A new U. of Colorado study challenges previous findings on Mars' Meridiani Planum region, suggesting it was more geologically similar to volcanic regions in North America or Europe. The research proposes that the region's chemical composition was created by sulfur-bearing steam vapors moving up through volcanic ash deposits.
A CU-Boulder study found that moderate exercise extended the life expectancy of lab rats carrying a genetic blueprint for heart failure by at least 10 percent to 15 percent. This suggests low-intensity exercise may have benefits in early stages of congestive heart failure.
The glacier has reached the midpoint of its projected retreat, with a shrinking length of 9 miles since 1980. The glacier's rapid retreat is attributed to complex physical processes and warming trends, resulting in an annual discharge of nearly 2 cubic miles of ice into the Prince William Sound.
Recent Himalayan earthquakes may be followed by larger events in the same region, while medieval earthquakes were much larger and less frequent. The study aims to understand what governs the recurrence interval and size of these rare events.
A new study published in Science Express suggests that early Earth likely had continents and was habitable, with substantial continental crust forming by 4.4-4.5 billion years ago. The researchers used hafnium as a tracer element to infer the existence of early continental formation on Earth.
A novel 'Flu Chip' developed at the University of Colorado at Boulder can determine the genetic make-up of influenza strains within 11 hours, significantly faster than current methods. The technology has shown over 90% accuracy in identifying flu subtypes and could aid global surveillance and vaccine development.
The Venus mission aims to study the planet's surface and atmosphere, with a focus on volcanoes and potential biological activity. The spacecraft will use advanced instruments to detect 'hotspots' in the clouds and make a positive detection of volcanoes.
A University of Colorado researcher has discovered tracks of a previously unknown two-legged swimming dinosaur along the shoreline of an ancient inland sea that covered Wyoming 165 million years ago. The six-foot-tall bipedal creature, similar to a Coelosaur, likely waded along the shoreline and swam offshore to feed on fish or carrion.
The $400,000 award will fund a starshade-shaped 'New Worlds Observer' that blocks parent star light and captures planet images. Scientists can map planetary systems, detect biomarkers and study features like oceans and continents.
Researchers at CU-Boulder developed a microscopic rotor that turns in a desired direction using an oscillating electrical field. The device has potential applications in nanotechnology machines and could be used to power chemical sensors, cell-phone switches, miniature pumps or even laser-blocking goggles.
The Arctic sea ice has been declining at an accelerating rate since the 1990s, with temperatures increasing and causing earlier springtime melting. The lowest sea-ice extent yet recorded was seen in September 2005, 20% lower than the previous average.
Researchers found a significant drop in biomass burning methane emissions from 1500 to 1600 due to indigenous population decline in South and Central America. Methane levels have increased by nearly 300% since the Industrial Revolution, with human activities accounting for 60% of atmospheric emissions.
Researchers have discovered ever-changing clusters of debris in Saturn's A ring, with cluster cores ranging from 7 feet to 43 feet in size. The clusters are periodically torn apart by gravitational tides and reassembled into new configurations.
A recent study suggests that ozone levels in the atmosphere have begun to level off, with some regions even experiencing small increases. However, it is unlikely that the ozone layer will fully recover, and scientists warn that precautions such as UV protection remain vital.
A University of Colorado research group has received a $1.75 million grant to study newly discovered microorganisms in the harsh climate of Colorado's high mountains. Led by Professor Steve Schmidt, the team aims to understand how these microorganisms function and their potential applications in biotechnology.
A University of Colorado study found that freeze-dried microbial mats in an Antarctic streambed revived quickly after water was reintroduced, demonstrating the persistence and adaptability of life in extreme environments. The research, led by Professor Diane McKnight, sheds light on the resilience of microorganisms in polar ecosystems.
The Cassini-Huygens mission has captured the first-ever images of Saturn's auroral emissions at its poles, similar to Earth's Northern Lights. The UVIS instrument on the spacecraft shows rapid responses to changes in the solar wind and significant changes in emissions within the 'oval' of the aurora at Saturn's south pole.
Researchers used a fluorescent marker to predict individual life spans of genetically engineered nematodes, revealing up to four-fold variation in lifespan based on stress levels. The study suggests chance metabolic processes dictate aging rates in genetically identical organisms raised in similar environments.
A new study by University of Colorado at Boulder-led researchers found that ancient birds in Australia's interior changed their diet drastically after human arrival, pointing to large-scale ecosystem changes. The shift was linked to the extinction of large terrestrial mammals and other species.
Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder developed a new method to visualize forces beneath the Himalaya, allowing for a deeper understanding of earthquakes and mountain formation. The study uses seismic sensors and creates high-resolution images of the crust and upper mantle.
A new study from the University of Colorado found that walking at a leisurely pace can increase calorie burn by up to 25% for obese adults. Additionally, reducing walking speed from 3 miles per hour to 2 miles per hour can decrease knee joint loads by up to 25%.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new polymer that maintains its strength even when exposed to light, offering potential solutions for dental fillings and electronic packaging. The polymer's unique properties could also have applications in boats, automobiles, and structural materials.
Astronomers using Spitzer Space Telescope image a new generation of stars at the heads of huge dust pillars created by galactic weather conditions. The Carina Nebula, located 10,000 light years from Earth, is visible to the human eye and contains several dozen massive stars that shape the gigantic dust pillars.
Scientists analyzed data from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, revealing a catastrophic event that highlights the need for more extreme worst-case seismic forecasts. The earthquake's impact was exacerbated by its location, which coincided with a popular holiday and high tide, resulting in widespread damage and loss of life.
