Articles tagged with Minerals
A comprehensive systematic review found that large-scale food fortification is a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing global malnutrition, with benefits far outweighing costs. The study analyzed 56 studies from 63 countries and found that fortification programs deliver substantial health benefits relative to costs.
A new study led by University of Liverpool scientists used advanced electron microscopy techniques to analyze olivine crystals. The research found that a significant proportion of the crystals showed evidence of 'b' dislocation slip, challenging previous understanding and improving our understanding of Earth's mantle deformation.
A University of Waterloo scientist and international collaborators found that airborne mineral dust promotes algae growth on the Greenland ice sheet, exacerbating melting. The study reveals that phosphorus in the dust fuels the growth of pigmented glacier algae.
A new method uses tiny crystals of zircon to study the past evolution of Australian landscapes, offering insights into how the environment responds to geological processes and climate change. The approach provides valuable information on the storage and reworking of sediments near the surface over millions of years.
Rice University researchers outline emerging solutions to make graphite production cleaner and more resilient, including synthetic graphite from renewable sources. The study emphasizes the critical role of graphite in energy storage technologies and the need for sustainable supply chain management.
A team of researchers has developed a 'bio-photovoltage soil-microbe battery' that uses sunlight energy to power the breakdown of antibiotic pollutants in the dark. The system, formed by common soil bacteria and iron minerals, captures and releases solar energy to trigger chemical reactions degrading antibiotics.
Researchers from Okayama University have identified a novel eukaryotic protein called radular teeth matrix protein 1 (RTMP1) that plays a crucial role in regulating iron oxide deposition in chiton teeth. The study reveals that RTMP1 helps concentrate iron ions on the chitin fibers, making them ultrahard and durable.
Scientists have identified two dozen types of minerals that reveal a dynamic history of volcanic rocks altered by liquid water on Mars. The findings support multiple episodes of habitability, with three distinct categories of minerals indicating different conditions favorable or unfavorable for life.
Researchers found genetic adaptations in response to micronutrient shortages and surpluses, particularly in regions with iodine-poor soils. The study provides insights into the impact of micronutrient availability on human evolution, highlighting potential vulnerabilities to deficiencies as climate change affects soil nutrient levels.
MIST uses a hierarchical, rules-based classification system grounded in verified mineral formulas from the RRUFF mineral database. It accurately identifies hundreds of different mineral species from their chemical composition, even accounting for natural imperfections and vacancies found in real minerals.
A new iron sulfate mineral has been identified on Mars, providing insight into the planet's early history. The discovery suggests that geothermal heat played a crucial role in shaping the Martian surface, with minerals forming under conditions of high temperature and oxygen presence.
Researchers from UK and Canada will study ways to reduce mining's environmental footprint and enhance efficiency across critical mineral value chains. The project aims to develop new geological models and exploration tools for rare earth element deposits, aiming to diversify the supply chain and ensure high environmental standards.
The proposed Global Minerals Trust would provide a cooperative framework for managing critical minerals, prioritizing environmental and social safeguards. It aims to replace the current competitive model with one rooted in transparency, justice, and long-term resilience.
Researchers discovered ferroelectric phenomena at a subatomic scale in Brownmillerite, overcoming collective atomic vibrations limitations. This property enables selective domain formation within tetrahedral layers when an electric field is applied.
Researchers at EPFL discovered that iron-rich hematite exhibits new spin physics, enabling signal processing at ultrahigh frequencies and allowing repeated encoding and storage of digital data. This breakthrough paves the way for a more efficient and sustainable approach to spintronics.
Research finds that pyrope garnet can retain up to 0.2 wt.% water, potentially dominating water transport via basaltic slabs into the lower mantle. The study also reveals strong pressure-temperature dependence of water solubility in pyrope garnet.
Scientists have discovered a planet with a comet-like tail, shedding surface minerals and evaporating away due to its close proximity to its star. The planet is estimated to disintegrate in about 1 million to 2 million years, leaving behind a long and dusty tail.
A new Princeton startup has developed a technology to boost minerals production from evaporation ponds, doubling the efficiency of lithium and nitrate extraction. The innovation uses a black disc with an anti-fouling coating to accelerate evaporation rates, alleviating the need for large-scale construction of new ponds.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers has revealed insights into Mars' geological history and potential for ancient life. The team analyzed diverse volcanic rocks in the Jezero Crater, providing a window into the planet's distant past and signs of altered olivine.
