Rory Arnold is the Editor of Earth.com and contributes a wide variety of content for the site. He graduated from New York University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Media, Culture, &amp; Communication. He loves dogs and giraffes.

Rory Arnold

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Kyla is based out of California and serves as the Earth.com weekend editor. Kyla has written for numerous news outlets and has been a key contributor to the growth and development of Earth.com.

Kyla Cathey

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Kay Vandette is a freelance writer and has written everything from film and food reviews to travel and lifestyle articles.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">She has been featured in national publications and blogs and runs a website dedicated to providing tips for beginner freelance writers.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Kay is passionate about living a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle and loves writing for Earth.com.</span></p>

Kay Vandette

Katherine has a background in environmental policy and believes in information sharing and education to address the challenge of climate change. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her cat and husband and enjoys nature, yoga and cooking.

Katherine Bucko

As a serial entrepreneur, Eric Ralls has long aspired to merge technology with a love for nature and our planet. Founder at Earth.com, EarthSnap, PlantSnap, redOrbit.  "My goal has always been to bring people back to nature, to help them realize that humanity is a part of nature, not 'apart' from nature," says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span class="xn-person">Eric Ralls</span></a>, Founder and CEO of EarthSnap. "Homosapiens are only one species out of over 8 million species of life with whom we share this planet. Yet humanity treats the earth like it is ours alone to do with as we please, even though we've only been here for a few hundred thousand years out of the 3.5 billion years that this beautiful blue marble has been zipping through the universe."

Eric Ralls

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Connor Ertz lives in Boston and works as the Marketing Writer for Boston Children's Hospital's Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center. He holds degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Gettysburg College, and has been writing for science and news outlets for the last three years. </span></p>
&nbsp;

Connor Ertz

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In my role as Chief News Editor, I strive to publish studies that are not only fascinating, but also informative. I am grateful for the opportunity to share urgent climate news with Earth.com readers all over the world. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In order to address the greatest environmental challenge of our lifetime, we must first understand what we are up against. </span>

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<p style="text-align: left;">Andrei Ionescu is a Staff Writer at Earth.com, covering the latest scientific discoveries in fields including health &amp; medicine, climate science, biology &amp; evolution, paleontology, astrophysics, chemistry, and geology. He holds a PhD from the University of Padua, Italy, and conducted extensive interdisciplinary research at the intersection of the sciences and the humanities at universities in various countries, which resulted in publications at Bloomsbury, Johns Hopkins University Press, and Taylor &amp; Francis.</p>

Andrei Ionescu

<span style="font-weight: 400;">I am a biologist at heart, and interested in all aspects of the natural world. I studied a BSc in Zoology and Botany at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and then received my PhD in Zoology at the same institution. I have subsequently spent much of my life teaching others about the fascinating natural world we have inherited. I am lucky enough to live in South Africa, where wildlife and wild places still abound. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Writing for Earth.com is a privilege as it enables me to keep in touch with the latest research trends while also being able to inform others about the amazing science currently being done in the various fields of biology.</span>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>

Alison Bosman

<p>In a recent study, scientists from the University of Florida have unveiled the mysterious process of how hammerhead sharks, renowned for their peculiar head shape, undergo dramatic changes during their gestation. </p>



<p>“This is a look at how monsters form,” said Gareth Fraser, a UF professor of Biology who supervised the new study. “This is an insight into the development of a wonder of nature that we haven’t seen before and may not be able to see again.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-transformations-nbsp">Surprising transformations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The research highlighted the surprising transformations that bonnethead shark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-birds-can-learn-sounds-before-birth/">embryos</a>, a species of hammerhead, experience during their growth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Approximately mid-gestation, these two-inch-long embryos begin to widen their heads drastically. This expansion pushes their developing eyes outwards, creating an eerie and unnatural appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Subsequently, the front of this "hammer" shape continues to evolve, moving backward toward the gills until it takes on a shovel-like form. A few months post this transformation, a foot-long shark emerges into the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Steven Byrum, a graduate student, teamed up with Professor Fraser to lead this detailed investigation of bonnetheads, which are abundant in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Given their proximity to the shore, bonnetheads provide a unique opportunity for study.</p>



<p>What makes this study even more remarkable is the inherent challenges in studying the development of hammerheads. Unlike many fish and sharks that lay eggs, which can be studied in a controlled lab environment, hammerheads give birth to live young.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This natural process, combined with the endangered status of many shark species, prevents the harvesting of sharks for developmental research. To conduct this study without causing harm to additional sharks, Fraser’s team utilized preserved embryos from bonnetheads obtained during other biological research endeavors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-opportunity-nbsp">Unique opportunity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"It’s the perfect qualities of the bonnethead that allowed us to do it with this species," said Byrum. "This was a unique opportunity we may not be able to get for very much longer with bonnetheads and may not be able to get in any other species of hammerhead.”</p>



