Category: Nature

  • Ants Remember Their Enemies and Hold a Grudge

    Memory shapes behavior throughout the animal kingdom. This is true even for ants, which not only do not forget their enemies, but are also capable of holding a grudge against them, writes Study Finds. Scientists from the University of Freiburg conducted a study in which they noticed that ants are able to form long-term memories of hostile encounters. The insects can even become angry at members of colonies that have previously attacked them.

    The study

    The study was conducted on black garden ants, which are common in Europe. They live in colonies and often interact with neighboring groups. According to scientists, each anthill has its own unique chemical signature, or odor, that allows the ants to distinguish friend from foe. When confronted with rivals, the insects can open their jaws threateningly, bite or even spray acid to kill competitors.

    The Tests

    In a series of tests, the scientists exposed individual ants to encounters with insects from other colonies. These encounters lasted just one minute each day for five days. The researchers noticed that the ants were more aggressive toward individuals from colonies they had previously fought with, and less hostile toward insects they had never encountered. The scientists are confident that the ants are capable of forming special memories for their enemies.

    The Findings

    The more often the same insects meet, the more they fight, the researchers emphasize. In addition, the ants are more likely to attack individuals that live in colonies within their foraging range. “We often have the idea that insects function like programmed robots. “Our study provides new evidence that, on the contrary, ants also learn from their experiences and can harbor malice,” said researcher Dr. Volker Nehring from the Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology Group at the University of Freiburg.

    Illustrative Photo by Syed Rajeeb: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-ants-928276/

  • The largest desert in Europe is completely covered with black sand

    When we talk about deserts, we certainly first think of the Sahara. Yes, this is the largest desert on our planet, but it turns out that our continent also has a desert, although a little different from most.

    Iceland is an island country in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is famous for both the northern lights and its numerous volcanoes. And, it turns out, it is there that the largest and most active desert in Europe is located.

    Over 44 thousand sq. km. of sandy deserts with active processes taking place in them. They are composed not of sand like that in the Sahara, but of black, which is of basaltic origin, with large impurities of volcanic glass. This sand, which covers the vast surfaces, comes from glacial-river deposits and volcanic eruptions, but also from the collapse of sedimentary rocks.

    This large area of ​​Iceland, which today has a desert character, was forested centuries ago. The country has long been experiencing a process that the UN calls “desertification.” It is the transformation of areas with lush vegetation into sandy landscapes due to climate change. And the organization believes that this is “among the greatest environmental challenges of our time.”

    So, today’s desert areas were birch forests when the Vikings settled on the island. Over the years, the landscape has continued to deteriorate due to improper land management, and today only 2% of Iceland’s territory is covered in forests. Policies are now being implemented to double this percentage by 2050.

    Meanwhile, the desert areas of the island country, covered in black sand, affect the climate of the entire continent. We often hear about winds that carry Saharan sand from thousands of kilometers away. But it is not uncommon for them to also carry Icelandic sand. Evidence of its presence has even been found in samples taken in Serbia, Euronews writes.

    Dust storms, with this “high-latitude dust”, reach different parts of continental Europe. And it turns out that they have an effect on the climate because they are dark and absorb sunlight, which leads to warming of the earth’s surface and air. And when this black sand forms a layer, even just a centimeter thick, on glaciers, it leads to their melting. In addition, it is a serious air pollutant, which also plays the role of a cause of climate change, especially in regions with glaciers. Under the melted ice blocks there is an “unlimited source of dust”, which makes the warming processes really difficult to control. And we all see the results of them.

    Illustrative Photo by Adrien Olichon: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-photography-of-sand-2387819/

  • Valencia Cut-off Low, Mobility Restrictions Intensified Due to Climate Alert in 20 Municipalities

    Burguera, November 13, 2024 — A severe weather alert has led to intensified mobility restrictions across 20 municipalities in the Comunitat, as authorities respond to the ongoing atmospheric conditions. The restrictions will be in effect from 6 PM today until 6 PM tomorrow, particularly affecting areas impacted by the DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) event that occurred on October 29.

