Every living organism relies on a genetic blueprint encoded in its DNA, yet the amount of DNA - or genome size - varies dramatically across the tree of life.&nbsp;



In animals alone, genome sizes range from the minuscule genome of Intoshia variabili, a marine parasite - which is about 200 times smaller than the human genome - to the massive genome of the marbled lungfish (Protopterus aethiopicus) - which is over 40 times larger than ours.&nbsp;



Plants exhibit a similar range, with the fork fern (Tmesipteris oblanceolata) setting the record with a genome size over 50 times larger than that of humans.



This diversity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> size reveals the vast variety of life forms on Earth, but it also raises a fascinating question: If smaller genomes lead to faster, more efficient growth, why do some species have larger genomes?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-smaller-genome-sizes">Advantages of smaller genome sizes</h2>



The replication of DNA is essential for cell production and growth, making smaller genomes more efficient as they require fewer resources and time to replicate.&nbsp;



Smaller genomes demand fewer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrients</a>, especially the DNA-building elements nitrogen and phosphorus, making them ideal for rapid growth and reproduction.



Because of these advantages, it’s not surprising that most species have evolved with relatively small genomes.&nbsp;



However, large genomes persist in some organisms, suggesting that these genomes may confer certain benefits in specific environments, where the costs of carrying extra DNA are outweighed by unique growth advantages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-large-genome-benefits-in-grasses">Exploring large genome benefits in grasses</h2>



A research team led by the <a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sheffield</a> has recently studied the potential benefits of large genomes in grass species. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fairy-circles-kill-all-newly-planted-grasses-deepening-their-mystery/">Grasses</a>, a vast plant family found worldwide from arctic tundras to tropical savannas, vary in genome size, making them an ideal group to examine how genome size affects growth in different conditions.



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.20150" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Phytologist</a>, examined the growth of various grass species under conditions mimicking their natural environments - high temperatures, low nutrients, and drought. 



The scientists compared growth rates to each species’ genome size and observed that while grasses with smaller genomes generally grew better across most conditions, larger genomes provided advantages in two specific scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-genomes-thrive-in-nutrient-rich-environments">Large genomes thrive in nutrient-rich environments</h2>



The first scenario where larger genomes proved beneficial was in nutrient-rich soils. While low nutrient levels slowed down large-genome grasses, those with large genomes thrived in high-nutrient environments.&nbsp;



Here, the extra DNA content meant larger cells that produced more biomass, such as leaves, which allowed these plants to outgrow and overshadow neighbors with smaller genomes.&nbsp;



In nutrient-poor areas, however, the demands of replicating additional DNA outweighed these benefits, making smaller genomes more favorable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-seasons-and-genome-sizes">Growing seasons and genome sizes</h2>



The second advantage for large-genome grasses occurred in cooler environments, such as temperate regions with lower growing season temperatures.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-grow-more-branches-and-become-bushy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant growth</a> typically has two stages: cell division, where new cells are generated, and cell expansion, where cells swell with water to help the plant grow taller or spread. 



Cool temperatures significantly slow down cell division, but they have less impact on cell expansion.&nbsp;



Consequently, grasses with larger cells, which accompany large genomes, can expand more rapidly by cell enlargement even in cooler weather, outpacing smaller-genome plants that rely on faster cell division in warmer temperatures.



This cell expansion process explains the early spring growth of plants like daffodils and bluebells, which also have large genomes.&nbsp;



These plants perform much of their cell division in warmer months, allowing them to use cell expansion to grow quickly in early spring, well before smaller-genome plants begin to compete for light and nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-size-diversity">Genome size diversity</h2>



The diversity in genome sizes among grasses may be one reason for their global success, as it allows them to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.&nbsp;



While smaller genomes typically support efficient growth, larger genomes offer unique advantages in specific environments, enabling certain species to thrive where others cannot.&nbsp;



This genetic diversity in grasses underscores the importance of variation in supporting species’ survival and adaptability across ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genome-size-and-evolutionary-success">Genome size and evolutionary success</h2>



The relationship between genome size and survival is not limited to plants. Our own medium-sized genome has supported humanity’s adaptability, though we don’t face the same nutrient limitations as stationary plants.&nbsp;



Unlike grasses, humans can move to seek out food and resources, which may allow us to bear the metabolic costs associated with our DNA without significant limitation.&nbsp;



This mobility highlights how different species leverage their genetic make-up in conjunction with unique behaviors and environmental interactions to thrive across diverse habitats.



In summary, the role of genome size in evolutionary success is nuanced and complex.&nbsp;



From the efficient replication of small genomes to the adaptability enabled by larger ones, genome size continues to shape the ecological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-forests-proving-resilient-both-climate-change-human-actions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a> and global distribution of life on Earth.



-----



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



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



-----

How does genome size impact evolutionary success?

Every living organism relies on a genetic blueprint encoded in...

Rainforests are not just a symbol of natural beauty; they are a crucial component of our planet’s ecosystem. Yet, climate change poses an imminent threat to these vital habitats and beyond.



Up to two-thirds of the world’s temperate rainforests could fall victim to climate change by the year 2100 according to a new study by researchers at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-assessment-of-temperate-rainforests">Global assessment of temperate rainforests</h2>



The study is one of its kind - the first-ever global assessment of the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperate-rainforests-can-help-fight-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> on temperate rainforests.



"Temperate rainforests are rare ecosystems found only in wet and cool regions, making them vulnerable to a warming climate. They are important to conserve because they host unique species and can store high amounts of carbon," noted the study authors. 



With the help of comprehensive maps detailing tree cover, forest conditions, and climate data, the researchers were able to evaluate how human activity and climate change have collectively impacted the world's temperate rainforests and how they might continue to do so.



Although covering less than one percent of the Earth's land surface, temperate rainforests have a significant role to play. The forests are located in many countries such as Canada, the United States, Chile, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.



They are globally acknowledged for their ecological importance. Their high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-forests-are-losing-their-carbon-storage-capacity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage capacity</a> exceeds that of forests in other latitudes.



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



The researchers predict that in the most pessimistic scenario, we stand to lose up to 68 percent of our planet's temperate rainforests in the coming decades. In certain regions, this loss might reach a staggering 90 percent.



However, there's a silver lining: our actions can change the trajectory. If we take robust measures against <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Ffossil-carbon-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a> emissions, the projected loss would be only about 23 percent.



Rapid and decisive actions could further curtail this loss to a mere nine percent. This, once again, emphasizes the dire need for urgent, effective steps to counter climate change.



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



The research was led by Ben Silver, a research fellow at Leeds' School of Earth and Environment.



"Unmitigated climate change is a disaster for temperate rainforest in the UK and globally, as they cannot survive the kinds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high summer temperatures</a> which we are starting to observe more regularly and are only predicted to worsen in future climate change simulations," said Silver. 



"Our study also shows that if we work hard to slow climate change it is not too late to save the world’s temperate rainforests." 



"We hope our study will support the conservation of temperate rainforests by identifying those areas that are the least or the most vulnerable to climate change, and where there is potential to restore forest."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-british-rainforests-a-case-study">British rainforests: A case study</h2>



Temperate rainforests dot the UK's western seaboard, forming one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landscapes-with-a-mix-of-habitats-are-biodiversity-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiverse habitats</a>.



It's here that the high humidity and low temperature range create the perfect conditions for moisture-loving lichens and bryophytes.



Britain's temperate rainforests cover less than one percent of the land. Yet, the UK stands with more potential for restoration than any other place globally, hosting a quarter of the world's unforested temperate rainforest climate zone.



The researchers found that temperate rainforests in the UK are resilient to low and medium amounts of future warming.



Professor Dominick Spracklen, co-author of the study, emphasized the need for the UK to lead the world in temperate rainforest restoration.



"The UK could and should be a global leader in restoration of temperate rainforests. New funding and bold action by large landowners are urgently needed to help deliver government targets for temperate rainforest restoration," said Spracklen.



Dr. Dominick A. DellaSala, Chief Scientist of the U.S group Wild Heritage, reiterated the importance of the world’s rainforests as the "lungs of the planet."



"All the world’s rainforests are the ‘lungs of the planet’ that must be protected and restored as natural climate solutions to avoid the worst of global overheating," said Dr. DellaSalla.



"Temperate rainforests need to take their place alongside tropical rainforests and the boreal forests of the north as strategically vital to a safe climate."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024EF004812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Two-thirds of temperate rainforests could be lost this century

Rainforests are not just a symbol of natural beauty; they...

We often hear about the insidious creep of climate change and the warming that's altering landscapes around the world. Well, the Arctic and its plants aren't immune to this silent invasion.



New evidence suggests that it's not just the temperature change we should be monitoring, but also our hoofed friends out on the tundra. Arctic greening, as it is often called, might be more about caribou and muskoxen than we ever realized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greening-of-the-arctic-landscape">Greening of the Arctic landscape </h2>



Research released from the University of California, Davis (<a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/academics/graduate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>) indicates that the large grazers of the Arctic landscape - the caribou and muskoxen - have a direct effect on the timing and abundance of Arctic plants.



This correlation reveals significant implications for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-planting-trees-in-the-arctic-is-not-a-good-climate-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overall Arctic ecosystem</a>. 



The findings were recently detailed in a study published in the journal PNAS Nexus and illuminate the vital role that these large herbivores play in our understanding of the Arctic ecosystem.



The focus of the narrative so far has been climate change and the increasing temperatures, but there seems to be more to it than that.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-emerging-in-the-arctic">Plants emerging in the Arctic</h2>



To fully appreciate the impact of this discovery, it's essential that we first understand phenology- the study of timing and patterns in nature.



It's what alerts us when birds are migrating, or when a plant first bursts to life or bursts into bloom. Within the context of a rapidly warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-melting-arctic-sea-ice-could-disrupt-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>, understanding these patterns becomes critical.



“Caribou and muskoxen play a key role in how soon plants emerge and this translates to how abundant they become,” said lead author Eric Post, a professor and arctic ecologist in the UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. 



“This is an important, and overlooked, factor we need to consider as we seek to more fully understand climate change impacts on tundra vegetation in the Arctic.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbivores-and-plant-growth">Herbivores and plant growth </h2>



The research that led to these insights was conducted over a period of 22 years near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Here, Post and his team designed an exclusion experiment to understand the effect of herbivores on the timing of plant growth and abundance.



The researchers compared the timing of spring green-up of nine plant species with and without the grazing animals, from 2009 to 2017.



The overall conclusion was that plants where caribou or muskoxen were present underwent earlier green-up and enjoyed greater abundance later into the growing season.



However, not all plants responded equally to the grazing. While about two-thirds of plants greened up earlier, and three-quarters thrived more effectively later in the season with grazing animals present, some species such as dwarf birch and harebell emerged later when grazers were present.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-herbivore-grazing">Impact of herbivore grazing</h2>



While it's still unclear why Arctic plants respond this way to the presence of grazers, what is clear is that there is a connection.



“We’re used to thinking of the timing of plant availability as impacting the productivity of grazing animals, but not the reverse,” Post said. “The absence or presence of herbivores can also impact the timing of plant growth and their productivity.”



This understanding becomes increasingly important in light of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-warming-four-times-faster-than-global-average/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">current decline</a> of many caribou populations in the Arctic. According to the IUCN Red List, migratory tundra caribou are now considered vulnerable, having lost more than half of their total abundance since the 1990s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planting-trees-in-the-arctic">Planting trees in the Arctic</h2>



In a related study, Post suggested that supporting sustainable populations of herbivores in the Arctic could be a more effective nature-based solution to climate change in the region than planting trees there. The findings of the PNAS Nexus study lend credence to this suggestion.



We now have a better understanding of the crucial role our hoofed friends play in the Arctic ecosystem, but it is clear that more research is needed.



The challenge is enormous, yet with every bit of new knowledge, we get one step closer to a comprehensive understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-alters-the-atmosphere-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic ecosystem</a> and how we can best protect it against the backdrop of climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/PNASNEXUS-2024-00279RR" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Arctic grazers secretly shape plant growth and survival

We often hear about the insidious creep of climate change...

Psilocybin, a compound at the forefront of psychedelic research, has sparked new hope in the perennial quest for an effective cure for psychiatric ailments, particularly anorexia nervosa. 



A clinical trial conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) highlights how this compound could potentially revolutionize treatment methods and result in improved clinical outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-s-effect-on-anorexia-patients">Psilocybin’s effect on anorexia patients</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-disorders-can-be-contagious-among-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anorexia nervosa</a> is a psychiatric disorder that has resisted conventional treatments and currently has no effective medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is also the psychiatric illness that holds the record for having the highest mortality rate.



The <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCSD</a> research explores the effect of psilocybin treatment on this condition and provides a first-hand account of its consequences.



“Our findings suggest that psilocybin may be helpful in supporting meaningful psychological change in a subset of people with anorexia nervosa," explained Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck, lead author of the study.



"What's particularly interesting is that 60% of participants reported a reduction in the importance of physical appearance, while 70% noted quality-of-life improvements and shifts in personal identity."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-treatment-outcomes">Psilocybin treatment outcomes </h2>



The clinical trial revealed some fascinating outcomes. An overwhelming 90% of participants described their psilocybin session as one of the top five most meaningful experiences of their lives.



Additionally, 40% of the subjects showed clinically significant reductions in eating disorder psychopathology.



However, despite these positive results, the study notes that improvements in psychological outlook did not necessarily translate to weight restoration. 



Furthermore, psilocybin treatment appeared to work very effectively for some individuals while others showed minimal improvements. 



These discrepancies highlight the need for further research, particularly into how genetic variations in serotonin receptors might influence treatment outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-experience-for-some-patients">Transformative experience for some patients </h2>



The impact of this treatment transcends the scientific data and filters into the personal lives of the subjects. 



As one participant shared: “You are able to act in a way that maybe had felt unachievable before, if you set the right intention.”



Another participant echoed similar sentiments, stating: “Things might not look that different from the outside, but they feel completely different from the inside.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



The study employed a single 25mg dose of psilocybin alongside specialized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overweight-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychological</a> support before, during, and after administration. 



Despite showcasing potential, the results also highlight the intricacy of treating anorexia nervosa and suggest a synergistic approach might be the most effective.



Dr. Walter H. Kaye, the study's senior author and UCSD Eating Disorders Treatment Center director, maintains that while the findings are promising, they need to be backed by larger, well-controlled studies. 



This includes the use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-imaging-method-will-unravel-mysteries-of-neural-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain imaging</a> and genetic analysis to ascertain who might benefit most from this innovative treatment approach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personalized-medicine-for-eating-disorders">Personalized medicine for eating disorders </h2>



The fascinating findings of the clinical trial initiated new trajectories for personalized medicine for eating disorders. 



However, it also sparked a flurry of questions around optimizing therapeutic protocols for this vulnerable demographic. 



Surely, it's a profound addition to the current discourse around non-traditional treatment methods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-psilocybin-therapy">Challenges of psilocybin therapy</h2>



The promise of psilocybin as a treatment for anorexia nervosa comes with its share of challenges. One major concern is ensuring that the therapy takes place in a safe, supportive environment. 



Psychedelic experiences can be intense and unpredictable, making it crucial to have professional guidance in place to support patients before, during, and after treatment.



This guidance helps maximize the benefits while minimizing any potential risks or adverse reactions.



There are also questions about how psilocybin therapy could fit into existing treatment plans. Researchers are looking at how it might complement traditional methods like <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=cognitive-behavioral%20therapy&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive-behavioral therapy</a> to boost long-term recovery. 



As more studies are conducted, it will be vital to address these challenges and questions. Only then can psilocybin potentially become a reliable, safe, and effective treatment option for those battling the complexities of anorexia nervosa.



The journey forward is one of thorough research, careful observation, and continued exploration to bring the best possible outcome to patients who need it most.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10427429/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Psilocybin shows promise for treating anorexia

Psilocybin, a compound at the forefront of psychedelic research, has...

Researchers have discovered that mangrove forests - a shield against destructive storms across many coastlines - are now suffocating underwater in the Maldives.



The data shows that the combination of an escalating sea level and a shift in Indian Ocean conditions has caused some Maldivian islands to lose more than half of their mangrove <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangroves-and-saltmarshes-are-much-better-at-storing-carbon-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cover</a> since 2020.



The researchers, led by Lucy Carruthers and Dr. Vasile Ersek of Northumbria University, noted that this isn't a singular incident affecting only the Maldives. 



The experts said that extreme climate events represent an emerging threat to mangroves and coastal ecosystems worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowly-deteriorating-mangroves">Slowly deteriorating mangroves</h2>



In 2020, the mangroves on more than a quarter of the Maldives islands started showing signs of slow deterioration, sliding into a state known as dieback, before bidding the world adieu. 



The intensity of this mangrove loss phenomenon was captured by satellite imagery. The experts found that some islands had lost more than half of their mangrove cover.



For their investigation of mangrove dieback, the researchers combined evidence from sea level, climate data, and remote sensing. Field observations of sediment geochemistry and dendrology were also taken into consideration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-salinity-stress-in-mangroves">Signs of salinity stress in mangroves </h2>



According to the results, the dead trees exhibited increased signs of salinity stress when compared to their living counterparts.



This stress gives us a clue that the tree roots were having a tough time dealing with the heightened salt levels, which played a key role in their demise.



The scientists concluded that sea levels around the Maldives had risen at an escalated rate of over 30mm per year from 2017 to 2020. 



Adding fuel to the fire, there was a particularly intense shift in the Indian Ocean Dipole during this period. This brought along warmer sea surface temperatures and a sea-level increase in the Western Indian Ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-tidal-movement">Limited tidal movement </h2>



While mangroves do have a way to cope with slow and steady rising seas by building up sediment, they found the pace of sea level rise over the past few years too fast to keep up with. 



Due to limited tidal movements in the basin areas where many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mangroves-and-saltmarshes-are-much-better-at-storing-carbon-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mangrove forests</a> grow, the rising sea levels essentially drowned them. 



The lack of tidal movement and the consequent flooding obstructed the mangroves from building the sediment they needed to stay above water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-magnitude-of-forest-dieback">Extreme magnitude of forest dieback</h2>



Dr. Vasile Ersek is an associate professor in Northumbria University’s <a href="https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/geography-and-environmental-sciences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences</a>.



"Dieback was first observed in the center of low-lying basin areas before gradually spreading outwards," said Dr. Ersek.



"As these basin areas have something we call limited tidal flushing we saw evidence of the rising sea level inundating the forests with seawater. This prolonged exposure created higher concentrations of salt."



“As the mangroves’ build-up of sediment slowed down due to the pace of the rising sea level, the soil salinity increased beyond what even these salt-tolerant trees could handle. Essentially, the mangroves were drowning."



Dr. Ersek noted that the extreme magnitude of dieback seen in the Maldives is a vivid illustration of how climate change may push natural systems past their limits, with cascading consequences for both nature and people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-mangroves-in-a-warning-climate">Future of mangroves in a warning climate</h2>



Lucy Carruthers, the study's lead author, is now a postdoctoral scholar in <a href="https://coastal.ecu.edu/faculty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Carolina University’s Department of Coastal Studies</a>.



“Sea level in the region reached its highest point on tide gauge records when the dieback occurred in 2020. This coincided with an intense positive phase in the Indian Ocean Dipole which can induce climate extremes for countries within the Indian Ocean," said Carruthers. 



“As our planet continues to warm, we can expect to see the Indian Ocean Dipole occurring more frequently and at higher magnitude, meaning events like this mangrove die-off may become more common."



“These remarkable forests have thrived at the interface of land and sea for many centuries. Whether they can survive the rapid changes of the coming decades will depend largely on our actions in managing the climate crisis today.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-73776-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Drowning mangroves: Climate change is pushing nature past its limits

Researchers have discovered that mangrove forests - a shield against...

