The CSIRO Australia-led research reveals the oldest minerals ever analyzed by NASA's Mars Opportunity Rover show evidence of liquid water on Mars around 4 billion years ago. The discovery suggests that past water activity may have created livable mud, increasing the chances of life on Mars.
Researchers found that low atmospheric CO2 concentrations acted as a 'carbon starvation' brake, slowing down weathering rates and reducing forests' ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This mechanism helped maintain stable CO2 levels and climate over millions of years.
A handheld mineral analyzer has been developed for mining applications, enabling rapid analysis of minerals in the field. The device combines X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques to identify and quantify minerals within 1-2 minutes.
Researchers at TUM discovered that carbon binds to small mineral particles with rough surfaces, leading to preferential spots for sequestration. The study used a mass spectrometer to visualize and compare soil structures, revealing areas with high carbon content.
Researchers from PNNL present studies on carbon sequestration in shale reservoirs, water consumption for future energy production, and how climate change affects soil microbes. Early results show clay minerals can absorb emissions under certain conditions.
Scientists at Rice University and MARUM developed a new computerized model to simulate the complex chemistry at the boundary layer, where quartz and water meet. The model accurately predicts dissolution rates, which could revolutionize engineering calculations related to building materials and radioactive waste storage.
A new analysis of Hadean mineralogy suggests that no more than 420 different minerals were present at or near Earth's surface during the first 550 million years after life emerged. These minerals formed from magma and alteration, excluding rare elements such as borate and molybdate minerals.
Scientists from the University of Glasgow have developed a range of new pizza recipes that meet public health goals without compromising taste. The pizzas contained at least 30% of all required nutrients, including carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making them suitable as healthy meals.
Researchers have developed a new testing strategy that can estimate levels of essential vitamins and minerals without directly testing each nutritional factor. This approach uses protein levels in the bloodstream as proxies for nutrient levels, enabling rapid detection of population-wide deficiencies and potential remediation efforts.
Scientists from CSIRO discovered that eucalyptus trees can act as a hydraulic pump, drawing up water containing gold particles from the earth and depositing them into their leaves and branches. This innovative technique could provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to search for minerals such as zinc and copper.
The Consumer's Guide to Minerals explores minerals' diverse uses in scientific research, manufacturing, medicine, and commercial applications. The digital publication provides a comprehensive reference for professionals and students in the fields of applied science, geology, and economics.
A new study reveals that lightning strikes significantly control the evolution of mountain landscapes, especially summit areas, by blasting rocks and creating angular debris. This finding has vast implications for food security and water supply, particularly in southern Africa.
A study of postmenopausal women found that taking multivitamin/mineral supplements reduced the risk of dying from invasive breast cancer by 30%. The association persisted even after controlling for other factors, suggesting a potential cause-and-effect relationship.
Researchers investigated thallium's geo-chemical speciation and partitioning during industrial processes. The study found that 40% of Tl in pyrite minerals is active, leading to significant environmental pollution with serious implications for aquatic systems.
A young Bangladeshi chemist has developed a reactor that removes nitrates from drinking water using electrodes, a process that also preserves healthy minerals. The tech aims to improve access to clean drinking water in Bangladesh and other developing countries.
Researchers from UC Riverside and international partners discover a new mineral, cubic boron nitride, named qingsongite, which has unique properties resembling those of diamond. Qingsongite was found in the southern Tibetan mountains under extreme conditions and has been officially approved by the International Mineralogical Association.
Scientists discovered that certain sugars can control the timing and placement of minerals used to produce hard structures like shells and exoskeletons. The research proposes a theory on how charged and uncharged sugars can create these structures, offering potential for new environmental and medical technologies.
Research suggests that vitamins and minerals, such as B and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can improve mood and reduce fatigue. Supplementing with these nutrients may provide an alternative to psychiatric medicines for symptom relief.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a computational method to tailor the properties of zeolites, a crucial step in producing industrial minerals. The method uses organic structure directing agents (OSDAs) to guide the growth of zeolite crystals and can potentially produce new types of zeolites.
Geochemists at Brown University have discovered noble gases can dissolve in amphibole minerals, providing a potential mechanism for their recycling between the atmosphere and Earth's interior. This finding is significant as it sheds light on how other volatiles like water and carbon are cycled.
