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Asteroid assault made ancient Earth too hot and chaotic for continents to form

Researchers suggest that frequent asteroid strikes may have kept the early Earth hotter and more unstable, making it difficult for rocks to survive. This led to a lack of preserved rocks from the first 500 million years of Earth's history, with long-lived continents forming only after impact intensity declined.

SourceCurtin University·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 25, 2026

Oldest known asteroid impact on Earth precisely dated to 3 billion years

Researchers from Curtin University and the Geological Survey of Western Australia have precisely dated the oldest known asteroid impact on Earth to around 3 billion years ago. This discovery pushes the Earth's impact record deeper into geological time, offering a rare glimpse of the violent processes that shaped the early Earth.

SourceCurtin University·JournalGeology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 23, 2026

Q&A: From 'mongoose-like' to lions, tigers and bears (oh my) — how changes in Earth's climate shaped carnivorans

Research led by the University of Washington found that climate transitions over 56 million years ago fueled the emergence of diverse carnivoran body shapes. The Eocene-Oligocene Transition led to changes between families, while the Mid-Miocene Climate Transition drove diversification within families.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 17, 2025

Q&A: From 'mongoose-like' to lions, tigers and bears (oh my) — how changes in Earth's climate shaped carnivorans

A study by University of Washington researchers found that climate changes over 56 million years ago led to diversification of modern carnivores. The Eocene-Oligocene Transition and Mid-Miocene Climate Transition drove the emergence of new body shapes among species such as dogs, cats, bears, and seals.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 17, 2025
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New research reveals chemical process that may have sparked life on Earth

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found evidence of abiotic nitrogen reduction, a reaction driven by minerals as catalyst, which likely produced necessary nutrients for life. This discovery sheds light on the faint young sun paradox and provides a key piece to understanding how life may have emerged on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2025

Study reveals different phases of evolution during ice age

A recent study has discovered that cold-adapted species began evolving 2.6 million years ago, with many modern species emerging around 700,000 years ago. The research provides insights into the evolution of Arctic ecosystems and highlights the importance of understanding past adaptations to inform conservation efforts.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2025

Early Earth's first crust composition discovery rewrites geological timeline

Researchers found that Earth's first crust, formed 4.5 billion years ago, likely had chemical features similar to modern continental crust, rewriting the geological timeline. This suggests the distinctive chemical signature of continents was established at the beginning of Earth's history.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2025

Groundbreaking study provides new evidence of when Earth was slushy

A groundbreaking study led by Virginia Tech provides the first direct geochemical evidence of a massive, rapid melting period on Earth after the last global ice age. The researchers analyzed lithium isotopes in carbonate rocks formed during this time and found strong evidence for freshwater meltwater interacting with the ocean.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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Alpine rock reveals dynamics of plate movements in Earth’s interior

Researchers analyzed whiteschist from the Dora Maira Massif to study rapid upward movements, revealing a sharp decrease in pressure or decompression. This suggests that UHP rocks may not have reached a depth of 120 kilometers before returning to the surface.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2023

Ancient diamonds shine light on the evolution of Earth

A team of experts analyzed ancient diamonds formed between 650 and 450 million years ago, providing new processes for how continents evolved and moved. The research sheds light on the supercontinent cycle and offers a direct window into Earth's deep workings.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2023
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