Incredibly, trees have their own savvy ways of handling destructive winds during storms and cyclones. But, how do they do it? 



This was the driving question behind a recent study conducted by an international team of researchers from Japan, Germany, and France. The experts explored the fascinating swaying behaviors of Cryptomeria japonica, also known as the Japanese Cedar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forests-and-wind-stress">Forests and wind stress</h2>



Let's face it - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather conditions</a>, which include tropical and extratropical cyclones and tornadoes, are no less than calamities. 



They damage our forests, leading to environmental and financial losses. Fallen trees can disrupt entire ecosystems, and cleaning up the mess is not exactly cheap.



In addition, with climate change on the rise, we can expect increasingly severe storms in the future. With this in mind, it is important that we understand how forests respond to wind stress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-trees-react-to-wind">How trees react to wind</h2>



This is not the first time scientists have examined the resilience of trees. However, previous studies have not given us a clear understanding of how trees react to wind across different forest configurations and weather conditions.



Recognizing this knowledge gap, the team embarked on a mission to unravel the mysteries of tree movements and wind resistance.



The research team was led by Professor Kana Kamimura, an expert in the School of Science and Technology at <a href="https://www.shinshu-u.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shinshu University</a>, Japan.



Other team members included Kazuki Nanko, Asako Matsumoto, and Saneyoshi Ueno from the <a href="https://www.ffpri.affrc.go.jp/ffpri/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute</a> in Japan, and Barry Gardiner from the <a href="https://uni-freiburg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Freiburg</a> in Germany and the Institut Européen de la Forêt Cultivée- <a href="https://www.plantedforests.org/fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IEFC</a>, France.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-in-various-wind-conditions">Trees in various wind conditions</h2>



"Several techniques have been developed to predict wind damage. However, they largely depend on empirical data and parameters, and overlook how wind damage occurs," noted Professor Kamimura.



"Our research aims to shed light on how winds directly impact trees and how trees reduce the stress from winds to survive."



For the investigation, the researchers monitored the behavior of trees during various wind conditions.



Their laboratory was the great outdoors, where they set up two Cryptomeria japonica plots in November 2017 in Kasumigaura City, Japan. 



The experts paid special attention to how these trees managed to dodge strong winds, gathering data over two years, including during multiple typhoons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-secret-defense-strategy">Trees' secret defense strategy</h2>



The results of the study were remarkable. The researchers found that cedar trees have two distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-trees-protect-their-genetic-diversity-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival modes</a>, depending on wind speed.



With lighter winds, the trees swayed at around 2-2.3 cycles per second, with their branches absorbing much of the wind energy. But when the winds got rough, the resilient trees switched to a slower swaying pattern, moving together as one unit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-speed-vs-tree-density">Wind speed vs. tree density</h2>



The transition between the two swaying modes was found to depend on the wind speed and also on the forest density. 



The densely populated P-100 plot made the shift at wind speeds between 1.79 and 7.44 meters per second. On the other hand, the transition happened at slightly lower wind speeds in the less dense P-50 plot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-of-typhoon-trami">Case of typhoon Trami</h2>



Typhoon Trami, in 2018, offered the team a real-world scenario to test their theories. They found that the thinned P-50 plot, despite its 48% resistance, suffered significant damage. 



“The 52% difference between actual and expected resistance values was likely due to the roots weakening because of strong winds, even before the winds became more severe," noted Professor Kamimura.



"This root fatigue occurred because the trees moved more due to less support from nearby trees and more wind penetrating the plot." 



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



The insights drawn from this study are indeed valuable. They have revealed the crucial balance between thinning practices and wind resistance in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest management</a>. 



Thinning, although helpful in promoting tree growth, can make forests more vulnerable to storms, especially soon after the thinning process.



"With more frequent storms in a changing climate, forest management practices must adapt to maintain resilience," concluded Professor Kamimura.



So, as we face a future with more storms, let's stand together, just like our trees, ready to sway but not break in the face of adversity. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112724005358?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Ecology and Management</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Trees cleverly adapt to withstand storms and high winds

Incredibly, trees have their own savvy ways of handling destructive...

It's known as the "boring billion," a murky period in Earth's history between 1.8 billion and 800 million years ago, when life's complexity didn't extend much beyond single-celled organisms.



Apart from the occasional multicellular life form, most of the living species during that time period were simple, unicellular organisms that had minimal requirements for life. 



But don't mistake "boring" for insignificant. This epoch of evolution laid the foundation for the drama of complex multicellularity that would eventually lead to us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-fuel-for-evolution">Energy: Fuel for evolution</h2>



The boring billion period appears to mark a time when the evolution of complex life was delayed and conditions were so stable as to border on stagnant. 



Scientists state that oxygen levels at this time were drastically decreased and conditions were fairly harsh for most forms of life.



A new study by Michael Lynch of <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> has revealed that the transition from unicellular to multicellular life forms would have come at a cost.



Using the water flea, Daphnia, as a <a href="https://phys.org/tags/model+organism/">model organism</a>, the study shows that multicellular organisms require more than a tenfold increase in energy compared with the simpler, unicellular organisms characteristic of the boring billion period. 



"No one doubts that multicellularity can bring substantial advantages to the table, but the privilege of attaining such benefits comes at a steep investment cost," said Lynch, who directs the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fbiodesign.asu.edu%2Fmechanisms-of-evolution%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution</a> at ASU.



The study emphasizes the importance of respiration and other metabolic processes in navigating the transition to more complex life forms. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-complexity">Cost of complexity </h2>



Every organism, from the smallest bacterium to a human, is driven by energy. Having an entire body made of only one cell reduces the need for energy and nutrients to grow and reproduce. 



But multicellular organisms, like plants, animals, and fungi, have to maintain a multitude of cells in complex tissues, organs and structures. And this places a far higher energy demand on the organism.



As the cell count increases in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-and-environment-co-evolved-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular organism</a>, so does the demand on ATP synthase, the molecular machinery in cells that manufactures ATP, the universal energy currency. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/multicelled-organisms_metazoan-daphnia_credit-Marek-Mis_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/multicelled-organisms_metazoan-daphnia_credit-Marek-Mis_1s.webp" alt="A new study shows that multicelled organisms like the metazoan daphnia (pictured) require a tenfold increase in energy compared with protists for their growth, maintenance and survival. The high cost of multicellular existence is offset by the many evolutionary advantages afforded to advanced organisms, from simpler forms like daphnia all the way up to vertebrate species, including humans. Credit: Marek Miś" class="wp-image-1950209"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A new study shows that multicelled organisms like the metazoan daphnia (pictured) require a tenfold increase in energy compared with protists for their growth, maintenance and survival. The high cost of multicellular existence is offset by the many evolutionary advantages afforded to advanced organisms, from simpler forms like daphnia all the way up to vertebrate species, including humans. Credit: Marek Miś</figcaption></figure>



Each new cell in a multicellular body is another mouth to feed in terms of energy, and the cost increases with the number of cells.



The findings of the Daphnia study show that metazoans - the group that includes multicellular creatures - need a lot more ATP synthase complexes in each cell than their simpler, unicellular counterparts.



In fact, for every increment in body mass, these organisms require 30 to 50 times more oxygen than simpler, unicellular creatures. This additional oxygen supports the complex needs for metabolism, cellular communication, and tissue maintenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-comes-at-a-price">Size comes at a price</h2>



Growth isn't cheap, particularly for multicellular organisms. 



While larger, unicellular organisms, like some amoebas, become more efficient as they grow, multicellular organisms face unique challenges that require extra energy to sustain their larger sizes and more complex structures.



Given this steep energy price, why did multicellularity evolve at all? 



The answer seems to be that multicellular life offers evolutionary advantages, such as being able to consume unicellular organisms en masse, evade predators, and live in various environments.



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



To surmount the energetic challenges presented by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-snowball-earth-conditions-drove-evolution-complex-multicellular-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellularity</a>, organisms have developed remarkable adaptations to utilize their resources efficiently. 



One key adaptation is the division of labor between specialized cells, tissues, and organs; this specialization allows for optimized energy usage where cells perform distinct functions more efficiently than they would if they had to carry out all the different life activities.



For example, mitochondria within eukaryotic cells have evolved highly efficient pathways to generate ATP, thus maximizing the energy harvested from different substrates.



Furthermore, the development of vascular systems in plants and circulatory systems in animals allows for the effective distribution of energy resources, and ensures that all cells have access to the oxygen and nutrients necessary to produce energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-boring-billion">Implications of the "boring billion"</h2>



Understanding the evolutionary narrative of the "boring billion" holds powerful implications for modern scientific research. 



This era not only reflects the energy-centric challenges of the past but also informs the fields of synthetic biology, evolutionary biology, and bioengineering.



By studying the metabolic pathways and energy efficiencies developed during this period, researchers can potentially design bio-inspired systems and organisms with enhanced functionalities and sustainability.



Furthermore, insights gained from this epoch's evolutionary innovations could pioneer future advancements in medical therapies, agriculture, and ecosystem management. 



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



This study primarily focuses on aerobic, animal-like organisms. But there's a vast and varied spectrum of life out there, including plants and fungi, and the researchers plan to extend their investigations to these life forms. 



Future insights could shed light on why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biggest-known-space-cloud-of-life-building-complex-chemicals-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">multicellular life forms</a> took a considerable time to appear and diversify on our planet.



Multicellular life has high energy demands and this study suggests that the constraints of bioenergy could be a universal phenomenon that is applicable to any carbon-based, oxygen-breathing life, no matter where it exists in the universe.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2414742121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

'Boring billion' wasn’t a dull period, it fueled a shift to complex life

It's known as the "boring billion," a murky period in...

Plants captivate us as they grow not only upward but also in width, expanding their girth. Imagine a pencil-thin tree growing taller without becoming sturdy - hardly stable, right?



Our perception of plants reveals a simple truth: they must grow outwards as well as upwards. Yet, most research focuses on the tips of shoots, where a plant's height increases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-plants-grow-stronger">How plants grow stronger</h2>



"Plants can’t grow endlessly in height. They also need to grow in thickness, or they would simply fall over," noted biologist Kirsten Ten Tusscher from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a>.



So, while examining the increase in a tree’s height makes sense, understanding how they get "broader" is just as crucial.



We've all marveled at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/older-trees-help-the-endangered-wolf-lichen-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older trees</a> growing visibly thicker and more robust over time. This outward growth, especially in trees, is necessary for structural strength.



What's the key to this increase in width over time? It's all in the cambium layer's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plant-stem-cells-could-support-human-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stem cells</a>.



These crucial cells are the ones calling the shots, producing wood to support the tree's structure as it grows. However, until now, the genetic mechanisms behind the activation of these stem cells has remained a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-processes-in-plants">Growing processes in plants</h2>



In collaboration with colleagues from the University of Helsinki, Durham University, and the University of California, Ten Tusscher and her team set out to solve this mystery. The researchers designed and developed a computer model that played a central role in the study.



The model provided invaluable insights and made significant predictions while supporting the laboratory results of the team members.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-replicating-the-magic">Replicating the magic</h2>



Where the scientific community had studied <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aspen-trees-change-their-genetic-structure-to-adapt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> for growth in height before, increase in width was uncharted territory. Until now, it was unclear which genes enable these cambium&nbsp;<a href="https://phys.org/tags/stem+cells/">stem cells</a>&nbsp;to become active and how this is controlled.



Ten Tusscher's model tackled the genes controlling thickness growth and shed light on the activation processes. The model's results were astonishing.



The output from the model indicated that growth in thickness is controlled by specific chemical signals within the cambium layer. Gradients in these chemical signals intersect to form a precise zone where stem cells are "switched on."



This subsequently guides the cells to produce woody tissue, thereby ensuring the continuous formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genetically-engineered-wood-poplar-cottonwood-trees-store-more-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wood</a> throughout the plant’s life. The steady process guarantees the strength and stability a plant needs in order to support its upwards growth.



The model centered on the small plant, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-adjust-roots-to-reach-their-preferred-form-of-nitrogen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arabidopsis</a>, a popular choice with biologists worldwide who study plant growth.



It demonstrated how cambium stem cells are activated and sustained, facilitating continuous thickness growth throughout a plant's life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-scientific-triumphs">Beyond scientific triumphs</h2>



Unraveling the mystery of growth in thickness isn't just a scientific triumph; it has practical implications in forestry and climate action.



"If you fully understand plant growth, and develop a tree that grows twice as fast in thickness, it's a great benefit for more sustainable timber industry," noted Ten Tusscher.



"It's also advantageous for climate efforts, as faster-growing trees can store more CO₂. Perhaps, it could even help researchers tune thickness growth in crops for better agricultural yield." 



This study, therefore, not only quenches a scientific curiosity but could also lead to a greener, healthier planet. Furthermore, it has profound implications for our environment and economy. 



Plants' hidden growth secret, it turns out, is a secret no more!



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



With climate change at the forefront of global challenges, the knowledge gained from this study could transform approaches to reforestation and sustainable timber production in future.



Enhanced growth in tree thickness means greater carbon storage capacity, which plays a critical role in carbon sequestration efforts.



Moreover, unlocking the secrets of cambium-driven growth can guide innovations in crop breeding to optimize plants that produce higher yields and withstand environmental stresses.



By harnessing this newfound understanding, scientists can develop plants that not only meet timber and agricultural demands but also contribute to climate resilience.



The findings of the study pave the way for practical applications that could lead to a greener, more sustainable future, where plants not only reach sky-high but also play an even larger role in supporting life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj8752" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Scientists uncover how plants grow wider, not just taller

Plants captivate us as they grow not only upward but...

Dementia research is entering a new era as more focus and resources are directed toward finding the right treatments to combat this complex condition.



While much of this search revolves around cutting-edge drugs, it is fascinating to see that potential solutions might be hidden within traditional medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dementia-not-just-a-test-of-time">Dementia: Not just a test of time</h2>



Dementia, a debilitating condition that impacts both cognitive and motor functions, is primarily associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-third-of-older-americans-have-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adults</a> and is often viewed as an inevitable consequence of aging. 



However, it's not merely the passing of time that triggers its onset, but rather a multitude of complex factors such as genetics, environmental influences, and lifestyle.



There is an urgent need for a therapeutic breakthrough to prevent or at least <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/having-a-pet-leads-to-a-much-slower-rate-of-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slow down dementia’s progression</a>, especially as populations worldwide continue to age rapidly.



On the brighter side, a dedicated group of researchers in the Graduate School of Medicine at <a href="https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Metropolitan University</a> is making promising strides in the search for new solutions.



The research dives into the realms of traditional Chinese medicine, an area rich with ancient knowledge and healing practices. 



Their findings are quite encouraging, to say the least, and may hold the key to a revolutionary approach to dementia prevention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbal-medicine-and-dementia-treatment">Herbal medicine and dementia treatment </h2>



The researchers focused on the dried seeds of Ziziphus jujuba Miller var. spinosa, a type of jujube that is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.



The team administered hot water extracts of the dried seeds to mice with various diseases -- including Alzheimer's, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies.



Remarkably, the researchers discovered that the treatments resulted in significant restoration of cognitive and motor functions.



Even more intriguing was when these seeds were crushed into a powder form and given to the model mice. The cognitive function of these mice improved to a level exceeding that of the control group. 



The effects didn't stop there. The powders also seemed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consistent-sleep-slows-down-aging-at-a-cellular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suppress cellular aging</a> in older mice and boosted their cognitive functions to match those of their younger counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-ziziphus-jujuba-miller-var-spinosa">What is Ziziphus jujuba Miller var. spinosa?</h2>



Often called sour jujube or spindle jujube, Ziziphus jujuba Miller var. spinosa is a tree that originally hails from East Asia, especially China. 



What makes it stand out are its thorny branches and the small, oval fruits that shift from green to a rich reddish-brown as they ripen. 



This tree does really well in dry and semi-dry areas and can handle different types of soil and climates, making it super resilient even in tough conditions. Its ability to survive droughts is a big reason why it's grown in so many different places around the world.



People have been loving Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa for centuries because it's so versatile in both cooking and medicine. 



The fruits are pretty sour on their own, but when dried, they're fantastic in teas, desserts, and traditional dishes, adding a unique kick to all sorts of recipes. 



Plus, the fruits and other parts of the tree are a staple in traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-often-contain-hidden-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese medicine</a>. They’re believed to help improve sleep, boost the immune system, and provide antioxidants, making them a go-to ingredient for herbal remedies that promote overall health and well-being.



Growing Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa comes with a bunch of perks, both economically and environmentally. 



Farmers love that it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and can still produce fruit even when conditions aren’t perfect, ensuring a reliable harvest. 



On top of that, the tree helps prevent soil erosion and improves soil quality thanks to its extensive root system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-world-of-traditional-medicine">The world of traditional medicine </h2>



This was not the research team's first successful venture into the world of traditional medicine. 



They had previously noted memory and motor function improvements in dementia mice models when using the Hawaiian herb mamaki and the Chinese herb Acorus gramineus.



"The results of our research will hopefully make it possible to develop dementia prevention products that middle-aged and elderly people can take at their own discretion," said Professor Takami Tomiyama of Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Medicine.



Published for review in the journal eLife, the findings mark a substantial leap toward developing vital dementia drugs, drawing from the vast knowledge of traditional herbal medicine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-practices-and-modern-science">Ancient practices and modern science</h2>



As researchers investigate traditional Chinese medicine, a promising new frontier is emerging at the intersection of age-old wisdom and cutting-edge science. 



Unlike synthetic drugs, which often target specific molecular pathways, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/herbal-supplements-often-contain-hidden-ingredients/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbal</a> remedies typically involve a complex mixture of active compounds that can influence multiple systems within the body. 



This complexity poses a challenge for scientific analysis but also offers an opportunity to explore treatments that work in harmony with natural biological processes.



In the case of Ziziphus jujuba seeds, for example, the potential to improve cognitive function without significant side effects has sparked interest beyond academia. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dementia-prevention-with-herbal-medicine">Dementia prevention with herbal medicine</h2>



Researchers are increasingly interested in whether these herbal treatments could evolve into widely accessible, over-the-counter supplements for dementia prevention.



If successful, these innovations could provide more affordable, preventive care options to populations at risk of dementia. This could transform the landscape of brain health and aging.



This study from Osaka Metropolitan University represents a pivotal step in that direction, encouraging more scientists to investigate ancient practices that may hold solutions for modern health challenges.



By validating the efficacy of traditional herbs through rigorous testing, researchers are paving the way for a new wave of dementia therapies that bridge the best of both worlds: the depth of traditional knowledge and the precision of modern science.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/100737v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eLife</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Herbal medicine shows great potential in treating and preventing dementia

Dementia research is entering a new era as more focus...

Experts at the University of Sydney have identified a cannabis compound called cannabinol (CBN) that appears to significantly enhance sleep quality, marking an important breakthrough in the search for natural sleep aids.&nbsp;



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41386-024-02018-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuropsychopharmacology</a>, the study provides objective evidence that CBN improves sleep by altering sleep architecture, the structure of sleep phases over the night. 



Conducted by scientists at the University of Sydney's<a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/lambert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics</a>, the research shows CBN’s potential to offer a non-intoxicating sleep aid, similar to yet distinct from conventional sleep medications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-enhancing-effects-of-cannabinol">Sleep-enhancing effects of cannabinol</h2>



“For decades, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-users-seem-to-sleep-better-than-most-other-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis</a> folklore has suggested that aged cannabis makes consumers sleepy via the buildup of CBN, but there was no convincing evidence for this,” explained lead author Jonathon Arnold, the Director of Preclinical Research at the Lambert Initiative. 



“Our study provides the first objective evidence that CBN increases <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/getting-high-quality-sleep-helps-prevent-depression-and-anxiety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>, at least in rats, by modifying the architecture of sleep in a beneficial way.”



