Articles tagged with Sulfur
Researchers found evidence of ancient sulfur-dependent life forms in 2.5-billion-year-old rocks from Brazil, suggesting these organisms could have existed in shallow water environments with high sulfate concentrations. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of life on early Earth.
Researchers have discovered anomalous sulfur signals in Antarctic snow that provide insights into the Earth's atmosphere, past climate patterns, and potential future climate scenarios. The findings reveal a previously overlooked atmospheric chemistry process that should be included in climate models.
A study published in Science finds a previously unknown step in the biogeochemical process that occurs in aquifers, affecting groundwater quality and contaminant fate. Microbes breathe solid iron and sulfur, transforming them into reactive ions that impact the makeup of rocks, soil, and water.
Researchers have created a polymer material that can be used for quality thermal imaging, providing a potential solution for heat detection and infrared applications. The new plastic lenses are inexpensive, lightweight, and can be easily molded into various shapes.
Researchers analyzed 40 Martian meteorites to understand the evolution of Mars' atmosphere, shedding light on whether life existed or could have existed on the red planet. The study found that the atmospheres of Mars and Earth diverged early in the solar system's history, with sulfur playing a key role in shaping the Martian environment.
Researchers found that sulfur emissions from massive volcanic eruptions could have created widespread acid rain in the Northern Hemisphere, contributing to plant and organism extinctions. The acidity levels reached as low as pH 2 — comparable to undiluted lemon juice — potentially disfiguring plants and stunting their growth.
A two-billion-year-old rock formation in Russia reveals that sulfur bacteria played a crucial role in distributing phosphorous during the oxygenation of the Earth. The discovery suggests that the establishment of these bacterial habitats triggered the formation of earliest worldwide phosphorites.
Researchers have developed a method to measure global sulfur dioxide emissions using satellite sensors, identifying large sources such as smelters and factories. A seismic network also detects landslides on a broad area scale in Taiwan's Chenyoulan watershed, providing insights into natural hazard occurrence and watershed dynamics.
Researchers at GEOMAR have developed a model to track the global distribution of sulfur particles following large eruptions, providing more accurate estimates of eruption strength and tracing previously undetermined volcanic activities. The study improves the interpretation of volcanic traces in ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have designed an all-solid lithium-sulfur battery with approximately four times the energy density of conventional lithium-ion technologies. The battery's use of abundant low-cost elemental sulfur addresses flammability concerns, while also increasing safety by eliminating liquid electrolytes.
Two devastating wildfires in New Mexico, Tres Lagunas and Thompson Ridge, continue to threaten residents around Santa Fe. The causes of the fires, downed power lines and human activity, have raised concerns about growth potential and containment efforts.
Research reveals sulfur dioxide from volcanoes affects stratospheric aerosol concentration, cooling the climate. The study uses MIPAS data to analyze sulfur budget in the stratosphere and excludes anthropogenic sources.
New research reveals that sulfate aerosols form through an oxidation pathway involving transition metal ions, which may affect climate cooling estimates. This could lead to overestimated climate cooling effects in some regions.
Researchers propose a more complex biological oxygen cycle on early Earth, with sulfur isotope signals persisting in ocean sediments long after oxygen accumulation. This 'memory effect' could blur dating of the Great Oxidation Event and provide new insights into early life.
Researchers have found that oceanic volcanic rocks contain samples of recycled crust dating back to the Archean era 2.5 billion years ago. The sulfur isotopes in these rocks indicate a chemical interaction with UV radiation that stopped occurring after the Great Oxidation Event.
Researchers investigate how surface-derived fluids can penetrate deep levels in Earth's crust, a challenge to widely accepted notions. They also explore the kill mechanism for a mass extinction event and the formation of hydrothermal base metal ore deposits. Additional studies focus on polar reversals, earthquakes, and archeological fi...
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a new chemical process that transforms waste sulfur into a lightweight plastic, which may improve batteries for electric cars and other applications. The new plastic has great promise as something that can be produced easily and inexpensively on an industrial scale.
A new CU-Boulder study suggests that volcanic aerosols, rather than industrial pollution, have counteracted as much as 25% of human-caused global warming since 2000. The research, led by Ryan Neely, used sophisticated computer models to separate coal-burning emissions from Asia from volcanic contributions worldwide.
Researchers at MIT synthesized and tested 60 fungal compounds, finding some to be potent against human cancer cells. The most effective compounds had specific sulfur atom arrangements and larger attached rings.
Researchers used the Chemical Dynamics Beamline at Berkeley Lab to examine how photochemistry determines isotope ratios in the solar system. They found that mass-independent processes, such as chemical reactions, could explain differences between Earth and meteorites/solar system elements.
