Researchers have overturned the traditional view that oxygen derives from water splitting, instead finding that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced at mineral-water interfaces are a key source of oxygen. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the evolution of Earth's atmosphere and the habitability of early life.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2023
Researchers explore biotechnologies that use microbes to extract rare minerals and fuels from wastewater. This innovation has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing previously unused resources.
Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed a model to predict a planet's interior water capacity based on its size and host star chemistry. The results suggest that larger planets may have drier rocky mantles, while smaller ones could hold more water-rich minerals.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 15, 2023
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new process that can capture carbon dioxide equivalent to planting a forest the size of Germany. The method involves crushing rocks in CO2 gas, which releases trapped carbon dioxide, providing a low-carbon solution for hard-to-decarbonize industries.
SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 13, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023
Researchers propose a new mechanism for solid-gas carbonate formation during Martian dust activities, which could remove significant quantities of CO2 from the atmosphere and store it over geological timescales.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 1, 2023
Researchers have found that relatively oxidized fluids fed Earth's earliest hydrothermal systems, which may have supported prebiotic organic synthesis. The discovery provides new insights into the geochemistry of these ancient systems and their potential role in the emergence of life on Earth.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2023
Silicate weathering helps regulate Earth's climate by removing CO2 from the atmosphere at lower temperatures. The process is influenced by various landscape-scale conditions and physical processes, with temperature sensitivity varying depending on these factors.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers from Australian National University have developed a new plant-inspired technology to extract valuable minerals, metals, and nutrients from resource-rich wastewater. This approach could offset 13.4% of global agricultural demand for phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, and provide electricity for 158 million households.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 24, 2023
Researchers used isotopes to fingerprint the sources of sulfuric acid in unique cave systems, revealing a combination of bacterial and thermochemical processes. The study estimated carbon dioxide emissions from cave formation and identified hydrothermal springs as key contributors.
SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 24, 2023
Researchers analyzing Ryugu asteroid samples found minerals produced through water reactions over 4.5 billion years ago, providing insight into the solar system's infancy. The discovery sheds light on asteroid accretion and the formation of planets like Earth.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 18, 2023
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis found that manganese oxides can be formed without atmospheric oxygen under Mars-like conditions. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, used kinetic modeling to show that halogens like chlorate and bromate can convert manganese into minerals thousands of times faster than by oxygen.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022
The study suggests that increased demand for energy transition metals could be more disruptive to some communities than winding back production of thermal coal. An additional 115.7 million people would be at risk from disruption by ETMs.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A recent study by Chalmers University of Technology reveals that many vegetarian meat substitutes sold in Sweden are low in iron and zinc due to phytates. The researchers analyzed 44 different products and found that even fortified ones still contain phytates, which inhibit absorption.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022
Researchers at UCI and Johns Hopkins discovered that microorganisms can modify minerals through a biochemical process, inspiring new biomimetic mining methods. This discovery could enable humans to build colonies on the moon and Mars using microbes to extract essential minerals.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalMaterials Today Bio·DateDec 8, 2022
A team of researchers suggests a global mineral supply agreement to ensure green energy infrastructure development. The US, with its current metal shortage, particularly relies on China for mineral supplies, which could hinder the green transition.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 5, 2022
A gold coin long dismissed as a forgery appears to be authentic and depicts Emperor Sponsian, who ruled Roman Dacia during civil wars. The study used scientific analysis to confirm the coin's authenticity, shedding light on Sponsian's history.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 23, 2022
Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have discovered that CO2 in the deep Earth's dissolution in water may be more active than previously thought, influencing global climate over geologic time. Confining CO2 and water in suitable nanoporous minerals enhances underground carbon storage efficiency.
SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered that patients with electrolyte abnormalities are twice as likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. This study analyzed Ontario health data between 2008 and 2020, identifying a potential preventative treatment for approximately 1 million Canadians.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2022
Research reveals that high CO2 levels can lead to mineral deficiencies in plants, resulting in less nutritious crops. This affects protein content, particularly in staple crops like rice and wheat, with potential implications for global food security.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 3, 2022
The researchers designed a chemical system inspired by soil that can respond to external stimuli and modulate gut microbiota abundance and dysregulated microbes. This system shows promise for treating gastrointestinal disorders and may have implications for human health and agro-ecosystems.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2022
Researchers have discovered that aluminous silicas play a significant role in transporting water into the Earth's deep interior. These minerals can hold large amounts of water even at high temperatures, challenging previous assumptions about the water cycle in the mantle.
SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University used Mössbauer spectroscopy to study monoclinic pyroxenes, a type of calcium-rich mineral. They found that the tensor determining iron ion intensity ratios is independent of iron content but dependent on calcium content.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022
A new study reveals high-altitude contests between mountain goats and bighorn sheep for access to limited resources, such as minerals and water. Mountain goats emerged victorious in over 98% of contests, highlighting the importance of scarce resources in extreme environments.
SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022
The study identified wüstite FeO nanoparticles as an intermediate state in the thermal decomposition process of olivine. The research also found that pyroxene and anorthite do not undergo severe space weathering, providing clues for their incipient formation mechanism.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 30, 2022
Researchers at WVU are resurrecting discarded electronics, recovering minerals, and making new products for national defense. The technology also has promise beyond national defense, including community-level e-waste recycling and space applications.
A team of researchers led by Goethe University Frankfurt analyzed a diamond from Botswana, revealing significant amounts of water stored in the transition zone. The discovery has far-reaching consequences for the dynamic situation inside the Earth, potentially altering global material circulation.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A new field study reveals a previously unobserved fluid dynamic process that affects the ocean's deep-sea mining operations. Researchers equipped a pre-prototype collector vehicle with instruments to monitor its sediment plume disturbances, finding that the plumes remained relatively low and spread under their own weight.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 21, 2022
Microbes play a crucial role in mineral formation and weathering processes. Minerals, on the other hand, provide essential nutrients and shelter for microbial life.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 1, 2022
The study identifies wüstite FeO nanoparticles in lunar soil, suggesting an intermediate state in the thermal decomposition process of olivine. The findings imply that severe space weathering may not have occurred on the lunar surface, warranting further investigation into the incipient formation mechanism of rim structures.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 31, 2022
Researchers found that under the extreme conditions of the core-mantle boundary, carbon from the core reacts with iron alloy to form diamond. This process may have occurred for billions of years, supplying enough carbon to explain high amounts in the mantle.
SourceArizona State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
The research team reviewed mineral-microbe interactions, proposing future research opportunities and challenges. Microbes dissolve, precipitate, and transform minerals through metabolism, producing biosignatures in the geological record.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 26, 2022
Researchers analyzed plant-based beverages and found significant variability in mineral content by type and brand. Pea-based drinks had the most phosphorus, zinc, and selenium, while soy milks had the most magnesium.
New research from Curtin University reveals that comets may have formed Earth's early continents when the Solar System passed through densely populated areas of the Milky Way Galaxy. The study found a rhythm of crust production every 200 million years matching the system's transit through galaxy arms.
SourceCurtin University·JournalGeology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2022
A new analysis of seismic data from NASA's Mars InSight mission has found that the Martian subsurface contains little or no ice, contradicting a leading idea about water on Mars. This discovery suggests that conditions are too cold to freeze water at depths below 300 meters near the equator.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers discovered that specific tissue chemistry governs the likelihood of organs being preserved in fossils. The study found that a decaying fish's internal organs decompose in a 'soup' together, and their pH levels determine whether they'll be replaced by minerals.
SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPalaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022
Researchers at the University of Illinois used single calcite crystals with varying surface roughness to simplify the physics of fault movement. The study found that friction can increase or decrease with sliding velocity depending on mineral types and environment, providing a fundamental understanding of rate-and-state equations.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022
The study found that increased oil prices can lead to a decrease in the development of green energy, as oil is required for deploying clean energy capacity or infrastructure. The demand for minerals used in renewable energy production will increase due to growing solar technology adoption.
SourceUral Federal University·JournalResources Policy·DateJul 29, 2022
Research from the University of Georgia suggests that a diet rich in bright-colored fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in lutein and zeaxanthin, can help prevent visual and cognitive loss in women. This is due to the antioxidant properties of these carotenoids, which have been shown to improve central nervous system degener...
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateJul 14, 2022
Researchers at TU Wien found that silicate nanoparticles can strengthen porous rock by forming colloidal crystals, which create new connections between mineral surfaces. The size of the particles is crucial for optimal strength gain, with smaller particles creating more binding sites.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A 15-year study details the origins and diversity of every known mineral on Earth, with over 10,500 mineral kinds identified. The research also reveals that 80% of minerals were formed with water, and 40% have multiple formation processes.
SourceCarnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2022
A study of over 1000 consumers from Australia and NZ found that 27% would pay nearly double the price for 'healthy' drinks with low/no sugar, natural/no additives, or vitamins and minerals. Younger consumers (18-24 years) are more likely to be interested in healthy drinks.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 1, 2022
Researchers at Osaka University have created a microfluidic system that can detect minute changes in the concentration of trace amounts of ethanol, glucose, or minerals in water using terahertz radiation. The device achieved sensitivity levels an order of magnitude better than existing microfluidic chips.
SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Physics Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
Researchers found that hackmanite's structural breathing allows it to change color indefinitely due to sodium atoms moving inside a zeolitic cage. This property enables various applications such as UV monitoring and X-ray imaging.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
The samples returned from the Hayabusa2 mission provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. The study found that Ryugu contains hydrated minerals and evidence of freeze-thawing, indicating that it experienced both liquid and frozen water in its past.
SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the Japan Academy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022
Researchers at The University of Queensland have discovered a method to date calcite trapped in ancient ocean floors, which could aid in sourcing critical minerals for electric cars and solar panels. This breakthrough could help meet the growing demand for renewable energy technologies.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalGeochronology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2022
Scientists discovered that mineral water derived from deep-sea water can improve cognitive and coordinative functions in obese mice. The researchers found that treatment with DSW extract-added water significantly increased hippocampal NGF secretion and decreased serum parameters, indicating a positive impact on renal function.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022
A collaboration between researchers identified crucial minerals regulating gene expression to control tissue renewal and growth. Minerals such as silicon, magnesium, and lithium induce endochondral ossification by turning on key genes, leading to the transformation of stem cells into bone cells.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A randomized clinical trial found that micronutrient supplementation improved attention and mood in children with ADHD, with a 54% response rate compared to 18% in the placebo group. The study also showed significant growth benefits in children taking the supplement.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2022
A pioneering study led by the University of Bristol found that humans have 'nutritional wisdom,' choosing foods to meet their need for vitamins and minerals. The study suggests that people combine meals in a way that increases exposure to micronutrients, contradicting the long-held view that humans evolved to favor energy-dense foods.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAppetite·DateApr 24, 2022
A preclinical study found that mice fed a high-fat diet and given the mineral supplement Aquamin did not develop liver cancer, unlike those without the supplement. The researchers observed a dramatic reduction in late-stage consequences of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in animals receiving the supplement.
Researchers develop new technologies to extract minerals from waste and tailings, recycling spent batteries and magnets. This project aims to reduce toxic waste and promote sustainable mining practices in Australia and India.
Scientists propose a new mechanism by which oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere, shifting the planet out of its low-oxygen equilibrium. Interactions between certain marine microbes and minerals in ocean sediments may have prevented oxygen consumption, setting off a self-amplifying process.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
New study suggests surface minerals of outer main-belt asteroids, which are thought to be the source of Earth's water and life, are only stable at low temperatures. This proposal indicates that these asteroids formed in distant orbits and differentiated into different minerals in their mantles and cores.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAGU Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2022
Researchers have discovered a surprisingly soft mineral, davemaoite, that plays a crucial role in the Earth's recycling of rocks. The study suggests that davemaoite is around 1,000 times softer than other minerals in the mantle, and its mechanical properties can help explain how earthquakes and volcanoes occur.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022
Researchers found exceptionally preserved fossils from different locations, suggesting that rising global temperatures during the Early Jurassic period may have created favorable conditions for fossilization. The study suggests that past climate change could have enabled exceptional preservation in various environments.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2022
Researchers discovered calcification and silicification of insects in Kachin amber, preserving complete compound eyes, cuticle structures, and skin sensillae. The study sheds light on the role of mineralization in preserving fossils and challenges existing views on amber taphonomy.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalGeobiology·DateFeb 28, 2022
Researchers have developed a new method to study ancient grains of sand, revealing details of the Earth's distant geological past. The 'age distribution fingerprint' of zircon minerals sheds light on the evolution of continents and the accumulation of mineral resources.
SourceCurtin University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Scientists have developed a new way to date asteroid collisions, providing a clearer picture of how planets formed. By analyzing the Chelyabinsk meteorite, researchers found evidence of two distinct collision stages, shedding light on the timing and processes involved in planetary formation.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2022
A recent study found that farms using regenerative agriculture have healthier crops with higher levels of minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals. The research suggests that the key lies in the biology of the soil, where microbes and fungi play a crucial role in boosting beneficial compounds.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022