<p>The study was a collaborative effort that involved Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History, as well as scientists from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Florida State University.</p>



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



<p>This documentation now paves the way for future experiments. The researchers hope to uncover the mechanisms that govern the hammerhead's head shape evolution and to decipher the evolutionary reasons behind their unique features, which are believed to enhance their visual field and ability to detect the electrical movements of their prey.</p>



<p>"Documenting the development of hard-to-access vertebrates, like this viviparous shark species, offers important information about how new and diverse morphologies arise that otherwise may remain poorly studied," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"This work will serve as a platform for future comparative developmental research both within sharks and across the phylogeny of vertebrates, underpinning the extreme potential of craniofacial development and morphological diversity in vertebrate animals."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-hammerhead-sharks-nbsp">More about hammerhead sharks&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Hammerhead sharks are a distinctive group of sharks known for their unique, hammer-like head shape which is called a "cephalofoil." This unusual structure provides them with several advantages in their marine environment:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species">Species</h3>



<p>There are nine recognized species of hammerhead sharks, including the well-known great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, and the bonnethead. Each species varies in size, habitat, and behavior.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics">Physical Characteristics</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cephalofoil">Cephalofoil</h4>



<p>The hammer-shaped head improves their maneuverability, allowing them to make sharp turns quickly.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyes">Eyes</h4>



<p>Their eyes are positioned on the ends of the cephalofoil, providing a wide field of vision and improved depth perception.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h4>



<p>Hammerheads range in size, with smaller species like the bonnethead measuring around 3 to 4 feet long, while larger species like the great hammerhead can grow up to 20 feet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-and-distribution">Habitat and distribution</h3>



<p>Hammerhead sharks are found worldwide in warmer waters along coastlines and continental shelves. They typically prefer temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavior">Behavior</h3>



<p>Some species, like the scalloped hammerhead, often swim in schools, which is unusual for most shark species.</p>



<p>Despite their occasional schooling behavior, hammerheads usually hunt alone, using their cephalofoil to scan the ocean floor for prey.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>Hammerheads primarily feed on fish, including other sharks, as well as squid, octopus, and crustaceans. Their wide-set eyes give them a better visual range to locate prey, while the cephalofoil assists in trapping stingrays, one of their favorite meals, against the seafloor.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



<p>Many species of hammerhead sharks are classified as endangered or vulnerable due to overfishing and the global shark fin trade. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these unique and important marine predators, including establishing shark sanctuaries and implementing fishing regulations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction">Reproduction</h2>



<p>As mentioned previously, hammerheads give birth to live young. Depending on the species, a female can give birth to a litter ranging from 6 to 42 pups every two years.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-behavior">Hunting behavior</h3>



<p>The cephalofoil is also believed to house a large number of electroreceptors, allowing hammerhead sharks to effectively detect the electrical signals emitted by other marine organisms, making them highly efficient predators.</p>



<p>Understanding and protecting hammerhead sharks is crucial due to their role in maintaining the health and balance of their marine ecosystems. The study by the University of Florida offers valuable insights into their developmental process, adding to the body of knowledge necessary for their conservation and management.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/dvdy.658" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Developmental Dynamics</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Making a monster: The bizarre development of hammerhead sharks

In a recent study, scientists from the University of Florida...

<p>People are often learning from those around them without even being aware of it. Such social learning through imitation eliminates the need to start from scratch, ensuring progress is not repeatedly reset to zero.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But what is the origin of this intrinsic skill that underpins cultural learning and, by extension, humanity’s evolutionary trajectory?&nbsp;</p>



<p>A new study led by the Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) has recently found that this unique ability has its roots in early infancy.</p>



<p>“Children acquire their ability to imitate because they themselves are imitated by their caregivers,” said senior author Markus Paulus, the chair of the Developmental Psychology and Educational Psychology Department at LMU.</p>



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



<p>The experts examined the interactions between several pairs of mothers and children over an extended period of time. The research sessions commenced when the infants were six months old and concluded at 18 months.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Through a range of playful interactions, the researchers investigated the imitation patterns observed in these dyads.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reciprocal-imitation-nbsp">Reciprocal imitation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The analyses revealed a clear correlation: the more a mother sensitively interacted and imitated her six-month-old, the more proficient that child became at imitating others by 18 months.</p>



