Botanists have formally described a new parasitic plant from the Canary Islands, Orobanche andryalae, after two decades of field work and very patient verification.



It is a tiny member of the <a href="https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/141300/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">broomrape group</a> that taps the roots of other plants for water and nutrients, then blooms with understated charm on harsh volcanic ground. It took time, care, and a steady hand to show it really was something new.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orobanche-andryalae-is-different">Orobanche andryalae is different</h2>



Broomrapes are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/holoparasite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">holoparasites</a>, plants that lack green leaves and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-fairy-lantern-species-thismia-aliasii-cant-photosynthesize/">do not photosynthesize</a>, so they attach to hosts underground and siphon resources quietly until they flower. 



That life strategy, effective yet discreet, helps explain why species can be missed or misnamed for years.



The species stands out by a distinctive set of floral traits, including a markedly cernuous, or nodding, corolla and a high point where the filaments attach inside the flower, features that hold steady even when cultivated.



It grows on thermophilous, or heat loving, volcanic substrates and shows a tight association with Andryala species as hosts, a combination recorded in northern Lanzarote, northwest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-camera-technology-vtt-captures-the-most-detailed-images-ever-taken-of-the-sun/">Tenerife</a>, and the Jandía area of Fuerteventura.



The authors also provide an identification key for the Canary Islands’ broomrapes, a practical step that will reduce future mix ups in this tricky genus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-field-notes-to-greenhouse-proof">From field notes to greenhouse proof</h2>



Researchers watched Orobanche andryalae in the wild for 23 years, logging five plants at a population near Yé and about 40 near Haría on Lanzarote between 2020 and 2022, which helped map its patchy presence and year to year swings.



They then <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-manage-to-grow-plants-from-ancient-seeds-that-are-2000-years-old/">raised the parasite from seed</a> on its host at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden to confirm that the key traits remain constant in cultivation, an important check when field conditions can blur the picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-identification-took-so-long">Why identification took so long</h2>



Orobanche andryalae sits in a cluster of small flowered species where fine details of floral shape and hair patterns matter, and where different names have historically been applied to similar faces. 



Taxonomists have long flagged that this subsection is hard to resolve with morphology alone, especially when pressed herbarium specimens lose color and nuance.



Past <a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/publication/41327/europe-pubmed-central" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> on broomrape biology shows why confusion arises. Local lineages can evolve to prefer particular hosts, which leads to look alike plants with different genetic backstories.



Experimental work has also documented host specific races in Orobanche minor, a close relative, offering a useful model for how host choice can shape divergence in parasitic plants.



In that context, the authors’ combined approach, blending stable floral characters, host identity, and ecology, makes the case for species status without waiting on a perfect phylogeny. The careful cultivation step further strengthens it, because it shows the defining traits are not just environmental artifacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-orobanche-andryalae">Protecting Orobanche andryalae</h2>



Based on today’s records, the species occurs in few localities and in low numbers, so the authors recommend treating it as “Data Deficient” until long term surveys reveal more, a cautious call that respects limited data while flagging potential concern.



<a href="https://treatment.plazi.org/GgServer/html/9D4999B2BB8A52749E9914F6898766F1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orobanche</a> seed banks can, however, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-wollemi-pine-from-the-jurassic-period-is-the-most-protected-tree-on-earth/">remain viable for decades</a>. Apparent absences may hide dormant populations that can reappear when conditions swing in their favor.



The main host, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270066891_Andryala_perezii_Asteraceae_a_New_Species_from_the_Canary_Islands" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andryala perezii</a>, is locally common within a narrow range on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, which hints that more parasite sites may be found as surveys intensify and as botanists check associated Asteraceae more closely.



Seed ecology studies in related broomrapes indicate that prolonged viability is plausible, which bolsters the case for multi-year monitoring before firm threat assessments are made.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parasitic-plants-in-the-spotlight">Parasitic plants in the spotlight</h2>



Taxonomy can feel like naming for naming’s sake, yet here it unlocks clear signals for conservation, survey priorities, and basic biology. 



A stable name tied to diagnostic traits lets land managers, herbaria, and local botanists speak the same language when they report new finds.



It also puts a spotlight on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-orchids-turn-parasitic-when-conditions-allow/">parasitic plants</a>, a group that quietly shapes plant communities by redistributing resources underground. 



That influence is often overlooked because the action happens at the root, out of sight and away from casual paths.



Finally, this story shows why patience matters in field botany. Twenty three years is a long haul, yet this timescale fits a plant that can vanish for seasons, return in small bursts, and test how carefully we look.



The study is published in <a href="https://phytokeys.pensoft.net/article/141300/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PhytoKeys</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> 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/"> EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/"> Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Leafless and mysterious parasitic plant survives by stealing water from other plants

Botanists have formally described a new parasitic plant from the Canary Islands, Orobanche andryalae, after two decades of field work and very patient verification. It is a tiny member of the broomrape group that taps the roots of other plants for water and nutrients, then blooms with understated charm on harsh volcanic ground. It took time, care, and a steady hand to show it really was something new. Orobanche andryalae is different Broomrapes are holoparasites, plants that lack green leaves and do not photosynthesize, so they attach...

For a long time, the story of evolution has centered on chance - mutations arrive without a plan, and natural selection keeps the winners. That view isn’t wrong, but it’s incomplete.



A recent study shows that parts of evolution look orderly. Not every genetic outcome is a coin toss. Some genes tend to show up together while others stay separate. 



Those tendencies add structure to how genomes change over time, making evolution predictable to a certain extent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-the-pangenome">Deciphering the pangenome</h2>



Bacterial species carry two kinds of genes: a core set shared by all members and an accessory set that changes from strain to strain. The full collection is called a pangenome.



Accessory genes matter because bacteria can exchange them through horizontal gene transfer. That process spreads useful traits quickly, including resistance to antibiotics, new ways to use nutrients, and tools to handle stress.



The study was led by Professor James McInerney and Dr. Alan Beavan from the School of Life Sciences at the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nottingham</a>, and Dr. Maria Rosa Domingo-Sananes from <a href="https://www.ntu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nottingham Trent University</a>.



"The implications of this research are nothing short of revolutionary," enthused Professor McInerney, the lead author of the study. 



"By demonstrating that evolution is not as random as we once thought, we've opened the door to an array of possibilities in synthetic biology, medicine, and environmental science."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-ai-to-make-gene-predictions">Using AI to make gene predictions</h2>



The researchers compiled thousands of E. coli genomes and recorded which accessory genes each strain carries. They turned this into a large presence-absence matrix, with rows for strains and columns for genes.



They trained a machine-learning method called a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/random-forest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">random forest</a> to predict whether a gene is present based on the rest of a genome’s accessory gene profile. They trained and tested the model many times to guard against chance splits.



The model succeeded for a substantial portion of the accessory genome. It could reliably predict the presence or absence of many genes based on the broader gene pattern. 



Some genes tend to co-occur, likely because they work on connected steps of the same task. Others seldom appear together, often because they overlap in function or interfere with one another.



"We found that some gene families never turned up in a genome when a particular other gene family was already there, and on other occasions, some genes were very much dependent on a different gene family being present," explained Dr. Domingo-Sananes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-interactions-and-evolution">Gene interactions and evolution</h2>



The study does not claim that every gene is predictable. Many accessory genes still look erratic, either because local history matters or because there isn’t yet enough data to capture their rules. 



A correct forecast does not imply fate. It points to structure - constraints and tendencies - inside which change still happens.



The patterns held across different parts of the species’ family tree, supporting the idea that selection and gene-gene interactions - not just shared ancestry - shape these outcomes. 



"These interactions between genes make aspects of evolution somewhat predictable, and furthermore, we now have a tool that allows us to make those predictions," added Dr. Domingo-Sananes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-genes-and-healthcare">Evolution, genes, and healthcare</h2>



Public health teams track antibiotic resistance genes to stay ahead of infections. If certain accessory genes tend to accompany a resistance gene, tests can scan for that supporting set. 



That approach can flag trouble earlier, because partner genes may appear before the main gene becomes common.



In <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/applied-microbiology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">applied microbiology</a>, teams build strains that make medicines, recycle waste, or capture pollutants. Knowing which gene combinations tend to work well together - and which combinations tend to clash - saves time and money. 



