A new AI-based system can detect signs of biological life in samples with high accuracy, enabling the search for life on other planets. The system uses machine-learning methods to analyze data from various sources and predict whether a sample is biological or non-biological.
Researchers found evidence of 2.9 billion-year-old glaciers in South Africa using relative oxygen isotope concentrations and physical proof. The discovery suggests the presence of continental ice caps at that time or a previously unknown 'snowball Earth' period.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to mix sodium with lithium in high-quality batteries, driving down costs and ensuring the supply. The technique uses a specialized technique to measure energetic stability, allowing for a more stable mixture of up to 20% sodium.
Researchers from Norway and France have found a way to coordinate and recalibrate two conflicting systems of dating the Moon's surface. This new evaluation shows that large parts of the crust are around 200 million years older than previously thought, clarifying the sequence of events in the evolution of the Moon's surface.
A new study finds that many Earth-like exoplanets with liquid water exist, increasing the chances of finding life. Researchers discovered two main ways for heat to generate liquid water underground, even in planets with frozen surfaces.
Researchers found large quantities of plastic mulch fragments in strawberry fields, negatively impacting soil qualities and microbial respiration. The study's findings suggest that biodegradable or natural mulches could be alternatives to reduce long-term plastic pollution.
A team of international scientists has discovered a large granite mass buried under the surface of the Moon's far side, measuring 50km across. This finding is unexpected, as granites are nearly absent in the Solar System outside of Earth.
Scientists have reevaluated early Earth impacts, finding a possible x10 increase in bombardment frequency. This could have significantly altered the planet's near-surface chemistry and atmospheric evolution.
Researchers found that planets with moderate tilts can increase oxygen production in oceans, favoring the emergence of complex life. This discovery helps refine the search for advanced life on exoplanets.
A new UK study finds racial minority students are significantly underrepresented in geology, physical geography, and environmental science. This systemic exclusion risks alienating large sections of the global population from addressing climate change.
Researchers found ancient diamonds with gases similar to those in the modern mantle, indicating little change in atmospheric volatiles over the last 2.7 billion years. This suggests that essential volatile elements like carbon and nitrogen were present on Earth soon after its formation.
Scientists have developed a new method to identify the movements of criminals by analyzing soil and dust found on equipment, clothing, and cars. This technique uses geochemical analysis to match soil remnants to regional samples, allowing police to pinpoint crime scenes. The method has been tested in a trial with promising results.
Researchers found geochemical evidence of pre-coinage silver trade in the Late Bronze and Iron Age periods, with Hacksilber playing a crucial role. The study analyzed Hacksilber from 13 sites dating back to 1300 BCE, revealing its origin from the Southern Aegean and Balkans.
Researchers found that arsenic drives the concentration of gold, explaining how iron sulfides capture and release gold. The study may lead to new sources of gold and improved processing methods.
A team of researchers found an unexpected collection of fossilized shark teeth, dated to around 80 million years ago, in a 2,900-year-old site in the City of David in Jerusalem. The teeth were likely transported from a distant location and assembled by collectors, possibly during the Iron Age period.
Researchers have developed a novel geochemistry test that can identify osteoporosis before its clinical effects on bones. The test is more sensitive and can detect changes in calcium isotopes in blood and urine, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre have developed intelligent systems capable of identifying geochemical signatures of life from rock samples. The new system, set to debut on the 2022/23 ExoMars mission, will prioritize data transmission over huge distances, overcoming limitations in the search for life on Mars.
Researchers found that Europa's ocean could have been formed by tidal forces or radioactive decay, leading to a potentially habitable environment. The team's models suggest that the ocean's composition became more Earth-like, with high concentrations of carbon dioxide and calcium, making it suitable for life.
Researchers found remnants of bridgmanite in large type IIb diamonds, suggesting they formed at depths of over 660 km. This confirms predictions that both the Hope and Cullinan diamonds are super-deep, originating from more than three times deeper in the Earth's mantle
Scientists have discovered man-made mercury pollution in the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the ocean. This finding has significant implications for the marine environment and food chain, highlighting the impact of human activities on the planet.
Researchers found that early-formed rocky exoplanets are more likely to develop plate tectonics, a condition favorable to life emergence. This implies that life in the galaxy might have started earlier than previously thought, with planets formed later facing less chance of supporting life.
Researchers found exoplanet oceans with efficient upwelling rates could host globally abundant and active life. The discovery suggests that Earth might not be optimally habitable and life elsewhere may enjoy a more hospitable planet.
Researchers have developed a method to trace industrial metals in the environment using honey and salmon. By analyzing lead isotopes in honey and Pacific salmon, scientists can identify sources of pollutants like lead and cadmium. The technique has been proven effective in Metro Vancouver and is being applied to other cities.
Researchers found a significant increase in oxygen levels in ancient rocks, possibly setting the stage for dinosaur expansion into tropical regions. The discovery provides insight into the evolutionary diversification of dinosaurs during a critical period.
