Articles tagged with Clays
Researchers found that soils with more than 18% clay are associated with a steep drop in cases of chronic wasting disease. Additionally, soils with pH above 6.6 also show higher incidence rates of the disease. These findings could inform future management schemes to prevent disease transmission.
Researchers propose a new scenario for ancient clay mineral formation on Mars, suggesting clays formed during the planet's creation from molten magma. The steamy atmosphere created by the magma ocean could have converted vast swaths of the surface to clay, leading to the widespread distribution seen today.
The Vega de Granada area in SE Spain sinks up to one centimeter per year during dry periods. This land subsidence is caused by the exploitation of the aquifer and is a concern for village residents.
A new study has identified the triggers behind a devastating 2010 landslide in Quebec, Canada, which killed four people and destroyed a house. Sediment erosion by the Salvail River and high groundwater pressure under the river bed contributed to the failure of sensitive clay sediments.
Researchers have developed a high-tech method using visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (vis-NIRS) to analyze soil texture. This technique allows for rapid, cost-effective, and portable measurements of clay, silt, and sand content, providing valuable insights into soil properties.
Research from the University of Missouri found that claypan farmers need to apply less potassium and more phosphorus than generally recommended due to the soil's unique characteristics. This can help reduce nutrient losses and improve crop growth.
UMass Amherst researchers investigate strike-slip faults, revealing the 'Lazy Earth' hypothesis, where faults evolve to optimize energy transformation. The study identifies four stages in fault evolution: pre-faulting, localization, linkage, and slip, with irregularities persisting along mature faults.
Researchers found that minimizing soil disturbance, ensuring permanent organic cover crops, and diversifying crops through crop rotation improved soil properties. These techniques created a beneficial environment for microorganisms, fungi, and earthworms, ultimately leading to increased crop productivity and reduced erosion.
Researchers have found that treating sulfate soils with magnesium-based additives can significantly improve their mechanical properties. The study showed that the treated materials exhibit greater resistances and dimensional stability compared to traditional lime-based applications.
Scientists modelled global soil selenium concentrations using data mining techniques and found dominant role of climate-soil interactions. Climate change scenarios predict selenium levels to increase in some regions but decrease overall, with up to 66% of croplands expected to lose selenium by the end of the century.
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology develop new thermo-elastoplastic model to accurately describe soft clay contraction due to heating. The model reveals that non-uniform heating fields can cause non-uniform stress and strain fields, leading to volume contraction.
A new spring model simulates atomic-level interactions to predict bentonite clay swelling. The model shows quantitative agreement with experimental measurements, providing insights into the effects of structural and environmental factors on swelling pressure.
A team of NJIT students, backed by the EPA, is designing a low-cost water filter to combat chronic kidney disease in rural Sri Lanka. The filter aims to absorb heavy metals and disease-causing pathogens using locally available materials.
Researchers have discovered a natural clay deposit that exhibits strong antibacterial activity against the ESKAPE group of bacterial pathogens, including MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant strains. The clay, named Kisameet clay, has been used for centuries by indigenous communities to treat various ailments.
Researchers found that ancient medicinal clay exhibits potent antibacterial activity against ESKAPE strains of bacteria, including Enterococcus faecium and Staphylococcus aureus. The rare mineral clay may provide a new treatment option for serious infections caused by these resistant pathogens.
Wild chimpanzees in Uganda's Budongo Forest are increasingly eating clay to supplement the minerals in their diet, which also helps them 'detox' and digest their food. The researchers observed that accessing clay with leaf sponges provided higher mineral concentrations than taking clay-water or clay directly from the ground.
A new proton-conducting system created by Northwestern University professor Jiaxing Huang uses stacked clay sheets to concentrate protons for conduction. This breakthrough material has significant advantages over graphene-based sheets and other materials, including ease of production and high thermal stability.
Researchers have uncovered new insights into the structural controls of fluid pathways in an active rift system, with potential implications for geothermal exploration. The study focuses on Aluto volcano, a major source of geothermal energy in Ethiopia's Rift Valley.
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered that ordinary clay can effectively capture carbon dioxide (CO2), rivaling other materials used for this purpose. The smectite clay's surface is responsible for binding CO2, with ions associated with the surface being the active capturers.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a conductive clay that can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes, representing a significant shift in the production of electrodes for energy storage devices. The clay's high conductivity and plasticity make it an attractive candidate for use in batteries and supercapacitors.
