Berkeley Lab scientists analyzed asteroid Bennu samples using advanced tools, revealing a telltale set of salts formed by evaporation that illuminate the asteroid's watery past. The findings suggest Bennu may have delivered water and essential chemical building blocks of life to Earth in the distant past.
The study analyzed material from asteroid Bennu, finding evidence of building blocks of life, water, and energy. The team also discovered evaporites, which have been found on Earth in dried-out salt lakes, providing insights into the asteroid's formation.
Researchers discovered organic molecules on Ceres' surface but found no evidence of volcanic or tectonic activity. The deposits are thought to have originated from impacts by outer asteroid belt bodies, which could have introduced building blocks of life.
Researchers developed a novel CD45-PET probe to detect inflammation using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The probe targets CD45, abundantly expressed on immune cells, revealing clear images of affected organs in disease models.
The completion of NASA's Pandora spacecraft bus brings the exoplanet mission one step closer to launch, set to study at least 20 planets' atmospheres for hazes, clouds, and water. The mission will utilize a novel telescope design to capture stellar surfaces and cleanly separate star and planetary signals.
A new study estimates that only 67 billion tons of sulfur were released after the Chicxulub asteroid impact, approximately five times less than previously estimated. This suggests a milder 'impact winter' and faster climate recovery, potentially contributing to the survival of at least 25% of species on Earth.
Researchers developed a supramolecular probe with enhanced phosphorescence properties for biological imaging and sensing. The probe demonstrated outstanding stability, biocompatibility, and specificity in viscosity response, enabling real-time visualization of critical physiological processes in cells and in vivo biosensing.
A new technique detects brain metastasis in mice by inserting a thin probe into the brain, providing information on chemical composition. The technique uses vibrational spectroscopy and has the potential to analyze molecular changes caused by tumors or injuries without altering the brain beforehand.
A flexible serpentine probe has been developed to study epilepsy's impact on cognitive functions. The probe revealed that epilepsy disrupts spatial encoding of hippocampal place cells, correlating with observed cognitive deficits.
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.
A team of astronomers has detected the smallest main-belt asteroids ever found, with 138 rocky bodies reported in the asteroid belt. The discovery provides insights into the formation of small objects in the solar system and their potential impact on Earth's planetary defense.
Hubble's OPAL program has observed the four giant outer planets since 2018, providing long-term baseline data on their atmospheric changes. The observations have led to remarkable discoveries, including the measurement of Jupiter's wind speeds and Saturn's ring system colors.
A new detection method has been used to identify over 100 small asteroids in the main asteroid belt, ranging from bus-sized to stadium-wide. This breakthrough could aid in tracking potential asteroid impactors and provide insights into meteorite origins.
A new study by UCL researchers found no lasting changes in the Earth's climate after two massive asteroid impacts around 35.65 million years ago. The impact craters left behind no evidence of a shift in climate over 150,000 years.
The final data release from NASA's NEOWISE mission encompasses over 26 million images and nearly 200 billion sources detected by the telescope. The new images showcase the full-sky coverage of the survey, revealing previously unseen regions of cosmic dust where stars are born.
Scientists analyzed particles from asteroid Ryugu, revealing a weak magnetic field that likely pulled matter inward to form the outer planetary bodies. The team estimates that such a low-grade field intensity would have been enough to play a role in giant planet formation, from Jupiter to Neptune.
The CORBES mission aims to conduct an ultra-fast survey of the Earth's radiation belt using a constellation of multi-Small/CubeSats. The mission will differentiate between temporal and spatial variations in the radiation belts, advancing our understanding of Earth's radiation belt dynamics.
A recent breakthrough in ultra-broadband diffractive imaging has enabled the handling of unknown probe spectra, overcoming constraints on non-dispersive specimens. This innovation provides a nearly fourfold improvement in bandwidth over current mono CDI methods.
An international team has identified the sources of 70% of all known meteorite falls, revealing that 37% come from the Massalia family. The discovery was made possible by a telescopic survey and computer simulations of asteroid families' composition and evolution.
Researchers developed a novel thermosensitive hydrogel-based fluorescence probe for real-time detection of nitrite in water. The probe features gold nanoclusters and carbon-based dots, providing excellent porous structure and strong stability, allowing for easy and practical visual measurement.
The American Heart Association has committed $4.7 million to strengthen stroke care in Minnesota and $5.05 million in South Dakota through the Mission: Lifeline initiative. This will improve access to timely and effective treatments for stroke patients, especially those in rural areas.