    The municipalities under these restrictions include Alaquàs, Albal, Aldaia, Alfafar, Algemesí, Alginet, Benetússer, Beniparrell, Catarroja, Chiva, Guadassuar, L’Alcùdia, Llocnou de la Corona, Massanasa, Paiporta, Picanya, Sedaví, Torrent, Valencia (southern districts), and Xirivella. These areas are primarily located in the regions of l’Horta Sud, Ribera Alta, and Hoya de Buñol.

    Authorities have implemented these temporary and exceptional measures to ensure the safety of residents amid the adverse weather conditions, which have prompted a yellow and orange alert in various zones.

    Exceptions to the Mobility Restrictions

    While the restrictions are stringent, there are exceptions for urgent travel that is adequately justified. These exceptions include:

    • Medical Assistance: Travel to healthcare centers, services, and establishments.
    • Return to Residence: Individuals returning to their habitual or family residence.
    • Care for Vulnerable Individuals: Assistance and care for the elderly, minors, dependents, individuals with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons.
    • Force Majeure: Travel due to emergencies or situations of necessity.
    • Other Justified Activities: Any other activities of a similar nature, provided they are properly documented.

    As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to the guidelines set forth by local authorities to ensure their safety and that of others during this challenging weather event.

  • Polar bears split from brown bears 70,000 years ago, research shows

    White (polar) bears separated from their brown relatives only 70,000 years ago – relatively recently by evolutionary standards, according to a Danish study.

    A team of molecular ecologists from the University of Copenhagen has found that it was at this time that polar bears developed unique characteristics that allowed them to survive in a harsh and frosty environment.

    In their study, published in the journal BMC Genomics, the team analyzed the genomes of polar bears, brown bears and a pair of fossilized polar bears. The researchers’ goal was to learn more about the timeline associated with the development of traits such as white fur and the ability to survive a high-cholesterol diet.

    Previous research has shown that polar bears are closely related to brown bears, but until now it was not known when the two species diverged. With this study, the team from Denmark set themselves the task of finding the answer.

    Some of the main differences between brown bears and polar bears are the color of their fur, but also the types of fur. Brown bears have one layer of fur and white bears two, which helps them keep warm and dry.

    Polar bears have also developed the ability to eat fattier meat without it harming them. If brown bears were fed this way, they would develop cardiovascular disease and die young.

    To learn more about when the two species diverged, the team analyzed the genomes of the two bear species, particularly genes related to fur type and color and cardiovascular system functions.

    Comparing the genomes of 119 polar bears, 135 brown bears and the pair of fossilized polar bears, the researchers found differences dating back about 70,000 years. This suggests that they evolved their unique characteristics much sooner than previously thought.

    Specifically, the team found seven genes associated with adaptation to polar conditions. The comparison also shows that the divergence was more gradual than scientists had thought.

    The research team concluded that the differences in the genes related to the adaptation of the polar bears were probably influenced by their relatives who lived towards the end of the last ice age.

  • The sounds of the soil makes reveal the secrets of biodiversity

    Scientists at Australia’s Flinders University have found that healthy soil is a surprisingly noisy place. And deforested places or those with poor soil “sound” much quieter.

    Experts draw this conclusion thanks to a new field in science – ecoacoustics, which studies soundscapes.

    They listened to sounds made by ants, worms and other creatures living underground in South Australia to assess the relationship between soil sounds and biodiversity.

    In the Journal of Applied Ecology, the researchers describe experiments with three different types of forest patches: two deforested patches of land, two forested patches that have been reforested in recent years, and two largely untouched patches of land.

    Soil sounds were recorded during daylight hours at all six sites, and were supplemented by recordings of soil samples taken in a soundproof chamber.

    The researchers counted the number of invertebrates in each soil sample to determine how many living creatures lived at each location.

    The analysis showed greater diversity in both intact and restored sites, both of which have more complex acoustics.

    Soil sound recordings at these sites include snaps, gurgles and a variety of other sounds – evidence of the diversity and health of life below the surface. The deforested area was quieter.