<p>This reciprocal imitation, apparent between parents and their children, acts as a communicative bridge. Caregivers often mirror the cues provided by their children, enhancing and amplifying them in the process, which leads to a shared imitation of movements and expressions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These experiences create connections between what the child feels and does on the one hand and what it sees on the other. Associations are formed. The child’s visual experience is connected to its own motor activity,” Paulus explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skill-acquisition-nbsp">Skill acquisition&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Imitation plays a pivotal role in children’s skill acquisition journey – from object handling to cultural norms like hand gestures and even language acquisition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Children are incredible imitators. Mimicry paves the way to their further development. Imitation is the start of the cultural process toward becoming human,” Paulus said.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-imitation-is-learned-nbsp">Imitation is learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While historically the prevailing belief in psychology was that imitation was an innate skill, this new study provides evidence it is a learned rather than instinctual skill.</p>



<p>These findings suggest that the finesse with which children learn to mimic others is intimately tied to the responsive nature of their caregivers. In this context, sensitivity means the caregiver’s knack for recognizing and responding adeptly and swiftly to the child’s cues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The sensitivity of the mother is a predictor of how strongly she imitates her child,” said lead author Samuel Essler, a postdoctoral fellow in Developmental Psychology at LMU.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-interactions">Social interactions</h2>



<p>The research also unravels the essence of what makes us inherently social creatures: our unique abilities that are honed through interpersonal interactions. These human traits are largely influenced by the distinctive methods employed in child-rearing.</p>



<p>“By being part of a social interaction culture, in which they are imitated, children learn to learn from others. Over the course of generations and millennia, this interplay has led to the cultural evolution of humans,” Paulus said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Through social learning, certain actions or techniques do not have to be constantly invented anew, but there is a cultural transfer of knowledge. Our results show that the ability to imitate, and thus cultural learning, is itself a product of cultural learning, in particular the parent-child interaction,” he concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.084"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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<p>.</p>

Cultural learning begins in infancy during parent-child imitation 

People are often learning from those around them without even...

Aurora,Borealis,,Visible,In,Autumn,2003,Over,Bayreuth,,Bavaria,,Germany.

<p>This week, the world bore witness to a spectacular celestial display of red auroras, as a powerful solar storm collided with Earth’s magnetic field, painting the night sky with vibrant hues of red. </p>



<p>Skywatchers from Europe to North America were treated to this stunning light show, particularly those in regions with clear skies. Some observers described the display as the '<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/aurora_red_rocks_2big-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holy Grail of Northern Lights</a>', given the rarity of witnessing red auroras, especially as far south as France and Kansas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collision-of-natural-forces">Collision of natural forces</h2>



<p>Solar storms result from the expulsion of charged particles from the Sun, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar winds</a>. These winds interact with Earth's magnetosphere, and our planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> captures and directs these particles toward high-latitude regions near the magnetic poles. </p>



<p>The collisions between these charged particles and atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, like oxygen and nitrogen, energize them. This results in beautiful light shows in various colors, creating the mesmerizing phenomenon known as <a href="https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/aurora/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">auroras</a>.</p>



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



<p>Different gases and altitudes result in the emission of different colors. Oxygen at higher altitudes emits red light, while at lower altitudes it produces green light. Nitrogen, on the other hand, can produce purples, blues, and pinks. </p>



<p>Green is the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/catch-the-aurora-borealis-in-iceland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most prevalent aurora color</a> due to the optimal conditions and altitudes for producing the green wavelength. This often creates a breathtaking spectacle as the lights ripple, dance, and shimmer across the night sky. However, during strong auroral displays, red, purple, and blue may also appear, adding to the splendor of the visual feast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-red-auroras-a-scarlet-spectacle">Red auroras -- A scarlet spectacle</h2>



<p>Red auroras are particularly enchanting, resulting from high-energy electrons colliding with oxygen atoms at altitudes above 200 miles. The longer wavelength of red light allows it to travel farther distances and often appear at the lower edges of an aurora. </p>



<p>The red hue isn’t as common as green, occurring less frequently due to its reliance on collisions at higher altitudes. During active displays, the red dances above the green, creating an unparalleled natural light show.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-impact">Unexpected impact</h2>



<p>Although experts had predicted a solar storm for September 24, the strength of the impact surpassed expectations. The flare from the Sun triggered a potent geomagnetic storm above Europe, illuminating the skies of Scotland, Iceland, and the Netherlands with bright green and red auroras. It later traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to North America, extending as far south as Kansas and Nebraska.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-year-of-celestial-wonders">A year of celestial wonders</h2>



