In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp;



Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-the-heart-with-light">Controlling the heart with light</h2>



The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest.



The external controller detects abnormal rhythms and sends light through the body to activate the pacemaker and restore heartbeat. The study demonstrates the device’s effectiveness across animal and human donor hearts.&nbsp;



The development of the pacemaker was led by John A. Rogers, a professor of material science, biomedical engineering, and neurological surgery at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>.&nbsp;



“We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the world’s smallest pacemaker,” said Professor Rogers.



“There’s a crucial need for temporary pacemakers in the context of pediatric heart surgeries, and that’s a use case where size miniaturization is incredibly important. In terms of the device load on the body - the smaller, the better.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solution-designed-for-newborns">Solution designed for newborns</h2>



Though the light-activated pacemaker can function in patients of all sizes, its miniaturized design was motivated by the needs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infant-speech-is-driven-by-heart-rate-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infants</a>. 



Igor Efimov is a co-leader of the study and experimental cardiologist at Northwestern.&nbsp;



“About 1% of children are born with congenital heart defects. The good news is that these children only need temporary pacing after a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-smallest-robot-could-transform-minimally-invasive-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surgery</a>. In about seven days or so, most patients’ hearts will self-repair. But those seven days are absolutely critical," said Efimov.



Traditional pacemakers require surgery and have wires sticking out of the chest to connect to an external device. When they are no longer needed, the wires are removed - risking bleeding, tissue damage, or even death.



“Wires literally protrude from the body, attached to a pacemaker outside the body,” Efimov explained. “When the pacemaker is no longer needed, a physician pulls it out. The wires can become enveloped in scar tissue. That’s actually how Neil Armstrong died.”



The new injectable pacemaker addresses these risks. All of its components are biocompatible and bioresorbable, meaning they safely dissolve in the body’s fluids without needing surgical removal. Once the device has served its purpose, it simply disappears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-the-light-activated-pacemaker">Refining the light-activated pacemaker</h2>



This innovation builds on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-021-00948-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earlier work</a> by Rogers and Efimov, who developed a quarter-sized dissolvable pacemaker in 2021. Surgeons asked for a smaller version to allow easier placement and suit the smallest patients.&nbsp;



The original device used near-field communication (NFC), but its antenna limited how small the device could be made. To overcome this, the team replaced the NFC system with a novel light-based mechanism.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/pacemaker_light-activated_worlds-smallest_heart-health_Northwestern_1s.webp" alt="The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University" class="wp-image-1964846"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The tiny pacemaker sits next to a single grain of rice on a fingertip. The device is so small that it can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Click image to enlarge. Credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University</figcaption></figure>



“Instead of using the radio frequency scheme for wireless control, we developed a light-based scheme for turning the pacemaker on and delivering stimulation pulses to the surface of the heart. This is one feature that allowed us to dramatically reduce the size,” said Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powered-by-the-body-s-own-fluids">Powered by the body’s own fluids</h2>



The engineers also reimagined how to power the tiny pacemaker. Rather than requiring a battery or external power source, the device uses a simple galvanic cell - a chemical battery formed by two different metals as electrodes.&nbsp;



When the device is inside the body, surrounding biofluids act as the electrolyte, allowing electrical current to flow and stimulate the heart.



“A very tiny light-activated switch on the opposite side from the battery allows us to turn the device from its ‘off’ state to an ‘on’ state upon delivery of light that passes through the patient’s body from the skin-mounted patch,” explained Professor Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-trauma-and-risk">Reducing trauma and risk</h2>



Using infrared light, which can safely penetrate deep into the body, the wearable controller detects when a patient’s heart rate falls too low. It then triggers a light-emitting diode (LED) to flash on and off at the desired pacing rhythm.&nbsp;



“Infrared light penetrates very well through the body,” Efimov said. “If you put a flashlight against your palm, you will see the light glow through the other side of your hand. It turns out that our bodies are great conductors of light.”



Despite its microscopic size - just 1.8 mm wide, 3.5 mm long, and 1 mm thick - the pacemaker delivers stimulation on par with traditional devices. “The heart requires a tiny amount of electrical stimulation,” Rogers said.&nbsp;



“By minimizing the size, we dramatically simplify the implantation procedures, we reduce trauma and risk to the patient, and, with the dissolvable nature of the device, we eliminate any need for secondary surgical extraction procedures.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-heart-care">A new era of heart care</h2>



Because these light-activated pacemakers are so small and wireless, doctors could one day deploy multiple units on different parts of the heart to create more advanced pacing systems. 



Each device could be controlled independently using different light wavelengths, enabling personalized and precisely timed stimulation across the heart’s surface.



“We can deploy a number of such small pacemakers onto the outside of the heart and control each one,” Efimov said. “Then we can achieve improved synchronized functional care.”



Professor Rogers noted that because it’s so small, the pacemaker can be integrated with almost any kind of implantable device.



“We also demonstrated integration of collections of these devices across the frameworks that serve as transcatheter aortic valve replacements to address complications that can occur during a patient’s recovery process," said Rogers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-bioelectronic-medicine">Future of bioelectronic medicine</h2>



While this breakthrough has clear implications for pediatric heart care, the technology could pave the way for a new generation of bioelectronic medicine.&nbsp;



These tiny, dissolvable devices could one day be adapted to promote nerve and bone regeneration, manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mindfulness-meditation-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-chronic-pain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain</a>, support wound healing, and more.



Northwestern engineers shrank the device and removed risks by making it dissolve after use. In doing so, they’ve created a tool that could reshape how doctors care for the heart - from the tiniest patients to adults.



-----



Click here to <a href="https://youtu.be/j_0hZ8cUwgo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch a video interview...</a>



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08726-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

World's smallest pacemaker is set to revolutionize heart health

In a remarkable medical breakthrough, engineers have developed a light-activated pacemaker so tiny that doctors can inject it into the body through a syringe. Remarkably, the device simply dissolves after it’s no longer needed.&nbsp; Designed for newborns, the pacemaker could transform temporary heart care after congenital defect surgeries. Controlling the heart with light The new pacemaker is smaller than a grain of rice. It's wirelessly activated through pulses of light which are delivered by a soft, wearable device mounted on the patient’s chest. The external controller detects...

Launched just seven months ago, the Arctic Weather Satellite is already reshaping the future of weather forecasting.



Despite its compact size and modest development time, the satellite is producing detailed temperature and humidity data that could soon boost short-term forecasts - especially in remote regions like the Arctic.



Developed by scientists from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> (ESA), this prototype satellite was built in only three years and at a fraction of the cost of traditional Earth observation missions. ESA designed it to test a new approach: build fast, build affordably, and still deliver high-quality data. 



Early results show this model is working. The satellite’s microwave radiometer has proven capable of producing data that are comparable with those gathered by much larger, more established missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-size-powerful-data">Small size, powerful data</h2>



At the heart of the Arctic Weather Satellite is a 19-channel cross-track scanning microwave radiometer. This tool measures atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humidity</a> through cloud cover, providing critical information in all weather conditions. 



Though named after the Arctic, the satellite gathers global data. Its insights into water vapor levels are particularly valuable in polar regions, where rapid changes in humidity can dramatically alter forecasts.



What makes this even more impressive is that the satellite weighs just 125 kilograms - roughly the size of a washing machine. It also uses a new 325 GHz sounding channel, a frequency that has never before been applied to operational <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-data-could-revolutionize-weather-forecasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather monitoring</a>. 



This addition allows for better cloud-ice measurements, potentially improving forecast accuracy even further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-step-toward-a-satellite-constellation">Step toward a satellite constellation</h2>



The Arctic Weather Satellite is just the beginning. It serves as a prototype for the proposed EPS-Sterna constellation, a future group of six similar satellites. 



ESA would build the satellites, and Eumetsat would manage their operations and data distribution - mirroring the approach used for Europe’s Meteosat and MetOp weather missions.



Before making that leap, though, scientists need to confirm how much value this small satellite’s data can add to existing forecasts. That evaluation is already underway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broad-testing-strong-feedback">Broad testing, strong feedback</h2>



Meteorological agencies across Europe are studying the satellite’s data, including the Danish Meteorological Office, the German Weather Service, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. 



Eumetsat is also running its own independent performance assessments. So far, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.



“Our team has carefully evaluated the quality of the Arctic Weather Satellite’s data and has already been able to demonstrate a positive impact on our forecasts at the global scale, and we plan to include the data in our global prediction system later this year," said Philippe Chambon from Météo-France. 



