In the worldwide push to reduce carbon emissions, land-based mitigation strategies (LBMS) - such as planting forests and growing biofuels - are an increasingly popular solution.&nbsp;



However, a new study cautions that while these efforts can help tackle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, they may also threaten wildlife if not implemented with care. Overall, the study finds that restoring forests has the most positive effect on biodiversity, but warns of unintended consequences from other approaches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aligning-climate-goals-with-biodiversity">Aligning climate goals with biodiversity</h2>



A team of researchers,&nbsp; including Dr. Evelyn Beaury of the <a href="https://www.nybg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Botanical Garden</a> (NYBG), argues that policymakers must weigh the ecological impacts of land-based mitigation strategies as they strive to meet climate targets.



“As efforts to address climate change accelerate, it is urgent to ensure that in deploying LBMS we do not inadvertently imperil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>,” the researchers wrote.



Beaury is an assistant curator at NYBG’s Center for Conservation and Restoration Ecology. This initiative is dedicated to advancing collaborations with global conservation programs, training future biodiversity leaders, and promoting the sustainable use of plant resources at both local and international levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-based-mitigation-strategies">Land-based mitigation strategies</h2>



Countries worldwide, from Austria to Zimbabwe, have committed to adopting LBMS over millions of acres to curb carbon outputs and achieve climate objectives. The principal strategies include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/success-story-reforestation-has-helped-keep-the-eastern-us-relatively-cool/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reforestation</a>: Reintroducing forests in areas where they once existed.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afforestation</a>: Establishing forests on lands such as savannahs and grasslands that have historically been treeless.</li>



<li>Bioenergy Cropping: Cultivating fast-growing plants like switchgrass to generate renewable energy.</li>
</ul>



Although these measures have gained momentum, comprehensively predicting their effects on biodiversity has been challenging, since different ecosystems and species respond in complex ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-mitigation-strategies-and-biodiversity">Climate mitigation strategies and biodiversity </h2>



The study is the first to systematically evaluate how reforestation, afforestation, and bioenergy cropping might affect biodiversity on a global scale.&nbsp;



Led by Dr. Jeffrey Smith, an associate research scholar at <a href="https://environment.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University’s High Meadows Environmental Institute</a>, the research team modeled how over 14,000 animal species could be impacted by these climate mitigation methods - encompassing creatures from tiny mice to large moose.



“Plant-based mitigation strategies do not have the same effect on the climate or on biodiversity everywhere they are deployed. Our research suggests that we cannot assume plant-based solutions always indirectly reduce the biodiversity crisis,” said Dr. Beaury.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reforestation-a-win-win-for-wildlife">Reforestation: A “win-win” for wildlife</h2>



The study highlights reforestation as the approach most likely to deliver mutual advantages for both climate and biodiversity. By bringing back forests to places where they naturally existed, habitats improve for many species, and carbon sequestration rises, helping mitigate global warming.&nbsp;



Animals such as spotted salamanders, red-bellied woodpeckers, and even jaguars can benefit from the added forest cover.



“Reforestation is an obvious ‘win-win’ for biodiversity,” said Dr. Beaury. “Restoring lost forest provides habitat as well as reduces the impacts of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-from-afforestation-and-bioenergy">Risks from afforestation and bioenergy</h2>



Although afforestation and bioenergy cropping can curb climate threats, they pose direct hazards for wildlife. Afforestation usually means planting trees in savannahs and grasslands, fundamentally altering habitats that support unique species.&nbsp;



Ostriches, lions, elk, and grouse are among the animals at risk if these natural ecosystems become uniform forests or bioenergy plantations.



While such transformations may counteract warming and climate pressures, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> they cause can overshadow any biodiversity gains.&nbsp;



The study concludes that immediate declines in habitat overshadow the positive climate effects, making these tactics less favorable for preserving wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observed-declines-in-resilient-species">Observed declines in “resilient” species</h2>



Even species known to tolerate a range of environmental stresses have suffered under afforestation or intense bioenergy cropping.&nbsp;



The study is one of the first to provide quantitative, global evidence of this impact, confirming ecologists’ long-standing concern that large-scale modifications to ecosystems might do more harm than good in certain contexts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-way-forward-careful-deployment">The way forward: Careful deployment</h2>



As national climate strategies intensify, these findings emphasize the importance of carefully matching LBMS to local conditions to avoid harming biodiversity. 



Where ecosystems naturally support forests, reforestation stands out as a solution that harmonizes climate gains with ecological health. 



Conversely, converting grasslands and savannahs to forest or monoculture plantations demands careful evaluation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-necessary-balancing-act">A necessary balancing act</h2>



As climate change progresses, governments worldwide are deploying LBMS on an unprecedented scale. The researchers argue that these strategies must address both carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation to be truly sustainable.&nbsp;



Rather than assuming plant-based solutions will inherently benefit wildlife, policymakers should base decisions on detailed ecological assessments, ensuring that the drive to mitigate climate change does not inadvertently intensify the biodiversity crisis.



By integrating local ecological knowledge with climate targets, decision-makers can adopt balanced solutions that foster both a stable climate and thriving ecosystems - a critical step toward a healthier planet for both people and wildlife.



The research team included Dr. Jonathan Levine, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton, and Dr. Susan C. Cook-Patton, senior forest restoration scientist at <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adm9485" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Climate action and biodiversity: Striking the right balance

In the worldwide push to reduce carbon emissions, land-based mitigation...

Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet often overlooked components of our marine landscapes, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. 



These underwater meadows are cherished for their ability to promote biodiversity, boost coastal protection, and improve water quality. 



Beyond these benefits, seagrass meadows are also remarkably adept at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂), making them a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-seagrass-meadows">Threats to seagrass meadows </h2>



Climate change poses significant threats to seagrass ecosystems. Rising sea temperatures can stress seagrass plants, making them more susceptible to disease and reducing their growth rates. 



Ocean acidification, another result of increased CO2 in the atmosphere, affects the delicate balance of the marine environment, altering the chemistry that seagrasses depend on. 



Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and storms intensified by climate change, can physically damage seagrass beds. Meanwhile, rising sea levels may reduce the amount of sunlight these plants receive, hindering photosynthesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-zobluc-project">Unveiling the ZOBLUC project</h2>



A new research initiative is focused on investigating and enhancing the potential of seagrass meadows as carbon sinks. The project - Zostera marina as a Blue Carbon Sink in the Baltic Sea (ZOBLC) - is a result of the combined efforts of several institutions.



With funding from the German Federal Environment Ministry's Nature-based Climate Action Programme (ANK) and state funds, the project has a budget of around €6 million to unravel the secrets of seagrass meadows.



To break it down, Zostera marina is the scientific term for seagrass, and blue carbon refers to the carbon stored by coastal and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>.



The term 'sink' points to the role these meadows play in capturing and storing CO₂ - much like a sink that drains water away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-mission">Focus of the mission</h2>



ZOBLUC's strategy rests on three fundamental pillars - the study of seagrass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-alkalinity-may-safely-boost-the-carbon-storage-capacity-of-seawater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage capacity</a>, the restoration of meadows, and active community participation in the restoration process.



“Seagrass meadows are like underwater peatlands,” noted Dr. Thorsten Reusch, a professor of Marine Ecology at <a href="https://www.geomar.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEOMAR</a> who is steering the scientific aspect of the project. “They store carbon, which is preserved in oxygen-poor sediments for centuries.”



ZOBLUC aims to locate blue carbon hotspots that can serve as primary zones for protection.



The second pillar of the project focuses on ensuring that restored meadows can withstand future climatic challenges. 



“There’s little point in replanting seagrass that won’t survive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising water temperatures</a> in a few years’ time,” said Dr. Reusch. To prevent this, the team will expose seagrass to various stressors in an effort to breed resistant and resilient populations.



The third pillar seeks to involve local communities in the restoration process. The plan is to train volunteers to plant seagrass shoots - the most effective restoration method so far. 



“It’s important to complete the training course and only use areas that we have checked for suitability for restoration," noted Dr. Reusch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-peek-into-the-future">A peek into the future</h2>



The road ahead involves comprehensive mapping of the present <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-meadows-can-recover-after-major-die-offs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seagrass meadows</a> in the Baltic Sea. 



This task will be accomplished using advanced optical and acoustic surveying technologies. Additionally, drones will be used to monitor newly planted areas.



The findings from the ZOBLUC project will be disseminated through workshops and integrated into policy recommendations to bolster the protection and restoration of seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagrass-and-climate-resilience">Seagrass and climate resilience</h2>



As the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> intensify, seagrass meadows are emerging as a natural defense against environmental challenges. 



Their dense root systems help stabilize coastal sediments, reducing shoreline erosion and mitigating the impact of rising sea levels. 



Moreover, seagrass meadows act as nurseries for a variety of marine species, ensuring the resilience of coastal ecosystems against changing ocean conditions. 



By understanding and enhancing these natural defenses, the ZOBLUC project aims to provide a blueprint for other regions facing similar climate threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-value-of-seagrass-meadows">The value of seagrass meadows</h2>



Beyond their environmental benefits, seagrass meadows offer significant economic value. Healthy seagrass beds support local fisheries by providing critical habitats for commercially important species, such as fish and shellfish.



Additionally, they contribute to the tourism industry by maintaining clear waters and vibrant marine life that attract snorkelers and divers. 



Protecting and restoring these meadows not only safeguards biodiversity but also enhances coastal economies, making their conservation a win-win for both nature and local communities.



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Natural climate solutions: Enhancing the role of seagrass meadows

Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet often overlooked...

Have you ever wondered what farmers in ancient times ate thousands of years ago? Their diets, shaped by the landscapes that the farmers inhabited and the resources available to them, offer a window into the past.



It's fascinating to see how their meals evolved from humble grain-based recipes - rooted in necessity and tradition - to the complex, rich, and intricate flavors we enjoy today.



While historians and archaeologists have been unraveling the secrets of ancient civilizations for decades, one fascinating piece remained undisclosed - the exact menu of the earliest farmers.



What ingredients did they rely on to sustain their communities? How did they supplement their cultivated crops with nature’s bounty?



But recently, a compelling study, drawing on cutting-edge archaeological techniques, has shed new light on this captivating subject, revealing surprising insights into the diverse and resourceful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diets of our ancestors</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-ancient-farmers-eat">What did ancient farmers eat?</h2>



Unfolding the story requires a journey to Southern Scandinavia and Northern Germany, specifically Oldenburg LA 77, a region once known for its Middle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-neolithic-mountain-settlers-used-complex-farming-methods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neolithic</a> settlements. 



Oldenburg LA 77 is located in a former wetland area known as the Oldenburger Graben, resting on the southwestern coast of the Baltic Sea. 



This area was home to a number of settlements, and this once-secluded village stands as a reflection of the evolution of society, gradually shifting from isolated farmsteads to more concentrated, populated villages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-farming-diets">Ancient farming diets</h2>



During the excavations, scientists discovered plenty of artifacts including houses, wells, and an array of daily life materials such as pottery fragments and grinding stones. 



"Grinding stones are truly archives for preserving information about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-foods-linked-to-drastically-lower-risk-of-heart-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant foods</a>. Even a small fragment of them can carry plenty of plant microfossils, including starch grains and phytoliths," noted Dr. Jingping An, a research assistant in the study.



And so, it is these grinding stones from Oldenburg LA 77 that provided the breakthrough in this gastronomical mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-grinding-stones">Examining grinding stones</h2>



The study, led by experts from the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1266 in Kiel, analyzed ancient plant microfossils preserved on these grinding stones. The findings were impressive, to say the least.



Various food ingredients were discovered, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bread-wheat-gave-rise-to-civilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wheat</a>, barley, fruits of wild grasses, knotweeds, and acorns. Starch-rich tubers, and possibly a small number of wild legume seeds, were also detected. 



These wild ingredients shed light on our ancestors' use of nature's bounty.



"Charred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticating-wild-plants-may-result-in-more-resilient-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild plants</a> have been documented by archaeobotanical analyses of soil samples from this Neolithic village, but this study further confirms their consumption by looking directly into food processing," noted Professor Wiebke Kirleis, who led the research.



"People in the past knew how to enrich their diet," added Dr. An. 



Undoubtedly, our ancestors were culinary explorers, well-versed in supplementing their meals with the best of what their environment had to offer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-similar-diets-among-ancient-farmers">Similar diets among ancient farmers</h2>



Interestingly, a similar dietary pattern was observed in a different site - the Frydenlund site in Denmark - which was part of the same Funnel Beaker Culture. 



Plant microfossils from wild plants were also found on the grinding stones at this site.



Ultimately, the study offers a fascinating insight into the culinary lifestyle of our earliest farmers. They were not just farmers but also skilled food processors, adept at harnessing the variety of ingredients around them to enrich their meals and lead a wholesome life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-neolithic-farmers">Legacy of Neolithic farmers</h2>



The dietary choices of Neolithic farmers were not only shaped by necessity but also by an intuitive understanding of their environment. 



Their ability to blend cultivated grains with wild plants provided a balanced and diverse diet that sustained growing communities. 



Today, this ancient knowledge continues to influence modern dietary trends, with a renewed focus on whole grains, plant-based nutrition, and sustainable food sources. 



Studies of early farming practices offer valuable insights into how our ancestors adapted to their surroundings, utilizing locally available ingredients to create nourishing meals. 



The enduring legacy of ancient farmers highlights the importance of biodiversity and traditional knowledge in shaping the way we eat today.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352409X24005418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Archaeological Science</a>.



Image Credit: Susanne Beyer, Kiel University



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Surprising diet of early farmers from 5,000 years ago revealed by new technology

Have you ever wondered what farmers in ancient times ate...

Nature has long been a treasure trove of medicinal compounds, with plants and animals providing the foundation for many important drugs. 



Morphine, aspirin, and paclitaxel all originate from natural sources, offering immense therapeutic benefits. However, despite their rich chemical diversity and centuries of use in medicine, mushrooms remain largely underexplored in medical research.



Their potential for drug discovery has yet to be fully realized. A recent breakthrough by researchers from Shinshu University, Japan, is changing this landscape. 



The team has successfully achieved the first total synthesis of inaoside A, a natural compound found in the edible mushroom&nbsp;Laetiporus cremeiporus. 



This advancement, published in the&nbsp;Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry, is a significant step toward understanding the bioactive properties of inaoside A and other mushroom-derived compounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-compound-in-organic-chemistry">New compound in organic chemistry</h2>



The research from <a href="https://www.shinshu-u.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shinshu University</a> was led by Professor Atsushi Kawamura from the Department of Biomolecular Innovation, along with Mr. Tomoya Takao from the Department of Agriculture and Dr. Hidefumi Makabe from the Department of Biomolecular Innovation.



Their work focuses on the synthesis of inaoside A, a compound classified as an α-D-ribofuranoside. While the α-D-ribofuranoside structure is commonly found in nature, it remains far less studied than its β-anomer counterparts.



"Although the α-D-ribofuranoside structure is frequently found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-brittle-star-tissue-could-transform-regenerative-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural products</a>, there have been fewer reports of the synthesis of α-D-ribofuranosides than of the β-anomers. Thus, the synthesis of α-D-ribofuranosides has attracted much attention from organic chemists," explained Dr. Kawamura.



This structural class is of particular interest because of its potential biological activities. Scientists suspect that inaoside A may have important medicinal properties, but without an efficient synthesis method, further exploration was difficult.&nbsp;



"The total synthesis of inaoside A is an important objective because its varied bioactivities need to be investigated," said Dr. Kawamura.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthesizing-mushroom-compounds-for-medicines">Synthesizing mushroom compounds for medicines</h2>



Developing a synthetic route for inaoside A posed several challenges. To create the compound, the research team needed to use a key reaction known as α-selective Schmidt glycosylation. 



This reaction attaches a glycoside to another molecule in a highly specific manner, ensuring that the final product maintains the correct structural orientation.



Using retrosynthetic chemistry, the team worked backward from the desired final product to determine the ideal starting materials. They identified two essential precursors: an aglycone derived from vanillin and a ribofuranosyl trichloroacetimidate. 



However, an obstacle remained - Schmidt glycosylation typically favors the formation of β-ribofuranosides rather than the desired α-ribofuranosides.



To overcome this issue, the researchers modified their approach by selecting a different substrate. They employed a 2,3,5-tri-O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-protected ribofuranoside, which facilitated α-selective glycosylation with remarkable precision. 



This strategic modification allowed them to achieve an α/β ratio of 4:1 to 5:1, ensuring the successful synthesis of inaoside A with high selectivity.



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



The ability to synthesize inaoside A in the laboratory is a major milestone in natural product research. By creating a reliable synthetic method, scientists can now study this compound in greater detail, examining its potential medicinal applications and biological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">functions</a>.



"By elucidating the chemical structures and biological activities of natural products derived from mushrooms, we aim to discover the potential of edible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-is-given-a-robot-body-and-runs-wild-in-fascinating-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushrooms</a> as functional foods. These natural products could contribute to advancing pharmaceutical science by serving as pharmaceutical leads," noted Dr. Kawamura.



With a stable supply of inaoside A now possible, researchers can conduct further studies on its bioactivity. Understanding its interactions within biological systems could lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals or functional food ingredients. 



The study of mushroom-derived compounds is still in its early stages, but this success demonstrates that fungi hold significant promise for future drug discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-mushroom-derived-medicines">Future of mushroom-derived medicines</h2>



Now that inaoside A can be synthesized efficiently, the research team is eager to explore its full potential. Further investigations are already underway, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-leather-mycelium-latest-eco-friendly-fashion-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structural modifications</a> and biological testing to determine its therapeutic properties.



"Further studies on inaoside A, including more detailed investigation of its bioactivities, the synthesis of derivatives, and structure-activity relationship studies, are in progress. We would like to develop this chemical into a socially meaningful compound," said Dr. Kawamura.



This research marks an important step toward unlocking the vast chemical diversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mushrooms</a>. As scientists continue to explore these natural compounds, they may uncover new leads for drug development, functional foods, and other biotechnological applications. 



The successful synthesis of inaoside A serves as a reminder that nature still holds many secrets waiting to be discovered.



The study is published in the <a href="https://aces.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajoc.202400547" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry</a>.



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First total synthesis of mushroom compound could transform medicine

Nature has long been a treasure trove of medicinal compounds,...

For 130 years, the enigmatic nature of the orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus puzzled scientists and botanists alike.



Named in 1889 by renowned Japanese botanist MAKINO Tomitaro, the fungus-consuming plant features a distinct appendage reminiscent of a tiny finger on its stigma - the part of the flower that accepts pollen.



But why is this appendage there, and what purpose does it serve? Despite its popularity among Japan's iconic orchids, the function of this unique feature remained a mystery - until now.



<a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> botanist SUETSUGU Kenji specializes in orchids that feed on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-fungi-determine-the-gradient-of-forest-diversity-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil fungi</a> rather than sunlight. Stigmatodactylus, he realized, fit this bill perfectly.



“I’m particularly interested in their pollination mechanisms, employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates taxonomy, ecology, and evolutionary biology," said Kenji.



His fascination with these unique orchids propelled him to investigate further, questioning the purpose and ecological role of the finger-like appendage that had attracted so much attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-orchid-that-self-pollinates">The orchid that self-pollinates </h2>



Kenji's research sheds light on a unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a> method. He found that Stigmatodactylus sikokianus predominantly self-pollinates, which means it doesn’t require insects to transport pollen from one plant to another.



Interestingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-faced-with-competition-some-plants-learn-to-self-pollinate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-pollination</a> occurs roughly three days after the flower opens. This delay bears significant ecological implications.



Given the plant's natural habitat in dark forest understories, it is rarely visited by potential pollinators.



“While self-pollination likely guarantees reproductive success, relying solely on this method risks inbreeding. This may drive the evolution of mechanisms that combine the benefits of self-pollination and outcrossing," said Kenji.



"Delayed self-pollination, postponed until opportunities for outcrossing are exhausted, is likely one such adaptation - a failsafe mechanism.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-novel-self-pollination-mechanism">Novel self-pollination mechanism </h2>



While meticulously observing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, Kenji noticed that the finger-like appendage plays a crucial role in self-pollination.



On the third day after the flower opens, the stigma collapses and makes contact with the pollen-carrying anther, aided by the finger-like appendage, thereby fertilizing the plant. 



“The movement of the stigma appendage represents, to the best of our knowledge, a novel self-pollination mechanism in orchids,” said Kenji.



He noted that since there are 28 species in the Stigmatodactylus family, many of which share this unique appendage, this self-pollination mechanism could be common in other species too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-traditional-research-with-modern-science">Bridging traditional research with modern science</h2>



Kenji hopes his work will help bridge the gap between historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiries. 



“The significance of this discovery lies in its ability to bridge historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiry. It underscores the value of integrating meticulous taxonomic analysis with ecological and evolutionary studies to gain novel insights," said Kenji.