Researchers discovered reactive phosphorus in early Archean limestone, providing evidence that meteorites delivered phosphorus necessary for early life forms. The team found that meteorite phosphorus could generate phosphorus biomolecules identical to those seen in life today.
The Mars Curiosity Rover has discovered strong evidence of flowing water on Mars, with rocks showing characteristics similar to those formed by rivers and streams. The findings suggest a warmer and wetter past environment on the planet, which may have supported life.
Scientists discover chemical reaction between iron-containing minerals and water can produce enough hydrogen to sustain microbial communities, hinting at possibility of hydrogen-dependent life on Mars. The study also suggests that such reactions could take place in the ocean's crust at lower temperatures than previously thought.
A team of seismologists has discovered that slow earthquakes, which last minutes rather than seconds, are linked to the type of rock in faults. Laboratory experiments using natural samples from Japan found that clay minerals play a key role in this slip behavior, influencing how rocks react to shear.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed equations to calculate phosphorus and calcium concentrations in meat and bone meal. The study found that ash content is a reliable indicator of Ca and P concentrations, allowing producers to estimate mineral levels without harming pig growth.
Researchers imitated sea sponge skeleton to produce highly flexible synthetic spicules, exhibiting rubber-like flexibility and resistance to fracture. The new material has potential applications in body armor and other fields.
Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found no significant benefit from high-dose oral vitamins and minerals in reducing recurrent cardiac events. However, combining these supplements with active chelation therapy showed a slight additional benefit.
The Deep Carbon Observatory investigates deep carbon's movement, origin and forms, shedding light on the planet's oldest ecosystem. Studies suggest a significant amount of carbon may be locked into minerals and melts in the mantle and core.
A team of scientists analyzed 442 molybdenite samples to find that rhenium concentrations increased significantly over the past three billion years, reflecting increasing oxygen levels in the environment. The findings support previous research on hydrothermal activity and supercontinent formation influencing mineral evolution.
A new process developed by MIT engineers can produce clean water at relatively low cost, making it a crucial step towards U.S. energy independence and addressing the issue of produced water from natural gas wells. The technology has been patented and is expected to be commercially available within two years.
Researchers have developed a new substance inspired by mussels' adhesive, which can rebuild both enamel and dentin on teeth. Laboratory tests show that the gooey material promotes simultaneous remineralization of enamel and dentin, offering a potential solution for millions suffering from tooth sensitivity.
A new study reveals that clay minerals cover a larger portion of Mars than previously thought, including areas around Eagle crater and Endeavour Crater. Researchers believe clays could have formed early on when the planet's waters were more alkaline.
Researchers have discovered that magma in oceanic crust is cycled through the Earth's surface before eruption, altering previous theories on the formation of oceanic crust. This breakthrough could help scientists better understand the conditions of mantle melting and production of the Earth's most-common rock.
Researchers developed a new thermoelectric material using common materials found in dirt, improving efficiency and reducing production costs. The material has potential applications in waste heat recovery from industrial power plants and conversion of vehicle exhaust gas heat into electricity.
Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a method to purify and enrich magnetotactic bacteria, which can produce magnetic nanocrystals. These bacteria are found in aquatic environments worldwide and possess unique properties that allow them to align with the Earth's magnetic field.
Research suggests that hydrothermal fractures on Mars may have been a habitable environment for microbial life. Meteorites containing alteration minerals from these fractures indicate temperatures ranging from 50°C to 150°C.
Meat from wild animals like antelope and rodents is increasingly important in African diets due to scarcity of traditional livestock. Researchers highlight the nutritional value of bushmeat, providing protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.
A randomized trial of over 14,000 male physicians found that long-term daily multivitamin use resulted in a modest but statistically significant reduction in cancer incidence. The study suggests that multivitamins may have a greater benefit on more clinically relevant cancer diagnoses.
A study found a fourfold increase in dissolved zinc in the upper Snake River over the last 30 years, driven by warmer air temperatures. Rising temperatures also accelerated mineral weathering rates, leading to increased metal concentrations in other months.
Researchers used ultrafast X-rays to observe electron transfer in iron oxide nanoparticles, shedding light on the environmental impact of rust. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells and a better understanding of contaminant remediation efforts.