According to Chambon, this a very promising achievement in view of the EPS-Sterna constellation, which is seen as a key component of the future observing system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-data-from-small-satellites">Valuable data from small satellites</h2>



“The Arctic Weather Satellite is a great example of the quality of meteorological data that can be achieved from a small satellite," commented Niels Bormann from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. 



Bormann noted that the initial results are very promising for global weather forecasts and, if they hold up, the data may be used operationally later in the year. From a regional perspective, the data is proving just as useful.



“Together with the Nordic national meteorological services, we are evaluating the Arctic Weather Satellite’s data for regional forecasting over Scandinavia and the Arctic," said Adam Dybbroe from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closing-the-polar-coverage-gap">Closing the polar coverage gap</h2>



Current weather satellites have limitations. For example, <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/meteosat-weather-satellite-captures-earth-in-stunning-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meteosat satellites</a> orbit 36,000 kilometers above the equator, returning images every 15 minutes, but they can’t cover the high latitudes near the poles. 



MetOp satellites, which follow a polar orbit, can reach these regions but take up to 24 hours for full global coverage.



The proposed EPS-Sterna constellation of six satellites would dramatically shorten this time gap, offering more frequent data - especially over the Arctic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-huge-potential-in-a-small-satellite">Huge potential in a small satellite </h2>



ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite project manager, Ville Kangas, summarized the progress.



“We have demonstrated that a small satellite, weighing just 125 kg, can match the performance of large meteorological missions," said Kangas.



"And since we are at a relatively early stage, the data still need to be further corrected and analyzed so we expect the Arctic Weather Satellite to shine even more in the months to come."



If approved, the EPS-Sterna constellation will work alongside Europe’s next-generation weather satellites, including MTG-S1 and MetOp-SG-A1, which are scheduled for launch later this year. 



Together, these systems could create a far more complete and timely picture of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-shrinking-earths-atmosphere-and-thats-bad-for-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s changing atmosphere</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Small satellite could transform weather forecasting

Launched just seven months ago, the Arctic Weather Satellite is...

Harvest,Pink,Moon,On,Night,Sky,Back,Over,Silhouette,Pines

The Moon has always fascinated humans. But even now, with satellites and science at our fingertips, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-ridges-on-moons-surface-suggest-that-it-is-still-active/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> can still surprise us. This Saturday night, skywatchers will witness one such surprise: a pink micromoon.



While not as dramatic as a total eclipse or as bright as a supermoon, the micromoon holds its own quiet charm. It’s a moment to pause, look up, and remember that the heavens are always in motion - even if the changes aren’t always obvious.



Let’s explore what makes a micromoon special, why our brains sometimes trick us, and how even seasoned scientists are still mystified by the Moon’s shifting appearance.



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



A micromoon occurs when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/march-2025-stargazing-a-red-moon-and-a-vanishing-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> reaches the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth. That moment, called apogee, coincides with the full moon phase.



When this happens, the Moon looks smaller and dimmer than usual. The effect is subtle - most people won't notice unless they compare photos side by side.



“It’s a very subtle difference,” said astrophysicist Alain Brizard from <a href="https://www.smcvt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saint Michael’s College</a> in Vermont.



In contrast, a supermoon happens when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth. The difference between a micromoon and a supermoon isn’t huge, but it’s measurable. Supermoons can appear about 14% larger and 30% brighter.



Micromoons and supermoons aren’t rare. They happen several times a year when the Moon’s full phase syncs up with the right point in its orbit. 



Another micromoon will arrive in May. Three supermoons are expected later this year in October, November, and December.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-moon-illusion">The Moon illusion</h2>



Many people believe the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/total-lunar-eclipse-will-paint-the-moon-blood-red-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> looks biggest when it rises over the horizon. This is true - at least, visually.



When we see the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-up-in-the-night-sky-during-the-month-of-april-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> rise over city skylines, treetops, or mountains, it can seem enormous. The truth is, though, that its size hasn’t changed at all. It’s a trick of the mind.



Photos show the Moon stays the same width, whether near the horizon or overhead. Still, our eyes say otherwise. The Moon looks larger near the horizon, though it's not.



This illusion comes from how our brains handle visual information. It's a perception trick. Even after thousands of years of watching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-ridges-on-moons-surface-suggest-that-it-is-still-active/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Moon</a>, no one fully understands why we see it this way.



This phenomenon is known as the Moon illusion. It has nothing to do with the Moon itself and everything to do with human perception.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-test-the-micromoon-illusion-yourself">How to test the micromoon illusion yourself</h2>



You don’t need a telescope to prove the illusion is real.



<a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> suggests simple tests. Hold out your index finger next to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-that-once-threatened-earth-may-target-the-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a>. Your fingernail and the Moon will appear nearly the same size - no matter where the Moon sits in the sky.



You can also look through a paper tube or even bend over and look between your legs. The Moon will suddenly seem much smaller than it did a moment before.



Step outside on a full moon night and watch the Moon as it rises. It can feel magical - so big and beautiful that it might make you say “Wow!” out loud. 



When the Moon is low in the sky, near mountains, buildings, or trees, it looks huge. It seems like it’s towering over the landscape.



But here’s the truth: the Moon hasn’t actually grown. Your brain is just playing a trick on you.



The large size you see is an illusion. It’s not caused by the atmosphere or the Moon’s distance. It’s all about how your mind interprets the scene in front of you.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-micromoon-looks-pinkish">Why the micromoon looks pinkish</h2>



While the Moon doesn’t grow or shrink in size, it can appear to change color.



When the Moon is low in the sky, it often looks pink, yellow, or sometimes orange. This happens because its light must travel through more of Earth’s atmosphere. 



The atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light, like blue and violet. What’s left are the longer wavelengths - pink, orange, and yellow.



Dust or pollution in the air can make this effect stronger, giving the Moon a deeper red or orange tint.



This effect is especially visible during events like lunar eclipses. A total eclipse in March turned the Moon a deep coppery red - a visual reminder of how much the atmosphere shapes what we see.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theories-behind-the-moon-illusion">Theories behind the Moon illusion</h2>



Despite centuries of study, scientists still don’t have a full explanation for the Moon illusion. Here’s the surprising part: scientists still don’t fully understand why the Moon illusion happens.



That might sound frustrating if you like clear answers. But it also shows how mysterious our brains can be. Even after years of research, no one has found a complete explanation for why the Moon looks bigger near the horizon.



So depending on how you see it, this mystery can either be disappointing - or something to wonder about and enjoy.



The most common idea is that our brains misjudge size and distance when the Moon is near the horizon. When objects like buildings, mountains, or trees are in the foreground, they can trick the brain into thinking the Moon is closer - and therefore larger - than it actually is.



One well-known theory is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponzo_illusion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ponzo illusion</a>. Imagine railroad tracks converging into the distance. Place two identical lines across the tracks - one higher, one lower. 



The upper line will seem longer. This may be similar to how we view the Moon over a landscape.



But the mystery deepens. Astronauts in space, far from any such cues, also report seeing the Moon illusion. So the story doesn’t end there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-micromoon-s-mystery-is-worth-enjoying">Why the micromoon’s mystery is worth enjoying</h2>



In the end, maybe we don’t need a perfect answer.



Imagine seeing the Moon rise during the day over mountains. Even without knowing the science behind it, that sight can fill you with wonder.



We may not fully understand why the Moon looks bigger or more dramatic at times. But while scientists keep searching for answers, there's nothing stopping us from enjoying the view.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

What is a pink micromoon? You'll find out tonight

The Moon has always fascinated humans. But even now, with...

Japan loves otters and so does the internet. From squeaky coos to floating belly naps, Asian small-clawed otters have taken over YouTube and Instagram feeds. These animals show up in themed cafés, cozy up to coffee cups, and pose beside smiling tourists. It’s not hard to see why they’ve become a social media sensation.



But this viral fame hides a growing crisis. The adorable otter’s rise to stardom has come at a cost to wild populations. Behind every click, like, and share may lie a deeper story - one of trafficking, genetic decline, and fading <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-help-kelp-forests-recover-but-theres-more-to-the-story/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. 



Japan sits at the center of this trade, both as a consumer and as a mirror to a broader wildlife issue across Asia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-pet-otter-boom">Japan’s pet otter boom</h2>



Asian small-clawed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">otters</a>, native to South and Southeast Asia, are now listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Their populations are threatened by habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. 



Since 2019, they have been listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (<a href="https://cites.org/eng/disc/what.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CITES</a>), which bans commercial trade except in exceptional cases.



