Researchers at Ohio State University found that carbon-rich planets could form with a core and mantle, but these cores would be very carbon-rich and mantles dominated by diamond. This means no geothermal energy, plate tectonics, or magnetic field on such planets.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have recreated ancient minerals to reveal the earliest atmospheric conditions on Earth, challenging years of research on life's origins. The findings suggest an atmosphere dominated by water, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, rather than methane-filled wasteland.
Research suggests that sauropod dinosaurs used hollow osteoderms to store minerals needed for their huge skeletons and laying large egg clutches. The study also found that these "skin bones" became more important mineral stores as the animals grew.
The U.S. Department of Energy will fund two cutting-edge projects to replace rare-earth materials in magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicles. Researchers aim to develop new high-strength permanent magnets using cerium and manganese, reducing dependence on critical materials like rare earths.
A recent USDA study reveals that new varieties of broccoli retain the same levels of calcium, copper, iron, and other minerals as older cultivars, despite significant improvements in quality. The research suggests that breeders can rely on these nutrient levels when developing future broccoli strains.
Researchers at Caltech have directly determined the surface temperature of early Mars for the first time. They found that carbonate minerals formed at about 18 degrees Celsius, consistent with a warmer and wetter Martian past. This finding provides crucial evidence for understanding Mars' history and climate.
The increasing demand for rare earth elements and critical minerals poses significant geopolitical challenges, threatening the global clean energy economy. The US, China, and other countries are exploring strategies to secure domestic supplies and mitigate supply risks.
A UK team has developed a novel electric motor for hybrid electric and pure electric vehicles that replaces rare earth metals with steel. This innovative technology aims to reduce the environmental impact and costs associated with mining these scarce materials.
Researchers found evidence of oceanic crust in ultra-deep diamonds, suggesting it can be transported from the lower to upper mantle via large-scale upwelling. The discovery provides new insights into the Earth's mantle recycling process.
Researchers develop a new collector technology using water-repelling nanoparticles to recover gold, silver, and copper from waste rock. The process achieves near-100% recovery rate in laboratory experiments.
Researchers found diverse mineralogies in two troughs of Noctis Labyrinthus, Mars, indicating a potentially habitable environment and liquid water presence. Additionally, studies on EarthScope seismic observations and the formation of high delta18O fayalite-bearing A-type granite reveal key factors for these unique rock types.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a new material, SLUG-26, that can trap negatively-charged pollutants from water. The material, which has a high capacity for holding onto negative ions, could be used to treat polluted water through an ion exchange process.
A Cochrane Systematic Review found that micronutrient powders can reduce anaemia and iron deficiency in infants aged six to 23 months, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The intervention resulted in a 31% reduction in anaemia risk and a 51% reduction in iron deficiency risk.
This article covers various geological topics from August 2011, including microbial activity in banded-iron formations, the San Andreas fault system's deformation patterns, and earthquake hazards. Researchers also investigated porosity redistribution in crystal-rich magmas and boundaries conditions on laboratory models of simple shear.
A new study shows that globally, animal-pollinated crops contain a majority of dietary lipids, vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like calcium and iron. Without pollinators, up to 40% of essential nutrients could be lost.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal reveals how moderate selenium and vitamin K deficiency can lead to age-related diseases. Researchers found that damaging effects accumulate over time due to vitamin and mineral loss, highlighting the need for public health initiatives to address modest deficiencies.
A new study developed by McGill Professor Roussos Dimitrakopoulos has created more accurate mine planning models that take into account uncertainty in the supply of minerals. This results in higher return on investment for mining companies while increasing metal production from the same asset.
Researchers found carbon-based minerals in ancient Canadian rocks to be millions of years younger than the rock itself, questioning earlier timelines for biological life's emergence. The discovery suggests that carbon may have been introduced into the rock at a later stage, potentially altering our understanding of the Earth's evolution.
A team of scientists has discovered a new mineral, krotite, which is believed to be one of the earliest minerals formed in our solar system. The mineral was found in an unusual inclusion embedded in a meteorite and is composed of calcium-aluminum-rich refractory material.
Scientists discovered minerals requiring liquid water for formation in comet Wild-2, shattering the current paradigm that comets are frozen in time. The discovery provides evidence of a warm water phase and puts an upper limit on temperatures encountered by the comet during its origin.
