theheartysoul--2020-05-07--Baking Soda Is A Gardener’s Best Friend – Here Are 5 Nifty Uses

The numerous uses for baking soda in the home are well-known .
Aside , of course , from acting as a leavening agent in baked goods , baking soda can help you clean surfaces and are particularly effective against soap scum that sticks to the sides of sinks and bathtubs .
It has also proven to be useful for stain-removal , and some even use the humble powder to whiten their teeth .
Perhaps you are already using baking soda for a variety of purposes in your home .
You may not be aware , however , that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are a variety of ways that you can use baking soda to help your flower beds and vegetable patches thrive .
1 .
Help Keep the Critters Away If you want to keep bugs and pests away from your garden without applying chemical pesticides , use baking soda instead .
Try mixing one tablespoon of olive oil , two tablespoons of baking soda , and a couple of drops of liquid soap with a gallon of water .
Gently spray this mixture garden every three days to keep the bugs away .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ try our DIY Weed-Be-Gone Spray .
Baking soda can also be used to reduce the ant population around your home if you are having difficulties with ant infestations .
Simply mix five teaspoons of baking soda with five teaspoons of confectioner ’ s sugar and one tablespoon of water .
Pour this mixture on any anthills you find , and add a little bit of vinegar .
The sugar will attract the ants , but the baking soda and vinegar will be fatal to them .
Cabbage worms can also be a problematic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of them , mix an equal amount of flour and baking soda , and dust any produce you may be growing with it .
The worms will try to eat the plants , but the mixture will kill them if they do [ 1 ] .
Alternatively , you can try sprinkling baking soda on your soil ( while avoiding your plants ) to keep critters at bay [ 2 ] .
Read : Want better skin ?
Try this DIY coconut oil baking soda facial cleanser Baking soda ’ s cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can easily clean your garden decorations without harming the animals that visit your garden by sprinkling baking soda on them and then wiping it off with a damp cloth .
Similarly , if you have a stone walkway that ’ s beginning to look a little grimy , you can wash them with a quart of warm water and two tablespoons of baking soda .
Dip a brush into the liquid and scrub those stains away .
If you have indoor plants that tend to gather dust , you can shine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them with the same mixture of baking soda and water [ 1 ] .
3 .
Improve the Taste and Look of your Plants .
If you plant your tomatoes in soil that is less acidic , they will taste sweeter .
To achieve this , all you have to do is sprinkle a little bit of baking soda in the soil around your tomato plants , and you ’ ll be able to enjoy juicy , sweet tomatoes .
There are also some flowers that grow better in alkaline soil .
Lilies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and daisies , are just a few examples of flowers that thrive in these conditions [ 3 ] .
Before watering them , mix a little baking soda into the watering can .
You will notice that after doing this , your flowers will be brighter and healthier .
You can also use baking soda to improve the look of your flowers .
If you like to cut bouquets to bring inside , add a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking soda to the water in the vase to keep them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read : Baking Soda : Could It Be A New Hope for Autoimmune Disorders ?
4 .
Get Rid of Fungus , Mildew , and Weeds Baking soda can be used to make an effective fungicide , if you live in a damp climate and struggle with fungus growing on your plants .
Four teaspoons of baking soda mixed into one gallon of water can be applied to problem areas to get rid of any fungus growing in your garden .
This approach also works well against mildew .
Mix one tablespoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horticultural oil and one gallon of water , and spray the mixture on your plants , particularly fruits and vegetables , to give them a protective layer against mildew .
If weeds are a problem , particularly those pesky crab grasses that grow between the cracks in your walkways , all you have to do is moisten the area and apply a thick layer of baking soda so that it forms a thick paste .
Sweep the paste into any cracks that exist , and you will get rid of those weeds once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 .
Treat your Compost and Test your Soil If you ’ d like to know what the pH of your soil is , there ’ s an easy way to test it without having to purchase a pH kit .
First , have half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar ready .
Then , get two samples of soil and place them into separate containers .
Pour your vinegar into one of the samples , and watch if it bubbles .
If it does , that means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven , and therefore alkaline .
If it doesn ’ t , take your other sample and add baking soda with half a cup of water .
If it bubbles this time , that means that the pH is below seven , and therefore somewhat acidic .
If you are using your own compost in an effort to be more environmentally friendly , you are most likely familiar with the intense odor that it can produce .
To help decrease the smell , sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put on too much , however , as you could risk slowing down the decomposition process [ 1 ] .
If you are looking for ways to improve your garden this spring and summer , but are fed up with having to use synthetic chemicals to control pests and increase yields , try using baking soda .
It ’ s inexpensive , easy to find , and is much safer for your health and the health of your garden .

The numerous uses for baking soda in the home are well-known. But uses for baking soda in the garden exist as well. Aside, of course, from acting as a leavening agent in baked goods, baking soda can help you clean surfaces and are particularly effective against soap scum that sticks to the sides of sinks and bathtubs.
It has also proven to be useful for stain-removal, and some even use the humble powder to whiten their teeth.
Uses for baking soda in the garden
Perhaps you are already using baking soda for a variety of purposes in your home. You may not be aware, however, that it is also very handy in your garden. There are a variety of ways that you can use baking soda to help your flower beds and vegetable patches thrive.
Read More: 10 Of The Best Gardening Subreddits
Help Keep the Critters Away
If you want to keep bugs and pests away from your garden without applying chemical pesticides, use baking soda instead. Try mixing one tablespoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of baking soda, and a couple of drops of liquid soap with a gallon of water. Gently spray this mixture garden every three days to keep the bugs away.
Baking soda can also be used to reduce the ant population around your home if you are having difficulties with ant infestations. Simply mix five teaspoons of baking soda with five teaspoons of confectioner’s sugar and one tablespoon of water. Pour this mixture on any anthills you find, and add a little bit of vinegar. The sugar will attract the ants, but the baking soda and vinegar will be fatal to them.
Cabbage worms can also be a problematic pest for any garden. To get rid of them, mix an equal amount of flour and baking soda, and dust any produce you may be growing with it. The worms will try to eat the plants, but the mixture will kill them if they do.
Alternatively, you can try sprinkling baking soda on your soil (while avoiding your plants) to keep critters at bay.
Read More: 16 Plants That Repel Bugs
Clean garden decorations
Baking soda’s cleaning powers extend beyond your kitchen and bathroom. You can easily clean your garden decorations without harming the animals that visit your garden by sprinkling baking soda on them and then wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Similarly, if you have a stone walkway that’s beginning to look a little grimy, you can wash them with a quart of warm water and two tablespoons of baking soda. Dip a brush into the liquid and scrub those stains away.
If you have indoor plants that tend to gather dust, you can shine them up a bit by gently wiping them with the same mixture of baking soda and water.
Improve the Taste and Look of your Plants
If you plant your tomatoes in soil that is less acidic, they will taste sweeter. To achieve this, all you have to do is sprinkle a little bit of baking soda in the soil around your tomato plants, and you’ll be able to enjoy juicy, sweet tomatoes.
There are also some flowers that grow better in alkaline soil. Lilies, iris’s, geraniums, and daisies, are just a few examples of flowers that thrive in these conditions. Before watering them, mix a little baking soda into the watering can. You will notice that after doing this, your flowers will be brighter and healthier.
You can also use baking soda to improve the look of your flowers. If you like to cut bouquets to bring inside, add a pinch of salt and a pinch of baking soda to the water in the vase to keep them looking lively for longer.
Read More: Your Guide For Container Gardening Tomatoes
Get Rid of Fungus, Mildew, and Weeds
Baking soda can be used to make an effective fungicide, if you live in a damp climate and struggle with fungus growing on your plants. Four teaspoons of baking soda mixed into one gallon of water can be applied to problem areas to get rid of any fungus growing in your garden.
This approach also works well against mildew. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with 2.5 tablespoons of horticultural oil and one gallon of water, and spray the mixture on your plants, particularly fruits and vegetables, to give them a protective layer against mildew.
If weeds are a problem, particularly those pesky crab grasses that grow between the cracks in your walkways, all you have to do is moisten the area and apply a thick layer of baking soda so that it forms a thick paste. Sweep the paste into any cracks that exist, and you will get rid of those weeds once and for all.
Read More: Simple Homemade Weed Killer Recipe
Treat your Compost and Test your Soil
If you’d like to know what the pH of your soil is, there’s an easy way to test it without having to purchase a pH kit. First, have half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of vinegar ready. Then, get two samples of soil and place them into separate containers. Pour your vinegar into one of the samples, and watch if it bubbles. If it does, that means the pH of the soil is above seven, and therefore alkaline. If it doesn’t, take your other sample and add baking soda with half a cup of water. If it bubbles this time, that means that the pH is below seven, and therefore somewhat acidic.
If you are using your own compost in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, you are most likely familiar with the intense odor that it can produce. To help decrease the smell, sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on top of the pile. Be careful not to put on too much, however, as you could risk slowing down the decomposition process.
A Better Solution
If you are looking for ways to improve your garden this spring and summer, but are fed up with having to use synthetic chemicals to control pests and increase yields, try using baking soda. It’s inexpensive, easy to find, and is much safer for your health and the health of your garden.


theheartysoul--2020-05-07--Carbon-Neutral Bioceramic Geodesic Dome Homes Last 500 Years And Don’t Burn Or Rust

