteed outcome of human development.



The study used house size as a proxy for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/income-inequality-and-carbon-emissions-have-a-complicated-relationship/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wealth</a> and compared the distribution of house sizes at over 1,000 archaeological sites, stretching back 10,000 years. 



What the researchers uncovered offers a fresh and much more nuanced perspective on how inequality has ebbed and flowed through human history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-into-the-past">Digging into the past</h2>



Study lead author Gary Feinman is a curator of Mesoamerican, Central American, and East Asian Anthropology at the <a href="https://www.fieldmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Field Museum</a> in Chicago.



“This paper is part of a larger study in which over 50,000 houses have been analyzed to use differentials in house sizes as a metric for wealth inequality over time, on six continents,” said Feinman.



“This is an unprecedented data set in archaeology, and it allows us to empirically and systematically look at patterns of inequality over time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tool-to-assess-wealth-inequality">Tool to assess wealth inequality </h2>



The team used the size of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-buildings-used-passive-cooling-methods-to-reduce-heat-with-out-air-conditioning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient homes</a> as a consistent and measurable indicator of wealth. This allowed them to calculate Gini coefficients - a standard economic tool for assessing inequality, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 represents maximum inequality - for over 1,000 ancient communities.



These coefficients were then compared across time, geography, population size, and types of political organization. The results defy the long-held assumption that inequality steadily grows as societies become more complex or as their populations increase. 



“While there is not one unilinear sequence of change in wealth inequality over time, there are interpretable patterns and trends that cross-cut time and space. What we see is not just noise or chaos,” Feinman said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-myth-of-economic-inequality">The myth of economic inequality</h2>



For centuries, historians and economists have assumed that the rise of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a>, the development of formal leadership, or the emergence of large population centers would naturally lead to greater inequality. 



Ancient Greece and Rome, or medieval Europe, have often been treated as stand-ins for the human past as a whole. But this study throws that assumption into question.



“There are a lot of things that have been presumed for centuries - for example, that inequality rises inevitably,” Feinman explained. 



"The traditional thinking expects that once you get larger societies with formal leaders, or once you have farming, inequality is going to go way up. These ideas have been held for hundreds of years, and what we find is that it’s more complicated than that.”



High levels of economic inequality, the researchers argue, are not a built-in feature of civilization. They are outcomes that depend on decisions people make, systems of governance they build, and social structures they maintain or resist.



“There are factors that may make it easier to happen or increase to high degrees but these factors can be leveled off or modified by different human decisions and institutions,” Feinman said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-house-size-clues-to-ancient-wealth">House size: Clues to ancient wealth</h2>



You might wonder how the size of ancient homes can reveal so much about wealth. Archaeologists have long known that bigger homes are often linked to more elaborate construction, sturdier materials, and special architectural features - all signs of greater resources and social standing.



“Variability in the sizes of houses may not be the full extent of wealth differences, but it's a consistent indicator of the degree of economic inequality that can be applied across time and space,” Feinman said.



“I know from my own archaeological fieldwork in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico, that almost always, the larger the house, the more elaborate the house, with special features and thicker walls.”



By comparing house sizes across such a massive sample, the team could track inequality at different stages of societal development. Some communities showed steep differences in wealth. Others, even large or politically complex ones, had surprisingly low levels of inequality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-about-structure-not-population-size">It’s about structure, not population size</h2>



One of the most important takeaways from the study is that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-population-decline-predicted-what-earth-will-be-like-with-less-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population size</a> or technological advancement alone doesn’t determine how unequal a society will be. Instead, the research highlights the role of governance, cooperation, and social norms.



“The measure of inequality we found in these sites is quite variable, which suggests that there’s not one homogenized pattern,” Feinman explained. “In other words, contrary to traditional scholarly thinking, there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation for why societies become economically unequal.”



At some points in history, communities developed systems that helped mute or manage inequality. In other places, those leveling mechanisms may have broken down or never developed. 