Despite this listing, the otters continue to appear in Japan’s pet stores and animal cafés. Their presence in such places indicates an active, and often illegal, wildlife trade. The allure is strong - cuddly, curious, and highly intelligent, otters are marketed as ideal companions for exotic pet lovers.



But their popularity on social media has created a feedback loop of demand that encourages continued trafficking from wild populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illegal-otters-sourced-from-thailand">Illegal otters sourced from Thailand</h2>



To understand how otters are ending up in Japanese cafés, researchers from <a href="https://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyoto University</a> teamed up with Thai scientists. 



They aimed to trace the geographic origins of the otters now living in captivity in Japan. Most attention turned to Thailand - a country previously identified as a key player in the illegal otter trade.



"Collaborative research can help identify the origins of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-use-tools-to-access-larger-prey-and-protect-their-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">otters</a> kept in Japan and hot spots of illegal trade in Thailand, thus encouraging legal control in both countries," said study first author Mayako Fujihara.



Over the last two decades, more than 100 otters have been seized at airports in Thailand and Japan. Most seizures involve multiple individuals at once, suggesting coordinated smuggling efforts. 



Despite Japanese import bans and Thailand’s export restrictions, traffickers continue to find ways to move these animals across borders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-links-otters-to-wild-origins">DNA links otters to wild origins</h2>



To track where the otters came from, researchers sequenced 1,511 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA from 81 captive otters in Japan.



These included <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">individuals</a> from zoos, aquariums, animal cafés, and customs seizures. The goal was to compare these sequences with those from known wild populations in Thailand and surrounding countries.



The analysis revealed 12 different haplotypes, grouped into three major clades. Six of these haplotypes matched wild otters from southern Thailand - areas known for coastal wetlands and hilly riparian zones. 



This suggests that the majority of otters found in cafés and seized at airports had likely originated from poaching hotspots in southern Thailand.



The findings are troubling. According to the CITES trade database, no legal otter imports from Thailand to Japan have occurred since 1988. This means the otters arriving since then - including those born to trafficked individuals - have entered the country through illegal means.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-media-stardom-drives-demand">Social media stardom drives demand</h2>



The modern otter craze didn’t start in a forest - it started online. YouTube channels featuring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pet</a> otters have millions of subscribers. One top channel in Japan, showing the lives of two otters, has over 1.8 million followers and a merchandise line. The same owner also runs otter cafés in major cities.



These cafés, known as exotic animal cafés, let customers play with otters while sipping coffee. They are part of a broader industry that has expanded rapidly since the early 2000s. 



As of 2019, Japan hosted at least 137 exotic animal cafés, housing more than 400 species. The Asian small-clawed otter is among the most popular mammals in these cafés.



Some cafés even sell otters, with prices reaching over $10,000 per animal. In 2018, nearly half of the otters advertised for sale in Japan came from unknown sources. This lack of transparency fuels concerns about continued reliance on wild populations and unclear breeding histories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-native-otter-is-gone">Japan’s native otter is gone</h2>



Japan’s obsession with otters may also stem from a deep-rooted cultural memory. The kawauso, or river otter, appears in Japanese folklore as a playful and mischievous shapeshifter. But this creature was based on a real animal - the Japanese river otter, once common across the country.



Decades of hunting for fur and destruction of river habitats led to its tragic extinction. It was declared extinct in 2012 after not being seen for over 30 years.



"It is precisely because Japan's endemic otter species has gone extinct that we aim to continue conducting research that will help protect other vulnerable species," said Fujihara.



This extinction leaves a shadow over current efforts to protect other otters in captivity and the wild. It also heightens the urgency to prevent similar outcomes for other species caught in the trade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uneven-diversity-in-captivity">Uneven diversity in captivity</h2>



One of the most striking findings from the study was the difference in genetic diversity between otters in zoos and those in cafés. 



Otters in zoos and aquariums had higher genetic diversity and more varied haplotypes. This is likely due to more structured breeding programs and a larger pool of founding individuals.



In contrast, the otters found in cafés often shared just a few haplotypes. Many had been bred in-country from a narrow gene pool. Some appeared to be closely related. 



This lack of diversity poses risks. Inbreeding can cause health problems and lower reproductive success. It also weakens the species’ long-term ability to adapt and survive.



Otters in zoos also came from a wider range of regions, including Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia. This indicates legal or semi-legal acquisition before tighter regulations were in place. But many of the café otters clustered genetically with those from southern Thailand - regions known for illegal poaching activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-as-a-shield-for-conservation">Science as a shield for conservation</h2>



The study's genetic work serves a dual purpose: it not only tracks trafficking routes but also supports captive breeding. 



By understanding the genetic background of individual otters, zoos can avoid inbreeding and maintain genetic health. Otters with rare haplotypes - some found in just one or two individuals - can be prioritized for conservation.



However, mitochondrial DNA offers only part of the story. The researchers suggest that nuclear DNA sequencing could give more precise geographic information. This would allow officials to better identify the origin of seized otters and link them to specific regions.



The findings also highlight a need to build comprehensive genetic reference maps for otters across Southeast Asia. Expanding these databases would help pinpoint where wild-caught animals originate and guide future protection efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-for-a-future-not-a-fad">Breeding for a future, not a fad</h2>



As of late 2022, Japan’s zoos and aquariums housed more than 200 Asian small-clawed otters. Many participate in coordinated breeding programs, but others still rely on imports or unverified sources. Without full genetic records, some valuable lineages may be lost.



For example, rare haplotypes found in only one or two otters could disappear without focused efforts. Losing these variants would narrow the gene pool and reduce future adaptability.



Better genetic planning, stronger import regulations, and broader cooperation between nations can help secure the future of this species. The café boom may fade, but the consequences for wildlife will last unless steps are taken now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-s-love-for-otters-has-limits">Japan’s love for otters has limits</h2>



Otters continue to delight audiences with their charm and antics. But behind every viral video lies a question - where did that otter come from, and what did it cost to bring it here?



If admiration leads to exploitation, then love for animals becomes dangerous. Science, policy, and awareness must align to ensure that what we adore today doesn’t vanish tomorrow.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/csp2.70010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Science and Practice</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Japan’s obsession with otters comes at a cost

Japan loves otters and so does the internet. From squeaky...

A recent study suggests that sleep may not only preserve our memories but actually enhance them, especially when it comes to recalling the order in which events occur. 



This discovery points to the significant role that restful sleep plays in consolidating daily experiences. It shows that this effect can remain robust for more than a year after the events in question.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boosting-memory-through-sleep">Boosting memory through sleep</h2>



The research was carried out by a team affiliated with a leading center for aging and brain health. The scientists developed an innovative approach to test how sleep influences the sequence of memories over extended periods.



Study senior author Brian Levine is a scientist at the <a href="https://www.baycrest.org/about-us-rri">Rotman Research Institute</a>, part of the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education.



“While our memory for features such as object size and color declines over time, sleep can improve our memory for event sequence,” said Levine. "This study deepens our understanding of how critical sleep is for integrating experiences into memory,” he added.



According to these findings, sleep organizes daily events in order, strengthens their links, and helps us remember them months later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-museum-tour-and-memory-recall">Museum tour and memory recall</h2>



To achieve these insights, the researchers moved beyond typical laboratory procedures that ask participants to memorize word lists or pictures. Instead, they created a 20-minute, audio-guided tour of selected artworks to provide a more authentic experience.



People who took part in this study walked through the exhibit while listening to narrated explanations. They then completed memory tests at intervals ranging from one hour after the tour to 15 months later.



The tests included both questions about the physical features of each artwork and about which piece came first, second, third, and so on. Although shape and color memory faded, sleep notably improved recall of the order in which tour items appeared.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sleep-boosts-memory">Deep sleep boosts memory</h2>



A second experiment reinforced these results through a design that separated participants into two groups. One set - the sleep group - experienced the art tour in the evening and was tested shortly afterward. They then slept in a monitored environment where their brain activity was recorded using electroencephalography (EEG).



The other set - the wake group - took the tour and the initial test in the morning, stayed awake during the day, and was re-tested that evening. Both groups took additional memory tests a week, a month, and 15 months later.



The data showed that even a single night of slumber made a meaningful difference in how participants remembered the order of the tour items. Their advantage, established early, remained evident more than a year afterward.