"This study demonstrates that traditional natural history research, unifying taxonomy, evolution and ecology, still has the power to uncover new phenomena today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orchids-self-pollinate-to-survive">Orchids self-pollinate to survive</h2>



Understanding the unique pollination mechanism of Stigmatodactylus sikokianus offers significant implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-their-incredible-adaptability-orchids-are-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orchid conservation</a> efforts.



Many orchid species are highly specialized and depend on specific ecological conditions to thrive. 



The newfound knowledge about the self-pollination strategy of Stigmatodactylus sikokianus sheds light on how other orchid species may have evolved to adapt to low-pollinator environments.



This insight can guide conservationists in designing better habitat protection strategies and cultivation techniques to ensure the survival of orchids facing similar ecological challenges. 



Furthermore, it highlights the need to preserve the dark forest understories where these delicate plants flourish, as habitat destruction poses a major threat to their existence.



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



The discovery of the delayed self-pollination mechanism in Stigmatodactylus sikokianus raises intriguing questions about the broader evolutionary adaptations of orchids and other flowering plants.



In ecosystems with scarce pollinators, plants must develop creative reproductive strategies to ensure their survival. 



This ability to self-pollinate suggests that evolution has equipped some orchids with a dual approach - allowing time for potential cross-pollination before resorting to self-fertilization as a last resort.



The findings contribute to our understanding of plant reproductive biology and may inspire further research into similar mechanisms in related plant families.



By studying these adaptations, scientists can better comprehend how plants respond to environmental pressures and how they might adapt to future changes, such as climate shifts and habitat fragmentation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ppp3.10624" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants People Planet</a>.



Image Credit: IKEDA Tetsuro



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Some orchids have 'fingers' to pollinate themselves

For 130 years, the enigmatic nature of the orchid Stigmatodactylus...

A recent study led by the University of Oxford challenges the widely held notion that plants actively communicate with each other to warn of impending threats.



Instead, the findings suggest that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-complex-biochemical-communication-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> are more likely to passively “eavesdrop” on their neighbors through shared fungal networks rather than engage in altruistic signaling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underground-communication-network">Underground communication network</h2>



Beneath the soil, plants are connected by an intricate fungal network popularly referred to as the “wood wide web.” This network emerges from the symbiotic relationships between plant roots and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycorrhizal fungi</a>.&nbsp;



In this partnership, plants supply fungi with carbon while the fungi provide essential nutrients to the plants. These networks also enable the transmission of resources and information among plants.



Previous studies have demonstrated that when one plant is attacked by herbivores or pathogens, neighboring plants connected to the same fungal network often strengthen their defenses.&nbsp;



However, it has remained unclear whether these responses result from active warnings sent by the attacked plant or passive cues interpreted by its neighbors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questioning-altruism-in-plant-behavior">Questioning altruism in plant behavior</h2>



The idea that plants actively warn their neighbors poses a puzzle for evolutionary biologists. Altruistic behavior is generally rare in nature and typically occurs when it offers mutual benefits. For plants competing for resources like sunlight and nutrients, warning their neighbors would seem counterintuitive.



To address this paradox, an international research team from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> and <a href="https://vu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam</a> developed mathematical models to explore whether plants would evolve to signal threats to one another.&nbsp;



The results suggest that it is highly unlikely for plants to develop active warning mechanisms, as such behavior would not confer significant evolutionary advantages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-communicate-in-deceptive-ways">Plants communicate in deceptive ways</h2>



The study revealed that plants might even engage in deceptive signaling to gain an advantage over their competitors.&nbsp;



“Our results indicate that it is more likely that plants will behave deceptively toward their neighbors, rather than altruistically,” said lead author Thomas Scott from the Department of Biology at the University of Oxford.&nbsp;



“For instance, plants may signal that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-herbivore-extinctions-drastically-affect-forest-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbivore</a> attack is occurring, even when no herbivore is present. Plants can gain a benefit from dishonest signaling because it harms their local competitors, by tricking them into investing in costly herbivore defense mechanisms.”



The findings challenge the idea of plants as cooperative entities and instead suggest that what appears to be altruistic behavior may often serve competitive or self-interested purposes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-neighboring-plants-still-respond">Why do neighboring plants still respond?</h2>



If plants are not actively warning their neighbors, why do connected plants upregulate their defenses when one is attacked? The researchers proposed two alternative explanations.



First, plants might unintentionally emit cues when under stress, similar to humans blushing when embarrassed. These involuntary emissions could be picked up by neighboring plants as signals of a threat, even though the emitting plant gains no direct benefit from sharing this information.



Second, the fungal networks themselves could play an active role in transmitting warnings. Mycorrhizal fungi rely on healthy plants for their survival, as plants provide them with carbohydrates. By relaying signals about potential threats, the fungi may protect their host plants and ensure the stability of the network.&nbsp;



“Maybe it is the fungal networks themselves that are sending the warning signals,” Scott said. “Mycorrhizal fungi rely on the plants on their network for carbohydrates, so it’s important to keep these plants in good condition. Perhaps the fungi are listening in on their plant partners, detecting when one has been attacked, and warning the others to prepare themselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nosy-plants-that-eavesdrop">Nosy plants that eavesdrop</h2>



Co-author Toby Kiers from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offered another perspective, likening plants to neighbors gossiping about a shared environment:



“There is no dispute that information is transferred. Organisms are constantly detecting and processing information about their environment. The question is whether plants are actively sending signals to warn each other. Maybe just like gossiping neighbors, one plant is simply <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eavesdropping-viruses-the-unseen-war-within-our-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eavesdropping</a> on the another.”



This reinterpretation highlights the possibility that plants are more passive participants in these networks, interpreting cues rather than engaging in intentional communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-plant-ecology-and-conservation">Implications for plant ecology and conservation</h2>



The study’s findings have significant implications for our understanding of plant behavior and ecosystem dynamics. Recognizing that plants may rely more on passive information gathering than active signaling shifts the focus of research to the role of fungal networks in mediating plant interactions.&nbsp;



This knowledge could be valuable in predicting how plant communities will respond to environmental changes such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a> or climate change.



Understanding these dynamics also has potential applications in agriculture and conservation. For instance, manipulating fungal networks might enhance crop resilience or help restore ecosystems by improving communication between plants in stressed environments.



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



While the study provides compelling theoretical support for the eavesdropping hypothesis, further empirical research is needed to validate these models.&nbsp;



Experiments could focus on isolating the role of fungi in transmitting signals and exploring whether different plant species vary in their ability to interpret these cues.



Additionally, studying how plants and fungi interact in diverse ecosystems could reveal whether certain environments favor passive communication over active signaling.&nbsp;



Expanding the research to include underrepresented plant species and regions would also provide a more comprehensive understanding of these interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-how-plants-communicate">Rethinking how plants communicate </h2>



This study fundamentally challenges the idea of plants as altruistic communicators, suggesting instead that their behavior may be driven by competition, self-interest, and passive eavesdropping.&nbsp;



By highlighting the role of fungal networks, the research opens new avenues for exploring the intricate relationships that sustain plant communities.



As Scott and his team continue to refine their models and expand their investigations, the hidden dynamics of plant communication promise to reveal even more about the complex strategies plants use to survive and thrive in their environments.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2420701122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a> (PNAS).



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Plants use underground networks to ‘eavesdrop’ on their neighbors 

A recent study led by the University of Oxford challenges...

Imagine a future where one of the biggest pollutants of our environment, the production of ammonia, is no longer a headache. Instead, the Earth itself could become a productive partner in generating this chemical. All it takes is the use of Earth's natural forces and heat.



In an unexpected twist of events, a scientific breakthrough at the globally renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), points in this very direction.



The ground-breaking study was motivated by a mysterious natural phenomenon observed in Mali, West Africa, in the 1980s.



Locals came across a well that was gushing with hydrogen gas, an oddity that scientists attributed to a water-rock chemical reaction beneath Earth's surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-shift-in-the-fertilizer-industry">Green shift in the fertilizer industry</h2>



“It was an ‘aha’ moment,” shared senior author Iwnetim Abate of MIT. "We may be able to use Earth as a factory, harnessing its heat and pressure to produce valuable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decline-in-ozone-depleting-chemicals-is-an-encouraging-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> like ammonia in a cleaner manner."



Ammonia's importance cannot be overstated. It is a key ingredient in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-emissions-from-fertilizers-could-be-cut-by-80-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fertilizers</a> and potentially a clean fuel source. However, its current production methods are far from energy-efficient or green. 



Today's industrial ammonia production is a significant consumer of global energy and a major emitter of CO2. In fact, for every ton of ammonia produced, there's a release of around 2.4 tons of CO2.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-ammonia-production">Traditional ammonia production</h2>



For over a century, the production of ammonia has been dominated by the Haber-Bosch process, an energy-intensive method that relies heavily on the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>.



This conventional approach operates at high temperatures and pressures, consumes vast amounts of natural gas and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.



Despite its efficiency in meeting global fertilizer demands, the process is far from sustainable. 



As industries face mounting pressure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-changes-in-diet-can-greatly-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduce their carbon footprints</a>, the search for greener alternatives has intensified. 



Scientists and engineers are now exploring innovative methods that utilize Earth's natural processes to revolutionize ammonia production, offering a path toward cleaner, more efficient solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-solution-under-our-feet">Finding the solution under our feet</h2>



With sustainability in their sights, the research team at MIT set out to test this idea of an "Earth factory." They constructed an environment that replicated the conditions beneath Earth's surface.



Iron-rich minerals were exposed to nitrogen-laced water, which ignited a chemical reaction that transformed the rock and gave rise to what they termed "geological ammonia."



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ammonia-fertilizer_new-green-process_illustration_MIT_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ammonia-fertilizer_new-green-process_illustration_MIT_1s.webp" alt="Researchers cooked up a new recipe—without any energy input or CO2 emission—for generating ammonia, a key chemical for the agriculture industry, by mixing nitrogen-laced water with iron-rich rocks. Credit: Yifan Gao and Iwnetim Abate" class="wp-image-1957605"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers cooked up a new recipe - without any energy input or CO2 emission - for generating ammonia, a key chemical for the agriculture industry, by mixing nitrogen-laced water with iron-rich rocks. Credit: Yifan Gao and Iwnetim Abate</figcaption></figure>



Remarkably, the process didn't require any additional energy input, and there were no CO2 emissions. To top it all, the entire process even took place under ambient conditions!



To replicate real-world conditions, the team replaced synthetic mineral with olivine, a naturally iron-laden rock. They optimized the process further by introducing a copper catalyst and elevating the heat to 300°C.



In just 21 hours, they managed to produce about 1.8 kg of ammonia per ton of olivine, demonstrating the method's feasibility and sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-green-ammonia-production-matter">Why does green ammonia production matter?</h2>



"These rocks are all over the world, so the method could be adapted very widely across the globe," enthused Abate.



However, he acknowledged that implementation would come with its own set of challenges, including drilling into iron-rich rocks deep within the Earth and dealing with the complexities of the rocks' interactions with gases and liquids.



On the economic front, geological ammonia production is encouraging. The cost is around $0.55 per kilogram, roughly equivalent to the price of conventional methods. 



But the game-changer is the potential to address environmental crises like CO2 production and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/staggering-amount-of-wastewater-impacts-coastal-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wastewater pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-life-and-ammonia">Nature, life, and ammonia</h2>



Yifan Gao of MIT, the first author of the study, postulated a win-win strategy. 



"Nitrogen sources are considered as pollution in wastewater, and removing them costs money and energy," he explained.



The team suggested turning this problem on its head by using wastewater to produce ammonia. This perspective could potentially add an additional profit of $3.82 per kilogram of ammonia formed.



"Ammonia is pretty important for life. The only other natural way that ammonia is produced on Earth is when lightning strikes nitrogen gas," commented senior author Ju Li.



"That’s why the geological production of ammonia is quite interesting when you think about where life came from,” Li concluded.



This initiative by the scientists at MIT highlights the innovative solutions that can arise when we look towards nature for inspiration.



With every small step, we move closer to a future where sustainable chemical production is not just a dream but a reality.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2542435124005415" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joule</a>.



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New green tech produces ammonia fertilizer using Earth's natural forces

Imagine a future where one of the biggest pollutants of...

Truffles have long captivated the senses, with their tantalizing aroma and elusive nature keeping the culinary world on its toes. To the gastronome, they are an exotic culinary delight; to the mycologist, they present an intriguing species subject of study.



Now, this enigmatic world has become even more fascinating with the discovery of two new truffle species, which add another layer of intrigue to the legacy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-found-by-truffle-dogs">Species found by truffle dogs</h2>



The discovery was led by two enthusiastic truffle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trained-dogs-can-sniff-out-invasive-pests-in-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a>, Luca and Monza.



The find? A hitherto unknown pair of truffles, christened as Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense.



The former, aptly named the "dog-found" truffle, pays homage to the canine detectives and their tireless work. The latter derives its name from the Cumberland Plateau, where it was found.



Guiding the canine sleuths were citizen scientists Lois Martin and Margaret Townsend. After the initial discovery, and eager to unveil the mystery of their find, they reached out to the experts.



Michigan State University (<a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MSU</a>) and the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> became the primary research hubs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-truffle-mystery">Unraveling the truffle mystery</h2>



At MSU, the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences took the baton from the truffle dogs. 



The team, led by associate professor Gregory Bonito and undergraduate student Alassane Sow, used DNA analyses to identify the specimens and position them on the tree of life.



”Receiving these samples was very exciting, especially because they looked very similar to the well-known edible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-truffle-industry/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European truffles</a> Tuber macrosporum and Tuber aestivum,” said Sow.



“We hope that by describing both of these species there will be increased interest in cultivating North American truffles. Our analyses show that each has aromatic compounds found in some of the most valuable truffle species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truffles-a-culinary-goldmine">Truffles: A culinary goldmine</h2>



The world of fine dining celebrates truffles for their rarity and enticing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-environment-impacts-the-aroma-of-beer-and-hops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aroma</a>. And the discovery of these new species may have just expanded the potential for gastronomic innovation. 



These species could hold tremendous economic potential due to their aromatic compounds.



Now, imagine a plate of gourmet truffle-infused pasta, accompanied by a glass of whiskey - a fine blend of the robust, earthy flavours of truffles and oaky whiskey. 



That's just what Maker’s Mark, a distiller from Kentucky, hopes to provide. 



They are exploring the cultivation of the native T. cumberlandense, and aim to introduce a uniquely infused whiskey to the market soon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aromatic-appeal-of-truffle-species">Aromatic appeal of truffle species</h2>



The culinary appeal of truffles mainly lies in the unique aroma they produce. Each species emits a distinct fragrance, which contributes to its culinary potential and, therefore, its value.



MSU’s professor Randy Beaudry from the Department of Horticulture worked with Bonito and Sow to identify these aroma-producing compounds. 



Using gas chromatography, they discovered that T. canirevelatum was rich in compounds that give it a savory garlic aroma.



On the other hand, T. cumberlandense contained compounds found in the revered Périgord black truffle and the Piedmont white truffle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-truffle-dogs">Significance of the "truffle dogs"</h2>



This significant discovery highlights the importance of trained truffle dogs in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crops-of-the-future-potatoes-that-thrive-in-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tuber</a> research and farming. 



"We suspect many native tuber species remain to be discovered and described. This task will be enhanced through the continued collaboration between mycologists (scientists who study fungi), the public and trained truffle dogs,” concluded Bonito.



As the quest for novel species continues, it is clear that the world of truffles holds more delectable secrets yet to be unearthed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-truffle-cultivation-and-species-conservation">Truffle cultivation and species conservation</h2>



As truffle discoveries continue to emerge, the focus is shifting toward sustainable cultivation and conservation efforts. 



Truffles, often associated with European fine dining, have long been harvested from wild forests, making them susceptible to environmental changes and overharvesting. 



The discovery of native species like Tuber cumberlandense opens up new possibilities for domestic cultivation, thus reducing reliance on imported varieties and supporting local economies.



These newfound species also offer exciting opportunities for cultivation under controlled conditions, potentially ensuring their long-term availability and contributing to ecosystem health.



This includes studying optimal soil compositions, climate conditions, and symbiotic relationships with host trees. 



Cultivating these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> not only presents an economic opportunity but also has ecological benefits, as they contribute to soil health and biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-truffle-discovery">Sustainable truffle discovery</h2>



Furthermore, the role of citizen scientists and trained truffle dogs continues to be vital in locating and documenting species in diverse environments. 



As research efforts expand, collaborations between mycologists, farmers, and culinary experts could pave the way for a sustainable truffle industry where these culinary treasures are both abundant and are grown in an environmentally responsible manner.



The discovery of the new species is detailed in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00275514.2024.2407755#:~:text=Tuber%20canaliculatum%20is%20sometimes%20wild,Berch%202020%3B%20Fortier%20et%20al.&amp;text=2022).,-Members%20of%20the">Mycologia</a>.



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Two new truffle species discovered with the help of special 'truffle dogs'

Truffles have long captivated the senses, with their tantalizing aroma...

In a world where food security remains a pressing challenge, scientists continue to seek innovative ways to enhance crop production. A recent study from the University of Tasmania has uncovered a crucial role for auxin, a tiny but powerful plant hormone, in determining how plants store energy. 



The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveal that auxin is not just a growth regulator - it plays a pivotal role in starch production.



This discovery has profound implications for global agriculture, offering new possibilities for increasing the starch content of staple crops such as rice, maize, and peas. If harnessed effectively, auxin could help improve food availability for billions of people worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-auxin-not-just-a-growth-hormone">Auxin: Not just a growth hormone</h2>



For decades, auxin has been recognized as a master regulator of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-seeds-go-dormant-to-avoid-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant development</a>. It influences various growth processes, from cell elongation to root formation. 



However, the new research from the <a href="https://www.utas.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tasmania</a> has shown that auxin also plays a critical role in energy storage, particularly in the form of starch accumulation within seeds.



"It turns out this tiny molecule holds the key to how plants store energy, particularly in the form of starch," said study co-author Professor John Ross.



This discovery challenges the long-held view that auxin is primarily involved in plant growth. Instead, the findings indicate that auxin acts as a central orchestrator of starch formation in crops. Without auxin, seeds cannot efficiently stockpile starch, a component that makes up 60-80% of rice grains.



Given that rice is a staple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> for more than half of the world’s population, understanding how auxin regulates starch production could have major consequences for food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanisms-behind-starch-accumulation">Mechanisms behind starch accumulation</h2>



The study integrates a wide range of research, including the team’s own experiments, to establish how auxin drives starch accumulation in seeds. The researchers found that auxin operates through three interconnected mechanisms. 



First, it stimulates the activity of starch-producing genes, ensuring that plants can efficiently synthesize starch at the genetic level. 



Second, auxin plays a crucial role in energy generation within seeds, providing the necessary fuel for starch biosynthesis. 



Finally, the hormone ensures that sugar is transported efficiently into developing seeds, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for starch formation.



These findings present a more comprehensive picture of how auxin functions beyond its well-documented role in plant growth. 



The research team developed a hypothetical model that integrates these three mechanisms, providing a framework for future studies into how auxin promotes starch accumulation across different plant systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transforming-food-security-with-auxin">Transforming food security with auxin</h2>



As the global population continues to rise, the demand for staple crops such as rice and maize is expected to increase significantly. 



The findings of this study open up exciting possibilities for enhancing crop yields naturally. By fine-tuning auxin pathways, scientists could potentially supercharge starch production in key crops, making them more productive and resilient to environmental stresses.



Professor Ross described the discovery as a major breakthrough with the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in agriculture today. "Understanding auxin's role could be a game-changer, especially for crops that billions rely on," he said.



Rather than introducing genetically modified traits or synthetic chemicals, researchers could leverage auxin, a hormone that plants already produce, to enhance carbohydrate accumulation in crops. 



This approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to increase food production without compromising plant health.



Dr. Erin McAdam, another co-author of the study, emphasized the enormous potential of this research in tackling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> security challenges.



"Our work shows how a hormone plants already make can be harnessed to naturally boost carbohydrates in seed crops. There is huge scope for fundamental and applied research in this area, work that is critical if we want to feed billions of people," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-frontier-in-crop-science">A new frontier in crop science</h2>



While these findings offer exciting possibilities, scientists caution that further research is needed to fully understand auxin’s role in starch synthesis. 



The study lays a strong foundation for future exploration, but unlocking the full potential of auxin-based crop enhancement will require additional studies across different plant species and growing conditions.



The implications of this research extend beyond rice and maize. Other staple crops, including wheat, barley, and legumes, could also benefit from a better understanding of auxin’s impact on starch production. 



If researchers can develop targeted methods to enhance auxin’s activity in seeds, it may be possible to create crops that not only yield more but also provide greater nutritional value.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-toward-global-food-security">Path toward global food security</h2>



The discovery that auxin plays a key role in starch accumulation marks an important step forward in agricultural science. 