    “Listening” to the soil could help identify areas in need of restoration or protection, or even warn of environmental disturbances, the researchers wrote.

    “All living organisms make sounds, and our preliminary results show that different soil organisms have different sound profiles depending on their activity, shape, limbs and size,” said Jake M. Robinson, an ecologist at Flinders University in Australia, one of the the authors of the study, cited by Besjournals.

    Illustrative Photo by Muffin Creatives: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-person-holding-sand-2203683/

  • Why do roses have thorns

    Roses are one of the most beautiful flowers, but they are distinguished not only by their colors and fragrance, but also by the fact that they have thorns. And probably at least once, while holding a rose in our hand, we have wondered what exactly their purpose is and why nature created them with them. Well, it’s been a mystery for centuries that seems to have been solved today.

    The logical explanation of science is that the thorns serve as a defense against animals that want to eat and destroy the plant. This defense mechanism is also found in other crops – such as blackberries, for example. However, the question of how this characteristic develops in different families that arise at different times remains unanswered.

    And now scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York have discovered that the presence of thorns in roses is most likely due to their DNA, and specifically to an ancient gene family known as Lonely Guy, or LOG. The genes in question have been shown to be responsible for activating the hormone cytokinin, important for basic functions at the cellular level – including division and expansion. It also plays an important role in plant growth.

    In addition, scientists claim that spines have been around for at least 400 million years. Then ferns and their other relatives begin to develop similar growths on their stems. Scientists call the emergence of spines convergent evolution and associate it with adaptation to certain needs and environmental conditions.

    Thorns and thorns are thought to have evolved as protection from herbivores, as well as to aid growth, competition between species, and water retention. And attempts at genetic engineering and creation of mutations leading to types of roses without thorns, once again clearly prove how important they are to the survival of the plant species, explains CNN.

    Now that the genes responsible for the presence of spines have been identified, the possibility of species without them is also being created by using genome editing techniques that scientists use to modify DNA in living organisms. This can, for example, lead to easier harvesting of rosebushes, as well as easier cultivation. But we also have to think about whether roses would be just as beloved to us if they were without thorns.

    Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photography-of-red-rose-15239/

  • Cruelty Free Europe urges European Commission to speed up animal testing phase-out plans after stats show stalled progress

    Animal protection NGO, Cruelty Free Europe, urges Ursula von der Leyen’s incoming European Commission to accelerate plans to phase out animal testing after the release of statistics for 2021 and 2022 showed that progress in reducing the number of animals used in science in the European Union has stalled. 

    Cruelty Free Europe are, however, pleased to see a significant decrease in the use of animals in regulatory testing (tests which prove the safety and efficacy of consumer products), which is likely to be due to an increase in the adoption of approved non-animal testing methods. This has led to a 21% decrease in the use of animals in regulatory testing since 2020. 

    European Commission statistics[1] show that there were 9.34 million tests on animals in the EU and Norway in 2022. This is an 8% decrease from 2021 to 2022, but the number of tests has also risen by 7% since 2020. 

    At 2.13 million, France carried out the most tests using animals in the EU in 2022 – a rise of 29% since 2020. Germany conducted 1.73 million tests and Norway 1.41 million (95% of which involved fish). Spain conducted 1.12 million tests on animals, an increase of 53% on their 2020 total. 

    These top four countries accounted for 68% of the total number of tests involving animals in the EU in 2022. 

    There was a small decrease in tests which were reported to have caused ‘severe suffering’, from 2020 to 2022, but a significant increase of 19% in tests which caused moderate suffering (the second highest level of pain), to over 3.71 million. Overall, the number of tests causing moderate or severe suffering to the animals involved totalled 49%.  

