Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits. https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3 Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination. Researchers Smriti Gaur...

A recent study has discovered a surprising behavior in lemon leafcutter ants (Atta sexdens). These ants not only exhibit social immunity - the ability to detect and remove pathogens to protect their colony - but also appear to remember past infections and respond more aggressively to familiar threats.



The research, led by <a href="https://www.international.unesp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">São Paulo State University</a> (UNESP), reveals that leafcutter ants can recognize a pathogenic fungus they have previously encountered, even 30 days after the initial exposure. 



When re-exposed, they intensify their cleaning behaviors and recruit more workers, a phenomenon researchers suggest could be considered a form of “social immune memory.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-superorganism-s-defense-mechanism">A superorganism’s defense mechanism</h2>



“If we think of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/larger-ant-colonies-drove-the-evolution-of-worker-castes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a> as a superorganism, these behaviors would be like the immune system,” said first author Aryel Goes, a former bioscience student at UNESP. “In the same way that our defense cells attack invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, the workers fight infections that could harm the colony.”



The study shows that, unlike individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-lockdowns-weakened-our-immune-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">immune systems</a> in animals, ants respond to infections collectively.&nbsp;



“What we’re showing is that the social immune system of ants can store information about previous infections with the same pathogen, a phenomenon seen in our immune cells, but which occurs at a behavioral level in ant colonies,” Goes said.



To test this idea, the researchers conducted several experiments to observe how ants responded to repeated exposures to the same pathogen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-stronger-response-to-familiar-threats">A stronger response to familiar threats</h2>



In one experiment, the team exposed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-extinction-led-to-the-emergence-of-ant-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant colonies</a> to a pathogen, then reintroduced it after seven days and again after a month. The ants' response became significantly stronger over time, with the most intense reaction occurring at the 30-day mark. 



More ants participated in cleaning activities, both grooming themselves and removing the harmful fungus from the fungi they cultivate for food.



Lemon leafcutters belong to a group of ants that maintain a mutualistic relationship with fungi, cultivating them inside their colonies as a food source. In return, the fungi provide essential nutrients for the ants.



As part of the study, researchers tested four different pathogens - two harmful to the ants themselves and two that targeted their cultivated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungus-farming-ants-work-hard-to-maintain-healthy-gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungi</a>.&nbsp;



In another experiment, the scientists exposed separate colonies to a pathogen, then reintroduced it after seven days and again after 60 days. This time, the ants' responses were noticeably weaker compared to those that encountered the pathogen after 30 days.



“Unlike our immune system, which in some cases responds expressively to a specific pathogen even many years after initial exposure, ants’ social immune memory has a shorter time frame, so they need to be constantly exposed to the pathogen for the information to persist,” explained Goes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-ants-recognize-specific-pathogens">Do ants recognize specific pathogens?</h2>



The researchers also tested whether the ants' memory-like response was pathogen-specific. In a third experiment, they exposed the ants to one pathogen, then introduced a different pathogen after seven days. The ants' response to the second pathogen was much weaker than their reaction to the original one.



The following week, the researchers reintroduced the first pathogen. While the ants reacted, their response was only moderate - similar to their first encounter with the pathogen, but far less intense than when the pathogen had been reintroduced after 30 days.



Rodrigues suggested that this behavior could be a strategy to prevent accidentally spreading a new pathogen within the colony. “One hypothesis is that the lemon leafcutter reduced its hygienic response to avoid spreading the new pathogen to the rest of the colony.&nbsp;



This is because cleaning altruism, in which ants lick each other to get rid of pathogens, can also spread new contaminants. That’s why they would have been more careful with a second infection that was completely new to the colony,” he explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-ants-respond-to-unknown-substance">Do ants respond to unknown substance?</h2>



To ensure that the ants’ response was indeed triggered by pathogens and not simply by exposure to an unfamiliar substance, the researchers applied a harmless solution to five colonies as a control.&nbsp;



The ants in this group showed the weakest response of all the experiments, suggesting that the ants can distinguish between different substances and respond more aggressively to harmful pathogens.



The study raises the possibility that social immunity in leafcutter ants could increase the efficiency of pathogen removal, improving the colony’s overall survival. However, more research is needed to determine whether this actually qualifies as a form of immune memory.



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



Leafcutter ants, including Atta sexdens, thrive in open environments and have adapted well to agricultural landscapes, making them a common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pest</a> in monoculture farming.&nbsp;



Their strong cleaning behaviors pose a challenge to biological control methods that rely on natural pathogens rather than chemical pesticides.



“Lemon leafcutters are adapted to open areas, so they benefit from monocultures and are a pest. Their cleaning behavior is one of the obstacles to effective biological control without the use of chemical insecticides. Understanding the social immunity of leafcutters can help to develop more effective and ecologically correct controls,” Rodrigues concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.1097" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>.



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Leafcutter ants remember past infections, strengthening colony defenses

A recent study has discovered a surprising behavior in lemon...

For more than 20 years, scientists have puzzled over an unusual trait in thorny skates in the North Atlantic. 



In some parts of their range, these fish appear in two distinctly different sizes, regardless of their sex. Researchers were unable to determine the cause of this phenomenon - until now.



A new study led by Jeff Kneebone and a team from the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Museum of Natural History</a> has finally solved the mystery, thanks in part to unexpected disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-longstanding-conservation-puzzle">A longstanding conservation puzzle</h2>



The size discrepancy among thorny skates has been noted for nearly a century, but the issue became especially significant in the 1970s when their populations began to plummet. Suspecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-has-caused-a-50-decline-in-sharks-and-rays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overfishing</a> as the main culprit, authorities implemented a strict fishing ban on thorny skates and barndoor skates in 2003.



