Search results for “Venus”

Venus: Dead? Far from it

Recent research suggests Venus is geologically active, with evidence of recent rifting and volcanic activity. Computer models indicate that rift flanks can form along the edges of rift valleys, widening rapidly over time.

Astronomers find nearby planets to be small, strange, and utterly uninhabitable

Researchers have found four exoplanets orbiting Barnard's Star, all smaller than Earth and Venus, but larger than Mars. The planets' composition suggests they are rich in magnesium, which creates periclase, a mineral that does not store water effectively.

It’s disturbingly easy to trick AI into seeing aliens

Researchers at Michigan State University found that current AI models can be duped into seeing signatures of life in digital organisms with high accuracy. However, when tested on unseen examples, the results were less impressive. The team showed that it was possible to convince the AI that it was seeing signs of life where they didn’t ...

Softening cells walls provide the snap to a Venus flytrap

Researchers have identified a new mechanism behind the Venus flytrap's snap action: a one-second softening of its outer epidermal cell walls. This dynamic tuning of material properties could inspire bio-inspired movement in soft robotics and smart materials.

WVU researcher finds a surprising phenomenon in NASA data from Mars

Researchers discovered the Zwan-Wolf effect in the Martian atmosphere, which helps move solar wind plasma around the planet and makes it less dense. This finding advances scientists' understanding of how the sun interacts with the solar system, particularly on unmagnetized bodies like Mars.

How understanding art history can help doctors treat obesity – and why “GLP-1 face” will likely feature in future artwork

Researchers document rice plants trapping and killing fall armyworm caterpillars

New research proposes Dante’s Inferno modelled a planetary impact 500 years before modern science!

Venus’ atmosphere jumps and waves

From motion to memory: SNU researchers create soft machines that amplify movement and remember touch

Researchers at Seoul National University developed a new mechanical system that amplifies motion and remembers external triggers through magnetic attraction and elastic restoring force. The system, called Elasto-Magnetic Instability (EsMI), enables large-amplitude vibration and efficient energy conversion.

With a swipe of a magnet, microscopic “magno-bots” perform complex maneuvers

Engineers at MIT and their collaborators create a new type of soft magnetic hydrogel that can be made into complex, magnetically activated three-dimensional structures. The new gel enables the creation of microscopic, magnetically responsive robots and materials with micron-scale precision.

Better volcano eruption predictions on Earth--and Venus--thanks to Mauna Loa study

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze satellite data, combining public and private sources to predict lava flow patterns. The study's findings can aid in early warning systems for volcanic eruptions, providing critical information for safety and analysis.

Cosmic dust identified as the source of Venus' enigmatic lower haze

A research team at Tohoku University has solved the mystery of Venus' lower haze, discovering that cosmic dust from shooting stars is the primary cause. The dust particles burn up in the atmosphere, producing mineral cores that collide and form the haze layer observed by past missions.

Taming the acid clouds: a new blueprint for breathing and fueling on Venus

A team of researchers has proposed an integrated detection system for high-precision atmospheric characterization and resource utilization on Venus. The system combines gas filtration, enrichment, and spectroscopic analysis to detect trace gases and their isotopic signatures, overcoming the challenges posed by sulfuric acid clouds.

University of Liège scientists reveals similarities between auroras on Ganymede and Earth

Astronomers have found that the fundamental physical processes generating auroras are common to different celestial bodies, including the largest moon in the solar system. Observations of Ganymede's auroras reveal locally fragmented patches similar to those on Earth and Jupiter, suggesting a universal mechanism for aurora formation.

Cosmic curveball: Distant system challenges planet-formation theory

Astronomers discovered a distant planetary system around LHS 1903 that breaks the pattern of rocky planets orbiting close to their host star and gas giants farther away. The system's unusual architecture suggests an inside-out planet formation process, where planets form sequentially in ever-changing environments.

Cheops discovers late bloomer from another era

Researchers using ESA's Cheops satellite find a small rocky planet in LHS 1903 system, which defies conventional understanding of planetary order and formation. The discovery sparks renewed interest in exploring alternative explanations for this unusual system.

