A team of astronomers observed a massive star's mass-loss event about a month before its supernova explosion, providing evidence for a causal link between the two events. The study suggests that predicting such explosions could allow scientists to catch them in action.
A team of researchers found that an inner layer of tissue in the branching roots is sensitive to salt and activates Abscisic Acid, which stops root growth. This study provides new insights into how plants cope with stressful environments and could lead to the development of salt-resistant crops.
Researchers have discovered that some of the tectonic processes driving volcanic activity were occurring as early as 3.8 billion years ago. The study found compositions comparable to modern oceanic islands in ancient rocks, strengthening arguments for subduction-related tectonics.
Current technology cannot provide the carbon-neutral power needed to address climate change; a minimum of 31 new wedges of renewable energy are required. The Department of Global Ecology at Carnegie Institution aims to develop sustainable solutions for environmental issues, including climate change.
Researchers have identified a new class of Martian meteorite that likely originated from the Mars' crust, containing an order of magnitude more water than any other Martian meteorite. The unique meteorite, dubbed Northwest Africa (NWA) 7034, has similarities to but is distinct from other Martian meteorites known as SNC.
Tau Ceti, the closest single star to our Sun, has been found to have a planetary system with five planets. The estimated masses range from two to six times that of Earth, making it the lowest-mass planetary system yet detected.
A team of scientists has made a breakthrough in understanding how materials behave under stress, leading to the creation of stronger and longer-lasting materials. Nickel nanocrystals have been found to deform permanently under intense pressure, which could help physicists and engineers create more resilient materials.
The Carnegie Airborne Observatory's AToMS system is uncovering a previously invisible ecological world by combining laser and spectral imaging instrumentation to derive simultaneous measurements of an ecosystem's chemistry, structure, biomass, and biodiversity. This technology has applications ranging from mitigating climate change to ...
A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of brassinosteroid hormone in plant organ development, shedding light on how plants form their organs and boundaries. The research found that activation of the brassinosteroid pathway represses genes responsible for organ boundary formation, leading to fused organs.
Researchers have discovered that magma in oceanic crust is cycled through the Earth's surface before eruption, altering previous theories on the formation of oceanic crust. This breakthrough could help scientists better understand the conditions of mantle melting and production of the Earth's most-common rock.
A team of scientists discovered a new high-pressure solid phase of magnesium oxide, which challenges traditional definitions of mantle and core material. This finding suggests that young or hot planets can generate and sustain magnetic fields.
Researchers studying Martian meteorites found that the planet formed from similar building blocks to those of Earth. However, the composition of water on Mars differs significantly from that of Earth, suggesting a distinct geologic history. The study provides new insights into the origin and evolution of water on the Red Planet.
Astronomers have found a galaxy whose light traveled 13.3 billion years to reach Earth, offering a glimpse into the universe's early stages. The newly discovered galaxy, MACS0647-JD, is only a tiny fraction of the size of our Milky Way and may be one of many building blocks of a galaxy.
The Carnegie Institution has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to engineer broad-spectrum resistance against rice bacterial blight through genetic engineering. The project aims to create durable and environmentally friendly solutions to combat this disease in developing countries.
A team of scientists has discovered a critical protein, Utf1, that balances activation and deactivation of genes for cell differentiation. This finding sheds light on the complex process of embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.
Research models suggest varying geoengineering efforts can combat climate impacts in at-risk areas, reversing long-term changes in Arctic sea ice. A study published in Nature Climate Change found that tailoring geoengineering efforts by region and over time could potentially improve effectiveness and reduce risks.
Astronomers have detected a potentially most distant galaxy ever seen, offering a glimpse into the universe's earliest epochs. The galaxy, observed through gravitational lensing, has a redshift of 9.6 and is estimated to be less than 200 million years old.
A new study reveals that certain gut microbes increase dietary fat absorption, allowing the host to extract more calories. The research found that one type of bacteria, Firmicutes, plays a key role in this process.
New research suggests that more than 400 terrawatts of power can be extracted from surface winds and over 1,800 terrawatts from high-altitude winds, meeting or exceeding global energy demand.
A new analysis examines the effects of widespread forest die-offs on ecosystem processes, species diversity, and human services such as water purification and real-estate property values. The study highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand the complex consequences of climate-driven forest mortality.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution find nickel oxide becomes metallic at enormous pressures of 2.4 million times atmospheric pressure, a goal in physics that ranks as high as achieving metallic hydrogen.
Scientists at Carnegie Institution have observed a new form of very hard carbon clusters that are unusual in their mix of crystalline and disordered structure. These clusters can indent diamond, indicating they are superhard, and their unique structure has potential applications for various uses.
A new study found that inhibiting myostatin promotes muscle growth without incorporating satellite cells into myofibers, raising hopes for treating muscular diseases. The research team identified a specific type of cell targeted by myostatin, paving the way for potential drug development.
Scientists used airborne 3-D mapping to quantify tree losses across Kruger National Park, finding that elephants are primary agents of tree loss. The study highlights the challenges faced by conservation managers and provides valuable insights for improving savanna management practices.
Researchers have discovered a binary star system, QU Carinae, which may produce a type Ia supernova. The system's white dwarf is accumulating mass from a giant star, producing sodium gas that could be detected after the explosion.
New 3D models reveal that a supernova explosion likely triggered the formation of our Solar System, injecting polluted material into a cloud of dust and gas. The models show that only one or two fingers from the shock wave could have caused the pollution found in primitive meteorites.
