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Mars: The planet that lost an ocean's worth of water

Scientists have estimated that Mars once had a massive ocean covering 19% of its surface, which would have made the planet habitable for longer. The new research uses detailed observations of water in Mars' atmosphere to determine the amount of water lost over time.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

The tides they are a changin'

Scientists at the University of Southampton found that ocean tides have increased by 1-2 mm per year globally, with some sites experiencing changes comparable to global mean sea level rise. This has significant implications for energy extraction, coastal flooding and erosion, navigation and sediment movement.

The 2 faces of Mars

A massive celestial object impacted Mars, generating a magma ocean that solidified into the mountainous highlands of the southern hemisphere. This event, occurring around 4-15 million years after Mars' formation, is believed to have triggered volcanic activity and changed the planet's magnetic field.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 28, 2015

Two or one splashing? It's different!

Researchers at the University of Bonn have successfully observed the interaction of exactly two atoms in a light cage, contradicting the assumption that two atoms would behave differently from a single atom. The experiment reveals that backaction suppresses high light waves, limiting the emergence of photons.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 15, 2015

Densovirus named top suspect in devastating sea star wasting disease

A genomic analysis of a newly discovered virus prevalent in symptomatic sea stars has linked Sea Star Associated Densovirus to the devastating wasting disease, potentially triggering an unprecedented ecological upheaval. The research lays the groundwork for understanding how the virus kills sea stars and what triggers outbreaks.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Tiny fish provides giant insight into how organisms adapt to changing environment

Researchers identify genes and networks that enable tiny Atlantic killifish to alter their body form in response to environmental changes, providing insight into phenotypic plasticity. The study's findings have substantial implications for understanding molecular evolution and its applications in climate change, medicine, and regenerat...

SourceIndiana University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 17, 2014

Early Earth less hellish than previously thought

New study suggests that early Earth's crust was cool enough for surface water to form during some periods, challenging the long-held idea of a hostile environment. The research compared zircon crystals from Iceland with those formed over 4 billion years ago and found similarities in their compositions.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateSep 15, 2014

Ocean warming affecting Florida reefs

Researchers found that water temperatures in the Florida Keys have increased by nearly 2 degrees Fahrenheit over the past few decades, stressing corals and causing more frequent bleaching events. The study indicates that August is the peak month for ocean temperatures, which can lead to coral mortality if prolonged.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEstuaries and Coasts·DateSep 10, 2014

Reducing water scarcity possible by 2050

Researchers from McGill and Utrecht University outline six strategies to reduce water stress, including improving irrigation techniques, increasing water-recycling facilities, and limiting population growth. By applying these strategies simultaneously, significant reductions in water-stressed populations are possible by 2050.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 29, 2014

The power of salt

Researchers at MIT developed a model to evaluate the performance of large PRO systems, finding that membrane size affects power generation. The team found that up to 95% of maximum power output can be generated using half or less of the maximum membrane area, reducing upfront costs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateAug 20, 2014