There ’ s a new type of architecture being experimented with that could benefit the environment , help to end homelessness , and last for 500 years .
They are known as Geoship homes and they are challenging the traditional idea of what a home should look like .
CEO of Geoship Morgan Bierschenk is making waves in the world of construction and architecture .
That being said , this is not the first time the dome-shape has challenged the traditional view of a home .
( 1 , 2 ) Bierschenk is going off of ideas put forward by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dome homes made of wood in the 60s and 70s .
He cited the dome shape as having many advantages over rectangular homes , however , the materials he had to build them weren ’ t right .
( 1 , 2 ) Now , roughly 50 years later , we have the right materials to build geodesic domes .
This material is a type of material called chemically bonded ceramics .
( 1 , 2 ) Technically , these are an inorganic polymer .
They have many different properties , though one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that they act like cement , in that from a powder they don ’ t require heat to be made .
This makes it inexpensive and easy to work with .
Previously , these bioceramics have been used in hip and knee replacements .
( 3 ) What Makes Bioceramics So Good for Houses ?
There are many reasons why bioceramics are an ideal material to build with ( 1 , 2 ) : • Can be molded into different shapes • Easy to maintain and repair , if necessary • The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during production • All parts can be made off-site , then brought to the location and assembled The dome design challenges the way we think about the normal home .
It allows people to build houses of various sizes , depending on what they need .
Additional domes can easily be added as the family grows and changes .
( 1 , 2 ) For example , a typical family home will have the largest main dome for shared living space that has an upstairs bedroom or loft .
There will be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or office , and a third smaller dome attached for a storage room or whatever else the family needs .
The dome makes it easier for people to have their own space .
( 1 , 2 ) Read : These Amazing Tents Get Solar Power , Can Harvest water and Fold up The cost to build a traditional house is usually around $ 100 to $ 155 per square foot .
This doesn ’ t include the cost of the land , appliances , and installation , and many of the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
( 4 ) The Geoship domes , however , the cost ranges from $ 130 to $ 160 per square foot .
This includes on-site assembly , electrical , appliances , HVAC , cabinets , and more .
The total , everything-is-included price can be anywhere from $ 45,000 to $ 230,000 .
The total cost to build a traditional home is $ 155,310 to $ 416,250 , not including the cost of the land .
( 1 , 2 , 4 ) These houses can last and be lived in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That in itself makes them more sustainable than a regular home .
( 1 , 2 ) The carbon output of making a traditional home versus the geodome , however , is the real win .
“ The embodied energy calculations of conventional construction is , …they say somewhere between 80 and 300 tons of embodied CO2 in a typical wood house.
” says Bierschenk .
“ The embodied CO2 in a bioceramic dome is somewhere in the like 3 to 10 ton range and potentially negative when we can actually , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panels in CO2-rich gas environments and all of that cellular ceramic is a lot of surface area to sequester CO2 .
So you can kind of , you know , normal CO2 sequestration process might take decades , but we can accelerate that in a precast plant.
” ( 2 ) Essentially , these homes not only create less CO2 emissions in their making , but they actually sequester CO2 during the process , so they are carbon-neutral , perhaps even carbon negative .
( 1 , 2 ) The first major project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ geodesic village in Las Vegas for the homeless .
Partnered with Amazon-owned retailer Zappos , their ultimate goal is to end homelessness and improve the way we live .
( 1 , 2 ) How You Can Get Involved If you would like to become an investor , you can visit their crowdfunding campaign on Start Engine .
The minimum buy-in price is $ 300 .
( 1 , 2 ) You can also visit their website for more information .
Keep Reading : This family built a house in the Arctic circle @ @ @ @ @ @ @

There’s a new type of architecture being experimented with that could benefit the environment, help to end homelessness, and last for 500 years. They are known as Geoship homes and they are challenging the traditional idea of what a home should look like.
Geoship Bioceramic Domes
CEO of Geoship Morgan Bierschenk is making waves in the world of construction and architecture. That being said, this is not the first time the dome-shape has challenged the traditional view of a home. (1, 2)
Bierschenk is going off of ideas put forward by American architect Buckminister Fuller who was building dome homes made of wood in the 60s and 70s. He cited the dome shape as having many advantages over rectangular homes, however, the materials he had to build them weren’t right. (1, 2)
Now, roughly 50 years later, we have the right materials to build geodesic domes. This material is a type of material called chemically bonded ceramics. (1, 2)
What are Chemically Bonded Ceramics?
Technically, these are an inorganic polymer. They have many different properties, though one of the most important in house building is that they act like cement, in that from a powder they don’t require heat to be made. This makes it inexpensive and easy to work with.
Previously, these bioceramics have been used in hip and knee replacements. (3)
Read: Bowl-Shaped Roofs Collect Rainwater and Cool House
What Makes Bioceramics So Good for Houses?
There are many reasons why bioceramics are an ideal material to build with (1, 2):
Can be molded into different shapes
Durable and durable
Easy to maintain and repair, if necessary
The material sequesters more CO2 than is produced during production
All parts can be made off-site, then brought to the location and assembled
Fireproof up to 2300 degrees
Why Domes?
The dome design challenges the way we think about the normal home. It allows people to build houses of various sizes, depending on what they need. Additional domes can easily be added as the family grows and changes. (1, 2)
For example, a typical family home will have the largest main dome for shared living space that has an upstairs bedroom or loft. There will be a smaller dome attached as a second bedroom or office, and a third smaller dome attached for a storage room or whatever else the family needs. The dome makes it easier for people to have their own space. (1, 2)
Read: These Amazing Tents Get Solar Power, Can Harvest water and Fold up
Cost
The cost to build a traditional house is usually around $100 to $155 per square foot. This doesn’t include the cost of the land, appliances, and installation, and many of the other aspects required to make it a functioning home. (4)
The Geoship domes, however, the cost ranges from $130 to $160 per square foot. This includes on-site assembly, electrical, appliances, HVAC, cabinets, and more. The total, everything-is-included price can be anywhere from $45,000 to $230,000. The total cost to build a traditional home is $155,310 to $416,250, not including the cost of the land. (1, 2, 4)
Sustainability
These houses can last and be lived in for 500 years with minimal repairs. That in itself makes them more sustainable than a regular home. (1, 2)
The carbon output of making a traditional home versus the geodome, however, is the real win.
“The embodied energy calculations of conventional construction is, …they say somewhere between 80 and 300 tons of embodied CO2 in a typical wood house.” says Bierschenk. “The embodied CO2 in a bioceramic dome is somewhere in the like 3 to 10 ton range and potentially negative when we can actually, in a precast plant you can cure the panels in CO2-rich gas environments and all of that cellular ceramic is a lot of surface area to sequester CO2. So you can kind of, you know, normal CO2 sequestration process might take decades, but we can accelerate that in a precast plant.” (2)
Essentially, these homes not only create less CO2 emissions in their making, but they actually sequester CO2 during the process, so they are carbon-neutral, perhaps even carbon negative. (1, 2)
Helping the Homeless
The first major project for Geoship is to build a permanent geodesic village in Las Vegas for the homeless. Partnered with Amazon-owned retailer Zappos, their ultimate goal is to end homelessness and improve the way we live. (1, 2)
How You Can Get Involved
If you would like to become an investor, you can visit their crowdfunding campaign on Start Engine. The minimum buy-in price is $300. (1, 2)
You can also visit their website for more information.
Keep Reading: This family built a house in the Arctic circle and have been living there since 2013


theheartysoul--2020-05-07--This Sprinkler System Turns Your Trampoline into the Ultimate Water Toy for Your Kids

Bouncing in a trampoline during the summer can be a bitter-sweet experience for your kids , especially when it ’ s an outdoor trampoline .
While they are having so much jumping freely up and down , they are also enduring the annoying heat from the warmer weather .
Most people would pour cool water over their trampoline before the kids begin to play , but this would only be a short-term solution to the problem .
Well , wouldn ’ t it be great to have an endless stream of cool water splashing on your kids while they play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Stock Tank Pools Are the Future , Starting This Summer Amazon is now selling the Bobor Trampoline Sprinklers that reportedly cool the temperature of the tramp down by 25 % .
The equipment mainly comprises of a long hose that attaches to the top circumference of your trampoline net .
The hose has several tiny holes poked at close intervals that release water to splash on your kids while they play !
The hose is made out of a non-toxic , environmentally-friendly rubber material and comes in two colors and sizes – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 39 feet .
The installation is quite easy and straight-forward since the company provides the cable ties required to secure the hose to your trampoline .
The hose is to be mounted outside the top circumference so the kids do not accidentally grab onto it while they are jumping .
Once it ’ s been secured , you can connect the other end to your garden hose and adjust the water pressure as you see fit for your kids .
It comes with as many cable ties as you could need and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attach the hose to any kind of trampoline you already have at home and turn the set-up into a mini water park .
The producers mention that aside from trampoline fun , the product can also be used for light garden watering and outdoor cooling .
The product is being marketed on Amazon for $ 39.99 and has been rated 4.0 out of 5 stars for over 300 reviews .
Read : Amazon Sells a “ Ghost-Detecting ” Stone that Supposedly Tells You when a Ghost is Nearby ( no this isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received hundreds of positive feedback from customers who have made verified purchases on Amazon .
People have testified to the fact that it really does cool down the trampoline in a short amount of time and makes the bouncing a lot more fun .
One slight issue a few people have had was setting it up , which could be a bit of a hassle since you have to secure the pipes at several intervals .
A customer who bought the 39ft black hose variant wrote : “ This is a must-have for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got this for the kids to play with throughout the summer and am so glad I did .
It has become the hit of the neighborhood and keeps the kids happy for hours .
It actually does cool off the trampoline .
The mist feels amazing and prevents the kids from having a heat stroke during our typical hot Louisiana days .
I will warn that it was a little bit of a challenge to put up .
It took me a little over an hour to get everything up and I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s not something you can install your help and really requires another person or two .
Other than that , this is pretty awesome .
I ’ d recommend it ; the kids will love it.
” Some customers seem to have fixed the pipe wrongly , causing the water to spray too high up in the air or outside of the trampoline .
While the pipes are to be fixed on the outer top circumference , ensure that you turn the surface with holes to face inward so your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their sprinklers this summer .
Keep Reading : There Are Merit Badges For Adults Because Adulting Is Hard

