SwRI team zeroes in on source of the impactor that wiped out the dinosaurs
Researchers found that large asteroids from the outer half of the main asteroid belt strike Earth at least 10 times more often than previously calculated
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Decline of dinosaurs underway long before asteroid fell
Dinosaurs were in decline 76 million years ago due to extinctions outpacing speciations, with herbivores being particularly affected. The asteroid impact may have been the final blow, triggered by a 7°C drop in global temperature and changes in oceanic circulation patterns.
Asteroid 16 Psyche might not be what scientists expected
New research from the University of Arizona suggests that asteroid 16 Psyche may not be as dense or metallic as previously predicted. The findings propose an alternative origin story where 16 Psyche is composed of 82.5% metal, 7% low-iron pyroxene, and 10.5% carbonaceous chondrite.
Origins of meteorite delivery to Earth
Researchers recovered 10,000 extraterrestrial chrome-spinel grains to establish a paleoflux record of meteorites falling to Earth. The results suggest that meteorite delivery has been largely stable over the past 500 million years.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021
Did heat from impacts on asteroids provide the ingredients for life on Earth?
Research suggests that heat generated by asteroid impacts could enable aqueous alteration and organic solid formation, increasing the number of potential sources of water and life's origins. The study found that craters over 1km in radius can support organic substance formation within a 2 AU distance from the impact point.
A novel nitrogen-doped dual-emission carbon dots as an effective fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection dopamine
Researchers have developed a novel nitrogen-doped dual-emission carbon dot as an effective fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection of dopamine. The new probe simplifies the detection process, reducing the need for complex nanomaterial combinations.
NASA's Roman mission to probe cosmic secrets using exploding stars
Roman will study thousands of type Ia supernovae across vast distances to pin down dark energy and understand the universe's expansion history. The mission aims to clarify discrepancies in measurements of the Hubble constant, which describes the current expansion rate.
NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop non-contact probe to analyze single cells within tumors
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a non-contact probe that enables the analysis of single cells within tumors without disrupting their spatial configurations. The tool can also introduce foreign materials to selected cells, facilitating advanced studies on complex diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.
Investigating energy explosions in space
A NASA mission evaluates interactions between the sun and earth's magnetic fields, which can cause explosive energy transfers disrupting technology systems. A UTA professor recruits a first-year doctoral student to join the mission, where he will learn about meaningful magnetospheric events.
Phonon imaging in 3D with a fiber probe
A team of scientists has developed a phonon probe that uses optical fibers to create high-resolution 3D images of biological cells and tissue. The device achieves lateral resolution of 2.5 μm and can measure object height with 45 nm precision, opening up new possibilities for non-destructive diagnostics.
Cardiovascular disease could be diagnosed earlier with new glowing probe
Researchers created a probe that glows when detecting an enzyme associated with blood clots and strokes. The probe, made up of two components, can host fluorescent molecules and detects an increase in fluorescence intensity when the probe comes into contact with the enzyme.
Asteroid that hit Botswana in 2018 likely came from Vesta
An international team of researchers searched for pieces of the small asteroid 2018 LA, tracked in space and observed to impact Botswana on June 2, 2018. The recovered meteorites showed it likely came from Vesta, a second-largest asteroid in our Solar System.
Probing deep space with Interstellar
The Interstellar Probe mission aims to study how our Sun interacts with the local interstellar medium and learn more about the formation and evolution of the heliosphere. The probe will take 'images' of the heliosphere using energetic neutral atoms and observe extragalactic background light, shedding new light on the region.
A new fluorescent probe that can distinguish B cells from T cells
Researchers developed a new fluorescent probe, CDgB, that can selectively target the cell membranes of B lymphocytes over T lymphocytes. The probe works by exploiting differences in membrane structures between B and T cells, particularly phospholipid composition and cholesterol content.
NASA OSIRIS-REx's final asteroid observation run
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft will perform a final flyover of asteroid Bennu, capturing high-resolution images and collecting data from the asteroid's surface and science instruments. The mission aims to understand the extent of the disturbance caused by the sample collection event.
Origin of modern rainforests traced to end-Cretaceous asteroid impact
A recent study reveals that the end-Cretaceous asteroid impact drastically restructured tropical forests, leading to a decline in plant diversity and the emergence of angiosperms. The findings suggest that the impact's long-term effects on tropical ecosystems were variable, depending on proximity to the crater and local conditions.
