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Jordan Joseph

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">Eric Ralls</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."
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&nbsp;

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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. 

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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.
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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. 

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Alison Bosman

Fossils newly unearthed in southeastern Australia have upended long-held assumptions about dinosaur evolution, revealing the world’s oldest known megaraptorid and the first confirmed evidence of carcharodontosaurs on the continent.&nbsp;



These discoveries paint a vivid picture of an unusual predator hierarchy that once roamed the region during the Early Cretaceous, adding a crucial piece to the puzzle of dinosaur history.



The research was carried out by a team led by <a href="https://museumsvictoria.com.au/research-institute/">Museums Victoria Research Institute</a> and <a href="https://www.monash.edu/">Monash University</a> PhD student Jake Kotevski.&nbsp;



The study focused on five <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-theropod-dinosaurs-thrived-in-polar-environments/">theropod</a> fossils found along Victoria’s coastline. They were collected in the upper Strzelecki (Bass Coast, dating back roughly 121.4–118 million years) and the Eumeralla Formation (Otway Coast, about 113–108 million years old).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaurs-thriving-in-australia-nbsp">Dinosaurs thriving in Australia&nbsp;</h2>



The newly studied remains suggest an unexpected arrangement of carnivorous dinosaurs. They indicate that large megaraptorids - measuring between six and seven meters long - coexisted alongside smaller carcharodontosaurs that reached only two to four meters in length, as well as the agile, meter-long unenlagiines (nicknamed “southern raptors”). 



This stands in stark contrast to better-known ecosystems where carcharodontosaurs typically surpassed other predatory dinosaurs in size.



“The discovery of carcharodontosaurs in Australia is groundbreaking,” Kotevski said. “It’s fascinating to see how Victoria’s predator hierarchy diverged from South America, where carcharodontosaurs reached <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-was-about-70-percent-bigger-than-we-thought/">Tyrannosaurus rex</a>-like sizes up to 13 metres, towering over megaraptorids. Here, the roles were reversed, highlighting the uniqueness of Australia’s Cretaceous ecosystem.”



Two of the newly identified fossils rank among the earliest megaraptorids known worldwide, prompting experts to reconsider their evolutionary timeline.&nbsp;



Because these megaraptorids thrived in Australia at such an early date, they may have played a more pivotal role in Gondwanan <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-predatory-dinosaur-species-identified-in-lost-photos/">predator</a> communities than previously recognized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-clues-about-dinosaur-migration-nbsp">New clues about dinosaur migration&nbsp;</h2>



According to Dr. Thomas Rich, senior curator of vertebrate palaeontology at Museums Victoria Research Institute, the fossils also hint at broader patterns of dinosaur dispersal in the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



He noted that the findings not only expand Australia’s theropod fossil record but offer compelling evidence of faunal interchange between Australia and South America through Antarctica during the Early Cretaceous.&nbsp;



“The findings also challenge previous assumptions about body-size hierarchies in Gondwanan predator ecosystems highlighting Victoria’s unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-from-the-end-of-cretaceous-era/">Cretaceous</a> fauna,” xplained Dr. Rich.



These links to other Gondwanan regions bolster the theory that dinosaurs and other animals migrated between connected landmasses before shifting continents isolated certain populations.&nbsp;



Over time, such isolation could have led to distinct paths of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-evolved-feathers-for-much-more-than-just-flying/">evolutionary development</a>, explaining why Australian megaraptorids, rather than carcharodontosaurs, occupied the apex predator niche.



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



Beyond revealing hidden chapters of Australia’s dinosaur history, the study demonstrates the significance of museum collections in fueling new scientific breakthroughs. 



Researchers often depend on carefully preserved fossils that can remain unclassified for decades, awaiting fresh analytical methods or new comparative specimens before their true importance is revealed.



“Museum collections are crucial to advancing our understanding of prehistoric life,” said Tim Ziegler, the vertebrate palaeontology collection manager at Museums Victoria Research Institute.&nbsp;



“Specimens preserved in the State Collection for decades - unidentifiable until now - are providing new insights into the evolution of dinosaur ecosystems.”



