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Scientists have long wondered how the brain updates itself with new information and memories. Some ideas revolve around chemical changes in specific neurons, while others focus on structural shifts among brain cells.



<a href="https://www.tcd.ie/research/profiles/?profile=tryan6">Dr. Tomás Ryan</a> from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> is among the neuroscientists who have explored these questions by tracking cells involved in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>. 



New <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01512-9">findings</a> suggest memory formation hinges on connections between groups of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-02137-5">engram cells</a>, which are neurons thought to capture and store distinct experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-memories-become-linked">How memories become linked</h2>



Researchers believe each experience leaves a pattern of brain cell activation that can be switched on later. To see this process in action, neuroscientists tracked two sets of engram cells, each tied to a different memory. 



They discovered that when one set of cells was reactivated, the other set sometimes lit up too, as if the memories had become linked.



This idea runs counter to the old notion that an individual neuron stores an entire memory. Instead, the memory might be in the connections these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-rewires-the-brain-to-strengthen-memories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cells</a> build and reshape over time. 



Such structural rearrangements help us handle new information without losing old experiences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-brain-cells-store-memories">Which brain cells store memories?</h2>



“Memory engram cells are groups of brain cells that, activated by specific experiences, change themselves to incorporate and thereby hold information in our brain,” said <a href="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8365-2762" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Clara Ortega-de San Luis</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and lead author on the study. 



She and her colleagues monitored how similar or related memories were stored across different brain areas. 



They used genetic techniques to label neurons that fired for one event, then watched how those same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smartphones-are-teaching-us-how-to-supercharge-our-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> responded to a second event that felt related.



One major clue came from measuring how well these labeled neurons made new links with cells that were tied to older, separate experiences. 



Optogenetics, a method that turns cells on or off with light, let them test whether blocking these newly formed links disrupted the memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-one-protein-shapes-memory">How one protein shapes memory</h2>



A specific protein, <a href="https://molecularbrain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13041-019-0520-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PSD-95</a>, emerged as a gatekeeper of these engram cell connections. This protein sits at nerve cell junctions called <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/24790" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synapses</a> and helps anchor receptor molecules.&nbsp;



When the team lowered the amount of PSD-95 in the neurons storing a given memory, these connections behaved differently. Under certain conditions, the memory seemed to linger even when researchers tried to dampen it.



That persistence hints at how the brain can hang on to memories that we might assume should fade. It also hints at why a shortage or disruption of PSD-95 could derail normal learning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-memories-close-in-time-feel-connected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-cells-build-on-old-memories">Brain cells build on old memories</h2>



This work taps into a broader shift in neuroscience. Rather than focusing on single cells, many researchers now examine how multiple cells form networks that hold our daily experiences. 



By using cutting-edge genetic tagging, scientists can identify where new links are happening and whether these connections are essential for recalling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forgetting-things-is-a-natural-part-of-the-memory-process/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> later.



Many of the previous studies mapped separate steps: encoding a memory, storing it, then reactivating it. 



This project took it one step further by showing how the brain might slot fresh information into an existing network, so the old memory is updated instead of replaced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-these-findings-matter">Why these findings matter</h2>



Experts have debated how new learning manages not to overwrite older memories in the same region of the brain. According to Dr. Ryan, “we should search for information ‘between’ cells.”&nbsp;



This view suggests memories are not locked inside one specific location but scattered as connections that can be modified. If true, it may explain how we learn quickly from everyday life without dismantling what we already know.



Therapies could one day target the proteins that enable these shifting connections. If molecules like PSD-95 shape synapses to store a memory, then changing them might help reframe harmful memories tied to fear or trauma, though more studies are needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-brain-cells-shape-daily-memory">How brain cells shape daily memory</h2>



Memory isn’t purely academic. Our daily routines demand constant learning, whether it’s recalling names, navigating busy streets, or picking up a new hobby. 



Understanding how the brain cells keep all that information flexible, yet stable, offers hope for tackling age-related memory issues or conditions that affect learning.



Additional work in the field has shown that certain neurons can take on multiple roles depending on the situation. 



Those roles often shift over time, especially when new experiences pile up. By homing in on the connections, scientists add a piece to the puzzle of how these cells adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-this-research-could-lead">Where this research could lead</h2>



Unraveling the complicated dance among engram cells might eventually guide how we teach, treat memory disorders, or support mental health. 



If wiring changes are at the core of learning, there might be clever ways to prompt healthy rearrangements in people struggling with conditions like post-traumatic stress or depression.



This study gives a peek into that process. It reveals a fragile, but critical, balance at the heart of learning: strengthen certain neural links for new knowledge, but keep enough structure so older skills and memories remain intact.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)01512-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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How does the brain create and retrieve memories? Scientists figured it out

Scientists have long wondered how the brain updates itself with...

The idea that extreme heat could one day cause a mass extinction and end the dominance of humans and other mammals might sound like something out of sci-fi movie.



Yet new findings indicate that the planet might face this crisis if continents fuse into one landmass. Some researchers say it could be the first extinction of its kind since the dinosaurs vanished.



In a recent study, investigators used powerful climate models to show how a future supercontinent, called Pangea Ultima, might alter global conditions. Projections suggest a much hotter and drier environment with limited options for survival.



The work appears in Nature Geoscience and was led by Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, a Senior Research Associate at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>. His team examined tectonic plate movement, solar changes, and greenhouse gas levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangea-ultima-the-next-supercontinent">Pangea Ultima - the next supercontinent</h2>



Geologists have long argued that <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s continents</a> move gradually over time. Pangea Ultima is the name given to the hypothesized supercontinent that might emerge millions of years from now. 



If this happens, much of the terrain would sit far from oceanic cooling influences, a situation known as the continentality effect.



“The newly-emerged supercontinent would effectively create a triple whammy, comprising the continentality effect, hotter sun and more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/possible-to-permanently-remove-co2-carbon-dioxide-from-atmosphere-water-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO₂ in the atmosphere</a>, of increasing heat for much of the planet,” Dr. Farnsworth explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-three-drivers-of-human-extinction">Three drivers of human extinction</h2>



One factor is the expansive landmass itself, which traps regions in scorching interiors. 



Another is that the sun will brighten over time, delivering stronger radiation. Volcanic activity adds more carbon dioxide to the mix, further <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming the atmosphere</a>.



“Widespread temperatures of between 40 to 50° Celsius (104 to 122° Fahrenheit), and even greater daily extremes, compounded by high levels of humidity, would ultimately seal our fate,” Dr. Farnsworth added. 



“Humans - along with many other species - would expire due to their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-a-lower-heat-tolerance-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inability to shed this heat</a> through sweat, cooling their bodies.” 



With the sun also anticipated to emit about 2.5% more radiation and the supercontinent being located primarily in the hot, humid tropics, much of the planet could be facing temperatures of between 40 to 70°C (104 to 158°F).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-other-mammals">Impact on other mammals</h2>



Researchers note that mammals have historically endured shifts in temperature, sometimes by growing thicker coats in cold climates or relying on hibernation. 



Yet sustained heat is harder to escape, since sweating is essential for body cooling. As conditions climb, mammals cannot regulate heat for long without access to cooler refuges and reliable water sources.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pangea-Ultima_supercontinent_illustration_UBristol_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pangea-Ultima_supercontinent_illustration_UBristol_1s.webp" alt="Illustration showing the geography of today’s Earth and the projected geography of Earth in 250 million years, when all the continents converge into one supercontinent (Pangea Ultima). Credit: University of Bristol" class="wp-image-1965317"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration showing the geography of today’s Earth and the projected geography of Earth in 250 million years, when all the continents converge into one supercontinent (Pangea Ultima). Click image to enlarge. Credit: University of Bristol</figcaption></figure>



Study findings hint that only 8% to 16% of land on the future supercontinent would stay within a tolerable range. 



Dryness complicates matters by limiting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water supplies</a> and reducing vegetation. With so much territory turning arid, the quest for food and hydration would become daunting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-should-heed-extinction-warnings">Humans should heed extinction warnings</h2>



“It is vitally important not to lose sight of our current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Crisis</a>, which is a result of human emissions of greenhouse gases,” urged co-author Dr. Eunice Lo, Research Fellow in Climate Change and Health at the University of Bristol. 



“While we are predicting an uninhabitable planet in 250 million years, today we are already experiencing extreme heat that is detrimental to human health. This is why it is crucial to reach <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5c-is-almost-certainly-out-of-reach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net-zero emissions</a> as soon as possible.”



Recent decades have seen rising temperatures that strain resources. Heat waves threaten crops, disrupt energy grids, and place communities at risk. 



Many call for faster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beef-industry-can-cut-emissions-by-30-with-sustainable-practices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emission cuts</a> to prevent even harsher conditions. Some experts believe effective policies and public awareness could still temper the worst near-term damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-carbon-dioxide-levels">Future carbon dioxide levels</h2>



Projections in the study used tectonic and ocean chemistry models to gauge carbon dioxide levels. 



Higher volcanic outgassing over the coming eons points to an increase from current readings to well above 600 parts per million. Such elevated concentrations would create conditions hostile to many organisms.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2023-climate-change-report-record-high-temperatures-greenhouse-gases-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenhouse gases</a> would accumulate and trap more heat in the atmosphere. This feedback loop amplifies warming, making survival increasingly difficult on a planet with minimal oceanic influence.



“We think CO₂ could rise from around 400 parts per million (ppm) today to more than 600 ppm many millions of years in the future,” noted Professor Benjamin Mills at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>. 



“Of course, this assumes that humans will stop burning fossil fuels, otherwise we will see those numbers much, much sooner.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remembering-past-extinction-events">Remembering past extinction events</h2>



Many eras of Earth’s history ended in severe biodiversity loss. 



About 443 million years ago, marine habitats shrank during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-sue-keurbos-susanae-reveals-444-million-year-old-anatomy-of-ancient-arthropod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ordovician-Silurian Extinction</a>, removing roughly 85% of sea life. 



Near 360 million years ago, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/at-least-two-of-earths-mass-extinctions-caused-by-massive-supernova-explosions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Late Devonian</a> wiped out up to 75% of species. Later came the Permian-Triassic Extinction about 252 million years ago, erasing over 90% of marine species and 70% on land.