With global food security under increasing pressure due to climate change, population growth, and limited arable land, innovative solutions are needed to ensure a stable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-are-in-a-race-against-time-to-save-our-food-supply-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food supply</a>. 



Auxin-based approaches offer a promising, natural way to enhance crop productivity without relying on genetic modification or chemical interventions.



By continuing to investigate auxin’s functions, scientists may unlock new strategies to optimize plant growth and energy storage, paving the way for more resilient and abundant food crops. 



The road ahead is filled with possibilities, and while more research is needed, the potential benefits of harnessing auxin are too significant to ignore. If successful, this tiny molecule could play a massive role in shaping the future of food security worldwide.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55756-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.&nbsp;



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Tiny molecule could shape the future of food security

In a world where food security remains a pressing challenge,...

Many individuals aspire not just to live as long as possible, but to remain healthy and active throughout their lifespan. Yet as people get older, the likelihood of encountering conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and sarcopenia (a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength) increases.&nbsp;



In a new effort to promote healthy aging, researchers from the <a href="https://www.isas.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences</a> (ISAS) have discovered that the natural compound ergothioneine can boost the health span of aging animals.&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.12.008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>, provide insights into this substance’s potential for safeguarding against age-related diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anti-aging-benefits-of-a-mushroom-compound">Anti-aging benefits of a mushroom compound </h2>



Ergothioneine occurs naturally in certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>. The compound can be found in oyster and shiitake mushrooms, as well as in fermented foods. It is often marketed as a dietary supplement or added to cosmetics to provide “anti-aging” benefits, yet the underlying mechanism behind these benefits has been poorly understood.



“Our analyses now finally provide clarity about the mechanism and also show that ergothioneine has promising therapeutic potential for the prevention of age-related diseases,” said Miloš Filipović, corresponding author and head of the ERC Sulfaging research group at ISAS.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhancing-lifespan-mobility-and-resistance-to-stress">Enhancing lifespan, mobility, and resistance to stress</h2>



In their study, the researchers explored how ergothioneine affects various animals, including the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (a nematode).&nbsp;



Scientists at ISAS noted that giving ergothioneine from young adulthood not only lengthened the worms’ lives, but also increased their mobility, boosted their capacity to handle stress, and lowered markers linked with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-studies-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aging</a>.



“As the animals got older, the contrast with the control group became more significant. In addition, we did not observe any undesirable side effects - nor did other studies,” said Dunja Petrovic, whose doctoral research at ISAS contributed to the publication.



Collaborators at the <a href="http://arhiva.rect.bg.ac.rs/en/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Belgrade</a> observed similar effects in mammals, testing ergothioneine on six nine-month-old rats for three weeks. They administered roughly 10 milligrams of ergothioneine per day, equivalent to the amount found in 4.5 grams of dried oyster mushrooms.&nbsp;



Not only did the rats show better endurance, but they also experienced increased muscle mass, greater vascularization of muscle tissue, and higher numbers of muscle stem cells, indicating potential relevance for preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecule-in-coffee-trigonelline-keeps-muscles-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sarcopenia</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-cells-through-hydrogen-sulfide">Strengthening cells through hydrogen sulfide</h2>



To understand the processes behind these observations, the research team used mass spectrometry on human and mouse cell cultures. They found that ergothioneine can serve as an alternative substrate for cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), a key enzyme involved in producing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).&nbsp;



This signaling molecule helps shield cells from oxidative stress via persulfidation - a cellular process previously shown to decline with age, but which can be positively influenced by dietary factors.



Prior work from 2019 by Filipović and colleagues has demonstrated that the rate of persulfidation decreases over time, potentially contributing to age-related problems ranging from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a> to neurodegenerative disorders.&nbsp;



The new data expands upon those findings, demonstrating how ergothioneine specifically stimulates persulfidation of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH). This upregulation of GPDH, in turn, promotes higher levels of NAD+, a coenzyme known for supporting increased lifespan.



“The human body is not able to produce ergothioneine itself. However, such a specific utilization mechanism suggests that it is very important for us,” Petrovic said.&nbsp;



Scientists at <a href="https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heidelberg University</a>, the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, and ISAS verified that ergothioneine’s benefits rely on the CSE-dependent pathway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-better-health-with-age">Maintaining better health with age</h2>



Encouraged by these promising outcomes, the researchers examined the effects of a brief, five-day treatment of ergothioneine in young rats. A daily dose of about 10 milligrams significantly raised their endurance and boosted NAD+ levels in their blood serum.



“This indicates that ergothioneine influences the metabolism in a similar way to performance-enhancing agents,” Filipović said. He plans to carry out a study involving healthy human volunteers to evaluate whether the compound can similarly enhance performance in people.



By offering a clearer perspective on how ergothioneine improves muscle health, stress resilience, and cellular defenses, this research sets the stage for new strategies aimed at maintaining good health into advanced age.&nbsp;



As further investigations confirm these findings in humans, the mushroom compound ergothioneine may emerge as a valuable resource for countering age-related diseases and promoting a more robust, active life.



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Mushroom compound  linked to better health and longer life

Many individuals aspire not just to live as long as...

Berries from the genus Aronia, often called black chokeberry, are native to North America and have gained attention for their high content of polyphenolic compounds. 



These natural chemicals have been associated with benefits that go beyond ordinary nutrition, such as antioxidant effects that may help calm the body’s inflammatory processes. 



People have started asking about aronia’s place in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meal-timing-has-a-major-influence-on-our-health/">everyday meals</a>, hoping to see if a simple fruit could support healthy lifestyles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rising-focus-on-aronia">A rising focus on aronia</h2>



Scientists recently examined whether aronia juice might protect against diet-induced challenges linked to the gut microbiome.



This project was led by <a href="https://www.montana.edu/news/22109/stephanie-wilson-one-of-first-three-students-to-complete-montana-state-s-individual-interdisciplinary-ph-d-program">Dr. Stephanie M. G. Wilson</a> from Montana State University. Research in this area has looked at how bacteria in the digestive system respond when aronia berries are introduced, particularly in situations where unhealthy eating patterns could raise inflammation.&nbsp;



Early investigations point to intriguing changes in microbes, and hinting that this berry might shift certain bacterial communities and reduce the strain triggered by high-fat diets.



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



The research team used a mouse model with transplanted human gut microbiomes that came from donors with different inflammation levels.&nbsp;



“Aronia supplementation provided robust protection,” noted Dr. Wilson when reviewing the results at the end of the study. Scientists saw increases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gut-bacteria-have-very-clever-ways-of-supporting-human-health/">Eggerthellaceae</a>, a family of bacteria that can process polyphenols.&nbsp;



Some data also linked <a href="https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/black-chokeberry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black chokeberry</a> intake with changes in metabolites related to improved gut barriers. 



These shifts suggest that eating or drinking aronia-based products might assist in keeping the digestive system more balanced during periods of dietary stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalizing-nutrition">Personalizing nutrition</h2>



Inflammation can arise when people eat high-fat or sugary foods for long stretches. Researchers point out that a person’s unique microbiome might determine how well they adapt to certain dietary habits. 



Aronia’s <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/22/7823">benefits</a> may vary from one person to another, depending on individual gut ecology and background health status. 



For those who carry a set of gut bacteria already geared toward lower inflammation, the advantages from adding aronia might be more visible. 



This concept underscores how science is moving toward personalized nutrition, where different bodies respond to the same foods in slightly different ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-new-directions">Exploring new directions</h2>



Other published works indicate that aronia is not just a source of antioxidants; it may also be linked with healthier glucose levels and heart function.&nbsp;



The presence of anthocyanins and other phenolic substances could explain how this fruit influences complex pathways connected to metabolism. 



Traditional uses of aronia include juices, jams, and powders, but emerging science is urging a closer look at its larger dietary potential. 



While some folks already consume aronia to freshen up their breakfast or snack routines, others remain unaware of its possible contributions to gut stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-unexpected-twists">Unraveling unexpected twists</h2>



Some findings highlight the importance of gut diversity when it comes to inflammation. Researchers observed that mice with microbiomes from donors who had lower inflammation were more resilient during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-fat-diets-cause-high-anxiety-through-changes-in-gut-bacteria/">high-fat diet</a> challenge.&nbsp;



Aronia seemed to shield this group even further. This suggests that, while aronia might help most individuals, those who have specific microbial imbalances might notice the biggest improvements.&nbsp;



On a broader level, it points to how small dietary changes, like adding a berry drink, can create ripple effects that protect overall wellness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-on-the-horizon">Applications on the horizon</h2>



Aronia’s tart flavor might not suit everyone right away. In grocery stores, it often appears in juice blends, concentrates, or dried forms. 



Because it’s easy to mix with other fruits, people can add it to smoothies or desserts without changing their routines too drastically. 



Research continues to evaluate how much aronia consumption is ideal for humans, since the dose can vary widely. 



In some clinical trials, individuals experienced potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-fat-with-food-tropical-plant-in-china-has-anti-obesity-properties/">anti-obesity benefits</a>, in addition to improvements in the body’s natural defenses. These early observations pave the way for deeper investigations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-final-thoughts">Final thoughts</h2>



Aronia may carry special ingredients that bolster the gut’s ability to cope with stress, especially during nutritional challenges. Investigators are looking to see if these insights might lead to new strategies for lowering inflammation in the long term.



This berry isn’t a magic bullet, and results will differ from person to person. Its potential, though, goes beyond just delivering antioxidants: it may connect with gut microbes in ways that support healthy balance. Fresh interest in aronia keeps growing, and the findings so far hint at a fruitful path for future study. The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1244692">Frontiers</a>.



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Black gold: The vitamin-packed fruit that regulates blood sugar and blood pressure

Berries from the genus Aronia, often called black chokeberry, are...

Washington,,Dc,,Usa,-,Nov,25,,2024:,Australopithecus,Afarensis,Diorama

The debate about when our ancestors started eating meat has taken an unexpected turn. While we've long associated early human evolution with meat consumption, a recent study reveals that some of our earliest ancestors stuck to a mostly plant-based diet.



The research was led by Dr. Tina Lüdecke from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Germany in collaboration with researchers from South Africa.



The findings challenge our previous assumptions about early hominin diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeth-hold-clues-of-ancient-diets">Teeth hold clues of ancient diets</h2>



A team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.mpic.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Chemistry</a> in Germany and the University of the Witwatersrand (<a href="https://www.wits.ac.za" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wits University</a>) in South Africa analyzed nitrogen isotopes in the fossilized tooth enamel of seven Australopithecus individuals.



These fossils were recovered from the Sterkfontein Caves near Johannesburg, a site rich in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-species-of-human-ancestors-literally-crossed-paths-1-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early hominin</a> remains. 



By comparing these isotopic signatures to those of coexisting animals - including herbivores like antelopes and monkeys, as well as carnivores such as hyenas and big cats - the scientists established the positrons of Australopithecus in the prehistoric food web.



The nitrogen isotope ratios in the&nbsp;Australopithecus&nbsp;teeth were consistently low, closely resembling those of plant-eating animals. This strongly suggests that these early human ancestors primarily consumed a plant-based diet and did not regularly eat meat. 



While the researchers acknowledge that&nbsp;Australopithecus&nbsp;may have occasionally consumed animal proteins such as eggs or insects, their findings indicate that meat was not a significant part of their diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-based-vs-meat-diets">Plant-based vs. meat diets</h2>



The key to this discovery lies in the analysis of nitrogen isotopes, which provide reliable indicators of an animal’s diet. When animals digest food, their bodies process nitrogen in a way that leaves distinct chemical traces. 



Specifically, the ratio of heavy nitrogen isotopes (15N) to light nitrogen isotopes (14N) increases as one moves up the food chain. 



Herbivores, which consume plants, have lower nitrogen isotope ratios, while carnivores have higher ratios because they consume herbivores.



"Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue of the mammalian body and can preserve the isotopic fingerprint of an animal's diet for millions of years," noted geochemist Tina Lüdecke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-isotopes-reveal-ancient-diets">Nitrogen isotopes reveal ancient diets</h2>



By measuring nitrogen isotope ratios in fossilized tooth enamel, scientists can determine whether an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-anadoluvius-turkae-suggests-humans-originated-in-europe-not-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organism</a> primarily consumed plants or animals. 



While this method has been widely used to study the diets of modern animals and humans, it was previously limited to fossils only tens of thousands of years old due to the degradation of organic material over time. 



However, Lüdecke and her team applied a breakthrough technique developed in Alfredo Martínez-García’s laboratory at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry. This method allowed the researchers to extract nitrogen isotope data from fossilized tooth enamel that is millions of years old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-meat-in-diets">Evolution of meat in diets</h2>



One of the most significant aspects of this study is how it challenges existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-tools-ever-made-on-earth-hominins-3-million-years-ago-cradle-of-humankind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theories</a> about the role of meat in human evolution. 



Many researchers have theorized that the consumption of animal resources, especially meat, played a crucial role in the development of larger brains and more advanced tool-making abilities.



The protein and fat found in meat have been linked to the evolutionary increase in brain size seen in later hominins. However, direct evidence of when meat became a staple in the human diet has remained elusive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australopithecus-did-not-eat-meat">Australopithecus did not eat meat</h2>



The findings from this study suggest that&nbsp;Australopithecus&nbsp;did not regularly hunt or consume large mammals, unlike Neanderthals, who lived millions of years later and actively pursued large game. 



This implies that the shift toward a meat-based diet occurred later in human evolution, possibly with the emergence of the genus&nbsp;Homo.



"This method opens up exciting possibilities for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazing-adaptation-early-humans-thrived-in-extreme-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a>," said Martínez-García. "It has the potential to answer crucial questions, for example, when did our ancestors begin to incorporate meat in their diet? And was the onset of meat consumption linked to an increase in brain volume?"



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-breakthrough-in-dietary-research">Major breakthrough in dietary research</h2>



This research represents a major breakthrough in the study of ancient diets. Previous studies relied on indirect evidence, such as tool use and wear patterns on teeth, to infer what early hominins ate. 



However, by directly measuring nitrogen isotopes in fossilized tooth enamel, Lüdecke’s team has provided the most concrete evidence yet that&nbsp;Australopithecuswas largely herbivorous.



"This work represents a huge step in extending our ability to better understand diets and trophic levels of all animals back into the scale of millions of years. The research provides clear evidence that its diet did not contain significant amounts of meat," said Professor Dominic Stratford, director of research at the Sterkfontein Caves.



"We are honored that the pioneering application of this new method was spearheaded at Sterkfontein, a site that continues to make fundamental contributions to science even 89 years after the first hominin fossils were discovered there by Robert Broom."



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



Lüdecke’s team now plans to expand their research by analyzing fossilized tooth enamel from other early hominin species across different time periods and geographic regions. 



By collecting data from key fossil sites in eastern and southern Africa as well as Southeast Asia, they hope to better understand when and how meat consumption became a regular part of the human diet.



The research could help answer long-standing questions about whether the introduction of meat provided an evolutionary advantage.



Did meat consumption contribute to the development of larger brains? Did it play a role in social structures and hunting behaviors? These are the types of questions that future studies will seek to address.



The study, funded by the Max Planck Society and supported by the German Research Foundation’s Emmy Noether program, marks a major advancement in the field of paleoanthropology.



By applying cutting-edge scientific techniques to ancient fossils, researchers are now able to uncover new details about the dietary habits of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant ancestors</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meat-and-diet-of-human-ancestors">Meat and diet of human ancestors </h2>



The findings from this study challenge traditional assumptions about early human diets. Rather than being early hunters,&nbsp;Australopithecus&nbsp;appears to have relied primarily on plant-based food. 



This research provides a clearer picture of how human nutrition evolved over millions of years and highlights the importance of continued exploration in the field of evolutionary anthropology.



As scientists refine their methods and expand their dataset, we may soon uncover even more details about the dietary habits that shaped the course of human evolution. 



One thing is clear - our journey from plant eaters to omnivorous beings was not as straightforward as once thought.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq7315" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Early humans had surprising diets 3.5 million years ago

The debate about when our ancestors started eating meat has...

Our world is warming, and ecosystems are shifting in response. Some changes are obvious - like flowers blooming earlier - but many are subtle and complex. One of the most important factors in this transformation is phenology, the timing of natural events, such as seed germination and plant growth.



A new study from Holden Forests &amp; Gardens sheds light on how warming influences plant communities by altering germination timing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-germination-timing-in-plants">Role of germination timing in plants</h2>



Germination timing plays a crucial role in shaping entire ecosystems, not just individual plant species. When a seed starts growing, its timing determines how well it competes for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. 



Some plants adjust quickly to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer temperatures</a>, germinating earlier in the season, while others stick to their usual schedule. This shift in timing can disrupt the ecological balance, allowing certain species to dominate and altering the overall plant community.



If a species germinates earlier, it may grow larger and take up more space, outcompeting others that germinate later. Over time, this change can influence which species thrive and which decline - ultimately affecting animals, insects, and other organisms that depend on those plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-germination-in-different-plant-species">Germination in different plant species</h2>



To better understand how climate change affects plant communities, a research team led by Emma Dawson-Glass from the <a href="https://holdenfg.org/katie-stuble-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stuble Lab</a> conducted a controlled study. They focused on 15 plant species commonly found in old-field ecosystems. 



The researchers designed an experiment that simulated two temperature conditions: one reflecting current climate conditions and another 3°C warmer to mimic future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-in-2024-what-have-we-learned/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> scenarios.



This setup allowed them to observe how temperature changes influenced the timing of seed germination.



The main objective of the study was to determine&nbsp;which plant species germinate earlier under warming&nbsp;and how that shift affects plant interactions. 



When certain species sprout earlier, they may gain a competitive advantage, growing larger and outcompeting other plants for sunlight, nutrients, and water. This process can&nbsp;alter plant community compositionand disrupt ecological balance.



The findings provide strong evidence that&nbsp;climate change is already influencing ecosystems. Studying these patterns is crucial for predicting future shifts and developing strategies to manage and restore plant communities as the climate continues to warm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winners-and-losers-in-a-warmer-world">Winners and losers in a warmer world</h2>



The study found that plants with greater phenological flexibility had a competitive edge. 



Plant species like&nbsp;curly dock (Rumex crispus), wrinkleleaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa),&nbsp;and&nbsp;tall ironweed (Vernonia gigantea)&nbsp;grew significantly larger when they germinated earlier in a warmed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-defy-climate-change-through-acclimation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a>. 



Meanwhile, species such as&nbsp;spotted St. John’s wort (Hypericum punctatum), bristly buttercup (Ranunculus pensylvanicus),&nbsp;and&nbsp;Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)&nbsp;performed better in current conditions, struggling when warming altered the timing of their establishment.



However, not all plants showed a clear response - some maintained stable growth regardless of warming. This variability suggests that climate change will not affect all species equally, creating an unpredictable future for plant communities.



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



"This work illustrates that warming can change the order of species arrivals, ultimately reshaping community composition,” said Dawson-Glass. These findings are crucial for conservationists and ecologists working to restore and manage plant communities in a rapidly changing world.



The study also highlights&nbsp;phenological sensitivity, the ability of species to adjust their timing in response to seasonal changes. 



“Our results provide a new perspective on how climate change is already shaping ecosystems in ways we’re only beginning to understand,” said Katharine Stuble.



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



As climate change accelerates, shifts in germination timing are altering ecosystems by affecting&nbsp;food webs, species competition, and biodiversity. Some plants germinate earlier due to warming, gaining a competitive edge over others. 



This can lead to&nbsp;changes in plant community structure, where dominant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> thrive while others struggle. Over time, these shifts impact herbivores that rely on specific plants for food, which in turn affects predators and the broader ecosystem.



The research at&nbsp;<a href="https://holdenfg.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holden Forests &amp; Gardens</a>&nbsp;contributes to a growing understanding of how these changes unfold. 



By studying phenology - the timing of natural events - scientists can predict and manage the effects of climate change on plant communities. This knowledge is crucial for conservation efforts, helping land managers restore and maintain biodiversity.



As ecosystems continue to shift, understanding phenology will be essential in developing strategies to&nbsp;adapt to a warming world and protect ecological balance.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4504" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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Climate warming alters plant germination and disrupts ecosystem balance

Our world is warming, and ecosystems are shifting in response....

Continental European snakes, geckos, and Italian wall lizards are silently making their way to northern Europe. They travel undetected among ornamental plants such as olive trees that are imported for gardens and green spaces.



These hidden plant hitchhikers can become invasive species, threatening native ecosystems - just as they have in snake-free Mediterranean islands like Majorca.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importing-ornamental-plants">Importing ornamental plants </h2>



The presence of these reptiles signals a larger problem. Ornamental plants and cut flowers transport a wide range of pests, including insects, fungi, and disease-carrying organisms. These shipments move at high speed and in large volumes, making thorough inspections nearly impossible.



A study published in the journal Bioscience warns that despite regulations, imported plants pose an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-threat-of-invasive-species-requires-immediate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increasing risk</a>. The global market for ornamental plants is expanding rapidly, and stronger regulations are urgently needed to prevent environmental and agricultural damage.