The project also illustrates a longstanding tradition of mentorship, continuity, and collaboration among palaeontologists. Senior curator Dr. Rich, at Museums Victoria since 1974, has worked with multiple generations of researchers.&nbsp;



These efforts culminate in cutting-edge studies like Kotevski’s PhD research, forming a chain of inquiry that steadily advances what we know about ancient life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volunteers-in-the-field">Volunteers in the field</h2>



Three of the fossils in this study were first identified between 2022 and 2023 by a Museums Victoria volunteer, Melissa Lowery, demonstrating the critical role that community members play in paleontology.&nbsp;



With an eye for intriguing shapes and textures, volunteers often detect clues that lead to major discoveries.



Kotevski and his colleagues continue to search for additional remains at key sites, including the location where the large megaraptorid was found.&nbsp;



These expeditions form part of the long-running <a href="http://dinosaurdreaming.monash.edu/">Dinosaur Dreaming project</a>, responsible for uncovering over 10,000 fossils - from dinosaurs and birds to mammals and marine reptiles - since it began.&nbsp;



Each new bone or tooth refines scientists’ understanding of the richly varied ecosystems that existed on Australia’s ancient coastlines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaurs-of-cretaceous-australia">Dinosaurs of Cretaceous Australia</h2>



Unusual for reversing the roles typically observed in other continents, Victoria’s predator lineage helps paleontologists envision a world where megaraptorids reigned supreme while smaller carcharodontosaurs prowled in their shadow.&nbsp;



By confirming that early megaraptorids inhabited the region and that carcharodontosaurs were present yet less dominant, these fossils challenge orthodox views on predator size hierarchies and evolutionary pathways within Gondwana.



As fieldwork continues, each new fragment of bone has the potential to reshape our perspective on how dinosaurs spread across the prehistoric southern supercontinent, adapted to different environments, and carved out ecological niches.&nbsp;



Together, the fossils detail a singular evolutionary story that sets Cretaceous Australia apart, forever changing how we see the era’s predatory power dynamics - and offering fresh directions for future discoveries.



Image Credit: Artwork by Jonathan Metzger. Source: Museums Victoria



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Fossils discovered in Australia rewrite dinosaur history

Fossils newly unearthed in southeastern Australia have upended long-held assumptions...

Male fruit flies buzzing around in a small, contained arena sounds like a pretty ordinary science experiment. Yet one group of researchers noticed something unusual about how some of them reacted to a spinning disk.



They observed that while many flies stayed away from the disk, a select few hopped onto it and stayed for surprising amounts of time. 



<a href="https://sciprofiles.com/profile/2253355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Wolf Huetteroth</a> from the <a href="https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leipzig</a> notes that these findings could open new questions about how body awareness develops in living creatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-spin-with-purpose">Flies spin with purpose</h2>



Many people think of fruit flies as tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-fruit-flies-smell-well-as-humans-with-much-less-nose-neurons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> flitting around fruit bowls. Yet a recent study suggests that they might show optional behavior patterns that fit the definition of play. This observation challenges old assumptions about insects.



“Using several carousels, we generated and analyzed a total of around seven years of film data,” says Dr. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tilman-Triphan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tilman Triphan</a>, the first author of the study. 



Researchers used several rotating platforms placed under a thin glass cover. Some flies dashed to the edge, but others returned to the carousel again and again.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individual-preferences">Individual preferences</h2>



A fraction of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruit-flies-on-treadmills-video-shows-how-insects-walk-and-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a> sought the disk and rode it in repeated sessions. Those individuals spent extended periods on the spinner, while their peers avoided it altogether. The behavior looked deliberate, rather than forced or random.



One aspect was the difference in how these seekers got onto the spinning surface. 



“However, we were able to distinguish whether the flies had deliberately walked onto the carousel or jumped onto it in an uncoordinated way. This allowed us to show that unplanned visits to the carousel were rather atypical for the playing flies,” says co-author <a href="https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/our-staff/f/clara-ferreira/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Clara H. Ferreira</a>, an assistant Professor at <a href="https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northumbria University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-value-of-body-sense">Possible value of body sense</h2>



The repeated interaction with the moving disk seems to involve <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00048.2011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proprioceptive feedback</a>, which refers to the body’s sense of position and motion.



If some flies are actively seeking the extra sensation, it might be fulfilling a hidden benefit. This is reminiscent of how certain mammals, like <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9861614/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rats</a>, engage in rough-and-tumble routines that refine their coordination.



