Articles tagged with Clays
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.
Scientists discovered that clay minerals can protect and promote the formation of organic compounds under extreme conditions. This finding suggests that clays may have acted as a 'primordial womb' for infant molecules, providing shelter and facilitating reactions that led to the production of complex biomolecules.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1d for Indiana limestone, which is a critical component in various industries. The SRM will support the production of cement, concrete, and iron steel.
Research reveals that clay layers can affect water and salt transport due to electro-osmosis, a process caused by differences in electrical potential. Katja Heister's study examined the impact of streaming and membrane potentials on water transport through dense clay layers.
The May-June GSA Bulletin issue explores phosphogenesis and organic-carbon preservation in the Miocene Monterey Formation at Naples Beach, California. Researchers propose a corollary to the Monterey hypothesis suggesting major sinks of organic matter are located in continental sediments.
A University of Utah study found that insect consumption by insects keeps dominant tree species under control, allowing other trees to thrive. This increased diversity is crucial for the ecosystem's health.
Researchers found fossils of green sulfur bacteria and oxygen-breathing sea reptiles coexisting in Oxford Clay sediment, challenging the standard interpretation of the fossil record. The team's discovery suggests that environmental conditions were dynamic during deposition, possibly due to climatic changes.
The emergence of Brood X cicadas in May will result in some damage to fruit trees and prized yard trees and shrubs. Gardeners, vintners, and farmers are advised to cover vulnerable plants with netting to prevent damage.
Researchers found that caustic soils at Hanford can trap radioactive cesium and strontium, forming stable minerals like zeolites and feldspathoids. This discovery may aid in remediation efforts by slowing down the migration of toxic waste into groundwater.
New study by Benjamin Burke and Arjun Heimsath predicts future soil production and erosion in similar landscapes, supporting previous research on chemical weathering's role. The researchers studied three sites in Australia and California, finding variability in chemical and physical weathering processes across small areas.
Researchers found that adding clay to fatty acid micelles greatly accelerated vesicle formation, and even demonstrated growth and division in these physical-chemical systems. This discovery offers a possible pathway for the evolution of living cells, with implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that prions, infectious proteins linked to diseases like mad cow and scrapie, can stick to certain soil types. This suggests that the environment may play a role in the spread of these diseases.
Scientists create a nanoscale, layered material that replicates the properties of mother-of-pearl, including its iridescence. The artificial nacre consists of alternating layers of clay and a polymer, providing strong, yet flexible, materials for various applications.
Purdue University researchers have developed an ultrathin film containing single layers of nanometer-thick clay particles. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of smart materials with unique properties, such as sensors that detect biological and chemical agents more quickly and stronger plastics.
A new classification system for Mycenaean pottery is being developed to better understand the civilization's culture and influence. The system, which considers shapes, colors, decorations, and clay materials, challenges previous assumptions about Minoan influence on Mycenaean art.
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.
The study found a clear relationship between organic carbon and smectite clay minerals, suggesting that dissolved organic molecules are drawn into the crystal lattice where they are protected from oxidation. This process, known as adsorption, plays a crucial role in maintaining habitable conditions in the biosphere.
Researchers create way to 'finger print' and monitor water absorption in clays, which could improve oil well drilling and construction site understanding. The technique uses X-ray scattering to analyze the distance between crystal layers in clay.
University of Michigan scientists have developed a method to date near-surface fault activity using soft, chalky material called gouge. The research aims to improve earthquake risk assessment and nuclear reactor safety by determining a fault's recent activity and strength.