Meanwhile, memory for the physical features of each artwork continued to deteriorate for both groups. Detailed EEG readings revealed that deep sleep, particularly the combination of slow waves and sleep spindles, correlated strongly with this sustained memory improvement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-s-lasting-impact">Sleep’s lasting impact </h2>



Sleep’s effect on memory has long intrigued scientists. These findings show that the sequence of experiences can remain intact over extended periods.



Furthermore, the study suggests that certain types of memory, such as object details, may not benefit in the same way. 



By showing this difference, researchers explore why our brains preserve event order even as other details fade over time. Understanding this pattern also holds relevance for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/defying-time-three-ways-to-slow-biological-aging/">aging</a> populations and those with cognitive conditions, since it sheds light on why memory for events can change so dramatically in later life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-health-and-new-interventions">Cognitive health and new interventions</h2>



The benefits of a good night’s rest extend beyond short-term improvements. “The benefits of sleep on memory are powerful; just one night makes a difference that persists over a year,” Levine said.



This underscores the importance of consistent, high-quality sleep as part of an overall strategy to maintain and strengthen cognitive health. Activities such as regular exercise, a balanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-and-diet-nutrition-helps-lower-dementia-risk/">diet</a>, and attention to sleep routines can work together to keep the mind functioning at its peak.



Researchers hope studying sleep rhythms, slow waves, and spindles will lead to new memory-boosting interventions. These interventions might prove especially significant in helping older adults or those living with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-sleep-may-predict-memory-loss-years-in-advance/">dementia</a> retain key aspects of their experiences for longer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-frontier-of-discovery">Ongoing frontier of discovery </h2>



For anyone interested in preserving the narrative thread of life’s events, these results offer an encouraging perspective: better rest today might translate into clearer, more accurate recollections tomorrow and beyond.



The ways in which sleep shapes our memories remain an ongoing frontier of scientific inquiry, but one message comes through loud and clear. 



Whether you are studying for an exam, trying to remember cherished family moments, or simply hoping to keep your recollections intact over time, sleeping well stands out as a critical part of the formula.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02117-5">Nature Human Behavior</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Sleep can boost memory in a surprising way

A recent study suggests that sleep may not only preserve...

Efforts to protect birds from the growing impacts of climate change may be missing a key piece of the puzzle. According to new research, understanding the specific climate conditions that birds need to survive - known as their climatic niche breadth - could be crucial for identifying which species are at greatest risk.



Scientists from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> analyzed data from 159 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/european-breeding-birds-adapt-to-climate-change-at-a-slower-pace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European bird species</a> to explore how a species' tolerance to different temperatures and rainfall patterns relates to its population trends. 



The researchers analyzed four decades of bird population data across 29 countries, combined with 30 years of climate information, to measure how adaptable each species is to a variety of conditions within its habitat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-even-common-birds-face-climate-risks">Even common birds face climate risks</h2>



It’s widely assumed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-birds-diving-petrels-return-home-island-conservation-efforts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rare birds</a> or those with small geographic ranges are most vulnerable to climate change. However, new findings suggest that a bird’s vulnerability isn’t solely about how widespread it is. What seems to matter more is how broad - or narrow - the range of climate conditions a species can handle is.



“Deciding which species are more at risk isn’t straight forward, and species may be declining for a range of reasons,” said lead author Karolina Zalewska, a postgraduate researcher in UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences.



“Rare species and those that have smaller distributions are more likely to be vulnerable to climate change. This study has shown that birds that are more widespread, such as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-but-mighty-the-significance-of-world-sparrow-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">house sparrow</a> and the common starling, can also face threats to their populations."



"Species, whether rare or widespread, with narrower climatic niches may be more susceptible to the rapid changes brought on by climate change compared to those with broader niches, and this may be one of the underlying reasons behind the population declines observed."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-with-narrow-climate-ranges">Birds with narrow climate ranges</h2>



According to Zalewska, the results emphasize the importance of understanding and incorporating the level of exposure to climatic variability when assessing vulnerability to climate change and long-term population declines.



The study confirmed that a bird’s ability to cope with a variety of climate conditions is strongly linked to its population stability. Even among species with similar geographic ranges, those with narrower climate tolerances were more likely to be in decline.



“Faced with the challenges of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-biodiversity-crisis-is-actually-worse-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global biodiversity crisis</a> and climate change, the rapid assessment of species vulnerability to environmental change has become of paramount importance to address priorities for conservation," said co-author Professor Aldina Franco.



"As climate change accelerates, our study highlights the need to prioritize species that are most at risk due to their more restricted environmental requirements.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-better-way-to-assess-risk">A better way to assess risk</h2>



The team used their climate data to develop a new index - climatic niche breadth adjusted for range area - that can help predict which birds are more vulnerable to environmental change. This index, combined with data on diet, body size, primary habitat, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-behaviors-are-shaped-by-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory behavior</a>, offers a more complete picture of each species' resilience.



“These findings can help us understand the threats associated with climate change and allow for rapid assessment of the importance of climatic factors on population trends, providing an invaluable tool for targeting species conservation,” said Zalewska.



“In particular, we show that the climatic niche breadth to range area index can help predict which species may be more vulnerable to population declines.”



Out of the 159 species examined, 58 were found to be declining, 68 remained stable, and 33 were increasing. 



Birds that inhabit farmland - such as corn buntings and skylarks - were more likely to be in decline. By contrast, species more comfortable in human-altered landscapes, like blackbirds and blue tits, were faring better.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-through-a-climate-lens">Conservation through a climate lens</h2>



The research offers a way forward for conservation strategies in an era of accelerating climate change. 



Instead of relying solely on range size or rarity, conservationists may need to look more closely at how birds respond to different climates across their range.



Recognizing which species are climate-sensitive could make all the difference in keeping their populations from slipping away.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jbi.15127" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Biogeography</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Some birds are more at risk from climate change than others

Efforts to protect birds from the growing impacts of climate...

Dogs have long been recognized for their remarkable ability to detect faint scents associated with various diseases. 



From identifying cancer and low blood sugar to sensing infections, their keen noses have inspired trainers to develop specialized tasks that enhance safety and independence for people managing health conditions.



Scientists recently <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovered</a> new connections between how dogs interpret ambiguous situations and how they tackle scent detection tasks.



The research was led by Sharyn Bistre Dabbah of the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, who explored whether a dog’s upbeat or doubtful attitude influences how well it can sniff out important odor cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dogs-learn-medical-scent-detection">How dogs learn medical scent detection</h2>



<a href="https://www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical detection dogs</a> have earned respect among healthcare professionals, especially for their role in identifying certain <a href="https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-020-05281-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a> and assisting people with chronic issues. 



They are trained to detect unique scent markers in clinical samples or to warn someone about an imminent change in health status.



Training starts young, using exercises to boost focus and confidence in new environments. The programs highlight gentle yet consistent methods that reward a dog for accurate performance and reduce confusion through repetition.



Because tasks based on scent detection are demanding, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pet-dogs-severely-harm-wildlife-even-when-leashed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canines</a> must learn to keep calm under pressure. They must stay determined and engaged through repeated trials, which can be challenging for some dogs. Despite these challenges, many dogs handle the work with remarkable ease.



When some dogs show more precision and fewer false alerts, experts start searching for the reasons why. If these traits can be identified early, it could bring more certainty to an already impressive field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-optimism-and-performance">Connecting optimism and performance</h2>



One experimental approach used in this research is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26440495/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">judgment bias testing</a>, a strategy for gauging how animals respond to uncertain situations. 



Dogs learn a bowl in one spot with a known scent means a reward, but in another spot, it doesn't. When the bowl appears in a middle spot, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-dogs-replacing-children-how-modern-society-is-changing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canines</a>’ reaction time can hint at their emotional outlook.



“Dogs that approached ambiguous cues more quickly - indicative of ‘optimism' - were associated with higher levels of traits such as confidence and playfulness. These insights could have important implications for training and selection methods in medical detection dogs,” said Dabbah.



In plain terms, dogs that zipped toward the bowl, hoping it held a tasty morsel, also seemed to have strong overall abilities when it came to learning and focusing. They appeared quicker to embrace new tasks and bounced back from empty bowls without getting flustered.



At the same time, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-99-of-dogs-in-the-u-s-have-a-behavior-problem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canines</a> showed a more guarded approach. They paused a moment longer at uncertain bowl placements, almost as if they were doing a double-check before taking action.



Interestingly, these dogs often had fewer false positives, indicating that a degree of “cautious thinking” may reduce errors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimistic-dogs-and-scent-detection">Optimistic dogs and scent detection</h2>



Older dogs showed signs of calm confidence, which might help them approach tricky tasks without wasting energy on confusion. It is possible that time in training leads to more measured responses, as dogs hone both their search skills and emotional stability.