Some insects ended up swapping mealtime for more spins on the carousel. That trade-off hints at a possible reward gained from the turning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragonflies-develop-waxy-coating-to-withstand-warmer-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">motion</a>. 



The interesting part is that these insects showed no direct advantage other than what seems to be playful amusement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-spin-by-choice-not-force">Flies spin by choice, not force</h2>



Natural curiosity is often observed in higher animals, but insects rarely get credit for it. 



Here, the setting was calm, with continuous observation over days to capture genuine conduct. There were no artificial triggers that forced the flies onto the disk.



The team set up the environment to ensure no threat forced the flies to remain. If the spinning platform caused anxiety, they could easily walk away. 



Instead, some made a personal choice to return. This self-directed action adds weight to the suggestion of a real <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flies-are-more-vulnerable-to-climate-change-than-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">playful attitude</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-it-matter-for-humans">Why does it matter for humans?</h2>



“This could help us to find out how we humans also develop efficient self-awareness of our bodies,” says Huetteroth. 



The clue lies in how the spinning motion may sharpen the brain’s ability to map physical space. Because the flies appear to seek out extra movement, they might be training themselves to adapt and respond to unexpected motion.



Similar responses appear in many species that enjoy roller coasters or spinning rides. Researchers believe the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-human-brain-connects-unrelated-concepts-through-reasoning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain learns</a> from these experiences, reinforcing internal models of balance and orientation.



If a small insect displays a version of this, it might show that the drive to engage in such activity evolved long ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flies-spin-despite-easy-alternatives">Flies spin despite easy alternatives</h2>



The flies had easy access to food and water. They also had corners to rest without interruption. Despite these calmer options, some crawled over for a spin. 



That behavior did not enhance survival, which points toward a motivational factor besides hunger or fear.



Scientists have used <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5787388/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open-field tests</a> to measure caution or stress in animals. 



Usually, creatures stay near edges when anxious. The carousel-seeking flies, however, went to the center and stayed. This breaks usual fear-driven patterns.



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



So far, scientists have only glimpsed how fruit flies pick between exploration, feeding, and spinning. The genetic tools available in fruit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemicals-are-changing-insects-in-subtle-yet-deadly-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flies</a> might shine more light on the neural wiring behind this playful bent. 



Perhaps targeted genetic studies will uncover exactly which circuits reward them for spinning.



In time, deeper understanding could reveal ways that controlled motion shapes a creature’s internal map. 



That concept might prove relevant to other animals, including humans learning how to handle complex movement or interactive environments.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00055-7?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982225000557%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Flies like to play and have fun like other animals, according to a fascinating new study

Male fruit flies buzzing around in a small, contained arena...

Scientists have devised an affordable way to permanently remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by converting common minerals into highly reactive substances that spontaneously lock away CO2. 



This breakthrough could play a critical role in curbing global warming by addressing one of its primary causes.



The new technique was developed by chemists at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/">Stanford University</a> Matthew Kanan, a professor of chemistry and senior author of the paper, explained the motivation behind the carbon capture research.



“The Earth has an inexhaustible supply of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chinas-rare-earth-jackpot-1-15-million-tons-of-minerals-uncovered/">minerals</a> that are capable of removing CO2 from the atmosphere, but they just don’t react fast enough on their own to counteract human greenhouse gas emissions. Our work solves this problem in a way that we think is uniquely scalable.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-carbon-removal-with-new-chemistry">Rapid carbon removal with new chemistry </h2>



In nature, silicate minerals gradually bind with CO2 through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-rock-weathering-is-a-co2-source-comparable-to-volcanoes/">weathering</a>, forming stable carbonates over hundreds or thousands of years.&nbsp;



Researchers worldwide have long sought methods to accelerate this slow process, often referred to as enhanced weathering. 



Kanan and Stanford postdoctoral scholar Yuxuan Chen found a way to make silicates rapidly absorb carbon, thanks to what Chen describes as a “new chemistry.”



“We envisioned a new chemistry to activate the inert silicate minerals through a simple ion-exchange reaction,” said Chen, who led the lab work. “We didn’t expect that it would work as well as it does.”



