Articles tagged with Geologic History
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers find high levels of 142Nd in terrestrial rocks, contradicting earlier theories on Earth's formation. This discovery suggests that the planet underwent a violent history of collisions and radioactive heat release, leading to its chemical differentiation.
A magnitude 7.2-7.5 earthquake on the Puente Hills fault could result in 3,000-18,000 deaths and up to $250 billion in property damage, according to a study by the USGS and USC. The disaster would be the costliest in U.S. history due to the fault's location under Los Angeles County and adjacent areas.
Researchers discovered minimum melting conditions on early Earth, 200 million years after solar system formation, using a new zircon thermometer technique. This finding provides important information about the first eon of Earth's history and opens up possibilities for life's early foothold.
Roger Bilham warns that Iran is the worst offender, with one in 3,000 Iranians dying in an earthquake since 1900. The professor emphasizes the need for earthquake education to prevent fatalities in developing nations.
Researchers suggest meteorites may have delivered essential elements and asymmetry that led to the development of specific protein and sugar structures on Earth. This theory could provide a plausible explanation for how non-life became ordered and specific chemistry.
Research suggests that planets with high tilt angles may be habitable if they have suitable geography, such as large oceans or continents near the equator. While extreme temperatures would make it difficult for simple life forms to survive, advanced water-dependent life could thrive in these environments.
A new study has found that mobile magma plumes, rather than stationary hotspots, are responsible for the formation of islands and subsurface mountains in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery challenges traditional theories of tectonic movement and sheds light on climate changes recorded in ancient rocks.
A University of Toronto geologist claims that diamonds originated on the ocean floor, supported by a new study published in Nature. The research reveals that diamond formation begins when lava is pushed onto the ocean floor, interacting with sea water to alter its oxygen composition.
Researchers have made key findings about the San Andreas fault system, predicting major earthquakes within 30 years for certain areas. The study, which analyzed paleoseismic data from 10 sites, suggests that at least 120 miles of the southernmost section of the fault may rupture in a large earthquake of magnitude 7.6 to 7.8.
Recent claims of fossil life on Earth over 3.8 billion years ago are called into question by researchers from The George Washington University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History. A new study suggests that carbon in ancient rocks may have formed non-biotically, rather than through biological processes.
Scientists at UCLA have developed a new technique that enables them to analyze the molecular composition of ancient fossils, providing conclusive evidence for their biological origin. The study's findings confirm that the oldest known fossils are made of organic matter similar to living microbes.
The total number of living species is uncertain due to uneven taxonomic coverage and statistical barriers. Alroy estimates that one in five currently used species names may be invalid, posing a critical issue for species at risk of extinction.
Scientists have long known that Earth's core is primarily composed of iron, but the cause of seismic waves traveling faster in certain directions was unclear. Recent studies using supercomputer simulations revealed a temperature-dependent alignment of crystal structures in the inner core, shedding new light on this phenomenon.
A research team led by University of Colorado at Boulder Professor Roger Bilham failed to find alternatives to huge Indian earthquakes, concluding that at least one 8.1-8.3 magnitude earthquake and up to seven are overdue due to the movement of the Indian plate towards Tibet.
Researchers at UMass have created a new electron microprobe technique that can date specific parts of rocks with greater precision. This method will provide valuable insights into the movement of tectonic plates and the evolution of rocks over time.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Miami studied two fault lines in Baja California to understand how strain is partitioned between them. The team found that the Agua Blanco fault has little earthquake activity, while the San Miguel fault has most of the earthquakes.
Great presidents are often stubborn and disagreeable, but also more extraverted, open to experience, and assertive. The study found that nearly all presidents could be classified into one or more of eight presidential types, with some belonging to more than one group.
Rheumatic fever, an immune system disease caused by streptococcal infection, is now believed to have killed Mozart, according to experts. The composer's symptoms and death were consistent with the disease, which was rare at the time due to lack of antibiotics.
New study using GPS satellites tracks ground motions in Midwest seismic zone, revealing little to no motion across the area. The results suggest National Seismic Hazard maps should be revised to reflect lower estimates of earthquake risk, potentially leading to cost savings for new construction.
A USGS scientist is presenting new evidence that historical tsunamis in the Caribbean were caused by submarine slope failures and landslides on the nearby sea floor. The research suggests that these events triggered long-period waves that approached shallow water near shorelines, resulting in devastating damage.
A new method developed at U of T directly dates individual grains of glaucony minerals, yielding ages scattered over millions of years. The study reveals variable sea levels and provides a way to follow their fluctuations, with applications in oil exploration industry.
Aperlae, a 2,400-year-old Mediterranean port city, was established in the 4th century B.C. to harvest Tyrean purple dye, despite its harsh coastline and lack of fresh water. Archaeological evidence suggests the city's residents used large tanks to manufacture and store the valuable dye.
The $10.3 million, six-year Hawaii Scientific Drilling Program aims to study the formation of volcanoes and the mechanisms within Earth's mantle. Researchers will analyze samples from a 14,500-foot bore hole in Mauna Kea to understand volcanic activity, groundwater movement, and earthquake cycles.