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.
The University of Colorado will build two instruments for a satellite launched in 2006 to study noctilucent clouds. The Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere mission aims to understand changes in cloud brightness and frequency, which may be linked to increasing carbon dioxide levels.
The new EPICA ice core provides a complete record of the past interglacial period, allowing scientists to study it in detail. This will help separate human-caused impacts from natural climate fluctuations, providing valuable insights into climate change and its effects.
CU researchers report consistent pattern in deuterium abundance, suggesting smaller amount of chemical evolution and higher infall of near primordial gas to the Milky Way galaxy. The findings provide a better understanding of galactic chemical evolution and its impact on the formation of stars, planets, and life.
Researchers have uncovered three new rock art depictions of armored horses on the Purgatoire River in southeast Colorado, shedding light on the Comanche's use of horse armor. The finds are significant as they provide a unique window into Comanche history and culture, dating back to the 17th century.
The SORCE satellite has been collecting long-term data on natural solar variation to determine the sun's role in global change. Accurate knowledge of solar variations is essential for understanding and predicting impacts on Earth's atmosphere and climate.
Dr. Anseth's team has developed an injectable scaffold to regenerate cartilaginous tissue using light-activated chemistries, with potential applications in treating Parkinson's disease by injecting stem cells into human brains.
A team of international researchers, including University of Colorado at Boulder professor Robert Hohlfelder, are searching for the lost fleet of Persian warships in the seas off Greece's northern coast. The team used sonar, a manned submersible submarine and a remotely operated vehicle to locate the site, which was chosen after local ...
New calculations suggest that recycling of material through small moons can lengthen the lifetime of rings and moons. This process, known as cosmic recycling, allows for the re-accretion of fragments into new moons, extending the persistence of ring systems.
Scientists observed the Van Allen Belts being pushed and prodded to a nearly unprecedented degree during the 'Halloween storm' of 2003. The outer belt's center moved just 6,000 miles from Earth's equatorial surface, causing a significant increase in radiation.
The $5 million Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE) satellite, launched in 1998, measured nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere affecting Earth's ozone layer and X-rays from the sun. SNOE re-enters atmosphere in early Dec., with most of it expected to burn up.
The Flu Chip will enable doctors to swiftly diagnose respiratory illness, including influenza A, B and C, SARS, and other viruses. The technology uses DNA microarrays to provide genetic information, aiding in the management of local epidemics and worldwide pandemics.
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder have discovered tiny footpaths in Costa Rica that were precursors to wide, deep, and ritualistic roadways leading to and from cemeteries and villages. The team found that people traveled these paths for centuries, creating worn pathways up to 3 meters deep.
Researchers at CU-Boulder created more efficient 'soft' x-ray light in the water-window region using a femtosecond laser, making it possible to build compact microscopes for biological imaging. This advance could visualize processes within living cells and understand how pharmaceuticals function.
A new book published by the University of Colorado Center explores post-disaster research and findings from 22 studies on emergency response, corporate interactions, volunteer behavior, and risk communication. The studies aim to improve public policy and disaster response in the face of terrorist attacks.
Contaminated water from abandoned mines in Colorado's Summit County is affecting artificial snowmaking and tourism, impacting $9 billion industry. Heavy metals are detected in headwater drainages, posing a risk to aquatic life and other sports.
Researchers discovered previously unknown fungi groups thriving beneath the snow, recycling carbon and nitrogen, and potentially impacting CO2 levels. The findings prompt a reevaluation of snow-covered regions as 'sinks' for CO2.
Scientists now believe that small amounts of impurities, such as sodium chloride, are necessary to form the domes on Europa's surface. These compounds melt ice at low temperatures, allowing warmer blobs of ice to push through the icy shell and create the domes.
The study aims to analyze satellite imagery to create a new baseline of current glacier conditions for comparison with historical measurements. Researchers will focus on two regions: central Asia and southern Alaska, where glaciers have experienced unprecedented ice loss, affecting freshwater sources and regional ecosystems.
A recent study by Colorado University-led researchers highlights the growing health risks associated with changes in the global nitrogen cycle. The excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers has led to increased crop production in poor nations but poses significant environmental and health concerns for humans worldwide.
Scientists discovered a tiny dwarf galaxy in intergalactic space that was previously overlooked. The galaxy is believed to have formed elements through supernova explosions, enriching the gas cloud. This finding suggests that tiny galaxies may have played a significant role in the chemical evolution of the universe.
Researchers use DNA analysis to identify previously unknown microbe kingdoms, expanding the estimated number of microbial species to about 30. The discovery has potential applications in agriculture and ecology, including understanding soil diversity and improving sewage treatment.