Cannabinol forms as the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis, delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), breaks down over time.&nbsp;



As cannabis ages, THC gradually converts to CBN, which means older cannabis typically contains higher levels of this compound. Some cannabis users have noted that older cannabis seems to produce a sleepier “high,” which has led to CBN products being marketed as sleep aids.&nbsp;



In the U.S., highly purified cannabinol products are increasingly available as natural sleep aids, though scientific research on their effectiveness has been limited until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabinol-compared-to-traditional-sleep-aids">Cannabinol compared to traditional sleep aids</h2>



The study compared CBN’s effects on sleep with those of zolpidem, a widely used sleep drug, by measuring sleep patterns in rats.&nbsp;



Using high-tech monitoring, the researchers observed significant improvements in sleep architecture with CBN, including increases in both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.&nbsp;



NREM sleep is known to promote physical recovery and memory consolidation, while REM sleep is associated with processing emotions and dreaming.



The findings show that CBN improved total sleep time in a way comparable to zolpidem, suggesting that CBN may have similar efficacy to traditional sleep aids.&nbsp;



“CBN was found to increase both NREM and REM sleep, leading to increased total sleep time, with a comparable effect to the known sleep drug zolpidem,” Arnold said.&nbsp;



These results may point to CBN as a viable natural alternative for those seeking sleep enhancement without the side effects that can accompany standard sleep medications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-a-broader-range-of-users">Potential for a broader range of users</h2>



CBN also appears to offer sleep benefits without the intoxicating effects commonly associated with THC. While THC binds strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to its psychoactive effects, CBN does so only weakly, which likely accounts for its minimal intoxicating impact.&nbsp;



To the researchers' surprise, they found that a metabolite of CBN, called 11-OH CBN, had more substantial effects on CB1 receptors and seemed to impact sleep architecture. This insight suggests that CBN’s breakdown products might play an important role in its overall sleep-enhancing properties.



“This provides the first evidence that CBN indeed increases sleep using objective sleep measures,” Arnold said.&nbsp;



“It was a surprise that CBN metabolism in the body can yield a much greater effect on cannabinoid CB1 receptors than the parent molecule CBN, which has much more limited activity.”&nbsp;



He notes that while these findings are promising, further studies in humans are necessary to confirm whether the benefits observed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rats-have-a-very-complex-social-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rats</a> will translate to human sleep patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-human-trials-show-promise">Early human trials show promise</h2>



Building on these findings, a parallel human trial was conducted by Iain McGregor, Director of Clinical Research at the Lambert Initiative, with insomnia patients.&nbsp;



Led by PhD student Isobel Lavender and renowned sleep researcher Camilla Hoyos from the <a href="https://www.woolcock.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woolcock Institute of Medical Research</a>, the human study was structured as a placebo-controlled randomized trial, revealing promising preliminary results that were presented at recent scientific conferences.



“Our research encourages further basic and clinical research on CBN as a new treatment strategy for sleep disorders, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-link-between-insomnia-and-hypertension-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insomnia</a>,” McGregor said. 



“Our clinical study only administered CBN on a single occasion. A trial on a larger scale, with repeated dosing, is the logical next step.”&nbsp;



Larger studies over extended periods may reveal even more about CBN’s effects, helping researchers understand its role as a possible long-term solution for sleep issues.



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



Professor Arnold and his team are now exploring ways to amplify CBN’s sleep-promoting effects, including combining it with other compounds found in cannabis or with conventional sleep aids such as melatonin.&nbsp;



“The team has now commenced a preclinical drug discovery program around CBN, as well as observing whether the pro-sleep effects of CBN can be further amplified by other molecules found in cannabis, or by conventional sleep aids, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melatonin-receptor-is-a-new-target-for-treating-sleep-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melatonin</a>,” Arnold said.



Given the study's promising findings, future research could open up a new realm of sleep therapeutics that leverage non-intoxicating cannabinoids for improved sleep quality.&nbsp;



With sleep disorders impacting millions worldwide, a natural, non-addictive option like CBN could offer an alternative to those seeking help for sleep disturbances without the potential drawbacks of traditional medications.



-----



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



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



-----

Nature's sleep aid: Cannabinol shows promise as a safe sedative

Experts at the University of Sydney have identified a cannabis...

The corpse flower is infamous for its rare blooms and its signature odor, which mimics the stench of rotting flesh, drawing crowds to greenhouses worldwide. The plant’s blooms are infrequent and short-lived, making it difficult for scientists to study.&nbsp;



Alongside its unusual scent, the corpse flower, or titan arum, possesses a rare ability among plants: it heats itself up just before blooming, a process called thermogenesis.&nbsp;



Now, a study led by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a> delves into the molecular workings behind the corpse flower’s odor and heat production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-source-of-the-corpse-flower-s-odor">Source of the corpse flower’s odor</h2>



The study, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae492" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a>, was led by G. Eric Schaller, a Dartmouth professor specializing in plant biology, who, with his team, used blooms from Morphy, a 21-year-old corpse flower at Dartmouth’s Life Sciences Greenhouse, to analyze the plant’s unique biological processes.&nbsp;



This study not only revealed how the plant warms itself but also uncovered a new component of its distinctive odor: putrescine, a compound often found in decaying animal tissue.



“The blooms are rare and also short-lived, so we only get a small window to study these phenomena,” Schaller said, explaining the challenges of studying such an elusive plant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-and-blooming-cycle-nbsp">Structure and blooming cycle&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-corpse-flower-smelliest-flower-on-earth-is-at-grave-risk-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">titan arum</a> bloom structure isn’t a single flower but a cluster of small flowers hidden within a massive spadix - the central spike-like structure that can grow up to 12 feet tall. 



The spathe, a frilly petal-like layer at the base of the spadix, unfurls to reveal a deep red interior. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flowers-blooming-92-days-earlier-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blooming</a> begins, the spadix heats up significantly, sometimes reaching up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the surrounding temperature, while releasing its pungent scent.&nbsp;



This unique “carrion cologne” attracts pollinators like flies and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-impact-the-beetles-that-protect-our-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beetles</a>, which are drawn to the sulfur-based compounds emitted by the spadix.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-pathways-of-the-corpse-flower-nbsp">Genetic pathways of the corpse flower&nbsp;</h2>



To investigate how the titan arum generates both heat and odor, the research team collected tissue samples from Morphy during a 2016 bloom, focusing on various areas of the spathe and spadix over three nights.&nbsp;



By extracting high-quality RNA from the tissues, exchange scholar Alveena Zulfiqar enabled the team to analyze RNA sequences and determine which genes were active during the plant’s heating phase.



“This helps us see what genes are being expressed and to see which ones are specifically active when the appendix heats up and sends out odor,” Schaller explained.&nbsp;



The RNA analysis revealed that genes linked to sulfur transport, metabolism, and a plant protein known as alternative oxidase - essential to heat production - were especially active in the appendix area during flowering.



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



The team turned to mass spectrometry to measure different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amino acids</a> within the plant’s tissues, working with collaborators from the <a href="https://missouri.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a>.&nbsp;



The analysis confirmed high levels of methionine, a sulfur-based amino acid, in tissues collected as flowering began.&nbsp;



Methionine, known for vaporizing when heated, contributes to the corpse flower’s sulfurous smell. Levels of methionine dropped quickly in tissues collected just hours later, supporting its role in the plant’s initial odor production.



Unexpectedly, the researchers also detected elevated levels of another amino acid in the spathe tissues: a precursor for putrescine, a compound common in decaying animals.&nbsp;



What came as a surprise, Schaller noted, was finding putrescine - which adds an authentic element to the corpse flower’s cadaver-like scent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thermogenesis-in-plants">Thermogenesis in plants</h2>



Thermogenesis, or heat production, is common in animals but rare among plants. In animals, this process involves uncoupling proteins that release energy as heat instead of storing it.&nbsp;



In the titan arum, the plant counterparts of these proteins - alternative oxidases - play a similar role in heating. By examining the unique ways these proteins function in the corpse flower, the researchers shed light on the mechanisms plants can use to generate heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unanswered-questions-about-the-corpse-flower-nbsp">Unanswered questions about the corpse flower&nbsp;</h2>



While the team’s findings reveal much about the corpse flower’s odor and heat production, Schaller and his colleagues are still investigating other mysteries.&nbsp;



One area of interest is understanding the triggers that prompt flowering and exploring whether multiple corpse flowers could synchronize their blooms.&nbsp;



Schaller suggests that synchronized blooming could amplify the plant’s scent, potentially increasing the attraction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-face-extinction-risk-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>.



With this study, scientists have taken a significant step in understanding the molecular processes behind the corpse flower’s unique traits.&nbsp;



Future research may further reveal how these mechanisms contribute to the plant’s survival and its interactions with the environment, providing valuable insights into the unusual adaptations of this giant, mysterious bloom.



-----



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



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



-----

Why does the corpse flower smell like rotting flesh?

The corpse flower is infamous for its rare blooms and...

Plants, just like us, want to grow big and strong. But they're constantly under attack by pathogens - tiny organisms that have the power to weaken or even kill plants. This is where the plants' secret agents - "defense genes" - enter the picture.



These genes arm plants with defenses against harmful pathogens. However, this defense network comes at a cost - it saps away the resources the plant could otherwise use for growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defense-genes-of-plants">Defense genes of plants</h2>



A recent study on defense genes was led by postdoctoral researcher Michael Giolai and Professor Anna-Liisa Laine from the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a>.



The team analyzed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> defense genes and growth traits across 184 plant species - a feat made possible by the power of open databases.



The researchers found a direct correlation between a plant's investment in defense genes and its ability to grow.



They discovered a broad range of plant defense strategies, from asparagus with just 72 resistance genes to a chili variety with 1,095 of them. 



However, the more of a plant's genome that is devoted to defense, the less it grows.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-defense-in-cultivated-plants">Defense in cultivated plants</h2>



Think of the trade-off business like this - every plant has a limited pool of resources (like energy and nutrients) to carry out activities.



The more it dips into this pool to fuel its defense system, the less it has left to spur its growth. But why don't plants just expand their resource pool and do both? Well, that's the revelation - they can't.



However, the researchers found a catch. Cultivated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants that we humans have bred</a> for specific traits in agriculture did not show this correlation between defense and growth.



The experts suspect this might be due to the breeding process, which has reduced natural variation in the genomes of these crop plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture">The bigger picture</h2>



But it's not just about a single plant or its struggles. The findings shed light on how allocation costs - the costs associated with this balancing act - play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining biodiversity.



Essentially, these findings help us understand why plants are the way they are and how they have adapted to their environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-plant-defenses">Complexity of plant defenses</h2>



In exploring these phenomena further, Giolai and Laine highlight the intricate dance between genetic inheritance and environmental demands. 



They found that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> exhibit sophisticated strategies to balance their defense and growth, flaunting their evolutionary prowess. 



For instance, plants native to harsh or unpredictable environments tend to boast a diverse genetic toolkit, allowing them to switch on specific defense genes only when under threat. This inducible defense strategy ensures they can conserve resources when conditions favor growth. 



This adaptive flexibility highlights the evolutionary trade-offs that have fine-tuned plant species to their specific niches, reinforcing the role of natural selection in shaping plant biodiversity.



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



The insights gained from this study offer vital implications for agriculture, particularly in breeding new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant varieties</a>. By understanding the dynamic between defense investment and growth potential, scientists can aim to optimize crop yields while maintaining sufficient resistance to pathogens.



Looking ahead, Giolai and Laine advocate for more studies utilizing large-scale, open-access databases to deepen our understanding of genetic trade-offs in plants further. 



They emphasize the need for an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from genomics, ecology, and evolutionary biology to gain a holistic view of plant adaptations. 



Such efforts could pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to global food security in an ever-changing climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-of-open-science">Power of open science</h2>



This research on plants defense genes wouldn't have been possible without open science. Sequencing hundreds of plant genomes and collecting extensive growth data just isn't feasible for a single team.



Open access to such data is enabling scientists to dig deeper into interspecies variations, opening up entirely new levels of inquiry.



"If we want to understand the mechanisms that maintain interspecies trait variation, a multi-species approach like this is essential," noted Professor Laine. 



"The increasing availability of open data enables entirely new levels of investigation into these questions."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adn2779" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Plants have sophisticated strategies to balance defense and growth

Plants, just like us, want to grow big and strong....

Closeup,Woman's,Hands,Cutting,Philodendron,White,Wizard,Plant,Stem,For

Have you ever talked or sang to a plant or a tree? Or maybe walked through a garden and wondered if the flowers were trying to tell you something? Fascinating new research suggests that plants seem to be emitting sounds and engaging in unheard conversations, especially when they're stressed.



Lilach Hadany, an evolutionary biologist and theoretician, led a team that uncovered this surprising phenomenon. 



They found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-acylsugars-parallel-universe-plant-kingdom-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants like tomatoes</a> and tobacco emit sounds when they're stressed, such as when they're dehydrated or their stems are cut.



"Even in a quiet field, there are actually sounds that we don't hear, and those sounds carry information," says Hadany. 



"There are animals that can hear these sounds, so there is the possibility that a lot of acoustic interaction is occurring."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-emit-sounds-when-they-re-stressed">Plants emit sounds when they're stressed</h2>



Using sensitive microphones, the researchers at <a href="https://english.tau.ac.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tel Aviv University</a> recorded these plants in both soundproof chambers and noisier greenhouses. 



They discovered that stressed plants emit sounds resembling pops or clicks -- imagine the sound of bubble wrap being popped. 



In fact, a single <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-respond-to-specific-stress-situations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stressed plant</a> can produce about 30 to 50 of these clicks every hour.



"When tomatoes are not stressed at all, they are very quiet," Hadany notes. What's fascinating is that these sounds are at frequencies too high for human ears to detect. 



However, they are comparable in volume to normal human conversation and could potentially be heard by insects, mammals, and perhaps <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">even other plants</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-hear-sounds-from-plants">How to hear sounds from plants</h2>



To delve deeper, the team trained a machine-learning algorithm to differentiate between the sounds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sensors-that-detect-plant-stress-could-revolutionize-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unstressed plants</a>, thirsty plants, and those that had been cut. 



They found that not only do <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-a-secret-weapon-for-surviving-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stressed plants</a> emit more sounds, but the types of sounds also vary depending on the kind of stress.



Water-deprived plants began making noises even before showing visible signs of dehydration. 



The frequency of their sounds peaked after five days without water and then decreased as the plants <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomato-plants-use-their-roots-to-ration-water-during-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dried up completely</a>.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="sBuOk5UI4R-4000606-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-a-universal-plant-language">Is there a universal plant language?</h2>



While the study focused on tomatoes and tobacco due to their ease of cultivation, the team didn't stop there.



"We found that many plants -- corn, wheat, grape, and cactus plants, for example -- emit sounds when they are stressed," says Hadany.



This raises the possibility that emitting sounds under stress might be a common trait among plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-this-happen">How does this happen?</h2>



The exact reason plants produce these noises is still a mystery. One theory is that the sounds result from cavitation -- the formation and bursting of air bubbles in the plant's vascular system.



But are plants <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-emit-faint-glow-sif-when-flash-droughts-imminent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intentionally communicating</a> with these sounds?



"It's possible that other organisms could have evolved to hear and respond to these sounds," Hadany suggests. 



"For example, a moth that intends to lay eggs on a plant or an animal that intends to eat a plant could use the sounds to help <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-make-life-and-death-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guide their decision</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-the-natural-world">Implications for the natural world</h2>



If insects or other animals can detect these sounds, it could have significant ecological implications. Other plants might also be listening in.



"If other plants have information about stress before it actually occurs, they could prepare," says Hadany.



Previous studies have shown that plants can respond to sounds and vibrations. For instance, some plants increase the sugar concentration in their nectar when they "hear" the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stressed-out-bees-get-depressed-and-make-bad-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buzz of pollinators</a>.



Yossi Yovel, a neuro-ecologist at Tel Aviv University and co-senior author of the study, is excited about the potential applications of this discovery.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/plants-make-sounds_stress_screams_credit-Tel-Aviv-Uni_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/plants-make-sounds_stress_screams_credit-Tel-Aviv-Uni_1s.webp" alt="Plants heard making &quot;screaming&quot; sounds, likely from stress, for the first time ever. Credit: Tel Aviv University" class="wp-image-1950033"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Plants heard making "screaming" sounds, likely from stress, for the first time ever. This photo shows the recording equipment used in the experiment. Credit: Tel Aviv University</figcaption></figure>



"We know that there's a lot of ultrasound out there -- every time you use a microphone, you find that a lot of stuff produces sounds that we humans cannot hear -- but the fact that plants are making these sounds opens a whole new avenue of opportunities for communication, eavesdropping, and exploitation of these sounds," Yovel explains.



Understanding these plant sounds could revolutionize how we approach agriculture. Farmers might one day use sound recordings to monitor crop hydration and stress levels, leading to more efficient water use.



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



"So now that we know that plants do emit sounds, the next question is -- 'who might be listening?'" says Hadany. 



"We are currently investigating the responses of other organisms, both animals and plants, to these sounds, and we're also exploring our ability to identify and interpret the sounds in completely natural environments," Hadany concluded.



To sum it all up, by discovering that stressed plants emit sounds, researchers like Lilach Hadany and Yossi Yovel have unveiled a hidden layer of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-rhythms-inspire-a-new-approach-to-energy-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication in nature</a>. 



These ultrasonic clicks and pops, though inaudible to us, could be influencing how insects, animals, and even other plants interact with their environment.



This finding change our understanding of plant behavior while opening practical applications in agriculture. 



By listening to these silent signals, farmers could monitor crop stress levels and optimize watering, leading to more efficient farming practices. 



As we continue to explore this unseen world of plant acoustics, we're reminded of how much there is still to learn about the silent conversations happening all around us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092867423002623" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell</a>.



Video Credit: Tel-Aviv University



-----



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



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



-----

Plants heard making 'screaming' sounds for the first time ever

Have you ever talked or sang to a plant or...

When you think of a brainy creature, a bumblebee probably isn't the first thing that pops into your mind. But did you know that these small wonders are actually quite adept learners? Surprisingly, bees have incredible cognitive abilities.



Felicity Muth, an assistant professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior at UC Davis, has dedicated her research to understanding the cognitive capacities of these tiny powerhouses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-performing-cognitive-tasks">Bees performing cognitive tasks</h2>



Bumblebees, despite having brains smaller than a sesame seed, can outperform many vertebrates when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-build-symmetrical-nests-not-for-beauty-but-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive tasks</a>, as Professor Muth's research has shown.



She initially explored the behavior of birds, but her curiosity led her to investigate the thought processes of bumblebees. Muth's research looks into how bumblebees learn, choose flowers to visit, and what motivates them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-caffeine-and-mind-games">Bees, caffeine, and mind games</h2>



Professor Muth's studies go beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and examine the fascinating dynamics that unfold between bumblebees and the plants they frequent.



It's a known fact that plants reward bees with nectar rich in sugar to encourage them to visit more flowers of the same type, helping in pollination. But plants also use some cunning tricks to garner the attention of these buzzing visitors.



Many plants infuse their nectars with caffeine and other chemicals like octopamine and tyramin, which function as hormones and neurotransmitters in brains of bees. 



Muth meticulously studies these interactions in the lab by filling artificial flowers with nectar concoctions. "The plants are actually manipulating the insects," noted Professor Muth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-consuming-caffeine">Bees consuming caffeine</h2>



The research sheds light on the intriguing effects these chemical-imbued nectars have on bees.



When bees consume nectar laced with caffeine, they behave as if it is sweeter than it actually is, thus making them more inclined to remember and revisit those flowers. 



The caffeine also amps up their flower-visiting rate. However, when the nectar contains octopamine and tyramine, it nullifies the effect of caffeine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-being-a-bumblebee">Challenge of being a bumblebee</h2>



Professor Muth and her students spend much of the summer outdoors, particularly in California's Sierra Nevada.



