Articles tagged with Isotopes
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.
Researchers use meteorite composition to test theories on solar system formation, shedding light on the sun's oxygen makeup. The Genesis spacecraft collected particles blown out from the sun, providing new insights into local variations in oxygen isotopes.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a detailed map of the Comstock Lode, a 14-million-year-old gold and silver ore deposit. The map uses mathematical techniques to visualize patterns of oxygen isotope exchange between water and rock, providing insights into the geological processes that formed the ore district.
Researchers analyze over 59,000 grains from Acfer 094 meteorite and identify nine specks of silicate stardust. The discovery provides information about stellar sources, nuclear processes, and the physical and chemical compositions of stellar atmospheres.
Scientists have discovered that early oceans were devoid of oxygen for billions of years, with a team developing a method to detect signs of ancient oxygen in rocks. The study sheds light on the history of our planet's oceans and could have significant implications for understanding evolution and the origins of life.
A new study finds that declining winter habitats of migratory songbirds significantly affect their ability to reproduce. Researchers measured stable carbon isotopes in the birds' blood, revealing a 'food chain signature' tied to habitat quality.
Researchers are using stable isotopes in bird feathers to track migration patterns and wintering grounds, revealing previously unknown information about bird dispersal. This technique provides a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods like banding, allowing scientists to gather data on a wider scale.
Astronomers have successfully detected and measured the nitrogen-15 isotope in Comet LINEAR, revealing an isotopic abundance ratio of 140 ± 30. This finding provides crucial information about the composition of comets and their connection to heavier organic molecules, which are essential for life on Earth.
A team of scientists has resolved the long-standing mystery of hydrogen balance in the Earth's atmosphere by analyzing stratospheric air. The research reveals that the major sink for hydrogen is not as previously thought, but rather a complex interplay between atmospheric reactions and methane oxidation.
New research reveals that baby albatrosses are still eating lead-based paint chips from buildings around the island, leading to severe poisoning. The study found a high rate of droopwing chicks and potential risks for human children on the island.
Researchers used lead isotope ratios to identify the source of lead poisoning in albatross chicks on Midway. The study found that chicks are eating paint chips directly, leading to high levels of toxic metal in their blood, causing symptoms like droopwing.
A St. Louis chemist has developed innovative methods to spin and shape atomic nuclei, which can affect their decay rates. His team has achieved incredibly fast spin speeds, such as 2 million-billion-billion revolutions per second, using specialized instruments.
Researchers have discovered that coral layers in the Atlantic Ocean hold a key to understanding the region's climate dynamics. By analyzing calcium carbonate skeletons, Dr. Lisa Greer and her team found a periodic pattern of oxygen isotope composition with peaks every 12-15 years, mirroring sea surface temperature data.
Researchers used stable isotope assessment to determine that most late-season moths in the Cotton Belt are developing on non-cotton plants like corn, providing a major refuge for H. zea moths and helping to control pesticide-resistant pests.
A new radium isotope, radium223, has shown promise in treating skeletal metastases with less damage to bone marrow compared to traditional treatments. The isotope is incorporated into skeletal tissue via osteoclasts and emits radiation that kills cancer cells, providing pain relief and potentially improving quality of life.
Geologists analyzed rare rock samples from California and Oregon, which contain large amounts of osmium, a key element in the Earth's core. The findings suggest that these rocks came from hotspots at the core-mantle boundary, providing valuable clues to the Earth's core composition.
A team led by Hope Jahren found evidence that Axel Heilberg's forests received equatorial water and warmth from a prehistoric weather pattern. The discovery helps demystify the forest's existence near the North Pole, where sunlight and darkness last for four months each year.
A Johns Hopkins University senior has conducted original research that sheds new light on the identity of a 400-million-year-old organism. By comparing the fossil to modern relatives, the student found that the ancient specimen's chemistry more closely resembles that of lichens than previously thought.
A study analyzing stable isotopes in feathers reveals that black-throated blue warblers segregate according to their summer breeding locations in North America, linking them to specific Caribbean wintering grounds. This research provides crucial insights for developing effective conservation initiatives for Neotropical migrants.
Researchers analyzed carbon and hydrogen isotopes in black-throated blue warbler feathers to link northern breeding populations with southern wintering grounds. The study found a significant correlation between isotopic composition and geographical location.
A new theory suggests that an ancient supernova explosion may have devastated the Earth's ocean ecosystem, causing widespread extinction of plankton and marine organisms. The discovery was made by linking data from paleontology, geology, and astronomy fields.
Scientists have discovered a natural method to track Atlantic salmon using strontium isotopes, which can reveal the fish's origin and migration patterns. This discovery could provide valuable insights into salmon habitat restoration efforts and inform more effective conservation strategies.
A research team at Penn State discovered that consortia of bacteria and archaeobacteria consume up to 80% of marine methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The findings indicate that these microorganisms play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.
Research on fossil Teleoceras teeth suggests a semi-aquatic lifestyle for the ancient rhinoceros, mirroring that of modern hippos. The study's findings indicate low variability in oxygen isotope compositions among aquatic mammals, contrasting with higher variability in land animals.
Researchers use oxygen isotope fingerprinting to uncover evidence of lost Asian emerald sources in antiquity, tracing gems from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Colombia. The study reveals a significant role for the Spanish in introducing New World emeralds into Old World trade.
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a new isotope-separation process using an ultrapowerful laser system that can deliver up to 1000 times more power than the entire electrical generating capability of the US. This technique provides a futuristic alternative to bulky methods and opens possibilities for preparing medica...
The new process uses a terawatt laser to deliver incredible energies in femtoseconds, sorting isotopes by molecular weight. This breakthrough eliminates the need for huge electro-magnets and cross-contaminated byproducts, making it an efficient alternative to gaseous diffusion.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute find collisions between light and heavy atoms favor ozone formation, advancing understanding of large isotope effect in heavy ozone. The discovery refutes molecular symmetry theories and highlights the role of specific reaction channels in ozone molecule production.
Henry N. Wagner Jr, a pioneer in nuclear medicine, has been awarded the Cassen Award for his pioneering work on tracking biochemical events within the living body using cyclotron isotopes. His research led to significant discoveries in brain chemistry and addiction, while also informing public health policy on radiation.
Researchers use strontium isotopes to identify salmon stream origins, allowing for unprecedented accuracy in tracking adult salmon. The technique has promise for restoring salmon populations and studying their migrations.