Researchers used GPS receivers to detect seismic waves from a 7.9 magnitude earthquake in Alaska and measure their impact on the US and Canada, revealing large surface displacements. The study showcases the versatility of GPS technology for tracking seismic activity and monitoring natural disasters.
A growing number of supercities, with over 200 globally, are located near major fault lines and could face devastating earthquakes. The number of fatalities from building collapses during earthquakes has increased four-fold since the 17th century due to urbanization.
Researchers at the University of Colorado have determined the molecular structure of MEF2, a protein that plays a key role in heart hypertrophy. The study reveals detailed mechanisms by which MEF2 suppresses gene expression, potentially leading to the development of new treatments for heart disease.
A team of scientists led by Veronica Vaida investigated how visible light breaks down sulfuric acid molecules, revealing a new mechanism for the formation of the Junge layer. This discovery allows researchers to predict sulfate layer formation and model chemical properties of the Earth's atmosphere.
String theory predicts the existence of moduli forces with strengths comparable to gravity, which could be detected on length scales of one-tenth of a millimeter. Researchers used an experiment to search for these forces and found that they are unlikely to exist at distances smaller than previously thought.
A new theory proposes Chaco Canyon's powerful political system kept other Pueblo peoples under its thumb from 1000 to 1125. The city's elite ruled a region containing tens of thousands of people, with influence stretching hundreds of miles.
Prehispanic farmers in the southwest US employed ingenious strategies to overcome challenges like limited moisture and short growing seasons, including moving run-off water and using gravel mulch. They were able to extend frost-free periods and grow crops like cotton in marginal areas.
A team of Colorado researchers has discovered a large population of 'proplyd' objects in the Carina Nebula, located 7,300 light-years from Earth. The newly found proplyds are roughly 100 times the diameter of our solar system and are puzzling for several reasons.
New research reveals that red giants still exhibit coronal activity, but it is submerged in the chromosphere, a region around 10,000 F. The team used NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory and ultraviolet instruments to detect hot coronal gas through UV emissions.
A CU-Boulder study suggests that elevated CO2 concentrations in agriforests can reduce isoprene emissions, a key contributor to ground-based ozone pollution. This finding could have significant implications for mitigating regional ozone pollution and enhancing climate mitigation strategies.
A new perspective on communication emphasizes the need to consider all aspects, including nonverbal cues, spoken words, and environmental factors. Successful turn-taking communication is crucial, and physical touch requires verbal clarification. Video analysis can help improve communication skills.
Researchers challenge the long-held idea of a warm, wet Mars with evidence from large asteroid and comet impacts. These events created short-lived but intense periods of rain and flooding on the planet's surface, leading to the formation of rivers and valleys.
Researchers found tundra soils unexpectedly responsive to increased nitrogen, impacting carbon storage and potentially affecting atmospheric CO2 levels. The study highlights the potential risks of rising nitrogen levels worldwide, particularly in warmer regions.
Researchers are studying Europa's icy shell to understand its composition and potential for supporting life. A computer model suggests organisms could thrive beneath the thick cap of ice, while another analysis reveals cracks and ridges formed by Jupiter's tides.
Researchers from CU-Boulder will conduct cell biology experiments in microgravity, mimicking normal functioning kidney cells and studying molecular responses to infections. Plant growth experiments will also explore the role of gravity on plant development, with potential applications in timber and pharmaceutical industries.
Experts say preparing for natural disasters can also help mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive approaches to risk management. Communities must consider all potential risks and develop disaster plans that address various types of hazards.
Space weather events, caused by solar storms, are damaging satellites and power grids due to increasing technological challenges. Scientists are working on predicting and mitigating these effects with new observations, simulations, and predictive models.
A new report reanalyzes national weather service estimates to provide a comprehensive understanding of US flood damage trends. The data show that North Dakota has suffered the most per capita economic losses due to flooding.
Research suggests the Asian southwest monsoon is strengthening due to Northern Hemisphere warming, with potential implications for agriculture and population displacement. The study analyzed sediment cores from the Arabian Sea, finding increased wind speeds and a link to decreased Eurasian snow cover.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has been selected by NASA to build two instruments for a satellite that will probe polar mesospheric clouds. The $92 million mission, Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM), aims to study these clouds and their role in the Earth's atmosphere.
A team of researchers is testing a new hyperspectral sampling technique to identify expansive clays in Colorado construction sites. The method, developed from NASA analysis techniques, aims to reduce remediation costs and prevent damage caused by swelling soils.