Articles tagged with Isotopes
Researchers uncovered nearly 200 animal remains at Teotihuacán's Moon Pyramid, shedding light on ancient rituals and politics. The discovery highlights the importance of apex predators like golden eagles and jaguars, which were venerated and sacrificed by human communities.
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.
Researchers compiled a reference framework of isotope compositions indicating the type of diet for extant reptiles, providing a useful dataset to reconstruct the diet of fossil reptiles. The analysis showed that calcium isotope ratios are higher in insectivorous reptiles and lower in herbivores and carnivores.
Scientists uncovered the first direct evidence that ancient Americans primarily relied on mammoth and other large animals for food. The study sheds light on both the rapid expansion of humans throughout the Americas and the extinction of large ice age mammals.
A new study by UCL researchers found no lasting changes in the Earth's climate after two massive asteroid impacts around 35.65 million years ago. The impact craters left behind no evidence of a shift in climate over 150,000 years.
The Eastern Tropical Pacific's Oxygen Deficient Zone (ODZ) expands and contracts every ten years, driven by Pacific decadal climate variability. This dynamic process has important consequences for marine ecosystems, as ODZs could respond quickly to climate changes.
The Guarani Aquifer, the world's largest cross-border groundwater reservoir, is being overused in São Paulo state, Brazil. The study found that rainwater is insufficient to replenish the aquifer due to increased water withdrawals for human activities.
The FRIB research team has identified a flaw in physics models of massive stars and supernovae, revealing inconsistencies with observational gamma-ray astronomy data. This discovery was made possible by the development of a new experimental method that enabled the team to study short-lived isotopes, including iron-60.
Scientists have discovered that adding carbon to metal nanoparticles makes them 200 times more active, which could lead to significant cost savings and improved efficiency in industrial processes. The discovery was made possible by precise measurements and simulations of the interaction between metal nanoparticles and a carbon substrate.
Researchers studied fermium isotopes with different neutron numbers, revealing a steady increase in nuclear charge radius across the neutron number 152. The experimental results confirmed theoretical predictions on nuclear shell effects and paved the way for further laser spectroscopic studies of heavy elements.
Researchers have introduced Tune-IMS, a technique that improves the precision of isochronous mass spectrometry for measuring short-lived atomic nuclei. The method has been successfully tested on several nuclides and has shown higher precision than previous IMS methods.
Researchers have synthesized a new plutonium isotope, plutonium-227, which is the first to be discovered by Chinese scientists. The study reveals the presence of shell closure in neptunium isotopes and sheds light on its robustness in plutonium isotopes.
A research team led by Dr. Franco Marcantonio found significant lead pollution in a Tibetan glacier starting in 1974, with highest levels between 2000 and 2007. The team traced the source of pollution to Chinese gasoline emissions containing lead until its phasedown after 2007.
Researchers from Göttingen University identified the low crystallisation temperatures and groundwater origin of amethyst geodes in northern Uruguay. The study proposes a new model explaining their formation, which could improve exploration techniques and lead to sustainable mining strategies.
A new model based on the Langevin equation offers insights into exotic nuclei formation, enhancing the production of rare isotopes for scientific and medical applications. The model simplifies complex nuclear reactions by focusing on key physical processes, reducing adjustable parameters and improving energy dissipation predictions.
Researchers discover that asteroid Ryugu, a carbon-rich meteorite, shares a rare ingredient with material formed at the outer edge of the Solar System. The findings challenge previous ideas about the formation of asteroids and require a rethinking of the origin of the CI chondrites group.
A study found that a significant increase in plate-derived water beneath Arima Hot Springs occurred before the 1995 Kobe earthquake, potentially weakening the fault and triggering the quake. This phenomenon is similar to increased chloride ions and radon in groundwater, which have been reported as precursors to earthquakes.
Researchers found that Saharan dust blown thousands of kilometers away increases oceanic life by making iron more accessible through atmospheric reactions. The study measured bioreactive and total iron in Atlantic Ocean drill cores, revealing a relationship between distance traveled and bioreactivity.
Researchers have developed a new method for efficiently separating hydrogen isotopes using porous metal-organic frameworks. This breakthrough could lead to the production of highly pure deuterium and tritium, essential for pharmaceuticals and nuclear fusion, in a cost-effective way.