“Ornamental olive trees for sale in the UK can be over 100 years old, with many hiding places amongst their gnarly bark and the soil they’re transported in. This is incredibly risky in terms of importing pests,” said Professor William Sutherland from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>.



“Adult snakes and lizards are just the tip of the iceberg. If they’re getting through, what’s the chance of us spotting small insects and fungi - the things that really cause the problems?”



“The sheer volume of cut flowers and ornamental plants being traded at speed around the world makes it extremely difficult to intercept all the pests and diseases they carry. Even with the best of intentions, unwanted hitchhikers are getting through customs import checks all the time,” added Dr. Silviu Petrovan, a researcher from Cambridge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illegal-plant-trade-and-wild-pests">Illegal plant trade and wild pests </h2>



The problem goes beyond pests. Some suppliers ignore regulations, illegally stripping orchids and cacti from tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-plants-alter-the-soundscape-of-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a> and selling them as part of legal shipments. Enforcing trade protections on a large scale is challenging, making it easier for endangered species to be exploited.



“Even with a global trade in cultivated ornamental plants, there is still a market for rare <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-bombs-invasive-plants-can-lie-dormant-for-centuries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> taken from the wild, and this can lead to rapid species declines, as well as increased risks that wild pests and plant diseases may enter the supply chain,” warned Dr. Amy Hinsley from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-frog-s-journey-to-sheffield">A frog’s journey to Sheffield</h2>



For Dr. Petrovan, the issue became personal when he was called to identify a live frog found in a florist’s shop in Sheffield. Initially, he assumed it was a joke.&nbsp;



When Dr. Petrovan realized the tree frog had arrived from Colombia via Ecuador, he was shocked.



“Finding a South American tree frog in a Sheffield florist was extraordinary. It made me realize that if you can get this type of fragile small vertebrate arriving alive in a flower shipment without being noticed at customs, just how hard it must be to detect very small agricultural insect pests or their eggs,” said Dr. Petrovan.



To assess the scale of the problem, researchers analyzed records from Dutch customs (2017-2018) and the UK’s DEFRA (2021-2023). Over 80% of intercepted pests were insects, highlighting the difficulty of detection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-health-costs">Environmental and health costs</h2>



The study on invasive species reveals several serious concerns about the ornamental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-native-species-are-spreading-at-an-exponential-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> trade, particularly in the countries that supply these plants.&nbsp;



One major issue is pollution, as microplastics and agrochemicals used in plant cultivation contaminate soil and water systems. Another concern is the health risks faced by workers handling cut flowers which expose them to harmful pesticide residues. 



The industry’s high water consumption also threatens food security, especially in places like Kenya, where floriculture takes up to 98% of the water drawn from Lake Naivasha, reducing the availability of water for essential agriculture.&nbsp;



Additionally, transporting flowers across the world generates significant carbon emissions, with each flower producing up to 3kg of CO2 due to refrigeration and shipping. Beyond these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-lionfish-global-domination-mediterranean-sea-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impacts</a>, the exploitation of wild plants remains a critical problem.&nbsp;



Many endangered species, such as rare cacti, succulents, and orchids, continue to be taken from their natural habitats to meet demand, putting these species at further risk of extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-sustainable-solutions">Need for sustainable solutions</h2>



Despite its risks, the ornamental plant industry supports many rural economies. In 2022, the global export value of cut flowers and foliage reached $10 billion, while live plants and bulbs totaled $13 billion.



“We absolutely don’t want to encourage knee-jerk reactions that might be well-meaning but actually cause more problems than they solve,” said Dr. Petrovan. Instead, he advocates for better industry standards. 



“We need to push to make the industry more sustainable through things like certifications and better regulation, and to work with those involved in the trade to better understand the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-invasive-crustacean-species-discovered-in-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risks</a> and how to mitigate them,” added Dr. Petrovan.



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



“We need to be responsible consumers. While certification standards are being developed, buying plants rather than cut flowers can reduce many of the risks that stem from importing cut flowers. They last much longer and also reduce the emission costs,” said Dr. Alice Hughes from the University of Hong Kong (<a href="https://www.hku.hk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HKU</a>).



The ornamental plant trade is booming, but it carries hidden risks. From invasive reptiles to agricultural pests, unchecked imports threaten ecosystems and food security.&nbsp;



Smarter regulations, responsible sourcing, and consumer awareness can help create a more sustainable future - without sacrificing the beauty that plants and flowers bring to our lives.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/biae124/7954447" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bioscience</a>.



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International plant trade is spreading invasive species and pests

Continental European snakes, geckos, and Italian wall lizards are silently...

Imagine a world where robotic insects take over the critical task of pollination, freeing farmers from relying on the whims of nature or resorting to manually pollinating crops with paintbrushes. 



These high-tech marvels, inspired by nature’s own pollinators, promise to revolutionize agriculture by boosting efficiency and reducing environmental impact. 



Scientists at MIT are diligently working to reinvent artificial pollination, which will bring us closer to this sensational reality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-pioneers-of-giant-transformations">Small pioneers of giant transformations</h2>



These tiny mechanical marvels that are smaller than the size of a paperclip are expected to expedite <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insect-apocalypse-australasia-is-facing-a-hidden-pollination-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a>, thereby boosting crop yields while minimizing traditional agriculture's harmful effects on the environment.



Inspired by bees, these robotic insects could soon swarm out of mechanical hives to perform precise pollination, mimicking the efficiency and agility of their natural counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-inception-of-robotic-insects">The inception of robotic insects</h2>



<a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> researchers drew inspiration from bees to design these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-robotic-fish-developed-to-collect-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miniature robots</a>. 



Kevin Chen, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), head of the Soft and Micro Robotics Laboratory within the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE), and the senior author of an open-access paper on the new design, leads this innovative project.



Chen and his team recognized that earlier versions of robotic insects lacked the endurance, speed, and maneuverability of natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-not-just-attracted-to-plants-by-scent-but-also-by-humidity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>. 



This led them to redesign the robots, mimicking the anatomy and flight mechanics of bees to achieve greater efficiency and precision.



The research team, including co-lead authors Suhan Kim and Yi-Hsuan Hsiao, EECS graduate students, collaborated with Zhijian Ren and summer visiting student Jiashu Huang to produce their findings, which were published in Science Robotics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-robotic-insects">The evolution of robotic insects</h2>



The latest robotic insects represent a significant leap in design. 



The revamped bots can hover for about 1,000 seconds - over 100 times longer than their predecessors.



Weighing less than a paperclip, these robots achieve remarkable speeds, perform acrobatic stunts like double flips, and track trajectories as intricate as spelling "M-I-T."



The design improvements include more sophisticated transmissions that connect the wings to soft actuators, or artificial muscles, which minimize mechanical strain while increasing precision and agility. 



Each unit now features a single wing pointing outward, which reduces interference between wings and creates space for future enhancements, such as tiny batteries or sensors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-challenges">Overcoming challenges </h2>



Initial designs, with four units and eight wings, faced issues where the wings interfered with each other’s lift forces. 



"But there is no <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> that has eight wings. In our old design, the performance of each individual unit was always better than the assembled robot," Chen remarked.



The team halved the number of wings and reconfigured their alignment, significantly improving flight performance.



Fabricating the wing hinges was another challenge. 



These 2-centimeter-long, 200-micron-wide components required a multistep laser-cutting process to ensure precision. 



"If you have even a tiny alignment issue during the fabrication process, the wing hinge will be slanted instead of rectangular, which affects the wing kinematics," Chen explained.



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



The latest design breakthroughs bring the team closer to practical applications like assisted pollination.



“The amount of flight we demonstrated in this paper is probably longer than the entire amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbird-wings-the-future-of-robotic-flight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flight</a> our field has been able to accumulate with these robotic insects,” Chen shared.



Future goals include achieving flight durations in excess of 10,000 seconds and enhancing the robots’ precision to land and take off from flower centers.



In the long term, the team envisions equipping the robots with sensors, batteries, and computing capabilities for autonomous navigation outside the lab.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-the-future">A glimpse into the future</h2>



As Kevin Chen and his team continue to push the boundaries of robotic insect design, the promise of swarming, battery-powered pollinators edges closer to reality. 



With each iteration, these miniature marvels become more efficient, agile, and precise, bringing them one step closer to deployment in real-world environments.



They could bring revolutionary change in modern agriculture by making it possible to produce fruits and vegetables within controlled environments such as multilevel warehouses with robotic insects to remove the shackles of seasonality, climatic variability, and the decline of natural pollinators on crop production.



It is envisioned that such a shift would bring a surge in crop yield while opening doors to a greener, more responsible means of farm operation through pesticide-free and non-water hogging systems.



A whole vision of an army of robot pollinators marching across farms symbolizes technology with the science of biomimicry redefining everything related to the food sector. 



These robots may, one day, help solve some of the world's most pressing problems in food security and environmental conservation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scirobotics.adp4256" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Robotics</a>.



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Robotic insects are here and may be the future of farming and plant pollination

Imagine a world where robotic insects take over the critical...

Apples are often seen as a go-to choice for boosting overall health. They are affordable, easy to find, and praised for their nutritional content.&nbsp;



Yet many folks never realize how these crisp favorites might be doing more than just satisfying a sweet tooth. They contain special plant compounds that appear to lend a helping hand to a part of the body that usually goes unnoticed until problems arise: the liver.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-flavonoids">A closer look at flavonoids</h2>



A recent publication in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition pointed to a promising link between certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-thrived-on-plant-based-diets-not-meat-alone-780000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based diets</a> and lower chances of developing liver trouble.



<a href="https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=58875399600" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">William Bell</a>, who co-authored the study at the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a>, found that people who regularly ate foods packed with flavonoids saw benefits that went beyond typical cholesterol or blood pressure improvements.



<a href="https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/03/22/flavonoids-are-a-flavorful-way-to-boost-heart-and-brain-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flavonoids</a> are plant components that help protect living cells from stress. These compounds can be found in all sorts of foods, but apples are one of the standouts.&nbsp;



Apples also carry fiber, vitamins, and other antioxidants, so it is no surprise that they keep showing up in discussions about wellness. That extra dose of fiber, especially from the peel, tends to be associated with healthy digestion.&nbsp;



Experts point out that any improvement in digestion often has an indirect benefit on other organs, including the liver.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-apples-fit-into-the-picture">How apples fit into the picture</h2>



<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/8/5112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> across different institutions have studied how apples might support better liver function. The fruit seems to help maintain balance in the body by reducing oxidative stress.&nbsp;



This simply means that apples offer a natural approach to curbing some of the harmful chemical reactions that occur in cells during ordinary life. Left unchecked, these reactions can lead to inflammation or a buildup of fats in the liver.



“Mechanistic studies and short-term randomized trials suggest higher intakes of dietary flavonoids may protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,” wrote William Bell at the end of that research summary.



This line hints at a bigger story: the beneficial ingredients in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apple-orchards-face-compounding-threats-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apples</a> appear to support a healthier liver, which could mean a simpler way to look after the body’s wellness without specialized supplements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apples-and-their-protective-qualities">Apples and their protective qualities</h2>



Apples stand out partly because they supply two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Both forms can help with digestive rhythm. In addition, many of the vitamins and antioxidants in apples may assist the liver in cleaning out unwanted particles.&nbsp;



Researchers concur that the fiber and polyphenols present in apples <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4488768/#:~:text=Other%20studies%20indicated%20that%20apple,in%20the%20peel%20%5B150%5D.">help</a> lower cholesterol levels in the liver, as noted in their findings. Over time, that kind of health support might be very important for those facing potential liver issues.



Some <a href="https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu/2021/fcs/fruit-and-vegetable-peels-contain-many-nutrients#:~:text=Studies%20have%20found%20that%20a,an%20apple%20without%20its%20peel." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutritionists</a> highlight the fact that apples offer more nutrients with their peels on than with their peels removed, although slicing them or cooking them in different ways can still provide a decent nutrient load.&nbsp;



Whether it is a crisp snack on its own or baked with cinnamon, the apple holds plenty of vitamins that help round out any diet plan. 



Little choices, like adding this fruit to daily meals, can add up and contribute to a stronger defense against liver stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simplicity-that-fits-everyday-life">Simplicity that fits everyday life</h2>



There is also something comforting about apples. They are easy to pack in a bag, affordable, and versatile. Some people even blend them into smoothies or add small chunks to salads.&nbsp;



The fiber helps <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36193993/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">curb hunger</a>, so it can keep energy levels steady between meals. This is especially handy for individuals aiming to maintain a healthy weight which, in turn, supports a more balanced metabolic state.



Apples also tend to pair well with other flavonoid-rich foods like berries, onions, and tea. Many of these items are part of standard grocery lists for people hoping to eat more wholesome and natural foods. By including more of them in one’s diet, it may be possible to encourage a more resilient body overall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-things-real">Keeping things real</h2>



Everything we do, from our breakfast options to our afternoon snacks, has a ripple effect inside the body. The liver, though rarely discussed, is a vital player in keeping us energized. But it can take a beating when we pile on the sugars, fats, or unbalanced meals.&nbsp;



Looking after it does not always require drastic changes or expensive supplements. A trip to the produce aisle, and the choice to snack on an apple or two, might give the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/startling-connection-between-soda-and-liver-disease-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liver</a> the steady support it needs.



Many folks wonder if it makes sense to peel apples or avoid them altogether in certain health conditions. Most diet experts say that unless there is a specific medical reason, the peel should be eaten as it is filled with beneficial substances.&nbsp;



The only caveat is to wash apples well before eating them, especially if they are not organic, to remove any lingering residues. In the grand scheme, though, apples remain a humble champion for the liver.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-putting-new-findings-to-good-use">Putting new findings to good use</h2>



Some people see the <a href="https://columbiasurgery.org/liver/liver-and-its-functions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liver</a> as a silent workhorse. It stores nutrients, cleans toxins, and supports daily vitality. But silence does not mean it needs less care. In fact, giving it the right nutrition might be the best path to feeling spry as the years roll on. 



While the research keeps evolving, many experts maintain that wholesome eating has yet to fall out of style, and apples fit beautifully into that philosophy.



Not everyone loves a raw piece of fruit, so sliced apples on top of oatmeal or applesauce with a dash of cinnamon can be just as helpful.&nbsp;



This everyday <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-kiwifruit-immediately-significantly-improves-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit delivers vitamins</a>, fiber, and special plant chemicals that support liver function over time. Once we take a moment to appreciate how these small steps add up, it is easier to say yes to a routine that includes more nutritious foods.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916524007913" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition</a>.



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Experts say this is the best fruit to eat for a healthier liver

Apples are often seen as a go-to choice for boosting...

Corn,Cobs,In,Corn,Farming,Fields,During,The,Harvest,Season

Wild plants may hold the key to building resilient crops for a world that is increasingly impacted by climate change. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, the search for hardy, adaptable crop varieties has become more urgent than ever. 



While our ancestors transformed many wild species into staple crops, could they have overlooked others with untapped potential? 



Scientists at the University of Southampton believe that certain wild or underutilized plants might be vital in future to designing crops that will withstand the challenges of a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rich-heritage-of-cultivation">A rich heritage of cultivation</h2>



The journey of cultivation is an ancient one. Nearly 12,000 years ago, our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-hunter-gatherer-ancestors-did-much-more-gathering-than-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunter-gatherer</a> ancestors became cultivators who selectively grew seeds from their best plants.



Over time, this led to hardier, more productive crops. Yet, not all wild species were deemed suitable for cultivation - some were left behind. 



Can these forsaken wild species offer us any insights today?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-digging-into-the-potential-of-wild-plants">Digging into the potential of wild plants</h2>



In their recently published study in Trends in Ecology and Evolution, the Southampton team, including scientists from Oxford and Sheffield, and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, propose that certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-depend-on-wild-plant-and-animal-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild species</a> possess traits that make them prime candidates for cultivation.



They’ve drawn on a wealth of past research to probe why certain wild species were preferred over others and how cultivated plants differ genetically from their wild antecedents.



“Tens of thousands of plant species are edible, yet just a few hundred have been <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/domesticating-plants-permanently-alters-their-microbiome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">domesticated</a> and a mere 15 species provide 90 percent of our calories,” stated Professor Mark Chapman of the University of Southampton, making a sobering point. 



“Hundreds of wild plants were collected during the Neolithic period by humans, but were later abandoned as food sources. We have explored which genetic or physical traits facilitated or constrained the domestication of wild species,” he added.



This glaring disparity begs the question - why so few?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traits-of-the-chosen-wild-plants">Traits of the chosen wild plants</h2>



The team identified three key factors that influence a plant's suitability for cultivation. 



First is plasticity - the ability of plants to adapt quickly to their environment and develop traits favored by humans, thus making them more practical for cultivation.



Second is genetic make-up, where simplicity plays a crucial role; traits governed by fewer genes are easier to modify. Thus simpler genetic programming makes it easier to change a plant's morphology to meet human needs.



Lastly, mutation rate is significant; plants that mutate more rapidly can evolve faster, potentially producing larger seeds or more palatable fruits over shorter timeframes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planning-for-an-uncertain-future">Planning for an uncertain future</h2>



Understanding what led to the dominance of certain plant species in agriculture could be crucial in identifying new potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops for a changing climate</a>. 



“When plants were first domesticated thousands of year ago, humans only knew the climate and weather conditions they would face at that present time," explained Professor Chapman.



"Now, using sophisticated climate modelling, we can predict how our world will warm and how our weather will change in the decades to come. This gives us the opportunity to think about the ways in which our crops will need to be resistant in the future."



The team’s research emphasizes that plants overlooked or underutilized in the past may hold valuable traits that offer new opportunities to develop crops better suited to future environmental challenges.



By applying selective breeding and precision breeding tactics, these underdogs might just become the crops for a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-potential-of-forgotten-crops">Unlocking the potential of forgotten crops</h2>



While the history of modern agriculture has been dominated by a very small pool of crops, many wild plants and their biodiversity have yet to be explored.



Many of these plants have extraordinary characteristics, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/old-growth-trees-more-tolerant-to-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> resistance, pest tolerance, and the ability to grow in poor soils, all of which make them attractive candidates for a future of climate-resilient agriculture.



According to the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> team, advanced technologies such as genomics and precision breeding can unlock these traits.



By mapping the genomes of the wild relatives along with other, lesser-known crops, scientists can find genes responsible for desirable characteristics and incorporate them into new crop varieties.



This approach not only expands our agricultural repertoire but also provides insurance against the vulnerabilities of monoculture farming in an unpredictable climate.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S016953472400315X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Domesticating wild plants may result in more resilient crops

Wild plants may hold the key to building resilient crops...

In our efforts to sustain the planet, one vital aspect that we have often failed to consider is the role of tree crops. 



Did you know that tree crops cover an astounding 183 million hectares worldwide? Yet, they remain largely overlooked in agricultural policies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-potential-of-tree-crops">The potential of tree crops </h2>



Whether it's apples, cherries, olives, nuts, coffee, or cacao, tree crops offer much more than just a tasty snack or your morning caffeine boost.



A recently published study has highlighted their immense potential not only by feeding us globally but by safeguarding biodiversity, tackling climate change, and improving millions of lives worldwide. 



The international team of authors shared their findings in a Perspectives article published in the journal Nature Sustainability.



"In this Perspective, we highlight the potential of properly managed and incentivized perennial woody crops to support holistic sustainable development and urge scientists and policymakers to develop an effective agenda to better harness their benefits," wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlooked-role-of-tree-crops">Overlooked role of tree crops</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-salt-lake-agriculture-is-draining-a-natural-wonder/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agricultural</a> policies have traditionally focused on annual crops like wheat, rice, and sunflowers. These crops have a much shorter life cycle, typically completing germination to harvest in a year. 



While promoting sustainable practices for these crops is essential, their ecological benefits are limited. Their simpler vegetation and short harvest cycles don't offer the same long-term ecological benefits.



Tree crops, in contrast, are far more complex. They consist of multiple layers of vegetation, such as herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees, creating stable ecosystems that support biodiversity when managed sustainably. 



"We’re missing an opportunity to leverage tree crops to address some of the biggest environmental and social challenges of our time," said Dr. Carlos Martínez-Núñez, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.ebd.csic.es/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doñana Biological Station</a>.



These systems not only provide habitats for various species but also contribute significantly to environmental protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-beyond-food-production">Benefits beyond food production</h2>



Tree crops offer a range of environmental benefits. Their permanent root systems help prevent soil erosion and improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-soil-day-2024-protecting-our-planets-lifeline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil fertility</a>. The extensive leaf litter from these crops enriches the soil, making it more productive over time. 



Additionally, tree crops act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering greenhouse gases and aiding in climate change mitigation.



These crops also enhance habitat connectivity, allowing fragmented ecosystems to thrive and providing a buffer against the impacts of intensive agriculture. By improving ecosystem services and offering stable, year-round habitats, tree crops play an essential role in global biodiversity conservation.