By speeding up mineral reactions that would otherwise unfold over centuries, this approach has the potential to remove significant amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/">carbon dioxide</a> from the air in a fraction of the time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-efficient-mineral-transformation">More efficient mineral transformation</h2>



Existing carbon removal strategies - such as direct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capturing-carbon-directly-from-the-air-is-now-much-more-efficient-thanks-to-new-material/">air capture</a> - often rely on energy-intensive equipment, including large fans, chemicals, and other methods to filter out CO2. They can be both costly and difficult to scale. In contrast, the Stanford scientists point to the energy savings of their approach.



“Our process would require less than half the energy used by leading direct air capture technologies, and we think we can be very competitive from a cost point of view,” said Kanan, who is also a senior fellow at the <a href="https://energy.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Precourt Institute for Energy</a> in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.



In their experiments, the team heated limestone (calcium carbonate) in a kiln to produce calcium oxide, then combined this material with silicate minerals containing magnesium.&nbsp;



When the two substances were heated together, they exchanged ions and yielded magnesium oxide and calcium silicate - both of which readily take up carbon from the air.



“The process acts as a multiplier,” Kanan noted. “You take one reactive mineral, calcium oxide, and a magnesium silicate that is more or less inert, and you generate two reactive minerals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trapping-carbon-with-simple-chemistry">Trapping carbon with simple chemistry </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-crack-resistant-cement-material-inspired-by-nature/">Cement</a> manufacturers have used kilns for centuries, processing limestone at high temperatures to create key ingredients for concrete. The Stanford method adapts this time-tested approach but substitutes part of the cement mixture with magnesium silicates.



When these newly formed minerals are exposed to water and carbon dioxide - even at the relatively low concentrations found in ambient air - they spontaneously convert CO2 into stable carbonates.&nbsp;



Laboratory tests showed that wet samples of magnesium oxide and calcium silicate could trap carbon in weeks to months, far outpacing natural weathering.



“You can imagine spreading magnesium oxide and calcium silicate over large land areas to remove CO2 from ambient air,” Kanan said.&nbsp;



“One exciting application that we’re testing now is adding them to agricultural soil. As they weather, the minerals transform into bicarbonates that can move through the soil and end up permanently stored in the ocean.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-benefits-for-farmers">Potential benefits for farmers</h2>



Soil treatments commonly include calcium carbonate (lime) to raise pH when it is too acidic. In principle, farmers could switch to these new reactive minerals instead of conventional lime.&nbsp;



“Adding our product would eliminate the need for liming, since both mineral components are alkaline,” Kanan explained.&nbsp;



“In addition, as calcium silicate weathers, it releases silicon to the soil in a form that the plants can take up, which can improve crop yields and resilience. Ideally, farmers would pay for these minerals because they’re beneficial to farm productivity and the health of the soil - and as a bonus, there’s the carbon removal.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-for-global-impact">Scaling up for global impact</h2>



According to Kanan’s team, ramping up production to a meaningful scale would require converting millions of tons of silicate minerals each year.&nbsp;



“Each year, more than 400 million tons of mine tailings with suitable silicates are generated worldwide, providing a potentially large source of raw material,” Chen said.&nbsp;



“It’s estimated that there are more than 100,000 gigatons of olivine and serpentine reserves on Earth, enough to permanently remove far more CO2 than humans have ever emitted.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-carbon-solution">Nature's carbon solution</h2>



After factoring in emissions from heating kilns using natural gas or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biofuels-may-eliminate-90-of-black-smoke-emissions-from-cars/">biofuel</a>, the researchers estimate that each ton of their final material can remove one ton of CO2 from the atmosphere.&nbsp;



For context, fossil fuel emissions of carbon dioxide surpassed 37 billion tons in 2024, demonstrating the pressing need for large-scale solutions.



“Society has already figured out how to produce billions of tons of cement per year, and cement kilns run for decades,” Kanan said. “If we use those learnings and designs, there is a clear path for how to go from lab discovery to carbon removal on a meaningful scale.”



Work is also underway to develop electric-powered kilns in collaboration with electrical engineering associate professor Jonathan Fan. 



If successful, this innovation could reduce or eliminate the carbon footprint of the heating process, further boosting the climate benefits.