    From 2020 to 2022, there were increases in the uses of: 

    • Dogs – up 2% to 14,395 
    • Monkeys – up 5% to 7,658 
    • Horses, donkeys and cross-breeds– up 5% to 5,098 
    • Rabbits – up 8% to 378,133 
    • Goats – up 69% to 2,680 
    • Pigs – up 18% to 89,687 
    • Reptiles – up by 74% to 5,937 
    • Cephalopods (e.g., squid and octopus) – up by 65% to 2,694

    There were also decreases in the uses of: 

    • Cats – down 15% to 3,383 
    • Ferrets – down 27% to 941 
    • Guinea pigs – down 23% to 86,192 
    • Sheep – down 12% to 17,542

    There was a decrease in some of the tests included on the RAT (Replace Animal Tests) List[2], created by Cruelty Free Europe founder, Cruelty Free International – a list of regulatory tests that have accepted and reliable non-animal replacements and could be ended immediately. For example, the number of skin and eye irritation, skin sensitisation and pyrogenicity tests fell in 2022 but still amounted to over 55,000. Shockingly, there was an 18% increase (to 49,309 procedures) in the use of the cruel and archaic ascites method of producing antibodies, a test which causes the most severe level of suffering. 

    The European Commission, in response to Cruelty Free Europe’s 2020 European Citizens’ Initiative, ‘Save Cruelty Free Cosmetics – Commit to a Europe Without Animal Testing’[4], promised last year to develop a roadmap to phase-out animal testing for chemical safety assessments [3]. Last month, in partnership with a group of animal protection NGOs, Cruelty Free Europe led a meeting with key stakeholders from across the European Union as a critical step towards creating a roadmap to end animal testing in Europe. 

    Cruelty Free Europe’s Head of Public Affairs, Dylan Underhill, said: “These new statistics show how important it is for the European Commission to continue and accelerate its work to end animal testing in Europe. As we enter a new cycle of politics in the European Union it is absolutely vital that we build on the work that has already been done, and double our efforts to speed up progress. We urge the Commission President to press upon her incoming Commissioners the importance of the mission to phase out animal testing, and will be calling on all of them to make this issue a shared priority.  

    “The 1.2 million people who signed our European Citizens’ Initiative illustrated the strength of feeling that there is on this issue, and we stand ready to help the European Commission take the bold steps forward that we need to reflect public opinion. Without this, we will be condemned to a never-ending cycle of stagnation and small reductions, when what we need is transformative change.” 

  • Do you know why sea water is salty?

    Seawater is salty because it contains a high concentration of dissolved mineral salts deposited in the rivers that flow into the oceans and seas. To be more precise, 1 liter of water contains about 35 g of salt. These mineral salts are the result of the erosion of rocks deposited in the sea over the years, causing it to reach a certain salinity index. This theory was introduced by the English scientist Edmund Halley.

    The process begins when the carbonic acid present in rainwater comes into contact with the rocks. This chemical compound, which results from the mixing of carbon dioxide in the air with water, has the ability to corrode the rocks on which it falls. The resulting ions are deposited in rivers and later end up in seas and oceans, producing their characteristic salinity.

    In addition to this deposition of eroded rock, other secondary phenomena contribute to seawater salinity: water evaporation, volcanic eruptions, ice melting, and hydrothermal vents.

    What is the chemical composition of salt in seawater?

    Seawater salt contains more than 80 of the 118 elements of the periodic table, making it an excellent mineral source for the human body. In it you can find:

    * chlorine, sodium, magnesium, potassium, bromine, calcium, boron, strontium and fluorine

    * trace elements such as iron, manganese, copper, iodine, silicon and phosphorus

    * zooplankton and phytoplankton.

    Are all seas equally salty?

    The degree of salinity of the sea depends on its latitude. In colder areas such as the Arctic Ocean, the salt concentration is lower compared to tropical areas such as the Caribbean Sea, where the salt concentration is higher. This is due to the evaporation of water by solar energy.

    Similarly, in areas where it rains frequently, the salinity level is low, as is the case in the Baltic Sea. There we may find areas where the composition is only 0.6% salinity. On the other hand, areas with lower water flow may have higher salinity, as is the case in the Red Sea.

    What is the salinity of the Dead Sea?