“The barndoor skate rebounded to the point where they’re now allowed to be harvested again, but for whatever reason, the thorny skate has remained low, despite 20 years of protection,” said Kneebone, a senior scientist at the <a href="https://www.neaq.org/conservation-and-research/anderson-cabot-center-for-ocean-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life</a> at the New England Aquarium.



Data from the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> indicates that thorny skate populations have declined by 80% to 95% in some regions, particularly in the Gulf of Maine and Canadian waters off the Scotian Shelf.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-thorny-skates">The mystery of thorny skates </h2>



Thorny skates have an extensive distribution, ranging from South Carolina to the Arctic Circle and across to Europe and Russia. However, the size variation appears to be unique to North American waters; in the Arctic and Europe, thorny skates only appear in one size.



“No one could understand what the deal was with these skates,” said study co-author Gavin Naylor, director of the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/sharks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Florida Program for Shark Research</a> at the Florida Museum of Natural History. 



Researchers had previously analyzed thorny skate DNA, searching for genetic differences between the two size variants, but found nothing.&nbsp;



“The big forms are twice the size, and it takes them 11 years to reach adulthood. The small forms are mature by the time they’re six years old. There’s got to be genetic differences.”



Naylor believed a more detailed genetic analysis could uncover the answer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-samples-from-hundreds-of-thorny-skates">Samples from hundreds of thorny skates </h2>



Previous attempts to solve the mystery involved sequencing short DNA fragments from a small number of individuals.&nbsp;



While a reasonable approach, Naylor suspected it had failed because not enough of the genome had been examined. Instead, he proposed a gene capture method, an intensive approach that collects DNA sequences from thousands of genes across an organism’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-genome-size-impact-evolutionary-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a>.&nbsp;



This would require analyzing samples from hundreds of thorny skates to gather a comprehensive dataset.



Researchers from around the world responded to Naylor’s request for samples, providing more than 600 tissue specimens spanning much of the Northern Hemisphere and helping him prepare for an extensive lab analysis.



Then, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-death-toll-of-covid-19-pandemic-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 pandemic</a> shut down lab operations, halting their work indefinitely.



At that point, postdoctoral researcher Shannon Corrigan devised an alternative plan. Instead of conducting a labor-intensive gene capture study on hundreds of skates, they would sequence the full genome of just a handful - four or five individuals. While less comprehensive, it would still allow them to search for significant genetic differences.



It was a gamble. If the genome sequencing approach failed, the team would have used up their funding with no results.



“It was a Hail Mary,” Naylor said. But it paid off. In fact, had they stuck with the original plan, “we would have missed it entirely.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-key-genetic-difference">A key genetic difference</h2>



The breakthrough came when lead author Pierre Lesturgie analyzed the genome - comprising 2.5 billion base pairs. As he sifted through the data, he noticed something unusual.



“There was a large region on chromosome two that we thought was weird. Since it was behaving in a way we didn’t understand, we considered removing it from the analysis,” Lesturgie said.



Initially, he suspected the anomaly was a sequencing error and worried it might skew their results. But before discarding it, Naylor recognized a pattern - it resembled a gene inversion, where a segment of DNA is flipped in the opposite direction.



Gene inversions are common across many species, including humans, but they rarely result in such dramatic physical differences. Still, the team decided to check if this inverted DNA sequence was present in both small and large thorny skates.



It wasn’t. Only the larger skates had the inversion. They had finally uncovered the genetic basis for the size difference.



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



Now that scientists understand why thorny skates appear in two distinct sizes, Kneebone believes they can develop more effective conservation strategies.&nbsp;



The next step is to study the skates' life histories more closely - something that has been challenging due to the difficulty of distinguishing between the two types.



“We could identify the large males and females because they’re bigger than anything else,” Naylor said. Both large and small males develop distinctive long claspers on either side of their tails when they reach maturity.&nbsp;



“So when you’ve got a small male with large claspers, we know it’s an adult. But we can’t do anything with the small females because we don’t know whether they’re just babies on their way to getting big.”



This has complicated research on the species. “The big question has always been, what do the life histories of the two morphs look like? Currently, they’re not discriminated in the stock assessment, so a thorny skate is a thorny skate is a thorny skate,” Kneebone said.



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



Even with this discovery, thorny skates are still struggling in parts of their range, particularly in the Gulf of Maine. One potential factor is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.



Current evidence suggests that the two size variants may have difficulty interbreeding in areas where populations are declining. Warming ocean temperatures could be exacerbating this natural reproductive barrier.



The Gulf of Maine has experienced some of the fastest ocean warming on the planet, with sea surface temperatures rising at a rate faster than 99% of the world's oceans. This has already led to significant ecological changes, such as the collapse of cod fisheries.



Scientists are now investigating whether climate change is disproportionately affecting thorny skates compared to other skate species in the region.



“We’re trying to use the best available science to make decisions about how to best manage and sustain populations,” Kneebone concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56126-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



Image Credit: Illustration by Jorge Machuski



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DNA twist reveals why some thorny skates grow twice as large

For more than 20 years, scientists have puzzled over an...

Most people around the world are breathing air that doesn't meet basic health standards. This situation stems from various factors, including industrial emissions, power generation, and traffic-related pollutants. <a href="https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/research/planetaryhealth/meet-team" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fatimah Ahamad</a>, chief scientist and air pollution expert at Malaysia-based Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, has described serious health risks linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-weakens-brain-function-and-focus-in-daily-tasks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air conditions</a>.



One <a href="https://www.iqair.com/us/world-air-quality-report?srsltid=AfmBOooSoChiuev00y-EtkypXSduKant1aU7EdTAvXV_iuQRQDSKiPVu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> from a Switzerland-based monitoring network shows that only 17% of cities meet guidelines on safe levels of air pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-regions-struggle-with-air-pollution">Some regions struggle with air pollution</h2>



Many areas, particularly in developing regions, lack widespread monitoring stations. Some parts of Africa have only one station per 3.7 million residents, which leads to a huge gaps in data.