<p>For aurora chasers, this year has been notably thrilling, with several astonishing displays of northern lights reaching unusually far south. The last red aurora observed was in February, and the frequency of such events is attributed to a surprisingly active <a href="https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/solar-cycles/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar cycle</a>. </p>



<p>Some eruptions were so powerful that they triggered radio blackouts in the US in June. As we are heading toward the peak of an approximately 11-year cycle of solar activity, more spectacular displays might be on the horizon.</p>



<p>Experts at <a href="https://earthsky.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSky</a> noted on September 26, “Sun activity is back to low, but we saw filament eruptions all over the solar disk, particularly in the northeast and northwest. These filaments hurled ejecta into space, and we await the results of specialist analysis to determine if a component of those blasts is coming our way.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-red-auroras-expected">More red auroras expected</h2>



<p>Aurora enthusiasts are indeed in eager anticipation for more of these celestial ballets in the sky, a vivid reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our universe. This extraordinary display of red auroras, historically perceived by some as ominous harbingers of war or tragedy, today unites people in wonder, illuminating the skies with its rare and ethereal beauty.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Rare red auroras ignited the skies this week

This week, the world bore witness to a spectacular celestial...

<p>During a recent deep-sea dive off the coast of Hawaii, scientists encountered a rare and mesmerizing ocean creature known as the “Dumbo octopus."&nbsp;</p>



<p>This remarkable sighting occurred approximately a mile below the ocean's surface, on an unnamed seamount located within the <a href="https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papahānaumokuākea</a> Marine National Monument.</p>



<p>The expedition was funded by the <a href="https://nautiluslive.org/video/2023/09/27/cute-dumbo-octopus-eyes-rov-hercules">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association</a> (NOAA).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dumbo-octopus">Dumbo octopus</h2>



<p>The Dumbo octopus, also known as Grimpoteuthis, belongs to the umbrella <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/octopus-and-squid-senses-linked-to-human-brain-evolution/">octopus</a> family. The nickname "Dumbo" comes from its resemblance to the character in Disney's 1941 film, due to the prominent ear-like fins situated on top of its head. The octopus utilizes these fins to gracefully propel itself through the water, as it searches for food.</p>



<p>The Dumbo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-garden-thermal-springs-accelerate-octopus-egg-hatching-by-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopus</a> is usually found in the deep waters of the central Pacific at depths ranging from 1,300 to 13,000 feet. However, some of these intriguing animals have been found as deep as 23,000 feet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Because they live in such deep, dark environments, their coloration can vary, often appearing in shades of red, pink, brown, or white.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-footage-nbsp">Fascinating footage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The footage of the Dumbo octopus was captured by the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, providing a unique opportunity to observe the creature as it effortlessly drifts in the ocean's depths.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="9KGzHmAd5J-3029266-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>The crew aboard the E/V Nautilus was fortunate enough to witness not just one, but five of these creatures in a single night.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-beautiful-experience">A beautiful experience</h2>



<p>Jaina Galves, a video engineer intern who played a role in this discovery, shared her excitement about the experience.</p>



<p>“Each time, you’re kind of just roaming around with the ROV,” said Galves. “Somebody’s like, wait, what is that in the corner, and then everybody starts to gasp, everybody starts to freak out. And everybody’s like Dumbo octopus!"</p>



<p>"So we take the ROV over, we go, and we follow them. They move very slowly and very gracefully, so we get to follow them for quite a while.”</p>



<p>“It depends on what we’re doing and how long we can hang out. But for one of them, we just got to stay for quite a while. Just watched it kind of glide through the water, and it was beautiful.”</p>



<p>Galves told ABC News: “When I saw it on the screen, I couldn’t even say anything. My jaw was just on the floor.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size">Size</h3>



<p>Overall, scientists have discovered more than a dozen species of dumbo octopuses. The largest individual captured on film was nearly six feet long, according to the environmental group Oceana, but most are much smaller, with an average length of 8 to 12 inches.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance">Appearance</h3>



<p>Dumbo octopuses are characterized by their unique umbrella-shaped appearance when their arms are spread. They possess a soft, gelatinous body, which is an adaptation to the deep-sea environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet">Diet</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-octopuses-smart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a> feed on crustaceans, benthic worms, and other small organisms found on the ocean floor. They often swallow their prey whole.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-nbsp">Reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Unlike many other octopus species, Dumbo <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-octopuses-dream-a-recent-study-shows-octopuses-sleep-is-very-similar-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">octopuses</a> do not have a defined breeding season. They can lay eggs at any time, and the young are developed enough to survive on their own immediately after hatching. While their exact lifespan is unknown, it is believed to be about 3 to 5 years.</p>