Bouncing in a trampoline during the summer can be a bitter-sweet experience for your kids, especially when it’s an outdoor trampoline. While they are having so much jumping freely up and down, they are also enduring the annoying heat from the warmer weather. Most people would pour cool water over their trampoline before the kids begin to play, but this would only be a short-term solution to the problem.
Well, wouldn’t it be great to have an endless stream of cool water splashing on your kids while they play to their hearts’ content?
Wet bounce trampolines
Amazon is now selling the Bobor Trampoline Sprinklers that reportedly cool the temperature of the tramp down by 25%. The equipment mainly comprises of a long hose that attaches to the top circumference of your trampoline net. The hose has several tiny holes poked at close intervals that release water to splash on your kids while they play!
The hose is made out of a non-toxic, environmentally-friendly rubber material and comes in two colors and sizes – blue and black, 32.8 feet and 39 feet. The installation is quite easy and straight-forward since the company provides the cable ties required to secure the hose to your trampoline.
The hose is to be mounted outside the top circumference so the kids do not accidentally grab onto it while they are jumping. Once it’s been secured, you can connect the other end to your garden hose and adjust the water pressure as you see fit for your kids.
It comes with as many cable ties as you could need and one spare water pipe interface. You can attach the hose to any kind of trampoline you already have at home and turn the set-up into a mini water park. The producers mention that aside from trampoline fun, the product can also be used for light garden watering and outdoor cooling.
The product is being marketed on Amazon for $39.99 and has been rated 4.0 out of 5 stars for over 300 reviews.
Read: Amazon Sells a “Ghost-Detecting” Stone that Supposedly Tells You when a Ghost is Nearby (no this isn’t a joke)
Verified buyers’ thoughts
The product has received hundreds of positive feedback from customers who have made verified purchases on Amazon. People have testified to the fact that it really does cool down the trampoline in a short amount of time and makes the bouncing a lot more fun.
One slight issue a few people have had was setting it up, which could be a bit of a hassle since you have to secure the pipes at several intervals.
A customer who bought the 39ft black hose variant wrote: “This is a must-have for anyone who has a trampoline. I got this for the kids to play with throughout the summer and am so glad I did. It has become the hit of the neighborhood and keeps the kids happy for hours. It actually does cool off the trampoline. The mist feels amazing and prevents the kids from having a heat stroke during our typical hot Louisiana days.
I will warn that it was a little bit of a challenge to put up. It took me a little over an hour to get everything up and I had to bug my finance’ for help. It’s not something you can install your help and really requires another person or two. Other than that, this is pretty awesome. I’d recommend it; the kids will love it.”
Some customers seem to have fixed the pipe wrongly, causing the water to spray too high up in the air or outside of the trampoline. While the pipes are to be fixed on the outer top circumference, ensure that you turn the surface with holes to face inward so your kids can get the best out of their sprinklers this summer.
Keep Reading: There Are Merit Badges For Adults Because Adulting Is Hard


theheartysoul--2020-05-07--Man Leaves Fresh Groceries on Front Lawn and Tells Everyone on Facebook ‘Take What You Need’

These are scary times we live in and the state of the world right now has left millions of economically vulnerable people in even worse conditions .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , many businesses have had to shut down , and ultimately , millions of people have been put out of work .
While some countries such as the U.S. , U.K. , Germany , Spain , and Canada have implemented stimulus payments to ease the hardships , no amount of compensation could really be enough to replace a steady stream of income .
The worst-hit are the unsheltered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dependent on social infrastructures and the kindness of others to survive .
Since over a third of the world is under some form of lockdown , it ’ s saddening to imagine how millions are expected to cope .
If there was ever a time to be kind and compassionate to others , it is now .
A wonderful man from Watertown New York , on April 14 , put out a substantial amount of groceries on his front lawn for anyone to just “ to take what they need [ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who Mows Lawns for the Elderly Now Delivers Free Meals and Supplies to People Who Can ’ t Leave Their Homes With the help of his friends , Trevor Phillips set up large tables filled with canned food , oranges , fruit juice , cereals , eggs , soda , pet food , baby food , toiletries , and vegetables .
He went online to Facebook to tell people who may be in need to come along with their own boxes and bags if they are close to his location .
“ Come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bring your own bags or boxes to fill if you can .
Please take what you need but understand that there are others in need too .
Pet food and baby food are available .
If you are looking to donate food , feel free to drop off today only 4/14 .
Thank you to my elves Josh Bedwell and Matt Dawley for the help setting up .
Please share away , ” he wrote .
This is what the world needs right now .
Kindness , love , and compassion for one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make it through this .
Read : Teenage ‘ Angel ’ Cashier Picks Up $ 173 Grocery Bill for Senior Shopper Who Found Himself Short on Cash Other random acts of kindness during this crisis The heroes of the battle are the frontline medical workers and essential service providers who do not get to be home with their families to shelter-in-place .
Essential services are those whose interruption would endanger the life , health , and safety of the population .
Although it varies according to country , some of the essential service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care workers , law enforcement , public safety , first responders , transportation and delivery , food services , justice officials , financial workers , energy , water and other utility staff , ICT workers , and a few others .
They are all risking their lives to keep the world going and maintain order .
The world has been extremely appreciative of these incredible people sacrificing their own safety to continue serving the populace .
It ’ s sad how delivery truck drivers are some of the most endangered and yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for survival .
They deliver truckloads of toilet paper , hand sanitizer , food items , and more to people ’ s homes and yet their trucks and homes lack these essential items .
Thankfully , there people out there who understand the trials these drivers go through .
Sonny Singh , the owner of Hogzilla BBQ in Battle Creek , Michigan , has been handing out care packages to dozens of delivery drivers in the area since March [ 2 ] .
Speaking to WWMT , Singh said a lot of truck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was inspired to help as many as he could .
His care package includes fruit cups , trail mix , protein bars , and other healthy foods , water , gloves , and hand sanitizer bottles whenever a supply is available .
He has been visiting various trucker stands and shops to personally deliver the items , free of charge .
Last month in April , The Fry Guy Food Truck in Tekonsha , Michigan began serving free food to truck drivers whenever they come around [ 3 ] .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops are also closed along with other businesses and this has made it difficult for drivers to catch a quick meal between runs .
With the help of family , friends , and community members , the food truck raised almost $ 1,200 in donations to pay for the truckers ’ meals .
Now is the time to pay it forward .
Keep Reading : The Workers Who Face the Greatest Coronavirus Risk

These are scary times we live in and the state of the world right now has left millions of economically vulnerable people in even worse conditions. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many businesses have had to shut down, and ultimately, millions of people have been put out of work. While some countries such as the U.S., U.K., Germany, Spain, and Canada have implemented stimulus payments to ease the hardships, no amount of compensation could really be enough to replace a steady stream of income.
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see,” – Mark Twain
The worst-hit are the unsheltered populations who are, to some degree, dependent on social infrastructures and the kindness of others to survive. Since over a third of the world is under some form of lockdown, it’s saddening to imagine how millions are expected to cope.
If there was ever a time to be kind and compassionate to others, it is now. A wonderful man from Watertown New York, on April 14, put out a substantial amount of groceries on his front lawn for anyone to just “to take what they need [1].”
With the help of his friends, Trevor Phillips set up large tables filled with canned food, oranges, fruit juice, cereals, eggs, soda, pet food, baby food, toiletries, and vegetables. He went online to Facebook to tell people who may be in need to come along with their own boxes and bags if they are close to his location.
“Come help yourself. 223 Schley Drive. Bring your own bags or boxes to fill if you can. Please take what you need but understand that there are others in need too. Pet food and baby food are available. If you are looking to donate food, feel free to drop off today only 4/14. Thank you to my elves Josh Bedwell and Matt Dawley for the help setting up. Please share away,” he wrote.
This is what the world needs right now. Kindness, love, and compassion for one another. Together, we’ll make it through this.
Other random acts of kindness during this crisis
The heroes of the battle are the frontline medical workers and essential service providers who do not get to be home with their families to shelter-in-place. Essential services are those whose interruption would endanger the life, health, and safety of the population. Although it varies according to country, some of the essential service providers listed in this pandemic are all health care workers, law enforcement, public safety, first responders, transportation and delivery, food services, justice officials, financial workers, energy, water and other utility staff, ICT workers, and a few others.
They are all risking their lives to keep the world going and maintain order. The world has been extremely appreciative of these incredible people sacrificing their own safety to continue serving the populace.
It’s sad how delivery truck drivers are some of the most endangered and yet, they lack the basic supplies needed for survival. They deliver truckloads of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, food items, and more to people’s homes and yet their trucks and homes lack these essential items.
Thankfully, there people out there who understand the trials these drivers go through. Sonny Singh, the owner of Hogzilla BBQ in Battle Creek, Michigan, has been handing out care packages to dozens of delivery drivers in the area since March [2]. Speaking to WWMT, Singh said a lot of truck drivers solicited for help via radio and he was inspired to help as many as he could. His care package includes fruit cups, trail mix, protein bars, and other healthy foods, water, gloves, and hand sanitizer bottles whenever a supply is available. He has been visiting various trucker stands and shops to personally deliver the items, free of charge.
“There’s not even talk about profit right now, we don’t even know if that’s going to come this year now,” Singh said.
Last month in April, The Fry Guy Food Truck in Tekonsha, Michigan began serving free food to truck drivers whenever they come around [3]. According to the owner, John Heine, trucker shops are also closed along with other businesses and this has made it difficult for drivers to catch a quick meal between runs. With the help of family, friends, and community members, the food truck raised almost $1,200 in donations to pay for the truckers’ meals.
“Honestly, if it wasn’t for all of the truck drivers, we absolutely couldn’t do what we do. We need them more than they need us,” The Fry Guy manager, Tonya Kilgore said.
Now is the time to pay it forward.