Researchers from Okayama University successfully controlled the population of the thorium-229 isomeric state using X-rays, a crucial step towards building a compact and portable nuclear clock. This achievement demonstrates the potential for nuclear clocks to advance fundamental physics research and other applications such as GPS systems.
A recent study from the University of Illinois provides new insights into the sources and processes affecting nitrogen load in tile drainage water. The research team found a large legacy pool of nitrate in the soil, resulting in a time lag between when nitrogen is added to the system and when it is exported as nitrate in tile drainage.
Researchers predicted promising reactions for creating double magic nuclei, such as <sup> 298 </sup> Fl and <sup> 304 </sup> 120. These elements could have unique properties and deepen understanding of atomic forces. The study is a step closer to the 'Island of Stability', where long-lasting superheavy nuclei might exist.
A team analyzed 45 zooarchaeological remains and compared findings with contemporary data to assess the effect of sustained subsistence harvests on beluga genetic diversity, population structuring, and foraging ecology. The study found no significant changes in genetic diversity or population structuring over time.
A research team from the University of Göttingen has developed a new method to analyze the oxygen isotope composition of coral skeletons, allowing for more accurate temperature reconstructions and insights into biomineralization processes. This breakthrough enables scientists to correct for 'vital effects' that can distort climate data.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a way to fingerprint organofluorine compounds, also known as 'forever chemicals', allowing them to be traced back to their source. The new technique uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computational tools to identify unique carbon isotope patterns in each molec...
A new study by MIT and University of Chicago scientists pin down the origins of the moon's tenuous atmosphere, finding that meteorite impacts are the primary process. Over billions of years, these constant impacts have kicked up lunar soil, vaporizing certain atoms and lofting particles into a thin atmosphere.
A new study by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers suggests that the nuclear structure of titanium-48 changes depending on its distance from the nucleus. The findings provide clues to the α-decay process in heavy nuclei and could help solve a 100-year-old physics mystery.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reconstructed the development of Barbegal's former water mills using carbonate deposits. The study found that wooden water wheels and gutters were replaced every 3-8 years, and the structure was modified to increase water flow.
A study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports reveals that all members of a Neolithic agropastoral society in Switzerland, including non-locals, had equal access to food resources. The analysis of bone isotopes suggests that this egalitarian society was one of the oldest known in the western part of Switzerland.
Researchers analyzed ancient plant and animal remains to study historic food chains in ancient Syria. The analysis revealed a diet rich in grains, olives, grapes and dairy products, similar to the modern Mediterranean diet.
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a high-resolution neutronics model that increases <sup> 238 </sup> Pu yield by close to 20% in high-flux reactors, reducing costs. The refined production process supports deep-space exploration and life-saving medical devices.
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.
The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams' (FRIB) precision measurement program has verified the existence of a proton halo around aluminum-22. Researchers used a unique process to create and measure a high-energy beam of the isotope, achieving accurate mass measurements that confirm its rare properties.
Researchers at China Institute of Atomic Energy have developed a more sensitive method to detect iron-60 in lunar samples, allowing for deeper understanding of cosmic events. The new technique has improved detection sensitivity better than 4.3 × 10−14 and potentially reaching 2.5 × 10−15.
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 discovered a promising approach to engineer semiconductors by tweaking isotopes, which can influence optical and electronic properties. The study demonstrates that small changes in isotope masses can shift the optical bandgap, enabling tunability for designing new devices.
A recent study reveals that ancient hunter-gatherers in Morocco consumed a significant amount of plant foods, including Mediterranean species, which predates the advent of agriculture in the region. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution and subsistence strategies.
A Japanese research team analyzed oxygen and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in nitrate to differentiate between sake breweries. The study found a distinct N isotope signature across various types of sake within a single brewery, which could be used as a marker for authentication.
Researchers have discovered a rare dust particle trapped in an ancient meteorite that formed from a star other than the sun. The particle contains exceptionally high levels of magnesium isotopes, which can only be explained by formation in a hydrogen-burning supernova.
Researchers from Massey University and Michigan State University discuss the limit of the periodic table with recent advances in superheavy element research. They aim to uncover properties of atoms and nuclei beyond the current atomic number and mass.
A team of researchers proposes a new method to track the elusive origins of CO2 emissions from streams, accounting for 60% of emissions under alkaline conditions. Using carbonate buffering, scientists can better understand the balance of CO2, water, and carbonate in stream systems.