New study discovers ancient meteoritic impact over Antarctica 430,000 years ago
Researchers discovered a low-altitude meteoritic touchdown event reaching the Antarctic ice sheet 430,000 years ago, leaving behind chondritic bulk major particles. The study highlights the importance of reassessing medium-sized asteroid threats and has implications for identifying similar events in deep sea sediment cores.
When volcanoes go metal
Researchers at North Carolina State University conducted a pilot study to model ferrovolcanism, the predicted manifestation of planetary volcanism on metallic worlds. They found that metallic lava flows travel 10 times faster and spread more thinly than rocky flows, creating braided channels with smooth, thin layers.
Polarization: From better sunglasses to a better way of looking at asteroid surfaces
Researchers at the Arecibo Observatory have developed a technique to analyze radar signals bounced off asteroids' surfaces, providing crucial information on their physical properties. This method can help planetary defense prepare for asteroids on a collision course with Earth by identifying porous, fluffy, or rocky surfaces.
Early solar system asteroid
Researchers found a 4.565 billion-year-old meteorite with an andesite crust, unlike known asteroids, suggesting andesitic crusts may have been common in early protoplanets.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021
Parker Solar Probe offers stunning view of Venus
NASA's Parker Solar Probe captured stunning views of Venus during its close flyby in July 2020. The onboard Wide-field Imager for Parker Solar Probe detected a bright rim around the edge of the planet that may be nightglow.
Asteroid dust found in crater closes case of dinosaur extinction
Researchers have found asteroid dust inside a Chicxulub impact crater, confirming the link between asteroid impacts and dinosaur extinction. The discovery seals the deal, with elevated levels of iridium and other asteroid elements matching those in geologic layers worldwide.
Best of both worlds: A hybrid method for tracking laparoscopic ultrasound transducers
A hybrid approach combining hardware- and computer vision-based tracking improves the accuracy of laparoscopic ultrasound imaging. By using a custom tracking mount with EM sensors and CV markers, the system can track the transducer's pose with high accuracy.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateFeb 4, 2021
Emirates mission to reach Mars on Feb. 9 with instrument by NAU planetary scientist
The Emirates Mars Mission will provide crucial science data on the Martian atmosphere, measuring dust particles, ice clouds, and water vapor. The mission's launch marks a significant milestone in space exploration for an Arab nation and has enormous positive impacts on science communities.
NASA mission to test technology for satellite swarms
A NASA mission will test technologies for satellite swarms to operate autonomously in low-Earth orbit, setting the stage for thousands of small satellites working cooperatively. The V-R3x mission will deploy three CubeSats into polar orbit, exchanging radio signals and measuring distance between satellites.
MicroLED neural probe for neuroscience
A MicroLED neural probe for neuroscience has been developed to control and record neural activity in the brain. The probe uses high-efficiency MicroLEDs to activate neural activity with sufficient light output, enabling researchers to study higher brain functions and their relationship with animal behaviors.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateJan 12, 2021
Remote sensing data sheds light on when and how asteroid Ryugu lost its water
Researchers found that asteroid Ryugu's water content is lower than expected, suggesting its parent body dried out before formation. The study suggests that a heating event altered the parent asteroid, leaving Ryugu drier.
SwRI-led team finds meteoric evidence for a previously unknown asteroid
A research team led by Dr. Vicky Hamilton has identified a potentially new meteorite parent asteroid through analysis of the Almahata Sitta meteorite. The study suggests that the parent body was an asteroid roughly the size of Ceres, formed in the presence of water under intermediate temperatures and pressures.
Mass extinctions of land-dwelling animals occur in 27-million-year cycle
Researchers found that mass extinctions of land-dwelling animals, including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds, coincide with major asteroid impacts and devastating volcanic outpourings of lava. The study suggests that these periodic events may be triggered by comets and are linked to the Earth's orbit in the Galaxy.
First presentation after Hayabusa2 mission return set for SPIE conference 14 December
The Hayabusa2 mission successfully returned asteroid samples from Ryugu, a carbonaceous asteroid believed to contain organic materials. The return marks the second successful sample-return mission in history, offering insights into the origin of life and potential resource utilization for space exploration.