A team of atmosphere chemists has created a method to analyze ancient sulfur isotopes in ice cores, allowing for precise determination of the impact of volcanic eruptions on global climate. This breakthrough resolves debates over historical episodes of cooling and provides new insights into past climate events.
Researchers at Northwestern University and UVA develop novel process to produce ethylene from methane using sulfur as a 'soft' oxidant. The conversion process uses sulfide catalysts to limit over-reaction of methane, producing hydrocarbon fragments that react to form ethylene.
Researchers developed nanofiber mats of metal oxide that scrub sulfur from fuels, improving performance for catalysis, energy applications, and toxic gas removal. The material stays stable and active after several cycles, with a fibrous structure granting immunity to sintering.
A new water-resistant coating has been developed to protect historic limestone buildings from pollution and degradation. The coating, which includes fatty acids derived from olive oil and fluorinated substances, can minimize chemical reactions that cause buildings to deteriorate.
New membrane-biofilm reactor (MBfR) technology uses gaseous electron donors to reduce chemical costs and carbon footprint in wastewater treatment. Researchers are exploring the use of sulfur, methane, and other waste products as alternative compounds.
A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges long-standing theories on marine methane oxidation. They found that a single microorganism, an archaeon, can perform both methane oxidation and sulfate respiration without the need for bacterial collaboration.
Scientists found evidence that early microbes colonized land 2.75 billion years ago, producing oxygen and weathering minerals. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that life was limited to oceans during this period, suggesting a more significant role for microorganisms on land.
A CU-Boulder-led research team has discovered a new chemical compound in Earth's atmosphere that reacts with sulfur dioxide to form sulfuric acid, which impacts climate and human health. The newly found oxidant affects the atmospheric sulfur cycle and may explain recent cooling trends in parts of the southeastern United States.
Researchers found that pyrite, also known as fools' gold, plays a significant role in regulating atmospheric oxygen levels. The formation and burial of pyrite has been more important than previously thought, accounting for over 80% of sulfur removed from the ocean.
Researchers used high-power X-ray imaging to study a working lithium-sulfur battery, finding that sulfur particles largely remained intact during discharge. This challenges previous experiments that found sulfur was chemically transformed into Li2S-polysulfide sheets, which prevented the battery from operating.
A modern recurrence of a 'flood lava' eruption in Iceland could inject large quantities of hazardous gases into North Atlantic and European flight corridors. The emissions could exceed WHO chronic exposure guidelines and pose significant health risks to air travelers, particularly if the event were to occur during late spring or summer.
A new study by UMD researchers provides a tool for tracing sulfur compounds through ocean organisms, atmosphere, and land, potentially proving or disproving the Gaia theory. The discovery reveals differences in sulfur compound metabolism that carry implications for tracking dimethylsulfide emissions and climate regulation.
A recent study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has pinpointed indoor air quality risks in the United Arab Emirates as a significant health concern. The research found that residents are exposed to high levels of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde, which can lead to respiratory iss...
A new anti-dandruff shampoo using green tea polyphenols has been developed by GHSU researcher Dr. Stephen Hsu, eliminating toxic ingredients found in conventional shampoos. The product, ReviTeaLize, works by promoting the skin's metabolic equilibrium and shielding against autoimmune diseases.
A team of scientists has developed porous carbon nanoparticles that utilize sulfur molecules to achieve high efficiency in lithium-sulfur batteries. The sulfur can absorb two lithium ions per sulfur atom, making it an excellent energy storage material.
A University of Illinois study found that swine producers can safely feed distiller's dried grain with solubles (DDGS) to their pigs despite high sulfur content. The research showed no difference in palatability or growth performance between low-sulfur and high-sulfur DDGS diets.
The Siberian Traps volcanic eruptions could have released gases that damaged the ozone layer and caused acid rain, leading to a drastic decline in ecological diversity.
A Yale study found that removing sulfur from jet fuel has a small net cooling effect on the atmosphere. This is due to the formation of nitrate from nitrogen oxides in jet exhaust, which offsets the warming caused by sulfate particles formed by burning sulfur-laden fuel.
Researchers analyzed rock cores from the FAR DEEP project in Northwest Russia, finding that oxygen levels gradually increased over hundreds of millions of years. The appearance of free oxygen in the atmosphere likely occurred as a series of starts and stops, rather than a single event.
Satellite observations confirm a nearly 40% decline in sulfur dioxide emissions from coal power plants since 2005, with a significant reduction in acid rain and health problems. The Clean Air Interstate Rule implemented in 2005 is credited for the decline, with desulfurization devices and pollution credits contributing to the reduction.