Experts say actual pollution in such places could be even higher than current measurements show. Additional monitors are being installed, but some regions continue to face problems associated with limited resources and expertise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-causes-millions-of-deaths">Air pollution causes millions of deaths</h2>



The <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> warns that close to 7 million people die each year from exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-alters-the-atmosphere-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unhealthy air</a>. 



"Breathing in polluted air over a long period of time can cause respiratory illness, <a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/air-pollution-linked-dementia-cases">Alzheimer's disease</a> and cancer," said Ahamad.



She believes urgent steps are needed to combat this threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-quality-and-everyday-life">Air quality and everyday life</h2>



"If you have bad water, no water, you can tell people to wait for half an hour a day, the water will come. But if you have bad air, you cannot tell people to pause breathing," said Ahamad, stressing the importance of immediate action.&nbsp;



Polluted urban centers such as Byrnihat in northeastern India show how harmful industrial emissions can be. Other places, including parts of Congo and Pakistan, continue to struggle with visible smog and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-deaths-in-india-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health concerns</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-progress">Examples of progress</h2>



Some large cities have started introducing tighter regulations on vehicle emissions. Others have upgraded public transportation and embraced cleaner forms of energy.



Beijing, Seoul, and Rybnik in Poland have seen improvements from implementing policies that limit particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide emissions. They have also invested in infrastructure that favors pedestrians and reduces congestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southeast-asia-unites-to-fight-air-pollution">Southeast Asia unites to fight air pollution</h2>



Ten Southeast Asian nations have joined forces in an <a href="https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-asean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations pact</a> that is aimed at preventing transboundary haze. This haze often comes from big forest fires that rage during dry seasons.



Though results have been mixed, these collaborative steps offer some hope. Many observers say more robust coordination is still needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-and-climate-change">Pollution and climate change</h2>



"Air pollution and climate crisis are two sides of the same coin," said <a href="https://climateandhealthalliance.org/who-we-are/our-team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shweta Narayan</a>, a campaign lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance who believes air pollution links closely to global warming.&nbsp;



High emissions often come from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Cutting those emissions can not only reduce global temperatures but also help people breathe more easily.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-2025-database-update">WHO 2025 database update</h2>



An updated resource known as the <a href="https://www.who.int/tools/air-quality-standards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 Air Quality Standards database</a> is now available to the public. It collects information on policies for major pollutants, such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, from about 140 countries.



"The updated WHO Air Quality Standards database is a crucial tool highlighting global progress in setting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> regulations to protect public health. It provides essential data for evidence-based policymaking, and helps to reduce air pollution impacts on communities worldwide," said <a href="https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/advisory-panel-members/maria-neira">Dr. Maria Neira</a>, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-increases-risk-of-major-diseases">Air pollution increases risk of major diseases</h2>



Air pollution is a known contributor to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27448464/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noncommunicable diseases</a> such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. The harm goes beyond the lungs and circulatory system, and affects multiple bodily functions.



It can also burden healthcare systems and create long-term expenses for families. Younger populations are at particular risk of developing health issues that can last well into adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-health-sectors">Role of health sectors</h2>



Several health agencies now call for more involvement from doctors, nurses, and public health workers. They say these voices can influence policymakers to keep stricter limits on harmful pollutants.



Regulations anchored in national law often succeed more than voluntary steps. Stakeholders hope that local communities will speak up and demand better air for everyone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-strategies-ahead">Cleaner strategies ahead</h2>



Experts note that stronger standards can shift industries toward less harmful operations. Stricter laws also act as a deterrent against companies that pollute without consequences.



New technology is another piece of the puzzle. Alternative energy projects and improved waste management may cut back on soot and chemical discharge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-summit-focuses-on-air-pollution-solutions">WHO summit focuses on air pollution solutions</h2>



Leaders from multiple fields will meet at the 2nd <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2025/03/25/default-calendar/second-global-conference-on-air-pollution-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health</a>, to be held in Cartagena, Colombia, in the last week of March. They plan to share updates on cutting-edge research and policy breakthroughs.



Some hope this event will spark commitments from governments to toughen air quality targets. Others believe it could encourage deeper collaboration between nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stepping-toward-a-healthier-future">Stepping toward a healthier future</h2>



Environmental hazards, including dirty air, fuel a quarter of the <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)32399-6/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global disease burden</a>. Many of these threats are preventable if cities and countries enforce new rules on industry and transportation.



Promoting better standards can save lives, reduce health care costs, and protect children for decades. Experts hope this momentum becomes a top priority at national and international forums.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-with-data">Moving forward with data</h2>



Access to reliable statistics is vital for guiding bold initiatives. Up-to-date measurements help show where pollution is highest and how policy changes bring results.



People working in research, public health, and local activism can all benefit from these insights. The development of stronger networks between scientists and lawmakers may keep the conversation going long after the conference ends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holding-polluters-accountable">Holding polluters accountable</h2>



Many grassroots movements demand that governments be firm with factories and other large polluters. Community-led activism can spark local monitoring projects and ensure that official data matches on-the-ground observations.



Addressing dirty air is a commitment to life itself. Widespread awareness and political will can make the difference.



The report was published by the <a href="https://www.who.int/tools/air-quality-standards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute</a>.



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Air pollution kills 7 million people annually

Most people around the world are breathing air that doesn't...

Increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are raising concerns about extreme weather and rising temperatures. They are also prompting scientists to examine how crops are responding to these changes, particularly in terms of yield and nutritional quality.