Researchers discover a new superhighway system in the Solar System
Researchers have found a new network of routes that can transport spacecraft and comets at unprecedented speeds, reaching Jupiter's distance in under a decade. The 'celestial autobahn' or 'celestial highway' acts on several decades, allowing for faster exploration and monitoring of near-Earth objects.
Near-infrared probe decodes telomere dynamics
A synthetic probe offers a safe approach for visualizing chromosome tips in living cells. The probe can precisely deliver a fluorescent compound to telomeres on the tips of chromosomes, enabling researchers to understand their relevance to disease and aging. This breakthrough advances research into aging and diseases like cancer.
New analysis refutes claim that dinosaurs were in decline before asteroid hit
A new study from the University of Bath and Natural History Museum found that dinosaurs were not declining in diversity at the time of their extinction. The researchers used statistical modelling to assess dinosaur family trees and found no evidence of decline, contradicting previous studies. If the asteroid impact hadn't occurred, din...
Preparing for a human mission to Mars
The AMADEE-18 Mars analog mission in Oman evaluated operational concepts and optimized strategies for future human missions. A benchmarking tool was developed to improve scientific output, mission safety, and efficiency.
SwRI scientist studies tiny craters on Bennu boulders to understand asteroid's age
Asteroid Bennu's surface boulders hold secrets to its 1.75 million-year history, which scientists studied through impact crater analysis. The findings provide crucial context for the returned sample, allowing researchers to understand the asteroid's geology and composition.
To survive asteroid impact, algae learned to hunt
Scientists discovered that surviving algae adapted a unique behavior called mixotrophy, allowing them to thrive in the aftermath of an asteroid impact. This adaptation enabled them to eat other organisms while still utilizing photosynthesis to produce food.
Plankton turn hunters to survive dinosaur-killing asteroid impact
Researchers found that plankton species shifted from relying on sunlight to capturing food and eating it after the asteroid impact, allowing them to survive. This adaptation suggests that the lack of light played a crucial role in killing off some species, but others adapted to thrive.
Asteroid's scars tell stories of its past
Researchers studied impact marks on asteroid Bennu to reconstruct its history, revealing it formed hundreds of millions of years ago but wandered into Earth's neighborhood recently. The study provides a new benchmark for understanding asteroids and offers insights into hazardous space debris.
Asteroid Ryugu shaken by Hayabusa2's impactor
The Hayabusa2 mission's artificial impact crater on asteroid Ryugu revealed significant boulder movements and seismic shaking, up to 40m from the center. The study provides valuable insights into asteroids' resurfacing processes and can be used as a benchmark for numerical simulations.
SwRI study offers more complete view of massive asteroid Psyche
The study provides new insights into the asteroid's composition, suggesting it may be a dense, metallic object made of iron and nickel. The findings also indicate that oxidation is occurring on the surface, which could be a result of solar wind interaction.
OSIRIS-REx TAGs surface of asteroid Bennu
The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected samples from the surface of asteroid Bennu, with the sampling head touching down within three feet of the targeted location. The majority of sample collection occurred within the first 3 seconds, and the spacecraft spent approximately 5 of the 6 seconds of contact collecting surface material.
SwRI scientists study the rugged surface of near-Earth asteroid Bennu
SwRI scientists studied the color, reflectivity, age, composition, origin and distribution of materials on asteroid Bennu's surface. The mission discovered carbon-bearing compounds and minerals containing or formed by water, which will help determine the scenarios that best explain Bennu's surface composition.
Planetary astronomer co-authors studies of asteroid as member of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission
The OSIRIS-REx mission has published findings on asteroid Bennu's surface, including widespread carbon-bearing materials, bright carbonate veins, weak boulders, and a heterogeneous mass distribution. These discoveries suggest that asteroids like Bennu may have brought organic molecules to Earth billions of years ago.
New findings from OSIRIS-REx detail complex history of Asteroid Bennu
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has provided detailed insights into the composition and structure of asteroid Bennu, a 'rubble pile' of carbon-rich material. Researchers have discovered that Bennu's surface has undergone complex evolution due to space weathering processes and that carbonate minerals are widespread across most of its surface.
Scientists peer inside an asteroid
The OSIRIS-REx mission has mapped the gravity field of asteroid Bennu, revealing a weaker and less dense core than previously thought. This could put the asteroid's survival at risk in the near future as it may slowly spin itself apart.
