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Dinosaur teeth give glimpse of early Earth’s climate

A new method reconstructs carbon dioxide levels and photosynthesis from fossilized tooth enamel, shedding light on the climate of the Mesozoic era. The analysis found that atmospheric CO2 levels were four times higher in the late Jurassic period and three times higher in the late Cretaceous period than they are today.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2025

Trawling-induced sediment resuspension reduces CO2 uptake

A study found that sediment resuspension triggered by trawling and natural processes releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere through pyrite oxidation. The research reveals that protecting sensitive seafloor areas with fine-grained sediments is crucial to maintain the region's carbon sink capacity.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Land-sea “tag-team” devastated ocean life millions of years ago reveal scientists

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.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2024

Did life exist on Mars? Other planets? With AI's help, we may know soon

Scientists have discovered a simple test for signs of past or present life on other planets, using artificial intelligence to distinguish between biological and abiotic samples with high accuracy. The method has the potential to revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial life and deepen our understanding of Earth's earliest life.

SourceCarnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Oceans release microplastics into the atmosphere

A team of researchers has determined that microplastic particles are present in the marine atmosphere, even in remote parts of the world. The study found that different types of plastics, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, were detected in air samples collected from various sites along the Norwegian coast.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

Exploring the ocean's thin skin

Researchers study the sea-surface microlayer, a biogeochemical reactor where organisms adapt to harsh conditions like UV radiation and fluctuating temperatures. The team aims to understand biological, chemical, and physical interactions in this thin layer, influencing global climate.