A new high-pressure mineral, Maohokite, has been discovered and found to contain Fe3+, replacing the previously believed Fe2+, in the Earth's lower mantle. This discovery was made by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and published in Meteoritics & Planetary Science.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that recycling old mobile phones can recover valuable metals, such as gold and coltan, used in their construction. This reduces the incentive to mine gorilla habitats for these minerals, helping to save the species from extinction.
A new study found that uranium in mine dust can dissolve in simulated lung fluids and bloodstream, increasing the risk of disease. The researchers tested dust samples from five sites near uranium mines in New Mexico, discovering that mineral composition affects solubility.
Researchers estimate that soil can retain about 600 billion metric tons of carbon, more than twice the amount added to the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. This pathway relies on water dissolving organic carbon and transporting it deep into the soil, where it is bound to minerals.
A team of vulcanologists from ETH Zurich has found evidence suggesting the Phlegraean Fields are in the early stage of a new caldera cycle, which could lead to another massive eruption. The researchers used rock samples from previous eruptions to reconstruct the conditions in the crust and create a model of the cycle.
Scientists analyzed three Martian meteorites to find electrochemical reactions between briny liquids and volcanic minerals created the organic carbon. This process has implications for understanding habitability and could occur elsewhere in the solar system.
A study found that cancer patients are open to using complementary alternative medicines, but poorly informed about safety issues and risk of interactions with anti-cancer drugs. Vitamin D supplements were the most popular choice, followed by selenium plus zinc.
Researchers successfully biofortified wheat to naturally increase its iron content, a process that could help address global iron deficiency. The breeding lines showed no significant decrease in grain yield, making it a promising solution for improving nutrition without compromising farmers' profits.
A new study challenges the idea that life requires an 'Earth clone' by finding that water worlds could be habitable for a significant percentage of simulated planets. Researchers used over 1,000 simulations to find that 10% of planets stay stable for more than a billion years without geochemical cycling.
Rutgers researchers discovered a primordial peptide with two types of amino acids and a metal cluster similar to iron-sulfur minerals, suggesting it could have emerged spontaneously on early Earth. The short peptide may have served as a catalyst for life-producing chemistry.
Japanese researchers from Osaka University analyzed Hayabusa particles to determine the age of asteroid Itokawa, finding it formed 4.6 billion years ago and was destroyed 1.5 billion years later. The study used precise isotope analyses to clarify the chronology of the asteroid's evolution.
Researchers found quartz in a primitive meteorite, providing evidence of silica condensation within the solar protoplanetary disk. The discovery helps understand solar formation and evolution.
A team of international scientists has estimated the amount of highly radioactive cesium-rich microparticles released by the Fukushima power plant disaster. The research found that around 78% of radioactive cesium was released as glassy particles, which concentrated radiation in affected areas.
A Kent State geologist has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to investigate the role of manganese in controlling carbon storage in soils. Her research aims to understand how this element influences climate change, with potential applications for developing more effective carbon sequestration strategies.
A study published in PLOS ONE found intricate tunnel systems inside garnet crystals from Thailand, suggesting the presence of microorganisms. The tunnels were formed by endolithic microbes, providing a rare source of iron for these organisms in nutrient-poor sediments.
Researchers discovered that blue diamonds form at least as deep as the transition zone between the upper and lower mantle. The boron element was incorporated into water-rich minerals like serpentine during geochemical reactions between seawater and oceanic plate rocks, traveling far deeper into the mantle than previously thought.
A new study in Nature Astronomy finds that ancient blue crystals trapped in meteorites show evidence of the early Sun's intense activity, including more eruptions and a stronger stream of charged particles. The crystals, formed over 4.5 billion years ago, preserved chemical records of the young Sun's interactions with its surroundings.
A new study found that injectable trace minerals alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress in lactating Holstein cows exposed to aflatoxin. The researchers discovered that the minerals increased liver concentrations of selenium and iron and boosted serum glutathione peroxidase activity.
Researchers have found that traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) contains high levels of mercury and methylmercury, with Tibetans exposed to 34-fold higher daily intake than in regions specializing in mercury mining. This exposure results in the release of significant amounts of total mercury into municipal sewage and the environment.
New research reveals granite crystallizes at 500 degrees Celsius, nearly 200 degrees lower than the prevailing accepted crystallization temperature. This finding impacts our understanding of molten rock at depth in the Earth's crust, influencing predictions for economically important ore deposits and active magmatic centers.