The DS method demonstrates superior precision in measuring inter-mineral isotope fractionation, improving temperature determination results. The SSB method achieves sufficient precision but struggles with concentration matching, leading to potential discrepancies in δ26Mg data.
A new study by UMass Amherst hydrologists finds that lithium mining models significantly overestimate the amount of freshwater available in the Lithium Triangle. The research suggests that local communities, regulators, and the industry must work together to reduce water usage within sustainable limits. The study's findings have immedi...
The Expand Appalachia project aims to accelerate the identification and characterization of unconventional critical mineral resources throughout the region. The team will assess regional infrastructure, identify industries that could benefit from production, and develop strategies to boost economic growth and attract investment.
Researchers found that ancient glaciers carved deep into the Earth's crust, releasing key minerals that altered ocean chemistry. This process created conditions that allowed complex life to evolve, with the influx of elements changing ocean chemistry at a critical time in evolution.
New analysis of spacecraft observations and laboratory techniques reveals that Mars's red colour is better matched by ferrihydrite, an iron oxide containing water. This discovery transforms our understanding of why Mars is red and suggests that the planet rusted earlier than previously thought.
Recycling lithium-ion batteries recovers critical metals, emitting less greenhouse gases and using significantly less water and energy than conventional mining. The study's findings suggest that recycling can help relieve supply insecurity and mitigate climate change by utilizing existing battery sources.
Scientists have discovered complex structures and compounds in asteroid Bennu samples that suggest extraterrestrial brines played a crucial role in the development of organic compounds. The findings indicate that similar brines may still exist on other asteroids and dwarf planets, holding secrets to understanding life's origins.
The study analyzed material from asteroid Bennu, finding evidence of building blocks of life, water, and energy. The team also discovered evaporites, which have been found on Earth in dried-out salt lakes, providing insights into the asteroid's formation.
The Bennu samples contain amino acids and nucleobases, building blocks for proteins, as well as ammonia, which can react to form complex molecules under the right conditions. These findings suggest that the conditions necessary for life were widespread across the early solar system, increasing the odds of life existing elsewhere.
Researchers gained insight into the early history of the solar system through well-preserved asteroid samples. The analysis revealed a variety of salts, including sodium carbonates, phosphates, sulphates, and chlorides, which formed from evaporation of brines. These findings may provide clues about the presence of life on distant icy b...
Researchers used Re–Os dating to uncover the timing of Japan's geological history, revealing key insights into the region's evolution. The study focused on Besshi-type VMS deposits, which provided precise markers for the timing of subduction and ridge subduction beneath Japanese Islands.
A three-year project aims to proactively ensure circularity of solar panels by providing solutions to barriers throughout the supply chain. The team will develop reverse logistics models and next-generation data-driven supply chains for recycling solar panels and reusing critical materials like silicon and silver.
Researchers from Göttingen University and Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research discovered the Moon formed from material ejected from the Earth's mantle. The findings support the idea that water reached Earth early in its development, contrary to the prevailing assumption of late impacts.
Kevin Rosso, a senior scientist at PNNL, has been recognized as a Battelle Fellow for his exceptional contributions to Earth and space science. He leads research on the role of minerals in energy storage and release, with applications in geothermal energy systems.
Researchers are using cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and geophysical techniques to improve mine planning, predict slope behavior, and prioritize worker safety. The goal is to fundamentally change how mines are planned and operated, making them more sustainable and productive.
Researchers at University of Maryland have discovered that the South Pole-Aitken basin, the moon's oldest and largest visible crater, is more circular than previously believed. The team used high-resolution data to analyze mountain formations around the basin, revealing a rounder shape indicating a more vertical impact angle.
Researchers have discovered preserved biosignatures in volcanic caves, including calcium and sodium sulfates, indicating past microbial activity. This finding highlights lava tubes as potential refuges for microbial life, shedding light on the search for extraterrestrial life on Mars.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a library of basalt-based spectral signatures to help identify the presence of water on exoplanets. By analyzing small spectral differences between basalt samples, scientists can determine if an exoplanet once had running surface water or water in its interior.
A Virginia Tech-led team is searching for signs of dark matter in billion-year-old rocks. By analyzing crystal lattice structures, they aim to uncover miniature trails of destruction left by long-ago dark matter interactions.
Researchers confirm Rottnest Island and Swan River geological histories through ancient mineral grains. The study offers insights into the coast's transformation over thousands of years and its future adaptations to rising sea levels.