theheartysoul--2020-05-08--Tiny smart home looks like a space ship and can sleep a family of 4 — see inside

Have you ever looked around in your home and thought that you have far more space than you really need ?
Perhaps you ’ ve considered downsizing from a large home to a townhouse , or a townhouse to an apartment , but have you ever thought about forgetting a traditional home completely , and going for something even smaller like a tiny home ?
Tiny homes have gotten a lot of attention over the last few years , and a company from Singapore has just released their newest model , that may make you reconsider how much space you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nestron , has just released a prototype for its latest tiny home creation , the Cube Two .
The 263-square-foot home features a spacious communal living space , a kitchen with a range hood and sink , a bathroom , a bedroom , and a bar counter .
The company says it can comfortably accommodate three or four people .
On the outside , the home is nine yards ( eight meters ) long and four yards ( 3.6 meters ) wide [ 1 ] .
The Cube Two is ready to move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the furniture built-in and included in the initial price .
Nestron ’ s website claims that the home ’ s open concept design increases it ’ s usable space by fifteen percent when compared to a traditional home [ 2 ] .
This tiny home is also “ smart ” , and contains only smart-home appliances , so the washing machine , refrigerator , AC , and stove are all connected .
All of the appliances are controlled by Canny , the AI assistant , making this truly a home of the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family built a house in the Arctic circle and have been living there since 2013 If the cost of a traditional home seems too far out of your price range , this tiny home could be the solution .
You can purchase the Cube Two on pre-order for a base price of 52 thousand dollars , before any add-ons .
There are a few upgrades available , including switching from an external energy source to a solar system , as well as adding an electric floor heating system .
The solar system will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the heated floors an additional nine thousand dollars [ 2 ] .
Buyers in the United States are also responsible for covering the cost of shipping , which is about eight thousand dollars .
Even with the add-ons , however , your total price is still less than 70 thousand dollars- far less than that of a traditional home [ 1 ] .
Read : Carbon-Neutral Bioceramic Geodesic Dome Homes Last 500 Years And Don ’ t Burn Or Rust The Pros and Cons of a Tiny Home As with anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative aspects of living in a tiny home .
When you live in such small quarters , you tend to collect less clutter , simply because you don ’ t have the space to keep it .
Since having lots of “ stuff ” isn ’ t an option , a tiny home actually prevents you from unnecessary spending on things you don ’ t actually need .
The tiny space also means that you have a smaller area to clean , so house chores are a breeze .
Again , since you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clutter either , cleaning is quick and painless .
A tiny home will also help save you money .
Expenses like heating , cooling , expenses , property taxes and home maintenance are all significantly lower when you live in such a small space , and , as mentioned before , you no longer have the storage space for idle shopping .
Living in a tiny home can also be good for you and the environment .
Many people who have moved into these small spaces have said that getting rid of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ excess ” - increased their overall happiness .
They were no longer weighed down by unnecessary things , a large mortgage , or a massive home to clean , and instead , they now have more time and money for leisure activities .
Tiny homes also require less energy and produce less waste , so they have a much lower carbon footprint than a regular house .
The drawbacks , of course , are that you have a much smaller space , and choosing which items to keep and which items to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people .
You also must be extremely organized and utilize the space you do have to its maximum capacity .
If you are someone who likes to entertain , living in a tiny home can make having guests over a challenge .
When the weather cooperates , you can move the party outdoors , however , during inclement weather or during the winter months , your options are much more limited [ 3 ] .
Is the Cube Two for You ?
There are many benefits to living in the Cube Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is important that you consider your lifestyle and what is important for you before making the decision to make the transition .
If you are more than happy to live in a very small space , don ’ t mind getting rid of a lot of your stuff , or don ’ t have many things to begin with , a tiny home may be the right fit for you .

Have you ever looked around in your home and thought that you have far more space than you really need? Perhaps you’ve considered downsizing from a large home to a townhouse, or a townhouse to an apartment, but have you ever thought about forgetting a traditional home completely, and going for something even smaller like a tiny home?
Tiny homes have gotten a lot of attention over the last few years, and a company from Singapore has just released their newest model, which may make you reconsider how much space you really need.
The Cube Two
The Singapore-based company, Nestron, has just released a prototype for its latest tiny home creation, the Cube Two.
The 263-square-foot home features a spacious communal living space, a kitchen with a range hood and sink, a bathroom, a bedroom, and a bar counter. The company says it can comfortably accommodate three or four people. On the outside, the home is nine yards (eight meters) long and four yards (3.6 meters) wide [1].
The Cube Two is ready to move in right away, with most of the furniture built-in and included in the initial price. Nestron’s website claims that the home’s open concept design increases it’s usable space by fifteen percent when compared to a traditional home [2].
This tiny home is also “smart”, and contains only smart-home appliances, so the washing machine, refrigerator, AC, and stove are all connected. All of the appliances are controlled by Canny, the AI assistant, making this truly a home of the future [1].
Read: New Flying-V Plane Prototype Takes To Skies For The Very First Time
An Affordable Option
If the cost of a traditional home seems too far out of your price range, this tiny home could be the solution. You can purchase the Cube Two on pre-order for a base price of 52 thousand dollars, before any add-ons.
There are a few upgrades available, including switching from an external energy source to a solar system, as well as adding an electric floor heating system. The solar system will add 7.5 thousand dollars to the price, and the heated floors an additional nine thousand dollars [2].
Buyers in the United States are also responsible for covering the cost of shipping, which is about eight thousand dollars. Even with the add-ons, however, your total price is still less than 70 thousand dollars- far less than that of a traditional home [1].
The Pros and Cons of a Tiny Home
As with anything in life, there are positive and negative aspects of living in a tiny home. When you live in such small quarters, you tend to collect less clutter, simply because you don’t have the space to keep it. Since having lots of “stuff” isn’t an option, a tiny home actually prevents you from unnecessary spending on things you don’t actually need.
The tiny space also means that you have a smaller area to clean, so house chores are a breeze. Again, since you don’t have a tonne of clutter either, cleaning is quick and painless.
A tiny home will also help save you money. Expenses like heating, cooling, expenses, property taxes and home maintenance are all significantly lower when you live in such a small space, and, as mentioned before, you no longer have the storage space for idle shopping.
Living in a tiny home can also be good for you and the environment. Many people who have moved into these small spaces have said that getting rid of a lot of their stuff- things that were “excess”- increased their overall happiness. They were no longer weighed down by unnecessary things, a large mortgage, or a massive home to clean, and instead, they now have more time and money for leisure activities. Tiny homes also require less energy and produce less waste, so they have a much lower carbon footprint than a regular house.
The drawbacks, of course, are that you have a much smaller space, and choosing which items to keep and which items to discard can be a major challenge for many people. You also must be extremely organized and utilize the space you do have to its maximum capacity.
If you are someone who likes to entertain, living in a tiny home can make having guests over a challenge. When the weather cooperates, you can move the party outdoors, however, during inclement weather or during the winter months, your options are much more limited [3].
Is the Cube Two for You?
There are many benefits to living in the Cube Two or any other tiny home, however, it is important that you consider your lifestyle and what is important for you before making the decision to make the transition.
If you are more than happy to live in a very small space, don’t mind getting rid of a lot of your stuff, or don’t have many things to begin with, a tiny home may be the right fit for you.
Keep Reading: This Solar-Powered RV Runs Without Fuel Or Charging Stations
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-05-08--There are Ancient Ruins Older Than The Pyramids In Canada