Around 200 million years ago, massive eruptions drove the Triassic-Jurassic Extinction, cutting species by around half. 



Some 66 million years ago, an asteroid impact ended the non-avian dinosaurs in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-ground-dwellers-survived-the-asteroid-impact-that-killed-the-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction</a>, eliminating about 75% of all species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-extinction-and-exoplanets">Human extinction and exoplanets</h2>



This analysis also broadens how scientists evaluate exoplanets. If continents merge, planetary heat can spike, even if a world is inside a so-called habitable zone. 



Researchers think other planets might face analogous shifts, where tectonic movement and solar intensity escalate temperatures. Rotation rates and air chemistry may further affect habitability.



“This work also highlights that a world within the so-called ‘<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-expands-the-habitable-zone-where-we-may-find-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zone</a>’ of a solar system may not be the most hospitable for humans depending on whether the continents are dispersed, as we have today, or in one large supercontinent,” Dr. Farnsworth concluded. 



“Understanding these configurations can guide experts who look for environments that support life beyond Earth.”



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



Today, we already see the impact of climate stress on our resources and health. Scientists warn us that higher temperatures and more extreme weather events could become the norm if we fail to manage our emissions. 



While the prospect of a distant supercontinent meltdown might seem remote, it underscores the importance of taking meaningful steps now.



The full study was published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-023-01259-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Study predicts how and when humans and mammals will face extinction

The idea that extreme heat could one day cause a...

A,Young,African-american,Man,Is,Meditating,In,A,Bright,,Minimalist

Recent insights suggest that reflective habits - like meditation and critical thinking - can help people embrace artificial intelligence without succumbing to its drawbacks. As AI weaves itself into daily life, balanced use becomes crucial.



Digital strategy expert Giulio Toscani has interviewed 150 AI specialists across 50 countries. He argues in his new book, <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781003533160/augmented-giulio-toscani" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Augmented: prAIority to Enhance Human Judgment through Data and AI</a>, that humans often operate on autopilot, craving instant gratification.



“The growing allure of AI lies in its powerful ability to cater to our desires, providing us with instant gratification whenever and however we want it,” he said.



“This is particularly appealing in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world where people often face isolation and boredom. However, this very convenience and responsiveness of AI also pose a risk - its addictive potential.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-ai-s-addictive-potential">Managing AI’s addictive potential</h2>



Toscani warns that limited awareness of AI’s risks leads many to adopt new tools prematurely, exposing themselves to data privacy breaches, online harassment, and misinformation.



According to Toscani, it is essential to pause and reflect on how these interactions shape and are shaped by our actions to encourage a cultural shift towards valuing long-term thinking over immediate gratification.



Deliberate examination of AI’s role can guide more thoughtful choices. This reflective approach helps us understand the broader implications of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/current-ai-systems-can-not-be-trusted-to-make-unbiased-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology</a>, beyond immediate functionality and efficiency, noted Toscani.



"It allows us to consider how technology impacts our lives, relationships, and ethical considerations, guiding us toward more deliberate and informed decisions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meditation-and-responsible-ai-use">Meditation and responsible AI use</h2>



Toscani, who has practiced Vipassana <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-slows-biological-aging-at-the-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation</a> at six 10-day silent retreats, sees it as a way to reflect on the responsible use of AI and become aware of one’s digital habits.



“This growing practice encourages individuals to critically assess their technological choices, considering the broader implications for themselves, their communities, and society at large."



“By fostering a culture of mindful reflection on how we interact with technology, meditation plays a crucial role in promoting responsible and ethical use. Emphasizing reflection helps us make more informed, deliberate decisions that enhance the positive impact of technology while mitigating its risks.”



Toscani noted that the cultural shift toward mindfulness encourages us to consider the broader implications of our technological choices, promoting a more responsible and humane relationship with the tools that shape our lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-thinking-in-action">Critical thinking in action</h2>



Toscani cautions against over-reliance on AI for vital cognitive tasks. He urges practices such as journaling, debate, and handwriting to maintain deep thinking.



“By consciously balancing the use of AI with the development and maintenance of our cognitive skills, we can harness the power of AI without sacrificing our intellectual autonomy."



He also mentioned that as we continue to integrate AI into our lives, we must remain vigilant about its impact on our cognitive processes, ensuring that we remain active participants in our own intellectual development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-ai-to-enhance-human-capabilities">Using AI to enhance human capabilities </h2>



Though challenges exist, Toscani calls AI a revolutionary tool in human history. Drawing from ancient philosophy, he proposes the concept of “prAIority,” a focus on data, AI systems, and human judgment underpinned by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-robot-interaction-are-we-prepared-for-the-ethical-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ethics</a>.



This approach aims to preserve autonomy and trust, all while driving innovation. Moreover, he also advocates applying AI where it matters most, such as healthcare, education, creative fields, and complex decision-making.



“Through strategic prioritization, we can unlock the full potential of AI as a force for good, transforming our world and enriching the human experience in ways that were once unimaginable,” he explained.



“By thoughtfully selecting areas where AI can be most beneficial, we ensure that this powerful technology enhances human capabilities rather than disrupts them." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-technology-under-control">Keeping technology under control</h2>



Toscani also stated the primary goal is to use AI to augment human intelligence and creativity, enabling us to solve complex problems, innovate in ways previously unimaginable, and improve our overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/active-aging-physical-activity-has-a-direct-impact-on-life-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality of life</a>.



In a world where AI is rapidly evolving, reflection, meditation, and critical thinking help maintain autonomy. 



By examining our reliance on AI, we keep technology under our control rather than the other way around. This mindful balance lets us maximize AI’s benefits while safeguarding our judgment, creativity, and humanity.



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Why meditation and critical thinking matter in the age of AI

Recent insights suggest that reflective habits - like meditation and...

Dna,Molecule.,Medical,And,Heredity,Genetic,Health,Concept.,Technology,Science.

DNA repair is crucial for human well-being. This marcromolecule makes up our chromosomes and is present in our body cells. It carries a detailed code that enables us to make the proteins we need for healthy functioning, but this code can unravel without proper care.



A group of researchers has <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08815-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigated</a> how a network of repair genes keeps that code safe. <a href="https://mhs.biol.ethz.ch/research/corn.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jacob Corn</a>, Professor of Genome Biology at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>, guided a segment of this effort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everyday-cell-life-damages-dna">Everyday cell life damages DNA</h2>



Scientists have long recognized that routine cellular processes can harm our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-changes-supercharged-the-human-brain-but-at-a-cost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic material</a>. Minor twists or breaks can stack up over time and threaten essential information.



“When people read about repairing genetic material, they often think of it being in response to exposure to toxins or radiation,” said Corn, adding that everyday pressures inside cells also lead to damage that demands constant attention.



Even basic cell division can introduce damage. Repetitive segments can become tangled, and random hits can cause cracks in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computers-knots-dna-loops-and-the-future-of-genetic-modification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> structure.



Each time a cell copies the DNA blueprint, dozens of enzymes rush in to check for faults. They fix small errors before these morph into large-scale troubles.



Specialized DNA repair pathways handle distinct threats, from single-strand nicks to double-strand breaks. These coordinated strategies preserve the code through generations of cells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-repair-genes-patch-dna-damage">Repair genes patch DNA damage</h2>



Scientists have cataloged hundreds of genes that serve as repair tools. Different pathways work together to patch breaks or rearrange <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chapter-in-human-evolution-revealed-through-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> fragments that go astray.



Certain genes respond to specific chemical mishaps, while others assist in collecting lost DNA pieces. This efficiency stops mistakes from piling up inside our chromosomes, in the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/nucleus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nucleus</a> of each cell.



Redundancy matters when something goes wrong, as this ensures that backup helpers are on call. This approach can save a cell from total breakdown. 



Researchers suggest that blocking one repair gene alone often does not produce a dramatic effect. Instead, targeting multiple genes at once can push damaged cells toward collapse.



These insights open fresh avenues for basic genetic science. They also prompt new methods of thinking about diseases that are linked to faulty repair.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cancer-cells-misuse-or-lose-repair-systems">Cancer cells misuse or lose repair systems</h2>



Cells that multiply too fast tend to experience extra glitches. <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1235122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Defects</a> in repair genes can give harmful cells a chance to run wild, as is seen in the development of cancer.



By pinpointing vulnerable spots in a cancer cell’s repair setup, therapies can strike in a precise way. This idea drives the concept of <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrg.2017.47" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synthetic lethality</a>, where hitting multiple weaknesses topples the cell.



Investigators see a path forward for <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10760" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treatments</a> that exploit these hidden gaps in the defenses of cancer cells. Combinations of targeted drugs might trigger lethal damage in cells that already lack certain repair strengths.



Such tactics could leave healthy tissue less affected. Normal cells have intact DNA repair backups, so they stand a better chance of bouncing back.



Experts hope that mapping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/subtle-dna-changes-shaped-human-brain-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> repair interactions will guide clinicians. They envision a future where each patient’s tumor is profiled to reveal repair flaws that can then be blocked by targeted treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-onward-with-fresh-tools">Onward with fresh tools</h2>



Refined <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/genomicresearch/genomeediting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene-editing systems</a> make it easier to test which combinations of genes lead to meltdown in cancer cells. This knowledge could guide the design of safer drugs.



Organizations share their findings on public platforms, allowing scientists worldwide to examine the data. Collaborative efforts may speed up discoveries and reduce blind spots.



Basic research still relies on careful lab work to confirm which repair routes matter most for cell survival. Investigators piece together puzzle segments to see where the biggest vulnerabilities lie.



Leaders in the field want to push these insights into real therapies. They look beyond the common sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-and-imprint-new-era-dna-transformation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> harm and investigate subtle events that harm cells each day.



Progress in this area could improve how we handle stubborn tumors and <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/genetic-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic disorders</a>. Creative approaches often emerge when researchers connect seemingly unrelated details.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treatments-target-dna-repair-weak-spots">Treatments target DNA repair weak spots</h2>



Researchers aim to refine their methods for scanning entire <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/definition/genome-43/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genomes</a>. They plan to automate searches for unusual patterns that signal hidden problems.