Moreover, tree crops are less mechanized and demand more manual labor than other forms of agriculture. This makes them vital sources of employment in low- and middle-income countries, where they are widespread. 



"When managed properly, these agricultural systems can be a powerful tool for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and rural poverty alleviation," noted Dr. Martínez-Núñez.



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



The study highlights the need for tailored policies and research to ensure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-are-in-a-race-against-time-to-save-our-food-supply-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable management</a> of tree crops.



Dr. Elena Velado-Alonso, co-author of the study and researcher at Göttingen University’s <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/596513.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology Group</a>, emphasized the importance of context-specific measures.



"Tree cropping areas overlap with most of the world’s biodiversity-rich areas, making them key to conservation," said Dr. Velado-Alonso. "However, local practices and landscape-scale measures adapted to different contexts are needed."



To maximize the contribution of tree crops to global sustainability, the research team calls for implementing regulations, financial incentives, and policies that support improved agricultural practices. 



These steps could harness tree crops' full potential in addressing key environmental and social challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-agriculture-with-tree-crops">Rethinking agriculture with tree crops</h2>



This call to action marks a crucial step in rethinking agriculture's role in creating a more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable and equitable world</a>. 



By embracing the benefits of tree crops and promoting sustainable practices, we can take significant strides toward achieving the United Nations' <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Development Goals</a>. These crops are not just a source of food and income - they are a powerful tool for environmental protection and social progress.



With more attention, research, and support, tree crops could become the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, helping to address the climate crisis, conserve biodiversity, and uplift communities worldwide.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01483-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Sustainability</a>.



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Tree crops: A path to feeding the world and saving the planet

In our efforts to sustain the planet, one vital aspect...

Could you imagine happening upon an orchid that looks familiar but has a unique difference that makes you wonder if it is a new species? 



That’s exactly what happened during a study at Norfolk Island National Park. This unexpected find sparked a collaborative effort to uncover the orchid’s true identity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-the-field-the-discovery">A glimpse into the field - the discovery</h2>



While conducting botanical research at Norfolk Island National Park, Dr. Heidi Zimmer, an orchid researcher at the <a href="https://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/herbarium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian National Herbarium</a> (ANH), and botanist Dr. Mark Clements were guided by the local expertise of Joel Christian, Mel Wilson, and Allie Andersen. 



In the late afternoon light, the team’s efforts paid off when Dr. Clements spotted a peculiar orchid growing on a tree branch. 



Something about <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/new-orchid-species_cupcake_Adelopetalum-argyropus_credit-Heidi-Zimmer_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the orchid looked different</a>, prompting Dr. Zimmer to collect a sample to take back to the ANH for further study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investigating-the-new-orchid">Investigating the new orchid</h2>



The orchid was identified as belonging to the genus Adelopetalum, but its exact classification was unclear.



Recognizing its potential as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-technology-will-accelerate-the-pace-of-plant-species-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new species</a>, Zimmer and Clements collaborated with a broader team of experts, including retired ANH botanist David Jones, who served as the lead researcher. 



“This was a wonderfully collaborative project with folks from Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, and Australian botanists and taxonomists all working together,” enthused Dr. Zimmer, 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-new-adelopetalum-orchid">Analyzing the new Adelopetalum orchid</h2>



To determine whether this orchid was indeed a new species, the team began an exhaustive process. 



They compared the Norfolk Island specimen to descriptions of orchid species in scientific journals, specimens housed in the Australian National Herbarium - which contains approximately 75,000 specimens - and orchids preserved in herbaria across Australia and internationally.



This analysis utilized both physical specimens and digitized collections, allowing the researchers to examine a vast array of potential matches.



The research revealed a surprising result: the orchid species previously identified as Adelopetalum argyropus was not a single species but three distinct ones.



“We recognized that the Norfolk Island species was different because the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flower</a> did not have a yellow labellum - no giant bright yellow tongue,” explained Dr. Zimmer.



Even for researchers in training, the differences were clear when dissecting the flowers and examining herbarium specimens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-findings-a-new-species">The findings - a new species</h2>



As per taxonomic rules, the species from Norfolk Island retained the name Adelopetalum argyropus because it was the first described, dating back to 1833.



The two newly identified species were named Adelopetalum howense, which was found on Lord Howe Island, and Adelopetalum continentale, which was found on mainland Australia.



The team speculated that these orchids’ seeds, so fine and dust-like, were likely carried by the wind to their distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-how-plants-use-winged-seeds-to-expand-their-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitats</a>.



This discovery highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the role of natural dispersal mechanisms in shaping biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-publishing-the-discovery-the-description">Publishing the discovery - the description</h2>



The researchers published their findings in Phytotaxa, giving details of the botanical features of the new species.



The paper described the Norfolk Island orchid’s pseudobulbs as “broadly oblong to obconical or turbinate, similar to a cupcake, with shallow grooves and scurfy surfaces from remnants of bracts.” 



These detailed descriptions provide a foundation for further study and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-identifies-4300-types-of-endangered-orchids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>.



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



Orchids are among the plant families most at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-their-incredible-adaptability-orchids-are-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of extinction</a>, particularly those confined to habitats that are small in extent.



The three new species face significant threats due to their limited distribution and environmental pressures.



Dr. Zimmer emphasized the importance of naming and describing new species as part of broader conservation efforts. 



“The purpose of naming and describing new orchid species is to build a checklist of Australian orchids so people can conserve them. We think there are risks for these three new species," Dr. Zimmer explains.



"This is because the species on Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands are both confined to small islands and the one on continental Australia was badly impacted by the 2019–2020 bushfires."



This discovery highlights the power of collaboration and the enduring mysteries of nature. It’s a reminder of how much there is still to uncover and protect in our world.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://phytotaxa.mapress.com/pt/article/view/phytotaxa.678.1.9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytotaxa</a>.



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New orchid species discovered resembles a small cupcake

Could you imagine happening upon an orchid that looks familiar...

When people think about glowing mushrooms, like the newly discovered species Mycena crocata, they often imagine tropical rainforests where such exotic wonders may be more commonly found. 



However, bioluminescent fungi are not limited to tropical regions - they also live in unexpected places.



In Zurich, artists Heidy Baggenstos and Andreas Rudolf have dedicated more than ten years to studying and showcasing these glowing organisms. 



Their work highlights the beauty and presence of bioluminescent fungi close to home, and proves that extraordinary natural phenomena can be found even in familiar surroundings.



"We want to show that these bioluminescent mushrooms are present in Swiss forests and that we do not have to travel far to find them," said Baggenstos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mycena-crocata-glowing-mushrooms">Mycena crocata - glowing mushrooms</h2>



One evening, while exploring a forest in Zurich’s Albisrieden neighborhood, the duo spotted green light through their camera. 



"Nowadays we always have our mobile phones or a flashlight, but to see bioluminescence in the forest, it has to be pitch black," Rudolf explained.



Initially, they believed the glowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> to be Mycena haematopus. Upon closer investigation in their studio, however, they identified it as Mycena crocata, the saffron drop bonnet mushroom. 



This species, known for its saffron-colored milk, had never been described as bioluminescent before.



The artists documented their findings with photographs and light measurements, uncovering this hidden brilliance. 



In darkness, the mycelium - the underground network of the mushroom - emits a green glow that even causes decaying wood to light up.



Under ideal conditions, their cultivated mycelia glowed for 164 days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crossing-art-and-science">Crossing art and science</h2>



Collaborating with mycologist Renate Heinzelmann from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (<a href="https://www.wsl.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WSL</a>), the artists published their discovery in&nbsp;Mycoscience. 



"Most of the experiments were conducted by the artists. They collected the samples, took the photographs, and made the light measurements," Heinzelmann said, praising their dedication.



Through their research, the artists discovered that the fruiting body (the mushroom itself) of Mycena crocata emits little to no light. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/glowing-mushroom-species_Mycena-crocata_bioluminescence_credit-Baggenstos-Rudolf_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/glowing-mushroom-species_Mycena-crocata_bioluminescence_credit-Baggenstos-Rudolf_1s.webp" alt="Mycena crocata in the light (left) and in darkness (right). The bioluminescence from the mycelium makes the wood glow. Credit: Baggenstos/Rudolf" class="wp-image-1956533"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mycena crocata in the light (left) and in darkness (right). The bioluminescence from the mycelium makes the wood glow. Credit: Baggenstos/Rudolf</figcaption></figure>



Instead, the underground mycelium - the root-like network of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-all-fungi-matter-not-just-mushrooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungus</a> - is the primary source of its bioluminescence.



This glowing mycelium is capable of lighting up the decaying wood it grows on. When the wood is split open in the dark, it emits a green glow, which can last for up to four hours before gradually fading as the wood dries. 



This fascinating discovery highlights how the less-visible parts of fungi can hold some of their most extraordinary features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-glowing-fungi">Mystery of glowing fungi</h2>



Bioluminescence in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-fungi-communicate-using-a-silent-language/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a> happens because of a chemical reaction. A substance called&nbsp;luciferin&nbsp;reacts with an enzyme called&nbsp;luciferase. 



This reaction creates an unstable product that gives off energy as light, allowing the fungi to glow. Unlike other glowing effects like fluorescence, this process doesn’t need light or energy from outside sources; it happens naturally within the fungi.



Although scientists know how this reaction works, they are still unsure why fungi glow. One idea is that the light attracts insects, which might help spread the fungal spores.



However, this doesn’t fully explain the glow of the mycelium, which is hidden underground and doesn’t interact with insects. This mystery suggests there might be another, as yet unknown reason for fungal bioluminescence.



"It seems that bioluminescence has been maintained for a long time, so we assume it has some function," Heinzelmann says. "But it's still a mystery."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mycena-crocata-and-swiss-forests">Mycena crocata and Swiss forests</h2>



The discovery of&nbsp;Mycena crocata&nbsp;as a glowing, bioluminescent fungus highlights how much we still don’t know about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural world</a> around us. Local ecosystems hold countless secrets waiting to be explored. 



Bioluminescent fungi, for instance, have fascinated humans for thousands of years. Aristotle described their glow as a “cold fire” over 2,000 years ago, and even now, their mysteries continue to intrigue scientists.



According to mycologist <a href="https://www.wsl.ch/en/staff/heinzelm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renate Heinzelmann</a>, the field of bioluminescence is still in its early stages. She believes that as more people study fungi, more glowing species will be uncovered. "Bioluminescence is under-researched, and the more people look, the more they will find," she states.



The collaborative work of artists Heidy Baggenstos and Andreas Rudolf with scientists demonstrates how blending art and science can reveal nature’s hidden marvels. 



Their discovery serves as a powerful reminder that extraordinary phenomena aren’t always far away - they might be right in our local forests, waiting for someone curious enough to notice them.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/mycosci/65/4/65_MYC633/_article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mycoscience</a>.



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New species of glowing mushrooms discovered

When people think about glowing mushrooms, like the newly discovered...

Hummingbird flower mites are tiny hitchhikers with an electrifying secret. These minuscule arachnids have developed a remarkable survival strategy.



A new study reveals that the mites use static electricity generated by their hummingbird chauffeurs to leap from one flower to another.



The remarkable relationship between the mites and hummingbirds has puzzled researchers for years. 



In particular, scientists have questioned what determines the moment that the mites choose to hop onto or off of a hummingbird. This is a crucial part of the mites' survival, as it enables them to transition from flower to flower for sustenance and reproduction.



After years of speculation and study, researchers may have finally found the answer.



It all started with Carlos Garcia-Robledo, an associate professor in the <a href="https://eeb.uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology</a>, who noted that the mites seemingly preferred the first flower that a hummingbird visited. This observation led him to question why the mites were not hopping onto second or third flowers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-static-electricity-helps-mites-jump">Static electricity helps mites jump</h2>



Initially, the scientific community speculated that some kind of smell signal influenced the mites. However, after conducting experiments, Garcia-Robledo felt there had to be another explanation.



“I knew that it was not maybe the smell that played a major role in this because if you bring the mites to a laboratory, they don’t care much about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flower-smells-like-dead-insects-to-attract-coffin-flies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smells of flowers</a> and so on. I knew it had to be something else,” he said.



The turning point came after Garcia-Robledo read a study about ticks and static electricity. An idea clicked. 



“Maybe something electrostatic was happening there. These mites are so tiny that they live at another level of perception, so of course, even little electric fields are important for them. This could help explain the mystery of how they can be fast enough to hitchhike on this family of birds,” he noted.



Armed with this new idea, Garcia-Robledo collaborated with Konstantine Manser, a Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, and Diego Dierick, a scientist at the <a href="https://tropicalstudies.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Organization for Tropical Studies</a>. The team quickly constructed simple devices to test their theory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-mite-s-electric-path">Unveiling the mite's electric path</h2>



To their astonishment, the results were immediate and compelling. The researchers observed that the mites reacted to the static electricity.



“We turned on the device, and instantaneously, they started to respond. That’s how we figured out that they were using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mystery-of-static-electricity-has-finally-been-solved/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">static electricity</a>,” explained Garcia-Robledo.



Further testing revealed that the mites were not just responding to static electricity but to a specific frequency of the electric field. 



“The mites respond to the bouncing of a signal that is associated with the size, geometry, and vibration of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-an-amazing-sense-of-touch-for-precise-navigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hummingbirds</a>, which reach frequencies between 20 and 160 Hz,” noted Garcia-Robledo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-mites-sense-different-signals">Different mites sense different signals</h2>



These discoveries have opened a new chapter in our understanding of hummingbird flower mites.



Each of the 19 mite species at La Selva demonstrates a unique preference for specific flowers and has unique structures in their legs that potentially allow them to detect different electrical frequencies.



“We think that there may be some specificity in the electric signals or different charges for flowers,” noted Garcia-Robledo.



As we continue to unravel the mysteries of hummingbird flower mites, we are reminded of the complex and little-understood ways in which life adapts and thrives.



In these tiny hitchhikers, we find another reflection of the incredible diversity and adaptability of our natural world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-masters-of-electricity">Masters of electricity</h2>



The ability of hummingbird flower mites to detect and respond to static electricity is probably the result of millions of years of evolutionary fine-tuning.



These tiny arachnids don’t just react to any electric field; they are sensitive to specific frequencies generated by the movement and vibrations of hummingbirds. 



But how did this ability develop, and why is it so crucial to their survival?



Researchers suspect that mites with a heightened sensitivity to electrical fields had an evolutionary advantage. Being able to time their jumps with precision ensures that they reach the right <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowers</a>, and minimizes the risk of getting stranded in an unsuitable environment. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-research">Broader implications of the research</h2>



Over generations, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-rules-natural-selection-change-significantly-often-daphnia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural selection</a> may have favored mites with specialized structures in their legs. As Garcia-Robledo's team observed, these structures seem to help the mites detect and interpret electric signals.



The discovery that mites use electric fields for travel raises broader ecological questions. Could other tiny organisms also exploit similar mechanisms? 



Insects, pollen, or even microbes might interact with electrostatic forces in ways we have yet to fully understand. 



This new perspective challenges researchers to rethink how small-scale biological systems interact with invisible physical forces, and opens the door to discoveries beyond mites and hummingbirds.



While the full extent of electrostatic sensing in nature remains a mystery, one thing is certain - these tiny mites are not just passive passengers. They are finely adapted travelers that use hidden forces to navigate their microscopic world with astonishing precision.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2419214122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Hummingbird flower mites use static electricity to travel

Hummingbird flower mites are tiny hitchhikers with an electrifying secret....

Spinosaurus,Attacks,Deinonychus,In,The,Jungle.,This,Is,A,3d

Imagine going out for a quiet stroll and unexpectedly uncovering the remnants of a prehistoric meal - one that dates back 66 million years - buried beneath layers of ancient rock.



This is exactly what happened to an amateur fossil enthusiast in Denmark who, with a keen eye and a bit of luck, stumbled upon a discovery that promises to shed new light on the diets of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the ancient seas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chance-discovery-on-the-cliffs">Chance discovery on the cliffs</h2>



The location called the Stevns Klint Coastal Cliffs, which is a <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNESCO-heritage</a> site south of Copenhagen, proved to be a treasure trove for this local resident.



His name is Peter Bennicke, and he was out on a casual walk when he happened upon some unusual fragments in a piece of chalk.



On closer inspection, these fragments turned out to be pieces of sea lily, which is actually a type of marine invertebrate.



Intrigued by his discovery, Bennicke decided to take these fragments to a museum for further examination. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossilized-vomit-composition">Fossilized vomit composition</h2>



The specialists at the <a href="https://www.oesm.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of East Zealand</a> conducted an examination of the fragments, which revealed that the pieces were not just ordinary sea lilies.



They were actually a part of fossilized vomit that had formed near the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-from-the-end-of-cretaceous-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous period</a>, around 66 million years ago.



This vomit is thought to have come from a fish that dined on at least two different species of sea lily. However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-show-distinct-personalities-when-foraging-for-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> could not digest these parts and subsequently regurgitated them.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dinosaur-vomit_66-million-years-old_credit-Sten-Lennart-Jakobsen_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dinosaur-vomit_66-million-years-old_credit-Sten-Lennart-Jakobsen_1s.webp" alt="Regurgitated sea lilies discovered by hiker. Credit: Sten Lennart Jakobsen" class="wp-image-1958343"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Regurgitated sea lilies discovered by hiker. Credit: Sten Lennart Jakobsen</figcaption></figure>



In a press release, the Museum emphasized the importance of such discoveries, stating that they play a key role in piecing together ancient food webs.



"This type of find ... is considered very important when reconstructing past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-past-warming-help-protect-future-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> because it provides important information about which animals were eaten by which," stated the Museum press release.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prehistoric-food-chain-insights">Prehistoric food chain insights</h2>



Discovering prehistoric fossilized vomit is indeed rare and offers new insights into the diet and behavior of prehistoric animals. In the world of paleontology, this is regarded as a precious find.



Jesper Milan, a noted paleontologist associated with the research, was very enthusiastic about the discovery. 



He hailed this discovery as "truly an unusual find," and elaborated on how it helps decipher the relationships in the prehistoric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-twilight-zone-stabilizes-the-marine-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food chain</a>.



"Sea lilies are not a particularly nutritious diet, as they consist mainly of calcareous plates held together by a few soft parts," explained Milan. 



"But here is an animal, probably some kind of fish that, 66 million years ago, ate sea lilies that lived at the bottom of the Cretaceous sea and regurgitated the skeletal parts."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-clues-in-fossilized-vomit">Unexpected clues in fossilized vomit</h2>



Fossilized remains like this rare regurgitation provide a unique snapshot of life in the prehistoric seas.



Unlike traditional body fossils, which reveal an animal’s physical structure, trace fossils such as vomit, feces, and bite marks offer direct evidence of ancient behaviors. 



These remnants, which are often overlooked, play a crucial role in understanding prehistoric ecosystems.



The Cliffs of Stevns, already famous for their rich fossil record from the end-Cretaceous period, continue to yield new surprises. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-fossilized-vomit-matter">Why does fossilized vomit matter?</h2>



This latest discovery highlights how the prehistoric marine world was more dynamic than previously thought. 



The presence of sea lilies in the fish’s diet suggests that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-shoulders-evolved-from-the-jawbones-of-ancient-fish-called-placoderms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient fish</a> species were more opportunistic feeders than expected, consuming whatever was available in their environment. 



This challenges assumptions that sea lilies, primarily composed of calcium carbonate, were unappealing to most marine predators.



By analyzing the composition and arrangement of fossilized vomit like this, paleontologists can piece together ancient food webs with greater accuracy. 



It also raises intriguing questions. Was this fish struggling to find more nutritious prey? Had it evolved specialized features to help it digest this unappealing food? 



With each new find, researchers inch closer to understanding the daily lives of prehistoric creatures, and recreating a more vivid picture of the past.



The information for this article was published in a <a href="https://www.oesm.dk/usaedvanligt-fund-af-danekrae-paa-stevns-klint/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a> by the Museum of East Zealand.



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66-million-year-old fossilized vomit gives clues to prehistoric diets

Imagine going out for a quiet stroll and unexpectedly uncovering...

The world’s changing climate isn’t only increasing temperatures - it’s triggering a profound reorganization of Earth’s species. The accelerating pace of these shifts poses serious threats to global wildlife.



New research reveals that rapid temperature fluctuations are actively altering which species can survive in specific regions at a rate faster than previously observed.



The study, led by researchers at UC Santa Cruz, highlights how rising and falling temperatures lead to rapid shifts in species composition. The researchers found that as temperature fluctuations accelerate, ecosystems struggle to maintain stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-alone-cannot-save-species">Adaptation alone cannot save species</h2>



The study challenges the assumption that species can easily adapt to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing climate</a> through behavioral shifts or altered interactions with other organisms.



Instead, the research shows that such adaptations are insufficient to counteract the effects of increasingly unstable temperatures.



When climate changes too quickly, ecosystems undergo a reshuffling process that disrupts the balance of species within them.