In 2016 , a team of students found ruins of an ancient village that is older than the Egyptian pyramids .
More than three times older , in fact .
The team was looking for evidence that supports the oral history behind a sliver of land during the Ice Age that never froze , as told by the indigenous Heiltsuk people .
According to legend , the Heiltsuk sought shelter there during that time .
This 14,000-year-old legend was proven after the discovery and excavation of a settlement on Triquet Island located on British Columbia ’ s Central Coast in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Ph.D. student of anthropology at the University of Victoria , worked with Heiltsuk members during the excavation .
Gauvreau and her team uncovered ancient spears , fish hooks , a device made of wood for launching projectiles , and tools for lighting fires .
They also discovered a layer of ancient soil that seemed to be from a prehistoric hearth .
Carbon dating estimated it to be 14,000 years old [ 2 ] .
Researchers state that these materials give us a glimpse of what may have been a large migration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coastline .
One theory suggests that the first native North Americans traveled from Asia over a non-icy Siberian land-bridge to Alaska during the Ice Age , an area that is now western and central Canada .
The University of Victoria ’ s research supports another theory that these natives were sea mammal hunters that traveled by boat .
Read : Ancient tree with record of Earth ’ s magnetic field reversal in its rings discovered “ What this is doing , is changing our idea of the way in which North America was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a 2016 paper , she wrote that other oral histories may also be legitimized with archaeological digs .
[ 4 ] William Housty , a member of the Heiltsuk Nation , described the find as “ very important ” and said that it reaffirmed “ a lot of the history that our people have been talking about for thousands of years.
” He added that this evidence can improve the people ’ s position when negotiating over land rights .
“ To think about how these stories survived , ” said Housty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this archeological evidence is just amazing.
” [ 5 ] Read : Arizona Is Home To Ancient , 200 Million-Year-Old Trees , Some Of The World ’ s Oldest !
The Heiltsuk Territory expands across 16,658 square kilometers of land and nearshore and offshore waters in the Central Coast of British Columbia .
They ’ ve had a connection with these rich lands and waters for generations according to their oral tradition .
It is believed that the original ancestors were sent by the Creator to this location before the great flood .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these claims .
The Heiltsuk prescribe to the laws of their ancestors to guide their use of resources and how to manage their environment .
It ’ s described as a complete and comprehensive system that explains their values , beliefs , practices , teachings , and consequences .
Ultimately , it teaches that everything is connected and this unity is important to maintain .
These laws are known as Gvi ’ ilas .
For example , one of these laws dictate that the people should take a little and leave a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligations to share and support family and community .
It also teaches respect for the spiritual matter in all living matter and sustainability of resources .
The Heiltsuk have never surrendered their aboriginal rights of title , and they are proud of their heritage .
“ We are satisfied with the reserve for living purposes , but we would like to have the free use of the surrounding land for the purposes of logging and fishing and to have all the hunting privileges on it , ” said Charles Windsor .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no way to make any money , and we would like to have these villages reserved to us now .
Our children are growing up now and they will have no way to make their living .
That is what is bothering us at the present time.
” [ 6 ]

In 2016, a team of students found ruins of an ancient village that is older than the Egyptian pyramids. More than three times older, in fact.
The team was looking for evidence that supports the oral history behind a sliver of land during the Ice Age that never froze, as told by the indigenous Heiltsuk people. According to legend, the Heiltsuk sought shelter there during that time. This 14,000-year-old legend was proven after the discovery and excavation of a settlement on Triquet Island located on British Columbia’s Central Coast in Canada. [1]
Discovering an Ancient Heiltsuk Nation’s Settlement
Alisha Gauvreau, a Ph.D. student of anthropology at the University of Victoria, worked with Heiltsuk members during the excavation. Gauvreau and her team uncovered ancient spears, fish hooks, a device made of wood for launching projectiles, and tools for lighting fires.
“It appears we had people sitting in one area making stone tools beside evidence of a fire pit,” Gauvreau said. “The material that we have recovered… has really helped us weave a narrative for the occupation of this site.”
They also discovered a layer of ancient soil that seemed to be from a prehistoric hearth. Carbon dating estimated it to be 14,000 years old [2].
“I remember when we got the dates back, and we just sat back and said, ‘Holy moly, this is old,'” Gauvreau said.
Researchers state that these materials give us a glimpse of what may have been a large migration that occurred along British Columbia’s coastline. One theory suggests that the first native North Americans traveled from Asia over a non-icy Siberian land-bridge to Alaska during the Ice Age, an area that is now western and central Canada.
The University of Victoria’s research supports another theory that these natives were sea mammal hunters that traveled by boat.
Gauvreau explained that the ancient village on Triquet Island “really adds additional evidence” to this theory. “[A]rchaeologists had long thought that… the coast would been completely uninhabitable and impassible when that is very clearly not the case.” [3]
Proving the Heiltsuk Nation’s Oral History
“What this is doing, is changing our idea of the way in which North America was first peopled,” Gauvreau said. In a 2016 paper, she wrote that other oral histories may also be legitimized with archaeological digs. [4]
William Housty, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation, described the find as “very important” and said that it reaffirmed “a lot of the history that our people have been talking about for thousands of years.” He added that this evidence can improve the people’s position when negotiating over land rights.
“To think about how these stories survived,” said Housty.” Only to be supported by this archeological evidence is just amazing.” [5]
Read: Arizona Is Home To Ancient, 200 Million-Year-Old Trees, Some Of The World’s Oldest!
About the Heiltsuk Nation
The Heiltsuk Territory expands across 16,658 square kilometers of land and nearshore and offshore waters in the Central Coast of British Columbia. They’ve had a connection with these rich lands and waters for generations according to their oral tradition. It is believed that the original ancestors were sent by the Creator to this location before the great flood. These archaeological findings add scientific proof to these claims.
The Heiltsuk prescribe to the laws of their ancestors to guide their use of resources and how to manage their environment. It’s described as a complete and comprehensive system that explains their values, beliefs, practices, teachings, and consequences. Ultimately, it teaches that everything is connected and this unity is important to maintain. These laws are known as Gvi’ilas.
For example, one of these laws dictates that people should take a little and leave a lot, to care for resources, and obligations to share and support family and community. It also teaches respect for the spiritual matter in all living matter and the sustainability of resources.
The Heiltsuk have never surrendered their aboriginal rights of title, and they are proud of their heritage.
“We are satisfied with the reserve for living purposes, but we would like to have the free use of the surrounding land for the purposes of logging and fishing and to have all the hunting privileges on it,” said Charles Windsor.
“We are afraid that later on we will have no way to make any money, and we would like to have these villages reserved to us now. Our children are growing up now and they will have no way to make their living. That is what is bothering us at the present time.” [6]
Keep Reading: Evidence of 90-million-year-old rainforest uncovered beneath Antarctic ice
Sources:


theheartysoul--2020-05-12--A small city is devoting 1,000 acres of land to America’s vanishing bees

Bees are vitally important pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops around the world .
Over the last several years , however , bee populations in North America have been rapidly declining .
Some species have lost up to 96 percent of their population in the last twenty years .
Scientists are still not sure exactly what has caused such a significant drop in the number of bees on our continent , however , they speculate that it could be because of a number of factors including pesticides , pathogens , climate change , and potential genetic factors that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regardless of the reason , it is crucial that we protect our bee populations .
A third of the food we eat worldwide is pollinated by bees , and without them , we will go hungry [ 2 ] .
One small city in Iowa has been taking significant steps to correct its bee population problem .
Read : Almonds are out .
Dairy is a disaster .
So what milk should we drink ?
In 2017 , the city of Cedar Rapids , Iowa , seeded 188 acres with native prairie grasses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of creating one thousand acres of space for bees by planting pollinator-friendly foodstuffs [ 3 ] .
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Monarch Research Project ( MRP ) , which works to restore the monarch butterfly population to the area .
Cedar Rapids Park Superintendent Daniel Gibbins was the one to initially propose the idea , which planned to create one thousand acres of pollinator habitat over a five-year period .
The city has developed a special mix of grasses and wildflowers to help restore the native habitat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seven species of native prairie grasses .
The team has cataloged all unused public land where flowers and grasses could be planted , such as corners of parks , golf courses , the local airport , sewage ditches , water retention basins , and roadway right-of-ways .
The initiative addresses the need to restore unproductive lands into healthy habitats for pollinators and other wildlife .
Read : Minnesota Will Pay Homeowners to Replace Lawns with Bee-Friendly Wildflowers , Clover and Native Grasses The 1,000 Acres project has been going strong since its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recipient of the Iowa State Association of Counties ( ISAC ) Excellence in Action Award .
In its first three years , just over eight hundred of the one thousand-acre goal has already been installed [ 5 ] .
Although these areas require less care and attention than manicured lawns , there is some maintenance that needs to be done .
Prairie grasses need to be mowed once per year , or burned every three years .
How You Can Help Save the Bees You may not be able to plant one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can still do your part to support a thriving bee population in your community .
Even by simply dedicating a small plot in your garden to wildflowers that are native to your area can have an impact .
Because they are small , bees often can ’ t fly very far , so simply planting wildflowers won ’ t always do the trick .
Buchmann recommends that you avoid using pesticides and herbicides on your lawns and gardens , and to provide nesting sites for the bees .
Some species like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while some prefer holes that you can drill into earthen bricks .
Others may prefer sandpits or deadwood that have been tunneled through by beetles , but regardless it helps to have mud or water nearby [ 3 ] .
The project has already been very successful , and although Gibbins knows it will take time for pollinator populations to establish themselves and begin to thrive , he is confident that this initiative is helping .
The hope is that other communities across the country will be motivated by the success that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that cities and towns across the country can start to work toward creating better environments for our bee populations to thrive .
Keep Reading : Want to Help Bees ?
Leave the Dandelions Alone This Spring