The team catches wild-foraging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-bee-day-2024-bee-engaged-with-youth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a> in nets and test their learning and memory capacities. They employ colored tabs soaked in sugar water or plain water to examine the bees' ability to associate specific colors with food.



In a 2021 study by Professor Muth and her former postdoc mentor, Anne Leonard of the <a href="https://www.unr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nevada</a>, it was found that both female worker bees and male drones learned equally well, albeit the males were slower to make decisions.



The real revelation came from the queen bumblebees they tested, which turned out to be significantly faster learners than the other bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-abilities-of-queen-bees">Learning abilities of queen bees </h2>



"Queens are much more elusive than workers. They are much less studied, and that's what drew me to them," said Professor Muth.



The fact that they have only a limited period to forage adds more pressure on them to be quick and efficient.



The need to forage, find mates, and choose nesting sites likely leads to cognitive specialization in queen bees. Research suggests that caffeine in nectar may further enhance these bees' learning and memory, aiding them in these crucial tasks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-mechanisms-of-learning">Neural mechanisms of learning</h2>



Going deeper into the intellectual wonders of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-do-not-learn-to-be-cooperative-it-is-in-their-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bumblebees</a>, Muth's research progresses into the neural pathways that govern learning and memory in these insects. 



Utilizing advanced imaging techniques, her team maps the neural circuitries involved in processing sensory inputs and forming associative memories. 



Through controlled experiments, they seek to uncover the neural basis for the bees' ability to learn from their environment, adapt to new situations, and make choices benefiting their survival. 



Understanding these processes not only enriches our knowledge of caffeine's effects on bee cognition but also provides insights into the complex neural architectures shared across animal species.



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



The explorations into bumblebee cognition have far-reaching implications for biodiversity and conservation efforts. Given their pivotal role in pollination, understanding the subtleties of their behavior and learning can aid in crafting effective conservation strategies.



Professor Muth advocates for preserving natural habitats and reducing pesticide use, strategies that are essential for fostering healthy bee populations.



By drawing correlations between cognitive science and environmental impact, her research serves as a foundation for interdisciplinary approaches to safeguarding the myriad of ecological roles bumblebees fulfill.



The interplay between research and conservation efforts highlights the urgency of protecting these "brainy" bees to maintain ecosystem balance and agricultural productivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-bees-and-caffeine">Birds, bees, and caffeine</h2>



The ultimate goal of Muth's research is to understand how the challenges faced by different animals shape their specific cognitive traits.



This understanding could illuminate how intelligence evolved in animals, even extending to birds, mammals, and humans. If we can comprehend this, Muth added, we could understand ourselves better.



As our journey into the microscopic world of bumblebees comes to a close, we are left with a rekindled fascination for these small creatures. 



-----



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



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



-----

Flowers use caffeine to 'trick' bees into coming back to them

When you think of a brainy creature, a bumblebee probably...

Hot days, cool salads, and refreshing tomato slices - sounds like summer, doesn't it? But have you ever wondered - how do tomatoes survive intense heat?



Under the scorching sun, as the mercury rises, some tomato varieties keep on thriving. A team of biologists based at <a href="https://www.brown.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a> decided to investigate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tomatoes-surviving-the-heat">Tomatoes surviving the heat</h2>



The experts wanted to identify the specific growth cycle phase when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-tomatoes-are-ready-for-an-unprecedented-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tomatoes</a> buckle under heat, as well as the molecular mechanisms that shield them.



The findings could be a crucial key to protecting our food supply in the age of climate change. Indeed, agricultural productivity is already dancing on thin ice.



Our rising temperatures could slash crop yields by up to 16% with every additional degree Celsius of seasonal warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-evolution">Lessons from evolution</h2>



Study co-author Sorel V. Yimga Ouonkap is a research associate in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry at Brown.



Ouonkap noted that the scientists took some lessons from evolution to experiment with how best to speed up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-acylsugars-parallel-universe-plant-kingdom-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation process</a> for varieties of tomato plants.



According to the researchers, it would take a long time to wait for evolution to weed out the vulnerable tomato varieties like Heinz in favor of those that can handle extreme heat - a process that might also jeopardize the qualities that make vulnerable crops commercially desirable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-tomatoes-more-tolerant-of-heat">Making tomatoes more tolerant of heat</h2>



“We’re trying to figure out thermoregulation at a molecular and cellular level, and identify what and where we need to improve so that we can target those in commercial plant cultivars and conserve everything about them except for this one aspect that makes them vulnerable to extreme heat,” explained Ouonkap.



“Over time, you can start accumulating different resistance mechanisms as the growing conditions continue to change.”



Thermotolerance, or the ability of a plant to withstand extreme temperatures, could be a promising way to confront climate change, noted study author Mark Johnson, a professor of biology at Brown.



"Imagine if you could just make a Heinz <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomato-plants-talk-to-one-another-to-signal-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tomato</a> more resilient to temperature stress without affecting the flavor profile or the way people experience the tomato," Johnson said. "That would be a great advantage."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-stress-and-plant-reproduction">Heat stress and plant reproduction</h2>



Johnson's lab has studied plant reproduction for years. Yet, a gap remained: no studies examined what happens after pollen lands on the stigma during this crucial phase - a key to understanding how tomatoes survive extreme conditions.



Undeterred, Ouonkap dived into this unexplored area for his thesis project. He focused on the pollen tube growth phase of the plant reproductive cycle, studying different tomato varieties known for thriving in extra-hot growing seasons. 



Collaborating with scientists from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>, the experts learned that heat stress during just this phase limits fruit and seed production more in heat-sensitive than heat-tolerant tomato varieties.



It’s not all bad news. Ouonkap discovered that the heat-tolerant Tamaulipas tomato variety showed exceptional growth under high temperatures. His molecular analysis helped the team uncover the mechanisms that let this tomato survive intense heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-tomatoes-to-beat-the-heat">Creating tomatoes to beat the heat </h2>



The researchers focused on tomatoes because different varieties can adapt to a range of extreme climates - providing clues to how species respond differently to environmental conditions.



Tomatoes are a valuable commercial crop all over the world, including some regions that are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat conditions.&nbsp;



Having identified the beneficial molecular mechanisms, the next step is to determine specific techniques to enable tomatoes to grow in diverse climates. 



One possible avenue? Creating a molecule that could prepare the pollen in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> to withstand a heat wave, as Johnson explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-more-tomatoes-survive">Can more tomatoes survive?</h2>



"When the weather forecast showed two weeks of high temperatures during the pollen tube growth phase, the farmer would apply a product to plants that would change the gene expression so that the pollen would be resilient to heat," said Johnson.



While this level of manipulation is still a vision and not yet a reality, the experts said this area of research is ripe for exploration.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01379-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Tomatoes have a molecular trick to survive in extreme heat

Hot days, cool salads, and refreshing tomato slices - sounds...

Tree planting has often been seen as an affordable, effective way to combat global warming due to trees' ability to capture large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. 



Yet, a new study warns that large-scale tree planting at high latitudes may actually worsen global warming rather than mitigate it.&nbsp;



 As climate change enables the planting of trees further north, initiatives to establish forests in Arctic regions have gained support. 



But according to a team of international scientists, led by assistant professor Jeppe Kristensen from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, this approach could have unintended climate consequences in sensitive northern ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage-in-arctic-soils">Carbon storage in Arctic soils </h2>



The Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are unique in their ecological characteristics, and Kristensen emphasizes that these areas are unsuited to afforestation as a climate mitigation strategy.&nbsp;



“Soils in the Arctic store more carbon than all vegetation on Earth,” said Kristensen. “These soils are vulnerable to disturbances, such as cultivation for forestry or agriculture, but also the penetration of tree roots."&nbsp;



"The semi-continuous daylight during the spring and early summer, when snow is still on the ground, also makes the energy balance in this region extremely sensitive to surface darkening, since green and brown trees will soak up more heat from the sun than white snow.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-disturbances-are-intensifying-nbsp">Natural disturbances are intensifying&nbsp;</h2>



Regions around the North Pole, including parts of North America, Asia, and Scandinavia, are already prone to natural disturbances, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> and droughts, which can kill vegetation. Climate change has only intensified these threats. 



Kristensen warns that northern forests are at particular risk: “This is a risky place to be a tree, particularly as part of a homogeneous plantation that is more vulnerable to such disturbances.”&nbsp;



If these trees burn, the stored carbon is likely to be released into the atmosphere within decades, reversing any intended climate benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-solar-reflection-and-carbon-storage">Balancing solar reflection and carbon storage</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a> is a common focus in climate solutions, the researchers argue that at high latitudes, managing solar reflection (albedo) is even more crucial. 



“Climate change results from the balance between solar energy entering the atmosphere and how much leaves again,” Kristensen said.&nbsp;



The albedo effect is essential in polar and subpolar regions because light-colored snow and ice naturally reflect solar energy. Dark tree canopies, however, absorb it, converting sunlight into heat, which impacts the energy balance more than carbon storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-holistic-approach-to-climate-solutions">A holistic approach to climate solutions</h2>



Rather than solely emphasizing carbon storage, the study calls for a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics.&nbsp;



“A holistic approach is imperative if we’re going to make a difference in the real world,” said co-author Marc Macias-Fauria, a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute.&nbsp;



Macias-Fauria adds that while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree planting</a> may be valuable for timber production or self-sufficiency, it should not be marketed as a climate mitigation strategy without accounting for its environmental impact.



“Forestry in the far North should be viewed like any other production system and compensate for its negative impact on climate and biodiversity,” he said. “By selling northern afforestation as a climate solution, we’re only fooling ourselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-populations-of-large-herbivores">Sustainable populations of large herbivores</h2>



If tree planting is not ideal for high latitudes like the Arctic, what nature-based strategies could help mitigate climate change in these areas? 



The researchers suggest an alternative: supporting sustainable populations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-biodiversity-benefits-from-large-herbivores-like-elephants-and-moose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large herbivores</a>, like caribou, which could offer a more viable climate solution. 



“There is ample evidence that large herbivores affect plant communities and snow conditions in ways that result in net cooling,” Macias-Fauria said.&nbsp;



Large herbivores keep tundra landscapes open and prevent excess snow buildup, which insulates the soil and accelerates permafrost thaw.&nbsp;



Their activity, including winter grazing, helps lower soil temperatures and preserve the permafrost layer, which plays a crucial role in regulating global temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prioritizing-biodiversity-and-local-communities">Prioritizing biodiversity and local communities</h2>



Finally, the study underscores the importance of considering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> and the needs of local communities when developing climate solutions. 



Large herbivores not only aid in reducing climate-driven biodiversity loss in Arctic ecosystems but are also a key food source for Indigenous and local communities.&nbsp;



“Biodiversity and local communities are not an added benefit to nature-based solutions: they are fundamental,” said Macias-Fauria, emphasizing that these efforts must be community-led, particularly by those directly affected by climate change.



In sum, while tree planting remains valuable in many contexts, implementing it in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions could inadvertently increase warming.&nbsp;



Instead, focusing on nature-based solutions that respect and work with local ecosystems and communities offers a more balanced and effective path to mitigating climate impacts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01573-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Why planting trees in the Arctic is not a good climate solution

Tree planting has often been seen as an affordable, effective...

What if the solution to cancer lay hidden in a parasitic fungus? Scientists from the University of Nottingham have been studying a chemical that is produced by a fungus that grows on caterpillars. 



In previous studies, the chemical has shown promise as a possible cancer treatment. The researchers set out to further investigate its potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caterpillar-fungus-in-cancer">Caterpillar fungus in cancer</h2>



The research is based on Cordyceps militaris, an orange fungus with a slightly creepy parasitic lifestyle. In Asia, it's not only a popular health food but also a powerful traditional medicine.



The magic ingredient in this fungus is cordycepin, a mighty chemical that has shown promise as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer medicine</a> in many studies. But how does it work?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungus-compound-to-treat-cancer">Fungus compound to treat cancer</h2>



The researchers analyzed the activities of thousands of genes in multiple cell lines to unearth the secrets of cordycepin.



They used high-throughput techniques, which made it possible to examine huge amounts of data at the same time.



And what did they find? Cordycepin interrupts the cell growth signals overactive in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-lifestyle-changes-could-prevent-half-of-all-cancer-deaths/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>. It does this by acting on the growth promoting pathways of the cell. 



This could be less damaging to healthy tissue than most currently available treatments. Now, doesn't that sound promising?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inner-workings-of-the-chemical">Inner workings of the chemical </h2>



The experts dug deeper into what happens to cordycepin inside the cell. They found that it is converted into cordycepin triphosphate, which looks a lot like the cell's energy carrier ATP.



This doppelganger molecule seems to be the likely culprit behind cordycepin's effects on cell growth, making it the direct assailant of cancer cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caterpillar-fungus-as-a-cancer-medicine">Caterpillar fungus as a cancer medicine</h2>



"We have been researching the effects of cordycepin on a range of diseases for a number of years and with each step we get closer to understanding how it could be used as an effective treatment," said lead author Dr. Cornelia de Moor from the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pharmacy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Pharmacy</a>.



"One of the exciting things to have been happening is that it has become easier and less expensive to do these very large experiments, so we were able to examine thousands of genes at the same time." 



According to Dr. de Moor, the data confirms that cordycepin is a good starting point for novel cancer medicines and explains its beneficial effects. 



"For instance, derivatives of cordycepin could aim to produce the triphosphate form of the drug to have the same effect," she noted. 



"In addition, the data will help with monitoring the effects of cordycepin in patients, as our data indicate particular genes whose activity reliably responds to cordycepin, which could for instance be measured in blood cells."



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



Exploring the potential of Cordyceps militaris goes well beyond its current applications. Future research could explore the synthesis of cordycepin derivatives that may enhance its efficacy and specificity in targeting cancer cells.



With increasing understanding of genomics and targeted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-could-face-an-84-increase-in-cancer-cases-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">therapies</a>, researchers are optimistic about crafting personalized treatment regimens that could be less toxic and more effective. 



Collaborative efforts across disciplines, including biotechnology and pharmacology, are likely to illuminate new pathways for leveraging the natural benefits of this fungal powerhouse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-integrative-medicine-fungus-and-cancer">Integrative medicine: Fungus and cancer</h2>



Integrative medicine, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare, benefits greatly from the potential inclusion of cordycepin-based therapies. 



By harmonizing conventional cancer treatments with natural compounds like those derived from Cordyceps militaris, healthcare providers can offer more balanced and comprehensive care. 



This could result in less invasive treatment plans that focus not only on eradicating cancer but also on preserving quality of life and minimizing side effects. 



Continued clinical studies will be crucial in validating these integrative approaches, potentially solidifying the role of natural compounds as complements to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-anti-aging-drug-interleukin-11-boosts-lifespan-prevents-cancer-gray-hair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modern medicine</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-new-cancer-drugs">Developing new cancer drugs </h2>



This research is not just a significant step towards understanding potential of a fungus but also creates a pathway for developing new drugs for cancer treatment. 



It's a journey we're all invested in as we strive for a world without cancer. And who knew that a small caterpillar fungus could become such an important ally in this fight?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/1873-3468.15046" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FEBS Letters</a>.



Image Credit: Daniel Winkler - Mushroaming



-----



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



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



-----

Caterpillar fungus slows down growth of cancer cells

What if the solution to cancer lay hidden in a...

Ever wondered how colors come into existence? How do they influence the lives of beings around us? This isn't just about how we humans perceive different colors, but also how they shape the world of animals and plants. 



From peacocks flaunting their magnificent tail feathers to poison-dart frogs donning their bold hues, colors serve a purpose. Similarly, the brilliant hues of flowers and fruits aren't just for our aesthetic pleasure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color-vision-in-animals">Color vision in animals</h2>



Researchers from the University of Arizona embarked on a journey to understand the evolution of color vision in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-wild-cats-got-their-striking-eye-colors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> and the functionality of colors in our environment.



The research revolved around the concept of "conspicuous colors." These are the colors that instantly snag our attention - the bold reds, striking yellows, vivid blues, and intense purples. But their role extends far beyond just being eye-catching.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-in-the-animal-world">Colors in the animal world</h2>



Color plays a crucial role in the animal kingdom. It isn't merely about looking attractive. Instead, it's an effective way for animals to communicate. 



The researchers identified two significant types of color signals exploited by animals - warning and sexual.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warning-and-sexual-signals">Warning and sexual signals </h2>



Warning color signals are perhaps the most striking element of color communication among species. These signals act as a universal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-are-changing-color-to-adapt-to-human-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caution sign</a>, telling potential predators to "back off."



Interestingly, these warning signals are far more common than sexual signals. They span across the animal kingdom, while sexual signals are limited to arthropods and vertebrates.



On the other hand, sexual color signals form an integral part of mating rituals. They attract and select the best possible mate. However, these signals necessitate highly developed vision.



Plants, too, have been assigning crucial roles to colors for millions of years. Bright colors in plants primarily serve two functions - to distribute pollen (flowers) and disperse seeds (fruits).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-from-the-past">Findings from the past</h2>



According to the team's findings, color vision in animals evolved around 500 million years ago - about 150 million years before the arrival of colorful fruits. In addition, colorful flowers emerged around 200 million years ago.



The study was led by John J. Wiens, a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Ecology at the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>. He was assisted by Zachary Emberts, an assistant professor of integrative biology at <a href="https://go.okstate.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oklahoma State University</a> and a former postdoctoral scholar at the University of Arizona. 



A remarkable finding from their work is that warning color signals manifested before sexual color signals - around 150 million years ago, with the latter emerging about 100 million years later. 



"Warning signals are at least five times more widespread. That's the overall pattern," Wiens said.&nbsp;"There has been a dramatic explosion of both warning and sexual color signals in the last 100 million years."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-and-animal-dynamics">Colors and animal dynamics</h2>



Predator-prey relationships are profoundly influenced by the visual cues provided by colors within the environment. 



For prey species, possessing colors that allow them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings can mean the difference between survival and predation. 



Camouflage serves as a quintessential example of how colors are utilized to create a visual cloak, enabling prey to evade detection. Conversely, predators, such as the tiger with its stripes, use their coloration strategically to ambush unsuspecting prey. 



The careful balance of coloration within predator-prey dynamics underscores the evolutionary arms race where subtle changes in hue and pattern can significantly affect ecological interactions and survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts-and-adaptive-signals">Human impacts and adaptive signals</h2>



As humankind continues to alter the biosphere, the natural manifestations of color in the animal and plant kingdoms are not immune to these influences. 



Deforestation, pollution, and climate change are leading to habitat destruction and fragmentation, which in turn affect how species utilize and manifest colors for survival. 



The adaptive signals once finely tuned to specific environments are now facing unprecedented challenges. Researchers emphasize the importance of preserving natural habitats to maintain the ecological functions of colors. 



Looking to the future, continued study of these vibrant natural phenomena not only enriches our understanding of ecology but also strengthens conservation strategies aimed at safeguarding the myriad species that rely on the tapestry of colors for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsolved-mystery-of-colors-in-animals">Unsolved mystery of colors in animals</h2>



The reasons behind the sudden escalation of these color signals remain a mystery. However, the team managed to identify three critical groups that likely contributed to this surge - marine ray-finned fishes and terrestrial birds and lizards.



"In the future, it would be even more interesting to study what drives the ability of animals to see specific colors like red or blue," Emberts said.



So, what do you think might be the next revelation in this vibrant journey of color evolution?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/brv.13141" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Reviews.</a>



-----



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



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



-----

Animals got their colors 150 million years before plants

Ever wondered how colors come into existence? How do they...