"From this work, we can begin to explore which genes 'support' an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-fueling-antibiotic-resistance-in-our-soils/">antibiotic resistance</a> gene, for example. If we are trying to eliminate antibiotic resistance, we can target not just the focal gene but also its supporting genes," Dr. Beaven concluded.



"This approach can help synthesize new genetic constructs that may lead to new drugs or vaccines. Knowing what we now know has opened the door to many other discoveries."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-read-results">How to read results</h2>



Across many genomes, some genes keep showing up together. That’s co-occurrence, and it usually means the genes work on the same job.



Other pairs almost never share a genome. That’s mutual exclusion. They likely clash or do duplicate work. These patterns leave a fingerprint across the whole pangenome, and a computer model can learn that fingerprint.



Methods matter. Scientists group related genes into families and adjust for how closely strains are related.



They also test distant branches of the E. coli family tree. When the patterns still hold, it points to selection and real gene interactions - not just inheritance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-evolution-and-future-studies">Genes, evolution, and future studies</h2>



Practical tools can build on this framework. Diagnostic panels can add partner genes that often travel with targets of concern. 



Surveillance can watch for early warning signs in hospital isolates and wastewater. Engineering teams can map friendly and unfriendly gene pairings before they build strains.



The broader takeaway remains consistent. In bacteria, a significant slice of the accessory genome behaves in patterned ways. 



Those patterns reflect how genes interact and how selection keeps useful partnerships while avoiding costly overlaps. Evolution still surprises, but it also leaves tracks that careful analysis can read.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2304934120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</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 shows evolution isn't random and can be predicted: 'nothing short of revolutionary'

For a long time, the story of evolution has centered...

A two year carcinogenicity study in rats reports increased benign and malignant tumor rates after continuous exposure to glyphosate or glyphosate-based herbicides



The exposure levels studied in this research are considered low or acceptable, including 0.5, 5, and 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, with exposure beginning before birth and continuing through two years.



Glyphosate is the most widely used <a href="https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/research/topics/glyphosate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbicide</a> worldwide, spread across farms, parks, and roadsides.&nbsp;



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



Glyphosate is the main ingredient in many popular herbicides, including the well-known product <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roundup_(herbicide)">Roundup</a>. Farmers, gardeners, and even city maintenance crews use it to kill unwanted plants, especially weeds that compete with crops. 



Glyphosate works by blocking a specific enzyme that plants need to grow, which means the plant eventually withers and dies. 



Since animals and humans don’t have this enzyme, glyphosate was originally considered relatively safe for people. That’s one reason it became so widely used across agriculture and landscaping over the last few decades.



Some weeds have developed resistance, meaning they no longer die when sprayed, which forces farmers to use more herbicide or stronger mixes. 



Researchers have also debated whether glyphosate might <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/">harm soil health</a>, reduce biodiversity, or pose long-term risks to people, though studies don’t all agree.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-dangers-of-glyphosate">Studying the dangers of glyphosate</h2>



The study was led by the Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center at the Ramazzini Institute (<a href="https://www.istitutoramazzini.it/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMCRC</a>) in Italy, a research center with more than fifty years of experience studying the health effects of chemicals. 



The institute coordinated the project and collaborated with universities and public health organizations in Europe and the United States.



The design started exposure in pregnancy and continued through 104 weeks in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/sprague-dawley-rat" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sprague-Dawley</a> rats. That approach captures sensitive windows of development that adult only studies can miss.



Animals received either pure glyphosate or two commercial <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36274693/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formulations</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbicides-are-disrupting-plant-insect-interactions/">Roundup BioFlow</a> in the European Union and RangerPro in the United States, via drinking water at 0.5, 5, or 50 milligrams per kilogram per day. 



These doses align with the acceptable daily intake and the no observed adverse effect level used by European regulators.



The researchers examined dozens of organs using standardized pathology and peer review. Survival, body weight, and feed and water intake looked similar to controls, so tumor differences were not explained by general sickness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glyphosate-and-leukemia">Glyphosate and leukemia</h2>



Leukemia stood out, with a significant dose-related trend and no cases in concurrent controls.



The study reported organ specific increases spanning skin, liver, thyroid, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-black-widow-venom-attacks-the-nervous-system/">nervous system</a>, ovaries, male mammary gland, adrenal glands, kidneys, urinary bladder, bone, and endocrine pancreas.



“Early life onset and mortality were observed for multiple tumors,” wrote Panzacchi and colleagues. 



About 40 percent of leukemia deaths in treated animals occurred before 52 weeks of age, a strikingly early onset for this strain in long term bioassays. 



Patterns differed by product, suggesting that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbicide-exposure-linked-to-brain-inflammation-and-cognitive-decline/">co-formulants</a> may change toxicity compared with glyphosate alone. 



That point is consistent with broader evidence showing that formulated mixtures can act differently than the nominal active ingredient.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-vs-animal-studies">Human vs. animal studies</h2>



In 2015 the International Research on Cancer (<a href="https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/MonographVolume112-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IARC</a>) concluded there is “sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals” for glyphosate. 



The Working Group reviewed animal, human, and mechanistic data, citing signals that include genotoxicity and oxidative stress.



In the U.S. Agricultural Health <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/110/5/509/4590280" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Study</a>, the highest exposure group showed an elevated, though imprecise, risk of acute myeloid leukemia among pesticide applicators, even as most site specific associations were null. 



That pattern keeps attention on blood cancers while acknowledging the limits of exposure reconstruction in large cohorts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-regulators-stand">Where regulators stand</h2>



Europe’s food safety authority issued a 2023 peer review supporting renewal of glyphosate while noting data gaps in areas such as risks to some aquatic organisms and full disclosure of formulation ingredients. 



Regulatory opinions can diverge because agencies weigh animal, human, and mechanistic evidence differently.



In 2022 the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (<a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-withdraws-glyphosate-interim-decision" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPA</a>) withdrew its interim decision after a federal appeals court vacated the human health portion and ordered the agency to redo parts of its analysis. 



That reset left open questions about hazard classification and risk assumptions that future updates will need to address.



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



The prenatal start to exposure in this work matters, because early development can be more vulnerable than adulthood. 



Separate research in a California birth cohort links higher childhood biomarkers of glyphosate exposure to increased odds of elevated liver enzymes and metabolic syndrome by late adolescence.



A practical question now is how low dose, long duration exposures interact with formulation ingredients across different organs. 



The answer will influence how acceptable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/corn-found-to-have-genetic-vulnerability-to-common-tolpyralate-herbicide/">daily intake values</a> are interpreted against animal bioassay signals and how risk managers handle glyphosate versus formulated products in food and non food uses.



The study is published in <a href="https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01187-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> 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/"> EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/"> Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Most widely used herbicide in the world is now linked to leukemia and tumors

A two year carcinogenicity study in rats reports increased benign...

For decades, young quaking aspen struggled to grow beyond waist high in Yellowstone. Elk snipped off tender shoots year after year, and the forest’s understory stayed bare.



That pattern is finally changing as a new wave of young trees pushes upward toward the canopy. The shift is not subtle either, and it carries lessons about predators, plants, and how ecosystems reset after long pressure.



Wolves came back to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/upload/2023-Wolf-Report-final_web.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone</a> in 1995 and, over time, elk behavior and distribution shifted, with winter counts showing most elk north of the park boundary and fewer inside where aspen stands are concentrated. 



The new study was led by <a href="https://fwcs.oregonstate.edu/users/luke-painter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke E. Painter</a>, an ecologist at Oregon State University (<a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSU</a>).



Ecologists call this a <a href="https://trophiccascades.forestry.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/Beschta2023_foodwebs.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trophic cascade</a>, the indirect, systemwide effects that follow the loss or return of an apex predator, and Yellowstone has become a clear test case for that idea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-wolves-impact-on-aspens">Measuring wolves impact on aspens</h2>



Across 87 aspen stands, researchers documented, in 2020 to 2021, the first new overstory cohort since the 1940s, with 43 percent of stands now containing young trees about 2 to 4 inches in DBH (Diameter at Breast Height).



That's an average of 1,460 stems per hectare, about 590 per acre, and a 152 fold jump in sapling and young tree density relative to the late 1990s.



Height matters here because trees taller than roughly 6.6 feet are far less likely to be clipped, and lower browsing rates lined up with more saplings making it above that escape height.