Scientists have reconstructed 300-million-year-old rainwater to study the history of Western France and its mountain range. The analysis suggests that the area was once mountainous, near the Equator, and subject to violent tectonic processes.
A new study suggests that ancient Mars experienced warm periods with flowing water, followed by cold periods where water froze. This finding is significant as it increases the chances of simple life developing on Mars around the same time as it did on Earth.
Researchers have developed a method to extract hydrogen from oil sands, which can be used to power hydrogen-powered vehicles and generate electricity. The process is cheap, with costs estimated at around 10-50 cents per kilo, making it potentially more economically viable than current methods.
Scientists have detected the presence of an ancient reservoir in the Earth's mantle using helium isotope ratios in superdeep diamonds. The reservoir is estimated to be at least as old as the Moon and is located between 410 and 660 km below the surface.
Scientists have found that many exoplanets, especially those between two to four times the size of Earth, are likely to be water-rich. This suggests that water worlds may be common, with implications for the search for life in our Galaxy.
Researchers found significant quantities of TiO2 in beach waters off France, with concentrations ranging from 15-45 μg/L. The tiny nanoparticles can lose their protective coating under UV light or seawater composition, exposing toxic titanium dioxide to aquatic organisms.
Research finds US coastal waters are vulnerable to acidification, affecting marine life like salmon, sharks, and cod. Elevated CO2 levels can cause cognitive problems and disorientation in fish, particularly in colder northern waters. The study highlights the need for sustained ocean observations to track coastal chemistry trends.
The 3.4 billion year old Strelley Pool microfossils had chemical characteristics similar to modern bacteria, supporting a biological origin and ranking them amongst the world's oldest microfossils. The analysis also shows that these ancient fossils have survived extreme conditions over the last 3.4 billion years.
Researchers measured compositions of 18 planetary systems up to 456 light years away, finding similar proportions of elements to those on Earth. The study suggests that Earth-like planets may exist elsewhere in the galaxy.
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.
Researchers have developed a method to dramatically speed up the formation of magnesite, which can store carbon dioxide and potentially remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The process takes place at room temperature and uses polystyrene microspheres as a catalyst.
Scientists found that ancient silica-rich felsic rocks in Canada formed at high temperatures and shallow crust depths, likely due to meteorite bombardment. The results suggest that these rocks are the only surviving remnants of a barrage of extraterrestrial impacts that shaped Earth's early history.
Scientists use radioactive 129I to track ocean currents in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The tracer's long half-life allows precise tracking of water circulation patterns, including the 'Arctic loop' and deep-water flows southward to Bermuda.
The Mars 2020 mission utilizes advanced techniques developed from studying early life on Earth to detect biosignatures in ancient Martian rocks. By mapping elemental and organic composition at high spatial resolution, scientists aim to determine if these features were formed by life.
Scientists confirm weathering of rocks is key to planet's recovery from extreme temperatures, enabling life to thrive for over 4 billion years. However, rapid global warming poses a threat to this recovery process, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Analysis of ancient Roman coins found that the defeat of Hannibal during the Second Punic War led to a significant increase in Spanish silver mining revenue, contributing to Rome's expansion. This finding provides tangible evidence of Rome's transition from regional power to empire.
Experiments suggest a significant amount of zinc in the Earth's core, contradicting previous theories. This implies a revised formation process and potential changes to the estimated Earth composition, including its core.
Researchers from Italy suggest that gas pressure, rather than magma, is causing the ground to rise near the Bay of Naples volcano. The study contradicts previous assumptions and offers a new interpretation of the Campi Flegrei's geological activity.
A major international review found that radiation levels in oceans are decreasing, except near the Fukushima plant where ongoing releases remain a concern. The report highlights the need for continued radiation assessment to understand changing risks.
Researchers found significant magma movement under Mount St Helens before 1980 eruption, indicating destabilization of magma system and possible future eruptions. Similar measurements may indicate risk at other well-studied volcanoes like Uturuncu in Bolivia.
Researchers discovered that Mercury's surface was formed by melting at high pressures near the core-mantle boundary. The study suggests that the unique sulfur content and pressure-temperature conditions explain the heterogeneous surface composition.
Researchers have found that measuring copper and zinc concentrations in blood and tissue may allow for early diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The study, presented at the Goldschmidt conference, showed significant changes in these elements prior to symptom onset.
Researchers have discovered a massive helium gas field in the Tanzanian Rift Valley, ensuring a stable supply of this finite resource. The find, associated with volcanoes, has calculated a probable resource of 54 Billion Cubic Feet, enough to fill over 1.2 million medical MRI scanners.
A controlled pulse of water to the Colorado River Delta released stored greenhouse gases, including methane and carbon dioxide. This study highlights the need for a long-term approach to manage riverbed carbon storage in response to changing climate conditions.
Research reveals most radioactive caesium fallout was concentrated in glassy microparticles, not dissolved in rainwater, with high radioactivity per unit mass. This challenges previous assumptions about Fukushima fallout and its health implications.