A Brown University research team has discovered carbonates, a long-sought mineral that suggests Mars had neutral to alkaline waters and potentially hospitable environments for primitive life. The findings, published in Science, indicate that Mars may have had 'just right' conditions for life to thrive.
A new study published in Nature Cell Biology has discovered a way to increase the length of root hairs on plants, potentially improving crop yields. This method enables plants to take up minerals and water more efficiently, reducing fertiliser waste and promoting sustainable food production.
The USGS discusses prehistoric climate changes providing clues to future shifts and large deposits of gas hydrates on Alaska's North Slope. Holiday lights reveal the mineral composition behind their glow.
Comet particles from Wild 2 provide a glimpse of the solar system's early convulsions, flinging primordial material out into the cold regions. The particles contain minerals formed at high temperatures, suggesting transport from the inner to outer solar system.
Scientists found that up to two thirds of minerals are biologically mediated, driven by oxygen-rich atmosphere and life's presence. Plate tectonics boosted mineral diversity, creating new environments for mineral formation.
Scientists at Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory found that highly oxidized iron in mantle minerals is crucial for heat transfer in the lower mantle. The discovery challenges current models of mantle dynamics and has significant implications for understanding material movement throughout the planet.
A type of rock called peridotite reacts naturally with CO2 to form solid minerals at surprisingly high rates. The process could be sped up by drilling and injecting heated water containing pressurized CO2, potentially capturing large amounts of atmospheric carbon.
Biomolecules significantly enhance magnesium content in calcite, offering clues to ancient environments. The findings raise questions about the interplay of factors on metal contents in biominerals.
Philip R. Christensen, Regents' Professor of Geological Sciences at ASU, has been awarded the G.K. Gilbert Award for his work on remote sensing of minerals on Mars using infrared instruments. The award recognizes his discoveries, including a large deposit of hematite and silica minerals, which may offer clues about a Martian biosphere.
New research by Sugar Nutrition UK reveals that most children have sufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals in their diets. The study found that even though children consume more added sugars than recommended, they still get the required amounts of most nutrients.
Scientists have discovered a new mineral, xieite, with a post-spinel structure in the Suizhou meteorite. The mineral is a high-pressure polymorph of chromite-spinel with a density about 10% denser than chromite.
Researchers from UC San Diego and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have eliminated one model explaining the unusual oxygen isotope mix found in a stony meteorite. The team found that molecular symmetry, rather than photoshielding, is responsible for the anomaly, which challenges our understanding of solar system formation.
The 9th International Kimberlite Conference at the Goethe University Frankfurt explores the science of diamonds, their inclusions, and their significance for geoscientists. The conference features over 500 participants from 37 countries, with a focus on basic scientific research, diamond production, and industry.
A new study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found no evidence to support the view that organically grown crops contain more major and trace elements. The study compared retention of minerals and trace elements in animals fed a diet consisting of conventionally grown crops, organic crops, and a combination of...
Researchers found that Saharan dust storms provide essential iron minerals, enabling plants to thrive in nutrient-poor regions. This discovery sheds light on how the Atlantic Ocean supports plant growth despite being referred to as an 'ocean desert',
Researchers found evidence of a water-rich environment in ancient southern highlands of Mars, with phyllosilicate deposits indicating low-temperature mineral formation. The team's discovery suggests a benign, habitable environment during the Noachian period.
Two new studies reveal vast lakes, flowing rivers and various wet environments on ancient Mars, suggesting the planet may have been habitable. The discoveries were made using data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which found clay minerals and phyllosilicates in ancient highlands dating back to 4.6 billion years ago.
A new study suggests that increasing mineral intake, particularly potassium, through diet can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products may help achieve these benefits.
A new study suggests that increasing dietary intake of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Potassium, in particular, has been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, particularly in populations with low sodium consumption.
Recent research published in July 2008 Geology and GSA Today sheds new light on geological phenomena around the world. The study of ghostly lithospheres past reveals insights into southern Africa's volcanic rocks and Scotland's ancient sandstones, while another paper explores Wyoming's badlands and their ancient mammal fossils.