Dogs with a high drive for food did not hesitate to check a bowl, reflecting an eagerness to score a reward. While that can propel a dog to excel in learning, it may lead to hasty alerts on non-target scents. Balancing that enthusiasm with steady caution can be a challenge.



Some dogs leaned on playfulness to make tasks more pleasant. Tail-wagging and enthusiasm can boost training, but too much excitement may disrupt focused sniffing. Striking a middle ground is ideal for daily practice.



When a trainer recognizes that a dog’s personality tends toward optimism, that knowledge can guide how training is structured. The approach may focus on channeling the dog’s quick reactions while refining its ability to stop and think when necessary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimistic-dogs-have-greater-detection-ability">Optimistic dogs have greater detection ability</h2>



“Our findings suggest that dogs displaying more ‘optimistic’ responses in a judgment bias test tend to demonstrate higher overall ability, as rated by their trainers. Understanding this link could help us to better train, select, and support successful medical detection dogs,” said Dabbah.



Some of the more reserved dogs achieved stronger scent specificity, which can be a valuable quality for tasks where false alarms carry greater cost. Training might then look for ways to add a dash of positive expectation to help these dogs stay motivated.



Moving ahead, experts are exploring whether these insights might hint at early screening tools. Dogs that have an optimistic streak could be strong candidates for highly active detection tasks.



Such early indicators might spare time and resources, enabling trainers to focus on dogs whose personality suits the intensity of constant sniffing and monitoring. 



Research suggests this approach may also enhance the dog’s well-being, as training can be fine-tuned to match its natural tendencies.



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



Trainers often keep logs of each dog’s progress and note any unusual struggles. A quick emotional test could add insight into what drives each dog’s successes and setbacks



Dog organizations might use these new findings to perfect selection programs. Dogs that see gray areas as opportunities often recover quickly from setbacks, making training more enjoyable.



The broader community of working-dog enthusiasts is always on the lookout for ways to elevate standards in canine professions. 



By evaluating how optimism or hesitation shapes detection tasks, it may be possible to maximize performance without pushing dogs beyond healthy limits.



Refining this process promises a better match between each dog’s inherent scent style and the tasks they are asked to tackle. Such harmony could improve the reliability of medical alerts while protecting the dog’s quality of life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0320158" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS One</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Good mood, sharper nose? Optimistic dogs excel in scent detection

Dogs have long been recognized for their remarkable ability to...

Electric,Cars,At,Charing,Station,In,Hanoi,,Vietnam

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come to symbolize the green revolution. Quiet, zero-emission cars now glide through city streets, while governments offer tax breaks and incentives to accelerate the shift from gasoline to electric power. 



Headlines celebrate electric vehicles as a solution for climate change. But are they? A recent study raises new doubts.



Researchers from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.auckland.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Auckland</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xmu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xiamen University</a>&nbsp;argue that electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/driverless-utility-vehicles-are-taking-over-boring-and-risky-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicles</a> cannot help the planet unless we clean up the electricity that powers them. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-can-raise-emissions-nbsp">Electric vehicles can raise emissions&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis reveals a surprising and uncomfortable truth: electric vehicles can, in some cases, increase carbon emissions.



The research team examined data from 26 countries over a 15-year period using a rigorous method known as the STIRPAT framework. 



This analytical tool enables experts to assess the impact of population, economic development, and technological change on emissions.



The researchers looked beyond surface-level calculations. They tested how electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-electric-vehicle-owners-have-high-carbon-footprints/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle</a> adoption, renewable energy use, population clustering, and green innovation all shape a country’s carbon output. 



The results do not align with the common belief that more electric vehicles mean fewer emissions.



"On the contrary, EV adoption is positively associated with CO₂ emissions. This finding appears counterintuitive. It challenges the conventional belief that EVs contribute to decarbonization," said study lead author Miaomiao (Simon) Tao, a doctoral candidate at the <a href="https://www.energycentre.auckland.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UoA Energy Centre</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-and-climate-issues">Electric vehicles and climate issues</h2>



The counterintuitive results of the study are linked to where electric vehicles get their power. In many parts of the world, electricity still comes from burning coal, oil, or gas. Charging an EV in such places often leads to more emissions than using a fuel-efficient petrol car.



“Take EVs charged using electricity from coal-fired power plants. In that case, they may indirectly contribute to higher emissions than modern gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially considering the entire lifecycle from production to disposal," said study co-author Professor Stephen Poletti.



The experts identified a clear tipping point. Electric vehicles only start cutting emissions once clean electricity makes up nearly half of a country’s power supply.



In 2023, renewables made up just over 30 percent of the global electricity mix. Most nations still fall short.



"Electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brake-pad-copper-emissions-are-worse-than-diesel-exhaust-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicles</a> are often seen as a silver bullet for climate change, but our results show that's not the case if the electricity powering them isn't clean,” said Professor Poletti.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-that-fuels-electric-vehicles">The power that fuels electric vehicles </h2>



Some countries do better than others. New Zealand, for example, gets over 80 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. This makes EV adoption far more effective. In such places, switching from petrol to electric really does lower emissions.



"This research is a reminder that decarbonizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/direct-evidence-electric-vehicles-measurably-reduce-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transport</a> can't happen in isolation," said Professor Poletti. The grid and the garage are closely linked. You can’t clean one and ignore the other.



The researchers also found that countries focused on EV sales alone may miss the bigger picture. 



Without electricity reform, the environmental benefits of EVs disappear. Countries must first green their energy sectors before EVs can truly help fight climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-energy-lowers-emissions">Clean energy lowers emissions</h2>



The study didn’t stop at electric vehicles. The team analzyed several other factors that influence carbon emissions. Economic growth came out as a strong driver of increased emissions.



More businesses, more consumption, and more industry almost always mean more pollution. On the other hand, green innovation, renewable energy, and population density in urban areas were associated with lower emissions.



Technological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-future-is-electric-epa-sets-strictest-ever-vehicle-emission-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advances</a>, especially those related to energy use and storage, helped countries emit less carbon. Densely populated cities, when designed efficiently, used energy more wisely.



Notably, the study found that renewable energy had the strongest emissions-reducing effect of all variables. When renewables replace fossil fuels, the results are dramatic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-can-still-help">Electric vehicles can still help </h2>



How much clean energy do countries need before EVs make a positive difference? According to the study, the magic number is 48 percent. 



Once nearly half the electricity comes from sources like wind, solar, or hydro, the environmental gains of EVs begin to outweigh their hidden costs.



Before reaching that point, EVs can actually increase emissions. That’s because battery production and fossil-fuel-powered charging create more problems than they solve.



 In high-emission countries, adding more EVs often raises electricity demand, putting more pressure on already dirty grids.



With EV sales growing rapidly - over 10 million units sold globally in 2022 - this tipping point becomes urgent. Nations need to match that growth with equally aggressive investments in renewables.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-early-adoption-may-backfire">Why early adoption may backfire</h2>



Using an advanced model called Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR), the researchers found that the link between EVs and emissions varies depending on how polluted a country already is. 



In lower-emission countries, electric vehicles had a modest effect. But in high-emission countries, the adoption of EVs actually worsened the situation.



This reinforces the idea that EVs are not one-size-fits-all. They must be part of a broader environmental strategy. Without reforming energy sources, even a fleet of electric vehicles won't reduce overall carbon output.



The results show that early-stage EV deployment often leads to a spike in electricity consumption. If that power comes from coal, the net emissions rise. As the share of renewable energy grows, this negative effect fades - and can eventually reverse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electric-vehicles-need-clean-power">Electric vehicles need clean power </h2>



The takeaway? Clean cars need clean power. Governments should not treat EVs as an end in themselves. Instead, policies must align EV growth with renewable energy targets, urban planning, and investments in green technology.



Infrastructure matters too. Building smart grids and improving battery storage systems can help EVs use more clean energy. 



Likewise, offering incentives for off-peak charging - when renewable generation is high - can reduce their footprint.



If governments only focus on getting people to buy EVs, they risk making climate goals harder to reach. The real gains come when electric vehicles are part of a clean ecosystem, powered by wind, sun, and smarter design.



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



The future of transport must be electric, but it must also be clean. That’s the core message of this study. It doesn’t reject electric vehicles; It warns that their benefits depend on context - especially the cleanliness of the power grid.