Study lead author Malin Pinsky is an associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz</a>.



"It's like shuffling a deck of cards, and temperature change now is shuffling that deck faster and faster," said Pinsky. "The worry is that eventually you start to lose some cards."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-species-replacement">Climate change and species replacement </h2>



Unlike ocean species, which are often forced to move long distances due to warming waters, land animals can typically relocate to nearby areas that suit their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature needs</a>. However, the researchers found that even this ability does not prevent disruptions to terrestrial ecosystems.



The study was focused on species replacement, a process in which some species disappear while new ones take their place.



While this is a natural occurrence, the study shows that the speed of replacement is increasing due to rapid temperature changes. If this trend continues, species losses may outpace new arrivals, leading to ecosystem instability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-mitigate-the-crisis">How to mitigate the crisis</h2>



The study suggests that the best way to reduce these climate change risks is to prevent further global warming, preserve natural landscapes that support diverse species and temperature conditions, and limit human-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changes to the environment</a>.



The benefits of these actions include increased biodiversity, cleaner air, and healthier ecosystems.



"Temperature affects everything from how fast the heart beats to how flexible and porous our cell membranes are; from how much food animals eat to how fast plants grow," noted Pinsky. "Temperature is in many ways the metronome for life."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-ecosystems-are-more-resilient">Some ecosystems are more resilient</h2>



One of the key findings of the study is that ecosystems with varied landscapes are better equipped to handle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-are-largely-unprepared-for-the-effects-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature shifts</a>. 



When an environment offers a range of temperature conditions, species can seek out cooler or warmer areas as needed. This natural variation acts as a buffer against extreme fluctuations.



For example, if a person standing in an open field starts to overheat, they have no immediate escape. However, if a forest is nearby, moving into the shade provides instant relief. 



Animals experience a similar dynamic. Those living in environments with diverse temperature zones can shift their location rather than face extinction or replacement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-species-struggle-with-climate-change">Some species struggle with climate change</h2>



Unfortunately, not all ecosystems have this level of variation. Some regions, whether due to natural conditions or human development, lack the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-the-world-is-on-track-for-a-catastrophic-level-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature diversity</a> needed to protect their inhabitants. 



Species in these regions are at the greatest risk of decline as climate change accelerates temperature shifts. Understanding which environments are most vulnerable can help guide conservation efforts.



Study senior author Shane Blowes is an expert at Germany's Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (<a href="https://www.idiv.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iDiv</a>) and <a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg</a>.



"Establishing this explicit link between rates of climate change and rates of species turnover allows us to better understand how changing temperatures can impact different ecosystems," said Blowes.



"Pinpointing factors that impact the rate of local species replacement can help prioritize conservation actions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activity-increases-species-turnover">Human activity increases species turnover</h2>



The researchers also found that human activity is worsening the effects of climate change on species replacement. Factors such as land development, pollution, and the spread of invasive species put additional stress on already vulnerable ecosystems.



These pressures further accelerate species loss by reducing habitat diversity and making it harder for species to adjust to temperature changes.



Humans can help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on biodiversity by reducing habitat destruction, minimizing pollution, and controlling invasive species.



In marine environments, reducing fishing pressure and protecting underwater habitats can also support species stability.



As climate change continues to accelerate, understanding how ecosystems respond to temperature shifts will be critical for conservation efforts. The study’s findings highlight the urgency of addressing global warming and protecting diverse habitats to ensure the stability of ecosystems worldwide.



The research was funded by the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>), iDiv, and the <a href="https://hifmb.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08456-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Climate change is constantly reshuffling Earth's species

The world’s changing climate isn’t only increasing temperatures - it’s...

In the frozen expanse of the Arctic, polar bears glide effortlessly across ice and plunge into sub-zero waters - yet their fur is remarkably free of frost. 



For years, scientists have wondered: How do these apex predators avoid turning into walking ice cubes? The answer, it turns out, is as simple as it is surprising: greasy hair.



Researchers analyzed hair samples from six wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-are-struggling-to-survive-longer-summers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bears</a>. They discovered that the fur’s sebum, made of cholesterol, diacylglycerols, and fatty acids, plays a crucial role in preventing ice buildup. 



When the grease was removed, the fur lost its ice-resistant properties and behaved similarly to human hair, which allows ice to adhere easily.



The research offers new insights into how polar bears adapt to their harsh environment. It also opens up possibilities for developing new materials that resist ice accumulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-bears-greasy-fur">Polar bears' greasy fur</h2>



The study was led by Julian Carolan, a PhD candidate in the School of Chemistry at <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> and the <a href="https://ambercentre.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMBER Research Ireland Centre</a>.



“We measured ice adhesion strength, which is a useful measure of how well ice sticks to fur; hydrophobicity, which dictates whether water can be shed before it freezes; and freezing delay time, which simply shows how long it takes for a drop of water to freeze at certain temperatures on a given surface,” explained Carolan.



“We then compared the performance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bear-conservation-leaps-forward-with-new-tracking-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bear</a> hair with that of human hair and two types of specialist human-made ‘ski skins.'"



The results confirmed that greasy, unwashed polar bear hair strongly resists ice. When washed, the fur lost its grease and performed similarly to human hair, to which ice sticks easily.



Further chemical analysis revealed a surprising detail - polar bear sebum does not contain squalene. This fatty compound is common in human hair and in aquatic mammals like sea otters. Its absence in polar bears suggests a key evolutionary adaptation that helps them resist ice accumulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-inspired-innovation">Nature-inspired innovation</h2>



Dr. Richard Hobbs highlighted the broader impact of this discovery. "Animals living in polar habitats have emerged as a source of inspiration for the development of new anti-icing materials,” he said.



“For example, Anne Kietzig’s group at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill&nbsp;University</a>&nbsp;recently found that the hierarchical structure of Gentoo penguin feathers afforded them anti-icing properties that relied on the feather structure rather than the preen oil coating." 



"Our work shows that polar bear fur provides an alternative strategy to produce an anti-icing surface based on the characteristic blend of lipids present in their fur sebum or hair grease.”



This study not only clarifies why polar bears avoid ice buildup but also suggests new ways to create sustainable, ice-resistant coatings. Researchers hope to replace environmentally harmful chemicals like PFAS, commonly used in current anti-icing coatings, with alternatives inspired by nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-properties-of-polar-bear-fur">Unique properties of polar bear fur</h2>



Beyond its scientific applications, this discovery provides valuable insights into polar bear hunting techniques and Inuit traditions.



Professor Bodil Holst from the <a href="https://www.uib.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of&nbsp;Bergen</a>&nbsp;explained how this adaptation benefits polar bears in the wild.



“One of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/polar-bears-are-suffering-from-painful-ice-balls-stuck-on-their-feet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bears</a>’ main hunting strategies is ‘still hunting,’ where they lay motionless beside a breathing hole on sea ice waiting for seals to surface. Still hunting frequently develops into an ‘aquatic stalk’ with the polar bear using its hind paws to slide into the water to pursue its prey, and the lower the ice adhesion, the less noise generated and the faster and quieter the slide.”



Inuit hunters have long understood this advantage. They sometimes cover their hunting stools with polar bear fur to reduce noise while moving on ice. Additionally,&nbsp;polar bear trousers (made using the same principle) allow hunters to move quietly without alerting prey.



Importantly, traditional Inuit preparation methods preserve the natural grease in the fur. Unlike fox fur, which is often cleaned with soapstone or dry clay, polar bear fur is kept unwashed to maintain its unique properties.



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



This research not only deepens our understanding of Arctic survival but also has practical implications for future technology.



By studying how nature prevents ice buildup, scientists aim to create more sustainable solutions for industries that require ice-resistant materials.



Polar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/keeping-the-peace-how-drones-can-help-humans-and-bears-coexist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bear</a> fur, with its naturally occurring grease, may inspire the next generation of eco-friendly coatings that could be used in transportation, winter sports, and industrial applications.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads7321" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Ice doesn't stick to polar bear fur - but why?

In the frozen expanse of the Arctic, polar bears glide...

Giant clams, some of the largest mollusks on Earth, have captivated marine biologists for decades. These marine giants can reach lengths of up to 4.5 feet and weigh over 700 pounds, making them key figures in tropical coral reef ecosystems. 



Beyond the sheer size of giant clams, their biology holds secrets that researchers are still uncovering. A new study led by CU Boulder provides insight into how giant clams <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-clams-have-vanished-from-places-where-they-used-to-thrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolved</a> to coexist with algae inside their bodies.



The team sequenced the genome of Tridacna maxima, the most widespread species of giant clam. 



The researchers discovered genetic adaptations that enable these creatures to sustain themselves through symbiosis rather than by consuming large amounts of food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-giant-clams-grow">How giant clams grow</h2>



Unlike many large marine animals, giant clams do not rely on a high-protein diet to sustain their impressive size. Instead, they derive most of their energy from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-algae-soak-up-loads-of-carbon-to-help-save-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> living inside their tissues. These algae harness sunlight through photosynthesis, producing nutrients that the clams absorb.



The recent genomic study highlights how&nbsp;T. maxima&nbsp;has evolved genetic mechanisms that allow it to accommodate these symbiotic algae. By examining the genetic code of&nbsp;T. maxima, researchers found clues about how this partnership contributed to the giant clam’s remarkable size.



Study senior author Jingchun Li is a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at <a href="https://www.colorado.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a>.



“Giant clams are keystone species in many marine habitats,” said Li. “Understanding their genetics and ecology helps us better understand the coral reef ecosystem.”



By comparing the genome of&nbsp;T. maxima&nbsp;with those of non-symbiotic mollusks, scientists identified key differences that enable the clam to support algae within its body while maintaining its own health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-symbiotic-relationship">Unique symbiotic relationship</h2>



Popular myths often depict giant clams as dangerous creatures capable of swallowing unsuspecting divers. In reality, these mollusks are entirely non-predatory and depend entirely on their relationship with algae for survival.



When young giant clams drift through the ocean as larvae, they have the opportunity to ingest algae. If they take in the right species, they begin to develop a specialized internal system of tube-like structures where the algae settle and multiply. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-algae-play-an-unexpected-role-in-cooling-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> convert sunlight into sugars through photosynthesis, supplying essential nutrients to their host. “It’s like the algae are seeds, and a tree grows out of the clam’s stomach,” Li said.



This relationship benefits both organisms. While the algae provide food, the giant clams offer their symbiotic partners a safe environment within their tissues. 



The clams regulate light exposure by expanding and retracting their mantles, ensuring that the algae receive sufficient sunlight without experiencing damage from excessive radiation. The clams also provide essential nutrients that sustain their tiny partners.



This process, known as photosymbiosis, is found in only a handful of marine species, such as corals. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-with-algae">Living with algae</h2>



Many other mollusks, even those closely related to giant clams, do not form these symbiotic relationships. Scientists wanted to understand what made giant clams unique in this regard.



To explore this question, the research team collaborated with experts from the <a href="https://www.uog.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Guam</a> and the <a href="https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western Australian Museum</a>. They analyzed the genetic makeup of T. maxima and compared it with species such as common cockles that lack symbiotic partnerships.



The findings revealed that T. maxima possesses a greater number of genes designed to detect and distinguish beneficial algae from harmful bacteria or viruses.



Additionally, the researchers found that the giant clam has evolved a way to suppress parts of its immune system, allowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-emerged-zygnema-star-algae-conquer-earths-landmass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> to reside safely within its body for extended periods.



“As a result of the clam’s weakened immune system, its genome contains a large number of transposable elements, which are bits of genetic material left behind by ancient viruses,” said Ruiqi Li, the study’s first author and a postdoctoral researcher at the CU <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/resources/museum-natural-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Museum of Natural History</a>.



“These aspects highlight the tradeoffs of symbiosis. The host has to accommodate a suppressed immune system and potentially more viral genome invasions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-giant-clam-s-massive-size">The giant clam’s massive size</h2>



Another major finding of the study concerned the genes responsible for regulating body size. 



Compared to other mollusks, giant clams have fewer CTRP genes, which control body weight and growth. Scientists believe that this genetic difference may explain how giant clams are able to reach such enormous sizes.



By reducing the genetic restrictions on body growth, these mollusks may have evolved to expand far beyond the size of their closest relatives. Their symbiotic relationship with algae provides the necessary energy to support this growth, compensating for their lack of a high-protein diet.



Understanding these genetic mechanisms not only helps scientists grasp how giant clams evolved but also offers insights into broader ecological patterns. The study demonstrates how organisms can evolve specialized relationships with other species to maximize their survival in challenging environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-concerns-for-giant-clams">Conservation concerns for giant clams</h2>



Last year, a giant clam population assessment led by Ruiqi Li influenced the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>) to revise the conservation status of several giant clam species.



Tridacna gigas, the largest and most iconic species, is now classified as “critically endangered,” meaning it is at extreme risk of extinction in the wild. Conservationists have long warned about the threats facing this species, from overharvesting to habitat destruction.



While&nbsp;T. maxima&nbsp;remains categorized as “least concern” due to its wide distribution, scientists caution that classification may not tell the full story. Ruiqi Li pointed out that different species are sometimes grouped together simply because they look similar, which could lead to an underestimation of conservation risks.



“If you think these giant clams are all the same species, you might underestimate the threat they face,” noted Ruiqi Li. “Genetic studies like this can help us distinguish between species and assess their true conservation needs.”



The research team aims to sequence the genomes of all 12 known giant clam species. By identifying subtle genetic differences, they hope to improve conservation strategies tailored to each species’ needs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change">Impact of climate change</h2>



Beyond direct human threats, giant clams face increasing dangers from climate change. Similar to corals, these mollusks rely on their symbiotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-algae-instead-of-meat-products-to-save-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae</a> for survival. 



When ocean temperatures rise beyond a certain threshold, the clams expel their algae, leading to a condition similar to coral bleaching. Without algae, the clams lose their primary energy source and may not survive.



“The giant clams are very important for the stability of the marine ecosystem and support biodiversity,” said Jingchun Li.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-giant-clams">Importance of giant clams</h2>



In addition to their role as primary producers, giant clams provide shelter for numerous marine species. Their large shells create microhabitats that protect small fish and invertebrates from predators. 



Many marine creatures also depend on giant clams as a food source, further highlighting their importance in coral reef ecosystems.



“Protecting them is essential for the health of coral reefs and the marine life that depends on them,” Li added.



As climate change and habitat destruction continue to threaten marine biodiversity, studies like this offer crucial insights into how species adapt to their environments. 



By understanding the genetic basis of symbiosis in giant clams, scientists can contribute to conservation efforts that preserve these remarkable mollusks for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-07423-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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Giant clams grow huge without eating much protein

Giant clams, some of the largest mollusks on Earth, have...

Glaciers worldwide are shrinking due to rising temperatures, reshaping landscapes and posing serious challenges for the organisms that inhabit them. Yet in the lofty reaches of the Andes Mountains, a wild relative of the llama is helping new life take root in areas newly exposed by ice retreat.&nbsp;



By depositing substantial piles of dung, vicuñas are speeding up plant colonization on freshly deglaciated terrain, a process that would otherwise take more than a century.



This fascinating discovery, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-83457-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>, underscores an unexpected strategy through which species are adjusting to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.&nbsp;



While this unique animal behavior offers hope for reviving scarred alpine landscapes, the study’s authors caution that the overall pace of climate change outstrips many species’ ability to find suitable new habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-ecological-role-of-vicunas-nbsp">Crucial ecological role of vicuñas&nbsp;</h2>



Vicuñas are one of two wild South American camelids, with llamas and alpacas as their domesticated counterparts. 



These hardy animals live at high altitudes in the Andes and have a notable habit: much like how people consistently use designated bathrooms, vicuñas gather in communal latrines.



Cliff Bueno de Mesquita is the study’s co-first author and a research scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>.&nbsp;



“It’s interesting to see how a social behavior of these animals can transfer nutrients to a new ecosystem that is very nutrient poor,” said Bueno de Mesquita.&nbsp;



However, the current rate of climate change still outpaces the ability of many species to find new habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-growth-in-vicunas-latrines">Plant growth in vicuñas’ latrines</h2>



The key finding is that vicuñas’ <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephant-dung-feeds-over-2-million-beetles-daily/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dung</a> accelerates plant establishment on deglaciated ground by more than a hundred years. 



Glacial melt in high-altitude areas typically reveals a desolate landscape of rock and gravel, lacking essential nutrients for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant growth</a>. 



Over the last ten years, Steven Schmidt, the paper’s senior author and a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and his team noticed small patches of vegetation emerging wherever vicuña dung piles accumulated.



The researchers ventured to sites in the Peruvian Andes, nearly 18,000 feet above sea level, that had previously been covered by glaciers. They analyzed the composition of soil in and around these communal dung piles and discovered notable differences.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-soil-quality">Enhanced soil quality</h3>



Vicuña latrine soils contained considerably higher levels of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus than adjacent barren soils - enough to promote rapid plant germination.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-water-retention">Better water retention</h3>



Despite the arid conditions at high altitudes, the latrine soils held more moisture, further supporting plant life in an otherwise harsh environment.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-diversity">Microbial diversity</h3>



Soil samples from latrines revealed a wide variety of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-soil-planet-warming-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microorganisms</a>, suggesting the latrines serve as fertile ground for microbes and, consequently, plants.



This rich blend of nutrients, water, and microbes helps seeds from lower elevations - carried to high altitudes via vicuñas’ dung - take root more easily in newly revealed terrain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-retreat-and-barren-landscapes">Glacial retreat and barren landscapes </h2>



Normally, the newly exposed soil left by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-glacier-retreat-in-the-arctic-signals-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retreating glaciers</a> can remain plant-free for a century or more due to nutrient deficits and low moisture levels. 



Through their dung piles, vicuñas deposit an essential mix of nutrients, seeds, and microorganisms that jumpstart the formation of a new ecosystem. 



Over time, this vegetation encourages other animals, including herbivores and predators like pumas, to move in.



Camera footage confirms that the presence of nascent vegetation has drawn a surprising variety of wildlife, including species rarely seen at such extreme altitudes. 



In turn, vicuñas themselves also graze on the plants that spring up around their latrines, creating a cyclical benefit.



According to Kelsey Rider, an animal ecologist at <a href="https://www.jmu.edu/index.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Madison University</a>, it could take centuries for the deglaciated area to transform into grassland.



This might help mitigate the negative impacts that many animal species preferring colder climates face as their habitats shrink. The process, while beneficial, lags behind the rapid pace of glacial melting worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anthropogenic-climate-change-nbsp">Anthropogenic climate change&nbsp;</h2>



Scientists note that vicuñas, despite effectively fertilizing and rejuvenating new habitats, cannot fully counteract the accelerating glacier loss.&nbsp;



Over the past two decades, global glacier melt has surged, with non-polar glaciers losing around 267 billion tons of ice each year between 2000 and 2019. 



If warming trends persist, up to 68% of Earth’s glaciers could disappear, imperiling water supplies for almost a quarter of the world’s population.



“The vicuñas are probably helping some alpine organisms, but we can’t assume they’ll all be okay, because in Earth’s history, we’ve never seen climate change happen at this speed,”



Bueno de Mesquita said. “Current anthropogenic climate change is probably the most severe crisis our planet and all living things have faced in the past 65 million years.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-in-a-drastically-changing-climate-nbsp">Wildlife in a drastically changing climate&nbsp;</h2>



The role of vicuñas in the Andes serves as a compelling illustration of how species can adapt to a changing planet. 



By pooling nutrients in communal dung piles, these animals foster micro-environments that favor plant life, effectively creating oases in barren landscapes.



Although this adaptation stands as a beacon of resilience, the overarching message remains stark: climate change is unfolding too quickly for many species to keep pace.&nbsp;



Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and robust conservation efforts, ecosystems around the globe - including the high Andes - risk suffering irreversible damage.



Ultimately, the study emphasizes that while behaviors like the vicuñas’ communal latrines can offer localized reprieves from the stresses of global warming, far more comprehensive measures are needed to ensure that both wildlife and human communities can endure in a drastically shifting environment.



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Animal poop can literally transform barren landscapes into lush ecosystems

Glaciers worldwide are shrinking due to rising temperatures, reshaping landscapes...

As landscapes shift around the world, changes in wildlife habitats often bring animals into closer contact with human populations. Such is the case in the American West, where certain populations of grizzly bears (also known as brown bears) are moving onto the prairie following successful conservation initiatives.&nbsp;



While the recovery of these formidable carnivores has been hailed as a significant victory, it has also triggered new challenges, as people grow wary of sharing the land with such large and powerful predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-return-of-grizzlies-to-the-great-plains">Return of grizzlies to the Great Plains</h2>



In the contiguous United States, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grizzly-bear-conservation-must-focus-on-habitat-quality-and-mortality-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grizzly bears</a> have been classified as a protected species since the 1970s. Over several decades, conservation efforts and legal safeguards have allowed them to expand and reclaim parts of their historical range.&nbsp;



In areas like the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and Glacier National Park, populations have rebounded so effectively that grizzlies have migrated out from the mountains and onto the flat, open prairie.