Field teams combined random plots with stand wide checks to avoid missing scattered pockets of tall saplings. 



That approach captured places where a few sheltered stems, sometimes protected by fallen logs, had finally slipped past the nibbling zone.



Earlier work had hinted at this turn, showing young aspen getting taller in the late 2000s as herbivory eased in parts of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-aspen-trees-are-growing-again-thanks-to-reintroduction-of-wolves/">Northern Range</a> and aspen began to rebound.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-aspens-and-wolves-matter">Why aspens and wolves matter</h2>



<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs_rm/rm_gtr119.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aspen</a> stands act like biodiversity magnets, supporting shrubs, wildflowers, birds, insects, and mammals, including beavers that use aspen for food and building.



Their open canopy lets more light reach the ground, which boosts understory growth and, in turn, the wildlife that depends on it.



The picture is not uniform across the landscape, and one reason is bison. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ece3.10369" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> shows bison can physically break young aspen and flatten progress in sites they frequent, creating a local bottleneck on tree recruitment even where elk pressure has dropped.



“The reintroduction of large carnivores has initiated a recovery process that had been shut down for decades,” said Painter. 



Some stands now bristle with tall saplings, while others still lag as browsers concentrate or as woody debris barriers shift and decay.



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



The resurgence of aspen in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/">Yellowstone</a> is not happening in isolation. Stands that have regained height are also improving conditions for riparian zones, with more shade over streams helping regulate water temperatures that support aquatic species. 



Insects tied to willow and cottonwood habitats are benefiting as well, creating more food sources for fish, amphibians, and birds.



Scientists note that these indirect benefits can extend far beyond the immediate forest edges. As more diverse vegetation takes hold, soil stability improves, reducing erosion during heavy rains and spring runoff. 



This interconnected chain of changes underscores how apex predator restoration can set off physical and biological adjustments that reshape entire landscapes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-comes-next-for-yellowstone">What comes next for Yellowstone</h2>



If browsing stays moderate and fire continues to reset patches of conifers, aspen coverage could keep expanding in more places. 



Warmer, drier summers and bison pressure may counter that expansion in others, so the future likely holds a mix of thriving and stubborn stands.



Either way, the northern range is no longer locked in the old pattern of elderly aspen with empty understories. Young trees are finally stepping up to replace the fading overstory.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112725004499" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Ecology and Management</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> 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/"> EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/"> Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

The return of wolves revives trees that had not grown for 80 years

For decades, young quaking aspen struggled to grow beyond waist...

When we picture Earth’s ancient landscapes, it’s easy to imagine vast braided rivers sprawling across barren land. For decades, geologists believed this was the norm until plant life colonized land about half a billion years ago. 



Vegetation, experts argued, gave <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-river-systems-suggest-that-mars-was-much-wetter-than-previously-believed/">rivers</a> the stability needed to curve gracefully into meandering paths. A new study from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> now turns this long-held assumption on its head.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-meandering-rivers">Origins of meandering rivers</h2>



The research shows that unvegetated meandering rivers can leave behind deposits that closely resemble those of braided rivers. This finding suggests that geologists may have misread the rock record, leading to the conclusion that braided <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-about-earths-bending-rivers-could-help-us-find-water-on-other-planets/">rivers</a> dominated most of Earth’s first 4 billion years.



“With our study, we’re pushing back on the widely accepted story of what landscapes looked like when plant life first evolved on land,” said lead author Michael Hasson, a PhD student at the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a>. 



“We’re rewriting the story of the intertwined relationship between plants and rivers, which is a significant revision to our understanding of the history of the Earth.”



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



Meandering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-arabia-was-once-green-and-lush-with-rivers-lakes-and-grasslands/">rivers</a> create floodplains, which are among the most abundant non-marine carbon stores on the planet. Overflows deposit mud and organic matter, locking carbon into the land for thousands of years. 



These natural reservoirs influence atmospheric carbon dioxide, Earth’s thermostat. A better grasp of their history could refine models of climate, both ancient and future.



“Floodplains play an important role in determining how, when, and whether carbon is buried or released back into the atmosphere,” Hasson said. 



“Based on this work, we argue carbon storage in floodplains would have been common for much longer than the classic paradigm that assumes meandering rivers only occurred over the last several hundred million years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-modern-rivers">Tracking modern rivers</h2>



To test their idea, the team analyzed satellite imagery of about 4,500 bends in 49 present-day meandering rivers. Roughly half lacked vegetation, while the rest were vegetated to varying degrees. 



The researchers focused on point bars, sandy features that form along inside bends. Unlike braided rivers’ mid-channel bars, point bars migrate laterally, driving meandering forms over time.



Geologists have long tracked these sandy structures in ancient rocks to reconstruct river paths. If the bars seemed to shift downstream, the conclusion was a braided system. This method led to the assumption that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-are-releasing-a-massive-amount-of-carbon-dioxide-into-the-air/">rivers</a> transformed when plants first evolved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-geology-lessons-were-mistaken">Old geology lessons were mistaken</h2>



“In our paper, we show that this conclusion - which is taught in all geology curricula to this day - is most likely incorrect,” said study senior author Mathieu Lapôtre, assistant professor at the Doerr School of Sustainability.



The team found that without vegetation, point bars often drift downstream, mimicking braided behavior. Using standard geological techniques on such rivers today would misclassify them as braided.



“In other words, we show that, if one were to use the same criterion geologists use in ancient rocks on modern rivers, meandering rivers would be miscategorized as braided rivers,” Lapôtre said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meandering-rivers-shaped-climate">Meandering rivers shaped climate</h2>



The implications are sweeping. If meandering rivers, with their carbon-rich floodplains, existed long before plants, then Earth’s carbon cycle operated differently than once thought. 



This insight could reshape models of ancient climate shifts and sharpen predictions about current climate change.



“Understanding how our planet is going to respond to human-induced climate change hinges on having an accurate baseline for how it has responded to past perturbations,” Hasson said. “The rock record provides that baseline, but it’s only useful if we interpret it accurately.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revising-earth-s-story">Revising Earth’s story</h2>



The study suggests that carbon cycling tied to river style has been misunderstood. By correcting this, scientists can gain clearer insight into both the deep past and the uncertain future.



“We’re suggesting that an important control on carbon cycling - where carbon is stored, and for how long, due to river type and floodplain creation - hasn’t been fully understood,” Hasson said. “Our study now points the way to better assessments.”



Researchers from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unipd.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Padova</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a>&nbsp;also contributed to the study.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adv4939" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">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/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Meandering rivers shaped early landscapes before plants arrived

When we picture Earth’s ancient landscapes, it’s easy to imagine...

A sweeping analysis of the “tree of life” finds that most living species belong to a relatively small number of lineages that diversified unusually quickly.



Across plants, animals, and other kingdoms, most branches have not grown evenly through time. Instead, a few have exploded into dense thickets of species, while many others remain sparsely populated.



The British evolutionary biologist J.B.S. Haldane is said to have quipped that any divine being evidently had “an inordinate fondness for beetles.” 



The joke contains a truth biologists have wrestled with for decades: some groups dominate the ledger of life, while others are comparatively species-poor.



More than 40 percent of extant insects are beetles, 60 percent of birds are passerines, and more than 85 percent of plants are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-of-life-created-for-flowering-plants-using-400-million-specimens/">flowering plants</a> - an unevenness that begs an explanation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spanning-earth-s-many-species">Spanning Earth's many species</h2>



To move beyond anecdotes, researchers compiled a vast cross-taxonomic dataset. They then asked whether the concentration of species in a few very large groups is a general feature of life on Earth.



The team analyzed the distribution of <a href="http://v">species richness</a> and diversification rates across clades - lineages that share a common ancestor - spanning land plants, insects, vertebrates, all animals, and a synthesis “across life.”



For land plants, the tally included 10 phyla, 140 orders, and 678 families, together representing more than 300,000 species. For insects, 31 orders and 870 families covered over one million known species.



Vertebrates made up 12 classes encompassing more than 66,000 species, while animals overall accounted for 28 phyla and 1,710 families, totaling more than 1.5 million species.