By combining well-established industrial methods with a novel chemical reaction, this approach could offer a promising and relatively low-cost way to draw down billions of tons of CO2 from the atmosphere - and help mitigate the accelerating effects of climate change.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08499-2">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: Renhour48 via Wikimedia



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Common rocks turned into great carbon trappers with new technology

Scientists have devised an affordable way to permanently remove carbon...

Stars are born in dense clouds of gas and dust, but new evidence suggests that conditions in the early universe may have shaped their formation in surprising ways.&nbsp;



In a recent study, observations of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) revealed that about 40% of the star-forming clouds in this distant dwarf galaxy exhibit a “fluffy” shape.&nbsp;



This discovery potentially alters our understanding of how many stars - similar to our own Sun - came into being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-across-cosmic-history">Star formation across cosmic history </h2>



The research was led by Kazuki Tokuda, a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyushu University</a>’s Faculty of Science. The findings may shed new light on the evolution of star formation across cosmic history.



In the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/">Milky Way</a> today, stars generally form within elongated, filamentary molecular clouds.&nbsp;



Astronomers believe our own Solar System originated in such a structure, where a large filament broke apart into smaller cores - often called “stellar eggs.” 



Over hundreds of thousands of years, gravity pulled gas into each core to forge a new star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conditions-of-the-early-universe">Conditions of the early universe</h2>



Tokuda noted that our understanding of star formation is still developing, and comprehending how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars formed</a> in the earlier universe is even more challenging. 



“The early universe was quite different from today, mostly populated by hydrogen and helium. Heavier elements formed later in high-mass stars," explained Tokuda.



"We can’t go back in time to study star formation in the early universe, but we can observe parts of the universe with environments similar to the early universe.”



The Small Magellanic Cloud meets these conditions. It lies about 20,000 light-years from Earth - very close by cosmic standards - and contains only one-fifth the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-white-dwarf-stars-eat-heavy-metals/">heavy elements</a> (sometimes called “metals” by astronomers) found in the Milky Way.&nbsp;



This makes the SMC an excellent proxy for conditions that would have been prevalent around 10 billion years ago, when the universe itself contained fewer heavy elements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-fluffy-molecular-clouds">Observing fluffy molecular clouds </h2>



Despite the SMC’s usefulness, it has proven challenging to gather high-resolution data on its star-forming regions. 



Astronomers need to distinguish whether filaments - like those that give rise to stars in the Milky Way - also exist in the SMC, or if some entirely different process might govern star formation there.



Fortunately, new observations from the ALMA radio telescope in Chile offered the resolution needed to analyze molecular clouds in the Small Magellanic Cloud. 



“In total, we collected and analyzed data from 17 molecular clouds. Each of these molecular clouds had growing baby stars 20 times the mass of our Sun,” Tokuda said.&nbsp;



“We found that about 60% of the molecular clouds we observed had a filamentary structure with a width of about 0.3 light-years, but the remaining 40% had a ‘fluffy’ shape. Furthermore, the temperature inside the filamentary molecular clouds was higher than that of the fluffy molecular clouds.”



Higher temperatures in the filamentary clouds appear to reflect a more recent formation. After their initial collisions, these clouds start off relatively hot, with weak turbulence.&nbsp;



As the gas cools, the incoming energy from further collisions creates increased turbulence, which can smooth out the filamentary structure - resulting in the “fluffy” clouds that Tokuda’s team observed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colossal-star-forming-factories">Colossal star-forming factories</h2>



The shift from filamentary to fluffy shapes could have profound implications for the stars that eventually emerge. If the filaments remain intact, they tend to fragment along their lengths, producing many stars (some of them low-mass stars like the Sun).&nbsp;



On the other hand, if the clouds lose their structure too quickly and become fluffy, the formation of these stellar cores may be disrupted, potentially affecting how many Sun-like stars (and planetary systems) can form.



The difference in temperature between filamentary and fluffy clouds is likely linked to their age. Initially, all molecular clouds formed as filamentary structures with high temperatures, primarily due to the impact of cloud collisions. In this heated state, turbulence within the cloud remains weak.&nbsp;



However, as the cloud cools over time, the kinetic energy from incoming gas increases turbulence, gradually breaking down the filamentary structure and transforming it into a more diffuse, fluffy cloud.