A new study from Uppsala University found that Stone Age hunter-gatherer communities in Western Europe deliberately formed distinct families to avoid inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity. The research analyzed the genomes of several individuals buried at iconic sites in France, dating back to around 6,700 years ago.
Researchers have synthesized two new isotopes, osmium-160 and tungsten-156, which may indicate that lead-164 could be a doubly magic nucleus with increased stability. The study explores the relationship between proton number and decay rate, suggesting an enhancement of shell closure towards the proton drip line.
The first Neolithic farmers and shepherds in Andalusia settled permanently on the island of San Fernando, Cadiz, 6,200 years ago. They collected and consumed shellfish throughout the year, with a greater exploitation during the colder months of autumn, winter, and early spring.
A team of researchers has successfully created five new isotopes at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, bringing the stars closer to Earth. These isotopes, known as thulium-182, thulium-183, ytterbium-186, ytterbium-187 and lutetium-190, represent a significant milestone in nuclear science and offer new opportunities for experimentation.
Vittrup Man's genetic signature was distinct from local skeletons, suggesting a non-Scandinavian origin. His tooth enamel isotopes revealed a shift from coastal to farm food in late teens, indicating a transition to farming society in Denmark.
Archaeologists have discovered that early human diets in the Andes Mountains were composed of 80 percent plant matter and 20 percent meat. This finding updates our understanding of earliest forager economies and the pathway to agricultural economies in the region.
Scientists have found that deposits deep under the ocean floor reveal a way to measure ocean oxygen levels and their connections with carbon dioxide during the last ice age. This study could improve predictions of how oceans will respond to global warming.
By combining stalagmite analysis with tree-ring records, researchers have gained new insights into short-term climate fluctuations over centuries. The study reveals regional as well as global environmental events, including the Little Ice Age and the 'Year Without a Summer', providing valuable information on long-term climate patterns.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that the liver generates palmitic acid and sends it to the developing brain when dietary levels are low. The study highlights the importance of palmitic acid for brain health, particularly during development.
Researchers have found that a 14,000-year-old woolly mammoth named Élmayųujey'eh traveled through Alaska and northwestern Canada, providing insights into the relationship between humans and mammoths. The study suggests that early Alaskans structured their settlements to overlap with areas where mammoths congregated.
Scientists analyzed stable isotope compositions of hydrogen and oxygen in water molecules to identify long-trapped lithospheric water. They found distinct characteristics shared by various types of deep water, including those beneath the seafloor and in volcanic steam, indicating a common evolutionary trajectory.
Researchers from Curtin University analyze polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extracted from Ryugu and Murchison meteorites, revealing that certain PAHs likely formed in the cold areas of space between stars. This discovery offers valuable insights into the history and chemistry of celestial bodies like asteroids and meteorites.
Researchers analyzed dolomite rocks and found a high proportion of C-13, indicating strong methane formation by microorganisms in water with low sulphate content. The sediment's chemical development is controlled by crater floor cooling and water supply, not climatic changes.
Researchers develop a method to verify whether carbon in concrete comes from air or raw materials. By analyzing carbon isotopes, they can confirm direct air capture and certify offsetting CO2 emissions. This technology is crucial for the construction industry and supports a circular economy.
Researchers separate out microbial and environmental controls on marine sedimentary pyrite sulfur isotope ratios, revealing local processes that dominate the record. This breakthrough refutes previous hypotheses and offers a new framework for interpreting ancient signals.
Researchers uncover 10 new trilobite species in Thai sanctuary, shedding light on Cambrian-Ordovician period and connecting Thailand to parts of Australia. The discovery helps date the age of fossils and better understand global geography.
A recent study found that half of commercial caviar products in Europe are illegal, and some don't contain any trace of sturgeon. The research analyzed DNA and isotope patterns on 149 samples of caviar and sturgeon meat, revealing widespread poaching and violation of trade laws.
Researchers have reconstructed a global history of water over the past 2,000 years, showing that the global water cycle has changed during periods of higher and lower temperatures. The study found that when global temperature is higher, rain and other environmental waters become more isotopically heavy.
A study analyzing ancient Cancun Island remains found that immigrants from the Maya lowlands were treated similarly to locals in terms of food and burial practices. The findings suggest whole families moved residence across Mesoamerica and integrated into new societies, challenging previous assumptions about foreign treatment.