As Tao and Poletti show, electric vehicles alone won’t save the planet. But with the right mix of policies and infrastructure, they can still play a crucial role.



The road to net zero is longer and more complex than many assume. It runs not just through car factories, but through power plants, research labs, and city streets. Electric vehicles are a solid step toward climate mitigation - but only if we power them right.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036054422500115X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Energy</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Dirty power: The hidden climate cost of electric vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come to symbolize the green revolution....

Scientists have long wondered how the brain updates itself with new information and memories. Some ideas revolve around chemical changes in specific neurons, while others focus on structural shifts among brain cells.



<a href="https://www.tcd.ie/research/profiles/?profile=tryan6">Dr. Tomás Ryan</a> from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> is among the neuroscientists who have explored these questions by tracking cells involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>. 



New <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01512-9">findings</a> suggest memory formation hinges on connections between groups of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-02137-5">engram cells</a>, which are neurons thought to capture and store distinct experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-memories-become-linked">How memories become linked</h2>



Researchers believe each experience leaves a pattern of brain cell activation that can be switched on later. To see this process in action, neuroscientists tracked two sets of engram cells, each tied to a different memory. 



They discovered that when one set of cells was reactivated, the other set sometimes lit up too, as if the memories had become linked.



This idea runs counter to the old notion that an individual neuron stores an entire memory. Instead, the memory might be in the connections these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-rewires-the-brain-to-strengthen-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a> build and reshape over time. 



Such structural rearrangements help us handle new information without losing old experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-brain-cells-store-memories">Which brain cells store memories?</h2>



“Memory engram cells are groups of brain cells that, activated by specific experiences, change themselves to incorporate and thereby hold information in our brain,” said <a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8365-2762" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Clara Ortega-de San Luis</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and lead author on the study. 



She and her colleagues monitored how similar or related memories were stored across different brain areas. 



They used genetic techniques to label neurons that fired for one event, then watched how those same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smartphones-are-teaching-us-how-to-supercharge-our-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> responded to a second event that felt related.



One major clue came from measuring how well these labeled neurons made new links with cells that were tied to older, separate experiences. 



Optogenetics, a method that turns cells on or off with light, let them test whether blocking these newly formed links disrupted the memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-one-protein-shapes-memory">How one protein shapes memory</h2>



A specific protein, <a href="https://molecularbrain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13041-019-0520-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PSD-95</a>, emerged as a gatekeeper of these engram cell connections. This protein sits at nerve cell junctions called <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/24790" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synapses</a> and helps anchor receptor molecules.&nbsp;



When the team lowered the amount of PSD-95 in the neurons storing a given memory, these connections behaved differently. Under certain conditions, the memory seemed to linger even when researchers tried to dampen it.



That persistence hints at how the brain can hang on to memories that we might assume should fade. It also hints at why a shortage or disruption of PSD-95 could derail normal learning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-memories-close-in-time-feel-connected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-cells-build-on-old-memories">Brain cells build on old memories</h2>



This work taps into a broader shift in neuroscience. Rather than focusing on single cells, many researchers now examine how multiple cells form networks that hold our daily experiences. 



By using cutting-edge genetic tagging, scientists can identify where new links are happening and whether these connections are essential for recalling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-things-is-a-natural-part-of-the-memory-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> later.



Many of the previous studies mapped separate steps: encoding a memory, storing it, then reactivating it. 



This project took it one step further by showing how the brain might slot fresh information into an existing network, so the old memory is updated instead of replaced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-findings-matter">Why these findings matter</h2>



Experts have debated how new learning manages not to overwrite older memories in the same region of the brain. According to Dr. Ryan, “we should search for information ‘between’ cells.”&nbsp;



This view suggests memories are not locked inside one specific location but scattered as connections that can be modified. If true, it may explain how we learn quickly from everyday life without dismantling what we already know.



Therapies could one day target the proteins that enable these shifting connections. If molecules like PSD-95 shape synapses to store a memory, then changing them might help reframe harmful memories tied to fear or trauma, though more studies are needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-brain-cells-shape-daily-memory">How brain cells shape daily memory</h2>



Memory isn’t purely academic. Our daily routines demand constant learning, whether it’s recalling names, navigating busy streets, or picking up a new hobby. 



Understanding how the brain cells keep all that information flexible, yet stable, offers hope for tackling age-related memory issues or conditions that affect learning.



Additional work in the field has shown that certain neurons can take on multiple roles depending on the situation. 



Those roles often shift over time, especially when new experiences pile up. By homing in on the connections, scientists add a piece to the puzzle of how these cells adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-this-research-could-lead">Where this research could lead</h2>



Unraveling the complicated dance among engram cells might eventually guide how we teach, treat memory disorders, or support mental health. 



If wiring changes are at the core of learning, there might be clever ways to prompt healthy rearrangements in people struggling with conditions like post-traumatic stress or depression.



This study gives a peek into that process. It reveals a fragile, but critical, balance at the heart of learning: strengthen certain neural links for new knowledge, but keep enough structure so older skills and memories remain intact.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01512-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a>&nbsp;and Earth.com.



-----

How does the brain create and retrieve memories? Scientists figured it out

Scientists have long wondered how the brain updates itself with...

The idea that extreme heat could one day cause a mass extinction and end the dominance of humans and other mammals might sound like something out of sci-fi movie.



Yet new findings indicate that the planet might face this crisis if continents fuse into one landmass. Some researchers say it could be the first extinction of its kind since the dinosaurs vanished.



In a recent study, investigators used powerful climate models to show how a future supercontinent, called Pangea Ultima, might alter global conditions. Projections suggest a much hotter and drier environment with limited options for survival.



The work appears in Nature Geoscience and was led by Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, a Senior Research Associate at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>. His team examined tectonic plate movement, solar changes, and greenhouse gas levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangea-ultima-the-next-supercontinent">Pangea Ultima - the next supercontinent</h2>



Geologists have long argued that <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s continents</a> move gradually over time. Pangea Ultima is the name given to the hypothesized supercontinent that might emerge millions of years from now. 



If this happens, much of the terrain would sit far from oceanic cooling influences, a situation known as the continentality effect.



“The newly-emerged supercontinent would effectively create a triple whammy, comprising the continentality effect, hotter sun and more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/possible-to-permanently-remove-co2-carbon-dioxide-from-atmosphere-water-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO₂ in the atmosphere</a>, of increasing heat for much of the planet,” Dr. Farnsworth explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-drivers-of-human-extinction">Three drivers of human extinction</h2>



One factor is the expansive landmass itself, which traps regions in scorching interiors. 



Another is that the sun will brighten over time, delivering stronger radiation. Volcanic activity adds more carbon dioxide to the mix, further <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming the atmosphere</a>.



“Widespread temperatures of between 40 to 50° Celsius (104 to 122° Fahrenheit), and even greater daily extremes, compounded by high levels of humidity, would ultimately seal our fate,” Dr. Farnsworth added. 



“Humans - along with many other species - would expire due to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-a-lower-heat-tolerance-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inability to shed this heat</a> through sweat, cooling their bodies.” 



With the sun also anticipated to emit about 2.5% more radiation and the supercontinent being located primarily in the hot, humid tropics, much of the planet could be facing temperatures of between 40 to 70°C (104 to 158°F).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-other-mammals">Impact on other mammals</h2>



Researchers note that mammals have historically endured shifts in temperature, sometimes by growing thicker coats in cold climates or relying on hibernation. 



Yet sustained heat is harder to escape, since sweating is essential for body cooling. As conditions climb, mammals cannot regulate heat for long without access to cooler refuges and reliable water sources.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pangea-Ultima_supercontinent_illustration_UBristol_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pangea-Ultima_supercontinent_illustration_UBristol_1s.webp" alt="Illustration showing the geography of today’s Earth and the projected geography of Earth in 250 million years, when all the continents converge into one supercontinent (Pangea Ultima). Credit: University of Bristol" class="wp-image-1965317"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration showing the geography of today’s Earth and the projected geography of Earth in 250 million years, when all the continents converge into one supercontinent (Pangea Ultima). Click image to enlarge. Credit: University of Bristol</figcaption></figure>



Study findings hint that only 8% to 16% of land on the future supercontinent would stay within a tolerable range. 



Dryness complicates matters by limiting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water supplies</a> and reducing vegetation. With so much territory turning arid, the quest for food and hydration would become daunting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-should-heed-extinction-warnings">Humans should heed extinction warnings</h2>



“It is vitally important not to lose sight of our current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Crisis</a>, which is a result of human emissions of greenhouse gases,” urged co-author Dr. Eunice Lo, Research Fellow in Climate Change and Health at the University of Bristol. 



