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Rio Pará contributes high trace metal concentrations to the Amazon estuary

New research reveals that the Amazon estuary receives significant dissolved neodymium and hafnium from the Rio Pará River, contrary to previous assumptions about suspended solid sources. The findings indicate a revised estimate of global riverine neodymium flux, with concentrations up to three times higher than previously thought.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2023

Modern animal life could have origins in delta

The Chengjiang Biota, an ancient group of animal fossils, has been found to inhabit a shallow-marine, nutrient-rich delta environment. This discovery sheds new light on the possible causal factors for the Cambrian Explosion and how early animals adapted to stressful conditions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2022

Researchers reconstruct ancient fish lizard

Researchers at Lund University have created a scientifically accurate reconstruction of an ichthyosaur, a prehistoric marine reptile that lived for 160 million years. The team used clay sculpturing and 3D printing techniques to create the life-size model, which is now on public display.

SourceLund University·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateMar 3, 2022

New study finds reporting entanglements of leatherback turtles is critical for survival

Researchers analyzed 280 confirmed sea turtle entanglements in Massachusetts waters and found that quickly reporting incidents can improve survival rates. The study highlights the importance of complete disentanglement to minimize injury and promote survival, with many turtles being alive weeks to years after being disentangled.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

Latest study reveals no one still knows what the Megalodon really looked like

A new study by DePaul University researchers has found that all previously proposed body forms of the Megalodon shark are based on speculations. The lack of scientific evidence means that the public image of a massive, monstrous shark remains unchanged, while paleontologists continue to search for clues in the fossil record.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2022

University of Miami Rosenstiel School professor receives prestigious geophysics award

Tim Dixon received the 2010 George P. Woollard Award for his groundbreaking research in space geodesy, which has paved the way for studying earthquake hazard, volcanic processes, and climate change. His work has also contributed to understanding subsidence in Mexico City and the melting of the Greenland ice cap.

Unique Coral Formation Discovered

A unique deep-water coral reef with 80% coral cover was discovered in the Gulf of Mexico, challenging conventional thinking that coral reefs are restricted to shallow areas. The reef's unusual flat plate-like form and complex structure provide an ideal habitat for fish.