Global research on <a href="https://ripe.illinois.edu/blog/difference-between-c3-and-c4-plants" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C3 plants</a>, which include wheat, rice, and many vegetables, suggests that extra carbon dioxide can raise <a href="https://www.saps.org.uk/teaching-resources/resources/157/measuring-the-rate-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis rates</a> in certain species. 



That might sound like good news, but the same studies flag worrisome drops in proteins, vitamins, and minerals - sparking concerns about <a href="https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/protein-calorie-malnutrition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein-calorie malnutrition</a> and <a href="https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/protein-calorie-malnutrition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">micronutrient deficiency</a> in regions that already struggle with poor soil.



Felix D. Dakora from <a href="https://www.tut.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tshwane University of Technology</a> and fellow researchers have studied these trends to find ways to guard future harvests against the pitfalls of high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide exposure</a>.



The team examined both the reasons behind these nutrient drops and what can be done to lessen the damage. The study also highlights the ripple effects that might harm food security for billions of people across the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dual-impact-of-co2">The dual impact of CO2</h2>



Elevated carbon dioxide often <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-102209-144647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boosts</a> plant growth in C3 plants by improving water-use efficiency through lower stomatal conductance and <a href="https://cid-inc.com/blog/transpiration-in-plants-its-importance-and-applications/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transpiration</a>.



That can be a plus in regions where drought looms. Yet at the same time, certain crops end up with reduced nitrogen content, which dents the protein makeup. The research team reported a 7.4% decrease in wheat grain protein under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high carbon dioxide</a>.



Lower protein weakens the nutritional value of these grains. It may also bring about a rise in starchy components, which could lead to higher rates of diabetes in areas that already rely on carbohydrate-heavy diets. 



Some experts believe the shift in amino acids, vitamins, and mineral levels might be an even bigger worry down the road.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dioxide-lowers-crop-nutrition">Carbon dioxide lowers crop nutrition </h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature13179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> find that soil minerals, like zinc and iron, drop in grains raised in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-dioxide-rich fields</a>. 



In maize, certain studies show lower levels of iron and copper that can hinder basic human dietary needs. This is particularly alarming in places where these nutrients are already scarce.



Experts note that reduced <a href="https://www.who.int/tools/elena/bbc/biofortification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biofortification</a> traits in many crop varieties contribute to the problem. Slowed mineral uptake and altered enzyme activities also play a part. Under high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> conditions, some plants downregulate processes that normally absorb and distribute minerals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-a-healthier-harvest">Strategies for a healthier harvest</h2>



Researchers recommend selecting crop genotypes that hold onto vital elements even when gas levels climb. Some varieties appear to lose fewer nutrients, and programs aimed at improving mineral uptake could protect farmers from yield losses. 



Shifting to more legume-based meals is another option. Beans and peas rely on <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/nitrogen-fixation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">N2 fixation</a>, which generally holds better under high carbon dioxide compared to mineral nitrogen sources in fertilizers.



Tree planting can lock extra <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-has-regulated-earths-climate-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> into forests and farmland. Trees enhance soil structure and create a friendlier habitat for microbes involved in natural fertilization.



Some efforts, including large-scale planting of N2-fixing shrubs, may cut back on fertilizer use and slow the buildup of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crops-that-can-withstand-carbon-dioxide">Crops that can withstand carbon dioxide </h2>



Scientists are turning to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9570104/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) and high-tech breeding to pinpoint genetic traits that help crops cope with carbon dioxide surges. 



Tools that assess growth, water usage, and nutrient density help experts spot patterns hidden to the naked eye. By mixing big data with genomics, plant breeders can zero in on seeds that are more resilient, saving both time and resources.



AI also allows researchers to simulate future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-has-regulated-earths-climate-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> more accurately. This leads to better predictions for how certain crop lines will adapt. 



Optimizing for stronger nutrient uptake may keep harvests robust and nutritious, ensuring fewer communities suffer malnutrition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-crops-reduce-the-impacts">Diverse crops reduce the impacts</h2>



Planting diverse species that can thrive under changing conditions helps build a buffer for unpredictable swings in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-emissions-reduction-20-percent-possible-only-2-percent-economic-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>. 



Combining species with strong <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-carbon-sequestration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon uptake</a> could also reduce the negative side effects of high carbon dioxide. Drawing on local biodiversity and building varied cropping systems often stabilizes production and dietary quality.



Communities near desert regions, where farmland is fragile, might see benefits from more shrubs and trees suited to local conditions. These species could capture extra carbon while strengthening the soil for staple crops. 



Experts say small-scale experiments are already successful in certain parts of Africa, building new paths toward long-term food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-tomorrow-s-food-supply">Protecting tomorrow’s food supply</h2>



Many scientists emphasize the need to explore how carbon dioxide interacts with other factors like temperature and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-declared-ocean-pollutant-international-court-ruling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>. 



Finding ways to keep proteins, amino acids, and essential minerals from eroding will be key to meeting global nutrition standards.



Switching to diets richer in legumes and vegetables may trim <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20406-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a> from livestock. This can also bring more variety to local plates, adding proteins and minerals that cereals under carbon stress might lack.



Meanwhile, regional approaches to reforestation and soil restoration can draw down some portion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-emissions-reduction-20-percent-possible-only-2-percent-economic-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric carbon</a>.



Policy shifts will matter, too. If governments support research into better seed varieties and push for climate-smart irrigation methods, farmers will be more prepared. Collaboration between scientists, local communities, and industry groups could speed up large-scale solutions.



People who depend on common grains may have the most to lose from inaction. By staying alert to nutrient drops now, it may be possible to avoid bigger crises later. 



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095809924007355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Engineering</a>.



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Rising carbon dioxide makes crops grow bigger but less nutritious

Increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are raising concerns about...