Bees are vitally important pollinators of wild plants and agricultural crops around the world. Over the last several years, however, bee populations in North America have been rapidly declining. Some species have lost up to 96 percent of their population in the last twenty years.
Scientists are still not sure exactly what has caused such a significant drop in the number of bees on our continent, however, they speculate that it could be because of a number of factors including pesticides, pathogens, climate change, and potential genetic factors that have destabilized their species [1].
Regardless of the reason, it is crucial that we protect our bee populations. A third of the food we eat worldwide is pollinated by bees, and without them, we will go hungry [2]. One small city in Iowa has been taking significant steps to correct its bee population problem.
Read: Almonds are out. Dairy is a disaster. So what milk should we drink?
The 1,000 Acre Pollinator Initiative
In 2017, the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, seeded 188 acres with native prairie grasses and wildflowers, with the eventual plan of creating one thousand acres of space for bees by planting pollinator-friendly foodstuffs [3].
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Monarch Research Project (MRP), which works to restore the monarch butterfly population to the area. Cedar Rapids Park Superintendent Daniel Gibbins was the one to initially propose the idea, which planned to create one thousand acres of pollinator habitat over a five-year period.
“With the agricultural boom around 100 years ago, about 99.9 percent of all the native habitat of Iowa has been lost,” said Gibbins. “When you convert it back to what was originally native Iowa, you’re going to help a lot more than just native pollinators. You’re helping birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals—everything that’s native here relies on native vegetation.” [3]
The city has developed a special mix of grasses and wildflowers to help restore the native habitat, which includes 39 species of wildflowers and seven species of native prairie grasses. The team has cataloged all unused public land where flowers and grasses could be planted, such as corners of parks, golf courses, the local airport, sewage ditches, water retention basins, and roadway right-of-ways.
The initiative addresses the need to restore unproductive lands into healthy habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.
“This initiative uses pollinator habitat restoration to leverage broader environmental health, community aesthetics, recreational opportunities, nature-based educational opportunities, and ultimately human health. The 1,000 Acres Initiative has evolved into an educational effort to build a model public/private partnership, scalable to any size for other communities and agencies to use across the country.” [4]
Read: Minnesota Will Pay Homeowners to Replace Lawns with Bee-Friendly Wildflowers, Clover and Native Grasses
Excellence in Action Award
The 1,000 Acres project has been going strong since its inception. In 2019, it was the recipient of the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) Excellence in Action Award. In its first three years, just over eight hundred of the one thousand-acre goal has already been installed [5].
Although these areas require less care and attention than manicured lawns, there is some maintenance that needs to be done. Prairie grasses need to be mowed once per year, or burned every three years.
“You can’t just seed them and walk away,” said Gibbins [3].
How You Can Help Save the Bees
You may not be able to plant one thousand acres of bee-friendly territory, but you can still do your part to support a thriving bee population in your community. Even by simply dedicating a small plot in your garden to wildflowers that are native to your area can have an impact.
“When creating pollinator gardens, the most important thing is to have a big diversity of wildflowers and heirloom crops that bloom in the spring, summer, and fall,” says Stephen Buchmann, a pollination ecologist at the University of Arizona [3].
Because they are small, bees often can’t fly very far, so simply planting wildflowers won’t always do the trick. Buchmann recommends that you avoid using pesticides and herbicides on your lawns and gardens, and to provide nesting sites for the bees.
Some species like to nest in the bare, hard ground, while some prefer holes that you can drill into earthen bricks. Others may prefer sandpits or deadwood that have been tunneled through by beetles, but regardless it helps to have mud or water nearby [3].
Building off of Success
The project has already been very successful, and although Gibbins knows it will take time for pollinator populations to establish themselves and begin to thrive, he is confident that this initiative is helping.
“There’s a big push to extend this initiative up to maybe 10,000 acres in Linn County,” he said [3].
The hope is that other communities across the country will be motivated by the success that has been seen in Linn County, and that cities and towns across the country can start to work toward creating better environments for our bee populations to thrive.
Keep Reading: Want to Help Bees? Leave the Dandelions Alone This Spring


theheartysoul--2020-05-11--Humpback whales have been organizing in huge numbers, and no one knows why

Despite their enormous size , humpback whales are powerful yet gentle creatures that live in every ocean .
They are a favorite among whale watchers since they are incredible swimmers who can leap in and out of the water .
They are also known for their magical “ songs ” that can be heard over large distances .
These songs sound like sequences of moans and cries that can go one for hours .
Scientists are studying these songs to learn how whales use them to communicate [ 1 ] , but that ’ s not the only humpback behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solitary creatures have gathered in “ super-groups ” and it baffled scientists for years [ 3 ] .
In 2017 , this mystery deepened as this “ rare ” occurrence became more commonplace .
A study from 2017 reported spotting pods of whales gathering in groups of about 20 to 200 at a time off the coast of South Africa .
These pods have been observed by Findlay and his colleagues during research cruises in 2011 , 2014 , and 2015 .
The location of the humpback whales is also odd .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters to breed , and in the summer , they feed in colder waters close to Antarctica .
However , they were found around the warmer waters of South Africa in the summer .
Read : Dolphins appear to glow as they glide through bioluminescent waves Why are these “ super-groups ” happening ?
Findlay ’ s research team developed some theories to explain these events : One theory suggests that the humpback whales are hunting for prey , staying in the southern waters instead of going north .
Another theory states that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number scientists haven ’ t seen before , the whales are reverting to normal behavior that wasn ’ t occurring when their numbers were lower .
In the 19th and early 20th centuries , commercial whaling reduced the population of humpback whales by almost 90 % .
At one point , there may have been less than two thousand of these whales in existence .
The species began multiplying when the International Whaling Commission banned commercial whaling in 1966 and the Endanger Species Act officially defended humpback whales in 1973 .
Today , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is flourishing .
[ 3 ] “ This is a novel feeding technique for South Africa that hasn ’ t been seen before , ” says Regina Asmutis-Silvia , biologist and executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation .
She was not involved with the study but she has studied whales since 1990 and observed scores of them in Cape Cod .
She notes how unusual the study ’ s “ super-group ” is , and comments that “ it could be indicative of some cultural shift in that population of humpbacks.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the area is full of prey , and the 200 pods of whales have shown clear feeding behavior according to the study .
[ 4 ] Still , the researchers admit that their reasoning behind these strange occurrences is speculative .
Although their reasoning sounds positive , that won ’ t stop people from declaring that this is a sign of the end of the world , that the whales know something people do not .
Either way , everyone is happy to see these creatures ’ numbers rise in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , this pattern of “ super-groups ” has continued .
Business Insider accounted for pods including as many as 600 whales in December 2019 .
South Africa is part of their natural migration to Cape Point but the size of the group is unheard of .
Cape Town authorities are encouraging ships in that area to keep 300 meters clear of these “ super-groups.
” Ships are extremely threatening to whales , according to Alexander Vogel , a developer of the app Seafari .
As the number of whales increase , vessel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There is something spiritual when a whale is looking at you , ” says Seakamela .
“ I don ’ t know what it is but to stare into a whale ’ s eye , your spirit is cleansed .
It ’ s something ritual and divine.
” [ 5 ] Keep Reading : Blue Whales Have ‘ Unprecedented ’ Bounce Back From Brink Of Extinction

Humpback whales have been organizing in huge numbers, and no one knows why
Despite their enormous size, humpback whales are powerful yet gentle creatures that live in every ocean. They are a favorite among whale watchers since they are incredible swimmers who can leap in and out of the water. They are also known for their magical “songs” that can be heard over large distances. These songs sound like sequences of moans and cries that can go one for hours. Scientists are studying these songs to learn how whales use them to communicate [1], but that’s not the only humpback behavior that has puzzled researchers.
These typically solitary creatures have gathered in “super-groups” and it baffled scientists for years [3].
A Gathering of 200 Whales
In 2017, this mystery deepened as this “rare” occurrence became more commonplace. A study from 2017 reported spotting pods of whales gathering in groups of about 20 to 200 at a time off the coast of South Africa.
“It’s unlike anything I have seen in working with humpback whales across the Southern Hemisphere,” says study leader Ken Findlay, a marine biologist at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, South Africa. “These are animals that normally are in groups of up to maybe three of four. To see 200 together in an area the size of a football field is remarkable.”
These pods have been observed by Findlay and his colleagues during research cruises in 2011, 2014, and 2015.
The location of the humpback whales is also odd. In the winter, humpbacks migrate to warm waters to breed, and in the summer, they feed in colder waters close to Antarctica. However, they were found around the warmer waters of South Africa in the summer.
Read: Dolphins appear to glow as they glide through bioluminescent waves
Why are these “super-groups” happening?
Findlay’s research team developed some theories to explain these events:
One theory suggests that the humpback whales are hunting for prey, staying in the southern waters instead of going north.
“Either the availability of prey has changed or the behavior of the whales has changed,” says Findlay.
Another theory states that since the species is reproducing to a number scientists haven’t seen before, the whales are reverting to normal behavior that wasn’t occurring when their numbers were lower.
As Findlay explains, it could be the “behavior was always there, but it’s only being seen as the population makes remarkable recovery from the pressure of whaling last century.” [2]
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, commercial whaling reduced the population of humpback whales by almost 90%. At one point, there may have been less than two thousand of these whales in existence. The species began multiplying when the International Whaling Commission banned commercial whaling in 1966 and the Endanger Species Act officially defended humpback whales in 1973. Today, the population has grown to about 60,000 and is flourishing. [3]
“This is a novel feeding technique for South Africa that hasn’t been seen before,” says Regina Asmutis-Silvia, biologist and executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation. She was not involved with the study but she has studied whales since 1990 and observed scores of them in Cape Cod. She notes how unusual the study’s “super-group” is, and comments that “it could be indicative of some cultural shift in that population of humpbacks.”
Large groups of whales usually demonstrate that the area is full of prey, and the 200 pods of whales have shown clear feeding behavior according to the study. [4]
Read: Enormous Humpback Whale Filmed Jumping Next To A Fishing Boat
Protecting Whales from Ships near South Africa
Still, the researchers admit that their reasoning behind these strange occurrences is speculative. Although their reasoning sounds positive, that won’t stop people from declaring that this is a sign of the end of the world, that the whales know something people do not. Either way, everyone is happy to see these creatures’ numbers rise in recent years.
Although this study was published in 2017, this pattern of “super-groups” has continued.
Business Insider accounted for pods including as many as 600 whales in December 2019. South Africa is part of their natural migration to Cape Point but the size of the group is unheard of.
Cape Town authorities are encouraging ships in that area to keep 300 meters clear of these “super-groups.”
“We’re asking tour operators who are not necessarily permitted to get up close to whales, like unauthorized tourism vessels and fishing boats, not to approach the whales closer than 300 meters,” says Mduduzi Seakamela, Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) marine mammal biologist.
Ships are extremely threatening to whales, according to Alexander Vogel, a developer of the app Seafari.
“…Ship speeds above 10 knots are invariably fatal if a whale is struck. Smaller vessels are also a threat as the higher speed will make up for the lower weight and cause potentially serious injury or death.” said Vogel.
As the number of whales increase, vessel restrictions are being places to protect wildlife.
“There is something spiritual when a whale is looking at you,” says Seakamela. “I don’t know what it is but to stare into a whale’s eye, your spirit is cleansed. It’s something ritual and divine.” [5]
Keep Reading: Blue Whales Have ‘Unprecedented’ Bounce Back From Brink Of Extinction