A newly discovered ovoid structure in the Nakhla Martian meteorite contains a variety of minerals and shows evidence of shock events, sparking debate about its formation and potential for life on Mars. The study suggests that subsurface hydrothermal alteration could support niche environments conducive to life.
Researchers used physical analog models to simulate Ganymede's geologic structures, finding that stretching forces created characteristic patterns of ridges and troughs. The study suggests that a process involving crustal breaks due to large amounts of extension is the primary mechanism for forming these features.
Research reveals that oxidation reaction between atmospheric iron oxide reduces soil plasticity, sensitivity, and structural yield stress. The transformation is caused by micro-structure remodeling, not inherent mineral changes, and has potential adverse effects on soil stability.
A team of international scientists has published studies revealing a submarine earthquake caused the devastating 2011 tsunami in Japan's Tohoku region. The findings suggest that other zones in the northwest Pacific may be at risk of similar huge earthquakes due to unusually thin and slippery geological faults.
Researchers find remarkably low frictional heat produced by fault slip during magnitude 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, which triggered devastating tsunami. The low resistance to slip may explain the large amount of slip that occurred during the earthquake.
A new study from Cornell University proposes that clay hydrogel could have confined and protected chemical processes that formed proteins, DNA, and eventually living cells. Researchers demonstrated protein synthesis in a clay hydrogel, which enhances protein production and offers a promising possibility for producing large quantities o...
A study has found that potassium chloride (KCl) fertilization is seldom effective in increasing grain yield and can even lead to significant yield reduction. The research also highlights the potential negative impacts of KCl on soil health, including increased cadmium accumulation and changes in soil physical properties.
Scientists have developed a cheap and sustainable material made of clay and papaya seeds that can remove heavy metals from drinking water. The 'hybrid clay' has shown strong potential to replace commercial activated carbon in wastewater treatment in developing countries, making clean water more accessible to millions.
A new approach to developing effective topical antibacterial agents uses metal ions from antibacterial clays, demonstrating potent activity against MRSA and E. coli. The study identifies key metal ions responsible for the antibacterial properties, including iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, and zinc.
Geoscientist Michele Cooke's study explores fault evolution around bends using a mechanical efficiency approach, dubbed the "Lazy Earth" hypothesis. The findings suggest that the crust behaves in accord with work minimization principles, leading to increased efficiency and the formation of new faults.
A new study reveals that clay minerals cover a larger portion of Mars than previously thought, including areas around Eagle crater and Endeavour Crater. Researchers believe clays could have formed early on when the planet's waters were more alkaline.
Research suggests that hydrothermal fractures on Mars may have been a habitable environment for microbial life. Meteorites containing alteration minerals from these fractures indicate temperatures ranging from 50°C to 150°C.
Researchers designed an experiment to replicate natural erosion, finding that water flow acts as a shearing force against objects, shaping them into unique forms. The study's findings suggest that water works as a sculptor to naturally mold materials into new shapes.
Scientists used C-14 dating and soil analysis to determine the age of Croscat Volcano's last eruption. The study reveals that the region experienced mild temperatures and increased rainfall around 13,270 years ago before the volcanic activity began.
A team of scientists found that plutonium clusters adhere more strongly to mineral surfaces than individual ions, which could help contain its spread into the environment. This strong adherence could minimize the leakage of nuclear waste from steel barrels.
The Mars rover Opportunity is poised on a rock that may yield clues to the planet's environment when running rivers coursed the surface. The rover is sampling an impact crater produced during heavy bombardment, which could indicate conditions conducive to life.
Researchers at NIST and UMD demonstrate that well-dispersed clay nanofillers in polymers significantly improve fire resistance. The study reveals that dispersed clay plates form a network structure, slowing degradation and reducing flammability.
USDA scientists used GPS-equipped conductivity meters to map manure distribution on feedlot surfaces, estimating manure amounts and quality. They also developed a computer program to associate high soil conductivity levels with manure solids and chloride content.
Researchers found that cattle fed with wet distiller's grains (WDGS) had higher levels of E. coli O157:H7 in manure and on their hides compared to those without WDGS. The study aims to determine the causes of this difference and find ways to reduce E. coli levels.