A study by University of Michigan researcher Chris Emproto found that 94% of minerals are named after men, while just 2.8% are named after women. The researchers analyzed nearly 6,000 mineral names and found that growth in the proportion of women among new minerals named for people stalled decades ago.
Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.
Researchers propose that Mars' early thick atmosphere could have been locked up in the planet's clay surface due to slow chain reactions between rocks and gases. The clay is estimated to hold up to 80% of the initial, early atmosphere, potentially recovered and converted into propellant for future missions.
Researchers found inorganic nanostructures surrounding deep-ocean hydrothermal vents that mimic molecules essential for life. These structures can harness energy and convert it into electricity, sparking interest in applying this technology to industrial blue-energy harvesting.
A team of researchers discovered that a 'tag-team' between the oceans and continents led to severe environmental crises, causing mass extinctions of marine species. The study found that chemical weathering pulses disrupted the oceans, leading to anoxic events that had profound impacts on marine ecosystems.
Researchers have developed a bioinspired process to make marine sand more durable and resistant to erosion by applying a mild electric current. This natural cement reduces the need for expensive protection structures and provides a sustainable solution for strengthening global coastlines.
Seven rock samples collected along the fan front of Mars' Jezero Crater show evidence of minerals formed in water, suggesting a watery environment. While organic matter cannot be confirmed, these rocks may hold the key to finding remnants of ancient Martian life.
Researchers found the stone's age and chemical composition matched rocks from northeast Scotland, differentiating it from Welsh bedrock. The discovery suggests a high level of societal organization and implies long-distance trade networks along the British coast.
A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago proposes an alternative theory for the formation of Earth's continents, challenging the long-held leading theory. The researchers used computer models to investigate the origin of Archaean zircons, which date back to 2.5-4 billion years ago.
A new study reveals that metallic minerals on the deep-ocean floor can produce oxygen, even in complete darkness. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions that only photosynthetic organisms generate Earth's oxygen and has significant implications for our understanding of the origin of life.
Researchers at Curtin University used a new geochronology technique to accurately date iron oxide minerals, finding the Hamersley deposits formed between 1.4 and 1.1 billion years ago. This discovery enhances our understanding of ancient geological processes and improves predictions for future exploration.
Researchers uncover dark particles and lighter components with stones, suggesting asteroids played a key role in delivering water and life to Earth. The samples also contain unexpected minerals, offering insights into Bennu's evolution and the early solar system.
Researchers discovered a step-by-step process of calcification in aortic valves, revealing two defense mechanisms: osteopontin and collagen fibers. The study provides new insights into understanding cardiovascular calcification and potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a novel method for forming bastnåsite, a crucial mineral in extracting rare earth elements. The study reveals that fluocerite can act as a 'seed' to promote the rapid formation of bastnåsite, with significant implications for efficient and cost-effective extraction methods.
Researchers used high-energy laser experiments to study magnesium oxide's melting point and phase transitions under ultra-high pressures. The findings suggest the mineral could be the earliest solid to crystallize in forming super-Earths.
A team of researchers led by Virginia Tech's Shuhai Xiao discovered a 550 million-year-old sea sponge that challenges previous theories about its evolution. The fossil, found in China, suggests that early sponges may have had soft-bodied skeletons and only later developed mineralized structures.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin discover that eggshell waste can effectively absorb and separate rare earth elements from water, offering a new environmentally friendly method for their extraction. The innovative approach could help meet growing demand for rare earth elements while reducing environmental harm.
Researchers have found evidence of fresh water on Earth dating back to four billion years ago, shedding light on the planet's early history and the emergence of life. This discovery suggests landmasses and freshwater played a crucial role in supporting life within a relatively short time frame after the planet formed.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin unveil a deeper understanding of bastnäsite and rare earth carbonates' formation, influenced by multiple factors including temperature, time, and host grain solubility. This discovery could reshape the tech industry's reliance on rare earth elements.
A new tool identifies toxic metals in mineral phosphate fertilizers worldwide, with higher levels found in US and Middle East fertilizers compared to China and India. Researchers use strontium isotopes to detect fertilizer impacts on soil and water resources.
Researchers have found ancient rocks in Greenland that retain signatures of a magnetic field with a strength of at least 15 microtesla, extending the magnetic field's age by 200 million years. The discovery sheds light on the planet's early conditions and may have played a critical role in making Earth habitable.