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Orchids and fungi -- partners for life

Researchers have discovered that three Thai orchids use a wide range of fungi to absorb carbon from the soil instead of producing their own organic carbon. The study highlights the complex relationships between plants and fungi in tropical forests, emphasizing the need for further research on these interactions.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateAug 13, 2009

University of Miami scientist uncovers miscalculation in geological undersea record

A new study by Peter K. Swart suggests that carbonate platform records are not reliable for tracking the global carbon cycle over the past 10 million years. This finding challenges widely-held ideas about CO2 levels during specific periods of Earth's geological history.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2008

Can biofuels be sustainable?

Researchers found that a portion of corn stover can be harvested for biofuel production without reducing soil organic carbon levels in high-yielding systems. This study suggests that corn stover could supply up to 25% of the biofuel crop needed by 2030.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateAug 19, 2008

Studying rivers for clues to global carbon cycle

A Northwestern University professor is studying rivers to understand how organic carbon is processed and consumed by microorganisms, revealing that it's a bigger component of global carbon cycling than thought. The study provides a framework for assessing these processes and sheds light on the internal cycling of carbon in rivers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 8, 2008

Building blocks of life formed on Mars

A Carnegie Institution-led team finds organic compounds containing carbon and hydrogen in Martian meteorite Allan Hills 84001, suggesting that building blocks of life formed on Mars early in its history. The discovery was made by analyzing the rock's association with iron oxide mineral magnetite.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateDec 11, 2007

The inside dope

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully implemented doping in molecular electronics, enabling the control of electronic properties in organic molecules. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of environmentally friendly and versatile electronic components.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 26, 2007

Before selling carbon credits, read this

Researchers found that a soil model can accurately estimate carbon levels in soil, enabling farmers to verify soil carbon change and sell carbon credits. The Century model's accuracy depends on accurate soil texture data, highlighting the need for benchmark monitoring sites.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 18, 2007

Where climate is made in a greenhouse world

Researchers identify a previously unrecognized link between mid-latitude climate dynamics and tropical African climate, leading to exceptionally high organic carbon burial. The study suggests that changes in atmospheric pressure systems and surface winds drive variations in precipitation and runoff patterns.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPaleoceanography·DateJun 1, 2006

Breakthrough in climate research

A team of researchers has solved a puzzle in climate research by explaining why micro-organisms break down carbon in soils at varying rates. The new theory predicts that an increase in climate temperatures will lead to more rapid carbon dioxide release and accelerated climate change.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateJan 19, 2005

AGU Journal highlights - 10 August 2004

Researchers analyze daily temperature ranges to explain global warming trends. A new seismic model reveals the cause of New Zealand's volcanism by tracking magma movement. Small robotic aircraft can now patrol the ocean, providing high-resolution oceanographic observations.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 10, 2004