A team of physicists at Harvard University has demonstrated the formation of semipermeable vesicles from inorganic clay, which could have played a key role in the origins of life. The clay vesicles provide an ideal container for compartmentalizing complex organic molecules.
Researchers have discovered that tiny smectitic clay coatings on the rock surfaces of the San Andreas fault reduce friction and facilitate creeping motion. This coating, less than 100 nanometers thick, acts as a lubricant, allowing the fault to move slowly and steadily over time.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered two factors controlling the antibacterial activity of clay minerals, which can kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The study's findings suggest a role for acid-soluble metal species in mineral toxicity, but also present challenges for developing topical treatments.
Researchers have developed a new, completely natural alternative to using antibiotics in animal feed. The activated clay product Amadeite adsorbs mycotoxins, reducing the risk of disease and improving livestock productivity.
A University of Nevada, Reno alumna's innovative straw bale house design survived a 200% increase in acceleration than the 1994 Northridge quake. The structure, built using locally sourced materials and labor, demonstrated exceptional seismic performance, surpassing estimates for the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.
Rice University researchers found that pockets of ancient water may still exist under Olympus Mons due to the presence of clay sediments. This could provide a habitable environment for thermophilic organisms, which thrive near geothermal vents on Earth.
The Dig It! exhibit showcases soil samples from each US state, including Texas's Houston Black soil, which is featured in the exhibition. The exhibit has attracted over 300,000 visitors since its opening and will travel to multiple locations across North America.
Two new studies reveal vast lakes, flowing rivers and various wet environments on ancient Mars, suggesting the planet may have been habitable. The discoveries were made using data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which found clay minerals and phyllosilicates in ancient highlands dating back to 4.6 billion years ago.
Research highlights eruptive processes in Colorado's San Juan Mountains and unique features of West Antarctica's ice record. In Colombia, climate-driven erosion rates reveal interactions between faults and mountain asymmetry. Magela Creek in northern Australia shows branching and growth patterns.
A scientific study found that fruit-eating bats ingest mineral-rich water and clay to detoxify secondary plant compounds in fruits. Female bats take up large amounts of these minerals to counteract the detrimental effects on their embryos and juveniles.
Researchers have identified at least three clays that kill or significantly reduce the growth of MRSA, Mycobacterium ulcerans, E. coli, and Salmonella bacteria. The clays' antibacterial activity is believed to be due to specific compounds within them.
A study suggests that geophagy, or deliberate soil ingestion, may enhance the pharmacological properties of plants eaten by chimpanzees. The research found that mixing soil with plant parts increased their anti-malarial activity. Geophagy has been observed in other animals and has implications for conservation and human health.
Researchers have found that muds can accumulate even when currents move swiftly, contradicting long-held assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for harbor and canal engineering, oil reservoir management, and fossil fuel prospecting.
Researchers have discovered that French clay can kill several types of bacteria, including MRSA and Mycobacterium ulcerans, which causes the flesh-eating disease Buruli ulcer. The study, led by Lynda Williams at Arizona State University, used laboratory tests to confirm the antibacterial properties of the clay.
A new study suggests that firing clay in unvented kilns could be a significant source of exposure to dioxins, particularly for individuals who use the kilns regularly. The study found elevated levels of dioxins in two women who frequently used kilns in their homes.
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.
Researchers at Arizona State University are studying two French clays that have been shown to heal Buruli ulcer, a flesh-eating bacterial disease found primarily in central and western Africa. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind the antibacterial properties of the clays and explore their potential as a new treatment option.
Researchers found evidence that the Sierra Nevada range has stood tall for at least 40 million years, contradicting a recent uplift scenario. The study used chemical analysis of ancient raindrops to determine the mountain's elevation, which was similar in ancient and modern times.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that certain soil types serve as natural prion repositories, potentially contributing to CWD transmission. The study found that prions bind tightly to montmorillonite clay and remain infectious after boiling in a detergent solution.
Researchers found evidence of increased clay mineral deposition in the oceans during a 200 million year period, which preceded the first animal fossils about 600 million years ago. The study suggests that an increase in oxygen concentration in the atmosphere was necessary for animal life to arise.
Data from Mars Express confirms the presence of hydrated minerals, implying long-term liquid water on Mars during the Noachian era. Phyllosilicates and sulphates were detected in various regions, suggesting two distinct climatic episodes: a moist environment for phyllosilicates and an acid environment for sulphates.