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Unexpected feedback in the climate system

Researchers found a surprising correlation between West Antarctic Ice Sheet retreat and marine algae growth over the past 500,000 years. The study suggests that global warming may lead to reduced CO2 uptake if the ice sheet continues to shrink.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2026

Iron from coal, steel industries alters North Pacific ecosystem

A new study reveals that industrial iron from coal and steel industries is altering the North Pacific ecosystem, leading to changes in phytoplankton growth and nutrient cycles. The research found that increased iron supply boosts spring phytoplankton blooms but also depletes other nutrients, resulting in a crash later in the season.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2025

Powering nitrogenases

Researchers have identified two essential ferredoxins that play a key role in determining the performance of iron nitrogenase. The discovery opens up new possibilities for elucidating and maximizing nitrogenase's potential, which could lead to sustainable enzymatic production of ammonia and carbon compounds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalmBio·DateFeb 23, 2024

New research uncovers potential benefits, consequences of ocean iron fertilization

A new study published in Global Change Biology suggests that large-scale ocean iron fertilization could exacerbate climate change-driven nutrient shortages and productivity losses in the tropics, potentially harming coastal fisheries. The research also showed a five percent decline in fish and marine species biomass in tropical areas d...

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 6, 2023

Iron fertilization won't work in much of Pacific, says study

A new study published in PNAS found that iron fertilization had little to no effect on the growth of algae in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The research, led by Gisela Winckler, used deep-sea sediment cores to test for barium and opal, and measures of thorium-232 reflected the amount of dust that blew in from land at each point in time.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016