    Despite its name, the Dead Sea is not a sea, but an inland lake, as it has no coastline. Its salinity level is 35%. That is why it is called the sea. It is located on the border between Jordan and Israel and is the fifth saltiest body of water in the world with a depth of over 300 meters.

    Is it possible to desalinate seawater?

    Desalination is the process of making potable water from salt water. The main purpose of seawater desalination is to meet the needs of this resource for the population that does not have easy access to fresh water. While two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is water, only 1% is suitable for human consumption. This is why the desalination process is necessary to secure this vital resource.

    The reverse osmosis method is the most widely used in the world to reduce salt levels in water. This is done by pressurizing salt water to trap the dissolved salt particles in a semi-permeable membrane.

    There are other methods, including:

    * freezing, where water freezes and pulverizes to form ice crystals on brine, which are then separated to produce fresh water

    * distillation, where water is heated to the point of evaporation and then condensed to extract fresh water

    * instantaneous evaporation, in which water enters a chamber as droplets, the saturation pressure of which is low; they turn into steam that condenses to produce desalinated water.

    Illustrative Photo by Asad Photo Maldives: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bird-s-eye-view-of-sea-water-1456291/

  • Understanding canine attachment

    Every dog has its own unique way of expressing its emotions, but one of the most universal and common gestures is licking or “kissing”. Although it may seem like a simple and instinctive action, there is often much more behind it! Understanding why our four-legged friends lick us can provide valuable insight into their behavior and strengthen the bond you have with your four-legged companion.

    Affection and love

    One of the most common reasons why dogs lick their loved ones is to express their affection. This behavior begins in the first years of your furry friend’s life – licking is the puppies’ means of communication, by which they attract their mother’s attention. And because dogs are social animals, just like us, they crave interaction and bonding with those they love. When your pet showers you with kisses, you usually respond with gentle gestures like a hug, verbal praise, or even a treat—just like his mom would. This reciprocal exchange of affection forms the foundation of a trusting and loving relationship.

    Giving kisses also triggers the release of endorphins – in both dogs and humans. These are hormones associated with pleasure and well-being that reinforce positive feelings and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. The next time your dog licks your face or hands, know that it’s not just a random act, but rather an intentional gesture rooted in his instinctive need for social bonding.

    Attention seeking

    Licking can also be your dog’s way of getting your attention to start a game or get a little cuddle. This behavior is ingrained in quadrupeds from an early age – as mentioned, pups lick their mother’s snout to get attention, food and care. So if your pet is feeling bored or lonely, they may resort to licking as a means of seeking stimulation and company.

    And if your pet receives positive feedback or your attention when it licks you, it will likely continue this behavior as a means of seeking affection and approval. This means that over time, giving kisses becomes a learned behavior that strengthens the bond with your pet.

    Communication

    Contrary to popular belief, licking is not always a sign of affection. Sometimes it can be a form of communication to express discomfort. Four-legged friends have their own personal boundaries and may use licking as a way to establish and enforce them. If your four-legged friend suddenly starts licking you excessively when you pet or hug him, it could be a sign that he’s feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable with the level of physical contact. In this case, licking serves as a subtle way for your pet to communicate that it needs space.

    In conclusion, understanding why dogs give kisses involves decoding their body language and interpreting their intentions. By carefully observing your four-legged companion’s behavior and responding appropriately, you can strengthen your bond with him. So, the next time your furry companion wets your cheek, take a moment to appreciate the deeper meaning behind this gesture!

    Illustrative Photo by Bethany Ferr: https://www.pexels.com/photo/dog-licking-the-face-of-a-man-5482835/

  • Concern for creation in religions

    By Martin Hoegger, www.hoegger.org

    We cannot separate respect for the earth from the quality of human life. A “zoom in” on the relational aspect of nature in various religious traditions was the theme of a round table during the interreligious conference organized by the Focolare Movement (June 2024)

    Stefania Papa, from the University of Campania and active in “Eco-one” (Focolare ecological initiative), highlights the importance of this relational aspect of nature. Putting yourself in this logic offers an invaluable resource for change.