The appearance of oxygen in the atmosphere likely occurred through a series of starts and stops over hundreds of millions of years, according to a new study. Oxygen levels gradually rose from 2,500 million years ago, eventually reaching about 1 percent of today's atmospheric level.
A new study reveals that changes in ocean chemistry and sea level have robustly driven marine life evolution over the past 500 million years. The findings suggest a strong connection between environmental proxy records and fossil diversity.
Researchers measured a spike in radioactive sulfur in the air, revealing that 400 billion neutrons were released per square meter surface of cooling pools between March 13 and March 20, 2011. The levels reached California coast, but posed no threat to human health.
Researchers at the University of Georgia identified the biochemical pathway that controls how bacteria release sulfur compounds into the ocean and atmosphere, a discovery that could help mitigate global warming. The study found that the pathway is widespread among bacterioplankton in the ocean and non-marine environments.
New lab experiments reveal that sulfur dioxide molecules are captured by the top-most surface water molecules when approaching a water surface at low temperatures, forming reactive aqueous particulates. The findings have important implications for understanding airborne pollutants and their role in global warming.
Scientists have discovered two new genes that could help control Staphylococcus aureus, a drug-resistant bacterium. The genes encode copper- and sulfur-binding repressors that regulate the expression of copper resistance genes.
A new study by Indiana University professor Evan Ringquist finds that emissions trading programs do not create heavily polluted areas in minority and low-income communities. The study analyzed data from the sulfur dioxide allowance trading program and found no evidence of 'hot spots' or increased pollution in these areas.
A new analysis of sulfur emissions found global emissions rose after a decade of decline, driven by international shipping and China's growing economy. The study also estimated the accuracy of emissions data, with regional values potentially off by up to 30%.
A new method involves microbial sulfate reduction using an anaerobic bioreactor, reducing over 90% of sulfates in scrubbing water. The treated waste can be converted into elemental sulfur or metal sulfide nanoparticles for industrial use.
Researchers found that water and sulfur dioxide react as ice with surprising speed and high yield at temperatures hundreds of degrees below freezing. This unexpected reaction could revamp current thinking about Europa's chemistry and geology, potentially leading to new discoveries on the moon and other icy bodies.
A Caltech team has found structurally bound hydroxyl groups, indicating the presence of water in a lunar mineral. The discovery is significant for understanding the moon's composition and its history.
Researchers have developed a new technique that combines hot water treatment, rachis removal, and modified atmosphere packaging to extend shelf life of table grapes. This alternative method maintains higher oxygen retention, lower carbon dioxide accumulation, and reduced microbial populations compared to conventional packing methods.
Researchers measured the rate of destruction for sulfuryl fluoride, nitrogen trifluoride, and trifluoromethyl sulfur pentafluoride by reacting them with atomic oxygen. The results suggest that these compounds will remain in the atmosphere for long periods, potentially increasing global warming.
Stanford researchers found that about 10% of irrigation water is lost below the vine rooting zone due to deep cracks in clay-rich soils. Lowering or burying drip lines, slowing irrigation rates, and eliminating animal burrows can help reduce water loss.
This study investigates the effects of low sulfur diesel fuel on ultrafine particle emissions from a compression-ignition engine. The results show that the fuel reduces both mass concentration and number concentration of particles, which can help mitigate respiratory problems. The composition of nanoparticles emitted from ordinary dies...
Geochemists discovered that ancient nickel ore deposits were formed by sulfur in the anoxic oxygen-poor atmosphere billions of years ago. Sulfur atoms traveled from volcanic eruptions, atmosphere, seawater, and hot springs to form the ores.
A new study suggests that China's efforts to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions may not mitigate the effects of acid rain if nitrogen emissions are not addressed. The research highlights the importance of integrating measures to reduce sulfur, nitrogen, and particulate matter in order to effectively control pollution.
Researchers studied high-grade copper mineralization in porphyry Cu deposits, finding that fluid behavior correlates with emplacement depth of magmatic sources. Acoustic imaging revealed pressurized fluids in a subduction zone, explaining mechanical weakness and earthquake rupture processes.
A new chalcogel made of cobalt-molybdenum-sulfur exhibits impressive catalytic activity in hydrodesulfurization and gas separation, with high surface area and stability under catalytic conditions. The material can remove nearly 99% of mercury from contaminated water.
Chevron-shaped dunes are not indicative of mega-tsunamis, contrary to popular speculation. Microbial life extends fossil record by 1.5 billion years, while nanoscale cristobalite fibers in volcanic ash hint at adverse health effects. The largest trilobites ever found provide insight into Earth's first animals and fossil evidence.