A team of biologists has recently revealed the origins of a unique DNA duplication mechanism that grants plants additional ways to control genetic instructions.&nbsp;



This discovery, led by Xuehua Zhong from the <a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a> (WashU), holds promise for innovations in agriculture, particularly in enhancing crop resilience to environmental challenges like heat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a>. 



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr2222" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, delves into DNA methylation - a biological process that plays a key role in gene regulation, directly impacting how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-make-life-and-death-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> respond to environmental stressors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complexity-of-plant-dna-methylation">Complexity of plant DNA methylation</h2>



DNA methylation involves adding small chemical groups called methyl groups to DNA. This modification determines which genes are turned on or off, shaping various plant traits.&nbsp;



A crucial part of this process involves silencing “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-fungus-has-become-more-deadly-thanks-to-jumping-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jumping genes</a>” or transposons, which are mobile DNA sequences that can disrupt normal genetic function if not controlled. In plants, this regulatory role is handled by specialized enzymes, distinct from those found in mammals.



“Mammals only have two major enzymes that add methyl groups in one DNA context, but plants actually have multiple enzymes that do that in three DNA contexts,” Zhong explained, highlighting the unique complexity of plant DNA methylation.&nbsp;



“The question is - why do plants need extra methylation enzymes?” This research could pave the way for advancements in agriculture by helping scientists to tap into plant systems that naturally regulate resilience-related traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-enzymes-in-plant-dna">The role of enzymes in plant DNA</h2>



Zhong’s study focuses on two enzymes unique to plants: CMT3 and CMT2. Both enzymes are part of the chromomethylase (CMT) family, responsible for adding methyl groups to specific DNA sequences.&nbsp;



CMT3 specializes in methylating so-called CHG sequences, while CMT2 targets CHH sequences. Despite their differences, these enzymes share a common ancestry, having evolved through duplication events that provided plants with extra copies of genetic information.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-history-of-the-enzymes-nbsp">Evolutionary history of the enzymes&nbsp;</h2>



Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, also known as thale cress, Zhong’s team traced the evolutionary history of these enzymes.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that CMT2 lost its ability to methylate CHG sequences due to the absence of an amino acid called arginine, a change that occurred during the enzyme’s evolution.&nbsp;



“Arginine is special because it has charge. In a cell, it’s positively charged and thus can form hydrogen bonds or other chemical interactions with, for example, the negatively charged DNA,” explained co-author Jia Gwee, a graduate student at WashU.



CMT2, however, contains valine instead of arginine. Valine lacks the necessary charge to interact with CHG sequences, explaining why CMT2 no longer recognizes these DNA contexts as CMT3 does.&nbsp;



To test this theory, the research team introduced arginine back into CMT2, restoring its ability to methylate both CHG and CHH sequences.&nbsp;



This mutation suggests that CMT2 originally functioned as a duplicate of CMT3 - a backup enzyme with the potential to diversify its function as plant DNA complexity grew.&nbsp;



“But instead of simply copying the original function, it developed something new,” Zhong noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-environmental-stress">Adapting to environmental stress</h2>



The study also uncovered structural features that set CMT2 apart. Notably, the enzyme has a flexible N-terminal region that influences its protein stability, a characteristic that may have helped plants adapt to various environmental conditions.&nbsp;



“This is one of the ways plants evolved for genome stability and to fight environmental stresses,” Zhong explained. This structural adaptation has likely allowed plants equipped with CMT2 to thrive in diverse climates across the globe.



A significant portion of the data for this study came from the <a href="https://1001genomes.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1001 Genomes Project</a>, which maps the genetic diversity of A. thaliana strains worldwide. 



By exploring samples from plants in the wild rather than just laboratory specimens, the researchers gained insights into how DNA methylation contributes to plants’ natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ecosystem-stability-threatened-by-declining-plant-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jumping-genes-and-plant-adaptation">Jumping genes and plant adaptation</h2>



The study also highlights the adaptive potential of transposons, or “jumping genes,” in plant DNA. These mobile sequences are often silenced by methylation to maintain genomic stability, but their occasional movement can aid in environmental adaptation.&nbsp;



“One jump might help species deal with harsh environmental conditions,” Zhong said, explaining how these genetic shifts could help plants survive in challenging environments.



As plants navigate unpredictable climates, the diversification enabled by DNA methylation - particularly through enzymes like CMT3 and CMT2 - can provide the flexibility needed to withstand stressors like extreme temperatures and limited water availability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-implications-for-crop-resilience">Future implications for crop resilience</h2>



Understanding how CMT enzymes contribute to plant resilience opens exciting possibilities for agriculture.&nbsp;



By precisely targeting the genes and methylation processes responsible for drought tolerance, heat resistance, or other resilience traits, scientists could enhance crops’ ability to thrive under changing climate conditions.&nbsp;



“If we find precisely how they are regulated, then we can find a way to innovate our technology for crop improvement,” Zhong explained.



As the world faces growing agricultural challenges, insights into the DNA methylation processes that strengthen plants can provide a foundation for developing crops capable of withstanding increasingly severe environmental pressures.&nbsp;



This research marks a step forward in harnessing plants’ genetic systems to create resilient agricultural ecosystems, offering a promising path to sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-infections-are-threatening-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> in the face of climate change.



-----



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



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



-----

Plants use DNA duplication to increase their resilience 

A team of biologists has recently revealed the origins of...

The day that Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 is forever seared into the collective memory of the world. An unstoppable surge of lava effectively reduced surrounding life forms to ash within a matter of miles. In an unlikely twist of fate, an experiment involving some resilient gophers triggered a chain of events that initiated the recovery of the mountain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gophers-on-mount-st-helens">Gophers on Mount St. Helens</h2>



Despair had hung in the air after the eruption of Mount St. Helens. A once vibrant ecosystem was reduced to nothing in an instant, reminding us of nature’s fearsome power. However, in the aftermath, a bold theory emerged from the minds of scientists.



The experts speculated that gophers, small burrowing rodents, could play an essential role in the revival of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-building-triggered-a-mass-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">barren landscape</a>.



Quite simply, by digging up and redepositing beneficial bacteria and fungi from deeper soil layers, gophers could aid in the resurrection of the mountain's plant and animal life.



“They’re often considered pests, but we thought they would take old soil, move it to the surface, and that would be where recovery would occur,” said Michael Allen, a professor of plant pathology at <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucr.edu%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-and-persistent-changes">Transformative and persistent changes</h2>



Two years following the eruption, the scientists decided it was time to put their theory into action. 



Gophers were dropped onto parts of the scorched <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain</a> for a mere 24 hours, and the effects of this short intervention continue to be seen today, 40 years later.



New research published this week in the journal Frontiers in Microbiomes illuminates the enduring impact of this experiment - a persistent change in the communities of fungi and bacteria in areas where gophers had briefly resided. 



This effect was not observed on land surrounding Mount St. Helens where gophers were not introduced.



“In the 1980s, we were just testing the short-term reaction,” said Professor Allen. “Who would have predicted you could toss a gopher in for a day and see a residual effect 40 years later?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gophers-and-mountain-soil">Gophers and mountain soil</h2>



The interaction between gophers and the mountain soil is just one part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-mountain-forests-accelerating-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">revitalization</a> puzzle. Another vital aspect is the role of mycorrhizal fungi. 



These tiny organisms have a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, exchanging nutrients and resources. They shield plants against pathogens and crucially, in such barren environments as that of Mount St. Helens post-eruption, they aid plants in becoming established and surviving.



“The fungi transport these things to the plant and get carbon they need for their own growth in exchange,” explained Professor Allen.



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



The real-world implications of these findings are vast. Take, for instance, two different sides of the mountain. 



One side was covered by an old-growth forest when the eruption blanketed everything with ash. Scientists feared that the forest would collapse due to the loss of needles from the pine, spruce, and Douglas fir trees. However, much to their surprise, the trees rebounded almost immediately in some places.



“These trees have their own mycorrhizal fungi that picked up nutrients from the dropped needles and helped fuel rapid tree regrowth,” said UCR environmental microbiologist and study co-author Emma Aronson.



In stark contrast, the other side of the mountain had been clear-cut prior to the eruption. With no trees or dropped needles to feed the soil fungi, this area remains barren to this day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-of-mount-st-helens">Recovery of Mount St. Helens</h2>



The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding and respecting the intricate connections within nature, particularly among elements like microbes and fungi which we can't see.



“We cannot ignore the interdependence of all things in nature, especially the things we cannot see like microbes and fungi,” said Mia Maltz, study lead author and <a href="https://uconn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut</a> mycologist.



In conclusion, in the searing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aftermath of an eruption</a>, the recovery of Mount St. Helens provides an unforgettable lesson on the resilience of nature, the power of scientific curiosity, and the value of cooperation between species.



And let's not forget the humble gophers, forever to be remembered as the tiny heroes of a scorched and desolate mountain.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiomes/articles/10.3389/frmbi.2024.1399416/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Microbiomes</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

How gophers revived Mount St. Helens after its eruption

The day that Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 is...

The collision of cargo vessels with whales is one of the leading causes of death for these majestic marine creatures. Despite high-profile accidents and localized research efforts, a comprehensive global picture of the risks posed by shipping to whales has remained elusive - until now.&nbsp;



A study led by the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW), with contributions from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a> (UCSB) researchers, reveals that global shipping routes overlap with 92% of the migratory ranges of blue, fin, humpback, and sperm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-risk-assessment-nbsp">Global risk assessment&nbsp;</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adp1950" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>, the study offers the first global map of ship-strike risks for these four large whale species.&nbsp;



“Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-new-approach-to-protecting-whales-from-ship-strikes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ship-strike</a> studies are done at a regional scale, which is critically important but doesn’t provide the full picture worldwide,” said co-author Rachel Rhodes, a project scientist at UCSB’s Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory.&nbsp;



“By taking this broader perspective, we can identify the highest-risk areas globally and strategically direct research and conservation efforts where they’re needed most.”



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="7sxoUzIVbl-4050404-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-and-ships-a-deadly-intersection">Whales and ships: A deadly intersection</h2>



Cargo vessels, often the size of skyscrapers and over ten times the length of an adult blue whale, dominate the oceans. Any whale crossing their path faces almost certain death.&nbsp;



As shipping lanes increasingly intersect with whale migration routes, the likelihood of collisions grows.&nbsp;



According to Professor Briana Abrahms, this translates to ships traveling thousands of times the distance to the moon and back within these species’ ranges each and every year.&nbsp;



“And this problem is only projected to increase as global trade grows in the coming decades,” said Abrahms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-in-local-conservation-efforts">Success in local conservation efforts</h2>



While the outlook may seem grim, successful initiatives like <a href="https://whalesafe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whale Safe</a> off the California coast demonstrate the potential for mitigating these risks.&nbsp;



Whale Safe is a collaborative effort between researchers, citizen scientists, and shipping companies to reduce collisions by slowing vessels in whale-rich waters.&nbsp;



Tracking whale presence and providing data on ship compliance with slow zones have helped lower collision rates since the program’s launch in 2019.



“Getting the vessels to slow down works,” said UCSB marine ecologist and co-author Douglas McCauley, whose lab developed Whale Safe.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-adequate-protection-for-whales">Lack of adequate protection for whales</h2>



The Santa Barbara Channel, a vital migration corridor for blue, fin, and humpback whales, overlaps with major shipping hubs in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland.&nbsp;



Federal guidelines encourage ships to voluntarily reduce their speed from May to December to protect endangered whales.



Despite these localized successes, the study found that only 7% of the highest-risk areas globally have measures in place to protect whales from ship strikes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-whale-ship-collision-hotspots">Mapping whale-ship collision hotspots</h2>



To estimate collision risks, the researchers first needed to map whale habitats on an unprecedented global scale.&nbsp;



This involved compiling data from government surveys, public sightings, tagging studies, and even historic whaling vessel logbooks to track where blue, fin, humpback, and sperm whales live, feed, and migrate.&nbsp;



The team combined this information with the routes of 176,000 cargo vessels tracked between 2017 and 2022 using data from ships’ automatic identification systems and algorithms developed by <a href="https://globalfishingwatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Fishing Watch</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-high-risk-regions-nbsp">Identifying high-risk regions&nbsp;</h2>



The study revealed several new high-risk regions, including areas off southern Africa; the coasts of Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador in South America; the Azores; and East Asia, particularly near China, Japan, and South Korea.&nbsp;



“These are vast areas of the ocean where whales may quietly be being killed,” Rhodes said. “This may be a silent contributor to why we aren’t seeing more optimistic recoveries for some at-risk whale populations.”



The research also reaffirmed known hotspots, such as the Pacific coast of North America (including California), Panama, the Arabian Sea, Sri Lanka, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean Sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-policy-changes">Urgent need for policy changes</h2>



The team discovered that mandatory measures to prevent whale-ship collisions are exceedingly rare, covering just 0.54% of blue whale hotspots, 0.27% of humpback hotspots, and none for fin or sperm whales.&nbsp;



Even marine protected areas often lack speed regulations for vessels, as they were initially established to address issues like overfishing and industrial pollution rather than shipping-related risks.



Encouragingly, 95% of the hotspots identified lie within nations’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs), meaning individual countries have the authority to implement protective measures.&nbsp;



“From the standpoint of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>, the fact that most high-risk areas lie within exclusive economic zones is actually encouraging,” said lead author Anna Nisi, a UW postdoctoral researcher.&nbsp;



“It means individual countries have the ability to protect the riskiest areas.”&nbsp;



Expanding protective measures to cover an additional 2.6% of the ocean’s surface would safeguard all the identified collision hotspots, the researchers estimate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-whales-from-ship-strikes-nbsp">Protecting whales from ship strikes&nbsp;</h2>



The experts hope their study will inspire local and regional research to refine hotspot maps, inform advocacy efforts, and address the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, which will alter whale and ship distributions as sea ice melts and ecosystems shift.



“Protecting whales from the impact of ship strikes is a huge global challenge,” said Jono Wilson, co-author and director of ocean science at <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>ù’s California Chapter.&nbsp;



“We’ve seen the benefits of slowing ships down at local scales through programs like ‘Blue Whales Blue Skies’ in California. Scaling up such programs will require a concerted effort by conservation organizations, governments, and shipping companies.”



Whales play a critical role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>, supporting biodiversity and contributing to ocean health. By identifying ship-collision hotspots and prioritizing these areas for conservation, this study offers a path forward to ensure their survival in an increasingly industrialized ocean.



Video Credit: Global Fishing Watch&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

Ship routes overlap with 92% of whale habitats 

The collision of cargo vessels with whales is one of...

Scientists have been scratching their heads about the purpose of the ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) made by rodents since these sounds were first discovered in the 1950s.



A widely accepted theory suggests a role in social communication, and paints a picture of rodents using these sounds to attract mates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rodents-and-ultrasonic-vocalizations">Rodents and ultrasonic vocalizations</h2>



Dr. Eduardo Mercado III, a professor of psychology at the University of Buffalo <a href="https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Arts and Sciences</a>, proposes a fresh perspective on rodents' USVs. 



According to Dr. Mercado, when rodents make these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultrasound-waves-can-enhance-mindfulness-and-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sounds</a>, the aim isn't romance, but something else entirely. 



"This phenomenon has never been observed before, or I believe even suspected, in any animal," said Dr. Mercado. 



"They're creating new pathways of information by manipulating their environment and controlling the molecular interactions of particles around them."



This radical idea could carry broad implications, possibly leading to innovative treatments for psychological disorders and advancements in technology.



One might even imagine these clever rodents as having Jedi skills, as Mercado humorously suggests. It is almost as if they practice a form of "magic," manipulating their environment to their advantage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-discovery-inspired-by-whale-songs">A discovery inspired by whale songs</h2>



Dr. Mercado's background in the study of humpback whale songs led to his revolutionary hypothesis.



While attending a meeting on ultrasonic vocalizations, he recognized certain inconsistencies in rodent behavior that didn't quite align with the prevalent thought on the purpose of USVs.



Rodents explore their environment using their whiskers, visual scans, and incessant sniffing. 



Interestingly, Dr. Mercado found that studies which monitored sniffing alongside vocalizations showed that rodents would immediately sniff the air after producing each USV.



Could it be that these two actions are interconnected?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-rats-might-use-ultrasonic-sounds">How rats might use ultrasonic sounds</h2>



Vibroacoustics, a field concerned with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zapping-the-brain-with-ultrasound-waves-may-cure-drug-addiction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultrasonic</a> vibrations, uses sound to manipulate particle clusters.



Drawing parallels, Dr. Mercado suggests that rodents might be using their ultrasonic vocalizations to create odor clusters in the air, thereby enhancing their ability to detect airborne chemicals, such as pheromones.



"That could be a coincidence, or it might suggest the two are functionally related," said Dr. Mercado. 



"I knew that techniques for using ultrasound to manipulate particles are used in the field of vibroacoustics and thought immediately that might also work for animals."



In rodents, this manipulation would make it easier for individuals to detect and identify others within their social sphere - distinguishing friends from strangers and competitors with better precision.



This implies that by vocalizing through ultrasonic sounds, rats are helping themselves to smell odors in their environment.



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



Rodent vocalizations have helped in the study of human disorders related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ermine-moths-effortlessly-produce-ultrasonic-warning-sounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication</a>, emotional processing, and social behavior.



The understanding of conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and autism has advanced due to the results from studies of rodent vocalizations.



"Rodents are at the forefront of biological research," said study co-author Jessica Zhou, a student researcher at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>. "Rodents, especially rats and mice, are the unsung heroes of the scientific world."



Their contributions to biological research could widen if this intriguing hypothesis holds true.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-complex-cognitive-processes">Evolution of complex cognitive processes </h2>



An interesting evolutionary perspective illustrates how the sense of smell, used for exploration, has driven the evolution of more complex cognitive processes, including attention and memory. 



A deeper understanding of this system might provide insights into the evolution of these crucial cognitive functions.



While the potential uses of rodent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ultrasound-helps-save-sea-turtles-from-fishing-nets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USVs</a> in scientific research is significant, several challenges must be addressed to harness their benefits fully.



Rigorous experimental designs are necessary to test Dr. Mercado’s hypothesis empirically across various rodent species and environmental conditions.



Moreover, advancements in acoustic technology could enhance our ability to capture and analyze these ultrasonic frequencies with greater precision. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rats-sounds-and-new-innovations">Rats, sounds, and new innovations</h2>



The journey ahead requires an open mind and a commitment to innovation. 



The next few years could prove pivotal in confirming whether rodents truly manipulate their chemical environments or if another unknown factor is at play.



Understanding this process could inform the development of new technologies. 



Drawing a parallel to how understanding vision in nocturnal animals led to the development of night-vision goggles, the authors propose that recognizing the reasons for rodents' intriguing use of sound might pave the way for sonic-manipulation technologies involving nanoparticles.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763424003774?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuroscience &amp; Biobehavioral Reviews.</a>



-----



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



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



-----

Rats have a "magical" ability to move matter using soundwaves

Scientists have been scratching their heads about the purpose of...

For decades, scientists have demonstrated that chimpanzees, like humans, pass complex cultural practices, such as tool use, from one generation to the next.&nbsp;



However, while human culture has evolved dramatically - from the Stone Age to the Space Age - chimpanzee cultures appear relatively unchanged.&nbsp;



This gap has long been attributed to humans’ unique ability to refine and build on cultural knowledge over time. Recent research suggests, however, that this distinction may not be as clear-cut as previously thought.&nbsp;



A new interdisciplinary study led by the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a> presents evidence that some of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chimpanzees-feel-the-pressure-to-perform-with-an-audience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a>’ most complex behaviors may have been passed down and refined over generations, offering an early example of cumulative culture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-history-of-chimpanzee-culture">The history of chimpanzee culture</h2>



Chimpanzees often use tools made of perishable materials like sticks and stems, which leave little evidence for tracing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural evolution</a>. 