Scientists have revealed a strange twister-like phenomenon in the quantum semimetal tantalum arsenide. The findings suggest that electrons move in swirling patterns that could reshape ideas in quantum electronics.



The research was led by Dr. Maximilian Ünzelmann, from the Universities of <a href="http://University of Würzburg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Würzburg</a> and Dresden.



Multiple collaborators from different countries combined their efforts and used specialized approaches to pinpoint these curious swirls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-swirling-electrons">Understanding swirling electrons</h2>



<a href="https://physics.weber.edu/schroeder/quantum/MomentumSpace.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Momentum space</a> focuses on a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shape-of-electrons-revealed-first-time-through-big-advance-in-quantum-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle’s energy</a> and movement direction, not its physical location. Although vortices have appeared in other settings, watching electrons form a twister-like shape in this abstract space is a major step for modern physics.



Scientists <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42005-022-01082-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previously</a> verified similar behavior in position space, where tornado-like patterns appeared as visible rotations.



The earlier evidence hinted that these loops might also arise in momentum space, but they remained undetected until now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-momentum-space">Role of momentum space</h2>



Electrons in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys4302" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum materials</a> can exhibit surprising behaviors when researchers track momentum, rather than standard coordinates. 



This approach gives a snapshot of how electrons carry orbital angular momentum, a property that influences how they interact in electronic components.



Eight years ago, <a href="https://www.pks.mpg.de/moessner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roderich Moessner</a> theorized that such structures might look like tiny smoke rings in momentum space. His idea suggested swirling motions could form whenever electrons cycle around certain atomic configurations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-quantum-electron-swirls">Detecting quantum electron swirls</h2>



The team relied on <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43586-022-00133-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy</a>, also known as ARPES, which is built on the photoelectric effect described by <a href="https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=2291185" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Albert Einstein</a>. 



"These experiments allow us to trace an important observable, the orbital angular momentum, of electrons in full 3D momentum space," noted the researchers.



The technique involves shining light onto a sample and measuring energy details of the emitted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electron-activity-in-auroras-will-help-us-understand-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrons</a> to piece together a material’s structure.



“When we first saw signs that the predicted quantum vortices actually existed and could be measured, we immediately reached out to our Dresden colleague and launched a joint project," said Ünzelmann.



"By cleverly adapting this method, we were able to measure orbital angular momentum. I’ve been working with this approach since my dissertation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-producing-the-vortex-signature">Producing the vortex signature</h2>



“The experimental detection of the quantum tornado is a testament to ct.qmat’s team spirit,” said Matthias Vojta, a professor of theoretical solid-state physics at TU Dresden.



In this environment, electrons circle in a manner that produces the vortex signature. That behavior signals fresh avenues for harnessing momentum-based features in electronic applications where electric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watching-electrons-move-1-quintillionth-of-second-attoseconds-attomicroscopy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">charge</a> may no longer be the only factor at play.



The sample of tantalum arsenide came from the US, while analytical work took place at a facility in Hamburg and included theoretical insights from a scientist in China and experimental support from a researcher in Norway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-electron-swirls-and-energy-efficient-devices">Electron swirls and energy-efficient devices</h2>



This twister-like phenomenon might pave the way for <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-023-02183-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orbitronics</a>, a concept in which electrons’ orbital <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/altermagnetism-third-form-of-magnetism-existence-confirmed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">motion</a> could move information through devices. 



Researchers predict that tapping into orbital torque might lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-electron-dancing-allowed-new-molecular-design-rules/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> losses compared to standard charge-based electronics.



Such technology could lead to faster components that generate less heat, a critical concern as devices pack in more processing power. 



While it remains early in the discovery process, the swirling motion in tantalum arsenide shows promise for these future designs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-swirls-reveal-new-possibilities">Quantum swirls reveal new possibilities </h2>



These results deepen our view of quantum materials by displaying electron activity in three-dimensional momentum space. The swirl patterns highlight how fundamental physics can unveil novel approaches in information transfer.



The research continues as the team explores exotic materials with similar vortex-like phases. The work is part of a broader push to understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electron-movement-seen-atomic-level-quantum-microscopy-material-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrons</a> behave under different symmetry conditions, possibly revealing even more unusual quantum states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthroughs-in-quantum-technology">Breakthroughs in quantum technology </h2>



Future research will test whether tantalum arsenide or comparable materials can fuel next-generation orbital circuits. 



Investigators hope that observing additional swirling effects might inspire design breakthroughs in quantum technologies.



Experts are also applying <a href="https://research.physics.illinois.edu/QI/Photonics/tomography-files/tomo_chapter_2004.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum tomography</a> to piece together more details about these swirling electron states. Each advance could spark new theories or practical components that rely on momentum, angular momentum, and energy in ways never seen before.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.15.011032" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review X</a>.



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Swirling electrons could power future technology

Scientists have revealed a strange twister-like phenomenon in the quantum...

Frozen meals help maintain kitchen efficiency by keeping food safe for extended periods. However, the thawing process can change the quality of food in subtle ways.



A new study took a close look at emerging solutions that can keep frozen meals safe and appetizing. The study was led by Dr. Gülşah Çalışkan Koç from <a href="https://www.nku.edu.tr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University</a>, who studied a range of thawing methods for frozen foods.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/freezing-bread-could-make-it-healthier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freezing</a> adds shelf life by slowing chemical activity and restricting the growth of microorganisms (organisms too small to be seen by the human eye). This means that frozen items stay edible for longer.



However, large crystals often form when food is frozen slowly. These can puncture cell structures and cause issues like flavor changes or a mushy texture. 



In contrast, smaller ice crystals typically form when food freezes rapidly, and this tends to reduce the internal damage to the food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faster-thawing-to-maintain-freshness">Faster thawing to maintain freshness</h2>



Cold air thawing in the refrigerator is simple and works well when safety is a top concern. Yet this method can take over a day for bigger cuts to defrost, which can be frustrating in busy kitchens.