Researchers used LiDAR and satellite image analysis to create detailed maps of the Colombian Amazon's carbon stores, unlocking new methods for monitoring and conserving the region. The breakthrough supports the UN's REDD+ program and has implications for climate change mitigation in Colombia.
Researchers modelled comets and asteroid particles to explain their origins and compositions. The study found that these particles could have been processed in the hot inner disk of the Solar System before traveling out to icy comets, shedding light on the puzzle of how comets acquired different rim compositions.
A team of scientists has made new discoveries about ancient meteorites, which provide clues to the early Solar System's formation. The research, published in Nature Geoscience, reveals that certain elements were present during the formation of these rocks, suggesting a late accretion process occurred earlier than previously thought.
New research from Carnegie's Zhiyong Wang laboratory identifies key aspects of the hormonal responses of plants to changes in light and heat. The study reveals a biochemical 'command system' that integrates multiple environmental and hormonal signals into growth regulation.
A team of scientists led by Conel Alexander has found that carbonaceous chondrites, a type of primitive meteorite, are more likely to be the source of Earth's water than comets. This discovery contradicts prevailing theories and provides new constraints for understanding the origin of volatiles in the inner Solar System.
Research from Carnegie Institution shows pre-industrial era's clearing of land and forests contribute to atmospheric carbon dioxide, affecting global warming. Accounting for these emissions shifts attribution of global temperature from industrialized nations to developing nations.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution have developed a method to observe lipid metabolism in live zebrafish, revealing new aspects of lipid absorption that could improve human health. The technique enables scientists to study the process by which proteins mediate fatty acid uptake and cholesterol transport.
A new method has been developed to measure the mass of non-transiting planets using carbon monoxide signatures in their atmospheres. This breakthrough technique allows for precise mass determination, opening a new path to study exoplanet properties and potentially detect molecules associated with life.
Mineral evolution has led to at least 90 different mercury-containing minerals on Earth, mostly formed during three periods of supercontinent assembly. The creation of these minerals is linked to hydrothermal activity associated with continents colliding and forming mountain ranges.
Recent research analyzed two Martian meteorites from within the Red Planet's interior, revealing a vast amount of water similar to Earth's. This discovery raises the possibility that Mars could have sustained life and suggests volcanoes as the primary vehicle for getting water to the surface.
Researchers found that blocking 2% of the sun's light would make the sky three-to-five times brighter and whiter, while increasing global photosynthetic activity could pull more carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. However, this method may also reduce the effectiveness of solar power.
A new study by Carnegie's Andrew Steele provides strong evidence that Martian organic carbon originates from the planet itself, not Earth or other meteorites. The findings reveal insights into Mars' volcanic history and suggest the presence of organic chemistry throughout its history.
A study by Carnegie's Alan Boss and team found that hot-Jupiter planets' early movements likely disrupted the formation of Earth-like planets near them. The researchers analyzed data from NASA's Kepler mission to discover potential companions of these hot-Jupiter planets.
A team of astronomers studied 23 Type Ia supernovae to find signatures of gas around the explosions. They found that more powerful explosions came from systems with outflows of gas, but only a fraction showed evidence for these outflows.
Insect glands produce secretions that help sperm survive and guide fertilization in fruit flies, potentially providing clues to similar human reproductive glands. Mutant fruit flies with absent glands are infertile, but expression of a mouse gene can partially restore gland formation.
For the first time, astronomers have detected arsenic and selenium in an ancient star, revealing insights into the origin of these elements. The discovery sheds light on how stars produce heavier elements, including those found on Earth.
Scientists have developed new techniques to contain hydrogen at pressures above 3 million times normal atmospheric pressure, exploring its behavior under extreme conditions. The study confirms the stability of the chemical bond between atoms, disproving previous interpretations of a metallic state.
The Plant Metabolic Network has launched four new online databases for corn, soybeans, wine grapes, and cassava, providing a comprehensive view of their biochemical pathways. The databases will aid researchers in increasing crop production, developing biofuels, and exploring novel medicines.
Scientists have discovered a new understanding of the Earth's mantle beneath the Pacific Ocean, revealing that the Gutenberg discontinuity is closely related to the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. The study suggests that partially molten rock plays a key role in forming the Gutenberg discontinuity.
Scientists have found that Mercury's core is larger than anticipated, occupying 85% of the planet's radius. The planet's topography shows smaller elevation ranges compared to Mars or the Moon, with evidence of large-scale changes since its geological history.
The team discovered the most distant cluster of red galaxies, 30 galaxies packed together, 10.5 billion light years away, and formed the earliest known 'galaxy city' in the universe. The findings revealed a conspicuous concentration of galaxies that existed three billion years ago, providing insights into galaxy evolution and assembly.
The development of new technologies is crucial for transforming plant biology to meet human needs, according to Carnegie researchers David Ehrhardt and Wolf Frommer. Advanced imaging technologies and existing methods like DNA sequencing and mass spectroscopy will aid in understanding plant function and informing sustainable solutions.
Researchers from Carnegie Institution have identified a type of amoeba with two photosynthetic compartments that originated from an endosymbiotic cyanobacterium. The study sheds light on the early stages of chloroplast evolution and provides insight into how eukaryotic cells 'enslave' bacteria to form organelles.
Researchers found unique changes in hydrogen and boron isotopes in submarine volcanic glass near subduction zones, indicating ancient oceanic slabs can return to the upper mantle and interact with modern seawater. This discovery suggests hydrogen diffusion rates in the deep Earth may be slower than expected.