“As most chimpanzee tools, such as sticks and stems, are perishable, there are few records of their history to confirm this hypothesis - unlike human cases such as the evolution of the wheel or computer technology,” explained lead author Cassandra Gunasekaram from the University of Zurich.



To overcome this limitation, the research team - comprising anthropologists, primatologists, physicists, and geneticists from universities in Zurich, St. Andrews, Barcelona, Cambridge, Konstanz, and Vienna - used genetic data to uncover historical links between chimpanzee populations.&nbsp;



By combining genetic analysis with field data on foraging behaviors across 35 chimpanzee study sites in Africa, they unearthed clues about how cultural practices were transmitted and evolved over thousands of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-cumulative-culture">Early stages of cumulative culture</h2>



The researchers classified chimpanzee foraging behaviors into three categories: those that required no tools, those using simple tools (e.g., leaf sponges to collect water), and the most complex practices that involved toolsets - a series of tools used sequentially to achieve a task.



One such toolset is employed by chimpanzees in the Congo region to extract termites.&nbsp;



“Chimpanzees in the Congo region first use a strong stick to dig a deep tunnel through hard soil to reach an underground termite nest,” Gunasekaram explained.&nbsp;



“Next, they make a 'fishing' probe by pulling a long plant stem through their teeth to form a brush-like tip, pressing it into a point and deftly threading it down the tunnel they’ve made. They then pull it out and nibble off any defending termites that have bitten into it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technologies-transmitted-across-populations">Technologies transmitted across populations</h2>



A key finding of the study was that complex toolsets showed the strongest genetic links across distant populations.&nbsp;



“We made the surprising discovery that it is the most complex chimpanzee technologies - the use of entire ‘toolsets’ - that are most strongly linked across now distant populations,” said corresponding author Andrea Migliano, a professor of evolutionary anthropology at the University of Zurich.&nbsp;



“This is exactly what would be predicted if these more advanced technologies were rarely invented and even less likely to be reinvented, and therefore more likely to have been transmitted between groups.”



This finding supports the idea that complex behaviors were not independently developed in different regions but were instead passed down and spread through interconnected chimpanzee communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-female-migrations-and-cultural-transmission">Female migrations and cultural transmission</h2>



In chimpanzee societies, females migrate to new communities upon reaching sexual maturity, helping to prevent inbreeding.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, these migrations not only spread genetic diversity but may also have played a critical role in disseminating cultural innovations.



The study revealed that when both complex toolsets and their simpler components were found at different sites, genetic markers suggested that those sites were historically connected through female migrations.&nbsp;



This pattern implies that more sophisticated toolsets were likely built incrementally by modifying simpler practices.&nbsp;



“These groundbreaking discoveries provide a new way to demonstrate that chimpanzees have a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-started-cumulative-culture-around-600000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cumulative culture</a>, albeit at an early stage of development,” Migliano said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-chimpanzee-culture">A new perspective on chimpanzee culture</h2>



The study provides compelling evidence that chimpanzees possess a rudimentary form of cumulative culture.&nbsp;



Although far less advanced than human cultural evolution, these findings challenge the assumption that cumulative culture is exclusive to humans.&nbsp;



By tracing the genetic and cultural links between chimpanzee populations, the research highlights how generations of chimpanzees have passed down and refined behaviors, particularly their most complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-humans-used-tools-to-make-timber-for-woodworking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tool-use</a> practices.



This new understanding opens doors to further exploration of how cultural transmission occurs in other non-human species, potentially reshaping how we view the evolutionary origins of human culture.



-----



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



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



-----

Chimpanzee cultures are more complex than we realized

For decades, scientists have demonstrated that chimpanzees, like humans, pass...

The saber-toothed tiger, an iconic predator from the Ice Age, continues to captivate scientists and enthusiasts alike with its mysterious legacy. 



Now, scientists have discovered a mummified baby saber-toothed tiger, a cub, in Siberia.



The discovery, which boasts an extraordinary level of preservation, offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the anatomy and lifestyle of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saber-toothed-predator-was-king-prior-to-the-great-dying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-extinct predator</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-saber-toothed-tigers">What are saber-toothed tigers?</h2>



Saber-toothed tigers, also called saber-toothed cats, were some of the most impressive predators to roam the Earth during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last Ice Age</a>, even though they are not related to today's tigers.



They sported incredibly long, curved canine teeth that could reach up to seven inches, perfect for delivering powerful, precise bites to their prey. 



These big cats had strong, muscular bodies and relatively short legs, making them agile hunters capable of taking down large animals like mammoths and bison. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-kitten_frozen_fur_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-kitten_frozen_fur_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1s.webp" alt="Shown here at left is the frozen Homotherium latidens specimen, the first known mummy of a saber-toothed cat. On the right is a CT-scan of its skeleton. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin" class="wp-image-1951073"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shown here at left is the frozen Homotherium latidens specimen, the first known mummy of a saber-toothed cat. On the right is a CT-scan of its skeleton. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin</figcaption></figure>



Their unique features and hunting strategies made them top predators in their ecosystems. Despite their fearsome reputation, saber-toothed tigers went extinct around 10,000 years ago. 



Researchers believe a combination of climate change, habitat loss, and the decline of their primary prey contributed to their disappearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mummified-saber-toothed-tiger-cub">Mummified saber-toothed tiger cub</h2>



The Siberian Ice Age cub is the first recorded mummified saber-toothed tiger -- a discovery that is setting off waves of excitement among paleontologists worldwide.



It allows us a sneak-peek into the past, and a fascinating and rare opportunity to see exactly what an ancient predator looked like.



The mummy offers precious insights into the cat's muscle structure and how it might have impacted its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smilodon-fatalis-young-saber-toothed-cats-had-double-fangs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting methods</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-kitten_frozen_fur_profile_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-kitten_frozen_fur_profile_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1s.webp" alt="Images highlight the differences in external appearance of the heads of two 3-week-old cub specimens — the mummified Homotherium latidens (saber-toothed cat) at the top and Panthera leo (modern lion) below. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin" class="wp-image-1951075"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Images highlight the differences in external appearance of the heads of two 3-week-old cub specimens — the mummified Homotherium latidens (saber-toothed cat) at the top and Panthera leo (modern lion) below. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin</figcaption></figure>



The mummy's face, forelimbs, torso, and part of its body were remarkably intact and generously covered with thick, soft fur that was between 0.8 and 1.2 inches (20 to 30 millimeters) in length.



Alexey V. Lopatin is a full member of the <a href="https://new.ras.ru/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russian Academy of Sciences</a> in Moscow, director of the academy’s Borissiak Paleontological Institute, and the lead author of the study.



"It’s a fantastic feeling to see with your own eyes the life appearance of a long-extinct animal. Especially when it comes to such an interesting predator as the sabre-toothed cat," said Lopatin.



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



The mummy is the first Asian record of the saber-toothed tiger species Homotherium latidens.



Other Ice Age mummies, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-hunted-woolly-rhinoceros-to-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woolly rhinos</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-mammoths-survived-longer-than-initially-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mammoths</a>, have been found fairly commonly in the Siberian region. However, mummified cats are an extraordinary rarity.



"Before this discovery, there were just two known cat mummies, both cubs of the cave lion Panthera spelaea from Yakutia’s Uyandina River basin. Now, we have added the Homotherium cub to this list", explained Lopatin.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-cub-skull_lion-skull_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-cub-skull_lion-skull_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1s.webp" alt="The new mummy findings reveal that saber-toothed cubs differed dramatically from modern lion cubs of a similar age. The image above highlights differences in the skulls of the mummifed Homotherium latidens (A, B) and Panthera leo (C, D) at 3 weeks old. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin" class="wp-image-1951071"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The new mummy findings reveal that saber-toothed cubs differed dramatically from modern lion cubs of a similar age. The image above highlights differences in the skulls of the mummifed Homotherium latidens (A, B) and Panthera leo (C, D) at 3 weeks old. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin</figcaption></figure>



The next steps in learning about this extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-new-species-of-sabertooth-cat-discovered-in-south-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> involved the analysis of extracted DNA, and detailed examination of the cub's skeleton, muscles, and hair.



Paleontologist Jack Tseng, an associate professor in the Integrative Biology Department at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>, who was not involved in the discovery, expressed his astonishment at the find.



"It’s rare to find bones of this lineage in the first place, let alone soft tissue associated with it," said Tseng.



Speaking to CNN, Tseng shared that he was at a loss for words when considering "the treasure trove of information that could come out of this singular discovery."



"I don’t know if other paleontologists’ minds are as blown as mine, but it’s like reality changes now that we’ve seen this."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-the-past">Clues from the past</h2>



Preserved in permafrost, the cub was discovered near the Badyarikha River in northeast Yakutia by local diggers in 2020. 



Radiocarbon dating estimates the cub to be at least 35,000 years old, making its lifetime coincide with the latter part of the Pleistocene epoch (roughly 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago).



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-cub-paw_lion-paw_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/sabertooth-cub-paw_lion-paw_credit-Prof-Alexey-V-Lopatin_1s.webp" alt="Pictured here are the forepaws of 3-week-old large cubs. A, B and C reveal views of the mummified Homotherium latidens specimen: A is a thumb claw; B a second digit claw; and С a plantar view. D shows the plantar view of the right forepaw of a Panthera leo specimen. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin" class="wp-image-1951069"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pictured here are the forepaws of 3-week-old large cubs. A, B and C reveal views of the mummified Homotherium latidens specimen: A is a thumb claw; B a second digit claw; and С a plantar view. D shows the plantar view of the right forepaw of a Panthera leo specimen. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin</figcaption></figure>



The preservation of the cub's forelimbs was exceptional, with claws and the fleshy pads or "beans" (as modern cat admirers like to call them) still intact. 



The cubs of this ancient and long-extinct species varied significantly from modern lion cubs. 



The saber-toothed cub seemed to have longer forelimbs, a bigger mouth opening, a more solid neck, darker coat, and smaller ears.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saber-toothed-tiger-fascination">Saber-toothed tiger fascination</h2>



The cub's forearms and paw resembled a bear's, which are known for their strength in collecting food.



This similarity suggests that adult Homotherium may have depended on their forearms, possibly using them to stabilize their prey.



Until now, 3D digital modeling of scanned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ugly-fossil-unveils-secrets-of-extinct-cats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> was used to hypothesize saber-toothed cat anatomy. However, nothing compares to witnessing these limbs "in the flesh." 



This find is not just about the Homotherium mummy; it offers a unique insight into the entire evolutionary history of the feline group.



This saber-toothed tiger cub mummy is an invaluable find, adding another vivid glimpse into our planet's fascinating history.



The research paper is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-79546-1#citeas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Mummified baby saber-toothed tiger found with fur and toes intact

The saber-toothed tiger, an iconic predator from the Ice Age,...

In a remarkable encounter off the coast of Alaska, human scientists had what they describe as a "conversation" with a humpback whale named Twain. Dr. Brenda McCowan from the University of California Davis was at the heart of this unexpected exchange.



Dr. McCowan and her team, known as Whale-SETI, have been studying how humpback whales communicate. They're aiming to understand whale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/language-like-patterns-decoded-in-sperm-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication systems</a> to help in the search for life beyond Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-responds-to-a-human-greeting">Whale responds to a human greeting</h2>



Using an underwater speaker, the team played a recorded humpback "contact" call into the ocean. To their astonishment, Twain approached their boat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conversation-with-humpback-whale-gives-seti-team-ideas-on-how-to-talk-to-aliens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">began responding</a>. 



For about 20 minutes, the whale circled them, matching the intervals between each call they played.



"We believe this is the first such communicative exchange between humans and humpback whales in the humpback 'language,'" said Dr. McCowan. 



The researchers were thrilled to see such direct interaction using the whale's own signals.



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



The <a href="https://www.projectceti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whale-SETI team</a> is working on developing filters to detect intelligent signals, which could be used in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. 



By studying how whales communicate, they hope to find patterns that could apply to signals from outer space.



Dr. Fred Sharpe from the Alaska Whale Foundation emphasized just how intelligent humpback whales are. He pointed out their complex social systems and unique behaviors. 



"They create tools such as nets made of bubbles to catch fish and extensively communicate through songs and social calls," Dr. Sharpe explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-whales-and-extraterrestrial-life">Humans, whales and extraterrestrial life</h2>



The behavior they observed in Twain supports an important idea in the search for life beyond Earth. 



"Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrials will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers," noted Dr. Laurance Doyle of the SETI Institute.



"This important assumption is certainly supported by the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humpback whales</a>."



By engaging with whales, the team believes they can learn how to detect and understand intelligent signals, whether they come from the depths of the ocean or the far reaches of space.



The details of this extraordinary encounter are published in the journal Peer J, in an article titled "Interactive Bioacoustic Playback as a Tool for Detecting and Exploring Nonhuman Intelligence: 'Conversing' with an Alaskan Humpback Whale."



The researchers plan to use mathematics and various forms of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically information theory and machine learning, to measure how complex the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-tagging-helps-decode-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale's communication</a> is. They want to understand the rules and structures in the messages they receive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-whales-talking-what-s-next">Humans and whales talking -- what's next?</h2>



The Whale-SETI team isn't stopping there. They're preparing another paper focusing on the non-audio ways humpback whales might communicate, like the bubble rings they make around humans. 



Co-authors Dr. Josie Hubbard, Lisa Walker, and Jodi Frediani bring expertise in animal intelligence, whale song analysis, and whale behavior to the project.



The team acknowledges the financial support from the <a href="https://www.templetonworldcharity.org/our-priorities/diverse-intelligences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Templeton Foundation Diverse Intelligences Program</a>, which helped make their research possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-whale-seti">What Is Whale-SETI?</h2>



Whale-SETI, short for Whale Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, is a unique project that combines marine biology with the quest to find life beyond Earth. 



The researchers are trying to decode whale communication, working under the idea that these sounds might contain complex messages similar to human languages -- or even those of extraterrestrial beings.



Using advanced technology like sophisticated underwater microphones and artificial intelligence, they record and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-increasingly-disrupting-whale-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyze whale sounds</a>. 



The AI looks for patterns that might indicate language-like structures. This not only helps us understand whales better but also could improve how we search for intelligent life elsewhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-humans-should-care-about-humpback-whales">Why humans should care about humpback whales</h2>



Humpback whales are fascinating creatures. They can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons. 



Known scientifically as Megaptera novaeangliae, these whales are easily recognized by their long pectoral fins and knobbly heads.



They travel great distances, migrating up to 5,000 miles between feeding and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-whales-epic-voyage-exposes-perils-of-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding grounds</a>. 



Their songs are complex and melodious, playing a crucial role in how they interact socially, especially during breeding season.



Once hunted nearly to extinction, humpback whale populations have been recovering thanks to international protections. 



However, they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-benefits-of-whale-remains-and-their-proper-disposal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">still face threats</a> like getting caught in fishing gear, collisions with ships, and changes to their environment caused by climate change.



Understanding their communication and social structures can help in conservation efforts, ensuring these majestic creatures continue to thrive in our oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seti-institute-s-role">SETI Institute's role</h2>



The SETI Institute, founded in 1984, is dedicated to exploring life beyond Earth. Using cutting-edge technology, their team of scientists scans the skies for radio signals and other potential indicators of extraterrestrial civilizations. 



Their main job is to analyze data from space, hoping to uncover patterns or messages that could reveal we're not alone in the universe. 



By studying signals from space and striving to understand how life may evolve beyond Earth, they aim to answer the profound question: Are we alone in the universe?



But SETI Institute isn’t all about the hunt for aliens -- they’re also committed to inspiring and educating the public. 



They host cool workshops, engaging lectures, and interactive programs designed to spark curiosity and nurture the next generation of scientists. 



In addition to space, their research contributes to breakthroughs in fields like astrobiology and planetary science, answering some of the biggest questions about life and our place in the universe. 



Their work with Whale-SETI is an exciting intersection of this quest and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study of intelligent life</a> on our own planet.



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



To sum it all up, this encounter with Twain isn't just a fascinating story about humans and a whale. It's a step toward understanding intelligence in all its forms. 



By learning how to communicate with humpback whales, scientists hope to develop tools that could one day help us recognize and understand messages from extraterrestrial beings.



What does this mean for us? It highlights the importance of looking closely at the intelligent life we share our planet with. 



Perhaps by understanding the minds of whales, we can better prepare ourselves for encounters with life beyond Earth.



-----



The group behind this research includes scientists from the <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a>, <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, and the <a href="https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alaska Whale Foundation</a>. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/16349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

AI helps humans have a 20-minute "conversation" with a humpback whale named Twain

In a remarkable encounter off the coast of Alaska, human...

Pterosaurs, the extinct flying reptiles that soared alongside dinosaurs, are among the most intriguing creatures in Earth's history.&nbsp;



While some later species reached wingspans of up to 10 meters, early pterosaurs were significantly smaller, typically limited to around two meters.&nbsp;



Now, a newly described species, Skiphosoura bavarica, sheds light on the evolutionary steps that allowed these creatures to bridge this size gap and adopt advanced anatomical features.&nbsp;



The discovery, led by David Hone of <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, represents a rare find that enhances our understanding of pterosaur <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pterosaurs-mastered-land-before-dominating-the-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-pterosaur-fossil-unlike-any-other">A pterosaur fossil unlike any other</h2>



The name Skiphosoura bavarica translates to “sword tail from Bavaria,” reflecting its distinctive stiff, pointed tail and the southern German region where it was unearthed.&nbsp;



What makes this fossil truly remarkable is its state of preservation. Nearly every bone of the animal has been recovered, and unlike most pterosaur fossils, which are typically flattened, this specimen is preserved in three dimensions.&nbsp;



With a wingspan of about two meters - comparable to a golden eagle - Skiphosoura provides a rare glimpse into the morphology of transitional pterosaurs.



“This is an incredible find. It really helps us piece together how these amazing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-flight-feathers-may-reveal-which-dinosaurs-could-fly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flying animals</a> lived and evolved. Hopefully this study will be the basis for more work in the future on this important evolutionary transition,” Hone said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broad-classification-of-pterosaur-fossils-nbsp">Broad classification of pterosaur fossils&nbsp;</h2>



For over 200 years, scientists have classified pterosaurs into two primary groups. Non-pterodactyloids were early pterosaurs with small heads, short necks, long tails, a short bone in their wing wrists, and a long fifth toe on their feet.



Pterodactyloids were a later species characterized by large heads, long necks, short tails, elongated wrist bones, and a short fifth toe.



While this broad classification was useful, it left significant gaps in understanding how pterosaurs transitioned between these forms. The discovery of in the 2010s helped address some of these questions.&nbsp;



These intermediate species revealed that the head and neck adapted first, with other anatomical changes following later. However, scientists were left wondering what occurred immediately before and after the darwinopterans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-the-evolutionary-gap">Bridging the evolutionary gap</h2>



Skiphosoura bavarica offers vital clues. Evolutionarily, it stands between darwinopterans and pterodactyloids, displaying a combination of features from both groups.&nbsp;



It possesses the pterodactyloid-like head and neck characteristic of darwinopterans but also exhibits advancements such as a lengthened wrist, a shorter fifth toe, and a reduced tail - though not as pronounced as in later pterodactyloids.