<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/big-thaw-safe-defrosting-methods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Still-water thawing</a> tends to be a little faster. However, nutrients can leak out into the water, and in some cases the outer surface warms long before the interior.



There is an ongoing need for methods to speed up the thawing process while maintaining freshness. Reduced thawing times help minimize the risk of microbial growth.



Researchers are exploring ways to improve methods for evenly distributing heat into foods, preserving their flavors and textures. This includes innovative techniques such as high-pressure treatments, radio waves, and pulsed electric field systems, which apply high-voltage pulses between two electrodes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thawing-methods-for-frozen-foods">Thawing methods for frozen foods</h2>



High-pressure thawing keeps the temperature low while altering ice’s melting point. This cuts time and may limit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-nutrient-loss-due-to-heavy-rainfall-threatens-agriculture/">nutrient losses</a>, though it demands specialized machinery.



Radio frequency thawing uses electromagnetic fields. It heats food from inside out, which can shorten thaw times for large blocks.



Microwave thawing is convenient, but it sometimes creates hot spots on the edges or surfaces. Manufacturers recommend rotating and adjusting power to even out the heat when defrosting items using microwaves.



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0260877416304022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohmic thawing</a> pushes alternating current through the item to generate heat, and that can be more uniform than microwaves. Maintaining consistent contact between electrodes and the product helps reduce the chance that certain spots remain partially frozen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultrasound-and-electrostatic-field">Ultrasound and electrostatic field</h2>



Ultrasound-based thawing relies on acoustic waves to disrupt the boundary between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-listeria-outbreak-linked-to-frozen-dairy-shakes/">frozen</a> and thawed layers. Work with certain fruit and meat items shows faster thawing with this method, and produces lower drip loss than standard water immersion.



High-voltage electrostatic field thawing moves ions through the air and around the product to enhance convective heat exchange. The main advantage of this method is speed and reduced water loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-costs-safety-and-food-quality">Balancing costs, safety, and food quality</h2>



Equipment costs vary widely. Microwave ovens are common, but they may not suit large-scale thawing unless properly set up.



Systems like radio frequency or high-voltage setups often cost more to acquire and maintain. Even so, food producers report fewer losses, shorter thaw times, and improved final quality.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/minimally-processed-foods-cost-more-offer-no-extra-nutrition/">Food processors</a> can now choose from a menu of standard and modern thawing methods. Certain high-volume firms may prefer multi-step processes that use a quick method first, then finish with a more gentle method.



Balancing cost, speed, safety, and product appeal is a constant challenge. Each approach has pros and cons, and the choice usually hinges on budget, equipment space, and the type of food.



Rapid thawing maintains safer conditions because the food spends less time in the temperature danger zone. Less moisture loss means the product holds onto nutrients and flavor compounds.



Some technologies still need fine-tuning to tackle the problem of uneven heat distribution. But these innovations are shaping a more effective approach to thawing in both household and commercial settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-meals-that-taste-good">Fast meals that taste good</h2>



Researchers point to combination approaches as a promising way forward. Hybridizing sound waves, pressure, or electric fields may ease common snags, like burned surfaces or soggy textures.



Emerging methods are appearing in labs and pilot plants with encouraging results. Researchers remain focused on ways to keep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-foods-promote-weight-loss-regardless-of-processing/">foods</a> fresh while shaving hours off production timelines.



Consumers want meals that cook fast but taste good. Novel thawing is helping meet that demand by minimizing nutrient losses, saving energy, and improving safety.



Creative solutions remain a top interest, especially for items such as meat, seafood, and dough products.



The study was published in <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1541-4337.70136" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety</a>.



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Frozen food: New thawing methods will improve safety and quality

Frozen meals help maintain kitchen efficiency by keeping food safe...

Stress can be exhausting, making even simple tasks feel like a chore. College life piles on exams and assignments, leaving many people feeling overwhelmed. A new study shows that playing with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewards-of-dog-ownership-outweigh-the-challenges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">friendly dog</a> for just 15 minutes can lighten that emotional load.



The research was led by senior investigator Dr. Jaruwan Khonmee from <a href="https://www.cmu.ac.th/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiang Mai University</a> in Thailand and included 122 students.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-help-lower-stress">Dogs help lower stress</h2>



<a href="https://archive.org/details/psychologicalstr0000laza" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stress</a> is a feeling of mental tension triggered by tough situations, and it can drain your energy before you realize it. Over time, stress can harm your mood, focus, and physical health in multiple ways.



College students often juggle challenging courses, part-time work, and new social circles. When responsibilities pile up, anxiety can creep in and catch people off guard.



<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2485862/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cortisol</a> is a hormone that climbs when you’re tense and goes down when you’re relaxed. Lowering it can support better heart function and clearer thinking under pressure.



That’s where a quick session of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-breed-does-not-define-performance-and-ability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">canine interaction</a> steps in to break the cycle. A wagging tail or a nudge from a friendly snout can act like a natural mood lifter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dogs-helped-students">How dogs helped students</h2>



In this project, students had their heart rates, saliva samples, and stress surveys measured before and after interacting with dogs. The researchers observed significant drops in both physical and emotional stress markers once the session ended.



Compared to just moments earlier, students’ self-reported <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-suffer-from-the-january-blues-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress levels</a> decreased by 33.5% after hanging out with the pup. This quick drop demonstrates how a little interaction can go a long way.



Some participants chose to cuddle or chat with the dog, while others offered treats or toys. Even short bursts of play were enough to see a noticeable shift.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dogs-reduce-stress-levels">Dogs reduce stress levels</h2>



“Even brief interactions with dogs can significantly reduce stress levels among university undergraduate students,” concluded the researchers. They noted that stress hormones in the dogs themselves appeared to drop over time, suggesting shared benefits.



