Articles tagged with Minerals
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.
Seismologists have directly measured heat flowing from the molten core into a region of the lower mantle for the first time. The new temperature measurements provide insight into the geodynamo and tectonic plate movement, helping scientists understand the Earth's internal dynamics.
Researchers develop protocols to identify promising molecule/mineral pairs, building on previous findings that many biomolecules can adhere to mineral surfaces. The study uses DNA microarrays and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry to discover which molecules stick to specific mineral surfaces.
Asteroid Itokawa's surface composition was determined by Brown University researcher Takahiro Hiroi, who linked it to LL chondrites, a common class of stony meteorites. The team also described the asteroid's diverse terrain, suggesting it may be an earlier stage of asteroid evolution and formation.
Researchers have discovered a new property of the very deep Earth, which challenges the prevailing thought that ultralow velocity zones contain liquid. The study found that iron-rich post-perosvkite can explain these zones' properties, suggesting an alternative explanation to partial melting.
Robert Downs is almost halfway to creating a library of spectral fingerprints for all the Earth's minerals, with over 1,500 cataloged so far. The associate professor of geosciences is collaborating with colleagues to develop a pocket-sized Raman spectrometer for use on Mars and handheld instruments for identifying gemstones on Earth.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered post-perovskite in the D'' layer surrounding Earth's core, explaining its unusual seismic properties. This finding sheds new light on the Earth's evolution and aging processes, offering insights into the planet's history.
The Penn State Earth and Mineral Sciences Library launched a geocache treasure hunt as an orientation tool for freshmen. Participants used GPS coordinates to locate the cache, which was hidden in plain sight within the library. The hunt incorporated library knowledge, including the Library of Congress classification system.
A new study by Arizona State University reveals Mars' surface minerals using THEMIS and TES data, yielding surprising results in localized areas. The findings show that Mars has evolved and continues to evolve beneath its surface, similar to Earth, with diverse igneous mineral types rivaling those found on our planet.
Researchers found evidence of a failed rift in the ancient continent Nunavutia, dating back 3.9 billion years, with minerals suggesting significant diamond exploration potential. The discovery sheds light on Earth's history and evolution, offering insights into plate tectonics in the Archean era.
Researchers have discovered that the breakdown of mineral serpentine can trigger earthquakes in Earth's deeply buried crust. At pressures above a few tens of kilometers, scientists expected faulting instability only if volume change during serpentine breakdown was positive. However, experiments have shown that even with a strongly nega...
Researchers found that a sugar called ribose can be formed from interstellar dust clouds using borate minerals like colemanite. This discovery sheds light on the 3-billion-year-old mystery of how life on Earth began and could have implications for disease diagnostics and therapy.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found evidence that hot and dry Venus could have had water in its past due to the chemical stability of tremolite at extreme temperatures. This discovery could help scientists determine if they should investigate hydrous minerals on Venus.
Scientists have discovered a wealth of green minerals, including olivine, on the Martian surface, indicating low levels of chemical weathering by water. This suggests that Mars has remained cold and dry for most of its geologic history, contradicting previous theories about a warm, wet past.
The Mars Global Surveyor's Thermal Emission Spectrometer has mapped the mineral composition of Mars' surface, revealing a primarily volcanic surface with distinct differences between southern and northern hemispheres. The survey provides valuable insights into Martian geology and may help explain changes in the planet's interior.
Yale researchers develop a hypothesis linking rock metamorphism and earthquake generation. They show that rapid release of water from rocks within fault zones can lead to high internal fluid pressures, decreased rock strength, and induced rock failure, potentially triggering repeated earthquakes.
Researchers predict significant changes in mineral behavior and crystal structures under high pressure, affecting the Earth's magnetic field. The study investigates the properties of materials containing iron, manganese, cobalt, and nickel at extreme conditions.
Researchers at Penn State found that laboratory experiments on soil mineral weathering do not match natural processes, with molecules dissolving in groundwater forming coatings or wearing away. The team is monitoring conditions in the field to better understand the mechanisms underway in the soil and develop more accurate models.