theheartysoul--2020-05-11--Everything you need to know about the glowing Sea Turtle

If you have been paying attention to the news the past few years , you may have heard of the glowing sea turtle discovered by marine biologists during a diving trip in the South Pacific .
Although this turtle was discovered in 2015 , biofluorescence—the scientific processes behind the turtle ’ s glow—has recently been growing in popularity has been trending online .
Here is everything you need to know about the glowing sea turtle and why their discovery could have a significant impact on biomedical research .
During a shark dive off the coast of the Soloman Islands in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the City University of New York made a baffling discovery : a sea turtle that glowed red and green .
Gruber swam after this turtle until it dove out of sight , but was able to capture video footage .
Upon watching the footage back , Gruber was able to recognize the species as a hawksbill sea turtle .
Excited by his discovery , Gruber traveled to a turtle farm near the Soloman Islands that hatched and raised young hawksbill turtles to prove that the glowing turtle he witnessed was not just an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon these young turtles they , indeed , glowed green .
Although marine biologists had previously observed a number of species that exhibited a similar glow , such as certain types of algae , the glowing turtle sparked a new and increased degree of attention to the scientific processes of biofluorescence and bioluminescence .
This ‘ glowing sea turtle ’ that Gruber discovered is not a new species ; rather , it is a nickname given to the rare and endangered hawksbill turtle based on its newly discovered ability to biofluoresce .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hawksbill sea turtles are a rare and endangered species of sea turtle that are most commonly found in the tropical waters of the Atlantic , Pacific , and Indian Oceans .
These turtles spend most of their time near coral reefs that are home to their preferred food—sea sponges .
However , the rapid loss of coral reef habitats has proved to be a significant threat to this species ’ vitality .
Similar to other species of sea turtles like the loggerhead , hawksbill turtles will often travel long distances between their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They have even been known to travel distances of over 1,000 miles between these locations .
Although their exact life expectancy is unknown , hawksbill turtles are thought to live very long lives , reaching sexual maturity around the age of 25 .
Once it has reached maturity , female hawksbill turtles will travel to nesting beaches three to five times every couple of years to lay its eggs .
Shockingly , each nest contains between 130 to 160 eggs , meaning a female will lay up to several thousand eggs during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very small percentage of these eggs will hatch and live to adulthood due to a high number of predators and human disruption of nests .
The hawksbill turtle is named after the shape of its jaw , which comes to a sharp V-shape at its end , making these turtles ’ jaw and mouth look similar to the beak of a bird .
The sharpness and shape of the beak allow these turtles to reach into small holes and crevices in coral reefs to forage for food .
Aside from the shape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turtle is best recognized for its beautifully patterned , amber-colored shell ; however , it is their beautiful shell that has caused this species to become endangered .
For several hundred years , the hawksbill turtle has been hunted and killed in massive numbers for the desired “ tortoiseshell ” pattern common in jewelry and other accessories and trinkets .
Read : Dozens of Creatures Thought to Be Extinct Found Alive in ‘ Lost City ’ in the Jungle Why Do They Glow ?
Although the hawksbill sea turtle may seem to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marine biologist David Gruber proved in 2015 that these turtles are far from ordinary .
In fact , these turtles have a very unique trait : The ability to biofluoresce .
Biofluorescence , the scientific process behind the glow exhibited by the hawksbill turtle , is a natural process in which organisms absorb light of one intensity level and wavelength—or in simpler terms , the light of one color—and emit it at a different level and wavelength , or as a different color .
In the ocean , creatures will absorb high-energy blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emit such light in lower-energy shades of green , red , and orange .
This phenomenon is different , however than bioluminescence .
Bioluminescence is a process in which organisms produce and emit their own light , versus absorbing and transforming light .
Discovery of biofluorescence in sea turtles was a shocking discovery , however , biofluorescence itself is not a new phenomenon .
Scientists have been studying biofluorescence in organisms and plants for years .
In fact , marine biologists have observed this scientific process in coral , jellyfish , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain species of sharks and eels .
It has also been observed in loggerhead turtles , another breed of sea turtle .
Researches who have studied biofluorescence suspect that it is the presence of fluorescent proteins in organisms that allow this process to occur .
These proteins are said to be potentially monumental in cancer , brain , and other biomedical research , as they can be injected and used to track cellular functions and neural activity .
Although there is still much more research to be done , the discovery of biofluorescence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perhaps many other species of reptiles that also exhibit this phenomenon .
It ’ s possible , even , that more common species of turtles are able to biofluoresce .
This discovery could provide scientists and researches with more opportunities to study why and how this process occurs as well as how useful these fluorescent proteins could be in biomedical research .
However , because the hawksbill turtle is classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act ( ESA ) , swift action must be taken to protect this species in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keep Reading : New Species of Turtle Discovered

If you have been paying attention to the news the past few years, you may have heard of the glowing sea turtle discovered by marine biologists during a diving trip in the South Pacific.
Although this turtle was discovered in 2015, biofluorescence—the scientific processes behind the turtle’s glow—has recently been growing in popularity has been trending online.
Here is everything you need to know about the glowing sea turtle and why their discovery could have a significant impact on biomedical research.
Discovery of the Glowing Sea Turtle
During a shark dive off the coast of the Soloman Islands in 2015, marine biologist David Gruber of the City University of New York made a baffling discovery: a sea turtle that glowed red and green. Gruber swam after this turtle until it dove out of sight, but was able to capture video footage. Upon watching the footage back, Gruber was able to recognize the species as a hawksbill sea turtle.
Excited by his discovery, Gruber traveled to a turtle farm near the Soloman Islands that hatched and raised young hawksbill turtles to prove that the glowing turtle he witnessed was not just an anomaly. When blue light was shed upon these young turtles they, indeed, glowed green.
Although marine biologists had previously observed a number of species that exhibited a similar glow, such as certain types of algae, the glowing turtle sparked a new and increased degree of attention to the scientific processes of biofluorescence and bioluminescence.
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle
This ‘glowing sea turtle’ that Gruber discovered is not a new species; rather, it is a nickname given to the rare and endangered hawksbill turtle based on its newly discovered ability to biofluoresce.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hawksbill sea turtles are a rare and endangered species of sea turtle that are most commonly found in the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. These turtles spend most of their time near coral reefs that are home to their preferred food—sea sponges. However, the rapid loss of coral reef habitats has proved to be a significant threat to this species’ vitality.
Similar to other species of sea turtles like the loggerhead, hawksbill turtles will often travel long distances between their nesting beaches and coral reef feeding grounds. They have even been known to travel distances of over 1,000 miles between these locations.
Although their exact life expectancy is unknown, hawksbill turtles are thought to live very long lives, reaching sexual maturity around the age of 25. Once it has reached maturity, female hawksbill turtles will travel to nesting beaches three to five times every couple of years to lay its eggs. Shockingly, each nest contains between 130 to 160 eggs, meaning a female will lay up to several thousand eggs during its lifetime! Unfortunately, though, a very small percentage of these eggs will hatch and live to adulthood due to a high number of predators and human disruption of nests.
The hawksbill turtle is named after the shape of its jaw, which comes to a sharp V-shape at its end, making these turtles’ jaw and mouth look similar to the beak of a bird. The sharpness and shape of the beak allow these turtles to reach into small holes and crevices in coral reefs to forage for food.
Aside from the shape of their jaw, this species of turtle is best recognized for its beautifully patterned, amber-colored shell; however, it is their beautiful shell that has caused this species to become endangered. For several hundred years, the hawksbill turtle has been hunted and killed in massive numbers for the desired “tortoiseshell” pattern common in jewelry and other accessories and trinkets.
Read: Dozens of Creatures Thought to Be Extinct Found Alive in ‘Lost City’ in the Jungle
Why Do They Glow?
Although the hawksbill sea turtle may seem to be a relatively ordinary species of turtle, marine biologist David Gruber proved in 2015 that these turtles are far from ordinary. In fact, these turtles have a very unique trait: The ability to biofluoresce.
Biofluorescence, the scientific process behind the glow exhibited by the hawksbill turtle, is a natural process in which organisms absorb light of one intensity level and wavelength—or in simpler terms, the light of one color—and emit it at a different level and wavelength, or as a different color. In the ocean, creatures will absorb high-energy blue light and, as Gruber observed, emit such light in lower-energy shades of green, red, and orange.
This phenomenon is different, however than bioluminescence. Bioluminescence is a process in which organisms produce and emit their own light, versus absorbing and transforming light.
Discovery of biofluorescence in sea turtles was a shocking discovery, however, biofluorescence itself is not a new phenomenon. Scientists have been studying biofluorescence in organisms and plants for years. In fact, marine biologists have observed this scientific process in coral, jellyfish, and in over 180 species of marine fish including certain species of sharks and eels. It has also been observed in loggerhead turtles, another breed of sea turtle.
Researches who have studied biofluorescence suspect that it is the presence of fluorescent proteins in organisms that allow this process to occur. These proteins are said to be potentially monumental in cancer, brain, and other biomedical research, as they can be injected and used to track cellular functions and neural activity.
Summary
Although there is still much more research to be done, the discovery of biofluorescence in sea turtles suggests that there are perhaps many other species of reptiles that also exhibit this phenomenon. It’s possible, even, that more common species of turtles are able to biofluoresce. This discovery could provide scientists and researches with more opportunities to study why and how this process occurs as well as how useful these fluorescent proteins could be in biomedical research. However, because the hawksbill turtle is classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), swift action must be taken to protect this species in order to further study the prospects of biofluorescence.
Keep Reading: New Species of Turtle Discovered