A team of scientists has discovered that Yosemite granite minerals crystallized at lower temperatures than previously thought, challenging our understanding of how granites form and record the planet's history. This finding has significant implications for geoscientists studying the Earth's crust formation and volcanic processes.
Researchers have identified the biological process of mineralization that occurs in young corals, shedding light on coral reef formation and the storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The discovery also holds implications for new biotechnological developments using coral extractions to regenerate human bones.
Scientists have created an 'electrogeochemical' method that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while producing hydrogen gas for use as fuel. The technology also counteracts ocean acidification by converting carbon dioxide into a dissolved mineral bicarbonate already abundant in the ocean.
Researchers identify chemically reduced iron species in brains affected by Alzheimer's, including a magnetic iron oxide called magnetite, which may contribute to disease toxicity. The study suggests that understanding these metals could lead to more effective therapies for Alzheimer's disease.
A team of Japanese scientists has discovered a mineral known as moganite in a lunar meteorite, reinforcing the theory that water exists on the Moon. The existence of moganite implies that there is water activity on the Moon.
A new data-mining technique developed by Carnegie's Shaunna Morrison improves the understanding of Mars' geologic history and habitability. By analyzing mineral compositions and unit cell dimensions, scientists gained a more detailed picture of Martian minerals, including their origins and alteration processes.
Researchers found evidence that the Earth's continental crust could have formed hundreds of millions of years earlier than previously thought, suggesting a habitable environment for life. The study used unique instruments to count strontium atoms in ancient rocks and found silica presence, altering the classic view of early Earth.
Researchers found that honey bees shift their nutrient intake according to the season, increasing calcium consumption in the fall and seeking high-potassium sources. This adaptation helps prepare the bees for colder months when they need these minerals to generate warmth.
Current research does not support the use of vitamin or mineral supplements in preventing or treating heart disease. However, naturally derived nutrients from plant-based foods can help cut heart disease risk. Folic acid supplements have shown a reduction in stroke risk.
Researchers created a transparent hybrid film combining natural clay minerals and dyes that changes color in response to environmental humidity. The novel mechanism involves the confinement of dye molecules within nanometer-scale gaps, allowing for reversible color change without breaking chemical bonds.
Researchers found traces of fatty acids in Dorset's acidic streams, mimicking conditions on Mars billions of years ago. They believe these findings could indicate nearly 12,000 pools of organic matter on Mars that represent past life.
Researchers discovered that plant-fungal relationships can break down due to the emergence of more efficient nutrient sources. Plants often replace fungi with other cooperative partners or evolve new strategies, such as becoming carnivorous plants to obtain essential nutrients.
Researchers Matthew Alford and Thomas Peacock call for collaborative scientific research to inform the future of seabed mining. The study highlights the importance of sediment plumes in assessing marine life impacts and recommends limited-scale operations with academic researchers.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a new class of clay nanoparticles that can direct human stem cells to become bone or cartilage cells. These nanoparticles, similar to flaxseed in shape, can grow tissue from stem cells in the absence of growth factors.
A new study found that mountain erosion can also release CO2 into the atmosphere, far faster than it's absorbed by newly-exposed rock. Tiny microbes in mountain soils 'eat' ancient organic carbon, spewing out CO2.
Researchers at KAIST have identified flammable ice formed in oceans through clay minerals in sedimentary deposits. They proposed a new principle for gas hydrate formation and found that electric fields can promote hydrate nucleation.
A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis studied the formation of new bone and teeth, discovering that miniscule gaps in collagen's fiber structure facilitate the nucleation of calcium phosphate. The findings provide a new view into the current theory of calcium phosphate nucleation in confined spaces.
Scientists used lab-cooked recipes to model mantle minerals, providing clear measurements of density, compressibility and electronic conductivity. This study will help scientists interpret seismic waves and accurately map the amount of iron in the mantle.
The study reveals that China and the US are heavily reliant on imports for certain nonfuel minerals, with each country importing more than half of their consumption for 11 minerals. This raises concerns about potential international competition for existing supplies, as these minerals are crucial for emerging technologies.
Research shows that water-bearing minerals release water underneath geologic hot spots, lubricating earthquakes and fueling volcanoes. A new spectroscopy technique applied to garnet containing fragments of quartz reveals the source of water, contradicting conventional thermodynamic equations.
