A study detected a sudden increase in lithium atoms in the lower thermosphere, attributing it to the uncontrolled re-entry of a Falcon 9 rocket stage. The researchers used lidar technology to measure the concentration of lithium atoms and found that natural atmospheric processes were highly unlikely to be the source.
The discovery of seven naturally-mummified cheetahs in Saudi Arabia reveals that at least two subspecies inhabited the peninsula before their extinction. This finding may open new possibilities for the reintroduction of cheetahs to the peninsula, with a genetic pool supporting rewilding efforts.
The Rhine River transports an estimated 3,000-4,700 tonnes of macrolitter towards the North Sea each year. Plastic pieces account for only around 15% of the overall litter mass.
A study suggests that volcanic activity around 1345 CE led to crop failures and famine in southern Europe, prompting Italian city states to import grain shipments from the Black Sea region contaminated with Yersinia pestis. This grain trade may have exacerbated the spread of the plague across Europe.
A study suggests that prolonged droughts lasting over 85 years contributed to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. The civilization, which existed around 5,000-3,500 years ago, was characterized by advanced cities and sophisticated water management systems.
A new digital dataset reveals a 100,000 km increase in the Roman Empire's road network, covering over four million square kilometers. The Itiner-e dataset comprises 299,171 km of roads, with main roads making up 34.6% of total length.
A study in Communications Earth & Environment found that WWII munitions in the Baltic Sea support a higher abundance of marine life than surrounding sediment. The hard metal casings on the munitions provide a suitable surface for organisms to inhabit, outweighing the disadvantages of chemical exposure.
Researchers have identified 21 bio-inclusions of ancient insect orders and plant fossils in Ecuador's Genoveva quarry, shedding light on a previously unknown ecosystem. The discovery provides a unique snapshot of the Cretaceous era and its biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere.
Analysis found that Indigenous Territories with high forest cover can decrease disease rates, including malaria and pneumonia. Legal protection is key to maintaining this effect.
The Perito Moreno Glacier has retreated by up to 800 meters since 2019, with a 16-fold increase in thinning rate, posing a risk of collapse and significant retreat in the near future. Scientists are unsure why this rapid acceleration is occurring, but a large ridge beneath the glacier may have contributed to its pre-2019 stability.
A new study suggests that afforestation may not be a viable method for offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel reserves due to spatial requirements and financial viability. The analysis found that planting trees on an area larger than North America would be needed to offset the potential emissions, raising concerns about d...
Measuring ammonia concentration near an Adelie penguin colony found increased levels when wind blew from the colony, suggesting a connection between penguin guano and climate change mitigation. The study suggests that penguin guano may help reduce the effects of climate change on Antarctica by contributing to increased cloud formation.
Research published in Communications Physics found that eggs are more likely to survive drops when oriented horizontally, contradicting a common classroom science experiment assumption. The study's findings suggest that the shell of an egg can better withstand impact when dropped side-on due to its flexibility around the equator.