Researchers found that critical patients in ICUs can reduce oxide stress and improve their clinical situation by taking antioxidant supplements through diet. The study, published in Critical Care, established recommended amounts of vitamins A, E, and C, as well as minerals, for proper antioxidant defenses.
A new study found that boiling cubed or shredded potato samples reduced potassium levels by 50% and 75%, respectively. Leaching had little effect on mineral content. Boiling thinly sliced potatoes can help renal failure patients reduce their mineral intake while maintaining other nutritional qualities.
Researchers found evidence that fungi can 'lock' depleted uranium into a mineral form that may be less likely to find its way into plants, animals, or the water supply. Fungal-based approaches should not be neglected in remediation attempts for metal-polluted soils.
Scientists have discovered a natural feedback system that kept carbon dioxide levels in check before fossil fuels. The system, linked to mineral breakdowns, regulates the carbon cycle and prevents runaway greenhouse conditions. Human emissions have recently overwhelmed this delicate balance.
The new monograph Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 5. Mineralogical Methods presents valuable methodologies for analyzing soil minerals, including atomic force microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. These methods have applications in soil classification, environmental remediation, and nutrient cycling.
A scientific study found that fruit-eating bats ingest mineral-rich water and clay to detoxify secondary plant compounds in fruits. Female bats take up large amounts of these minerals to counteract the detrimental effects on their embryos and juveniles.
The review article reveals that nanominerals exhibit a range of physical and chemical properties depending on size and shape, influencing earth systems in complex ways. This shift in understanding has significant implications for fields like environmental science and geology.
A team of scientists has discovered chloride mineral deposits in numerous places on Mars, indicating where water was once abundant and may provide evidence for former Martian life. The deposits suggest that water flowed into basins over a long time, potentially preserving organic materials.
Researchers discover nanominerals have a significant impact on Earth's systems, influencing climate, ecosystems and human health through their unique properties. Nanoparticles play a crucial role in the lives of ocean-dwelling phytoplankton, affecting carbon cycling and global temperatures.
Scientists have discovered a possible once-habitable ancient lake on Mars using NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The image of Holden crater shows layers of fine sediments and minerals that formed in the presence of water, suggesting quiescent conditions that may preserve signatures of past habitability.
Scientists have discovered that a chunk of hematite can conduct electrons when exposed to the right chemical conditions. This phenomenon, linked to mineral surfaces, has important implications for understanding soil evolution and environmental cleanup. The discovery challenges long-held assumptions about electron conduction in minerals.
A new process developed by the University of Leeds can produce up to 97% pure titanium dioxide, reducing production costs and environmental impact. The innovative method uses less chlorine and recycles waste CO2 and heat, offering a sustainable alternative to current industrial processes.
Researchers used computational modeling to demonstrate how manganese oxide changes from an insulator to a conductor under high pressure. The study sheds light on the behavior of similar minerals deep in the Earth's crust and mantle.
The Journal of the American Dietetic Association has published a comprehensive review of dietary factors for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. The review identifies effective dietary considerations, including a diet low in saturated fatty acids and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Researchers discovered that the Lost City hydrothermal vent field produces building blocks of life, including hydrocarbons and acetate, in higher concentrations and with more complexity than typical black smoker systems. This finding is significant for understanding the origin of life on Earth and other solar bodies.
A Purdue University archaeologist has uncovered an ancient iron ore mine in South America, showcasing the importance of hematite to ancient Andean civilizations. The discovery provides valuable information on the Nasca people's use of minerals for ceramic paints and other purposes.
Scientists have discovered a possible explanation for Mars' limestone-free climate: sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere. The greenhouse gas interfered with carbonate rock formation, but led to the creation of silicates and sulfites instead.
Scientists warn that coral reefs will struggle to survive in increasingly acidic ocean waters due to rising carbon emissions, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal economies. The Great Barrier Reef is among the first victims of this acidification, which could lead to its collapse by mid-century.
A Carnegie Institution-led team finds organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen in Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001, suggesting that building blocks of life formed on Mars early in its history. The discovery was made by analyzing the rock's association with iron oxide mineral magnetite.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that arsenic-tainted wells require tailored treatment approaches, depending on their source and geology. Chlorine disinfection can effectively control pathogenic bacteria but may not address all types of arsenic contamination.