A final roll-up across 17 kingdoms and 2,545 families included more than two million species. The team compared species counts, clade ages, and diversification rates for each clade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-diversity-comes-from-rare-explosions">Earth's diversity comes from rare explosions</h2>



“Here we show for the first time that most living species do indeed belong to a limited number of rapid radiations," said John Wiens, a professor at the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>. "That is, they form groups with many species which evolved in a relatively short period of time.” 



“If we look among the kingdoms of life, among animal phyla, and among plant phyla, we find that more than 80 percent of known species belong to the minority of groups with exceptionally high rates of species diversification.”



The result stayed consistent no matter how researchers sliced the tree - by high-level phyla, mid-level orders, or family-level groupings. They found that most species cluster in a few branches with above-average diversification rates, while the majority of branches remain comparatively species-poor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-spark-behind-biodiversity-surges">The spark behind biodiversity surges</h2>



So-called rapid radiations can follow the opening of new ecological opportunities or the evolution of key innovations.



When a small founding flock of grassquit birds reached <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-around-the-world-are-helping-save-galapagos-iguanas/">the Galápagos</a> roughly 2.5 million years ago, it diversified into Darwin’s finches.



When powered flight evolved in early bats about 50 million years ago, it unlocked a rich set of niches. Such episodes don’t just add species; they reset the balance of diversity across the tree.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traits-that-tip-the-scales"><a></a>Traits that tip the scales</h2>



“Our results imply that most of life's diversity is explained by such relatively rapid radiations," Wiens said. "We also suggest key traits that might explain these rapid radiations, based on our results and results of earlier studies."



“These traits include multicellularity in plants, animals, and fungi across the kingdoms of life; the invasion of land and the adoption of a plant-based diet in arthropods among animal phyla; and the emergence of flowers and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urbanization-causes-massive-decline-in-insect-pollinators/">insect pollination</a> in flowering plants among plant phyla.”



These innovations changed the rules of engagement with the environment, allowing lineages to exploit new resources, spread into new habitats, and diversify faster than their relatives.



The statistical signal is not unique to one group or one rank. It appears from the vast diversity of insects to the great branches of land plants and vertebrates.



In practical terms, most of the species we encounter - and most of the biodiversity we aim to conserve - sit within a minority of lineages. These lineages experienced unusually fast growth spurts through evolutionary time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-remain-a-vast-unknown">Bacteria remain a vast unknown</h2>



One major caveat is the kingdom <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-bacteria-get-hungry-they-turn-on-each-other/">Bacteria</a>. Scientists have formally described only about 10,000 bacterial species, yet they estimate true bacterial diversity to be in the millions to trillions.



At the same time, bacteria originated roughly 3.5 billion years ago, which spreads speciation events across immense time and implies a low overall diversification rate.



The authors point out that if bacteria actually have far more species than we currently know, then bacteria would make up most of life on Earth - very different from what their study found. They emphasized that their results mainly apply to the species we’ve already identified.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conserving-earth-s-species-diversity">Conserving Earth’s species diversity</h2>



Recognizing that most species are concentrated in a handful of fast-diversifying clades reframes both evolutionary theory and conservation practice. It sharpens questions about the ecological triggers and genetic innovations that spark radiations.



It also helps triage conservation priorities: protecting the engines of diversification may conserve not only many species today but also the capacity for future diversity.



Haldane’s quip about a deity’s “inordinate fondness for beetles” captured the pattern with wit. This analysis shows the pattern is not an exception but a rule written across much of life. The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2025.1596591/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">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/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Just a few explosive lineages account for most species on Earth

A sweeping analysis of the “tree of life” finds that...

Chef,Preparing,Olive,Oil,In,A,Pan,For,Making,Rosemary

If you've ever wondered whether changing your cooking oil could affect cancer growth, you're not alone. New research shows that the types of fats we eat might influence the rate at which cancer cells multiply. However, it is not as simple as avoiding certain foods.



Picture this: you have cancer, and your doctor advises doing nothing for now. Not yet. That may sound counterintuitive. But that’s exactly what happens to thousands of men with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-proteins-in-blood-may-predict-cancer-years-before-symptoms/">prostate cancer</a> every year. 



Their tumors grow so slowly that surgery or radiation would hurt more than help. So they wait and undergo regular tests to monitor for changes.



This approach, known as “<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/active-surveillance-for-prostate-cancer/about/pac-20384946" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">active surveillance</a>,” makes medical sense but can be stressful for patients. Men in this situation often ask the same question: Can I do anything to help myself? 



A recent study reports part of an answer, and it involves dietary fats found in common cooking oils.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fats-cooking-oils-and-cancer-cells">Fats, cooking oils, and cancer cells</h2>



In the typical American diet, we consume too much of one type of fat and not enough of another. 



Omega-6 fats are common in vegetable oils, fried foods, and many packaged products. Omega-3 fats are abundant in salmon and sardines. 



Most Americans eat 15 to 20 times more <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8308533/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">omega-6 than omega-3</a>. Scientists think a ratio closer to 4:1 would be healthier. This imbalance may increase inflammation, creating conditions that allow cancer cells to grow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



<a href="https://www.uclahealth.org/cancer/members/william-aronson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. William Aronson</a>, a urology professor at UCLA’s <a href="https://medschool.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Geffen School of Medicine</a>, tested whether modifying dietary fat intake could slow cancer growth. 



“This is an important step toward understanding how diet can potentially influence prostate cancer outcomes,” said Aronson. 



His team enrolled 100 men with early prostate cancer who were already on active surveillance, then they assigned the men to two groups. 



Half ate their regular diet. The other half worked with a dietitian to eat less omega-6 and more omega-3, and to take fish oil supplements daily. No calorie counting or weight loss was required.



“Many men are interested in lifestyle changes, including diet, to help manage their cancer and prevent the progression of their disease," Aronson explained.



"Our findings suggest that something as simple as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/want-to-slow-down-aging-add-these-foods-to-your-diet/">adjusting your diet</a> could potentially slow cancer growth and extend the time before more aggressive interventions are needed."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-tumor-growth">Tracking tumor growth</h2>



The researchers needed a way to measure whether cancer cell growth was slowing. They used a marker called <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/ki-67-proliferation-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ki-67</a>, which indicates how quickly cells are dividing. High Ki-67 means cells are multiplying rapidly. Low Ki-67 indicates slower cell division.



Each participant received a biopsy at the start and another one year later. Notably, they used MRI guidance to sample the same spot in the tumor both times. Earlier studies often sampled non-targeted areas, making comparisons less precise.



After one year, the results diverged. Ki-67 levels dropped in the diet change group but rose in the regular diet group. 



In other words, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-scientist-discovers-that-common-non-cancer-drugs-when-combined-can-kill-cancer-cells/">cancer cells</a> in the diet change group were dividing more slowly, while cells in the regular diet group were dividing faster.



However, some measures did not change: <a href="https://news.cuanschutz.edu/cancer-center/explaining-psa-numbers-prostate-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PSA levels</a> and tumor grades remained similar in both groups. That is not unexpected; these measures rarely change over one year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-oil-and-cancer-cells">Fish oil and cancer cells</h2>



Some participants left the study due to gastrointestinal side effects from fish oil. Fish oil can interact with blood thinners and other medications. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-oil-omega-3-capsules-have-been-found-to-help-control-aggression/">Use fish oil</a> only under medical guidance.



More importantly, this study does not prove that eating fish will keep you out of the operating room. 



“This significant difference suggests that the dietary changes may help slow cancer growth, potentially delaying or even preventing the need for more aggressive treatments,” Aronson continued. 



This is a suggestion, not proof; larger, longer studies are needed.



The study was small and conducted at one hospital. That is enough to prompt interest but not to change clinical guidelines. Still, the researchers examined tumor tissue rather than relying solely on blood tests.



For those on active surveillance, the practical advice is straightforward. Cut back on fried foods and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americas-addiction-to-ultra-processed-foods-is-getting-worse/">ultra-processed snacks</a>. Eat salmon or sardines twice a week. Consider eggs from hens fed flaxseed. Add chia seeds to breakfast. Small changes can add up.



Talk to your doctor before starting fish oil supplements. Product quality varies by brand; choose third-party tested products to minimize contaminants such as heavy metals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-step-of-many-to-come">First step of many to come</h2>



Scientific progress is gradual. First, research shows how something works; then clinical studies determine whether it helps patients. 