Such reoccupation of ancient habitats can create conflicts where human settlement and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/">agriculture</a> now dominate. 



These bears, weighing up to 751 kilograms (1,656 pounds) and possessing claws 15 centimeters (6 inches) long, can indeed pose risks - though their diet is often omnivorous and plant-based, they remain powerful predators.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-public-concerns-and-fears">Addressing public concerns and fears</h2>



As grizzlies re-enter the plains, many local residents find themselves living alongside an animal that can kill livestock, cause property damage, and - though rarely - pose a threat to people.&nbsp;



Recognizing these community concerns, <a href="https://fwp.mt.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks</a> and the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</a> responded by assigning a specialized bear manager, Wesley Sarmento from the <a href="https://www.umt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Montana</a>, to handle issues of human-bear conflict.



Sarmento held a series of public meetings to gather input. Residents voiced their main request: keep grizzlies out of towns, away from homes, and prevent them from preying on livestock.&nbsp;



Sarmento committed to addressing these requests by hazing bears - using methods intended to chase and deter bears from undesirable behaviors without harming them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hazing-in-wildlife-management-nbsp">Hazing in wildlife management&nbsp;</h2>



Although hazing is commonly mentioned in wildlife management, few studies have formally tested its efficacy.&nbsp;



Seeking to fill that gap, Sarmento decided to record data on how well hazing succeeded in moving bears from problem areas and whether it instilled a lasting aversion in the animals, a concept known as “aversive conditioning.”



Initially, he used standard tools: a truck and a shotgun loaded with non-lethal ammunition, such as cracker shells and rubber rounds, designed to discourage bears without causing permanent injury.&nbsp;



In one instance, encountering a large, agitated male grizzly in a soggy field, Sarmento found it impossible to drive close. Approaching on foot, the bear charged - but a timely cracker shell deterred it. This dramatic experience led to interest in a new tool: “bear dogs.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-and-drones-tools-for-hazing-bears">Dogs and drones: Tools for hazing bears</h2>



Sarmento acquired two adult Airedale Terriers, known locally as a favored breed, hoping they would help locate and chase off grizzlies. Some residents supported the idea, while others doubted the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-suffer-from-the-january-blues-just-like-humans/">dogs</a>’ effectiveness. 



In practice, the dogs were inconsistent at detecting bears, often chasing other animals, such as feral cats or porcupines instead. Repeated training efforts yielded limited results.



Given the dogs’ shortcomings, the manager then turned to technology: a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drones-reveal-hidden-biodiversity-in-rainforest-canopies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drone</a>. Equipped with a thermal camera, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) could be flown over fences, canals, and uneven terrain.&nbsp;



Operators could remain safely in a vehicle while piloting the drone to harass and direct grizzlies away from sensitive areas like homes, towns, and livestock pastures - day or night.



This method proved highly effective. Bears could be steered exactly where Sarmento wanted, and the drone’s distinctive buzzing sound was enough to startle them into moving away quickly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drones-teach-bears-to-avoid-humans">Drones teach bears to avoid humans</h2>



Over time, data showed that older bears needed fewer drone interventions, suggesting they learned to avoid humans and their properties after repeated negative encounters. 



Additionally, the annual number of hazing events declined, an indicator of successful aversive conditioning.&nbsp;



This outcome benefitted both communities and wildlife: fewer conflicts meant fewer reasons for authorities to consider lethal or other severe control measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-risks-for-bears-and-people">Reducing risks for bears and people</h2>



While success with drones and non-lethal deterrence methods is promising, the rate at which grizzlies are returning to the plains continues to raise concerns. Bears can remain at least partially drawn to the same foods and resources humans also value, increasing the likelihood of conflict.&nbsp;



Moreover, with climate change and other ecological pressures, maintaining safe coexistence between humans and grizzlies will require ongoing innovation and engagement with local communities.



Ultimately, the experiences in Montana demonstrate that even formidable predators like the grizzly bear can be deterred and taught to steer clear of human properties.&nbsp;



By combining aversive conditioning with new technologies, wildlife managers can reduce risks to both bears and people, preserving a conservation success story while addressing the inevitable challenges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wildlife-overlap-is-rapidly-rising-across-the-globe/">human-wildlife</a> coexistence.



More details can be found in Sarmento’s article, published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/conservation-science/articles/10.3389/fcosc.2024.1478450/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Conservation Sciences</a>.



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Keeping the peace: How drones can help humans and bears coexist

As landscapes shift around the world, changes in wildlife habitats...

If we could turn back time to between 45,000 and 29,000 years ago, we would find that the planet was a vastly different place from how it is currently. Early humans were just beginning to establish their presence beyond the African continent, and they may unwittingly have caused a seismic shift in the local ecology.



But how did their arrival impact the delicate balance of the animal kingdom? A recent study offers fresh insights into this ancient relationship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-scavenger-human-relationship">The scavenger-human relationship</h2>



"Early humans, more than 30,000 years ago, did not live in isolation from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealth-inequality-exists-in-the-animal-kingdom-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal world</a>; they were integrated into a network of relationships with scavengers," explained Dr. Chris Baumann, one of the key scientists behind the research.



This complex web of interactions, where humans and scavenger animals influenced each other, is often challenging to understand from our modern perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-data-unearthing-the-past">The power of data: Unearthing the past</h2>



Uncovering insights from the depths of history is no simple task. However, researchers from the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a> and the University of Cologne achieved this by leveraging the extensive ROAD database from the ROCEEH research center. 



This database encompasses information from 2,400 prehistoric sites across Europe, Africa, and Asia.



By focusing on zooarchaeological data from European sites once inhabited by humans, the team unearthed intriguing patterns of behavior that had long disappeared into the past.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-effect-on-scavengers">The human effect on scavengers</h2>



Dr. Baumann and his colleagues hypothesize that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-humans-hunted-elephants-with-stone-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient humans</a> may have hunted and killed more animals than they could consume, thereby increasing the availability of carrion.



At first, this may have been a boon for sizable scavenger animals. "Initially, this benefited large scavengers," noted Baumann.



However, humans soon began to manage their surroundings more carefully, ensuring that large predators were kept at a distance from their settlements.



On the other hand, unthreatening small scavengers like foxes, ravens, or crows were likely tolerated - much like we tolerate urban foxes and raccoons today.



Baumann believes this dynamic resulted in a significant shift in the relationship between humans and scavengers between 45,000 and 29,000 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-carnivores-were-displaced">Large carnivores were displaced </h2>



"During this period, the late Pleistocene, the large scavengers began to be displaced in favor of smaller species, some of which even benefited from living with humans," noted Dr. Shumon T. Hussain. 



This shift was likely driven, in part, by the arrival of modern humans (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthals-homo-sapiens-living-spaces-organized-similarly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Homo sapiens</a>) in Europe and the displacement of the region's last Neanderthals.



"Humans further developed their skills and hunted so many animals that significantly more energy became available in the food web," noted Baumann.



This influx of energy resulted in behavioral adaptations and evolutionary changes in scavenging animals, while humans developed new ways of colonizing the landscape. 



In effect, humans played a significant role in shaping ecosystems - which may have also influenced human evolution itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-ecological-impact">Long-term ecological impact</h2>



The changes induced by early humans didn’t just alter the dynamics between scavengers and their environment in the short term. These changes triggered a cascade of ecological consequences that echoed through generations.



As large scavengers were gradually pushed away and smaller ones thrived in human-dominated spaces, the ecosystem itself adapted in response. 



This shift likely influenced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator-prey</a> relationships, competition for resources, and even the genetic evolution of scavenger species over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domestication-of-animals">Domestication of animals</h2>



Researchers believe that this transition may have contributed to the domestication process, with some animals gradually adapting to human presence and food sources. 



The tolerance for smaller scavengers like foxes and birds may have been an early stepping stone to the complex relationships humans share with domesticated animals today.



Furthermore, this adaptation highlights how human activity can leave an enduring mark on biodiversity - whether intentional or not.



Understanding these ancient ecological shifts provides valuable lessons for modern conservation efforts. 



The study highlights the importance of considering how human interventions, both past and present, can disrupt or reshape natural ecosystems. The research offers insights into how we might promote more sustainable coexistence with wildlife in the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277379124006504?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quaternary Science Reviews</a>.



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How early humans and small scavengers benefited each other

If we could turn back time to between 45,000 and...

Golden,Trevally,Swim,With,A,Whale,Shark,In,Cenderawasih,Bay,

Massive whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, are engaging in unexpected behavior. According to a new study, whale sharks use oil platforms as migratory stopover sites during their expansive journeys across the globe.



These spotted behemoths don't just randomly cruise the seas - they follow a network of natural and human-made structures that dot their underwater highways.



These observations come from a long-term tracking study conducted by Ben D'Antonio and his colleagues at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (<a href="https://www.aims.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIMS</a>) and The University of Western Australia (<a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UWA</a>).



The findings paint a fascinating picture of how these enormous fish navigate the vast expanses of our oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-whale-sharks-across-the-ocean">Tracking whale sharks across the ocean</h2>



The study involved analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-shark-mating-behaviors-observed-for-the-first-time-in-the-wild/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite tracking</a> data from 78 whale sharks over a span of 14 years. The researchers focused on whale sharks that had been tagged at Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay - two critical habitats along the Western Australian coast.



According to lead author Ben D’Antonio, a Ph.D. candidate from the AIMS@UWA program, the study provides crucial insights into how these massive creatures navigate the ocean.



"We mapped their movements across the eastern Indian Ocean and the North West Shelf. The latter area in particular features a number of oil and gas platforms and associated infrastructure," D’Antonio said.



The researchers found that whale sharks use natural underwater formations, such as seamounts, pinnacles, and canyons as navigational aids.



These structures, shaped by ocean currents, act as hotspots for plankton and other small organisms, which provide a reliable food source for the filter-feeding giants.



"Whale sharks travel huge distances across the oceans, and our study illustrates that they tend to use undersea pinnacles and seamounts as stepping stones on these journeys because the currents that flow around these features help to enhance food availability like plankton," said D'Antonio.



Interestingly, the researchers also found that artificial structures, such as offshore oil and gas platforms, may play a similar role in facilitating whale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shark migration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-sharks-like-oil-and-gas-platforms">Whale sharks like oil and gas platforms</h2>



While seamounts and pinnacles can span tens of kilometers, oil and gas platforms are relatively small. Yet, they seem to offer a comparable level of food availability. 



Researchers believe this may be due to the way industrial infrastructure affects surrounding marine ecosystems.



"The same is true for the industrial infrastructure found off the north-west coast of Australia," D’Antonio explained.



There is evidence, for example, that plankton are attracted by the artificial lights on these platforms. This discovery suggests that oil and gas platforms may unintentionally benefit marine life by attracting prey species.



However, the role of oil and gas platforms as migratory stepping stones also raises new questions about how their eventual removal could affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-face-deadly-threats-in-shipping-lanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale shark</a> movement patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-oil-platform-removal">Impact of oil platform removal </h2>



As oil and gas platforms reach the end of their operational lives, many are scheduled for decommissioning. 



The study’s findings suggest that removing these structures could disrupt whale shark migration.



"The removal of platforms at the end of their productive life may change seascape connectivity by removing migratory stepping stones that link important habitats for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-has-caused-a-50-decline-in-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale sharks</a>," D’Antonio said.



Understanding the extent to which whale sharks depend on these artificial structures is now a priority.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter? </h2>



Researchers need to determine how frequently the sharks visit platforms and whether they rely on them for sustenance or merely use them as occasional stopovers.



"There is still a need to understand the detail in the relationships between whale sharks and individual oil and gas platforms, like how often and for how long they visit," noted D’Antonio.



These insights are crucial for conservation and management strategies, particularly when planning marine protected areas (MPAs) and making decisions about decommissioning offshore infrastructures.



Policymakers must carefully weigh the ecological consequences before dismantling platforms that may serve an unexpected but important role in whale shark migration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-conservation-and-risks">Balancing conservation and risks</h2>



While the presence of oil and gas platforms may provide benefits for whale sharks, they also introduce significant risks. Ship strikes from service vessels are a major concern, particularly in areas with heavy industrial activity.



<a href="https://www.aims.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AIMS</a> scientist and co-author Dr. Luciana Ferreira pointed out the dangers posed by vessel interactions.



"There are records of fatal interactions between whale sharks and vessels, and a considerable portion of the whale shark population at Ningaloo Reef have scars attributed to vessel strikes," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-sharks-offshore-oil-and-pollution">Whale sharks, offshore oil, and pollution</h2>



Pollution is another pressing issue. Discharges, spills, and other contaminants associated with industrial operations can pose serious threats to marine life. 



Even subtle environmental changes caused by industrial infrastructure may have unintended consequences for whale shark behavior.



"The presence of the platforms may also have indirect implications by altering migration patterns and disrupting the movements of whale sharks between natural features," explained Dr. Ferreira.



Despite these concerns, whale sharks face threats across their entire distribution. Fishing bycatch, entanglement, and ship strikes are all significant dangers that affect populations globally.



To protect whale sharks effectively, conservationists must take a holistic approach that accounts for both natural and artificial influences on their movements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-further-research">Need for further research</h2>



This study highlights the complexity of whale shark conservation. While natural features remain the primary drivers of migration, artificial structures appear to play a growing role in shaping their movement patterns. 



Experts must now investigate whether these structures act as temporary refuges, long-term feeding grounds, or accidental hazards.



More broadly, the study highlights the importance of integrating industrial considerations into marine conservation planning. With careful management, it may be possible to mitigate risks while preserving the unexpected benefits that artificial structures provide.



As decisions about decommissioning offshore platforms loom, scientists and policymakers must work together to ensure that conservation efforts align with the realities of an ever-changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine environment</a>. 



The future of whale sharks depends on understanding how both natural and human-made factors, such as oil and gas platforms, shape their world - and ensuring that their migratory pathways remain intact for generations to come.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ddi.13950" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diversity and Distributions</a>.



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Whale sharks use offshore oil rigs as food stops during migration, harming conservation efforts

Massive whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, are...

Around 45 million years ago, during the Eocene Epoch, the Geiseltal region of present-day Germany was a vast, humid swamp that teemed with life. Ancient horses, early tapirs, giant tortoises, large land crocodiles, and countless birds flourished in this tropical paradise. Among these creatures roamed Diatryma, a massive, flightless bird that stood 4.6 feet (1.40 meters) tall.



With its robust frame and enormous beak, this prehistoric giant was once thought to be a fearsome predator. However, modern research has revealed a different story - Diatryma was likely a gentle herbivore.



This bird's legacy remained shrouded in mystery for decades, but a recent discovery by an international team of researchers has brought it back into the spotlight. 



Led by scientists from the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the Senckenberg Research Institute, the research team has analyzed a fully preserved Diatryma skull, making it only the second such specimen known in the world.



The findings, published in the journal&nbsp;Palaeontologia Electronica, highlight how museum collections continue to yield remarkable scientific revelations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-fossil-lost-in-time">A fossil lost in time</h2>



The newly examined Diatryma skull was not freshly excavated. Instead, it had been sitting unnoticed in the extensive Geiseltal Collection at <a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLU</a> for decades. It was originally unearthed in the 1950s in a lignite mining area in Geiseltal, a site known for its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil deposits</a>.



However, due to a misclassification, the fossil led a shadowy existence for years. It was mistakenly identified as a crocodile skull, a forgivable mix-up given the variety of prehistoric reptilian remains found in the region.



For years, the skull sat in storage, unrecognized for what it truly was. It wasn’t until Michael Stache, a geological preparator at MLU's Central Repository of Natural Science Collections, rediscovered the fossil that its true significance came to light. 



"The find was initially misidentified as a crocodile skull," remarked Stache. Upon closer examination, he realized the error and undertook the painstaking process of restoring and analyzing the specimen.



As Stache worked on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fossil-fills-crucial-gap-in-pterosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a>, he noticed that another fragment in the collection seemed to belong to the same skull. By combining the two pieces, he successfully reconstructed what is now recognized as an almost entire preserved Diatryma skull.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rare-and-remarkable-find">A rare and remarkable find</h2>



The rediscovery of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grand-canyon-fossils-reveal-secrets-of-the-cambrian-explosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> attracted the attention of Dr. Gerald Mayr, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.senckenberg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senckenberg Research Institute</a>. He examined the specimen closely and confirmed what few paleontologists ever expected to find - a nearly complete Diatryma skull.



Until this discovery, only one other fully preserved skull of this species was known to exist; it is housed at the <a href="https://www.amnh.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum of Natural History</a> in the United States.



"This shows, once again, that many of the most interesting discoveries in paleontology occur in museum collections. Just a few years ago, nobody would have thought that the Geiseltal Collection would contain such surprises," commented Mayr.



The skull’s excellent state of preservation offers scientists a rare opportunity to study the anatomy of this ancient bird in greater detail than ever before.



The fossil is now part of the Geiseltal Collection, which consists of approximately 50,000 specimens. These fossils, considered a national heritage asset, provide an invaluable window into the ancient ecosystems of the Eocene. 



Even though the mining operations in Geiseltal ceased in 1993 and fossil excavations ended long ago, new discoveries continue to emerge from the collection, reshaping our understanding of prehistoric life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gentle-giant-not-a-predator">A gentle giant, not a predator</h2>



For decades, scientists debated Diatryma’s place in the prehistoric food chain.



Early theories suggested that this towering bird was a predator that hunted small horses and other mammals in the swamps of Geiseltal. Its size and formidable beak led researchers to compare it to later, more aggressive species of giant flightless birds.



However, recent studies, including those based on the newly examined skull, have painted a very different picture. Diatryma was most likely a herbivore that used its massive beak to process tough plant material rather than to tear flesh.



Its anatomy suggests it was built for foraging rather than hunting, much like modern, large, plant-eating birds such as ostriches and emus.



"This research expands our understanding of the Eocene Epoch in the Geiseltal even though the excavations were completed long ago," says Stache. Scientists now believe that Diatryma lived alongside early mammals that fed on vegetation rather than preying on animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-geiseltal-collection">Significance of the Geiseltal collection</h2>



The Geiseltal region has long been a treasure trove for paleontologists. Once a mining area rich in lignite deposits, it also preserved an astonishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity of prehistoric life</a>. 



Fossils from this region include everything from tiny insects to massive reptiles, providing an unparalleled glimpse into an ecosystem that thrived 45 million years ago.



Even though large-scale excavations in the area ended decades ago, the work of researchers at MLU and other institutions continues to uncover new findings. The rediscovery of the Diatryma skull proves that museum collections hold many secrets that are waiting to be revealed by keen-eyed scientists.



The Geiseltal Collection remains a hub of international research. Scientists from around the world visit MLU regularly to study its fossils, eager to expand the knowledge of life in the Eocene. 



Each fossil offers a new puzzle piece in the story of evolution, shedding light on how prehistoric species adapted and thrived in their environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-diatryma-fossil">Insights from the Diatryma fossil</h2>



With only about 40 known Diatryma fossils in the Geiseltal Collection, researchers believe the bird was a relatively rare sight in the region.



"Diatryma was probably a rare guest in the Geiseltal. Otherwise, there would probably be more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-how-plants-use-winged-seeds-to-expand-their-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a>," concluded Stache.



The rediscovery of its skull is not just a victory for paleontology but also a proof of the enduring value of museum collections. 



While excavation sites may eventually close, the knowledge they yield continues to evolve, driven by curiosity and scientific advances.



Diatryma, once lost in the depths of a misidentified fossil collection, now stands as a symbol of how history can be rewritten with patience, research, and a touch of serendipity.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5393-review-of-gastornithiformes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeontologia Electronica</a>.



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Rediscovered 45-million-year-old skull turns out to be a large, extinct bird species

Around 45 million years ago, during the Eocene Epoch, the...

Forests along Brazil’s rivers have played a crucial role in connecting the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests for millions of years. These green corridors have allowed tree species to migrate between the two forests, even though they are separated by vast expanses of dry forest and savanna. 



Until now, researchers believed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> migration only occurred during wetter climatic periods when rainforests expanded across South America. However, a new study from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> reveals a different story.



The research challenges the long-held assumption that tree species only moved between the Amazon and Atlantic forests during rare climate shifts. Instead, the study suggests that species have been dispersing continuously over time, using riverside forests as natural highways. 



This discovery reshapes the understanding of how rainforest biodiversity has evolved and highlights the ongoing importance of these ecological corridors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tree-migration-through-generations">Tree migration through generations</h2>



Rather than short-term bursts of movement, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-tree-species-are-moving-to-colder-and-wetter-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> have migrated slowly over many generations. The researchers found that trees growing along rivers helped species move gradually across the dry landscapes of Brazil.



“Rather than tree species being exchanged during specific wetter periods in the past, we found that species have dispersed consistently over time,” said Dr. James Nicholls of <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RBGE</a>.