Evidence of a subsurface lava tube on Venus

A team from the University of Trento has identified an empty subsurface lava tube beneath Venus' surface, estimated to be approximately one kilometer in diameter and 375 meters deep. The discovery was made possible by analyzing Magellan's radar images and provides new insights into Venus' volcanic processes and geology.

Hidden magma oceans could shield rocky exoplanets from harmful radiation

Deep magma oceans beneath rocky exoplanets called super-earths could generate powerful magnetic fields to protect against harmful radiation. This suggests that these planets might be more hospitable for life beyond our solar system.

Tiny Mars’ big impact on Earth’s climate

Mars plays a measurable role in shaping Earth's long-term climate patterns, including ice ages, through its gravitational influence and orbital cycles. The study suggests that Mars' presence is necessary for the existence of major climate cycles, which have driven evolutionary changes on Earth.

Uranus and Neptune might be rock giants

A new study by the University of Zurich suggests that Uranus and Neptune may be more rocky than icy, challenging their classification as ice giants. The researchers developed a unique simulation process to model the planets' interiors, which found that the two planets could have either water-rich or rock-rich compositions.

Pioneering plant biologist Masatsugu Toyota wins 9th Okazaki Award

Plant biologist Masatsugu Toyota receives international recognition for his discovery that plants sense danger through airborne chemicals and warn their neighbors. His work reveals advanced sensory networks rivaling animal nervous systems, challenging traditional views of passive organisms.

HKU researchers discover new tectonic regime of terrestrial planets, offering new insights into the evolution of Earth and Venus

Researchers from HKU identified six distinct tectonic regimes on terrestrial planets, including a novel 'Episodic-Squishy Lid' regime. This discovery provides clues to the origin of Earth's plate tectonics and offers a robust theoretical framework for deciphering Venus' enigmatic geological features.

Coronal mass ejections at the dawn of the solar system

Researchers from Kyoto University have found multi-temperature coronal mass ejections from a young solar analogue, suggesting frequent strong CMEs could have driven life emergence on early planets. The study used simultaneous space- and ground-based observations to capture hot and cool plasma components.

Touch sensor of the carnivorous plant Venus flytrap revealed

Researchers at Saitama University have revealed that DmMSL10, an ion channel, acts as the Venus flytrap's primary touch sensor. This discovery showcases how plants can sensitively detect gentle stimuli, leading to efficient prey capture and trap closure.

Fidget-controlled robots show the power of metastability

Researchers at Purdue University have developed fidget-controlled robots that utilize metastability to create soft robotic systems. These robots use bistable domes to perform tasks such as grasping and classifying objects, demonstrating the potential for physical systems to replace electronic components in challenging environments.

‘Invisible’ asteroids near Venus may threaten Earth in the future

Researchers have identified undetectable asteroids orbiting Venus that could collide with Earth in the distant future. The asteroids' low eccentricity makes them invisible from ground-based observatories, but simulations suggest they pose a real risk of devastating impacts on large cities.

Surviving hostile Venus conditions, finding rare earths and other critical metals

The University of Pittsburgh has received prestigious R&D World 100 Awards for two emerging technologies: VulcanAlloy and eMission Critical Sensor. These innovations can withstand high temperatures continuously approaching 500 degrees Celsius and identify rare earth elements in waste streams or feedstocks, respectively.

Solar pacifiers

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf has developed a model that derives the Sun's known activity cycles from the cyclical influence of the planets' tidal forces. This synchronization automatically curbs solar activity, leading to subdued radiation eruptions and reduced geomagnetic storms.

Better access to technology can help African Americans bridge the healthcare gap

Researchers found that improving access to technology can significantly reduce healthcare disparities among African Americans. The study highlights the importance of addressing both socioeconomic disparities and technology access to achieve equity in healthcare.

Life on Venus? UK probe could reveal the answer

A UK-backed mission, VERVE, is set to search and map gases rich in hydrogen that shouldn't be present on Venus. The probe will investigate potential biomarkers phosphine and ammonia, which could indicate the presence of microbial lifeforms.

The birth of a solar system revealed by planet 'pebbles'

Researchers have detected planet-forming 'pebbles' around two young stars, DG Tau and HL Tau, revealing large reservoirs of pebbles out to at least Neptune-like orbits. This discovery offers an early glimpse into the formation of planetary systems and may help understand how planets are formed.