Such differences highlight the importance of heavy elements in stabilizing molecular clouds - elements that play a key role in radiative cooling and help regulate the dynamics within these colossal star-forming factories.&nbsp;



“This study indicates that the environment, such as an adequate supply of heavy elements, is crucial for maintaining a filamentary structure and may play an important role in the formation of planetary systems,” Tokuda added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-star-formation">Mysteries of star formation </h2>



Given that heavy elements were far scarcer in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/red-monsters-challenge-what-we-know-about-the-early-universe/">early universe</a>, these findings hint that many primordial stars might have formed under conditions more akin to the “fluffy” clouds in the SMC. That scenario could alter our perspective on the first generations of stars and the overall evolution of galaxies in the cosmos.



“In the future, it will be important to compare our results with observations of molecular clouds in heavy-element-rich environments, including the Milky Way galaxy. Such studies should provide new insights into the formation and temporal evolution of molecular clouds and the universe,” Tokuda said.



Whether filamentary or fluffy, molecular clouds remain at the heart of one of astronomy’s greatest questions: How, and under what circumstances, do stars emerge?&nbsp;



By studying the SMC and beyond, researchers aim to map out these stellar birthplaces more completely, revealing how different cosmic eras might have shaped the countless stars that fill our skies today.



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ada5f8">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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‘Fluffy’ molecular clouds may change our understanding of star formation

Stars are born in dense clouds of gas and dust,...

Flowers that lose their initial charm often end up in the trash. This might seem normal when the petals wither, yet many of these blooms are still valuable.



Scientists are exploring opportunities to use edible varieties of these flowers. They are checking their nutrients, flavors, and possible effects on food quality and shelf life.



“Rose flowers are still going to be rose flowers on Valentine’s Day. But we are looking at what happens the day after Valentine’s Day to those flowers,” said Anand Mohan, associate professor in UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.



Some flowers offer natural pigments that could replace synthetic colorants. Others contain antioxidants and proteins that might strengthen nutritional content in everyday meals.



Flowers with broad petals sometimes carry protective compounds that can guard meats, cereals, or even beverages against spoilage. These qualities are drawing attention in food science.



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



Researchers highlight that ultrasound waves help process many foods with less time and resource use. They also see the potential for ultrasound to extend a flower’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-crisis-why-u-s-goals-remain-out-of-reach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">usability</a> beyond a typical bouquet’s lifespan.



Ultrasound equipment works by sending waves into the material. Those waves move water away more efficiently and release beneficial compounds locked inside the petals.



When handled properly, this low-frequency technology can disrupt cell walls and let colorants, proteins, and vitamins flow into a solution. Once extracted, these compounds can be turned into powders or liquids.



Ultrasound may open up new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-freezer-can-play-a-key-role-in-reducing-food-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prospects</a> for turning leftover petals into color boosters or dietary enhancements. This shift could reduce waste and get more mileage out of every bloom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flower-petals-as-food-ingredients">Flower petals as food ingredients</h2>



“We are trying to use edible flowers as a source of protein, food colorant and vitamins,” said Mohan. 



Some species of broccoli flowers have protein content that can be blended into cereals. Others, like hibiscus, yield a vibrant color that can replace artificial dyes.



Much of the effort involves pinpointing the right flower for the right purpose. Roses might suit meat preservation, while marigolds might fit as an ingredient in certain sauces.



Scientists also look at how different varieties thrive in changing climates. The goal is to identify flowers that stay strong and maintain a steady supply for the food <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-labels-help-grocers-cut-food-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">market</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-flavor-and-shelf-life">Balancing flavor and shelf life</h2>



Edible flowers might shift taste profiles. Some bring a delicate note, while others contribute a mild bitterness or herbal kick.



Preserving these flowers isn’t always easy. Traditional drying can be slow and may destroy color and aroma.



Hot air drying often leads to a dimmer petal hue. Ultrasound pretreatment shortens drying time and cuts the browning that heat can trigger.



The result is a dried ingredient that can be crushed or powdered. This form is simple to ship and store, making it perfect for large-scale food production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-color-intact">Keeping color intact</h2>



Many edible flowers get their bright appearance from anthocyanins or other plant chemicals. Heat can degrade these compounds, turning a vibrant petal into a dull one.