This discovery, combined with a newly reconstructed evolutionary tree, allows researchers to trace the progression of anatomical changes in pterosaurs.&nbsp;



The study also places the Scottish pterosaur Dearc as a transitional species between early pterosaurs and darwinopterans.&nbsp;



Together, Dearc and Skiphosoura complete a nearly unbroken sequence of evolutionary adaptations, providing a step-by-step account of how pterosaurs evolved into the large, advanced forms seen in the later pterodactyloids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptations-for-larger-sizes">Adaptations for larger sizes</h2>



Interestingly, both Dearc and Skiphosoura are unusually large compared to other species of their time.&nbsp;



This suggests that the adaptations that enabled pterodactyloids to achieve enormous sizes - such as larger heads and longer necks - began appearing in transitional forms like Skiphosoura.&nbsp;



These changes likely offered advantages such as improved flight capabilities and more efficient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-foraging-behavior-changing-climate-warming-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foraging</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-pterosaur-fossil-nbsp">Analyzing the pterosaur fossil&nbsp;</h2>



The fossil preparation and analysis were feats of modern technology and expertise. Unlike typical flattened fossils, the three-dimensional preservation of Skiphosoura required meticulous work.&nbsp;



“As a preparator, I have worked on more than 60 pterosaur specimens from Solnhofen limestone,” said study co-author Stefan Selzer, who prepared the specimen.



“I recognized during the final prep this specimen showed features that combined characteristics of both major groups of pterosaurs, with the shortened tail as the most important diagnostic feature.”&nbsp;



Digital imaging also played a critical role in analyzing the fossil.&nbsp;



René Lauer of the <a href="https://www.lauerfoundationpse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lauer Foundation for Paleontology, Science, and Education</a> explained: “The specimen was disarticulated with bones of varying quality often overlaid upon one another.”&nbsp;



“Digital photography of the specimen taken in both visible and UV light significantly aided in the process to identify these elements and to better analyze finer details that were not discernible in normal daylight alone.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-redefining-pterosaur-evolution">Redefining pterosaur evolution</h2>



The discovery of Skiphosoura bavarica provides a detailed roadmap of pterosaur evolution, offering insights into how these creatures developed the traits that would eventually enable them to dominate the skies.&nbsp;



By clarifying the sequence of anatomical changes, this fossil represents a major milestone in understanding the evolutionary history of pterosaurs.



“Pterosaurs have long been symbols of the unique life of the past. Skiphosoura represents an important new form for working out pterosaur evolutionary relationships and by extension how this lineage arose and changed,” said co-author Adam Fitch, a paleontologist at the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin-Madison</a>.



As researchers continue to study this exceptional find, they hope to uncover even more details about how pterosaurs adapted and thrived in prehistoric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>.&nbsp;



“This is an incredible find. It really helps us piece together how these amazing flying animals lived and evolved,” Hone said.



With Skiphosoura bavarica, scientists have a clearer view of the evolutionary journey that transformed small, early pterosaurs into the majestic flying reptiles of the Mesozoic era, cementing its role as a key link in the story of life on Earth.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01377-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

New fossil fills crucial gap in pterosaur evolution

Pterosaurs, the extinct flying reptiles that soared alongside dinosaurs, are...

Ever pondered the extraordinary migratory journeys of birds? 



These feathered wanderers traverse thousands of kilometers, exhibiting an incredible knack for endurance and navigation that almost seems magical. 



In past research, the stars, the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field have all been implicated as means by which birds find their way to faraway places.



A recent study has shed new light on how birds use the magnetic field to navigate, and the findings challenge previously held beliefs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-bird-migration">The science behind bird migration</h2>



The research was conducted by scientists from <a href="https://www.bangor.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bangor University</a> in Wales, and focused on the migratory behavior of Eurasian reed warblers, which are small songbirds.



The study presents an intriguing hypothesis: these birds employ only the Earth's magnetic dip and variation to identify their position and set their direction.



This revelation is a significant stride away from the conventional belief that all aspects of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a>, particularly total intensity, are essential to precise navigation. 



For years, it was believed that birds carry a 'map-and-compass' navigation system. They identify their location using this "map," and the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-bats-use-earths-magnetic-field-as-a-compass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">compass</a>" aids in maintaining the correct direction towards their destination.



However, the precise nature of this 'map' has always been a topic of debate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-birds-respond-to-virtual-displacement">How birds respond to virtual displacement </h2>



The experiment involved subjecting the warblers to "virtual displacement."



The birds experienced artificially adjusted values of magnetic inclination (the dip angle of the field lines) and declination&nbsp;(the difference between the direction to the geographic and magnetic poles).



This simulation created the illusion of a geographic relocation while maintaining a consistent total magnetic intensity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds-use-certain-cues-to-navigate">Birds use certain cues to navigate</h2>



The results were nothing short of astonishing. Despite the simulated relocation, the birds recalibrated and redirected their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-geese-adapt-by-finding-a-new-migratory-route/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory routes</a> as though they were in an entirely different location. 



This behavior suggests that birds can determine their position and direction using only certain magnetic cues, even if other aspects of the magnetic field, such as total intensity, remain unchanged.



"What's interesting is that these findings reveal that the birds don't necessarily need all components of the Earth's magnetic field to determine their position. They can rely solely on inclination and declination, which are also used in compass orientation, to extract their location," explained Professor Richard Holland, the study's leader, who specializes in animal behavior. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-understanding-of-how-birds-navigate">New understanding of how birds navigate</h2>



These findings indicate that birds are equipped with a sophisticated and adaptable internal navigation system.



This system allows them to adjust to environmental changes, even in situations they've never encountered before.



"It remains to be seen whether birds use the total intensity of the Earth's magnetic field for navigation in other contexts, but what we've shown is that these two components - magnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-birds-know-when-its-time-to-stop-migrating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inclination</a> and declination - are enough to provide positional information," stated Prof. Holland.



This study carves out exciting avenues for further research into animal navigation. It sets a solid foundation for broader biological studies, including into how animals decipher and interact with their environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-advantage-of-magnetic-navigation">Evolutionary advantage of magnetic navigation</h2>



This newfound understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-migration-is-influenced-by-social-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird migration</a> and navigation raises questions about how these magnetic cues evolved and why they became central to avian migration.



The ability to rely on magnetic dip and variation could provide birds with a reliable, all-weather navigation system that ensures their survival across vast distances.



Unlike visual landmarks or celestial cues, magnetic fields are constant and unaffected by weather, providing an advantage in conditions where other methods might fail.



The evolutionary benefits of this specialized navigation system are immense. Birds that migrate successfully are better equipped to find food, suitable climates, and breeding grounds, thereby enhancing their chances of survival and reproduction.



This adaptability suggests that magnetic navigation may have been a critical trait for birds that traverse unpredictable environments, such as oceans or dense forests, where visual or auditory landmarks are scarce.



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



Moreover, understanding the mechanics behind this capability opens doors to potential applications in biomimicry and navigation technologies. 



Researchers may one day harness the principles behind avian magnetic navigation to develop new, eco-friendly navigation tools or improve current systems used in aviation and marine transport. 



This study highlights how much we still have to learn from nature's most seasoned travelers.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1363" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Birds navigate using clues from Earth's magnetic field

Ever pondered the extraordinary migratory journeys of birds? These feathered...

Celebrated each year on November 19th, World Anteater Day aims to raise awareness about the unique lives of anteaters and the conservation challenges they face.&nbsp;



This day highlights the importance of protecting anteaters and their habitats, particularly as their survival is threatened by habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, and road collisions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-anteaters">Ecological role of anteaters</h2>



When it comes to the health and balance of the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fhow-can-earths-ecosystems-adapt-to-climate-change%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> they inhabit, anteaters play a crucial role through their specialized diet and behavior.&nbsp;



By consuming large quantities of ants and termites, they regulate the populations of these insects, preventing them from becoming overly abundant and causing ecological imbalances.&nbsp;



This natural pest control helps protect vegetation and soil from the damage that excessive insect activity can cause, such as defoliation and soil degradation.



In their search for food, anteaters often disturb the ground, aerating the soil and promoting nutrient cycling. This activity creates microhabitats that benefit other organisms, including plants and smaller animals, by improving soil quality and fostering biodiversity.&nbsp;



Anteaters also serve as prey for larger predators, making them an integral part of the food web. Their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem, highlighting their importance in conserving <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fanimal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> and maintaining environmental stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-facts-about-anteaters">Fascinating facts about anteaters</h2>



Anteaters are fascinating creatures with a variety of traits that make them stand out as unique members of the animal kingdom.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-anatomy">Distinct anatomy</h3>



Their long, tubular snouts house tongues that can extend up to two feet, allowing them to probe deep into ant and termite mounds.&nbsp;



These tongues are covered in sticky saliva and can flick up to 150 times per minute, enabling anteaters to consume thousands of insects daily.&nbsp;



Interestingly, anteaters lack teeth and rely on the muscular walls of their stomachs to grind food, which is aided by the sand and dirt they ingest.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foraging-style">Foraging style</h3>



Anteaters are highly specialized for their diet, with powerful claws to break open hard termite mounds and thick fur to protect them from insect bites.&nbsp;



These animals have poor vision but excellent senses of smell and hearing, which help them navigate and locate prey.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle">Lifestyle</h3>



Despite their solitary nature, they communicate through huffs, snorts, and body language.



Anteaters are also known for their peculiar gait, as they walk on their knuckles to protect their claws.



The giant anteater, the largest species, can grow up to seven feet long, including its bushy tail. The silky anteater, which is the smallest species, is about the size of a squirrel.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anteaters-face-a-range-of-threats">Anteaters face a range of threats</h2>



Many anteater species are threatened by habitat loss and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-has-a-strong-effect-on-wildlife-in-remote-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human activities</a>, making their conservation a global priority.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-loss">Habitat loss</h3>



Habitat loss is one of the most critical challenges, as deforestation and agricultural expansion reduce the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fsingle-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>, savannas, and grasslands they depend on.&nbsp;



Urban development fragments their habitats, isolating populations and limiting access to food and mating opportunities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-nbsp">Human activities&nbsp;</h3>



Road collisions are another major threat, especially for giant anteaters, which often wander across highways in search of food or territory.&nbsp;



The expansion of road networks in their native ranges increases the risk of these deadly encounters.&nbsp;



Furthermore, anteaters are occasionally targeted by hunters for their meat or as trophies - despite their low economic value.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



Wildfires are particularly devastating for anteaters, destroying their habitats and leaving them vulnerable to starvation or predation.&nbsp;



<a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fanimal-extinction-risk-is-heavily-influenced-by-climate-change%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> exacerbates these issues by altering their ecosystems, making it harder for them to find sufficient food and shelter.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-illegal-wildlife-trade-nbsp">Illegal wildlife trade&nbsp;</h3>



Illegal wildlife trade also poses a threat, as some species are captured and sold as exotic pets. Due to their specific care requirements, anteaters should not be kept as pets. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-anteater-day">World Anteater Day</h2>



World Anteater Day emphasizes education about the ecological value of these creatures, inspiring conservation efforts worldwide.&nbsp;



Activities on World Anteater Day often include educational campaigns, fundraising events, and efforts to support <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fprotect.worldwildlife.org%2Fpage%2F53256%2Fdonate%2F1%3Fen_og_source%3DSearchAd_Donation%26ea.tracking.id%3DPaidAd_Google_Membership%26supporter.appealCode%3DAWE2305OQ18492A06630RX%26utm_source%3Dgooglepaid%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3Dwildlife-charities%26gad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCj0KCQiAi_G5BhDXARIsAN5SX7oTjn7ZmwbhTgSG1LPcKDfdfjLFPsXaiUhN_2QrutNr4Fw35XZUoQYaAk2iEALw_wcB&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife organizations</a> dedicated to the preservation of anteaters and their natural environments.&nbsp;



By educating the public and supporting conservation initiatives, World Anteater Day aims to promote appreciation for these unique animals and encourage collective responsibility for safeguarding their future.&nbsp;



Today is a reminder that every species, no matter how unusual, plays a vital role in the delicate balance of nature.



-----



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



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



-----

World Anteater Day: A tribute to nature's unique foragers

Celebrated each year on November 19th, World Anteater Day aims...

Ticks might be small, but their impact on public health is undeniably significant. Known for carrying disease pathogens that they pick up from various hosts, ticks journey does not stop at the grassfield's corner. 



Instead, these tiny creatures hitch rides on migrating birds, taking them thousands of miles away from their regular geographic range. 



Historically, ticks were deterred by the inhospitable climate conditions in distant lands. But the climate crisis, the elephant in our global living room, is rewriting this narrative. 



Now, it's becoming easier for ticks to survive and spread - possibly bringing along new tick-borne diseases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-fuels-tick-borne-diseases">Climate change fuels tick-borne diseases</h2>



“If conditions become more hospitable for tropical tick <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-legged-ticks-are-naturally-repelled-by-ant-pheromones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> to establish themselves in areas where they would previously have been unsuccessful, then there is a chance they could bring new diseases with them,” said study lead author Dr. Shahid Karim of the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usm.edu%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern Mississippi</a>.



With conditions becoming more favorable for these unwelcome guests, there's a good chance they could introduce new diseases to these areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hitchhikers-of-the-animal-kingdom">Hitchhikers of the animal kingdom</h2>



Ticks have proven their efficiency as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease vectors</a> time and again. They act as connecting bridges, enabling diseases from wild reservoirs like Lyme disease to reach humans and domestic animals. 



Bird parasitism, particularly of migratory birds, enables ticks to travel enormous distances. The climate crisis, altering global temperatures, is laying the foundation for ticks to play the role of invasive species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-and-unsettling-shift">Rapid and unsettling shift</h2>



The geographic distribution of tick species is changing at a staggering speed, noted Dr. Lorenza Beati from <a href="https://www.georgiasouthern.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Georgia Southern University</a>.



To ticks, the climate at their northern destination may soon look more like their home turf. Ticks could likely establish themselves if warmer conditions are coupled with the presence of suitable vertebrate hosts.



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



The core study involved meticulous fieldwork, DNA analysis, bird categorization, and mapping to understand tick dispersal's true picture through migrating birds. 



Intriguingly, ticks traveled impressive distances, with some hitting the 5000km mark. Nevertheless, parasitism was unexpectedly low, and most birds carried fewer ticks than anticipated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tick-bacteria-relationship">Tick-bacteria relationship</h2>



Science often uncovers unexpected alliances in nature. In this case, scientists found that Francisella bacteria, the most common type found in ticks, help ticks function and spread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-transmit-more-viruses-to-animals-than-we-catch-from-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a> effectively. 



Interestingly, the second most abundant bacteria were Rickettsia species. These bacteria might have an unknown symbiotic relationship with ticks.



The researchers emphasize the need for continued research in understanding the full impact of bird-assisted tick dispersal.



In particular, they point out the pressing need to unravel whether birds carry tick-borne diseases even when they aren’t hosting ticks. 



If these foreign ticks establish themselves in new regions, they might open doors for existing pathogens to spread or maintain new pathogens in wildlife reservoirs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-range-of-ticks">Expanding range of ticks</h2>



“Not only could these ticks bring new pathogens, but if they manage to establish themselves in the US, they could become additional vectors of pathogens already present in this country or maintain pathogens in wildlife reservoirs which can then become sources of infection,” said Dr. Karim. 



He advises people to protect themselves with insect repellent and carefully check for ticks after walking in tick-infested areas.



Awareness and precaution on ticks and their disease transmission are our most effective tools against these creatures.



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



The integration of climate models into tick research has become increasingly critical as scientists strive to predict future tick distributions and their invasion success. 



These models consider variables such as temperature, humidity, and vegetation - which significantly influence tick survivability and habitat suitability. 



By projecting potential changes in climate and environmental conditions, scientists can assess areas at risk of new tick infestations.



According to Dr. Lorenza Beati, this predictive approach enables proactive measures to mitigate risks related to tick-borne diseases, thereby prioritizing regions for surveillance and intervention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-threat-of-tick-borne-diseases">Addressing the threat of tick-borne diseases </h2>



Addressing the expanding range of ticks and the increasing threat of tick-borne diseases requires a collaborative global response.



Researchers, public health officials, and policymakers must work together to develop strategies that curb tick proliferation and manage diseases effectively. 



International partnerships can facilitate the sharing of data, resources, and expertise essential for understanding tick dynamics on a global scale.



Moreover, public awareness campaigns and community engagement play a vital role in educating populations on preventive measures, such as the importance of maintaining tick-safe environments and the early detection of symptoms related to tick-borne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-can-prevent-future-pandemics-by-protecting-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a>. 



The tiny bodies of ticks churn large ripples in the world of disease transmission. As climate change inadvertently clears paths for their wide-scale dispersal, our interconnected world is suddenly appearing smaller and more vulnerable.



Through collective efforts, a comprehensive and adaptable approach can be forged to confront the challenges presented by these formidable arachnids.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2024.1472598/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Ticks are hitchhiking on birds to spread diseases worldwide

Ticks might be small, but their impact on public health...

Every day, deep within the lush landscapes of Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park, a fascinating spectacle unfolds. Here, wild bearded capuchin monkeys learn to solve problems and access food by keenly observing other successful members of their social group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-s-smart-enough-to-take-the-banana">Who's smart enough to take the banana?</h2>



A research team from Durham University's Department of Anthropology set up a large box containing food in the park. The box could be accessed by lifting a door or pulling a knob. 



As scientists observed from their treetop offices, they were keen to discover which monkeys would figure out how to access the meal inside the box. And more importantly, they were interested in how this knowledge would <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/immigrant-birds-learn-useful-behaviors-from-their-neighbors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ripple across the group</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-tolerance-and-learning">Social tolerance and learning</h2>



The focus of this study was not the intelligence of the monkeys but the role of social tolerance in the learning process. 



Social tolerance, in this context, refers to who can hang out with whom and who gets access to what goodies, such as food or information. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monkey-see-monkey-learn">Monkey see, monkey learn</h2>



The findings of the study highlighted that the monkeys primarily learned through direct observation.



The researchers found that social tolerance among the monkeys, particularly among those who groomed each other, served as a good indicator of who would <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-availability-influences-social-learning-among-orangutans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learn</a> from who. So, the friendlier the monkey, the better the learner.



Beyond the influence of social tolerance, monkeys who had yet to learn the trick of the box were more likely to observe and potentially learn from successful males in the group. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-in-monkeys">Social learning in monkeys</h2>



This intriguing study was co-supervised by Professor Rachel Kendal of Durham University's Department of Anthropology. 



"Bearded capuchins possess the largest ‘toolkit’ among monkeys, and this is likely due to social learning, enabling skills to be passed down the generations," Kendal notes.



The research team wanted to investigate what influenced who was <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-learning-speed-keeping-pace-with-a-changing-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> from whom once they had established that social learning was taking place. 



They discovered that socially tolerant individuals, who often groomed or ate together, were more likely to observe each other when interacting with the "puzzle box." This tolerance also affected how information about solving the box problem spread among the group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-ahead-in-the-monkey-world">Getting ahead in the monkey world</h2>



Of course, status matters, even in the monkey world. For instance, even if a monkey has a skill, others may not learn it if the skillful one doesn’t have sufficient status to be observed. 



The flip side holds true as well - if a monkey is intolerant and doesn't allow others to watch him, others won't learn. So, the ability to learn from success is biased towards socially tolerant individuals. 



This is not so different from humans, is it?



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



The parallels between the social dynamics of capuchin monkeys and human societies are captivating. 



The study's revelations about social tolerance and observational learning can shed light on how cultural and knowledge transmission occurs in humans. Like our primate cousins, humans rely on social networks to pass down technology, skills, and traditions - helping to maintain societal cohesion.



This research can thus provide valuable insights into the evolution of our cooperative behaviors and the foundational role of social tolerance in cultural development.



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



Building on these findings, future research could explore the extent to which these learning dynamics apply to other primate species and even other animal groups. 



Comparative studies could help unravel the complexities of social learning environments and further dissect the influence of hierarchy and social bonds. Moreover, integrating this understanding with cognitive neuroscience could illuminate the underlying neurological processes driving social learning. 



This multifaceted approach may ultimately enrich our comprehension of both primate societies and the evolutionary pathways that have shaped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-behaviors-are-shaped-by-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social intelligence</a>.



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



These fascinating findings from <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> might shed light on the evolutionary forces involved in primate, including human, cultural abilities. 