The study was focused on 164 species of Inga trees, a genus found widely in Latin American rainforests. By analyzing the DNA of these trees, the researchers reconstructed their evolutionary history, determining when different species diverged from their ancestors.



Mapping the locations of various&nbsp;Inga&nbsp;species further revealed patterns of movement between the Amazon and Atlantic forests.



This detailed genetic analysis uncovered a consistent pattern of species migration that spanned millions of years. The findings suggest that rainforest connectivity has depended not just on large-scale climate changes but also on localized ecological networks along rivers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-trees-migrate-more">Amazon trees migrate more</h2>



The study identified 16 to 20 instances where tree species from the Amazon successfully established themselves in the Atlantic forest. These events were spread across evolutionary history rather than being concentrated in specific periods when Brazil had a wetter climate. 



The findings indicate that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-moving-to-soils-that-lack-the-fungi-to-support-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> have been able to migrate across dry regions at a slow but steady pace, rather than relying on rare climate-driven rainforest expansions.



Interestingly, the researchers found only one or two cases where tree species moved in the opposite direction—from the Atlantic rainforest to the Amazon. This suggests an imbalance in species migration, likely due to the Amazon’s vast size and greater seed production. 



Because the Amazon is much larger, it likely sends out a greater number of seeds, increasing the chances of successful migration to the Atlantic forest.



This discovery reshapes the understanding of rainforest dynamics, showing that species movement is not just a relic of past climate changes but an ongoing process. It also suggests that even in modern times, forest corridors remain vital for biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-brazil-s-riverside-forests">Protecting Brazil’s riverside forests</h2>



The research highlights the importance of conserving forests along Brazil’s rivers. These green corridors allow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> to continue moving between the two rainforests, maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. 



Brazilian law already provides legal protection for riverside forests, recognizing their critical role in preserving the country’s natural ecosystems.



“This legal protection - and efforts to preserve these riverside forests - are highly valuable for long-term habitat connectivity,” said Professor Toby Pennington from Exeter’s Department of Geography and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/institutes/gsi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Systems Institute</a>.



Beyond their role in species migration, these forests are essential for sustaining the extraordinary biodiversity of the Atlantic rainforest trees.



The Atlantic rainforest is home to approximately 3,000 more plant species than the Amazon, yet only 20% of it remains intact. Habitat destruction has put many species at risk, making conservation efforts more urgent than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-rainforest-connections">Maintaining rainforest connections </h2>



“In the short term, we need to protect these precious rainforests. In the long term, our study shows that we must also conserve the connections between them,” said Pennington.



Protecting the Amazon and Atlantic rainforests requires more than just safeguarding individual patches of forest. It also depends on maintaining the ecological links that have allowed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-an-amazing-ability-to-adapt-to-new-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> species to migrate and adapt over millions of years.



Ensuring the survival of riverside forests will not only help preserve the unique biodiversity of both rainforests but also support the broader health of Brazil’s ecosystems.



The study was funded by the United States <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, emphasizing the global importance of understanding and protecting these critical rainforest connections.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1559" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</a>.



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Rainforest trees use rivers as highways for migration

Forests along Brazil’s rivers have played a crucial role in...

The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is a vital part of the Amazon's rich biodiversity, but its genetic diversity has faced centuries of disruption. 



Factors such as European colonization, extensive deforestation, and the extinction of large seed-dispersing animals like the giant sloth have all played a role in its decline.



The Brazil nut tree is also a symbol of ecological resilience, economic sustenance, and the intricate web of life within the rainforest. But now, its future is at stake as human activities are constantly shifting the ecology of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-trees-are-critically-endangered-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a> Basin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-data-from-brazil-nut-trees">Genomic data from Brazil nut trees</h2>



A team of researchers recently embarked on a mission to investigate the genetic diversity and population dynamics of Brazil nut trees.



“This research provides an amazing opportunity to study how human actions, even in the distant past, have affected genetic makeup in a wild species over short time scales,” noted Detlef Weigel, an expert at the the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/151769/biology-tuebingen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a> for Biology Tübingen. 



The scientists used up-to-date genomic techniques to analyze a total of 270 Brazil nut tree samples. These samples, each with known archaeological evidence, were collected from various locations.



The result of this analysis was a detailed genomic data sheet that identified over 126,000 genetic variants in the Brazil nut tree's genome. The data is a treasure trove of insights into the genetic health and adaptability of the species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-diversity-of-brazil-nut-trees">Genetic diversity of Brazil nut trees</h2>



The study suggests that, when compared to the diversity of other species, there has been a steep decline in the genetic diversity of Brazil nut trees over the past 20,000 years. But, it's not all gloom and doom.



Areas that have been managed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indigenous-communities-provide-clues-to-healthy-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indigenous communities</a> show more complex genetic backgrounds, revealing a deep connection between plant life and Indigenous land stewardship.



For example, younger trees (less than 200 years old) in the Tefé National Forest (TEF) show a greater diversity of genes. This is thanks to their adaptation to previous natural disturbances and to the management approaches of local communities that have led to genetic resilience. 



This exemplifies how traditional ecological practices can uphold the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic diversity</a> and health of a species while providing a model for sustainable management.



Victor Caetano-Andrade, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Coevolution of Land Use and Urbanisation at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, shared his insight.



“We aimed to bridge gaps in our understanding of the long-term anthropogenic influences on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-herbivore-extinctions-drastically-affect-forest-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest ecosystems</a>. Our findings demonstrate how Indigenous land management practices play a significant role in maintaining the genetic diversity of Brazil nut populations,” said Caetano-Andrade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strengthening-collaboration-and-conservation">Strengthening collaboration and conservation</h2>



This innovative study highlights the crucial partnership between scientists and Indigenous land stewards. By leveraging their historical ecological knowledge, we can create more inclusive and effective conservation policies.



Looking ahead, the scientists plan to broaden their investigation to more regions and additional species within the Amazon rainforest.



The ultimate goal is to develop comprehensive conservation frameworks that protect Brazil nut trees and bolster the ecosystem's resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-economic-impacts">Ecological and economic impacts </h2>



The loss of genetic diversity in Brazil nut trees affects more than just the species itself. The impacts extend to other aspects of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainforest</a> ecosystem, as well as to local economies.



The Brazil nut tree is a keystone species that plays a crucial role in supporting biodiversity. These trees provide food and shelter for countless organisms - ranging from pollinators like orchid bees to large, fruit-eating mammals.



Reduced genetic diversity weakens the tree’s resilience to climate change, pests, and diseases, and increases the risk of population decline.



Moreover, this genetic bottleneck has economic consequences for communities that rely on Brazil nut harvesting as a primary source of income.



Declining tree health and lower yields could threaten a sustainable industry that has supported Amazonian livelihoods for centuries. 



Maintaining genetic variation through conservation efforts and Indigenous land stewardship will be essential for safeguarding not only the species but also the ecological and economic stability of the region.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0960982224016919" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Genetic legacy of the Brazil nut tree has been altered by human activity

The Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) is a vital part...

The city of Sydney in Australia has gained new attention for something unexpected. Instead of sunbathers by the shore or bustling restaurant queues, curious groups have appeared at the Royal Botanic Garden to experience a "corpse flower." 



This flower is famous for being the largest bloom in the world, and for its overpowering odor. Some call it revolting; others call it mesmerizing. Either way, there’s no denying its draw.



The plant’s official name is <a href="https://gustavus.edu/academics/departments/biology/titanarum/faq.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amorphophallus titanum</a>, but its fans know it by a more colorful nickname: the corpse flower. Either way, its flowers have an odor that’s powerful enough to attract thousands.



<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/713188-emily-white" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Emily White</a>, a horticultural scientist at the <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Garden</a>, has studied rare tropical species for over a decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-irresistible-stench">An irresistible stench</h2>



This short-lived spectacle <a href="https://www.usbg.gov/gardens-plants/corpse-flowers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">only blooms</a> for about 24 hours every few years, when it releases a scent that many liken to the stench of rotting meat. 



Visitors report everything from hints of rancid socks to the smell of forgotten leftovers.



Staff members say nearly 20,000 people have navigated the winding pathways and stood patiently in line for a chance to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-does-the-corpse-flower-smell-like-rotting-flesh/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">see (and smell) the flower</a> up close.



Native to the rainforests of western Indonesia, the corpse flower was discovered in 1878 by Italian botanist <a href="https://www.kew.org/plants/titan-arum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Odoardo Beccari</a>. 



It has intrigued plant enthusiasts ever since, partly because it grows from an underground corm that can weigh hundreds of pounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corpse-flower-blooms-for-just-one-day">Corpse flower blooms for just one day</h2>



To see the plant in bloom is a rare event. The flower only lasts about a day, meaning that people who wish to see and smell it need to rush to the garden before the bloom collapses. 



If you miss it, there’s no knowing when it might come around again.



The wait might be four or five years, or even longer. The staff extended visiting hours and accepted donations from fascinated guests, hoping to give everyone a chance to witness the ephemeral wonder before it faded.



By the next afternoon, the flower would be spent, and the pungent smell would vanish, leaving just a tall, withered structure behind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-the-corpse-flower-stink">Why does the corpse flower stink?</h2>



The smell may be disagreeable to humans, but it’s essential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-orchids-have-fingers-to-pollinate-themselves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollination</a>.



While most flowers use pleasant fragrances to lure bees or butterflies, the corpse flower’s stench entices flies and beetles that specialize in feeding on carrion.



These insects mistake the odor for that of a rotting carcass, crawl deep into the bloom, and help transfer pollen in the process. 



This trick is vital to the corpse flower’s reproduction, though it can seem downright repugnant to most people brave enough to get close.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-eat-the-fruit">Don't eat the fruit</h2>



Once pollination occurs, the flower produces bright red, round fruits that appear over the course of a few months. 



In the wild, they would be eaten by certain birds, like rhinoceros hornbills, which help disperse the seeds across the rainforest floor.



The fruits are poisonous to humans and not intended as a snack. Even if they form successfully, the plant requires substantial energy to generate them, so it usually remains dormant for years before attempting another bloom.



“We expect multiple corpse flower blooms per year,” states the <a href="https://www.usbg.gov/gardens-plants/corpse-flowers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Botanic Garden</a> on their official website, although they note that the timing is unpredictable.&nbsp;



Curious onlookers everywhere have tuned in to live feeds hosted by botanical institutions. Many gardens around the world keep at least one corpse flower in a specialized greenhouse, hoping for the day it sets off a flurry of excitement.



<a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/66511-largest-single-flower" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guinness World Records</a> shows that the tallest known specimen reached 10 feet 2 inches (just over 3 meters) when it bloomed in New Hampshire in 2010. 



The combination of size, smell, and rarity makes the corpse flower a consistent headliner whenever it decides to bloom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corpse-flower-conservation">Corpse flower conservation</h2>



Despite its fame in public displays, the corpse flower faces major challenges in nature. 



Environmental pressure has reduced the number of wild plants, and it is officially classified as Endangered by the <a href="https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/amazing-species/amorphophallus-titanum/pdfs/original/amorphophallus-titanum.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Union for the Conservation of Nature</a>.



Intensive logging and conversion of the plant’s Sumatran habitat into palm oil plantations have taken a toll. 



Several botanic gardens cooperate on cross-pollination and seed-sharing programs to broaden the gene pool, including the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, Kew in London, and various U.S. institutions.



These programs aim to safeguard the species through <a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110810104854504" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ex situ</a> conservation efforts, an important lifeline for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-earths-most-endangered-plants-from-extinction-proving-difficult-botanic-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants threatened</a> by habitat loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascination-for-all-ages">Fascination for all ages</h2>



The corpse flower isn’t just an oddity for expert gardeners. Families with kids on school breaks have dropped by the glasshouse to see - and sniff - something unlike any rose or lily.



Its short-lived bloom offers an unforgettable lesson in biodiversity. Even the worst smell can be a good teacher.



If the lines of visitors are any clue, plenty of people want to learn more about this plant’s unusual approach to survival. 



The spectacle reminds us that nature is full of surprises, and sometimes the most memorable experiences are the ones that leave your nose crinkled and your eyes wide.



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Corpse flowers smell like death, but thousands rush to see them bloom

The city of Sydney in Australia has gained new attention...

Colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, may have just found an unlikely foe in a common weed.



Artemisia herba-alba, a plant also commonly known as white wormwood or herba alba, has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years. It was originally used in the Middle East and North Africa.



This aromatic herb, which has been used to treat ailments such as bronchitis and digestive issues, is now capturing the attention of scientists for an even more meaningful purpose.



A recent study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sharjah</a> sheds light on the potential for white wormwood to fight colorectal cancer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-battle-against-colorectal-cancer">The battle against colorectal cancer</h2>



Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is a worldwide health concern. Ranked as the third most common type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cancer-thrives-on-human-stress-as-it-spreads-throughout-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a> globally, it is responsible for nearly 10% of all cancer cases.



Colorectal cancer mainly affects patients over the age of 50 and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. With one million mortalities and two million new cases recorded in 2020 alone, there is an urgent need for more effective CRC treatments.



Study lead author Dr. Lara Bou Malhab is a research associate at the Sharjah University Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences.



“Artemisia herba-alba&nbsp;could be a promising natural ingredient for new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-cancer-tests-produce-better-cancer-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer treatments</a> based on (our study’s) findings," noted Dr. Bou Malhab. "Colorectal cancer is a common and serious illness, making it essential to find new and better treatments.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-plant-works">How the plant works </h2>



Extracts isolated from Artemisia herba-alba were found to contain compounds with the ability to combat colorectal cancer. These compounds arrest the growth of the malignant cells and trigger self-destruction irrespective of the genetic makeup of these cells.



The compounds also interfere with the cell division in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unique-fingerprint-of-cancer-cells-revealed-in-hydrogen-atoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer cells</a> through proteins like Cyclin B1 and CDK1.



Furthermore, the herb extracts inhibit a pathway that significantly contributes to tumorigenesis, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.



“Our findings highlight the immense potential of Artemisia herba-alba as a natural source for developing innovative therapies against colorectal cancer, addressing the urgent need for treatments with fewer side effects and greater efficacy," said Dr. Malhab.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-substances-as-effective-drugs">Natural substances as effective drugs</h2>



Despite the call of modern medicine, the use of natural substances in synthesizing effective drugs with fewer side effects is an area that cannot be ignored, particularly in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer medications</a>.



Current chemotherapy drugs are plagued by the issues of cancer cells developing resistance and collateral damage in the form of side effects. This study, therefore, could have significant implications if noted and implemented by pharmaceutical giants.



While further research is necessary to unravel the specific molecular mechanisms and the clinical efficacy of Artemisia herba-alba in cancer treatment, there's no denying the potential that this unassuming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbs-and-spices-linked-to-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herb</a> carries within its leaves. 



This study has contributed an important piece to the larger puzzle of creating more effective cancer treatments that are less harmful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colorectal-cancer-a-growing-global-concern">Colorectal cancer: A growing global concern</h2>



Colorectal cancer remains one of the major health challenges facing the world. The incidence rates of this cancer have been on the rise, mainly due to lifestyle factors, an aging population, and genetic predispositions.



Though early detection through screening programs has improved survival rates, treatment options remain limited and often involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation - all of which carry significant drawbacks.



Traditional chemotherapy causes severe side effects, such as immune suppression, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress.



This is why natural compounds such as Artemisia herba-alba are gaining attention. Experts are looking at plant-based solutions that could offer targeted cancer-fighting properties with fewer side effects.



If further research confirms the herb’s effectiveness, it will open doors to more accessible, well-tolerated therapies that could revolutionize colorectal cancer treatment.



With colorectal cancer cases estimated to reach 3.2 million annually by 2040, the need for better treatments has never been greater.



In light of this discovery on Artemisia herba-alba, researchers are bound to look towards nature for their future pharmacological discovery in cancer treatment.



The full study was published in the journal Food Science &amp; Nutrition.



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Medicinal plant has great potential to fight colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths...

Imagine a world where the vibrant colors and splendor of Earth's wild plants and flowers dotting landscapes around the globe fall victim to extinction and vanish, one species at a time.



While this disturbing notion might seem far-fetched, the reality is that it's already beginning to happen.



Plant conservation is at a critical crossroads as botanic gardens around the world struggle to protect Earth’s most endangered plants. 



A recent review of the processes behind this global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biobanking-historic-initiative-aims-to-genetically-rescue-endangered-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species preservation</a> challenge provides scientists with details about exactly what these institutions face in their fight to save endangered and threatened plant species from extinction.



The critical question that emerges is - how can the guardian angels of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-plants-genus-spread-farther-grow-faster-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant kingdom</a>, botanic gardens, rise to meet this challenge?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-100-years-of-plant-conservation">100-years of plant conservation</h2>



The study examined records of fifty botanic gardens and arboreta around the world over the past 100 years, from 1921 to 2021. 



Encompassing over 500,000 plants between them, the goal was to uncover trends and shifts in living plant collections housed at these facilities.



The study's findings suggest that the collections at these gardens have reached their maximum capacity. 



In addition, due to various limitations and rules placed on collecting wild plants in different parts of the world, acquiring and protecting diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> for conservation and study has become challenging.



The research also revealed that, on a global scale, the retention of threatened plants within these collections has not been successful despite the escalating extinction risk.



It raises serious questions about the priority given to combatting biodiversity loss across these gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurdles-in-saving-plants-from-extinction">Hurdles in saving plants from extinction</h2>



The study was spearheaded by Professor Samuel Brockington from <a href="https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/museums/cambridge-university-botanic-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge University Botanic Garden</a>.



“A concerted, collaborative effort across the world’s botanic gardens is now needed to conserve a genetically diverse range of plants, and to make them available for research and future reintroduction into the wild,” Brockington implored.



The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, stated that the Convention on Biological Diversity (<a href="https://www.cbd.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBD</a>) has considerably diminished the rate of plant collection from the wild.



This has greatly hampered the international exchange of plants.



“The impact of the Convention on Biological Diversity is a remarkable demonstration of the power and value of international agreements," stated Professor Brockington, who is also a Professor of Evolution at the University of Cambridge's <a href="https://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Plant Sciences</a>.



"But it seems to be preventing individual botanic gardens from working with many globally threatened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-many-invasive-plant-species-are-in-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a> that we could help save from extinction.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botanic-garden-meta-collections">Botanic garden meta-collections</h2>



Given that nearly 40% of the world’s plant diversity is at an increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">risk of extinction</a>, botanic gardens cannot single-handedly prevent species extinction. 



Therefore, a collective approach is proposed to store and safeguard diversity in living collections. 



Botanic gardens need to function as a 'meta-collection,’ pooling their resources, sharing data, and expertise.



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



While individual institutions like the <a href="https://www.rbge.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh </a>have achieved remarkable success in plant conservation, their efforts highlight both the potential and the limitations of working in isolation.



Global organizations such as Botanic Gardens Conservation International (<a href="https://www.bgci.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BGCI</a>) have made strides in promoting collaboration through conservation consortia, yet these initiatives remain exceptions rather than the standard practice.



Smaller or regionally focused botanic gardens often face resource constraints that limit their capacity for impactful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. 



Without sufficient funding, expertise, or infrastructure, their ability to participate in large-scale projects is significantly hindered. 



Furthermore, the lack of robust data-sharing systems and collaboration across institutions exacerbates the challenge, preventing the formation of a cohesive global strategy.



The successes of these individual institutions and organizations serve as a foundation, but a more unified and coordinated effort is essential to effectively combat biodiversity loss on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-plant-extinction">Climate change and plant extinction</h2>



As climate change transforms growing conditions across different regions globally, it will be more challenging for individual botanic gardens to grow a diverse range of species. 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-climate-changes-have-drastic-effects-on-tropical-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> affects our work directly by altering local weather conditions - we’ve already seen record-breaking temperatures in Cambridge in recent years," Brockington lamented.



"That’s going to affect how well our plants survive, so we need to think rationally and collectively about the best locations to hold different species across the global network of living collections."



Genetic diversity plays a critical role in protecting plants at risk of extinction. The more individual plants of a species are in a collection, the greater the genetic diversity is likely to be.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-we-go-from-here">Where do we go from here?</h2>



Last year, Cambridge University Botanic Garden advertised for a new "Expedition Botanist" to lead global plant-collection expeditions and contribute to vital conservation efforts.



Brockington believes in the importance of these expeditions and proposes a collaborative collection approach that creates equitable international partnerships.



The CBD, signed by 150 government leaders in 1992, commits each country to protect its biodiversity and promote sustainable development. 



Today, there are about 3,500 botanic gardens and arboreta worldwide, committed to studying, conserving and providing access to the world’s plants.



Organizations like the BGCI, a charity, work to mobilize botanic gardens and establish partnerships to secure plant diversity, benefiting people and the planet.



To sum it all up, we're in a race against time for these botanic gardens to adapt, innovate and collaborate in their fight against plant extinction. The future of our plant kingdom hinges on these collective efforts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02633-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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