Researchers found microorganisms living in highly acidic conditions with high metal and silicate concentrations at Yellowstone's Norris Geyser Basin. These discoveries could provide clues about ancient life on Earth and aid in the search for life on Mars.
A new study suggests that up to 40% of the early Earth's atmosphere was composed of hydrogen, creating a more favorable climate for the production of pre-biotic organic compounds. This finding contradicts traditional models and supports the idea that life may have emerged earlier than previously thought.
A new lab technique has identified high levels of pathogens in a hospital therapy pool, with
Scientists have developed a new method to create detailed images of the Earth's interior, improving resolution and accuracy. This technique uses ambient seismic noise, rather than earthquakes, allowing for better understanding of the planet's structure.
A team of scientists found that solar storms and Arctic winds led to a 60% ozone reduction in the upper stratosphere in 2004. The study used data from seven satellites to conclude that energetic particles from the sun triggered chemical reactions, leading to increased nitrogen oxide levels.
A recent study in Bosnia-Herzegovina found that child sex trafficking is often fueled by extreme poverty and family involvement, rather than organized crime. The report highlights the need to address poverty and ethnic discrimination to reduce exploitation of impoverished children.
A CU-Boulder team discovered that tiny organisms in Yellowstone hot springs rely on hydrogen as their main energy source, contradicting the long-held idea that sulfur is the primary fuel. The study used novel instrumentation and genetic analysis to determine hydrogen's role in microbial communities.
A new study suggests that ancient humans' systematic burning of Australia's interior led to the desertification of the region. The research indicates that this burning altered the flora enough to decrease the exchange of water vapor between the biosphere and atmosphere, causing the failure of the Australian Monsoon over the interior.
Researchers have discovered FK Comae Berenices, a rare fast-rotating yellow giant with high levels of coronal magnetic activity. The star's rotation is roughly 200 miles per second, making it an 'extreme case' of sun-like magnetic activity.
Scientists have found that Saturn's system is composed of ice and oxygen atoms, which are produced by collisions between small icy moons and the planet's magnetosphere. The research suggests that these collisions have been occurring for millions of years, adding fresh material to the ring system.
Roger Bilham warns that Iran is the worst offender, with one in 3,000 Iranians dying in an earthquake since 1900. The professor emphasizes the need for earthquake education to prevent fatalities in developing nations.
Permafrost thawing poses significant challenges to the Tibetan train route, as predicted climate change and construction activity can cause soil melting. Crushed rock insulation helps mitigate this effect by minimizing heat intake and promoting cooling over time.
A University of Colorado at Boulder research team has discovered evidence of microbial activity in a rock glacier, a barren environment previously thought to be devoid of life. The discovery includes traces of dissolved organic material and high levels of nitrates, suggesting microbes metabolize nitrogen within the glacier.
A CU-Boulder team found strong evidence that dopamine in the brain helps people implicitly learn to make choices that lead to good outcomes. Dopamine levels can influence how patients with Parkinson's disease make decisions, according to the study.
A team of researchers discovered security flaws in the Internet Chess Club, a widely used online platform with over 30,000 members. They found that users could easily cheat and access sensitive information without proper security measures, emphasizing the need for experts to create secure systems.
The September 2004 sea-ice loss was especially evident in extreme northern Alaska and eastern Siberia, with the decline averaging about 8 percent over the past decade. Climate change is likely playing a significant role, with some models indicating complete disappearance of summer sea ice by 2070.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has proposed a system to map planetary systems around other stars and detect exo-solar planets as small as Earth's moon. The New Worlds Imager concept uses a giant 'pinhole camera' in space to capture images of distant planets, including their oceans, continents, and atmospheres.
Satellite data shows Antarctic glaciers speeding up by up to five times their previous speed after the Larsen B ice shelf collapse. This acceleration is linked to climate warming and could have significant effects on sea-level rise.
The NGRIP ice core project has uncovered a detailed record of North Greenland's climate history, revealing stable temperatures during the Eemian period and a slow transition to the glacial period. The study also suggests significant temperature jumps in recent times, with evidence of abrupt climate shifts over human lifetimes.
Researchers found a large body of water, comparable to the Baltic Sea or all Great Lakes combined, near the NASA Opportunity rover's landing site on Mars. The study suggests that the ancient sea was present for an extended period and must have been deep enough to build up sediments roughly one-third of a mile deep.
Researchers from the North Greenland Ice Core Project have recovered plant remnants nearly two miles below the surface, suggesting that trees may have covered Greenland millions of years ago. The discovery provides valuable insights into the rapid formation of the Greenland Ice Sheet and its impact on climate history.
A University of Colorado at Boulder research team has located a massive body of rock that sank into Earth's mantle 3.5 million years ago, allowing the Sierra Nevada mountains to rise. The study used high-tech instruments to image the geology to 125 miles below the surface.
The MESSENGER mission will explore Mercury's searing surface, oddball atmosphere, and bizarre magnetic field. The LASP's $8.7 million Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer will address questions about the planet's mineral composition, gas distribution, and core.
Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder analyze Cassini mission data, revealing compositional variation in Saturn's A, B, and C rings. The study suggests that the outer part of the rings contains more ice, shedding light on their origin and evolution.
The Cassini orbiter is equipped with 12 scientific instruments to study Saturn's rings and moons. The UVIS instrument will measure UV light reflected by or emitted from Saturn's atmosphere, its rings, and moon atmospheres.
The CU-Boulder satellite's HIRDLS instrument will provide a clearer picture of the ozone layer's recovery and greenhouse gas distribution. With finer horizontal resolution and increased sensitivity, the instrument is expected to produce valuable data on climate change.