Meteorological satellites observe temperatures on Venus

Researchers used Japan's Himawari-8 and -9 meteorological satellites to track temporal changes in Venus' cloud-top temperature, finding variations in thermal tides and planetary-scale waves. The study provides a new avenue for long-term multiband monitoring of solar system bodies.

Launch your STEM career: a unique gateway into scientific research with Naval Research Laboratory internships

Naval Research Laboratory internships provide students with cutting-edge research experiences and opportunities for career growth. With real-world applications in national defense and future careers, these programs offer students the chance to advance their innovation.

SwRI-led paper summarizes notable progress in understanding the evolution of the terrestrial planets

A recent paper by SwRI-led researchers summarizes the scientific community's notable progress in advancing the understanding of the formation and evolution of the inner rocky planets. The study focuses on late accretion's role in controlling the long-term evolution of these planets, with implications for their habitability.

New Venus observation mission - World's first long-term planetary cubesat study by Korea’s Institute for Basic Science and NanoAvionics

The CLOVE project aims to investigate Venus's atmospheric temporal variabilities and climate evolution with a series of CubeSats launched every three years over a 15-year period. The mission will provide valuable insight into volcanic activity, solar-atmosphere interactions, and planetary climate shifts.

NASA’s Magellan mission reveals possible tectonic activity on Venus

Researchers studied corona features on Venus' surface, finding signs of tectonic activity and buoyant mantle material beneath them. This discovery suggests ongoing processes driving coronae formation, potentially similar to Earth's past.

Could convection in the crust explain Venus’ many volcanoes?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis propose a new mechanism to explain Venus' geology: convection in the crust. If true, this process could influence volcano placement and type. High-resolution gravity measurements could detect differences in crust temperature and density.

Fossils: Ancient parasitic ‘Venus flytrap’ wasp preserved in amber

Researchers discovered a fossilized wasp from the mid-Cretaceous period with a Venus flytrap-like abdomen, indicating it was a parasitoid insect. The species, Sirenobethylus charybdis, had a unique grasping apparatus that likely targeted highly mobile prey.

Sea sponge inspires super strong compressible material

Researchers developed a new material inspired by the Venus' flower basket deep-sea sponge, showcasing remarkable compressive strength and stiffness. The double lattice design overcomes limitations of existing auxetic materials, offering potential applications in construction, sports gear, and medical devices.

U-M awarded up to $7.5 million to bring heat-tolerant semiconductors from lab to fab

University of Michigan researchers will scale up NASA's technology and manufacturing process to create durable silicon carbide circuits that can operate at record-high temperatures. The project aims to advance aerospace electronics and sensors for aircraft engines, and support renewable energy and defense applications.

Describing previously unknown aspects of Copper Age ceremonial clothing

A recent study analyzed perforated beads from the Tholos de Montelirio tomb, revealing a collection of over 270,000 beads made from marine shells. The findings suggest that these garments held strong symbolic meaning, indicating the wearer's high social status and religious leadership role.

Dumbbell-shaped thrombectomy device: a novel approach to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis treatment

A new device has been designed to effectively treat cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) by navigating complex venous anatomy and removing large thrombi. The device features controllable axial and longitudinal maneuverability, improving clinical outcomes for patients with CVST.

SNU researchers develop soft robot that crawls, climbs, and shape-shifts to move in new directions

A new type of soft robot can crawl like a worm, climb cables, and suddenly snap into a different shape to move in a new direction. The Snap Inflatable Modular Metastructure (SIMM) system allows the robot to both smoothly deform and rapidly change configuration using just one air source.

NASA scientists spot candidate for speediest exoplanet system

Scientists have discovered a scrawny star and its fast-moving super-Neptune world, which sets a new record for the fastest exoplanet system. The planetary system is thought to move at least 1.2 million miles per hour.

Brain immune cells may also be from Mars and Venus

Researchers have found that microglia function differently in adult male versus female mice when given an enzyme inhibitor, with potential broad implications for how neurological diseases are studied. This discovery highlights the necessity of gender-specific research and may lead to new disease-modifying therapies targeting microglia.