Some teams explore how to cut off cancer cells from vital repair options. Others check whether small molecule drugs can disrupt essential repair loops.



Governments and private funders take an interest in this type of <a href="https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/fact-sheets/Genetic-Mapping-Fact-Sheet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic mapping</a>. They see the potential for targeted strategies that avoid harmful side effects.



Patient outcomes may improve if physicians can customize treatment based on a tumor’s repair <a href="https://medicover-genetics.com/our-genetic-tests/oncology/tumor-profile-cancer-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">profile</a>. That prospect has motivated clinical trials that examine how combined interventions affect cell survival.



Progress in this area depends on steady collaboration. Every fresh detail about our body's own repair networks can sharpen the tactics used against DNA-related diseases.



These breakthroughs could change how we handle medical conditions in the next decade. Ongoing projects will determine which combination of interventions truly shields our genetic code from lasting harm.



The study was published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08815-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Everyday DNA damage requires constant repair, and now we know how the body fixes it

DNA repair is crucial for human well-being. This marcromolecule makes...

Vitamin K may have a more significant role in brain function than expected, particularly as we age. Widely known for its role in blood clotting, this vitamin - contained in green veggies such as spinach, kale, and broccoli - could also guard memory and learning.



In a study from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a>, scientists explored how low vitamin K intake could affect the brain's ability to process information. 



The research was particularly focused on the hippocampus - an area that controls <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a> and memory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-vitamin-k-connection">The brain-vitamin K connection</h2>



Using middle-aged rodents, the researchers observed how a vitamin K-deficient diet impacted brain function over six months. 



The team analyzed menaquinone-4, a form of vitamin K commonly found in brain tissue. Mice lacking this nutrient showed significant changes in behavior and brain structure.



“There is also research that indicates vitamin K contributes to brain function and that brain function declines during the aging process,” noted Tong Zheng, lead author of the study.



“Vitamin K seems to have a protective effect. Our research is trying to understand the underlying mechanism for that effect, so we might one day be able to target those mechanisms specifically.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vitamin-k-deficiency-impacts-learning">Vitamin K deficiency impacts learning</h2>



To test <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/memory-isnt-only-stored-in-our-brains-other-cells-can-remember-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory</a> and learning abilities, the researchers conducted behavioral assessments with the mice. One such task, the novel object recognition test, revealed that vitamin K-deficient mice struggled to distinguish familiar and new objects. This signaled a clear drop in memory.



In another test, the mice had to locate a hidden platform in a water pool. Again, those lacking vitamin K took noticeably longer to figure out the task. 



The results pointed toward a broader issue in how their brains processed and retained new information. Brain tissue analysis backed this up. The scientists found fewer new neurons in the hippocampus, particularly the dentate gyrus region.



“Neurogenesis is thought to play a critical role in learning and memory, and its impairment could directly contribute to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colorful-foods-can-prevent-cognitive-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive decline</a> observed in the study,” explained Zheng.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation-and-brain-aging">Inflammation and brain aging</h2>



Beyond fewer new brain cells, the team also discovered increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-mild-inflammation-can-majorly-damage-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammation</a> in the vitamin K-deficient mice. They found more activated microglia - the immune cells of the brain. 



While these cells typically help maintain brain health, an overactive state can cause long-term inflammation. This kind of chronic inflammation is a known contributor to age-related cognitive issues and neurodegenerative diseases.



While the findings are compelling, the researchers are not advising people to rush to the supplement aisle. There are plenty of vitamin K-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard – but also kiwi, asparagus, avocado, and blueberries.



“People need to eat a healthy diet. They need to eat their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fruits-vegetables-memory-loss-men/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetables</a>," said Sarah Booth, director of the research center and senior author of the study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-long-term-brain-health">Improving long-term brain health</h2>



Booth's team collaborates closely with scientists at Rush University Medical Center, who conduct observational studies in humans. Meanwhile, the Tufts researchers work with animal models to better understand the biology at play.



“We know that a healthy diet works and that people who don’t eat a healthy diet don’t live as long or do as well cognitively,” said Booth.



“By choreographing animal and human studies together, we can do a better job of improving brain health long-term by identifying and targeting specific mechanisms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-for-a-sharper-tomorrow">Eating for a sharper tomorrow</h2>



The study reinforces the idea that what we eat doesn’t just affect our bodies - but also our minds.



While vitamin K may not be the sole solution to preserving brain health, making leafy greens a regular part of your diet could be a smart, simple step toward better aging.



Nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s a piece we can control. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and plan meals to ensure you're getting various nutrients. 



Supporting your brain through diet now may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline later. And sometimes, small habits - like eating more vegetables - can lead to meaningful changes in how we age.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022316625000306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Nutrition</a>.



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Vitamin K protects the aging brain in many important ways

Vitamin K may have a more significant role in brain...

Young,Beautiful,Hispanic,Woman,Having,Video,Call,Communicate,With,Sign

For millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing people, using sign language to communicate in a world built around spoken words can be exhausting. 



Whether it’s ordering food, asking for directions, or taking part in a classroom discussion, barriers show up everywhere.



While interpreters and captioning services can help, they’re often limited, costly, or unavailable when most needed. 



As daily life becomes more digital, the need for smart tools that can translate sign language in real time is more urgent than ever.



That’s why researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s <a href="https://www.fau.edu/engineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Engineering and Computer Science</a> have created a new system that could change the way we think about accessibility.



They’ve developed a real-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter powered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-communicate-with-animals-using-artificial-intelligence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a>. 



This system uses deep learning and hand-tracking to convert ASL gestures into written text, all using a regular webcam and off-the-shelf hardware.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognizing-sign-language-is-tricky-for-machines">Recognizing sign language is tricky for machines</h2>



ASL relies on precise hand shapes and movements to represent letters, words, and phrases. But current recognition tools often miss the mark - especially when signs look alike.



For example, “A” and “T” or “M” and “N” can be hard to tell apart for machines. These tools also struggle in poor lighting, with motion blur, and with differences in hand shape or skin tone, all of which affect how accurate the machine interpretations are.



To solve these issues, the FAU team combined two powerful tools: YOLOv11 for object detection and MediaPipe for detailed hand tracking. 



Together, they allow the system to detect and classify ASL alphabet letters with an accuracy of 98.2% (mean Average Precision at 0.5). The entire process works in real time and with very little delay.



“What makes this system especially notable is that the entire recognition pipeline - from capturing the gesture to classifying it operates seamlessly in real time, regardless of varying lighting conditions or backgrounds,” said Bader Alsharif, lead author on the study.



“And all of this is achieved using standard, off-the-shelf hardware. This underscores the system’s practical potential as a highly accessible and scalable assistive technology, making it a viable solution for real-world applications.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seeing-and-understanding-sign-language">Seeing and understanding sign language</h2>



At the center of the system is a basic webcam, which captures live video and turns it into digital frames. 



MediaPipe then pinpoints 21 key spots on each hand - fingertips, knuckles, and the wrist - to build a kind of skeleton map. These points help the system understand hand structure and motion.



YOLOv11 uses this skeletal data to match hand gestures accurately to ASL letters.



The researchers also built a massive dataset - 130,000 images strong - to train the model. These images include hands in a variety of lighting conditions, backgrounds, and angles.



This diversity helps the system learn how to generalize across different people and environments, thus reducing the chance of bias.



“This project is a great example of how cutting-edge AI can be applied to serve humanity,” said Imad Mahgoub, a co-author on the publication.



“By fusing deep learning with hand landmark detection, our team created a system that not only achieves high accuracy but also remains accessible and practical for everyday use. It’s a strong step toward inclusive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-holograms-future-of-secure-messaging-encryption-internet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication technologies</a>.”



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



The deaf and hard-of-hearing community is large and diverse. 



In the U.S. alone, about 11 million people - roughly 3.6% of the population - are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/implant-measures-hearing-quality-through-brain-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deaf</a> or have significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hearing-loss-linked-to-a-greater-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hearing loss</a>. Around 37.5 million adults experience some level of hearing difficulty.



That’s a lot of people who could benefit from better communication tools.



“The significance of this research lies in its potential to transform communication for the deaf community by providing an AI-driven tool that translates American Sign Language gestures into text, enabling smoother interactions across education, workplaces, health care and social settings,” commented Mohammad Ilyas, co-author of the research study.



“By developing a robust and accessible ASL interpretation system, our study contributes to the advancement of assistive technologies to break down barriers for the deaf and hard-of-hearing population.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-helping-the-deaf-community-say-more">Helping the deaf community say more</h2>



While this new tool already shows strong results for recognizing the ASL alphabet, the team isn’t stopping there. They’re now working to expand the system to understand full ASL sentences. 



This would make communication even more natural and fluent, moving from spelling out words to sharing entire ideas.



“This research highlights the transformative power of AI-driven assistive technologies in empowering the deaf community,” said Stella Batalama, Dean of the Department of Electrical Engineering at FAU. 



“By bridging the communication gap through real-time ASL recognition, this system plays a key role in fostering a more inclusive society."



"It allows individuals with hearing impairments to interact more seamlessly with the world around them, whether they are introducing themselves, navigating their environment, or simply engaging in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-daily-conversation-with-a-friend-can-boost-wellbeing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">everyday conversations</a>." 



This technology enhances accessibility and supports greater social integration, helping create a more connected and empathetic community for everyone.



With continued development, this AI-powered tool may soon become part of daily life, helping millions to communicate more freely - one gesture at a time.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/7/2138" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sensors</a>.



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Remarkable new AI tech translates American Sign Language in real-time

For millions of deaf and hard-of-hearing people, using sign language...

Carbon dioxide has long been a huge source of concern for people who want cleaner air, cooler water, and a healthier planet. Many nations are working to slash emissions of this gas, but experts say that may not be enough.



This is where strategies like sucking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> from the air and stashing it deep under the Earth's surface gain attention. 



This approach is now being investigated by <a href="https://marcodepaoli.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marco De Paoli</a> from the University of Twente (<a href="https://www.utwente.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UT</a>) in Enschede, Netherlands, and the Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer at <a href="https://www.tuwien.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TU Wien</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-storing-co-2-underground-is-complex">Why storing CO2 underground is complex</h2>



CO2 does not simply vanish once injected below the surface of the Earth. It occupies spaces in underground rocks and mixes with groundwater, a process that turns out to be more intricate than it first sounds. 