A new in-depth review from the Journal of Dairy Science examines necessary minerals and their mechanisms for absorption in cows. The review highlights two key methods, paracellular and transcellular absorption, and discusses factors affecting mineral uptake.
Scientists have found that rocks rich in the mineral berthierine, a toxic to decay bacteria, are more likely to preserve soft tissue fossils. This discovery provides a mineralogical signature to find exceptional fossils and potentially supports the search for life on other planets.
A new study warns of long-lasting consequences from seabed mining, which could destroy deep-sea ecosystems and affect marine life globally. The research highlights the need for precautions and alternative approaches to mitigate potential harm.
A new study found that taking a specially prepared blend of minerals and nutrients can significantly improve women's running performance. Women who took the supplement saw their 3-mile run times drop from 26.5 to 25.6 minutes, with improvements also seen in stationary bike distance covered and steps taken.
Researchers analyzed the Hypatia stone, a pebble found in Egypt, and discovered unique minerals that suggest it originated from pre-solar material. The stone contains polyaromatic hydrocarbons, metallic aluminum, phosphides, and moissanite, which are uncommon in our solar system.
The new instrument uses micro Raman spectroscopy to detect organic compounds and minerals associated with biological activity. It can analyze samples up to 10 centimeters away with high resolution, significantly improving previous instruments.
A team of researchers from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals proposed a control design for the I-PENTAR wheeled inverted pendulum assistant robot to tackle stability issues and uncertainty. The algorithm improved the robot's ability to maintain balance even in uncertain environments.
Kids who regularly eat take-away meals may be boosting their risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. A diet rich in calories and poor in vitamins and minerals was found among regular consumers of take-aways.
Geologists in Scotland have identified a 60-million-year-old meteorite strike on the Isle of Skye, revealing rare minerals from outer space. The discovery has sparked questions about the impact's connection to Paleogene volcanic activity across the North Atlantic.
Researchers propose a new scenario for ancient clay mineral formation on Mars, suggesting clays formed during the planet's creation from molten magma. The steamy atmosphere created by the magma ocean could have converted vast swaths of the surface to clay, leading to the widespread distribution seen today.
Researchers at UNH used scientific sleuthing to better understand magma movement in Mount Etna, finding that ancient and present-day magma sources are similar. The study also revealed that crystals formed beneath the volcano were virtually chemically identical to erupted lavas, suggesting short crystal storage times.
A team of scientists from MSU developed a compact spectral polarimeter for studying the surface composition of astronomical bodies. The device operates in the near-infrared range and was tested on two minerals simulating lunar and Martian surfaces.
Researchers traced ancient zircon minerals' chemical signatures to understand the recycling of carbon from the mantle to the surface. The study suggests a series of fortunate events led to optimal conditions for releasing anomalous amounts of carbon, which in turn shaped the modern carbon cycle.
Researchers found that water in minerals can split up under extreme pressure, liberating oxygen to combine with iron and create a novel mineral. This discovery could have implications for the Earth's geologic history and potentially explain the Great Oxygenation Event.
High-pressure X-ray measurements reveal the formation of a new phase of kaolinite, a clay mineral containing aluminium, under conditions similar to those in subduction zones. The super-hydrated phase contains more water than any other known aluminosilicate mineral in the mantle.
Researchers discovered a diverse microbial ecosystem at Laguna La Brava, with Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota groups dominating the environment. The absence of cyanobacteria led the authors to suggest alternative microorganisms precipitating minerals in these extreme conditions.
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter has identified methods to predict the environmental and social cost of resourcing new deposits of rare earth minerals. The study proposes a 'Fairtrade' model for ethically and sustainably resourcing raw materials, crucial in the manufacturing of next-generation technologies.
Scientists have found evidence that komatiites, three-billion-year-old volcanic rocks found within the Earth's mantle, had a different composition than modern ones. This discovery may provide new information about the first one billion years of Earth's development and early origins of life.
Geophysicist Seth Stein argues that scientifically inaccurate movies can be used to teach scientific lessons and foster skepticism. He incorporates disaster movies into his classroom lessons, training students to spot errors and seek true explanations.
The study reveals how arrangement of atoms creates forces that pull crystals together and align them. Researchers found that manipulating attraction through ion type, concentration, and temperature can control crystallization.