Astronomers have reduced concerns about a potentially hazardous asteroid swarm near Earth after discovering fewer large space rocks than previously thought. The study found only a handful of asteroids, likely less than 14, that fit the large size class, suggesting a smaller parent object and reducing the risk of extinction-level events.
Researchers at LSU and Smithsonian Institution found that ants began farming fungi after an asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago. This behavior is still exhibited by some ant species today.
A new study reveals that ant agriculture and fungus farming originated 66 million years ago, with colonies of ants beginning to cultivate fungi in the aftermath of the asteroid impact. This partnership has evolved over time, with some fungal crops becoming completely reliant on ants 27 million years ago.
Two UMD Astronomy space probes, AXIS and PRIMA, have advanced to the next round of consideration for a $1 billion NASA mission. AXIS will study X-rays from stars and black holes, while PRIMA will explore far-infrared radiation to understand galaxy formation.
The study reveals that water ice is present in permanently shadowed regions outside the South Pole, with concentrations expected near coldest locations and poleward-facing slopes. The research provides maps and surface characteristics to identify where ice is likely to be found, aiding lunar mission planners.
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have captured high-resolution images of a five-mile asteroid impact crater buried deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean. The data reveals minute-by-minute chaos after collision, including rocks flowing upwards to the crater floor and an 800-metre-plus high tsunami. The findings confirm the Nadir Crater w...
Researchers discover that asteroid Ryugu, a carbon-rich meteorite, shares a rare ingredient with material formed at the outer edge of the Solar System. The findings challenge previous ideas about the formation of asteroids and require a rethinking of the origin of the CI chondrites group.
Researchers at Purdue University and NASA believe Ceres has a dirty ice crust and was once a muddy ocean world. The team used computer simulations to show that ice can be much stronger than previously predicted, contradicting the previous belief that Ceres was relatively dry.
A DNA-collecting drone has been developed to identify species in tree canopies, providing insights into remote habitats. The drone's specialized fabric probe collects environmental DNA from leaves and branches, allowing researchers to identify organisms such as arachnids, insects, and monkeys.
The ESA Hera mission is set to launch in just under a month, with representatives discussing the mission's expectations and current status. The BepiColombo Mission to Mercury is also being updated following its successful flyby, with insights into previous flybys and plans for the remainder of the mission.
A team led by Weiying Lin created a molecular probe that selectively detects serotonin, a key player in depression. The study suggests that the ability of neurons to release serotonin is more critical than serotonin levels themselves.
A Kobe University researcher found that the massive impact on Ganymede was around 20 times larger than the one that ended the dinosaurs, causing a 1,400km crater and reorienting its axis, according to a new study published in Scientific Reports. The asteroid's diameter was estimated at around 300 kilometers.
A new study by the University of Maryland reveals that NASA's DART spacecraft collision with asteroid moon Dimorphos created a large crater and reshaped it, causing the moon to derail from its original evolutionary progression. The impact also changed Dimorphos' orbit around its parent asteroid Didymos.
A team of geoscientists has identified the origin of the massive asteroid that wiped out 70% of Earth's species 66 million years ago. The study found the asteroid was a carbonaceous-type asteroid that formed outside Jupiter's orbit.
Scientists have identified the Chicxulub impactor as a rare carbonaceous asteroid, shedding light on the mass extinction event that occurred 66 million years ago. The findings suggest that the asteroid's unique composition and extraterrestrial origin are consistent with an outer Solar System origin.
Scientists have developed a UCNPs/Cu x OS@ZIF nanocomposite probe for in vitro H2S sensing and in vivo imaging. The probe uses a zeolitic framework to selectively detect H2S, eliminating interference from other molecules.
The DART mission provided a unique opportunity for studying the geology of a near-Earth asteroid binary system, shedding light on its origin and evolution. Researchers found that Dimorphos likely spun off from Didymos in a large mass shedding event, with Dimorphos having a surface age 40-130 times older than Didymos.
Scientists find that magnetic field bends are absent inside the sun's corona, ruling out a key explanation for its high heat. The study suggests an indirect role of magnetic collisions in the formation of switchbacks and solar wind heating.
A University of Michigan study suggests that up to 60% of near-Earth objects could be dark comets containing ice. Dark comets are a mysterious mix of asteroid and comet characteristics and may have delivered water to Earth through their sublimating ice, creating nongravitational accelerations.
The OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Team found that Bennu contains essential components for life, including carbon and nitrogen, as well as organic compounds. The presence of magnesium-sodium phosphate in the sample suggests a possible history of interaction with water, but also reveals a chemically primitive asteroid.