What made the difference, according to the researchers, were decisions made by people - through cooperation, leadership, and collective choices about how to structure society. 



“Human choice and governance and cooperation have played a role in damping down inequality at certain times and places. And that is what accounts for this variability in time and space,” Feinman noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-the-past-and-the-future">Rethinking the past and the future</h2>



This study doesn't just reshape how we think about the past - it also has implications for how we view the present. 



As debates about rising wealth gaps, housing crises, and the concentration of economic power continue around the world, this archaeological perspective offers a valuable counterpoint to fatalism.



“If inequality isn't inevitable when human aggregations get larger and governmental structures get more hierarchical, then there is a suite of implications for how we view the present and how we look at the past,” Feinman said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequality-is-not-inevitable">Inequality is not inevitable </h2>



Yes, there are moments in history when population booms or new technologies created the conditions for inequality to rise. But that rise wasn’t automatic. People had options. And they still do.



“The often-expressed views that certain economic, demographic, or technological conditions or factors make great wealth disparities inevitable simply are not borne out by our global past,” Feinman argued. 



In other words, history shows us that inequality can be shaped, resisted, or redirected - depending on how we choose to govern, collaborate, and structure our societies.



As we grapple with inequality today, the homes of the past may serve as a quiet but powerful reminder: our present isn’t predetermined. The architecture of a more equitable future is, in part, ours to design.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2400698121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Wealth inequality began shaping human societies 10,000 years ago

Today, we live in a world where the gap between...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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"Multiple Big Bangs" drive Universe expansion, not dark matter or dark energy

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

For centuries, humans believed they held a monopoly on geometric intuition. The ability to recognize structure in a&nbsp;shape - its right angles, symmetry, and parallel lines - was seen as a mark of human cognition. But a new study suggests that this mathematical sense may not be ours alone. 



Carrion crows, long admired for their cleverness, have now demonstrated the ability to detect geometric regularity in shapes. 



This discovery, led by researchers at the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a>, opens a surprising chapter in the story of animal intelligence.



The research does more than showcase the brainpower of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-flightless-birds-are-more-intelligent-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>. It questions whether our deepest ways of understanding space and form might be shared with other species - and perhaps even rooted in evolution itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-geometry-helps-crows">How geometry helps crows</h2>



Geometry isn't just about math classes or architectural blueprints. At its core, it reflects the brain’s ability to process structure. 



In humans, even those without schooling or exposure to formal mathematics can recognize simple geometric rules. Symmetry stands out. So do parallel lines and equal sides. We notice when something is off.



Until now, this perception seemed absent in other animals. Many can navigate, estimate quantities, or even use tools, but they appeared blind to the subtler rules that define shapes. 



Previous research with baboons, our close evolutionary cousins, found they could not consistently recognize regular quadrilaterals. That led some scientists to believe geometric insight might be uniquely human.



But carrion crows, members of the corvid family known for problem-solving, proved otherwise with their surprising geometric shape recognition <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brain-study-will-shed-new-light-on-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">abilities</a>.



"Claiming that it is specific to us humans, that only humans can detect geometric regularity, is now falsified," said Andreas Nieder, the study’s lead researcher. "Because we have at least the crow."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-crows-geometry-skills">Testing crows' geometry skills </h2>



Nieder and his team worked with two male carrion crows, both over ten years old, and trained to interact with a touchscreen. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-living-in-cities-are-usually-more-colorful-and-less-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> had previously shown the ability to count, and now they faced a new kind of challenge. 



They were presented with an array of six shapes. Five were similar, one was not. Their task? Pick the odd one out.



Initially, the birds encountered easy trials - five stars and a crescent moon, for example. They quickly learned that pecking the unique shape earned them a tasty reward: mealworms. 



After they consistently succeeded with simple patterns, researchers introduced more complex ones. The new shapes were all quadrilaterals - four-sided figures - carefully adjusted to vary in geometric regularity.