This study addressed the first step - showing that adjusting fat intake by changing oils in your diet was associated with slower cancer cell proliferation in tumor tissue. 



The next step - demonstrating that it prevents cancer spread or delays treatment - remains to be shown.



In the meantime, improving diet is unlikely to cause harm. Unlike radiation or surgery, adjusting fat intake generally carries fewer side effects. Even if cancer benefits are modest, cardiovascular and cognitive health may also improve.



For men on active surveillance, taking constructive steps can feel better than inaction. The psychological boost of taking control might be just as valuable as any biological benefit. 



Diet isn’t magic, and it won’t replace your regular cancer monitoring. According to this research, what you put on your plate may matter more than previously assumed.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.24.00608" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Clinical Oncology</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.



-----

Many common cooking oils are now being linked to certain types of cancer

If you've ever wondered whether changing your cooking oil could...

conciertos-madrid-2026-fechas-artistas-entradas - 1

New analysis of ancient household burners from Qurayyah in northwest Saudi Arabia points to smoke from Peganum harmala seeds being inhaled in daily life nearly 2,700 years ago. 



The work opens a window onto how Iron Age communities used scent, smoke, and bioactive plants to manage health and mood without leaving written manuals.



The <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12102341/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> comes from residues preserved inside clay fumigation devices recovered in domestic courtyards and storage areas. Researchers report plant signatures that hold up even after centuries of heat and decay.



<a href="https://www.gea.mpg.de/person/100725/2944" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Barbara Huber</a>, Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology (MPI GEA), and <a href="https://uha.univie.ac.at/en/about-us/staff-members/scientific-staff/associate-and-assistant-professors/marta-luciani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prof. Marta Luciani</a>, University of Vienna, led the study with the Heritage Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peganum-harmala-residue">Peganum harmala residue</h2>



The team detected two beta-carboline alkaloids, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-arabians-burned-harmal-plants-to-heal-and-protect/">harmine and harmane</a>, inside three Iron Age burners from Qurayyah. These molecules are hallmarks of Peganum harmala, a hardy desert shrub often called Syrian rue.



One additional burner from the same settlement lacked those alkaloids but held a different class of plant compounds, α-amyrin and β-amyrin. That pattern hints at alternating or mixed substances burned in the same kinds of devices.



“Our findings represent chemical evidence for the earliest known burning of harmal, not just in Arabia, but globally,” said Barbara Huber, lead author of the study.



The devices were not found in graves or temples, but in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/home-fragrances-impact-indoor-air-quality-and-the-health-risks-are-alarming/">houses</a>. That domestic context suggests ordinary uses tied to health, sanitation, or mood rather than large public rites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-evidence">Identifying the evidence</h2>



The study used targeted <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2359828/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HPLC-MS/MS</a> to read a molecular fingerprint from residue trapped in the clay matrix. In short runs, the instrument looked for specific ion transitions that match harmine and harmane with high confidence, even at low abundance.



“The integration of biomolecular analysis with archaeology has allowed us to identify not just what kind of plants people were using, but also where, how, and why,” said Prof. Luciani. 



In archaeology, this kind of precise mass spectrometry helps answer not only what plant was there, but also how it was used.&nbsp;



Three burners carried harmine and harmane, while a fourth did not. That contrast matters because it rules out random contamination and points to intentional selection of materials for specific effects.



The context also matters. One burner with harmala signatures sat in a household courtyard, and another was linked to food production areas. Those findspots align with routine, indoor smoke use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-peganum-harmala-does">What Peganum harmala does</h2>



Harmine and harmane are reversible inhibitors of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antidepressants-may-help-the-immune-system-fight-cancer/">monoamine oxidase A</a>, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine. 



Temporarily slowing that enzyme can lift neurotransmitter levels, which helps explain mood and sensory shifts.



These alkaloids occur in several plants, but regional distribution narrows the list of plausible sources for Iron Age Arabia. 



Reviews catalog harmala alkaloids across taxa, including South American vines and some Passiflora species, yet those grow far from ancient Qurayyah.



Dose and route shape the experience. Small exposures can relax or mildly stimulate, while larger exposures can bring on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-humans-were-drinking-beer-in-china-over-10000-years-ago/">vivid effects</a>. 



High amounts may cause sickness, which modern case <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4075715/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> document in clinical settings after ingestion of concentrated seeds.



Smoke is a different route than tea or tincture. Inhalation can deliver a quick, shorter-lived exposure in rooms where airflow, fuel, and seed load all change the outcome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signals-from-other-residues">Signals from other residues</h2>



The amyrin-rich burner adds another layer. Pharmacology reviews note anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions for these isomers in preclinical models.



Finding amyrins without harmala alkaloids in one device, and together in another, suggests people alternated recipes or blended resins with seeds depending on purpose. That kind of flexibility lines up with practical home use.



These chemical signatures do not name a resin to species. They do, however, flag a class of botanicals that humans have burned for centuries for their scent and perceived health effects.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Peganum-harmala_psychoactive-plant_arabians_2700-years-ago_Nature-journal_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Peganum-harmala_psychoactive-plant_arabians_2700-years-ago_Nature-journal_1s.webp" alt="The oasis settlement of Qurayyah, in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Dried fruits of Peganum harmala, which, as shown here, were already used 2,700 years ago for their therapeutic and psychoactive properties. One of the old fumigation devices used to inhale harmal. Credit: A. M. Abualhassan/Barbara Huber/Hans Sell" class="wp-image-1982804"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The oasis settlement of Qurayyah, in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Dried fruits of Peganum harmala, which, as shown here, were already used 2,700 years ago for their therapeutic and psychoactive properties. One of the old fumigation devices used to inhale harmal. Click image to enlarge. Credit: A. M. Abualhassan/Barbara Huber/Hans Sell</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-wider-cultural-thread">A wider cultural thread</h2>



Ethnobotany and pharmacognosy track how communities use plants both as medicine and as part of everyday life. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4075715/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reviews</a> of Peganum harmala describe continued roles in West Asia and North Africa, including pain relief, calming, and household fumigation traditions.



The antimicrobial angle has support, too. A laboratory study of smoke condensates from P. harmala seeds reported clear antibacterial activity and identified harmine as a major constituent in the smoke matrix.



Households in an oasis settlement needed tools to manage pests, odors, and illness in tight quarters. A pungent seed with antimicrobial constituents and mood effects would be a practical choice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peganum-harmala-adds-to-arabian-history">Peganum harmala adds to Arabian history</h2>



Written sources for medicinal plants in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-lava-tubes-for-homes-middle-east-saudi-arabia/">Arabia</a> become richer much later. For the Iron Age, physical residues tell the story. 



They show people selecting a local shrub with psychoactive and antibacterial properties, then burning it in domestic spaces.



The <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6575/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qurayyah</a> finds help to push beyond broad claims about ancient drugs. They connect a plant to a device, a device to a room, and a room to routines that touch health and emotion.



This work also shows how careful chemistry can recover silent practices. Even when seeds are gone and recipes are lost, compounds cling to clay and speak for themselves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-research-goes-next">Where the research goes next</h2>



Future work can test more burners from other rooms and towns to see if this pattern holds. It can also examine how resin mixtures changed the experience, from scent to smoke quality to perceived relief.



The method can scale. Each new residue map helps reconstruct a more precise history of household care, sanitation, and sensory life across ancient Arabia.



Modern science can also reevaluate forgotten botanicals. Some may carry leads for safe, targeted therapies, while others serve as cautionary tales about dose and context.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08096-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> 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/"> EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/"> Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

People were getting high and hallucinating from smoking this psychoactive plant 2,700 years ago

New analysis of ancient household burners from Qurayyah in northwest...

Slimy layered microbial mats in Shark Bay are more than seaside oddities. They are living laboratories where bacteria and archaea still work side by side, much as they may have done long ago.



A new co-culture from these mats shows a bacterium and an archaeon physically connecting through tiny tubes while trading metabolites in ways that make both partners tick. That kind of teamwork fits neatly with ideas about how complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-was-thriving-before-earths-greatest-mass-extinction/">cells</a> arose.



<a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/brendan-burns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brendan P. Burns</a> at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) led the study with colleagues including <a href="https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Iain.Duggin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iain G. Duggin</a> at the University of Technology Sydney.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shark-bay-microbes-survive-extremes">Shark Bay microbes survive extremes</h2>



Shark Bay, Western Australia, holds thriving stromatolites, the rock-like piles that grow when layered microbial communities trap and bind sediments in harsh, salty water. 