Fecal tests indicated that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-and-dogs-share-genes-linked-to-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pups</a> had lower cortisol a week after these sessions. This finding points to the possibility that dogs might also feel relaxed when spending time with attentive humans.



Crucially, none of the six dogs used were certified therapy animals. Their friendly nature alone seemed enough to help students.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-relief-through-genuine-connection">Stress relief through genuine connection </h2>



Researchers have spent years examining the human-animal bond. One <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/089279314X14072268687808" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">project</a> found that petting a calm dog cannot only slow heart rate but also quiet the mind.



A good-natured pup provides social interaction without the same judgment people fear in formal therapy settings. Students can feel understood without having to explain every feeling or worry.



These canine sessions may work in part because they tap into <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/co-regulation-helping-children-and-teens-navigate-big-emotions-202404033030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional co-regulation</a>, where two living beings calm each other. It’s less about a clinical approach and more about genuine connection.



That sense of warmth can reassure students who hesitate to seek human counseling. A dog’s presence often feels comforting, making it easier to let go of anxious thoughts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-outcomes-for-students">Encouraging outcomes for students</h2>



Not every campus has the resources to bring in certified therapy animals. This study shows that friendly, well-behaved pets might offer help even if they lack formal training.



Some universities have started hosting dog visits during final exams to give frazzled students a break. In many cases, just a few minutes can revive a tired mind.



Researchers stress the importance of ensuring dogs enjoy the interaction. Signs of anxiety or discomfort in pets could prevent the positive effects.



Preparing a calm environment, offering treats, and supervising the sessions can keep everyone happy. It’s a balancing act that respects both human and canine comfort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-stress-with-dog-visits">Managing stress with dog visits</h2>



Experts want to know if repeated dog sessions can bring lasting improvements. Longer studies might track stress relief over entire semesters to see if the benefits accumulate.



Some researchers wonder if these visits spark additional gains, like boosted motivation or a steadier mindset. Others are curious whether multiple short sessions are better than one extended visit. 



Further studies are needed to determine the ideal balance for ongoing stress management.



College life is not about to slow down, but dog visits seem promising for easing at least some of the mental load. Quick, simple sessions can offer a breather when books and deadlines pile high.



These findings encourage schools and organizations to consider how a wagging tail might bring calm to busy people. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0318777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Petting a dog might be the easiest way to reduce stress

Stress can be exhausting, making even simple tasks feel like...

As cannabis becomes more widely used with increasing legalization, new research raises concerns about its potential impact on heart health.



Two recent studies suggest that cannabis users may have a significantly higher risk of heart attacks - even among young, otherwise healthy individuals.



The findings, based on a large-scale retrospective study and a meta-analysis of past research, highlight potential cardiovascular risks that warrant further investigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-use-and-heart-attack-risk">Cannabis use and heart attack risk</h2>



The research team analyzed data from millions of individuals and found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-users-do-not-lack-motivation-or-enjoyment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cannabis users</a> under 50 were more than six times as likely to experience a heart attack compared to non-users.



The second study, which reviewed data from 12 previously published studies, confirmed an elevated risk - showing that cannabis use was linked to a 50% increase in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smoking-cannabis-significantly-increases-the-risk-of-heart-attack/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart attack</a> likelihood.



“Asking about cannabis use should be part of clinicians’ workup to understand patients’ overall cardiovascular risk, similar to asking about smoking cigarettes,” said Dr. Ibrahim Kamel, a clinical instructor at the Boston University <a href="https://www.bumc.bu.edu/camed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chobanian &amp; Avedisian School of Medicine</a>.



“At a policy level, a fair warning should be made so that the people who are consuming cannabis know that there are risks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-cardiovascular-risks">Increased cardiovascular risks</h2>



For the retrospective study, researchers examined data from TriNetX, a global health research network that compiles electronic medical records. 



During a median follow-up period of over three years, cannabis users were at much greater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steep-rise-in-cardiovascular-disease-expected-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular risk</a>. 



They were over six times more likely to have a heart attack, four times more likely to have an ischemic stroke, twice more likely to have heart failure, and three times more likely to have cardiovascular death, a heart attack, or stroke.



The participants in the study were all below 50 and free from significant cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study. 



Their blood pressure, cholesterol levels and risk of diabetes were normal, and none of them were tobacco smokers or had a history of coronary artery disease.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-positive-correlation">Strong positive correlation </h2>



The second study combined data from 12 earlier studies, examining data from more than 75 million individuals. 



Most of these studies were carried out in the United States, with some further research in Canada and India. 



Although not all studies included participant age data, those that did indicated an average age of 41.



Of the 12 studies, seven reported a strong association between cannabis use and heart attacks, four reported no significant association, and one reported a weak negative association. 



By pooling the data, the researchers established a strong positive correlation - active cannabis users were 1.5 times more likely to have a heart attack than non-users.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-of-the-research">Limitations of the research </h2>



Although the studies point to a connection between cannabis and heart health risks, they have limitations. 



The experts noted that cannabis use is often linked with other substances, such as tobacco, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-cocaine-tricks-and-hijacks-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cocaine</a>, or other illicit drugs, which could also impact cardiovascular risk.



“We should have some caution in interpreting the findings in that cannabis consumption is usually associated with other substances such as cocaine or other illicit drugs that are not accounted for,” said Dr. Kamel. 



“Patients should be forthcoming with their doctors and remember that we are their number one advocate and having the full story matters.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-cannabis-affect-the-heart">How does cannabis affect the heart?</h2>



The exact reason why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-plans-to-reclassify-marijuana-and-ease-restrictions/">marijuana</a> smoking may increase the risk of heart attacks remains unclear, but researchers have proposed several theories.