Many scientists have wondered if it could creep back to the surface after decades.



“Pure CO2 has a lower density than water, but the situation changes when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-grip-on-co2-is-slipping-what-it-means-for-us-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> is dissolved in water,” stated De Paoli. 



Numerical <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL114804">experiments</a> on large computers suggest that once CO2 dissolves in water, the resulting liquid is denser than water alone. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dense-carbon-water-sinks-and-stays-put">Dense carbon water sinks and stays put</h2>



<a href="https://fiveable.me/introduction-chemical-engineering/unit-5/fluid-statics/study-guide/MCni95hbDkArLJW3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Density</a> is crucial for how fluids behave underground. When carbon-rich water is heavier, it tends to move downward instead of floating back up towards the surface. 



This internal sinking motion creates layers of fluid that stay tucked away underground.



Those denser layers mean storage can be more than a temporary band-aid. 



Officials who track environmental tactics see this density-driven process as a real chance to keep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-emissions-reduction-20-percent-possible-only-2-percent-economic-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> locked beneath rock layers. This would help <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355807661_Leakage_Risk_Assessment_of_a_CO2_Storage_Site_A_Review" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">minimize leaks</a> that might compromise long-term climate goals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-only-some-places-can-store-carbon-safely">Only some places can store carbon safely</h2>



Not every location is a fit for CO2 storage. There must be a thick, relatively impermeable caprock above a porous layer that holds groundwater. 



A secure lid is vital to keep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> in place until it fully dissolves and starts that downward migration.



“Such geological conditions are not that rare,” remarked De Paoli. Several sites already meet these criteria, including regions under the ocean floor. 



Experts point to defunct oil fields and <a href="https://igutek.scripts.mit.edu/terrascope/?page=saline" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saline aquifers</a> as promising spots. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rocks-may-help-or-hurt-carbon-storage">Rocks may help or hurt carbon storage</h2>



A large question is how the rock itself reacts once carbon-laden water sneaks through its tiny channels. 



Certain rocks can dissolve or shift chemically, creating new channels. Others stay intact and seal the carbon-laden water even more tightly.



Researchers are using <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016236121020913?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced techniques</a> to figure out if these chemical changes strengthen or weaken the rock structure. The goal is to avoid unpleasant surprises that might interfere with the permanent storage plan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-ways-to-inject-carbon-water">Smart ways to inject carbon water</h2>



Engineers are eyeing ways to harness this behavior for cost-effective carbon capture. 



They want to design injection methods that send <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-has-regulated-earths-climate-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> straight into the sweet spot, where it will meet and merge with groundwater. Then the heavier fluid will settle deeper, away from potential fractures.



Existing industry programs in places like the <a href="https://sequestration.mit.edu/tools/projects/sleipner.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleipner Field</a> in the North Sea have already injected millions of tons of CO2. 



Long-running monitoring there indicates that, if done correctly, carbon stays put and shifts gradually into stable zones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-outlook">Long-term outlook</h2>



Once dissolved, carbon is far less likely to slip back to the air. The rocky overhang becomes less important once the heavy mixture has migrated downward. 



Even major tremors may not nudge the fluid back to the surface after it has sunk below the seal.



This safety aspect is a primary reason many scientists want to keep exploring permanent underground CO2 storage. 



Calculations suggest there are widespread opportunities to capture and hold significant amounts of carbon over time.



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



De Paoli has an ongoing project funded by the <a href="https://erc.europa.eu/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Research Council</a> that looks at the finer details of chemical reactions between CO2-rich water and the rocks. 



Early analysis points to possible boosts in how quickly the heavier fluid travels downward, though it varies from site to site.



These insights might help refine future carbon storage plans. If engineers know exactly how fluids mix at various depths, they can scale up designs with confidence, using data-driven methods rather than guesswork.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co2-water-and-climate-change">CO2, water, and climate change</h2>



No single solution will solve the climate puzzle. Reducing emissions, adopting clean energy, and changing the way we use resources are all still high priorities. But taking CO2 out of the air and locking it underground might be a valuable extra measure.



As more research surfaces, scientists in this field hope to give policymakers hard data on success rates and reliable design guidelines. That could boost confidence in any large-scale adoption of this strategy.



In the United States, carbon capture projects are moving forward in industrial hubs. Similar efforts are popping up worldwide, spurred by public and private funding. 



Research centers are joining forces to share knowledge about geology, fluid mechanics, and safe <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355807661_Leakage_Risk_Assessment_of_a_CO2_Storage_Site_A_Review" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storage</a> methods.



It remains to be seen whether global capacity is enough to store billions of tons of CO2 each year. Studies aim to locate the best formations and ensure that the captured carbon never sees daylight again.



The study was published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025GL114804" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Is it possible to 'permanently' remove CO2 from the atmosphere? Science found a way

Carbon dioxide has long been a huge source of concern...

No system in the human body functions in isolation. The health of any body part has impacts on the well-being of other parts, sometimes in surprising and unexpected ways. 



A recent scientific review has turned attention to the mouth - and how gum disease might be playing a surprising role in liver health.



This review, led by a group of scientists from <a href="https://cie.jlu.edu.cn/info/1137/1681.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First Hospital of Jilin University</a>, looks at how gum disease, especially advanced periodontitis, may worsen chronic liver conditions like cirrhosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and alcohol-related liver disease. 



Though the mouth and liver are far apart in both distance and function, researchers believe they may be more connected than we thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mouth-s-connection-to-liver-disease">Mouth's connection to liver disease</h2>



Gum disease, particularly periodontitis, is a chronic inflammation caused by bacterial infection in the tissues supporting the teeth. 



It’s extremely common worldwide and tends to worsen with age, smoking, alcohol use, and poor dental care, which are the same risk factors seen in people with liver disease. Because of this overlap, oral health often gets overlooked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-mediterranean-diet-reduces-fatty-liver-disease-by-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in these patients</a>.



But this could be a serious mistake. 



The review explains how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-your-mouth-multiply-in-a-very-unique-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria from the mouth</a> might reach and affect the liver. One key route is through what scientists call the "oral-gut-liver axis."



Harmful oral bacteria can be swallowed or enter the bloodstream during everyday actions like brushing or chewing. Once in the gut, they may disrupt the gut microbiome, causing an imbalance and weakening the gut lining. 



This so-called “leaky gut” allows bacterial toxins to escape into the bloodstream and reach the liver, where they can trigger inflammation and scarring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-models-add-weight">Animal models add weight</h2>



Animal studies support this idea.



Researchers have shown that introducing periodontal bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis into the mouths of mice with metabolic disease can make their liver conditions worse. 



In some cases, the bacteria or their toxins have even been detected in liver tissue, suggesting that the trip from mouth to liver is not just possible, but biologically real.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflammation-as-a-common-thread">Inflammation as a common thread</h2>



The immune system plays a big role too. 



Periodontal inflammation releases molecules like TNF-alpha and IL-6, which are well-known culprits in liver disease.



The review also points to Th17 cells, a type of immune cell triggered by oral bacteria, that may travel to the liver and worsen any <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-causes-liver-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">damage</a>.



It creates a vicious cycle: poor oral health contributes to liver disease, and this makes oral health harder to manage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-evidence-is-emerging">Real-world evidence is emerging</h2>



Though the research is still developing, clinical findings are beginning to show a pattern. 



People with cirrhosis often have much worse oral health than others, with issues like gum overgrowth, bone loss, and tissue breakdown. In fact, up to 72 percent of people waiting for liver transplants may have periodontitis. 



Studies also show that severe gum disease can raise the risk of death in cirrhosis patients.



For MASLD - the most common chronic liver disease - the pattern continues.



Large-scale studies show that people with advanced gum disease are more likely to have MASLD, even when adjusting for obesity, diabetes, and other shared factors. 



In a small clinical trial, treating gum disease actually improved liver enzyme levels in the short term. It’s not proof, but it’s a hopeful sign.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-questions-to-answer">More questions to answer</h2>



The scientists behind the review are careful to note that the research is still in its early stages. 



Most of the data comes from observational studies, which can't prove cause and effect. It’s also difficult to untangle lifestyle and economic issues that may impact both oral and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-say-this-is-the-best-fruit-to-eat-for-a-healthier-liver/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liver health</a>.



Still, the combination of biological plausibility, consistent results, and early trial data makes a strong case. Gum health might deserve a bigger consideration when managing liver disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-liver-disease-with-a-toothbrush">Preventing liver disease with a toothbrush</h2>



The review ends with a clear recommendation: doctors and dentists need to work together. 



Liver specialists may not ask about oral health, and dentists may not know that their patients’ livers are at risk. Better collaboration between the two could mean earlier detection and better outcomes for patients.



In the meantime, one message is clear. Good <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poor-dental-hygiene-is-directly-linked-to-decrease-in-brain-volume-and-mental-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dental hygiene</a> - brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits - is more than just a routine. It may be a small but important step in protecting liver health.



Researchers are now pushing for large-scale trials to see if treating gum disease can actually slow the deterioration of the liver, or at least reduce complications.



If proven, the toothbrush could become a powerful tool in an unexpected battle - the fight against liver failure.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://egastroenterology.bmj.com/content/3/1/e100140" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eGastroenterology</a>.



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Brushing your teeth regularly can prevent deadly liver disease

No system in the human body functions in isolation. The...

Alzheimer,Blood,Test,Diagnostics,And,Dementia,Screening,For,Early,Detection

Over 55 million people across the globe are living with Alzheimer’s, according to recent statistics from the <a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550543" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a>, and many struggle to access the right diagnostic test early on.



Symptoms can be subtle at first, and many folks only receive clarity on their condition well after harmful changes have already taken root.



<a href="https://www.barcelonabeta.org/en/news/news/marc-suarez-calvet-head-bbrc-group-biomarkers-fluids-and-translational-neurology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Marc Suárez-Calvet</a>, a neurologist at Hospital del Mar and researcher at the Barcelonaβeta Brain Research Center (<a href="https://www.barcelonabeta.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBRC</a>), has spent years focused on ways to measure Alzheimer’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stopping-alzheimers-before-it-starts-early-treatment-shows-potential/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">markers</a> in routine clinical settings. 



Recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03622-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> by his team and others suggests that a streamlined blood test may be able to show whether someone is at risk, even in the presence of mild forgetfulness or general cognitive changes.



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



Alzheimer’s is notorious for hiding behind familiar signs of aging, and that overlap can be confusing for families. 



Many older adults dismiss <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-can-track-the-progression-of-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory slips</a> as nothing unusual, but doctors now caution that missing an early diagnosis can limit treatment options.



Studies highlight that advanced <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.20009" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tools</a>, including positron emission tomography (<a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/positron-emission-tomography-pet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PET</a>) scans, can confirm Alzheimer’s pathology with fair accuracy. 



Yet these scans can be expensive, inconvenient for those living in remote areas and limited by availability in many regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-test-identifies-alzheimer-s">How the test identifies Alzheimer’s</h2>



The promising test zeroes in on a biomarker in the blood, called <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-024-03084-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phospho-tau217</a> (p-tau217). Scientists have discovered that unusual shifts in this <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2784411" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marker</a> might be tied to the Alzheimer’s process well before pronounced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-air-pollution-fuels-alzheimers-and-brain-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory issues</a> emerge.



“This development may allow us to determine who needs to undergo further tests, such as a lumbar puncture or a PET scan, and who doesn’t,” stated Dr. Suárez-Calvet. 



Experts believe that routine labs could run the p-tau217 test on fully automated platforms, making advanced evaluation more accessible to smaller clinics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-test-is-easier-and-faster">Blood test is easier and faster</h2>



Blood tests are generally easier on patients than procedures like a spinal tap, which draws cerebrospinal fluid (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSF</a>). Some people hesitate to get a lumbar puncture because of discomfort, cost or personal fears.



“Our results, combined with the ease of use and implementation of this type of test, could facilitate its integration into clinical practice,” said BBRC researcher <a href="https://www.barcelonabeta.org/en/news/news/federica-anastasi-receives-juan-de-la-cierva-fellowship" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Federica Anastasi</a>. Researchers also note that blood-based tests can be done at many local labs.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-test-limits-over-age-80">Alzheimer’s test limits over age 80</h2>



Doctors caution that accuracy decreases slightly in individuals past the age of 80 if only a single cutoff measure is used. 



That doesn’t mean the test fails; it just suggests the need for an additional step to ensure that results line up with each patient’s full health profile.



Older patients might have other changes that affect test readings, such as chronic kidney disease (<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11837363/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CKD</a>) or coexisting conditions that overlap with cognitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/targeting-the-gut-might-be-key-in-preventing-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symptoms</a>. 



By factoring these elements into the analysis, clinicians can keep the test from overestimating or underestimating risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-cutoffs-for-extra-clarity">Two cutoffs for extra clarity</h2>



Scientists recommend using two separate thresholds for p-tau217. In many cases, a higher value points toward clear Alzheimer’s risk, and a lower value suggests an all-clear.



People who land in the middle range are flagged for more detailed evaluation. This avoids confusion and ensures those on the borderline get an extra look using other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-disruptions-could-signal-the-onset-of-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diagnostic tools</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-advantages">Economic advantages</h2>



Costs linked to diagnosing Alzheimer’s can add up quickly, due to extra imaging tests and possible prolonged hospital stays. 



By offering a blood-based evaluation, doctors and patients may reduce the need for more expensive scans in many situations.



Estimates show that a simple lab draw for Alzheimer’s markers can cut typical diagnostic costs by more than half. 



Although further confirmation might be needed for some, the savings could be a big deal in large-scale healthcare planning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-test-improves-small-town-access">Alzheimer’s test improves small-town access</h2>



Primary care offices rarely have the specialized equipment or staff needed for advanced imaging. With a user-friendly blood analysis, people in smaller towns might not have to travel several hours to major medical centers.



This shift can also ease overcrowding at specialized hospitals, allowing neurologists and geriatricians to focus on complex cases. 



The blood test, in combination with standard exams, can give family doctors a reliable starting point without the wait times that often plague bigger clinics.



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



Experts caution that this test isn’t meant to replace clinical judgment. They emphasize that doctors who see potential warning signs still have to look at a patient’s history, neurological exams and overall health.



Researchers plan more studies to understand how factors like diabetes and advanced age can skew results. Some teams aim to fine-tune the test so that even borderline cases get a more precise reading within standard blood panels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staying-one-step-ahead">Staying one step ahead</h2>



Many caregivers say that when Alzheimer’s is confirmed sooner, they can plan better for therapy, lifestyle adjustments and family support. 



Catching things <a href="https://www.nice.org.uk/Media/Default/About/what-we-do/HTA%20Lab/HTA-lab-dmdt.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early</a> also opens the door for experimental treatments aimed at slowing disease progression.



A widely accessible test for Alzheimer’s risk holds promise for bridging the gaps in rural and underserved communities. 



Even so, professionals emphasize the need for continued innovation to improve reliability for every age bracket and health background.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03622-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



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Breakthrough: New blood test for early detection of Alzheimer's disease

Over 55 million people across the globe are living with...

A newly analyzed, deep-field universe photo, produced by stacking multiple infrared observations, points to elusive collections of dust-filled star systems. This intriguing view of ancient "hidden galaxies" could change how we understand the cosmos.



Researchers used cutting-edge imaging to map a far-infrared landscape brimming with nearly 2,000 galaxies. 



Preliminary hints suggest there may be galaxies lurking just out of sight, influencing how energy is emitted across space. 



Early calculations indicate that their collective light might explain the missing piece in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-dark-energy-changing-the-mystery-of-cosmic-expansion-deepens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy puzzle</a> at long infrared wavelengths, an aspect that has puzzled astronomers for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-the-infrared-for-hidden-galaxies">Searching the infrared for hidden galaxies</h2>



Observing the universe in infrared light has expanded our ability to see objects that remain hidden to optical telescopes. 



This part of the spectrum reveals cooler regions where dust particles radiate energy at wavelengths beyond the range of human eyes. 



Researchers have used this approach to chart <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beautiful-stellar-nursery-herbig-haro-objects-orion-constellation-captured-by-hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar nurseries</a>, probe galactic cores, and examine phenomena where dust clouds block traditional views.



Early forays into infrared studies began in the 19th century, soon after the discovery of this invisible band of light. Over time, balloon-borne and space-based observatories advanced what ground-based telescopes could accomplish. 



They offered stable platforms free from most atmospheric interference, allowing investigators to map star formation on scales that once seemed unreachable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herschel-spire-dark-field">Herschel-SPIRE Dark Field</h2>



Dr. Chris Pearson from STFC RAL Space and <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> has been leading efforts to analyze these findings. He contributed to a set of papers detailing how this survey has charted previously unseen regions. 



“This work has pushed the science with Herschel to its absolute limit, probing far below what we can normally discernibly see and potentially revealing a completely new population of galaxies that are contributing to the very faintest light we can observe in the universe," Pearson explained.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/hidden-galaxies_SPIRE-DarkField_upending-cosmology_credit-Chris-Pearson_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/hidden-galaxies_SPIRE-DarkField_upending-cosmology_credit-Chris-Pearson_1s.webp" alt="The final SPIRE Dark Field image map created by combining the Blue (250 micrometres), Green (350 micrometres) and Red (500 micrometres) SPIRE camera channels together, each channel stacking a total of 141 individual images on top of each other. The blobs on the image are all individual galaxies or groups of galaxies. However, the image is so crowded that there is almost no empty space with the faintest galaxies merging into the background light in the map. Credit: Chris Pearson et al." class="wp-image-1964943"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The final SPIRE Dark Field image map created by combining the Blue (250 micrometers), Green (350 micrometers) and Red (500 micrometers) SPIRE camera channels together, each channel stacking a total of 141 individual images on top of each other. The blobs on the image are all individual galaxies or groups of galaxies. However, the image is so crowded that there is almost no empty space with the faintest galaxies merging into the background light in the map. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Chris Pearson et al.</figcaption></figure>



The newly processed image, known as the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnCU_jbCTVY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Herschel-SPIRE Dark Field</a>, is touted as the deepest far-infrared view ever achieved. 



It was created by stacking 141 separate images gathered by the Herschel Space Observatory’s SPIRE instrument, which ran from 2009 to 2013. 



Combining these layers has allowed astronomers to track dust-obscured star formation and measure how each galaxy’s brightness affects the total energy flow coursing through space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disrupting-established-models">Disrupting established models</h2>



Preliminary results have raised eyebrows among experts. The possible galaxies may also provide the missing piece of the puzzle for energy generation in the universe’s infrared light. 



Observers suggest that their combined glow might fill a gap in the measured <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-baby-pictures-of-the-very-early-universe-cosmic-microwave-background/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">background radiation</a>, bringing it in line with what theory predicts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-galaxies-and-statistics">Hidden galaxies and statistics</h2>



Thomas Varnish, a PhD student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>), contributed a second paper on these findings. 



“We employed statistical techniques to get around this overcrowding, analyzing the blurriest parts of the image to probe and model the underlying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-forces-have-made-the-structure-of-the-universe-messier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distribution of galaxies</a> not individually discernible in the original image," Varnish noted.



“What we found was possible evidence of a completely new, undiscovered population of faint galaxies hidden in the blur of the image, too faint to be detected by conventional methods in the original analysis.” 



As far as Varnish is concerned, if this discovery is confirmed, this new population would effectively break all of our current models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy numbers and evolution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peering-into-the-dusty-universe">Peering into the dusty universe</h2>



Scientists emphasize that half of cosmic activity can be missed if observations are limited to visible light. 



When we look at starlight through normal telescopes, we are only able to read half of the story of our universe. The other half is hidden, obscured by the intervening dust.



In fact, roughly half of the energy output of the universe is from starlight that has been absorbed by dust and re-emitted as cooler infrared radiation. 



To fully understand the evolution of our universe we need to observe the sky in both optical and longer wavelength infrared light.”