Researchers suggest that the Tibetan Plateau's growth of high topography began around 30 million years ago, contrary to previously held beliefs. This new finding was made possible by analyzing samples from the eastern edge of the plateau using various geological methods.
A new method developed by Tel Aviv University's Prof. Lev Eppelbaum successfully uncovered a previously unknown polymetallic reserve in the Caucasus mountainside, containing over 500,000 tons of copper, zinc, lead, aluminium, and gold-silver mixtures.
Researchers found that pyrite, also known as fools' gold, plays a significant role in regulating atmospheric oxygen levels. The formation and burial of pyrite has been more important than previously thought, accounting for over 80% of sulfur removed from the ocean.
Harvard researchers found that a fungus produces superoxide, which oxidizes manganese, forming reactive minerals used for water cleanup and nutrient control. The discovery lends insight to environmental remediation and raises questions about the role of fungi in biogeochemistry.
Researchers found panguite, a titanium oxide mineral, in the Allende meteorite, which is considered one of the best-studied meteorites in history. The discovery sheds new light on the formation and evolution of the solar system.
Mineral evolution has led to at least 90 different mercury-containing minerals on Earth, mostly formed during three periods of supercontinent assembly. The creation of these minerals is linked to hydrothermal activity associated with continents colliding and forming mountain ranges.
Researchers have identified dozens of zeolite minerals that can improve the energy efficiency of carbon capture technology, reducing 'parasitic energy' costs by up to 30%. The new materials could significantly enhance the feasibility of capturing CO2 from power plant emissions and storing it underground.
A new study by Carnegie's Andrew Steele provides strong evidence that Martian organic carbon originates from the planet itself, not Earth or other meteorites. The findings reveal insights into Mars' volcanic history and suggest the presence of organic chemistry throughout its history.
A Swedish study found that consuming low-fat dairy products reduces the risk of stroke in adults. Low-fat dairy foods are rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, which may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.
Biologists at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered novel functions of the metal-binding molecule nicotianamine, which regulates iron and zinc transport in plants. The research provides important clues for breeding crops with increased zinc content to prevent health problems caused by deficiencies.
New research from the British Geological Survey and MIT refines the data used to determine how much time has passed since a mineral or rock was formed. The results show that minerals naturally capture uranium when they form, which in turn undergoes radioactive decays to other elements, allowing for more accurate age determinations.
A genome study has identified three genetic variants associated with an increased risk of podoconiosis, a disabling leg swelling caused by an abnormal reaction to soil minerals. The discovery confirms the immune system link to the disease and suggests that drugs targeting immune responses may be useful in treating it.
Researchers propose that oceanic crust 'oozed' continents at depths of 30-40 kilometers instead of 100 km, supported by analysis of oldest rocks. This new theory challenges the conventional understanding of continental crust formation.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory's Center for Nanoscale Control of Geologic CO2 have engineered bacteria to speed up the formation of solid carbonate minerals, which can permanently trap carbon dioxide. This process could help remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere and mitigate global warming.
A new study finds that seismic faults close to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have reactivated after a magnitude 9 earthquake in March. The researchers warn of a higher risk of large earthquakes disturbing the region, which could potentially cause another nuclear disaster.
Researchers found that rats given daily multivitamin and mineral supplements showed an 84% reduction in pre-cancerous lesions and did not develop tumors when exposed to carcinogens. The study suggests that regular supplement use could help protect against colon cancer, giving cancer patients valuable guidance.
The arrival of the first land plants 470 million years ago led to a series of 'ice ages' as they extracted minerals from rocks, causing chemical weathering and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This cooling effect would have been around five degrees Celsius.
Acidification provides the thrust for kimberlites to ascend through the Earth's crust, with assimilated xenoliths playing a crucial role in facilitating the process. This discovery enhances understanding of kimberlite genesis and will aid in searching for new diamond-bearing ores.
The study reveals that metal oxides interact with water in metastable states, rather than sequential transitional forms. This finding has implications for understanding corrosion and developing sustainable technologies like batteries and hydrogen fuel.
Five NASA Goddard scientists have been selected to participate in the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and Cassini missions. Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode will study high-energy ionizing radiation on Mars' sediments, while Dr. Daniel Glavin will investigate amines of biological origin using new Sample Analysis at Mars protocols. Dr. Michael Smi...