In Malgana language, Shark Bay is called <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/srep46160" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gathaagudu</a>, which means two waters, a name still used by Traditional Owners and regional agencies.



The southern basin can be roughly twice as salty as the open ocean, and the mats ride out heat, desiccation, and intense UV under those conditions. 



Modern mats are not time capsules, but they are useful stand-ins for ancient ecosystems where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rocks-reveal-the-turning-point-when-oxygen-changed-earth-forever/">microbes</a> built layered structures and forged partnerships that shaped the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-mat-microbes-team-up">Microbial mat microbes team up</h2>



Back in the lab, researchers enriched a two-member community from those mats: the bacterium Stromatodesulfovibrio nilemahensis and a newly named Asgard archaeon, Nerearchaeum marumarumayae. 



<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5875740/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asgard archaea</a> are widely viewed as the closest known prokaryotic relatives of eukaryotes, the lineage that includes animals, plants, and fungi.



The team sequenced both genomes and grew the partners under high-salt, low-oxygen settings that fit the mats’ tough environment. 



Each partner seems to cover what the other lacks, a classic sign of syntrophy, where two microbes share metabolic tasks to make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeline-of-lifes-evolution-extended-by-nearly-1-5-billion-years/">life</a> work.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-show-nutrient-sharing">Genes show nutrient sharing</h2>



Genome analysis indicates the archaeon releases hydrogen, acetate, formate, and sulfite, while the bacterium supplies amino acids and vitamins that the archaeon needs. 



These characteristics and interactions may represent an early step in the symbiotic evolution of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/eukaryote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eukaryotic</a> cells.



That statement does not claim a perfect replay of early evolution. It argues that the features they see line up with long-standing models that link archaeal hydrogen producers and bacterial sulfate reducers to the rise of complex cells.



Those models gained traction after the first enrichment and later formal isolation of an Asgard archaeon, <a href="https://www.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/ijsem/10.1099/ijsem.0.006435" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prometheoarchaeum syntrophicum</a>, a slow-growing anaerobe that depends on partner microbes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-mat-shows-nanotube-connections">Microbial mat shows nanotube connections</h2>



With cryotomography, the researchers observed chains of budded vesicles attached to the archaeal cell by extracellular fibers, plus internal tube and cage-like elements inside the archaeon. 



They also saw intercellular nanotubes apparently assembled by the bacterium that contact the archaeal surface, hinting at direct physical links during resource sharing.



Archaea in other systems build similar connections, and a 2024 <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51159-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> reported nanotubes in a co-culture that bridged cytoplasms and appeared to serve as conduits for molecular exchange. 



That study counted an average of 4.4 nanotubes per host-symbiont contact, showing how dense and structured these links can become under the microscope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hints-at-complex-cells">Hints at complex cells</h2>



If partners swap metabolites through persistent contacts, selection can push them toward tighter dependence. 



That is the kind of ratchet some researchers think nudged early archaea and bacteria toward the cell-in-cell <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/third-state-of-existence-beyond-life-and-death-confirmed-by-scientists/">arrangement</a> that defines eukaryotes.



The new Shark Bay culture does not show one cell engulfing the other. It does, however, put plausible building blocks on the table: complementing metabolisms, physical tethers, and vesicle traffic that could knit cells into a more integrated unit over time.



That interpretation sits alongside earlier work that first enriched and then formally described Prometheoarchaeum, strengthening the case that Asgard lineages sit near the root of eukaryotic features.



More broadly, archaeal communities are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10117752/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">known</a> to trade vesicles and tube-like structures, which can shuttle proteins, lipids, and genetic material and may help build cooperative networks in extreme habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-research">Next steps in research</h2>



First, replication matters. Independent teams will want to reproduce the nanotube contacts and metabolite exchanges and test whether those tubes move specific molecules in real time, not just correlate with growth.



Second, comparative context helps. Asgard cultures and co-cultures are slowly expanding, and every new system gives biologists another angle on the relationship between archaeal cell biology and eukaryotic traits.



Finally, place still matters. Shark Bay’s mats are rugged, hypersaline, sunlit, and dynamic, a mix of stresses that can reward tight microbial alliances and keep them around across seasons and storms.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.22.663070v2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bioRxiv</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">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/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Strange microbial bedfellows offer clues to how complex life evolved

Slimy layered microbial mats in Shark Bay are more than...

Forests from the Amazon lowlands to the high Andes are failing to adjust quickly enough to rising temperatures. Populations are not moving upslope at the pace of climate change, and entire communities are not reorganizing to match the new normal.



The gap threatens <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-plantations-have-hidden-impacts-on-tropical-biodiversity/">tropical biodiversity</a> and the ecosystem services people rely on - from climate regulation to pollination.



“These forests are simply not keeping up with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-struggling-to-keep-pace-with-climate-change/">climate change</a>,” said lead author William Farfan-Rios of <a href="https://www.wfu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wake Forest University</a>. “The result is a growing climatic debt that threatens the integrity and functioning of the most diverse forests on Earth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-decades-of-first-monitoring">Four decades of first monitoring</h2>



The study draws on more than four decades of forest monitoring in Peru and Bolivia. Researchers tracked over 66,000 trees spanning about 2,500 species across 66 permanent plots. 



Those plots run from a few hundred feet above sea level in the Amazon to more than 12,000 feet in the Andes.



The team expected to see warm-adapted species becoming more common over time. Ecologists call that shift thermophilization. Instead, they found little to no evidence that communities are warming in step with the climate along the elevation gradient.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-climatic-debt"><a></a>A growing climatic debt</h2>



The analysis shows that the rate at which warm-adapted forests replace cool-adapted ones is far slower than the regional rate of warming.



That mismatch is the “climatic debt” - the amount of change that should have occurred to keep pace with rising temperatures but has not.



If the debt keeps growing, forests will edge closer to thresholds from which they may not recover. The risk is highest where species live near their thermal limits and have limited options for movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-forests-show-most-change">Cloud forests show most change</h2>



Mid-elevation forests near the cloud base at roughly 3,900 to 6,600 feet showed the strongest signs of reshuffling. The signal there is driven largely by higher death rates among cool-adapted trees. Mortality is doing more of the work than the arrival of new warm-adapted species.



By contrast, the lowland Amazon plots showed no consistent directional change. That stability may appear resilient in the short term - but it also signals vulnerability. As heat and drought intensify, communities with few hotter-adapted species waiting in the wings may struggle to cope.



Higher in the Andes, many communities remain effectively stuck. Populations are not moving uphill quickly enough to keep within their historical climate envelopes.



Tropical forests in the Andes-Amazon harbor the planet’s highest concentration of life. They store vast amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-storage-mystery-emerges-in-the-southern-ocean/">carbon</a> and generate rainfall. They support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/">pollinators</a> and seed dispersers that keep the system running.



If tree communities fail to adjust, the carbon sink will weaken. Habitats shrink or vanish. The odds of ecosystem collapse rise, especially in cloud forests where drought and heat push trees past their limits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-reveals-forest-shifts">Time reveals forest shifts</h2>



“You have to be there for long periods of time to understand how these forests change,” said co-author Miles Silman, chair of conservation biology at Wake Forest.



“If we lose these climate observatories, these natural labs, we blind ourselves to our future. What we found is that forests are changing, but they’re not changing in the ways that make them resilient to climate change.”



Trees can adapt over millennia. But individuals die quickly, and new trees recruit and grow slowly. Dispersal adds another constraint.



“They also need the full complement of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-at-risk-as-seed-spreading-animals-disappear/">animal dispersers</a> and pollinators to help expand their range - and loss of habitat is shrinking their ranks,” Silman explained.



“If you look at the magnitude of changes happening in the Andes-Amazon, the forest communities likely are not going to keep up. That’s why research like this is important.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tropical-constraint"><a></a>The tropical constraint</h2>



The results align with a growing pattern: tropical species often have narrow heat tolerances and already live close to their maximum temperatures.



Unlike in temperate systems, there may be few hotter-adapted taxa ready to move in as heat rises. In the lowlands, there is literally nowhere cooler upslope to go.