This perspective guided the <a href="https://www.herschel.caltech.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Herschel mission</a>, which leveraged the <a href="https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/herschel/spire-overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPIRE instrument</a> to scan a single dark patch in the sky as a regular calibration target during its four-year run.



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



Imperial College London astrophysicist Dr. David Clements, who was also involved in the research.



“These results show just how valuable the Herschel archive is. We’re still getting great new results more than 10 years after the satellite stopped operating," Dr. Clements added.



The James Webb Space Telescope has since taken over as the largest infrared telescope, but it cannot duplicate the same far-infrared sensitivity previously provided by Herschel.



“What we can’t get, though, is more data at these wavelengths to follow up these fascinating new results. For that we need the next generation far-IR mission, PRIMA, currently being proposed to NASA," Clements concluded.



The concept involves a 1.8-meter telescope designed for imaging and spectroscopy at far-infrared wavelengths, bridging gaps left by existing observatories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-these-hidden-galaxies-teach-us">What these hidden galaxies teach us</h2>



To sum it all up, we now know there’s a whole hidden side of the universe revealed by far-infrared observations, and the Herschel-SPIRE Dark Field study makes that clearer than ever.



Researchers stacked numerous images to uncover previously invisible galaxies that might close the gap in our understanding of cosmic energy output.



This discovery suggests that half the story - shrouded by dust and missed by optical telescopes - actually plays a huge role in shaping how galaxies form and evolve. 



And with future missions like PRIMA in the works, we’ll likely find even more surprises waiting in these obscured regions of space.



-----



Click here to watch a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnCU_jbCTVY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video on the SPIRE Dark Field animation...</a>



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://apps.crossref.org/pendingpub/pendingpub.html?doi=10.1093%2Fmnras%2Fstaf335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</a>.



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"Hidden galaxies" discovery would upend our current understanding of the universe

A newly analyzed, deep-field universe photo, produced by stacking multiple...

Seasonal allergies used to follow a fairly stable schedule. People would brace for symptoms in the spring and sometimes in the fall, but those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> have been more difficult to predict lately.



Many now notice that their noses start running before the usual first bloom of the season. Others find that their watery eyes and sneezing continue for weeks past the time they expected relief. A recent study links these intensifying seasonal allergies to climate change. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollen-seasons-are-getting-longer">Pollen seasons are getting longer</h2>



The <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.32124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> suggests that warmer climate conditions can lengthen pollen seasons in various parts of the world. The study was led by Alisha R. Pershad, a third-year medical student at the George Washington University <a href="https://smhs.gwu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of Medicine and Health Sciences</a>.



The researchers looked at data published between the years 2000 and 2023. They found 30 studies that examined how global warming seems to affect the timing and amount of pollen released. 



Sixteen of those studies observed a link between rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-constantly-reshuffling-earths-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> and longer pollen seasons, adding to the concerns of allergy sufferers.



Some researchers <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1014107108" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project</a> that total pollen production in the United States might climb by as much as 40% by the close of the century. They also anticipate an earlier start to the sneezing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-therapy-may-help-reduce-peanut-allergies-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">season</a>, with shifts in temperature patterns possibly adding up to 19 extra days of pollen in certain regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-allergy-seasons-affect-daily-life">Longer allergy seasons affect daily life</h2>



<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538186/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Allergic rhinitis</a> is a reaction that involves itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and repetitive sneezing. It affects about 19.2 million adults across the nation.



Many who struggle with this condition describe fatigue, disrupted sleep, and trouble focusing at work or school. Beyond the personal inconvenience, extended pollen exposure may lead to frequent doctor visits and a need for stronger medications which both require financial assistance.



A few studies note that climate conditions can influence the spread of new types of pollen into places not used to seeing them. This shift sometimes catches residents off guard, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oak-trees-show-that-allergy-season-is-becoming-longer-and-more-intense/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allergic</a> flare-ups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-access-to-allergy-treatment">Improving access to allergy treatment </h2>



The researchers observed a pattern of increased healthcare usage for <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6705e1.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allergy-related problems</a> in areas with limited resources. Clinics in these neighborhoods reported more symptoms such as congestion from patients seeking help with various symptoms attributed to allergies.



Four of the studies in the recent review highlighted how low-income residents are especially affected by the higher frequency of allergic rhinitis complaints. This situation highlights a need for improved access to allergy treatment and more awareness campaigns at the community level.



Two of the studies indicated that medical workers themselves would like better training on the ways that climate patterns can influence allergic conditions. They stressed the importance of bridging knowledge gaps so professionals can advise patients about upcoming shifts in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-peanut-consumption-could-prevent-100000-allergy-cases-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollen levels</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-the-future">Preparing for the future</h2>



“Physicians are uniquely positioned to witness the impact of allergic rhinitis on patient outcomes and can adapt their practice as climate change intensifies. As trusted voices in the community, they should leverage their frontline experience to advocate for meaningful change in addressing the climate crisis,” said Pershad.



Experts suggest that those who struggle with runny noses, sneezing fits, and nasal itching could benefit from practical solutions. Some rely on checking local pollen forecasts, while others start preventive medications a few weeks before their typical allergy window.



Public health officials note that these problems may grow if temperatures keep fluctuating and plant cycles become more erratic. 



Long-term planning could involve bolstering healthcare infrastructure and expanding research into allergy triggers that might spread into previously unaffected areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-allergies-in-a-changing-climate">Managing allergies in a changing climate</h2>



People suffering from nasal stuffiness or red and itchy eyes might want to discuss personalized strategies with a healthcare provider. 



Over-the-counter products offer quick fixes, but medical advice can clarify dosage and confirm the best treatment plan for individual needs.



Ongoing research on allergies and climate change will continue to provide valuable clues for the future. Many hope that strong communication between healthcare teams, scientists, and the public will reduce the frustration that can come with these ever-shifting allergy seasons.



The study is published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.32124" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Laryngoscope</a>.



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Climate change is making allergy season worse and longer-lasting

Seasonal allergies used to follow a fairly stable schedule. People...

For centuries, the Amazon has drawn treasure seekers in search of gold. These days, that pursuit continues, but what’s left is harder to find and comes with a heavy cost – toxic mercury pollution.



Small-scale and artisanal miners often use mercury to extract even the tiniest specks of gold. Unfortunately, this practice releases toxins that harm the natural environment and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-mercury-pollution-in-tree-rings">Tracking mercury pollution in tree rings</h2>



Scientists from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>, working with an international research team, have found a surprising new way to track mercury pollution: tree rings.



By studying trees in the Peruvian Amazon, they’ve shown that mercury <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-directly-linked-to-atmospheric-mercury-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> can be traced by measuring the amount of heavy metals stored year by year inside tree trunks.



Dr. Jacqueline Gerson is an assistant professor in biological and environmental engineering at Cornell University and the lead author of the study.



“We show that&nbsp;Ficus insipda&nbsp;tree cores can be used as a biomonitor for characterizing the spatial and potentially the temporal footprint of mercury emissions from artisanal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/illegal-gold-mining-dumps-mercury-in-the-peruvian-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold mining</a> in the neotropics,” said Dr. Gerson.



“Trees can provide a widespread and fairly cheap network of biomonitoring, by archiving a record of mercury concentration within tree bole wood.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-mercury-ends-up-in-the-forest">How mercury ends up in the forest</h2>



In many artisanal mining operations, workers add mercury to gold-rich soil. The mercury binds with the gold particles and produces a substance called amalgam.



These amalgams have a low melting point, so miners can easily burn them to extract the gold. Consequently, this process releases mercury vapor into the atmosphere.



To test whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-reveal-the-carbon-storage-capacity-of-a-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree rings</a> could record these emissions, the researchers collected core samples from three different tree species: wild figs (Ficus insipida), Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa), and tornillos (Cedrelinga catenaformis).



Only the Ficus insipida trees produced visible rings that could be studied reliably year by year. These trees are common across the region and form annual rings even in tropical climates.



The researchers sampled five sites. Two were far from mining, and three were within five kilometers of gold mining towns. One of the mining sites bordered a protected forest, offering a unique comparison point.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-record-heavy-metal-concentrations">Trees record heavy metal concentrations</h2>



“There are many variables that drive individual tree Hg concentrations, and it is difficult to determine the specific drivers,” explained Dr. Gerson.



“The trees in the study were all the same species and from the same sites, exposed to the same atmospheric Hg concentration. That is why we sample multiple trees and then use average values.”



The findings revealed clear patterns. For example, trees closer to mining towns contained significantly higher mercury pollution levels in their bole wood - the dense inner wood of the trunk.



The protected forest site had slightly lower levels. The most distant sites had the lowest concentrations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-levels-surged-after-mining-boom">Mercury levels surged after mining boom</h2>



“Higher atmospheric Hg concentrations are generally associated with nearby mining locations,” noted Dr. Gerson. 



"In the Peruvian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-amazon-is-rapidly-approaching-a-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon</a>, where mining is the main source of Hg, the association between higher Hg concentrations and proximity to a mining site can readily be drawn.”



Notably, mercury levels spiked after the year 2000, especially in trees near the towns. This trend tracks with the region’s mining boom. 



"This is likely due to the expansion of gold mining activities around this time,” said Gerson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-tree-rings-can-tell-us">What tree rings can tell us</h2>



While the study supports the use of trees as a mercury-tracking tool, it also points out a few challenges. One limitation is that researchers didn’t always know the exact distance of the trees from active mining sites. That’s because many of these operations are illegal and not well documented.



This uncertainty could have affected the mercury <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mercury-levels-found-in-remote-pacific-trenches-are-unprecedented/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> found in each tree. Even so, Ficus insipida shows strong promise for tracking mercury emissions over large areas.



“Ficus insipida can be used as a cheap and powerful tool to examine large spatial trends in Hg emissions in the neotropics,” said Dr. Gerson. “Using bole wood could allow for regional monitoring efforts.”



This type of monitoring could help international efforts to reduce mercury pollution under agreements like the UN’s Minamata Convention on Mercury. Organizations like limit mercury emissions worldwide and protect people and ecosystems.



By looking inside trees, researchers have found a quiet but reliable witness to decades of pollution. This important data may help protect the future of the Amazon rainforest.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2025.1531800/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Environmental Science</a>.