Cannabis use may influence the regulation heart rhythm, elevate oxygen demand in the heart muscle, and be a factor in endothelial dysfunction, which would make it more difficult for arteries to relax and dilate.



One of the meta-analysis studies reported that the threat of heart attack reached its peak around one hour following marijuana consumption.



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



Since both studies were limited by their retrospective design, the researchers believe more studies are needed.



Prospective studies could provide better insight into which groups face the highest risks and how cannabis interacts with other cardiovascular factors.



Previous research presented at the <a href="https://www.acc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American College of Cardiology</a>’s Annual Scientific Session in 2023 also linked daily marijuana use with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. 



With cannabis use becoming more common, especially in regions where it is legal, understanding its potential risks remains a priority for public health.



The retrospective study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.101698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JACC Advances</a>. 



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Young cannabis users face higher heart attack risk

As cannabis becomes more widely used with increasing legalization, new...

For decades, scientists believed modern humans descended from a single ancestral lineage. However, new research from the University of Cambridge challenges this view. 



Using full genome sequencing, researchers discovered that modern humans originated from two distinct populations that diverged around 1.5 million years ago and later merged.



This genetic reunion, occurring roughly 300,000 years ago, resulted in one group contributing 80% of modern human DNA, while the other provided the remaining 20%. 



These findings suggest human evolution was far more intricate than previously assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-mixing-and-evolutionary-complexity">Genetic mixing and evolutionary complexity</h2>



“The question of where we come from is one that has fascinated humans for centuries,” said Dr. Trevor Cousins from Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.gen.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Genetics</a>. 



He emphasized that while a single continuous lineage was the dominant theory, genetic evidence now reveals a more complicated history.



Professor Richard Durbin, co-author of the study, noted that these ancient groups remained separate for over a million years before recombining to form the genetic foundation of modern humans. 



This suggests our species' origins were shaped by deep evolutionary interactions rather than a straightforward lineage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-mixing-predates-neanderthals">Human mixing predates Neanderthals</h2>



Previous studies confirmed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tinshemet-cave-more-evidence-neanderthals-and-early-humans-interacted-socially/">Neanderthals</a> and Denisovans interbred with Homo sapiens about 50,000 years ago.



However, this new research highlights an earlier, more significant genetic mixing event around 300,000 years ago. 



Unlike Neanderthal DNA, which comprises roughly 2% of non-African modern human genomes, this earlier event contributed up to 20% of the genetic makeup found in all humans today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-past-with-dna">Decoding the past with DNA</h2>



The research team used modern human DNA rather than ancient fossils to reconstruct this evolutionary history. 



They analyzed data from the 1000 Genomes Project, which includes genetic samples from populations worldwide. Their approach enabled them to infer the presence of ancestral populations that left no direct fossil evidence.



By developing an advanced computational tool called cobraa, the researchers modeled how human populations split and later merged. They first tested the algorithm on simulated data before applying it to real human genetic sequences. 



This method provided fresh insights into the genetic diversity of early humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-human-population-nearly-disappeared">One human population nearly disappeared</h2>



“Immediately after the two ancestral populations split, we see a severe bottleneck in one of them - suggesting it shrank to a very small size before slowly growing over a period of one million years,” said Professor Aylwyn Scally from the Department of Genetics.



This smaller group later contributed most of the genetic material found in modern humans and was also the ancestral population from which Neanderthals and Denisovans evolved.



Meanwhile, the second population, which contributed a minority of modern human DNA, carried genes related to brain function and neural processing. 



“Some of the genes from the population which contributed a minority of our genetic material may have played a crucial role in human evolution,” said Cousins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-selection-and-genetic-compatibility">Natural selection and genetic compatibility</h2>



The experts found that genes inherited from the second <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-had-surprising-diets-3-5-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a> were often located in regions of the genome unrelated to primary gene functions. This suggests natural selection filtered out less compatible genetic traits over time.



The process, known as purifying selection, gradually removed harmful mutations, ensuring only beneficial genetic changes persisted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-study-beyond-humans">Expanding the study beyond humans</h2>



Beyond human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-homo-erectus-thrived-in-extreme-desert-landscapes-1-million-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, the researchers applied their computational model to genetic data from species such as bats, dolphins, chimpanzees, and gorillas.



They found evidence of similar ancestral population structures in some species, reinforcing the idea that evolutionary history is more intertwined than previously thought.



“What’s becoming clear is that the idea of species evolving in clean, distinct lineages is too simplistic,” Cousins explained. He suggested that interbreeding and genetic exchange likely influenced species development across the animal kingdom.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-our-ancestral-candidates">Identifying our ancestral candidates</h2>



The identities of these ancestral human populations remain uncertain. 



Fossil evidence indicates that species such as Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis lived in Africa and other regions during this period. These species could be potential candidates for the populations identified in the genetic study, but more research is needed.



Future studies aim to refine the genetic model to account for gradual genetic exchanges rather than abrupt splits and reunions. Scientists also plan to integrate their findings with fossil records to build a clearer picture of early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-lived-in-rainforests-80000-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human diversity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-understanding-of-human-evolution">Our understanding of human evolution</h2>



“The fact that we can reconstruct events from hundreds of thousands or millions of years ago just by looking at DNA today is astonishing,” said Scally. He emphasized that our evolutionary history is far richer and more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex</a> than previously imagined.



This remarkable research reshapes our understanding of human origins, proving that our past was shaped by intricate genetic interconnections rather than a single ancestral line. 



The findings open new avenues for studying evolutionary history across multiple species, offering a deeper appreciation of the forces that shaped modern life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02117-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Genetics</a>.



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Hidden chapter in human evolution revealed through genetics

For decades, scientists believed modern humans descended from a single...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. 



"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."



"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.



"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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