Burned organic matter in Chicxulub impact
Researchers found that burned organic matter in sediments ejected from the Chicxulub impact crater likely contributed to the mass extinction event. The analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) suggests a fossil source origin and rapid heating, consistent with rock material ejected during the asteroid impact.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020
Nanoparticle SARS-CoV-2 model may speed drug discovery for COVID-19
A team of scientists has created a fluorescent nanoparticle probe that mimics how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells, allowing for rapid testing of potential therapeutic agents. The probe's ability to track viral attachment and effects on cells in real-time makes it a powerful tool for drug discovery.
SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 21, 2020
Ryugu's rocky past
Researchers discover two types of boulders on Ryugu, hinting at a collision between a small S-type and C-type parent asteroid. The findings provide clues to the asteroid's turbulent past and may shed light on Earth's history.
Modern theory from ancient impacts
New study from University of Tokyo researchers calls into doubt a long-held theory about the early solar system. They found evidence that asteroid Vesta was hit by multiple impacting bodies around 4.4 billion to 4.15 billion years ago, earlier than previously thought.
The expanding aims of high schools in the 21st century
A Boston College study found that 95% of Massachusetts high schools altered their mission statements between 2001 and 2019, with a focus on students' emotional development, cognitive development, and civic development. The research also showed an increase in career preparation and environmental challenges as school objectives.
Where rocks come alive: OSIRIS-REx observes an asteroid in action
The OSIRIS-REx mission reveals that asteroid Bennu sheds material periodically, with particles ejecting from the surface and orbiting or falling back onto it. The spacecraft's observations provide insight into the processes likely causing this activity, shedding new light on dynamic asteroids.
Planetary astronomer receives NASA grants for two new studies of main asteroid belt
Northern Arizona University assistant professor Cristina Thomas has received NASA grants to study small Koronis asteroids and Trojan-like asteroids in the Main Asteroid Belt. Her research will help scientists better understand the origins of asteroids and provide insights into space weathering and material delivery to the belt.
NASA's planet Hunter completes its primary mission
TESS has found 66 new exoplanets, including an Earth-size world in the habitable zone of a star. The satellite has also observed comets, exploding stars, and black holes, contributing to our understanding of astrobiology.
Arecibo Observatory returns from tropical storm Isaias lockdown to track asteroid for NASA
The Arecibo Observatory successfully tracked asteroid 2020 NK1, determining its orbit and motion. The observations showed the asteroid poses no danger to Earth, with a closest approach in 2043. High-resolution images revealed an elongated shape and diameter of approximately 0.6 miles.
Mars 2020 mission to be guided by USGS astrogeology maps
The USGS has created precise maps of the Mars 2020 landing site in Jezero crater, which will help the Perseverance rover steer itself to a safe landing. These high-resolution maps are essential for unlocking the mysteries of the red planet's past and searching for evidence of past life.
Ground system for NASA's Roman Space Telescope completes major review
The Roman mission's ground system has successfully completed its preliminary design review, meeting all requirements for science operations. The new data system will enable scientists to conduct sweeping cosmic surveys, yielding a wealth of new information about the universe, including insights into dark matter and dark energy.
Asteroid shower on the Earth-Moon system 800 million years ago revealed by lunar craters
A study by Osaka University researchers found that an asteroid of 100 km in diameter was disrupted 800 million years ago and caused a massive meteoroid impact, releasing approximately 30-60 times more material than the Chicxulub impact. This finding suggests that sporadic meteorite bombardment may have affected Earth's environment.
USTC finds ultimate precision limit of multi-parameter quantum magnetometry
Researchers from USTC obtained the ultimate precision for estimating all three components of a magnetic field with entangled probe states under the parallel scheme. They found that tradeoff comes from incompatibility of optimal probe states and presented an approach to quantify tradeoff.
NAU planetary scientist collaborates on first-ever Mars mission launched by Arab world
A veteran NAU planetary scientist collaborates with UAE and US teams to develop Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer (EMIRS), providing a unique view of Martian atmosphere. The Emirates Mars Mission 'Hope' orbiter arrives at Mars in February 2021, collecting images and data for two years.
Designing better asteroid explorers
Researchers studied robotic explorers' impact on asteroid surfaces, finding that some rocks and boulders likely ricochet due to low gravity. The study provides critical information for designing successful asteroid missions.