<p>The species is known for its gentle and passive demeanor, and since it inhabits regions difficult for humans to access, it has not been extensively studied, and much about it remains a mystery.</p>



<p>The E/V Nautilus, owned by the nonprofit organization <a href="https://nautiluslive.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Exploration Trust</a>, is currently exploring the expansive Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This protected marine area spans over 500,000 square miles in the Pacific, making it larger than all U.S. national parks combined.</p>



<p>---</p>



<p>Video and image credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute</p>



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<p>.</p>

"Dumbo octopus" captured on film and video in Hawaii

During a recent deep-sea dive off the coast of Hawaii,...

<p>As our planet faces escalating challenges from global warming, a group of international scientists will be recruiting a surprising ally in the fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse emissions</a>: the cow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, experts in animal sciences are launching a novel venture aimed at cutting methane emissions due to rumen fermentation in beef and dairy cattle.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greener-cattle">Greener cattle</h2>



<p>Spanning three years and backed by a $3.2-million budget, this undertaking falls under the umbrella of the <a href="https://foundationfar.org/consortia/greener-cattle-initiative/">Greener Cattle Initiative</a>, which is backed by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR).</p>



<p>Research data indicates that taking on methane might be a faster route to addressing climate issues than solely focusing on carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane’s heat-trapping ability is 28 times stronger than CO2’s, but it exits the atmosphere in roughly a dozen years, while CO2 can linger for centuries.</p>



<p>“What this means is that anything we do now with ruminant animals can have a huge impact on warming within decades, rather than centuries. Our challenge is to reduce enteric methane emissions by about 30 to 40 percent with the technologies we have,” said project leader Rod Mackie, a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at U of I.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Connecting six research centers globally, this project zeroes in on enteric methane – a byproduct of microbial fermentation in the rumen. As a part of this strategy, Mackie and his colleagues aim to examine hydrogen’s role during fermentation.</p>



<p>During the fermentation process, the recycling of an energy-rich molecule, NADH, stands out. For the uninterrupted generation of energy, NADH must release its hydrogen and anticipate a replacement from the decomposition of carbohydrates. Generally, NADH’s surplus hydrogen aids in turning CO2 into methane. Yet, the scientists speculate that there are alternatives to use this type of hydrogen.</p>



<p>“In anaerobic fermentation in the rumen, you have to have some way of recycling hydrogen through the conversion of NADH to NAD. In that process, most of the excess hydrogen goes towards methane. If you shut down methane production, hydrogen builds up and inhibits glycolysis,” Mackie explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We don’t want that to happen. Instead, we want to redirect hydrogen into other products, such as propionate and butyrate, reduced fatty acids that serve as the primary energy source for all ruminants.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-reduction">Methane reduction</h2>



<p>“There are a lot of groups working on inhibiting methane directly using dietary additives. Our focus is trying to figure out how we actually make it work in an animal and make it more energetically feasible. That’s really been the missing piece,” added Josh McCann, an assistant professor of Animal Sciences at the same university, who will also be involved in the project.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If cows can’t metabolize the excess hydrogens for productive benefit and to improve growth, there will continue to be limited adoption of methane reduction strategies or additives. There’s no economic incentive.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-communities-nbsp">Microbial communities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team’s strategy begins in the lab through a thorough investigation of hydrogen production and its utilization. By examining rumen microbial communities from diverse cattle, the researchers aim to uncover potential tweaks using inhibitor compounds. Their findings will eventually be tested on cattle.</p>



<p>“Most of the grant is focused on the basic and the mechanistic side, but once we make something that might work within a microbial community, it still has to work in an animal,” McCann explained.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-inhibitor-nbsp">Methane inhibitor&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“We have complicating factors like diet components and how much they want to eat. Not to mention dairy cattle and beef cattle are eating different things, so the bugs in the rumen function differently. So, if we apply a methane inhibitor to a dairy microbial community, we might have to approach the hydrogen capture a little bit differently than in a beef rumen community.”</p>



<p>Mackie envisions this initiative as the starting point of a long-term quest to tackle enteric methane. By the conclusion of the three-year project, the experts aim to pinpoint precise inhibitor dosages that either maintain or even bolster production capacities.</p>



<p>“What we’d like is to have ruminants save the planet within 10 years. That would be amazing,” Mackie concluded.</p>



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Greener cattle: Seeking ways to inhibit methane production in cows

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