A new study by Joe Vinson ranks walnuts as the No. 1 nut in terms of healthful antioxidants, with nearly twice as much antioxidants as other commonly consumed nuts. Walnuts contain a combination of high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and are dairy- and gluten-free.
New technique sheds light on 4.5 billion-year-old event; iron takes elongated form at high pressure, forming channels instead of isolated spheres.
Adults who drink 100 percent fruit juice have improved nutrient intake, exceeding recommended levels for calcium and potassium, while meeting vitamin A and C needs. The study supports the role of fruit juice as a nutrient-dense beverage, encouraging its inclusion as part of a balanced diet.
The scarcity of new energy minerals will lead to a significant increase in trade tensions between nations. China's growing reliance on wind power to meet its renewable energy targets is exacerbating the issue, as the country needs rare earth elements like neodymium and selenium for high-strength magnets.
A recent report by the Nutrilite Health Institute found that Americans who don't meet their daily fruit and vegetable recommendations tend to have lower intakes of vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. The report suggests that incorporating more colorful plant-based foods i...
A research team developed tools to study supercritical CO2's impact on minerals, which could be affected by stored carbon dioxide. The new high-pressure atomic force microscope can observe changes at the atomic scale, addressing a key question about the feasibility of carbon capture and storage.
UCF physicists analyze space dust using far IR spectroscopy to identify minerals and provide clues about solar system formation and life emergence. The findings will be published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society journal.
Researchers found that African Americans consume more fat and saturated fat, while having lower-than-recommended levels of minerals associated with bone health. However, those with diabetes ate more dietary fiber than those with normal blood sugar levels.
Certain tree species have developed strategies to select bacterial communities that can break down inorganic minerals into usable nutrients. This process, known as mineral weathering, is essential for tree growth in acidic forest soils.
New research suggests that liquid water existed all over Mars during its early history, with studies of minerals found in craters revealing a global alteration by water. The discovery provides clues about the planet's potential habitability and suggests sites for future landers.
Researchers at the Carbfix Project have found a way to capture and dissolve CO2 in water, then inject it into basalt rocks where it forms solid carbonates. This method aims to provide a long-term, thermodynamically stable solution for storing excess CO2.
Researchers found tooth marks on bones from large dinosaurs and a small marsupial, dated around 75 million years ago. The marks were likely made by ancient mammals, such as multituberculates, which gnawed on the bones for minerals.
A geochemist raised concerns about the efficiency of carbon storage projects by highlighting the impact of underground chemical reactions on mineral dissolution. Research is needed to analyze reaction rates and affected minerals for better carbon storage project evaluation.
New intense sources of radiation at national facilities are allowing geochemists to gather images and data on minerals in one second, revolutionizing the field. The enhanced power of x-rays and pulsed neutrons enable researchers to detect, characterize and understand mineral components and contaminants.
Eating five or more servings of white rice per week was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Replacing it with brown rice or other whole grains lowered the risk by 16% and 36% respectively.
Women who follow a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals have a lower risk of developing nuclear cataracts. A study of 1,808 women found that healthy diets, which reflect adherence to US dietary guidelines, are more strongly related to the occurrence of nuclear cataracts than other modifiable risk factors.
Scientists have discovered an outcrop of carbonate-rich rock, dubbed Comanche, in the Columbia Hills of Gusev Crater on Mars. The discovery was made possible by a calibration technique developed to correct for dust effects on the instrument, revealing a couple of large outcrops of rock with high carbonate content.
New research reveals the Yangtze River in China is 40 million years old, challenging previous estimates of its origins. The study, published in Geology, found that the river began cutting the Three Gorges area around 45 million years ago, resulting in a more gradual formation process.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered two factors controlling the antibacterial activity of clay minerals, which can kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The study's findings suggest a role for acid-soluble metal species in mineral toxicity, but also present challenges for developing topical treatments.
Researchers have developed a new, completely natural alternative to using antibiotics in animal feed. The activated clay product Amadeite adsorbs mycotoxins, reducing the risk of disease and improving livestock productivity.