theheartysoul--2020-05-12--First Time In 6 Decades, Bioluminescent Planktons Light Up A Beach In Acapulco

Imagine the beauty of the Northern Lights combined with the romanticism of a beach at night .
Although that sounds like something from Fantasia , this magical event has occurred for the first time in 60 years .
Mexican residents walking along the Puerto Marqués beach in Acapulco saw the shore light up with bioluminescence on the 20th of April .
This magical blue glow happens as a result of a biochemical reaction from the bioluminescent planktons who live in the water .
Some people who posted the phenomenon on social media believe the presence of the bioluminescent planktons is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area as a result of the current pandemic .
Marine biologist Enrique Ayala Duval was quick to explain the true cause behind the event .
On Sabersinfin.com , he wrote , “ Bioluminescence is the light produced as a result of a biochemical reaction in which most of the time luciferin [ protein ] , molecular oxygen and ATP [ adenosine triphosphate ] take part , which reacts by means of the enzyme luciferase in the following way : oxygen oxidizes luciferin , luciferase accelerates the reaction , and ATP provides the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and light , which is very noticeable at night.
” In other words , bioluminescence is a chemical reaction when microorganisms in the sea like fungi , bacteria , mollusks , are insects are disturbed by the oxygen in the waves , which causes them to emit blue light .
[ 1 ] Duval adds that the reason why bacteria produce light is unknown ; however , some fish and squid do benefit from such light to attract prey , escape from predators , or communicate with mates .
[ 2 ] One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of evolution .
When Earth ’ s atmosphere had extremely little oxygen , it began to increase as the number of photosynthetic organisms grew , but before then , organisms were released from oxygen that was toxic for them , which created the bioluminescence in the water .
Because of the coronavirus pandemic , Mexico has been in national lockdown , preventing anyone from going swimming at the beaches to prevent the virus from spreading .
However , one man couldn ’ t resist the temptation of this once-in-a-lifetime marine light show and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waves created from his jump into the water and the splashing from his swimming rippled with bright blue light , reminiscent of like Elsa using her sparkling ice magic in Frozen .
Many social media users did not approve of his decision .
While they valued the natural phenomenon , they commented that human beings ruin everything .
On Facebook , Arturo Martinez blames motorists for the lack of bioluminescent plankton , after a conversation with his friend , Domitilio Soto , who told him that these microorganisms were often run over by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has taken 60 years to reappear in Acapulco , it ’ s a common occurrence in other parts of Mexico .
The shore along the magical island of Holbox in Quintana Roo is lit up in blue from May to September .
In the five lakes in Chacahua National Park in Chacahua , the romanticism is seen in Oaxaca between the months of August and March .
[ 3 ] Some residents and tourists see this bioluminescence on the surface of a whale .
This may not be the only effect of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oaxaca invited crocodiles to the shores earlier in April .
Crocs usually hide in the lagoon at La Vintimilla , but they were spotted for the first time in a long while exploring the beach .
[ 4 ] Recently , Patrick Coyne posted a video of a pod of dolphins that appeared to be glowing neon blue .
In truth , it was the plankton in the water that was glowing as it ’ s being disturbed by the waves .
There ’ s a lesser-known creature called a siphonophore which belongs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which includes hydroids , corals , and jellyfish .
Siphonophores are made up of clear , often glowing gelatinous material that ’ s that can break under little force .
There ’ s also a beach in the Maldives , a popular vacation destination .
Blooms of bioluminescent plankton come to shore in the warm water on an unpredictable schedule .
Sometimes they can only be seen from far away depending on when the currents are strong enough to wash them to the beach .
This occurs when the organisms — like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , either from the crashing waves or from being touched .
Did I mention there are also glowing turtles ?
Yeah , they ’ re a thing too .

Imagine the beauty of the Northern Lights combined with the romanticism of a beach at night. Although that sounds like something from Fantasia, this magical event has occurred for the first time in 60 years. Mexican residents walking along the Puerto Marqués beach in Acapulco saw the shore light up with bioluminescence on the 20th of April. This magical blue glow happens as a result of a biochemical reaction from the bioluminescent planktons who live in the water.
A Natural Light Show at Puerto Marqués Beach
Some people who posted the phenomenon on social media believe the presence of the bioluminescent planktons is due to the lack of people around the area as a result of the current pandemic. Marine biologist Enrique Ayala Duval was quick to explain the true cause behind the event.
On Sabersinfin.com, he wrote, “Bioluminescence is the light produced as a result of a biochemical reaction in which most of the time luciferin [protein], molecular oxygen and ATP [adenosine triphosphate] take part, which reacts by means of the enzyme luciferase in the following way: oxygen oxidizes luciferin, luciferase accelerates the reaction, and ATP provides the energy for the reaction, producing water and light, which is very noticeable at night.”
In other words, bioluminescence is a chemical reaction when microorganisms in the sea like fungi, bacteria, mollusks, are insects are disturbed by the oxygen in the waves, which causes them to emit blue light. [1]
Duval adds that the reason why bacteria produce light is unknown; however, some fish and squid do benefit from such light to attract prey, escape from predators, or communicate with mates.
One theory suggests that bioluminescence is a result of evolution. When Earth’s atmosphere had extremely little oxygen, it began to increase as the number of photosynthetic organisms grew, but before then, organisms were released from oxygen that was toxic for them, which created the bioluminescence in the water.
Ignoring the Beach Swimming Ban
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Mexico has been in national lockdown, preventing anyone from going swimming at the beaches to prevent the virus from spreading. However, one man couldn’t resist the temptation of this once-in-a-lifetime marine light show and dove into the Pacific Ocean. The waves created from his jump into the water and the splashing from his swimming rippled with bright blue light, reminiscent of like Elsa using her sparkling ice magic in Frozen.
Many social media users did not approve of his decision. While they valued the natural phenomenon, they commented that human beings ruin everything.
On Facebook, Arturo Martinez blames motorists for the lack of bioluminescent plankton, after a conversation with his friend, Domitilio Soto, who told him that these microorganisms were often run over by tourists on ATVs.
Glowing Night Life in Mexico
Although this phenomenon has taken 60 years to reappear in Acapulco, it’s a common occurrence in other parts of Mexico.
The shore along the magical island of Holbox in Quintana Roo is lit up in blue from May to September. In the five lakes in Chacahua National Park in Chacahua, the romanticism is seen in Oaxaca between the months of August and March. [3] Some residents and tourists see this bioluminescence on the surface of a whale.
This may not be the only effect of people evacuating natural spaces. Empty beaches in Oaxaca invited crocodiles to the shores earlier in April. Crocs usually hide in the lagoon at La Vintimilla, but they were spotted for the first time in a long while exploring the beach. [4]
Other Occurrences of Bioluminescence
Recently, Patrick Coyne posted a video of a pod of dolphins that appeared to be glowing neon blue. In truth, it was the plankton in the water that was glowing as it’s being disturbed by the waves.
There’s a lesser-known creature called a siphonophore which belongs to a group of animals called Cnidaria, which includes hydroids, corals, and jellyfish. Siphonophores are made up of clear, often glowing gelatinous material that’s that can break under little force.
There’s also a beach in the Maldives, a popular vacation destination. Blooms of bioluminescent plankton come to shore in the warm water on an unpredictable schedule. Sometimes they can only be seen from far away depending on when the currents are strong enough to wash them to the beach. This occurs when the organisms — like phytoplankton and ostracod crustaceans — are stressed, either from the crashing waves or from being touched.
Did I mention there are also glowing turtles? Yeah, they’re a thing too.