“While we are predicting an uninhabitable planet in 250 million years, today we are already experiencing extreme heat that is detrimental to human health. This is why it is crucial to reach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5c-is-almost-certainly-out-of-reach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net-zero emissions</a> as soon as possible.”



Recent decades have seen rising temperatures that strain resources. Heat waves threaten crops, disrupt energy grids, and place communities at risk. 



Many call for faster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beef-industry-can-cut-emissions-by-30-with-sustainable-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emission cuts</a> to prevent even harsher conditions. Some experts believe effective policies and public awareness could still temper the worst near-term damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-carbon-dioxide-levels">Future carbon dioxide levels</h2>



Projections in the study used tectonic and ocean chemistry models to gauge carbon dioxide levels. 



Higher volcanic outgassing over the coming eons points to an increase from current readings to well above 600 parts per million. Such elevated concentrations would create conditions hostile to many organisms.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenhouse gases</a> would accumulate and trap more heat in the atmosphere. This feedback loop amplifies warming, making survival increasingly difficult on a planet with minimal oceanic influence.



“We think CO₂ could rise from around 400 parts per million (ppm) today to more than 600 ppm many millions of years in the future,” noted Professor Benjamin Mills at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>. 



“Of course, this assumes that humans will stop burning fossil fuels, otherwise we will see those numbers much, much sooner.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remembering-past-extinction-events">Remembering past extinction events</h2>



Many eras of Earth’s history ended in severe biodiversity loss. 



About 443 million years ago, marine habitats shrank during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-sue-keurbos-susanae-reveals-444-million-year-old-anatomy-of-ancient-arthropod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ordovician-Silurian Extinction</a>, removing roughly 85% of sea life. 



Near 360 million years ago, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/at-least-two-of-earths-mass-extinctions-caused-by-massive-supernova-explosions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Late Devonian</a> wiped out up to 75% of species. Later came the Permian-Triassic Extinction about 252 million years ago, erasing over 90% of marine species and 70% on land.



Around 200 million years ago, massive eruptions drove the Triassic-Jurassic Extinction, cutting species by around half. 



Some 66 million years ago, an asteroid impact ended the non-avian dinosaurs in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-ground-dwellers-survived-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction</a>, eliminating about 75% of all species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-extinction-and-exoplanets">Human extinction and exoplanets</h2>



This analysis also broadens how scientists evaluate exoplanets. If continents merge, planetary heat can spike, even if a world is inside a so-called habitable zone. 



Researchers think other planets might face analogous shifts, where tectonic movement and solar intensity escalate temperatures. Rotation rates and air chemistry may further affect habitability.



“This work also highlights that a world within the so-called ‘<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-expands-the-habitable-zone-where-we-may-find-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zone</a>’ of a solar system may not be the most hospitable for humans depending on whether the continents are dispersed, as we have today, or in one large supercontinent,” Dr. Farnsworth concluded. 



“Understanding these configurations can guide experts who look for environments that support life beyond Earth.”



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



Today, we already see the impact of climate stress on our resources and health. Scientists warn us that higher temperatures and more extreme weather events could become the norm if we fail to manage our emissions. 



While the prospect of a distant supercontinent meltdown might seem remote, it underscores the importance of taking meaningful steps now.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-023-01259-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Study predicts how and when humans and mammals will face extinction

The idea that extreme heat could one day cause a...

A,Young,African-american,Man,Is,Meditating,In,A,Bright,,Minimalist

Recent insights suggest that reflective habits - like meditation and critical thinking - can help people embrace artificial intelligence without succumbing to its drawbacks. As AI weaves itself into daily life, balanced use becomes crucial.



Digital strategy expert Giulio Toscani has interviewed 150 AI specialists across 50 countries. He argues in his new book, <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781003533160/augmented-giulio-toscani" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Augmented: prAIority to Enhance Human Judgment through Data and AI</a>, that humans often operate on autopilot, craving instant gratification.



“The growing allure of AI lies in its powerful ability to cater to our desires, providing us with instant gratification whenever and however we want it,” he said.



“This is particularly appealing in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world where people often face isolation and boredom. However, this very convenience and responsiveness of AI also pose a risk - its addictive potential.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-ai-s-addictive-potential">Managing AI’s addictive potential</h2>



Toscani warns that limited awareness of AI’s risks leads many to adopt new tools prematurely, exposing themselves to data privacy breaches, online harassment, and misinformation.



According to Toscani, it is essential to pause and reflect on how these interactions shape and are shaped by our actions to encourage a cultural shift towards valuing long-term thinking over immediate gratification.



Deliberate examination of AI’s role can guide more thoughtful choices. This reflective approach helps us understand the broader implications of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/current-ai-systems-can-not-be-trusted-to-make-unbiased-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology</a>, beyond immediate functionality and efficiency, noted Toscani.



"It allows us to consider how technology impacts our lives, relationships, and ethical considerations, guiding us toward more deliberate and informed decisions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meditation-and-responsible-ai-use">Meditation and responsible AI use</h2>



Toscani, who has practiced Vipassana <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-slows-biological-aging-at-the-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation</a> at six 10-day silent retreats, sees it as a way to reflect on the responsible use of AI and become aware of one’s digital habits.



“This growing practice encourages individuals to critically assess their technological choices, considering the broader implications for themselves, their communities, and society at large."



“By fostering a culture of mindful reflection on how we interact with technology, meditation plays a crucial role in promoting responsible and ethical use. Emphasizing reflection helps us make more informed, deliberate decisions that enhance the positive impact of technology while mitigating its risks.”



Toscani noted that the cultural shift toward mindfulness encourages us to consider the broader implications of our technological choices, promoting a more responsible and humane relationship with the tools that shape our lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-thinking-in-action">Critical thinking in action</h2>



Toscani cautions against over-reliance on AI for vital cognitive tasks. He urges practices such as journaling, debate, and handwriting to maintain deep thinking.



“By consciously balancing the use of AI with the development and maintenance of our cognitive skills, we can harness the power of AI without sacrificing our intellectual autonomy."



He also mentioned that as we continue to integrate AI into our lives, we must remain vigilant about its impact on our cognitive processes, ensuring that we remain active participants in our own intellectual development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-ai-to-enhance-human-capabilities">Using AI to enhance human capabilities </h2>



Though challenges exist, Toscani calls AI a revolutionary tool in human history. Drawing from ancient philosophy, he proposes the concept of “prAIority,” a focus on data, AI systems, and human judgment underpinned by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-robot-interaction-are-we-prepared-for-the-ethical-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ethics</a>.



This approach aims to preserve autonomy and trust, all while driving innovation. Moreover, he also advocates applying AI where it matters most, such as healthcare, education, creative fields, and complex decision-making.



“Through strategic prioritization, we can unlock the full potential of AI as a force for good, transforming our world and enriching the human experience in ways that were once unimaginable,” he explained.



“By thoughtfully selecting areas where AI can be most beneficial, we ensure that this powerful technology enhances human capabilities rather than disrupts them." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-technology-under-control">Keeping technology under control</h2>



Toscani also stated the primary goal is to use AI to augment human intelligence and creativity, enabling us to solve complex problems, innovate in ways previously unimaginable, and improve our overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-aging-physical-activity-has-a-direct-impact-on-life-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality of life</a>.



In a world where AI is rapidly evolving, reflection, meditation, and critical thinking help maintain autonomy. 



By examining our reliance on AI, we keep technology under our control rather than the other way around. This mindful balance lets us maximize AI’s benefits while safeguarding our judgment, creativity, and humanity.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Why meditation and critical thinking matter in the age of AI

Recent insights suggest that reflective habits - like meditation and...

Dna,Molecule.,Medical,And,Heredity,Genetic,Health,Concept.,Technology,Science.

DNA repair is crucial for human well-being. This marcromolecule makes up our chromosomes and is present in our body cells. It carries a detailed code that enables us to make the proteins we need for healthy functioning, but this code can unravel without proper care.



A group of researchers has <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08815-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigated</a> how a network of repair genes keeps that code safe. <a href="https://mhs.biol.ethz.ch/research/corn.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jacob Corn</a>, Professor of Genome Biology at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>, guided a segment of this effort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-cell-life-damages-dna">Everyday cell life damages DNA</h2>



Scientists have long recognized that routine cellular processes can harm our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-changes-supercharged-the-human-brain-but-at-a-cost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic material</a>. Minor twists or breaks can stack up over time and threaten essential information.