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Mercury pollution in the Amazon is recorded in tree rings

For centuries, the Amazon has drawn treasure seekers in search...

Twelve million years ago, vast herds of rhinoceroses grazed the lush grasslands of what is now the North American Midwest. These barrel-bodied creatures - ancient rhinos known as Teleoceras major - flourished across the region, often gathering in large numbers near waterholes.



Today, a new <a href="https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2025/04/uc-study-finds-evidence-that-prehistoric-rhinos-lived-in-huge-herds.html">study</a> from the University of Cincinnati (<a href="https://www.uc.edu/?utm_source=gmb&amp;utm_medium=organic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC</a>) reveals they weren’t just occasional visitors to these sites - they likely lived and died in close-knit herds, much like modern hippos.



As a result, the research sheds new light on one of North America's most extraordinary fossil sites: Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park in northeast Nebraska. 



Over 100 rhinoceroses left fossilized remains at this site, along with camels, horses, and other animals - all of which perished in the aftermath of a massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-are-1-5-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone</a> supervolcano eruption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-an-ancient-rhino-mystery">Unraveling an ancient rhino mystery</h2>



Since the park’s discovery in 1971, scientists have puzzled over why so many animal,s including rhinoceroses, were found clustered in the same place. Did they come from miles away, fleeing the growing disaster of falling ash? Or had they been living there all along?



“We found they didn’t move very much,” said Clark Ward, lead author of the study and a UC graduate. “We didn’t find evidence for seasonal migration or any evidence of a response to the disaster.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-rhino-teeth">Clues from rhino teeth</h2>



Ward, now a doctoral student at the <a href="https://twin-cities.umn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Minnesota</a>, used isotopic analysis of fossilized ancient rhino teeth to track their movements and environmental conditions.&nbsp;



With guidance from co-authors and advisers Brooke Crowley at UC and Ross Secord at the <a href="https://nebraska.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska</a>, Ward analyzed ratios of strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotopes - atomic fingerprints that can reveal everything from diet and rainfall to landscape use.



“By studying carbon in the animal, we can reconstruct carbon in the environment to understand what kinds of vegetation lived there,” Ward explained.



“We can use [oxygen] to reconstruct how wet or dry the environment was,” he added. “And strontium tells us where the animal was foraging because the ratio of isotopes is related to the soil and supporting bedrock.”



Together, these isotopic clues suggest the rhinos were long-term residents of the area, not migrants drawn by a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disaster</a> or seasonal food shifts. It appears they simply lived - and ultimately died - in the place they called home.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-supervolcano-s-lethal-reach">A supervolcano’s lethal reach</h2>



The mass death was triggered by ash from one of Yellowstone’s ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supervolcano</a> eruptions. The Yellowstone hotspot has erupted often over 12 million years, spreading ash hundreds of miles away.



“That ash would have covered everything - the grass, leaves, and water,” Ward said. “The rhinos likely weren’t killed immediately, like the people of Pompeii. Instead, it was much slower. They were breathing in the ash, and they likely starved to death.”



In contrast to the sudden catastrophe of volcanic pyroclastic flows, which instantly buried victims in ancient cities like Pompeii, the Ashfall rhinos suffered a slower, agonizing fate.



The ash settled into the landscape like snow, rendering food and water sources toxic or unusable. Over time, the animals succumbed to inhalation of ash and eventual starvation.



Fossils show scavenging by bone-crushing dogs, which came after the animals died. Ancient tracks from these 100-pound carnivores, along with tooth marks on bones, support this conclusion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-creatures-in-ancient-herds">Social creatures in ancient herds</h2>



Teleoceras major was a one-horned rhino with a short, squat body and stubby legs. Like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-data-on-hippos-could-push-them-closer-to-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hippos</a>, these rhinoceroses were grazers who likely spent much of their lives near water. Their massive size offered protection from predators, but their calves would have been vulnerable to attack.



The study’s findings have answered one long-standing question: Did these rhinos live alone or in groups? The presence of so many individuals, including adults and juveniles, supports the idea of herd behavior.



Rhino expert John Payne, who spent his career working with Sumatran rhinos in Malaysia, said the conclusion fits the species’ biology.



“I am not surprised that the analyses very strongly suggest that Teleoceras major lived in herds, given that this animal resembles the modern hippopotamus in form, and hippos live in herds of several tens of animals - with several herds in one geographical area,” Payne said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-comes-full-circle">Science comes full circle</h2>



For Ward, the study has a personal significance. As a child, he visited Ashfall Fossil Beds and later returned as an intern to help with fossil preparation and visitor education.



Now, his name is attached to groundbreaking research from the same site that once inspired his curiosity.



“I’m honored and privileged to have my name in science attached to the site,” he said. “As someone who used to go to Ashfall as a kid, it’s come full circle.”



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



Though Teleoceras major is extinct, studies like this reveal ancient ecosystems and modern species’ responses to threats.



The broader implications of the research go beyond rhinoceroses. By studying how ancient animals responded to environmental change, scientists can better predict the impact of climate disruptions today. 



Whether it’s ash, mercury, or climate change, the past remains a vital key to our future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-94263-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



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Ancient graveyard reveals that rhinos once lived in 'super-herds'

Twelve million years ago, vast herds of rhinoceroses grazed the...

Between 2 and 2.9 billion people worldwide cannot afford what they need to live a healthy life. These individuals do not fit traditional definitions of extreme poverty, yet they still face hardship in accessing food with enough nutrients for long-term well-being.



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919225000533?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> from the <a href="https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/1.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Göttingen</a> shows that most conventional yardsticks miss a key point: many people live above the typical “extreme poverty” threshold but cannot buy what experts call a basic healthy diet. 



The study was led by Jonas Stehl, a PhD researcher at Göttingen University’s Development Economics Research Group, who collaborated with the aid agency Misereor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-need-more-than-calories">People need more than calories</h2>



Basic living needs go beyond mere survival calories. People also require vitamins, minerals, and proteins to avoid illnesses linked to poor diets. Many policy discussions still focus on strict income cutoffs that do not include the cost of diverse foods.



This broader perspective introduces a different headcount of global poverty. By one calculation, at least 2.3 billion people fall below a new line that factors in both food variety and other essentials. 



A large chunk of humanity faces health risks simply because they cannot purchase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-health-and-diet-nutrition-helps-lower-dementia-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutritious foods</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-high-cost-of-healthy-food">The high cost of healthy food</h2>



Researchers argue that current methods fail to reflect the price of fruits, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-fruits-and-vegetables-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetables</a>, legumes, and other necessary foods. Studies by the <a href="https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/67b1e9c7-1a7f-4dc6-a19e-f6472a4ea83a/content" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food and Agriculture Organization</a> show that nutrient-rich diets often cost more than low-quality staples alone. This gap means many working families end up short on daily vitamins.



Some in wealthier nations may spend less overall on daily necessities, but they can still purchase balanced meals. Others in low-income regions might manage cheap starches yet cannot add proteins or produce. 



This imbalance can spell the difference between meeting basic nutrient targets or lacking them for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-poverty-lines-miss-real-needs">Old poverty lines miss real needs</h2>



<a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/measuringpoverty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The World Bank</a> sets a widely used cut-and-dried income line to count extreme poverty. It is useful for simpler global comparisons but leaves out dietary requirements beyond raw calorie intake. The new findings say health must be a central factor in assessing need.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-your-secret-weapon-against-aging-and-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Healthy diets</a> cost more than a single universal figure can capture. Prices change based on location, food availability, and purchasing power. Diet-related disease burdens also vary, making a single yardstick less effective in reflecting true welfare.



“There are billions of people who are not classified as extremely poor by current standards, yet they cannot afford food for adequate nutrition and other basic needs, overlooking the long-term health consequences of malnutrition,” said Stehl. He added that traditional measures should be reconsidered to direct resources more precisely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-food-harms-people-and-society">Poor food harms people and society</h2>



Health impacts stretch far beyond the individual. Research published in <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(19)30041-8/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet</a> found that undernutrition and diet-linked illnesses contribute to high medical expenses, reduced labor output, and stunted childhood development. Societies bear additional burdens when large groups cannot afford the cost of healthy food.



Food assistance projects, micronutrient fortification programs, and cash transfers often aim to tackle these problems. However, efforts can fall short if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-diets-linked-to-education-and-food-access/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poverty lines</a> fail to identify who needs help with healthy diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-non-food-essentials">Role of non-food essentials</h2>



The same study highlights that the expense of meeting non-food basics is also crucial. People need more than food - they also require housing, electricity, school fees, and healthcare.



A new poverty benchmark should account for both food and these other core needs to give a more accurate picture of deprivation.



If a household’s income only covers calories from cheap staples, they may still face undernutrition and struggle to pay for medicine or transportation. That shortfall harms productivity and can lock future generations into hardship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policies-must-reflect-real-costs">Policies must reflect real costs</h2>



Policymakers often rely on conventional international poverty lines to plan social support. 



The researchers’ findings suggest that billions of people remain overlooked because their incomes sit above outdated baselines. Officials could fine-tune global and local programs by adding a healthy-diet cost to official thresholds.



Certain governments have already started adjusting their calculations. Specialists hope more will follow, especially where malnutrition persists despite moderate overall growth. Shifting the conversation could help spark new investment in farm output, market efficiency, and safety nets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-healthier-diets-help-economies">Why healthier diets help economies</h2>



Balanced nutrition is <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33343003/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> with stronger immune systems, better brain function, and improved school performance for children. Workers become more productive and health expenses often drop. 



Recognizing the real cost of these diets can steer governments, charities, and donors toward more impactful solutions.



A person might be working multiple jobs yet still remain food-insecure if healthy items are priced out of reach. That reality calls for creative policy, such as subsidizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ditch-the-diet-trends-for-a-healthier-relationship-with-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient-rich foods</a> or offering direct financial support to low-income families.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-the-cost-of-healthy-food">Reducing the cost of healthy food </h2>



Experts say updating poverty metrics to include the cost of a balanced diet aligns with the human right to adequate food. Focusing only on a single daily dollar amount does not capture the real gap that blocks better health and fuller lives.