A recent study by the University of Leeds reveals that porous sandstone can react quickly with injected fluids, making it a potential safe reservoir for carbon dioxide. This reaction is essential if the captured CO2 is not to leak back to the surface, and could provide a long-term solution for tackling climate change.
A university-industry team led by Virginia Tech is developing a low-cost dry beneficiation technology for India to increase energy production and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The project aims to test advanced technologies for cleaning coal, increasing thermal efficiencies and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 45%.
Researchers are exploring land-based 'black smoker' sites to gain insights into harnessing geothermal energy. The project, led by UC Davis, uses a deep drilling approach to study the interaction between hot rocks and fluids.
NASA's CRISM instrument provides critical data for selecting a Mars rover landing site with a mineral record indicative of past water. The instrument offers 544 spectral variations to detect minerals, mapping the Martian surface in unprecedented detail.
Researchers found that gastric bypass patients are at risk of developing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and malabsorption of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. This can lead to conditions like osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia.
Argon atoms are found to be tenaciously bound in the Earth's mantle and move slowly, contradicting widely held theories. This suggests that early degassing was incomplete and primordial gases still remain trapped at great depth.
Researchers found that taking vitamins and minerals did not reduce liver cancer death rates in a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute. However, some vitamin-mineral combinations reduced risk in subgroups defined by age, sex, and alcohol consumption. In contrast, gene expression patterns identified 11 genes in noncancerous l...
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have found that copper absorption increases when iron levels decrease, suggesting a crucial role for copper in maintaining iron homeostasis. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind this relationship and its implications for human health.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that soil particles can increase the infectious nature of rogue proteins causing CWD. Binding to common soil minerals like montmorillonite significantly increases oral transmissibility, with a nearly 700-fold difference observed.
According to ASU researcher Ronald Greeley, Europa is the most promising candidate among four worlds beyond Earth that might contain life. The moon has a thick layer of water and organic minerals, making it an ideal target for NASA's next mission. Scientists hope to measure the ice shell's thickness using tidal flexing measurements.
Renowned nutrition expert Dr. Irwin Rosenberg emphasizes the need for more research on vitamins and minerals, highlighting the limitations of current evidence. He advocates for standardized regulations on multivitamin products to ensure customer safety and informed marketing.
A team from the University of Cambridge and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory reported that minerals intended to entrap nuclear waste may break down within 1,400 years due to radiation. The study used NMR to show that plutonium incorporation into mineral zircon rapidly degrades its crystal structure.
A study by the University of Bristol revealed that children's packed lunches are often lacking in essential nutrients like potassium and zinc. In contrast, school meals tend to provide higher intakes of protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well as lower sugar and saturated fat content.
A recent study reveals that the Brazilian rainforest heavily depends on dust from a specific valley in Africa. The Bodélé valley in northern Chad provides a significant portion of the vital minerals needed for the Amazon forest's existence, with 56% of the dust reaching the region originating from this source.
Physicist Michael Deem uses supercomputers and disused desktop PCs to catalog mineral designs, creating a database of over 3.4 million zeolite structures. This effort could lead to more efficient catalysts for chemical reactions.
Scientists explore factors that pulled Earth out of its 'Snowball Earth' state and study seismic wave speed in the lower mantle. Researchers also investigate water vapor in Saturn's upper atmosphere using Cassini radio occultation data.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 investigates nutrient-based factors influencing AMD progression. Dr. Yu-Guang He hopes the study will resolve the potential benefit of supplements for AMD, which affects nearly 7 million Americans.
A nationwide study aims to slow vision loss from AMD by testing a combination of vitamins, minerals, and fish oil. The study will examine whether the added nutrients can further reduce AMD progression, potentially saving over 300,000 people from vision loss.
An international team of scientists will use remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles to investigate active and inactive hydrothermal vents in the western Pacific Ocean. The expedition aims to understand the formation of mineral deposits containing copper, gold, and other valuable minerals.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a surprising new understanding of water quality, revealing that ions can co-exist as both outer-sphere and inner-sphere species. This breakthrough could lead to better control of water quality and a deeper understanding of various processes at solid-liquid interfaces.