Here’s where things got interesting. These quadrilaterals weren't easy to distinguish. The researchers made only subtle changes: shifting a single corner to distort the shape’s symmetry or right angles. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unambiguous-test-results">Unambiguous test results</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-brains-fossil-reveals-roots-of-avian-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> had never seen these quadrilateral comparisons before, and yet, when tested, they performed far above chance.



On their very first try with the quadrilateral shapes, the crows performed strikingly well. Crow 1 correctly picked the outlier in 50% of the trials, while crow 2 managed 60%. Since there were six options, random guessing would result in a success rate of just 16.7%.



What’s more, their ability didn’t depend on familiarity. The shapes were randomly rotated and scaled. The irregular shape, called the “intruder,” changed position every trial. Yet both crows maintained impressive accuracy. Their detection rate remained well above chance across 60 initial tests.



Statistical analysis confirmed the results. Performance differences also matched the degree of geometric regularity. The birds identified intruders more easily when the base shapes followed stronger geometric rules - parallel sides, right angles, equal lengths.



These effects emerged immediately. The birds showed no need for additional training or repeated exposure. The researchers tested whether results improved over time. They found slight learning effects, but the core skill was present from the beginning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-like-cognition-yet-bird-brained">Human-like cognition, yet bird-brained</h2>



To probe deeper, the researchers compared the birds' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagulls-birds-more-intelligent-than-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">success</a> with the types of quadrilaterals shown. These included squares, rhombuses, trapezoids, and more irregular shapes. Both birds performed better on the most regular shapes and struggled more as irregularity increased.



In some cases, their struggles mirrored those seen in humans. The rhombus, despite being highly regular, tripped up both the crows and people in earlier studies. 



This suggests a shared perceptual bias - a tendency to overlook certain features or prioritize others when judging shape.



"The evidence is actually quite convincing," said Mathias Sablé-Meyer, a cognitive neuroscientist who worked on the earlier baboon study.



"I have to accept the result and think, you know, that's pretty cool! And then the question is, where does that even come from?"



The answer may lie in the way animals process embedded features - nested shapes, equal angles, and structured lines. Crows, like humans, seem capable of recognizing these shape relationships, even without formal instruction or language.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-excel-in-shape-recognition-nbsp">Birds excel in shape recognition&nbsp;</h2>



If baboons can’t do it, but crows can, what does this say about intelligence? Not all cognition follows the same evolutionary paths. Birds and primates diverged long ago, yet both have evolved complex cognitive abilities.



The crows' success in shape recognition may stem from a broader sensitivity to visual detail. Unlike the baboons, which failed to reach consistent accuracy even after training, the crows met high performance standards across multiple sessions. 



They also faced more exaggerated shape deviations - one vertex of each intruder was shifted by 75% of the average edge length, a bolder change than in the baboon experiments.



But that alone may not explain their success. Birds such as pigeons and chickens have shown sensitivity to symmetry in patterns and mate selection. Some use regularity in spatial cues for navigation. What this new study reveals is something more abstract: an ability to detect structure in shape for its own sake.



"I hope that my colleagues are looking into other species," said Nieder. "I'm pretty sure they may find that other intelligent animals can also do this."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geometry-crows-and-evolution">Geometry, crows, and evolution</h2>



This study challenges the idea that geometry emerged solely with human civilization. Instead, it suggests that the roots of this ability run deeper - into the biological foundations of perception.



Carrion crows did not learn geometry in classrooms. They did not measure angles or discuss theorems. Yet they saw order in shape. They recognized what fit and what did not. That’s the very heart of geometric intuition.



By watching these birds peck at a screen, researchers have unearthed something remarkable. The way we understand space may be less of a cultural invention and more of a shared instinct - one that humans, birds, and perhaps many other creatures carry within.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/epdf/10.1126/sciadv.adt3718" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Crows can also do geometry, on top of their well-known math skills

For centuries, humans believed they held a monopoly on geometric...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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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

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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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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