Governments and aid groups can use this knowledge to push for market policies that reduce prices on nutritious staples, boost local production, or provide direct income programs. Measures of economic well-being can shift to something that covers more than a limited food basket.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306919225000533?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food Policy</a>.



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Billions of people can't afford healthy food despite not being 'poor'

Between 2 and 2.9 billion people worldwide cannot afford what...

In 1962, environmentalist Rachel Carson galvanized public concern with her book Silent Spring, which warned of the reproductive dangers posed by DDT - particularly to birds like the bald eagle. Now, six decades later, scientists are sounding the alarm again, and this time the focus is on mercury contamination. 



Once more, birds are the primary concern - specifically, penguins living on the icy fringes of Antarctica.



“With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mercury-emissions-from-human-activities-are-declining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mercury</a>, there’s an analogy to DDT,” said John Reinfelder, professor of environmental sciences at <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutgers University</a> and co-author of a new study.&nbsp;



“In the 1960s, we were discovering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-legacy-decades-old-ddt-found-in-deep-sea-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DDT</a> in remote places where it wasn’t being used. It’s a similar story today with mercury. There are no human sources near the Southern Ocean, but because of long-distance transport through the atmosphere, it has the potential to accumulate in penguins.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-reach-of-mercury-contamination">Global reach of mercury contamination</h2>



Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that builds up in the food chain, especially in aquatic ecosystems. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steller-sea-lions-threatened-by-rising-mercury-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fish-eating animals</a> - including penguins - are at high risk. Chronic exposure can impair reproduction and damage the nervous system. In high enough doses, mercury contamination is lethal.



To understand how far mercury has traveled - and how much has made it into remote food chains - Reinfelder and Rutgers postdoctoral researcher Philip Sontag analyzed feathers from three penguin species collected on Anvers Island in the West Antarctic Peninsula.&nbsp;



The feathers, taken during the 2010–2011 breeding season, were gathered by William Fraser of the <a href="http://holtzmanwildlifefoundation.org/project/polar-oceans-research-group" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar Oceans Research Group</a>. Due to agricultural safety regulations, the samples remained in storage for over a decade before they could be analyzed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-contamination-in-penguins">Mercury contamination in penguins</h2>



The team measured not only mercury concentrations, but the isotopic signatures of carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 in the feathers. 



These isotopes offer important clues: carbon-13 reveals where a penguin has been feeding, while nitrogen-15 indicates its position in the food chain. Together, these data points help pinpoint both the source and degree of mercury exposure.



Adelie and gentoo penguins showed relatively low mercury levels - among the lowest recorded in Southern Ocean penguins. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chinstrap-penguins-take-over-10000-micro-sleeps-per-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinstrap penguins</a>, however, stood out with significantly higher levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-more-about-penguin-ecology">Learning more about penguin ecology</h2>



Sontag believes their feeding behavior explains the difference in mercury contamination among penguin species. 



Unlike the other two species, chinstraps tend to migrate to lower latitudes during the winter, where mercury levels are higher.



“These data give us a way to learn not only about mercury accumulation, but about penguin ecology more broadly,” Reinfelder said.



The finding is also notable because it’s the first study to identify carbon-13 - not nitrogen-15 - as the stronger predictor of mercury levels in penguins across the Southern Ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-contamination-lingers">Mercury contamination lingers</h2>



Although mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants have decreased thanks to global efforts like the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/minamata-convention-mercury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minamata Convention on Mercury</a> - signed by 140 countries in 2013 - mercury is still being released into the environment, especially through small-scale gold mining.&nbsp;



In many developing regions, miners use elemental mercury to extract gold from ore. This releases over 1,000 tons of the toxin each year into air, water, and soil.



A recent <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2401950121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found that atmospheric mercury levels dropped by 10% from 2005 to 2020, a promising trend largely attributed to the decline of coal-burning power stations. But mercury already in the environment can linger, circulating through the ocean’s vast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weakening-ocean-currents-could-cost-trillions-of-dollars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currents</a> and entering food webs in even the most isolated regions of the planet.



“Just like DDT in the 1960s, the scientific community today is focused on monitoring mercury,” Reinfelder said. “Are we going to see a decrease in levels in the fish that people and animals eat? That's the hope.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penguins-as-pollution-sentinels">Penguins as pollution sentinels</h2>



For researchers, penguins are more than charismatic wildlife - they are living indicators of global pollution including that of mercury contamination. Their feathers provide a snapshot of the environments they’ve traveled through and the toxins they’ve absorbed.



Sontag and Reinfelder’s findings add a new layer to our understanding of how pollutants like mercury travel through ecosystems. By linking penguin foraging behaviors with their mercury burden, the study offers both a warning and a call to action.



“Before this study, we didn't know that penguins migrating farther north had higher exposures to mercury,” Reinfelder noted.



In a world still grappling with the consequences of industrial pollution, these birds are once again showing us what’s at stake.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004896972405304X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of the Total Environment</a>.



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Penguins are threatened by mercury contamination

In 1962, environmentalist Rachel Carson galvanized public concern with her...

Life is too short for matching socks! These socks are knit in the USA with recycled cotton yarn and mismatched with care. Available in three sizes. Read more Overview Water Lily socks come in a soothing mix of cool blues and soft greens, with a subtle hint of a pale pink. Colors in the Water Lily socks: kelly green, navy blue, pale pink, lime green, and turquoise. Whether you wear them all day at work, when relaxing at home or to keep your feet warm at night, these socks will brighten any day. Features & Benefits: Socks knit with recycled cotton yarn Mismatched with care Keeps your feet comfortable and warm year round Machine washable and dryable Made in the USA from recycled materials Size Options: Small: Women's 6 - 8, Men's 5 - 7 Medium: Women's 8 - 10, Men's 7 - 9 Large: Women's 10 - 12, Men's 9 - 11 Socks fit true to size. Small, medium and large corresponds to shoe sizes above. If you are on the cusp between sizes and wondering which size to order, these socks will shrink a little but they also stretch. So if you like your socks to fit snug then opt for the smaller size, and if you don't like socks to fit snug then go for the larger size. You can machine wash and dry these socks. Water Lily socks are knit with pre-shrunk, colorfast cotton yarns. The colors will not run or fade. Eco friendly Water Lily socks are knit from recycled materials. The recycled cotton yarn is created by recovering the scraps left over from the production of cotton t-shirts. All the little cotton scraps are gathered, ground up and spun into yarn. Using recycled cotton reduces the amount of cotton waste sent to landfills. Using recycled cotton yarn also reduces the amount of water, land use, pesticides and herbicides used to grow new cotton fibers as well as eliminates the need for harmful chemicals to dye virgin cotton yarn. This recycled yarn is certified by Oeko-Tex to be free of harmful toxins. Locally made Sock design, knitting and finishing final touches are all completed at small family-owned businesses in Vermont, North Carolina, and Oregon.

Water Lily Recycled Cotton Socks

Life is too short for matching socks! These socks are...

If you have drafty or single-pane windows, consider using this plastic shrink-film as insulation. It is clear and not visible after installation. Insulates up to five 36" x 60" windows. Read more Overview You might not think that this thin plastic will help insulate, but it's the trapped air between the pane and the plastic that does the insulating. This air pocket will double the insulating properties of your window. To install, fix the double-sided tape around the inside of your window frame, press the plastic onto it, and trim the excess with scissors. Now gently heat the plastic using a blow dryer and it'll draw completely tight and smooth, with no wrinkles. Application can be done by 1 person, and takes 5-10 minutes per window. In the spring, you can remove the tape and plastic easily without harming the window frame.

Window Insulator Kit

If you have drafty or single-pane windows, consider using this...

Watch your neighborhood birds nest from the comfort of your home! This little box is handcrafted in Maine and comes with species specific literature and instructions. Read more Overview Attach this nest box to your window and observe the nesting process from within your home. The back of the nesting box has a clear plastic panel which mounts securely to your window via two suction cups. Features & Benefits: Great nest box for most common backyard birds 1.5-inch round entrance hole invites birds in and keeps predators out Equipped with ventilation holes to regulate interior temperature Dimensions: 9" H x 6-1/4" W x 5" D Constructed from durable eastern white pine Made in the USA About the Window Nest Box Handcrafted in Maine by Coveside Conservation, our nest boxes are correct in every detail for each species, and comes with species specific literature and mounting instructions. Product Quality: Customers tell us again and again that the Coveside products are "the best on the market" with the unique rougher-head finish and secure construction. Environmental Concern: Dimensions are correct for each species and care is given to ventilation and drainage for the well being of the inhabitants. Sustainable Lumber: Made from eastern white pine which is preferable because it is a second-growth tree and it regenerates quickly. Educational Materials: Each product comes with a brochure and a card telling about the wildlife inhabitant that will use it, recommending ideas for location and suggestions for maintenance procedures. Experts Select: Coveside habitats were selected to be on permanent display in the United States Arboretum National Bird Garden in Washington, DC and the American Horticultural Society's Wildlife Garden in Virginia.

Window Nest Box

Watch your neighborhood birds nest from the comfort of your...

Woolly "Down" Pillows are similar to down feather pillows, but with more substance. Each pillow is made with tiny wool puffs, which you can move around and shape into any form desired. Read more Overview Each Woolly "Down" Pillow is handmade and filled with soft wool puffs. All the breathable benefits of wool, plus soft, squishable support similar to a down-feather pillow. Unlike down, however, these wool puffs are grown and safely sheared from the sheep year after year. The organic cotton cover features a side zipper, so you can remove or add wool to change the thickness of the pillow. By shaping your pillow to suit your own preferences, you will enjoy a comfortable, restful sleep. Features & Benefits: Easy to mold and holds shape better than down feathers Adjust pillow's thickness by adding or removing wool Filled with 100% Northeast Eco-Wool puffs Organic cotton zippered cover Resistant to dust mites Easier to wash than other wool products and will not compress Machine washable (gentle with special instructions) Handmade in the USA Size Options: Standard (20" x 24", 30-33 oz) Queen (20" x 29", 36-39 oz) King (20" x 35", 42-45 oz)

Woolly "Down" Pillows

Woolly "Down" Pillows are similar to down feather pillows, but...