    She wonders how come two trees can live next to each other. And why do smaller trees, with less light, continue to live?  The answer is that there is close cooperation between them. But, through their activities, humans have modified more than half of the functioning of the ecosystem. It has created impacts with global consequences.

    Harmony, essence of nature

    For her, the true essence of nature is not exploitation but harmony. “We are nature, but we have placed ourselves outside of it, without sensitivity. However, the value of a human being does not come from what he knows or what he has, but from his ability to go beyond himself,” she says.

    Europe is a melting pot of immense variety. Diverse religions offer wisdom resources to promote sustainability. Many initiatives have emerged in recent years in the Focolare Movement. S. Papa gives some examples: in Sicily, a pact of collective responsibility was drawn up; more than 600 trees were planted. In Switzerland, a significant reduction in electricity consumption was made in a meeting center thanks to solar panels. In Hungary, a bicycle collection was carried out for people in need. “These are small actions, but they have a significant impact and color the sky with rainbows,” she concludes.

    The sacred forest

    Charles Fobellah, director of three schools in Cameroon, is a traditional leader of the Bangwa people, where Focolare spirituality flourishes. He explains that, in his culture, the sacred forest is at the center of spiritual life. It is reserved for worship and must not be inhabited or cultivated. A place of palaver, meetings and burials of princes, it is also a place of communion with God, where we ask him for protection and blessing. For its people, peace is a community affair. A person is at peace when he or she is in right relationship with God, nature and others.

    The “Dice of Love”

    Stella John, a member of the Focolare Movement in Pakistan,shares an experience of putting the Golden Rule into practice with children from very modest backgrounds, using the “love dice”. Each week a different motto is lived from this dice. Parents are surprised to see their children doing good deeds at home and with their friends. Praying for peace has also become a daily gesture to open oneself to the suffering of humanity. Just as respect for creation is infused in a concrete way, for example by avoiding the use of plastic. Just as the practice of forgiveness restores harmony to our relationships, we must seek harmony with creation.

    Together for a greener Africa

    The “Together for a Greener Africa” project brings together Lilly Seidler on stageand Samer Fasheko, from Germany, with Valentine Agbo-Panzo , from Benin . In the spirit of universal fraternity, this association wants to bring positive changes to nature. It is an interfaith project bringing together people from various countries. Some examples are given: installation of solar panels in hospitals and schools, construction of wells, installation of refrigeration systems, among others.

    Nature and monastic life

    Chintana Greger, a Buddhist nun from Thailand, began a path to inner peace while she was a student. She fought for peace and fraternity with anger and frustration. Discouraged, she decided to give up this fight. But, a monk guided her, and after the death of her father, she withdrew into solitude and practiced Vipasana meditation. She then decided to become a nun. Monastic life allowed her to lead a life closer to nature, in a monastery of 500 people.

    “Without meditation, our lives are disordered. Eating little, talking little, sleeping little, using only what is essential for life, practicing meditation diligently and mindfulness bring flavor to life,” she says. She notes that living to the rhythm of nature promotes meditation. “Nature is our life. When peace comes, wisdom follows. Renouncing self-centeredness is the greatest happiness.”

    A path of harmony

    An interfaith group from Argentina, led by Silvina Chemen, a rabbi in Buenos Aires, presents its activities. “We can no longer live without each other,” she said happily. “Days of peace” were organized, as well as pilgrimages to Israel, Shabbats experienced together, as well as shared readings of the Gospel, the Pentateuch and the Koran. Its members invite each other to Christian Easter and Jewish Passover, as well as to the fast-breaking meal during Ramadan.

    A woman experiencing this for the first time said “here there is God”. The group also engages in charitable activities distributing food, blankets and clothing. After the tragedy of October 7, Jews, Christians and Muslims lived Shabbat together so as not to allow this situation to divide them. “The path of faith is a path of harmony until we truly feel brothers and sisters ,” concludes S. Chemen.

    Other articles on this conference: https://www.hoegger.org/article/one-human-family/

    Photo: Dolomites