In the Andes, topography offers ladders for movement. But climbing those ladders requires time, intact habitat, and healthy animal partners to carry seeds. Fragmentation and defaunation remove those rungs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-can-t-keep-up">Forests can’t keep up</h2>



Protecting continuous elevational forests gives species a path to track their climates. Safeguarding pollinators and seed dispersers keeps the engine of range expansion running. Reducing local stressors - selective logging, fire, and overhunting - buys time.



Still, cutting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gas emissions</a> remains the decisive lever. Slower warming reduces the debt and gives forest communities a chance to catch up.



The study’s core message is simple yet sobering: the world’s richest forests are changing, but not quickly enough in the directions that would make them safer. Thermophilization is lagging far behind warming, and mortality - rather than recruitment - is driving most of the turnover. 



Cloud forests are showing strain, and although the Amazon lowlands are quiet for now, that quiet may not last. “These forests are simply not keeping up with climate change,” Farfan-Rios concluded.



-----



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.



-----

World’s most diverse forests are failing to adapt to climate change

Forests from the Amazon lowlands to the high Andes are...

Researchers at Scripps explored a compound present in rosemary that may protect the brain and slow Alzheimer's disease progression. This memory-boosting reputation is not new. Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet even says, "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance."



Rosemary oil and infused water are popular natural remedies for promoting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-hidden-stem-cells-that-could-reactivate-hair-growth/">hair growth</a> and maintaining scalp health. Social media trends have only added to this herb's popularity.&nbsp;



Native to the Mediterranean and a member of the <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/7/1182" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sage</a> family, rosemary has always been more than just a kitchen spice. 



Researchers found that the herb is packed with health benefits, from fighting inflammation to supporting the body's defense mechanism.



Rosemary has long been known as a "memory herb." In ancient Greece and Rome, scholars and students believed that it could improve their concentration and <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/4-ways-to-improve-focus-and-memory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a>, and used it especially during exams.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rosemary-compound-protects-the-brain">Rosemary compound protects the brain</h2>



The secret lies in the herb's natural compounds, particularly <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/carnosic-acid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carnosic acid</a>. It is a beneficial plant compound, known as a phytochemical, found in rosemary. It has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.



Carnosic acid activates enzymes responsible for immunity and protects the brain from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-attacks-the-brain-in-two-separate-phases/">Alzheimer's disease</a>. However, pure carnosic acid, on its own, is too unstable to be used directly as a drug.



To solve this, scientists developed a stable version called diAcCA. Before being completely absorbed into the blood, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40227330/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diAcCA</a> is converted to carnosic acid in the gut. 



Researchers found that, once in the brain, carnosic acid promoted more connections between nerve cells, a sign linked to better memory.&nbsp;



Tissue analysis showed that carnosic acid reduced brain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fasting-helps-the-body-fight-inflammation-and-chronic-diseases/">inflammation</a>. Even more, it reduced harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain condition leading to memory loss and impaired thinking skills.



This research highlights rosemary's potential as more than a culinary herb. It could be a key player in future Alzheimer's therapies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-working-alongside-existing-alzheimer-s-drugs">Working alongside existing Alzheimer's drugs</h2>



<a href="https://www.scripps.edu/faculty/lipton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stuart Lipton</a>, M.D, Ph.D, the Step Family Foundation Endowed Chair at Scripps Research and a clinical neurologist in La Jolla, California, is the senior author of the study.



"We also took down other misfolded or aggregated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-type-of-flour-contains-more-protein-than-meat-and-eggs-crickets/">proteins</a> such as phosphorylated-tau and amyloid-β, which are thought to trigger Alzheimer's disease and serve as biomarkers of the disease process," he said.



Another interesting finding is that the drug was only activated in places where there was inflammation, leaving healthy tissues unaffected. This explains why it is safe and has fewer <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/side-effect" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">side effects</a>. 



Studies further revealed that the body absorbed about 20 percent more carnosic acid from diAcCA than from regular carnosic acid. "diAcCA produces more carnosic acid in the blood than if you took carnosic acid itself," Lipton explained.



Lipton suggests that diAcCA could be used in combination with current Alzheimer's treatments. "It could make existing amyloid antibody treatments work better by taking away or limiting their side effects," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-rosemary-affects-the-brain">How rosemary affects the brain</h2>



While drug development continues, rosemary itself may already influence the brain in surprising ways.



For starters, the herb may help improve blood circulation. Better circulation could allow more nutrients and oxygen to reach the brain, potentially supporting mental clarity.



Research also shows the calming effects of the herb. When its <a href="https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/aromatherapy-overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aroma</a> is inhaled, it can ease anxiety and improve sleep. Reduced stress leads to sharper focus and better memory retention.



On a chemical level, rosemary contains a compound called 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol, which slows down the breakdown of acetylcholine. 



This brain chemical is essential for learning and memory, and when preserved, rosemary may help support cognitive performance.



The benefits do not stop there. Rosemary is also rich in antioxidants, which protect nerve cells from oxidative stress and may reduce aging-related cognitive decline.&nbsp;



Together, these mechanisms reveal why rosemary has carried its reputation as a memory aid for centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-path-for-alzheimer-s-treatment">New path for Alzheimer's treatment</h2>



Alzheimer's disease is a leading cause of dementia. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.&nbsp;



Current treatments slow symptoms but do not cure the disease. That is why the discovery of diAcCA is so significant.&nbsp;



Lipton hopes to move the drug quickly into clinical trials. Beyond Alzheimer's, researchers believe diAcCA may also treat other conditions related to inflammation, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease.



If successful, this rosemary-derived compound could change how we approach multiple diseases driven by inflammation. It could offer new possibilities for healthier aging and long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/17-best-strategies-to-protect-your-brain-from-stroke-dementia-and-depression/">brain protection</a>.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/3/293" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antioxidants</a>.



-----



Like what you read?<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/"> 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/"> EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by<a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/"> Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

How rosemary supports memory, eases anxiety, and fights Alzheimer's naturally

Researchers at Scripps explored a compound present in rosemary that...

Poplar trees don’t just grow wood - they retool its chemistry as climates shift. That built-in flexibility changes how readily their biomass can be converted into renewable fuels and materials.



A team led by the <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a>, with collaborators at <a href="https://www.ornl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oak Ridge National Laboratory</a> and the University of Georgia, traced how the environment reshapes lignin, the tough polymer that stiffens plants.



The work highlights a path to better <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biofuels-may-eliminate-90-of-black-smoke-emissions-from-cars/">biofuels</a> and bioplastics by matching tree genetics withy growing conditions.



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



Lignin is everywhere stems, roots, and leaves are. It fortifies, channels water, and shields tissues from stress.



“Lignin acts as both a glue and an armor - it holds everything together while also protecting the plant from outside stressors,” said Jaime Barros-Rios, an assistant professor of plant molecular biology.



“Understanding how plants make lignin could help us improve its conversion into high-value biomaterials and increase the competitiveness of U.S. biorefineries.”



That conversion challenge is huge. Make lignin easier to process, and the numbers pencil out for greener fuels and materials. Make it harder, and energy and chemical inputs soar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poplar-trees-across-climates">Poplar trees across climates</h2>



Poplars are already a workhorse for pulp and paper. They are also prime <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioenergy-can-slow-climate-change-but-the-window-is-closing/">bioenergy</a> candidates. Researchers have mapped their genome, they grow quickly, and plantations cover a broad climate range.



The team leveraged that range by sampling 430 trees of Populus trichocarpa from northern California to British Columbia. Warmer sites produced wood with a higher syringyl-to-guaiacyl ratio, known as S/G. Cooler sites trended lower.



“This S/G ratio represents the proportion between the two most abundant monomers in lignin,” said lead author Weiwei Zhu, a postdoctoral researcher in the Barros-Rios lab.



“These monomers have slightly different chemical structures, impacting the properties of the wood and directly influencing how easily lignin can be broken down and processed - making it easier to create biofuels and a wide variety of everyday products.”



In practical terms, tuning S/G shifts how stubborn lignin is during pulping, pretreatment, or catalytic breakdown. More syringyl units often mean cleaner cuts and fewer side reactions. That can lower cost and carbon from biorefineries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protein-that-protects-poplar-trees">Protein that protects poplar trees</h2>



Field patterns only go so far without a mechanism. To dig deeper, the team combined genetics with 3D protein modeling.



