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NASA sends a probe to an asteroid to study the origins of life on Earth. A predominant theory in linguistics is challenged by new evidence. And it looks like bees might finally be getting a break. It's Earthy Thursday, our weekly segment on science and Earth related news! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

The nature of the leap year is explained. The threat facing bees is examined. And are negative emotions important for your well-being? It's Earthy Thursday, our weekly segment on science and Earth-related news! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

A Jordanian-Canadian architect designs a tent to help refugees. Astronauts farm in space! And which rechargeable batteries are really the most eco-friendly? It's Earthy Thursday, our weekly take on news relating to the environment, Earth, and science. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

Wildfires sweep the Pacific Northwest, sending clouds of toxic smoke into the air. Oslo construct a special "highway" just for bees. And FiveThirtyEight's Christie Aschwanden takes a look at the hard work that goes into scientific research. It's Earthy Thursday, our weekly segment on the Earth and science-related news. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

What's the geekiest place in the known universe? Could seaweed that tastes like bacon really be the key to saving the oceans? And what exactly does Obama's new plan to reduce fossil fuel usage in the United States really mean? Here in Earthy Thursday we gather the most interesting news about science and the natural world for your perusing. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

My friend Kelly Meyer reminded me of the Lorsch Bee Blessing today. The 9th century Old High German charm captures the importance of bees in the medieval world, something we're beginning to realise anew as we discover just how perilous life is when they're endangered. As I've written about before, the importance of mead, the alcoholic drink made from honey, cannot be overstated in the Germanic world.

In Old High German, the charm goes like this:

Food, glorious food! After water it's easily the most vital resource we utilize (except perhaps for air). But in a world that's growing ever larger and where land fertility is under threat it can be a struggle to find new solutions to feed the hungry. Among the other stories we've gathered today, this week's Earthy Thursday talks about the different and creative ways by which people are trying to create new and plentiful food sources, from seaweed farms to insects. Continue below to learn more about these future possibilities.