“When people read about repairing genetic material, they often think of it being in response to exposure to toxins or radiation,” said Corn, adding that everyday pressures inside cells also lead to damage that demands constant attention.



Even basic cell division can introduce damage. Repetitive segments can become tangled, and random hits can cause cracks in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computers-knots-dna-loops-and-the-future-of-genetic-modification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> structure.



Each time a cell copies the DNA blueprint, dozens of enzymes rush in to check for faults. They fix small errors before these morph into large-scale troubles.



Specialized DNA repair pathways handle distinct threats, from single-strand nicks to double-strand breaks. These coordinated strategies preserve the code through generations of cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-repair-genes-patch-dna-damage">Repair genes patch DNA damage</h2>



Scientists have cataloged hundreds of genes that serve as repair tools. Different pathways work together to patch breaks or rearrange <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chapter-in-human-evolution-revealed-through-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> fragments that go astray.



Certain genes respond to specific chemical mishaps, while others assist in collecting lost DNA pieces. This efficiency stops mistakes from piling up inside our chromosomes, in the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/nucleus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nucleus</a> of each cell.



Redundancy matters when something goes wrong, as this ensures that backup helpers are on call. This approach can save a cell from total breakdown. 



Researchers suggest that blocking one repair gene alone often does not produce a dramatic effect. Instead, targeting multiple genes at once can push damaged cells toward collapse.



These insights open fresh avenues for basic genetic science. They also prompt new methods of thinking about diseases that are linked to faulty repair.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-cells-misuse-or-lose-repair-systems">Cancer cells misuse or lose repair systems</h2>



Cells that multiply too fast tend to experience extra glitches. <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1235122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defects</a> in repair genes can give harmful cells a chance to run wild, as is seen in the development of cancer.



By pinpointing vulnerable spots in a cancer cell’s repair setup, therapies can strike in a precise way. This idea drives the concept of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrg.2017.47" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synthetic lethality</a>, where hitting multiple weaknesses topples the cell.



Investigators see a path forward for <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10760" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatments</a> that exploit these hidden gaps in the defenses of cancer cells. Combinations of targeted drugs might trigger lethal damage in cells that already lack certain repair strengths.



Such tactics could leave healthy tissue less affected. Normal cells have intact DNA repair backups, so they stand a better chance of bouncing back.



Experts hope that mapping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/subtle-dna-changes-shaped-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> repair interactions will guide clinicians. They envision a future where each patient’s tumor is profiled to reveal repair flaws that can then be blocked by targeted treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-onward-with-fresh-tools">Onward with fresh tools</h2>



Refined <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/genomicresearch/genomeediting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene-editing systems</a> make it easier to test which combinations of genes lead to meltdown in cancer cells. This knowledge could guide the design of safer drugs.



Organizations share their findings on public platforms, allowing scientists worldwide to examine the data. Collaborative efforts may speed up discoveries and reduce blind spots.



Basic research still relies on careful lab work to confirm which repair routes matter most for cell survival. Investigators piece together puzzle segments to see where the biggest vulnerabilities lie.



Leaders in the field want to push these insights into real therapies. They look beyond the common sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> harm and investigate subtle events that harm cells each day.



Progress in this area could improve how we handle stubborn tumors and <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/genetic-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic disorders</a>. Creative approaches often emerge when researchers connect seemingly unrelated details.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatments-target-dna-repair-weak-spots">Treatments target DNA repair weak spots</h2>



Researchers aim to refine their methods for scanning entire <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/definition/genome-43/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a>. They plan to automate searches for unusual patterns that signal hidden problems.



Some teams explore how to cut off cancer cells from vital repair options. Others check whether small molecule drugs can disrupt essential repair loops.



Governments and private funders take an interest in this type of <a href="https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Genetic-Mapping-Fact-Sheet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic mapping</a>. They see the potential for targeted strategies that avoid harmful side effects.



Patient outcomes may improve if physicians can customize treatment based on a tumor’s repair <a href="https://medicover-genetics.com/our-genetic-tests/oncology/tumor-profile-cancer-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">profile</a>. That prospect has motivated clinical trials that examine how combined interventions affect cell survival.



Progress in this area depends on steady collaboration. Every fresh detail about our body's own repair networks can sharpen the tactics used against DNA-related diseases.



These breakthroughs could change how we handle medical conditions in the next decade. Ongoing projects will determine which combination of interventions truly shields our genetic code from lasting harm.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08815-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Everyday DNA damage requires constant repair, and now we know how the body fixes it

DNA repair is crucial for human well-being. This marcromolecule makes...

Vitamin K may have a more significant role in brain function than expected, particularly as we age. Widely known for its role in blood clotting, this vitamin - contained in green veggies such as spinach, kale, and broccoli - could also guard memory and learning.



In a study from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a>, scientists explored how low vitamin K intake could affect the brain's ability to process information. 



The research was particularly focused on the hippocampus - an area that controls <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> and memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-vitamin-k-connection">The brain-vitamin K connection</h2>



Using middle-aged rodents, the researchers observed how a vitamin K-deficient diet impacted brain function over six months. 



The team analyzed menaquinone-4, a form of vitamin K commonly found in brain tissue. Mice lacking this nutrient showed significant changes in behavior and brain structure.



“There is also research that indicates vitamin K contributes to brain function and that brain function declines during the aging process,” noted Tong Zheng, lead author of the study.



“Vitamin K seems to have a protective effect. Our research is trying to understand the underlying mechanism for that effect, so we might one day be able to target those mechanisms specifically.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vitamin-k-deficiency-impacts-learning">Vitamin K deficiency impacts learning</h2>



To test <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> and learning abilities, the researchers conducted behavioral assessments with the mice. One such task, the novel object recognition test, revealed that vitamin K-deficient mice struggled to distinguish familiar and new objects. This signaled a clear drop in memory.



In another test, the mice had to locate a hidden platform in a water pool. Again, those lacking vitamin K took noticeably longer to figure out the task. 



The results pointed toward a broader issue in how their brains processed and retained new information. Brain tissue analysis backed this up. The scientists found fewer new neurons in the hippocampus, particularly the dentate gyrus region.



“Neurogenesis is thought to play a critical role in learning and memory, and its impairment could directly contribute to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colorful-foods-can-prevent-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a> observed in the study,” explained Zheng.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation-and-brain-aging">Inflammation and brain aging</h2>



Beyond fewer new brain cells, the team also discovered increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-mild-inflammation-can-majorly-damage-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammation</a> in the vitamin K-deficient mice. They found more activated microglia - the immune cells of the brain. 



While these cells typically help maintain brain health, an overactive state can cause long-term inflammation. This kind of chronic inflammation is a known contributor to age-related cognitive issues and neurodegenerative diseases.



While the findings are compelling, the researchers are not advising people to rush to the supplement aisle. There are plenty of vitamin K-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard – but also kiwi, asparagus, avocado, and blueberries.



“People need to eat a healthy diet. They need to eat their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruits-vegetables-memory-loss-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetables</a>," said Sarah Booth, director of the research center and senior author of the study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-long-term-brain-health">Improving long-term brain health</h2>



Booth's team collaborates closely with scientists at Rush University Medical Center, who conduct observational studies in humans. Meanwhile, the Tufts researchers work with animal models to better understand the biology at play.



“We know that a healthy diet works and that people who don’t eat a healthy diet don’t live as long or do as well cognitively,” said Booth.



“By choreographing animal and human studies together, we can do a better job of improving brain health long-term by identifying and targeting specific mechanisms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-for-a-sharper-tomorrow">Eating for a sharper tomorrow</h2>



The study reinforces the idea that what we eat doesn’t just affect our bodies - but also our minds.



While vitamin K may not be the sole solution to preserving brain health, making leafy greens a regular part of your diet could be a smart, simple step toward better aging.



Nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a piece we can control. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and plan meals to ensure you're getting various nutrients. 



Supporting your brain through diet now may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline later. And sometimes, small habits - like eating more vegetables - can lead to meaningful changes in how we age.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022316625000306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Nutrition</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Vitamin K protects the aging brain in many important ways

Vitamin K may have a more significant role in brain...

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.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



---



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.

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



---



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.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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.

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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.

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



---



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.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



---



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.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



---



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.

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



---



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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



---



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.

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



---



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.

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



---



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.

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

News coming your way