“We identified a mutation in an important cell wall enzyme in poplar trees called laccase, which was found to control the S/G ratio in this natural population,” said Rachel Weber, a senior biochemistry student at Mizzou who built the model.



“So, I was able to utilize a protein structural modeling software called ColabFold to pinpoint the exact location of this mutation within the laccase protein.”



The surprise was where that amino acid change sits. Not in the catalytic pocket, and not where enzymes usually do their cutting and pasting. That placement hints at upstream signals and cellular traffic shaping lignin assembly in the wild, beyond textbook biochemistry.



“This points to a more complex regulation than we initially thought and gives us new clues about how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-get-a-boost-from-diverse-neighbors-especially-in-wet-forests/">trees</a> adapt and protect themselves,” said Weber. “This knowledge will help us develop additional hypotheses about how this protein functions and interacts with the plant’s surrounding environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rare-lignin-in-poplar-trees">A rare lignin in poplar trees</h2>



Another curveball emerged from the analyses. The researchers detected small amounts of C-lignin in poplar. Until now, scientists had found that simple, uniform lignin type mainly in certain seeds, such as vanilla and cacti. Its clean structure is a chemist’s dream: fewer linkages, less mess, easier conversion.



Because C-lignin is simpler and more uniform than regular lignin, it’s easier to break down and process into usable plant material for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-inspired-solutions-new-bioplastic-dissolves-rapidly-in-water/">bioplastics</a>, biofuels, and other renewable products.



“This type of lignin could help us turn plant biomass into valuable commodity chemicals more efficiently,” Barros-Rios said.



Even trace levels matter. They signal that the pathway exists in tissues where it was not expected. With the right genetic switches, engineers may be able to dial it up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-greener-plants">Designing greener plants</h2>



The immediate takeaway is clear. Climate and genetics co-author lignin’s script. Warmer, wetter sites nudge S/G higher. Specific laccase variants tweak the balance further. Rare flavors of lignin appear where no one looked before. Each lever can be used to design better feedstocks.



The long game is even more ambitious. The Missouri team is already working to boost C-lignin in poplar and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-soybean-plants-have-a-memory-scientists-think-so/">soybean</a>. 



The aim is straightforward: build plants whose biomass cracks cleanly into the molecules that tomorrow’s refineries need. That would cut energy use, reduce waste, and speed the shift from petroleum to plants.



None of this changes what lignin does for a living tree. It still braces, seals, and shields. But by learning how trees tailor that armor to latitude and stress, researchers can tailor it for people, too. 



The result could be faster progress toward fuels and materials that start in forests and fields - and a bioeconomy that leans more on biology and less on barrels.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2503491122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</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.



-----

Poplar trees changed their chemistry to survive

Poplar trees don’t just grow wood - they retool its...

Planting more trees cools the planet and can help reduce fires, but the biggest climate returns per tree come from the tropics. That is the core message of new research, which shows that where we plant matters almost as much as how much we plant.



The study, led by the <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Riverside</a> (UCR), found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-are-lagging-centuries-behind-in-climate-adaptation/">forests</a> help in two ways: they pull carbon dioxide from the air; and they change local physics at the surface and in the lower atmosphere. 



Those physical effects are not uniform. In warm, wet regions they cool, while in some cooler, higher-latitude places they can nudge temperatures up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-in-the-tropics-work-harder">Trees in the tropics work harder</h2>



“Our study found more cooling from planting in warm, wet regions, where trees grow year-round," said study first author and UCR graduate student James Gomez. "Tropical trees not only pull <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-in-forests-recovering-from-logging-release-much-more-carbon-dioxide/">carbon dioxide</a> from the air, they also cool while releasing water vapor.” 



“It’s not that planting elsewhere doesn’t help – it does - but the tropics offer the strongest returns per tree.”



Trees in the tropics can “sweat” day in and day out. Roots lift water, leaving open pores to take in CO2 for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/key-to-life-on-earth-photosynthesis-begins-on-the-quantum-level-with-a-single-photon/">photosynthesis</a>. Some of that water escapes as vapor, and the evaporation absorbs heat from the air and the leaves. The process is called evapotranspiration, and it represents nature’s air conditioning.



“It’s just like the way sweating cools your body,” Gomez said. “In the tropics, there is constantly water available for trees, and that increases transpiration.”



The study also points to a second cooling pathway. As forests moisten the air, cloud cover can increase. Water vapor itself can soak up some incoming sunlight before it reaches the ground. Both effects dim the surface. Less sun at the surface means less heating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-depends-on-location">Cooling depends on location</h2>



The team isolated these non-CO2 physical effects in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/">climate models</a>. Globally, the average cooling from the added trees was small, about 0.01°F. But the signal becomes meaningful in the tropics. There, the mean cooling reached about 0.1°F, with some hotspots - such as parts of central Africa - approaching 0.8°F.



When the researchers added in the expected carbon drawdown from new forests, the global cooling grew by roughly another 0.15°F. 



The carbon part of the story is powerful, but the paper kept it “offline” as a first estimate. A follow-up study will simulate both the physical and carbon-cycle effects together, interactively, for tighter numbers.



“Though the non-CO2 effects are small, it is good news that they are not warming, which prior studies have indicated is likely,” Gomez said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-planting-can-backfire">Tree planting can backfire</h2>



Trees are darker than many open landscapes. In snowy or bright regions, more trees can absorb more sunlight. That can offset some of the cooling from evapotranspiration - especially where water limits tree “sweating” for part of the year.



In parts of Canada and the northeastern U.S., the models suggest new trees could slightly reduce net cooling and even raise local fire risk by drying fine fuels and trapping more heat at the surface.



“This is not an invitation to get rid of the trees growing there! They provide multiple benefits for ecosystems and diversity, reducing CO2 and cooling the surrounding areas,” Gomez said.



“What we need is a Goldilocks zone of trees in each region. Just the right amount to have the strongest and most positive climate effects.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-reduce-fires-in-tropics">Trees reduce fires in tropics</h2>



The analysis considered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-seasons-are-now-overlapping-worldwide/">wildfires</a> too. In many tropical savannas, adding trees can reduce burned area. That is because mature trees often resist fire better than grasses, and closed canopies can keep fuels cooler and wetter.



“In tropical savannas, and in other places around the world, trees are much more fire-resistant than grasses,” Gomez said.



In contrast, in some higher-latitude regions, the added absorption of sunlight and longer dry seasons can tilt conditions toward more frequent or more intense fires. The net effect depends on local fuel, moisture, and management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-realistic-planting-map">A realistic planting map </h2>



The study did not take into consideration forests everywhere. It used a practical reforestation blueprint: plant where trees once grew, while avoiding displacing people and minimizing impacts on cropland. That approach keeps climate benefits aligned with social and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sweet-potato-dna-finally-decoded-to-boost-food-security/">food security</a> realities.



To build confidence in the results, the team drew on 12 widely used climate models rather than relying on a single tool.



That ensemble approach smooths out quirks of any one model and better reflects the range of plausible outcomes considered in international policy analysis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-trees-for-a-cooler-planet">Smarter trees for a cooler planet</h2>



Trees are vital for meeting climate goals. But they are not a magic fix, and they are not all equal in their local effects. The best strategy should be targeted. Protect existing tropical forests first, then replant in tropical and warm, wet places where trees will thrive and “sweat” most. 



Finally, restore in temperate regions with care, tuned to local albedo, water limits, and fire regimes. Everywhere, pair trees with deep emissions cuts.



The message is not to plant less outside the tropics. It is to plant smarter everywhere - and fastest where each tree does the most. In that spirit, the study offers both optimism and a map. 



The planet can be cooled by growing forests, especially in the tropics. And with a “Goldilocks” mindset - neither too few nor too many trees for local conditions - we can stack climate wins with biodiversity and fire resilience, region by region.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-025-01127-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Climate and Atmospheric Science</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.



-----

Trees in the tropics cool Earth more than anywhere else

Planting more trees cools the planet and can help reduce...

<figure class="wp-block-embed 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



-----



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.



-----

Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



-----



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.



-----

Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</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.



-----

The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed 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/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



-----



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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



-----

What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

<figure class="wp-block-embed 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/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</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.



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

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...

News coming your way