Super-Earth vs. Sub-Neptune? The winner is Super-Venus!

A new type of exoplanet, similar to 'Super-Venus', has been detected by the James Webb Space Telescope. The planet's atmosphere is characterized by high concentrations of carbon dioxide, unlike typical Earth-like rocky planets or Neptune-like icy worlds.

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe makes history with closest pass to Sun

The spacecraft successfully completed its record-breaking closest approach to the solar surface on December 24, 2024, flying just 3.8 million miles above the surface at a speed of 430,000 miles per hour. This pass allows scientists to conduct unrivaled scientific measurements with the potential to change our understanding of the Sun.

Battery-like computer memory keeps working above 1000°F

Researchers developed a heat-tolerant memory device that can store and rewrite information at temperatures over 1100°F, comparable to the surface of Venus and the melting temperature of lead. The device uses oxygen ions instead of electrons, allowing for precise control of voltage states and potential in-memory computing applications.

A rare Venus solar transit helps unravel exoplanet atmospheres

Researchers used rare data from a 2012 Venus solar transit to validate techniques for studying small exoplanets' atmospheres, similar to that of Venus. The study reveals signs of carbon dioxide in the Venusian atmosphere, which can be used to differentiate it from Earth's atmosphere.

Researchers deal a blow to theory that Venus once had liquid water on its surface

A team of astronomers from the University of Cambridge found that Venus' interior is too dry for liquid water to have existed on its surface. This conclusion challenges long-held theories and has implications for understanding Earth's uniqueness and searching for life elsewhere in the Solar System.

NASA Goddard Lidar team receives Center Innovation Award for Advancements

The NASA Goddard Lidar team has developed a system that can produce higher resolution data within a smaller space, significantly increasing efficiency compared to current models. This technology, known as CASALS, uses artificial intelligence and other technologies to allow the instrument to make its own decisions while in orbit.

Scientists discover planet orbiting closest single star to our Sun

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet orbiting Barnard's star, located six light-years away, which has at least half the mass of Venus and orbits its star in just over three Earth days. The discovery was made using ESO's VLT and confirms the existence of a new exoplanet candidate, while also hinting at the presence of three more.

This rocky planet around a white dwarf resembles Earth — 8 billion years from now

A team of astronomers discovered a planetary system that resembles the sun-Earth system, with an Earth-size companion in an orbit twice as large as Earth's today. The discovery provides insight into the evolution of main sequence stars and their impact on planets.

Geoscientists confirm 'dripping' of Earth’s crust beneath Türkiye's Central Anatolian Plateau

Researchers confirm multi-stage lithospheric dripping as cause of basin subsidence in Central Anatolian Plateau. Laboratory experiments and satellite data reveal intricate connection between plateau uplift and basin formation events.

Spectacular increase in the deuterium/hydrogen ratio in Venus' atmosphere

Researchers discovered an unexpected increase in H2O and HDO concentrations in Venus' mesosphere, with the HDO/H2O ratio rising 120 times higher than expected. This finding suggests that solar radiation broke down water isotopologues, producing hydrogen atoms that escape into space, leading to deuterium enrichment.

Key to rapid planet formation

A team of researchers developed a new model that incorporates all necessary physical processes in planet formation, showing that annular perturbations can trigger the rapid formation of multiple gas giants. The results match latest observations and indicate more efficient and quick planet formation than previously thought.

Discovery of vast sex differences in cellular activity has major implications for disease treatment

Researchers discovered extreme differences in mitochondrial gene activity between males and females, highlighting the need for sex-specific disease therapies. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that male mitochondria exhibit more protein-coding genes than females.

HKUST researcher developed liquid metal-based electronic logic device that mimics intelligent prey-capture mechanism of Venus flytrap

A research team led by HKUST developed a liquid metal-based electronic logic device that mimics the intelligent prey-capture mechanism of Venus flytraps. The device exhibits memory and counting properties, allowing it to respond intelligently to stimulus sequences without additional components.

Rethinking the sun’s cycles

The study presents a comprehensive physical explanation for the sun's activity cycles, attributing them to Rossby waves mediated by planetary tidal influences. This model successfully explains the Schwabe cycle and other solar cycles, providing strong evidence for the planetary hypothesis.