Research partners in this project also included Eduardo B. Ottoni of the Institute of Psychology at the <a href="https://www5.usp.br/english/institutional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of São Paulo</a> and lead authors Camila Galheigo Coelho and Ivan Garcia-Nisa, both former PhD researchers in the Anthropology Department at Durham University.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2322888121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Social bonds drive learning in monkeys and humans alike

Every day, deep within the lush landscapes of Brazil's Serra...

Phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for soil fertility and life sustainability, is increasingly vanishing from U.S. farmland, washing into rivers and streams at alarming rates.&nbsp;



A new study led by researchers at the <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> reveals that despite efforts to curb phosphorus loss, agricultural runoff has continued to rise over the past four decades, posing significant threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vaccinating-plants-could-boost-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a> and water quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-nutrient-and-phosphorus-loss">Soil nutrient and phosphorus loss</h2>



Phosphorus is indispensable for life, playing a key role in DNA formation and cellular energy transfer.&nbsp;



However, unlike nitrogen, it is a non-renewable resource with limited geological reserves. Once it is lost from soil and enters <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-impacts-on-waterways-contribute-to-the-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a>, it cannot naturally replenish in agricultural lands.



“This is a problem for many reasons,” said Li Li, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Penn State and corresponding author of the study.&nbsp;



“When it’s lost from farmland, it can reduce crop yields, potentially leading to higher food prices. Then, when phosphorus enters our waterways, it can cause harmful algal blooms that can make water unsafe for swimming and fishing - and can even reduce oxygen levels in water and kill fish and other aquatic life.”



Li also highlighted the economic impact of phosphorus depletion: “It makes it more expensive to treat drinking water, which means higher water bills for all of us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-phosphorus-levels-in-rivers">Rising phosphorus levels in rivers</h2>



Analyzing data from 430 U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> spanning 1980 to 2019, the research team used a deep learning model to uncover troubling trends. 



While phosphorus levels have declined in 60% of the studied rivers, overall phosphorus flowing into waterways has increased.



“Agricultural areas are the biggest contributors to the problem, with phosphorus levels increasing in most rivers near agricultural areas, even as they decline in rivers near urban areas,” Li explained.&nbsp;



“This suggests that efforts to control phosphorus pollution from sources like agricultural runoff are not as effective as we thought.”



By contrast, targeted efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution from urban wastewater treatment plants appear to be succeeding.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-nutrient-loss-is-beyond-local-control">Soil nutrient loss is beyond local control </h2>



However, the researchers warn that the broader problem is worsening due to factors beyond local control, particularly the increased frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change.



“This means that even though we’re doing a better job at limiting phosphorus pollution from urban areas, the problem is getting worse overall, due to factors largely beyond the control of just one region,” Li said.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme weather events</a>, such as heavier rainfall and flooding, have amplified phosphorus runoff into waterways. As storms grow wetter and more frequent due to climate change, the volume of water flowing through rivers increases, pulling more phosphorus from the soil.



“We’ve seen from recent weather events that water quantity, the amount of water that storms and waterways carry, can lead to dangerous flooding and mudslides,” Li said.&nbsp;



“What we wanted to understand is what happens to the land when these storms pull the subsurface of the soil into rivers and streams. What we found is an alarming loss of this finite element that lets soil sustain life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-solutions-are-needed">Innovative solutions are needed</h2>



To combat this escalating issue, the researchers emphasize the need for innovation and changes in agricultural practices. One promising development is a technology invented at Penn State by alumnus Hunter Swisher.



Swisher, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.phospholutions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phospholutions</a>, has developed a fertilizer designed to improve phosphorus efficiency in soil. “We are advocating for more innovation, more creativity and more urgency,” Li said.



The company’s product has shown remarkable results, reducing phosphorus runoff potential by 78% compared to conventional fertilizers.&nbsp;



Phospholutions is now expanding its technology across the Americas, Europe, and India, aiming to address phosphorus pollution on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-ddressing-soil-nutrient-loss">Addressing soil nutrient loss</h2>



The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address phosphorus loss.&nbsp;



With climate change exacerbating the problem, researchers call for a combination of advanced technologies and sustainable farming practices to mitigate the impacts on both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> and aquatic ecosystems.



“The connection between water and land is essential, and that balance is growing increasingly fragile,” Li concluded.



-----



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



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



-----

Soil nutrient loss due to heavy rainfall threatens agriculture 

Phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for soil fertility and life sustainability,...

Our vast forests, those endless expanses of green mesmerizing beauty, showcase the incredible diversity of Mother Nature. However, rising forest damage threatens their role in maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting stable economies.



In a surprising turn of events, a recent study shows that forests seem to be facing an unwelcoming reality - increased vulnerability. And the culprit? Lack of diversity in tree species.



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



Life as we know it thrives on the principle of diversity. The more diverse an ecosystem, the more resilient it turns out to be. But what happens when this diversity dwindles?



When you explore the heart of the forest, areas dominated by a single species, such as the lodgepole pine, may reveal a striking vulnerability. Experts have identified significant risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> lacking species diversity.



The research on forest damage was led by researchers at Umeå University and the <a href="https://www.slu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swedish University of Agricultural Science</a> in Uppsala.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-that-threaten-forest-health">Factors that threaten forest health</h2>



Swedish forests have their fair share of visitors, but not all of them are welcome. 



Fires, insects, cervids like moose, and fungi, are among the uninvited guests. These factors chip away at the health of the forest, sometimes to such an extent that they disrupt the ecosystem's functionality.



This impact is not just an environmental concern. It has significant implications on the forest industry, which relies on the forest's ability to provide wood and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> products.



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



Our forests are up against another formidable foe - climate change. As the temperatures increase and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the forests face a heightened risk of damages.



“In a warmer climate with more extreme weather and new pest organisms, and with a more intense forestry, forest damages are expected to become more common and more severe," said Micael Jonsson of <a href="https://www.umu.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå University</a>, who led the study. 



"It is therefore important to understand causes of forest damages and whether it can be prevented." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-findings-on-forest-diversity">Findings on forest diversity</h2>



The research team relied on vast data collected by the Swedish national forest inventory since 2003. They sought to identify the most prevalent types of tree damages and what escalates the risk of trees getting damaged.



Knocking down assumptions, wind and snow damage topped the list, followed by forestry-related destruction and damage caused by fungi. Sadly, 94 percent of all trees had suffered some level of damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-to-forest-damage">Vulnerability to forest damage</h2>



The researchers observed that coniferous trees in younger stands, especially in warmer parts of Sweden, were at a higher risk for damages. And amongst all, the lodgepole pine, an introduced species, seemed to bear the brunt.



Jonsson and his team noted that introducing species like lodgepole pine may not be in the best interest of a profitable forestry in Sweden.



Not all news is bad news, though. The study reveals an encouraging finding: forests having a broader spectrum of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> displayed resilience against extensive damages, especially in warmer climates.



So, Mother Nature has given us a hint - diversification may be the key to healthier, more resilient forests in the face of climate change!



“We must adapt Swedish forests and forest management methods to a future warmer climate," said study co-author Jan Bengtsson at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science.



"Including more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-living-organism-consists-of-47000-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> species in production forests seems to be an adaptation that could work!” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-room-for-improvement">Room for improvement</h2>



While the study brings forward several valuable insights, it also sheds light on the challenges encountered during research. 



“The national forest inventory collects important data for our understanding of the forest, but when it comes to the damage inventory, the data quality needs to improve to be fully usable in forestry practices,” said study co-author Jon Moen of Umeå University.



In conclusion, the study provides a compelling case for diversifying our forests and adapting our forestry practices. 



Can we thwart the looming risk of forest damages and create healthier, more thriving forests? Only time will tell, but for now, it's clear that we have some changes to make.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.70071" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosphere</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Forests face rising damage risks as their diversity dwindles

Our vast forests, those endless expanses of green mesmerizing beauty,...

Climate change has emerged as a formidable challenge to plant life on Earth. Changes in the environment, which plants are unaccustomed to, disrupt their growth, posing grave risks. 



Increasingly, plant scientists strive to comprehend how these environmental changes will impact plant life and whether plants can acclimate to a new status quo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptations-of-paper-birch-trees">Adaptations of paper birch trees</h2>



A team of researchers from the Walker lab at the <a href="https://msu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a>-U.S. Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, or PRL, has set their sights on how paper birch trees adapt to changing environments. They are keen on understanding the management of an important plant process known as photorespiration.



"If plant metabolism was a freeway system, photorespiration would be the second-highest trafficked road,” noted Berkley Walker, an associate professor in the Department of Plant Biology in the PRL.



The question is whether the roads of this crucial pathway can handle all this traffic under present and predicted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate conditions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-acclimation-in-humans-and-plants">Acclimation in humans and plants </h2>



Acclimation refers to the adjustment of living organisms to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-are-largely-unprepared-for-the-effects-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altered conditions</a>. In humans, we acclimate when we adapt to the cold weather of winter or while getting accustomed to a new job.



However, plants must acclimate too, which is made complex by the fact that the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and global warming have contrasting effects on photosynthesis and photorespiration.



As the temperature rises, so does photorespiration, but when CO2 levels rise, photorespiration decreases. This interplay may modify the efficiency of photorespiration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paper-birch-response-to-climate">Paper birch response to climate</h2>



In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the research team examined whether paper birch trees adjusted the activity of photorespiratory enzymes under varying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental conditions</a>.



Paper birch trees were selected because they inhabit boreal forest biomes located in the northernmost parts of the planet, which are expected to be among the ecosystems hit hardest by climate change.



The experimental growth conditions mirrored current, moderate, and extreme climate change scenarios for these boreal forest regions, as outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 



In each scenario, researchers modified the CO2 concentration and increased air temperatures in various combinations.



“This study explored whether plants fine-tuned their enzyme capacity based on demand or whether they keep a buffer, so they have extra capacity in reserve to handle unpredictable changes,” said Luke Gregory, former graduate student in the Walker lab and first author on the study.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-growth-in-a-changing-climate">Plant growth in a changing climate </h2>



Trees for the study were grown from seeds at the <a href="https://www.uwo.ca/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Ontario</a> by researchers in Professor Danielle Way’s lab. They used the university’s Biotron, a research facility capable of simulating almost any climate on Earth.



Surprisingly, the experts found that the trees did not increase their enzyme capacity depending on the climate they were grown in. Instead, they maintained similar capacities across all six future climate scenarios.



Remarkably, the measured enzyme capacities were more than adequate for the photorespiratory pathway, implying that the trees were poised to grow even under changing conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-resilience-in-changing-climates">Plant resilience in changing climates</h2>



Gregory highlighted an intriguing find: the plants have a “safety factor” or buffer capacity that enables them to cope with different changes, whether under current, moderate, or extreme conditions.



This discovery offers a glimmer of hope that plants have a built-in mechanism which might help them survive the adverse effects of climate change, at least in terms of photorespiration.



That being said, this research is just one piece of the larger puzzle in comprehending how photorespiration is and will continue to be impacted by human-induced climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-resilience-in-the-face-of-climate-change">Plant resilience in the face of climate change </h2>



“It’s important that we understand how plants are responding to current conditions and future conditions because we need them in our lives,” said Gregory. 



The question of whether plants can acclimate or adapt over generations to these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-of-2023-weakened-earths-carbon-storage-capacity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">altered environments</a> is pertinent as they provide us with oxygen, food, and energy.



This study opens a new window to appreciate and understand plant resilience in the face of the relentless challenges posed by climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-77049-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Plants defy climate change through acclimation

Climate change has emerged as a formidable challenge to plant...

Across the globe, approximately 8.7 million different plant species exist, with around a quarter of them dwelling in the ocean.



For centuries, our understanding of these species, particularly those on land, has been largely shaped by their physical characteristics. 



The process of identifying species based on their morphological characteristics was first established by 18th-century scientist Carl Linnaeus.



However, new findings suggest that this method may not be as comprehensive as we once thought. The research suggests that DNA holds the key to uncovering the identities of plants. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-dna-to-identify-plant-species">Using DNA to identify plant species</h2>



While Linnaeus's method has guided our identification of species for centuries, advancements in technology have ushered in a new era of species identification - through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-ocean-dna-study-uncovers-mysteries-of-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA sequencing</a>. 



Over the last decade, biologists have begun to depend heavily on DNA sequencing to distinguish between species more accurately. This approach typically involves analyzing a single, species-specific site in the DNA, but it's not foolproof.



"There are times when different plant species are difficult to characterize from a small DNA sequence. But now DNA sequencing has taken several steps forward and we have been able to identify completely new species by analyzing a larger part of the genome," explained Zaynab Shaik, author of a doctoral thesis at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-case-of-the-cryptic-daisies">The case of the cryptic daisies</h2>



Shaik's research zeroes in on a group of daisies in the Cape Province of her native South Africa. This collection comprises 66 recognized species, and the first of these species was described in 1753.



Despite their prevalence and commonality, some daisies in the region have puzzled botanists. These "cryptic" plants appear identical in leaf and flower structure, growth habit, and distribution, yet they boast significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/just-a-few-genetic-differences-tailor-flowers-to-specific-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic differences</a>.



"It is important that we have a better understanding of plant relationships and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> on Earth. It is easy to imagine how wrong it could be if we discover that a plant is suitable for use as a base in a drug, and then we pick another, similar, species instead, which may not have the same properties at all," said Shaik.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-reveals-new-plant-species">DNA reveals new plant species </h2>



Shaik's DNA analyses of these cryptic daisies have led to the unmasking of four new species. She noted that these species aren't new creations hidden in unexplored terrains. 



"When I'm asked about this, there's a bit of an anti-climax when I explain that it's not that I've found a new daisy in a remote location that no one has seen before. But these have been admired for a long time, but they have been mistaken for another species."



Shaik's identification method, known as integrative taxonomy, merges traditional observational techniques with modern DNA sequencing. 



This combination enhances our knowledge of species boundaries and is expected to ramp up the rate of new species discovery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-more-discoveries-to-be-made">Many more discoveries to be made</h2>



Shaik hints at a possible underestimation of the biodiversity in the Cape region and, by extension, other parts of the world. 



"In the Cape, it has been thought that only 1 percent of biodiversity remains to be discovered. My results suggest that it could be much more than that. And the same should reasonably apply to other areas of the globe."



Thus, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saving-parrots-in-the-illegal-wildlife-trade-with-dna-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA technology</a>, progressing hand in hand with traditional methods, is undeniably reshaping our understanding of Earth's biodiversity. 



As we continue to unravel more secrets within the realm of genetics, the question arises: how much more of nature's mysteries are waiting to be unveiled?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-and-plant-species-discovery">Technology and plant species discovery</h2>



The integration of DNA sequencing with traditional taxonomy, known as integrative taxonomy, is becoming the cornerstone of modern biodiversity studies. 



Unlike conventional methods that rely solely on observable physical traits, this approach combines morphological analysis with molecular data, offering a multi-dimensional view of species identification. 



This hybrid method addresses limitations found in singular approaches and helps clarify ambiguities, particularly in species with minimal visible differences.



Integrative taxonomy is not only accelerating the pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species discovery</a> but also refining conservation strategies.



By identifying genetic differences that aren't apparent through morphology alone, researchers can better understand which populations may be at risk and develop more effective protection measures. 



This evolving field highlights the importance of embracing modern technology alongside traditional scientific practices to enrich our understanding of life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S025462992400320X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South African Journal of Botany</a>.



Image Credit: Zaynab Shaik



-----



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



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



-----

DNA technology will accelerate the pace of plant species discovery

Across the globe, approximately 8.7 million different plant species exist,...

Pando, an extraordinary organism residing in Utah, quietly stands out among the myriad of living beings that inhabit our planet, captivating scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. 



This remarkable colony of quaking aspen trees (Populus tremuloides) stretches across 106 acres, and is connected by an extensive underground root system that forms a single, unified organism rather than just a forest of unrelated individuals.



With its remarkable size and age, Pando dwarfs its fellow inhabitants, holding the potential to be not only the oldest living being but also the largest organism on Earth. It is a symbol of nature's resilience and complexity over millennia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-utah-s-pride-the-incredible-pando">Utah's pride: The incredible Pando</h2>



A group of American researchers has suggested that this 106-acre woodland in the heart of Utah could have originated from a single seedling, which sprouted 34,000 years ago, pre-dating the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last ice age</a>.



Even bolder estimates propose that this clonal organism, which appears to consist of 47,000 separate trees, might have been present tens of thousands of years earlier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-astonishing-life-of-clonal-organisms">The astonishing life of clonal organisms</h2>



Pando (which means "I spread" in Latin) is intriguing because of its massive size, but it also boasts a unique genetic identity shared by all its individual parts that are linked together through one vast network of roots.



This form of asexual reproduction makes Pando a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/listening-to-the-largest-and-oldest-tree-on-earth-what-does-it-have-to-say/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clonal organism</a>, with each 'tree' being a part of the whole, rooted and growing from the same entity. 



There are other life forms, including fungi and the bristlecone pines on the White Mountains in eastern California, that display similar capabilities. They survive through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-had-a-breakthrough-in-cloning-coconut-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloning</a> methods for hundreds, or even thousands of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-pando-s-historical-tales">Unlocking Pando's historical tales</h2>



To discern Pando's true age more accurately, the research team meticulously collected around 500 samples, including root, leaf, and bark, from different parts of this giant organism.



They also obtained specimens from other, unrelated aspens and embarked on a journey to sequence their DNA.



The scientists identified 4,000 genetic variations within these samples, and the mutation patterns narrated a captivating story that dates back potentially between 16,000 and 80,000 years.



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



The researchers, led by Rozenn Pineau of the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>, noted that they had initially expected a close genetic correlation between trees that are physically near each other.



"You would expect that the trees that are spatially close are also closer genetically," Pineau told Helena Kudiabor at Nature. "But this is not exactly what we find. We found a spatial signal, but that is much weaker than what we expected."



Those trees that were in close proximity did share more similar mutations than those that were far apart - but only slightly more.



This discovery adds a new layer of complexity to understanding Pando's genetic structure and resilience.



Additional research focusing on Pando's mutation history and its genomic protection methods could provide insights into how this plant (and other similar organisms) has managed to survive for millennia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ensuring-pando-s-enduring-legacy">Ensuring Pando's enduring legacy</h2>



Concerns are mounting over the longevity of Pando. Ensuring its survival will require a deep understanding of this ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant's resilience</a> against the assaults of man and nature.



Moreover, similar investigations into other clonal organisms elsewhere may offer Pando competition for its venerable title. 



One competitor lies in a patch of Posidonia oceanica seagrass off the Spanish island of Formentera, which some believe to be more than 200,000 years old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ecological-significance-of-pando">The ecological significance of Pando</h2>



Pando is more than just a marvel of age and size; it plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. 



This vast network of quaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aspen-forests-could-reverse-biodiversity-loss-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aspens</a> supports a diversity of wildlife by providing habitat and food for numerous species, from insects and birds to larger mammals such as deer and elk.



The interconnected root system of Pando also aids in soil stabilization, which prevents erosion and supports the health of the surrounding environment.



However, understanding Pando's ecological contributions has become more urgent than ever, as climate change and human activities threaten its survival. 



Efforts to study and preserve this unique organism are now critical, not only to protect its ancient legacy but also to help maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem it anchors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enduring-hymns-of-pando">The enduring hymns of Pando</h2>



Pando's survival through the ages is a tribute to time itself. It stands as a constant reminder of the ancient world, sharing with us stories of an era long gone. 



As we continue to unravel the mysteries of Pando, we can only hope that this ancient marvel stands tall and flourishes in the years to come.



The research is published in <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.19.619233v2">BioRxiv</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

The world's largest living organism consists of 47,000 trees

Pando, an extraordinary organism residing in Utah, quietly stands out...

species in Cibotiaceae