Researchers are exploring ways to increase iron and zinc quantities in white flour using high-intensity x-rays. This approach aims to develop nutritious grain varieties that can help address global dietary deficiencies.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a process to recover significant quantities of rare-earth oxides from titanium dioxide minerals in industrial waste. The new method could make green technologies more accessible and reduce reliance on China's dominant supply of these resources.
Scientists have discovered how bacteria survive in rock environments, enabling the potential for bio-batteries powered by animal waste and cleaning up oil spills. The 'rock-breathing' bacteria can construct tiny biological wires to conduct electrons to minerals, generating electricity.
Researchers produced single-molecule resolution images of peptide-mineral interaction, revealing mechanisms that molecules use to bind to surfaces. Peptides slow down or speed up crystal growth depending on conditions, offering potential solutions for pathological mineralization and kidney stone treatment.
A new study suggests that some minerals beneath the Earth's surface could be of extraterrestrial origin. Researchers propose that a 'rain' of comets and meteorites may have deposited precious metals such as platinum and rhodium in the rock portion of the Earth, challenging internal geological processes.
The Deep Impact spacecraft and Moon Mineralogy Mapper have found clear evidence of water on the lunar surface, which forms and dissipates each day. The data suggests that hydrogen ions from the sun interact with oxygen-rich minerals in lunar soil to produce water molecules.
Researchers analyzed data from hundreds of published articles to test the triage theory, which suggests optimal intake levels for individual vitamins and minerals. The study found modest vitamin/mineral deficiencies are common and may contribute to age-related conditions.
Researchers at Oregon State University have created a global three-dimensional map of electrical conductivity in the Earth's mantle, indicating areas of high conductivity coincide with subduction zones. The model suggests that water drawn downward during subduction processes may be responsible for enhanced conductivity in these areas.
Researchers confirm that Mars' surface minerals influence its soil temperature measurements using infrared spectroscopy, with significant increases and falls in reflectance values. This study has implications for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, allowing for more accurate interpretation of data from the soil temperature sensor.
Researchers develop nanotechnology process to prevent bonding failure in composite resin fillings. By feeding minerals back into the collagen network, they aim to create a delivery system that can repair cavities on their own.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may delay AMD progression, with higher intake reducing risk. Early stages benefited from DHA, while advanced stages were protected by combination of nutrients.
Researchers have developed a new white paper coating inspired by the Cyphochilus beetle's shell, which produces a bright and efficient whiteness. The coating uses a unique structure to scatter white light, resulting in a lighter weight paper with high whiteness, potentially reducing costs.
The rover Opportunity has revealed new insights into Mars' geologic history, including the presence of hematite spheres, sulfate-rich sandstone, and minerals commonly found in meteorites. The data supports previous findings that water once flowed on Mars' surface, with a likely underground source.
Researchers have dated mountain-building events in the eastern Andes range of Colombia to 25 million years ago, contradicting previous estimates of 10-15 million years. This new finding sheds light on the geological history of the region and its importance for understanding ancient animal migration patterns and oil-gas exploration.
The collaboration aims to better understand the industry's needs and ensure expertise and capabilities are used effectively. BHP Billiton plans to relocate 15 researchers to the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies from July 2009.
The study found that dephytinization significantly increased mineral cell uptake efficiency, retention, and transport efficiency of iron and zinc. Calcium bioavailability also showed a significant increase after phytate removal from most samples. This research provides valuable insights for infant nutrition and mineral absorption.
Scientists discover carbon-based lavas are sourced from the upper mantle through partial melting of typical minerals, producing extremely fluid and low-silica lavas. The study reveals a uniform reservoir of volcanic gases beneath both oceans and continents.
Researchers have found that underground water is a major sink for carbon dioxide in gas fields, storing it safely for millions of years. This breakthrough could improve the accuracy of computer models used for carbon capture and storage, a crucial approach to reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Professor Geoffrey Gadd's research explores how microbes interact with metals and minerals, degrading ammunition and transforming pollutants. His work has significant implications for environmental biotechnology and nuclear decommissioning.
Scientists have mapped large rock formations in the United States that can absorb CO2, potentially increasing carbon sequestration at a faster pace. The ultramafic rocks contain minerals that react naturally with carbon dioxide to form solid minerals, offering a new technology to store heat-trapping carbon dioxide.