Researchers uncover dark particles and lighter components with stones, suggesting asteroids played a key role in delivering water and life to Earth. The samples also contain unexpected minerals, offering insights into Bennu's evolution and the early solar system.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured evidence of a cataclysmic asteroid collision in the Beta Pictoris star system, which is thought to be similar to our own solar system's early stages. The collision is believed to have occurred about 20 years ago and pulverized the asteroids into fine dust particles.
During its flyby, the Lucy spacecraft discovered a trough and ridge structure on Dinkinesh, revealing a complex history of sudden breakups and transformation. The asteroid's internal strength and dynamic evolution were also revealed, suggesting that it has significant cohesion, unlike some other asteroids.
Researchers found that the dual moons, named Selam, are a contact binary, with one quarter of the asteroid breaking off to form a trough. The team theorized that Dinky's fast spinning motion caused it to shed debris into orbit, which aggregated to form Selam.
Asteroid Apophis is expected to come extremely close to Earth on April 13, 2029, offering a rare opportunity for research. The NEAlight project aims to investigate three concepts for German small satellite missions to study the asteroid's trajectory and structure.
Researchers at Cornell University used novel statistical calculations to estimate the age of asteroid Selam, finding it to be 2-3 million years old. The method complements traditional crater counting and has advantages in accuracy and applicability to other binary systems.
Researchers analyzed asteroid Ryugu samples to study magnetic and physical bombardment environment in interplanetary space. The investigation revealed changes likely caused by micrometeoroid bombardment, providing insights into the solar system's early stages.
The study used a trove of archived Hubble images to identify the asteroids, working with citizen scientists and machine learning algorithms. The discovery provides insights into the formation and evolution of the asteroid belt, suggesting that smaller fragments may be remnants of larger asteroids that have collided.
New study dates the Solar System's giant planet migration to between 60 and 100 million years after formation, based on analysis of chondrite meteorites. The findings may also shed light on the conditions that led to Earth's moon formation.
Scientists at NUS developed an AI-enabled atomic robotic probe to fabricate carbon-based quantum materials at the atomic scale. The CARP concept utilizes deep neural networks to autonomously synthesize open-shell magnetic nanographenes with precise engineering of their π-electron topology and spin configurations.
Researchers developed a deep learning algorithm to remove probe effects from AFM images, enabling the resolution of material features smaller than the probe's tip. This breakthrough allows for accurate three-dimensional surface profiles, crucial for nanoelectronics development and scientific studies.
A team of researchers from the Max Born Institute has demonstrated a new approach to all-attosecond pump-probe spectroscopy using a compact intense attosecond source. This enables the investigation of extremely fast electron dynamics in the attosecond regime, which is not accessible by current attosecond techniques.
A new instrument concept, ngRADAR, will use the Green Bank Telescope and other facilities to expand on ground-based radar capabilities. The system has the potential to increase resolution imaging and characterize hazardous objects in unprecedented detail.
Researchers have discovered melt splashes on Ryugu samples containing silicate glasses with voids and small inclusions of spherical iron sulfides. The chemical compositions suggest that Ryugu's hydrous silicates mixed with cometary dust, indicating the transport of primitive organic matter from space to Earth.
Researchers conducted pump-probe experiments to clarify the reaction mechanism and dynamic process of high explosives. The studies employed advanced techniques like dynamic flyer imaging, X-ray diffraction, and ultrafast dynamics, enabling the investigation of internal deformation, phase transition, and ultrafast dynamics.
Researchers analyzed dolomite rocks and found a high proportion of C-13, indicating strong methane formation by microorganisms in water with low sulphate content. The sediment's chemical development is controlled by crater floor cooling and water supply, not climatic changes.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that asteroid Phaethon is composed of olivine, carbonates, iron sulfides, and oxide minerals, matching the spectra of rare CY carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. This discovery explains the formation of gas near the Sun and the subsequent release of dust and gravel into space.
A Lancaster University PhD student used a new method to calculate the optical depth of Saturn's rings, revealing their transparency. By analyzing changes in Cassini's Langmuir Probe data during solar eclipses, the researcher determined how much sunlight passed through each ring.
The study found that Ryugu and CIs share a common genetic heritage, but the asteroid's Cr isotopes exhibit anomalies that could be caused by water-driven processes. These anomalies are thought to have arisen from the physicochemical fractionation of presolar nanoparticles and secondary minerals.