Ultrasound can reduce this risk by aiding quick water removal and limiting direct high-heat exposure. It also stalls enzymes like polyphenol oxidase, which spark browning.



A mild ultrasound phase maintains crucial pigments. The finished product retains most of its original shade.



Manufacturers see this as a bonus since vibrant natural colors attract consumers who want fewer artificial additives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extracting-beneficial-compounds">Extracting beneficial compounds</h2>



Beyond color, certain petal extracts carry valuable antioxidants that can guard against cell damage in the body. Ultrasound helps release these compounds into a friendly solvent.



Shorter extraction times mean less chance of thermal stress. This helps safeguard delicate vitamins or volatile oils.



Blue butterfly pea flower is one example. Studies show ultrasound extraction can bolster its antioxidant content while preserving its bright blue color.



Manufacturers can incorporate these concentrates into teas or juices. They gain both natural coloring and potential health perks in one go.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-advanced-techniques">Other advanced techniques</h2>



Microwave drying is another approach that rapidly heats petals. While quick, it can cause uneven heat distribution that may damage fragile flowers.



Infrared drying works at lower temperatures and keeps more nutrients intact. Its reach is shallower, so thicker petals might need extra time.



Ionizing radiation shows promise for sterilizing edible flowers. Yet consumer perception around radiation remains skeptical.



Ultrasound stands out for its mild thermal impact, which protects fragile compounds and saves energy. It has its own set of hurdles, but the results are enticing enough to keep it in the spotlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safe-consistent-results">Safe, consistent results</h2>



Ultrasound tools can be loud. The process involves intense vibrations that could affect hearing if workers aren’t shielded or if machines aren’t set up properly.



High-powered waves might also damage petal tissues if misused. Researchers must find the ideal treatment for each flower type.



The scale of production equipment is another factor. Small labs produce small batches, but bigger systems must ensure even coverage. Careful regulation of wave intensity and duration is essential for safe, consistent results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-flowers-into-food-products">Turning flowers into food products</h2>



Companies in the beverage sector can look into floral extracts that add aroma or color. Start-ups might explore using leftover wedding or holiday flowers as raw material.



Supermarkets that toss out unsold blooms could partner with local facilities to transform them into new products. This idea saves money and reduces <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-age-group-is-responsible-for-the-most-food-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trash</a>.



Shoppers might soon see ready-to-use flower powders or meal-ready petals in store aisles. The next step involves marketing that resonates with people looking for color and flavor without synthetic additives.



Many chefs are already known for edible petals on plates. Scaling this practice for everyday consumers is the bigger challenge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-edible-flowers-can-reduce-waste">Edible flowers can reduce waste</h2>



Flowers are grown year-round and shipped worldwide, but not all get purchased. Food scientists are pointing to these extras as a wasted resource.



Turning unsold flowers into extracts or powders addresses sustainability goals. It also recovers part of the cost that might otherwise vanish.



This loop of repurposing reduces the carbon footprint of the floral industry. People who want environmentally friendly options appreciate any step that rescues edible raw materials. Ultrasound-based processing could be a central tool in achieving that.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-in-food-and-skincare">Flowers in food and skincare</h2>



Scientists are testing how flower-derived proteins boost nutritional value in everyday items like bars, cereals, or wraps. Others are exploring their potential in functional drinks or skincare lines.



The synergy between vitamins in certain petals and antioxidants in others might produce new solutions to common nutritional gaps. Such breakthroughs hinge on fine-tuning extraction and drying methods.



As more labs share positive data, companies could invest in research for large-scale production. This shift might reshape how we treat floral byproducts across multiple industries. 



Consumers might not see the behind-the-scenes processes, but they’ll notice new labels highlighting real flower extracts.



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



Some researchers see a future where local florists have partnerships with local food processors. The idea might grow as the data becomes more widely circulated.



Regulatory bodies need to establish clear guidelines for these new ingredients. Safety checks and labeling rules must be in place so that shoppers can trust the products.



Ultrasound might remain popular because of its non-destructive nature. Expanding beyond flowers, it might someday help reclaim other items that go to waste. For now, the excitement around edible flowers keeps building.



The study is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jfpe.70012" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Food Process Engineering</a>.



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Flowers as food: How ultrasound makes it possible

Flowers that lose their initial charm often end up in...

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